Author Archives: debbie

Taipei 101 Holds Sway

Posted on October 8, 2014 by debbie

Published in Global Traveler Photo: Taipei 101 © Sean Pavone | Dreamstime.com On an ascent to the top of the Empire State Building, the Eiffel Tower or Dubai’s Burj Khalifa, it’s the outside vista that is the payoff. Of course, the … Continue reading →

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Mix And Mingle In Manila

Posted on July 15, 2014 by debbie

Published in Global Traveler Unwind with the in-crowd after hours in Manila by Sharon King Hoge | July 2014 Photo: Sage Tapas Bar at Makati Shangri-La © Shangri-La After hours in Manila you’re doubly in luck, with opportunities to mingle … Continue reading →

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Rediscover Marco Polo’s “City of Heaven”

Posted on June 4, 2014 by debbie

  Tradition and greenery in China’s most beautiful city Acclaimed by Marco Polo as “the City of Heaven, the most beautiful and magnificent in the world,” Hangzhou (say Han-Cho) is still considered China’s garden city, renowned for its scenery and … Continue reading →

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Shangri-La Makati

Posted on June 4, 2014 by debbie

From Luxuryweb.com article by Sharon King Hoge A Stay at the Shangri-La Makati in Manila, the Philippines With a highly favorable exchange rate, historic sights and a wealth of clubs and restaurants all within easy access to sandy beaches, Manila … Continue reading →

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Hotel Conrad Maldives

Posted on June 3, 2014 by debbie

First published at luxuryweb.com. Story by Sharon King Hoge Photography courtesy of Sharon King Hoge and the Conrad Maldives Leave your shoes behind.  You may want to wear them while you wait in the comfortable airport lounge where the staff of … Continue reading →

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Maldives Shangri-La Villingili

Posted on June 2, 2014 by debbie

First published on luxuryweb.com. Story and photography by Sharon King Hoge Maldives — Shangri-La Villingili The dictionary defines “Shangri-La” as “an imaginary paradise on earth,” and except for one word of that definition I’ve been there.  For there’s nothing imaginary about … Continue reading →

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Don’t Miss Malta: Eight Reasons to Visit a Mediterranean Gem

Posted on May 19, 2014 by debbie

Published in Huffington Post The eight points on a Maltese cross stand for the eight original “langues” or foreign origins of the care-giving Knights Hospitaller of St. John who were gifted the islands of Malta in the early 1500s. They … Continue reading →

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A Stay at the Shangri-La Makati in Manila, the Philippines

Posted on May 15, 2014 by debbie

Published on Luxury Web      With a highly favorable exchange rate, historic sights and a wealth of clubs and restaurants all within easy access to sandy beaches, Manila is one of the best travel bargains around. At the same … Continue reading →

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Destination San Diego and/or Miami: Plan Ahead — to Plan Ahead!

Posted on May 14, 2014 by debbie

“Be prepared.” “A stitch in time saves nine.” “There’s no time like the present.” Taking those “do it now” proverbs to heart should prompt you to set about booking a trip to San Diego in September or Miami in May … Continue reading →

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Dine With The Fishes

Posted on April 15, 2014 by debbie

Published by Global Traveler Photo: Ithaa Undersea Restaurant © Jingzhongyue | Dreamstime.com Diners may have some misgivings about ordering the yellowtail king fish or Maldivian lobster entrées while aquatic “relatives” of the seafood are nibbling along on branches in the … Continue reading →

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Resort-Hopping in the Maldives

Posted on April 15, 2014 by debbie

Published in Global Traveler Find paradise in the Maldives Photo: The infinity pool at the Conrad Maldives © Conrad Maldives Travelers curious for a preview of paradise can visit the Billy Graham Center Museum in Wheaton, Ill., where a room … Continue reading →

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Vivanta By Taj Coral Reef Maldives Islands

Posted on April 15, 2014 by debbie

Published on Luxury Web      Sitting on the chaise of my “Indulgence” villa I’m in the best of both worlds:  modern convenience combined with nature.  Simultaneously I’m catching a CNN or HBO broadcast on my wide screen TV, while outside  … Continue reading →

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Reasons You Want to Visit Vigan — Yes, Vigan

Posted on March 28, 2014 by debbie

Published in Huffington Post Never mind that you’ve never heard of a city somewhere off in the Philippines with a name that evokes some meatless diet. Vigan should be a must destination for travelers in the Pacific islands. The Philippines’ … Continue reading →

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Quick! 10 Things to See in New York Before They Close

Posted on March 3, 2014 by debbie

Published in Huffington Post Some of New York’s must-see sites are permanent: Lady Liberty, the Empire State Building, Central Park, the Metropolitan Museum and other popular sites are always here. But exhibitions come and go. These are some shows that … Continue reading →

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Valentine’s Day Gift Roundup

Posted on February 28, 2014 by debbie

Published on Cottages and Gardens      AS VALENTINE GIFTS, HEARTS AND FLOWERS ARE ONLY STARTERS. Here are some unusual–maybe even offbeat–ideas for Valentine treats.      Italian Chocolate Add a new twist to a Valentine staple with designer chocolates personally tasted … Continue reading →

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