When you love to travel, you may find that it pops up in so many different areas of your life. Whenever you get a free moment, you may plan a trip. Or if you decide to visit family, you may turn it into a road trip or extended vacation. So, when it comes to getting married, of course, you’re going to want to connect it to your love of travel too. As you start to get through the planning stages, you may find that you’re hit with a sudden burst of wanderlust, and it starts to guide you. So if you want to do something different with your wedding, here are a few travel-inspired options.
Get Married On The Beach
This isn’t going to be for everyone, but if you are a huge fan of travel and you love to explore beaches all around the world, getting married on the beach could be perfect for you. And the best part, you could head to your nearest coastline to do it. Yes, you may want to think about the right dress and even how you’re going to set out the seating, but that can all be handled. All that matters is that the sun sets over that beautiful beach when you said ‘I Do’.
Head To A Different State
If you’ve got family close by, or even dotted around the country, you may want to think about traveling to a different state for your wedding. It could even be somewhere that you’ve always wanted to see, or you read about a dream venue on the other side of the country. Either way, make it happen. Find the photographer, caterer and even the DJ and you’ll be good to go. Interstate planning can be a lot easier than you think - thank you internet!
Go Abroad
When wanderlust strikes and you've got itchy feet, you may have to head to a completely different country to get married. It may have always been your dream. Whether you jet off to Mexico or even Italy, you’re going to want to make sure that you get a planner secured in the country you’ll marry in. That way, the arrangements can be taken care of. Also, you’re going to want to get your marriage license sorted before you go, to make sure everything is official.
Do Something Wild
Maybe everything sounds a bit too tame for you? When that’s the case, you’re going to want to opt for a completely unique wedding idea and travel can help with that. There’s no reason why you couldn’t get married in a secluded spot in the woods, or even on a boat. If you want to do something wild, just let your imagination take you there and enjoy the ride.
Elope
Or, if everything is starting to feel a bit too fussy, you might want to strip it all back to basics. Elopement used to be seen as something negative, but now it can be romantic and exciting. If you want something low-key and intimate, heading out of town on your own or with a small group can be the perfect way to enjoy the first day of the rest of your lives together.
Your wedding day is a special event in your life and one you want to remember for a long time to come. To help you create those great memories, have a look at the advice below.
Plan in advance
You want to make your dreams come true, so don’t think about rushing into the big day. Last minute planning will result in some unforeseen consequences, such as a double booked venue and missing valuable people from the guest list. To avoid creating a wedding you would sooner forget, make sure you plan well in advance with a checklist to help you remember every detail.
Don’t get drunk
From the night before to the day itself, there will be a temptation to down many glasses of wine. Pace yourself; otherwise, you will be in a drunken haze, and no matter how wonderful your wedding day has been, you are liable to forget everything that has happened. Don’t be afraid to say ‘no’ anytime somebody offers you a drink, and when it comes to making toasts, take a sip rather than another glass.
Hire a photographer
Photographs are a perfect way of capturing the essence of the big day, but the quickly taken snapshots from your friend’s camera phones are only good for your Facebook page. You want to create a special album that you can look back on in years to come, so hire a professional photographer who has the skill to create quality pictures to help you remember every wonderful detail.
Choose a videographer
Again, your friends will be busy with their smartphones taking videos of the day, but they may not be the memories you want to keep. Let’s be honest; some people are only waiting for those embarrassing moments to happen when they have their cameras rolling. Therefore, hire a professional who will create video footage of every beautiful moment, from the minute you walk down the aisle to the moment you ride away in a horse drawn carriage (other modes of transport are available).
A great idea would be to create a video diary, capturing the days leading up the wedding as well as the day itself. There will be more expense involved if you ask somebody to do it for you, so this may be the time to create your own footage.
Create a wedding guestbook
A beautifully bound book filled with the private messages of your family and friends will be a wonderful reminder of the day and will help you remember the special people in your life who made the big day happen.
Alternatively, ask the videographer to capture your guest's special words on film, as this will be another way of remembering the day and the people you love.
Make a keepsake box
Don’t discard everything after the day is over. Instead, make a small collection of items, such as the best wedding cards, pieces of ribbon, your cake topper and framed photographs. Don’t go overboard and keep everything, but store any item that gave your special day value.
After an epic backpacking adventure around Singapore, Malaysia, Thailand, Cambodia, and Vietnam, the city of Ho Chi Minh was our final destination. Touching down Ho Chi Minh felt bitter sweet; bitter because it meant that we would soon be going back home to the Philippines, and sweet because I had a feeling we had saved the best 'til last.
Ho Chi Minh City, or Saigon, is Vietnam's largest and most chaotic city. I love the chaos here, though you need to be careful (and patient) when walking across the street! Motorbikes, bicycles, cars, and rickshaws go wherever and whenever they please and lots of street stands and market spill into the traffic lanes. It’s a city with a billion things happening at once. There is a lot of information here about the war, from the War Remnants Museum to the Cu Chi Tunnels. There’s a great historical museum here, though the English translation leaves a lot to be desired. The city has a lot to offer: wonderful shops, fantastic nightlife, and delicious food. Because of all this, I was itching to see and experience it for myself.
Saving the best 'til last, it only made sense to find a base near the airport. This is why we decided to call Ibis Saigon Airport for 2 days and 1 night, as Part 1 of our South East Asia project. After all the adventure, adrenaline and endless modes of transport from airplanes to busses we had crammed into the previous 2 weeks, we couldn't have chosen a more idyllic place to unwind before the long journey back to the Philippines. Here are 7 reasons why I loved Ibis Saigon Airport...
Ibis Saigon Airport is not your average airport hotel, it is a contemporary hotel with a huge dose of wow, meaning the ceilings are high, the rooms are grand without being pretentious, and there are characterful original features in every corner of the building throughout. The lobby looked bright, inviting and sumptuously decorated. I loved the quirky details, such as the super-stretched lobby chairs, internet lounge area, the staircase that dominated the whole lobby, and the huge lighting work that is perfectly fitted high up above the ceiling - shifting myriad of colors from blue, pink, purple, and to green - which made everything look very luxurious. They added a lovely dose of character and a nice balance between classic and contemporary.
My room is a standard room that was located on the 9th floor of the hotel, which meant it came with incredible views overlooking Saigon. To my left, I could see the Tan Son Nhat runway, and to my right were buildings and houses of different shapes and sizes. The room has two single beds - heavenly like cloud beds.
The room is equipped with a 42-inched LCD TV, mini fridge, a safe box, and a tea and coffee making facility. The bathroom was equally as cute and the amazing rain shower was perfect after a long day out the sun. A plate full of fruits added a personal touch and definitely didn't go unappreciated.
Price: Standard Rooms start at around $50. You may check the latest price in: Booking.com | Agoda | Hotels.com | Expedia or read reviews on TripAdvisor. For inquiries and other information, you may visit their official website. For other hotel reviews, click here.
An un-doubtable talking point of Ibis Saigon is the stunning rooftop pool and rooftop bar - an open air rooftop bar and magnificent rooftop pool with epic views of the whole Ho Chi Minh city, including the Tan Son Nhat runway. Scattered with sun loungers and luscious green plants are beautifully lined along the pool. Ibis Saigon's rooftop is definitely a gorgeous place to relax, especially when the sun is shining. Out here you can order snacks, cocktails, beer, or almost anything that floats your boat from the bar. At night time, the pool is beautifully lit in blue and is a beautiful extension to the bar. Imagine wading on its cool waters while watching the planes go by.
The Hub Bar also comes alive at night. Here you can take advantage of "The Hub Bar Happy Hour", where you can buy 1 draft beer and get 1 free from 5pm until 8pm everyday, a perfect timing to watch the sun go down as you sip your poison of choice. As we only get to experience the rooftop once, the skies were dramatic - you get a spectacular view of the city at night and it meant that it is a perfect way to kick off your evening. I think it's one of the most unique rooftops in Saigon.
On our first and final morning of our stay at Saigonr, I was not able to join Lee and Mhae in exploring the city, I opted to stay at the hotel and get to enjoy a late leisurely break at Ibis Saigon's very own Starbucks. I perused the menu but knew there was only one clear winner; the Matcha Frappucino in Venti. I found myself a spot at the internet lounge just next to the Starbucks area while enjoying my drink. I'm struggling to remember a place where I've had a better Matcha Frappucino, but clearly the Starbucks at Ibis Saigon was impeccable.
What makes Ibis Saigon one of my favorite airport hotel in the world is that they offer airport transfer service for FREE! Even if you are coming from the airport to the hotel or vice versa, you don't have to worry - totally hassle-free!
Ibis Saigon Airport is located in the dynamic Tan Binh District and the walk from Ibis to its neighborhood department store took only 2 minutes less and made me appreciate how amazingly located the hotel is. As well as being nestled near the airport, it's also an 8-10 minutes walk to Saigon Superbowl - if you want to have some fun bowling with family and friends. The Gia Dinh Park, considered as the lungs of the city, is only just a short stroll away too; and as you get deeper into the park and you'll find it gets more interesting. Winding pathways lined with bamboo lead through well-tended lawns, and frangipani trees fill the air with their bewitching scent. If you want to take the walking tour further, the Vinh Nghiem Pagoda and the Southern Vietnam Women Museum is just 30-50 minutes walk from the hotel. It's the best of both worlds.
Whether you are arriving late or leaving early, there is no need to negotiate Saigon's notoriously bad traffic when you pick a room at Ibis Saigon near Tan Son Nhat Airport, meaning you won’t have to set your alarm early or get stuck in a bumper to bumper traffic jam! What’s more, for those that do have time to head into the city center, it's just a stone throw away from the hotel in just minutes.
It was my first time staying at Ibis Saigon Airport and I absolutely loved this hotel. From the location, to the staff, to the roof top pool, my expectations were exceeded with every element of this hotel stay. Whether you're looking for a pit stop that will not fail you as a part of a longer stay or in need of a short stay. Aside from the 24 hour reception, Ibis Saigon also offers 24 hour food and beverage services. Ibis Saigon Airport is by far the best airport hotel in Ho Chi Minh - an ideal choice for those not only wanting to save time, but also wanting to avoid any unnecessary stress having to rush in and out of the city before catching a flight. We only got to stay here for 1 night, but it made the perfect base for our last destination. Thank you so much to Mr. Oreste, Ibis Saigon's General Manager, and to all the staff involved in our stay.
Perfect for; a short stay in Ho Chi Minh City near the airport. Also a great option if you're looking to stay for a longer time, with an array of studio to apartment types to choose from. Ibis Saigon Airport also offers family room with bunk beds, an ideal choice for a family with small children.
Oh, did you know? Ibis Saigon Airport is the only International Economy hotel in Tan Son Nhat airport area.
Book your stay at Ibis Saigon Airport: Booking.com | Agoda | Hotels.com | Expedia or read reviews on TripAdvisor
What did you think of my stay at Ibis Saigon Airport? Have you visited this hotel before or are you considering a stay? If you enjoyed this post or have any questions about the hotel, please leave me a comment below x
Want to read more about Vietnam? Check out my Vietnam category page and browse more posts!
Disclaimer: My stay at Ibis Saigon Airport was complimentary in exchange for this hotel review. All views expressed are genuine and my own.
Ho Chi Minh City, or Saigon, is Vietnam's largest and most chaotic city. I love the chaos here, though you need to be careful (and patient) when walking across the street! Motorbikes, bicycles, cars, and rickshaws go wherever and whenever they please and lots of street stands and market spill into the traffic lanes. It’s a city with a billion things happening at once. There is a lot of information here about the war, from the War Remnants Museum to the Cu Chi Tunnels. There’s a great historical museum here, though the English translation leaves a lot to be desired. The city has a lot to offer: wonderful shops, fantastic nightlife, and delicious food. Because of all this, I was itching to see and experience it for myself.
Saving the best 'til last, it only made sense to find a base near the airport. This is why we decided to call Ibis Saigon Airport for 2 days and 1 night, as Part 1 of our South East Asia project. After all the adventure, adrenaline and endless modes of transport from airplanes to busses we had crammed into the previous 2 weeks, we couldn't have chosen a more idyllic place to unwind before the long journey back to the Philippines. Here are 7 reasons why I loved Ibis Saigon Airport...
1. The Contemporary Design
Ibis Saigon Airport is not your average airport hotel, it is a contemporary hotel with a huge dose of wow, meaning the ceilings are high, the rooms are grand without being pretentious, and there are characterful original features in every corner of the building throughout. The lobby looked bright, inviting and sumptuously decorated. I loved the quirky details, such as the super-stretched lobby chairs, internet lounge area, the staircase that dominated the whole lobby, and the huge lighting work that is perfectly fitted high up above the ceiling - shifting myriad of colors from blue, pink, purple, and to green - which made everything look very luxurious. They added a lovely dose of character and a nice balance between classic and contemporary.
2. The Cozy Room
My room is a standard room that was located on the 9th floor of the hotel, which meant it came with incredible views overlooking Saigon. To my left, I could see the Tan Son Nhat runway, and to my right were buildings and houses of different shapes and sizes. The room has two single beds - heavenly like cloud beds.
The room is equipped with a 42-inched LCD TV, mini fridge, a safe box, and a tea and coffee making facility. The bathroom was equally as cute and the amazing rain shower was perfect after a long day out the sun. A plate full of fruits added a personal touch and definitely didn't go unappreciated.
Price: Standard Rooms start at around $50. You may check the latest price in: Booking.com | Agoda | Hotels.com | Expedia or read reviews on TripAdvisor. For inquiries and other information, you may visit their official website. For other hotel reviews, click here.
3. The Hub & The Pool In The Sky
An un-doubtable talking point of Ibis Saigon is the stunning rooftop pool and rooftop bar - an open air rooftop bar and magnificent rooftop pool with epic views of the whole Ho Chi Minh city, including the Tan Son Nhat runway. Scattered with sun loungers and luscious green plants are beautifully lined along the pool. Ibis Saigon's rooftop is definitely a gorgeous place to relax, especially when the sun is shining. Out here you can order snacks, cocktails, beer, or almost anything that floats your boat from the bar. At night time, the pool is beautifully lit in blue and is a beautiful extension to the bar. Imagine wading on its cool waters while watching the planes go by.
The Hub Bar also comes alive at night. Here you can take advantage of "The Hub Bar Happy Hour", where you can buy 1 draft beer and get 1 free from 5pm until 8pm everyday, a perfect timing to watch the sun go down as you sip your poison of choice. As we only get to experience the rooftop once, the skies were dramatic - you get a spectacular view of the city at night and it meant that it is a perfect way to kick off your evening. I think it's one of the most unique rooftops in Saigon.
4. The Starbucks
On our first and final morning of our stay at Saigonr, I was not able to join Lee and Mhae in exploring the city, I opted to stay at the hotel and get to enjoy a late leisurely break at Ibis Saigon's very own Starbucks. I perused the menu but knew there was only one clear winner; the Matcha Frappucino in Venti. I found myself a spot at the internet lounge just next to the Starbucks area while enjoying my drink. I'm struggling to remember a place where I've had a better Matcha Frappucino, but clearly the Starbucks at Ibis Saigon was impeccable.
5. The Free Airport Transfer Service
What makes Ibis Saigon one of my favorite airport hotel in the world is that they offer airport transfer service for FREE! Even if you are coming from the airport to the hotel or vice versa, you don't have to worry - totally hassle-free!
6. The Location
Ibis Saigon Airport is located in the dynamic Tan Binh District and the walk from Ibis to its neighborhood department store took only 2 minutes less and made me appreciate how amazingly located the hotel is. As well as being nestled near the airport, it's also an 8-10 minutes walk to Saigon Superbowl - if you want to have some fun bowling with family and friends. The Gia Dinh Park, considered as the lungs of the city, is only just a short stroll away too; and as you get deeper into the park and you'll find it gets more interesting. Winding pathways lined with bamboo lead through well-tended lawns, and frangipani trees fill the air with their bewitching scent. If you want to take the walking tour further, the Vinh Nghiem Pagoda and the Southern Vietnam Women Museum is just 30-50 minutes walk from the hotel. It's the best of both worlds.
Whether you are arriving late or leaving early, there is no need to negotiate Saigon's notoriously bad traffic when you pick a room at Ibis Saigon near Tan Son Nhat Airport, meaning you won’t have to set your alarm early or get stuck in a bumper to bumper traffic jam! What’s more, for those that do have time to head into the city center, it's just a stone throw away from the hotel in just minutes.
7. The Great Team & The Overall Experience
It was my first time staying at Ibis Saigon Airport and I absolutely loved this hotel. From the location, to the staff, to the roof top pool, my expectations were exceeded with every element of this hotel stay. Whether you're looking for a pit stop that will not fail you as a part of a longer stay or in need of a short stay. Aside from the 24 hour reception, Ibis Saigon also offers 24 hour food and beverage services. Ibis Saigon Airport is by far the best airport hotel in Ho Chi Minh - an ideal choice for those not only wanting to save time, but also wanting to avoid any unnecessary stress having to rush in and out of the city before catching a flight. We only got to stay here for 1 night, but it made the perfect base for our last destination. Thank you so much to Mr. Oreste, Ibis Saigon's General Manager, and to all the staff involved in our stay.
Perfect for; a short stay in Ho Chi Minh City near the airport. Also a great option if you're looking to stay for a longer time, with an array of studio to apartment types to choose from. Ibis Saigon Airport also offers family room with bunk beds, an ideal choice for a family with small children.
Oh, did you know? Ibis Saigon Airport is the only International Economy hotel in Tan Son Nhat airport area.
Book your stay at Ibis Saigon Airport: Booking.com | Agoda | Hotels.com | Expedia or read reviews on TripAdvisor
What did you think of my stay at Ibis Saigon Airport? Have you visited this hotel before or are you considering a stay? If you enjoyed this post or have any questions about the hotel, please leave me a comment below x
Want to read more about Vietnam? Check out my Vietnam category page and browse more posts!
IBIS SAIGON AIRPORT
2 Hong Ha Street, Ward 2, Tan Binh District, Ho Chi Minh City 700000, Vietnam
www.ibis.com
2 Hong Ha Street, Ward 2, Tan Binh District, Ho Chi Minh City 700000, Vietnam
www.ibis.com
Disclaimer: My stay at Ibis Saigon Airport was complimentary in exchange for this hotel review. All views expressed are genuine and my own.
Summer dresses are a staple of the season, and with good reason too – they’re cute, cooling and easy just to throw on before you head out the door. The only problem with summer dresses is that everyone else is wearing them too, and that can leave you feeling a bit like a clone, rather than the unique, creative woman that you are.
Luckily, there are lots of things you can do to liven up your outfit and ensure that you always stand out in your summer dress…
Go for Rose Gold Accessories
Summer is the perfect season to add an extra bit of bling to your outfit. The sun is shining, and the way it glints and gleams off your jewelry ensures that you always stand out from the crowd.
Right now, rose gold Jewelry, like the stuff at http://www.charmingcharlie.com/shop-by-color/rose-gold/ is really hot and not only does it go well with the pastel colors that so many summer dresses are made up of, but it looks great against lightly tanned skin, so if you wear rose gold this summer, you will turn heads.
Invest in a striking Pair of Shoes
Most women tend to team their summer dresses with plain sandals, which h although they work well, aren’t exactly inspiring. If you want to take your summer look to the next level, therefore, teaming your summer dress with a bold pair of heels, in a primary color like yellow, pink or red will ensure you stand out and look hotter than the sun! If you’re on a tight budget, use the coupons at https://www.couponsherpa.com/kohls/ to cut the cost of buying that perfect pair of shoes that will elevate your outfit, or consider changing the color of an old pair of heels using one of the many DIY methods available.
Add a Belt
If you’re go to summer dress is a long flowing maxi, and you want it to stand out from all the other billowing summer dresses out there, dig that old belt out of your closet and wear it around your waist. It’ll pull you in at all the right places, emphasize your curves and make your dress look different to the rest. For an extra style, kick choose a belt that is patterned, woven or gold!
Try a Hat
Summer dresses and hats go hand in hand, but so many women are scared of rocking summer hats, that if you choose to wear one, you’ll definitely stand out and you’ll give your dress a more interesting, creative vibe than it had before. I’d suggest either wearing a floppy straw hat if you’re going for a cute vibe or an off-center trilby if you want to rock the boho babe look.
Wear a Vest
When it’s summer, and it’s hot outside, you don’t really want to add too many layers, but a thin vest won’t make you too hot or uncomfortable, and it will absolutely transform your plain summer dress into a pretty bohemian outfit with very little effort at all, especially if yu choose a longline vest.
How do you style your summer dress to give it some extra oomph?
Kuala Lumpur is the capital city of Malaysia, besides a modern and diverse city filled with iconic building, it also boasts gleaming skyscrapers, colonial architecture, charming locals, and a myriad of natural attractions. A melting pot of many nations and a varied mixture of Malay, Chinese, Indian, Tamil, Thai and many more people living in this amazing city.
I was lucky enough to enjoy a one-night stay at Oakwood Hotel & Residence during a short trip to Kuala Lumpur as a part of our South East Asia trip that went through Singapore, Malaysia, Thailand, Cambodia, and Vietnam. This serviced apartment Hotel ticked every box for me. Here's my experience of Oakwood Hotel & Residence in Kuala Lumpur...
After an hour flight from Changi Airport, we finally arrived at KL International Airport by almost midnight. After we exchanged our money for ringgit, we ate our dinner first in one of the airport's restaurant and we hurried outside and grabbed an Uber ride. Coming from the airport to the City Center is approximately an hour ride away. Our driver whisked as off to the hotel for about 30 minutes only, driving at 140 km an hour - that was one hell of a ride. As the road gets narrower and the city lights got bigger and brighter I could tell we were getting close to our destination. The car turned down a small side alley, which opened up into the charming entrance of Oakwood.
Oakwood Hotel & Residence Kuala Lumpur is as modest as they come. With fascinating features and creative furnishings designed to amaze the eyes, it’s one of the modest serviced apartment hotels I’ve ever stayed in. All the details feel one-of-a-kind and made to measure, which adds to the premium feel of the hotel.
The hotel felt wonderfully luxurious. The service from all the staff is five star and above. The receptionists at the front desk are happy to help you plan your day in KL, book your dinner reservations and provide really handy directions. Nothing felt too much trouble.
The hotel is nestled in Jalan Ampang, the heart of Kuala Lumpur's city center; withing a short walking distance to various attractions, shopping meccas of Kuala Lumpur, llined with restaurants and pubs. In addition, it's only a stone's throw away from some of the city's top attractions Illham Gallery, city's main landmark - Petronas Twin Towers, along with KL's business district. which is a must for tourist. For a central and versatile location in Kuala Lumpur, I can't possibly imagine a better hotel to stay at than Oakwood.
During our stay at Oakwood we got to stay in the One-Bedroom Deluxe Apartment on one of the top floors. We got a majestic city view of Kuala Lumpur and the room is truly heavenly. It has a separate bedroom and living/dining room. All of the furnishings, fixtures, textures and tiny details work in perfect harmony to create a clean, fresh and stylish apartment interior that I absolutely loved.
We had our own kitchenette equipped with kitchen appliances, but the best part of our apartment was the luxurious bathroom that features a bath tub, a rain shower and designer toiletries. I felt like the cat that got the cream.
In the morning we got up super early and we managed to get a catch of the first golden glow of the day. Our apartment offered a Malaysian sunshine poured in from sunrise. Another box ticked for me.
Price: One Bedroom Deluxe Apartment start at around $60. You may check the latest price in: Booking.com | Agoda | Hotels.com | Expedia or read reviews on TripAdvisor. For inquiries and other information, you may visit their official website. For other hotel reviews, click here.
The breakfast, if you ever make it there, is amazing. I was overwhelmed by the vast choice and standard of the food yet again. Naturally, the first port of call was the expresso machines. Fresh smoothies and juices were provided on an unlimited self serve basis and a huge table of fresh fruit stood in the centre, with another table of fresh breads and pastries laid out for guests to help themselves. The wide array of breakfast selections are cooked to perfection and the freshly baked croissants are heaven on a plate.
The expansive outdoor pool was pure, immaculately clean and never felt too busy. Luxurious sun loungers fringe the main pool, perfect for sun worshippers. Our stay in Kuala Lumpur is only less than 24 hours and our schedule was pretty jam packed, so we didn't had the chance to squeeze in relaxing by the pool, whilst I think it is still perfect. I somehow pictured myself enjoying a refreshing swim on its water and soaking up with a drink of choice from the poolside bar under some June Malaysian sun.
In my opinion, this serviced apartment hotel can do no wrong. Oakwood Hotel & Residence Kuala Lumpur is everything I could ever hope for from a Malaysian city hotel; it’s a place where you can feel totally relaxed, casual and at home whilst enjoying luxury accommodation. The hotel has complimenting fitness center facility. Although it's only a few months old, Oakwood is part of Kuala Lumpur's fascinating history and is a hotel equally as charming as the city it's in.
Whether you are on a holiday with friends, on a getaway with the family, or even as a couple, I couldn't recommend it more highly. It really does have something for everyone. Kuala Lumpur is not only the capital of Malaysia or a nice city for a stopover. It’s so much more than that and with Oakwood Kuala Lumpur, what you see is what you get; pure and modest luxury with a huge dose of WOW!
If you’re looking for a serviced apartment hotel that is well located in the heart of Kuala Lumpur, Oakwood Hotel & Residence has to be on your shortlist.
Book your stay at Oakwood Hotel & Residence Kuala Lumpur: Booking.com | Agoda | Hotels.com | Expedia or read reviews on TripAdvisor.
What do you think of Oakwood Hotel & Residence in Kuala Lumpur? Is this the kind of hotel you like to stay in on a city break, or have you stayed here before? I’d love to know your thoughts, so please leave a comment in the box below.
Disclaimer: My stay at Oakwood Hotel & Residence in Kuala Lumpur was provided complimentary in exchange for coverage on my blog. All views are my own.
I was lucky enough to enjoy a one-night stay at Oakwood Hotel & Residence during a short trip to Kuala Lumpur as a part of our South East Asia trip that went through Singapore, Malaysia, Thailand, Cambodia, and Vietnam. This serviced apartment Hotel ticked every box for me. Here's my experience of Oakwood Hotel & Residence in Kuala Lumpur...
Getting There
After an hour flight from Changi Airport, we finally arrived at KL International Airport by almost midnight. After we exchanged our money for ringgit, we ate our dinner first in one of the airport's restaurant and we hurried outside and grabbed an Uber ride. Coming from the airport to the City Center is approximately an hour ride away. Our driver whisked as off to the hotel for about 30 minutes only, driving at 140 km an hour - that was one hell of a ride. As the road gets narrower and the city lights got bigger and brighter I could tell we were getting close to our destination. The car turned down a small side alley, which opened up into the charming entrance of Oakwood.
First Impressions
Oakwood Hotel & Residence Kuala Lumpur is as modest as they come. With fascinating features and creative furnishings designed to amaze the eyes, it’s one of the modest serviced apartment hotels I’ve ever stayed in. All the details feel one-of-a-kind and made to measure, which adds to the premium feel of the hotel.
The hotel felt wonderfully luxurious. The service from all the staff is five star and above. The receptionists at the front desk are happy to help you plan your day in KL, book your dinner reservations and provide really handy directions. Nothing felt too much trouble.
Located At The Heart Of Kuala Lumpur
The hotel is nestled in Jalan Ampang, the heart of Kuala Lumpur's city center; withing a short walking distance to various attractions, shopping meccas of Kuala Lumpur, llined with restaurants and pubs. In addition, it's only a stone's throw away from some of the city's top attractions Illham Gallery, city's main landmark - Petronas Twin Towers, along with KL's business district. which is a must for tourist. For a central and versatile location in Kuala Lumpur, I can't possibly imagine a better hotel to stay at than Oakwood.
Stylish & Spacious Apartment
During our stay at Oakwood we got to stay in the One-Bedroom Deluxe Apartment on one of the top floors. We got a majestic city view of Kuala Lumpur and the room is truly heavenly. It has a separate bedroom and living/dining room. All of the furnishings, fixtures, textures and tiny details work in perfect harmony to create a clean, fresh and stylish apartment interior that I absolutely loved.
We had our own kitchenette equipped with kitchen appliances, but the best part of our apartment was the luxurious bathroom that features a bath tub, a rain shower and designer toiletries. I felt like the cat that got the cream.
In the morning we got up super early and we managed to get a catch of the first golden glow of the day. Our apartment offered a Malaysian sunshine poured in from sunrise. Another box ticked for me.
Price: One Bedroom Deluxe Apartment start at around $60. You may check the latest price in: Booking.com | Agoda | Hotels.com | Expedia or read reviews on TripAdvisor. For inquiries and other information, you may visit their official website. For other hotel reviews, click here.
Breakfast at Treat
The breakfast, if you ever make it there, is amazing. I was overwhelmed by the vast choice and standard of the food yet again. Naturally, the first port of call was the expresso machines. Fresh smoothies and juices were provided on an unlimited self serve basis and a huge table of fresh fruit stood in the centre, with another table of fresh breads and pastries laid out for guests to help themselves. The wide array of breakfast selections are cooked to perfection and the freshly baked croissants are heaven on a plate.
The Pool
The expansive outdoor pool was pure, immaculately clean and never felt too busy. Luxurious sun loungers fringe the main pool, perfect for sun worshippers. Our stay in Kuala Lumpur is only less than 24 hours and our schedule was pretty jam packed, so we didn't had the chance to squeeze in relaxing by the pool, whilst I think it is still perfect. I somehow pictured myself enjoying a refreshing swim on its water and soaking up with a drink of choice from the poolside bar under some June Malaysian sun.
The Verdict
In my opinion, this serviced apartment hotel can do no wrong. Oakwood Hotel & Residence Kuala Lumpur is everything I could ever hope for from a Malaysian city hotel; it’s a place where you can feel totally relaxed, casual and at home whilst enjoying luxury accommodation. The hotel has complimenting fitness center facility. Although it's only a few months old, Oakwood is part of Kuala Lumpur's fascinating history and is a hotel equally as charming as the city it's in.
Whether you are on a holiday with friends, on a getaway with the family, or even as a couple, I couldn't recommend it more highly. It really does have something for everyone. Kuala Lumpur is not only the capital of Malaysia or a nice city for a stopover. It’s so much more than that and with Oakwood Kuala Lumpur, what you see is what you get; pure and modest luxury with a huge dose of WOW!
If you’re looking for a serviced apartment hotel that is well located in the heart of Kuala Lumpur, Oakwood Hotel & Residence has to be on your shortlist.
Book your stay at Oakwood Hotel & Residence Kuala Lumpur: Booking.com | Agoda | Hotels.com | Expedia or read reviews on TripAdvisor.
What do you think of Oakwood Hotel & Residence in Kuala Lumpur? Is this the kind of hotel you like to stay in on a city break, or have you stayed here before? I’d love to know your thoughts, so please leave a comment in the box below.
OAKWOOD HOTEL & RESIDENCE KUALA LUMPUR
222 Jalan Ampang, Kuala Lumpur, 50450, Malaysia
oakwoodasia.com/kualalumpur/oakwood-kualalumpur
222 Jalan Ampang, Kuala Lumpur, 50450, Malaysia
oakwoodasia.com/kualalumpur/oakwood-kualalumpur
Disclaimer: My stay at Oakwood Hotel & Residence in Kuala Lumpur was provided complimentary in exchange for coverage on my blog. All views are my own.
Your travel plans are often the highlight of your year. And that means that there is nothing wrong with wanting to get the most out of them. It’s only right that you should want to enjoy every second away from work and the day to day commitments of everyday life. That’s why your travel plans should really start before you even reach your destination.
This is always going to be true. When you plan things out properly and give some real thought to what you want to do, you will experience less problems on your trips. That’s just the way it is. If you don’t plan out each part of your journey, you will experience problems that needn’t be experienced at all.
So, if you want to have a smooth travel experience, you should try to make sure that you do as much planning as you possibly can. This should cover your plans for how you are going to get to where you’re going. That way, nothing will be left to chance, and you won’t have to take any unnecessary risks along the way. That can only be a good thing.
By enjoying yourself and adding some luxury to your travel plans, you can start to enjoy yourself before you even get to where you’re going. This is something that many people forget about, but it really can make a difference. You don’t need to have a boring and dull buildup to the moment when you reach your destination.
You could choose to get to the airport in style, for example. The limousine service here might be right up your street. You will be able to kick back and relax before you even get anywhere near a beach or a swimming pool. You might also want to book a seat on the plane that offers you some extra legroom.
There is nothing quite like getting in the holiday spirit. When you’re going away on a vacation, you want to be relaxed and at ease. So, why not get into that zone before you get to where you’re going. Then, as soon as you get there, you will be able to adapt to your surroundings and make the most of your vacation without any time needed for adapting.
It’s no more than what you deserve from your break. You should enjoy every second of your vacation time that you have available to you. After all, that’s why you’re going away; you want to have a good time and to make the most of it. So, make it happen.
Your travel plans don’t have to only kick into action when you get to where you’re going, and now you know that. Make the most of the time you have away from your normal routine, and you certainly won’t regret it.
The More Planning You Do, the Smoother Everything Will Go
This is always going to be true. When you plan things out properly and give some real thought to what you want to do, you will experience less problems on your trips. That’s just the way it is. If you don’t plan out each part of your journey, you will experience problems that needn’t be experienced at all.
So, if you want to have a smooth travel experience, you should try to make sure that you do as much planning as you possibly can. This should cover your plans for how you are going to get to where you’re going. That way, nothing will be left to chance, and you won’t have to take any unnecessary risks along the way. That can only be a good thing.
Adding Some Luxury to Your Travel Plans is Always Fun
By enjoying yourself and adding some luxury to your travel plans, you can start to enjoy yourself before you even get to where you’re going. This is something that many people forget about, but it really can make a difference. You don’t need to have a boring and dull buildup to the moment when you reach your destination.
You could choose to get to the airport in style, for example. The limousine service here might be right up your street. You will be able to kick back and relax before you even get anywhere near a beach or a swimming pool. You might also want to book a seat on the plane that offers you some extra legroom.
Getting in the Holiday Spirit Ahead of Time is What You Deserve from Your Break
There is nothing quite like getting in the holiday spirit. When you’re going away on a vacation, you want to be relaxed and at ease. So, why not get into that zone before you get to where you’re going. Then, as soon as you get there, you will be able to adapt to your surroundings and make the most of your vacation without any time needed for adapting.
It’s no more than what you deserve from your break. You should enjoy every second of your vacation time that you have available to you. After all, that’s why you’re going away; you want to have a good time and to make the most of it. So, make it happen.
Your travel plans don’t have to only kick into action when you get to where you’re going, and now you know that. Make the most of the time you have away from your normal routine, and you certainly won’t regret it.
Staying connected to your friends can get harder as you get older. You start to grow your own family and focus on your career, and it can be hard to leave room in your life for old friends. Some people might even move away, making it even more difficult to stay in touch. It's important to find time to bond with your friends if you want to stay close, even if you can't be as close as you once were. If you're worried you might be losing touch with some good friends, maybe some bonding time is in order. There are lots of activities you can do together to reconnect and stay connected.
A night out with friends is always a good bet for having fun together, and there's plenty you can do. It's also a good way to leave behind the responsibilities of your daily life for an evening. You could choose to go out for a meal or drinks, see a movie, go bowling, or maybe see a concert together. The classic girls' night out like you'll find at http://www.hunkstheshow.com/girls-night-out/ is a good bet if you're looking for a wild time with some girlfriends too. Or, if you don't feel like a night out, a night in can be just as good. Make your own cocktails, cook dinner, and catch up on everything.
Doing something new together is a great way to bond. There's nothing like being a bit scared about trying something for the first time to bring you together with your friends. You can support each other and offer encouragement to anyone who's feeling a little hesitant. You could try something active, like climbing or whitewater rafting. Or maybe you would prefer to do something a little more sedate, such as a cooking class or a book group.
It's not always easy to find time to spend together when you all have adult lives to live. Staying in touch regularly can help to keep everyone close. If you don't already, it's a good idea to establish some ways you can all contact each other easily. Set up a group chat on your preferred messaging app so you can all exchange messages whenever you want. If you think of something you want to say to your friends, it's easy to do it in a few seconds on your phone. Try https://www.themuse.com/advice/the-secret-to-staying-in-touch-with-longdistance-friends for some tips on staying in touch with friends who are long-distance.
If a short few hours together doesn't cut it for your group of friends, how about going away for a while? You could take a weekend or maybe even longer to spend some quality time together. You don't have to go far if you don't want to. It could just be to a hotel nearby. However, you could also take a trip further afield, shut yourselves away in a cabin, go on a hiking or cycling trip, and much more.
Stay in touch with your friends by organizing some fun things to do together. You might not see each other as much as you once did, but you can still stay great friends.
Have a Night Out (or In)
A night out with friends is always a good bet for having fun together, and there's plenty you can do. It's also a good way to leave behind the responsibilities of your daily life for an evening. You could choose to go out for a meal or drinks, see a movie, go bowling, or maybe see a concert together. The classic girls' night out like you'll find at http://www.hunkstheshow.com/girls-night-out/ is a good bet if you're looking for a wild time with some girlfriends too. Or, if you don't feel like a night out, a night in can be just as good. Make your own cocktails, cook dinner, and catch up on everything.
Try a New Experience Together
Doing something new together is a great way to bond. There's nothing like being a bit scared about trying something for the first time to bring you together with your friends. You can support each other and offer encouragement to anyone who's feeling a little hesitant. You could try something active, like climbing or whitewater rafting. Or maybe you would prefer to do something a little more sedate, such as a cooking class or a book group.
Connect More When You're Apart
It's not always easy to find time to spend together when you all have adult lives to live. Staying in touch regularly can help to keep everyone close. If you don't already, it's a good idea to establish some ways you can all contact each other easily. Set up a group chat on your preferred messaging app so you can all exchange messages whenever you want. If you think of something you want to say to your friends, it's easy to do it in a few seconds on your phone. Try https://www.themuse.com/advice/the-secret-to-staying-in-touch-with-longdistance-friends for some tips on staying in touch with friends who are long-distance.
Take a Trip
If a short few hours together doesn't cut it for your group of friends, how about going away for a while? You could take a weekend or maybe even longer to spend some quality time together. You don't have to go far if you don't want to. It could just be to a hotel nearby. However, you could also take a trip further afield, shut yourselves away in a cabin, go on a hiking or cycling trip, and much more.
Stay in touch with your friends by organizing some fun things to do together. You might not see each other as much as you once did, but you can still stay great friends.
Adelphi Forty-Nine Bangkok: A Luxurious Home Away From Home
22 June 2017 Bangkok, Thailand
Beneath the dust and chaos, Bangkok is packed with things to do and places to see. The city is vibrant and colorful and has something to please all visitors. It makes sense to stay in a hotel that is away from the hustle and bustle of the city. Let me introduce Adelphi Forty-Nine; a modern apartment hotel in the heart of downtown Bangkok. Situated between trendy Thonglor and the international vibe of Prom Phong guests are spoiled for choice when it comes to entertainment, shopping and dining. I recently flew to Bangkok as a part of my recent South East Asia trip and made Adelphi Forty-Nine my base for 1 night before flying to Chiang Mai. Here's the lowdown on this Service Apartment Bangkok hotel...
Love is in the air lately, people. It’s the perfect season for it and, perhaps I’m just in a romantic mood lately, but I want to let you in on a few secrets. My previous posts have focused on wedding ideas and how to make an expensive day a little bit more affordable - but weddings are about so much more than just that one day. Sure, you’re going to spend the rest of your life together and all of that - but what about the months of planning for the big day? It should be exciting and fun, so let’s get started right away.
First things first; getting married is a big occasion and something you, hopefully, have been looking forward to. You get to choose a dreamy dress, have a party with everyone you love, and even declare your lifelong love to your one and only - yet, a lot of prospective married couples stress their way to the big day. In between all of this planning, and perhaps fretting over the amount of money you’re going to spend, they’re also trying to lose weight or get that perfectly toned body.
Please don’t go on a wedding diet or anything silly like that. Your SO wants to spend the rest of their lives with you, in the body you’re in right now, and your friends and family will think you look amazingly beautiful - especially when you’re happy and rested, instead of desperately trying to lose weight. For what? I believe it’s time for us all to agree that being happy in a bigger body is a lot better than being unhappy in a skinny one - and this is your big day, for crying out loud. Enjoy it, eat cake, dance all night and please gain a bit - it’s healthy, and just a sign that you’re living life to the fullest.
Dates are fun for both of you, and so should your wedding planning be. Especially if you find that the time you spend planning is starting to eat up your quality time - then it’s no longer about the two of you, but about everyone else for some reason.
I think this is a big one for those couples who prefer eloping rather than having a wedding; the planning became stressful, and at one point, they look at each other and wonder why they go through so much trouble to prove their love in the first place.
Rather make some romantic memories while planning the wedding and remember that it’s all about the two of you having fun together. Make it a date night and crack open some wine, decide on the most important things like photographers, food, and drinks right away - it will take some of the stress of your shoulders. To get you started, look at the photos from Vittore Buzzi Photographer for inspiration, and some of these alternative wedding food menus to spice it up a bit.
Hopefully, you already know that your wedding will not set the standard for your marriage. Just in case you’re feeling a little bit of that stress, I still want to point it out; it’s a happy day, and you should be having fun while planning it. Turn some of the planning into a game, for example, by challenging each other to see who can put together the best menu or who can send out the most invitations.
Set aside time to laugh and play games with each other.It will give you happy wedding planning memories for the rest of your lives together - rather than only remembering the actual day since you were both too busy during your engagement to actually enjoy it.
I think we all agree that there’s no point to this, but I understand that it’s not always easy to practice what you preach. If you notice that no matter how much you tell yourself to take it easy, you’re still not able to wind down, it’s better just to accept it as it is. Not happy with how you look a week before your wedding? Accept it and get a spa treatment instead of losing sleep over it. Not able to stop thinking about the money you’re spending on it? Just come to terms with this feeling and see if you can’t cut the cost a bit or make it a DIY wedding.
Sure, everything we plan can be stressful - I sometimes feel overwhelmed just planning next week’s grocery shopping, but don’t let it ruin your time together. If you’re spending so much time on planning that you realise it’s the first time in forever, when you finally look into each other’s eyes on the big day, it’s time to calm down.
You look great!
First things first; getting married is a big occasion and something you, hopefully, have been looking forward to. You get to choose a dreamy dress, have a party with everyone you love, and even declare your lifelong love to your one and only - yet, a lot of prospective married couples stress their way to the big day. In between all of this planning, and perhaps fretting over the amount of money you’re going to spend, they’re also trying to lose weight or get that perfectly toned body.
Please don’t go on a wedding diet or anything silly like that. Your SO wants to spend the rest of their lives with you, in the body you’re in right now, and your friends and family will think you look amazingly beautiful - especially when you’re happy and rested, instead of desperately trying to lose weight. For what? I believe it’s time for us all to agree that being happy in a bigger body is a lot better than being unhappy in a skinny one - and this is your big day, for crying out loud. Enjoy it, eat cake, dance all night and please gain a bit - it’s healthy, and just a sign that you’re living life to the fullest.
Turn it into a date
Dates are fun for both of you, and so should your wedding planning be. Especially if you find that the time you spend planning is starting to eat up your quality time - then it’s no longer about the two of you, but about everyone else for some reason.
I think this is a big one for those couples who prefer eloping rather than having a wedding; the planning became stressful, and at one point, they look at each other and wonder why they go through so much trouble to prove their love in the first place.
Rather make some romantic memories while planning the wedding and remember that it’s all about the two of you having fun together. Make it a date night and crack open some wine, decide on the most important things like photographers, food, and drinks right away - it will take some of the stress of your shoulders. To get you started, look at the photos from Vittore Buzzi Photographer for inspiration, and some of these alternative wedding food menus to spice it up a bit.
Keep laughing
Hopefully, you already know that your wedding will not set the standard for your marriage. Just in case you’re feeling a little bit of that stress, I still want to point it out; it’s a happy day, and you should be having fun while planning it. Turn some of the planning into a game, for example, by challenging each other to see who can put together the best menu or who can send out the most invitations.
Set aside time to laugh and play games with each other.It will give you happy wedding planning memories for the rest of your lives together - rather than only remembering the actual day since you were both too busy during your engagement to actually enjoy it.
I think we all agree that there’s no point to this, but I understand that it’s not always easy to practice what you preach. If you notice that no matter how much you tell yourself to take it easy, you’re still not able to wind down, it’s better just to accept it as it is. Not happy with how you look a week before your wedding? Accept it and get a spa treatment instead of losing sleep over it. Not able to stop thinking about the money you’re spending on it? Just come to terms with this feeling and see if you can’t cut the cost a bit or make it a DIY wedding.
Sure, everything we plan can be stressful - I sometimes feel overwhelmed just planning next week’s grocery shopping, but don’t let it ruin your time together. If you’re spending so much time on planning that you realise it’s the first time in forever, when you finally look into each other’s eyes on the big day, it’s time to calm down.
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