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Uri Buri is an immaculate example of what a seafood restaurant should be. It’s not fancy and it’s not over-the-top – but its comfortable, homey, real and, above all else, offers superb cooking. The founder and proprietor, Uri Jeremias, is a simple fisherman, or at least that’s what it appears to be. But, he’s so much more than that. He is a genius – turning everything he touches into gold, including the nearby Efendi Boutique Hotel. Come see what all the fuss is about here – I promise it’s worth it. Sitting in the restaurant, you can’t help but relax. The white linens are draped over the tables casually, seats are filled with patrons conversing, the kitchen is buzzing and the waitstaff are whirling about delivering incredible feasts from the sea. It’s difficult to describe why this restaurant is so noteworthy, but it all boils down to simplicity. As you order from the menu, or allow Uri himself to saunter over to your table and suggest something – you can’t lose. Uri Buri cooks everything from scratch. It has its own fish storage room with the day’s fresh catch, they make their own ice cream every morning, herbs are grown nearby and each dish takes roughly 10-minutes to prepare. And, with each bite, you can taste the love. You might start with a salad of Israeli greens and pomegranate seeds, moving on to grilled calamari drizzled with lemon. Innovative dishes with caviar, scallops and root vegetables surprise the palate. Over at the open kitchen you can see the chefs working tirelessly to churn-out something special. Each cut of fish is perfect and plucked right from the sea hours before. When the Mediterranean is two yards away, why wouldn’t it be. I recommend allowing the chefs to take you on their own culinary journey, relinquishing control to their whim. You won’t regret it. Finish your meal with a cup of hot tea of fresh mint and a scoop of the day’s homemade ice cream, and you’ve got yourself one of the most perfect meals of your life.

Arriving The Ritz Carlton Herzliya , you feel like you’ve entered a quiet and remote respite of luxury, but, in truth, you’re only 15 minutes from all Tel Aviv has to offer. A fun and dynamic city, Tel Aviv is drawing people from every corner of the world – whether Jewish or not, to soak-in its beaches, architecture, shopping and foodie scene. Here you are just a hop away from all of that, and it feels like the perfect balance. The hotel is modern, with clean lines, understated decor and a lot of glass. The focus here is on the Mediterranean Sea and the marina just outside the front door. I arrived in the late afternoon from New York and was led into the open lobby and straight to a two level room with outdoor terraces, a full kitchen and living room. I was in heaven. The staff at the hotel are all attentive and kind – hailing from various parts of the world. They are young and fun, some from Russia, South Africa and even the United States. After a good night’s rest, take-in breakfast with a view on the lobby level – full of Israeli breads, homemade egg dishes, sweets, exotic fruit and more. You can lunch in the lobby of the hotel, or jump in an Uber to explore Tel Aviv. I stayed close to home and indulged in a spa treatment. A massage at the spa at The Ritz Carlton Herzliya is unforgettable. The therapists are body experts and the environment is enough to make all your troubles literally melt away and into the sea outside. After the massage, take a nap and grab a glass of wine at the lobby lounge or head outside to one of the restaurants on the Herzliya marina or in the small mall attached to the hotel. Your early evening should include a sunset cocktail or maybe an early dinner before heading into Tel Aviv for a night out. Staying at The Ritz Carlton is always good, but here it’s different. It’s so well-placed and perfectly aligned to the traveler looking for a bit of luxury, with a bit of quiet within an arm’s reach of all that is exciting in this special destination.

United Airlines has introduced Polaris and it’s incredible. A massive overhaul and commitment from the airline, Polaris is meant to redefine business class amongst U.S. carriers and put the focus of the cabin on sleep. Whether you’re traveling for business or pleasure, Polaris offers a stellar experience that allows you to fly in luxury, yet not sacrifice on the most important part of getting from point A to point B, your rest. Polaris is available on all United flights, but the full experience with the new Polaris seat is available on certain routes – with more being rolled-out every day. I flew recently from Newark to Tel Aviv, Israel, which is one of the routes with the new seats. The first Polaris lounge debuted at Chicago O’Hare’s airport, so it’s not yet at Newark, but it’s in the works. I boarded the aircraft and settled-in to my seat. The new Polaris seats can fit someone who is up to 6 feet, 6 inches in length. It’s comfortable, cozy and offers bedding by Saks Fifth Avenue and amenity kits with spa-like products from Cowshed Spa, a part of Soho House. Inside the amenity kits are gel-cooled eye masks, lavender calming mist and the seat comes with an ergonomically designed pillow. But, don’t fall asleep yet. There’s ten hours to soak-up the Polaris experience, which starts with champagne, cocktails and pre-flight snacks. Dinner menus are passed-out promptly and I was very impressed with the options at hand. Food is prepared with fresh, seasonal ingredients. Offerings reflect the route you’re flying, but some things are mainstays. Interested in lobster mac and cheese? no problem. Build-your-own ice cream sundaes? That’s possible. I couldn’t decide which red wine I wanted with my main course, so my very lovely flight attendant built a “wine flight”, which allowed me to sample four options so I could make my final selection. My flight to Tel Aviv was smooth, comfortable, delicious and restful. After dinner, I put a do not disturb light on and drifted-off. I asked my flight attendant to wake me just 45 minutes before landing for breakfast. She did just that. I landed safely at Tel Aviv’s Ben Gurion Airport and went about my trip. But, the truth was…I couldn’t wait to fly home.

The Shade Company is the top custom window treatment operation for 2018. A business based on professionalism, artistry and quality, The Shade Company offers its clientele incredible window creations to suit anyone’s needs and design taste. The business has been operating for 12 years and, in that time, has developed a reputation in the New York area as the city’s best – due to their incredible array of options and quality. We recently styled a small but elegant one-bedroom apartment in New York’s West Village neighborhood and had heard about The Shade Company and their work. Aside from knowing the owner’s are directly involved with the measuring, manufacturing and installation; we had heard of their quality and choices when it came to fabric and styles. We invited them to the space to see the windows, and to measure for what would be a small but special job. The Shade Company is oftentimes called-on by New York’s most elite clientele and multi-million dollar apartments for their work, but they put the same effort into anyone’s space, no matter the size or value. Roy, one of the owners of The Shade Company, visited the space and suggested various fabrics and options for the scheme of the apartment. It was important to have two layers in the shade creation process, all in an effort to make the windows look larger and richer. We chose a stunning ivory sun shade which allowed roughly 50% of light to enter, creating a layer of privacy without completely blocking the window or the light coming through. These were done on three windows in the apartment – in both the bedroom and living room. On top of the window, we selected a linen Roman shade, one operated by a simple pull string device with heavy knob ending. This made it very easy to operate, and the Roman shades’ folds added texture along with the linen fabric. The living room shade was done in a pale oatmeal color, and the bedroom windows were done in a snow white color – to match the white fabric on the bed. As soon as measurements were done, the shades were put into production. Depending on the job, The Shade Company can churn-out quality window treatments in three to four weeks. Installation will be scheduled once the shades are done, and will typically be handled by their expert crew members who are familiar with New York City’s (usually) crooked window frames. They do everything in their power to keep everything looking straight and symmetrical, which isn’t the same for most companies. The shades were hung by the team and they looked absolutely stunning. Not only were they functional, but they took a New York City rental and made it feel like a luxury condominium. Windows are the eyes to a room and without dressings, leave a bare and empty feeling. Most designers know that window treatments are of utmost importance, and we are no different. Without The Shade Company, the space would have had a completely different feel. For anyone seeking to enhance their space and truly inject a feeling of luxury, call on The Shade Company. You won’t find anyone better in the business.

Kyoto is enchanting – there really is no other way to put it. From the moment you step off the train, you are immediately put at ease and welcomed into a city that melds the old and the new – flawlessly. Kyoto has no airport, so the best way to arrive here is by train. The Japan Rail Pass on the JR system is fast, easy, efficient and economical. For a set duration, you can purchase your pass an travel throughout the country – up and down. But, upgrading to the more expensive pass is absolutely worth the money so you can traverse Japan’s incredible countryside on the famed bullet trains. Boarding at Tokyo Station, you can reach Kyoto in a mere two-and-a-half hours. It is easy and a pleasant experience. In fact, sitting on the train, you can order snacks and saki, do a crossword puzzle and talk with friends – in no time flat you will find yourself in a city with more temples that trees, and a magic all its own. I traveled to Kyoto in Autumn – October to be exact. This is the perfect time, aside from the well-known Sakura, or cherry blossom season in spring. The weather was flawless during my stay, not too hot and not too cold. I planned on being in Kyoto for two night, which gave me enough time to see a few temples, walk the streets, absorb the culture and dive into a few hidden gems that might not make it on everyone’s to-do list unless they know about them. I stayed at the stunning Suiran Hotel , a member of the Luxury Collection. This was the perfect base to be close to the city and all is has to offer, while simultaneously be tucked-away in the nature that infiltrates Kyoto at every turn. A few things I recommend travelers headed to Kyoto to see include, of course, the famed bamboo  forest , Arashiyama – which is perfect for a morning stroll. Taking a boat or kayak up the Kamo River in the morning or early evening is a great way to see the city. For those with an artistic knack and who would like to learn the age-old art of inlay, you MUST spend an afternoon with a family, Sagaraden Nomura , who have been in the business of Mother-of-Pearl inlay since 1868. You can sit with the family and learn, first-hand, how to draw, design, cut and lay the material into trays, jewelry and other items. For those looking to see one of the finest examples of Kyoto’s traditional Japanese gardens, in all its glory with design and layout as close to perfect as possible, visit Murin-an . Here you can sit in the simple house and gaze-out over the greenery, water and mountains – lulling yourself into a state of complete zen. If you’re looking to truly integrate, but not sacrifice on luxury – try to organize a stay at Tabikyo temple. Just outside the city, a very exclusive and limited number of guests can integrate themselves into temple life, monk life, really, and truly weave themselves into the fabric of Kyoto. Here you can learn how to chant, meditate and live as a Japanese monk, take-in millennia-old art, matcha making and more. Staying here is actually luxurious with radiant heated floors, Apple TV, koi ponds, private gardens and a vegetarian-based diet. This is truly a place to disconnect in the city. The sheer magic of waking-up in the morning to your own private garden with koi and Japanese maple trees is pure heaven. Sip your cup of coffee or matcha with the sound of a babbling brook in the distance. Learning how to make matcha the correct way is unforgettable. But, of course, you’ll still want to indulge in Kyoto’s incredible food scene. Don’t miss the family-run noodle shop, Omen . The noodles and broth are absolutely incredible. After coming to Kyoto from Tokyo, it takes a minute to slow down. But, after a day or two, you begin to get into the groove, a slower way of life. You can easily spend weeks here an d not see everything, including all the temples, palaces and gardens on offer. But, take little bits at a time and don’t be overwhelmed. Enjoy Kyoto in slices and it will be good to you. Take little bites, one at a time, to truly savor everything this amazing city has to offer.

Finnair’s business class is unparalleled, really. So, combine that with one of the fastest routes to Asia (with a stop) from the U.S. and a complimentary stop in Europe on your way – and you have an all-around phenomenal experience getting yourself from point A to point B. I flew the airline recently from New York’s JFK to Tokyo’s Narita Airport with a stop in Helsinki. And, after the journey, have to say that it was one of the best flying experiences of my life. Finnair operates an Airbus A330 from JFK to Helsinki. The new business class was redesigned a few years ago and features mood lighting that mimics the Northern Lights and helps adjust you to your new time zone, reducing jet lag. The seats are lie-flat, wide and some of the most comfortable offered in any business class operating in the sky today. At your seat, a huge entertainment center is available, which offers hours of entertainment, new releases and television shows. Food on-board reflects the destination. On your way to Finland, you’ll find Nordic inspiration – even in the cocktails that are served. One of my favorites is the Blue Sky, which is a mix of champagne and fresh Nordic blueberries. Salmon, fish and meat from Lapland grace the menu, all accompanied by seasonal sides made from the freshest ingredients. From Helsinki to Japan, the menu was very Japanese – with a mix of Nordic favorites. Sushi did make an appearance – which is perfection with the Finns’ attention to detail, and fresh fish from the North Atlantic. In business class, you can choose to customize your meal – whether you’d like to pre-order it with a “foodie” focus, or order an option that leans toward a healthy, diet-geared moment – you really can’t go wrong. Service on-board Finnair, in any cabin, is fantastic. The crew are always willing to help, serve and show-up for passengers at any hour of the flight. Business class passengers have complimentary access to the Nordic Sky in-flight WiFi, others have to pay. But, the WiFi is one of the strongest I’ve ever used in all my travels. Finnair is all about the details. Glassware is provided by Finnish tabletop brand, Iittala, and was created in the 1960s to look like ice from Finnish Lapland. In business class, accessories, amenity kits and blankets are all designed by quirky Finnish brand, Marimekko. You can recognize the green and blue stripes instantly when boarding. A stopover in Helsinki, in my opinion, is a must. A fabulous city on the Baltic, you can stroll through gardens, visit viking remnants and take-in cafes and food offerings from some of the most innovative chefs in all of Scandinavia. Any time of year is good to visit here. I visited in October. Finnair offers the stopover without charging extra – which makes exploring Finland a breeze. In Helsinki, I recommend staying at the luxurious Hotel Kämp, located right in the city center. I chose Finnair because of their comfort in business, but also their flying time. When flying to Asia, where they have an incredibly extensive route network, they fly over the north pole – which shaves down your travel time. It really is the shortcut to Asia through Europe. Whether you’re headed to Tokyo, like me, Osaka, Beijing, Hong Kong, Singapore, Bangkok or Hanoi – you MUST make Finnair your choice. You will actually enjoy every minute of your in-flight experience, instead of dreading the travel time. This is my promise.

Th Four Seasons Hotel, now open in Kyoto, is a fantastic place to stop while in the city and indulge in a meal. There are, of course, multiple dining options to choose from, but my personal favorite is the most casual spot, Brasserie . Here you can sit in an incredible space, peer out over the ancient garden right outside the floor-to-ceiling windows, and taste local and international flavors. I stopped for dinner while in Kyoto recently and was truly amazed by the menu. It is a well-curated selection of local favorites, with emphasis on raw fish, and international favorites (dessert menu). There are touches of America, Italian and French – so anybody can find something on the menu. I tried a smattering of things at Brasserie, including a gorgeous sashimi bowl, ahi tuna, truffle pizza, pappardelle with Wagyu  and a delicious tamba bean and chestnut rum cake. Each dish was not only beautiful, but satisfied each one of the multiple personalities of my palate. If you don’t want to try Brasserie for breakfast, stop by for breakfast, where you can see the garden and pond under daylight. Their baristas will whip-up a coffee or green tea matcha concoction. Whichever meal you have here, you won’t be disappointed.

In what seems to be the most secluded, yet centrally-located hotel property in Kyoto, The Suiran is a stunning luxury option for those looking for comfort, charm and serenity. Surrounded by Japanese maple trees, rock gardens, bamboo groves and with the sound of the bubbling river in the distance – The Suiran is an experience that speaks to all five of your senses. Arriving to the hotel from Tokyo is easy, with a quick jaunt on the bullet train using the affordable Japan Rail Pass (you can travel all over the country easily with this pass). A stay at this hotel, a member of Luxury Collection, is calming and an emphasis on detail, obvious. The moment you walk-up the gravel and stone path into the lobby, you feel at peace. It’s hard to miss the river right outside your door, kayakers and boaters drifting-by slowly. The first impression I had when entering the hotel was how authentically Japanese the experience felt. The deep graphite gray juxtaposed against the rich teal and blue color scheme of the interior made for a perfect match. Rooms at The Suiran are large, and many have views out to the central garden. There are terraces where you can have your coffee or tea in the morning. Beds are heavenly, dressed in crisp white cotton linens and Japanese cotton pajamas are provided in beautiful paper boxes at the end of your bed. Flat screen televisions with a plethora of channels make you feel at home, while large bathrooms featuring fantastic lighting and walk-in showers make you never want to leave the room. The hotel is known for their traditional Japanese breakfast, which is served in a choreographed dance that would make any jaded traveler marvel in amazement. Keep your mind open to the new and exciting flavors that are offered here. After a light bite, it’s recommended to try the hotel’s beautiful Onsen experience. Here, you are led to the hotel garden and to a private bath composed of plant and rock gardens, and filled with natural hot spring water (from a nearby hot spring) that will not only soothe your skin, but infuse you with energy. This is a very Japanese moment. The hotel offers dining options, which are all good and nice for a snack or light lunch. I, personally, love doing the Onsen in the morning and leaving lunch and dinner elsewhere in the city. But, staying at The Suiran is a must. There are many beautiful hotels in Kyoto, but this one has an energy that isn’t easily found in other properties around town.

Tokyo’s luxury hotel scene is littered with options, but the Mandarin Oriental , in the heart of Nihonbashi, is one of Tokyo’s finest with roots in the city’s history. Nihonbashi is where Tokyo began, a small neighborhood dating back centuries to a time when Tokyo was merely a village near the sea. But, today, the district is a business center and exclusive – offering fantastic restaurants, shopping and more for guests of this hotel to explore. Soaring floors above ground level, the hotel itself doesn’t begin until your elevator floats well past floor 20. And, when you walk in, your mouth will drop. A gorgeous lobby outfitted with stunning wood and stone, views across the city to Mt. Fuji, and welcoming smiles from the team at the Mandarin Oriental. The service here is truly impeccable. Inside the huge rooms with views of Tokyo, you’ll find every amenity you might need for a comfortable stay. Gorgeous beds, flat screens, marble baths and huge changing areas with closets. A welcome of fruit from Sembikiya-Sohonten, the fruit merchant downstairs that was started by a Samurai in 1843 – is a beautiful touch. The rooms also come with floor to ceiling windown with views of the city, and a pillow menu with over ten varieties of pillows to help you customize your sleep experience. I chose the horsehair with lavender, which is delivered warm in the evenings. The Mandarin Oriental Tokyo offers a plethora of dining options, a few of my favorites being Sora Sushi, Sense Cantonese and The Pizza Bar of 38th. The spa at the hotel is phenomenal. A large space with private treatment rooms, marble baths and a large glass pool with steam and sauna. The extensive spa menu offers Eastern and Western treatments. I personally experienced the Oriental Essence which uses an infusion of invigorating essential oils, foot and leg massage and a light back massage to relieve your body after a long flight. The service was done inside of a suite in the spa with a tub filled with floating pink roses. The therapist who worked with me during my treatment was kind, attentive and skilled – leading me to a relaxation room after my treatment to sip water, ginger tea and snack on dried fruits and nuts. The Mandarin Oriental Tokyo is a respite, a haven in a chaotic city. Here, in the heart of historic Nihonbashi, you can truly let go and indulge in luxury with all of Tokyo at your front door. As special as Nihonbashi is, you will be amazed at the history her e- especially the ancient kimono and cutlery shops still in existence. You can find the Mandarin Oriental concierge’s guide to the areas shopping here . Don’t miss this hotel experience.

Joule Spa and Wellness is a hidden gem in the city of Tokyo. Tucked inside the Hyatt Regency in Shinjuku, this spa is a sanctuary for those looking for a quiet and peaceful respite in this bustling and noisy city. Entering the hotel, you immediately feel a sense of luxury in the surroundings, decor and kindness of the staff – who are happy to escort you high above the clouds and into the spa. Once there, a team of people will quietly welcome you, showing you to a changing room where you will prepare for your treatment. Joule offers all the traditional spa treatments, with a Japanese bent – but the highlight here are the facials, in my opinion. Partnering with the French company Biologique Recherche, Joule expertly executes facials by this cult-French favorite skincare line and process. I indulged in my favorite, the manual lift. For 90-minutes your muscles are manually pinched, plucked and contoured around your facial bones to provide a natural tightening and lift. It’s perfect before a night out in the city. Aside from the fantastic Biologique Recherche treatments and facials, Joule knows how to keep you in a state of relaxation at all times. Whether it’s the subtle foot massage while your face is absorbing a nutrient-rich mask during a facial, or the prepared hand-whipped matcha that greets you post-treatment, Joule cannot be topped.

The Ritz Carlton , Tokyo, is a fine example of luxury in the heart of Tokyo’s bustling nightlife epicenter, Roppongi. I must say, I have stayed with the Ritz Carlton brand all over the world, and this one, in particular, is one of my favorites. Why? When you meld the aesthetics, room size, amenities, dining options and location together, you have perfection. Rooms at the Ritz Carlton Tokyo are huge, really huge, especially when you compare them to other luxury hotels in the area. The bathrooms and beds, ceiling height and closets – all large, tall and make you feel like a prince in his castle. This is not an easy task in a city where space is rare. The hotel offers a spa, fitness center, an array of dining and incredible views of the city. My favorite part of the experience here is the breakfast. In the morning, the restaurant off the lobby is filled to the brim with tiers of cakes, pastries, fruit, freshly squeezed juices, an omelette bar, Eastern and Wester breakfast options as well as an a la carte menu. The choices are endless and the execution amazing. This is the perfect spread to get your day started, and after a full day in the city, come back to rest, take a nap and then explore one of Roppongi’s famous bars or lounges. The Ritz Carlton is essential for any luxury traveler to Tokyo.

Keio Plaza , a large, well-organized hotel near the heart of Shinjuku, in Tokyo, is a must for anyone looking to take-in Japanese culture at its finest. Tucked within this leisure and business oriented hotel, you’ll find separations of floors and areas segregated for those staying in the main hotel rooms, vs. those staying in the Premier Grand rooms. Walking-in visitors are immediately struck by the size, flower arrangements and staff running about – catering to the hundreds of people that can be staying there at any given time. I’m usually not a fan of hotels of this size, but Keio Plaza seems to be able to make the experience intimate, detail-oriented and fun. Known throughout the city and beyond for their unique Hello Kitty suites, Keio Plaza attracts Hello Kitty enthusiasts who rush to the hotel to stay in one of the few themed suites. In the suites, you’ll find Hello Kitty beds, sinks, toilets, garbage cans and even a brand-dedicated room service menu. It’s pretty fantastic. For those not looking for an experience that specific, I would opt for one of the Premiere Grand rooms, which sequester you away from the masses to a private floor with views over Tokyo. Here you have modern and spacious rooms with an incredible array of technology, comfort and a bed that is perfect enough to keep you locked in your room for days. Guests of the Premier Grand rooms have access to a floor which offers appetizers, coffee, champagne, wine, snacks and more throughout the day. You can pop-in at any time for a bottle of Evian and cappuccino. It’s heaven. The Keio Plaza offers 11 restaurants, several bars, shops and snack spots to keep you stomach full and heart happy. You can also indulge in the sky swimming pool, fitness center, Japanese tea ceremony room and even an on-sit doctor clinic in case you come down with something. Everything is organized to within an inch of its life here. There are also cultural activities which introduce guests of Keio Plaza to Japan’s unique and beautiful culture throughout the day. For those looking for a special hotel experience with a true Japanese bent and cultural immersion, Keio Plaza can’t be beat.