We always wanted to see Mexico but not the usual tourist spots. We wanted something different but quick and easy vacation; where we could eat good food and just stroll around. That's when Mexico City popped into our heads. We did a little research, saw the colorful and artsy neighborhoods, the colonial architectures and realized that Mexico City is a great gastronomic destination - we got hooked and booked our flights! After our plans were set, we read that the New York Times ranked Mexico City as the number 1 place to visit in 2016. What a coincidence! 

Right in the center of it all, Four Seasons Mexico DF offers an oasis in the city.

Harmony of charm and character. The design of the hotel is Spanish colonial hacienda-style nestled amongst the new high-risers of the Reforma neighborhood of Mexico City D.F.  While the façade hangs on to the old world, the interior was recently catapulted into the new, with modern sophisticated furnishings. The renovation provides guests with elegant-chic retreat in one of the busiest cities in the world. 

Excellent location. The hotel is conveniently located in the boulevard of Paseo de la Reforma, very near Mexico's pride - Chapultepec Castle, as well as the artsy and food trendy neighborhoods of Polanco and Condesa.  The hotel is nearby 75 museums and archeological zones. 

Rightfully 5 star in its class. As soon as you step inside the hotel, the ambiance radiates luxury. The lobby is a daisy-chain of urbane sitting and meeting spaces filled with bold colors and interesting fabrics.  The polished atmosphere is perfect for informal business get-togethers or just relaxing with friends. The interior courtyard is a picture-perfect green-space that insulates guests from the bustle of the city. Manicured gardens, a Moorish fountain, a secret garden and aesthetically pleasing colonial style architecture surrounds you with elegance while sitting down at the courtyard.

The hotel boasts 240 rooms including 40 luxury suites. ​The rooms can be described as spacious, light, and refined. The color tones that they used in the room gives a very relaxing and calm atmosphere. The bathrooms are elegantly designed with marble and features a separate soaking tub.
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Of course you cannot forget to mention the beds.  All rooms contain the signature Four Seasons beds, and we can attest our sleep was perfect.  Another nice treat are the high-end L’ Occitane toiletries. Despite the luxury, sometimes it’s the simple things that make your trip.  In our case it was the windows that actually opened! (Note: This hotel is the only hotel in Mexico City that offers this!) Our room faced the courtyard and to have our window open and see the lights at night from our room was just amazing. 

P.S. The room also has iPod docking station as well as USB charging station bedside and at the desk. We definitely love this feature because we had more than ample ports to charge all our gadgets.

Meeting Rooms. The hotel caters to a lot of corporate and business people. The hotel offers a fully equipped business center, with a multilingual Concierge and fast internet service. It does not matter if you are on a business trip or local seminars, the hotel can definitely cater to your meeting/seminar needs, no matter how big or small it is. 

Health Club and The Spa. The hotel has a fitness area, pool, whirlpool, locker room area and sauna. The Health Club has two treatment rooms wherein guests can enjoy tailored massage, facial treatments and other treatment packages. Sadly, we did not have time to try their spa treatments but Tanj would definitely loved to! The gym is fully functional and the pool is well maintained. 

Gentleman's Tonic. The hotel just had this newly opened upscale British barbershop. The very first location in Latin America! The very sophisticated and stylish barbershop is a pampering haven for men.

Coffee Service.  The hotel offers a complimentary coffee service with newspaper in the morning, upon request.

Pan Dulce. Definitely, Tanj's favorite. As you all know, she has the sweet tooth in the family! Four Season Mexico DF's pastry chef has already won several awards making this in-house pastry shop top notch. Pan Dulce offers gourmet pastries from Mexico and France. Every day that we stayed, we stopped by here at least once. We highly recommend to try the orange cake, its delicate, simple and perfect with a coffee or expresso.  Be it afternoon tea, or desert cravings, this is the place to go.

Fifty Mils. The new management have made a concerted effort to make the bar, Fifty Mils, one of the best places in the city to get an excellent cocktail.  The stylish but eclectic bar features a gorgeous white and red marble top, with plush red cushion stools that one could sit on for hours. The mix of old and new adds a distinctive charm to the whole atmosphere of Fifty Mils. Behind the bar, are top notch mixologists who can make you your favorite classic or something new to match your current disposition. We suggest the bourbon based Billy the Kid or the refreshing Fresca Pepino; which is a combination of cucumber and mescal.  We cannot say enough how much we loved hanging out at this bar. Watching the mixologists make drinks is like watching Top Chef making their exquisite meals. Fifty Mils also boasts a gastrobar menu that features traditional Mexican street food prepared the Four Seasons Hotel way with the freshest ingredients.  Definitely order the Grilled Calamari, we absolutely loved it! 

Side Note: Fifty Mils is named after the 50-millimetre size jigger, the classic bartenders’ measuring glass.

Zanaya (Coming Soon!). The hotel's up and coming restaurant will definitely be a new culinary powerhouse in the city. This restaurant will serve Mexico's Pacific coast cuisines. The restaurant will showcase warm palette and eclectic furnitures matching the hacienda-style elegance of the hotel and it will open in May 2016. 

The service was impeccable and exhibits Mexican hospitality at its finest! From the front desk to room service and everyone we encountered in between. The hotel staff was very warm, helpful and unpretentious  We had no problems with language barriers. Everyone we talked to was always ready to help. They gave us tips on where to eat, how to get to places and the feel of the different neighborhoods. We had a great time talking with the mixologists. The hotel staff are the unsung heroes of our stay, they are running the background scene, ensuring every guest's experience is as comfortable as it could be.

Overall, we definitely enjoyed our stay and Four Seasons Hotel Mexico DF more than exceeded our expectations. When you are on a trip, you need to have everything at your fingertips and that is what Four Seasons Hotel Mexico DF offers. From convenient location to quality food, from luxurious setting to a comfortable stay - this is the hotel to stay at in Mexico City. Our hearts cannot stop singing praises for this hotel, most specially the staff. If you are looking for a perfect balance of contrast, this is THE PLACE to stay.

P.S. We would like to thank the whole staff of Four Seaons Hotel Mexico DF for your warm hospitality and making our Mexican getaway memorable. Special thanks to Israel Lara, Michelle Meyer (who's blog was our source of places to eat in Mexico City - Michelle on Bell), Emily Farca, Natalia Gimenez and the friendly mixologists - Axel and Fran plus the whole staff of Fifty Mils. 

Categories: North America, Mexico, Travel Reviews, Travel Tips

One weekend, we decided to do a road trip to North Carolina with the dogs. We decided to visit Grandfather Mountain, known for its sweeping views all year round. Even though it was 70 degrees F in Tennessee that day, the weather was colder over there since its 5,000-6,000 above sea level. You will truly be amazed by the impressive rolling mountain views and array of wildlife in this well-maintained state park. 

Almost two hours away from Tri-Cities Tennessee, our road trip was surely worth it. The boys enjoyed the ride and their walk. Grandfather Mountain is a destination for families and adventure-seekers. We have seen families doing picnic at the grounds, kids enjoying climbing some of the small rocky areas, dogs walking the woods and hikers enjoy back country trails. 

-Grandfather Mountain is known for the Mile High Swinging Bridge. The bridge used to be made with wood that's why the term "swinging" bridge was coined. Today, it is made out of steel and its still swinging and singing. The bridge is "singing" since the steel whistles with the direction of the wind. The 228-foot suspension bridge spans an 80-foot chasm at more than one mile in elevation. This is DEFINITELY the highlight of our visit. 

Crossing the bridge is not for the faint-hearted. The combination of the strong winds and the swinging motion makes it a harder feat to cross to the other side. Once you crossed it, it will reward you with a breathtaking panoramic view. 

If it was breathtaking during Spring, we cannot wait to see it during the Fall. This park is worth a day trip if you area living around this area. If you are visiting Asheville, North Carolina, definitely stop by this park and the sweeping views will definitely knock you off your feet. 

Categories: North America, Living in USA, Tennessee, North Carolina

Because it was summer, and we go to the mountains to escape. Tennessee has been nothing but good to us so far. Tangerine finally got a job! We have been so busy being home owners but once in a while, we don't forget to go out and break our routines. It's refreshing to see nature especially all the stress that has been going on with this new chapter of our lives. 

So, when the going gets tough... run to the mountains like we do! Go outside and explore. There's grace in the clear air.