Black Blog of Travel

A Truly Angelic Weekend: Ellerman House's ArtAngels Initiative

Black Blog of Travel — Wed, 22 May 2013 11:01:19 -0400

Many of our partners at JG Black Book are known for giving back to the community and Ellerman House is certainly no stranger to that. From the luxury of Bantry Bay, this Cape Town hotel is not only dedicated to the perfect pampering of the international luxury traveler, they also incessantly devote their efforts to improving education in South Africa. With a weekend full of auctions, tours, and a night full of art, music, food and wine (of course), there is no doubt the true culture of Cape Town will be brought to life—and all for a great cause. This...

Photo Friday: Our Top 8 Worldwide Wedding Destinations

Black Blog of Travel — Fri, 17 May 2013 10:40:08 -0400

At JG Black Book, we've been endlessly ranting about our excitement for this summer. With new hotel openings, outdoor festivals, and time to soak up the sun (and some non-virgin pina coladas), there's so much to look forward to. Add another way to spending this sultry season with your loved ones at...weddings! Slip on your dancing shoes and get ready to catch the bouquet at one of these romantic retreats: Grande Provence (Franschhoek, South Africa) The Nam Hai Hoi An (Hoi An, Vietnam) The Legian (Bali, Indonesia) Grace Bay Club (Providenciales, Turks + Caicos) Castiglion del Bosco (Tuscany, Italy) Hotel...

Pradeep Raman's Inside Scoop on Topping Rose House

Black Blog of Travel — Thu, 16 May 2013 13:14:13 -0400

It was only two weeks ago at JG Black Book that we were celebrating the opening of the summer's hottest destination: Bridgehampton's Topping Rose House. We've introduced you to Tom Colicchio's stellar cuisine, the property's picture-perfect party spaces, and now we're introducing you to Pradeep Raman. Bolstered by his extensive experience with luxury hospitality brands such as The Ritz Carlton & Peninsula Hotels, Pradeep is the backbone of Topping Rose House's detail-oriented, elegantly personalized home-away-from home experience. In addition to announcing the opening of Topping Rose House's contemporary cottages, Pradeep shares his vision for the newest slice of heaven in...

Travel Necessities: City Walks

Black Blog of Travel — Tue, 14 May 2013 10:45:48 -0400

At JG Black Book, we get the intimidation factor of navigating a brand new city without the comforting voice of a local friend, a tour leader, or your loyal GPS. In the past couple of years, however, we've been turning to City Walks as our trusty travel guides and navigation saviors. With these brilliant deck of cards- each deck of 50 representing a city around the world- we've been led to the cutest cantinas, the most glorious gardens, and the chicest of shops. Each card outlines a self-guided walking adventure, with a detailed map on the front and information on...

Photo Friday: Bartender Series: The World's Best Cocktails

Black Blog of Travel — Fri, 10 May 2013 10:17:48 -0400

It's Friday, the JG Black Book crew is gearing up for happy hour, and our partners are hopping on board with some killer cocktail recipes! Fruity, chocolatey, or cinnamon spiked, we've got it all covered in today's Bartender Series. From South Africa to Brazil, let your taste buds transport you to a new part of the world with each sip of these dangerously divine drinks: Ellerman House: MJ’s Chilled African Chocaccino -Pour Amarula, Godiva Chocolate Liquor, Patron XO Café, Frangelico, and fresh double cream into a cocktail shaker filled with whole ice. -Once all ingredients are blended together, use a...

Baglioni Exclusive: Under the Tuscan Sun at Hotel Cala del Porto

Black Blog of Travel — Thu, 09 May 2013 10:29:40 -0400

As we approach warmer weather at JG Black Book, we have our eye on a few worldwide destinations that fully capture the sun-kissed, sand-covered, sea-splashed essence of summer that we seek. At the top of our list is a place where you can spend June, July, and August napping under palm tree breeze and diving into the magical Meditteranean waters. In the charming seaside village of Punta Ala, Baglioni's Hotel Cala del Porto perfectly embodies the effortless detox of summer under the Tuscan sun. No speak Italiano? No problem. Wow is the same word in Italian! This majestic resort, with...

Top 10 Sights & Sounds of Summer in London with Eccleston Square Hotel

Black Blog of Travel — Tue, 07 May 2013 09:29:20 -0400

While rich in its own regal history, London's hodge podge of ethnic cultures makes it one of the most colorful all-in-one European escapes. This couldn't be more true as the city approaches summer and explodes with exciting excuses to be outside. From phenominal fresh food markets, to outdoor theatre productions and flower shows, we've joined forces with JG Black Book partner, London's Eccleston Square Hotel, to round up the city's top summer attractions (aside from Princess Kate's baby bump, that is!): Ottolenghi. 1. Experience refreshing and innovative cuisine at JG Black Book's Favorite London Eatery: Ottolenghi. 2. Smell the roses...

On The Road: Cafe Royal & Conservatorium Hotel

Black Blog of Travel — Fri, 03 May 2013 09:21:38 -0400

California bred JG Black Book Director of Industry Relations, Eva Perry typically leans towards sun soaked getaways but a trip to Europe this February swayed her in the polar opposite direction. Graciously greeted into the folds of well thought out public spaces, accomodated in regal yet cozy rooms, and calmed by fireplaces and ambient candles that lined the hallways, Eva shares how her chilly February visit to London's Café Royal Hotel and Amsterdam's Conservatorium Hotel exposed her to the welcoming warmth of winter: Q: What was your first impression of Café Royal Hotel & Conservatorium Hotel? A: Café Royal Hotel...

Topping Rose House is Open!

Black Blog of Travel — Thu, 02 May 2013 16:12:25 -0400

At JG Black Book, we’ve been anxiously awaiting the arrival of summer. Daffodils, outdoor patio seating, and Memorial Day plans in-the-making mean that warmer weather is finally here to stay! We are especially looking forward to this summer as it brings the opening of Topping Rose House. While the restaurant has been open since September, Topping Rose House welcomes its first hotel guests this week! Although the beauty of Topping Rose House can’t be properly captured in text, we can tell you that like the restaurant, accommodations in the House, Studio and Cottages are elegant and luxurious, with impeccable attention...

Travel Necessities: Traveler's Playlist, Summer Edition

Black Blog of Travel — Tue, 30 Apr 2013 09:40:16 -0400

Although we're still a solid two months from the official first day of summer, we at JG Black Book like to get a head start on everything we do and creating our summer playlist is no exception. Whether sun bathing solo at your local park, beach hopping on a weekend getaway, or hosting a rooftop dinner with friends, be sure to add some of these warm weather jams to your summer playlist: Shake your groove thangs! -the JG Black Book team