Surfeando En Baja Caifornia Sur

March 15, 2013 by Leave a Comment
Surfing in Southern Baja 1

Surfear en Baja California Sur es uno de los pasatiempos favoritos de visitantes y locales por igual. Especialmente durante la primavera, cuando el viento se combina con las corrientes para generar condiciones perfectas para tomar (o rentar) tu tabla de surf y meterte al agua.

Hay varios sitios para surfear en el Sur de la Baja, pero algunos de los favoritos son Acapulquito y la playa de Cerritos. Ambos sitios ofrecen tanto olas para principiantes como para surferos más experimentados. Después de trabajar, comúnmente puedes encontrar varios de mis colegas en la playa de Acapulquito en San José del Cabo, a sólo 20 minutos de Capella Pedregal. Esta es una playa perfecta para principiantes. Las olas rompen desde mediados de Marzo hasta Septiembre, aunque con las condiciones propicias puedes incluso surfear ahí durante todo el año.

Surfing in Southern Baja 1

Personalmente mi favorita es la playa de Cerritos. Aunque está un poco más retirada de Capella Pedregal, a unos 45 minutos en coche, está a tan solo un par de minutos del pueblo de Todos Santos. Cerritos es famosa mundialmente no solo por su fantástico surf durante todo el año (los surfers más experimentados prefieren las olas de Octubre a Marzo), pero también por una hermosa ubicación y varios kilómetros de playa donde nadar y pasar el día con la familia y amigos.

Si te gusta el surf, o siempre has querido aprender a surfear, pero nunca te has atrevido, una visita a Los Cabos es la oportunidad perfecta! Los entrenadores de surf de la Baja te pondrán sobre tu primera ola en menos de un día (Se los prometo!). Cuando planees tu estadía en Capella Pedregal, contacta a tu Asistente Personal, el cual estará más que feliz de organizarte un día de surf.

 Surfing in Southern Baja 2

Crédito de la imagen:
1. Tienda de Surf Costa Azul http://www.costa-azul.com.mx
2. Capella Pedregal Insider

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Changi Airport

January 17, 2013 by Leave a Comment
Changi Airport

As I settle back into the swing of work in the New Year, I can’t help thinking back on my travel adventures of 2012 as I start planning for the ones to come.   For me the adventure begins in the airport.  And lucky enough, Singapore’s Changi Airport is truly one of the best.

With the increasing demand in international flights, Changi Airport was first opened in the 1980s with only one terminal. Since then, Changi Airport has grown to become an award-winning hub featuring three beautifully designed terminals.  A fourth terminal is slated to open in 2017 and I am excited to find out what that new terminal will have in store.

Changi Airport

Changi Airport’s three terminals are connected by sky train, which makes it easy to hop between them.  I always believe that the vacation really starts at the airport and I have to say that Singapore’s Changi Airport really is a retreat, simply because there are just so many things to do!

To begin with there is a wide assortment of restaurants throughout the airport.  Singapore is a foodie haven and Changi is no exception.  Everything from local fare to Western cuisine can be found throughout the terminals.  You can experience the world’s flavors without ever getting on a plane!

Changi Airport 2

But it isn’t just the food that makes Changi Airport special.   It also features a whole array of lifestyle and leisure activities.  There is a salon, a spa, a swimming pool and so much more.  There’s even a nature trail!  Could you imagine going for a hike then getting your hair done during a layover?!

Clearly Changi Airport is not your average travel hub.   It really is a great introduction to Singapore and hopefully a destination you will have the chance to visit.

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Floral Arrangement With Harijanto Setiawan

January 7, 2013 by Leave a Comment
Arranging Flowers With Harijanto Setiawan

One of my favourite aspects of Capella Singapore’s extended-stay residence, The Club, is the monthly recreational workshops.  Over the weekend I had the pleasure of attending the floral arrangement workshop held by Harijanto Setiawan, Principal Florist and owner of Boenga.  Hari, as he is affectionately known, is the talent and creative genius behind the magical setups at many of the events at Capella Singapore.

Floral Arrangement With Harijanto Setiawan

As he demonstrated how to weave the plants to create a floral masterpiece, Hari gave the residents seven useful tips on how to prolong the life of fresh cut flowers:

1.  Before getting started, clean your vase thoroughly with warm water and dish soap. Use white vinegar or bleach to wipe the insides.

2. Add a teaspoon or two of sugar and bleach into your vase before adding water.  Make sure the water is room temperature. The sugar’s carbohydrates will help to feed the stems, while the bleach helps to keep the water bacteria-free.

3. Remove any foliage from the stem to avoid submerging any leaves in the water. Leaves in the water will break down and cause bacteria to form.

4. Trim the end of each stem at a 45-degree angle and submerge immediately in water.

5. Do not include too many flowers in the vase. Overcrowded stems will wilt more quickly and release more bacteria into the water.

6. Keep your floral arrangements out of direct sunlight if possible. Always pluck out any wilted stems to keep the rest of the flowers looking fresh.

7. Change the water in your bouquet and give the stems a fresh angled cut at least every other day.

With regards to creating the perfect floral arrangement, Hari likes to practice the “Less is more” concept.  He explained, “There is no wrong or right way of creating your own floral masterpiece. The most important thing is that you need to feel good when you look at it.”

I really enjoyed the class and will be sure to include the advice when I buy flowers for my own home.  The class was so fantastic, that I am looking forward to the next course offered at The Club.

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How To Make A Pinata

December 17, 2012 by Leave a Comment
Pinata Fest

In Mexico, pinatas are a central part of every celebration.  They are especially popular during Las Posadas, the traditional processions, which take place during the nine days before Christmas.

Here at Capella Ixtapa, a pinata making class is being offered to guests interested in learning about this Mexican tradition.  But for those of you unable to attend, I have put together the instructions for you.

Pinata Fest

Materials:
-A Clay Pot or A Balloon (traditionally in Mexico a clay pot is used)
-Newspaper
-2 Bowls
-Flour
-Glue
-Colored Tissue Paper
-Rope
-Masking Tape
-Cardboards
-Candies (or other small items to fill the piñata)

Directions:
1. Take one bowl and fill it up with flour.  Add water until you create a smooth paste (tip: the final paste should have the consistency of the pancake batter).  Use the second bowl as your base to hold the pot or balloon.

2. Cut the rest of the newspaper into 2-3 inch wide strips.  Start dipping one paper strip after the other into the bowl of flour paste and placing it tightly over the balloon or clay pot.  Cover the entire balloon at least three times over to make a sturdy pinata base (if you are using a clay pot as a base, cover the pot with ten layers of paper – when pinata brakes these layers will hold the pot shards and protect them from flying around).  Allow the base to dry over night checking to make sure that the bowl doesn’t adhere to the piñata base.

3. Next, use a box cutter to cut a small hole at the top right and top left side of the dried pinata.  Cut a softball-sized hole in the top of the pinata— don’t throw the cut out section away, you will need it later!  Pull the balloon out from the inside.

4. Stick the rope into the small hole you made on the top right side of the pinata.  With the help of the bigger hole, guide the rope out the small upper-left hole.  You’ll use this rope to hang the pinata.  Cover and reinforce the small holes with masking tape.  These holes will bear a lot of weight when the pinata is hanging, so they need to be sturdy.  Fill the pinata with all the goodies.  Tape the softball-sized cutout section back onto the pinata.

5. The most traditional style pinata has seven cones in a star shape.  To create the cones  (or any other shape!) fold and glue cardboard to the pinata form.  Your pinata is now ready to be decorated!

6. Take your tissue paper and cut it in three-inch strips.  Glue the paper strips on the pinata.  You can for example have a colorful ‘body’ of the pinata, and then make each cone its own color.

 

Have a wonderful Christmas celebration! If you make your own piñata, please don’t forget to share it with me on Twitter or Facebook.

And if you are able to join us at Capella Ixtapa for the holidays, then be sure to contact your Personal Assistant for information and dates of our Christmas events and celebrations at pa.ixtapa@capellahotels.com!

 

Image via Flickr by Joey Parsons

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Haz Tu Piñata De Navidad

December 17, 2012 by Leave a Comment
Pinata Fest

En México, las piñatas son parte de cualquier celebración. Y son parte esencial de las Posadas, las celebraciones tradicionales, que suceden durante los nueve días anteriores a la Navidad.

Aquí en Capella Ixtapa, tenemos una clase donde enseñamos cómo hacer una piñata para aquellos huéspedes interesados en aprender esta tradición Mexicana. Pero para aquellos que no puedan asistir, les describo aquí las instrucciones para hacerla.

 Pinata Fest

Materiales:
-  Una olla de barro o un globo grande (tradicionalmente se utiliza una olla de barro)
-  Papel periódico
-  2 tazones
-  Harina
-  Pegamento
-  Papel de china
-  Cuerda tipo mecate
-  Cinta adhesiva
-  Cartulina
-  Dulces (u otros artículos pequeños para rellenar la piñata)

Método:
1. Toma uno de los tazones y llénalo con harina. Añade agua hasta crear una pasta (tip: la pasta final tiene que tener la consistencia de la mezcla para hot cakes), y caliéntalo a fuego lento por cinco minutos y obtén tu engrudo. Usa el segundo tazón como base para sostener firme la olla o globo.

2. Corta el papel periódico en tiras. Comienza a bañar las tiras en el tazón del engrudo y pégalas en la superficie de la olla (o globo). Cubre toda la superficie de la olla con al menos 3 capas del periódico (tip: mientras más gruesa sea la capa sobre la olla, estás ayudarán a que las piezas no lastimen a nadie al romperse). Deja la base secarse por la noche, asegúrate que la base de la piñata no se pegue al tazón.

3. Posteriormente usa una navaja tipo cutter para cortar un pequeño agujero en la parte superior derecha e izquierda de la piñata (para poder colgarla). Corta un agujero del tamaño de una pelota de tenis en la parte superior (para poder rellenarla). No tires esta parte superior que cortaste, te servirá posteriormente. Si utilizaste un globo como molde de la piñata retíralo del interior ahora.

4. Pasa el mecate por el agujero superior derecho, y guía el mecate hacia el izquierdo a través de el agujero central de la piñata. Usarás este mecate para colgar la piñata. Cubre y refuerza estos agujeros con cinta adhesiva. Estos agujeros cargarán mucho peso cuando la piñata se cuelgue, así que necesitan ser resistentes. Llena la piñata con lo que le vayas a poner en su interior. Coloca con cinta adhesiva la parte superior que habías cortado de la piñata a manera de tapa.

5. Las piñatas más tradicionales tienen siete picos en forma de estrella. Para crear los picos, haz conos con la cartulina y pégalos al cuerpo de la piñata. Tu piñata está lista para ser decorada!

6. Toma el papel de china y cortalo en tiras de aproximadamente 7 a 10 cms. Pega con el engrudo estas tiras a la piñata. Puedes por ejemplo tener un cuerpo colorido de la piñata, y cada pico de la estrella en diferente color, usa tu imaginación.

 

Que tengas una maravillosa celebración Navideña! Si haces tu propia piñata, por favor no olvides compartirla conmigo en Twitter o en Facebook.

Y si puedes acompañarnos en Capella Ixtapa durante esta época navideña, asegurate de contactar a tu Asistente Personal para información y fechas de nuestros eventos y celebraciones navideñas en pa.ixtapa@capellahotels.com!

 

Foto: Joey Parsons

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The Washington Harbour Ice Rink

December 3, 2012 by Leave a Comment
Washington Harbour Ice Rink

Do you recall your last ice skating adventure?  Well, as the cold winter approaches in Washington D.C., the Washington Harbour in Georgetown has unveiled its newest attraction: the Washington Harbour ice rink, D.C.’s largest ice rink measuring at 11,800 square feet!  This is something I am very excited about and already have a visit planned with friends.

The gorgeous ice rink is located just one block away from Capella Washington, D.C., Georgetown and looks over the historic Potomac River.  I cannot think of a better way to embrace the icy temperatures, bundling up in your favorite winter coat and hat.  The rink, which opened in November, will be available through March and has both daytime and nighttime hours.

To ring-in the Holidays, the Washington Harbour ice rink recently celebrated “Winter on the Water,” a new celebration held this past Saturday, December 1st. The event featured strolling ice skating entertainers, skating performances, choral singers, a St. Lucia parade, and artistic lighting effects.  Guests also indulged in exceptional foods and beverages prepared and served outdoors by the top restaurants located in the Harbour waterfront.

Hopefully you will have an opportunity to visit the rink.  And, if you are staying with Capella Washington, D.C., Georgetown then your Personal Assistants can help organize your excursion!

For more information, visit TheWashingtonHarbour.com

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