Witness ‘The Empire State Building’ 24/7 Without Breaking The Piggy Bank
By Lifestyle+Travel
The Empire State Building (ESB) today announced that it will utilize two EarthCam video cameras to give fans around the world 24/7 access to footage of ESB and of the views from ESB via a livestream on www.empirestatebuilding.com .
One camera is installed on the rooftop of One Grand Central Place, a property in the portfolio of Empire State Realty Trust, the company that owns and manages the Empire State Building. The EarthCam footage allows fans all over the world to view in real time the beloved ESB tower lightings, New York City sunsets, and the signature hourly sparkle effect that occurs daily for five minutes every hour between sunset and 2:00 a.m. Eastern Time.
The second camera is installed on the south corner of ESB’s 103rd floor and will capture the stunning views of New York City and beyond. Users will have the opportunity to view extreme weather conditions and even watch the sunrise from the heart of New York City.
The two different viewpoints allow visitors to witness the World’s Most Famous Building 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year, and to enjoy a preview of the ESB Observatories’ 360-degree panoramic views.
Fans are encouraged to take advantage of the screenshot function provided by EarthCam and to share images on social media by tagging the Empire State Building in their posts.
By Lifestyle+Travel
Spend The Night In A Special Suite Reminiscent of the Rembrandt’s Masterpiece
To commemorate the legacy of iconic Dutch artist Rembrandt Harmenszoon van Rijn (1606-1669), Amsterdam’s luxurious Conservatorium hotel has partnered with the neighbouring Rijksmuseum to offer a special package that will among other amenities, feature curated artwork in a special suite reminiscent of the Rembrandt’s masterpiece, The Night Watch. Highlighting the 350th anniversary of the painter’s death, the “Art Suite by Rembrandt” package was launched in conjunction with the much-anticipated “Year of Rembrandt” celebration at the Rijksmuseum. Through this package, hotel guests will also enjoy unparalleled access to the variety of exhibitions and special events held at the museum, as well as the option to book a rare VIP tour of the Rijksmuseum’s Hall of Fame. To maximize the guest experience, Conservatorium enlisted the assistance of Dutch designer Irma Boom, who created the colour scheme for the suite’s design based on the DNA colours of the Night Watch, as well as renowned Dutch artist Sarah van Sonsbeeck, whose interpretation of “The Night Watch” can be found in the bathroom. The result of the collaboration is a unique and modern take on the classic masterpiece, and an immersive way for guests to enjoy the work of Rembrandt from the comfort of their luxurious surroundings. The Art Suite by Rembrandt package includes: One-night stay in the Art Suite by Rembrandt including breakfast for two guests Complimentary ‘fastlane’ access for two guests to the ‘Year of Rembrandt’ exhibits at the Rijksmuseum Two sleeping masks featuring Rembrandt’s famous work ‘Marten & Oopjen’ One copy of the book Rembrandt: Biography of a Rebel by curator Jonathan Bikker Welcome letter from Rijksmuseum Director General, Taco Dibbits Conservatorium hotel offers the following premium supplements to the Art Suite by Rembrandt package: Private after-hour tour of the Rijksmuseum’s Hall of Fame (€7500) Two-hour private walking tour through the city of Amsterdam that takes showcases where Rembrandt lived and worked, and the places that inspired his work (€190) The “Art Suite by Rembrandt” package is available from €875 per night, including VAT. Offer available from: 1 April - 29 December 2019. For more information, visit www.conservatoriumhotel.com
By Lifestyle+Travel
First Time in Asia: The Maiden Call of the Costa Venezia to Thailand
Costa Cruises, Italy’s largest tourism group and Europe’s number one cruise company, today celebrated the maiden call of the Costa Venezia to Laem Chabang, Thailand. Costa Venezia, a ship designed specifically to offer the Asian market the best of Italy, is the largest ship introduced by Costa to Asia, where the Italian company was the first to start operating in 2006. With a gross tonnage of 135,500 tons, 323 meters in length and a capacity for over 5,200 guests, the Costa Venezia offers a series of unprecedented innovations designed specifically for Asian customers, introducing them to Italian culture, lifestyle and excellence, starting from the interiors, which are inspired by the city of Venice. Mr. Roberto Verdino, Deputy Country Manager for Japan, Korea and Southeast Asia of Costa Group Asia, says: “Costa Venezia has been designed specifically with Asian travellers in mind. While we continue to offer authentic Italian experience, there are many facilities and specialty restaurants that are catered to Asian guests. The joining of Costa Venezia to Costa Asia’s fleet will bring “The Best Time at Sea” cruise holiday to our Asian guests, and at the same time, demonstrate Costa Cruises’ confidence in the Asian market.” On Costa Venezia, guests will experience the uniqueness of Venetian and Italian culture. The ship's theatre is inspired by the world-renowned Venetian La Fenice opera house; the main atrium is reminiscent of St. Mark's Square, while the main restaurants recall the traditional architecture of Venetian alleys and squares. Actual gondolas, made by the Squero di San Trovaso artisans, can also be found on board. Guests can savour the delicacies of regional Italian cuisines at the inclusive restaurants, as well as fine dining with menu curated by chef Umberto Bombana of the three-Michelin-starred restaurant, 81⁄2 Otto e Mezzo Bombana, at Restaurant Casanova, one of the five specialty restaurants. Guests will also feel at home with a wide choice of Asian food on offer, including hotpot, teppanyaki, dim sum and noodles. Costa Venezia features more than 8,000 square feet of retail space amid a two-deck Venetian-style shopping pavilion which Starboard Cruise Services, the premier retailer at sea, curated with some of the world’s most celebrated brands. Presented within an Italian-style shopping experience in keeping with the iconic Costa Cruises brand, the collection includes many famous Italian brands, including first-time-at-sea Max Mara, Salvatore Ferragamo and Bvlgari. Costa Venezia further appeals to the Asian shopper with the largest beauty space at sea, measuring more than 2,500 square feet and including over 30 international brands, with the first-at-sea Clé de Peau Beauté and Hermès, Yves Saint Laurent, La Prairie, Bvlgari, Chanel, Dior, La Mer, SK-II and more. Asian beauty brands include Dr. Jart+, Sulwhasoo and The History of Whoo. The Merchant of Venice, a refined perfumer that pays homage to the beauty of Venetian culture, also makes its debut at sea and available for the first time in Asia. In addition, Bvlgari joins Costa Cruises and Starboard to present the first production of its kind at sea: “the Bvlgari Jewelry Show”, an evening of elegance
By Lifestyle+Travel
8 Places Certified Bookworms Should Visit for World Book Day
Books can take you to new and exciting places—completely new worlds, even. This World Book Day (23 April 2019), let Lifestyle+Travel and Agoda take you on a literary journey like no other. On your next holiday, trace the roots of some of your favorite authors by stopping by their hometowns—some of which have inspired their most seminal works. Here are some must-visit spots for book-lovers roaming around Asia… Kobe, Japan Literary Hero: Haruki Murakami Notable works: “Kafka on the Shore” and “1Q84” available from Shinchosha Must-see attractions: Ikuta Shrine, Arima Onsen, Akashi-Kaikyo Bridge Murakami grew up in Kobe, where a few of his stories, such as his debut novel “Hear the Wind Sing”, are set. Murakami’s works have surrealist elements, often with melancholic themes which in some ways, is reflective of the quiet beauty to be found in the many serene shrines and breathtaking nature scenery in the small seaside city. Internalize the relaxing minimalist side of Kobe when you stay at Arimakoyado Hataya Ryokan. Camarines Norte, Philippines Literary Hero: Ricky Lee Notable works: “Para kay B” available from Philippine Writers' Studio Foundation Must-see attractions: Calaguas Islands, Apuao Grande Island, Bagasbas Beach More than his novel “Para kay B,” Ricky Lee’s body of work encompasses screenwriting and playwriting. He has worked with revered Filipino directors like Lino Brocka and Ishmael Bernal and has even published a screenplay manual called “Trip to Quiapo” which has since been a staple resource for communication colleges in the Philippines. Visit Lee’s hometown of Camarines Norte in the central Bicol region of the Philippines and enjoy its beautiful beaches like those on Apuao Grande Island and the Calaguas group of islands. Keep comfy by making One Platinum Hotel your home base while in the area. If you’re in the Americas, head to… New York, USA Literary Hero: Jenny Han Notable works: “To All the Boys I’ve Loved Before” available from Simon & Schuster Must-see attractions: Empire State Building, Statue of Liberty, Brooklyn Bridge, Broadway Though Han originally came from Virginia, her time in New York shaped her career as a young adult fiction writer. Book the cozy Jun New York Midtown III apartment, and feel right at home when you take a break from all of that sight-seeing. Aracataca, Colombia Literary Hero: Gabriel García Márquez Notable works: “One Hundred Years of Solitude” available from HarperCollins, “Love in the Time of Cholera” available from Penguin Classics Must-see attractions: Casa Museo, Casa del Telegrafista The municipality of Aracataca is built along the river of the same name and boasts Nobel Prize winner for literature Gabriel García Márquez as one of its sons. The village of Macondo in García Márquez's celebrated novel, “One Hundred Years of Solitude” is fashioned after Aracataca. Take a day trip out to explore García Márquez's reconstructed childhood home-turned-museum and the Casa del Telegrafista, then settle down at the charming Agoda Home in Parque Los Novios in the nearby city of Santa Marta, where you can also visit Colombia’s famous Tayrona National Natural Park. If you’re venturing to Europe, then consider visiting… Edinburgh, Scotland Literary Hero: J.K. Rowling Notable works: The “Harry Potter” series available from Bloomsbury Must-see attractions: Edinburgh Castle, The Royal Botanic Gardens, Dynamic Earth, Underground Edinburgh, The Scotch Whisky Experience Potterheads, unite! While Rowling was born in Yates, England, it was during her time in Edinburgh that she