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Caribbean dreams
It was time again for a little further travel, after I was in the last years (partly involuntarily) only in Europe on the road. Among a number of options, it ended up being a combination of the Caribbean and Miami.
After a series of back and forth we booked in the end: Flights to Miami with British Airways, and to Anguilla and St. Martin each went with American Airlines. 4 nights Miami (St. Regis Bal Harbour) 5 nights Anguilla (Belmond Cap Juluca) 6 nights St. Martin (Belmond La Samanna) 3 nights Miami (Four Seasons Surftside) |
Nice. Will we see less food porn than on your previous Michelin star restaurants filled reports? :)
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Originally Posted by Carq
(Post 35089305)
Nice. Will we see less food porn than on your previous Michelin star restaurants filled reports? :)
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Originally Posted by Carq
(Post 35089305)
Nice. Will we see less food porn than on your previous Michelin star restaurants filled reports? :)
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Originally Posted by drminn
(Post 35090424)
I actually like the food porn.:eek:
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Open-Sky-Lounge
The journey began, as so often, at Düsseldorf Airport. Shortly before our departure there had been strikes, but fortunately the situation had normalized.
Check-in was quick and we went to the C area. Security was also done quickly and we could go to the Open Sky Lounge. The lounge is the weakest in the airport and hardly worth mentioning. In view of what was still to come, I did without an extensive breakfast, but there would have been nothing reasonable anyway. https://cimg7.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fly...9417172108.jpg https://cimg8.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fly...5670dca827.jpg https://cimg9.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fly...efd82e7e15.jpg https://cimg0.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fly...895cc5ecd2.jpg https://cimg1.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fly...9f049dd927.jpg https://cimg2.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fly...43892bb511.jpg https://cimg4.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fly...875799cbf6.jpg https://cimg5.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fly...aaf3cae287.jpg |
DUS - LHR
The disadvantage of a flight with British Airways is that you are first allowed to fly with the fake business to London. This time we had bad luck, there was only one seat in the second row free. This means a minimal seat pitch, the free middle seat is there only a weak consolation. The food was nothing special, I hoped for better in London.
https://cimg2.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fly...0268b4e7ce.jpg https://cimg5.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fly...c5ed5ece8e.jpg https://cimg6.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fly...8ee36895c8.jpg https://cimg7.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fly...6adbf801be.jpg |
Concorde Room and LHR-benefits
Arriving in London, the First Class experience began - or not. If you change planes in London, you always have to go through security. Yes, there is definitely a fast lane for that. But it has a simple problem: fewer passengers enter it, but there are also fewer checkpoints. It is therefore for the ton, it often takes longer here than in the normal line. Especially because this additional control does not make sense to me, this is actually a reason not to fly with British Airways.
The control was this time quite OK, funny way we should leave the laptop in the luggage. On the return flight it was then again different. Everything was strange. After the control we went to the Concorde Room. This lounge is known to access one of the most exclusive on the market. Apart from a few Concorde passes, you can only get in with a First Class ticket. Accordingly, however, no First guest voluntarily goes into the actual First Class Lounge, which is actually populated only by status guests. The Concorde Room is quite nicely furnished, but not a haven of total luxury. https://cimg2.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fly...6b12b7a014.jpg https://cimg3.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fly...3965acf8bd.jpg View into the terminal. https://cimg9.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fly...1aa4550572.jpg Significant advantage of Concorde Room is the restaurant area, during our visit we had lunch. The menu and especially drinks menu is very neat. https://cimg9.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fly...7d4fc35afd.jpg https://cimg0.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fly...455c03c1b0.jpg https://cimg1.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fly...010dd12aca.jpg https://cimg2.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fly...4bcad772ec.jpg https://cimg3.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fly...6f78802e0d.jpg https://cimg4.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fly...5983e11a81.jpg https://cimg5.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fly...dbc0292fd2.jpg https://cimg6.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fly...b1d0c87554.jpg We took the soup of the day (lentil soup) and the seabass, as dessert dick pudding. https://cimg2.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fly...4517e3423c.jpg https://cimg3.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fly...d50220956e.jpg https://cimg4.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fly...d12f2a8a9f.jpg https://cimg5.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fly...b1a108fc03.jpg One of my favorite things about the Concorde Room is the restrooms. I've said it many times, I don't know of any comparable in a signature first class lounge. https://cimg0.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fly...2e58ea0dd9.jpg With all the criticism, however, one must then positively emphasize that several employees were constantly busy cleaning the toilets, there was absolutely nothing against the cleanliness. What came next was Heathrow at its best. There is a new trend to display the gates just before boarding begins. One finds probably funny, can hurry the people times. With us, the gate was displayed exactly 20 minutes before the start of boarding, of course, this was a C-gate. So we had to go with the completely crowded subway to the C gates, you should not lose traction as a first passenger. Where would we end up if we were driven to the plane in cars..... There used to be a small lounge at the C gates if you got there a little early, but they've closed it now. You don't need it with the announcement deadlines, boarding started practically immediately after our arrival. |
Originally Posted by offerendum
(Post 35097437)
We took the soup of the day (lentil soup) and the seabass, as dessert dick pudding.
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LHR - MIA
The boarding was as so often with British Airways rather mixed, to the seat as with other airlines we were not accompanied.
Our plane was a 787 which means that although the business has doors, but not the first. Nevertheless, this is not really the giant factor. These seats in business are so low that the doors hardly bring anything. Anyone who walks through (except maybe toddlers) can peek in wonderfully. The only thing that is somewhat shielded is the view of the seat neighbor sitting offset. This problem doesn't really arise in First, where you can't see anything except your neighbor's legs. The 787 is the smallest first cabin with 8 seats. Therefore, there is only one toilet, which is tiny. Here you feel like in the rattle class, you could have certainly invested a little more. The seat is quite decent, even if there is of course much better on the market. https://cimg3.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fly...2bd7a56722.jpg https://cimg4.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fly...17d4e0f6e4.jpg https://cimg5.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fly...4cc0c52832.jpg Unfortunately, it also showed one or two signs of wear. https://cimg9.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fly...bf1522d974.jpg There is also a wardrobe, but it is already overwhelmed with a shirt and a trouser. https://cimg1.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fly...74e13040df.jpg First, a mocktail. https://cimg4.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fly...eba15f1c03.jpg The menu: https://cimg2.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fly...0a9d2e428a.jpg https://cimg3.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fly...5107537350.jpg https://cimg5.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fly...fe5f604a00.jpg https://cimg6.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fly...7ea91be0a4.jpg https://cimg8.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fly...3f6d06adab.jpg https://cimg9.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fly...60d653d2f1.jpg https://cimg0.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fly...57013f1793.jpg The Canapes. One was not able to bring them to me without the ham. https://cimg8.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fly...49c8714c45.jpg https://cimg9.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fly...2732b84c7d.jpg https://cimg0.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fly...3b95f8f591.jpg https://cimg2.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fly...4475cf9c3c.jpg Another mocktail https://cimg9.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fly...b4a5682518.jpg Ready! https://cimg1.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fly...778c001ffb.jpg Nicoise style tuna tonnato https://cimg6.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fly...a054ed3110.jpg Seasonal mixed leaf salad https://cimg1.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fly...0242e1919f.jpg Grilled filet of Atlantic halibut https://cimg3.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fly...340fa187b3.jpg Mushroom cappellacci https://cimg7.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fly...7b6db95fbc.jpg Actually we wanted 2 times the halibut, but he was out. I have not experienced before in the First. Vanilla ice cream https://cimg9.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fly...4e52856fb0.jpg Bread and butter pudding https://cimg4.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fly...ab29d4a31b.jpg Cheese https://cimg5.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fly...792e84cd9d.jpg Time for bed https://cimg0.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fly...e577c2b4a9.jpg Popcorn https://cimg7.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fly...706fb8d39e.jpg After some sleep we went to the second meal. Quinoa and goat's cheese salad. https://cimg8.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fly...39a741bc8a.jpg Wild mushroom and kale quiche https://cimg1.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fly...ef699e22a0.jpg Lemon and raspberry meringue https://cimg6.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fly...0cc7dd3663.jpg The food during the flight was of good quality. Sure, it wasn't a star restaurant above the clouds and there are certainly significantly better offerings in the sky, but it was fine. The flight was good overall, the crew attentive. Once in Miami, the chaos began. Crowds and then by train to immigration. There it took an hour, I really have to get Easy Entry, especially since now you no longer have to go to the consulate in Frankfurt. |
Originally Posted by jghassell
(Post 35101813)
I often try to convince my wife to have that for dessert, but I am less successful than I'd like.
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Originally Posted by offerendum
(Post 35105384)
Frankly I'm not the biggest fan.
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Originally Posted by tom tulpe
(Post 35105639)
I don't think jghassell was talking about steamed pudding (which is what spotted dick is) :D
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Nice report and pics offerendum. Ah the joys of BA fake Business Club Europe and the misery of a not-so-First-Class First Class connection at LHR. Not exactly like the FCT. And Miami arrival sounds awful. Apply for Global Entry and can bypass that nonsense.
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St. Regis Bal Harbour
In Miami, I thought long and hard about where to spend the first 4 nights. Favorite was for a long time the Four Seasons Downtown. One of the hotels that interested me most in the region has always been the St. Regis, so I had a look at that as well. In the end, I decided to go to the beach and booked 4 nights in an Atlantic Ocean Suite. At $16,000.00 for 4 nights without breakfast, the price was hefty, but with a best rate claim, the amount was fortunately cut in half. That has Marriott then again advantages.
For the first 4 nights I had decided to do without a rental car, because we arrived late and it went on quite early to Anguilla. Since the way to the car rental center is not very helpful and considering the $55 parking fee per night, you can already drive a little cab. Actually, I wanted to order a Lyft to use my American Express Ride credit, but when we took the exit at the airport, there was immediately a big yellow SUV cab ready. With our 5 pieces of luggage we took it then, we also had no desire to wait. After a good half hour and $ 100 (SUVs cost 30% more and you give yes a tip....) we arrived at the hotel. Perhaps I say at this point already a few general things. The hotel is a typical Miami dump, a relatively small high-rise is surrounded by 2 large apartment towers. Partly, the latter is under construction at the moment, so there is a lot of construction noise during the day. https://cimg5.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fly...fa992ba771.jpg https://cimg6.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fly...288c24e3b4.jpg There is a driveway in the basement, but it is not used by guests. A service was held here on Sunday, a rather strange church after all. https://cimg0.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fly...7edd3aad11.jpg The actual right-of-way is elevated. https://cimg5.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fly...d9dfda9a72.jpg They make it clear who owns the hotel. https://cimg4.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fly...2719f4da1e.jpg Outside there are sofas, although these were not always usable, not least because of the rather dubious class of some guests. https://cimg6.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fly...ff4c764baf.jpg https://cimg7.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fly...164f4b9060.jpg After that, you came into a large anteroom that had been cooled to arctic temperatures. No wonder I was sick after 2 days. I should claim damages, but maybe I had it from the immigration queue or from the other air conditioning wonders. https://cimg1.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fly...2d1e6e241e.jpg After that, to the left came the actual lobby, which was a bit low. https://cimg8.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fly...9d4cddc96f.jpg A real eye-catcher were the rooms decorated with mirrors. https://cimg4.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fly...95106a11b9.jpg https://cimg5.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fly...0ba0f1c02a.jpg In addition, there was quite interesting art. https://cimg7.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fly...eced107c38.jpg https://cimg3.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fly...f22bad27d6.jpg Quite nicely done was also the basement. https://cimg9.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fly...82a7b16f96.jpg https://cimg1.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fly...77b72a30ed.jpg https://cimg0.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fly...649c1e20bf.jpg https://cimg2.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fly...7f5be5f25f.jpg The check-in was routine, there was nothing special here. When I asked what my Bonvey Gold welcome gift was (usually a free drink), they first told me they didn't know about a Bonvey membership (I had booked via the app!!!). Then they looked and thanked me first of all for my loyalty (1. I'm not loyal, I have the Amex 2. I have nothing at all of the rehearsed thanks). Then I was told that there are no welcome gifts here. Well yes.... We were then taken to the elevator (it was not enough for the room) and that was it. In the elevator we became aware of the famous saber ritual. There was a nice picture of it. Am I the only one who thinks that the woman was made to look as stupid as possible? https://cimg0.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fly...a2dc5d5baf.jpg It became a little more understandable when we happened to witness the ritual on our way to the cab. You do it in the middle of the passage. It must be an insanely fascinating thing to open a champagne bottle with a saber (some people also close their pants with a pair of pliers). In any case, it led to almost orgasmic expressions of enthusiasm from some. Were just glad that the cork flew just past us and we could finally go to the cab. |
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