Barcelona and Madrid have been rivals since the early 18th century, when the Catalan Parliament was abolished and Catalonia came under the rule of Spanish King Philip V.
Since high-speed train service between Barcelona and Madrid began in 2008, no one needs to fly between the two cities anymore.
In recent years, Colombia has received increasingly favorable publicity. At times, it has sounded rather too good to be true.
Nestled against a range of misty green Andean foothills at an altitude of 8,660 feet, Bogota remains pleasantly cool throughout the year.
Enjoy images from a delicious but uncompromisingly avant-garde meal at Michelin-starred restaurant DiverXO
For many years, Barcelona's grand hotels tended to be inconsistent, and their reputations waxed and waned with lunar regularity. Since its debut in 2009, however, my affections have been captured by the 98-room Mandarin Oriental, Barcelona.
Exploring the city's tapas bars is an entertaining way to spend an evening in Barcelona. Invariably, I begin with the city's two best traditional bars in the El Born district, then head to some of the new places that have opened elsewhere in the city.
Beside the Mediterranean in Barceloneta, the old fishermen's quarter of the city that has been progressively gentrified during the past 20 years, this relaxed and friendly restaurant is run by chef Xavier Pellicer, who won an outsize reputation when he was cooking at two-star ABaC.
New Englander Lauren Aloise founded a small company to help visitors discover the gastronomic riches of Madrid, her adopted home.
Though most travelers to Madrid make a point of visiting the Prado, Thyssen-Bornemisza and Reina Sofia museums, few find their way to the city's wonderful smaller galleries.
The cultural riches of Cartagena are immense, and you will not have time to see everything. The Museo del Oro Zenu focuses on the craftsmanship of the Zenu people.
The Colombian islands of San Andres and Providencia Lie loser to Nicaragua than to the Colombian coast. Surrounded by radiant turquoise seas, they offer adventurous travelers palm-lined beaches, delicious fresh seafood and exceptional snorkeling.
Local restaurants take full advantage of Caribbean seafood such as tuna, red snapper, octopus and shrimp. Also watch for Colombia’s many unique tropical fruits, which find their way into smoothies, gelato, cocktails and ceviche, among other items.
If the Michelin inspectors were to visit Colombia’s capital, they would find their hands full. Bogotá’s restaurant scene is one of the great secrets of South America.
On the northeastern edge of the city, Usaquén used to be a separate town before Bogotá absorbed it in the 1950s.
Adventurous gourmets should consider spending a few hours with chef Jorge Escandón, owner of La Cevicheria, a casual seafood restaurant near the Plaza de San Diego.
Some of Bogotá’s museums are world-class. Weekdays are best for museum-hopping, as Saturdays and Sundays can be very busy.
For a place of its size, Tel Aviv has a surprising dearth of hotels. True, there are large chain properties along the beach, plus a couple of boutique hotels in the heart of the city.
A supremely relaxing way to travel with family and friends is aboard one of the smaller luxury cruise ships. Cruises over the winter holidays tend to be especially popular.
For me, the names of many famous hotels are powerfully evocative of their locations. Say a single word, “Claridge’s,” and I am instantly transported to Mayfair, where a top-hatted doorman is helping a woman down from a black cab with the spoils of her shopping excursion to Bond Street.
A video of our stay at the Tcherassi in Colombia as reviewed in the May 2014 issue of the Hideaway Report.
A video of our stay at the Charleston Casa Medina as reviewed in May 2014 issue of the Hideaway Report.
A video of our stay at Casa San Agustin in Colombia as reviewed in the May 2014 issue of the Hideaway Report.
A video of the Colombian islands of Providencia and San Andrés as reviewed in the May 2014 issue of the Hideaway Report.
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