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Tokyo Weekender
2 days ago
- Tokyo Weekender
Two-Day Kyoto Itinerary: Immerse Yourself in Culture in the Heart of Gion
Kyoto is famously packed with sights, experiences and endless things to do — so much so that visitors can often feel overwhelmed. That's where this curated guide to the iconic Gion district comes in. The heart of Kyoto's traditional entertainment and culture, Gion is known for its charming streets lined with wooden machiya townhouses, historic teahouses and the elusive sight of geisha and maiko . It's fully possible to have a full, meaningful and memorable Kyoto experience in just two days — if you know where to go, that is. With a thoughtful plan and the right base, you can enjoy the essence of Gion's timeless charm without feeling rushed or overwhelmed. We suggest The Celestine Kyoto Gion , a Michelin Key-awarded hotel right in the heart of everything with ample amenities and a highly capable concierge service to help you out. Here's how to make the most of your stay in this legendary neighborhood. Where to Stay: The Celestine Kyoto Gion Set quietly along the picturesque Yasaka-dori street, The Celestine Kyoto Gion makes for an ideal base for exploring one of Kyoto's most historic neighborhoods. With a subtle blend of traditional architecture and modern minimalism, the hotel echoes the aesthetics of Gion itself. The Celestine brand is known for properties that reflect the spirit of their locations, and the Gion location is no exception. Awarded a Michelin Key in 2024, it's particularly notable for the way in which it integrates cultural experiences into each stay, with offerings like guided neighborhood walks, in-house tea ceremony events and a breakfast menu that highlights regional ingredients. The location is ideal for travelers hoping to experience Kyoto on foot — with landmarks like Kenninji Temple, Yasaka Shrine and Hanamikoji-dori just minutes away. Inside, you'll find a serene guest lounge with garden views, a quiet public bath and guest rooms that combine the luxuriousness of a high-end hotel with the spirit and warmth of a traditional inn. Day 1 Morning: Arrival and Sightseeing Step into Kyoto's rhythm with a morning stroll through Gion's quiet lanes. If you arrive early, drop your bags at The Celestine Kyoto Gion and wander over to Kenninji Temple , just a few minutes away. Founded in 1202, it's Kyoto's oldest Zen temple — a place of stillness, with expansive grounds, two dry landscape gardens and spectacular art throughout, including a famous ceiling mural of a dragon. As check-in opens at 2 p.m., return to the hotel and take a moment to reset. The Celestine's guest lounge — open exclusively to hotel guests — offers complimentary tea, coffee and seasonal sweets, with garden views that shift beautifully with each season. Lunch: Soba and Historic Streets Lunch in Gion is best kept simple and soulful. Try Honke Owariya , a soba restaurant with centuries of history — their signature 'horai soba,' which comes in a five-layered box, pairs beautifully with the wood-paneled, timeworn interior. On your walk back, take a detour through Hanamikoji-dori , where tea houses, traditional restaurants and the occasional maiko crossing add to the sense that you've entered another era. Afternoon: Art and a Soothing Soak After lunch, head to the Kyoto National Museum or the lesser-known but exquisite Kodaiji Temple , home to lush gardens, bamboo paths and seasonal light displays. To revitalize yourself, return to The Celestine Kyoto Gion and enjoy a soak in the hotel's large public bath — a warm, modern homage to the Japanese sento , perfect for resetting both body and mind. Evening: Dinner with Depth & Nightfall in Gion Dinner is just steps from your room at Endo the Celestine Kyoto Gion , an iconic tempura restaurant with over 140 years of history, located in a classic building alongside the hotel. Known for its refined technique and delicate balance of flavor, this elite Kyoto establishment is typically difficult to reserve, but hotel guests can enjoy access in a relaxed and elegant setting. The menu highlights seasonal ingredients, prepared with exquisite care, and offers a tempura course meal, a tempura set meal and Kyoto-style shabu-shabu with wagyu beef. Dining here is an experience steeped in tradition and precision. Afterward, stroll along the Shirakawa Canal , where lantern light reflects off the water and willow trees rustle in the breeze. This is Kyoto at its most poetic. Day 2 Morning: Kyoto-Style Breakfast and Tea Ceremony Start your day with The Celestine Kyoto Gion's signature breakfast — a buffet of Japanese and Western dishes, including freshly made Kyoto-style tempura and locally sourced vegetables. Everything here speaks to the city's appreciation for seasonality and presentation. Guests staying in the Celestine Yasaka junior suite can enjoy a private tea service with matcha from the famed tea shop Ippodo. It's a calming, ceremonial way to begin your last day, grounding you in the quiet rituals that define Kyoto life. Midmorning: A Stroll Through Gion's Heritage After breakfast, step out into Gion's winding alleys for a final taste of Kyoto's historical soul. Start with a walk down Ishibe-koji Lane , a narrow, stone-paved lane often missed by tourists but beloved by locals for its quiet beauty. Continue on to Entoku-in Temple , a small but atmospheric subtemple of Kodaiji Temple, known for its beautifully painted sliding doors and tranquil rock gardens. For those who want a deeper experience, The Celestine Kyoto Gion offers a guided walking tour , led by a concierge, that will take you to charming and little-known spots. Lunch: Seasonal Kyo-kaiseki For a final lunch before heading to the station, savor a refined kyo-kaiseki meal at Gion Suetomo , a beloved spot known for its elegant presentation and deep respect for Kyoto's seasonal ingredients. Located just a one-minute walk from The Celestine Kyoto Gion, this restaurant offers a peaceful atmosphere that perfectly complements its delicate multi-course dishes — from artfully arranged sashimi and simmered mountain vegetables to fragrant broths served in handcrafted ceramics. It's a dining experience that captures the essence of Kyoto's culinary tradition without the bustle of tourist crowds. With just two days in Kyoto, it helps to have a plan — and a place to stay that allows you to truly relax and unwind, providing both comfort and proximity. This itinerary makes room for both discovery and downtime, making it easy to explore the quieter corners of Gion and take in the culture at a relaxed pace. More Information To book a stay at The Celestine Kyoto Gion, click here . For more information about The Celestine hotels, click here .
Daily Record
6 days ago
- Business
- Daily Record
Inside award-winning Scottish Highlands lodge overlooking Loch Ness for sale
The accommodation has previously been awarded a Michelin Key. An award-winning luxury Scottish Highlands lodge that overlooks the iconic Loch Ness has just gone up for sale. Foyers Lodge is a traditional lodge situated along the southwest of Loch Ness, offering panoramic views of the loch and up the Great Glen. The property is currently available to buy at a guide price of £1.1 million. Dating back to the 19th century, the lodge has undergone a comprehensive but sensitive renovation since it was purchased by the current owners in 2016. It now operates as a seven-bedroom boutique hotel that has received numerous accolades, including the prestigious Michelin Key and Scottish Hotels' Small Luxury Destination of the Year 2025. The accommodation comprises seven guest bedrooms and one self-contained apartment. In addition, there is a private managers' flat with its own living space and two bedrooms. Meanwhile, the public areas consist of an opulent dining room, a residents' lounge, a bar, and a reading room. According to estate agent Galbraith, all of the rooms have been decorated to reflect the charm and history of the original lodge while also providing modern comfort. Outside, Foyers Lodge sits in around 2.2 acres of lush gardens and woodland. The idyllic lawns are complemented by paths through regenerating woodland that connect to a way-marked trail leading to Loch Ness. Other highlights of the exterior include a fully lined workshop and a plant room. The property also benefits from fishing rights on local lochs. Phiddy Robertson, who is handling the sale on behalf of Galbraith, commented: "Foyers Lodge is a truly unique opportunity to acquire a property of rare quality in a globally recognised location. The current owners have created something very special—a business that combines award-winning hospitality with the tranquility and beauty of the Highlands. "It's a place where heritage, nature and luxury come together seamlessly. There is such exciting potential with this property whether continuing as a successful business or indeed as a bespoke family home, it will certainly appeal to a wide range of buyers." Current owners Anna Low and Phil Crowe added: "From the moment we arrived at Foyers, we were captivated by the natural beauty, peace and wildlife of this lesser-known side of Loch Ness. Transforming the Lodge into a boutique hotel has been the project of our lives, a true labour of love, and we're incredibly proud of what we've achieved. "Our greatest reward has been hearing guests describe their stay as unforgettable—from the spectacular views to the interiors, to the warmth of a Highland welcome. It's a magical place. "We feel privileged to have been its custodians and have no doubt that the next owners will fall in love with the property and location just as we did." More information and images can be found on the Galbraith website.
Press and Journal
7 days ago
- Business
- Press and Journal
Michelin award winning Foyers Lodge on Loch Ness listed for sale
Foyers Lodge, an award-winning boutique hotel overlooking Loch Ness, has been listed for sale with Galbraith. The business, which is on the market with a guide price of £1.1 million, received a Michelin Key in 2024, recognising it as one of UK's top boutique hotels. It offers a luxury experience in a peaceful Highland setting, with incredible views across the loch. The hotel features six en-suite bedrooms, a self-contained suite and an additional two bedroom staff or owner apartment. Originally built in the 1800's, Foyers Lodge was a traditional Highland hunting lodge with strong links to local heritage. The current owners bought the lodge in 2016 and carried out a full, high quality renovation of the property. Rooms have been carefully renovated with high-quality fittings, stylish furnishings and modern comforts throughout. Original features of the building were also restored where possible, giving the lodge charm, character and a unique Highland feel. It sits within formal gardens and woodland, and has an elevated position offering stunning views. In addition to the bedrooms, Foyers Lodge has three reception rooms and a modern commercial kitchen along with a self-catering suite. It currently operates as a successful seasonal lifestyle business with strong reviews and international recognition. The sellers say it could easily expand to host weddings, events or exclusive-use bookings. Planning permission has also been submitted for additional owner accommodation and garaging to support future growth. The hotel's location on Loch Ness's quieter southern shore is peaceful but still close to main travel routes. Inverness and Fort Augustus are both just 30 minutes away by car. The property also holds eight salmon fishing licenses on Loch Ness, plus rights on nearby Loch Bran and Loch Mhor. There is also permission to build boat houses in designated areas along the shore. In a short space of time, Foyers Lodge has won multiple national and international awards and the hotel is now ready for its next chapter. The property is currently available with Galbraith with a guide price of £1.1 million. More Highland property news:
Hospitality Net
12-06-2025
- Business
- Hospitality Net
Edvaldo Brito has been appointed General Manager at Hotel Excelsior Venice Lido Resort
The announcement was made today by Iconic Luxury Hotels, that Edvaldo Brito has been appointed as General Manager at Hotel Excelsior Venice Lido Resort. Edvaldo Brito is a dynamic and accomplished international hotelier with over 15 years of experience shaping some of the world's most iconic luxury hospitality experiences around the world. He most recently served as General Manager of COMO Castello Del Nero, a spectacular 12th-century castle in the heart of Tuscany's Chianti region. Under his leadership, the property was named Best Hotel in Italy by Condé Nast Traveler for two consecutive years, earned a prestigious Michelin Key for excellence in hospitality, and retained the Michelin star for its signature restaurant, La Torre. Prior to this, he held senior leadership roles across Brazil, the Caribbean, and Costa Rica. Originally from São Paulo, Edvaldo has since explored over 50 countries and brings a cosmopolitan perspective fused with an unwavering commitment to excellence. Edvaldo is widely respected for his strategic foresight, emotional intelligence, and ability to curate experiences that resonate deeply with today's most discerning luxury travellers.
Tom's Guide
15-05-2025
- Tom's Guide
Apple Maps just got a big upgrade for finding restaurants and hotels — what you need to know
Summer is coming and you probably have travel on your mind. So it's certainly a good thing that Apple Maps is getting some upgrades to help you figure out exactly what's worth checking out when you're in a new area. Assuming you like to sample higher-end dining experiences. As of today, Apple Maps is bringing in the help of various "expert sources" to add rankings and insights to various spots in the U.S. Currently that includes restaurants, hotels and gold courses, though it's likely Apple will be adding more in the near future. As for the expert sources themselves, they're quite a premium group. Users are being given the chance to search for restaurants rated by Michelin, including the Green Star and Bib Gourmand awards, plus Michelin Key hotels. Additional rankings from The Infatuation, Golf Digest and other sources will be added "soon." Looking at the list of those experts, it shows that Apple Maps is targeting a specific kind of person with these new insights. Michelin is not the kind of organization to review the sports bar down the street, after all. These are the crème de la crème. Users will also be able to book hotel stays directly in Apple Maps, but only at "select hotels." That feature also lets you reserve a table through Michelin, and will eventually let you book a tee time via Supreme Golf. Which gives you another indication of the kind of hotels we're talking about. Get instant access to breaking news, the hottest reviews, great deals and helpful tips. This is probably just the beginning. While Michelin star restaurants may not be the kind of place you visit a lot, it could be the start of seeing more specialist information come to Apple Maps. Rather than just relying on reviews and ratings from the likes of OpenTable, TripAdvisor or Yelp. Aggregate sites like that may be useful for getting insights from everyday people, but sometimes you may want to see what the experts have to say. So adding that info to Apple Maps makes things a little bit more convenient. But it would be nice to get detailed insights in more everyday spots at some point. That's probably going to take some time. For now it makes sense for Apple to start with something rather niche, just to gauge how Apple Maps handles the new feature and how users react. So, if you're heading away this summer and want to spend some money on a nice restaurant or hotel, Apple Maps has you covered.
