Traveling with Sweeney

Japanese developer and original owner of Grand Wailea, Takeshi Sekiguchi, envisioned the resort as an open-air art museum for guests as well as the Maui community. Art was one of the key elements of the original design, which included light, water, flowers, trees, sound and art.

Horseback riding and learning about local culture by “talking story” with Jolynn of Travaasa Hana Riding Stables in Maui.

During our last morning in Hana we took a horseback ride along the coast and got a great tip from our guide to take the road along the backside of Haleakala instead of backtracking on the Road to Hana. And so we did.

Until recently, Budapest District 8 was off the radar for visitors, considered a high crime area with buildings in various stages of disrepair from neglect. It’s still not a place that tourists will easily find.

We’ve always looked at “getting there” as part of the fun while traveling, even within a city. On our recent trip, we found Budapest to be one of the easiest cities to get around quickly.

Visiting tourist attractions on the Buda (western) side of the Danube, such as Fisherman’s Bastion and Matthias Church, you may not be aware that there is more to explore beneath Budapest.

Hawaiian culture and traditions on display at the Hana Cultural Center and in the Hale Building Competition.

My morning of pampering at Spa Grande at the Grand Wailea in Maui. Relaxation and rejuvenation with water therapies, sea salt baths and honey.

Kreuzberg, the southwestern part of the Friedrichshain-Kreuzberg borough in Berlin, embodies the “poor but sexy” character of the city.