This 1920s tome has become a cult classic among the wealth-minded and financially savvy.
Depending on your style of travel, you do one of three things while flying: watch movies, read, or sleep.
For the bibliophiles among us, we’d like to suggest a classic read that’s good for the mind and the wallet – George S. Clason’s The Richest Man in Babylon.
What started out as a series of educational pamphlets distributed by banks in the 1920s has become a cult classic among the wealth-minded and financially savvy.
Still in print today, the book gives powerful financial lessons through a series of vignettes, similar to parables, about wealthy Babylonian merchant Arkad and two young men who aspire to create their own fortunes.
Explore its pages to learn Arkad’s story, his “Seven Cures for a Lean Purse” and the “Five Laws of Gold.”
If you only implement the first Cure, you’ll have gotten your money’s worth from the tale.
At 144 pages, the book is short enough to finish on a long-haul flight with time to spare – and chock full of smart money moves.
Next time you take to the friendly skies, bring along a copy, and you’ll be (mentally) richer by the time you deplane.
5 out of 5 stars.
Grab Your Copy Now
Cash Me If You Can: The Savvy Girl’s Guide to Wallet Smart Travel
On the MoneyIn need of a fabulous vacay? These tips will help you stretch your coins and get more out of your next getaway.
Fine Dining. Fine Details. Dinner at Tanaman, Bali
A Matter of TasteVegan fine dining is a bit of a brass ring.
There are a few hallowed eateries that do it well in the States, like Eleven Madison Park in New York, Shojin in LA, or the now shuttered Candle 79, but options can be far more limited when traveling abroad.
As one would imagine, the culinary heritage of the island of Bali emphasizes seafood and a variety of meats. Dishes like Nasi Campur boast everything from chicken to fish, but there are a surprisingly number of outlets offering plant-based versions.
Bali’s Blossoming Vegan Food Scene
Image courtesy of the establishment.
In areas like Seminyak, Ubud, and Canggu, vegan restaurants are springing up to meet the demand of uncompromising, health- focused travelers. One staple of the community is Tanaman, a pure, plant-based offering from the world-famous Potato Head Beach Club.
Located inside the main structure of the club, Tanaman delights the senses with rich teak wood furnishings and rustic linens. The vibe is distinctly tropical, punctuated with the restraint and elegance often associated with Asian design.
Once seated, the scope of the restaurant become clear. This is an establishment clearly planned with style and sustainability in mind. The use of natural materials is front and center, and the live trees throughout usher nature into the dining experience.
The New Fusion: New Twists on Classic Dishes
Menu offerings include fresh twists on Indonesian classics and innovative fusion- style dishes influenced by the culinary richness of the region.
Tanaman offers a nine-course tasting menu which was unavailable on the evening of my visit.
On the recommendation of the host, I opted for the bayam (spinach chips) and sate jamur (wood ear mushroom satay).
Bayam is a traditional street food in Indonesia, and Tanaman’s modern twist on it offers a fresh way of consuming the hearty dish. Spinach leaves are lightly battered and fried crisp and dusted with a pungent curry powder.
The sate jamur, a plant-based alternative to the plethora of meat sates on offer in Bali, was hearty and lived up to its counterparts.
Presented on wooden skewers, the mushrooms were charred and smoky, with hints of sweetness from the basting sauce.
Though both dishes were nice introductions to the restaurant, they lacked the depth I hoped for. Similar dishes from hometown warungs, small traditional restaurants, offer more poignant flavors. The flavor profiles were adequate, but there was no wow factor. Given that Tanaman is a small-plate style restaurant, perhaps the tasting menu offers a fuller sensory experience.
In terms of value, dishes are priced on par with high-end casual fare in the area, which is significantly higher than more local eateries nearby. If you can catch the set tasting menu on Friday or Saturday, Tanaman offers a worthwhile look into high-end vegan Indonesian cuisine.
If you’re visiting Potato Head during your time in Bali, Tanaman is a good way to top off a day of sun, friends, and fun. Pop up for the Friday or Saturday tasting seatings and you’re golden. If you’re looking for a more traditional fine experience for date night or a special occasion, consider Aperitif or Mozaic.
3.5 out of 5 stars.
A Journey Worth Taking: A Globetrotter’s Retrospective on 50,000 Miles of Non-Stop Travel
B+ For Subscribers, TravelI’ve gone trekking up mountains with strangers and broken bread with men who had never met an American. Every single experience has been worth it, and made me more myself.
Revisiting a Classic at 30,000 ft.: The Richest Man in Babylon
Art & Culture, The ShelfThis 1920s tome has become a cult classic among the wealth-minded and financially savvy.
Depending on your style of travel, you do one of three things while flying: watch movies, read, or sleep.
For the bibliophiles among us, we’d like to suggest a classic read that’s good for the mind and the wallet – George S. Clason’s The Richest Man in Babylon.
What started out as a series of educational pamphlets distributed by banks in the 1920s has become a cult classic among the wealth-minded and financially savvy.
Still in print today, the book gives powerful financial lessons through a series of vignettes, similar to parables, about wealthy Babylonian merchant Arkad and two young men who aspire to create their own fortunes.
Explore its pages to learn Arkad’s story, his “Seven Cures for a Lean Purse” and the “Five Laws of Gold.”
If you only implement the first Cure, you’ll have gotten your money’s worth from the tale.
At 144 pages, the book is short enough to finish on a long-haul flight with time to spare – and chock full of smart money moves.
Next time you take to the friendly skies, bring along a copy, and you’ll be (mentally) richer by the time you deplane.
5 out of 5 stars.
Grab Your Copy Now
It’s Our Pleasure: Celebrating Life at the St. Regis Bangkok
TravelInside Bangkok’s Best Classic Hotel
Have you ever visited a hotel that felt like home? From the moment you stepped inside, every need was taken care of, and you not only felt welcome, but wanted.
That is the spirit of the St. Regis Hotel Bangkok.
I decided to pay them a visit to celebrate my most recent birthday. The location, staff, and amenities did not disappoint.
Located in the Siam area of the sprawling Bangkok metropolis, the St. Regis offers stunning vistas of this incredible city. Its proximity to the famous Lumphini Park offers views and access to a marvelous green space less than a 5-minute walk from your room.
AN EFFERVESCENT WELCOME
When entering the property, your senses are delighted by the expansive foyer and sumptuous furnishings. Fresh flowers catch the eye, followed by the wow factor of the St. Regis’s signature fragrance, Caroline’s Four Hundred. The gourmet bakery kiosk to the left is a welcome surprise. You’ll find its case filled with delicious looking bite-sized treats.
A team member joins you at the entrance and makes his or her introduction. They will guide you to the reception area, where specialists like Li beckon you to sit and chat while they handle your check-in details.
After check-in, the Guest Services team offered me a seat in the hotel lounge because, they stated, “your room is ready, but the housekeeper needs a few moments to complete finishing touches.” I obliged, not knowing what touches they were working on. Five minutes later, the Concierge accompanied me to my room.
THE IN-ROOM EXPERIENCE
Each room is well-appointed, with comfortable seating, workspace, and plush linens. The decor is a modern interpretation of the details of the first St Regis, which opened in New York in 1904.
Great attention is dedicated to your comfort, from the warm, neutral tones used in the space to the 24-hour butler service.
IT’S IN THE DETAILS
My room had been decorated in white and gold balloons (my signature colors) and an array of fresh fruit and desserts awaited me. Though I hadn’t mentioned the reason for my stay, the AmEx Platinum concierge had called ahead to arrange a vegan and gluten-free tea service for me.
GOING THE EXTRA MILE
Somehow, the message had been passed to the entire staff that I was celebrating my birthday. Every detail of my stay – from my room with its stunning view, to my afternoon tea and on-site dinner, felt extra special.
The St. Regis Bangkok does not normally offer a vegan or gluten-free tea service. When my Concierge contacted them, they enthusiastically agreed to host me for me special day. They created a lovely selection of offerings for my tea tray, all of which met my dining requirements.
LITTLE DELIGHTS
The property boasts a wide array of amenities to cater to the tastes of any guest.
From the Clinique La Prairie Spa, to the outdoor pool with its cityscape view, there’s is lots to enjoy.
Dining on the premises includes the Michelin starred IGNIV restaurant, omakase at Sushi Kishin, and several other venues offering a variety of cuisine.
A highlight of evenings at St. Regis hotels is the nightly champagne sabering.
Grab your glass and take in the view before setting out for the night.
THE VERDICT
When visiting a 5-star hotel, it’s the fine details that set a property apart from its competitors. Does the staff remember your name? Is the service anticipatory? Is the property well-appointed, with stylish flourishes and quality amenities throughout?
St. Regis Bangkok meets the mark in every area. From its spacious guestrooms to the butler service & tea before bed, every thought is set to guest comfort and ease.
Throughout your stay, you’ll find little moments that delight the senses – like the life-sized St. Regis teddy bear nestled near the elevators on the main floor, or taking in the view with a glass of champagne at sunset.
With its exceptional service and quality guest experience, the St. Regis is an excellent choice for your next visit to Bangkok.
5 out of 5 stars.