Here is the information on which luxury hotels to choose on a second journey to lesser-known Japan. It is about traveling Kyushu, Shikoku and unknown Honshu. In my last post, I provided the corresponding itinerary. I emphasize “second” trip because I think that there is no way around the royal way to discover Japan on a first trip. And this is by the (Extended) Golden Triangle/Route I described in the same post too. You have to know in this context that staying in typical Japanese hotels (ryokans and other boutique lodgings) is half the fun of traveling Japan. So, your choice of accommodation is of great importance. I am happy to advise on this by elaborating about the luxury hotels my husband and I opted for on our recent visit to off-the-beaten-path Japan.

Before I go further, find first My Google Map of a 3½-week Japan itinerary in style for second-timers. It comes with all the hotels, restaurants and activities we experienced complete with short descriptions.

Luxury hotels on lesser-known Japan trip

I mentioned it already, our second trip to off-the-beaten-path Japan went to Kyushu, Shikoku and unknown Honshu. While we had three stops in both Kyushu and Honshu, there was only one in Shikoku. So, I cannot give a complete picture of the latter. The itinerary of this Japanese journey was heavily influenced by the lodging options en route. Precisely, where there were no well-rated luxury hotels we did not stay.

In this context, I also have to stress that we usually do not pay excessive prices. If we think a hotel charges too much, then we cannot take it into consideration.

While we also had hotel stays in Osaka and Kyoto, I will not go into them – but you find the key points in My Google Map. Now to our choice of lodging and my comments to the individual places.

Our Kyushu luxury hotels in off-the-beaten-path Japan

After flying in from Osaka to Kagoshima, we started our Kyushu explorations from the south of this island and headed north, first to Unzen and Nagasaki City in its northwest, then to Yufuin/Beppu in its northeast. As I mentioned in my itinerary post, we traveled by rental car. So, we were flexible and did not need transportation for our explorations.

1. Izumi: RITA Izumi Fumato

Izumi on Kyushu’s southwestern coast is not a town you will find in every travel guide – it probably is not included in any of the usual ones. This is because it is not really a tourist place. There is Izumi Fumoto, a massive, beautifully preserved samurai residential district, but that is it. And this is why we came. I had discovered a gem of a hotel here, RITA Izumi Fumato. This is a unique samurai residence hotel with only six rooms, and these across three properties. It is about 100-year-old traditional samurai homes, which have been meticulously preserved.

While they feature wooden beams and tatami floors, they come with all the modern comforts (hotel opened in June 2022).

My husband and I did not think long and decided to start our Kyushu journey here. And we were more than happy with our stay! After a cordial welcome we settled in our room of choice, Akane (85 sqm) at the Miyaji Residence. It was huge and nicely decorated.

The one thing you have to know is that the walls are very thin. So, when it is cold outside, it is the same inside. Yet they have made provisions, there were two A/C units, three heaters and one air cleaner.

Staff was friendly and helpful throughout our stay, although their English was basic (better use Google Translate). Included in the rate (39,000 Yen/night, which was much value for money) was a fine breakfast at another residence (ten minutes by foot away).

While it was not necessarily hearty, it was big enough and consisted of a good mix of western and Japanese items. Rooms were cleaned daily, but it was only an eco cleaning (waste removal and water refill). Bottom line, we would return in a heartbeat!

2. Unzen: Unzen Miyazaki Ryokan

When it came to our Unzen accommodation, my husband and I hesitated for quite a long time between Unzen Miyazaki Ryokan

and another one recommended by the Michelin Guide, Ryotei Hanzuiryo. But we were not not fully convinced of the latter, especially price wise, so we opted for the former. And we were not disappointed! The hotel reopened in December 2025 after a thorough makeover. And I think it was very well done. I like the design, which is more contemporary than traditional. The lobby and the dining-room are beauties, both modern and kept in a dark-grey hue.

Out of the 39 guest rooms, we opted for a Premium Design Corner Room

with a Semi-Open-Air Bath (82 sqm, 150,741 Yen/night including dinner and access to lounge with free drinks). I was fond of  the layout and the modern furnishings. Also the bathroom was nice, however the onsen bath was a bit on the small side (only just large enough for two persons).

And having a corner room offered no extra benefit except a small side-facing window.

We received a warm welcome at this ryokan. Throughout our stay, the staff was convincing, from a thorough room cleaning to a pleasant dinner service and providing helpful information. They usually spoke good English. When the topic was a bit complex, they used Google Translate to convey their message clearly. As to dinner, we got a fine kaiseki meal with enough variety over the three nights we spent here.

Only the breakfast was a bit overwhelming with not only a box with lots of different food items in it, but a number of additional courses too

My verdict: I would return here without hesitation.

3. Yufuin: Enowa Yufuin Botanical Retreat

This was the first hotel we booked for this Japan trip. I learned of its opening (June 2023) when it became part of Relais & Châteaux. And I quickly fell in love with it as it appeared as something special. In particular, as it follows an ultra-local farm-to-table approach with its Jimgu Restaurant.

Here a chef is at the helm who worked many years at Blue Hill at Stone Barns in New York. This is not only a pioneer of the farm-to-table movement but has also has held two Michelin stars since 2019. And the food at this dining spot  (modern French) was really fantastic! Both dinner

and breakfast were hits. As to the latter, it was definitely the best I have ever had!

And the chef, Tashi Gyamtso from Tibet, is a nice guy, who chats with his guests when the occasion arises.

Not only the restaurant – an impressive roundhouse –

knows how to please but also the property (two Michelin Keys). It stretches across a huge terraced hillside

and is ultra modern with lots of natural materials used in its construction.  You find here 19 accommodations (9 rooms in the main building

and 10 standalone luxury villas along the hillside). My husband and I went for one of the entry-level rooms (78 sqm, 158,338 Yen/night with dinner). While I liked the outdoor onsen and its design,

I was not a huge fan of the layout (bed in front of the window – with no view to speak of – and sitting room in the rear – which was quite dark).

When it came to service, we were very happy with the manager, who turned out to be very attentive and helpful. Yet, we unfortunately did not have an ideal first encounter. At the time, we sensed that she wanted to push us to have dinner early to accommodate her schedule. As we were not ready to comply (we had reserved ages ago), she finally found a solution. Otherwise and overall, we had a very pleasant stay and would go there again without thinking twice.

A great luxury hotel in Shikoku, a lesser-known part in Japan

As you have learned before, we had only one stay on the island of Shikoku. This was in the hills above Matsuyama it its northwest. Here we found the following extraordinary luxury hotel in this part of lesser-known Japan.

Matsuyama: Setouchi Retreat by Onko Chishin

This is definitely not your usual luxury hotel! This property in the forested hills over Matsuyama, designed by renowned architect Tadao Ando,

was first a corporate guesthouse and then a modern art museum.

Since December 2015 it has been an exclusive, adults-only boutique hotel. When the hospitality brand of Onko Chishin took over, Tadao Ando was brought back to oversee the remodeling of this building. 

From this emerged a serene yet living art space – it actually doubles as art gallery – with seven suites only. All of them measure over 100 square meters. The hotel’s design embodies minimalist luxury, featuring clean lines and understated decor. What a pleasure for the eyes and the senses. Nothing unnecessary interferes with your inner peace. My husband and I chose a Half-Open-Air Hot Spring Suite with Forest View

(117,879 Yen/night with dinner and access to lounge with free drinks, one Michelin Key) and were delighted by it!

The most striking feature here is – yet everything is full of beauty – the magnificent pool that juts out over the mountain ridge. From this 30-meter/98-feet lap pool

you have the most fantastic views of the Seto Inland Sea.

Staff here is great, ensuring that every guest feels attended to and valued. As to food you are in for refined kaiseki cuisine.

The breakfast on our first day was designed to impress with a story to tell.

The ones that followed were less inspired and a bit on the small side, but still made with care. How wonderful that we found this treasure of a hotel!

Our luxury hotels in Japan’s lesser-known Honshu

After crossing the Seto Island Sea we did not venture far for our first stop on Honshu near Okayama. Then we headed to the so-called “Kyoto by the Sea”, the northern coastal region of Kyoto Prefecture about a 40-minute car ride from Kyoto. Our last stay in hidden Honshu was in the Mie Prefecture. Precisely, we stayed on the Shima Peninsula, a bit more than two and half hours by car south of Kyoto. And everywhere in this lesser-known Japan we found luxury hotels to our liking.

1. Kurashiki: Hotel Yoruya

The hotel’s best feature is its setting in a restored 110-year-old kimono merchant’s residence in Kurashiki’s Bikan Historical Quarter.

The renovation included historic and newly built structures, which were merged to create a unified entity (opened November 2024).

I liked the appeal of the property with a good mix of old and new. You would not guess that there is a luxury boutique hotel with 13 rooms behind the dark timber façade you meet on your arrival. This because the building looked more or less like all the other ones in this beautiful historic neighborhood. But unfortunately, there were some unfavorable aspects too.

Above all, I had mixed feelings about our room, a Maisonette-Renga

(48 sqm, 158,510 Yen/night with dinner). It was nicely designed

but the downstairs bathroom was not only rather cramped (sink area) but it was also chilly in here; both is true for the entrance hall too. And in the shower and tub area it was even freezing cold.

Then we encountered some culinary issues. Whereas we enjoyed our dinners,

the second one was a bit repetitive.

The Japanese breakfast was excellent,

in contrast to the western one on the second morning. We also faced some challenges with the staff. A minor point was the failure to refill the water in our room on the second day. I also had doubts about their attitude because of how we were seen off upon leaving. Almost everywhere else in Japan we got a farewell with fanfare. Here, one employee said goodbye but the superiors I had just seen disappear behind a curtain did not appear to join in.

After considering our experience at Yoruya, I believe we did not receive sufficient value for the significant amount we spent at this hotel. It remains unclear if any of the problems experienced here are related to the hotel being part of the Marriot portfolio (we saw quite many Americans under the guests too). Be it as it may, I am not sure whether we would choose to stay here again.

2. Kyoto by the Sea/Miyazu: Monjusou Shourotei

Monjusou Shourotei was the most traditional ryokan we had on this Japan trip.

That means there was a shoe-off policy right by the entrance and the meals took place in your own private dining-room. On arrival day, a staff member came to our guest room to show us to the one in question. Also the kaiseki dinner followed long-standing established standards. It was very good,

the same was true for the breakfast.

While everything was very elaborate on our first day, this was less so on our second day. This applies for both, diner and breakfast. But it was still an impressive affair.

The ryokan has an excellent location, just on a quiet, forested spit of land across the famous sandbar of Amanohashidate in Kyoto’s north.

Out of the 7 seven rooms, which are all newly renovated, we went for an entry-level one. It is about the one called Shoukin (101,400 Yen/night with dinner),  which is one of two traditional ones.

The room spans 25 sqm, constructed in the traditional 8 tatami-mats and 4-tatami mats configuration. You sleep on futon beds that are stored away during the day.

And you have a front-row view of the mentioned sandbar and the picturesque Aso Sea. The bathroom is small yet functionally furnished.

In contrast to the larger, more modern suites, there is no hot spring onsen. The premium ones also come with their own sleeping rooms.

During our hotel stay, we met the typically renowned Japanese hospitality. Everything was perfect from the start to the end. I would recommend this lodging without any reservation, especially so in case you want to experience how it is being in a truly traditional ryokan.

3. Shima Peninsula: The Hiramatsu Hotels & Resorts Kashikojima

Here in Kyoto’s south on the stunning Shima Peninsula you find the first property of the Hiramatsu hotel group, founded by chef Hiroyuki Hiramatsu.

This name achieved fame when its Paris location became the first Japanese-owned French restaurant to receive a Michelin star. The high standard of culinary excellence is applied in the Kashikojima kitchen too (chef Masato Imamura in charge). The menu merges classic French techniques with the high-quality produce of the region. You get here an outstanding multi-course dinner, which included not only premium ingredients but foie gras too.

And this was the case every night on our three-night stay. Also the breakfast was top-notch.

Due to its strong focus on gastronomic mastery, this lodging is considered as upscale fine-dining restaurant with rooms. There are eight of them, the smaller Deluxe ones in the main building, the larger Executives ones with private onsen in the Annexe (194,000 Yen/night with dinner). We had one of the latter

and loved the oversized bathroom with the onsen in its center in particular.

From here we had a great view of the scenic Ago Bay.

At Hiramatsu Kashikojima they operate on the concept of a western ryokan. While the food of course is not Japanese, other aspects are, just as having your meals at a private dining-room.

Michelin awarded the hotel a Michelin Key.

What struck me most here was how the staff monitored our coming and leaving. While we had experienced this in Japan before, here it was taken to the extreme. Yet they had good intentions and we did not really mind. When it came to their command of English, not all the employees were fluent but they succeeded to some extent. As to the service quality, they embodied the classic celebrated Japanese hospitality at its best. My verdict: come here for excellent French cuisine as well as cordial and attentive service.

About my second trip to lesser-known Japan posts

While this post was about all the luxury hotels my husband and I were (without Osaka and Kyoto) on our second trip to lesser-known Japan, my first went into the underlaying itinerary. Here I made one of My Google Maps that come with the route, all the upscale lodgings, fine-dining restaurants and cafés plus the activities.

The topic of my next and last blog post will be about the fine-dining spots we were on this journey outside of the hotels we stayed.

In this context, you have to be aware of the fact that the dinner in Japan is often included in the accommodations you typically find here, especially in the countryside (ryokans and similar establishments). So, there is in many cases no need to look out for off-site restaurants. Though, we had quite a few of them and – as almost always – I frequently relied on the Michelin Guide when choosing them.

Date of stay: April 2026

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Have you done Japan’s (Extended) Golden Triangle/Route already, and are you looking for an off-the-beaten-path itinerary for a second visit? Here I may provide some advice, especially in case you care for staying and dining in style. Yet, it is preferable do this trip by rental car – which is not such a big deal (I give some tips below). The journey brings you to Kyushu, Shikoku and some lesser travelled parts of Honshu. My post includes a Google My Map with all the places my husband and I went, along with brief information about them. In further blogposts, I will go into some highlights experienced along the route, precisely luxury hotels and fine-dining restaurants. But now to the rarely explored Japan travel plan for second-timers to Japan.

Before delving into the subject, some remarks to the first Japan trip we did back in 2019, which went to the Extended Golden Triangle/Route and some side trips. Also find some information about traveling Japan by rental car.

The Golden Triangle/Route in Japan

Most first-time travelers to Japan do the Golden Triangle or the Golden Route as it is also called. My husband and I were no exceptions here. Yet, we had decided to extend Tokyo (the modern capital), Kyoto (the cultural heart) and Osaka (the culinary hub)

by adding some more places. First, we included the Japanese Alps, a loop including Kanazawa, Shirakawa-go and Takayama. This is also called the Extended Golden Triangle or the Extended Golden Route.

Then we chose two classic side trips too (Hakone and Nara).

Finally, we visited two off-the-beaten path destinations as well (Yakushima Island and Kiso Valley).

This  itinerary is ideal if you have three weeks available for your Japan journey. In case you have only two weeks for this, then I would opt for the Extended Golden Triangle/Route. And if you have not more than eight days, rather go for the Golden Triangle/Route.

Find here all my blog posts about our first Japan trip: itinerary, hotels, find and reserve restaurants, (specific) restaurants, ryokan stay, off-the-beaten-path destinations (Kiso Valley and Yakushima Island).

Travel Japan by rental car

General

While most visitors to Japan decide to travel the country by using the efficient and convenient rails system, getting around by rental car is an option too. This is advisable in particular if you also want to explore rural Japan. Skip the rental in major cities just as Tokyo, Kyoto and Osaka. Rent a car only for regional travel in areas like the Japanese Alps or Kyushu.

On our first journey, we drove by car from Tokyo to Hakone, then further to Kiso Valley, Kanazawa, Takayama and Kyoto. The rest we did by train and plane.

This time, we rented a car in Kagoshima, after flying in from Osaka. We drove all the way through Kyushu to Shikoku and later to Honshu. Here we visited a couple of lesser known rural destinations before returning the car in Kyoto.

Now to some practical information in terms of getting around by rental car in Japan.

Tips for taking a road trip in Japan

For traveling by rental car in Japan you must carry an International Driving Permit (IDP) issued under the 1949 Geneva Convention. Reserve a vehicle with an English-language GPS and request an ETC (Electronic Toll Collection) card for toll highways.

When it comes to navigating, use Mapcodes instead of inserting addresses into systems, which can be challenging. Mapcodes are 6-to-12 digit numeric codes that convert exact GPs coordinates into simple numbers. Unlike in the west, Japanese addresses are based on blocks or districts rather than sequential street names. So, the use of Mapcodes is recommended which can pinpoint a 3-meter by 3-meter/10-feet by 10-feet square.

To find a Mapcode before your trip, look up the coordinates on the Mapcode website. Once done so, type the number into the “Mapcode” option on a Japanese rental car’s built-in GPS.

You have to be aware of Japan’s strict traffic rules too. Not only drive on the left side of the road but also come to a complete stop before crossing railroad tracks. And there is a zero-tolerance policy for drinking and driving. And it may be a good idea to opt for a so-called kei car (light vehicle). Its small size allows you to drive without problems on narrow rural roads or in tight cities.

My Google Map of a 3½-week off-the-beaten-path Japan itinerary for second-timers

Basic motivation

After having explored the frequently traveled Extended Golden Triangle on Japan’s main island of Honshu last time, my husband and I  longed for a more off-the-beaten-path Japan itinerary on our second visit. We had in mind to discover some parts of two more islands, i.e. Kyushu and Shikoku. Furthermore – as we flew in to and out of Osaka – , we wanted to get to know some more places in Honshu that are outside the usual ones foreign travelers go to.

Apart from the above basic motivation, we had to fulfil one more need of ours. And that was about our striving to stay at nice hotels and dine at fine restaurants. So, we only chose places where you find well-rated luxury lodging (my post) and upscale dining.

In case you wonder which website is best suited for travel information about Japan, my personal favorite is Japan Guide.

Detailled travel plan Kyushu-Shikoku-unknown Honshu, an off-the-beaten-path Japan itinerary 

1. Osaka/Honshu (2 nights)

I already hinted about our second-time Japan itinerary  – when I described our getting around by car. In more details, we flew in to Osaka where we spent two nights. As we had been here before, we took it easy and did not do too much sightseeing.

2. Kyushu (9 nights)

After flying to Kagoshima, we picked up our rental car and drove to our first destination on the island of Kyushu. After having trouble to find a suitable hotel in the Kirishima region near by the airport, we headed further to Izumi on Kyushu’s west coast (3 nights).

We ended up there in this untouristy spot because I had stumbled on a unique luxury boutique hotel in Izumi City. It is set inside the oldest and largest preserved samurai residential area in the Kagoshima Prefecture.

The next stop was in the Nagasaki Prefecture, where we wanted to explore the volcanic area around Unzen

and Nagasaki City (3 nights).

Our last destination on Kyushu lead us to the Oita Prefecture. Here we were attracted by Yufuin

and Beppu,

two onsen/hot spring towns, in particular (3 nights).

3. Shikoku (3 nights)

We crossed by ferry from Kyushu to Shikoku, which saved us a detour of a few hours. The one and only stop here was in Matsuyama, the capital of Ehime Prefecture.

It sits on the coast of the scenic Seto Inland Sea. Not only features it some major sights but you also find a few quaint rural heritage towns nearby.

4. Unknown Honshu (7 nights)

After leaving Shikoku we headed north to the Okayama Prefecture. Our first stop was in Kurashiki, a charming historic canal city (2 nights) near Okayama City.

From here we also visited the art island of Naoshima.

Then my husband and I continued to the so-called “Kyoto by the Sea”. This is a coastal region in the northern Kyoto Prefecture facing the Sea of Japan. Here we concentrated on two of its top highlights. This is Amanohashidate, a natural sandbar ranked as one of “Japan’s Three Most Scenic Views”,

and Ine no Funaya, a picturesque fishing village (2 nights).

The last of three spots we went in “unknown Honshu” was in the Mie Prefecture, a coastal region south of Kyoto. Precisely, we stayed in the Ago Bay at the southern tip of the Shima Peninsula. This region not only has a splendid jagged-edged coastline but is also the birthplace of modern pearl cultivation.

Furthermore, the ultimate spiritual destination in Japan of Ise Grand Shrine is not far away (3 nights).

5. Kyoto/Honshu (3 nights)

To end our 24-night second trip to Japan, we spent three nights in Kyoto. On our way to this city

This after already staying here for four nights on our first Japan journey. As we had already done the major sights in Japan’s cultural heart back in 2019, we took it easy here. On the one hand, we checked out the area where our boutique hotel was located, the historic riverside district of Gojo Rakuen (Kamo River and Takase River). On the other hand, we revisited the Higashiyama district, one of Kyoto’s best-preserved historic ones. Here we explored off-the-beaten-track attractions, as far as possible.

On our departure day, we took a direct train ride from Kyoto Station to Kansai International Airport in Osaka, which takes about 75 to 85 minutes.

After going into our off-the-beaten-path itinerary for our second Japan trip, you might wonder how it was. Did the route meet the standards we set?

Itinerary evaluation off-the-beaten-path second trip to Japan

Overall

The royal road to discover Japan’s jewels is visiting Honshu, in particular Kyoto. Nowhere else you encounter so many striking historic destinations. Unfortunately, this cultural center is overtouristed. While in 2019, Japan counted 31.9 million tourists, there were already 42.9 million in 2025. And most of them did probably go to Kyoto too. Of course, my husband and I noticed the difference in this city between our first trip in 2019 and the actual one in 2026. There were tons of travelers in its prominent districts in the current year, and especially many young westerners. Surprisingly, Kyoto was the only spot of our journey where this fact stood out to me.

In all the other places we went the clientele was mixed, be it age-wise or origin-wise. In this context, you have to know that most Japan visitors come from Asian countries such as South Korea, China or Taiwan. Westerners only make up about 15 to 20% of all tourists.

While Honshu boasts grand imperial cities, which are places of longing for first-timers to Japan, you have more choices as second-timer. Kyushu has not such a large overall volume of historic districts. Instead it is rich in well-preserved samurai and merchant towns.

And it is known as an onsen/hot spring paradise. Shikoku on the other side has fewer historic towns than both Honshu and Kyushu, but it stands out for its genuine character and rural charm.

Kyushu

1. Izumi

Izumi was a great start for our Kyushu explorations due to its countryside allure and the low tourist numbers. I do not think that this rural town sees a lot of western travelers. Being here was a soothing experience, and this without lacking to stay and dine in style. Notabene for prices that were much lower than everywhere else we went on this trip.

2. Unzen & Nagasaki

Unzen, an onsen resort town,  and Nagasaki City, both popular tourist destinations, were not devoid of visitors but not really crowded. Only one sight in Nagasaki, Clover Garden with its western mansions,

felt somewhat cramped. By the way, my husband and I liked the vibe of this port city with its striking hilly landscape.

3. Dazaifu near Fukuoka

When transferring to Yufuin, we made a side trip to Dazaifu in Fukuoka’s south. It is about a supposedly charming historic town with its Tenmangu Shrine, the head shrine of over 10,000 such ones all over Japan. While the latter is impressive and well worth a visit, the approach to it was incredibly congested with large Asian tour groups queuing for souvenirs and street food. It was not really a pleasant experience, so we quickly left this tourist trap.

4. Yufuin & Beppu

The same situation as in Dazaifu happened  in Yufuin too. Here Asian day-trippers coming by buses from Fukuoka filled the Main Street, which is lined with souvenir shops, snack stalls and cafés.

And the picturesque Lake Kinrin at the dead-end of this street overflew with crowds. My husband and I found the ambiance appalling and quickly retreated to our peaceful and quiet hotel located in the hills above town. As to the nearby “Hells of Beppu” (geothermal ponds), they were busy but not too much so – maybe with the exception of pond number one (do not buy the entrance ticket here to escape the crowds).

Shikoku

We only went to the northwestern part of Shikoku, precisely the area around Matsuyama, and to the island of Naoshima – which is closer to Honshu. So,  I cannot really give an holistic view of the whole island. For my part, I am fan of Shikoku. Its primary appeal lies in offering an untouched, off-the-beaten-path contrast to more visited places on the main island of Honshu.

Matsuyama does have a relaxed vibe so we felt much at ease here. It is laid out over a large area and does not feature many skyscrapers. Apart from some major sights – one of few original samurai-era castles and a beautiful historic bathhouse (Dogo Onsen) – ,

there are also pleasant business districts and neighbourhoods. And I loved strolling around the nearby historic small  towns of Uchiko

and Ozu (visit here Garyu Sanso, a century-old mountain villa), which felt authentic.

Unknown Honshu

1. Onomichi

En route from Shikoku to our first stop in Honshu we made a halt in Onomichi, a charming, hilly port city in the Hiroshima Prefecture. We came here to do the Onomichi Temple Walk that connects 25 distinct Buddhist temples. An activity I recommend as it offers not only a cultural insight but also old-world Japanese neighbourhood charm and stunning vistas of the Seto Inland Sea. And the number of visitors was low.

2. Kurashiki

More people were around in Kurashiki but not too much so, at least towards evening. You come here for the Bikan Historical Quarter whose heart is a willow-lined canal district from the 17th century. As it escaped destruction during World Wart II, its old-world structures are intact. It is full of striking kura (merchant storehouses).

3. Kyoto by the Sea

When it comes to our next stop in unknown Honshu, the so-called Kyoto by the Sea, there was tourism on our stay, but it was not overwhelming. The Pine Sandbar of Amanohashidate is quite a point of attraction but if you walk a bit further – it is 3.6 km/2.2 mi long – , then you are almost on your own.

Ine, the nearby fishing village famous for its funaya boat houses, was uncrowded except of the Hinode Pier where the large tour groups boarded. We in contrast used a sea taxi to get a close-up view of the wooden boat houses from the water.

4. Ago Bay in the south of Shima Peninsula 

There is tourism on the Shima Peninsula, but in varies by location. While there was not much on our stay in its very southeast (between Anorisaki and Daiosaki Lighthouses),

you find quite some folks in the Ago Bay, e.g. at the Yokoyama Observation Deck. And lots of visitors (pilgrims and tourists) flock to the Ise Shrines, the holiest in Shintoism.

Conclusion to rarely explored Kyushu-Shikoku-unknown Honshu Japan itinerary 

Did our second trip to Japan fulfill our expectations for a rewarding, off-the-beaten-path experience? Overall, I would agree. First in Kyushu, I longed for the well-preserved historical towns I remember from the Extended Golden Triangle/Route. Then I began to appreciate the more relaxed pace here paired with subtropical nature, volcanic landscapes and top hot springs. In Shikoku I loved the true essence of rural Japan that I encountered here. And in “Unknown Honshu” as I call it, we could enjoy amazing, lesser-visited attractions.

Yet I personally think that our second Japan trip was only truly complete because of the hotels we chose. We had everything, ranging from a former samurai residence to a previous corporate guest house respectively an art museum, modern and traditional ryokans and a former kimono merchant’s residence. You cannot think a Japan journey without the one-of-a-kind experiences you make in these unique accommodations I mentioned.

Therefore, my upcoming blog post will cover the accommodations from our second trip to lesser-known Japan. These often included the dinner, think of elaborate kaiseki meals.

Date of stay: April 2026

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Paris is my favorite city in the world, so it regularly finds its way onto my travel itinerary. My husband and I love staying in the Marais district, a historic yet trendy neighborhood that is perfect not only for exploring Paris but also for dining out. Located in the 3rd and 4th arrondissements on the Right Bank of the Seine, the Marais offers no shortage of fabulous Michelin-starred restaurants — astonishingly, in almost every price range. In early March this year, with favorable weather forecasts ahead, my husband and I did not hesitate for long before heading to Paris once again. We booked a small boutique hotel in the Marais, which I will share more details about at the end of this post. We also made reservations at three of the best nearby Michelin-starred restaurants, choosing them for their modern appeal, excellent reviews, and good value for money.

Below, you’ll find my latest discoveries among Paris’s top Michelin-starred eateries. You can also check out my recommendations from our previous Marais stay in 2022, featuring three one-star Michelin restaurants and one Michelin-recognized dining spot. All of them continue to receive excellent reviews. While some are located in the Marais, others are slightly farther away — though still within walking distance.

1. Restaurant Datil Paris, one of the best restaurants in the Marais

3th arrondissement, 1 star Michelin, 14 points Gault Millau, 50 Best Discovery (by the makers of The World’s 50 Best Restaurants)

About

Here is Manon Fleury, the 35-year-old “cheffe” — the term used in France for a female chef — at the helm. When she opened Datil in September 2023, it was considered the hottest new dining spot on Paris’s gastronomic scene. After dining there, I can understand why: what I experienced was unlike anything I had tasted before. It definitely ranks among the best restaurants in the Marais neighborhood. Before opening Datil, Fleury worked in several renowned kitchens, including Blue Hill at Stone Barns in New York, which holds two Michelin stars. That experience proved formative, introducing her to the farm-to-table philosophy and deepening her appreciation for plant-based cooking.

Experience

That said, the minimalist restaurant, designed in natural hues,

does not focus exclusively on plants. Animal proteins are also present, although meat and fish never dominate the plate. During our visit, service was friendly and informative, even if somewhat slow at both the beginning and end of the evening. In total, we spent more than three hours there. Datil offers only a seven-course tasting menu, priced at €160. While it was the most expensive meal of our trip, I found the pricing fair considering both the quality and the philosophy behind the restaurant.

From what I have read about Fleury, she advocates not only for environmental responsibility and zero-waste cooking, but also for gender equality, with most of her team made up of women. She is also the co-founder of an association that fights violence in professional kitchens. As for the meal itself, her focus on plants was evident throughout, yet always in a way that remained appealing even for flexitarians. Every dish felt light, balanced, and precise. Techniques such as extraction and fermentation play a central role in her cuisine, allowing intricate flavors and subtle nuances to emerge from the ingredients. At times, the meal even reminded me of Japanese kaiseki cuisine. All in all, you get at this Marais restaurant plant-driven fine dining at its best.

2. Restaurant H Paris

4th arrondissement, 1 star Michelin, 14 points Gault Millau

About

Another candidate for the title as one of best fine-dining restaurant in the Marais is “H”. This single letter stands for Hubert Duchenne, who has been running his own establishment since 2016. When he opened the eatery, just steps from the Bastille, he was only 27 years old. The year before, he had been named “Young Talent” by Gault & Millau, and only one year after opening, the restaurant earned its Michelin star. Although Duchenne is originally from Normandy, he has long lived and worked in Paris.

Experience

Upon entering the elegant yet welcoming 20-seat dining room,

my husband and I felt comfortable immediately. Much of that was thanks to the maître d’, who struck exactly the right balance of professionalism and warmth. From our table, I could also glimpse the kitchen through a window, where the chef and his team worked in perfect harmony.

When it came to ordering, we chose the longer tasting menu — seven courses for €130 — although a shorter five-course version is also available for €105. Considering the quality, this represents exceptional value for money. Duchenne even highlights on his website that he runs one of the least expensive Michelin-starred restaurants in France, and after dining there, I can certainly agree.

Hubert Duchenne and his team delivered an outstanding performance that evening. His cuisine is rooted in classic French cooking but refined with modern touches. Technically, I found the dishes brilliant and stylistically assured. This became evident from the very first course: asparagus paired with an exquisite orange sabayon. It continued with his signature dish of crab, salicornia, and parsley. Everything that followed — pollack with a fantastic beurre blanc, faux-filet de bœuf, and two excellent desserts — left me absolutely delighted. Combined with the impeccable service, it made for a truly memorable dinner.

3. Restaurant Bombance Paris

4th arrondissement, Michelin, 13 points Gault Millau

About

My husband and I were looking for a place to enjoy a small lunch before heading home. Bombance, which means “Feast”,  seemed perfect for this purpose. I was surprised by how very reasonable their lunch offer was — three courses for €30. Above all, I was impressed by the menu, which struck me as a thoughtful blend of traditional and contemporary cuisine with a healthy touch.

Bombance is a bistronomic restaurant with a concise menu that changes regularly. Seasonal ingredients are locally sourced, and the wine selection also emphasizes quality. For dinner, guests can choose either a three-course menu for €60 or order à la carte (starters €17, mains €33, desserts €15). As for the people behind Bombance, I had to dig a little deeper, as their website reveals very little. From what I found, the restaurant was created by two entrepreneurs who met at a Parisian culinary school: Louis Baguenault and Paul Gillet. When Bombance opened in August 2023, the kitchen was led by Louis’ former mentor. A year later, a new chef, Magali Martini, took over.

Experience

Now to our experience at Bombance. I was already excited as we approached the restaurant. I found the green-on-green exterior especially charming,

and I loved the small room by the entrance with its detached bench tables.

In the end, though, we opted for the more comfortable seating in the main dining room.

While the space is somewhat dark and narrow, it still feels sympa — pleasant and inviting, as the French would say. There is even a third, more secluded room with an especially cozy atmosphere.

As for the food, we chose the previously mentioned three-course lunch menu: a starter and dessert from the menu, plus either the “Special of the Day” or the “Crispy Quinoa” as a main. We went for the latter without quite knowing what to expect. It turned out to be quinoa falafel served with asparagus and fresh cheese — delicious, just like the starter (smoked cod with aioli) and the desserts (“Vanilla & Exotic Fruits” and “Like a Black Forest Cherry Cake”).

The service was also courteous and attentive.

Where to stay in style in the Marais neighborhood

In our hunt for the best restaurants in the Marais offering value for money, we also longed for staying in style. As announced, I would like to share two stylish luxury hotels in this neighborhood with you. One was our choice for this year’s trip, the other dates back to our 2022 visit. Both are boutique hotels, though quite different in character. Our 2026 choice, Dupond-Smith, has just eight rooms, while Cours des Vosges (stay in 2022) offers twelve. Find out more in the sections below.

1. Hotel Dupond-Smith Marais/Paris

Location/Rooms

I think this tiny hotel in the heart of the Marais is quite a find. The five-star property is housed in a 17th-century, five-story mansion on a quiet street.

The first floor contains a small reception area and a lounge where breakfast is served — although seating is limited to just six guests.

Floors two through five each feature two guest rooms varying in size from 18 to 39 square meters. While all rooms are styled in a contemporary way, each has its own distinct character and bears the name of an illustrious figure or celebrity. Some even come with balconies or private courtyards. My husband and I stayed in the James Jewel Suite (39 sqm).

Our room

We were very pleased with our room: plenty of space, a cheerful red-and-yellow color scheme,

and a generous wet bar.

A nicely sized dining table — ideal for breakfast — , a spacious bathroom,

and a separate toilet with its own hand basin

completed the setup. We actually had breakfast in our room twice because a group had booked the lounge during our preferred time slot. The exceptionally friendly and helpful receptionist informed us in advance, which was absolutely fine. The breakfast he brought to our room was good, although the pastries were perhaps slightly oversized. Outstanding, however, was the banana bread he baked fresh every day — he even shared the recipe with us.

Final thoughts

In general, Dupond-Smith excelled in service. The main receptionist — the one with the twirled mustache who also appears on the website — is truly gifted at his job, though all the staff members we encountered were excellent. I can wholeheartedly recommend this hotel if you appreciate quiet luxury. Operating since September 2019, the hotel is no longer brand new, but it is very well maintained. My only criticism is that the towel warmer did not work during our stay, despite attempts to fix it. Still, this was only a minor issue. We thoroughly enjoyed our time here.

2. Hotel Cours des Vosges Marais/Paris

As I already covered this hotel in a previous post, I will not go into too much detail here. Suffice it to say that it is a beautiful property with one major asset: its view overlooking what is probably the most magnificent square in Paris — Place des Vosges,

one of my favorite spots in the city.

While we very much enjoyed our stay at Hotel Cours des Vosges at the time, I am not sure whether we would return today.

To give you well-founded advice, I checked the current reviews, which are somewhat mixed — and I can understand why. First of all, you should be aware that the hotel offers little beyond the room itself.

Despite its five-star rating, there is no real reception area. Breakfast is available, but from what I read, it is now served exclusively in-room. During our 2022 stay, we were able to have breakfast on the terrace of the associated pastry shop,

although there was no indoor seating. Apparently, this is no longer possible.

Secondly, I find the current pricing exaggerated. When comparing two similar guest rooms, a stay at Cours des Vosges costs roughly twice as much as one at Dupond-Smith. In my opinion, this price difference is not justified, even though Cours des Vosges is slightly more stylish and offers exceptional views. Dupond-Smith, on the other hand, provides highly personalized service that truly meets the standards of a luxury hotel.

Date of stay: March 2026

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When staying at the new Hotel Mandarin Oriental Muscat lately – see my post – , my husband and I explored the nearby fine-dining scene. It is about the Shatti Al Qurum District, one of Muscat’s central hubs. Here you find the modern, high-end Muscat. This district is not only home of the city’s main diplomatic area but is also considered as prestigious neighborhood. In addition, there are a popular beach (Qurum Beach) as well as numerous dining-spots, cafés and some luxury hotels. Find in the following five of the best fine-dining restaurants in Shatti Al Qurum, Muscat’s modern city center. And these establishments are also among the top culinary destinations that the whole city of Muscat has to offer.

Before I get to the individual dining venues, first a few lines to Muscat’s premier restaurant landscape.

What Muscat has to offer in terms of best fine-dining restaurants

Unfortunately, there is no Michelin Guide for restaurants in Oman, so you receive no advice from this side. As to other guidance from reliable sources, you can check the 50Best Discovery list, yet it yields not always the same results, depending on the search query (two or three results). Be it as it may, at least you have some recommendation (see below). When doing my research on best fine-dining restaurants in Muscat, I was looking for other trustworthy references, but I did not find any. If you happen to know of any, please let me know.

From my earlier four visits to Muscat, I knew that you can often expect fine culinary experiences at luxury hotels. And this is supported by Tripadvisor. Two illustrations of this are Hotel Shangri-La (Hilton as of January 2026)

and Hotel Al Bustan Palace,

where we stayed on earlier occasions. In the former case, I was in favor of Restaurant Sultanah and Bait Al Bahr. In the latter, I can remember that we ate well here, yet that was in 2004. But I checked on Tripadvisor, many of its dining-spots are favorably rated, for instance The Pavilion or Al Khiran.

As to our recent Muscat stay at Hotel Mandarin Oriental Muscat

in the Shatti Al Qurum district, my restaurant search went as follows. Two venues result from my 50Best Discovery research and were set from the beginning. The same was true for the signature eatery at our lodging. Then I checked out the dining spots at nearby upscale hotels – and found one more that I absolutely wanted to visit. Plus, I had a look at independent eateries in the Qurum Beach area, where I discovered two additional ones. While one of them was fine, the other turned out to be a failure (with Persian cuisine). As a consequence – and much to my regret – , you find no place with Arabian food on my list of the best fine-dining restaurants in Muscat. Should you know a seriously good one in the Shatti Al Qurum area, please advise.

My personal 5 best fine-dining restaurants in Muscat’s Shatti Al Qurum district

I list my best fine-dining restaurants in Muscat’s Shatti Al Qurum district in descending order. My favorite one comes first, yet the lowest was still good – otherwise I would not have it included.

1. Restaurant Ba Ban at Hotel W Muscat, my favorite as to best fine-dining restaurants in Muscat

(Modern Chinese cuisine)

Ba Ban at Hotel W Muscat

is on the above mentioned 50Best Discovery list. And it really was a great find, not only in terms of food but also as to interiors.

I was fond of the red leather banquette seating combined with green leather chairs and a lot of black. Apparently, the design draws inspiration from the gloomy, atmospheric character of the pre-war Bund, a historical district in Shanghai.

As to the food, the restaurant’s cooking is principally Cantonese with some signature Beijing dishes and a few Szechuan classics. And the chefs, diligent in the latest cooking techniques, do their contemporary take on traditional recipes. The menu includes Dim Sum (6.50-9 OMR), Fried Dumplings (6.50-8.50 OMR), 2 Dim Sum Platters (15/11 OMR), Peking Duck (48 hours notice, Half 21.50/Whole 42), Soup (6 OMR), Fish & Shellfish (15-24 OMR), Meat (18.50-26 OMR), Noodles (9.50-16.50 OMR), Rice (8.50-15), Vegetables & Sides (3.80-6 OMR) and Desserts (4.80-6 OMR).

My husband and I chose the Supreme Dim Sum Platter to share, which was varied, innovative and delicious. We continued with Omani Lobster with XO Sauce and Wok-Fried Prawns with Vegetable Noodles. Both were fine, my favorite out of them was the latter because the prawns and the noodles were so delicate. As to the lobster – Omani ones are clawless – , the tail was good, the body not so much (mushy). Desserts were impressive, fabulous ice-crem and a tasty Tatin Chinoise.

Service was flawless with one exception, when the server divided the lobster between two plates. He did this by putting the tail on one plate and the body on the other, which was not the way to do it – in particular when the body was mushy.

2. Restaurant Char at Hotel W Muscat

(Mediterranean cuisine & steakhouse)

This is yet another eatery at Hotel W Muscat,

and it is also included in the 50Best Discovery list. And again, I was delighted by what we encountered here, excellent, inventive Mediterranean cuisine, often prepared on the grill. Also the setting is nice. While we could dine on the lovely outdoor terrace,

the interiors seemed like an ideal spot to dine in style too with their funky vibe.

You find here an elegant wooden floor, fashionable leather chairs with an Omani touch plus again plenty of black.

In terms of culinary offerings at Char, there are five sections to select from. Appetizers (9-14 OMR) include dishes such as Baked Feta & Quinoa, Cherry Kebab or Truffle Steak Tartare. When it comes to Wood Fired Grills (26-60 OMR), you can choose meat out of three categories: USA USDA Prime, Australian Angus MB3+ 120D Grain-Fed and Australia Wagyu MB 4-5 (whatever that all is, I am no expert). In addition, Omani Lobster is an option here too (the least expensive item). And you can combine all the Wood Fired Grills with a Sauce (2 OMR, five kinds). Alternatively, you can go for one of the Signatures (15-21 OM). Think of a Butternut Steak, a Provençal Seabass or a Corn-Fed Chicken. Sides (4 OMR) complete the offer. And tempting Desserts (7 OMR) make the end.

As you may have noted, there is something for everyone, also for your vegan or vegetarian culinary companions! My husband and I had Salmon Crudo and Caesar Salad as starters, which were both great choices. The same is true for our mains, Grilled Lamb Chops and Australia Wagyu MB 4-5 Tenderloin. The meat was flavourful and grilled to perfection. And to end this fabulous meal, we shared a delicious Salted Caramel Crème Brûlée.

As to the service, it was smooth from start to finish. Char is definitely part of the best fine-dining restaurants in Muscat’s Shatti al Qurum district.

3. Restaurant Takara at Hotel InterContinental Muscat

(Japanese cuisine)

I discovered this high-end Japanese eatery when browsing quality fine-dining restaurants in luxury hotels near Mandarin Oriental Muscat. It was opened in 2018 at the Hotel InterContinental Muscat,

and this in the lobby area.

The windowless dining room is defined by its extensive use of wood. They function as room dividers, and the floor as well as the chairs with extra-high backs and the floor is made of this material. You also find here a teppanyaki grill station,

where the dominance of wood is broken by uneven brick walls. And there is a number of booths for dining with more privacy.

When my husband and I had a look around at Takara prior to our dinner, a friendly employee recommended one of the booths for our upcoming visit. And it was a pleasant table with much space and comfort. It was next to the teppanyaki area, which was not in operation. Throughout the evening, we were well looked after. You get here a westernized version of Japanese cuisine with a wide selection available: Teppanyaki (3 set menus 29.40- 38.20 OMR & à la carte 7-29.40 OMR), Soups & Appetizers (2.50-5.50 OMR), Agemono (deep-fried dishes, 4.50-7 OMR), Kushiyaki (grilled skewers, 3.50-6.50 OMR), New Style Sashimi, Sashimi & Nigiri (3-11.80 OMR), Makimono & Classic Sushi Rolls (4-7.80 OMR), Yakimono (from the grill, 8-17.60 OMR), Oshokuji (rice dishes, 1.50-10 OMR) and Men Rui (noodles, 4.50-10.50 OMR). And to finish, you can choose one of seven Desserts (2.80-4 OMR).

A bit overwhelmed by all the choice we had, my husband and I feasted on following dishes. We began with Tuna Tataki Salad and Hamachi Jalapeño Sashimi, which were delicious. Then we continued with two fishes from the grill, Salmon Teriyaki and Misoyaki Gindara (Black Cod). Especially the latter was a hit. And to conclude the meal, we shared a fabulous Miso Cheesecake.

4. Restaurant Essenza at Mandarin Oriental Muscat

(Upscale Italian cuisine)

As my husband and I stayed at the Mandarin Oriental Muscat, we of course wanted to try out its signature restaurant, Essenza. While we had planned a dinner here anyway, we were thrilled to learn upon arrival that we were treated to a complimentary meal here. So, we ended up dining twice at this Italian eatery where chef Davide Borin from Venetia showcases a fresh perspective on traditional Italian dishes. And he does this in a beautiful spot styled with typical Italien motives, although with a modern touch, and an impressive open kitchen.

There is also a generous outdoor area for alfresco dining. And you find here also a cool mezzanine-level bar, overlooking the sea.

When it comes to Essenza’s offerings, you can choose from a varied menu. As to Antipasti you get typical Italian fare just as Vitello Tonnato or Parmigiana di Melanzane (6-14 OMR). Primi Piatti include an assortment of pasta and one risotto (8-19 OMR). Under Secondi you find fish, meat and vegetarian mains (10-28 OMR). If you are fond of big pieces of meat from the grill, they are available too (Australian prime cuts just as Tomahawk Wagyu MB 4/5 6 at OMR/100g, T-Bone Angus MB 2+ at 5.50 OMR/100g and Ribeye Wagyu MB 4/5 at 9.50 OMR/100g). Vegetable side dishes (Verdure) are on offer too (3-4 OMR) as well as Pizze (6-14 OMR). And an array of Dolci completes the whole (5-7 OMR).

On our first dinner, which was free, we could choose from a limited menu and went for Tuna Carpaccio as starter and Pasta/Risotto as mains. And we had two desserts – Profiteroles and Tiramisù. Everything we had was immaculately made and tasty. And it came in big portions! Especially the desserts were huge, one is enough for two. When dining at Essenza on our last day again, we indulged in Lobster and Octopus Salad to begin. We continued with pasta, Lasagne and Lobster Noodles, and ended once more with the – truly delicious – Profiteroles.

I can only praise the dishes we had. While they were not necessarily imaginative, they were seriously good. Plus, we valued the warm and hospitable staff here.

5. Restaurant Akiko 

(Japanese fusion cuisine)

Akiko was one of only two restaurants outside of (luxury) hotels we visited. This dining spot, part of the Bloom Hospitality, made its debut in May 2o22. And this at the Opera Galleria, which is right next to the Royal Opera House Muscat. They serve Japanese fusion cuisine in a quite sophisticated ambiance. I would describe its interiors as predominantly modern with some oriental elements.

The latter include the installation of deep-red maple leaves on the ceiling or the somewhat unusual chairs. You would not normally expect such features in a comparable Western establishment. Be it as it may, the food was definitely not Middle eastern fare but Japanese with South American and Hawaiian touches.

When it came to what to choose from the extensive menu, my husband and I had a bit of trouble making a decision. Numerous sections are at your disposal: For Sharing (2.90-6.90 OMR), Salads (1.90-6.90 OMR), Bobs & Bowls (2.90-12 OMR), Noodles (5.50-6.90), Robota/Mains (7.50-15.90 OMR), Sides (1-1.50 OMR), Tiraditos & Ceviche (6.50-7.50 OMR), Maki Sushi (8 pcs 4.90-7.50), Signature Nigiris/Aburi 2 pcs (4.50-4.90 OMR), Your Choice (Sashimi 9 pcs at 9.90-12.50 OMR, Nigiri 10 pcs at 12.90-15 OMR, Omakase Platters at 16.50-20.50 OMR, Okonomi Platters/Guest’s Choice at 16-29 OMR), Desserts (4.50-4.90 OMR).

We finally opted for a Papaya Salad and Ceviche with red snapper as starters, then for Miso Black Cod and Teriyaki Salmon as mains. As finale of the meal, we shared a Salted Caramel Brownie.

While all the dishes were reasonably good, they did not really stand out. For me, they somewhat lacked sufficient flavor. Maybe it would be a good idea for them to thin out the menu a bit and focus on their best dishes. Service was friendly but unremarkable. And you get no alcohol here as in most independent, non-hotel restaurants in Muscat.

Date of visits: January 2026

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While Oman is not the place to go right now for obvious reasons, for sure it is at some point in the time to come. For our fifth stay in Muscat – just before the events in question – , my husband and I opted for the recently opened Mandarin Oriental Muscat. This is one of the two latest luxury hotels making its debut in Oman’s capital. We made this choice for several reasons. First, we did not want to return to the lodging we selected the past three stays (reason in next section). Second, on our hotel research, the new Mandarin Oriental Muscat excelled in multiple aspects. One was its location in Shatti Al Qurum, a popular beach strip with trendy restaurants and cafés. Another was its architectural design, taking local conditions into account. Last, we were impressed by the beautiful and spacious guest rooms, which did not cost the earth either. So, we did not hesitate long and made a booking here. And it did not disappoint! Find out in the following how it was staying at the new Mandarin Oriental Muscat.

Before coming to my  findings about Muscat’s latest luxury hotel, a few lines about Oman, my travel adventures here so far and some brief words about Muscat’s luxury hotel scene.

Oman as a travel destination 

In a nutshell, Oman has not only lots of natural beauty and cultural heritage, but is also a safe and welcoming travel destination. It has a bit of everything: pristine coasts, golden deserts, rugged mountains as well as cultural assets like vibrant souks and historic forts.

You should visit this Middle east country from October to March, otherwise it is too hot. While many travelers limit themselves to a stay in Muscat, the capital, other regions are worthwhile exploring too. Plan for a mountain stay too in case your trip is in October/November or March/April.

And rent a 4×4 vehicle for this purpose. Roads are good, but Omanis are not necessarily great drivers (tailgating and much more) – sorry for the harsh assessment!

In terms of activities in Oman, my husband and I have already ticked off quite a few attractions from our to-do list. So, I checked out the hiking options in the run-up to the trip, as we like to walk/hike. I succeeded in finding some trails in Muscat and nearby that sounded promising. And we also did the one or other hike that was nice. Yet, I have not become an “expert” in the field of Oman hikes, so do not expect much advice on this topic.

My travel adventures in Oman so far

As repeat traveler to Oman, there is already some content about this Arabian jewel on my blog. After traveling three different parts of this sultanate back in 2019, I published three posts. It was about an overview on this travel destination, a report about staying at Jabal Akhdar (mountains) and one about Oman’s far south, Salalah. Prior to it, I informed where to stay in style and what to do in Muscat.

One more remark to Oman’s ruler, whom I mentioned in my earlier posts. There has been a change since my last stay here. In January 2020, Sultan Haitham bin Tariq took over. He succeeded his cousin, the popular Sultan Qaboos bin Said, who passed away following a 50-year reign. So, a new area has begun.

Muscat’s luxury hotel scene & information on its city center

Here I want to give a brief overview on the luxury hotel scene in Oman’s capital. Right at the beginning of this post, I wrote about two recent luxury hotel openings in Muscat. By now, you know that one is the Mandarin Oriental Muscat, located in Shatti Al Qurum (15 minutes by car west of the historic city center, Mutrah).

You have to be aware in this context that Muscat has no single, traditional city center. Instead it has separate functional hubs. This is mainly because Oman’s capital stretches along the coast between mountains and sea. The other new high-end lodging is St. Regis Al Mouj Muscat Resort, right by the airport more in the west (Al Mouj, 30 minute-drive from Mutrah). Kempinski Hotel Muscat is also here.

Let us get back to Shatti Al Qurum where Mandarin Oriental Muscat is located. It is considered part of the modern city center hub. There are a couple of more upscale lodging options here. It is about InterContinental Muscat by IHG, W Muscat and Grand Hyatt Muscat. And a bit further away – towards Mutrah – is Crowne Plaza Muscat by IHG as well. Halfway between airport and historic center you find another popular choice of demanding travelers, The Chedi (Bawshar, 22 minutes by car to Mutrah).

So far, I have covered the luxury hotels in Mutrah’s west. Now l come to its east. My husband and I have stayed at two of them. One is Al Husn (Barr Al Jissah, 23 minute-drive to Mutrah) where we were on three occasions, when it was a Shangri-La property.

It was taken over by Hilton as from early 2026. It will be part of Waldorf Astoria, once the renovation works are finished (planned for 2027). On our very first visit to Oman, we chose Al Bustan Palace (15 minute-drive from Mutrah).

Very close to Al Husn there is another high-end accommodation, Jumeirah Muscat Bay.

Staying in style at Hotel Mandarin Oriental Muscat

Now to my main topic, how it was staying in style at Mandarin Oriental Muscat. I will highlight some of it features just as location, ambiance/staff, rooms/pricing and facilities.

Location of Mandarin Oriental Muscat

I mentioned it above, Mandarin Oriental Muscat is a 15-minute drive west of Muscat’s historic center (Mutrah). While Mutrah is great for sightseeing, Qurum/Shatti Al Qurum – where Mandarin Oriental Muscat is located – is a central, upscale area with beaches, cafes, luxury hotels and expensive homes. You have already learned that there are other luxury hotels nearby. This is an asset because it gives you great opportunities to dine out. More information on that follows in my next post where I will write about fine-dining restaurants in Shatti Al Qurum.

What is more to know about Qurum/Shatti Al Qurum? Like many other parts of Muscat, this used to be a fishing village. There was also a mangrove swamp here – qurum translates to mangrove. This changed in the 1970s and 1980s when the before mentioned Sultan Qaboos bin Said came to power. He initiated a modernization process, and there was a transformation towards upscale businesses and expensive homes. The diplomatic district is located in this area too. And the Royal Opera House Muscat is here as well.

Plus, Qurum/Shatti Al Qurum is home to the Qurum Beach Muscat. It is a 4-km (2.5-mi) stretch along the Gulf of Oman, which perfectly blends natural beauty and modern facilities. Both locals and tourists gather here to walk, sunbathe, play games, party, fish. Right in front of the Mandarin Oriental Muscat you find a boardwalk. You can stroll along the beach – during 20 minutes towards east and 60 minutes towards west.

Ambiance/Staff

When my husband and I got to the Mandarin Oriental Muscat early in the morning after a short night flight (we not even got a breakfast in the air), we were warmly welcomed. A nice young gentleman at the reception desk ushered us to The Club Lounge (more info under Facilities). Here we got breakfast, cold options from a varied buffet and hot dishes to be ordered from an à la carte menu. And before long, we could check into our guest room (at 10 a.m.!). What a great reception that was!

Throughout our seven-night stay, we experienced a great service. The staff, from the the bar to the restaurants, are trained in the way of generous spirit. All employees we met did their best to make our time at this hotel perfect. We were really impressed by the great hospitality experienced at Mandarin Oriental Muscat.

As to the ambiance at the hotel, I was fond of the stunning lobby with the multicolored crystal chandelier and the three bubbling fountains.

From what I read, they honor Middle Eastern, African and Asian influences. The French interior designer Xavier Cartron is responsible for the hotel’s interiors, inspired by the rich heritage of Oman. As far as the building is concerned, designed by architect firm HOK, I found it not particularly special. From its exteriors, I considered it as fairly common contemporary construction that you can find in many parts of the world. And sadly, the space for shops and cafés going on the boardwalk is almost completely vacant.

Rooms/Pricing at Mandarin Oriental Muscat

The hotel has 150 rooms and suites, all adorned with local materials like desert rose marble and ash wood to reflect Oman’s extensive traditions. While there are rooms available both on the sea and the land side, I would definitely opt for those with view of the Gulf of Oman.

As to the ones on the other side of the building, they face the Hajar mountains. Yet these are far away, and the road and the urban neighbourhood are much more dominant.

Regarding entry level, the Deluxe Mountain View Room offers 70 sqm of indoor and outdoor living. Then there is the Deluxe Sea View Room with an indoor and outdoor space of over 65 sqm. The next higher category is the Club Mountain View Room. It is basically the same as the entry level one, albeit it comes with benefits at The Club Lounge (see under Facilities).

As to the Junior Suites and Suites, all of them allow access to The Club Lounge. It starts with the Junior Mountain View Suite featuring 110 sqm of indoor and outdoor living. And it has two separate rooms. The Junior Sea View Suite has the same size albeit features an open plan layout. A step above, you find different sorts of Suites, from the Sea View Suite to the Royal Suite. Plus, there are family accommodations.

Our choice of room: Junior Sea View Suite

You already know about size and layout (see above) of the Junior Sea View Suite. I was delighted by the room we received, which was on the top floor (fifth). What a beauty it was! I especially loved the very comfortable bed with the intriguing headboard inspired by traditional textiles. Also the bedside lighting, a takeoff on frankincense burners – Oman produces the highest quality of this aromatic resin – hanging on chains was a sight. Plus, I was in favor of the color palette used here, delicate red, earthy tones and radiant blue tiles – the latter in the bathroom above the tub.

As to the layout, it was just great! There was a generous living area, a spacious walk-in closet with a vanity and a large bathroom.

The balcony was nice with two chairs and a small table plus a separate bench.

The one thing I disliked was that the shower water did not drain properly due to an improper slope. And the hand shower had too much pressure. Otherwise, I would argue that it was one of the best accommodations we have experienced in a while.

The daily rate of this Junior Sea View Suite with access to the Club Lounge was 325 OMR (652 SFR/845 US$). Fortunately, we were able to benefit from a special offer, a complimentary third night for every three nights booked. And we also got a free dinner for two at Restaurant Essenza. Thus, I think we really got value for money at Mandarin Oriental Muscat!

Facilities

I have mentioned The Club Lounge several times, so first to this spot.

When you are in for this service, you get here a breakfast buffet plus à la carte dishes from a menu,

afternoon snacks and evening beverages with canapés.

It was always such a quiet and serene affair coming here to have small bites and sips while enjoying the sea views – and a beautiful sunset if you were lucky.

Food was fine here and the service cordial.

There is a spa onsite of course, but we did not use it. It comes with eight treatment rooms, a sunset terrace, traditional hammam, steam and scrub rooms. For sun worshippers, there is a 30-m/98-ft outdoor pool and a separate (shaded) kid’s pool.

In addition, you can venture to the beach where you find a special section for hotel guests on the lawn area.

As for kids, they also offer a kid’s club and a playground.

In terms of restaurants, you have the choice out of four outlets. Essenza Restaurant and Bar with Italian cuisine is their signature place and open for dinner only.

The all-day eatery is called Rawya serving Euro-Asian brasserie food.

Plus, there is Sì Breeze Restaurant and Bar, an open-air lounge with modern Asian bites for sharing (in the evening only, closed Sunday and Monday). And the all-day Sawa Lounge in the lobby is the place for light bites and indulgent desserts from The Mandarin Cake Shop. My husband and I had dinner at Essenza on two evenings. And we liked what awaited us here! I will go into details in a post to come covering great fine-dining restaurants in the Qurum Beach area.

Overall on how it was staying in style at Hotel Mandarin Oriental Muscat

For our fifth Muscat stay, my husband and I chose the new Hotel Mandarin Oriental Muscat for our home away from home. And it delivered a fantastic experience from start to finish! This began with its prime location on the Qurum Beach, a prestigious neighbourhood with high-end homes and various restaurants/cafés. The 150-room hotel is stylish without neglecting the local traditions. Guest rooms at Mandarin Oriental Muscat are all spacious, even on the entry level (70 sqm indoor and outdoor). If you desire the little extra, why not opt for a room with access to The Club Lounge Service for small bites and beverages during the day. Service at this high-end property is of the highest level, and the gastronomy is impressive. My next (and last) post about Oman showcases great fine-dining restaurants around Mandarin Oriental Muscat, among others also their signature place Essenza.

Date of stay: January 2026

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It is high time to report on my personal best (casual fine-dining) restaurants I have discovered in Zurich in the last one and half years. As of late, it becomes more difficult to label the dining spots I am drawn to in Switzerland’s biggest city. The longer, the more my husband and I opt for places that do not qualify as traditional fine dining. This because they have a casual ambiance and are often minimalistic in furnishing. In terms of food, you get modern offerings at them, frequently difficult to assign to a specific country or region. Yet what they all have in common is their approach of serving high-quality food. I finally decided to still call them casual fine-dining spots – as I have done so for quite some time on this blog. This in contrast to traditional fine-dining establishments with sophisticated ambiance and higher prices.

Now to my personal best culinary discoveries in Zurich. All of them are casual fine-dining restaurants, this in the sense that “fine” is synonymous with “good food”. I divide them in two categories only. The first is “Modern European food”, the other is “Contemporary non-European food”. The order in which I list them is irrelevant (it actually is in the sequence of my visits).

Best casual fine-dining Zurich restaurants offering modern European food

1. Restaurant Ameo Zurich (district 3)

(Michelin listed, 15 points Gault Millau)

Ameo’s focus on “fine dining with art” distinguishes it from other comparable places. Here chef Julien Muehlebach draws inspiration from an in-house art exhibition, which changes every quarter.

He manages the pleasant spot together with Maximilian Dullinger, who is responsible for the front of house and a true wine geek. Both are young, talented and ambitious. They got to know each other at their former work place, Equi-Table. Here they shared the dream of opening a restaurant together. And this became true in October 2023 with the opening of Ameo in Zurich-Wiedikon.

My husband and I have visited Ameo already three times. It is possibly my darling in terms of best casual-fine dining restaurants in Zurich right now. On offer here is a tasting menu only, tailored to the current art exhibition.

The chef is shaped by his origins, his father is Swiss, his mother French. He usually sources regionally yet without being dogmatic. And he has a precise cooking style showcasing enticing combinations. I vividly remember the “coffin” in the context with a vampire exhibition, which actually was a delightful strawberry creation accompanied by rhubarb sorbet.

The menu is available in 4 to 6 courses (120/135/145 SFR).

The food can be paired with wines (60/75/85 SFR) or non-alcoholic drinks (50/65/75 SFR). So far, we have opted for the wine pairing on both occasions. And we found it offered not only great value but every glass enhanced the flavor of each dish just perfectly.

2. Restaurant Bauernschaenke (district 1)

(Michelin listed, 15 points Gault Millau)

The Bauernschaenke, which translates in farmer’s tavern, is the first of Nenad Mlinarevic’s – one of Zurich’s most known restaurateurs – quite a few establishments. It is tucked away in a narrow alley in Zurich’s Niederdorf in a historic property,

which is more than 100 years old.

This restaurant under Nenad’s lead was opened in April 2018 with the kitchen helmed by Thomas Brandner. While the chef left to work at the former Brasserie Sued, he has recently returned to the Bauernschaenke. The Gault Millau Guide commented this as good news!

I only know this spot from having lunch here with a friend, when the former chef was in charge. Concept wise you are in here for uncomplicated fine dining with refined soul food, which is meant to be shared. You can do this either in the form of a Tavolata (3/4/5 courses at 95/115/125 SFR) or à la carte (snacks 5.50-8 SFR, starters 15-26 SFR, mains 14-49 SFR, desserts 6.50-16 SFR). As to lunch, when I was here in fall 2024, a reduced menu was on offer. We could choose between a Bento Box with three small starters and a main course or a range of à la carte dishes. We opted for the former and especially liked the starter trio consisting of celery soup with yuzu, tomato salad with cashew mousse and beef tartare with topinambur chips.

3. Restaurant Rechberg 1837 (district 1)

(Michelin listed, 15 points Gault Millau)

Rechberg 1837 has quite a special concept.

You only get here dishes made with ingredients that were already available in Switzerland in 1837. And they only source form regional farmers. Plus, preserving, fermenting and smoking food is part of the program. The restaurant has been running with this sustainable and socially responsible approach since 2016. When I dined here with my family in spring 2025, chef And Bolliger oversaw the kitchen. In September 2025, a new duo took over, Mira Labusch and Flavia Niederer, both member of Generation Z. From what I understand, the ideal behind Rechberg 1837 has remained unchanged, yet the two young ladies brought a “breath of fresh air” to the whole.

On our visit, we opted for the 7-course Tasting Menu (160 SFR),

which was totally fine yet did not wow us. I cannot say exactly what the reason was. Although everything was well-prepared and tasty, I did not consider it as exciting enough. In the meantime, menu prices went down (4/7 courses at 95/120 SFR). And they introduced an à-la-carte offer in spring 2025 (starters 8-31 SFR, mains 34-45 SFR, desserts 16-21 SFR).

4. Restaurant Rémy (district 3), one of the best casual-fine dining restaurants in Zurich

(Michelin listed, 15 points Gault Millau)

Zurich-Wiedikon has no shortage of good casual fine-dining outlets. I mentioned earlier Ameo, and Rémy is another one. The two share quite a few similarities: a young chef with a Swiss-French connection – here Simon Mueller, Saint Rémy-de-Provence is his place of longing – , a 4-6-course tasting menu only – here at 125/145/160 SFR – and uncompromisingly modern interiors. As to the latter, it is kept in dark colours with a sophisticated lighting.

Rémy, opened in November 2022, is located in a listed post-war building

right by the train station Zurich-Wiedikon.

As we dined here on a hot summer evening, we could do his on their tiny backyard balcony, which was lovely. Our server was Jaro, an extraordinarily warm person.

As the Champagne we ordered was not yet ready for serving, he offered us a small glass of their house brand to start the dinner. What a nice touch! The evening not only began well, but continued to be enjoyable. After an array of tasty snacks, we were in for agnolotti, rainbow trout and beef short rib. Vegetables were an important component – grown in their own garden in Zurich-Albisrieden. A divine pre-dessert, a vegetable-ginger sorbet, and a strawberry ice-cream with cheesecake cream made the end.

What a wonderful dinner this was, with an elaborate cuisine, great hospitality and a pleasantly unpretentious ambiance!

5. Restaurant Rosaly’s (district 1)

(15 points Gault Millau)

This dining spot is maybe the only one with a traditional touch among the ones I present to you in this post.

Chef Fabio Lombardi prepares here Swiss classics just as Wiener Schnitzel or Zurich-style Sliced Veal. Yet also more contemporary creations from the Mediterranean and the French cuisine are served at this cozy place with its relaxed feel.

While Rosaly’s has been in business since 1992, I only visited it in fall 2025 for the first time together with my family. And we had a pleasant evening here with fine food, amiable staff and a complimentary Rosaly’s Chocolate Cake

for me (we celebrated my birthday). So, we vowed to return.

The mains section of the menu features dishes divided into three categories. In the Classics (29-52 SFR) you find the ones I mentioned at the beginning. The Signature Dishes include Loup de Mer (129 SFR for two). And Bouillabaisse (49 SFR) is one of the Chef’s Specials. To start the meal you can make your selection from the Snacks (21-29 SFR) or the Soups & Starters (16-32 SFR). When it comes to desserts, either choose one of the sweet options just as Caribbean Pavlova (19 SFR) or opt for the in-house made ice-cream (6 SFR per scoop). On our evening, we had among others Lobster and Ceviche as starters, which were great.

The main Zurich-style Slices Veal was superb too, tender and rich.

6. Restaurant Silex (district 4)

(Michelin listed, 15 points Gault Millau)

There is yet another excellent casual fine-dining spot in Zurich Wiedikon, Silex, opened in November 2021. I already mentioned Ameo and Rémy above. Silex fits in seamlessly in terms of high-quality cooking and simple furnishings. As to the latter, it is about a corner property with a partially visible kitchen.

Here chef George Tomlin is at work, a British native. He previously was sous-chef at the two-star Michelin The Clove Club London. In contrast to the before mentioned eateries, he celebrates a pan-European cuisine. It is modern, showing his creative flair with somewhat original dishes.

If you should wonder about the dining spot’s name, Silex. It means flint in French, a hard quartz that forms in rocks like chalk. And flinty soils are excellent for producing high-quality wine, for instance in the Loire valley. As it turns out, they really have a knack for good wine at Silex. The food offerings here include a 5-course Tasting Menu (119 SFR) and à la carte dishes (small 7-18 SFR, intermediate 23-26 SFR, mains 33-48 SFR, desserts 7-15 SFR).

On our party’s arrival on an early Saturday evening, the place was already buzzing. We were ushered to the front table in the main dining room. While it was one of the least busy spots, you could feel a cold draft every time the entry door opened. And the banquette seating along the house wall was not exactly comfortable (wooden benches without cushions). A nice server took care of us and made sure that we had everything we needed. We ordered from the à la carte menu and got tasty and unique starters – among other Salsify with Pine Nuts & Jersey Blue Custard.

The same was true for the mains – think for instance of Trout with Smoked Trout Liver, Trout Roe and Potato.

And it was not any different when it came to desserts, for example a Black Garlic Cheesecake.

When dining here, you truly leave the beaten path! But it is a bit of a shame that they do not offer tea to end the meal.

7. Restaurant Capri Bistrot (district 8)

Restaurant Capri –  in business since 1950 – was newly opened in May 2025 by chef Markus Stoeckle and others.

This chef gained notoriety by his unusual modern Bavarian tavern Rosi (my post), which he ran for 8 years – it was closed end of 2025. Yet the star at the new Capri Bistro is his former sous chef at Rosi, Charles Aggett. He comes from greater London and has previously worked at two three-star Michelin dining spots, Maaemo in Oslo and Memories in Bad Ragaz.

On the occasion of the new beginning at Capri Bistrot, the facilities were updated. The result is a classic-contemporary bistrot with 70 seats and a spacious outdoor area. Due to the size of the restaurant, there is no precision plating on offer but simple dishes yet with finesse. Here you make your choice out of an à la carte menu: Small Plates 8-24 SFR, Oyster/per Piece 7-8 SFR, Starters 18-39 SFR, Pasta 29-84 SFR, Mains 32-76 SFR , Sides 9-12 SFR and Desserts 9-16 SFR.

I liked the stylish vibe of Capri Bistrot with the subtle green banquette seating and the fashionable burgundy chairs. Also the basketball hoop with the disco ball was an eye-catcher.

Food wise, the starters of our party of four were well made, tasty and generous in size.

In terms of mains,  the Chicken Cesar (half Wiener schnitzel, half Cesar salad) was great, it has the potential for a cult dish! Both the Parmigiana and the Paccheri Pasta with Morel and Perigord Truffle were delightful, but the portion with the former was a bit small.

My personal culinary highlights were the desserts – I could try three – , all of them were a hit!

Service was friendly but did not stand out.

Best relaxed high-quality Zurich restaurants serving contemporary non-European food

Here I need to elaborate a bit before I get to the individual places. This is because I feature here three restaurants that are owned by the same person, Dan Shu. And all are part of the best what Zurich has to offer in terms of casual fine dining. Ever since this chef opened his first eatery in Zurich – Gaijin Izakaya in January 2020 – , I wanted to dine here. The main reason was the China-born, Canada-raised chef’s impressive vitae. He worked at two famous Michelin-starred restaurants in the U.S. – 3-star Alinea Chicago & 2-star Daniel New York – before coming to Switzerland. Furthermore, I was drawn by his take on the Izakaya (Japanese tavern) concept.

It was spring 2024 by the time I finally managed to visit Gaijin Izakaya.

In the meantime, the chef had already opened his second restaurant, Old Inn (in April 2023). Baobae in June 2025 followed,

and the latest is Chifa Izakaya (in November 2025)

together with his friend Paulo Timoteo (former Pueente). While I have not yet dined at the Old Inn, I have already at Baobae and Chifa Izakaya. So, I can report on them further below.

One more remark to the chef’s approach, which I would summarize as follows. I already mentioned “soul food” above (Bauernschaenke), and there is also the term “comfort food”. While the former seems to have roots in the ethnic cuisine of African Americans, the latter is food that evokes childhood memories. Yet, I think that nowadays both merge somewhat into one another. It is about dishes that warm the soul and give a deep feeling of satisfaction. They are full of flavor and hearty. Now what does Dan Shu has in mind with these concepts? He takes them as a basis and adapts them to modern times.

1. Restaurant Gaijin Izakaya (district 4), one of best casual fine-dining Zurich restaurants

(Michelin Bib Gourmand, 14 points Gault Millau)

I have already introduced the chef here, Dan Shu, above. So, no more info about him. There is only one addition to make. While the chef opened Gaijin Izakaya – translates in foreigner tavern – already in 202o, he only visited Japan four years later for the first time, which I find a bid odd. Because I know from personal experience how much my concept of Japanese cuisine changed after actually having been there. Be it as it may, I loved what we got at Gaijin Izakaya, authentic or not (rather the latter). My husband and I let the chef decide what to serve us (Omakase at 96 SFR). They call it “For the Brave and Adventurous”  here.

On our visit, you could have the above Omakase as Gourmand version (136 SFR) or with two additions (Wagyu Party 50 gr or Bluefin Tuna “Chutoro” from Tanaka San 60 gr (+ 25 SFR each).

We opted for the latter and got – as promised on the menu – a wild ride! We got ten courses plus the ordered additional one. The menu was perfectly tailored to my preference. This meant that there was not too much meat – we had two such dishes (beef tartare and duck with green rice). Alternatively, you  can go for à la carte and make your choice out of following categories: Wagyu (9-30 SFR), Cold (7-27 SFR), Hot & Crispy (6.50-20 SFR), Fire (12-31 SFR) and Dessert (15 SFR).

Two more remarks to this dining spot. While I thought the interiors were okay, I found the chairs a bit old-fashioned (probably taken over from the predecessor). Second, I would have preferred cloth napkins.

2. Restaurant Sentosa (district 4)

Restaurant Sentosa is probably the first far and wide that serves Singapore cuisine. In case you should wonder about this culinary style, it is a melting pot, fusing flavors of China, India, Indonesia and Malaysia. As my husband and I know Singapore quite well – see my posts – , we were eager to dine here. Sentosa was opened in February 2024 by the Singaporean Jerry Tan who has been living in Switzerland for many years. When I visited the dining spot with my family, the staff welcomed us amiably and gave us a nice table. While my husband and I were waiting for our son and his partner, we sipped from our fine – not too heavy – Singapore Sling

and had a look around. And we liked what we saw, especially the historical fire place and windows.

Food wise, you get here typical Hawker staples yet delicately and precisely prepared. For Starters (6.50-22.50 SFR), we chose the Dim Sum Dynasty, Gyoza and Jewel for the four of us to share – which was perfect in quantity.

In terms of Specialities (16.50-29.50 SFR)/Mains (16.50-33.50 SFR), we tried out Nasi Goreng, Laksa Sentosa and Sentosa Chicken Curry.

When it came to desserts (6.50-9.50 SFR), we opted for two Mochis each, and got one for free!

One last thing, cloth napkins would have been nice – a demand that never gets old 😉

3. Restaurant Akaraka (district 4)

Akaraka is quite an unusual spot because you get here not only good food, precisely authentic Korean one, but also classical music.

The reason for this is the chef’s first career as opera singer in the chorus of the Zurich’s Opera House. Unfortunately, he endured a blast trauma as a consequence of a sound engineer’s mistake. Thus, the Korean singer had to end his first career and had to look out for an alternative one. He found its second calling as a chef and opened a Korean restaurant. Its name Akaraka means through music and joy we become one.

In terms of Korean cuisine in Zurich, chef Pyong-Chin Han is the longest-serving one in Zurich (since 2010). He once said about this kind of cuisine that you cannot easily copy it. This in contrast to other Asian ones where this is possible without problems. According to him, one must know the Korean taste to reproduce it correctly. While I am not very familiar with this cuisine, I liked what we got here, a six-course tasting menu only (75 SFR). Three options are available: meat, fish or vegetarian. In case you opt for the former or the latter, there is one more choice. You have to decide whether you wish the Korean classic of Bibimbap, a rice dish, as main or not. You can also order an additional course, spicy rice cakes – what we did.

In terms of vocal interludes, you have to bring a bit of patience as they are numerous. And again, cloth napkins would have been preferable.

4. Restaurant Edomae (district 1)

(14 points Gault Millau)

Edomae was on my to-go list because a talented Japanese chef, Kenichi Arimura, was on the helm here. In the meantime, he moved on to open his own place (Mura), and chef Kinfai Choy is now in charge. Nevertheless, I thought this Japanese eatery, known for its good sushi prepared by a sushi master before the guests’ eyes, was worth a try. So, I had lunch here with my family. While the Omakase experience at the counter (175 SFR) is only available in the evening,

this was out of the question for us. So, we made our choice out of the the Lunch Menu. Here you get Donburi Bowls (28-34 SFR), Udon Noodles (29 SFR) or Set Menus just as Sushi, Sashimi or other dishes like Yakiniku or Tempura (29-35 SFR). You can start with Snacks (8-12.50 SFR) and end with Desserts (5-12 SFR).

Our party went for a Flamed Salmon Donbury Bowl and a Shake (Salmon) Teriyaki Set Menu. The former consisted of sushi rice, salad, onsen egg and fish, accompanied with cabbage salad and miso soup. The latter included the same accompaniments plus sushi rice and pickles. And the fish was paired with vegetables.

Everything was tasty and plentiful. As to the ambiance here, it is sleek and understated. And there is nothing to muffle the sound from the guests when Edomae is full. So be prepared that it can become very noisy in here.

5. Restaurant Baobae (district 3), a new discovery in best casual fine-dining Zurich restaurants

This is Dan Shu’s new eatery, opened in May 2025 together with his wife May. Baobae means darling, and it is a family affair. Also his parents and friends helped with creating the place. Here it is about modern Chinese fare yet with Swiss touches. The menu is divided into dishes from China’s north (spicy & aromatic, 10-29 SFR), south (fish & seafood, 8-39 SFR) and west (meat dishes popular all over the world, 12-35 SFR). And the result is often food that falls in the category of soul and/or comfort food. My husband and I chose the BaoBae Tasting Journey (10 courses in 4 parts) plus the Kagoshima Wagyu Entrecôte 20 gr (+10 SFR).

The start made beef dumplings, cucumber pickles and tuna with crunchy dough balls. Then the first of two game dishes followed, the signature dish, a bun with deer and cabbage. Sea bass on chipotle sauce paired with coco beans topped with panko was next. The main course featured game again, a boar ossobucco. It was accompanied with noodles and Mama Shu’s Wagyu Rice, flamed at the table. Two desserts ended the meal, pineapple with coconut cream and roasted nuts as well as mochis with nutella cream.

While I was fond of everything – especially Mama Shu’s Wagyu Rice was great – , the dinner was a bit meat-heavy for my taste. And the mochis were too chewy for my liking. Next time I would probably go for à la carte instead.

To complete the picture, the spot is quite large – there are about 75 seats. The dining room is long and narrow, modernly decorated and comes with cute touches.

There are tiny bamboo lanterns on the ceiling and a big heart – the restaurant’s logo – is emblazoned on the entrance door. The wine selection is good, made by Stefano Petta, Director of Wine of The Living Circle hotel group. One eats here with a pincer (instead of chopsticks), and cloth napkins are provided 🙂

6. Restaurant Chifa Izakaya (district 5)

Now to the last of three casual fine-dining spots where chef Dan Shu has his hands in it, Chifa Izakaya. This time he teamed up with Paulo Timoteo, who has Peruvian roots and experience in European fine dining. Before coming to Switzerland, he cooked at the famous three-star Michelin DiverXo in Madrid. Together with his wife Lorena Olmo he has been running Pueente – see my post – at this very place, and this from summer 2020. A bit more than five years later (November 2025), it was replaced by Chifa Izakaya. Here Paulo and Dan playfully reinterpret culinary styles commonly found in Peru. It is about the Nikkei – fusion of Japanese technique with Peruvian flavor – and Chinese cuisine. And this happens in the form of an Izakaya, a relaxed Japanese tavern.

There is no tasting menu, you get her small plates meant to be shared (they recommend 5 to 6 for two persons, without dessert).

I think this is about right, my husband and I had five plus two desserts. Alternatively, six plus one dessert would be great too. There are five categories to choose from: Sea (23-29 SFR), Sides (6.50-14 SFR), Garden (18-24 SFR), Land (18-39.50) and Dulce (16 SFR). My favorite was The Chifa, Seafood fried Rice with Potato Espuma and Onsen Egg,

which has to be stirred before eating. Yet, all the rest was very good too, be it the Miso Eggplant or the Duck Tacos. And the desserts were fabulous, at which sweetness met spice!

As to the interiors, not much changed since our last visit in spring 2022.

There is still the open kitchen where the chef handles the grill. However, the bar where they mix their fabulous Pisco Sour has gone. Yet this drink is still available and still heavenly! What my husband and I disliked was the limited selection of wines. Only the less expensive ones were available by the glass. Like at Baobae, you eat here with a pincer. Unfortunately, they did not follow the sister restaurant’s example of offering cloth napkins!

Date of visits: from May 2024 to February 2026

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Are you a fine-dining lover heading to Singapore? And this in search of the possibly best three-star Michelin restaurant here? Maybe a nearby luxury hotel would also suit you? Then I might help out. When my husband and I planned our fourth stopover in Singapore, we wanted to stay in a part of the city where we had not been before. Plus, we longed for having a second dinner at the three-star Michelin Restaurant Les Amis Singapore where we had eaten back in 2019. It was awarded two Michelin stars back then, and we enjoyed here maybe one of the best meals we ever had. As regulars at COMO Hotels and Resorts, we knew about the recently opened COMO Metropolitan Singapore. And as it is located in the Orchard Road area – where Les Amis Singapore is too – , we found it perfect for our purposes.

Before coming to our recent Singapore trip, here first a brief look back at our earlier stays in this city. Precisely, I want to go into the lodgings where we have already stayed. Plus, I would like to let you know why Restaurant Les Amis Singapore stood out to us at the time.

Fabulous luxury hotels in Singapore – our past choices

When visiting Singapore for the the first time in 2015, my husband and I wanted to be at the famous Raffles Hotel Singapore.

This longtime landmark with its colonial-style architecture is some kind of “living national monument”. And we enjoyed our stay here immensely. Having said that, rates here have skyrocketed meanwhile – after a costly renovation.

On our return visit to Singapore in 2016, we opted for another prominent hotel in town. It is about the favorably located Fullerton Bay Hotel Singapore.

This accommodation – opened in 2010 – is on the historic Clifford Pier only steps away from some major attractions. My husband and I loved the contemporary guest room with unobstructed views of the Singapore skyline and Marina Bay in particular.

When coming back to this city in 2019, we chose yet another hotel. And this time it was in the historic Tanjong Pagar district. This area, not that known with non-natives, is just south of Chinatown. Its situation is not only central enough but has an additional feature. Precisely, there are lots of beautiful ancient shophouses lining the streets. Unfortunately, the property we stayed at the time – Six Senses Maxwell,

a restored colonial-style building – does no longer operate under the Six Senses brand. It closed down in May 2020 after being opened only in December 2018.

First visit to Restaurant Les Amis Singapore

On our last Singapore trip in 2019, we had been looking for a dining spot to celebrate a special occasion. This led us to the award-winning Les Amis Singapore (two Michelin stars at the time). First, we found the pricing a bit steep yet it soon became evident that Restaurant Les Amis is a top-tier dining experience worth every penny! Not only the food – modern French classics with ingredients sourced from France – was excellent,

but the ambiance and the service too. And the same was true for the wines – they were happy to show us the really impressive wince cellar

back then. As we had so fond memories of our dinner at Les Amis Singapore, my husband and I craved for another visit to this place!

Our 2025 Singapore stay in style

Now to our recent Singapore style, which was short but intense. We used this city as stopover destination back home from Australia where we spent a wonderful time in Western Australia (find my posts here: itinerary, staying & dining in style, best activities). When flying in from Perth late in the evening, we skipped the dinner on this day. And as we flew out the evening after next – again late – , we only had one full day for our Singapore adventure. During the day, we revisited the Singapore Botanic Gardens, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and in the evening, we dined at Restaurant Les Amis Singapore, again for a special occasion as last time.

In the following, I want you to know how it was staying and dining in style in Singapore. And I have a third treat for you as well, at least in case you are a pastry lover. This is because Hotel COMO Metropolitan Singapore – where we lodged –

houses a pastry shop of the celebrated Cédric Grolet.

He used to be pastry chef at the Michelin starred Restaurant Le Meurice in Paris. And he has become a social media sensation with millions of followers because of his new approach on pastry.

1. Hotel COMO Metropolitan Singapore

As already informed, we chose this hotel because we had experienced satisfying stays at other COMO properties in the past. In the case of COMO Metropolitan Singapore, it is the first of the locally based COMO hotel group to open in Singapore. Unfortunately, upon our late arrival, we were told that it was COMO Metropolitan Singapore’s second anniversary. Thus, a huge party was underway. That meant that the lobby lounge and the rooftop bar were closed to hotel guests. They referred us to their COTE Restaurant & Bar for a drink, but their barman “forgot” us after handing out the menu. So, we left and tried their main restaurant, COMO Cuisine. Sadly, it was almost empty and they were preparing to close for the night. In consequence, we retreated to our room for a night cap from their (complimentary) mini bar.

Guest rooms

After this – not that ideal start – we settled into the guest room, one of 156 in total over 11 floors. It was clean-lined and contemporary, furnished with high-end furniture. I liked how stylish it was, but I was perplexed that there was already some damage (missing closet handle, scratched floor). And the lighting setup was barely understandable. Yet overall, I was content with the room (Emerald Room).

I not only liked its design but also its size (36 sqm) and its city views through wall-to-wall windows. Plus, I found it moderately priced (410 S$/250 SFR/324 US$ without breakfast).

Facilities

As to COMO Metropolitan Singapore’s facilities, the 19-story tower gathers all the COMO brands under one roof, from the mentioned luxury hospitality to the fashion retail to wellness and dining. As to the spa, there is the first-rate COMO Shambhala. Plus, two floors are here for Club 21, a fashion retailer. Then there are the already mentioned COTE Singapore, an outpost of a Michelin-starred Korean Steakhouse, COMO Cuisine and Cédric Grolet Patisserie (see the section after next). Plus, you find the Sky Bar and the Lobby Lounge on the premises.

Apart from our breakfast at Cédric Grolet – see further down – , my husband and I had breakfast at COMO Cuisine too. As to its interiors, I would describe them as a bit strange, mildly put. The supports are covered with silver foam sheets tied with bands. And the chairs have the appearance of such ones you use in an outdoor setting. They serve a cuisine representing Singapore’s different populations groups. In terms of breakfast, a continental one is available plus a number of hot dishes. To my surprise, the offerings at the breakfast counter (continental) only included pastries, cereals, yoghurt pots, seasonal fruits, green salad and toast. That was it, you found here no cheese, cold cuts or bread (other than toast).

Regarding the Sky Bar on the roof top – along a lovely pool – ,

we only had a look around. You really have impressive city views from here. And the present server was friendly enough to show us the premises.

In the Lobby Lounge Bruno is on duty. This is the hotel’s resident robot barista, a real fun thing! And the offer is complimentary for hotel guests.

Service wise, we generally considered the staff throughout the hotel as polite, considerate and helpful.

2. Restaurant Les Amis Singapore

I have already shared some details about Les Amis Singapore above.

Again, we had here one of the most memorable dinner we ever had! It was even more impressive than last time, maybe because we had this time the tasting menu (565 S$/343 SFR/447 US$) or they had received their third Michelin star in the meantime. But first things first. We were amiably received by the host, who ushered us to the same (excellent) table we had last time. The interiors had been redone since our visit in 2019, yet the dining room kept the same elegant attire it had.

Unchanged was also the graceful attitude of the staff. Even the maître d’ was the same as last time.

Just as on our first visit, he made a great contribution to making our dinner a truly enjoyable one!

Back story Restaurant Les Amis Singapore

Les Amis Singapore is a thoroughly French Restaurant that has been in business since 1994. At the time, it was Singapore’s first independent fine-dining spot. It was founded by  like-minded friends – hence the name “Les Amis”, “Friends” in English – who loved France, its culture and cuisine. The chef here is Sebastien Lepinoy, who has been in charge since 2013. He uses only prized seasonal ingredients, sourced from all over France. In 2016, he made Les Amis one of just six restaurants to be rated two-stars when the Michelin Guide debuted in Singapore. And that was not all! In September 2019, just weeks after we dined here for the first time, the dining spot was promoted to three stars.

Regarding our recent experience at Les Amis, food wise, it even exceeded our (skyhigh) expectations.

Food experience at Restaurant Les Amis Singapore

It was a true epicurean experience from A to Z at Restaurant Les Amis Singapore, one highlight followed another. As mentioned we opted for the Tasting Menu, which came in 13 parts. In contrast to most other fine-dining spots, bread plays a major role throughout the dinner. The experience started with a large loaf of Sourdough Bread that was presented before us. After enjoying a slice with their Beillevaire Artisanal Butter, already the snacks came with another piece of bread, a mini croissant. Next was one of my personal favorites of the meal, Parisian Style Egg Mimosa with Oscietra Caviar from Sologne. Again, it was paired with a small baguette. Minutes after the course was served, another savory pastry arrived. And then it was time to make our choice from a richly stocked bread trolley. It was delivered after the fish course, Line-Caught Turbot form L’Île-d’Yeu.

A granita made of five different summer herbs cleaned the palate. Then the dinner proceeded in the same excellent vein it started! A fabulous Duck from Vendée with Foie Gras made up the main course. Eventually, the cheese trolley appeared, from which the maître d’ put together two plates for us to share according our wishes. And of course, bread came with it as well. The pre-dessert was their signature dark chocolate tart, decorated for the occasion. An Apple Soufflé with Calvados and Cider Ice Cream followed. Finally, the feast was rounded up with a few petit fours.

Before leaving the restaurant, it was time for a visit to the wine cellar – as last time. Again, it was filled with an astonishing selection of French wines.

 3. Cédric Grolet Singapore

Back story Cédric Grolet

Now to the star patissier Cédric Grolet. As already mentioned he did his most important career step at the restaurant at Hotel Le Meurice in Paris when he became head pastry chef in 2013. At the time, the restaurant was helmed by Yannick Alléno (from 2003 to 2013) who got three Michelin stars in 2007. When Alain Ducasse took it over in 2013, he gave Grolet the chance to create the desserts on his menu. Although Le Meurice lost its third star three years later, this seemed to have no negative impact on the head pastry chef’s further career. Alain Ducasse gave him two tasks. First, he wanted him to cut back the sweetness and instead highlight the natural tase of the ingredients. Second, he should create desserts that stimulate the senses. And so Cédric Grolet specialized in fruit-based desserts that look identical to the real fruit.

In 2018, he was named the “World’s Best Pastry Chef” and opened his first pastry shop within Le Meurice Paris. A second one in Paris followed soon, then three more in London, Singapore and Saint-Tropez. And he expanded his product range from sculpted fruits to piped floral pastries, croissants and others. In 2025, the successful entrepreneur opened his latest shop, and this in Monaco at Hôtel de Paris Monte-Carlo. At the same time, he also joined as the executive pastry chef for this venue.

My history with Cédric Grolet

Although I am not an avid social media user, I became aware of Cédric Grolet on Instagram. Here he has been publishing posts about how he makes his appealing sweet creations for ten years. From what I read, he meanwhile has over 20 million followers. Plus, he leads a team of 450 employees. I found this impressive and wanted to visit one of his shops on my travels the first time an occasion arises.

To my total surprise, I discovered that there was a Cédric Grolet shop at the hotel my husband and I had booked for our recent Singapore stopover (COMO Metropolitan Singapore). Of course, I took the chance to have breakfast here, which was easy to arrange by the way. In this context I have to admit that I was a bit worried about the outcome of this experience. This was because the Google critics for this spot were not really good. And this was the case not only for Singapore but for at all his other shops I checked. So, I was curious what would be in store for us at Cédric Grolet Singapore.

How it was at Cédric Grolet Singapore

We had booked the first slot in the morning (08:30 AM) on a weekday). Upon arrival, we found the stylish café astonishingly unbusy.

We had pre-ordered a savory breakfast set for 85 S$ (52 SFR/68 US$) per person, which includes a a sweet part too. Alternatively, you can opt for a sweet breakfast set only (60 S$/37 SFR/ 48 US$). And there is also the option to go for à la carte. While this might sound like a lot of money for a breakfast, you get much value for money.

First, they served a giant Croissant, followed by the second (savory) course. Here we could make our choice out of Avocado Toast, Benedict Croissant, Quiche Lorraine or Jambon Beurre (basically a ham sandwich). My husband selected the Avocado Toast, I went for  the Quiche Lorraine. Before I could savor my croissant, the quiche came. And I could not believe how huge it was. The avocado toast was a bit less so but still big. Finally, the sweet part was served. It was about two beautiful waffles paired with vanilla double cream and caramelized pecan custard. I would describe them as normal in size but the accompaniments were rather substantial.

In terms of how everything tasted, the quality met my (high) expectations. I took the Croissant away and had it later in the afternoon. It was still excellent, lighter and less buttery than I expected. The quiche was rich and flavorful, one of the better I have ever had. And the waffles were exquisite (and beautiful), different from all the others I have ever tasted.  Plus, the caramelized pecan custard was heavenly! I spooned up the rest when we finished the waffles … As to the service, it was friendly, subtle and attentive. A staff member brought me more napkins when he thought I could use them, and he was right! The experience we had at Cédric Grolet was wonderful – I cannot fault it at all. And I cannot understand the bad reviews!

Date of stay: September 2025

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Western Australia, short WA, has lots to offer for nature lovers, but there is also something for wine aficionados and even for urbanites. However, for the latter, Perth is the only true city here. If you have a preference for wine, the most popular wine regions are Margaret River and Swan Valley. And in terms of natural wonders, you find in WA a variety of great national parks, often in coastal areas. When traveling Western Australia on a four-week trip in the early Australian spring, my husband and I went all the way from Exmouth in the north to Esperance on the southeast coast. Find out in the following about the best activities in this part of Western Australia.

I start with Perth as most visitors start their journey from here, at least when they come by plane. So it serves as a springboard for many to the best things to do in Western Australia’s countryside. Then I go into two wine regions. And I end with a bunch of must-do national parks in Western Australia. One piece of information at the end, Western Australia is known as Wildflower State as it has over 12,000 species of wildflowers that bloom each year. And 60 percent of them are found nowhere else on the planet. So, spring is the perfect time to visit Australia’s biggest state!

Perth, the springboard to the best activities in Western Australia

There is no city of comparable size – there are more than two million people in its metropolitan area – in the world that is so remote. Perth is closer to Jakarta, Indonesia, than from Sidney. And it is quicker, easier and cheaper to fly to Bali from here than to Australia’s east coast. Yet it is a fantastic place to come if you love sun, sand and sea and care for good food and wine. Perth has lots of sunshine, about 8.8 hours per day, which makes it Australia’s sunniest capital city. It has a Mediterranean climate with hot, dry summers and mild, wet winters. So, it is a city with a strong outdoor lifestyle.

In terms of inner-city sights, there is Elisabeth Quay.

This is a modern waterfront precinct with restaurants, playgrounds and the iconic Bell Tower. Perth’s historic heart with a number of heritage buildings is worth visiting too.

And walking up towards Kings Park, one of the world’s largest inner-city parks, is a great thing to do too. From the top of Jacob’s Ladder, leading to this large green area, you have a good view of Perth’s downtown.

If you like to walk/hike, why not do the South Perth Foreshore,

a circular tour starting from Elisabeth Quai and walking across Narrows as well as Boorloo Bridges (11.8km/7.3mi, 2.30h).

If heading out of town, then must-dos are Freemantle,

a historic town where the Swan River meets the Indian Ocean.

Visit Freemantle Prison

where exciting tours await you. And if the weather is favorable – we were not that lucky – , hop over to Rottnest Island. It is only a short ferry ride away from Freemantle and impresses with the famous quokkas – some kind of small kangaroos – and plenty of scenic nature that you can explore via a wide bike net.

Wine regions in Western Australia

Once having explored Perth, it is not far to the nearest best activities in Western Australia’s countryside. It is about the state’s key wine regions, which are in its southwest. Margaret River is probably its most famous, known for Cabernet Sauvignon and Chardonnay, grown here thanks to coastal influences. Swan Valley, the state’s oldest wine region, is close to Perth. There is a Mediterranean climate here, where you find a wide range of wine styles from sparkling to fortified ones. And there is also the Great Southern, a large, diverse region with cooler subregions. Here they grow premium Riesling, Chardonnay, Pinot Noir and Shiraz.

My husband and I made stops in two wine regions, Margaret River (our focus)

and Swan Valley.

1. Margaret River wine region, Western Australia’s best activity for wine lovers

We stayed three nights in the area and went to the region’s oldest winery of Vasse Felix, established in 1967.

Here we had booked the Cellar Experience. While it was a very interesting tour, it was quite costly too (350$ per person). It includes a walk through the property’s oldest vines, a visit to the historic wine museum and a wine tasting

of the winery’s leading Cabernet Sauvignon and Chardonnay varieties.

Following all this, the experience continues upstairs in the award-winning Vasse Felix Restaurant (15/2 Hats AGFG)  for a five-course tasting menu (delicious modern food),

accompanied by the Icon Wines, their signature ones.

2. Swan Valley wine region

As we only had two nights in the Swan Valley just before flying out, which in addition were immediately after our Margaret River stay, we decided not to visit a winery again. I had thought about going to Sandalford Wines, a cornerstone here since 1840. It also features a good dining spot, Sandalford Restaurant (12/1Hat AGFG). Mandoon Estate with its varied offerings would have been another option. Here you find another gourmet spot, Restaurant Wild Swan (13/1Hat). And both of these winery eateries only have a lunch service, which seems to be a common thing in Australia.

Instead of checking out a Swan Valley winery, we chose some other of the best activities in this part of rural Western Australia. Precisely, we visited the lovely town of Guildford

and went for a walk in the Bells Rapids Park.

5 of the best national parks in Western Australia

The highlight of the best activities in Western Australia is without doubt exploring some of its magnificient national parks. When traveling the state from Exmouth to Esperance, my husband and I visited five of them. All of them were a hit. I start with the most northern one we went to and end with the one furthest on the state’s southeastern coast.

1. Cape Range National Park, Exmouth

Cape Range National Park is part of the Nigaloo UNESCO World Heritage Site near Exmouth. Here you find the Nigaloo Reef, Australia’s largest fringing coral reef. It is home to over 500 fish species, 600 species of mollusc and 300 species of coral. It is a brilliant spot to go snorkeling, which you can do right from the water’s edge. If you are wondering where to go as beginner, Oyster Stacks at high tide (check this out beforehand to avoid destroying the corals)

and Turquoise Bay (northern part of the beach) are great places to do so.

While the former is a bit difficult to access because of rocky terrain, the latter is easier to get in (right from the beach).

There is more to do at Cape Range National Park than snorkeling. Apart from camping, wildlife viewing and boat cruises (Yardie)

it is popular for hiking too. Mandu Mandu Gorge (Class 4 Difficult) and Yardie Gorge (two trails) are probably your best options here. My husband and I went for the latter. Here you can limit yourself to the Yardie Nature Walk (Class 1 Easiest, 1.2km/0.8mi return) or do the longer Yardie Gorge Trail (Class 4 Difficult 2km/1.2mi return, 45min).

We did the second one, which we did not find overly difficult apart from the last part with two steep gradients with rough, uneven surface. For another easy walk head to Sandy Bay where you can go on a paved trail to Osprey Bay (2.3km return 30min).

2. Francois Peron National Park, Denham

Francois Peron National Park in Shark Bay/Denham is famous for its stunning contrast of red cliffs, turquoise water and white sand.

The former sheep station is an excellent place for spotting marine life from cliffs. Sightings include dolphins, sea cows, rays

and turtles. As to land animals you find her kangaroos and echidnas. Other activities are camping, swimming, fishing, snorkeling and canoeing. And you can visit the Peron homestead precinct with a visitor center, a self-guided trail and an artesian hot tub. BUT you can only come if you have a high-clearance 4WD with low range. And you should have driving experience in such terrain and know how to air-down the tires (air-down station provided).

As we only had a regular 4WD and did not have experience in driving sandy tracks, we opted for a guided tour. For this purpose, we booked a full-day tour with Shark Bay Eco Tours, Denham.

And we had a great day with Siri, our kind and informative Dutch guide. It was filled with experiencing beautiful landscapes, wildlife viewing, brief talks, short walks, gourmet snacks and lunch as well as transport in a comfortable bus.

3. Kalbarri National Park, Kalbarri, one of the best activities in Western Australia

Kalbarri National Park with its varied offer of inland and coastal attractions was definitely a highlight on our Western Australia journey. The former includes the dramatic gorge carved by the Murchison River with famous locations like Nature’s Window

or the Kalbarri Skywalk.

The latter is about fascinating coastal cliffs with formations like Natural Bridge

or Island Rock. In terms of things to do there are the usual land activities (hiking etc) and anything you can think of around river and beach. You need at least two to three days to explore both the gorge and the coast.

In our case, we visited the Ross Graham and Hawks Lookout

en route on our arrival day. On day one we did the remaining inland (gorge) attractions (Kalbarri Skywalk etc.) including the The Loop Trail Hike (Class 4 Difficult, 9.5km/5.9mi, 2.5h, 200m/656ft elevation gain, one difficult spot at the water’s edge while navigating around a cliff).

Day two was dedicated to the Kalbarri coastal cliffs. Here we walked from the Natural Bridge to the Shellhouse Grandstand (7km/4.4mi return, 1.45h, 10om/328ft elevation gain, interesting but a bit monotonous). Afterwards, we made a side trip to the Hutt Lagoon (Pink Lake, not part of national park) to admire its pink waters from its algae (best when the sun is high).

Last, we headed to the Meanarra Hill Lookout for a panoramic vista of town and river (with walking trails).

4. Cape le Grand National Park, Esperance

This national park in Esperance’s east is known for its coastal scenery. It varies from rugged peaks and rocky shores to expansive ocean vistas. Lucky Bay

is widely considered as most beautiful beach here out of total five. Apparently even kangaroos sunbake on the beach as it is home to a colony of them (morning and evening, we did not see any of them midday). You can access all the locations between Le Grand Beach and Rossiter Bay by car. Alternatively,  if you are a strong walker, you can make use of Le Grand Coastal Trail that extends 20km/12mi between the before mentioned beaches (allow 8-9 hours, one way).

As my husband and I like to walk (but no hard-core hiking), we decided to do one section of Le Grand Coastal Trail. And this was about the one from Thistle Cove

to Lucky Bay, the easiest one (Class 3 Easy 5.6km/3.5mi return with some side walks at Lucky Bay, 1.5h, 130m/427ft elevation gain). It was a great way to approach the stunning Lucky Bay Beach! If you are into camping, there is a really nice site at this beach. And fishing, swimming, snorkeling and boating are possible here too. As to land activities, wildflower observation (we encountered orchids amongst others), abseiling and rock climbing are options too.

5. Torndirrup National Park, Albany

Torndirrup National Park is one of the most visited in Western Australia, and it is no surprise given its many natural wonders! It offers outstanding coastal views, rugged granite headlands and white sandy beaches. Must-do sights are The Gap

and Natural Bridge.

Lots of erosion have created a large gap in one rock face and a natural arch in another. And there are blowholes too, to be reached by a short walk from the carpark.

In case you are an outdoor enthusiast and avid walker, there is no way around the Bald Head Trail (Class 5 Difficult 12.5km/7.8mi return, allow 6-8 h, 650m/2,100ft elevation gain). It is a mesmerizing walking track with fantastic views of rugged coastline, white beaches and thundering ocean.

And it bursts into colors as wildflowers bloom in the season, including groves of banksia.

It is not necessary to go all the way as there are good views not too far from the carpark. My husband and I did only the first part to its (probably) highest point (5.4km/3.6mi, 1.5h, 307m/1,007ft).

Another recommended hiking trail is the one to the Peak Head (Class 5 Difficult 4.7km/2.9mi, 1.5h, 255m/837ft elevation gain).

It goes to the southernmost point in the national park and allows some stunning coastal views. While there are some short steep sections, we did not find it overly difficult. But once you reach the summit, it can be very windy.

When it comes to the question of my favorite among the Western Australia’s national parks, I cannot not choose just one. I endorse all of them strongly. The sole mistake you can make is not visiting as many as you can. The national parks are the standout feature when it comes to the best activities in Western Australia.

Looking back to my Western Australia posts

This blogpost about the best activities in Western Australia is my last of total four. The first one was about the 4-week itinerary we did in Australia’s biggest state, in style whenever possible. And this is – I can assure you – no easy undertaking! The second went into which hotels to choose for the most comfortable stay possible. I explicitly do not write “luxurious” because such lodging is a rarity outside of Perth. Finally, in my third post, I report on best restaurants in WA’s countryside. While my husband and I usually tend to opt for fine-dining spots, this is almost an impossibility in Western Australia, apart from Perth and the wine regions.

All in all, my husband and I had an utterly memorable time in Western Australia, filled with wonderful natural beauty all the way from Exmouth to Esperance. Lodging and restaurant wise, we were not exactly pampered but it was no frugal experience either.

Date of stay: September 2025

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Australians do not seem to be much into fine dining, this was the impression of my husband and me. That is how we felt when it came to Western Australia’s countryside at least. This was especially so between Perth and Exmouth. Here we did not encounter a single venue that resembled my idea of a gourmet restaurant. This issue in focus was better between Perth and Albany, but again worse when heading east from Albany. Be it as it may, we did make some finds in terms of good eateries on our Western Australia journey nevertheless. Some of them could even pass as fine-dining outlets. In the following I would like to share my personal best restaurants in Western Australia’s countryside with you. And I do this in the form of two best-of lists. One is about my top fine-dining spots here. The other showcases my preferred simple but good restaurants in the rural areas of this state.

1. My list of the best 5 (casual) fine-dining restaurants in Western Australia’s countryside

During our Western Australia trip from Exmouth to Esperance, we happened to encounter two of my top restaurants here in the wine region of Margaret River.

That is not surprising as good wine goes well together with (equally good) food, as is well known! Two others were in Albany, a livable country town on WA’s south coast. And one was in a northern suburb of Perth.

1.1. The Vasse Felix Restaurant, Margaret River, one of the best restaurants in Western Australia

(15 Points/2 Chef Hats Australian Good Food Guide 2026)

Vasse Felix, Margaret River’s founding winery, is not only a beautiful property

with fine wines but also features a gourmet dining spot. It is no exception here, this is true for many wineries in the area. As to Vasse Felix, my husband and I had booked a cellar tour and a wine tasting here before heading to the restaurant for a five-course tasting menu paired with Icon Wines. But you can also come here for lunch only. You read that right, wineries here do not offer a dinner service, which is a pity.

When entering the premises, I was astonished to encounter such stunning restaurant interiors. You find here a semi-open kitchen along with an impressive fireplace and a variety of lunch areas. And while it is stylish here, it is rather casual too.

The lunch was a big deal prepared with modern, terroir-driven food by chef Cameron Jones. He even was named Regional Chef of the Year 2025 by WA Good Food Guide (WAGFG). And I liked his boldly innovative array of flavors!

Plus, the service did its job well.

1.2. Miki’s Open Kitchen, Margaret River

(12 Points/1 Chef Hat Australian Good Food Guide 2026)

My husband and I did not expect such a cool spot as Miki’s Open Kitchen here in the heart of Margaret River. We felt pampered, when the chef – Mikihito Nagai – himself ushered us to our seats at the counter where we could witness the goings-on in the kitchen from close up. You are in here for some kind of a Japanese dining theater.

At Miki’s Open Kitchen you choose between three different tasting menus. Even a fourth for kids ten and under is available. There are two seatings per evening, so you have a two-hour slot for dining in this place.

What you get is nothing that you will find in Japan. This is because Miki does his own take on Japanese cuisine with local produce from farmers he relies on. When you opt for the whole shebang as we did, you experience a journey of up to 23 unique elements plus the additional Otsukuri Plate (sashimi). We got all this in 7 servings.

While I liked everything we got, my favourite was probably the tempura. It was fun watching the chef doing it at two stations. In addition, flambéing food was part of the program a well.

The staff was immaculate, explaining all the dishes in the necessary detail to us. Miki’s Open Kitchen was definitely one of the best restaurants we encountered in Western Australia’s countryside.

1.3. Le Rebelle, Mount Lawley

(lost Chef Hat in 2026, 13 Points/1 Chef Hat Australian Good Food Guide 2025)

Mount Lawley is just minutes from Perth CBD and not far from Swan Valley either. We came from the latter as we found the dining scene there not so exciting (winery restaurants are only open for lunch). Le Rebelle perfectly fits into this hip, vibrant suburb of Mount Lawley. When you head here, you sign up for hustle and bustle. The dual-level dining room is usually packed with a lively urban crowd.

And the staff is energetic and gracious. Modern French Bistro food is on offer at Le Rebelle, but the owners – Liam & Sarah Atkinson – and chef James Knubley interpret it in their own way with the one or other Aussie touch.

In terms of dishes, the House Baguette was fabulous as were the Crab Toasts, one of their signature dishes. And I absolutely fell in love with the house-churned sorbet they do here. Yet all the rest we had was good too, be it the Cured Snapper or the Rock Cod “Bouillabaisse”.

The one thing you have to know withe Le Rebelle, it is a small, casual place. The tables are placed close together and some chairs come without backrests, which is not for everyone.

1.4. Kirby’s, Albany

Kirby’s was the one and only fine-dining restaurant we had in WA’s countryside that was not on the casual side. It is no dining spot in the strict sense either. This is because you can dine here exclusively on the occasion of the Friday Night Experience. Then a “decadent” (wording on website) five-course seasonal menu, sourced locally whenever possible, is served. And this in an elegant setting where “diners dressed in their finest attire” (wording again) gather for this purpose.

Frederick (chef) and Jacqueline Kirby (host) are behind this once-a-week dinner. He, an Irish chef with experience in Michelin starred establishments and formerly being executive chef of Sandalfords’s Winery – ,

runs Kirby’s Atelier de Cuisine. Here you can book cooking classes, hold events/celebrations in the opulent upstairs dining room – where the Friday Night Experience takes place too – or use his services as private chef. He took this career step because this allowed the married couple to focus better on the needs of their autistic, non-verbal son.

As to the experience itself, it was nice to be in a refined, old-school setting for a change – uncommon for WA. The food was excellent, especially the Gnocchi with Confit Wagin Duck and the Beef Fillet with Café de Paris Butter. The one thing I was not fond of was the sorbet and the ice cream being too hard (no pacojet used).

Service and ambiance were great, and the chef, with whom we exchanged a few sentences, is a really kind person.

1.5. Sótão, Albany

This is a fairly new place in the nice Downtown Albany Historic District, opened in June 2024. They call themselves a food and wine bar offering modern, European influenced cuisine in a relaxed setting.

While there is no actual website, some information is found on their Instagram account. Sótão is located on Albany’s main street, down towards the water. You find here a contemporarily decorated spot with rather dark interiors.

Foodwise, they serve tapas-style dishes intended to be shared and are delivered when they are ready (3-4 dishes for two). And there is a focus on regional and seasonal produce. On the menu on our visit were interesting choices just as Salted Cod Croquettes with Saffron Aioli, Roast Sweet Potatoes with Lemon Tahini or Porchetta (fatty pork roast roulade) with Pear & Inca Berry. Yet also Grilled Futari, full Blooded Wagyu, Rump was available. And for dessert you could either have a Basque Cheesecake or a Barcelona Olive Oil Cake.

We thoroughly loved our experience at Sótão, served by friendly staff in a pleasant ambiance.

1.6. May be good: de’sendent, Margaret River (not dined here)

(14 Points/2 Chef Hats Australian Good Food Guide 2026)

First of all, I must say that we have not dined at de’sendent. This eatery on Margaret River’s main strip was closed on the day we wanted to go. Yet I heard good things about it and I found it a promising place. It is about the new spot of chef Evan Hayter, who was sucessful with his former one in the area called Arimia. De’sendent was recognised as “New Restaurant of the Year for 2025” by the Western Australian Good Food Guide (WAGFG). And this for its creative and fun high-end dining. They offer a six-course tasting menu from 6pm. Plus, there is an afternoon menu between 4pm and 6pm where you can order snacks. What a good idea if you do not want to go for the whole shebang!

2. 3 simple but good restaurants in Western Australia

Here I am happy to share with you two eateries with good food between Perth and Exmouth. And we found a third one in a wine region other than Margaret River. It is about the Swan Valley in Perth’s surroundings. While these three places do not make part of Western Australia’s best restaurants, they can be described as rather basic yet quality dining options.

2.1. Exhale Exmouth

There are no real fine-dining options in Exmouth, maybe with the exception of the restaurant at our hotel, Mantaray’s Bar & Brasserie. Yet there are quite a few cool places with modern, often healthy food, especially for breakfast and lunch. As to dinner, we only found one in town we found appealing. Thus we went there twice. It is about Exhale Exmouth, a casual eatery with a good vibe and kind staff.

They serve tapas-style food designed to share that arrives from the kitchen when it is ready. And it is predominantly Gluten free, in case you look out for such one.

As you are by the coast, sea food is an important part of the offer. Think of Oysters – from Coffin Bay – in three Ways, Goldband Snapper Ceviche Tostadas or Exmouth Wild Caught Bugs (lobster-like crustaceans). And I liked every single one of them! Yet there is more, also quite a few vegetarian choices just as Chargrilled Broccolini or Karaage Cauliflower. Of course there are items with meat and poultry too, think of Steak Tartare, Braised Lamb Ribs or Kangaroo Fillet. And also tempting desserts are available.

2.2. Upstairs, Kalbarri

You will find no fine-dining establishments in Kalbarri, if I am not mistaken. But I had identified two relaxed places with modern cuisine before our visit that sounded promising enough. Unfortunately, one – Little Leaf Kalbarri –

was closed due to renovation works – , so there was only one left. That was Upstairs Restaurant, featuring contemporary interiors, which however felt a bit chilly.

Plus there is a balcony with a view of  the nearby river. Staff was friendly and helpful, yet not very talkative.

In terms of food, modern Australian fare is on the menu. And the dishes incorporate elements from different cuisines. I name here various Asian countries – Satay Skewers, Green Thai NZ Chilli Mussels or Seafood Laksa – , Italy (2 sorts of Linguini) or Morocco (Moroccan Lamb). Just as in Exmouth we are still on the coast, so seafood is prominently featured. You get her Western Rock Lobster, both on its own or as part of a Seafood Platter. I dined here three times and everything I had – fish, mussels and seafood – was of good quality, well prepared and tasty. The desserts were my least favourite part. They were okay but not more.

2.3. Locale Mio, Guildford

I was delighted to come across such a good Italian restaurant in historic Guildford. While it is a beautiful town, it does not necessarily have an alluring dining scene. Locale Mio is a casual yet sophisticated place that buzzed with life on our dinner.

The menu here showcases authentic Italian cuisine, blending traditional flavors with modern touches. From what I read, the owners grew up with their backyard as their grocery store. Their Mama used to prepare amazing creations from this fresh produce. And this has become their motto for Locale Mio as well.

They serve here Tapas, Fried, Cold and Hot, alongside Home-Made Pasta with Fresh Salad and Pizza. The dough for the latter is rested for 48 hours, made with a certified blended flour. Plus, irresistible desserts complete the offer. My husband and I shared their house salad, Italian Bread and Butter and then had pasta and risotto. And everything was just great. A delicious Pannacotta with Limoncello and Strawberry Coulis, which we shared, made the end.

And the service made a good job too!

About my Western Australia posts

Two posts about our four-week journey in Western Australia have already appeared on my blog. And one more will follow in this context. As to the former, I informed on our itinerary and where to go for staying in style. This very post covered my personal best (fine-dining) restaurants in Western Australia. And the last will showcase my favorite things to do in Australia’s biggest state.

Date of stay: September 2025

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The post Best restaurants to dine in style in Western Australia’s countryside appeared first on Swiss Traveler.

The Western Australia trip that brought my husband and me from Exmouth to Esperance – here is the itinerary – was a real challenge in terms of staying in style. The Aussies are not known for appreciating this kind of lodging. Instead, they prefer to travel in a camper. Therefore, the offer of good upscale accommodations outside of Perth is scarce. Nonetheless, I discovered some great luxury hotels in Western Australia, also in its countryside. As you can imagine, the state’s capital has its share of upscale lodging options, yet the one we stayed was a true find!

I let you know in the following about two best-of lists and one addition. The first ranking is about my top three upscale hotels in Western Australia. The second features three promising establishments. Regarding the latter, it is about places with potential, yet with considerable flaws too. And I also want to inform on a property that does not fit into either. Yet it is worthwhile mentioning all the same. It is a simple inn which offers comfort but no real luxury and is very well run.

1. My list of the best 3 luxury hotels in Western Australia

In the following it is about the three best accommodations we experienced on our four-week Western Australia journey. Not surprisingly, the top runner is to be found in the city of Perth. And the other two are in wine regions.

1.1. COMO The Treasury in Perth, the best hotel we stayed in Western Australia

While there is no shortage of luxury hotels in Western Australia’s capital, COMO The Treasury is something special. This 48-room lodging is located in Perth’s newly revitalised historic heart. It is housed in The Old Treasury Buildings dating from 1875 to 1958. Later on, they became the State Buildings, and this until the mid 1990s. Afterwards, they were vacant. That only changed in 2015 when life came back to this property with the opening of COMO The Treasury.

You find here not only luxuriously appointed guest rooms – we got an upgrade to the Studio Suite – ,

but also lots of other facilities. There is a number of restaurants, bars and other venues for business and leisure.

A signature spa with an indoor pool and a gym are also part of the offer. My husband and I were impressed, also by the high-level service and the superlative gastronomy. This is true for Restaurant Wildflower in particular,

but Restaurant Petition was also a good choice.

Thus there is no doubt that COMO The Treasury in Perth was the best hotel my husband and I experienced in Western Australia.

1.2. Grand Mercure Basildene Manor, Margaret River

This was the best hotel we lodged in Western Australia’s countryside. Grand Mercure Basildene Manor in Western Australia’s most famous wine region of Margaret River is a historic property with an old school vibe. It was built in 1912 as a private residence. Later on, it was converted into an upscale hotel, blending its original elegance with contemporary comforts. The hotel’s greatest asset is perhaps its manicured garden sprawling on 14 acres/56 hectares.

Yet also its 19 rooms with garden views and plenty of classic charm are persuasive (we had a King Bath Suite).

When staying here you can make use of a swimming pool, a tennis court and fabulous breakfasts in the conservatory. Also a complimentary afternoon tea is part of the package. And staff was professional, helpful and accommodating on our stay. Everyone was keen to help, without being intrusive. There is no restaurant on site, but plenty of options to eat out in its surroundings.

1.3. The Swan Valley Retreat, Swan Valley

With three guest rooms only and no communal area for having breakfast or so, The Swan Valley Retreat is not a hotel in the classic sense. Yet this adults-only retreat stands out due to features just as a luxurious interior design with an oversized bathroom,

a generous outdoor area

with a private outdoor spa or the access to an outdoor cedar barrel sauna (shared between the Merlot and Cabernet Rooms, the Wine Barrel Room has its own).

And you have great views of a pond with the resident farm animals roaming around.

In addition, you find a Day Spa on site as well as a Padel Tennis Court.

Included in the rate is a breakfast, a light version for the Merlot – where we stayed – and the Cabernet Room. But you can upgrade it to a gourmet breakfast if you wish (included in the Wine Barrel Room). The breakfast items are stored in the guest room’s fridge for you to prepare it yourself. While the property is a little paradise due to its facilities and its serene setting, the fact that you are here in the flight paths of the near Perth Airport lessens the overall impact.

2. 3 hotels/inns with potential in Western Australia

The three hotels/inns that I list here were a mixed bag to us. On the one hand, they have the potential to be really good. On the other hand, their performance was affected by significant weaknesses.

2.1. Mantarays Nigaloo Beach Resort, Exmouth

With its 68 guest rooms Mantarays Nigaloo Beach Resort was the biggest hotel we stayed on our Western Australia trip. It is a nice complex located a bit out of town in a pretty spot by the Sunrise Beach.

The accommodation offer is quite varied from several room types to 1- or 2-Bedroom Apartments to 1- or 2-Bedroom Ocean View Pavilions. As it was the only hotel of our journey directly on the beach, we longed for a room with sea view. Yet as the resort was already well booked – more than 6 months before arrival – , we had to take a 2-Bedroom Ocean View Pavilion.

Once entering the premises, my husband and I agreed it was a good decision. Our room’s setting was dreamlike with the best views of the beautiful coastline.

While the layout was generous, its amenities were alright. I found them rather elementar, you could make more of it. This is also true for the communal spaces, which were okay but not more. The indoor restaurant resembles a dining hall in my opinion. As to the staff, we were received a bit coldly upon arrival. When we dined here at Mantarays Dining & Bar on one occasion (food was good except the dessert, a peanut slice, which was way too rich and sweet), service was friendly yet a bit slow and not very professional.

Overall, we had a good time here, but it is no true luxury you get here. This was so despite the fact that the hotel has the capability to be a top Western Australia hotel.

 2.2. The Premier Mill, Katanning

I was quite astonished to find a superior hotel in what was in my opinion in the middle of nowhere. Katanning is a vital Wheatbelt town, a bit more than a three-hour drive south of Perth. The Premier Mill Hotel has a long and eventful history, from a 19th century roller mill to a power station to a wine cellar. After years of neglect and standing empty, the CEO of Dome Café Group bought it for just $1. And he transformed it into one of Western Australia’s finest luxury country hotel.

Much of the mill’s infrastructure has been kept,

with each room displaying a different element of the building’s history. Out of the 22 accommodations we had a Purifying Room featuring vaulted ceilings and original staircases, which was great. Not only did we like its heritage restoration but also the high-quality bed and linen along with the spacious bathroom with Aesop products. The not so good part was the non-existent closet (only a few hooks for cloths), the insufficient lighting (much too dark) and the A/C that did not work properly.

We did not have dinner at the Dome Café, which you find here of course, but had breakfast, which was okay. For dinner, we went to the Cordial Bar in the basement. Here we enjoyed a selection of delightful tapas and a fine local wine.

As to service, it was good from start to finish – we had only one night here.

2.3. Majuba Country Lodge, Albany

At Majuba Country Lodge we experienced the biggest letdown of our WA trip in terms of staying in style. All the prerequisites for an enjoyable stay were met. Think of a beautiful stylish property,

splendid views of roaming horses and kangaroos around a pond against the backdrop of Oyster Harbor

and a tastefully decorated room with luxurious amenities.

But all this could not make up for what we encountered here. Upon arrival a cute albeit badly behaved dog awaited us and immediately jumped on my husband. The owner, coming from South Africa, remained unfazed although my husband’s trousers were ruined (no excuse). And the dog was a nuisance throughout our stay (trying to get in our room ecetera).

While we could have lived with an annoying dog, I could not accept that our room (Serengeti, the nicer of two) was not clean (partially dirty floor and closet) and that the promise of a continental breakfast was not fulfilled. All we got was a platter with prosciutto, cheese and olives, 4 yoghurts, granola and two packaged pastries. And the offerings were not replenished on our three-day stay. My husband addressed the issue with the owner, but he did not receive our complaint well (“I can bring you some slices of bread”). He told him not to bother, and so we had breakfast in town. Plus, we bought some crackers to accompany the cold cuts, which we had for lunch. Majuba Country Lodge has features that could make it exceptional, but has sadly not realized its potential to be one of Western Australia’s best hotels!

3. A simple yet quality inn in Kalbarri

To end my reporting on our Western Australia’s lodgings I want to mention one that I keep well in my memory. While it was not a luxury place, it was comfortable enough and offered lots of value for money. And I am quite sure, you will not find a better accommodation in the area. It is is about the Kalbarri region, a must for every nature lover traveling WA. It concerns the Gecko Lodge in the town of Kalbarri, a bit more than a 6-hour drive north of Perth.

The inn, a mix between a traditional hotel and a bed and breakfast, is located in a quiet residential neighbourhood.

You are here only minutes away from the beach and the town center. Five rooms are available, one of those is a Penthouse Suite, the other are in some sort of bungalow row houses. While some have extra features as a kitchenette or separate shower and tub, others did not and are a bit smaller. As my husband and I wanted separated beds, we opted for the one and only King Deluxe Double Suite, which was one of the least sizeable. Do not expect luxury furnishings yet good comfort was provided.

While the inn is not new or recently renovated, it is well kept. In terms of facilities, there is a pool, a barbecue area and a sitting room complete with port wine, chocolates, DVDs and books. Sha, the owner/manager is very well organised and offers a delicious breakfast (great fruit bowl) and an afternoon tea with great cake.

She always ensures that her guests feel at ease, and despite the rooms not being serviced every day, she goes the extra mile to fulfils their needs.

Looking back & forward to my Western Australia reporting

My last post was about a 4-week Western Australia itinerary – in style whenever possible. The ones who know the area are certainly aware of the fact how difficult this is! But I tried my best looking out for high-quality lodging and restaurants where they are rare. After informing where to go for staying in style in Australia’s biggest state in this very blogpost, my next covers dining-spots to choose for a nice dinner. The end will make a list of my favorite WA activities.

Date of stay: September 2025

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