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| Balaton basics: 5-minute guide to Hungary’s Lake Balaton Posted: 19 Dec 2013 10:00 PM PST Where to stay and how to play in Hungary's most popular outdoor destination  So, you're in Budapest, Hungary's cosmopolitan cultural capital, a place with more cathedrals, palaces, Gothic gargoyles and goulash-stained tablecloths than you ever thought you'd see in one place. Now it's time for a break from city drama. When the mood strikes for a long weekend in the gorgeous countryside, every Hungarian knows where to go: Lake Balaton. Central Europe's largest lake is two hours by car from Budapest, but the dramatic change in scenery occurs almost as soon as you get on highway M7. Farewell, St. Stephen's Basilica. Hello, trees, fields, lakes, birds and deer. Lake Balaton is huge -- it's colloquially known in landlocked Hungary as the "Hungarian Sea" -- and surrounded with vacation houses, hotels and apartments. All have paths or roads heading toward the lake's lovely beaches and promenades. Popular activities include wine tasting, thermal spas, music festivals, water sports and other action-oriented activities. Want to jump out of a helicopter? Read on. This is the place "where East and West met throughout history," according to Ádám Kiss, journalist at We Love Balaton (www.welovabalaton.hu/en). "Now, it's a place where all Hungarians are gathering to enjoy." Here's a quick guide to the Balaton basics. HotelsAnna Grand Hotel
In addition to some of the nicest rooms in the Lake Balaton area, it has a superb restaurant, spa and bowling alley, and organizes horseback riding, sailing and wine tasting. Anna Grand Hotel, 8230 Balatonfüred, Gyógy tér 1; +36 (1) 87 581 200; expensive Chateau Visz
Chateau Visz, 8681 Visz, Berencsepuszta; +36 85 710 003; expensive Káli Art InnArtful living in the countryside? This is it. In a wooded countryside location, Káli Art Inn's facilities are all modern yet specializes in rustic, Old World appeal A former casino, the inn arranges horseback riding and rents bicycles, and has art supplies for those inspired by the surroundings to create masterpieces for the living room wall -- or basement corner. Káli Art Inn, 8274 Köveskál, Fő utca 8; +36 30 922 8715; moderate Óbester PensionApartments and pensions dot the Lake Balaton area. Surrounded by vineyards and walnut trees and set back off the lake, Óbester Pension is typical -- and good. The family-run B&B in a 200-year-old building has rooms for singles and more spacious apartments for families. Óbester Pension, 8261 Badacsonytomaj, Római út 203; +36 30 213 0225; moderate Kertem Camping SiteKertem Camping Site brings the colorful spirit of Budapest's ruin pubs to Lake Balaton. It's a short walk to beaches and sites for music festivals; the campground has the casual vibe you'd expect though in crowded summer it can feel more urban than rural. Kertem Camping Site, 8621 Zamárdi, Panoráma utca 12; +36 20 248 4417; budget Balatontourist CampingBalatontourist Camping offers sites in different locations, with varying levels of services -- holiday bungalows, sports facilities, grocery stores, a clubhouse. Balatontourist Camping, 8636 Balatonszemes, Lellei utca 1-2; +36 84 360 114; budget DiningMost restaurants around Lake Balaton offer Hungarian specialties at reasonable prices. Some serve pre-arranged, three-course meals. Beware: some restaurants accept only cash -- no credit cards. Chateau Visz Gourmet RestaurantRun by Michelin-starred chef Erik Schröter, this fine-dining restaurant has a list of medals and awards, including Restaurant of the Year for 2010 from a local dining guide and a Top 20 Restaurants in Central Europe 2012 nod from "Food & Wine" magazine. It serves traditional Hungarian dishes with a sophisticated overhaul. Chateau Visz, 8681 Visz, Berencsepuszta; +36 85 710 003; expensive Karolina Kávéház és Koktélbár
It's so popular the owners opened a shop that sells the exact ingredients they use in their food. Karolina Kávéház és Koktélbár, 8230 Balatonfüred, Zákonyi Ferenc utca 4; +36 87 583 098; moderate Kistücsök RestaurantWhile its menu describes the food as "traditional," Kistücsök serves Hungarian dishes with a modern twist, playing with sauces, garnishes and presentation. The service is impeccable; waiters are always on the watch in case your glass ever gets half-empty, whether water or wine. Kistücsök Restaurant,8636 Balatonszemes, Bajcsy Zsilinszky út 25; +36 84 360 133; expensive Old Bell Tavern and RestaurantThe family-run tavern offers interesting Hungarian game dishes that include water buffalo, Guinea fowl, rabbit and … donkey. It uses ingredients from local farmers and hosts outdoor barbecues every Thursday and Friday night in spring and summer. The barbecues move indoors in winter. Old Bell Tavern and Restaurant, 8380 Hévíz, 2830 hrsz; +36 30 927 9011; moderate Teázó az erdő mélyénThe name literally means, "Teahouse deep in the forest." Although it's tough to locate, and is open only on weekends, it's worth the time and effort to seek out. The owner is mesmerized by tea, and has traveled around the world for interesting selections. Her son is a pastry chef and together they make an impressive tea and cake combo. The café also serves light, tasty meals. Teázó az erdő mélyén, 8237 Tihany-Sajkod, Sajkodi aszfalt út vége; + 36 30 247 2260; moderate Sightseeing and activitiesHungary is famous for spas and saunas and Lake Balaton offers a number of good ones. Most hotels offer some sort of spa, sauna and massage program. Other popular Lake Balaton activities include water sports and wine tasting. Hévíz Lake SpaThis lake spa promotes wellness by promoting the healthy waters of Lake Balaton, which guests spend plenty of time in. "The steady and constant water flow has a beneficial effect on the body as it keeps bathers lightly massaged during the whole time they spend in the lake," say the spa's website. Since the lake is warm throughout the year, it's possible to bathe in its waters even in winter. The spa is a joint venture with Saint Andrew Rheumatology Hospital and offers medicinal treatments. Hévíz Lake Spa, 8380 Hévíz, Dr. Schulhof Vilmos sétány 1; +36 83 501 700 Tihany Abbey
The exterior is modest, with white walls and red brick towers; the interior is overwhelming and opulent. The abbey houses an an impressive underground museum and art gallery. Tihany Abbey, 8237 Tihany, I. András tér 1; +36 87 538 200 Füred Wakeboard CentrumWhile biking, hiking and traveling by car around the Lake Balaton are the norms, there are other ways to take in the scenery: sailing and windsurfing. Füred Wakeboard Centrum offers surf schools, sailing, windsurfing and kite surfing programs on the lake. Füred Wakeboard Centrum, 8230 Balatonfüred Széchenyi u. 24; +36 70 6161 742; daily, 10 a.m.-6 p.m., March-September IKON Winery
It's run by a restless winemaker, János Konyári, and his son, who worked in vineyards in South Africa and California. IKONs 39 hectares produce Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, Merlot, Syrah and Pinot Noir. IKON Winery, 8681 Látrány, 087/1/A Hrsz; +36 454 94 31 Siófok-Kiliti Airport
For a dramatic look at Lake Balaton, you can jump out of a plane. Or a helicopter. The Siófok-Kiliti Airport's M-8 Boogie program includes jumping from a helicopter from more than 4,000 meters or (snooze) simply bailing out of a plane. As you float earthward over hills, vineyards and the lake, you'll understand why this is a popular activity during peak season (meaning reservations are a must). Siófok-Kiliti Airport, 8611 Siófok-Kiliti, Szekszárdi út 1; +36 84 522 011      |
| Macau's coolest hotel gimmicks Posted: 19 Dec 2013 02:00 PM PST From Michael Jackson's chamber to a Kung Fu Panda-themed room, there's more to Macau hotels than well-lit casino floors Macau hotels are outdoing themselves to prove they're not just convenient places for gamblers to crash after a binge. Below are some Macau hotel gimmicks quirky enough to soften the crush of big losses at the tables. Michael Jackson-themed chamber escape gameThe Ponte 16 casino-resort not only has a gallery dedicated to more than 40 pieces of Michael Jackson memorabilia, it recently launched a chamber escape game with a horror theme reminiscent of the King of Pop's "Thriller" video. The game features two chambers, dubbed Death Valley and Murder of Dance, in which you'll have to unlock the doors to return to freedom by solving the various riddles in elaborately decked out rooms. Afterward, you can commemorate a mission accomplished with a photo session, stepping into a pair of shoes that'll help you achieve MJ's signature 45-degree lean. MJ Gallery at Ponte 16, 2/F, Ponte 16 Resort Macau; +853 8861 6560 More on CNN: 10 must-try Macau foods Bedside spa poolsBecause the need for relaxation could arise at any hour, the Banyan Tree Macau has put the spa in your room -- right next to your bed, to be exact. These suites are sweet on serious spa addicts, with personal relaxation pools located between the comfy beds and expansive windows framing views of Cotai. In addition to the suites, Banyan Tree Macau has 10 villas with individual private outdoor pools for swimming. Banyan Tree Macau, Galaxy Macau, Avenida Marginal Flor de Lotus, Cotai; +853 8883 8833; from MOP2,588 ($317) per night Fake beach"Why go to the beach, when we can bring the beach to you?" This was likely Galaxy Macau's motivation for building a 52,000-square-meter beach right in the middle of the gaming capital's concrete jungle. Covered in fine white sand, the space is complete with Ibiza-worthy lounge chairs and service, with waves as high as 1.5 meters lapping at its artificial shoreline. Come for the Baccarat, stay for the sunbathing. Galaxy Macau, Avenida Marginal Flor de Lotus, Cotai; +853 2888 0888 More on CNN: Macau's best casinos: Where to gamble, where to let loose Kung Fu Panda roomsThe Sheraton Macao Hotel proves a vacation in the gambling city doesn't have to be off-limits for kids. The DreamWorks Experience Package turns the hotel into a theme park for little ones. Special family suites are decorated with images from DreamWorks movies, including "Shrek," "Kung Fu Panda," and "Madagascar." A "Shrekfast" ensures kids start the day off right with a hearty meal and their favorite characters, such as Shrek and Puss in Boots, Alex the lion and his penguin friends. Sheraton Macao Hotel, Cotai Central, Estrada do Istmo, Macau; +853 2880 2000 More on CNN: Macau's kung fu coffee master Renaissance artThe MGM goes high-brow with a newly launched 8,000-square-feet "Art Space." The event space primarily hosts art exhibitions; its inaugural show opening in December 2013 featured a beautiful piece of Renaissance art: Botticelli's "Venus" (circa 1482). The depiction of the goddess of love and fertility was a precursor to the master's most famous work, "The Birth of Venus," and has come all the way from Turin's Galleria Sabauda. MGM Macau, Avenida Dr. Sun Yat Sen, NAPE, Macau; +853 8802 8888 More on CNN: 10 things to know before visiting Macau Tea ceremony spherical roomThe Okura's Yamazato restaurant has a stunning sphere-shaped tea ceremony room made entirely from washi paper. The globe, which has a diameter of three meters, creates a calming white space within which two guests can enjoy a traditional tea ceremony led by a competent staff. Accompanied by adjacent Zen gardens, the whole place is great for contemplating the sound of one hand clapping. Avenida Marginal Flor de Lotus, Okura Hotel, Cotai, Macau; +853 8883 3636 More on CNN: House of Dancing Water: Secrets behind the world's biggest water show CNN Travel's series often carries sponsorship originating from the countries and regions we profile. However, CNN retains full editorial control over all of its reports. Read the policy.    |
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