USA holiday: Discovering that the sights of New York are still exhilarating

Samantha Lewis, Mail on Sunday’s Samantha Lewis flew out in Virgin Atlantic’s “upper-class” cabin to New York. This is her elegant seat on the flight of November 8.

After a 600-day ban on travel, it’s finally been possible to return to the USA. Virgin Atlantic’s inaugural flight to New York was a momentous one. Cabin crew waved American flags at excited passengers as they welcomed them. They’d waited patiently for the day. John F. Kennedy airport was surprisingly peaceful and I easily breezed through security.

As you drive through Manhattan, there are many signs warning that Manhattan has been affected by the pandemic. You can’t help but notice many of the for-rent signs and boarded up shops that line streets. Then I see a huge new building at the edges of my street. It has apparently not hindered its plans for urban renewal.

The area can be found on Manhattan’s West Side. It is walking distance from major attractions such as Madison Square Garden or the High Line. This area is home to restaurants, bars and cafes, as well as retail shops such Whole Foods, Peloton and many more.

Pendry Manhattan West is located in the hotel. This makes it my base on the trip. Inspired by its Southern California roots, the hotel’s coastal vibe is a reflection of this brand. With their soft lighting, neutral colours and flickering fireplaces, the contemporary rooms have a soothing impact.

The hotel has 164 rooms, including suites and apartments with floor to ceiling windows. Those on the highest levels of the building have views of Liberty. What about the staff? The staff is among the most helpful and attentive that I have ever encountered.

“Enjoy everything that is new and exciting, you still have some catching up to complete!” One of the notecards in my bedroom said this. It shouldn’t matter that I live in a city that doesn’t sleep.

Samantha’s Virgin Atlantic flight VS3, is pictured performing a double takeoff from Heathrow Airport, with British Airways flight BA001 in celebration of the reopening transatlantic corridor

Virgin Atlantic crew celebrating the lifting of travel ban at Heathrow (left) The crew of Samantha’s flight are ready to receive her onboard.

Zou Zou at The Pendry’s Eastern Mediterranean Restaurant, Pendry, looks set to be an amazing success, but it is not yet ready so I instead head out to discover New York’s culinary scene.

Many places can be found to enjoy an alfresco meal thanks to the many ‘dining sheds,’ which have appeared on streets and sidewalks. They were initially introduced in order to enforce social distancing rules, but they will likely become an established feature.

If you’d prefer indoor dining, be sure to cover up your face and present your vaccine pass. New York is still under high alert. This means that these rules must be strictly observed.

Samantha’s base for her New York odyssey is the newly opened Pendry Manhattan West hotel, pictured

Pendry Manhattan West has 164 rooms or suites featuring floor-to ceiling windows.

Samantha writes that the Pendry Manhattan West vibe is a coastal tranquility.

Pendry Manhattan West’s “contemporary spaces” charm Samantha [which]They have soothing effects due to their neutral colours, soft lighting, and flickering fireplaces.

Samantha claims that Zou Zou at The Pendry’s Eastern Mediterranean Restaurant, Pendry (pictured), will be a show-stopper, although it is still not ready to go during her stay

The Edge at Hudson Yards is one of the most exciting new Big Apple attractions. It’s the Western Hemisphere’s highest skydeck, and it’s one of the best.

Samantha can be seen on the left sipping a cocktail on The Edge’s skydeck. The right-hand picture is of Samantha with her Joe’s Pizza Slice – “cheese-laden”, glistening and full of grease.

Samantha says Ci Siamo is the restaurant that everyone wants to eat at.

Ci Siamo, located right next to my hotel is the place everyone’s clamoring for a seat at. Danny Meyer, the restaurateur behind Union Square Cafe’s Shake Shack and Union Square Cafe is seeing this as a return to form. Ci Siamo is Italian for “here are” and features wood-fired Italian cooking, homemade pasta, and an impressive Italian wine collection. Joe’s Pizza, located in Greenwich Village is the best place to get authentic New Yorker style pizza. The best slice in the city is here, it’s a classic and an institution. It’s grease-laden and cheese-laden.

The Big Apple’s newest attractions will appeal to travelers returning from abroad. The Edge at Hudson Yards has the Western Hemisphere’s highest Skydeck, making it one of the best. It opened in March 2019, but it was shut down two days later by the city. The attraction now draws between 7,000-8,000 tourists per day. It will be helping to recover the $80billion in tourism revenue lost by the city.

Enjoy breathtaking views of New Jersey, Midtown Manhattan and New Jersey from your $36 perch. You’ll also be able to spot iconic buildings like the Chrysler Building or the Empire State. Courageous tourists can climb the 1300ft tall skyscraper to look out at the buildings edge. The price is $185 and includes a glass champagne as a reward.

Samantha finds Times Square irresistible despite having been there many times.

Central Park has an ice rink that makes Christmas even more special. Samantha wrote: “There is magic in this season’s air that makes it feel extra special.”

Others familiar landmarks can be busy, but they are not overwhelming. Although I have visited Times Square numerous times before, the bright lights at Times Square are what draws me back. This is the heart of Broadway. The atmosphere here is electric and it’s alive with people when I go.

To enjoy fall’s spectacular colors, I walk to Central Park from here. It’s very easy to lose yourself in the vastness of this park. It’s worth mapping out your route. The promenade is the most beautiful spot, where tall elm trees with the brightest gold shade line the route.

Continue on towards the famous park’s ice rink. It is due to reopen in just a few days. The city turns into a winter wonderland as it marks the arrival of Christmas. For the holiday season, festive markets are set up along with colorful decorations and Fifth Avenue’s sparkling window displays. This time of year, there’s magic that fills the air. New York! We miss you so much.