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This top-rated high-demand hotel is located just a few minutes walk from My Khe Beach and is a fine choice for a stay in Vietnam's Da Nang. A definite for the 'bougie' list, the rooftop pool, bar, and restaurant are worth coming for alone! Not to mention 4-star dining with breakfast, lunch, and dinner buffet packages, full spa facilities, expansive lobby and working areas, a gym, and a children's playroom! Da Nang is a popular tourist destination, known for its beautiful beaches, rich history, and stunning natural scenery. The city is home to several other popular tourist attractions, such as the Marble Mountains , the Dragon Bridge, and the Han River Bridge. The Sala Beach Hotel turned out to be a fantastic choice for us for our first stay in Vietnam . In this post, we share our full review, including the awesome food we had, our room, how to find the Sala Beach Hotel, and our hotel experience ratings! In This Post... ● Our Highlight s ● The Room ● The Food ● Hotel Facilities ● Prices & Best Time to Go See More... ● How to Get There ● Experience Rating s ● FAQ Travel Resources ● Find Hotels in Da Nang ● Get Travel Insurance ● Book Transport ● Interactive Map ● Closer Lives Travel Hub Our Sala Danang Beach Hotel Highlights We had been living in Thailand for 6 fantastic weeks before landing at Da Nang International Airport. Our first trip to Asia was already exceeding expectations well before we came to Vietnam . We were super excited to get here and discover more of the wonderful culture South Asia has. Again, it turned out better than expected; much of that was owing to our great stay at the Sala Danang Hotel. Welcome drinks and a cooled face towel! Everything about our travel day had worked out smoothly; getting to the airport, going through security, the flight, getting through immigration; it was all a breeze (pardon the pun). So far, so good... taxi from the airport, also no problem. Needless to say, we were feeling great, and by the time we checked in, accepted an upgrade (thank you Expedia ) and sat down to wait in the lobby, these welcome drinks went down a treat! Not sure what it was, but it was a deep purple, sweet and fruity, and served with a cooling towel. It was a moment where we both looked at each other, feeling welcomed, excited, slightly tired, but eager to see what was next in store. And there was just so much more! Let's go explore... There are so many wonderful photo spots on the rooftop! That building jutting out in front of the sea is interesting; who came first?! It is a great place to lounge about in! We couldn't have asked (or probably found) better views of the sea, beach, and city. Yes, that is what we made a beeline for! The crown jewel of Sala Beach Hotel, its beautiful rooftop bar, pool, and restaurant, overlooking My Khe Beach and with a 360-degree view of much of the city of Da Nang itself. This swing is a neat feature of the rooftop bar. The vibe was great, as was the efficient and attentive staff. It is a great place to chill, swim, and enjoy the ocean and beach, without actually being on it. The sun can be pretty strong up there, too, so a decent tan is a bonus. This was our major highlight, but this is just one part of what is a 4-star hotel that works hard to maintain that standard. We were very impressed with the room, spa, and breakfast buffet too. Our tour continues... The Room at Sala Beach Hotel The hotel features 162 well-appointed rooms and suites, each elegantly decorated with modern amenities and furnished with contemporary furnishings. The rooms are well-designed to provide guests with a comfortable and relaxing stay, with features such as air conditioning, flat-screen TVs, mini-bars, and private balconies with beautiful sea or city views. They are also nicely spaced out and have decent wi-fi too. The bed was massive and super comfy!! We found our room to be clean, comfortable, and very relaxing. The air-con worked well, which is always crucial in hot countries! There were some nice touches here with a stocked mini-bar, complimentary snacks, and coffee, which was a common theme amongst the 3 hotels we stayed at in Vietnam (great job guys). We particularly liked the cool perks of Sala branded robes and flips, which could be purchased if wanted (we took the flips too, they were great!). The bathroom also came with a hairdryer, shower gel, shampoo, and a small pampering kit, which is nice and convenient if you like to travel light on the toiletry side (which by the way, is a great way to save weight). This was certainly 4-star service, right down to the chocolate mints on our pillows. All in all, we were very impressed with our room and would recommend it. Our only slight critique (and a pet peeve of ours) was that there was no microwave. They are so handy for warming up hot drinks and leftover food; we find it so odd that they are so rare in rooms, particularly in Asia. Not a big deal at all, but something to suggest! Also, the windows were a little dirty, but given we were on the 17th floor and by the sea, this was understandable. We tried to find a critique, and this was all that we could muster. The room... spot on! The Food at Sala Beach Hotel Sala Danang Beach Hotel offers several dining options, including two restaurants (one buffet and one on the rooftop), a rooftop bar, and a coffee shop/bar in the lobby. This giant hand in the Rooftop Restaurant mimics the famous Golden Hand Bridge at Ba Na Hills. Guests can enjoy a modest selection of Vietnamese and international cuisine at the rooftop restaurant, as well as refreshing cocktails and drinks, where you can also enjoy sweeping panoramic views of the ocean and the city. The buffet is more extensive, as you would expect, and offers a great variety of Asian cuisine and specialty dishes. The standards were set high here, and we were impressed with the food on the whole. Spaghetti Carbonara at Sala Beach Hotel We tried the beef steak and spaghetti carbonara at the rooftop restaurant, and both dishes were reasonably priced and tasty. Our only slight critique was that they were not piping hot; the server told us that they come from the 3rd floor to the 22nd, and they lose heat. Fair explanation, and the food was fine, but this is perhaps something that should be addressed, especially for a 4-star hotel. We liked the buffet, though, and tried most of the options! Our favorite part was the barista-served coffee, which is a nice touch for a buffet (they are usually self-service). Check out our overall rating here . Sala Beach Hotel Facilities The hotel also offers a range of facilities for guests to enjoy, including a swimming pool, a fitness centre, a spa, and a sauna. Additionally, Sala Danang Beach Hotel provides guests with a range of services, such as 24-hour front desk service, currency exchange, laundry, and room service. ⪢ Rooftop Restaurant We took a spot here for sunset, dining into the night as we watched the sweeping change from sun-kissed buildings to neon signs and bright lights. The atmosphere was beautiful up here, with no other diners (we arrived just on opening time, 6 pm). The decor is excellent, with the restaurant also taking advantage of a 360 view as you walk around the perimeter. The window seats are well worth it! Wine anyone? There is also a fantastic wine selection and a fully stocked liquor bar. We would certainly suggest an evening meal here; the service is also excellent, with the staff being highly attentive throughout. As mentioned earlier, the food temperature was a slight issue, hopefully, that is something that can be rectified, although it is not a major issue. Now that is as much Jägermeister as we have ever seen behind a bar! There was even more than you see here! Yes, we did love Da Nang, thanks! ⪢ Buffet Restaurant As part of our package, we had a complimentary breakfast buffet every morning, which, as you can see below, was nicely put together and organized. The service was one of our highlights; every morning, someone came to us at our table to check in and make sure we were enjoying our food and the stay. That was such a nice touch! At one point, we were fanning ourselves as it was quite hot, and it was noticed, and the air-con went on moments later. Now that is what we are talking about! It made us feel appreciated and valued, and we thank all of the staff for that. There are also chefs and baristas working at the buffet, meaning you can get specialty dishes, cooked eggs, and a range of different coffee options too. Sometimes buffets can be a bit hit and miss; this is a hit! ⪢ Rooftop Infinity Pool & Bar The rooftop pool and bar are an excellent place to chill, swim, and unwind, as mentioned earlier in our hotel highlight. The design and layout make excellent use of the space, and while it can get busy at times, it always seemed like everyone had a spot. There is also a mini buffet here at times, with finger snacks, and the bar is tucked away around the corner from the pool to create a good separation between the two spaces. The greenery and décor are just perfect up here, too. We think the pictures speak for themselves! ⪢ Zen Spa We are both fans of a good spa treatment, and we always like to check them out when available, even if we do not end up using them! Zen Spa at Sala Hotel offers a variety of different treatments, in keeping with most spas, alongside some great package deals that you can take advantage of. The Zen Spa 'Buffet' was a nice offer here; for roughly USD 30 per person, you can select up to 3 treatments, lasting a total of 90 minutes. We thought this was a fantastic deal, especially when considering that in some places, just one treatment can cost you almost double that. We opted for the foot therapy, back, neck & shoulder massage (which was full-body), and sauna & steam. The massage was excellent and we would highly recommend it! The foot therapy came first and was very relaxing, going into the massage. We did the sauna and steam last; this was awesome too, however, the hot tub was not working at the time, which was a little disappointing. Not to take anything away from the overall experience, though! The staff, the atmosphere, and ambience it was all lovely and great value for money. ⪢ The Gym We aren't exactly gym users, so we couldn't tell you much about the standard of equipment here, but it looked modern, clean, and in good condition. Oh, and that view! If we were to work out in a gym, this would be a great place to do it! Mirror selfie with a beer in hand is more our style! ⪢ Children's Play Area This play area is located on the same floor as the spa, which we found a little odd at first, as the access is via the same lobby/reception area. It was a little noisy on one occasion when we came to enquire about spa services, but when we came for our treatments, it was fine and there was no interruption. The room is fully air-conditioned and has plenty of things to keep the kids entertained while mama and papa take a load off! This is a nice touch as we have not often seen this type of facility in hotels we have stayed at. ⪢ The Lobby All hotels want to make a good first impression, and we have to say that the Sala Danang Hotel does that with aplomb here. The sweeping lobby certainly has the wow factor and is well-decorated and brightly lit. There is a large seating area and bar, along with a piano. The 3 main elevators are running through the centre, along with another elevator that runs on the front of the building. The lobby is warm and welcoming, and is big enough to accommodate the heavy stream of guests that we saw throughout our stay here. The reception desk staff were on point, and several baggage handlers were helping too. Top marks here! Prices, Booking Tips & Best Time to Visit ⪢ Average Prices ● Deluxe Rooms: From USD 60 - 90 per night ● Ocean View Rooms: From USD 100 - 130 per night ● Suites & Panorama Rooms: USD 150 - 220 per night 💡 Prices fluctuate seasonally—expect higher rates during Vietnamese holidays and peak tourist months (June–August). Prices are correct at the time of writing (May 2025). Please check the official website  below for the most up-to-date information. All prices are in United States Dollars. Convert your currency here . ⪢ Booking Tips ● Book at least 2–3 weeks in advance for ocean view rooms. ● Use platforms like Booking.com or Agoda for exclusive member discounts. ● Opt in for the breakfast buffet—guests rave about the rooftop spread! 💡 You can often get better rates than on the hotel’s site via our verified affiliate links. ⪢ Best Time to Visit ● Best Weather: February to May – dry, sunny, and not too humid. ● Avoid: September to November – higher rainfall due to the monsoon season. ● Best for beach + city access: March or April 💡 Plan around Tet (Vietnamese New Year) in late Jan/early Feb—prices spike and availability is limited. How to Get to the Sala Danang Beach Hotel The hotel is centrally located along Vo Nguyen Giap Street, directly facing My Khe Beach. The hotel is accessible for cars, coaches, taxis, and scooters, and is easy to locate on drive and food apps. From Da Nang International Airport (DAD) ● Taxi or Grab: 15 minutes, 100,000 VND ● Airport Transfer: Some room packages include a free shuttle—check your booking From Da Nang Railway Station Around 20–25 minutes by Grab or taxi (~120,000 VND) 💡 Avoid airport taxi touts— Grab is reliable and cheaper. Enable data with an eSIM like GigSky or Saily to book rides easily. ⪢ Book Your Stay If you would like to book a stay at Sala Danang Beach Hotel, click here to make your reservation . ⪢ Contact Information ● Address:  36 - 38 Lam Hoanh Street, Son Tra District, Danang City, Vietnam ● Phone:   19006406  / 0868582227  / 0868582229 ● Email:   info@salahotelgroup.com ● Website: salahotelgroup.com ⪢ Easily Find Hotels in Danang and Beyond Looking for a place to stay nearby? Browse Danang hotel deals below to find great rates for an overnight stay. Our map offers a user-friendly interface that allows you to zoom in and out, providing a comprehensive view of the area and enabling you to identify the most convenient hotel options based on your current location or desired destination. Our Experience Ratings: Sala Danang Beach Hotel Overall, Sala Danang Beach Hotel is an excellent choice for travellers who are looking for a luxurious and comfortable stay in Da Nang City. With easy access to the beach and a range of amenities and services, you will have a memorable experience here. We were very impressed with the standards set, from the amazing staff service through to the excellent food and cleanliness. Cleanliness Absolutely no issues with cleanliness here at all. All of the communal areas, such as the elevators and lobby, were spotless, as was the room. There is a solid attention to detail here, and we had no concerns at all. Perhaps the only suggestion we could offer is adding a few more hand sanitizing stations; there were a few available, but not enough for the volume of people and the size of the hotel. Cost & Value At CAD 70 per night, this hotel was on the higher end of what we could have found in Da Nang. But this is a 5-star hotel with an excellent location, and it certainly lives up to its billing. The room had all we needed, TV, great air-con, mini bar, even slippers and robes. The gym and rooftop area are free to use, and if you have food included, the buffet is well worth it. The cost of the spa was a little expensive, but if you like that sort of thing, you will have an awesome experience there, too. There is no doubt that you will get value for money here, even if you do not utilize all of the facilities. Food As we had breakfast included, we had full access to the buffet, which included barista-made hot drinks, which was an awesome bonus. There is an expansive range, and also an option to have eggs prepared while you wait. The food was delicious and well tended to by the buffet staff. We did try the rooftop restaurant too, which was also great, with a wonderful atmosphere. The only downside is our meals were not as warm as they perhaps should have been, but we later found out the kitchen was on the 3rd floor, so it had to come up 20 floors to get to us. An understandable issue, but one that really should not be for such a classy establishment! The only reason we knocked off a 0.5! Location As far as locations go, the Sala Hotel is in a great spot. It's just a couple of minutes away from the main beach and is on the same street as several convenience stores and restaurants. Long or short-term stays are perfect here, and it is an ideal pickup location for taxis too. The street is a tad rough around the edges, with some construction happening and a few litter issues, but this is not anything to worry about. Service The service here was first class, and we were thoroughly impressed with how attentive the staff were. We had welcome drinks, were offered a free upgrade on our room (we are Expedia Gold Members), had our bags carried for us, and generally felt like we were given everything we needed to make our stay a pleasant one. At one time, we were fanning ourselves in the restaurant as it was fairly hot, and a member of staff came to check on us and turned on the air-con for the entire restaurant, just so we were ok! Amazing! We were asked in person for feedback on the food, which does not usually happen, especially during a busy breakfast session. Top marks here! FAQ: Staying at Sala Danang Beach Hotel – Everything You Need to Know Where is the Sala Danang Beach Hotel located? It’s directly across from My Khe Beach , one of Vietnam’s top coastal spots. The hotel offers uninterrupted ocean views and is within walking distance to cafes, restaurants, and beach bars like Esco. What types of rooms are available? Rooms range from Deluxe City View to Panoramic Ocean View suites, many with private balconies. All include modern amenities like rain showers, free Wi-Fi, and smart TVs. Is the rooftop infinity pool really worth it? Absolutely. The rooftop pool is a major highlight, offering breathtaking views of the East Sea—perfect for sunrise swims, sunset drinks, or lazy midday lounging. Does the hotel offer breakfast? Yes—guests rave about the included buffet breakfast, which features a wide spread of Vietnamese, Western, and vegetarian options, served in a sea-view dining area. Is there a gym or spa on-site? Yes. Sala Danang has a small but well-equipped fitness center and a tranquil spa offering massages, body scrubs, and wellness treatments at very reasonable prices. Is it good for digital nomads or remote workers? Definitely. There’s strong Wi-Fi throughout the property, quiet corners in the lobby café, and balconies with ocean breezes—great for working with a view. How close is it to Da Nang’s main attractions? The hotel is centrally located: 10 min by taxi to Dragon Bridge & city center 15–20 min to Marble Mountains 35 min to Hoi An Ancient Town They can also assist with day tours and transport. Is an airport transfer available? Yes, Sala offers shuttle and private transfer services to/from Da Nang International Airport (around 15–20 minutes away). Some bookings include this free of charge. Can families stay here comfortably? Yes. The hotel is family-friendly, offering connecting rooms and amenities like baby cots, high chairs, and a kids’ pool. The beach across the road is safe and sandy. What’s the price range per night? Prices vary, but typically range from $50–$120 USD per night, depending on room type and season. It’s excellent value for a 4-star beachfront property. Safeguard Your Trip with SafetyWing For peace of mind abroad, we recommend travel insurance. SafetyWing's Essential plan covers travel and medical emergencies, with options for adventure sports and electronics theft. SafetyWing's Complete Plan  offers comprehensive health coverage with routine healthcare, mental health support, and maternity, anywhere in the world, including in your home country, on top of all Essential benefits. Book Transport Taxis, Trains, Planes, Buses & Ferries in Advance Closer Lives has partnered with 12Go, a leading online travel booking platform for Southeast Asia and Europe, to offer a seamless transport booking experience. Interactive Map Vietnam Check out all of the places we visited in Vietnam courtesy of this interactive map from Wanderlog. (Tap for more info) Wanderlog is a free travel planning app where you can create itineraries, organize flights, hotels, and car reservations, view places to visit, and collaborate with friends. Closer Lives Travel Hub Destinations, Tips & Essentials Head over to our Travel Hub – it’s packed with free country guides, helpful travel blogs, videos from the road, and tips to help you travel smarter (and cheaper!). Whether you're dreaming, planning, or already out exploring, we've got resources to help you every step of the way. Some links in this post are affiliate links. If you make a purchase, we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you. For more information, see our Affiliate Disclosure .

If you're looking for a unique beachfront experience in Da Nang , Vietnam, look no further than the Esco Beach Bar Lounge and Restaurant. Located just steps away from the crystal-clear waters of My Khe Beach, Esco offers a relaxing atmosphere, delicious food and drinks, and stunning views of the coastline. As you enter the restaurant, you'll be greeted by friendly staff and a modern, minimalist decor. The open-air seating area allows you to soak up the sunshine and feel the sea breeze while enjoying your meal. Whether you're looking for a romantic dinner for two or a fun night out with friends, Esco Bar in Vietnam has something for everyone. Read on for more on the wonderful food we tried, how to find Esco Beach Bar, our YouTube video highlights, and our restaurant rating! In This Post... ● Highlights ● Food & Menu ● Prices & Best Time to Go ● Best Time to Visit ● How to Get There See More... ● Tips for Visiting ● Experience Rating s ● FAQ Travel Resources ● Find Hotels Nearby ● Get Travel Insurance ● Book Transport ● Interactive Map ● Closer Lives Travel Hub Our Esco Beach Bar & Restaurant Highlights The menu at Esco features a wide range of international cuisine, including Vietnamese, Japanese, and Western dishes. The fresh seafood options are especially noteworthy, with dishes like grilled octopus and shrimp tempura being customer favorites. The restaurant also offers an extensive selection of drinks, including cocktails, wine, and beer. Sip on a cold beer or a tropical cocktail while taking in the beautiful view of the sea! In addition to the great food and drinks, Esco Beach Bar Lounge and Restaurant also offers a variety of entertainment options. You can enjoy live music performances every night (at around 7 pm) by local musicians while sipping on your drink. The restaurant also has a small infinity pool facing the beach, alongside a special 30-minute fire show performance which happens every weekend. It is the perfect spot for a fun night out. We were already on the lookout for a good beach bar, and after a short walk on the sand, we headed up to the main street to see what we could find. The main road runs alongside the beach, but at the roundabout it moves to the left, giving way to a parade of buildings. Esco Bar is one of the first ones, so we did not have to walk for long at all. The entrance is inviting and well put-together, so we immediately knew this would be a good place to try. It started raining  the first time we were here, but we were well sheltered from it despite grabbing a table on the main deck. It was a nice break from the heat, to be honest! The weather cleared up not long after we sat down, and the rest of the afternoon was bright and sunny. We did not stay for the live music or fire shows on any of our visits, as we had other evening plans, but we certainly will do so if we ever find ourselves back in Da Nang. We felt welcome here, and the food was great. Keep scrolling for more details on what we tried here and how to find Esco Bar. The Food & Menu at Esco Beach Bar & Restaurant ⪢ The Drinks Esco Bar has an extensive drink menu, as you would expect, alongside a strong list of cocktails to try. Prices are on the higher end, with a bottle of beer coming in at just over USD 3, while the cocktails are over USD 7. There are far cheaper places, notably the drink huts by the main roundabout. But you do get what you pay for here, with an excellent view, great service, and what turned out to be some pretty tasty drinks. We tried the Butterfly Negroni, Tropical Breeze, and 60 Miles to Medellin cocktails. They were all very well presented and each went down a treat. The Tropical Breeze was our favorite, a mix of orange liquor, vodka, and mango. If you like rum, consider the 60 Miles to Medellin, and for gin lovers, the Butterfly Negroni is a safe bet. Leon is also a huge brandy fan and was delighted to see his favorite brandy, Courvoisier, on the menu too. One shot is just over $8, and bear in mind if you want a chaser such as Coke, it comes as a slim-standard can and is charged at $1. ⪢ The Food We tried several dishes, some appetisers and main meals, and we were very impressed with what we received. Leon wanted to try some traditional Vietnamese cuisine on our first visit and opted for Banh Xeo, a super tasty fajita-style do-it-yourself style, while Jenn tried the fried spring rolls, which were some of the best we have ever tasted. All of the dishes were served with fresh vegetables and were presented well. The Banh Xeo in particular was fun, albeit a little messy! We also tried the house Escoburger, pan potatoes, and stir-fried rice with chili sausage. Prices ranged from around $7 - USD 12. The rice was well seasoned but very spicy (you have been warned). The burger was stacked well and was good value too. See more about what we thought in our ratings at the end of the post, or take a peek at the video below. 🔗 Full Esco Bar Menu Entry, Prices & Best Time to Visit ⪢ Entry & Prices ● Entry: Free ● Sunbeds: Usually free with food/drink orders; some premium seating may have a minimum spend ● Drinks: From 50,000 VND (local beers) to 150,000+ VND (cocktails) ● Food: Small bites from 80,000 VND; mains from 150,000 VND 💡 Prices can increase in the evening or during events – always check the menu first. Best Time to Visit ● Daytime (10 AM – 3 PM): Chill beach vibes, good for working, reading, or sunbathing ● Sunset (5 PM – 6:30 PM): The most popular time—golden hour views with a cocktail in hand ● Evenings (after 7 PM): Lively music, lights, and a social crowd, especially on weekends 💡 Avoid visiting during the midday heat (12–2 PM) unless you're in the shade. Vietnam’s sun can be intense. How to Get to Esco Beach Bar, Da Nang Esco Beach Bar is located directly on My Khe Beach, just east of central Da Nang. On Foot If you’re staying near the beachfront (e.g., Vo Nguyen Giap Street), you can easily walk to Esco in under 10 minutes. By Motorbike or Taxi Just plug in “ESCO Beach Bar Lounge & Restaurant” on Google Maps. Taxi/Grab fare from the city centre: 30,000–60,000 VND. There’s free motorbike parking beside the venue. ⪢ Contact Information for Esco Beach Bar ● Address:  Lô 12 Võ Nguyên Giáp, Mân Thái, Sơn Trà, Đà Nẵng 550000, Vietnam ● Opening Hours:  8 am to 12 am ● Contact:  ( +84) 236 3955 668 ● Reservations & Menu: facebook.com/escobeachdanang Note that due to limited availability for beachside seats, reserving a spot is recommended, especially during peak season (June to August). All major credit cards are accepted. ⪢ Easily Find Hotels in Danang and Beyond Looking for a place to stay nearby? Browse Danang hotel deals below to find great rates for an overnight stay. Our map offers a user-friendly interface that allows you to zoom in and out, providing a comprehensive view of the area and enabling you to identify the most convenient hotel options based on your current location or desired destination. Tips for Visiting Esco Beach Bar ● Sunset tables fill fast: Arrive by 5 PM for the best beachfront seats ● Wi-Fi is reliable: Great for digital nomads or remote workers during the day ● Watch for happy hour deals: Cocktails are often 2-for-1 from 4–6 PM ● Bring mosquito spray: Especially if you’re staying after dark ● Planning to explore Vietnam? Grab an eSIM via GigSky or Saily for reliable data on the go Our Experience Ratings: Esco Beach Bar When we left our hotel to take a stroll by the ocean, one of the first things we said to each other was that we would love to find a really good, cool beach bar. That could not have manifested itself any better than as it did when we found Esco Beach. We visited several times in the end, had fantastic food, great drinks, and met some lovely people. It was everything we could want, and we do urge you to check it out if you are in the area. Relax and enjoy a great time out as you soak up the excellent My Khe Beach! Atmosphere Music is an important factor for any beach bar, and Esco Bar does this well, offering a great mix of upbeat, chill, and local music. Combined with the contemporary, modern decor of the bar itself, we enjoyed relaxing moments watching the waves, party moments over cocktails, and chill vibes while eating. The atmosphere here really was spot on. Cost As at most beach bars, naturally, one expects more premium prices, given the views and location. The prices here were definitely on the higher end; a beer is a good 25% higher than what you could get at some of the local hut stalls on the beach. That being said, the food prices were comparable to our hotel. But here you have the live music, fire shows, a bar as big as you can think of, a wide menu, an infinity pool, and of course, the beach. Expect to pay more, but you will certainly get bang for your buck. Food We thought the food was phenomenal here; there was nothing that we did not love. Everything was served with a detailed presentation, and tasted as good as it looked. Service On both occasions we came here, we found the service to be on point. We typically stayed for a good couple of hours or more, and always had an assigned server who was efficient and helpful. Could not have asked for more. FAQ: Visiting Esco Beach Bar, Da Nang – What You Should Know Where is Esco Beach Bar located? Esco Beach Bar is right on My Khe Beach, one of Da Nang’s most popular and scenic beaches. The address is easily searchable on Google Maps and walkable from many local hotels. What makes Esco Beach Bar special? It combines a chilled beach vibe with great music, ocean views, tasty cocktails, and lounge seating. It’s known for being a welcoming spot for locals, expats, and travelers alike—perfect for both day lounging and evening socializing. What’s on the menu? Expect a variety of tropical cocktails, beers, fruit smoothies, and light bites like tacos, burgers, and seafood plates. They also have vegan options and a decent happy hour. Do they host events or live music? Yes! Esco frequently features DJ nights, beach parties, and cultural events, especially during weekends and high season. Check their Facebook or Instagram for event schedules. Is there Wi-Fi available? Yes, they offer free Wi-Fi, which makes it a decent spot for digital nomads to relax or work beachside, though it’s better for casual work than serious laptop sessions. Do I need a reservation? For regular afternoons or weekdays, walk-ins are fine. But if you’re visiting on a weekend evening or during a party, it’s best to reserve a table or lounger in advance. What are the prices like? Mid-range by tourist standards. Drinks average 60,000–100,000 VND, with cocktails and food slightly higher. Great value for the beachfront atmosphere. What’s the dress code? Very relaxed. Swimwear, sandals, and beachwear are all welcome. You can go straight from a dip in the ocean to your seat. Is Esco family-friendly? Yes, during the daytime it's chill and casual. Kids can play on the beach while parents relax with a drink. It gets livelier and more adult-oriented as the evening progresses. What’s the best time to go? Golden hour is magic! Arrive around 4–5 PM to enjoy the sunset with a drink in hand. It’s also the best time to grab a prime beachside seat. Safeguard Your Trip with SafetyWing For peace of mind abroad, we recommend travel insurance. SafetyWing's Essential plan covers travel and medical emergencies, with options for adventure sports and electronics theft. SafetyWing's Complete Plan  offers comprehensive health coverage with routine healthcare, mental health support, and maternity, anywhere in the world, including in your home country, on top of all Essential benefits. Book Transport Taxis, Trains, Planes, Buses & Ferries in Advance Closer Lives has partnered with 12Go, a leading online travel booking platform for Southeast Asia and Europe, to offer a seamless transport booking experience. Interactive Map Vietnam Check out all of the places we visited in Vietnam courtesy of this interactive map from Wanderlog. (Tap for more info) Wanderlog is a free travel planning app where you can create itineraries, organize flights, hotels, and car reservations, view places to visit, and collaborate with friends. Closer Lives Travel Hub Destinations, Tips & Essentials Head over to our Travel Hub – it’s packed with free country guides, helpful travel blogs, videos from the road, and tips to help you travel smarter (and cheaper!). Whether you're dreaming, planning, or already out exploring, we've got resources to help you every step of the way. Some links in this post are affiliate links. If you make a purchase, we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you. 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There’s something timeless about the American road trip, loading the car with luggage, choosing the right playlist, and setting out for the open highway. Our journey began in Michigan and ended in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, where we would set sail on a transatlantic cruise . But this wasn’t just a means of getting from A to B. It was a chance to experience roadside Americana, historic places , sandy beaches, and vibrant coastal cities along the way. From quirky stops like the birthplace of KFC in Kentucky to the colonial streets of St. Augustine and the iconic beaches of Miami, this trip was packed with history, culture, and fun. The drive itself became part of the adventure. In this post, we’ll share our full itinerary, highlights from the journey, essential planning tips, and links to our detailed blog posts for each stop. Jenn enjoys a serene sunrise at Daytona Beach, with the gentle waves and soft glow of morning light reflecting off the sand. In This Post... ● Our USA Road Trip Itinerary ● Driving the USA ● Highlights Along the Way ● Planning Your Own Road Trip ● Related Posts ● FAQs Travel Resources ● Find Hotels in the U.S. ● Get Travel Insurance ● Book Transport ● Interactive Map ● Closer Lives Travel Hub Our USA Road Trip Itinerary The route stretched more than 1,300 miles, taking us through the Midwest, Appalachia, and down the Atlantic coast to Florida. We didn’t stop everywhere along the way, but carefully chose highlights that made sense for our timing and interests. Birthplace of a global fast-food icon: The world's first KFC in Corbin, Kentucky, where it all began. ● Michigan to Kentucky Drive  – The first stretch south, cutting through the Midwest with small-town landscapes. ● Corbin, Kentucky  – The birthplace of Kentucky Fried Chicken, complete with a museum to Colonel Sanders. ● St. Augustine, Florida  – America’s oldest continuously inhabited European-founded city, with its impressive fortress. ● Daytona Beach, Florida  – A nostalgic seaside town with family attractions, long sandy beaches, and plenty of character. ● Miami Beach & South Pointe, Florida  – Where Art Deco architecture meets oceanfront energy. ● Fort Lauderdale, Florida  – The final stop before boarding our transatlantic cruise. Exploring the historic St. Augustine Fort in Florida, Jenn takes in the view under a bright blue sky. Driving the USA – Culture of the Open Road One of the great things about traveling in the United States is how road culture is built into everyday life. Interstates are lined with diners, motels, and billboards promising everything from fireworks stands to giant roadside attractions. Driving I-75 south gave us a taste of this culture. There’s a rhythm to the long highways: hours of driving punctuated by rest stops, small-town gas stations, and sudden moments of roadside Americana. For us, the KFC stop in Corbin, Kentucky, captured that spirit perfectly. It was quirky, nostalgic, and part of the journey as much as any major city. 💡 Look out for : roadside attractions in states like Tennessee and Georgia, where even fuel stops can surprise you with local character. Highlights Along the Way ⪢ Corbin, Kentucky – Birthplace of KFC Tucked into a small town in Kentucky, the Colonel Sanders Café & Museum  is the site of the very first Kentucky Fried Chicken. A statue of Colonel Sanders on a bench inside the world's first KFC, accompanied by a sign proclaiming "A Piece of History" against a brick wall backdrop. Inside, it’s part restaurant and part museum, showcasing memorabilia and the story of how Colonel Sanders created his famous recipe. Stopping here was a lighthearted break in the drive, and it gave us one of those “only in America” moments. Not every road trip needs a quirky food detour, but this one set the tone for the variety of stops ahead. Besides, we are huge fans of KFC and have tried it in every country we have visited. So this was too good an opportunity to miss! ⪢ Castillo de San Marcos, St. Augustine St. Augustine is known as the oldest continuously inhabited European-founded city in the United States, and its 17th-century Castillo de San Marcos  is the star attraction. Built from coquina stone, the castle fortress has stood for centuries, guarding the coast of Florida. We walked the perimeter rather than going inside, which was enough to get a sense of its scale and history. The cannons lined along the waterfront make it easy to picture the battles once fought here. 💡 Best enjoyed with : a stroll through St. Augustine’s historic center, where Spanish colonial architecture still shapes the streets. ⪢ Daytona Beach Stopover Daytona Beach brought a wave of nostalgia. Known for its racing heritage and long stretches of sand, it’s a mix of classic seaside entertainment and family fun. We stayed at Sun Viking Lodge , which offered retro beachfront charm. Our time included mini golf at Congo River , casual meals at local diners, and evening walks on the shore. Daytona isn’t flashy compared to Miami, but that’s what makes it appealing. It’s unpretentious and welcoming. 💡 Good to know : Daytona is also one of the few places where driving on the beach is still permitted. ⪢ Miami Beach & South Pointe Miami Beach is an entirely different vibe. The Art Deco Historic District  along Ocean Drive is famous for its pastel-colored buildings, neon lights, and 20th-century design. South Pointe Park offers one of the best viewpoints for both the beach and cruise ships departing nearby. For us, walking Ocean Drive and stopping for drinks at The Carlyle  was a highlight. The mix of architecture, beach energy, and cosmopolitan feel made Miami Beach stand out on the trip. 💡 Look out for : free walking tours of the Art Deco District. It's a great way to appreciate the history behind the colorful facades. ⪢ Fort Lauderdale & Cruise Port Known as the “Venice of America” for its extensive canal network, Fort Lauderdale  blends beach relaxation with a lively downtown. The Regal Princess awaits departure from Fort Lauderdale, set for a voyage to Southampton, UK. For us, it marked the end of the road trip and the beginning of our transatlantic cruise. With Port Everglades being one of the busiest cruise ports in the world, it was the perfect place to conclude the journey. 💡 Good to know : Fort Lauderdale hotels near the port often offer shuttle services for cruise passengers, saving both time and stress. Planning Your Own Road Trip ⪢ Distance & Timing ● Total driving distance: around 1,300 miles. ● Driving time: 19–20 hours without stops, but best split over 2–3 days. ● Best time to go: spring or fall for pleasant weather and lighter crowds. ⪢ Budget & Costs ● Fuel : Varies, but expect USD 150–250 depending on gas prices and your car. ● Tolls : Some sections of Florida include toll roads, especially near Miami. ● Accommodation : From budget motels to mid-range hotels, plan for USD 80–200 per night depending on location. ⪢ Packing Tips ● Snacks and drinks for the car save money and time. ● A small cooler helps for longer stretches. ● Pack a cruise day bag separately if you’re continuing onto a ship. ⪢ Cruise Connection Fort Lauderdale is one of the world’s busiest cruise hubs. Driving down before a cruise can be a smart move, as not only do you arrive with flexibility, but the road trip itself becomes part of the adventure. Related Posts from Our Road Trip ● KFC Birthplace, Corbin, Kentucky ● Castillo de San Marcos, St. Augustine ● Daytona Beach Stopover ● Miami Beach & South Pointe FAQs About Driving from Michigan to Florida How long is the drive from Michigan to Florida? Around 1,300 miles, taking 18–22 hours depending on route and stops. What’s the best route? I-75 South is the most direct, cutting through Ohio, Kentucky, Tennessee, Georgia, and Florida. Why stop in Corbin, Kentucky? It’s home to the original Kentucky Fried Chicken, a fun Americana detour with a small museum. What makes St. Augustine special? Its colonial history and 17th-century Castillo de San Marcos make it a must for history lovers. Is Daytona Beach worth it? Yes, especially for families. It’s affordable, laid-back, and has a classic boardwalk vibe. Why include Miami Beach? For its Art Deco architecture, nightlife, and sandy shoreline, it’s a quintessential Florida stop. Why finish in Fort Lauderdale? It’s one of the easiest places to begin a cruise, with Port Everglades offering global connections. Can you do the drive without stopping? Technically, yes, but we don’t recommend it. Splitting it up turns the drive into an adventure and is far safer. Is it expensive? Costs can be managed with careful planning. Budget motels, gas station snacks, and free attractions balance things out. Would we do it again? Absolutely! The mix of quirky stops, history, and beach culture made this one of our most memorable road trips. Easily Find Hotels in the United States Looking for a place to stay on the way? Browse United States hotel deals below to find great rates from top providers across the country. Our map offers a user-friendly interface that allows you to zoom in and out, providing a comprehensive view of the area and enabling you to identify the most convenient hotel options based on your current location or desired destination. Safeguard Your Trip with SafetyWing For peace of mind abroad, we recommend travel insurance. SafetyWing's Essential plan covers travel and medical emergencies, with options for adventure sports and electronics theft. SafetyWing's Complete Plan  offers comprehensive health coverage with routine healthcare, mental health support, and maternity, anywhere in the world, including in your home country, on top of all Essential benefits Book Transport Taxis, Trains, Planes, Buses & Ferries in Advance Closer Lives has partnered with 12Go, a leading online travel booking platform for Southeast Asia and Europe, to offer a seamless transport booking experience. Interactive Map United States Check out all of the places we visited in the U.S. courtesy of this interactive map from Wanderlog. (Tap for more info) Wanderlog is a free travel planning app where you can create itineraries, organize flights, hotels, and car reservations, view places to visit, and collaborate with friends. Closer Lives Travel Hub Destinations, Tips & Essentials Head over to our Travel Hub – it’s packed with free country guides, helpful travel blogs, videos from the road, and tips to help you travel smarter (and cheaper!). Whether you're dreaming, planning, or already out exploring, we've got resources to help you every step of the way. Some links in this post are affiliate links. If you make a purchase, we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you. For more information, see our Affiliate Disclosure .

Inspired by the transformative power of love, this piece looks at the way it rebuilds, renews, and elevates us. It's a tribute to the connection that can transcend stress, distance, and darkness, leaving us fused as one. Fusion explores the way love rebuilds us, piece by piece. It's a reflection of how, even in moments of chaos or darkness, love can be the light that carries us forward. "He stepped down, trying not to look long at her, as if she were the sun, yet he saw her, like the sun, even without looking." - Leo Tolstoy. Love always manages to find its way, even when you're feeling down. It's like a little pick-me-up that brings good vibes into your life. Whether you've met your soulmate or not, there's someone out there meant for you. Love has a funny way of showing up when you least expect it, no need to go hunting for it. That's just what I think! Fusion Tickle my senses Go on an offensive This love is relentless A treat for my synapses Constantly changing My nerves are tingling Lust intermingling This is a real thing It makes me nervous Sometimes I'm just stressed Often mindless Just the usual mess Yet your love shines through No matter what you do Be it here or across oceans You were always you You rang me Sang to me Supported me Cherished me You made me feel whole Reborn with a soul No longer a puppet A soldier to coin You rebuilt my peace Piece by piece You gave me hope Confidence galore Confiscated darkness Threw it to the floor Stomped on it Squished it Made it no more Even then I knew not What you had in store The reserves Of hope Of peace and love Warmth in your berth I can't get enough So beautiful you are From near or from far That is just you You are the star Like a rocket We launched And damn did we fly Fuelled by love My oh my We reached the sky Above and beyond Despite what is said The darkness was gone A universe sparked Atoms vibrating Sensationally charged Never abating Just two hearts Fused by the sun Two souls linked Bonded as one © Leon Gregori 2025 What does love mean to you? Have you experienced a connection so powerful it felt like fusion? Let me know in the comments! You Might Also Like... 🔗 Rise: Redefining Falling in Love Reimagine love in Rise. Explore the transformative journey of love as an ascent to new heights, breaking free from the gravity of past hurts. Leon Gregori I've been writing poetry since my mid-teens and find it natural to express myself through words. My writing is spontaneous and unstructured, following a freestyle approach. My long-form content focuses on themes of heartbreak and life. Closer Lives Poetry Poetry is our passion, and the best part of our journey is that we found love through it! Here, we share pieces that are close to our hearts, hoping they speak to your heart, too. We hope you enjoy our work and look forward to adding more!

Is life a carefully woven tapestry, or do we truly have control over our path? These are the questions I explore in this poem, Woven. It delves into the intersections of destiny, manifestation, and human connection. These are the thoughts, this is the poetry! Questions Woven into the Fabric of Life Is there a predetermined path for us to follow? Do our desires and aspirations materialize as we wish? Can we make things happen? Since my youth, I have sensed something... a whisper... an unseen communication. Is this reality? Is life a complete mystery, or is there room for understanding? Are events truly 'meant to happen'... does luck play a role in our lives? Can we shape our destiny, or is it merely fate that has always been set? Within our subconscious, are we influenced by the universe? Do we truly have free will or is it all preordained? Did we all originate from a single source? Whether through science or faith... the beginning or the smallest particle... without disregarding any belief system, are we all fundamentally connected? Interwoven? Our steps follow the paths of countless others who came before us... spirits traversing through past and future generations. We are continuously broadening our perspectives... pushing the boundaries until the thread unravels. Or is it simply handed down to the next generation? Woven Going about my daily business I am but merely a bespoke witness To this carefully choreographed plan I feel forced to be a fan To this invisible tapestry That feels like fantasy Yet it is truly a reality Working with destiny It has its way with me All of my decisions Choices and such They feel like freedom Like I have control I have my goals Moments and aspirations I work towards them Celebrate when I achieve But am I really doing this Is it really me Or is it just the plan That is 'meant to be' Did I take that chance Or did the chance take me Did I go because I wanted to Or was I just pushed to see The stitches The fabric Of what I am presenting The path I am following Winding through my mind All of the things The gifts of life Like magnets to my soul On the tip of a knife Pinpoint accuracy This is not a fallacy It is the truth I have known since my youth Maybe I can manifest My deepest desires Maybe I can hope for the best Possess what I admire Maybe I can own it Call out its name For all that I know It is only the same The same as it's written In invisible ink The same as I am told To do as I think Whatever I do I follow the path The instinct The gut The senses I have It can be altered I can force a change Add little moments But it ends up the same Who I meet What I foresee Where I am at What I can see All I know When my one becomes two Is the only truth That I was always going to Are we all just interconnected? I can't help but agree with this perspective My life is a directive It should all be expected All of the things With all that it brings This stunning, sweet symphony The people who come to me Those that I go to The voices I listen to This journey I am on Where I came from All interwoven In the threads of others Stitched in the fabric Of life and the universe So I document in words Write down a verse Detail my legacy For all to remember me Before it all ends Not a moment too soon Before the thread runs out And only the box looms So when all is done When the path is all trodden The tapestry complete The start is long forgotten My name will be carved My life in a box Lid on tight Sealed with a lock My vessel will vanish End up as dust All that I lived Gone as it must Only memories will survive Thoughts and mementos To those I had touched Or loved the same So my point is This is not a game We are all on a path Forged in our names We all have questions Of why, what, and who But that is just human It is nothing new Those questions will be answered Upon leaving this life Maybe the path remains One can only hope for an afterlife But in the meantime We are all interconnected This is my thought My only perspective I will wake up tomorrow And continue this journey Find what is next See what becomes of me Meet and greet Search and explore Follow my path Follow my tour I don't need a guide For my soul leads the way Just like these words And all that I say © Leon Gregori 2025 What do you think? Is life a predetermined journey, or are we shaping our paths every step of the way? I’d love to hear your thoughts in the comments below. 'Life is so short and the years pass so quickly, we live our lives like we're on a rollercoaster and before we know it many things are missed out, not done, and sometimes, too late to catch up on. You are in the prime of your life now, enjoy every moment of happiness you have, because that is the fruit of life and you are blessed' That was from my Mum, part of a message she sent to me after she finished reading my book (thanks Mum). I guess it is so apt to place it with this piece... it meant a lot to me. As writers, we are blessed with the ability to leave our souls behind on paper... but let us not forget to enrich our souls and keep feeding them every day, while we still can. Stay connected, guys! Until next time! You Might Also Like... 🔗 Fusion: When Two Souls Become One Fusion explores the way love rebuilds us, piece by piece. A reflection of how, even in moments of chaos or darkness, love can be the light. Leon Gregori I've been writing poetry since my mid-teens and find it natural to express myself through words. My writing is spontaneous and unstructured, following a freestyle approach. My long-form content focuses on themes of heartbreak and life. Closer Lives Poetry Poetry is our passion, and the best part of our journey is that we found love through it! Here, we share pieces that are close to our hearts, hoping they speak to your heart, too. We hope you enjoy our work and look forward to adding more!

By definition, conscience is our moral sense of right and wrong. A space where gut feelings, instinct, empathy, and compassion combine to (hopefully) point us on the right path. In this piece, I explore my own and its subterranean other, piecing it together in the only way I know how: through my poetry. “The only tyrant I accept in this world is the 'still small voice' within me. And even though I have to face the prospect of being a minority of one, I humbly believe I have the courage to be in such a hopeless minority.” ― Mahatma Gandhi I love this quote because it does encapsulate the internal workings of our minds. There is the part that controls our body and its functions, then there is the part that is 'us'. The 'invisible' voice, which honestly I am not even sure sounds like my actual one. The one that questions, triggers, compliments, and critiques. That voice is productive, obstructive, and all the in-betweens. Two as one and one as the same... conscience and mind constantly working to balance feelings and decisions. When I wrote this piece I wanted to expose those inner workings, the swing of the pendulum that never seems to rest. So here it goes... welcome to the inner sanctum! Conscience Want to write all about me? Pick me? Fight me? Holding me back A stabbing attack Like a frenzy No befriending Just riled and foreboding You make it an ending Go ahead Lecture me Do your thing Enlighten me See what frightens me Entices me What stops me Sparks me Instant reactions Copious satisfaction Pitchforks swinging Whilst fires rage An open page Or a closed book Neither works Or even should Learn my lesson Through making mistakes Take in information Owning my space I know best You just detest That I don’t always believe Or consider Intrigued I have ignored Been closed Bored Distracted I’ve enacted A type of detachment So my action Decision Natural submission Is to stop Listen With pristine precision Conscience tell me For I want to be listening Deciding Debating Considering Doing our thing Synchronizing With conscience my King And Queen My power Personified Progress Intensified Mistakes Rectified With love I happily oblige I shall now believe my honesty The voice that corrects me The one that shows me My values within Though it can harm me Drain and extract me Fill my lungs With an air of uncertainty My conscience is paramount And will guide for eternity As it rinses me out And pinches my heart I have learned to respect And even in death Never shall we part © Leon Gregori 2025 For me, Conscience is about the dance between instinct and reason, between critique and compassion. It’s a conversation we all have within ourselves, whether we acknowledge it or not. What does your conscience sound like? Do you find it easy to listen to, or does it often conflict with your desires? I’d love to hear your reflections in the comments below. You Might Also Like... 🔗 Rise: Redefining Falling in Love Reimagine love in Rise. Explore the transformative journey of love as an ascent to new heights, breaking free from the gravity of past hurts. Leon Gregori I've been writing poetry since my mid-teens and find it natural to express myself through words. My writing is spontaneous and unstructured, following a freestyle approach. My long-form content focuses on themes of heartbreak and life. Closer Lives Poetry Poetry is our passion, and the best part of our journey is that we found love through it! Here, we share pieces that are close to our hearts, hoping they speak to your heart, too. We hope you enjoy our work and look forward to adding more!

When I met Jenn not only did I find true, epic love but I was also met with an incredible dose of inspiration, creativity, and energy. It was in full force when we met and it is just as strong now, manifesting in our art and our reality! This piece takes us back to the beginning, as we were crossing continents to see each other at every opportunity. Many nights we spent together, many nights we spent apart. I wrote this after an evening walk alone, amid a very empty feeling after Jenn had flown back to Canada . The distance was tough, but tough moments make you stronger and this was no different. " Distance is not for the fearful, it is for the bold. It’s for those who are willing to spend a lot of time alone in exchange for a little time with the one they love. It’s for those knowing a good thing when they see it, even if they don’t see it nearly enough ." - Meghan Daum Thankfully for us, the 'distance only lasted for 6 months before I packed up and left England behind for Canada. It worked out amazingly well given 3 months after my arrival the country shut down due to Covid-19. I am so glad I was there when it happened because it was a good 12 months before they reopened the borders again! The Force was with us from the moment Jenn joined my poetry live on Instagram and sent me her poetry. We felt a tether and a connection immediately. That tether stretched not just from Canada to the UK but across previous lifetimes too! More on that in another post! It was all just part of the plan falling into place. A love greater than we even knew at the time. But we knew that we were meant to be together and we knew this was the right moment, the right place, the right time. Our love has been thriving ever since... The Force remains as strong as ever! The Force Born on a continent So far away Distance no match The force came our way It rode the tides Through stormy seas Under cloudy skies It found the cliffs Of our distant shores It climbed with no harness As it made it to land The force grew stronger As it searched for our hands When it made it to us It knew what it must What it must be Between you and me The force found us Through our poetry It gave us the key To know what to see We delved into our screens With unanimous security No apprehension Or insecurity We always knew The force was there Bringing us closer With vision and flair Ocean's divide Yet love flies There is no chance Or reason why I am yours You are mine Was always coming This is our time A single rhythm A passion A schism A moment written All is forgiven Unfurling the ribbon This present is a given The gift to our hand I finally understand An effervescent plan Because it can Our moment rises The gap closes A coming together We are chosen Reach for the stars Is not the phrase The stars came to us With our patience paid Sadness gone Our pasts laid Future set We are here to stay The sun has risen A new horizon It will never set In our infinite vision Distance no match There was never a catch Only the fact We were due to attach Fusing our souls Conjoining our goals Sharing our spirit Becoming one whole A force to be reckoned with It found its home We are the force And this is our tone © Leon Gregori 2025 The Force isn’t just about love; it’s about destiny, creativity, and the inexplicable tether that brings two souls together. For Jenn and me, poetry was our introduction, but love was our ultimate bond. You Might Also Like... 🔗 Rise: Redefining Falling in Love Reimagine love in Rise. Explore the transformative journey of love as an ascent to new heights, breaking free from the gravity of past hurts. Leon Gregori I've been writing poetry since my mid-teens and find it natural to express myself through words. My writing is spontaneous and unstructured, following a freestyle approach. My long-form content focuses on themes of heartbreak and life. Closer Lives Poetry Poetry is our passion, and the best part of our journey is that we found love through it! Here, we share pieces that are close to our hearts, hoping they speak to your heart, too. We hope you enjoy our work and look forward to adding more!

From my debut book, Out of the Shadows , The Game is a reflective piece from Chapter 6, Reborn. It explores the cyclical nature of modern life - eat, work, sleep, repeat - and how this relentless rhythm has shaped our humanity. Written after a long, exhausting day at work, it’s a poem born from the question many of us ask: 'Why am I doing this every day?' "Life is really simple, but we insist on making it complicated." - Confucius For me, The Game is about questioning the systems we’ve built around us. It challenges the pursuit of material success at the expense of our souls and asks whether we’re truly living - or just playing along. The Game This life Our affliction Inhale it like addiction Our distinction Our reason It sets us all apart Different seasons Lands and kingdoms Association Relations Loyalty Respect It pulls us all apart Strangers rule us Whilst money blinds us Beats us down Controlled all around Lifeless Soulless Conscience not making a sound Love defines us Our spirit and our souls Our bodies and our minds Benefit in kind But our desires stretch us Can drive us crazy People like dominoes Our hearts doing the rounds We are superstitious Suspicious Ridiculous At times It's fictitious We are fortuitous To make it through at times Honesty Reminds us Of how we show and tell And it's torturous Tumultuous Binds us under its spell And just like a bell It jars us Disciplines us right Because try as we might Our only fight Is hindsight That's right All we get is hindsight It's not right But it's how we learn Because honesty and loyalty Only gets us burned So as we turn It becomes our blindside We learn to ignore And on it goes on This world we create We're regardless We are relentless Our pursuit of happiness Remorseless So release the stress Put to the test The desire to achieve Soulfulness The dream Less the mess No need to impress Happiness The extreme But the reality Is meaningless Mostly nothingness Emptiness Loneliness It cuts deep inside So in our pursuit In this desperate race We step on others Just to save face We try to deny it With rigour and valour But truth be told We know our true colors What will we do What we will hide How desperate we are To jump from this ride Complex souls We each are Our morals and ethics So so afar We try to hide it We try to agree But we all know that We all can't see So somewhere out there Something must be Must have a plan For all and me This life Our affliction This addiction It holds us We live for each day No matter what We might say We still get up Ready to play This game And we do Each one of you It's our reason Distinction It sets us all apart So no rhyme And no reason We are who we are We humans are a legion An army Of war Drowning in our sorrows Living in the burrows Sinking And sinning But living for tomorrow © Leon Gregori 2025 Do you ever feel trapped by the cycle of modern life? What do you think it takes to break free and live with more purpose? Share your thoughts in the comments below. You Might Also Like... 🔗 Conscience, Poetry by Leon Gregori In this piece, I explore my conscience and its subterranean other, piecing it together in the only way I know how: through poetry! Leon Gregori I've been writing poetry since my mid-teens and find it natural to express myself through words. My writing is spontaneous and unstructured, following a freestyle approach. My long-form content focuses on themes of heartbreak and life. Closer Lives Poetry Poetry is our passion, and the best part of our journey is that we found love through it! Here, we share pieces that are close to our hearts, hoping they speak to your heart, too. We hope you enjoy our work and look forward to adding more!

Do we 'fall' in love or 'rise' to love? That is the question! Falling often feels negative, literally tied to bruises and pain from the impact. But with true love, like what Jenn and I are so blessed to have found, the experience is transformative. It’s about rising to new levels, together. It was a revelation moment when it seemed like a lightbulb was shining just above my head. I realized that I had been getting it wrong all along. I thought of all of the times I had encountered love, recalling sayings like 'fallen in love' and 'falling in love'. At this moment, I thought, why should love be subjected to gravity? Why would I fall when I should be going up ? So I did what I often do in these situations; I grabbed my phone and wrote a poem about it. As one does! Rise The first time our eyes met I knew you were the one Live Life love You are the epitome of fun The moment we met You had my highest regard Damn I fell for you And I fell hard Yet why do we say that ‘I fell for you’ Does ‘falling' end in blissful happiness? Soulful struts and fire and glory Electric connection Energy flying Tingles and sensation Without even trying Is 'falling’ infinite Or does gravity rule? Or do you catch me Before I truly fall? I like the idea Of you catching me For you protect and nurture Nourish and enrich I have always felt safer In the comfort of your arms But I think I shall change it This phrase has to go Maybe in the past I can say I have ‘fallen’ Many a moment I felt my calling I thought I knew The power of love Relationships came And I ‘fell’ Lessons learnt though Can't you tell? Many times I ‘fell’ hard And in hindsight, I see That the effective reality Was that I could never get up After my ‘fall’ I was always stuck It almost sounds negative Wouldn't you agree? If the 'fall' is not broken Caught or cushioned Only bruises form The foundation built On a base of pain I never want to feel that Ever again So with you, my dear My heart My joy I have not ‘fallen’ No no no I have RISEN This is the opposite The spectrum stretched The 'normal’ reversed Carved and etched Spun on a dime You are my rocket Blasted into the Universe There is NO gravity Just weightless endlessness Floating amongst stars With love as our oxygen This Galaxy of us Will never end This moment in time I rose from the ashes Soared through the sky Dove into the spark The twinkle in your eye Higher heights Limitless love The Galaxy and beyond There is no wake-up Just dreams Onboard This love express Endless flight Stunning impress Even with turbulence I am not shaken Merely stoked My heart is already taken High above My only station For I only look up I no longer look down There are no stops There is no ground © Leon Gregori 2025 For me, Rise is a celebration of love as a source of strength and elevation. It’s about breaking free from the gravitational pull of past hurts and choosing to soar with someone who lifts you. What do you think? Do you prefer the idea of 'falling' or 'rising' in love? Share your thoughts in the comments below! You Might Also Like... 🔗 Fusion: When Two Souls Become One Fusion explores the way love rebuilds us, piece by piece. A reflection of how, even in moments of chaos or darkness, love can be the light. Leon Gregori I've been writing poetry since my mid-teens and find it natural to express myself through words. My writing is spontaneous and unstructured, following a freestyle approach. My long-form content focuses on themes of heartbreak and life. Closer Lives Poetry Poetry is our passion, and the best part of our journey is that we found love through it! Here, we share pieces that are close to our hearts, hoping they speak to your heart, too. We hope you enjoy our work and look forward to adding more!

Have you ever looked at the marvels of ancient civilizations and wondered, ‘How did they do it?’ From the precision of the pyramids to the cosmic alignment of ancient wells, our ancestors achieved feats that still leave us in awe. But have we, in the age of technology, lost something profound in ourselves? These questions form the core of De-evolution - a reflection on humanity’s journey, our potential, and the powers within us. All the while I marvel at the brilliance of our ancestors and all they achieved, from the Sumerians to the Egyptians and all of the other civilizations that have advanced humanity. How did they achieve the things they did? Did they have help from the outside? Or did they tap into their INSIDE and use abilities we don't even know we have? Jenn and I have talked at length many times about these so-called 'abilities'. From manifestation to energy to vibes, there are just so many ways we can change our realities without any dependence on others. We are fooled into the notion that we need our governments and society to flourish, but the truth is that as a collective, we favor the few on behalf of the many. Yet there is something that can change the game. Something innate inside of us that once tapped into, can LITERALLY change, shape, and mold our lives into whatever we desire. Now THAT is something that the 'few' have learned how to suppress in us. From the outside! The Baalbek Stone [Photo credit - middleeasteye.net ] Is it possible to carve, lift, and shift a giant rock that weighs 300 tonnes like at Baalbek (Lebanon) as part of a construction project? Thousands of years ago? Could it be possible? Maybe the question is not HOW they moved it. More like why. For example, 3000 years ago, people constructed a well at Santa Cristina that is aligned with a solar event that occurs once every 18 and a half years. The Santa Cristina Well, Sardinia, Italy When the moon is at its highest point in orbit, it does so directly above this place, shining through a 2ft hole to illuminate a perfectly cylindrical well into a glowing white magical chamber. There are so many questions attached to the reasons this place exists, but back to my point. Like damn, they were using their MINDS to do all this stuff I could barely even do in my dreams. I can just about remember my PIN, and that's only 4 digits! Me? Move a rock? Manifest my desires? Somehow figure out how to build a place that could do who knows what? Well, that's a fantasy, a movie, a pipe dream. So they say. But perhaps there was once a time when these powers were unimpeded... Life begets life. Energy becomes energy. It is by spending oneself that one becomes rich - Sarah Bernhardt So this piece is about the connection to our past, our connection with technology today, and how we can change our realities in the future. We have the power within us, and even if modern living does not encourage that, we can still find it if we search deeply enough! I hope you enjoy the read! De-Evolution Egyptians, Mayans The great civilizations Way back when Way back then Out of nowhere (Relatively) They start building pyramids (Literally) Moving gargantuan stones and rocks Calculating Maths And clocks Precise measurements Pinpoint precision Feats of engineering Innate intuition They changed the face Of humanity They set the bar Of who we are to be Prosperity Art Society Begin Build Legacy A beacon A light Of what we could become Planet masters The best bar none With no tech, they mastered this No help They started this Or maybe Who knows Hieroglyphs We know We've studied And wondered Marveled Reveled To this day we visit Their stunning legacy And so what next for us This new humanity What is next What shall we see Well, I guess the Egyptians Were the spark They were the start We learned And built Enhanced their teachings We built new empires Brilliant and fleeting For bad or worse For good or better We learned from their laws We still write their letters But for us Now maybe The de-evolution has begun For way back when Some dude pops up and says Hey Let's build a pyramid That will take over a thousand years Untold wealth Staggering masses of humanity Tremendously incredible engineering And a future-proof structural integrity For all of humanity To reveal and see Now I wonder What is meant to be Are we now losing our abilities Enslaved to technology Is this digital world The future story For have we left behind Our powers to compute In our minds, with no assistance Have we now embraced a time Where 'virtual' has no resistance Is this our new Shared existence AI is aligned And will only get stronger And the thoughts that we once thought Get less and less With less need to compute There is less need to think An even lesser need To use pen and ink So transfer your thoughts To the online device Free your mind From those stresses and vice Let the screen takeover This mini-computer It is what we need We need it the most So with my free mind I remembered to see A time I remember Of how it used to be Before the internet, you see We had no ability To be connected In any way I remember payphones Was the only way You would remember phone numbers Like it was your last day For you had to memorize To check in or seek help 11-digit numbers Etched into mind Now tech came along And freed that mind Tech came along Oh so kind And the friendly tech Can store and replace The friendly tech Can copy and paste Now I can't even remember A four-digit code That comes on a drop-down To be entered below I copy and paste For fear of forgetting And getting it wrong So I guess in some ways We have We have devolved Numbed down Just a little Subservient to our master Not the government But the tech pastors Preaching their desires Playing their worth We evolved out of nowhere Got whacked with the intelligent stick Time to pass on the baton We have run our race Let the tech takeover And take our place © Leon Gregori 2025 I believe we have powers beyond our wildest dreams that are vulnerable to being suppressed and dumbed down. I know that is no groundbreaking notion, but that's where the poem went towards the end! Tech, fluoride, haircuts, food, and water... so many channels into us that can dampen our powers (so I am told). Yet I have come to truly believe in manifestation and positive energy, and I genuinely feel desires coming into being every day. I am no expert and I credit these discoveries entirely to Jenn! I love her even more (if that was possible) for it. Learning to understand is the translation for POTENTIAL. Potential, because every moment has potential,l should have the desire to activate it and be uncovered. The process is only hard until it isn't! To this day, I often struggle to believe I have the life I do. Waking up to new vibes every day with the love of my life is a path I imagined in the far reaches of my mind when I was younger. A place like the Wizard of Oz, walking hand in hand with my true love down some sort of yellow brick road with birds fluttering and crisscrossing above our heads as the clouds part to reveal a rainbow! That was some dream, but now it IS my reality with Jenn, and what's more, our traveling and path IS the yellow brick road! The more we reduce ourselves to machines in the lower things, the more force we shall set free to use in the higher - Anna C Brackett What do you think? Have we traded too much of our humanity for modern convenience, or does technology simply amplify what’s already within us? You Might Also Like... 🔗 Conscience: A Poem on Morality and Inner Struggles Explore the inner workings of the conscience. Delve into the balance between morality, instinct, and self-awareness captured through poetry. Leon Gregori I've been writing poetry since my mid-teens and find it natural to express myself through words. My writing is spontaneous and unstructured, following a freestyle approach. My long-form content focuses on themes of heartbreak and life. Closer Lives Poetry Poetry is our passion, and the best part of our journey is that we found love through it! Here, we share pieces that are close to our hearts, hoping they speak to your heart, too. We hope you enjoy our work and look forward to adding more!

In June 2020, Jenn gave me one of the most unforgettable birthday surprises of my life: an all-expenses-paid weekend at a 5-star hotel in Montreal . From incredible food to countless moments of laughter and love, it was a celebration that I will never forget. Inspired by that weekend, I wrote What She Means to Me as a tribute to her, to us, and to the love we share. It was a special surprise and I will never forget it. I can only hope my words can do justice to the love I feel, for the love we have, and the love we will have forever more! Sorry for the sap, but I can't help it! Jenn in Cyprus, where we got engaged! "The only thing we never get enough of is love; and the only thing we never give enough of is love." - Henry Miller These words perfectly encapsulate how I feel about Jenn and our journey together! What She Means To Me Tell my brain No refrain Can’t strain Our domain This is my aim No need to explain She brings me fame Bells and whistles Sparkling and glistening Always listening My sign My symbol She even has crystals Sprinkles and sparkles Her berth is my castle Energy Synergy The things she does to me For me With me She holds me tight Treats me right Every day And long through the night The shadows are cast Far far away We are taken Now is our play Here to stay This is our way Mainstay Each way Anyway Both ways Today For many years And years beyond Will speak these words Our darkness gone Only light Shall shine here now Erase these creases No furrowed brow Our essence is phenomenal Partners complete There is no past That can compete © Leon Gregori 2025 Have you ever felt this way about someone? I certainly hope so... if not... I hope! Thank you for reading! You Might Also Like... 🔗 Rise: Redefining Falling in Love Reimagine love in Rise. Explore the transformative journey of love as an ascent to new heights, breaking free from the gravity of past hurts. Leon Gregori I've been writing poetry since my mid-teens and find it natural to express myself through words. My writing is spontaneous and unstructured, following a freestyle approach. My long-form content focuses on themes of heartbreak and life. Closer Lives Poetry Poetry is our passion, and the best part of our journey is that we found love through it! Here, we share pieces that are close to our hearts, hoping they speak to your heart, too. We hope you enjoy our work and look forward to adding more!

Who else remembers the old magazines that promised you could learn how to: lose 15 pounds in 5 days, become sexier in 5 days, cook a meal to his heart, and all the old school how-tos that were aimed at superficialities (and for women to be ‘better’ for men)!? I certainly do. And who else tried and failed and felt like a failure because of it? Don’t be superficial. Don’t believe everything you read. And don’t judge a book by its cover! Search for truth, depth, and meaning in all things. Use your judgment and trust your intuition. Step into your power, but don’t abuse it. Glossy Written in February 2015 by Jennifer David She learns how to become a cook How to become a runner Promises on how to become a better lover All from skimming the cover... She falls for it She tumbles Stumbling on the shoestrings Of her sneakers That, in reality, just makes her meeker And shall I even say bleaker? Like a beacon of society that says Here I am... Look at me… I take notice I read the cover She takes all of the quizzes And wonders why Reality fizzes In comparison To the predictions She flips the pages Creating rage inside her Tormented with confusing desire For the quick fixes Creating instantly airbrushed wounds On her soul NO QUIZ NO TEST NO COMPARISON TO THE REST Will reassure her Of her Reassure her Of the beauty that radiates inside her Not created from airbrushed strokes Or trite words from know-it-all folks It’s the discovery she must find Inside her own mind And let go Of the societal precedent she knows To exude the light And fight for the plight Of discovering who she is Because no cover can truly Teach you to be a better lover Or to put others' needs before your own And if you claim you can attain It all starts with skimming the cover You need to discover The true meaning Of depth © Jennifer David 2025 Thank you for reading and your continued support! Please leave a like or comment if you enjoyed this piece, and let me know your thoughts on this subject... Have you ever felt similar pressures? If so, how have you dealt with them? Closer Lives Poetry Poetry has been a lifelong passion for us, and perhaps the most beautiful part of our journey is that we found love through our words. Here, we share pieces that are close to our hearts, hoping they speak to yours. We hope you enjoy our work and look forward to adding more as inspiration flows. Grey Hair Blog Follow Jennifer David’s empowering journey of going grey and choosing authenticity over approval. A celebration of ageing boldly, living unfiltered, and embracing the silver within. Jennifer David Meet Jennifer David—writer, traveller, coach, and voice behind “A Broad Perspective.” Explore her journey through grey hair, self-expression, full-time travel, and radical authenticity.