Business TravelCorporate VenuesExperiencesVenues for special events Bored of the Boardroom? by Paola Fiocchi Van den Brande September 21, 2015 written by Paola Fiocchi Van den Brande Our properties all over the world offer a myriad of inspiring ideas for corporate events. It’s not surprising that an ever-increasing number of global organisations are turning to luxury private accommodation for board meetings and executive team-building sessions. As well as being a truly memorable incentive and reward for star performers, it offers an innovative route into a greater sense of cohesion around the board table and a positive, collegiate spirit. When considering the attractions of a luxury villa for a board meeting or business retreat, space and seclusion are perhaps the most obvious advantages. Far more private than a hotel, not only does a villa ensure secure discussions of sensitive, confidential material, it also fosters an atmosphere in which executives feel able to have an open and constructive debate without fear of being interrupted or overheard. Most professionals will be all too familiar with the sterility of echoing conference facilities. A private villa provides the perfect combination of expansive dimensions – many of our properties can easily accommodate 10 or more guests – with an appealing domestic scale. The Conference Room at Villa La Tosca, Lanton, Aquitaine. There are many equally compelling but perhaps less obvious reasons to consider a villa for doing business, too. One of them is the novel versions of team-building exercises that a large villa can offer. A stay at Villa Gella, Bulgaria offers the option of outdoor sports such as basketball and horseshoe throwing. The Taxiarhaki Luxury Estate in Paros, Greece is one of many of our ideal settings for a smaller board or corporate strategy team. Accommodating 14 to stay, it also has a stunning open space with swimming pool, barbeque and waterfall where a larger corporate group could be entertained on a day basis. Villa Giardini del Principe in Sicily has its own RIB boat with skipper for sea excursions and a private tour bus for exploration of Palermo and the surrounding area. As with many of our other properties, Villa Giardini del Principe comes with a private chef, who can organise one of the most effective team-building sessions, a cordon bleu cookery masterclass. For a more rustic approach to team food preparation, the large Villa Carola in Cancun, Mexico has an outdoor pizza oven, as well as a Jacuzzi and personal steward to facilitate corporate events. Horseback riding and cycle rides are readily available at many of properties, with stunning routes ranging from the French Rivera to the Tuscan countryside. Our bespoke concierge service offers virtually limitless further visions for group activities. Castello Bonaparte, Umbria For a larger corporate event, it is difficult to envisage a more spectacular venue than a whole private island. Song Saa Island, in the Gulf of Thailand off the coast of Cambodia, accommodates up to 65 guests. Conferencing facilities are readily available, and when it’s time for more intrepid activities, there is everything from speedboat hire to wild picnics. Given all these manifold advantages, this growing international movement towards the use of luxury private villa hire will continue to gain traction, creating new ways in which to retain, motivate and inspire key members of the executive team. The Fighine Estate with its 1 star Michelin restaurant, chapel and theatre. For a full list if villas suitable for corporate retreats, please visit: https://www.passepartout-homes.com/holidays/all/events By Phileas French, Author, Editor and Travel Writer September 21, 2015 0 comments 0 FacebookTwitterPinterestEmail
Destination: GreeceDestinationsExperiencesFamily TravelFood and DrinkGolf HolidaysTravel Tips Take a trip to Corfu by Paola Fiocchi Van den Brande September 7, 2015 written by Paola Fiocchi Van den Brande Corfu’s dense pine forests, olive groves, and gleaming, pristine beauty have granted it the title of the “Emerald Island”. First popularised as a destination by the Venetians and French, it has also been beloved by the British for 200 years. Most explorers of the region will take in Corfu Town, which houses a number of important monuments to Corfu’s history, including the imposing St. Spiridon’s Church, complete with the mummified remains of its patron saint inside, the sixteenth-century fortress, and the gold quarter. Achillion Palace, Corfu (photo via commons.wikimedia.org) With panoramic views over Corfu Town, the Achillion Palace is a charming stately home, well worth a few hours of exploration. Though there are plenty of things to see, part of Corfu Town’s charm is exploring its narrow, ancient streets without a goal in mind, taking in the scent of figs and honey and enjoying the vibe of such a lively Mediterranean port. For an intriguing British royal connection as well as a pleasant day out, Mon Repos Palace, the birthplace of the Duke of Edinburgh is an easy journey from Corfu Town. Set is glorious green parkland, it is also believed to be the site of Corfu’s original “old town”, now lost in the mists of time apart from a few ruins. Etrusco restaurant, Corfu (photo via george-islandnews.blogspot.com) Corfu offers a number of fine dining options. Etrusco was awarded the best restaurant in the whole of Greece last year. Situated in picturesque Kato Korakiana, it has a highly recommended tasting menu. At about EUR90 per person it’s not a cheap option for Corfu but benchmarks very favourably for those used to London or Paris prices. Archontiko, near the village of Chlomotiana, has a slightly more rustic take, offering versions of traditional Greek dishes that combine authenticity with expert execution. Corfu Beer, (photo via gr.geoview.info) Corfu has its yearly beer festival from 7 to 11 October, when the Aríllas microbrewery showcases seven very different craft beers, from lagers to ales, for visitors to sample. Those who prefer wine can treat themselves to a visit to the Theotoky Estate in the Ropa Valley, an aristocratic seat producing superb quality vintages and olive oils. Corfu has long been known as an amazing island for outdoor activities. The truly intrepid can try the 220km Corfu Trail, which takes eight to ten days to complete for experienced hikers but presents a totally peerless introduction to the island’s secret natural wonders. There are plenty of historic monuments to take in too. Corfu’s oldest as well as one of its loveliest and best-preserved villages, Paleá Períthia, is on the route. It’s a great stop for photographs and has several well-regarded taverns in which to enjoy well-earned drink and food. The village can also be reached via several less ambitious walking trails. A further highlight of the trail is Corfu’s second highest, volcanic peak, Ágii Déka, with stunning views of the sea reaching out below and a pretty village of the same name to explore nearby. Corfu Golf Club, (photo via corfuholidaypalace.gr) Sports insiders will also be aware that Corfu has one of the Europe’s top twenty championship golf courses, challenging and beautiful in equal measure. Dive Easy is a reputable scuba firm with regular departures from Archavari in the northernmost part of the island. Gerald Durrell, author and one of Corfu’s most famous former residents, immortalised its unique wildlife in his classic My Family and Other Animals. The Durrell Society maintains his ethos and memory, with guided tours through Perithia and beyond, drawing out local historic, architectural and ornithological spots of note. After whiling away some time on this dreamy island, many people would be keen to follow Durrell’s example and embrace Corfu as their adoptive home. By Phileas French, Travel Writer September 7, 2015 0 comments 0 FacebookTwitterPinterestEmail
Adventure TravelDestination: ItalyDestinationsExperiencesFamily TravelTravel Tips The Best Wildlife Spotting in Tuscany by Paola Fiocchi Van den Brande August 18, 2015 written by Paola Fiocchi Van den Brande Incorporating wildlife and nature treks into luxury holidays has surged in popularity in recent years, and has also provided a welcome opportunity for many much-loved destinations to showcase their less familiar natural resources and riches. Padule di Fucecchio, via www.paduledifucecchio.eu For many enthusiasts, birding is the most obvious, quick and accessible entry for deepening their acquaintance with Tuscan wildlife. Although beautiful birds can be seen all over the region, the marshlands and mountains are particularly good starting points for ornithology enthusiasts. The wetlands of Padule di Fucecchio outside Florence boast varieties including many herons and the rare glossy ibis. Near the striking site of the Carrara marble quarries in the Alpi Apuane, once frequented by Michelangelo amongst many other famous sculptors, there are plenty of bird-watching opportunities and vantage points. The Casentino Valley is another hot spot for dozens of species including the tawny owl, ring ouzel and Sardinian warbler, many of which can be spotted by amateur hikers without a guide. Wild boar in Tuscany, via www.eyeitalia.com The magic hour of twilight in Tuscany is a good time to spot both fallow deer and wild boar grazing on farmland. Roe deer are more commonly spotted in the forests. A wonderfully Tuscan treat is to spot a family of wild boar munching on grapes in a vineyard, although, understandably, many local farmers and viticulturists are less enthused about their presence. Some caution is advised in wandering through wild boar territory during the hunting season which runs from September to January, although the fruits of that activity in the classic boar dish Pappardelle Cinghiale are irresistibly tasty, particularly when accompanied by one of the many excellent Tuscan red wines. They may possibly be less welcome than the glimpse of a hare or a hoopoe, but Tuscany has a couple of intriguing and unexpected natives, including many beautiful snakes, an indigenous horned beetle and a petite black scorpion. They’re all rare, shy and interesting enough to make a sighting a novelty rather than a nuisance. A porcupine in Tuscany, www.to-tuscany.com The region’s porcupines look spectacular but can be far more dangerous than snakes and scorpions if cornered, although, again, particularly as they are nocturnal, the chance of actually spotting one would be a fine thing. Many other mammal species call parts of Tuscany home, including wolves and mouflon in Casentino National Park. A breaching fin whale in the Pelagos Sanctuary, via www.marineconservationresearch.co.uk With such a stunning interior, it can be easy to overlook Tuscany’s exciting marine life. The waters off the Tuscan coast are part of what is known as the Pelagos Sanctuary, a large and important protected reserve for whales, mainly pilot, sperm and fin, dolphins and other biodiversity. Within this expanse it is possible to tour the Tuscan Archipelago National Park, a good starting point for cetacean and fish-spotting. Child-friendly short trips to see the dolphins also leave from Viareggio harbour on a regular basis, with a very good chance of sightings. For those not content with looking from a distance, numerous tour companies also offer both fishing and swimming out in the open water. Wherever you have the great pleasure of staying in Tuscany, at least one of these wildlife encounters is an easy day’s journey away, and a memorable addition to any itinerary. By Phileas French, Travel Writer August 18, 2015 0 comments 0 FacebookTwitterPinterestEmail
ArtDestination: ItalyDestinationsExperiencesFamily TravelFood and DrinkShoppingTravel Tips Sardinia: A Shopping Paradise by Paola Fiocchi Van den Brande August 7, 2015 written by Paola Fiocchi Van den Brande Despite being very much part of Italy, Sardinia is also an island with a remarkably distinctive identity and a whole range of its own traditions and dialects. Though the export industry is growing, Sardinian culture is one in which lovely things are made to be enjoyed in the place and environment where they were created, making it one of the very few places left in Europe where its most prized native delicacies and crafts will be new discoveries for most. Sardinia. Image by cntraveller.co.uk There is, of course, the famously ritzy (and pricey) Costa Smeralda. Any international luxury brand can be found here. Porto Cervo, the nerve centre for the mega-wealthy, even has its own outpost of Harrods. Despite the riches apparent everywhere, off season it’s a perhaps surprising place to bag a bargain in Versace or Prada, with some less astronomical seasonal promotions. Harrods Porto Cervo, photo by Il Sole 24 Ore Cagliari, the capital, is also disproportionately rich in high end and quality items. The huge pedestrian thoroughfares Via Manno and Via Garbaldi rival any shopping streets elsewhere in Europe, as do the entire shopping districts of Via Paoli and Via Dante. Via Manno, photo via comunecagliarinews.it Long before the Emerald Coast and Cagliari entered the stratosphere of the global jetset, Sardinia was known as a go-to place for luxury goods. Indeed, for centuries it has been a hub for both the finest quality olive oil and the luxury seasoning saffron. The only downside of sampling the regional wines is that varieties such as Cannonau or Mandrolisai are exceptionally hard to find outside the country. The fruits of its rich sea life are enjoyed by visitors and locals alike, with the mullet and sea urchins frequently-recommended purchases. The really brave or macho can transgress current EU regulations and purchase the infamous Casu Marzu, a cheese delicacy alive with thousands of maggots typically washed down with a very robust local red. Cannouna Wine, photo via wine-searcher.com No Italian traveller can ignore the culture of outdoor shopping, and Sardinia shares the same plethora of markets as the rest of the country. What makes Sardinian markets exceptional, however, are the indigenous crafts and produce. Sardinia developed in relative isolation, and retains ancient traditions and artisan skills which ensure that many items are available which really cannot be bought anywhere else. Few can resist the simple charm of the local peasant bread Civraxiu, or the beloved local liqueur, Mirto which, as the name suggests, is made from myrtle berries infused with honey. San Benedetto market in Cagliari is widely recognised as the place to go for seafood. Linen, cork and basketwork products are fail-safe market purchases. Sardinia is famed for beautiful knife craft too, although sadly this may be harder to explain to customs offcials. Civraxiu, photo via wikimedia.org At the heart of Sardinia’s beguiling shopping experience are its quirky boutiques, often more evocative of Morocco’s Essaouira or Berlin’s Mitte than they are of other Italian retail districts. Durke in Cagliari is a cult classic with gourmets and people-watchers, as is Olbia’s Anticas Licanzias. Durke, photo via lonelyplanet.com ArteJana in the capital has rapidly gained a strong reputation for one-of-a-kind homewares and vintage, particularly paintings and ceramics but also religious icons, clothing. Esmeralda Bazar in Porto Cervo is a carefully-curated collection, with natural materials providing an effective foil to the linens, laces and soft furnishings. Arte Jana, photo via tripadvisor.it Though the speeding sports cars and mopeds might seem proof to the contrary, Sardinia operates on island time. Unlike the right here, right now vibe of Rome and Milan, the vast majority of Sardinian shops, across all tastes and demographics, encourage browsing, chatting, and soaking up the atmosphere, whether or not the cash register rings as a result. Beautiful homemade Sardinian gifts are always appreciated, but it is also one of the world’s best places to buy stylish keepsakes and conversation pieces for yourself. By Phileas French, Travel Writer August 7, 2015 0 comments 0 FacebookTwitterPinterestEmail
Destination: ItalyDestinationsExperiencesShoppingTravel Tips Shopping Highlights of Umbria by Paola Fiocchi Van den Brande July 21, 2015 written by Paola Fiocchi Van den Brande When thinking of the shopping possibilities in Umbria, one of Italy’s most picturesque regions, the strongest association for most people are the local food and drink specialities. Umbria has several celebrated wines, including Orvieto and Sangiovese. The region has been particularly successful in developing some red varieties in its lovely vineyards in recent years, notably Merlot and Pinot Noir, and it provides a fabulous rustic setting for tasting. Norcineria in Norcia, Umbria, photo via WalksOfItaly.com Black truffles are indelibly associated with Umbria, with the woods of Norcia and Spoleto proving almost half the nation’s output of the luxury product. Spaghetti with truffles is an unmissable treat when visiting the region. Pietralunga hosts the Mostra Mercato del Tartufo annually in October. Other local food delights to shop for include numerous sheep’s milk cheeses, lentils and mazzafegati, the liver and pork sausage dating back hundreds of years in origin. Black truffles, photo via ItaliaSweetItalia.com Another locally-made but world famous delicacy is chocolate. Whilst it’s available in virtually all food shops all year round, connoisseurs flock to the huge celebration of all things chocolate, Eurochocolate, which has taken place every October for over 20 years –with both the truffles and the chocolate festivals, October is a great time to visit Umbria. Perugia, Umbria EuroChocolate Festival, photo via TravelItalyTravel.com Despite these riches, it would be a pity to focus on wine and gourmet ingredients to the exclusion of the region’s many other retail opportunities. The region’s capital, Perugia, is a good place to start exploring the artisan shops and boutiques. Many head to the old town to invest in the famous local ceramics, in particular majolica. Perugia is also a great place to source fabric and textiles, including cashmere and intricate lace work. For those who want to deepen their knowledge of the venerable history of lace-making in the region, a valuable and charming spot is Panicale’s Museo del Tulle Anita Bellischi Grifoni near the shores of pretty Lake Trasimeno. Stylish bargain hunters should head for one of Umbria’s fashion outlets, such as Fabiana Filippi, Luisa Spagnoli or Brunello Cucinelli. Museo del Tulle Anita Bellischi Grifoni, photo via CulturaItalia.it St Francis of Assisi’s home town and pilgrimage site does not generally offer the best value due to its huge popularity with visitors, but it’s a useful place to buy religious artefacts. Santa Maria degli Angeli in Assisi hosts a monthly antiques market which is well worth a look. Antique shopping in Umbria, photo via Umbrian-Farmhouse.com Fans of vintage will enjoy rummaging through the many outdoor markets in the region, but it is also one of Italy’s best spots for serious antique shopping. Many towns in addition to Assisi host weekend antiques markets, among them Terni, Spoleto and Narni. The best pieces and bargains tend to be available early in the day. With the plethora of goods on offer, it’s hard to select particular treasures, but antique homewares, farm equipment and jewellery all tend to sell briskly with expert international buyers and curious amateur collectors alike. In any event, part of the pleasure of the markets lies in soaking up the atmosphere and mingling with people lucky enough to call Umbria home. By Phileas French, Luxury Travel Writer July 21, 2015 0 comments 0 FacebookTwitterPinterestEmail
Destination: BulgariaDestinationsExperiencesFamily TravelTravel NewsTravel Tips Summer Fun in the Rhodope Mountains, Bulgaria by Michelle June 30, 2015 written by Michelle With its magnificent mountains, rolling hills and green valleys, Bulgaria is an excellent choice for a summer destination. Located in the foothills of the highest Rhodope peak is Gela, a quiet and quaint village, steeped in history and nature – and an amazing village to get away from it all. July and August are perfect for nature lovers. Wild flowers and herbs are ready for gathering, including the many mountain orchids, oregano, St John’s wort and thyme. Birders can spy rare species such as the Corncrake Crex, Lesser Krestrel Falco naumanni, and Saker Falcon Falco cherrug. Or immerse yourself in nature by climbing Mount Orpheus or Mount Perelik, or hike to the nearby white chapels. July and August are also prime for traditional festivals in the region – a must when visiting! July 17th-19th: Rozhen Folklore Festival Rozhen Folklore Festival, photo courtesy of BulgariaTravel.org After a 9-year break, the Rozhen Folklore Festival returns to the footsteps of the Rozhen peak. This authentic folklore festival includes: a performance of 400 bagpipers the choir, “Cosmic Voices of Bulgaria” demonstration of traditional crafts exhibition of animals, milk and meat products exhibition of organic foods and drinks culinary shows and barbecue horse attractions Valya Balkanska with the song “Izlel e Delyu Haydutin”, part of the Voyager Golden Records which were included aboard the two Voyagers spacecraft launched in 1977 July 25th: Perelik – Eco Jazz Festival Trio Balkan Strings, photo courtesy of StarCevic.co.rs Mount Perelik attracts musicians to a starlit concert hall, with hay bales and alpine pastures, 2,191m above sea level. Enjoy the inspirational urban sounds of jazz played by the talented saxophonist Rebelinx, the trio Balkan Strings playing Balkan world-fusion-swing-jazz-classical music, the Eren Coskuner quartet, and the Greek jazz-fusion guitarist Sakis Zahariades and his band, Soundays. August 1st-2nd: Gela International Bagpipe Contest Gela International Bagpipe Contest, photo courtesy of SeeBulgaria.bg This 48-hour, nonstop event of music and dance is not to be missed! Enjoy the largest international bagpipe competition, which also includes a folklore singing competition, in the beautiful, open-air setting of the Ilinden Meadows. Where to stay in Gela to enjoy it to the fullest? We recommend the luxury chalet, Villa Gella. Perfect for a family holiday or for a group of friends, Villa Gella sleeps up to 15 and offers gardens spreading over four terraces, an indoor heated swimming pool, outdoor sports centre, and al fresco dining on the terrace with its long table and BBQ. Villa Gella, Rhodope Mountains, Bulgaria June 30, 2015 0 comments 0 FacebookTwitterPinterestEmail
Destination: family-friendly villasDestination: ItalyFood and Drink Explore Puglia’s deep dark reds by Paola Fiocchi Van den Brande June 12, 2015 written by Paola Fiocchi Van den Brande Puglia (often translated as Apulia in English) has become one of Italy’s most popular tourist destinations in recent years. This beautiful region in Italy’s deep south attracts visitors for its amazing beaches, fabulous regional cuisine and stunning architecture. Puglia is also known for its excellent wine and is in fact Italy’s biggest producer of wine, with many produced in Salento, the region tucked into the heel of Italy’s ‘boot’. The Mediterranean climate here of mild winters and hot summers is especially favourable for wine production. There are 25 wines produced here which are labelled DOC – an appellation which guarantees the origin of a certain product, including several varietals which are specific to Puglia. Photo courtesy of italianwineguide.eu Though Puglia produces whites like Chardonnays and Malvasia, it is especially known for its strong, bull-bodied, deep dark reds, which are high in alcohol content. Here’s a round-up of some of the region’s best known wines: Negroamaro Meaning ‘black bitter’, this is Puglia’s best known and most important red wine grape. This dark-skinned grape has grown in the region’s vineyards since the 6th century BC. It has an intense red colour and a full, rustic and earthy flavour, and for this reason is often used as a blending wine, but also produced as a 100% varietal wine. Negromaro’s rich flavour means it is best paired with meat dishes, spicy foods, and a typical Puglian dish like Pepperonata, a type of pepper and tomato stew. Photo courtesy of ravenoustraveler.com Salice Salentino This is perhaps Puglia’s most celebrated wine: it is a deep, dark red made with the Negroamaro grape and the aromatic Malvasia Nera, which create a particularly rich flavour with a medium alcohol content. Salice Salento is named after the town of the same name located near the city of Lecce, and goes particularly well with pasta dishes, stewed meats and cheese. Photo courtesy of theinternationalkitchen.com Primitivo di Manduria This wine is produced in the region located near the city of Manduria in Taranto province, just off the Gulf of Taranto, and is made from the Primitivo grape grown in the local soil which is composed of limestone and clay. This grape is usually harvested earlier than others, being ready for picking by late August. The result is a strong, earthy and full-bodied wine with an alcohol content of 14%. Primitivo di Manduria pairs well with many foods, especially with red meat and pasta dishes. There’s also a sweet version with 16% alcohol, served as a dessert wine. Photo courtesy of beviamo.co Nero di Troia This is another dark and intensely red wine, which is almost black, hence its name, ‘nero’ (the wine was actually renamed from ‘Uva di Troia’). Produced in the region near Troia in the province of Foggia, this wine has its origins in the 13th century but its popularity has emerged only more recently. Less than two decades ago there were only two or three labels available while today there are over 80. This full-bodied wine rich in tannins goes well with aged cheeses, roasted lamb or wild game. These are only some of Puglia’s many fantastic wines. The best way to discover them is to sample them yourself by exploring the region’s many vineyards and traditional masserias. Where to stay in Puglia Province of Bari: https://www.passepartout-homes.com/holidays/Puglia/all Salento region: https://www.passepartout-homes.com/holidays/Salento–20—20Puglia/all June 12, 2015 0 comments 0 FacebookTwitterPinterestEmail
Destination: Faroe IslandsExperiencesFood and Drink Foraging and Fine Dining in the Faroe Islands by Paola Fiocchi Van den Brande June 9, 2015 written by Paola Fiocchi Van den Brande The Faroese live very close to the land and the sea. In a country where, as they say, you can experience all four seasons in one hour, there is a strong awareness of the climate, and how it interacts with the spectacular landscape and cold sea to produce a very distinctive cuisine. There is no better place than Koks restaurant to be introduced to not just the food of the Faroe Islands, but to the whole New Nordic movement. Their tasting menu is sublime, on a par with that of any Michelin-starred establishment elsewhere. When Koks tell you that their seafood is fresh, they mean that their sea urchins were caught just an hour before you sat down to dinner. The feeling of eating delicacies that were so recently in their own environment is strangely exhilarating. The sensation is enhanced by the manner in which the food is served – on beds of local rocks, moss and peat, creating wonderfully earthy aromas and a rigorously authentic approach to provenance. The mahogany clam and the smoking langoustine on coals appear early on the tasting menu and are highlights of an incredible experience in which selecting highlights is a challenge. All the Faroese favourites appear, albeit in clever, modern forms, on the Koks tasting menu. The preserved mutton dish, skerpikjøt, is an acquired taste for the foreign palate. Cloying and musky with an unexpected texture, it works best as almost a coarse pâté on the rustic, unbelievably tasty local bread. Though freshness is of great importance, brining and drying of meat and fish is also a hugely important local tradition. Koks offers panoramic sea views from its simple and lovely dining room. It’s no surprise that it was recently awarded best restaurant in the whole Nordic region. Adventure excursion firm RIB 62 can also lay on a wonderful local meal. Passing Schnapps shots and Faroese beers around the table, dried fish, blubber, potatoes and mutton is enjoyed communally, with the waves lapping at the jetty underneath and a resident seal peeping out of the water now and then. This is known as the kalda borðið, or cold table, a cheery and festive meal often used to celebrate guests or a special occasion. Koks Restaurant Driving around the island, the large salmon fisheries out on the water become a familiar sight. RIB 62 offer great trips to bird cliffs and caves, where you can work up an appetite flying through the sea spray, and if fortunate, spot another prized traditional food and much-loved symbol of the islands, the puffin. Both Koks and RIB 62 are based in or near Tórshavn, the pretty little capital of the Faroes. It’s the perfect place to watch the fishing boats come in with their catch, too. The Blue Sail apartment, in a picturesque setting, is a ten minute drive from Koks or a lovely slightly longer journey along the rugged coastline to RIB 62 headquarters. It’s the ideal location for a holiday rental from which to explore the tastes, sights and scenery of the Faroe Islands. By Phileas French, Travel Writer Photos courtesy of Phileas French. June 9, 2015 0 comments 0 FacebookTwitterPinterestEmail
Destination: family-friendly villasFamily TravelTravel Tips Our Favourite Family Destinations by Paola Fiocchi Van den Brande May 26, 2015 written by Paola Fiocchi Van den Brande Summer is on its way and across the nation, British families will want to make the most of the school holidays. Whether jetting off for a week, a month or maybe even longer, whisking the clan away on a summer getaway is the perfect way to create unforgettable family memories. Looking for inspiration? Read on for our pick of this year’s best family friendly holiday destinations. Dalmatia – Croatia The view from Villa Nika, Dalmatia, Croatia Families on the search for fast flight times and Mediterranean magic will fall head over heels for the delights of Dalmatia. The stunning coastal region borders the Adriatic Sea which is famous for its glittering, jewel like waters and serene islands. Inland, holidaymakers will find a cornucopia of towering mountains, lush forests and native wildlife that will have nature loving families in heaven. Of course, a trip to Dalmatia wouldn’t be complete without sampling its world famous local seafood, accompanied by a glass of the region’s bold, dry red wine (only for the adults of course!). Koh Samui – Thailand Colourful, vibrant and full of smiles, Koh Samui is one of Thailand’s most well-loved island gems. From the laid back vibes of Mae Nam to the resort style luxury of Taling Gnam, there is something for every family. The fresh, fragrant cuisine never fails to delight while the blissfully calm beaches are perfect for soaking up the sun or splashing around in the ocean with the little ones. Treat the kids to an elephant ride, explore the waterfalls and day trip to nearby Angthong Marine Park. The Berry Islands – Bahamas Peacock Island, Caribbean, Bahamas Nothing embodies the essence of Bahamian bliss quite like The Berry Islands. The teeny tiny chain covers just 30 square miles yet is made up of over 30 small islands and over 100 cays. With no major airports, hotels or attractions, an escape to this idyllic landmass is the perfect place for families in search of utter peace and tranquillity. Roches Noires – Mauritius L’ile Paradis, Roches Noires, Mauritius Nestled on the east coast of Mauritius Island, Roches Noires is an exclusive residential area peppered with luxury bungalows and villas. The pristine beaches, calm waters and hidden coves make it perfect for a family friendly summer holiday. Of course, sun and sand aren’t the only charms, with Roches Noires also located within driving distance to some of the island’s best restaurants, cafes and attractions. Where will you whisk the family away to this summer? Croatia, Thailand, The Bahamas, Mauritius or another family friendly destination? Whatever you decide, be sure to check out the fabulous range of private holiday villas located across the globe. With fully equipped kitchens, spacious living areas and the intimate feel of a private residence, they’re the perfect way to create your family a holiday home away from home. May 26, 2015 0 comments 0 FacebookTwitterPinterestEmail