AirportsBusiness TravelExperiencesFood and DrinkVenues for special eventsWedding Venues The Best Villas for Wine Lovers by Paola Fiocchi Van den Brande March 7, 2017 written by Paola Fiocchi Van den Brande There are a growing number of wine connoisseurs who wish to combine a bucolic holiday setting with a high quality wine tasting experience, as well as an education in new or unusual vintages in the site that is producing them. Italy has some of the most alluring villas for wine lovers in Europe. Villa Altaserra Wine Resort in Tuscany is one of the most exceptional. A five bedroom, centuries old stone Tuscan farmhouse estate once owned by the Medici family, it has 22 hectares of vineyards producing two very different wines united by a mellow, elegant finish. The local traditional wine comes from the Sangiovese grape, grown in rocky soil. To satisfy the demands of the international market, a combination of Sangiovese with Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon grapes are used, grown in the more fertile soil of the rolling vineyards. Villa Altaserra Wine Resort Also to be found in the famed Chianti wine region is the beautiful Castellare de Sernigi estate. The seven bedroom manor house, on the edge of an ancient village, has an entire lower ground level devoted to the wine and olive oil produced on the estate. Guests are able to purchase from the extensive collection as a highlight of their stay. There is the opportunity for a sommelier to visit the villa to offer their expertise in food and wine pairing. It is also possible to take guided tours of the Chianti region, in which wine tastings are combined with sampling meats and foraging for wild herbs with a knowledgeable local. Castellare de’ Sernigi Moving on from the region but not the nation, Torre Scilano is a unique property in Lombardy. An Alpine chalet crafted from a historic tower, the villa, which has featured in a number of style features, is surrounded by its own vineyards. The Lombardy region is famous for its excellent Sassella and Inferno wines and is the perfect place to get acquainted with some of Italy’s finest wines. Torre Scilano Naturally, viticulture heavyweight France also has some truly superb places for wine loving travellers. La Bastide de Vignes, situated in the Languedoc-Roussillon wine region, is an enchanting traditional country home with panoramic views of the Pyrenees. The village in which the property is set has its own Chateau which produces some great wines. Amongst the highly rated wines from Château Belveze are its Malepere and the award-winning Château Cabezac Grande Cuvée Belvèze. La Bastide de Vignes For a charming combination of wine and food odyssey, Villa La Tosca is the perfect setting, in the Bordeaux region. With eight bedrooms in a lavish historic property right by the sea at Lanton, it is an excellent base for oyster tasting, wine tours and even helicopter tours over the Bordeaux region. The villa is also pleased to organise dinner with wine pairing on site. Everywhere from the library to the cinema to the sweeping grounds is an ideal place to sample wines in the comfort and privacy of La Tosca. Villa La Tosca Unlike France and Italy, Canada does not necessarily spring immediately to mind as a destination for wine lovers, but Villa Orion is a truly inspiring villa from which to explore the 100 best wineries in Penticton, Naramata, Okanagan Falls, Oliver, Osoyoos, Summerland, Peachland, Kelowna and Vernon. Villa Orion is a luxurious, elegant modern property in British Columbia. All the wineries are located between a 3 and 90 minute drive from the property, justifying its reputation as the wine capital of Canada. There is easy access to both a concierge well versed in the top winery list and a wine tour operator. Many of the wineries have exceptional restaurants on site, including nearby cult eating spots Vanilla Pod and the Hillside Estate Winery & Bistro. Villa Orion This cross-section of very different properties united in their offering of exceptional, inspiring vintages in beautiful natural settings should inspire any wine lover to make one of them the focal point of their next wine journey of discovery. By Phileas French, Travel Writer March 7, 2017 0 comments 0 FacebookTwitterPinterestEmail
DestinationsFood and DrinkSki ChaletsSki HolidaysTravel News Five of Europe’s Most Quirky Après Ski Venues by Paola Fiocchi Van den Brande January 30, 2017 written by Paola Fiocchi Van den Brande Anyone enjoying a winter sports break in Europe will be familiar with the pleasurable experience of après ski after a long day of skiing or snowboarding. Whilst there is a plethora of options to suit every taste and budget, there are also a few truly unusual and unexpected places to explore. The Zillertal Valley houses some après ski surprises as well as some of Austria’s best slopes. Harakiri has to be the most colourful and unexpected of the drinking options. A landmark structure kitted out with striking lighting and décor, its focus is placed squarely on hedonism. Table dancers, star DJs and cheerful service all combine to create a night to remember. Photo courtesy of Harakiri Bar Nearby Traum Am Wald in the village of Hart offers another significant landmark building, a stunning traditional wood-built chalet for up to nine guests. A world away from Harakiri’s convivial partying, Traum Am Wald has no close neighbours except the local wildlife that may be spotted around the property’s lovely surroundings. Amongst many luxurious touches emphasising relaxation, there is a Finnish sauna, rain shower and a heated mosaic lounger. Pamporovo in the Rhodope Mountains has a fantastic range of nightlife options, but the most unique is cult favourite The White Hart. Offering the novelty of a British pub atmosphere in the heart of the Bulgarian mountains, it offers hearty all day dining and drinking. Another stand out feature is its wildly popular Thursday night karaoke parties. Just 17km away from Pamporovo, Villa Gella is a wonderful ski chalet option. With living space across four levels and accommodating up to 15 guests, it is the perfect place to take the party back to after The White Hart. The sensational subterranean spa are includes a 10m indoor swimming pool, massage table and a steam room. A professionally equipped kitchen and expansive dining area, as well as gorgeous fireplaces throughout the property, offer a haven when the après ski festivities end. Photo courtesy of The White Hart, Pamporovo Il Cantinone restaurant in Madesimo is a rare find, an excellent Michelin star restaurant right in the heart of ski country. It also has the extremely thoughtful and, in fine dining, unusual feature of a children’s’ menu for mini gourmets. Its seven course tasting menu is legendary and for many this restaurant has become as much of a destination as the ski slopes. Il Cantinone, Madesimo It is not just the après ski venue that is unique in this part of Lombardy. Three lucky guests can be accommodated at Torre Scilano, a rare, architect-designed structure which has featured in numerous style pieces. Torre Scilano enjoys an enviable location in the village of Piuro within the Valchiavenna Valley. The living room of this hugely characterful dwelling offers spectacular views of the valley. In the region which founded it, enjoying slow cooking is an integral part of the Piedmontese après ski experience, but there are various features which ensure that L’Antica Spelonca in Sestriere stand out. The most striking is its dining room – a vaulted cellar perfect for cosy dining. Antiquities and rugs adorn the ancient setting and it serves up an excellent tartare which is an unexpected feature on regional menus. Historic elegance is also the order of the day at Baita1697, a perfectly converted seventeenth century Piedmontese farmhouse. Its generous proportions can house up to 18 guests and throughout the house benefits from the impeccable taste of interior designer Lucie McCullough. Everything is geared up for ultra-opulent fun, from the cinema room to the outdoor hot tub. Photo courtesy of TripAdvisor, L’Antica Spelonca in Sestriere What might not be expected from après ski in Italy’s classy Val Gardena is a combination of Irish craic and ice hockey, but that is exactly what The Goalies Pub cheerfully serves up to appreciative crowds. It is the best place in the region for a perfect pint of Guinness, complete with foam shamrock on top. Open from 9am to 2am, it offers après ski, “pre-ski” and late night fun all in one. The team are committed to only playing vintage rock and roll tunes, and one of the barmen, Alex, has been known to play the saxophone live too. If The Goalies is all about traditional tankard-clinking, beautiful Cesa Selva offers a contrasting but equally appealing sleek, modern take on chalet living. Ideal for families, it has an on-site hammam, a great range of entertainment options and bunk beds in some of the five bedrooms. Each of these lovely properties has their own story to tell, a story which is only enhanced by the quirky memories and anecdotes that the nearby après ski venues can offer. By Phileas French, Travel Writer January 30, 2017 0 comments 0 FacebookTwitterPinterestEmail
Best PoolsFamily TravelTravel NewsTravel Tips Five Spectacular Places to Beat the Winter Blues by Paola Fiocchi Van den Brande January 9, 2017 written by Paola Fiocchi Van den Brande With the festive season waning, many people’s dreams start drifting towards a tropical paradise break. Five of the very best, spread across the globe, are guaranteed to lift spirits and rejuvenate whatever the weather back at home. Samara Beachfront Lux in Koh Samui is the ultimate Thai villa, combining virtually everything that attracts visitors to this ancient and beguiling South East Asian nation, from spa facilities to a swim up bar. With room for 17 guests, it has ample accommodation for hosting one of those famous Thai beach house parties, and combines an elegant indoor/outdoor dynamic which makes the most of the beautiful weather. A stunning pool backs directly onto the pretty, pristine Lipa Noi beach. Wildlife and wonderful sunsets form part of the landscape, and the villa also has some surprises in store, from an indoor playground to a fascinating local artefact collection. Samara Beachfront Lux in Koh Samui Ban Rak village, also on Koh Samui, plays host to another world class villa, Maeve. The lovely terrace and pool deck offers a vista including the neighbouring island of Koh Phangan, creating an enchanting take on the Thai coastline’s famous island chains. The villa offers an exquisitely pampering space for up to six guests, making it perfect for families or small couple groups. Its many attractive features include a lap pool with a Jacuzzi, access to a sail boat for independent island-hopping, and a barbeque for home cooking local delicacies. Its offers proximity to all of Koh Samui’s key attractions, such as the Big Buddha statue, whilst retaining an aura of total privacy and tranquillity. Maeve in Ban Rak, Koh Samui Vila Flor de Vida in Barrinha, Ceará, Brazil offers a wonderful opportunity to escape the winter blues and commune with the natural world. Its rooftop offers an intoxicating view on the night sky and the constellations of the Southern Hemisphere. The creature comforts are also stellar, with eight bedrooms and bathrooms right on the beach front, seven staff members, a pool house and entertainment options such as a ping pong table and relaxing hammocks. It provides the ultimate escape in a nation that enjoys the height of summer while Europe is plunged in midwinter gloom. Villa Flor da Vida near Jericocoara, Brazil It is little wonder that many celebrities choose Barbados as their winter retreat, and the Coral Stone House in St James is worthy of any VIP. A six bedroom property with every conceivable modern luxury, it nevertheless seamlessly blends into its natural surroundings, with a sympathetic construction largely from regional materials. A private beach, adjoining cottage for an additional four guests and efficient and generous staffing make this an excellent Caribbean winter entertaining spot. St James has numerous great dining options, and the Folkestone Marine Park, complete with artificial reef, is one of many nearby activity sites. Coral Stone House in Barbados Another property which very much falls into that category is Bouganville in neighbouring St Lucia. It sleeps up to ten guests and has a gorgeous pool with spectacular sea views and its own grotto and waterfall. The master bedroom has a fabulous “secret garden” including a private swimming pool, Jacuzzi and shower. The villa’s prime location on the Beau Estate lies between the iconic Pitons peaks. Its setting in Soufriere provides easy access to many of gloriously green St Lucia’s attractions, including the world’s only drive-in volcano, complete with sulphur springs for adventurous bathing. Bougainville in St Lucia Whilst all five properties combine lush tropical vegetation, sultry heat and a break from the everyday, each of them also has their own unique abilities and facilities to chase away the winter blues. By Phileas French, Travel Writer January 9, 2017 0 comments 0 FacebookTwitterPinterestEmail
ChristmasFood and DrinkSki HolidaysTravel Tips The Most Magical Winter Bars and Taverns by Paola Fiocchi Van den Brande December 21, 2016 written by Paola Fiocchi Van den Brande At a time when almost everyone is in the festive spirit, some places stand out as the very best places to raise a glass or two, whether for their beautiful setting, superb drinks list, or simply the warm welcome that they provide. For drinking in a winter wonderland, Meribel is a wonderful resort to start. The Den Bar has a sleek modern interior that is nevertheless inviting and convivial. The wine list was compiled by Tim Johnston, whose track record includes the celebrated Parisian wine bar Juveniles. Helpfully for those wanting to retreat to their chalets and sip wine around the Christmas tree, the bar also offers a take away service. Le Grand Café des Pistes offers a sumptuous interior where everything from coffee to cocktails can be enjoyed next to a cosy real log fire. The Barometer bar is one of Meribel’s liveliest options, and it’s a perfect place to enjoy watching a game, shooting some pool, or indulging in one of their famous grilled sandwiches. Landmark holiday property Chalet Chopine is an airy, stunning five bedroom residence with wonderful features including a hammam, sauna, Jacuzzi and home cinema, perfect after the five minute stroll back from the bars of Meribel. Le Grand Cafe des Pistes Morzine is another classic French ski resort with a great après scene. For those who want to make the most of the mountains, the Cookie Café Bar is the highest altitude bar in the Portes de Soleil. It has a relaxed atmosphere and serves both warming wine and cold beer. Le Barbylone bar is tiny and relatively new but offers fun DJ battles and delicious Savoyard dishes to soak up the cocktails. Bar La Taverne offers the quintessential French chalet décor serve dup with tasty tapas. Chalet Jejalp, one of Morzine’s most luxurious properties, is the perfect bolthole from which to savour the nightlife on offer. With its stunning double height communal living space, cinema room and two storey glass wine cellar, the impetus is always there to stay in, but fortunately Morzine has enough temptations to ensure regular nights out too. Cookie Cafe Morzine The Italian Dolomites host a very special array of nightlife options. Val Gardena has some of the best, including Yello’s Lounge Bar, with chill out music, quirky décor and affable waiting staff. For wine connoisseurs, Vinotheque La Cërcia offers a comprehensive range of vintages and friendly, expert advice. Three storey property Cesa Selva is a classic, picture postcard Alpine chalet with a hammam and attractive, well-designed living space indoor and out. Vinoteque La Cercia San Lorenzo Mountain Lodge in the South Tyrol is an exceptionally well-appointed and stylist property, once a haunt of the Italian nobility on hunting trips. Its dreamy views and serene relaxation spaces are complemented by some lively bar options in nearby Brunico. Rienzbräu is one charming spot with great beer and tasty grilled meats. Fashionable Sennibar is light and attractive with some good mixed drinks. Bär’s Café Bistro Lounge at Piz Buin It is no real surprise that glitzy Klosters in Switzerland has some fantastic drinking spots, with plenty of celebrity-spotting opportunities. Perfectly situated at the foot of the slopes, Gaudy’s is a perennial favourite, with weekly live music. Many people choose it for their first aperitif after a day’s skiing Likewise, Bär’s Café Bistro Lounge at Piz Buin is enduringly popular. It offers the winning combination of a snug interior and a terrace which forms a wonderful sun trap. Chesa Grischuna For live music, Klosters village has the delightful Chesa Grischuna which features live piano performances. Casa Antica is the ultimate Klosters go-to destination. Situated in a pretty barn conversion, it combines a cocktail bar, piano bar and nightclub, and is the first stop for anyone making the scene. Luxury Chalet Klosters is the perfect place to stay. It wholly delivers on its name, providing seven beautiful bedrooms, outdoor whirlpool and sauna and a balcony which allows guests to make the most of its peerless location. After any drinking session in these renowned resorts, stepping out into the twinkling lights and powdery snow afterwards is an unforgettable experience. Santé, cin cin and broscht! By Phileas French, Travel Writer December 21, 2016 0 comments 0 FacebookTwitterPinterestEmail
ChristmasDestinationsShopping A few of my favourite Advent calendars by Paola Fiocchi Van den Brande December 4, 2016 written by Paola Fiocchi Van den Brande Well, the countdown to Christmas 2016 has begun, -21 days! Among all the pre-Christmas traditions, the one of displaying an Advent Calendar on December the 1st, is probably among the most common ones and the one least related to a strict religious custom, hence more broadly adopted. The word Advent derives from the Latin “adventus” or “arrival’ and non-christians have adopted the calendar as simply a fun countdown to winter celebrations. Through the years it has developed from a simple traditional calendar with 24 or 25 openable windows and a liturgical image behind it to some more extravagant and sophisticated ones revealing luxurious treats. You can now buy calendars with chocolates, empty ones to fill up yourself, calendars already filled with luxurious items, calendars for adults and calendars for kids, and for the more conscious and less consumerist among us, you can now download virtual calendars from the web. Here are some of my favourite ones around the world, for both adults and kids. My absolute favour is the Fortnum & Mason Wooden Advent Calendar on sale for £90. An elegant wooden calendar decorated with the store’s ironing façade of the London store in Piccadilly. 24 spaces with small numbered doors behind which you can hide little treats. Fortnum & Mason Wooden Advent Calendar Although sold out days before December started, the Marks & Spencer Ultime Beauty Advent Calendar is a real indulgent one. The lucky ladies who managed to get hold of one are now pampering themselves with bestselling beauty treats from Nuxe, Nails Inc, Rodial, REN, just to name a few. Marks and Spencer Ultimate Beauty Calendar There is no kids’ Christmas if there is no Lego. The 2016 Lego City Advent Calendar is a 290 pieces kit that will certainly keep you busy building it. It comes with buildings, vehicles, minifigures, and surprisingly, Santa’s sleigh is being pulled by a husky! Times are changing also for reindeers. Lego City Advent Calendar If you can’t renounce the a traditional Chocolate Advent Calendar, Belgian master chocolatiers Godiva have created a luscious box filled with 25 pieces of the finest milk, dark and white chocolates from the maison’s most popular assortment. Godiva If you are into beauty, there are SO many incredible calendars to choose from. From Jo Malone, to Kiehls, from Dyptique to Charlotte Tilbury. This year’s winner however must be Ciaté London Advent Calendar! 24 days of Paint Pots, treatments and surprises for those looking for the ultimate holiday beauty. Coat London …and this is my very own Advent Calendar. It may be not Fortnum & Mason’s one, but it is still bringing much joy to the kids. I purchased the re-usable calendar from Flying Tiger for €10 and filled it up with some little treats! My very own Advent Calendar! “Wishing you all a very Merry Christmas, prosperous and healthy 2017!” December 4, 2016 0 comments 0 FacebookTwitterPinterestEmail
Destination: SpainDestinationsShoppingTravel News The Best of Formentera: Sand, Shopping and Sublime Villas by Paola Fiocchi Van den Brande November 30, 2016 written by Paola Fiocchi Van den Brande The small Spanish island of Formentera retains an old-fashioned charm and tranquillity that is increasingly difficult to come by in an age of mass tourism and development. Whilst it is justly popular as a day trip from Ibiza, Formentera is also a superb destination in its own right. Photo courtesy Decode Formentera The attractive capital, Sant Francesc, forms a natural hub of activities. The beautiful church of St Francesc Xavier is almost 300 years old. Its evocative, dark interior was once used for protection as well as worship, with islanders taking refuge from pirates inside. Quirky Big Store combines a shop with a fun café serving fresh juice and delicious breakfast and lunch options. Photo courtesy Decode Formentera There are many other interesting artisan shops in Sant Francesc but the island’s most famous retail experience is La Mola Market. Formentera has a proud hippy heritage, having attracted creative visionaries throughout the 1960s and 1970s, and the market provides a showcase of bohemian craft products. The majority of them are crafted from local materials and make the perfect gifts. A great part of Formentera’s reputation rests on its pristine white sand beaches. Every local has a favourite, often one of the completely unspoilt beaches in the Migjorn area on the island’s Southern coastline. Migjorn has the added draw of hip hangout Blue Bar. It is a great place to soak up the atmosphere and music along with a few drinks. Migjorn, photo courtesy Decode Formentera Playa Illetes offers the ultimate picture postcard experience. Its striking blue sea and white sand draw many visitors, and a number of excellent seafood restaurants dot the beach. Both Restaurante Illetes Playa and Es Parral are highly regarded for their fresh fish and welcoming atmosphere. Nearby Playa Llevant is a clothing optional beach which offers a serene expanse of soft sand. Formentera is proud of its nature, and many of the sand dunes that the beaches back onto are protected. There are often signs along the beach walks describing some of the marine life, birds and flora that can be spotted, and many historic fisherman’s huts still linger in a beguiling nod to the island’s long history. Photo courtesy Decode Formentera Villas are by far the best form of accommodation on the island and there are three which perfectly encapsulate Formentera’s cool coastal vibe. Villa Dalia has four en-suite bedrooms, two living rooms and a stunning pool deck with generous furnishings for sunbathing and lounging. In a similar setting just outside Sant Francesc, Can Carlota villa sleeps up to twelve guests. It is an exquisite conversion of a former finca, or farmhouse and stables, set within a grove of olive and palm trees. The Olympic size infinity pool and outdoor dining and barbeque area are amongst the best the entire island has to offer. Photo courtesy Decode Formentera For larger families or grand parties, the imposing modernist Leonor villa can comfortably accommodate up to eighteen people. Leonor’s bold look is nevertheless in complete harmony with its natural surroundings, and the architect’s design ensures the entire property is suffused with the island’s wonderful light. The property’s location on Cap de Barbaria offers extraordinary sea views stretching as far as Ibiza, and perfectly captures the charm and beauty of Formentera. By Phileas French, Travel Writer November 30, 2016 0 comments 0 FacebookTwitterPinterestEmail
ChristmasDestination: SwitzerlandDestinationsFamily TravelSki ChaletsSki Holidays The perfect Swiss Christmas by Paola Fiocchi Van den Brande November 7, 2016 written by Paola Fiocchi Van den Brande Christmas, it is clear to see, has captured and dominated the global festive imagination. However, few, if any, places on earth can offer a more idealised traditional Christmas than Switzerland. Sleigh bells ringing, hot chocolate and mulled wine, twinkling lights and a beautiful landscape carpeted in snow offer the best possible place to celebrate. Christmas market Lake Geneva, photo courtesy of Le News.ch St Moritz has been the go-to destination for winter tourism for over 150 years. One of its Christmas highlights is the Olympia bobsleigh run, an exhilarating and magical experience, and there is every other possible permutation of winter sport available. When it is time to dial down the pace, the highly respected Engadin Symphony Orchestra puts on a set of concerts between Christmas and New Year. The Advent market in downtown St Moritz showcases exceptional local produce in a fairy tale setting. An exceptional property near St Moritz is the ideal base for Yuletide exploration. Ca’ D’Alberto, a sleek, stylish luxury barn conversation in Grigioni, comfortably sleeps up to six people. The conversion was architect-led by Guido Moro. The fireplace is perfect for cosy carols and the coffee table is even made from a vintage sledge. Ca’ d’Alberto Chalet Le Rucher, Grimentz lies in one of the most dramatic Swiss mountain regions. The chalet has space for eight people across four pretty bedrooms. Its private steam room is an excellent place to detox and escape from Christmas indulgence. Grimentz The beautiful old village of Grimentz hosts a brilliant Christmas market in early December. In addition to international stalls full of gifts and delicious foodstuffs, there are concerts and events across a convivial weekend. The valley in which Grimentz is situated, Val D’Anniviers, has a splendid array of Christmas offerings, including a toboggan run, cross country skiing and winter hiking. The Luxury Chalet Klosters in Graubunden is filled with light and history. With generous accommodation for eight people, it offers panoramic views of the ritzy Klosters ski resort from its south-facing balcony. The large, beautifully redecorated living and dining areas are perfect for Christmas entertaining and family meals. Clusters family chalet The snow-powdered forests of Klosters set the scene for an attractive Christmas morning walk, while the village itself, sparkling under its remarkably starry sky, lays on an intimate array of Christmas dining and entertainment options. This December around Klosters, nearby Davos opens a major new Christmas attraction, the Eisdream, which literally translates as “field of ice”. The original natural ice field is being ingeniously converted into an ice disco, racing field, cooking stations and a fun Kids Corner. For those travelling through Zurich, the city hosts one of the largest indoor Christmas markets in Europe. Its highlight is an astonishing fifty foot tall Christmas tree made from Swarovski crystals. This range of offerings far beyond the ski slopes, magnificent though they, plus great transport links, has secured Switzerland’s status as the perfect Christmas place from the nineteenth century onwards. While many of those traditional delights remain, the best Swiss chalets now also offer a previously undreamt of level of winter luxury. Zurich, photo courtesy zuerich.com By Phileas French, Travel Writer November 7, 2016 0 comments 0 FacebookTwitterPinterestEmail
CelebritiesChristmasDestination: CaribbeanDestinationsFamily TravelNew Year's Special Top Caribbean Destinations for Christmas by Paola Fiocchi Van den Brande October 20, 2016 written by Paola Fiocchi Van den Brande The Caribbean is revered as a Christmas destination, but what is perhaps less well-known is the great variety of different Christmas celebrations and traditions that different Caribbean islands display. Berry Islands Bahamas Any December or January style magazine reveals that countless celebrities choose St Barths as their special Christmas destination, and it is a particularly magical time of year on the highly exclusive French Caribbean island. Villa Milou is set within the exceptional Pointe Milou neighbourhood, with a terrace that offers the perfect setting for alfresco, convivial dining. The infinity pool and well-equipped gym are peerless places to unwind and work off festive indulgences, and the layout of the six bedrooms offers a very versatile space for different Christmas configurations of guests. Peacock, Bahamas La Musique villa is also ideally situated to enjoy the best of the seasonal spoils, as it is in a secluded spot for private celebrations within its five stunning bedrooms, swimming pool and spa, but also just a short drive from Gustavia. Gustavia hosts a lovely Christmas Village for nine days in December, the perfect spot to get into the party spirit and make unique local gift purchases. The New Year’s Eve Regatta, for diverse sailboats in a relaxed atmosphere, is another event not to be missed. For those who seek out a cutting edge Christmas, the Barbados Paradise residence, St James, is a sleek modernist icon sleeping up to ten guests in an exceptional private beachfront retreat. It is perfect for those seeking a chic and grown up Christmas, and has inspiring touches including a pizza oven, charcoal barbeque and Karaoke system for belting out seasonal songs. Barbados comes alive at Christmas, with several world class restaurants offering their take on the best of yuletide. Nishi hosts a popular traditional carol service on Christmas Eve complete with mince pies and mulled wine. On Christmas Day some of the best places to enjoy a Christmas feast with a view include the Beach House and Mullins Beach Bar and Grill. Sand Dollar, Turks and Caicos Christmas is for many a time for family to come together. Casa Ambra in lively Punta Cana, Dominican Republic is ideal for a larger family gathering, with six sumptuous bedrooms accommodating up to 12 guests. Its beautiful gardens and private chef lend themselves particularly well to celebrating and entertaining. Dominican locals also set great store on spending Christmas with family, and it is when their legendary hospitality is most apparent. Christmas Eve is a big party night for many, but the country has one of the longest Christmas celebrations of anywhere in the world. It begins with the musical festival of Santa Barbara Day on December 4 and extends all the way through to January 6, Three Kings Day. Punta Cana is famed for its New Year’s Eve parties, with lively salsa and merengue all the way through into 2017. Barbados Paradise For many, the essence of tropical luxury is stepping out onto a perfect white sand beach on Christmas Day. Set within the gorgeous Turks and Caicos Islands on Grace Bay, Sand Dollar is a six bedroom villa with one of the very best beaches in the Caribbean. Remarkable vistas are on display from virtually every window of the property, which includes an impressive gourmet kitchen, perfect for those wishing to cater Christmas themselves. The Turks and Caicos have a dazzling array of events throughout December, including fish fries, gourmet markets brimming with fresh produce, arts and crafts exhibitions and beach barbeques, Boxing Day sees the historic and fascinating Maskanoo, the “Masquerade of the Masses”, in the capital Providenciales. Founded by slaves in the nineteenth century to lampoon the costume balls of their rich oppressors, today it is a raucous and flamboyant display of parades and music. The ultimate indulgence for a Caribbean Christmas gathering must surely be a private island, and that is exactly what the beautiful Bahamas hideaway of Peacock Island offers. With 13 staff members on hand to cater to every possible festive wish, Peacock Island belies its small size with the sheer variety of luxury experiences that it offers. Christmas Day could be spent sailing, diving or fishing, with Boxing Day the perfect time to decompress in the sea view infinity pool, or on the yoga platform mounted over the glistening sea. Glitzy Saint Barths Lively Bahamian capital Nassau is just a 15 minute flight away, and Peacock Island enjoys its own private airstrip. Nassau’s Junkanoo Boxing Day Parade is an exciting spectacle for the senses. There are belling, drumming and dancing competitions, watched by hundreds of enthusiastic spectators, and an incredible array of costumes on display. It is a memorable and quintessentially Caribbean Christmas experience. By Phileas French, Travel Writer October 20, 2016 0 comments 0 FacebookTwitterPinterestEmail
ExperiencesFood and DrinkTravel NewsTravel Tips The Mediterranean’s Very Best Beach Clubs by Paola Fiocchi Van den Brande September 29, 2016 written by Paola Fiocchi Van den Brande The Mediterranean is justly renowned for its beaches, many of which are among the most celebrated in the world. However, for those seeking private luxury and quiet contemplation, cocktail in hand, the popularity and crowds of public beaches can offer pressures as well as pleasures. Beach clubs present the perfect compromise, and the very best offer a diverse cross-section of benefits and special experiences. Ocean Beach Club Ibiza Ocean Beach Club Ibiza is one of the biggest names in beach clubs, but its celebrity, and celebrities, has not affected the gratifications of the experience it offers. Situated in San Antonio, it is the epicentre of the world’s best party island, with sensational parties hosted by Ministry of Sound. Hed Kandi and Ibiza Sensations. Although the big brand DJ events are the main draw, it also boasts a stunning pool and remarkable aerial displays by acrobats. Two exceptional nearby villas, Villa Gabriella in Porto Rotondo and Villa Al Tramonto in San Pantaleo, offer the perfect venues to take the party home to. Villa Al Tramonto Another key club in the Balearics, Purobeach Palma Mallorca earns its place as one of the Med’s best beach clubs with its strong emphasis on wellbeing. There are five Balinese beds and copious teak loungers, where sunbathing and massage can be enjoyed. The spa treatments on offer are high quality and there is a child free area for adult relaxation. The international restaurant offers delectable dishes, particularly those of North African influenced cuisine. Nikki Beach Mallorca The biggest and brashest beach club of them all is Nikki Beach, a global superbrand with clubs in most of the world’s most desirable locations. For many the very best Nikki Beach Club is in Marbella. With a gorgeous palm-fringed pool and soundstage, both beloved by media personalities, it offers laid-back chic on a lovely stretch of coastline. La Azalea Apartment in Benahavis provides a parallel residential experience of private and aspirational luxury. Nikki Beach Saint Tropez is not for the faint-hearted or under-dressed, but is peerless in its A list clientele and glitzy appeal, as well as its beautiful coastal setting. Penthouse Marie Chantal, located in Antibes-Juan Les Pins, is an address with an equivalent aura of exclusivity, as well as a gateway to the loveliness of the Cote D’Azure. One of the best Italian beach clubs is particularly well-suited for those seeking discreet, sedate luxury. Phi Beach Sardinia may be located right in the celebrity nerve centre of the Costa Smeralda, but it offers serene sea views and sumptuous cuisine at the Chiri Sur restaurant. Bar Chiringuito offers people-watching and cocktails at dusk, and everything is enjoyed within the imposing shadow of the ancient Forte Cappellini. Coral Beach Club Dubrovnik Croatia is a jetset paradise, and one of its best beach clubs is near the beautiful UNESCO world heritage city of Dubrovnik. The Coral Beach Club is dramatically situated under rocky cliffs with spectacular sunset views, and can easily be enjoyed in a day in tandem with the sights and gastronomy of Dubrovnik. Villa Garden Paradise, a Baroque mansion house, provides appropriate historic splendour as a base. Croatia’s fabled, lavender-scented island, Hvar, has the added attraction of the Carpe Diem beach club. It has an engaging lack of formality, and offers a small, attractive place to drink and relax. For those indulging in the great pleasure of island-hopping, Korcula is 32 nautical miles away from Hvar and plays host to the pretty and romantic Villa Magdalena. Carpe Diem Beach Club Hvar As the ultimate indulgence, the Princess Kitana yacht is moored in Split. It sleeps eight people and offers the most luxurious possible way of savouring the best beach clubs in the Mediterranean, one port at a time. By Phileas French, Travel Writer September 29, 2016 0 comments 0 FacebookTwitterPinterestEmail