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
Destinations UNESCO sites in the Greek Islands by Paola Fiocchi Van den Brande September 15, 2016 written by Paola Fiocchi Van den Brande There are five extraordinary UNESCO world heritage sites scattered across the Greek islands. Together, they offer a totally unique concentration of ancient spectacles on popular modern European island destinations. Mykonos Delos, an island in the Cyclades, is the mythical birthplace of the God Apollo and the Goddess Artemis. A sacred place for centuries, the entire island is an archaeological treasure trove. The Avenue of the Lions, with its colossal animal statues and rugged views, is just one of many evocative survivals from the ancient world to explore. Private Mykonos Delos is an easy trip from Mykonos, and Mykonos plays host to an exceptional range of properties and resorts, to suit every priority and party size. There are quaint stone-hewn houses like the Aegean View, quintessentially Myconian villas like Mykonos Joy, or rock star-style residences like Private Mykonos. The latter is an exceptionally stylish and modern hideaway for up to 30 jet-set guests. Aegean View – Mykonos Despite its relatively tiny size, the island of Samos plays host to two sites recognised by UNESCO. They are the Pythagorean, the remains of a fort and aqueduct, rich in both Greek and Roman ruins, and the Heraion, the goddess Hera’s temple on Samos. Samos has been continuously inhabited for over 5000 years, and consequently bears many fascinating footprints. Regular ferries travel between Samos and Patmos, and the two islands are also a short flight away from each other, making them rich in possibilities for island-hopping. Mykonos Joy Patmos in the Dodecanese has the semi-mythical reputation as the location for St John the Theologian’s writing of the Book of Revelation, or the Apocalypse. Since the founding of the striking Monastery of St John a thousand years ago, it has been a highly important pilgrimage site, as has the Cave of the Apocalypse, where it is said that St John received his revelations. The pretty town that grew up around the monastery, Chora, also has a wealth of importance old structures to explore. The Spirit of Patmos, a house situated on a private 9000 square metre estate within the quiet village of Kampos, offers wonderful accommodation for up to ten guests near the UNESCO site. Patmos is a small island, easy to navigate and experience. For those requiring even more spacious dimensions, Villa Agatha in Agia Theophanou is an elegant retreat for up to 19 people. Villa Agatha enjoys a Tower Suite and cottage in addition to the main house, offering an attractive variety of accommodation. Villa Agatha – Patmos In terms of other possible onward destinations from Patmos, Rhodes is one of the best-known and most diverse Greek islands. The exquisitely preserved medieval city of Rhodes enjoys a lovely, breezy location by the Mediterranean Sea. Rhodes was occupied for over 200 years from 1309 by the Order of St John of Jerusalem, before being ruled by the Turks and the Italians. Amongst its important historic survivals are the Great Hospital, the Street of the Knights and the Palace of the Grand Masters. Though it is important to take these sites in, perhaps the greatest pleasure is simply meandering though the Gothic Upper Town, or exploring the fascinating blend of high Ottoman and Gothic relics in the Lower Town. Over on Corfu, UNESCO acknowledged the importance of Corfu Old Town relatively recently, less than a decade ago. It is perhaps surprising that formal recognition was only achieved in 2007, because the fascinating fortress town can trace its lineage back to the eighth century BC, and examples of virtually every major subsequent architectural style survive. Venetian influence is perhaps the most palpable, as well as the most picturesque. The very best Corfu vacation properties also embody the qualities of Venetian and Greek heritage, such as the Villa on the Rocks in Benitses, which has astonishing sea views from its expansive balcony. It offers a peerless vista of the mountains of Epirus, a reminder that the Greek islands are as celebrated for their natural beauty as they are for their remarkable heritage sites. By Phileas French, Travel Writer September 15, 2016 0 comments 0 FacebookTwitterPinterestEmail
ArtDestination: SpainExperiencesFamily TravelTravel Tips Outstanding Spanish UNESCO Heritage Sites by Paola Fiocchi Van den Brande August 29, 2016 written by Paola Fiocchi Van den Brande It is increasingly important for global travellers to combine luxury relaxation with immersion in cultural locales and places of outstanding natural beauty. It is exactly these special places which are recognised by UNESCO on its list of heritage sites, and Spain is particularly rich in assets close to exceptional villas, both on the mainland and across its islands. The unique combination of biodiversity and culture to be discovered in many Spanish islands was a major factor in securing UNESCO world heritage status for some of Spain’s most aspirational holiday home addresses. The beautiful and unspoiled island of Menorca, for example, gained UNESCO’s attention for its landscape and its extraordinary indigenous plants and animals, many of which were threatened with extinction. Ibiza, Photo Courtesy Wikimedia, CC BY-SA 3.0 Menorca was declared a Biosphere Reserve by UNESCO in 1993. This status places it with just over 400 other remarkable areas across the world where the rich history and wildlife are being supported in finding a way to co-exist with sympathetic development. Menorca also qualified for Biosphere Reserve status as a result of its still largely rural environment and its highly important archaeological treasures. The perfect base for exploration of Menorca is Prestige Menorca, San Climent, an extraordinary property located within a 250 acre private estate in Mahon and only opened in 2015. The Cleopatra Butterfly on Minorca, by Rixonrixon – Own work, CC BY-SA 3.0, Despite a higher degree of development and urbanisation than Menorca, Ibiza has also received UNESCO recognition. Declared a World Heritage City in 1999, Ibiza City’s impressive sixteenth century fortifications, the historic graveyard of Puig des Molins, with stunningly preserved Phoenician and Carthaginian tombs, and the ancient Phoenician settlement of sa Caleta were all strong reasons for granting special status. Perhaps the most unusual site of all, however, is the Posidonia of Ses Salines Natural Park. Posidonia is a dense form of seagrass that, whilst threatened across much of the Mediterranean Sea, is still abundant in Ibiza. Posidonia creates a haven for a highly diverse cross-section of marine life, providing a very special natural marine reserve in Ibiza’s coastline and sea. Amongst the species which benefit from the protection of the Posidonia are the Mediterranean monk seal and many migrating birds. Monte Perdido, Pyrénées. CC BY-SA 3.0, Wikimedia Ibiza is celebrated for its beautiful and well-appointed properties, and three in particular stand out. Dream Ibiza, a villa in Vista Alegre, is set within a secure gated community and enjoys sumptuous sea views. Also in Vista Alegre, Ibiza el sueño is a landmark architect-designed villa with exemplary indoor/outdoor living and adapted for year-round suitability. Mariposa, in St Agnes, enjoys a wonderfully secluded location and a serene infinity pool. On the Spanish mainland, extending across the border into France, the mountains of the Pyrenees play host to another haven of indigenous culture and nature, Monte Perdido. The summit of the mountain lies within Spain. A UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1997, the huge reserve includes two national parks, the Pyrénées Occidentales National Park in France and the whole of the Ordesa y Monte Perdido National Park in Spain. An ideal base for exploring this attraction is villa Supremo Golf Pyrenees in Bolvir de la Cerdaňa. The villa is located in the Real Club de Golf Cerdaña’s private development. A lavish resort in a stunning setting, it even has the royal seal of approval given that it was founded in 1929 by King Alfonso XIII. Alhambra, by Tirithel – Own work, GFDL, WikiMedia The Costa del Sol is a brilliant gateway to one of the most globally important UNESCO heritage sites, the Alhambra Palace. It is an easy and picturesque journey from Malaga to one of Spain’s most celebrated attractions. The Alhambra is a vast and beautiful medieval treasure, set within a serene, stunning Moorish estate. Whilst the Alhambra justifiably dominates any itinerary in the region, the entire city of Granada is a rewarding place to explore museums, churches and gastronomy. Marbella is a particularly well-placed town from which to enjoy the Alhambra and other cultural treasures, as well as everything that Marbella itself has to offer discerning travellers. The luxury apartment La Azalia offers a coveted enclave from which to enjoy ocean views and easy access to local attractions. Selecting a base in a magnificent property and visiting these UNESCO sites provides a rapid and wonderful form of immersion in all the distinctive charms that Spain provides. By Phileas French, Travel Writer August 29, 2016 0 comments 0 FacebookTwitterPinterestEmail
Destination: CambodiaExperiencesFamily TravelTravel TipsVenues for special eventsWedding Venues Five Reasons to Visit Cambodia by Paola Fiocchi Van den Brande August 9, 2016 written by Paola Fiocchi Van den Brande There are innumerable reasons to visit the vibrant and wonderful South East Asian nation of Cambodia, but choosing just five allows for a showcasing of some of its key attractions. The first reason, Cambodia’s riches of indigenous rainforest and jungle, is perhaps the most vivid image most will have of the Cambodian landscape. It has been made world famous by Angkor Wat, the vast temple complex evocatively set deep in the Cambodian rainforest. Astonishingly, it is the world’s largest religious monument, and the numbers of those wishing to make their personal pilgrimage to it are still rising steadily. Within the complex, the temple of Ta Prohm has been granted a new form of immortality after its starring role in Tomb Raider. Angkor Wat, photo via livescience.com Angkor Wat is not even close to giving up all of its secrets yet. Just this year, cutting edge laser scanning technology revealed many more as yet hidden and unexcavated archaeological sites, including a lost city, once a jewel of the medieval Khmer empire, which may cover a greater area than the modern capital, Phnom Penh. A successful “rewilding” project has ensured that the sounds and sights of animals such as gibbons and silver langurs can once again be enjoyed around the temples. The second reason is the showcase of nature teeming in the sea, offering an even more impressive plethora of species than the rainforest. Particularly around Sihanouk Ville, Cambodia is blessed with diverse and often unique aquatic life. In addition to a wealth of tropical fish, turtles and dugongs roam. Corner Bay is a popular dive spot from which to view barracuda and batfish. Further afield, the exclusive dive site of Koh Prins offers the chance of spotting whale sharks and marlin. Koh Prins, photo via camboentertain.com All wonderful to look at, some of this marine life also contributes to the third reason to visit Cambodia, its memorable cuisine. Prahok Kties is a fascinating local speciality, fermented fish. It forms an important base ingredient in many classic Cambodian dishes. Fish Amok is a delicious type of fish terrine, flavoured with coconut milk and often served wrapped in banana leaves. Grilled marinaded squid can be found served as street food in many coastal towns. Cambodians have perfected the use of their ultimate dietary staple, rice, in both savoury and sweet cuisine. The distinctive glutinous rice often accompanies luscious tropical fruits. Bai Chha, a much-loved fried rice dish, features pork sausages as well as the copious garlic and complex seasoning which form cornerstones of Cambodian cooking. For the more adventurous, tarantulas and tree ants make unusually regular appearances on Khmer menus. Tarantula Canapé, photo via fliptravels.com Few visitors would wish to pass through Cambodia without sampling the fourth reason, its world class spas, especially after a hard day’s trekking or diving. The traditional Khmer massage is more focused on pampering and relaxation, attained through a gentle kneading technique, than the vigorous stretching techniques of Thai massages. J’Pong is another ancient local spa ritual, which uses the therapeutic powers of heat and herbal essences to enhance everything from circulation to energy levels. The fifth reason to visit Cambodia is a lush island paradise which manages to combine all four of the other reasons to visit into one destination. It is Song Saa Island. The resort, recipient of numerous awards, is actually two different islands, Koh Ouen and Koh Bong, which together, and joined by a footbridge, make up Song Saa. Song Saa Island The private cook can expertly prepare local dishes, whilst cookery classes grant the chance of a personal mastery of regional dishes. Song Saa Sanctuaries has a comprehensive range of blissful spa treatments delivered by therapists highly skilled in ancient and modern practices. Sea kayaking and jungle tours provide an easy way in for any age and ability level to begin to enjoy Cambodia’s natural riches, which can also be admired from every window in the resort and the marvellous infinity pool. Song Saa is peerless as both a springboard to, and a sanctuary from, exploration of Cambodia’s many delights. Song Saa Island By Phileas French, Travel Writer August 9, 2016 0 comments 0 FacebookTwitterPinterestEmail