AirportsDestinationsExperiencesFlightsTravel NewsTravel Tips Top airport lounges around the world by Paola Fiocchi Van den Brande May 26, 2015 written by Paola Fiocchi Van den Brande No one likes a long layover after a lengthy overnight flight. That’s why many airports around the world offer the use of their lounges to certain travellers which provide a space to relax and unwind. With many luxury and exclusive amenities on offer which include a lot more than just showers, day beds and restaurants, many of these luxury lounges are an experience and destination in themselves. The next time you’re facing a long stopover, take advantage of everything these exclusive airport lounges have to offer and you’ll be wishing you had more time before your connecting flight. Here are some of the top international airport lounges around the world which are worth a stopover: Heathrow Airport: Virgin Atlantic Clubhouse You’ll want your flight to be delayed so that you could spend as much time as possible in these 750 square metres of luxury space. The Virgin Atlantic Clubhouse is one of the most highly rated luxury airport lounges in the world, boasting many first class amenities to help you pass the time like a cocktail bar, brasserie and deli, multi-screen cinema, office and library, pool table, and video game consoles. There are plenty of ways to relax and rejuvenate too, thanks to the power showers, hairdressing salon, and luxury on-site spa complete with a spa pool, steam rooms and tanning booth. Virgin Atlantic Clubhouse, London, photo courtesy of telegraph.co.uk Visit their website for more information. Hong Kong International Airport: Cathay Pacific’s The Wing Lounge Cathay Pacific’s The Wing Lounge, Hong Kong International Airport, photo courtesy of thedesignair.files.wordpress.com Hong Kong International Airport boasts five luxury lounges run by Cathay Pacific, with The Wing being the biggest, with 4000 square metres of space. A lot of thought has gone into its tasteful minimalist design featuring open ceilings, contrasting black and white marble floors with natural Eucalyptus wood walls, and contemporary furniture. There’s a champagne bar in the reception area and a glamorous 80-foot-long Long Bar, as well as four restaurants to choose from and a popular noodle bar. But the highlight is the exclusive Cabanas which have full-sized Jacuzzi bath tubs, spacious showers, and huge day beds. What better way to relax and rewind before your connecting flight? For more information, visit their website. Doha International Airport: Al Mourjan Business Lounge The Al Mourjan Business Lounge in the newly renovated premium terminal at Doha’s Hamad International Airport is a destination in itself. Reserved for 1st class and business passengers, there’s a host of five-star amenities available, including a world-class spa, shower facilities, private workstations with complimentary wifi, widescreen TVs and leather couches, quiet rooms to catch some sleep in, game rooms with Nintendo Wii consoles and a Formula 1 simulator. Parents will appreciate the private family rooms and children’s nursery with nannies available to entertain the kids while mom and dad relax in the spa. Al Mourjan Business Lounge, Doha International Airport, photo courtesy of 4.bp.blogspot.com Visit their website for more information. Sydney International Airport: Qantas First Lounge Sydney International Airport’s swankiest lounge features Italian marble floors, Swiss quartzite walls, modern furniture and a breathtaking 180-degree view over the city’s spectacular Botany Bay. Qantas First Lounge, Sydney International Airport, photo courtesy of wikimedia.org Operated under the hotel group Sofitel, visitors can enjoy the complimentary spa treatments and make use of the luxury shower suites, as well as the private business rooms. A concierge is on hand to make any required bookings and organise all details of your arrival at your destination. Visit their website for more information. Frankfurt Airport: Lufthansa First Class Lounge Lufthansa First Class Lounge, Frankfurt Airport, photo courtesy of viefromthewing on photobucket.com Lufthansa’s First Class Lounge has its own separate building, just outside the main terminal building, spread over 1800 square metres on two floors. A personal assistant is available to take care of any details of your journey and assist you with security and the check-in for connecting flights. A newly opened spa is available in the lounge offering a variety of spa treatments lasting from 15 to 90 minutes – the perfect way to freshen up after a long-haul flight. Other amenities you can expect from a luxury lounge include rest areas with comfortable daybeds and luxury showers, private offices, a whiskey bar and cigar lounge. For more information, visit their site. Blog post Isabel Putinja, Travel Writer, for Passepartout Homes. Feeling inspired? Discover our entire Collection of luxury Villas. May 26, 2015 0 comments 0 FacebookTwitterPinterestEmail
Adventure TravelExperiencesFamily Travel The Best of Europe for Active Families by Paola Fiocchi Van den Brande May 14, 2015 written by Paola Fiocchi Van den Brande While some families prefer to sit back and spend two weeks relaxing by the pool, others are all about activities, adventures and non-stop fun. If you’re the type of clan that can’t stand the thought of sunbathing for the entirety of your trip, read on for an overview of some of our favourite spots for active families this summer. Disclaimer: Relaxation is not on the cards here. It’s all hiking, mountain biking, scuba diving and exploring until the very last second. Ready, set, go! Valais – Switzerland Hiking in Valais, Switzerland – photo courtesy of valais.ch Nestled in the heart of the Alps, Valais is a unique destination for nature lovers and mountain buffs. Hikers will be in heaven, with 8000km of signposted trails and ‘bisses’ channels weaving through the mountains. Adventurers will jump at the chance to mountain bike through alpine roads, vineyards, valleys, gorges and passes while the beautiful mountain lakes and forests are fantastic for family camping trips. Paros – Greece Water sports in Paros, Greece – photo courtesy of visitgreece.gr Renowned for its unrivalled natural beauty, Paros is one of Greece’s most beloved family holiday destinations. As well as lounging around on the pristine beaches kids and adults alike can get the adrenalin pumping with a range of exciting water sports and scuba diving courses. Trekking the Byzantine footpaths between the traditional villages makes for a unique day trip while horseback riding is a great way to soak up the surrounding countryside. The Faroe Islands Hiking in the Faroe Islands – photo courtesy of flick river.com Lying between the Norwegian Sea and the North Atlantic Ocean, the Faroe Islands are rugged, remote and beckoning with adventure. In 2007 National Geographic named the archipelago the most appealing destination on the planet, and it’s easy to see why. The place is blessed with exceptional natural beauty and an abundance of wildlife. Hike the majestic glaciated landscape, embark on an angling expedition, sail the spectacular coastline and get up close and personal on a wildlife spotting tour. Pyrenees – Spain Ski sports in the Pyrenees, Spain – photo courtesy of thingstodo.viator.com Spain’s Pyrenees region is spectacular to say the least, with towering mountains dominating the landscape. While the region is known for its ski scene it’s also a fantastic place to spend the summer, with hikes, mountain biking and canoeing aplenty. Aquitaine – France Kayaking in Aquitaine, France – photo courtesy of tourisme-aquitaine.fr Love to stay active? Aquitaine is a dream destination for families that can’t stay still for long! On the coast wear the kids out with beach volleyball, body boarding, kite surfing, scuba diving and water skiing. If you’re staying inland the countryside is terrific for bike trips, rock climbing, mountain biking and more. Why stay home this summer when you can whisk the family away on an action packed adventure to European destinations that are just begging to be explored? Search our selection of luxury holiday homes to find the ideal property in an active location in your country of choice. May 14, 2015 0 comments 0 FacebookTwitterPinterestEmail
CelebritiesDestinationsExperiencesTravel Tips Celebrity Holiday Hotspots by Paola Fiocchi Van den Brande May 11, 2015 written by Paola Fiocchi Van den Brande If you are looking for a destination which offers the ultimate luxury, a beautiful and secluded slice of heaven, then all you need to do is follow the rich and famous! Following the footsteps of celebrities will take you to divine destinations where nothing is too expensive. So where do the world’s richest spend their downtime? When money is no object and the world is your oyster, what destinations come out on top? Necker Island This private island in the British Virgin Islands is owned by none other than business tycoon Richard Branson, and he certainly attracts the crème de la crème. The exclusive resort is so exclusive that it seems only A-listers get a pass, and Necker Island has been graced with the presence of Kate Winslet, Harry Styles and David Hasselhoff. Necker Island. Photo courtesy of Virgin Limited Edition Barbados The Caribbean is a popular spot for celebrities taking some “me time,” especially when they want to catch some rays on a yacht in St Barts over Christmas and New Year. But the homeland of sultry songstress Rihanna also has a hold over many famous individuals. This is the chosen paradise of celebrities such as Simon Cowell and Mariah Carey. Harrismith Beach, Barbados. Photo courtesy of Visit Barbados South of France For the richest in society who prefer European fine dining, the Cote d’Azure is the place to be seen. From Nice to St Tropez, the south coast of France is a mecca for celebrity spotting. Find a holiday rental in France and look out for famous faces such as Jennifer Aniston, Kate Moss and Johnny Depp. Villa Amandine, Villefranche sur Mer French Polynesia The enchanting islands of Tahiti and Bora Bora offer unparalleled luxury resorts which celebrities just can’t get enough of. The beautiful overwater bungalows in the French Polynesian islands have played host to Nicole Kidman, Eva Longoria and Kim Kardashian and the reality TV family. French Polynesia. Photo courtesy of DS World’s Lands. Hawaii Lahaina Beach. Courtesy of Huffington Post. Celebs from all over the world, especially American superstars, love holidaying in Hawaii. The beautiful islands make perfect, quick getaways when there is a rare space in their diaries. Many famous people have homes in Hawaii too, such as Owen Wilson and Oprah Winfrey. Other celebrities spotted living it up here include Britney Spears, Megan Fox and Justin Bieber. Santorini As one of the most luxurious islands in Europe, Santorini is definitely a place where you’re likely to spot some famous faces. The unique architecture and stunning views draw people from all over the world to choose Santorini as a holiday destination. Megastars such as Beyonce, Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie have visited this Greek paradise, along with the Kardashians. Santorini Mansion Where would you go if you could go anywhere in the world? May 11, 2015 0 comments 0 FacebookTwitterPinterestEmail
Destination: GreeceDestinationsExperiencesFamily TravelFood and DrinkHoneymoon destinationsIdeal for Couples 5 Reasons to Put Santorini on Your Bucket List by Paola Fiocchi Van den Brande May 8, 2015 written by Paola Fiocchi Van den Brande Santorini is one of the most visited Greek islands, and it is especially popular with luxury travellers. But why is it such a revered destination against all other places of beauty in the world? Not convinced that this is the island for you? Then read on for our top five reasons to put Santorini on your bucket list, and you’ll be booking a flight in no time… Sunsets Santorini Captain House, Santorini, Greece You may have watched the sunset over a secluded beach in Fiji, or watch the sky change colour from a mountaintop in the wild US landscape. But you really haven’t seen anything compared to the sunsets on Santorini. Anyone who has visited the charming island will mention the unforgettable sundown experienced every single day. The beautiful orange skies can be viewed from a number of top spots all over the island, so ask the locals for the best sunset viewing points. The picturesque town of Oia claims to have the best sunsets on earth – so go see for yourself. Wine Santorini’s wines have a somewhat Italian flavour, and are paired perfectly with the Greek cuisine. October is the best month to visit for wine tasting, and the island even celebrates the religious feast day of a patron saint of wine on 22nd October. That will blow away the winter British blues! History Fira, Santorini, Greece, 1898 For such a small island, Santorini has bags of history, enough to entertain any history buff or those who can only take so much sunbathing. Discover the preserved remains of an age-old town frozen in volcanic ash, hike to an archaeological site thought to be a Spartan colony, or take a trip out to the volcano and the hot springs. Romantic towns Firostefani You’ve probably seen photographs of the towering cliffs and whitewashed, picturesque buildings, but nothing beats seeing it in person. Get lost wandering around the stunning towns and villages of Perissa, Oia and Fira, or for the more adventurous why not rent a scooter to explore the island. Beaches and Water Sports You’d be wrong to think that a destination with so much to offer inland would be missing beautiful beaches and the opportunity for water-based activities in the turquoise waters of the Aegean Sea. The colours of the beaches are unique, with some offering black volcanic sand and others with pristine, postcard-perfect white sand. The main watersports hubs offer diving, water-skiing and banana boating for thrill seekers. There is something for everyone in Santorini – we could give you another ten reasons to put this place on your bucket list. Travellers who have experienced the island say there is something about Santorini which makes you want to linger for longer. The calming, romantic atmosphere isn’t replicated anywhere else on earth. Where to Stay? Click here to explore some of the most beautiful properties on the island. May 8, 2015 0 comments 0 FacebookTwitterPinterestEmail
Food and Drink How to choose a good extra virgin olive oil by Paola Fiocchi Van den Brande May 4, 2015 written by Paola Fiocchi Van den Brande A long-time staple and essential ingredient of Mediterranean cuisine, olive oil is becoming increasingly popular all over the world. Believed to be the healthiest of plant-based oils, olive oil is high in polyphenols, powerful antioxidants which can prevent disease, and ‘good’ monounsaturated fats which are also beneficial to health. Good-quality olive oil also has a divine taste, adding flavour and enhancing any preparations it’s added to. But with so many olive oils on the market, how to know which one to choose? Here are some helpful pointers: 1. Only buy extra virgin olive oil. Extra virgin olive oil is the highest grade of olive oil. It is cold extracted through pressing and grinding, and produced without the use of chemical or industrial refining processes, or excessive heat. This is the highest quality olive oil; all other types are made using industrial and chemical processes which cause the oil to lose its nutritional properties and flavour. To qualify as an extra virgin olive oil, the acidity level of the oil can not be more than 0.8 percent per 100 grams. An olive oil which is labeled as ‘virgin’ or ‘light olive oil’ is also cold-pressed but it has been refined in some way, making it a lower grade oil with a higher acidity level: between 1 and 3.3 percent. ‘Pomace oil’ is produced with what is leftover after the first pressing and is highly refined using solvents. ALEA olive oil, Salento, Italy 2. Check the label. Check to see if the olive oil has a ‘protected denomination of origin’ designation which is an assurance that the product was produced, processed and prepared in a specific geographical region. Olive oils with such designations are more likely to be of a high quality. On Italian olive oils this designation will appear as ‘DOP’, while in Spain it would be ‘DO’, and ‘PDO’ in Greece. If the oil is organic, this increases the likeliness that it’s a high quality oil. 3. Look at the date of production. Oil is best when it’s consumed as soon as possible after production. It then quickly loses its taste and quality within only a few months. Unlike wine which matures and improves with age, olive oil is more like a freshly-pressed fruit juice which loses its flavour and aroma quickly. Check to see if there’s a date of production on the bottle, though this is not very common. ‘Best by’ dates are usually a period of two years from the date the oil was bottled. So if the date on the bottle is in two years time, it’s more likely to be fresh. However, olive oil in many countries is often stored for years before being bottled so this is not a guaranteed way to determine its freshness. Venta del Baron, Mueloliva, Spain 4. What does the price tag say? Good quality olive oil is not cheap. Producing authentic extra virgin olive oil is an expensive process and the price tag will reflect this. Low priced oils are bound to be of inferior quality and produced through industrial and / or chemical processes. Not a good deal at all! 5. Check for sediment. Check for any sediment at the bottom of the bottle. Sediment or deposits can cause the oil to spoil faster and quickly lose its taste and quality. 6. What’s the colour? As for the colour of the oil itself, this does not influence quality. This is why professional olive oil tasters use coloured tasting glasses so that they’re not influenced by the colour of the oil when grading it. However, cloudiness or murkiness are signs of a good quality oil. Olive oil should be protected from heat and light, which cause it to lose its properties and taste faster. For this reason, olive oil should only be stored in dark glass bottles. At home, keep olive oil in a cool and dark place and not on an open shelf. Ancient olive trees in Puglia, Italy 7. Smell it and taste it. Olive oil shops and bars are becoming increasingly popular in cities across the world. These specialised olive oil retail outlets offer customers the possibility to taste a variety of oils before making a purchase. This is definitely an advantage as you can choose the oil you like the taste and smell of, and well-informed staff should be able to answer any questions about how the oil was made and where it originates from. Before tasting, make sure you smell the oil: a high-quality olive oil will have an intense aroma. Good quality extra virgin olive oils will have a marked fruity flavour. Also, though many consumers do not appreciate bitterness in an olive oil, this is considered to be a highly desirable quality and is an indicator of a high level of polyphenols, and a high quality oil. Gallo Olive Oil, Portugal By Isabel Putinja, Travel Writer May 4, 2015 0 comments 0 FacebookTwitterPinterestEmail
Cycling ToursDestination: ItalyDestinationsExperiencesFood and DrinkTravel Tips 3 Great Cycling Tours in Italy for Foodies by Michelle April 14, 2015 written by Michelle Cycling is one of the best ways to travel and experience a destination in a way which engages all your senses. Cycling is also a form of ‘slow travel’, allowing you to take in every sensory detail of your surroundings: the feeling of the sun on your face and the wind in your hair, the smell of freshly cut grass and the sounds of early-morning birdcalls or the tolling of a church bell. Photo by Ciclismo Classico What better destination for a cycling holiday than Italy? The beautiful landscapes of hills, vineyards and hilltop towns and the fantastic gourmet delights of its cuisine, make a cycling holiday the ideal way to experience il bel paese. A cycling holiday in Italy is a great excuse to indulge in the fantastic Italian cuisine because once you’re on the saddle, the calories will be easily burned off! Photo by Ciclismo Classico We found three unique cycling tours in different regions of Italy which combine slow travel with slow food… these gastronomic tours are not only about food; they also take in the historical highlights of the fabulous regions of Tuscany, Puglia and Piedmont. Perfect for those who love nature, cycling, food, and the dolce vita. A unique ‘slow food’ cycling tour of Tuscany. Tuscany conjures up idyllic images of the Italian countryside: rolling hills and vineyards bathing in the sunshine, and medieval villages of ancient stones. Ciclismo Classico’s ‘Tuscany Green’ tour offers a 7-day cycling tour exploring not only the gorgeous landscapes of Tuscany but also the epicurean delights it has to offer. Photo by Ciclismo Classico Cycling enthusiasts can explore six different areas of Siena province, passing through the picturesque Crete Senesi in southern Tuscany, along the famous Chianti Classico wine route, with a stop in the hilltop town of Montalcino, renowned for its Brunello di Montalcino wine, as well as a much-deserved rest at the thermal springs of Rapolano Terme. The gastronomic highlights include visits to local farms and wine cellars, wine and olive oil tasting sessions, and hands-on cooking classes. Photo by Ciclismo Classico The delights of Southern Italy by bike ‘La Bella Puglia’ tour explores one of Italy’s most southernmost regions known for its unique Greek, Norman, and Arab history, its heritage cities, white sand beaches, vineyards and olive groves, and culinary specialties. This 9-day tour takes in three spectacular UNESCO World Heritage Sites: the Baroque capital of Lecce, the town of Alberobello and its unique prehistoric trulli buildings, and Matera, known as la città sotterranea (the subterranean city). Photo by Ciclismo Classico The gastronomic delights of this tour include sampling the region’s famous handmade orecchiette pasta, a mozzarella-making demonstration, and tasting the region’s fabulous Salento red wines and whites from Locorotondo. A cycle ride through the wine region of Piedmont A delight for epicureans, the ‘Piedmont: Land of Barolo and Truffles’ tour is a 7-day adventure through Italy’s best-known wine region. The route takes cyclists down lesser-travelled country roads through some of Piedmont’s most important vineyards, with stunning views of the Alps as a backdrop. Photo by Ciclismo Classico Participants learn about the region’s grape varieties like Dolcetto, Cortese and Moscato, and enjoy gourmet meals paired with the some of Piedmont’s best wines. Cultural hotspots along the route include the magnificent castles and palaces of Monferrato and the hot sulfur thermal waters at Acqui Terme. Among the culinary highlights are a truffle-hunting demonstration, five-star meals at renowned restaurants like Enoclub in Alba and La Schiavia in Acqui Terme, and the tasting of excellent local wines like Barolo, Barbaresco and Barbera. Photo by Ciclismo Classico By Isabel Putinja, Travel Writer April 14, 2015 0 comments 0 FacebookTwitterPinterestEmail
Destination: ItalyDestinationsFood and Drink 24 Culinary Hours In Salento by Paola Fiocchi Van den Brande March 26, 2015 written by Paola Fiocchi Van den Brande I have been visiting the region of Salento for the past 8 years. For those unfamiliar with this unspoilt part of Italy, rich in history and tradition, Salento is an area in the region of Puglia occupying the “heel” of Italy’s “boot”. Sun kissed for most part of the year, Salento is best known for its friendly welcome, Tramontana and Scirocco winds, white washed houses, baroque architecture, wonderful sandy beaches, crystal clear sea, not to mention its cuisine. A truly Italian holiday destination, which has finally found a well deserved place in international guides. The beauty of Italy is that each region has its own traditional dishes. What culinary delights can you expect to be served in Salento? Every region in Italy is associated with one type of pasta. In Puglia the regional pasta is “orecchiette” or “small ears” served with fresh tomato sauce and “ricotta salata” (salty ricotta cheese) or “cime di rapa” (turnips). Fresh fish caught daily in the Adriatic or Ionian sea includes mussels, squid, octopus and anchovies. Not to be missed is a plate of sea urchins as appetiser or served with linguine pasta. Best if eaten by the sea in one of the many private beach clubs. The climate is ideal for the production of wonderful vegetables such as tomatoes, artichokes, aubergines, watermelons and various types of beans and nuts. A rich variety of freshly picked fruit and vegetables can be purchased at rock bottom prices at the various weekly local markets. The region produces 25 DOC wines and most of these come from the Salento area of Puglia. Two such luscious examples are the internationally acclaimed Salice Salentino, a deep red made with the Negroamaro grape and the Primitivo di Manduria, made from the Primitivo grape. Everywhere you look you will see olive trees, so it will come as no surprise that Puglia also produces over 70 percent of Italy’s olive oil (and 15 percent of the world’s olive oil). We buy our organic extra virgin olive oil directly from the producer ALEA in Martano (http://www.olioalea.it/en). Quick snacks on the go include “pucce” (a sandwich made of pizza dough stuffed with cheese or vegetables); “taralli” (round crackers) which come in different flavours such as fennel, poppy seeds, spicy paprika, black pepper; “friselle” , yet another typical quick snack, which is basically a very dry bread you dip in water to add moisture and then you garnish with olive oil , garlic and fresh tomatoes. So simple and yet so tasty! “Frittini” or fried appetisers are also a tasty savoury snack, best served warm. I would suggest trying as well the “crema di fave e cicoria” (veloute’ of ceci beans), local escargots and “baccala’ alla salentina” (dried cod sprinkled with breadcrumbs, pecorino cheese and tomatoes). For breakfast, do like the locals. Order an espresso coffee standing at the bar while savouring a warm “pasticciotto” (small cake filled with creamy custard). Although it’s hard to be served really bad food in Italy, it is nevertheless handy to travel with some good addresses in your pocket. You won’t find a restaurant chain in sight in Salento and most places are small, family-run businesses with a deep passion for fresh, local, wholesome food. I am pleased to share with you my very own tried and tested restaurants in Salento. Please note that restaurants in Salento open late at night. Don’t expect to be served before 20.00! In Otranto L’altro Baffo Without doubt one of the best restaurants in Otranto run by Chef Cristina Conte. Just a stone’s throw from the Aragona Castle, Cristina together with sister Carmen and mum Pina, serve traditional recipes from Salento interpreted in a contemporary and innovative way. Except to eat linguine with “ricci di mare”, home made pasta, fresh fish, local sashimi, and delicious deconstructed “pasticciotto”. www.laltrobaffo.com Phone : +39 0836 80 16 36 Via Cenobio Basiliano, 23, 73028 Otranto (LE) L’Altro Baffo in Otranto In Lecce Pio Bove You won’t find a tourist in sight at Pio Bove. This is as Apulian as it can get, a butcher (“macelleria”) and steak house. Choose your favourite piece of meat at the counter and it will be cooked and served in the fashion you prefer. Phone: +39 0832 312579 Via SS. Giacomo e Filippo, 2/C, 73100 Lecce Pio Bove in Lecce In Tricase Ristorante Lemi This renown restaurant comes highly recommended and well worth a visit to experience the cuisine of its prestigious Chef, Ippazio Turco. Expect to eat fresh organic Mediterranean food, fresh fish, vegetables, pulses and pasta cooked with passion and using the very best local ingredients. www.ristorantelemi.it Phone: +39 347 5419108 Via V. Emanuele II, 16 – 73038 Tricase (LE) Ippazio Turco, celebrity Chef at Ristorante Lemí In Marina di Novaglie Ristorante Lo Scalo Right on the sea front and next to the small port of Marina di Novaglie. Possible the best sea view in Salento? Yet another unique address serving, as you would expect, fresh fish, home made pasta, juicy vegetables and exquisite local wines such as Chardonnays, Malvasia, Negroamaro and Primitivo. http://www.ristoranteloscalo.it Phone: +39 0833 533488 73035 Port of Marina di Novaglie (LE) Ristorante Lo Scalo in Marina di Novaglie WHERE TO STAY IN SALENTO https://www.passepartout-homes.com/holidays/Puglia/all By Paola Fiocchi, Director at Passepartout Homes March 26, 2015 0 comments 0 FacebookTwitterPinterestEmail
DestinationsExperiencesIdeal for CouplesWedding Venues 5 top rental villas for weddings and other special events by Paola Fiocchi Van den Brande March 23, 2015 written by Paola Fiocchi Van den Brande Renting a luxury holiday villa in a unique location for a milestone event like a wedding, reunion or anniversary celebration is a memorable way to celebrate or commemorate a special day. This is also a way to share a special place with those you love and spend quality time with them, creating lasting memories. These five luxury villas in Passepartout Home’s exclusive property portfolio located in unique locations offer an exceptional setting for your special event to remember: Celebrating your wedding at Villa La Tosca An oceanside villa in southwestern France Villa La Tosca is a unique heritage beachfront villa built at the turn of the century and located just steps away from the ocean off the coast of southwestern France. Located on the Bay of Arcachon, a natural cove jutting out into the Atlantic Ocean, this is the perfect setting for beach and nature lovers. This elegant property has 4500 square metres of lush landscaped gardens which offer the perfect romantic venue for an outdoor wedding, followed by a reception by the natural spring water pool in a completely private setting. With 8 double bedrooms with attached bathrooms, this luxury heritage villa can sleep up to 15 guests, perfect for a small wedding party, special family gathering, or exclusive corporate event. Wedding at Villa La Tosca A tropical paradise on Mexico’s Riviera Maya Imagine saying your vows with your feet in the white sand and with the turquoise blue of the waters and palm trees of Mexico’s Riviera Maya as a backdrop. Many dream of getting married in the exotic setting of a tropical paradise: what better location than the beaches of the Caribbean Sea? Villa Esmeralda is located just off the shores of Puerto Morelos on the Riviera Maya, just south of Cancun on the eastern shore of the Yucatan Peninsula. This completely private beachfront villa furnished in a contemporary style has 6 bedrooms and many luxury amenities and services to ensure a stay to remember. The huge 70 square-metre beachfront deck overlooking the ocean is the perfect setting for a special event. Or how about boarding a yacht at the villa’s private pier and setting sail into the sunset? Tropical setting at Villa Esmeralda, Mexico An elegant island villa in Thailand Villa Riva sits on a hidden headland on the unspoilt northern shore of the Thai island of Koh Samui. This luxury holiday property offers an exclusive retreat in an exceptional and romantic setting, in a quiet location on a semi-private cove on the north-western coast of the island. This exclusive villa has 7 bedrooms with ensuite bathrooms spread out across the property, several multifunctional living spaces decorated with Asian artefacts and contemporary artwork, and a fabulous 32-metre infinity pool overlooking the sea. The specially designed covered platform complete with a marriage gazebo adjacent to a food and beverage service area and DJ podium is a popular venue for weddings, special occasions and corporate events. A highlight is the villa’s semi-private beach offering breathtaking sunset views over the bay to the neighbouring island of Koh Phangan. Dream wedding at Villa Riva, Koh Samui An elegant estate in a picturesque Sicilian coastal town Villa Giardini del Principe is a charming and elegant property which includes a large house, two independent cottages and a guesthouse set in a large botanical garden with stunning views of the hills and the sea, which is just 50 metres away. This luxury estate is located in a picturesque Sicilian coastal town situated between Palermo and Cefalù. The main house boasts a large terrace overlooking the sea and even a sea view from the bathroom. The four bedrooms on the upper floor all have private balconies overlooking the sea. The two cottages each have lush private gardens with a patio and barbecue. Perfectly suited for large groups with a capacity of 22 guests, the property has direct access to the beach as well as three large swimming pools, including a large heated Jacuzzi. A romantic gazebo and covered outdoor kitchen overlooking the pools offer the perfect spot for al fresco events in the vast green gardens. Villa Giardini del Principe, Sicily A hilltop retreat in the Tuscan countryside Villa La Borghese is a historical luxury Tuscan villa dating back to 1204 and carefully renovated by its owners in 1994, who took utmost care in preserving the villa’s original characteristics. The villa can welcome large groups with 14 spacious double bedrooms with ensuite bathrooms, sleeping up to 28 persons. The property is made up of three adjoining buildings, creating a small hamlet, and also includes a wellness center with indoor hot baths, two swimming pools, a Turkish bath, sauna and a yoga room. The villa is located in the Tuscan countryside just 25 km away from the historic city of Siena in Tocchi, which is situated in the municipality of Monticiano, between the town of Petriolo, famous for its ancient Roman baths, and San Galgano, the site of a Cistercian abbey. The town is perched on a hilltop with a 360-degree view of the rolling hills of the Tuscan countryside. Receptions can be held in the Domus, a Roman-style gazebo set in a beautiful garden on the edge of the woods, or in the romantic rotonda above the vegetable garden, offering the perfect setting for romantic weddings and receptions. Villa La Borghese, Tuscany By Isabel Putinja, Travel Writer March 23, 2015 0 comments 0 FacebookTwitterPinterestEmail
Destination: Faroe IslandsDestinationsTravel News The solar eclipse in the Faroe Islands by Paola Fiocchi Van den Brande March 18, 2015 written by Paola Fiocchi Van den Brande The Faroe Islands are on every global news channel all week this week. Why? (In case you have been living in a cave?) Because these tiny, windswept islands between Iceland and Norway are the very best place in the whole world to watch the solar eclipse this Friday March 20 2015. That’s right. On the entire planet. Solar eclipse in Faroe Islands Five fun facts about this solar eclipse: This is the first solar eclipse of the year. March 20 is really special because it is also the March Equinox. A total solar eclipse coinciding with the Northern Hemisphere’s Spring Equinox hasn’t happened since 1662 and will not happen again until March 20, 2034. Only Svalbard and the Faroe Islands will show the sun totally eclipsed from land.It’s very dangerous to look directly at the sun and you need special protective glasses or a pinhole projector. There will be a lunar eclipse just two weeks later but that will not be visible from the Faroe Islands or anywhere in Europe! We asked Jens Kristian Davidsen, owner of The Blue Sail and The White Sail, and a passionate and learned authority on the Faroes, to tell us a little bit more from his unique personal vantage point. Jens told us that The Blue Sail was booked two years ago for the eclipse and all hotels and holiday accommodations are fully booked and many private homes have been made available for visitors to rent. The Blue Sail and The White Sail are two beautiful luxury apartments located in the capital of the Faroes, Torshavn. Jens is also opening a stunning eight bedroom villa later this year. Where is the very best place on the Faroes to watch the eclipse? There are many good venues in the Faroe Islands where you can see the eclipse, as long as you are looking in a direction of approximately 135 degrees you will see the sun. Please see this excellent web site where you will get a lot of information about the eclipse: http://bit.ly/1FCSL6h My biggest concern is how the weather is going to behave. I do not know if you have heard we do have a saying in Faroe Islands “you can easily experience all four seasons in one hour in the Faroe Islands”. Where will you be watching the eclipse, and why? Who will you be watching it with? This is a special event which we have to wait another 240 years to see again in the Faroe Islands. Some of the older generation in the Faroe Islands have experienced two total eclipses as we had one in 1954. It is very rare that you will experience two eclipses in you live at the same place. As I am a family man and not a fan of big parties I will be together with my wife and my two daughters at The Blue Sail . We will have a good breakfast and then just relax and enjoy the “darkness”. We will stay at The Blue Sail and enjoy it from there. Please see the attached picture which is from the 25th February 2015 from the terrace at The Blue Sail – maybe you can understand why I will watch it from the The Blue Sail? Sheep at Faroe Island.s Photo courtesy of BBC.co.uk What would be your perfect way to spend the day after the eclipse? When the total eclipse is completed we will have a nice launch talk with our family and friends and exchange our eclipse experiences. We will be staying in Torshavn during the day. There will be a number of activities during the whole day such as concerts, tours and many other things. During the night we are invited to a dinner party at one of the hotels in Torshavn together with guests from an English travel agency. I have been very much involved with the planning of their tour. At midnight there will be a big sing along in the centre of Torshavn : http://bit.ly/1GoNBJz. There may be up to 10.000 people there. Do you have any stories about the special things people have done to make sure that they get to watch the eclipse from the Faroe Islands? I heard a very good story today, it was from one of the villages that one guy said he would make sure he was having a pie during the totality just to make sure there at least was one ray at that time he he he he! I can see there are many various types of people in the streets in Torshavn: families with kids, some are on bicycles (which is not normal this time of year), and seven big passenger vessels in the Faroes: some of them hold around 1000 passengers. We do also have a lot of foreign cars on the roads. We have a lot of media coverage, including live BBC coverage. What I have heard is they will have a plane in the skies to transmit live pictures, and we have other TV and radio stations here as well. View from apartment The Blue Sail By Phileas French, Travel Writer March 18, 2015 0 comments 0 FacebookTwitterPinterestEmail