Family TravelTravel NewsTravel Tips The World’s Best Airports for Families by Paola Fiocchi Van den Brande October 20, 2014 written by Paola Fiocchi Van den Brande Frequent air travellers with children will have noted a quiet revolution taking place over the last few years. The international aviation service industry has finally decided to raise its game with this enormous and previously neglected demographic. Until recently a Burger King and an accessible toilet with a changing table were deemed sufficient for harassed parents facing long journeys. Now, however, there are many airports which deserve high praise for introducing state of the art amenities for kids, from Playstations to prams, labyrinths to Lego. The busiest airport in the world by international passenger numbers, London Heathrow, has finally caught up with the times in terms of its family offering. Amongst the fantastic new facilities that Heathrow has created for children, there are play areas in every terminal and a dedicated family lounge. Family facilities at Heathrow Airport (photo via heathrowairport.com) The major London airports are particularly adept at servicing parents who are willing to pay for a bit of full respite while they shop and eat. Supervised play clubs at Heathrow include the Jetterz Kids Club in Terminal 3 and the Terminal 4 KLM Holideck Family Lounge. The Holideck has great views of the impressive Heathrow Airfield from its “Flightdeck”, while Jetterz has as many toys, video games and TV facilities as most five star hotels’ kids’ clubs. Over at London Gatwick, there are free kids’ zones in the departure lounges, but also the jewel of the North Terminal, the No.1 Traveller Super-Lounge. Living up to its names, in addition to the games room and computer entertainment you might expect, there is a whole mini cinema and food and drink are included in the admission rate. Children under two are admitted for free. Families travelling via Zurich for their ski trip can rest assured that the little ones will be entertained en route. Completely free to all airport passengers, Zurich has two family services facilities in different departure areas. In addition to essentials like baby care products and a kitchenette for heating milk and food, there are rooms for sleeping, huge play areas and multi-lingual qualified staff. An unusually well-thought through range of attractions for different ages includes blocks and trucks for toddlers, a craft workshop, a football table and Playstation games. Family Services at Zürich Airport (photo via zurich-airport.com) Vienna’s main international airport, Flughafen Wien, has the distinction of its very own “family fun gate”. What is essentially a fabulous soft play only opened in March 2014 but has already proved to be wildly popular. It’s open 24/7, free of charge, and boasts a climbing wall, a maze, two slides and break out play areas. Vienna is also one of those tremendously helpful airports which offer free pram rentals for families who have checked in their pushchairs and don’t want to struggle with their babe in arms all the way to baggage reclaim. Paris CDG Airport has brilliant amusement arcades and pool tables for teens for a minimal charge. For smaller travellers, five Gulli playzones are dispersed across the airport, with TV lounges to chill out in, ball pits, labyrinths, exploration tunnels, funfair mirrors and interactive maps. Kids’ Spot at SFO Airport (photo via flysfo.com) It’s not just European airports that are radically changing the way that they serve families. San Francisco Airport’s facilities are almost unbeatable internationally. There’s a whole Aviation Museum and Library to explore, fun Kid’s Spots in two different terminals, DVD players and film rentals at InMotion Entertainment and the thrill of a ride on the AirTrain. A highlight of the Kid’s Spots is the Plasma Wall, which makes clever use of light, colour and sound to entertain. The dining options for little ones are immense, with bespoke children’s menus at everywhere from the Lark Creek Grill to WAKABA, and every type of cuisine represented from gourmet soups to Mexican food. Once one of the worst offenders for a lack of any children’s facilities, Los Angeles International Airport, is now one of the best. Just in time for Christmas 2013, LAX Beach opened, a play space for two to eight year olds drawing nicely upon the Californian vibe with foam surfboards, dolphins and beach toys. For older kids on with time to kill between flights, the nearby Flight Path Learning Center of Southern California offers a great introduction to aviation history. This very welcome trend is one that looks set to continue, and as a way of letting both children and their carers burn off energy, boredom and tension before a long flight, it benefits not just families but absolutely everyone boarding international flights. Blog post by Phileas French October 20, 2014 0 comment 0 FacebookTwitterPinterestEmail
Destination: family-friendly villasDestination: ItalyGolf HolidaysInterview Series with our Homeowners San Lorenzo Mountain Lodge: a private luxury retreat in the Dolomite mountains by Paola Fiocchi Van den Brande October 20, 2014 written by Paola Fiocchi Van den Brande Passepartout Homes’ property portfolio showcases a very exclusive collection of unique luxury holiday retreats located in 15 countries on four continents across the globe. What’s unique about each of our exclusive holiday villas is that every one is a home which has been lovingly built, rebuilt or renovated by its proprietors who invested their hearts and souls into creating a unique and special atmosphere for their guests. In this interview series, we meet the property owners who tell us the stories behind their exclusive holiday homes. Somewhere in Italy’s Dolomite Mountains lies a luxury holiday hideaway tucked away in the pristine woods of the Val Pusteria, in the German-speaking region of South Tyrol. This fabulous mountain region in north-eastern Italy is one of Europe’s best skiing destinations and a favourite with adventurers who love mountain climbing and hiking. The Dolomites are a UNESCO World Heritage Site boasting stunning mountain landscapes and deep picturesque valleys. A winding mountain road leads the way from the small village of San Lorenzo di Sebato, climbing up to an altitude of 1200 metres above sea level, to the exclusive San Lorenzo Mountain Lodge. Located on 42 acres of private property covered with meadows and forest, its exact location is only revealed when guests are taken there personally by villa staff. Owners Stefano and Georgia dared to leave their high-flying careers in the fashion business and completely change the direction of their lives when they decided to take time out to restore this historical 16th century mountain chalet. With the utmost respect for the preservation of this unique heritage property and a loving attention to every detail, they have created an exceptional private luxury retreat. Not only do they offer a stay in a beautiful property in a completely private and pristine natural environment, but also provide a warm welcome to guests and the unique opportunity to take part in authentic local experiences. Stefano told us how he and his wife stumbled onto this exceptional property once they had taken the bold decision to get off the well-beaten path of modern life… What inspired you to leave your prestigious careers in the fashion business and take a complete change of direction? In our previous lives, I was working as the CEO for Escada in Italy and France, and my wife Georgia was part of the Brioni family business, another high-end Italian fashion house. I was spending 3 days of the week in Rome and 4 in Paris, while my family was in Rome. One day we decided to make a drastic change to our lives. Somehow when you’re part of the fashion business you think you’re the king of the world but really you’re missing out on other priorities in life. We have three children and I decided I wanted to spend more time with my family, not only on the weekends. When Escada was bought out and restructured, I realised that this was the right time for me to take a break from the fashion world and make my family my first priority. What made you fall in love with the property? San Lorenzo Mountain Lodge is a 16th century mountain chalet and was part of a farm which belonged to the bishop of the nearby town of Brixen (Bressanone in Italian). The house was built as a hunting lodge and it has many notable features which reveal it was a nobleman’s rural estate and not just a simple mountain farmstead. For example, it has a vaulted Renaissance ceiling in the entrance area, beautiful Gothic doors and a stairway made of stone. At first we used the house as our family holiday home, but we quickly decided to live here full-time. For me, spending time in nature is more important than city life. Also, a family needs stable roots. That’s what I wanted to give my children. So we decided to transform our holiday home into a luxury retreat. We built a family home just 100 metres away, a distance which ensures enough privacy while the proximity means that we can guarantee a certain level of service for our guests, which is of prime importance to us. What was the renovation process like? When we bought the house, it was a ruin. There was no heating, no water, no electricity, no bathroom. The ceiling had completely collapsed and the property had been abandoned for over four years. The doors were left wide open and a lot was stolen from the inside of the house, but the most important and valuable feature of the house was luckily intact: the antique Gothic doors which are over 400 years old. The renovation process took two years. Since this historical house is a listed property, we needed the authorisation of the Office for the Preservation of Historic Monuments to start the renovation work. During the renovation process, we aimed to preserve the house as it once was 500 years ago and of course since it’s a listed property we couldn’t make any changes. We’ve kept the original stone dating back to the 16th century. We did a lot of research to select the right materials and made use of the local craftsmanship available. We did the interior design ourselves, aiming to keep it sophisticated and unique. Everything was designed by my wife – even the lamps. We have a natural spring here which provides us with high-quality water and we use the wood from our own trees to heat the house. This makes the property self-sustainable. Lounge corner What is unique about the property? What’s unique about San Lorenzo Mountain Lodge is not only the landscape it’s situated in, but also the fact that we can offer authenticity. We have a certain philosophy. I used to spend 120 days a year staying in hotels and on our family holidays, we would never stay in a hotel. We would prefer to stay in holiday homes. We stayed in many chalets in France or Switzerland, but we would often be disappointed because what was usually lacking was the quality of services provided. These holiday homes are usually built by people who make a real-estate investment and then look for someone to run it. It’s important for us to be hosts to our guests. What we provide are ‘priceless experiences’ that money can’t buy. These experiences are unique. For example, I often invite clients to come chop wood with me in the forest. When you’re in the forest here, there is no one else, only you. This is also an excellent anti-stress activity and a way for a famous man to become an ‘ordinary person’. We had a guest staying here from Brazil for one month and he loved to chop wood! He found it very therapeutic. In the summertime I take guests mushroom hunting and organise it like a treasure hunt. I go out and find the mushrooms first and then tell them where to look. I then teach them how to clean mushrooms and prepare them. They almost always ask me if their mushrooms can be cooked separately! Kids love to milk our goats. This is something which will stay forever in their memories. Another experience is making butter with our fresh milk and having it for breakfast the next morning. This can’t compare to ordinary butter. We have a relaxation area with a sauna, Turkish steam bath, whirlpool, and a large outdoor panoramic whirlpool which is kept at 39 degrees Celsius. Our guests love using it at night under the stars and this experience is often one of the highlights of their stay. Our private 18-hole golf course is another priceless experience. It was designed by Ron Kirby, a guru of the golf world and is a vertical golf course – something very different, very unique and very difficult. This is the new luxury – these priceless experiences. This is what makes a difference to a holiday – not a beautiful house. Stefano in the chalet’s well stocked wine cellar. What type of visitor does San Lorenzo Mountain Lodge suit? We mostly have families staying here or couples – very often a husband and wife who are both busy with important jobs and just want to spend time alone. Sometimes we have couples who invite friends to stay with them for a few days and then stay longer to spend some time alone together. We have three double bedrooms and a room for children with bunk beds and can accommodate up to 10 people but it’s rare that we have groups staying here. Did you have any notable guests stay here? We’ve had many famous people stay here, including TV and film stars. Usually their bodyguards come beforehand to check out the property and then quickly conclude that no security is needed. The property is hidden in a valley and far from the possibility of photographers and paparazzi to intrude on privacy. The property can’t be reached by GPS and the only way to come here is with someone who knows the location. Many guests arrive in their own helicopter and that’s why we have a private helipad. We’ve also had high-profile businessmen working for famous companies who come here to holiday with their families. Interview by Isabel Putinja, Travel Writer. One Rare Holiday Villa in Serene Seychelles April 17, 2024 3 Villas for the Perfect Easter Break February 8, 2024 Planning On Renovating Your Holiday Home? November 13, 2023 Italy Made Famous By Films October 26, 2023 Ingredients for the perfect wedding in Italy October 25, 2023 Off the Beaten Path: Exclusive Villa Experiences Await in Italy,... 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Destination: Vietnam Best beaches in Vietnam by Paola Fiocchi Van den Brande October 6, 2014 written by Paola Fiocchi Van den Brande Are you looking for a perfect destination that can give you a quality time and a memorable experience away from your daily hustle? Think no more because Vietnam is there to provide you with many of the world class beaches that you can’t imagine of. Its strategic location of 3400km coastline makes Vietnam to boast of having plenty of warm blue waters, hidden coves, amazing lagoons and above all beautiful sandy beaches that have been for long attracted both locals and travelers. Below are the best beaches found in Vietnam that can blow your mind away by giving you unforgettable experience? photo via http://digitalliberty.co.uk Nha Trang The beach is located in the Khanh Hoa province and it’s famous for its endless days of sunshine. This international beach destination brags of having perfect diving conditions, clean water and remarkable party boat cruises. The beach is a home to the famous Rainbow Divers, which is Vietnams first PADI-certified dive center. Divers have an opportunity to explore the hard and soft coral reefs, walls and caves that are along the beach. The most famous adventures water games liked by many here include kite surfing, wakeboarding and banana boat rides that are truly interesting. The Beach bars located here provides you with a relaxing atmosphere by the poolside as you quiche your thirst over unique local brews. Danang Beach Danang is mostly a central fighting area during wars but this hasn’t denied it its status as among the best beaches in Vietnam. The beach is famous for its unique atmosphere suitable for surfing and scuba diving. The white sands that are framed by the coconut palms and natural pines, gives this beach a wonderful look that is perhaps unmatched. Danang Beach, photo via http://danangbeaches.visitwonders.com China Beach The beach is located between Da Nang and Hoi An. And it’s most famous for its 20 mile stretch that’s full of scrumptious property. The beach is mostly known as a hangout for US soldiers but over the years it has established itself as among the best beaches in Vietnam and Asia in general, attracting both locals and foreign tourists. The beach is a perfect destination for surfing lovers an attribute that made it to host the Vietnam’s first international surfing competition back in 1992. Apart from surfing, the beach has much to offer ranging from day trips among other interesting activities. The best time to visit the destination is from September to December when the weather is calm and warm. Phan Thiet The destination is widely known for its fishing fleet and pungent aroma of fish sauce that fills the air. It’s generally an attractive fishing destination that houses hundreds of mulch-hued fishing vessels floating on clean waters. The unusual red sand dunes that rise above this destination brings out an exotic dessert vibe that is quite unmatched. Mui Ne Beach Located in Southern Vietnam, Mui Ne Beach brags of hot and sunny weather, beautiful landscape and above all its fine white sands. The destination is widely known for its gorgeous sand dunes that make it a world class kite surfing and windsurfing destination. The destination also gives you an avenue to get in touch with the local attractions including fishing villages and the famous golf course that was designed by Nick Faldo. The bay is easily accessible by bus from Phan Thiet. Mui Ne Beach, photo via http://www.vietlanddiscovery.com Lang Co Beach It is located just 45 minutes away from Hoi An. And brags of being voted as one of the top 30 beaches in the entire world. The beach is quite popular because of its breath-taking sceneries that comprises of soft white sand, amazing tropical forest, crystalline blue waters and the amazing green mountains. The above named beaches are just a taste of the many that are located here. Life is short, go get to enjoy yourself along the many wonderful beaches located here. *** Post written by our guest writer Kacie Jones, professional content writer and blogger from UK who shares her travel experiences. Her hobbies include travelling, trekking, tech, health, and cooking and she is currently working on a project, Sri Lanka Visa which provides visa service to enter into Sri Lanka. Visit Passepartout Homes for more travel inspiration and luxury villa rentals. October 6, 2014 7 comments 0 FacebookTwitterPinterestEmail
ArtDestination: AustriaDestination: FranceDestination: GermanyDestination: ItalyDestination: LondonTravel NewsTravel Tips Europe’s top cities for art lovers by Paola Fiocchi Van den Brande September 30, 2014 written by Paola Fiocchi Van den Brande Europe is a paradise for art lovers, with almost each city offering stunning examples of architecture spanning several historic periods and many world class museums and galleries showcasing art treasures from around the world.Here are a few cities where art is a major attraction and a travel itinerary of several days can easily be built around art-related sites.ParisWith over 250 museums and art galleries, Paris may be the art capital of Europe. This is also home to one of the world’s best-known museums, which houses what is probably the best-known painting of all time. Leonardo da Vinci’s celebrated Mona Lisa gets hordes of visitors every day, and is the Louvre’s most popular artwork, along with the marble sculpture of Venus de Milo. With 60,600 square metres of exhibition space and over 380,000 objects and 35,000 works of art, the Louvre can definitely not be seen in a day and is worth several repeated visits.The other must-visit is the Musée Orsay, a massive gallery occupying a neo-classical railway station with the world’s largest collection of French Impressionist and Post-Impressionist artists, showcasing masterpieces by masters like Monet, Renoir, Degas, Gauguin, Manet, Cézanne, Seurat and Van Gogh.The post-modern Centre Pompidou houses the Musée National d’Art Moderne, the largest museum of modern art in Europe.Other favourites are the Picasso Museum in the Marais district, and the Rodin Museum and its fabulous sculpture garden.LondonLondon easily rivals Paris as Europe’s best city for art fans, with over 240 museums and galleries to choose from. The best part is that many of them are free. Who cares if it’s raining? There’s plenty to do indoors…If you love exploring other cultures, the Victoria and Albert Museum is the place for you. This is the world’s largest museum of decorative arts and design, with its permanent collection boasting over 4.5 million objets d’art from Europe, North America, Asia and North Africa. The most notable collections here are the world’s largest collection of post-classical sculpture, the largest collection of Italian Renaissance items outside Italy, Europe’s best collection of East Asian art, and the largest collection of Islamic art in the western world.History buffs will love the British Museum, with over 8 million artworks from every continent covering human history and culture from the beginning of time to the present day. Here you can see the largest collection of Egyptian antiquities outside Egypt and the famous Rosetta Stone which allowed scientists to decipher Egyptian hieroglyphics. The department of Greece and Rome also has one of the world’s largest collection, with the Parthenon marbles from the Acropolis of Athens being another of the museum’s most famous attractions.Tate Britain is the place to go for British art. Its renowned – and often controversial – annual Turner Prize exhibition is hosted here.Tate Modern is the best-known gallery for British and international modern and contemporary art.FlorenceThe historic city of Florence is a museum in itself. A UNESCO World Heritage Site, there are many magnificent examples of Renaissance architecture and monuments, and many museums and art galleries showcasing some of the world’s most famous artists and art works. The imposing grandeur of the Duomo, Palazzo Vecchio, Basilica of Santa Croce and lovely Ponte Vecchio are only some of the city’s many must-sees.This is also home to the Uffizi and Palazzo Pitti two of the most famous art galleries in the world. The Uffizi houses masterpieces by Botticelli, Leonardo da Vinci, Michelangelo and Caravaggio, amongst others, while at the Palazzo Pitti you can see works by Raphael, Titian and Rubens.The Galleria dell’ Accademia is home to Michelangelo’s famous statue of David, one of Florence’s top attractions.The Palazzo Strozzi’s Centre for Contemporary Culture, also called ‘Strozzina’, has an excellent collection of contemporary art with many regular exhibitions, including film and video.BerlinBerlin is one of Europe’s most exciting cities with an eclectic art scene. It even has a whole island dedicated to art, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The ‘Museuminsel’ (Museum Island) is a complex of five museums situated on an island in the middle of the Spree River. One of these is the Alte Nationalgalerie (Old National Gallery), which has a collection of neo-classical and romantic works by artists like Caspar David Friedrich and Karl Friedrick Schinkel as well as paintings by French Impressionist artists and early Modernist works.Just west of Potsdamer Platz is the museum district of Kulturforum, a collection of cultural institutions housed in modernist buildings. The Gemäldegalerie boasts one of the best collections of European paintings, including masterpieces by many great European masters like Dürer, Raphael, Titian, Caravaggio, Rubens, Rembrandt and Vermeer.The Berlinische Galerie in Kreuzberg houses an impressive collection of modern art, photography and architecture.ViennaThe city of Vienna is another outdoor museum, with its fabulous gothic and baroque architecture of cathedrals, churches, palaces and public buildings.The city’s Museumsquartier is the 8th largest cultural area in the world, with several museums, galleries and contemporary exhibition spaces located within an area of 60,000 m². Located here is the Leopold Museum, with the largest collection of modern Austrian art, featuring artworks by Austria’s best-known artists: Gustav Klimt, Egon Schiele and Oskar Kokoschka.Vienna’s Kunsthistorisches Museum (Museum of Fine Arts) is a palatial building with many notable art works, including paintings by Dürer, Jan van Eyck, Rubens, Rembrandt, Vermeer, Pieter Brueghel the Elder, Caravaggio, Raphael and Velázquez.The Österreichische Galerie Belvedere or ‘Belvedere’ housed in the palace with the same name has a magnificent collection of medieval and baroque art as well as many masterpieces by Gustav Klimt and Egon Schiele.By Isabel Putinja, Travel Writer. You may also like The shopping guide to Lecce March 1, 2023 5 Souvenirs to Take Back Home from Puglia March 24, 2023 Europe’s top design cities January 11, 2023 Best beaches in Salento May 8, 2013 September 30, 2014 0 comment 0 FacebookTwitterPinterestEmail
Destination: CroatiaDestinationsTravel Tips Planning a trip to Croatia? 5 must-see highlights by Paola Fiocchi Van den Brande September 2, 2014 written by Paola Fiocchi Van den Brande Croatia has been in the international media spotlight lately: from the New York Times to The Huffington Post, American Express Travel to Fodor’s, it has made several ‘must-see’ lists for 2014. This small country on the edge of the Adriatic Sea boasts over 1700 km of scenic coastline and thousands of spectacular islands. A paradise for sun-worshippers and nature lovers, as well as culture enthusiasts and foodies, it’s no wonder Croatia is on everyone’s bucket list. Planning your trip? Here are a few must-sees in Croatia: 1. The spectacular lakes and forests of Plitvice The Plitvice Lakes National Park is one of Croatia’s most visited tourist sites, and it’s not surprising why. This is a natural wonderland with spectacular cascades and gushing waterfalls, and lakes with crystal-clear turquoise waters set in dense forests of beech, spruce, fir and pine trees. A UNESCO World Heritage Site, there are 18 km of wooden walkways and footbridges winding through the park and along the edges of the lakes. Plitvice, photo by theegotripper.com 2. Charming Dubrovnik Also a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the enchanting seaside city of Dubrovnik is Croatia’s best-known destination. Though the tourist trail here is well-worn, this beautiful city nestled in the Adriatic Sea is still a must-see for its spectacular ancient city walls, scenic old town, Baroque buildings, marble streets and picturesque squares. Dubrovnik, photo by wikimedia.org 3. Istria: a land of many delights This heart-shaped peninsula in north-west Croatia, just a ferry ride away from Venice across the Adriatic, is a delight for history buffs, beach lovers and foodies. Rovinj is the best known and perhaps most stunning of Istria’s many beautiful coastal towns, but Pula, Vrsar, Poreč, Novigrad and Umag also deserve a visit. The rolling hills of central Istria offer a scenic backdrop to its many delightful medieval hilltop villages like Motovun, Oprtalj, Grožnjan, Završje, Buje, Gračišće and Labin. Then there’s the excellent cuisine prepared with local gastronomic delights: wild asparagus, white truffles, excellent wine and olive oil. Istria, photo by theguardian.com 4. Island escapades Croatia has over 1000 islands and islets lying in the Adriatic Sea just off its coastline, with each one offering something unique. Swanky Hvar has become a centre for the international jet set, with luxury yachts vying for docking space. Scenic Mljet is home to a national park, picturesque lakes and an island monastery. Brač is one of the biggest islands in the Adriatic and famous for its magnificent Zlatni Rat beach. Cres has a surprising variety of landscapes and pristine beaches. Food lovers will love Pag, known for its excellent cheese, wine and fresh sea food. Mljet, photo by wikipedia.org 5. Dalmatian coastal cities The Dalmatian coast boasts many fascinating historical cities, each with its own unique vibe. Coastal Zadar is a city with a historic old town and an easy, relaxed pace. Šibenik’s atmospheric medieval quarter of narrow alleys, monasteries, gardens and fortresses are a delight to explore. Its cathedral of St James, built in Gothic and Renaissance styles, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Further down the Dalmatian coast, Split has an impressive seafront promenade which runs the length of the old town. But its most impressive attractive is the Roman-style Diocletian’s Palace, also a UNESCO World Heritage Site. This massive structure resembling a fortress is made up of over 200 buildings and crammed with narrow streets, passageways and courtyards bustling with cafés, museums and shops. Tiny but charming Trogir is an island (and yet another UNESCO World Heritage Site!) with many fine examples of Romanesque and Renaissance architecture and an impressive Venetian-style cathedral. The Dalmation Coast, photo by destination360.com Looking for an exclusive holiday home in Croatia? Browse our luxury holiday properties. By Isabel Putinja, Travel Writer. September 2, 2014 2 comments 0 FacebookTwitterPinterestEmail
Travel Tips How to beat the heat while travelling by Paola Fiocchi Van den Brande August 18, 2014 written by Paola Fiocchi Van den Brande August is the height of the tourist season and the time when everyone wants to get away to the sun and enjoy the long, hot summer days. But this is also the hottest time of the year, and travelling during the summer can be taxing and even exhausting, especially for those from cooler climes who aren’t accustomed to very hot weather. Children and older persons are also especially sensitive to the heat and might find it difficult to acclimatise when travelling in a hot climate. The infinity pool, Peacock Island, Berry Islands, Caribbean, Bahamas While on holiday, you tend to be constantly on the go… trying to get in as many sights as possible, spending a lot of time outdoors in the direct sunshine, and sometimes doing a lot more than you’re used to. If you’re not careful, it’s very easy to fall victim to heat exhaustion and even suffer from heatstroke, which is a serious health condition which requires immediate medical attention. Here are a few tips to beat the heat while travelling: 1. Do most sight-seeing in the mornings. It’s a good idea to get an early start to the day before the heat has set in. Get up with the sun and head out to see the sights as early in the morning as possible. By noon, when the sun is at its highest point and the heat is really settling in, take a long and lazy lunch on a shady restaurant terrace or in an air-conditioned dining room. 2. Take a siesta. Since you had an early start, you deserve to spend the hottest hours of the day at rest. It’s not surprising why taking a siesta is so common in hot countries: the heat can make you lethargic and anyway it’s best to avoid strenuous activities when it’s hot out. For those who can’t sit still, spend the afternoon by the pool (but don’t forgot the sunscreen – see #6). Head out again in the early evening when it’s cooler. Fancy a siesta in Baan Wanora, Koh Samui, Thailand? 3. Drink lots. Needless to say, it’s important to stay sufficiently hydrated in a hot climate. Always carry water with you. If you like drinking your water cold, freeze a bottle of water overnight and take it with you the next morning. It will melt quickly but will stay chilled for a longer time. Avoid caffeine or alcohol which are dehydrating. Water is the best drink to keep hydrated. 4. Stay covered. People who live in the hottest countries tend to cover up in the sun and not wear as little as possible. If you have to spend a lot of time in direct sun or if temperatures are over 30 degrees, make sure you keep your head covered and wear light, loose, and light-coloured clothes made of natural, breathable fabrics like cotton or linen. Avoid dark clothing which absorbs heat and solar radiation, and choose white instead which reflects heat. Loose clothes allow air to circulate and are a lot more comfortable than form-fitting ones which trap sweat. 5. Eat foods with high water content. Watermelon. Gazpacho. Cucumber salad. Choose fruits and vegetables with high water content. Not only are they refreshing to eat, they’ll also keep you hydrated. Try to avoid heavy foods at midday as they can raise metabolism and body temperature. Photo courtesy of newbeauty.com 6. Re-apply sunscreen regularly. Don’t forget to reapply your sunscreen regularly, according to the instructions on the package. Look out for expiry dates: last summer’s cream may have expired in the meantime. Make sure to reapply sunscreen after a swim. 7. Know the symptoms of heatstroke. When the body is too dehydrated to produce enough sweat to cool itself down, heatstroke can set in. This is a serious condition which need immediate medical attention. Be aware of the symptoms of heatstroke: headache, dizziness, disorientation, extreme fatigue, hot and flushed skin, rapid heart beat, and even vomiting and loss of consciousness. Young children and older people are especially prone to heatstroke. Post by Isabel Putinja. August 18, 2014 0 comment 0 FacebookTwitterPinterestEmail
Travel News Why business travellers increasingly prefer holiday rentals instead of hotels by Paola Fiocchi Van den Brande July 26, 2014 written by Paola Fiocchi Van den Brande With many different accommodation options coming up on the holiday rental market and the success of websites offering the possibility to book holiday homes and residential spaces, there is an increasing trend among business travellers to choose rental accommodation when travelling for work, instead of a business hotel. Villa rentals also offer the ideal space to organise a corporate retreat, seminars, team building, product presentations, photo shoots and other corporate events. Those who frequently travel for business can quickly grow tired of generic business hotels which all look the same and lack a unique character or a comfortable homely feel. Especially for those who have to stay away from home for several weeks at a time, a long-term stay in a boring hotel room can be lonely and isolating. Not surprisingly, many miss the comfort and spaciousness of a real home, and for this reason and many others would prefer to stay in a holiday home or apartment instead of a hotel. Staying in a vacation home definitely offers a more pleasant, comfortable and memorable experience for the business traveller. A home away from home In contrast to a cramped hotel room, a vacation rental offers a unique and spacious space which includes an equipped kitchen, living and dining rooms, and outdoor areas like balconies and patios. Many offer the usual amenities like wifi and televisions, but also others you’d never find in a hotel, like washing machines, dishwashers, private pools, entertainment systems, cinema rooms and private parking. Some villas even offer home offices or meetings rooms. Being able to make a cup of coffee and your own breakfast in the morning makes you feel like you’re living an exciting life abroad in your own exotic villa, rather than being trapped in a dreary hotel. The chance to prepare healthy meals Many frequent travellers do not enjoy eating out on a daily basis during long business trips. It’s difficult to stay healthy on a steady diet of restaurant food or take-aways, and some solo business travellers are not comfortable dining alone in restaurants. Having a well-equipped kitchen at your disposal means you have the possibility to make healthy meals, just the way you like them. For those who don’t like to cook, many vacation properties offer the services of a chef who can prepare meals according to their guests’ needs and preferences. The more the merrier Renting a vacation home is especially convenient for businesspeople who travel together with other colleagues or business partners. Instead of reserving multiple hotel rooms, costs can be kept down by sharing a vacation property with multiple bedrooms. Sharing a collective space is great for team building and convenient for impromptu meetings and brainstorming sessions in a spacious living room or on an outdoor patio. Colleagues can also bond by preparing a meal together or sharing a drink by the private pool at the end of the day. Entertaining is easy Many businesspeople who need to host or entertain clients during their trip prefer to have a spacious vacation property at their disposal. The living and dining spaces can be used to receive and entertain clients in a cosy and informal atmosphere over cocktails, or even a gourmet meal prepared by the services of an expert chef. Families can share the experience Business travellers who have to stay away from home for weeks at a time often prefer to be accompanied by their partners and families. A vacation rental offers the extra space needed for family members and all the conveniences and amenities of a real home, making it an enjoyable experience for everyone. Instead of a long-term separation, a business trip can double as a memorable family vacation and even a shared experience of living abroad. Browse our portfolio of villas equipped for the modern business traveller: https://www.passepartout-homes.com/holidays/all/events By Isabel Putinja. July 26, 2014 0 comment 0 FacebookTwitterPinterestEmail
Afternoon Tea in LondonDestination: LondonTravel News My top 3 slightly unusual London Afternoon Teas by Paola Fiocchi Van den Brande July 23, 2014 written by Paola Fiocchi Van den Brande When it comes to choosing where to go in London for an enjoyable and relaxing Afternoon Tea you are spoilt for choice, as just about every hotel and many restaurants in the capital now offer their take on this oh so British tradition. With my top three venues, I didn’t want to select the obvious and traditional such as the iconic Ritz, but rather three 5-star hotels that are elegant yet offer a relaxed atmosphere and have created something a little bit different and innovative that make for a really enjoyable afternoon out. Sex and The City Par-Tea at The Hyatt Regency London – The Churchill This has to win the prize for the most eye-catching themed Afternoon Tea. Launched last autumn, this popular Tea, named after the hit US sit-com is served daily in The Montagu and has a very New York feel to it. So sit back and let Carrie, Samantha and Charlotte take you through a journey of Waldorf salad sandwiches, New York Bagels with pastrami, mustard and mayo and delicious smoked salmon and dill cream cheese balls. I also love the American mini burgers and mini hot dogs, reminiscent of those Manhattan street vendors. There is of course plenty for those of you with a sweet tooth including a diamond-studded red velvet cupcake and New York vanilla cheesecake with pink hot lips. This fun Sex and The City Afternoon Tea costs £38 per person or £47 with a cocktail. Hyatt Regency London – The Churchill, 30 Portman Square, London, W1H 7BH Tel: +44 (0)20 7299 2037 Charlie and The Chocolate Factory Afternoon Tea at One Aldwych I also wanted to include a theatrical twist on the traditional Afternoon Tea and being the official hotel for the musical Charlie and The Chocolate Factory, One Aldwych in London’s Covent Garden has created a rather unique Tea in their vibrant Lobby Bar. As well as some tasty sandwiches you can enjoy a Coconut Cream and Mango Golden Egg, Eton Mess and pear drop flavoured Candy Floss as well as homemade scones and summer berry jam and the obligatory Devonshire clotted cream. There is a choice of four Tea Palace infusions as well as a glass of bubbly, but may I suggest their ‘Cocktail Charlie’ which is a mix of Dalmore Whisky, Cherry Marnier, Chocolate bitter and topped with Champagne that comes in a smoking carafe and three home-made chocolate truffles. At £45 per person that includes a glass of Lallier Grand Réserve Champagne or the special smoking ‘Cocktail Charlie’ I think this makes for a wonderful afternoon out with or without the kids. The Lobby Bar, One Aldwych, London, WC2B 4RH Tel: +44 (0)20 7300 1070 Take Away Afternoon Tea at The Park Tower Knightsbridge My last choice is different in so far as you don’t actually have your Tea in the elegant surroundings of The Park Tower Hotel but rather take advantage of the warm summer we are currently enjoying and have your Afternoon Tea al fresco in one of London’s picturesque parks. This seasonal and exclusive Strawberry Take Away Afternoon Tea comes served in a special case so you can carry it away with you, and even includes traditional tea-stand tiers with hand-made sandwiches such as a Silver Hill Duck Mayonnaise and Mustard Cress Briochette, tasty pastries and scrumptious desserts including a Wimbledon Strawberry and Lemon Victoria sponge. You also get a choice of a bottle of iced tea to take with you, or if you are feeling really indulgent, a half bottle of Moët & Chandon Rosé. This new Tea will change with the seasons but is going to be available right the way throughout the year and costs £39 for two people and £69 if you include the Champagne. The hotel will even lend you a picnic blanket for a £10 deposit. The Park Tower Knightsbridge, A Luxury Collection Hotel, 101 Knightsbridge, London, SW1X 7RN Tel: +44 (0)207 235 8050 By Simon Burrell, Editor-in-chief of Luxury Travel Website www.omotg.com July 23, 2014 0 comment 0 FacebookTwitterPinterestEmail
Destination: SpainOur PartnersTravel News Lanas de Rio: a Victorian weaving mill in rural Andalusia by Paola Fiocchi Van den Brande July 17, 2014 written by Paola Fiocchi Van den Brande Molino Taponero was an abandoned mill when Yorkshire weavers, Paul Sutcliffe and Howard Wimpenny, first came across it in rural Andalusia. The old mill soon got a new breath of life when it was transformed into a weaving mill and textile workshop. Lanas de Rio (lanas = wool, rio = river) creates beautiful, high-quality fabrics made on traditional Victorian looms which were transported all the way to this corner of Southern Spain from Yorkshire, England. Visitors to the region are welcome to visit this small family-run weaving mill located in a tranquil countryside location on the banks of the Genal River near the historic town of Gaucín in the Ronda Mountains. We spoke to Paul Sutcliffe, a former engineer who does the weaving and design at Lanas de Rio along with his wife Dawn, Howard having retired recently. How did you discover this region, and the property, Molino Taponero? My colleague Howard found the property. It was advertised on a supermarket notice board. Molino Taponero used to be an old flour mill which had burned down in 1971. We were looking for a place in this region of Spain where we could set up our textile machines. In 1993 we found the perfect space at Molino Taponero and moved the looms and equipment here from England. These are huge machines – they were transported from Yorkshire in pieces and then reassembled here. We’re almost finished with the renovation work which has lasted for the past 21 years. We have also transformed a casita into a small guesthouse which opened this summer. This was the site of a worker’s cottage, with a beautiful terrace under a large fig tree. What can visitors see at Molino Taponero? We use 19th century designed Dobcross shuttle looms which were used in Yorkshire, the centre of the textile industry at that time. We have two of these and one spinning machine. The looms used to run on steam power and are interesting machinery to watch in action. They still produce the finest quality cloth which the mills in Yorkshire were famous for. We show visitors how the machinery works and explain the whole weaving process, how yarn is transformed into cloth. Visitors’ reactions are very positive and most have never seen machinery of this type before. Many people have heard of us through word of mouth or from guesthouse owners. What kinds of products are made with the looms? We make a range of blankets, shawls, capes, scarves and other products made of lamb’s wool and cashmere. Our products are made with all natural fibres such as merino, Shetland wool and alpaca silk and cashmere. We source most of our yarn from Yorskhire while the merino comes from Australia, the cashmere from Tibet and Mongolia, and the alpaca and silk from China and Peru. Some of our products are available at a shop in Gaucín but the entire range of our exclusive products is only sold at Molino Taponero. What’s unique about your surroundings? The Genal river runs all year round and runs through the property. This is a very, very green and lush environment in a very beautiful place in the Ronda Mountains. We have a view of the ruins of the castle of Gaucín from here and we’re surrounded by forests of cork trees. For more information, visit the Lanas des Rio website: http://www.lanasdelrio.com/ Blog post by Isabel Putinja. July 17, 2014 0 comment 0 FacebookTwitterPinterestEmail