Europe – Page 3

Some of the best experiences to have in Slovenia this summer

August 16, 2023 No Comments

If you are thinking about an exciting new travel destination, Slovenia stands ready.

The summer season is ideal for exploring cultural treasures, embarking Slovenian Coast, indulging in wellness retreats, or savoring exquisite culinary delights. Slovenia’s diverse attractions and warm hospitality will leave lasting memories and a desire to return.

Do not miss Slovenia’s picturesque coastline, adorned with sun-soaked coastal towns also known for producing wine, olive oil, and salt, or wander amongst the orchards, vineyards, and romantic villages in Brda. Ensure you include a visit to the renowned Lipica Stud Farm, the historic birthplace of the world-famous Lipizzaner horses, listed on UNESCO’s Representative List of the World’s Intangible Heritage.

Explore the cave systems

The captivating Karst region is another must-see. With around 13,000 caves, including the breathtaking Postojna Cave, Europe’s largest cave system, and the UNESCO-listed Škocjan Caves, Slovenia is a paradise for cave enthusiasts.

Captivating cities and nature

Charming cities await as well: the capital Ljubljana invites you to wander its scenic streets, while Maribor, the second-largest city, boasts the world’s oldest vine, symbolizing the city’s rich viticultural heritage.

If your heart beats for more into nature, the Pohorje Hills will captivate you with extensive forests, peat bogs, and lakes.

For wine & wellness

For those seeking spa experiences, numerous natural spa resorts like Rogaška Slatina, known for its revered mineral-rich springs, Dobrna Spa with its blend of modern treatments and historic charm, and Terme Olimia Spa with luxurious pools, offer holistic wellness rejuvenating escape.

In the eastern part of Slovenia, the Pomurje region offers a serene haven with rolling hills, vineyards, and quaint villages. Visit Expano, an interactive pavilion, to explore the region’s wonders through cutting-edge technology, interactive exhibits, and captivating events.

Further south, you can visit Dolenjska and enjoy idyllic moments among vineyards or make unforgettable romantic memories at the charming Otočec Castle.

For outdoor enthusiasts

Lastly, do not overlook Slovenia’s breathtaking outdoors. Dive into the Soča Valley for exhilarating adventures and soak in the natural beauty of Slovenia’s haven for nature lovers.

For inspiration, latest summer stories, and events, visit www.slovenia.info.

Explore these five nature spots in Lithuania

July 21, 2023 No Comments

Lithuania’s captivating natural wonders, including pristine lakes, enchanting forests, and massive sand dunes, offer a myriad of stunning landscapes for nature enthusiasts this summer.

As the summer season reaches its peak, Lithuania’s treasure trove of natural wonders are bound to captivate the hearts of visitors and locals alike. From over 3,000 pristine lakes, 90 kilometres of the Baltic Sea shoreline, and enchanting forests that blanket more than 30 per cent of the country, this Baltic gem offers a myriad of stunning landscapes for nature enthusiasts to immerse themselves in.

Here are five nature spots not to miss during your Lithuanian summer adventure.

Silence of the dunes

Neringa is a top seaside location for every Lithuanian summer, mostly characterized by its massive moving sand dunes. Due to efforts to manage nature long ago, pine woods now dominate the area, yet parts of the historic dunes still remain entirely untouched.

On the 1.1 km walk of the Nagliai Nature Reserve, visitors may come to the peculiar natural phenomenon known as dead sand dunes. A few centuries ago, powerful winds formed a strange landscape of hollows and washouts that exposed the soil of a long-dead forest that was buried in the sand. The Curonian Spit — a UNESCO-listed peninsula with a carefully protected ecology — is capped with unlimited vistas.

Nida’s Parnidis Dune is one of its most beautiful sites. At 52 m, it is one of Europe’s tallest dunes and provides a beautiful view of infinite sandy beaches that mingle with aromatic pine trees.

A therapeutic walk among junipers

The 1.3-kilometer-long Arlaviškių — or Juniper Valley — nature trail, located just outside Kaunas, Lithuania’s second-largest city, welcomes visitors to appreciate the wonderful vista of the expanded Nemunas river, Dabinta Island, and the picturesque surrounding outcrops.

The trail’s uniqueness is more readily apparent now that it has been renovated: naturally grown on a steep slope, with patches of steppe grassland between the juniper trees and in other parts of the reserve that are home to rare plants, mushrooms, springs with forming tuffs, and even hanging wetlands. Furthermore, the air here is particularly pure due to essential oils secreted by junipers. According to some folk medicine practitioners, the aireven has a therapeutic value.

Treetops at a touching distance

The Treetop Walking Path in Anykščiai was the first trail in the Baltic States and in the whole of Eastern Europe where it was possible to walk at treetop level. At the end of the trail there is an observation tower, the height of the observation deck is 34 m.

This unique architectural structure is one of the most visited tourist attractions in Lithuania, as no other location offers the chance to walk among the tops of trees at an altitude of over 20 meters. From this height, the winding Šventoji River Valley unfurls in all its undisturbed beauty, with romantic peaks of the highest church towers — St. Matthew’s — in Lithuania, popping up from the sea of green.

An ever-evolving landscape

Biržai’s surroundings are full of surprises. It is a one-of-a-kind land where the earth’s surface affects the landscape, with land collapsing in the most literal sense. This occurs when groundwater washes away gypsum deposits in the earth.

Above this special landscape and the local karst lakes looms the Kirkilai Observation Tower, which has a distinctive form — resembling a canoe or a sinking boat. The height of the tower is almost 32 meters, meaning visitors can take in the full-breadth of the surrounding landscape. In summer, under certain conditions, the lakes take on different colors — becoming painted with various shades of green and blue.

Mysteries of Lithuania’s pagan heritage

The Dūkštai Oak Grove Nature Trail meanders through one of the oldest and largest natural oak forests in Lithuania. Among the undergrowth of 200-year-old oak trees there are several species of rare and endangered animals, plants, fungi, and lichens that call the grove home.

As these trees were worshiped as gods several hundred years ago, wooden statues made in their honor can be discovered by those who wander through the area. Adding to the mystic energy of the park is the Airėnai Stone, with runes etched onto it whose meanings are still a mystery to mankind.

Here’s where you can hike the highest sea cliff in Europe

June 28, 2023 No Comments

Hornelen Via Ferrata is a new and spectacular via ferrata up the highest sea cliff in Europe that offers stunning views of Norway’s coast.

Hornelen is located on the island of Bremangerlandet in Nordfjord, north of the Sognefjord and south of the city of Ålesund. From the top (860 metres above sea level) there is a magnificent panoramic view over narrow fjords and high mountains.

Hornelen Via Ferrata opened on June 18, 2023.

A landmark full of myths

The mountain was formerly an important landmark for passing ships, and in even older times a gathering place for witches (according to a legend) both at Midsummer and Christmas.

According to the saga of Olav Trygvason, he climed up the steep side of the cliff, and many people believe that is why Olav established the first climbing route in Norway. Now you have the chanse to climb the same route as Olav, but in controlled and safe and controlled conditions.

Guided hikes available

Hornelen Via Ferrata is now ready to welcome guests on guided hikes on Hornelen. The experienced and knowledgeable guides take care of equipment and safety, and bring the guests safely up the mountainside so they can focus on climbing and the powerful nature experience.

There are three different routes up to the top of Hornelen:

Ørnelia takes two hours and is the perfect introduction to via ferrata for beginners
The Hekseveggen takes about five hours and offers very varied and sometimes challenging climbing.
The Olavsruta is by far the fiercest rout, climbing the very peak of Hornelen. This route takes about eight hours and is really exposed and challenging.

There will be six available daily guided hikes, with a variety of group sizes.

Baring it all in Baden-Baden at the Friedrichsbad bath house

June 23, 2023 No Comments

by Ann Ruppenstein

Not one to shy away from immersing myself in the real local culture firsthand, I decided to suck it up for the authentic experience.

To be or not to be naked, that is the question.

I’m in Baden-Baden, Germany, one of the UNESCO-listed Great Spa Towns of Europe, faced with the decision to bare it all — or not. There are two thermal baths in the historic spa town, a contemporary one built in 1985 and a traditional one with impressive Renaissance-style architecture dating back to 1877.

From the offset, the authentic Friedrichsbad sounds like the obvious frontrunner, but the caveat is that it’s textile-free, meaning no swimsuits are allowed. As tour guide Joachim Schadendorf puts it in simple terms, “this one is serious and that one is fun.”

Not one to shy away from immersing myself in the real local culture firsthand, I decided to suck it up (or more like suck it in) for the authentic experience.

It’s definitely not the most popular option, especially amongst North American travellers, who tend to be more hesitant to strip down completely amongst strangers, including members of the opposite sex.

By the numbers, at pre-pandemic levels, the modern Caracalla bath down the road — where swimsuits are worn — attracted an average of half a million visitors per year, whereas roughly only 70,000 people frequented Friedrichsbad. Here’s to the road less travelled!

The skinny on the dip

After paying the €35 entrance fee, I headed to the co-ed changing area with two others and was relieved to see a tiny sheet in the locker. After slipping out of my clothes, I wrap it around my body and strut to the main spa entrance with confidence.

That’s when a male staff member greets us — in full spa attire in case you were wondering — to explain that the space is divided into a circuit of 17 different stations. After showering before station seven, “you leave the sheet in the laundry pile,” he said, motioning to my short wrap.

Following an initial cleansing shower, the process began with various warm and hot air baths, providing an identical sensation to being in an over-sized sauna. I eased myself into the au natural experience by opening my sheet once I’d settled onto one of the wooden loungers.

This isn’t so bad.

A few steps later, at dreaded stop number seven, the time had come to commit fully to the nudist lifestyle before entering the first thermal steam bath in the circuit. I was determined to proceed in the name of research. “Alright, let’s do this,” I said out loud, more so to motivate myself, that this was indeed happening.

Trying to avoid eye contact with all the passing private parts, we ducked into a corner of the steam room, placing fresh hygienic matts underneath our bottoms before sitting down. Then, quite astonishingly, like the steam evaporating in the room, within minutes we were no longer phased by the fact that we were stark naked and quickly embraced the more liberal European views on letting it all hang out and feeling comfortable in our own skin.

It was either that, or the steam went to my head.

“I was nervous at first, but you realize that everybody just kind of looks the same,” one of my travel writer companions, whom I’d only met two days earlier, whispered.

The art of bathing, Roman and Irish style

Design wise, the centrepiece of Friedrichsbad is an intricate 17-metre high dome set above a circular pool. Before I knew I would muster up the courage to get to this point, I told myself that getting to see the architecture would make it worthwhile. Now, floating on my back while looking up at the elaborate ceiling, it didn’t disappoint, and I couldn’t help but think of the historic figures who swam in this very spot more than 146 years ago.

“Here at the Friedrichsbad, you lose track of time within 10 minutes and track of the world within 20,” wrote literary great Mark Twain after a visit in the late 19th century.

For me, the unexpected highlight of the experience was a visit to what’s called the relaxation room, a dark room filled with multiple beds. After laying down and wrapping myself in the warm blanket, I dozed off for a power nap, in deep relaxation mode.

I could have stayed for hours, but naturally, I also had to see what the other Caracalla spa was all about. Aside from the fact that visitors weren’t naked, which almost felt strange after fully embracing the other way, another key difference is that it’s family-friendly (meanwhile, Friedrichsbad is adults-only with a minimum age requirement of 17 years). A highlight of the Caracalla bath is the outdoor area, where a steamy mist layer appears above the rock grotto formation when the temperature outside is cold enough. This is also where to go for additional spa services, such as massages, and a variety of saunas and treatment rooms.

In my natural element

Notably, the thermal waters in both baths come from the 12 natural springs that push out roughly 800,000 litres of mineral-rich water a day at scorching temperatures as high as 68°C, first discovered some 2,000 years ago.

Friedrichsbad was, from day one, a huge success. It was the biggest and most modern bath in Europe. It is a so-called Roman-Irish bath, combining the Roman tradition of bathing in different temperatures with the Irish tradition of steam baths,” noted Baden-Baden based tour guide Katharina Koerner, adding that as a UNESCO listed building, it virtually looks the same as the day it opened. “In Roman tradition, it is, of course, textile-free to this day. Some people say, oh, I wanted to go in there, but in that case I prefer the Caracalla, where I can wear my bathers… We had an article about it once called ‘nothing but the comb’ because that’s one of the big advantages, you don’t have to come prepared.”

Just prepared to bare it all, that is.

For the full digital edition of this story, click here.

Read more stories in the new OFFSHORE Summer 2023 issue. Available now!

See the best of Europe this summer with Four Seasons

May 24, 2023 No Comments

Which will it be? Private surf lesson in one of Lisbon’s lesser-known beach coves, an early morning hike to Budapest’s Castle District or a private cruise on Lake Como after exploring the lakeside views from behind the wheel of an Italian car?

This summer, Four Seasons Hotels and Resorts invites guests to explore the rich cultural, culinary and natural beauty of Europe through personalized discoveries across its iconic European properties.

Unforgettable Adventures

Stay in the heart of the city at Four Seasons Hotel Madrid to discover the local barrios (neighbourhoods) through the eyes of Leica as part of a newly launched photographic walking tour. This two-hour on foot exploration takes in every opportunity to both learn about and capture the local sights through the lens of a Leica camera, guided by a photography specialist. Four Seasons Hotel Baku is also providing guests with a unique way to discover the historical city and discover traditional Azerbaijani carpet weaving. Adjoining to ancient walls and known as the “living room” of Icheri Sheher (Old City), Four Seasons Hotel Baku, is primely located to facilitate this private tour and hands-on, cultural experience under the guidance of a local skilled artisan, with the hand-woven carpet becoming a one-of-a-piece kind and a treasured keepsake for guests.

Further south in Sicily, guests at San Domenico Palace, Taormina, A Four Seasons Hotel can embark on an adventure on the slopes of Mount Etna during a stargazing safari on a remote part of the mountain’s slopes to admire the night sky.

A Focus on Wellbeing

Venture into the wild beauty of the French Alps at Four Seasons Hotel Megève, where a guided, hillside yoga or meditation session within a geodesic dome allows guests to reset and refresh while soaking in the mountain vistas. Four Seasons Hotel Ritz Lisbon is also offering private yoga classes at the nearby beach in Costa da Caparica, just 30 minutes from the Hotel and a spot treasured by locals for its vast, sandy coastline that stretches for nearly 10 kilometres (6 miles). For those seeking a more adrenaline-filled activity, yoga can be swapped for a surf lesson in the same location, with each activity being followed by a lunch at a stylishly mellow, toes-in-the-sand beach bar that serves local favourites such as clams cooked in Portuguese Bulhão Pato sauce and grilled, line-caught fish from the Atlantic.

Early morning adventures go hand in hand with city-sightseeing at Four Seasons Hotel Gresham Palace Budapest through the Buda Before Breakfast workout, where members of the Four Seasons management team accompany guests on a hike up Gellért Hill or the Buda Hills for the best city views and a chance to learn about must-visit locations during a stay in the historic city.

A Celebratory Summer

Following the Coronation of His Majesty King Charles III on May 6, Four Seasons UK Collection continues the wave of celebrations through a series of summer experiences designed to capture this momentous occasion. Indulge in the time-honoured British tradition of afternoon tea with the Crown Jewels Afternoon Tea at Four Seasons Hotel London at Ten Trinity Square or celebrate summer at Bloom – the rooftop lounge in the Hotel’s elegant Crown Residence. This floral pop-up is abuzz with summer energy, offering unparalleled views over the River Thames and the city, light bites and refreshing beverages.

Alternatively, complement a discovery of the capital’s heritage with the serenity of the British countryside by combining a stay at Four Seasons Hotel London at Park Lane with a stay at Four Seasons Hotel Hampshire as part of the properties’ Town and Country offer.

Take to the Water

From the Athens Riviera to Lake Como, cruising on the Bosphorus and the scenic shores of the Vltava River in Prague, there’s no better place for boating adventures than Europe in the summer. Depart from the jetty of Four Seasons Astir Palace Hotel Athens for a full day exploration of the famous Greek islands of Hydra and Spetses. Journeying by the award-winning Praevado power cruiser, swim in crystal waters, have lunch at a seafood taverna and enjoy harbourside shopping, before a final dip at Zogeria Bay while recounting the day’s adventures.

In Istanbul – the city where Europe and Asia connect – hop aboard the Sea Shuttle to cruise across the Bosphorus river and take in the panoramic city views across the two continents while travelling from Four Seasons Hotel Istanbul at Sultanahmet in the city’s Old Town and the sea-front, former Ottoman Palace that is Four Seasons Hotel Istanbul at the Bosphorus. Also offering guests the chance to capture the city panorama from the water is Four Seasons Hotel Prague, with a river cruise along the Vltava in a charming wooden boat. Sip a glass of prosecco and enjoy breakfast, lunch or a light snack with family or friends on this scenic excursion.

For a journey that spans both land and water, Four Seasons Hotel Milan provides an exclusive opportunity to take the driver’s seat of a of a 1961 Giulietta Spider or of a Lancia Fulvia Coupè Rallye on a drive out of the city to Lake Como. Cruise top-down for unparalleled views while zipping through scenic back roads, before pulling over for lunch at a Concierge-recommended restaurant near the lake and to browse the local shops before a private afternoon cruise on Lake Como.

Destination Dining with Four Seasons Europe

Just in time for summer, Grand-Hôtel du Cap-Ferrat, A Four Seasons Hotel has launched a new Nomad Dining Experience overlooking the Cap Ferrat peninsula and the Mediterranean Sea. In this picturesque setting of the Hotel’s vegetable garden, guests can savour creative dishes prepared by Michelin-starred Chef Yoric Tièche while taking in sublime views of the French Riviera. Summer is also the ideal time to visit the Versailles vegetable garden of Four Seasons Hotel George V, Paris, which is cultivated with the composting from Le George restaurant’s food waste. Guests will be taken from the Hotel to the garden in a Porsche electric car and will spend time with the Hotel’s Green Michelin Star chef, Simone Zanoni. Together with Simone, guests will handpick vegetables and cook them in an open-air kitchen before enjoying a picnic-style lunch on site, all while learning more about Simone’s secrets of the trade and his passion for sustainability.

By evening, stylish rooftop restaurant Izumi at Four Seasons Hotel des Bergues Geneva is the ideal spot to enjoy the warm summer nights and soak up panoramic lake views, while a golden-hour dinner on the Ponte Vecchio can be arranged for guests of Four Seasons Hotel Firenze. Nestled in the heart of Florence with views over the Arno river, dine on the open-air terrace of the famous Ponte Vecchio with an unforgettable dining experience prepared by Executive Chef Paolo Lavezzini.

New contemporary city hotel debuts in Dublin

May 1, 2023 No Comments

Anantara Hotels, Resorts & Spas will officially make its debut in Ireland with the opening of Anantara The Marker Dublin Hotel.

Previously known as The Marker, a significant renovation has now been completed with a multi-million investment at the iconic Dublin hotel, which is a member of Leading Hotels of the World.

The property is one of the Irish capital’s most contemporary and architecturally impressive buildings and is located in the heart of the Docklands, a stylish and innovative part of the city that is home to some of the world’s most famous names in tech.

About the hotel

Overlooking the Waterfront on Grand Canal Square in the heart of Dublin City, Anantara The Marker Dublin Hotel has a contemporary design and style with eight state-of-the-art event and meeting facilities and offers 187 renovated stylish guest rooms over six floors, comprising 124 Premier and Deluxe rooms, 18 Junior Corner Suites and three large executive suites.

The Roche Suite offers 1066 square feet of living space whilst the 990-square-foot Schwartz Suite, named after the square designer, features sweeping Grand Canal Square views. The spacious 1,389 square foot Presidential Suite is located on the fifth floor and boasts unobstructed views of Grand Canal Square offering two en suite bedrooms and separate living spaces.

Services include the Condé Nast award-winning spa, which offers an infinity pool, sauna and eucalyptus-infused steam room alongside a series of new signature Anantara Spa treatments inspired by indigenous Irish ingredients and healing traditions.

A stylish rooftop terrace with stunning panoramic 360º views across the cityscape stretching to the sea at Dublin Bay is the best rooftop in the city.

Recent refurbishments

The lobby and bar have been refreshed with the addition of new soft furnishings, bespoke cabinetry, and custom furniture.

A destination restaurant, ‘Forbes Street by Gareth Mullins’, welcomes hotel residents and city dwellers alike. The new restaurant will feature the very best of locally-sourced products served in a contemporary manner and with a uniquely Irish twist.

Close to the International Financial Services Centre (IFSC) and the Bord Gáis Energy Theatre, Anantara The Marker Dublin Hotel is a perfect cultural and business epicenter for travellers keen to experience classic Irish hospitality at its best.

Anantara The Marker Dublin Hotel is the only five-star hotel in the area, which has recently emerged as one of the most vibrant, dynamic and modern parts of the city for living, working and socializing.

You can dive amongst Roman ruins in Malta’s new underwater park

April 28, 2023 No Comments

Malta is on the verge of offering divers a new underwater experience that will provide a truly in-depth look at the destination’s long history.

Spring will see the Mediterranean archipelago launch the Tower Wreck Deepwater Archaeological Park, which tourism authorities bill as the first of its kind.

The underwater park is located in Xlendi Bay, in the southwest corner of Malta’s sister island of Gozo.

“The deep-water archaeological park, encompassing an area of 67,000 square meters (approx. 42 miles), will allow international researchers and technical divers to explore the history of Malta from a totally different deep sea archaeological perspective. The marine park will showcase thousands of ancient artifacts, such as amphorae and urns, dating back to around 2,300 years, and natural heritage in the form of rocky outcrops formed by extinct coral reefs,” the Malta Tourism Authority said.

Explore 3rd century ruins

Professor Timmy Gambin of the Archeology Centre at the University of Malta praised the park as a “unique site” that will be open to technical divers. “All phases of our history are represented underwater,” says Gambin, citing many different types of rare ceramic remains that date to the 3rd century BC.

Malta tourism authorities proudly note that the Romans, Greeks, Carthaginians and other ancient civilizations helped shape Malta. Deepwater reefs can also be seen in the park.

“It is important for Underwater Cultural Heritage to be made accessible,” Gambin said. “I am very proud to be part of the team launching the Tower Wreck Deepwater Archaeological Park. Heritage Malta, together with the University of Malta and the Superintendence of Cultural Heritage, is valorizing and sharing a unique site that is otherwise invisible to the vast majority of the world. Thanks to support from the Malta Airport Foundation, this ambitious and challenging project has gone from concept to reality.”

Shipwrecks and more

Gambin said Malta has “excellent all-round diving — from incredible underwater landscapes to historic shipwrecks at different depths. Our vision is to make Malta into a mecca for technical divers.”

Meanwhile, the Underwater Malta website will make the archeological site accessible to all through 360-degree videos, images, and 3D models, creating a virtual museum of the islands’ underwater archaeological sites. The marine park will be the site of a small museum with exhibits and video footage of the park.

“Through the Underwater Malta website, The Foundation also hopes to support Heritage Malta in bringing this project closer to people who are neither divers nor researchers but are keen to learn more about the Maltese Islands’ history through our underwater cultural heritage.” added Malta Airport Foundation chairman Josef Formosa Gauci.

More information can be found at www.underwatermalta.org.

One of the Algarve’s hottest hotels reopened with a new look

April 12, 2023 No Comments

Situated overlooking the Atlantic Ocean and next to Vilamoura Marina in the Algarve in Southern Portugal, Tivoli Marina Vilamoura Algarve Resort has reopened following an extensive redesign and refurbishment.

The major revamp introduces a contemporary and sophisticated new look to all the guest rooms, the entrance lobby, and The Argo Cocktail Bar, as well as newly landscaped gardens with a redesigned pool.

Tivoli Marina Vilamoura reopened after a four month renovation, with a new nautical and contemporary design inspired by the Algarvian beaches, the marina and the Atlantic Ocean. In the 383 bedrooms, including 21 suites, the soft beige tones, striped fabrics and natural materials aim to reflect the views, creating a relaxed atmosphere and a perfect harmony between the exterior scenery and the interior design.

The 527 sq ft. family rooms come with an exterior lounge area and terrace, combining wood with sand-coloured textures and rattan finishes with sophisticated table lamps. The revamped Vilamoura Suite now includes the choice of a VIP experience, such as dinner for two at Pepper’s Steakhouse with beverages, an 80-minute treatment at Tivoli Spa, or sun loungers for two at the adjoining beach club – Purobeach – which is open between April and October.

The resort is well placed for access to numerous Algarve beaches, boat tours, golf courses, walking trails at Ria Formosa Natural Park and cultural discoveries in Loulé town with local artisans and its various arts like tile/dish painting, tapestry or basketry. Tivoli Marina Vilamoura also has a 25,833 sq ft. Tivoli Spa where guests can indulge in exclusive face and body therapies with local organic ingredients.

In the year that the Tivoli brand is celebrating its 90^th anniversary, the relaunch of a more glamorous Tivoli Marina Vilamoura reinforces the continuous values of the brand – timeless elegance and tradition. 90^th anniversary events and special guest experiences will be revealed throughout the year.

Rates at Tivoli Marina Vilamoura start from $330 for a Premium room including breakfast for two people. For more information on Tivoli Marina Vilamoura, visit https://www.tivolihotels.com/en/tivoli-marina-vilamoura.

Tivoli just opened its first Dutch hotel in a 16th century property

March 22, 2023 No Comments

Tivoli Hotels & Resorts recently opened its first property in the Netherlands.

The Tivoli Doelen Amsterdam Hotel is a 16th-century property in the classicist style overlooking the Amstel Canal; it is considered to be the oldest hotel in the Dutch capital. The property was the original home to Rembrandt Van Rijn’s famous painting The Night Watch (completed in 1642), which hung on a wall in what is now one of the hotel’s bedroom suites until it was relocated to the city’s famed Rijksmuseum.

Centrally located in Amsterdam’s historic city centre and walking distance from the city’s main tourist attractions, the heritage property has 81 guest rooms including seven suites, most of them overlooking the canal. It also boasts the elegant new Omber restaurant and bar, which is inspired by the art of Rembrandt, who lived very close to the hotel.

Old world elegance

Inspired by the Dutch Golden Age and the unique atmosphere of Amsterdam, Tivoli Doelen’s interiors blend an old-world elegance with contemporary service and special Tivoli touches.

The guest rooms and suites offer views over the canals or the city, with the interiors featuring pastel tones with splashes of red for a relaxing but vibrant atmosphere, combined with touches of natural wood.

New beds and bed linens provide the best night’s sleep, while marble bathrooms feature amenities from the French luxury brand Lalique.

For an ultimate Dutch experience, guests can book the 506-square-foot Rembrandt Suite, where they can view a perfect replica of The Night Watch, in the same room and on the exact wall where the masterpiece originally hung for 70 years. Another interesting room is the Empress Suite, which was once the boudoir of Empress Elisabeth of Austria, most well-known as Sisi.

With a unique C-shape design to maximize views of the canal, the suite has a king-sized bed with Dutch shields on the ceiling, which are a symbol of protection.

A touch of Rembrandt

On the ground floor and overlooking the canal, Omber restaurant and bar now offers a Mediterranean-Dutch fusion menu. The restaurant’s name was inspired by the craftsmanship of paint making and the limited colors Rembrandt used in his works of art– omber, or amber in English, being one of his signature colours).

Every dish on the menu contains an element inspired by his color palette. The menu also takes inspiration from the artist’s favorite dishes, such as herring and pickles, which has been recreated by the team and given Dutch name “Rembrandt Pauze”. The restaurant’s slow-cooked Dutch veal with parsnip, Carrots and Purslane is perfectly paired with Portuguese Cartuxa wine from Alentejo, a nod to the Tivoli brand’s Portuguese heritage.

Omber Bar, which opens daily at 4:30 pm, serves several signature cocktails have been created with Jenever, a typical Dutch gin that was also Rembrandt’s favorite drink. Most of the bar’s gin cocktails are made with a local Jenever producer, Wynand Fockink, which operates a similar distillery process to that used in the Dutch Golden Age.

The star cocktail, “Night Watch” is based on an old recipe found in the hotel archives dating back to the 17th century and is made with old Jenever, coffee liqueur, syrup and cherry bitters.

Suites at Tivoli Doelen Amsterdam Hotel start from $643.00 including breakfast for two people. For more information on Tivoli Doelen Amsterdam, visit https://www.tivolihotels.com/en/tivoli-doelen.

London’s newest riverside hotel is minutes from top attractions

January 13, 2023 No Comments

The Hyatt Regency London Albert Embankment has officially opened.

The 142-room hotel marks the eighth Hyatt-branded property in London, confirming Hyatt’s ambitious and strategic brand growth plans for 2023 and beyond in the United Kingdom.

With its prime riverside location and proximity to the city’s most notable attractions, Hyatt Regency London Albert Embankment caters to the many guests and World of Hyatt members looking for seamless stays in central London.

The hotel is conveniently located; it is a five minute walk to the capital’s political epicenter, Westminster, home to landmarks including the Houses of Parliament, Trafalgar Square and Big Ben. A short stroll along the River Thames from the hotel leads to the South Bank, an area celebrated for its world-class arts and cultural venues, whilst nearby Vauxhall Station provides direct access to many of the city’s major travel hubs.

Stylish guest rooms

A total of 142 well-appointed, contemporary guestrooms make the most of the enviable riverside spot, with many featuring floor-to-ceiling windows that provide immersive views of the city’s iconic skyline. On the fourteenth floor, a range of executive suites offer king-size bedrooms, spacious, modern bathrooms, and relaxing lounge areas, accompanied by a private balcony for guests to enjoy exclusive panoramas across London.

Food & drink

For those looking for a multifunctional setting to share, socialize and collaborate, POTUS bar and restaurant delivers a diverse and distinctive menu of North American classics alongside traditional British favorites. Meanwhile the rooftop restaurant, cocktail bar, and shisha terrace Mezemiso serves authentic Lebanese and Japanese cuisine to create an incomparable dining experience overlooking the memorable sky-high views of the city.

Amenities

The hotel’s additional amenities reflect the Hyatt Regency brand commitment to encourage productivity and peace of mind. This includes an on-site fitness center fitted with the latest Technogym equipment, and five technology-enabled meeting rooms, which have been designed to inspire connection, offering 15,273 square feet (1,419 square meters) of combined meeting space for a range of events, from business conferences to group gatherings.