Europe – Page 5

A sophisticated city hotel just opened in the heart of Madrid

September 16, 2022 No Comments

Thompson Madrid, the first Thompson Hotels branded property in Spain, is a 175-room hotel for culturally astute travellers who are looking to immerse themselves within the vibrant Spanish capital.

Featuring three signature dining venues, well-appointed spaces with curated design elements and architecture evocative of Madrid’s rich heritage, Thompson Madrid truly embodies the identity of its location. Guests are invited to experience all that the city has to offer through creative spaces, unapologetically bold interiors and elevated gastronomy.

Located on Calle De La Montera, which connects the city’s famed main square, Puerta del Sol, to the theaters, cinemas, and boutiques of the lively Gran Via Street, Thompson Madrid is housed in two historic buildings and is a dynamic and refined home base for guests to explore the authentic character of the city. The buzzing neighborhoods of Malasaña, Chueca, and Madrid’s historic city centre are within walking distance of the hotel, and a diverse selection of galleries, museums, culinary delights, and cultural landmarks are on every corner.

Stylish design

The hotel’s rich design is reflective of traditional architecture found across Madrid while embodying Thompson Hotels’ recognizable sense of a contemporary, elevated residence. Madrid-based López y Tena, LYTA Interior Design & Arquitecture Studio created interiors that echo the sights, sounds and flavors of the city. Leather, marble and wood accents are elegantly layered to contribute to the sense of timeless design, integrated with ultramodern and sophisticated amenities. The result is a refined escape that remains rooted in its surroundings.

Evocative and warm details run throughout the hotel’s guestrooms and suites, where floor-to-ceiling windows and private terraces invite guests to absorb the city’s ambience. A signature penthouse suite encompasses two stories and offers stylish and spacious living and dining areas, a bespoke bar and an expansive and enviable private balcony that boasts panoramic views of Madrid.

Signature food and drink

Thompson Madrid’s three signature dining venues celebrate the passionate heritage of the city’s gastronomy.

The hotel’s all-day bakery and bistro, The Omar, merges mid-century modernism with industrial open plan spaces, inviting guests to sample artisanal patisserie and seasonal, light bites.

While taking in a unique view of Madrid’s landscape from above, guests can discover authentic cuisine and carefully crafted cocktails at Thompson Madrid Rooftop. Alongside the panoramic city views, guests can also enjoy the ambience and beauty of the nearby infinity pool.

When the fiesta spirit takes over, guests can follow the whispers to a hidden speakeasy style bar, Hijos de Tomás, which is planned to open this fall. This upscale and intentionally intimate drinking den offers an inventive cocktail menu and live piano music to ease visitors into the evening.

Encounter an event space like no other with Thompson Madrid’s six individual venues. Each space is designed to encourage creative thinking and connection, featuring contemporary, locally influenced interiors evoking the inspiring spirit of Madrid. With capacity for up to 321 guests, delicious food and beverage and state-of-the-art tech amenities, the hotel’s collection of venues is an exciting option for any kind of event, from social gatherings to a bustling business function.

For more information about the Thompson Madrid, click here.

These are some of the best things you’ll see on a scenic drive through Ireland’s Ring of Kerry

September 12, 2022 No Comments

Coming off a red-eye flight out of Toronto, my partner and I landed in Dublin, Ireland at 6 a.m., and just as quickly as we arrived, we left in a rental car headed straight to Killarney, County Kerry.

Two weeks fresh off the tailend of St. Paddy’s Day celebrations, it’s not that the electric energy that flooded Ireland’s capital city didn’t interest us—we had plans to end our journey there. But springtime in Ireland, I’d heard, was one of the best times to truly see the country in all its glory, where newborn lambs, still a bit wobbly and getting used to their legs, tumbled around some of the greenest pastures and meadows known to exist.

The next morning, after a hearty Irish breakfast of fried eggs with orange-coloured yolks, pan-seared sausage links, baked beans and freshly-sliced tomatoes prepared by our charming hosts, Donal and Ann, who own the family-run Kingfisher Lodge, we hit the road to conquer one of Ireland’s most famous scenic drives— the Ring of Kerry. Spanning roughly 179 kilometres across rugged terrain that includes brooding bogs, rocky hillsides and ancient valleys, the circuit takes about three-and-a-half hours to complete, for those who refuse to stop. “So many people head this way first,” Ann said, pointing northeast on a map at the reception desk. “But if you start this way, you’ll thank me, I promise.” Taking her advice, we took the long way out.

Thousands of years ago, Irish folklore conjured up tales of woodland nymphs, playful sprites and tiny fairies with supernatural powers, and as we took the lonely, winding roads flanked by mossy trees, and an unsettling fog crept in, it was enough to make you accept the make-believe.

Of rocks and ruins

Driving west on the N70, one of the first sites we came to was the Ballycarbery Castle ruins. Found just on the outskirts of the small town, Cahersiveen, Ballycarbery Castle was built in the early sixteenth century and once housed one of Ireland’s oldest clans, the McCarthy’s. Since 1398, the castle has stood on a hill facing the sea, and while it is now closed for public access, visitors can still marvel at it from a distance. Despite the damp and the rain, the structure still resembles a nearly-complete castle, with enchanting vines that have climbed through the medieval stone windows and doorways.

Minutes away, we discovered yet another primordial wonder. Walking through a grassy pasture, we approached the sixth-century Cahergall Stone Fort. At first glance, it was reminiscent of a snow fort’s bricks, where long ago, a group of people undertook the painstaking process of intricately weaving and stacking stones one on top of the other, to reach a height of roughly six metres.

Entering the fort, I saw another large stone circle with two separate entrance ways. Also called ring forts, these old Irish stone forts are some of the earliest and best-preserved examples of protective stone forts to be found in County Kerry. Outside the fort’s walls, a vicious wind from the nearby North Atlantic whipped and whistled, but inside was absolutely quiet.

A set of stacking stone steps have been carved into the fort’s walls, allowing for transportation all along the interior walls. Three miles west of the town Sneem, we also came across the Staigue Stone Fort. With a similar exterior, this ring fort is presumed to have been built in the late Iron Age (between 300 and 400 AD). According to the Irish tourism board, it’s said that nearly 50,000 of these stone forts were built over the centuries as a means of agricultural support, defence and sometimes, simply a display of good fortune.

Parks and peaks

Halfway through our journey, we looped back east and headed for Killarney National Park, but not before making a stop at Moll’s Gap. Damp from the rain and ravenous from all of the walking and fresh air, earlier, we’d stopped for a quick bite to eat in Cahersiveen. While polishing off our last drops of Guinness, an older man, who was certainly a regular at the pub, had overheard our plans and insisted we make the stop. One of the most popular tourist attractions on this side of the Ring of Kerry, Moll’s Gap is a mountain pass that offers sweeping views of the MacGillycuddy’s Reeks mountains. The natural phenomenon was formed more than 25,000 years ago during Ireland’s final ice age. Staring out at the view, I was glad we’d taken the old man’s advice, who was one of many people on the trip who were so quick to help or offer friendly suggestions.

Killarney National Park was the final stop on our list on a drive that was becoming longer by the minute, because all around us, something was begging to be photographed. Trees with twisted trunks and branches looming over the roads; a red fox darting out across the road and of course, hundreds of baby lambs and ewes snuggled against one another in the fields.

The landscapes we were seeing in real-time looked good enough to be a painting, and I’d argue, had characteristics that were simply impossible to truly capture, no matter how good of a camera lens I had packed. There was one final stop on our itinerary though, and the name on this one conjured up a definite need for a photograph with myself in it. A hotspot for panorama photo enthusiasts and tourists from all over the world, Ladies’ View is a scenic viewpoint set amongst the wilderness that provides unobstructed views of the surrounding Irish lakes. No matter the weather, the mood is pure magic, making it one of the most-visited places inside of the park.

As we finished up with our photos and made our way back, I checked the time—more than eight hours had passed since we set out that morning and I hadn’t even noticed. The Ring of Kerry and everything it encompasses had lived up to its name as one of Ireland’s best drives, and for those who wish to conquer it, make the stops and always take the long way—I promise you’ll be happy you did.

—TEXT AND PHOTOS BY CHRISTINE HOGG

Discover the charms of the West Midlands: where city, country and culture collide

August 29, 2022 No Comments

Walking through the streets of Coventry, tour guide Roger Bailey is eager to share a story that’s “a thousand years in the making.” The legend goes that Lady Godiva, a key figure in the history of the region, pleaded with her husband to provide a tax break for local residents.

BY: ANN RUPPENSTEIN

“He said no, but she didn’t give up, she came back to him again and again, so many times he got so fed up, he decided to give her an impossible challenge, thinking she wouldn’t do it — ride through the streets of Coventry naked — and if you do this, I’ll lift the taxes,” explains Bailey. “We’re told she cares so much about her people, she decides to do the ride. Out of respect, everybody turned their backs, except for one, who we now call Peeping Tom.”

Although it’s debatable whether or not the incident actually took place due to a lack of official records, depictions of the scene remain today at sites like The Lady Godiva Clock Tower and The Lady Godiva statue.

Found in the West Midlands, which is known as The Heart of England, Coventry offers an eclectic blend of old meets new. The Coventry Cathedral, which was destroyed in a fire during the Second World War, is a must-see site. Newly reconstructed in 1962, the outer glass wall purposely reflects the ruins of the old cathedral, symbolizing hope for the future without forgetting the past.

“It’s designed so that you’re looking at the old and the new,” Bailey says, adding that the building is also home to a boulder from Bethlehem that’s used for baptisms.

The new cathedral also has Canadian connections with funds raised in Canada going to replace the organ lost during the fire. Those visiting will notice the icon of a Canadian Maple Leaf embedded on the floor of the entryway. Notably, Rachel Mahon, a Canadian, has also taken on the position of Director of Music at the Coventry Cathedral.

The interior of the new building is equally remarkable with massive displays of stained glass windows representing the soul’s journey through life into heaven lining the room and a large tapestry spanning 23 metres tall and 12 metres wide, that’s said to weigh about a tonne, as the backdrop.

While the city features many historical sites like St. Mary’s Guildhall, a well preserved medieval guildhall that provides a glimpse into life 600 years ago, it’s also budding with culture and creativity.

On the modern side, FarGo Village is a creative quarter launched in 2014 that’s loaded with sculptures and street art. It features independent shops, boutiques, art workshops, design studios, a brewery and a rotating selection of food vendors.

“It’s a really affordable way to try out something — it may have even started out as a hobby — to see if it can be something that supports you,” explains manager Holly Hewitt, noting that the concept took off from a handful of businesses to 40 different ventures. “A lot of the businesses have now moved into the bigger units. This month is wellbeing month where we encourage people in the community to come and meet us for a walk. So it’s not just about business, it’s about some wellbeing and a sense of community.”

Owned by Chris Cooper and Ritchie Bee, the onsite Twister Barrel Brewery is a tasty spot to sample a variety of vegan beer. The friends were inspired by the variety of beer available in the international scene, which they thought was missing back home.

So what exactly makes the beer vegan? Interestingly, Cooper explains that beer often contains Isinglass, which is derived from the dried swim bladders of fish, which the brewery doesn’t use.

“It’s used to clarify the beer,” he says. “Very, very few people realize it’s used in most beer. The second thing that a lot of breweries use, particularly in dark beers, is lactose because it’s used to get body, used to make it sweet.”

Having consumed over 2,000 Balti dishes to date — and counting — author Andy Munro is well versed in the art of a dish that originated in Birmingham, another buzzing city in the West Midlands. Invented during the 1970s when the city’s Pakistani residents created a fusion dish inspired by traditional Kashmiri recipes but cooked in a way that was more appealing to western tastes (for example with the meat taken off the bone), the resulting Balti helped put Birmingham’s food scene on the map.

“Balti has to be cooked and served in the same dish,” he notes, adding that the thin, pressed-steel wok called a Balti bowl was also invented in Birmingham.

Located in the Balti Triangle, a triangle-shaped neighbourhood in Birmingham, Munro says only about five authentic Balti houses remain in the area. One of these staples is Shababs, a restaurant where guests have the chance to take part in a cooking demonstration to see how the local favourite dish is made. Cooked over a high flame, the dish is made in under 10 minutes. The end result, as everyone who sampled the dish can attest, is delicious.

“It became a craze,” Munro shares. “In the ‘80s and ‘90s, I promise you, instead of talking about the weather, people would say ‘what’s your favourite Balti house?”

Beyond Balti, Birmingham was recently in the spotlight as the host of the Birmingham 2022 Commonwealth Games, which were the most attended edition of the games to take place in the UK and had six times the amount of BBC Sport streams compared to previous years.

Said to have more miles of canals than Venice, Birmingham is also a great destination to explore on the water. However, for those clients who prefer a local watering hole, The Canal House Bar & Restaurant overlooks the water and is frequented by athletes.

To get a taste of the independent beer scene, head to Birmingham Brewing Co., to sample a variety of brews made in house that are also vegan and gluten-free.

Although many travellers visit Stratford-upon-Avon to get a sense of where William Shakespeare grew up, the charming town offers so much for visitors to explore — including Shakespeare Distillery, an artisan spirit producer named after the town’s most famous inhabitant.
“This is a very old historic town with lots of history,” says tour guide Jan Boggis, while pointing out buildings of significance to the legendary playwright.

Theatre fans willwant to experience shows put on by the Royal Shakespeare Company and visit Shakespeare’s Birthplace, Shakespeare’s childhood home, to hear tales of his upbringing and family life. During a visit, guests may hear the story of Sonny Venkatrathnam managed to smuggle a copy of Shakespeare’s complete works into Robben Island as a religious book, circulating it among the inmates, including Nelson Mandela, who signed his name next to this passage: “Cowards die many times before their deaths/The valiant never taste of death but once.”

Next year, to mark the 400th anniversary of the First Folio, a collection of 36 plays, Shakespeare’s Birthplace Trust will be bringing women characters into the forefront. There are also learning opportunities and special interest courses available.

The picturesque town is lined with shops, bar and restaurants. Another great vantage point is to soak up the scenery during a boat ride on the Avon. This is also a unique option for clients looking to spend the night on a barge.

Inside Sardinia’s newest luxury beachfront resort

August 22, 2022 No Comments

7Pines Resort Sardinia, a luxury beachfront resort overlooking the archipelago of La Maddalena officially opened in early August.

Offering unparalleled tranquility and laid-back luxury on one of Europe’s most distinctive coastlines, 7Pines Resort Sardinia represents the first hotel in Italy to join the Destination by Hyatt portfolio, as well as the first Hyatt-affiliated hotel in Sardinia. The official opening demonstrates Hyatt’s ongoing commitment to growing its luxury brands in the most sought-after destinations.

The resort is situated in Baja Sardinia on the Costa Smeralda, just 10 minutes from the Porto Cervo neighborhood. The 76-room property is built within centuries-old rock formations with paths that weave through verdant gardens out to the resort’s five secluded and unspoiled beaches, near wild coves and brilliant blue coastline. Thanks to the resort’s on-site yachting services, guests can explore the emerald lagoons and heavenly beaches of the La Maddalena archipelago, which is a 20-minute boat ride away.

Stylish rooms

Piazza Martiri 7 authentically designed the 76 guestrooms with locally crafted features made from natural materials unique to Sardinia and include bespoke weavings, light fixtures and furniture created from the island’s juniper trees. The natural materials echo in the neutral tones of the rooms, immersing visitors to the lush landscape of the resort’s 37-acre (15-hectare) gardens. The Sea Views rooms, the Suite Del Principe, and the 731-foot (68-square meter) Suite Smeralda overlook the resort’s quiet beaches and have direct beach access.

Elevated cuisine

7Pines Resort Sardinia’s three restaurants take guests on a journey of discovery through the finest local flavors and ingredients. The hotel’s main restaurant, Capogiro, offers seasonal dishes with the freshest produce that has been grown and caught locally. In the Cone Club, a day-to-night concept with a full-service beach bar, restaurant, bar and club, famed chef Tohru Nakamura collaborates with the best local producers for a truly Sardinian casual dining experience, complimented by mixologist Philip Bischoff’s signature cocktail menu. At Spazio, the poolside restaurant, guests find daytime refreshments and informal lunch options, while the Beach Bar delivers drinks directly to their cabana. The Terrace Bar promises incomparable sunset views – aperitif or exotic cocktail in hand.

For more information on the hotel, click here!

Discover Portugal’s nine charming islands of the Azores

August 5, 2022 No Comments

Part of Portugal, but roughly 1,400 kilometres west from the capital city of Lisbon, the Azores are one of two archipelagos (the other is Madeira) that are composed of nine volcanic islands, strewn throughout the North Atlantic Ocean. Flores and Corvo can be found in the west; Graciosa, Terceira, Sao Jorge, Pico and Faial are located in the centre; and Sao Miguel and Santa Maria lie to the east.

Unlike mainland Portugal, the Azores are characterized by a cooler climate, where in the summer months, the average high is 24 degrees. But those slightly milder temperatures, combined with limitless dramatic landscapes, breathtaking beaches, and delicious dishes to explore, make the Azores one of the best parts of Portugal to visit year round.

Getting there

SATA Azores Airlines connects Canadians to the natural beauty of the Portuguese island of São Miguel with five-times weekly non-stop service from Toronto to Ponta Delgada. Ponta Delgada, on Sao Miguel Island, is the capital and biggest island in the Azores archipelago.

The summer schedule includes twice weekly service from Toronto to Teceira Island. Azores Airlines is the only carrier that will connect Montreal to Terceira with once-weekly non-stop service from June 15 to Sept 14, 2022. Terceira, located in the central group of the archipelago, is home to the Azores’ oldest city, Angra do Heroismo, a UNESCO World Heritage Site that’s steeped in history.

Connections across North America are available with codeshare partner WestJet Airlines and interline partner Porter Airlines. Convenient connections are available to other Azorean islands, Madeira and mainland Europe; Lisbon, Porto, Paris, Frankfurt, Dusseldorf, Barcelona, and Cape Verde. Those travelling between North America and Europe can book a stopover in the Azores for up to seven days at no additional charge. The stopover can be booked on the island of São Miguel, the largest of the nine islands, or Terceira.

For the most current information on restrictions and mandatory procedures for entry into the autonomous region of the Azores visit https://www.azoresairlines.pt/en/mandatory-procedures-for-entry-to-destinations

Down the Danube with Avalon Waterways

July 11, 2022 No Comments

“From Vienna to Budapest, a river cruise showcases off-the-beaten path things to experience.”

There’s a fire in the kitchen! Sparks are flying after chef Karl Wrenkh pours a small vial of vodka into a simmering pan of oyster mushroom stroganoff and quickly takes a lighter to it — causing the liquid substance to instantly burst into metre-high flames.

But unlike some failed dinners that accidently transform meals into a charred crisp, his concoction is all about deliberately sealing some extra flavour into a mouthwatering recipe.

From the newly-remodelled cooking studio of Wrenkh Vienna Culinary School, the budding entrepreneur explained how he and his brother Leo followed in their parents’ footsteps to bring local, fresh and healthy cuisine to life in a destination that’s universally renowned for being the home of the Wiener schnitzel. It’s a rather interesting story too, considering the family isn’t vegetarian but rather, stems from a long history of butchering.

“Nobody in the family ever was [vegetarian] — we’re actually a family of butchers. We still feel there’s a lack of really good, quality vegetarian food in Austria. It’s great fun cooking vegetarian stuff because we can still always be creative with the recipes,” he said. “My parents were among the first vegetarian chefs in Austria in the 1990s, but then they divorced and we didn’t exist for a couple of years… then my brother and I opened up here in ’09. It’s 80% vegetarian with meat and fish [on the menu] — we say we cook what we hunt and fish.”

Today, the restaurant has not only become a trendy spot for lunch and dinner, but a cooking hub for visitors and locals alike to learn how to make mainly vegetarian meals with a twist during daily culinary workshops. The Wrenkh brothers, who have their own cookbooks, are also co-creators of Avalon Fresh, river cruise line Avalon Waterways’ selection of healthy and vegetarian menu offerings onboard.

“We had a need to elevate our vegetarian cuisine; we didn’t want to serve pasta every day,” noted Pam Hoffee, the president of Avalon Waterways, who was also on location for the cooking demonstration. “Originally, it was about vegetarian cuisine but then we saw a trend towards healthy eating as well. It’s helped us elevate that and it’s been evolving over time.”

The suite life

Recently christened by 15-time Emmy Award-winning host, executive producer and anchor Meredith Vieira, Avalon View is the newest ship to join Avalon’s fleet. The 166-passenger ship is mostly made up of 200 sq. ft. Panorama Suites with floor-to-ceiling 11-feet wide windows that slide wide open. There are also two large 300 sq. ft. Royal Suites, complete with two sinks and a powder room for guests for those seeking even more space.

Travellers looking to experience the ship firsthand can take part in a variety of Danube-based itineraries offered this year, including a special Gone Girl! departure on Sept. 15 with author Gillian Flynn.

After transforming the ship from Lot #02338024 to Avalon View, Vieira, well known for her time on television as the host of The View and Who Wants To Be A Millionaire, admitted to having a slight fear of water before agreeing to take on duties as godmother.

“It’s so warm and inviting. I love the size of the ship. You feel like you’re part of a family,” she said, reflecting on her time on the ship. “There’s an intimacy to it that’s really lovely. I really feel like I’m immersed in the culture around me because of the fact that we’re constantly stopping and you have the opportunity to do so many different things in port. The food on this ship is really good and the wine is unbelievable. I would definitely do it again. I could see myself doing it alone, it’s definitely a great experience as a family or friends. You can make it whatever you want.”

Highlights along the route

Unlike ocean cruises where guests often wake up somewhere new every morning, the river cruise journey takes place during the day so that all those onboard can soak up the scenery as the ship moves past historic castles, stunning landscapes and picturesque buildings like Dürnstein’s blue Abbey. Another must on a river cruise down the Danube is an evening illumination cruise past landmarks in Budapest like the The Hungarian Parliament Building and Castle Hill.

While in port, a variety of daily tours ranging from active hiking or biking outings to classic city explorations are offered to give visitors the chance to have a deeper connection and understanding of the destination. These options allow travellers to customize their river cruise journey from start-to-finish based on personal interests. In Bratislava, for example, a classic option would be a city tour with a stop to enjoy Slovakian liquor tasting at the St. Nicolaus Distillery. Meanwhile an active option would be hiking through the forest and vineyards of Raca, followed by a wine tasting. There is really no wrong choice and it can be tough to narrow down which tour to choose. The convenient thing about being docked in the heart of the city is that it’s also easy to get on and off to explore. There’s ample free time built into each itinerary so that those who are torn between two daily excursions will be able to cross off some of those sights on their own.

A hip hotel with a vegan vibe just opened in Istanbul

July 8, 2022 No Comments

The Stay Boulevard Nisantasi, Istanbul’s hottest new hotel for 2022, is now open for bookings in the heart of the city’s refined fashion and cultural district.

The beautifully designed 82-room property is housed in an elegant building in the heart of Nisantasi and joins the established collection of luxurious and culturally connected properties.

the new hotel meets The Stay Hotels’ standards of excellence for sustainability, as part of Turkey’s first carbon-neutral independent hotel group. Recently awarded carbon-neutral status by the internationally recognised sustainability specialist Bureau Veritas, the brand plans to be zero waste by the end of 2022. The new hotel has vegan leather headboards graced with European Down and Feather Association-certified pillows, recycled room key cards and menus brimming with local producing including vegan and vegetarian dishes accompanied by Turkish wines.

A hip hideaway

In keeping with the rest of the collection, The Stay Boulevard Nisantasi will offer guests a unique blend of heritage, arts, culture, and stellar design. Acclaimed Turkish architect Mahmut Anlar has created a hip hideaway with rooms and suites guests will struggle to leave, from view-giving terraces to walk-in closets, grand marble bathrooms and kitchenettes. Many of them connect for extended stays or large family groups – and for all-out indulgence, The Stay Boulevard Suite includes a terrace just made for sipping sundowners as the sun sinks down over Istanbul.

After a day among the historical sights, buzzy bazaars and contemporary museums, guests will love retreating to the spa and wellness floor opening in the autumn for a dip in the indoor pool, a Pilates session or an authentic Turkish hammam. If the gym is their thing, guests can work out in the sleek fitness suite or book a personal trainer. Wellness experiences including indulgent couples’ massages in a dedicated treatment room will relax and renew our guests ready for their next adventure in Istanbul. Plants and foliage will be in abundance to add to the relaxing feel, including a zen garden within our hotel fed by a customized drip irrigation system.

Eat and drink

For now, the ground-floor Saint Pâtissier patisserie will offer guests French fancies, freshly baked bread, and Turkish treats. From the autumn, foodies will flock to the entertaining Italian rooftop restaurant, Marcello E Matteo, to dine on the signature focaccia di recco al formaggio or sip well-crafted cocktails as the chefs break into an operetta. Proud to promote local and international artists, The Stay Hotels will reveal a curated art collection hung in rooms and public spaces, including an AI video-mapping installation by the world-renowned duo OUCHHH. The icing on the cake for lovers of culture, will be a bookshop while fresh flowers will be on sale at Misk flower shop.

Fashion forward

The Nisantasi location puts designer boutiques from Louis Vuitton to Chanel, and Hermes, as well as local designers such as Begum Khan, within easy reach, as well as the neighborhood’s cosmopolitan cafe, restaurant, and gallery scene. True to The Stay Hotels’ sustainability pledge, they recently launched an eco-friendly fashion label, The Stay Line, which guests can buy at the hotel’s dedicated retail space, the Stay Line Corner. In addition, staff will wear uniforms designed by Turkish designer Begüm Yunusoğlu, who also has her own haute couture collection.

The Stay Boulevard Nisantasi is the group’s fourth Istanbul property. It sits alongside The Stay Nisantasi, which is also set in the heart of the Fashion Quarter, The Stay Bosphorus, a revamped 19th-century waterside mansion, and Bebek Hotel by The Stay Collection, a glamorous and storied hotel by the Bosphorus. The collection also includes The Stay Warehouse, a cool former industrial space close to the coast in Alacati.

Scotland is getting ready to host the world’s oldest golf tournament

July 4, 2022 No Comments

In a few weeks, St Andrews hosts the 150th Open, the oldest golf tournament in the world and part of an unprecedented run of major golf events in Scotland this summer.

No other venue has hosted more Opens than the Old Course and Jack Nicklaus, Seve Ballesteros, Nick Faldo and Tiger Woods are just some of the famous faces that have crossed the Swilcan Bridge on the way to clinching the Claret Jug in front of the Royal & Ancient Clubhouse, landmarks as iconic to golf fans as the players themselves.

Golf is one of Scotland’s major selling points to tens of millions of golfers around the globe. Written records of golf being played in Scotland date back to the Middle Ages and the country has some of the oldest golf courses in the world.

Scotland hosted the first Open Championship in 1860 at Prestwick and has hosted around two-thirds of the 149 Opens since, providing half of the current Open venues in operation. The Open returns to Scotland for the first time since 2018 and it’s always an extra special occasion when it is hosted where the game began.

A couple crossing the famous Swilcan Bridge on the Old Course, St Andrews, Fife.

A record-breaking 290,000 people will spectate over the course of the Open week, millions more will watch the coverage and follow the action on television and online giving St Andrews, Fife and Scotland unprecedented exposure. Visit Scotland invests more than £3 million annually to support golf events and to market Scotland globally as the Home of Golf. Colleagues are using the 150th Open and the major golf events this summer as opportunities to promote Scotland as a destination with key publications representing North America and Europe exploring what our regions have to offer.

The Genesis Scottish Open takes its revered slot in the week prior to The Open – a date secured by VisitScotland and The Scottish Government as part of a new long-term commitment to the event. The event is co-sanctioned for the first time by the DP World Tour and PGA Tour of America, guaranteeing the field is among the strongest ever – to date 7 of the Top 10 male players in the world will tee it up at The Renaissance Club in East Lothian.

Following The Open, legends of the men’s game will tee it up at Gleneagles for the first time, as the King’s Course hosts the fifth Major Championship on the Champions Tour schedule, as The Senior Open Championship presented by Rolex returns to Scotland for the first time since 2018.

Scotland continues to lead the way in its investment into women’s golf events, supporting the Trust Golf Women’s Scottish Open at Dundonald Links in Ayrshire in late July while the AIG Women’s Open will break new ground, hosted at Muirfield in August, East Lothian for the first time.

More than 100,000 spectators are expected to attend the events in addition to The Open, with each event having its own unique message and positioning. These golf tournaments provide the perfect stage to showcase Scotland’s first-class golf regions and courses to the world as well as the wider scenery, attractions and our warm welcome.

Golf brings hundreds of thousands of visitors every year from all over the UK and Ireland, USA, Germany and Scandinavia to test themselves at some of these iconic venues they have seen as spectators and on TV.

Overall, it is estimated that golf tourism is worth £286m to Scotland annually, supporting around 4,400 jobs. As well as the tourism boost, the health and well-being aspect of golf was brought into sharp focus during the pandemic as one of the first activities to reopen after lockdown providing exercise and social interaction. Visit Scotland’s insights indicate that visitors are now prioritizing those pursuits that boost mental and physical health.

To find out more about making the most of visiting Scotland for golf events this summer go to www.visitscotland.com/see-do/active/golf/tournaments/the-open/.

This luxury hotel offers views of Munich’s old town from a private rooftop suite

June 27, 2022 No Comments

When it comes to the best city views, it doesn’t get much better than overlooking the iconic Frauenkirche — the landmark two towered church in Munich’s old town — while sipping on cocktails from the rooftop Blue Spa terrace at Hotel Bayerischer Hof while the sun sets.

That is unless you can soak up these views from the private penthouse suite of the historic hotel originally conceived by King Ludwig I, complete with a private fireplace, jacuzzi and a 124.5 sq m roof terrace.

“Our Penthouse Garden Suite, 350 sq m, was designed by Axel Vervoordt and meets the most exclusive living standards,” says Vanessa Longhitano, PR & Guest Relations Manager. “The suite can be combined with the entire seventh floor of the South and North Wings to the Penthouse Garden Ensemble, giving you an exceptional 575 sq m. The Panorama Floor, with its spectacular view over the city’s rooftops, will give you a beautiful, private retreat. Our luxury penthouse is a symbol of elegant interplay between luxury, modernity and peace.”

In total there are 337 unique rooms to choose from, including 28 deluxe rooms and 74 suites, one of which is a six-bedroom suite. There are also speciality rooms like romantic spaces designed by Laura Ashley with floral patterns and warm colours, as well as colonial rooms, which are designed to bring a touch of Africa to Munich.

“One of the many things that set the hotel apart is its location and grand appearance,” she says. “The Hotel Bayerischer Hof is located in the old town district of Munich. As soon as you walk through our door, you will sense the hotel’s history and experience the cordial welcome we extend to our guests. We have a long tradition of hospitality — the hotel has been owned and run by the Volkhardt family since 1897.”

Hotel Bayerischer Hof, which is a member of the Preferred Hotels & Resorts Legend Collection, is a short walk to Munich’s top sights like Marienplatz, the old town square that dates back to the 12th century. This is where visitors flock to the New City Hall (Rathaus) to take in the daily Glockenspiel at 11 a.m., 12 p.m. and at 5 p.m.

Although the property first opened in 1841 (and was rebuilt after it was completely destroyed during World War II), it has constantly evolved since fourth generation owner Innegrit Volkhardt took charge in 1992. A major expansion was completed in 2018, debuting the present-day South and North wings.

“A total of 29 new rooms were created, which are divided into 23 Deluxe double rooms, five deluxe Junior suites and the Penthouse Garden Suite,” explains Longhitano. “A new eighth floor has been added, which is entirely taken over by the Penthouse Garden Suite… The rooms exude an incredible sense of tranquillity and comfort, and invite guests to stay longer. The design in the rooms partially includes the philosophical beliefs of Wabi (Japanese aesthetic concept) — beauty is found in imperfection and authenticity as well as the notion of ‘Artempo − where time becomes art’ and natural materials which are rich in spirit.”

Where to wine and dine: With five restaurants and six bars to choose from, you don’t have to venture far for a great meal. Notable options include Atelier, which has received many accolades including a two Michelin star rating, and Garden, awarded with 15 Gault Millau points, six pans in Gusto and three chef’s hats in the Grand Guide. For a taste of regional delights, Palais Keller offers a great tapas spread with six or eight appetizer options like mini schnitzel and Obatzda, a Bavarian cheese delicacy. Chef Tobias Heinze uses regional products from the surrounding area for his modern Bavarian specialties. For a night cap, head to Falk’s Bar, located in the famous hall of mirrors dating back to 1839, the only room at the hotel to survive the Second World War unscathed. Rounding out the experience is a lavish breakfast spread with made-to -order items as well as stations with eggs, salmon, fresh bread, fruit, spreads, cheese and more.

Relax and unwind: If you’re looking for a bit of pampering, the 1,300-square-meter rooftop Blue Spa features a pool, saunas, steam bath and a fitness studio, with panoramic views over Munich.

Feel like royalty on this luxury barge that offers private tours down the River Thames

May 30, 2022 No Comments

European Waterways’ Magna Carta hotel barge, which cruises Britain’s River Thames, takes guests on daily, sometimes private tours to some of the opulent royal residences that feature prominently in the UK’s celebration of the Queen’s 70 years on the throne.

Along the way, they cruise in utmost comfort, dine on gastronomic meals prepared by their personal chef, drink the finest regional wines, and enjoy views of castles, lavish estates, and the rural beauty of the English countryside that are fit for dignitaries.

With cabins on the Magna Carta quickly selling out for the 2022 season, travellers can still book 2023 and beyond at current prices, which start at $5,190 per person, based on double occupancy. Whole-boat charters start at $38,200 and allow guests to indulge in interests such as antiquing, golf and tennis, as well as family activities.

Palaces and Castles

Among the numerous excursions on Magna Carta’s itinerary is a private tour of Hampton Court Palace. Guests visit some of Henry VIII’s apartments and the Palace’s haunted gallery, where rumor has it that his fifth wife, Catherine Howard, ran screaming to confront Henry VIII when she found that he had discovered her affair. Guests will visit the original Tudor kitchens, which are complete with a hearth that is still used to demonstrate how meat was cooked on a spit. They will also tour the wood-beamed Great Hall that dates to the sixteenth century, as well as the elegant, manicured grounds of the East-facing Privy Garden.

Magna Carta guests can also enjoy a cruise to Windsor Castle, Queen Elizabeth II’s favorite residence. Built by William the Conqueror more than 900 years ago, it is the largest castle in the world that is still inhabited today. Guests will be treated to a “Behind the Scenes” tour of the College of St. George and visit St. Georges Chapel, where the Royal Wedding of Meghan Markle and Prince Harry was held. They will also enjoy breathtaking views of the 2.5 mile Long Walk which leads to the Castle.

Depending on the itinerary, Magna Carta can also provide guests with a private tour of Dorney Court. This Tudor manor house has been owned by the Palmer family for more than 450 years. It has served as a filming location for well-known titles like “Poirot” and “The Other Boleyn Girl.”

The Magna Carta’s classic cruise includes an excursion to Cliveden Estate, which once belonged to George Villiers, 2nd Duke of Buckingham and a favorite of Charles II’s court. Cliveden was later also home to the American Astor family, during which it became a destination for high society, entertaining Prime Ministers like David Lloyd George and Winston Churchill.

“An all-inclusive European Waterways hotel barge cruise is the perfect way to celebrate your own jubilee or any other special occasion – or just to spend a week of pampering, gentle touring, and relaxation,” said Derek Banks, managing director of European Waterways. “Regardless of the cruise region you chose, you will always get the royal treatment!”