Cornwall is a historic county in England, that is rich in scenic beauty and British history.

Cornwall is quite a special place with its own culture, language and even its own micro climate thanks to the Gulf Stream which passes its shore. Famous for its impressive landscape, friendly people and Gaelic tradition or delicious seafood Cornwall is an ever popular holiday destination in the UK.

Another feature of Cornwall is the provision of quaint cottages which supply a welcome alternative choice to more formal forms of accommodation like hotels.

With a cottage in Cornwall, you put yourself right in the center of the best that Cornwall has to offer. There’s a large choice in terms of location, from remote farms to sea and hill top views. Choose to be close to a village or out a long distance from the hustle of modern life.

Naturally, that does not apply to modern convenience like broadband Internet and satellite television should you need them! By choosing one of the many luxury cottages in Cornwall you can take more control of your holiday, and stay somewhere actually special and remarkable.

West Cornwall offers spectacular hills and countryside, as well as long golden beaches, authentic unspoiled towns and towns and a colorful history and cultural heritage. You can visit the mythical home of King Arthur ( Tintagel ) set on a remote cliff crown with waves crashing below, or visit the spectacular St Michael’s Mount, the romantic Sennen Cove, the preferred Eden project, monkey sanctuaries and plenty more.

Even when you’re on seemingly remote walks along cliff tops and moors civilization is never that far away, and finding great places to eat is never a difficulty. Sea food is very popular in Cornwall with locally caught produce a real favorite. Another culinary specialty of Cornwall is fudge which is produced in several places round the county to conventional recipes, and of course Cornish ice cream and cream teas!

One of the nicest things about staying in a cottage in Cornwall is that you get a genuine flavor of the local culture and strategy for living. Whether you plan a short stay of a couple of days, or a longer 2 week break cottage holidays in Cornwall are a great option for you.

When planning your trip, finding a great cottage in Cornwall is very easy. Most cottages now have websites and there are numerous directories to choose from, as well as official tourist websites which list details of hundreds of great places to stay.

Courtesy of: Old Milking Parlour Hotel

The Ritz-Carlton, Powerscourt in County Wicklow, Ireland has partnered with The Old Milking Parlour at Ballymurrin, just 20 minutes from the hotel, that has been converted to a gorgeous, eco-friendly 2-bedroom retreat.

Guests are now welcome to book a stay in this private and historic getaway in the “garden of Ireland.”

The Old Milking Parlour at Ballymurrin, is a lovingly restored 17th century Quaker meeting house and member of Sustainable Tourism Ireland.

The hotel’s owners restored the outhouses into the Old Milking Parlour and turned it into wonderful self catering accommodation which, bar the cows, has kept its old world feel with a stylish fusion of old and new architecture.

Guests are offered preferable rates when booking a holiday which includes a stay in both properties, ensuring guests will see two wonderful sides to The Garden of Ireland or Co. Wicklow.

The Milking Parlour is located 30 minutes from the hotel, and has white washed stone walls throughout, contains two double bedrooms, a wonderful open plan sitting room with stove and glazed doors from all living areas open onto a lavender edged, private garden with BBQ area.

This property is a model of eco-friendly self catering, where all materials were chosen for their sustainability, creating a high standard of accommodation which incorporates a unique learning tool of environment-conscious design, meeting the needs of the discerning traveler.

Under-floor geothermal heating combined with a roaring designer stove, ensure warmth permeates the Old Milking Parlour in winter and in summer the solar panels generate energy, providing the vast majority of hot water and heating.

The Ritz-Carlton, Powerscourt, received the Silver Award by introducing an Environmental Action Plan focusing on energy, waste & water management and developing it across all aspects of the business.

This award is recognized as one of the most successful programs in Europe and is voluntary to all hotels to enter, demonstrating leadership in environmental management within the hospitality sector.

The island of Formentera is the smallest of the four primary Balearic Islands of Mallorca (Majorca), Eivissa (Ibiza), Menorca (Minorca) and Formentera. Eivissa and Formentera are the two smallest islands and together are known as the Pine Islands. This is due to abundance of pine trees.

The archipelago can be found in the Western Mediterranean Sea, near the eastern coast of the Iberian Peninsula. Combined, these scenic islands are an autonomous community and province of Spain.

Palma is the capital and the official languages are Spanish and Catalan. Formentera is ten miles south of Eivissa and is accessible only by boat. There is no airport.

Formentera is a small island and only thirty two square miles in size. One of accommodations to consider is the resort Es Pujols. It’s really the only real resort on the island.

Formentera has a wide range of hotels, hostels, and apartments, and can be found just minutes away from the pristine white beaches and turquoise ocean waters.

Formentera offers travelers other overnight options. Consider one of the many rural farmhouses that are rented out for the summer. There are only a few thousand houses on the island so it may be difficult to actually reserve one. Take a look at the islands many hostels.

Be sure to take into account where you would like to stay. If you’re looking to be in the center of all the party action, Es Pujols would be the natural choice.

If you’re searching for a more rural experience, try the farmland area near Far de la Mola or Far de Barbaria. I would recommend you stay away from the villages of Sant Francecs and San Ferran. Bu there are nice areas just outside these 2 villages.

Formentera has a wide variety of luxury,  accommodation choices.

L’Ambroisie in Paris, France offers a sublime interior. The restaurant is made luxurious with tapestries, time-polished materials and muted colors.

Guests who are welcomed to this exemplary restaurant, find themselves right under the arcades of place des Vosges. Romantic surroundings and pitch-perfect ambience unite flawlessly with classic French cuisine.

Luscious foie gras, perfectly prepared seafood, and sumptuous ingredients like truffles and chestnuts impart dishes with flavor and texture.

Plus, a terrific wine list heightens the appeal of every mouthful. A fine dining experience waiting for all in Paris.

L’Ambroisie
9, pl des Vosges
Paris 75004
01 42 78 51 45

St. Patrick’s Cathedral

Dublin, Ireland is one of the most visited cities in all of Europe and has many popular attractions for tourists to enjoy.

Perhaps one of the most famous of Dublin’s attractions is St. Patrick’s Cathedral. It’s the largest church in Ireland. Be sure to put St. Patrick’s Cathedral on the top of your list of things to do in Dublin.

Saint Patrick’s Cathedral is also known as The National Cathedral and Collegiate Church of Saint Patrick, Dublin.

The first church was built in 1191 to honor Ireland’s Patron Saint. Today, it’s a historical site that tourists flock to year after year. Visitors go into the chapel to pray for free, although there is a charge for sightseeing.

The Cathedral is open year round, except for Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, and the day after Christmas, which is called St. Stephen’s Day.

For people who like to occupy themselves there are self guided tours and everyone is welcome to the services. The cathedral’s website lists all the available church services with times and days.

St.Patrick’s Cathedral includes a bookshop on site. There you can purchase books and CDs. It’s good to know that all proceeds go towards the maintenance of the cathedral.

You can find guide books that will offer an overview of the tours. They will point out what there is to see and the relevance of each attraction. St Patrick’s Cathedral is a spectacular site and along with the Baptistery offers a great day out.

The St. Patrick’s Cathedral is steeped in the rich history of Dublin. The Cathedral is truly a site to behold. Visitors can pray or just walk the grounds and take in the sights. A truly remarkable place to visit, St. Patrick’s Cathedral should be on every itinerary.

If you are lucky enough to visit Ireland and specifically Dublin, you are sure to experience the warm welcoming of Dublin hospitality and take home memories that will last a lifetime.

For more information, go to St.Patrick’s Cathedral

Jaquet Droz – Paris

It’s been 225 years since Jaquet Droz opened its first watchmaking workshop in the French capital of Paris.

History sometimes does repeat itself. Jaquet Droz recently inaugurated its first Parisian boutique at 8, rue de la Paix.

Jaquet Droz is well known for its luxury watch products, and rich watchmaking tradition.

Located at 8, rue de la Paix – the new Parisian boutique is characterized by sleek lines, a palette of black, enamel colors and gray as well as contrasting matte and glossy surfaces.

Founder Pierre Jaquet Droz, was fond of Paris and he created a workshop there in 1785.

Then in the early part of the 21st century, Jaquet Droz launched the “Elegance Paris” Collection, which included luxurious timepieces that were influenced by the glamor and femininity of fine, Parisian fashion.

Jaquet Droz has moved into one of the world’s most prestigious addresses. The new Jaquet Droz Parisian boutique is just a stone’s throw from Place Vendôme.

Number 8, rue de la Paix pays tribute to a sense of French style, that’s characterized by a rich taste for perfection and pure luxury.

Stafford London by Kempinski

The Stafford London by Kempinski is located in heart of St James’s The Stafford. The luxury London hotel was originally built as private residences. The buildings that comprise the hotel (number 16-18 St. James’s Place) were home to many tenants including Lord and Lady Lyttelton.

As The Stafford London by Kempinski celebrates its centennial, the luxury hotel is offering an year-long celebration, including its £100,000 VIP Experience.

Long defined by luxury, The Stafford London by Kempinski prepares for a diamond jubilee and the upcoming Olympic Games in London.

Although the exact opening date of The Stafford Hotel as it stands today is highly debated, research indicates that it took place in either spring 1911 or early 1912. With this in mind, the hotel opted to use 2011 as its preparation period for a year of festivities in 2012.

General Manager Leon Baum was quoted, “In 2011, we were inspired by our rich heritage and embarked on a renovation program that made the hotel better than ever; we launched our rustic British restaurant The Lyttelton and began pulling together new one-of-a-kind experiences for our guests. This year, we celebrate it all. Each initiative highlights our quintessential British character, while also illustrating how we continue to evolve and exceed our guests’ wildest expectations.

Stafford London by Kempinski

Hotel guests can find numerous opportunities to learn of The Stafford London by Kempinski’s rich history, including: VIP experiences, historic exhibits, new epicurean offerings, and much more!

To kick-off the celebrations, the hotel is unveiling the ultimate London VIP experience. Drawing on its long-standing relationships with iconic U.K. brands, The Stafford’s £100,000 Anniversary Package celebrates the finer things in life. The luxury hotel package includes:

– Luxurious London pied a terre for three nights at The Stafford in either the duplex Guv’nor’s Suite or more contemporary Penthouse of The Stafford Mews; plus a £10,000 dining credit to spend on epicurean experiences in the hotel’s American Bar, The Lyttelton, or in-room dining throughout the stay
– Effortless airport experience including private waiting lounge, escort through customs/immigration, transfers and more through Heathrow by Invitation
– Chauffeur driven Bentley, Jaguar or Rolls Royce limousine at guests’ beckon call throughout their stay
– Private butler to attend to every need and desire
– Feast fit for the most discerning foodies consisting of a private dinner party in The Stafford’s 380-year-old wine cellars for up to ten guests; a choice of three-course or five-course tasting menu prepared by Executive Chef Brendan Fyldes; and wine pairings by Master Sommelier Gino Nardella
– Bespoke fashions courtesy of famed tailor Henry Poole and hatters Lock & Co; a heirloom-worthy piece of custom jewellery by London’s top designer Patrick Wyatt; fittings and consolations can be conducted in-suite or at the designers’ shops
– A private portrait photo-shoot with internationally renowned photographer Alistair Morrison (Morrison has shot celebrities from Sir Anthony Hopkins to Helen Mirren to Twiggy and has 82 photographs in the National Portrait Gallery)
– Exclusive London experiences to fill the itinerary including: traditional afternoon tea in an exclusive British setting of either the Royal Academy, Highgrove House or Kensington Palace; a private Champagne or Wine Capsule experience on the London Eye; a half-day spa retreat at a neighbouring establishment; a speedboat tour of The Thames River; and a chance to try the indulgent Mahiki Armada Treasure Chest concoction

The incredible £100,000 Anniversary Package is priced at £100,000, excluding taxes and gratuities. It is available now through December 31, 2012 and is subject to availability.

To book, contact reservations at: +44 (0) 207 493 0111.

Hungary is a former Eastern Bloc country but has emerged as a popular European travel destination, offering a return to magical Renaissance, ancient folk traditions, and quaint rustic villages.

Perhaps the single most underrated city in Europe, Budapest is a city for lovers and dreamers.

Although London, Rome, Paris and Madrid continue to be hot spots in Europe, there does exist other wonderful and magnificent cities and locations that are often overlooked.

One of those hidden gems is definitely Budapest, Hungary. Budapest is located in the heart of Europe, and is one of Europe’s most splendid cities.

A mention of Budapest, Hungary brings to mind the meandering blue Danube River. The famed and gently flowing Danube River splits the city of Budapest into two.

In Budapest, one can view both breathtaking natural beauty or exquisite architecture. This “City of the Spas” and “Queen of the Danube” is undoubtedly one of the most amazing cities in the world.

Budapest is also a tourist’s dream. The city provides a wide range of activities to keep you busy on your European vacation or holiday.

Museums stand in the streets, rich with history. The Aquincum Museum and Roman ruins house the 2,000 year old remains of the Roman town of Aquincum.

You can learn more about the Roman Empire at the Budapest History Museum and Castle Museum. These hold archaeological remnants from that formative era.

A visit to the Transport Museum offers insight behind the well known railway system in Budapest. In addition, this transportation museum holds one of the earliest collections of transport-related articles in Europe.

A significant piece of Budapest’s diverse history is the story its Jewish people and heritage.

Budapest was severely devastated by the Holocaust during World War II. More than a half million of its men were deported to the Auschwitz concentration camp.

A popular location in Budapest is the hot springs. These natural resources of warm water are believed to contain powerful healing capability. World travelers regularly come to Budapest to use the healing thermal baths.

The Szechenyi Bath in Budapest provides hot water that ideally makes it a popular refuge even in the icy cold winter air.

For nature lovers, Budapest also boasts many beautiful caves. Carved by the natural springs, these caves offer another amazing opportunity to explore.

Visiting Budapest is nothing short of visiting paradise. A trip to Budapest will surely be one you will never forget.

Compagnie du Ponant

For golf and travel enthusiasts who are looking to combine their two passions, Compagnie du Ponant invites has just the package for you.

Compagnie du Ponant introduced its nine-day “Nice–Nice” voyage that sails to eight ports and visits five stunning courses in Italy and France aboard the three-masted sailing yacht Le Ponant.

The 290-foot Le Ponant is a luxurious 64-passenger yacht that cruises the Mediterranean Sea. The yacht features intimacy and luxury with a full roster of high-end amenities that are sure to deliver a memorable sailing experience.

During port stops, golf lovers can play rounds at popular courses including La Pevero, considered one of the world’s “best kept secrets,” and Cannes-Mougins, nestled within the protected lands of the Valmasque Forest.

If golf is not your game, you are in luck. Enjoy stops in Civitavecchia, the gateway to Rome; Viareggio, a placid Tuscan seaside resort town; and Calvi, home to the Genoese Citadel.

Compagnie du Ponant is offering three differenet “Nice-Nice” Golf Themed Cruises, departuring May 6, 17 and 25.

These luxury golf themed cruises are designed for the golfer looking for a little adventure and the traveler looking to exceed the bounds of traditional cruising — unspoiled destinations, less-visited ports and out-of-the-way locales.

Cruise fares are priced from $4,841 to $5,453 per person, double occupancy. Golfers pay an additional $760 per person for golf course fees.

· Acquabona Golf Club – set in hilly countryside bordered by oak pines and eucalyptus trees, this nine-hole course with double starting ground challenges guests with uphill and downhill shots complicated by crosswinds from the sea. Situated on the Island of Elba, halfway between Portoferraio and Porto Azzurro, the course offers stunning panoramic views of the gulf and inland landscape.

· Le Pavoniere – the former playground of Lorenzo de’Medici, this relatively flat course in the old Tavola Farmhouse Estate Park is surrounded by holm-oak woods, cluster pines and Tuscan cypresses. Designed in 1986 by Arnold Palmer, the course suits golfers of all skill levels.

· Pevero – a creation of Robert Trent Jones Sr. is renowned for the beauty of its tree-covered hills and rocky coastline and has been ranked in the top 50 courses in the world by Golf Magazine. The innovative layout incorporates the natural challenges in the landscape, from the Mistral – the northern wind that shaped the rocks in the area – to vegetation, lakes and 70 bunkers that dot the 6,688-yard course.

· Sperone Golf Club – comprised partly of rocky scrubland and partly linked, this 18-hole course is considered to be one of Robert Trent Jones Sr.’s masterpieces – and is ranked 6th in all of France. The course offers three signature holes: the 10th, where your drive must carry the water; the 15th, which has a cliff-top green; and the 16th, named one of the world’s most stunning Par 5 holes by Golf Magazine.

· Golf Country Club de Cannes-Mougins – nestled within the heart of the Valmasque Forest and traversed by the Boullide River, this 6,906 yard, 18-hole course offers a round that is as breathtaking as it is complex. Founded in 1923, the course was rebuilt in 1977 by golf architects Peter Allis and Dave Thomas and has since organized the Cannes Open, serving as a highlight on the European Tour.

All of Compagnie du Ponant’s ships and cruise itineraries are designed to protect marine wildlife, coastal environments and local flora and fauna. For additional information or to make reservations, please contact us at:

St Regis, Mardavall

Mallorca’s timeless beauty is visible across the landscape, from the secret coastal coves and turquoise waters to the fairytale villages of the interior.

The island possesses stunning natural beauty along with a surprisingly vibrant and inspiring culture; a colorful yet modest hideaway perfect for a weekend retreat. Teamed with the luxury resorts and services offered there, stunning scenery and professional pampering lie in easy distance of each other.

Finding the perfect place to wind down in Mallorca, Spain is of optimum importance. Luxury hotels in Mallorca like the St Regis, Mardavall offer a multitude of services and spa therapies within the resort, so you won’t have to worry about travel or planning on a short break. A wide range of opportunities and services are available, eliminating any planning stress or time wasting.

The Arabella Spa is a sanctuary of natural medicines and holistic therapies, drawing upon a rich variety of traditions and bringing together specialists from around the globe. Facilities like a spa and pool provide the perfect setting to relax at the beginning of a weekend break.

Mallorca’s stunning coast is a wonderful place to recline and refresh; a succession of curves and bays with an abundance of sandy coves and shallow emerald waters for swimming. The extent of the island’s coastline makes the beach easily accessible, with secluded, sandy spots to discover away from the popular stretches.

The range of dining possibilities will leave you suitably spoiled on a weekend break without being overwhelmed. Restaurants cover a host of cuisines from light snacks and tapas to a la carte and gourmet. Many local dishes are available, including freshly caught seafood and mouth-watering paella.

Fine wines from local grapes are served in the restaurants, the Balearics having been a major wine producer in classical times. Beautifully bodied Spanish favorites such as Rioja are also widely available.

If you would prefer to take in something of the Mallorcan culture and lifestyle then Spanish lessons are a fun way to immerse yourself. Qualified locals lead sessions, giving visitors the opportunity to pick up phrases to use when out and about. You’ll be pleasantly surprised by what can be learned in a couple of hour-long sessions, and the rich beautiful language adds to the rolling, sensual landscape which surrounds you.

There are plenty of opportunities for interesting day trips if you are thirsty for culture and adventure rather than relaxation. Beautifully picturesque villages dot the mountainous landscape, with prehistoric ruins and iconic monasteries hidden in the interior.

There are also a number of hiking trails revealing stunning scenery and ranging from easy strolls to serious work-outs. Mallorca is home to some of the Mediterranean’s most magnificent mountain scenery.

A day hike will also allow you a look at village life which retains the customs and traditions of generations past; a real glimpse into the timeless elegance of Mallorca.

Castle Philipsruhe – Hanau, Germany

2012 is the year of music in Germany.  Frankfurt Rhine-Main region is celebrating the spirit of music with a German Choir Festival.  From June 7^th through the 12^th, thousands of singers will gather at Frankfurt into on majestic stage.   Joined by individual concert sponsors and churches, the eclectic fusion of music ranges from classical to hip-hop and experimental.  With over 400 ensembles of over 20,000 singers will participate in this choral event.

For Jazz lovers, there are three jazz festivals to choose from: the annual Jazz Festival in Bingen located in the famed UNESCO World Hertiage Site “Upper Middle Rhine Valley,” taking place from June 22^nd to the 24^th; swing, boogie, blues and jazz surrounded by the romantic atmosphere of local vineyards and gardens; Jazz Week in Oestrich Winkel from July 20^th to the 29^th; and open-air music festival known as Idstein JazzFestival from June 15^th through the 17^th at the rustic, romantic city center.

No music festival is complete without this one genre: rock and roll.  Feeding your inner Rock n’ Roll is the four-day European Elvis Festival from August 16^th to the 19^th.  Concerts, exhibitions, parades, guided tours will be offered to commemorate the life and art of Elvis.  Other concerts taking place is the Rheingau Music Festival and the Bach Festival in nearby Aschaffenburg.

Coinciding with the music festivals are culinary events with gourmet cuisine and wine tasting.  Internationally known art exhibitions and museums such as the “dOCUMENTA,” Städel Museum, Jugendstil Festival, and Castle Philippsruhe in Hanau, the Fairy Tale City will also be available to satisfy your artistic desires.