Outrigger Aina Nalu

When people think Hawaii, they think the fantasy Four Seasons screensaver version. But the true Hawaiian experience involves the local food, culture, and not to mention, the convenience and comfort of home. Ok, maybe a little more pampering than home. The luxurious condos of Outrigger Aina Nalu in Lahaina on Maui encompasses the complete Hawaiian experience.

The first thing I noticed arriving at the Aina Nalu was its ideal ocation. It’s conveniently located within 3-block walking distance to the lively and diverse Lahaina, Maui downtown scene, and a 5-minute car drive away from the local supermarket and quaint fruit stands.

As we pulled up to the front lobby, I was immediately swept away by its open-air lobby and understated island decor. Without over-the-top gaudiness, the Aina Nalu condominium hotel was a simple, yet elegant presence in the heart of Lahaina.

Home to numerous Hawaiian island plants and animals, the Outrigger Aina Nalu is the realistic paradise that you can see yourself taking permanent residence. Unlike the fantastic image of Hawaii, Aina Nalu provides the beauty, comfort, and relaxation beyond your own home, but still with the welcoming home feel.

A stroll through Aina Nalu’s garden reveals small green geckos warming up on the stalk of Tahitian Gardenias under the mild morning sun, scattered red and pink ginger, Lawa’i Fern, and Bird of Paradise, and the sweet fragrance of Hawaiian’s signature Plumeria blooms. The mellowing effect surpasses any spa treatment.

Outrigger Aina Nalu pavillion

Water is the central theme to Aina Nalu’s island garden. The source of life, water decor, is a crucial part of the property’s design. Stone fountains and mini waterfalls all demonstrate Aina Nalu’s connection to the life of the island. The largest bodies of water on the property is undoubtedly the two swimming pools. Napping on the lounge chairs under the palm trees, or inside one of the exotic wood and bamboo gazebos by the poolside is another way to enjoy the water-themed property.

In addition to offering divine views, the Aina Nalu is also a strong supporter of preserving the beauty of Hawaii through its environmental efforts. The property utilizes the green technology of photovoltaics through generating electrical power by converting solar radiation into direct current electricity. All of its light bulbs are the energy-saving compact fluorescent lamps (CFLs), its hot water system is also derived from solar power, and it has a comprehensive recycling system.

Amenities of the Aina Nalu is among the best I have seen. It’s home but with more upgraded luxuries. All of its appliances are manufactured by consumers’ favorite, Whirlpool. Complete with a full freezer/refrigerator, microwave, polished stainless steel electric range stove and oven, as well as a microwave and coffee maker, its fully equipped kitchen gives you the opportunity to cook your favorite meals and enjoy it on your private lanai. Many guests of the Aina Nalu also take advantage of one of its elaborate top-of-the-line outdoor grills to barbecue with friends.

Outrigger Aina Nalu pool

The shower stall adopts an open design lined with stone-like tile surface. It gives you the feeling of showering under a waterfall. Rich, yet mildly scented toiletries further reinforces the sweet, laidback island experience. One of the most convenient features of Aina Nalu was each individual condo’s private washer and dryer.

Every room in the condo has a banana leaf-shaped ceiling fan. Relaxing on the soft, luxurious queen bed with the Plumeria island breeze from the lanai perpetuated by the ceiling fan, was the ultimate island paradise experience.

Returning home after vacationing at the luxurious Aina Nalu condominium hotel on Maui proved to be more difficult than staying at a 5-star hotel, because with a 5-star hotel, you know in the back of your mind that you’ll eventually have to leave. But a place like Outrigger Aina Nalu, an upgraded comfort luxury version of your own home, can really make you believe it’s home.

To plan a trip to Hawaii or make a reservation, please visit: https://www.thelifeofluxury.com/travel/

In the heart of busy Honolulu Oahu, Foster Botanical Gardens is a 13.5 acre oasis of tropical plants, some rare and endangered, collected from throughout the world’s tropics over a period of 140 years.

The oldest of several botanical gardens in Hawaii, Foster Botanical Garden started after William Hillebrand leased a portion of what is now central Honolulu from Queen Kalama in 1853.

As a botanist Hillebrand planted a great many trees, then left Hawaii for his native Germany, where he produced Flora of the Hawaiian Islands (1888).

The site was then sold to Thomas and Mary Foster, who added several acres and plantings before it was bequeathed to the city as a public garden in 1931.

The first Foster Botanical Garden director was Dr. Harold Lyon, a preeminent botanist in Hawaii.

Major streets now encompass the site, check the satellite image to get a feel for how precious a retreat this makes in the center of a busy city.

Of note are the orchid gardens, a prehistoric glen, a multitude of protected exceptional trees, and, as you can see, a magnificent palm collection.

Guided tours of Foster Botanical Garden are given to thousands of school children as well as visitors from around the world.

For additional information, please visit Foster Botanical Garden

The Resort at Squaw Creek

Located in picturesque Squaw Valley near Lake Tahoe, the luxurious Resort at Squaw Creek is a AAA Four-Diamond resort situated at base of Squaw Valley USA, proud home of the 1960 Winter Olympics.

Resort at Squaw Creek is truly a world-class facility, offering all the latest, modern amenities. This luxury alpine resort provides the ideal spot to experience everything the scenic Lake Tahoe area has to offer.

The Resort at Squaw Creek has long been recognized as a top Lake Tahoe destination by both visitors and the travel industry. Conde Nast Traveler magazine has ranked the Resort at Squaw Creek as one of the top 50 ski hotels in North America, in addition to being one of the top 150 U. S. mainland resorts.

As you enter the resort’s dramatic, open lobby, you’ll notice the gorgeous architecture and a beautiful cascading waterfall through large windows that provide stunning views of the 195 hillside acres beneath the mammoth peaks of nearby Squaw Valley. The resort’s attention to detail is evident everywhere. The friendly and professional Resort at Squaw Creek staff provide an overall superior service.

Resort at Squaw Creek – The Life of Luxury

Resort guests will find 405 luxurious accommodations that range from deluxe rooms to bi-level penthouses – all offering stunning views of the majestic Sierra Nevada Mountains. Many rooms are nestled up against the trees, offering a relaxing feeling of being up in the mountains alone.

The decor of these luxury rooms is superior, one of the nicest you’ll find in the Lake Tahoe area. Key amenities include: remote-controlled LCD flat-screen TVs, refrigerators, “Deep Powder” pillow-top beds, hair dryers and robes, coffee makers, Pay-Per-View movies and video games and much more!

Squaw Valley – The Life of Luxury

Located near the world famous Squaw Valley USA ski resort, you can enjoy some of the best skiing and snowboarding in the world. Squaw Valley USA has a base elevation of 6,200 feet, providing six mountain peaks that range in elevation from 7,550 to 9,050 feet. The Resort at Squaw Creek has an exclusive on-property chair lift during the winter, offering hotel guests ski-in/ski-out access to Squaw Valley USA’s world-class ski terrain.

Definitely a winter mecca for snow lovers who come to Lake Tahoe, but there is plenty to do here year-round, which makes it a place of world-class recreation. For golfers, you are in luck. Designed by Robert Trent, this 18-hole championship golf course is both challenging and magnificent. The golf course is surrounded by protected wetlands and the towering granite peaks of Squaw Valley.

Resort at Squaw Creek Golf Course

Additional recreational opportunities await such as horseback riding, hiking, fly fishing, mountain biking, tennis and swimming. During winter, The Resort at Squaw Creek also offers X-country tracks, snow shoe tracks, dog sledding, and even fly fishing.

If you love the water, enjoy the resort’s three outdoor swimming pools, outdoor hot tubs and the world-class luxury spa – The Spa at Squaw Creek. Relax and The Spa at Squaw Creek is north Lake Tahoe’s largest and most luxurious spa facility.

Why go elsewhere for a memorable fine dining experience. You’ll find several restaurants on the property, featuring Six Peaks Grille which offers a unique dining experience with distinctive regional cuisine featuring the freshest produce, seafood and steaks, with spectacular mountain and valley views. Sandy’s Pub is the perfect gathering place for families and friends. Try delicious appetizers and mouth watering meals all served in a mountain-style sports bar atmosphere.

With a full bar, enjoy a wide selection of wine, microbrews, and cocktails. Sandy’s Pub also provides big screen TV’s playing the latest sports game or ski movie. For a casual meal, consider quaint Sweet Potatoes Deli that provides gourmet coffees, light breakfasts, deli sandwiches, salads and homemade soups.

The Resort at Squaw Creek also has its own boutique shopping promenade. Just steps from your room, stroll amongst the stores and find designer fashions, jewelry, fine art, sporting equipment, and kids clothing.

Squaw Valley in Lake Tahoe is a breathtaking and beautiful place. The Resort at Squaw Creek has everything you need to enjoy a relaxing vacation or simply a weekend getaway. For luxury amenities, elegant ambiance and award-winning services …. The Resort at Squaw Creek is your only choice!

For more information on The Resort at Squaw Creek, please visit www.squawcreek.com

400 Squaw Creek Road
P.O. Box 3333
Olympic Valley, California 96146
Phone: 530-583-6300

Venetian Resort-Hotel-Casino

The luxury Venetian Resort-Hotel-Casino in Las Vegas is one of the world’s most luxurious resort and convention destinations. The Venetian is proud to be the largest property in the U.S. to receive AAA’s Five Diamond and the coveted Forbes Travel Guide Four Star awards.

For an amazing world of art experience, you can view Da Vinci – The Genius, the most comprehensive exploration of Leonardo da Vinci’s work ever created. This art exhibit is offered as a limited engagement at The Venetian® in Las Vegas. Da Vinci – The Genius will be open daily from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m.

Da Vinci – The Genius is an interactive experience that explores Leonardo da Vinci’s timeless, creative brilliance. Exhibit guests will enjoy full-scale interpretations Da Vinci’s many inventions and his most famous art.

Da Vinci – The Genius demonstrates the full scope of Leonardo Da Vinci’s remarkable genius as an inventor, artist, anatomist, sculptor, engineer, musician and architect. Explore the exhibit floor and see first-hand more than 200 unique pieces including 75 life-size machine inventions, three-dimensional renderings of da Vinci’s most notable Renaissance works and an eye-opening, in-depth analysis of his most famous piece, “Mona Lisa.”

Da Vinci – The Genius was developed by experienced da Vinci experts in both Italy and France. The exhibit celebrates one of the most revered and dynamic minds of all time. The exhibition consists of eleven enticing themed areas of da Vinci’s vast work. Many people do not know that the work of Leonardo da Vinci led to some of modern society’s most impactful inventions, including the helicopter, airplane, automobile, submarine, parachute and bicycle.

A misy see at Da Vinci – The Genius is the new Secrets of Mona Lisa exhibit, that presents findings of French scientific engineer and examiner of fine art, Pascal Cotte. Back in 2004, Cotte was was allowed to remove “Mona Lisa” off the wall at the Louvre and conduct scientific analysis. This Las Vegas exhibit showcases Cotte’s study and 25 of his most compelling revelations, illustrated by 40 super-magnified, high-resolution sectional images exploring every aspect of the work.

You can buy tickets for Da Vinci – The Genius at The Venetian box office and venetian.com. Ticket prices are: adult ($25), senior/military ($23), Nevada residents ($20), children 12 and under ($18).

Four Season’s Hotel London at Park Lane

Her Majesty The Queen’s Diamond Jubilee celebration in London last week was an amazing event, recognizing the Queen’s 60 years on the throne.

To honor this historic event, Louis XIII has partnered with the Four Season’s Hotel London at Park Lane to develop a delicious cocktail worthy of The Queen herself.

The Diamond Jubilee Fizz is a delicious blend of Louis XIII cognac, raspberry liqueur and rose essence, and is topped up with Louis Roederer Cristal Champagne.

The Diamond Jubilee Fizz is available from the Amaranto Bar at the Four Season’s Hotel London at Park Lane, throughout the month of June for an eye-popping £10,000.

But don’t worry about not getting your money’s worth. Each customer who buys the Diamond Jubilee Fizz will walk away with a stunning Leviev Diamond!

Louis XIII is made up of a unique blend of over 1,200 eaux-de-vie sourced exclusively from Grande Champagne, the most prestigious cru in the heart of the Cognac Region.

This ultimate celebration cocktail was created by Davide Guidi, who is the Amaranto Bar Manger at the luxury Four Season’s Hotel London at Park Lane.

Diamond Jubilee Fizz is made with a base of Louis XIII cognac, the world’s most sought after luxury cognac since 1874.

For more info, please visit: www.louis-xiii.com

Courtesy of: Terzetto at M Resort

Capping off a recent stay at the “M” Resort in Las Vegas, we were going to drive back into the strip, (probably 5 miles +), and try out another potentially interesting eatery.

But alas, it was already 8:45 p.m. and our energy level was running on empty. Hence, we opted to remain at the “M” and try out its local cuisine, — and we’re so glad we did.

We made arrangements to dine at “Terzetto”, which boasts a wonderful oyster bar, and an interior design worthy of the cover of “Architectural Digest”.

We began with a shared appetizer salad of a tomato / mozzarella caprese with spring greens and a light vinaigrette. –Very tasty. My friend ordered a rare 12 oz prime rib*, with a side of fresh sauteed brocolinni, prepared deftly and perfectly, –very nice.

My entree was a combination 8 oz fillet mignon* (rare) and 8 oz lobster tail served with drawn lemon butter. Both accompanied by a side of cubed butternut squash gratinee.

All three offerings were prepared impeccably and tasted magnificently.

Some beautiful deserts were presented to us, but alas, we were stuffed to the gills, –no more room.

The meal was served with a buttery complex house chardonnay, which was quite acceptable. The french bread offered at the onset was one of the best I’ve ever tasted.

* All beef served at Terzetto is raised on the owner’s cattle ranch in Montana, and the quality was superb.

I strongly recommend Terzetto to everyone. It is a comfortable and beautiful restaurant, with excellently prepared food.

Please enjoy!!!

Author: Val Patacchi is a freelance writer and avid traveler.

The Big Island is the farthest south, the youngest, and the biggest of the Hawaiian Islands. It is also the only one with three active volcanoes — Mauna Loa, Hualalai and Kilauea, which is the world’s most active volcano. It erupts continually, spewing out lava both night and day, and adding 500 feet to the coastline each year. An amazing sight to see.

Arriving at the secluded green paradise, called “Kona Village”, you feel you have reached a truly, tropical oasis. At Kona Village, you sleep in a palm-thatched hut call a hale (“HAH-lay”). Some of these hales (the more expensive) look out at their flawless lagoon; others (less expensive) overlook 5 ponds that are fringed with water birds and filled with tilapia nests. (Tilapia dig out small craters with their fins, which they protect fiercely).

Kona Village is blissfully quiet. During the day, you hear nothing but the cooing of zebra doves in rustling coconut palms. At night, you hear gentle wind. In the morning, you will be awakened by a joyful chorus of tropical birds.

The marine life is magnificent. The snorkeling is the equal of any place on earth. There are 12 species of healthy coral, 75 species of reef fish, moray eels, octopus, and manta rays.

If you do not watch your feet as you walk along the beach, you will trip over a huge green sea turtle, toasting on the hot sand to raise its body temperature. These gentle giants grow to 3½ feet, and can weigh up to 400 pounds. They lay their eggs on the French Frigate Shoals in the northernmost Hawaiian Islands in the summer, then come down to the Kona Coast to feast on seaweed in the winter.

These turtles will swim right underneath you, but don’t be tempted to help them out by scraping seaweed off their shells. If you do, you will be depriving some reef fish of its dinner. Turtles periodically will float lazily by the reef, so that yellow butterfly fish can come to vacuum off their backs. Humpback whales spend their summers in Alaska getting fat, and then come to Hawaii from November to May to mate. There are masses of them, and they are full of fun; the locals call the ocean at this time of the year “whale soup.” Gaze at the horizon, and within 10 minutes you will see at least one whale spout and then breach. One surfaced 100 yards from Cynthia’s kayak with a loud, “PAAAAH.”

There is an excellent beach crew on hand to organize your water activities. All are knowledgeable naturalists. Kayaks, wind surfers and snorkeling equipment are all free.

Boats go out daily for humpback whale and spinner dolphin spotting, and for scuba diving and snorkeling. In actual fact, the snorkeling off the beach cannot be beat, and you will see the humpbacks without going out in a boat.

Do go out in the spotter boat, however, in order to get a close look at the spinner dolphins. They will come right up to the boat, because they just love to play in the wake. All dolphins jump in the air; Pacific spinners jump, and then twirl around and around before splashing back. We counted 5 spins for one acrobatic fellow, and a little baby showed promise with 3 rotations.

You will also be able to eavesdrop on whale conversations from the boat, using a device called a hydrophone. Their eerie songs are occasionally used on the sound track of horror movies.

Twice a week they have a luau dinner at Kona Village, with traditional Hawaiian fare and entertainment. Guests can see a pig placed in the imu, or pit, with hot rocks and banana leaves, at 1 p.m. and then watch it taken out, roasted to perfection, at 6 p.m.

One night a week there is a paniolo (Hawaiian cowboy) barbecue, with entertainers who sing songs and tell stories about the olden days when the paniolo drove their cattle down to the beach and then into the ocean and swam their cows out to be lifted by cranes with huge straps which were put under the cows who were lifted onto the waiting ocean freighters. There is live Hawaiian music on the terrace almost every night. You will hear the famous “slack string” guitar: a guitar with the lowest E string tuned down to G and the other strings turned to a G chord. The sound is mellow and resonant and haunting.

One of the best petroglyph sites in Hawaii is right at the village. These rock carvings date back about 900 years. The ancient Hawaiians had no written language, so the priests would record important events by carving them into smooth lava. You will see many images of triangular shaped sails, which record journeys; images of men fishing; dots, which were probably ancient calendars; turtles and another animals.

Amazingly, there is a petroglyph of Captain Cook and his men, tied up in a sort of chain gang. Cook was killed in 1779, at a spot a half hour’s drive south of Kona Village. There is also a petroglyph depicting two other foreigners, Davis and Young, one American and one British. These two sailors, survivors of the slaughter of their shipmates, became advisors to King Kamehameha the first, the “George Washington “ of Hawaii, and helped him to conquer all the rival chiefs and unite the islands in 1795.

Kona Village is centrally located, so it is an excellent jump-off spot to see the rest of the island. We drove across the north side of the island one afternoon through the lush rolling fields of Parker Ranch (one of the largest cattle ranches in the U.S. at 350 square miles) to spectacular Waipio Valley which can be reached only on foot or by four-wheel-drive vehicles. The valley ends at the coast where the beaches are dramatic black sand. You can hire horses in the valley, ride to and gallop on these stunning beaches.

Swinton Park Hotel

From the second you enter Swinton Park Hotel, you will understand why it holds the White Rose Award for Hotel of the Year 2009.

This luxury castle hotel sits in 200 acres of landscaped parkland in the Yorkshire Dales, and has played host to many country house parties of legendary style and grandeur.

The castle dates from the late 1600’s with subsequent alterations by the Danby and Cunliffe-Lister families, combining both Regency and Victorian Gothic style and architecture.

Samuel Cunliffe-Lister bought Swinton Park in 1880, having amassed a fortune in the Bradford wollen mills. His great-great-great grandson, Mark (the current Baron of Masham), now owns the hotel and surrounding 20,000 acre estate with his wife Felicity.

Lavishly furnished with family portraits and antiques, the hotel combines all the traditional warmth and hospitality of a stately home with every creature comfort that a contemporary hotel could provide.

Relax and absorb the timeless elegance of a quintessentially English country house. Enjoy traditional afternoon tea in the luxurious drawing room with its warming log fire where attentive staff will serve you delicious food. The hotel holds the Tea Guild Award of Excellence 2009 and boasts its very own blend.

It’s not just popping in for afternoon tea. Swinton Park offers thirty bedrooms, each individually designed, drawing inspiration from the nearby dales, castle, abbeys and towns.

Sweeping views over the surrounding gardens, parkland and gatehouse are in abundance.

Enjoy exclusive use of The Spa; an oasis of calm. Relax in the Jacuzzi pool, relaxation zone, or sit for a while in the sauna. The Treatment Rooms offer face, body, beauty and complementary therapy treatments. Individual treatments, day spa and spa accommodation packages are available throughout the year.

Try your hand in the Cookery School with celebrity chef Rosemary Shrager, using the freshest ingredients from the hotels own walled garden and surrounding countryside.

Recent Awards & Accolades:
Hotel of the year 2009, White Rose Awards
Sustainable Tourism Award 2009 (Highly Commended), White Rose Awards
Green Business Award 2009, Yorkshire Rural Awards
Tea Guild Award of Excellence 2009
Green Tourism Business Scheme 2008
Top Ten Cookery Schools 2008, Sunday Times
Taste of Yorkshire 2007, White Rose Awards
Top Ten European Castle Hotel 2007, Trip Advisor
Outstanding Customer Service Award 2006, White Rose Award
50 Most Romantic Hotels 2006, The Independent

Hotel of the Year 2004, Excellence in England Awards
Swinton Park Hotel
Masham, Ripon
North Yorkshire, HG4 4JH
Tel: 01765 680900
http://www.swintonpark.com

Written by: Ellen Dean

Venice, Italy

There is only one city like Venice in the world. Venice Italy is consistently a top destination for travelers around the world. Its narrow alley streets and water canals, adheres love and romance!

1) Piazza San Marco, St Mark’s Square: Piazza San Marco (St Mark’s Square) is the principal square of Venice, Italy. It is one of the few beautiful spots in Europe where you can hear yourself speak without being overpowered by the sounds of motorized city traffic.

The district of San Marco is pretty much a labyrinth of narrow alleyways and canals.The Piazza originated in the 9th century as a small area in front of the original St Mark’s Basilica. It was enlarged to its present form in 1177.

In the evening hours, the square takes on a different character as the cafe orchestras fill the night air with Jazz/Classical music. Pull up a chair, have a cocktail and absorb the great unique atmosphere that surrounds you. It’s also the focus for many of Venice’s festivals. A great popular place in Italy today.

The Piazza you see today was paved in the late 13th century with bricks laid in a herringbone pattern. It is believed the light-colored stones were probably used setting up market stalls and organizing frequent ceremonial processions.

2) Rialto Bridge, Grand Canal: This bridge crossing the Grand Canal was constructed in 1181 by Mr.Barattieri. It was called the “Ponte della Moneta” before being replaced 3 more times until the final model we see today and called “Rialto Bridge”. The Rialto Bridge in Venice, designed by Antonio da Ponte and finally completed in 1591, was at that time the only of its kind (made of limestone) to cross the Grand Canal. This is how the Rialto market born…

Rialto turned into one of the main centres for trade in the city. The bridge has beaten all odds and is nowadays one of the architectural masterpiece of Venice and an icon for this city. Each day at sunset people gather here to take in the sight of Venice as the sun falls down into the far distance. This is also a perfect spot for admiring the gondoliers as they make their way slowly down the Grand Canal. Rialto Bridge is largely considered one of the most beautiful sites in the world.

3) Castello Area, Biennial Gardens: The Castello area is the most easterly and largest of the 6 areas of Venice and among the oldest areas of Venice. It grew up from the thirteenth century around a naval dockyard. Napoleon changed it to what is now the Biennial Gardens, and still more recently the island of Sant’Elena has been created along with other parts of land drained at other areas of the quarter.

It’s full of fascinating things to see. One in particular is Venice’s Arsenal Naval History museum (Museo Storico Navale) and the former military shipyard of the Republic at Arsenal. In its glory days, was the core of the city’s prosperous shipping industry. Visit the Public Gardens, the largest of their kind in Venice.

4) Accademia Area, Museum Gallery: Located on the south bank of the Grand Canal, it gives its name to one of the 3 bridges crossing the canal, the “Accademia Bridge”. This area is best known for its museum gallery of pre-1800s art, famous architects, art paintings and sculptures in Venice, Italy.

It is believed that Venice’s most respected ancient artists studied here, thus attracting other finest artists in Italy to study in this area. The Galleria dell’Accademia contains masterpieces of Venetian paintings and history.

5) Cannaregio Area, First Jewish Ghetto in Venice: The Cannaregio district of Venice is still inhabited largely by Venetians. It’s the northernmost of the six areas of Venice and the second largest in terms of inhabitants, about 20 thousands people. Canneregio was the main route into the city until the construction of a railway to the mainland, which gave the district its name.

Development began in the eleventh century as the area was drained and parallel canals were dredged. It’s the home to the beautiful church of Madonna dell’Orto, Palace of Ca’ d’Oro and Tintoretto’s masterpieces. The Ghetto’s Jewish Museum (Museo Ebraico), introduces the history of the first Jewish ghetto in history. Many restaurants offer some of the best cuisine in Venice at reasonable prices.

6) Santa Croce Area, Piazzale Roma: Santa Croce is where Venice’s central bus station and car parks are. This is the only area of Venice in which cars can travel, called “Terra Firma”. The area was once part of the Luprio swamp, but slowly claiming land. This district it’s an extension of San Polo and lies on the opposite side of the Grand Canal towards the main railway station of Venice, Piazzale Roma and it’s the most affected by the opening of the Lagoon Road 1933 due its steady grounds.

A location where you can grasp the authentic Venetian neighbourhood atmosphere. It’s however very close to the city’s main attractions. It’s a very pleasant area to take an evening stroll! Campo San Giacomo dell’Orio is a lively square full of people and music where sometimes couples can dance.

7) Giudecca Island, Exclusive Residential area and Beautiful Gardens: The Island of Giudecca was originally called “Spinalunga” – Long Thorn – because of its shape. Giudecca was historically an area of large palaces with amazing gardens, gaining back its once most regarded reputation as luxury residential area. It is known for its long dock and its beautiful churches, including Il Redentore.

Impressive views of the mainland stretching across the Giudecca Canal where the sun gorgeously sets. The celebration of “Festival of Redeemer” (the end of the plague in 1526), takes place every 3rd weekend of July every year, the Venetians gather a bridge of boats across the Giudecca canal with a display of fireworks. This spectacular sight can be seen from every corner in Venice.

In a city as resolutely classical as Vienna, even the Bauhaus facade of the Levante Parliament hotel stands out as something stylistically extraordinary. Equally surprising is what’s inside — a contemporary take on the era’s obsession with monochrome and geometric forms that’s just as striking as the typical clean-lined design hotel, and a good deal more livable.

The 74-room Levante Parliament hotel opened several years ago in a 1908 Biedermeier building. Natural stone, dark wood, glass and chrome — with a dab of bright colors is used for the modern architecture interior.

One improvement comes in the area of materials, what seems like miles of marble, glass, and exotic woods. Accents in orange and copious black-and-white photo prints break up the Levante’s minimalism, and the rooms are filled with inviting creature comforts, from down duvets and plush towels to the sort of high-tech gadgetry that’s quickly becoming indispensable — you don’t know you need underfloor heating or speakers in the bathroom until you try going without them for a while.

There’s a restaurant named after the glass sculptor Ioan Nemtol, the creator of many of the orange glass pieces you see around the place, and there’s an arrangement with the Palais Auersperg next door for events and conference space. The Parliament building, sensibly enough, is right next door, and the historic city center is just to the east, making most everything in this compact and walkable city easily accessible.

The hotel could also serve as an art gallery. Everywhere you look, there are glass works by Romanian artist Ioan Nemtoi (he also co-designed the hotel’s Nemtoi restaurant), or photographs by Viennese photographer Curt Themessl. All of the art is for sale.

The Levante Parliament
Auerspergstrasse 9
Vienna, Austria

Baur au Lac hotel dates back to 1844 and is just a short walk from Zurich’s world-famous Bahnhofstrasse, the central Paradeplatz, Lake Zurich and the city’s bustling financial district.

Baur au Lac hotel has long been one of the best luxury hotels in all of Switzerland. The luxurious Swiss hotel was voted ‘Top Hotel in Zurich’ in Condé Nast Traveler’s 2011 Gold List.

Now Baur au Lac will host Zurich’s first official food festival between June 27th to July 1st.

The Zurich food festival will showcase top chefs from all over Switzerland – including Lausanne Palace & Spa’s Michelin-starred Chef Edgard Bovier, who will be host Chef at the luxurious Baur au Lac.

Foodies from around the world will be able to enjoy the chef’s culinary specialties at numerous venues throughout the city of Zurich, including the Swiss National Museum and the city’s top restaurants and hotels.

Baur au Lac hotel guests can book the “Il Tavolo” package and receive a ticket to the event, in addition to fresh fruit in-room, the Baur au Lac’s signature “1844” chocolate, complimentary minibar and internet access, plus all VAT and service charges.

The Baur au Lac “Il Tavolo” package is priced from CHF 720 (approximately US$785) per night for two people sharing, and valid during Zurich’s food festival from June 27th to July 1st.