Old castles have unique characters and stories that breathe from its walls and grounds. From north to south, Italy is dotted with them and from town to town, the sizes depend on the wealth of the town and settlers in the ancient times. The important ones have been converted to museums and hold the ancient treasures found in the area. But there are also the … Continue reading Castello di Granarola Hotel in Gradara (Marche), Italy
Staying at a hotel as the first group of guests while it was still closed to the public has a surreal effect. Porta Caeli was at its opening phase when our press group was welcomed to indulge in all the facilities the hotel has to offer, including tasting the wines that were aging and the menu proposals that the restaurant was going to offer when … Continue reading Porta Caeli (Vinero) Winery, Hotel and Spa in Thrace, Turkey
The beach calls when summer hits the calendar for most of us. Some hit the mountains, some run to the beach. I know we are still dealing with snow and the cold weather but soon, before we even realize it, it’s time to search for summer destinations. It’s always best to be prepared ahead to have more choices for on where to go and where … Continue reading Adoral Boutique Hotel in Rabac, Croatia
Parked just a block away, I walked along Via Pisanelli, a quiet residential road in Rome. My eyes riveted towards a light yellow building standing aristocratically amidst the other structures in the area. I quickly scanned the number outside for confirmation. I knew I was at the right place. It says 25 and on the other side of the entrance, The H’All Tailor Suite is … Continue reading Ristorante All’Oro in The H’All Tailor Suite in Rome, Italy
After a lingering goodbye and a final long look at the spectacular view of the Umbrian hills and our hotel, I entered the car reluctantly with my kids and husband. It had been one of the best stays we had. My youngest daughter spoke out loud what was going on in our minds, Siamo stati così bene in questo albergo! (We stayed so well in … Continue reading Niki’s Resort in Gubbio (Umbria), Italy
When the gates of Relais La Tenuta Del Gallo closed behind me, I swore that I would go back. My lunch there was not enough to completely appreciate the whole place. I was just passing through for lunch after I discovered it in the restaurant list of the Michelin Guide for Amelia. The relais is a little paradise tucked in the middle of the countryside … Continue reading Relais La Tenuta Del Gallo in Amelia (Umbria), Italy
Asked where I can dine while in Belgrade, all my Serbian friends say The Square Restaurant. I got the impression that it’s not to be missed while in the city and when I finally walked through the the doors and the lobby of the hotel where it is located, I understood why. The Square is the restaurant of five-star hotel Square Nine Hotel in the … Continue reading The Square Restaurant in Square Nine Hotel – Belgrade, Serbia
While the sun was rising, we drove through Thrace countryside making our way from Vinero Winery to Arcadia Vineyards on the last day of our Turkish press trip. With 3 hours traveling time in between them (but just about 2 hours from Istanbul), we left Vinero with our boxed breakfasts at half past six in the morning, groggy from a very early start, with the … Continue reading Arcadia Vineyards and Bakucha Vineyard Hotel in Northern Thrace, Turkey
Ask any Roman about Hotel Hassler and he will immediately tell you that it’s the most historical luxurious five-star hotel in Rome. Its guest book boasts a lineup of royalty families, dignitaries, celebrities, and business leaders beginning from its construction in 1893. Its 140 years of history of being one of the greatest gem in hospitality known throughout the world had never left the hands … Continue reading Palm Court of Hotel Hassler in Rome, Italy
In 1985, when Antonello Colonna took the reins and installed a bright red door in his family’s restaurant in Labico, not only did the name change to Antonello Colonna but it also became one of the best restaurants in Italy. The red door symbolized the preservation of traditional dishes and their flavors while adapting them for the modern day refined palates. He started a gastronomic … Continue reading Antonello Colonna Restaurant in Labico (Rome), Italy
Beauty is represented in different ways. Five-star hotels are always lavishly decorated and are so luxurious that you never want to leave them. Byblos Art Hotel Villa Amistà is all of the above and even much more. It’s a contemporary art gallery housed in a 15th century villa created by architect Michele Sanmichele then later completed by distinguished architect Ignazio Pellegrini in the 1700s. A … Continue reading Amistà 33 Ristorante in Byblos Art Hotel Villa Amistà in Verona, Italy
Three years have passed since my last visit to La Meridiana Resort in the summer of 2014 but it seems just like yesterday when I last set foot on the grounds of my favorite hotel. Nothing much has changed. The atmosphere is still the same as I remember it to be. Luxurious, welcoming, cozy, professional and closely feels like a home away from home. And … Continue reading La Meridiana Resort Relais & Chateaux in Garlenda (Liguria), Italy
