Podcast

A luxurious stay off the beaten path in Venice

Once upon a time, the sestiere (quarter) of Canareggio was considered off the beaten path in Venice. Tourists trudged back and forth from the train station down the Strada Nova to St. Mark’s Square and back. If the masses did find themselves in this part of town, it was usually to visit the Jewish ghetto for an hour and then return back to the Rialto as quickly as they came.

The trifecta of San Mark’s Square, St. Mark’s Church and Doge’s Palace do pack a punch and there is nothing bad about sitting at Florian sipping a cappuccino while an orchestra plays Volare, but how nice to make your home in one of the prettiest hotels far from the madding crowd.

Hearing the constant complaint that Venice […]

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June 10th, 2018|Destinations, Italy, Venice|0 Comments

48 Hours in Nuremberg, Germany

What city actually has a sausage that is so sacred that it is protected under EU law? Nuremberg, Germany! I was spending 48 hours in Nuremberg and, of course, the goal was to sample as many of these sacred sausages as we could. Whilst in between this sausage sampling, we visited one of the most important cities in Germany.

Nuremberg, a city that was mentioned in history books in the year 1050 AD, makes the perfect weekend getaway from London. Fewer than two hours from London, a short hop on the UBAHN and you are in the walled city that brought you Albrecht Dürer, toys, eyeliner, Rotbier and Lebkucken, in addition to its sausages,

An independent state until the 19th century, Nuremberg was always at the forefront […]

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May 21st, 2018|Destinations, Germany, Nuremberg|0 Comments

My Favorite Thailand Beaches

There is never a time when I don’t long to be lounging on a beach in Thailand. It really is what it looks like in photos: endless sun, inviting water, and pure, white sand. Needless to say, the food and drink are fantastic too. There is a reason people keep returning over and over again for Thailand beach vacations.

When planning, there are so many to choose from, so I thought it might be helpful if I created my own Best Bits List of Thai Beaches for you as a guide. Some of these are quite touristy and some off-the beaten track. Remember touristy is not always a bad thing – think of Venice!
THAILAND BEACHES
Koh Lanta Long Beach
One of my favorite beaches in Thailand has to […]

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May 10th, 2018|Destinations, Thailand|0 Comments

Things to do in Nicosia, Cyprus

There are so many things to do in Nicosia that the city begs a visit. Known mostly for its sunny climes, gorgeous beaches, friendly folk and delicious food, the majority of tourists forgo a trip here – collecting their bags and heading directly to the beach. If you make that special effort, there are tons of things to do in Nicosia – especially the old town. It is the capital after all.

The old town of Nicosia, i.e. everything within the Renaissance Venetian walls, is thriving –  the food keeps getting better and the cocktail bars are internationally renowned. The ancient buildings lend themselves to secret trysts – what looks like a plain doorway on a nondescript building invite you into back gardens, fountains, and courtyards.

(Nicosia […]

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April 28th, 2018|Cyprus, Destinations, Nicosia|4 Comments

Five Days in Cartagena, Colombia

The Caribbean laps at your feet, salsa music plays in your ears and you’re wearing a Panama hat you just bought from a man selling them on the street…you know you’ve found yourself in the Colombian jewel that is Cartagena. Having the luxury to spend five days anywhere is thrilling, but spending five days in Cartagena gives you a real feel for this small, but packed walled city and beach town.

Cartagena oozes Colombian style and is chock-a-bloc filled with shops, restaurants and bars. Shopping in Cartagena is magical. Traditional, artisan products are on show everywhere, always reminding you where you are. Cartagena restaurants serve both traditional, mostly seafood, Colombian & Caribbean cuisine or fresh modern takes by now-famous Cartagenian chefs. The bars are as cutting-edge […]

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April 22nd, 2018|Cartagena, Colombia, Destinations|0 Comments

A Wellness Weekend in Val Thorens

There’s nothing like cold crisp air to make you feel alive. Even it you don’t ski often or well, you still feel healthy on a ski weekend break, even after eating tons of tartiflette and cheese fondue. It’s clomping through snow and all the other wintery activities that invigorate you and make you feel revitalized.  The resort of Val Thorens has gone one step further in making sure you are keeping well. This season they have launched their My Serenity program, highlighting all the other things you can do in Val Thorens to look after yourself, your wellness and your wellbeing.

The resort of Val Thorens in the French Alps is the highest ski resort in the whole of Europe at 2300 m. Purpose built in […]

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February 7th, 2018|Destinations, France, Val Thorens|2 Comments