Villa Vals: a Unique Swiss Alps Experience
Designed by Bjarne Mastenbroek and Christian Müller, Villa Vals is a unique mountain retreat for those who desire to enjoy a pristine beauty of the Swiss nature.
Situated in stunning alpine surroundings and integrated directly into a mountainside (with an access to it is through an underground tunnel), this beautiful home boasts contemporary concrete, stone, wood interiors and plenty of natural light.
This award-winning residence is nestled is within walking distance to the famous thermal springs of Therme Vals a hotel/spa complex that is built directly over the natural springs.
With four bedrooms, a state-of-the-art kitchen, a hot tub in the courtyard and a spacious living area with breathtaking views of mountain peaks, this property is also intended to be energy neutral, which makes Villa Vals is truly a beautiful and unique approach to integrated design and environmental consciousness.
Best of all, you can enjoy a combination of ‘Dutch Design’ and ‘Swiss Quality’ with your family or friends.
Bookings between €1,750-3,450/week, depending on the season.
www.villavals.ch/booking
by Olga Titarenko
Caruso Hotel: the Gem on the Amalfi Coast
It is hard not to get carried away by the, sun kissed glamour of this part of the world – Amalfi, Positano, Sorrento and the isle of Capri are well-known stomping (and yachting) grounds of the moneyed elite since time immemorial. In contrast, Ravello, high on the Campanian slopes has always been a cultural oasis for the discerning, a refreshing change from the many indulgences of the Amalfi Coast.
Hotel Caruso – Belvedere is the jewel in Ravello’s crown of exquisite hotels. A restored 11th century palace, its stunning frescoes, high terracotta pink walls and marble floors provide an air of majestic grandeur, with its 48 luxurious suites affording breathtaking views of the bay and slopes beyond.
At the turn of the 19th century, a winemaker, Panaleone Caruso, entertained his famous friends at this secluded location. Now, the hotel that bears his name is the epitome of astute luxury. Blossom scented gardens fragrance the air when you wake up. Bulgari and Penhaligon’s products line the bathroom, whilst Frette sheets exceed any threadcount you are accustomed to.
Dining at the Caruso is superlative – the open air Belvedere restaurant is as famous for its starry skied ambience as its Naepolitan specialties from chef Mimmo di Raffaele, including Ravioli di Gamberi rossi con Scarola e Caciotta fresca. The terraced Caruso restaurant is often called the most romantic of the Amalfi Coast – bathed in moonlight from the sky and pearls of shimmering white from the coast.
And beside the hotel’s infinity pool, seemingly perched off a cliff (it’s not, but the views are surreal) is a guests-only pool restaurant, from which emerged a pizza so divine that an Italian-American guest was heard to exclaim that it was ‘Hands down the best pizza Ever’. If guests tire of the pool, there is always the Caruso’s private boat that can bring you round the Amalfi Coast for a dip in the refreshing waters of the Salerno Bay.
by Ethan Long
Hotel Caruso, Piazza San Giovanni del Toro 2, 84010 Ravello (SA), Italy
Tel: +39 089 858 801
Fax: +39 089 858 806
Hôtel du Marc: the Home of Veuve Clicquot
The former residence of Madame Clicquot herself, Hôtel du Marc is a recently reopened (after four years of renovations) 19th century neoclassic private mansion. Despite the name, it isn’t a hotel and it opens its heritage-rich doors strictly by invitation.
A mix of antique pieces, custom art and other clever design elements, that makes for a truly enchanting decor.
The masterminded responsible for the interior design is a French designer Bruno Moinard, who is famous for his work for Cartier, Hermès and other hotels projects around the world.
We loved the tiny details in bathroom tiling incorporating touches of the signature Pantone 137C or simply Veuve Clicquot’s yellow.
This functional sculpture designed by Pablo Reinoso, called “Cadre de Vie”, culminates in the twisting and turning wood and captivates guests attention as they climb the stairs of the lobby.
The experience wouldn’t be complete without the Veuve Clicquot bubbles regardless wether it’s breakfast, lunch or dinner.
Beresheet – Desert Paradise
January 18, 2012, 7:06 pm
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I took a journey to Israel and in the middle of the Negev desert, had the experience of staying at the
Beresheet.
The five star Beresheet Hotel, Israel
On the cliff top of Israel’s largest crater (Ramon Crater) sits Israel’s most expensive hotel. Whilst I was woken by F16 and F18 jets instead of birds, it gave perspective into life in the middle east. The Beresheet offers yoga at sunrise, FWD and biking tours throughout the Ramon and star gazing tours at night.
Luxury villas on the Ramon Crater edge sit 800m above sea level
This is very much a stand alone destination. If you walk ten minutes away from the hotel, you encounter the enclaves of Bedwins – Israeli’s of the desert who do not believe in infrastructure or capitalism. You can hike through the surrounding desert and stumble across the odd flora or desert structure / statue.
The hotel pool and her extended breathtaking crater views
Boasting one of Israel’s largest buffets, you can indulge in various delights or treat yourself to the myriad of service offerings from the Beresheet day spa. A fascinating destination and only two hours from Tel Aviv or the Dead Sea… and not too far from the Gaza strip or Jordanian border either.
by Georgii Speakman
