 Editer: Christopher George This boutique luxury art hotel features an impressive and unique collection of over one hundred art works by world-renowned artists from Croatia, Slovenia, Austria, Italy, Germany and France, as well as bespoke art installations created specifically for the hotel. Inspired by local art and the hotel’s 100 year heritage, the re-design has transformed the hotel into a central meeting point for art lovers, involving a complete new contemporary look with enlarged guest rooms, adding another star to the property.
A number of visual artists were hand-picked by specialist art curator Vanja Žanko to create the art installations for the hotel, which each offer their own interpretation of the hotel’s historical layers, whilst bringing the hotel’s interior into the 21st century. Vanja Žanko, art curator for Hotel Adriatic comments; “Guests will discover works of art with each step they make; they will stand closer to those works of art that intrigue and attract them, study some in detail and glance over others, or simply enjoy the ambiance as a whole. Particularly interesting are works of art featuring different aspects of light, an important artistic matter in this hotel. The light is key to forming black hallways, which turn into light corridors with the help of the works of art.”
Whilst the exterior keeps its early 20th century feel, the visually rich interior is contemporary, classic and elegant with a myriad of textures, tones and colours. Along with the guestrooms, Hotel Adriatic comprises a chic French brasserie style restaurant on the ground floor and a hotel bar, offering one of Croatia’s largest selection and whiskeys. The menu at Adriatic Brasserie incorporates local flavours and ingredients, whilst playing homage to the legacy of the rich history of the hotel.  The hotel offers spectacular views of the island of St. Katarina on one side, and Rovinj’s main square and old city on the other. The central square is edged with lively cafés and restaurants spreading out on to a charming harbour, whilst traditional taverns such as Kantinon, are only a few steps from the hotel.  FACT BOX
0 Comments
 EVERYONE NEEDS SOME ME TIME, AND THIS IS THE PERFECT PLACE TO GET SOME R&R By Sara Darling Surrounded by stunning views over the coast and the mountains, Monchique Resort & Spa boasts an enviable location in Serra de Monchique, in Portugal's picturesque Algarve. Close enough to the city centre, you can easily jump in a cab and experience the Portuguese nightlife, but you don’t have to leave the grounds and you can still soak up traditional gastronomy. Prepared by Chef Luís Batalha uses local ingredients, to produce healthy cuisine, and at only 70 kms from Faro airport, you can be poolside by lunch. The hotel has recently changed ownership, and focuses on Wellness, Sport, Nature and sustainability, and there are plenty of things to tempt you away from the pools and spa should you be feeling energetic! Personally I'd be happy on a sunbed with a healthy cocktail! For 2019 summer specials, check out www.monchiqueresort.com Monchique Resort & Spa Lugar do Montinho, 8550 – 232 Monchique, Algarve, Portugal +351 282 240 130  Article: Christina Harnois Photography: Christian Wilmes On the one hand Saint Lucia is very predictable as it ticks all the boxes one would expect from an exotic Caribbean island… sunshine, beaches, tropical jungle and lively and welcoming local population. However, there is more to this small island than just a picture perfect holiday destination. I was lucky enough to be visiting during their 40th anniversary of independence. The national pride was a joy to behold with almost everyone in the streets was wearing cerulean blue, white, black and yellow, the national flag colours. Parades in the capital Castries kicked of the 4-day long celebrations, calypso and soca blasted from makeshift sound systems and people danced in the streets. The vestiges of colonial past, a sort of ping-pong between France and England, make for an interesting combination. As part of the commonwealth, English is the official language but the langue spoken by locals is a creole of French patois. Incomprehensible to a French speaker except for a few words here and there. It developed during early French colonization as a way to communicate without the ruling classes being able to understand.
Legend has it that French sailors shipwrecked on the island on 13 December 1502, the feast day of St. Lucy. It does not take much to imagine why they wanted to stick around; the island has all the natural assets one could ask for, packed into only 617 km2. Exploring the island is in itself an adventure, with winding mountain roads that form a ring around the periphery of the island, the hairpin curves will take your breath away but thankfully so will the scenery. Saint Lucia is a mountainous volcanic island with thick dense rainforest covering the center of the island and beautiful beaches dotting the coastline. The most iconic sight would have to be the Pitons rising out of the ocean into impressive peaks of green. I do love a pampering spa day and even more so when it is in a volcano, preferably a dormant one like the world’s only ‘drive through’ volcano in Soufrier (meaning sulphur in French) on the western side of the island. A weak spot in the crust caused the collapse, which formed a crater exposing mineral rich hot bubbling mud baths. The high mineral and sulphur content is not necessarily pleasing to the nose but it does wonders for the skin. What could be more fun that slathering oneself in hot mud, rinsing off under a powerful waterfall, and emerging with baby soft skin. This lesser known Caribbean destination has a lot to offer so explore at your leisure… So edited So travel
 THE MOST INDULGENT HOTEL IN MADRID? By Sara Darling Sometimes you require more from a mini break; You deserve to indulge your senses and take some time out to pamper your cravings. The BLESS Collection has just launched its first hotel in Madrid and is decadent homage to life’s luxuries, whether they visit the city for business or pleasure. With a rooftop pool, and bowling alley, the hotel is playground for your desires. The plush facilities and elegant furnishings, provide an unique space for intimacy and entertaining. And the motto, “A day without laughing is a day lost” is echoed throughout the quirky interior. With original artwork and sculptures rubbing shoulders with vintage paraphernalia, the BLESS philosophy is based on the Epicurean principle of sensual enjoyment, where all senses are catered for, and the five main pleasures are explored. From sumptuous carpets and velvet textured walls, which appeal to the sense of touch; Mood lighting throughout the property creates a calm and cosy environment, and the hotel sound system, provides mood enhancing music throughout the day and night, maintaining guest enjoyment as its top priority. Every aspect of creating a home from home experience has been considered, from delightfully decadent mattress toppers to 400 thread count Egyptian cotton sheets, to a pillow menu offering goose feather, latex or memory foam pillows. Book the Bathologist to top up your tub with a choice of calming, reviving or relaxing herbs, soaps and mineral salts. And with 24 hour room service, you might not want to leave your room! Once you have worked up an appetite, you are invited to indulge your taste buds in Etxeko- a gastronomic masterpiece created by multi-Michelin star holder, Martín Berasategui; The spacious restaurant serves a daily menu based on Basque homemade recipes; But the traditional dishes have been given a modern twist, and are perfect for sharing. Or if you fancy something healthier, head to the rooftop lounge to sample a completely raw-food menu. However, there is plenty more to tantalise, including impressive house cocktails created for any occasion in a choice of three bars. Finish the night off in the Feten Club, where you can even try a spot of pole dancing once you have exhausted your bowling balls. This bar in the basement might be illicit, but is anything but seedy; Based on a New York Speakeasy, your secrets are safe down here! For even further stimulation, the hotel also offers fully equipped spa, with jacuzzi, steam sauna and hydrotherapy circuit. Burn some calories on the cardio equipment or try a one to one session with the high-tech Sweatbox- a state of the art, digital trainer. Or just boycott the tough stuff, and book a revitalising or relaxing massage; If you’re with a loved one, take advantage of the Couples Cabin to truly spoil yourselves Staying in the BLESS Madrid, you will be sure to makes some memories as guests cannot help but celebrate the surrounding as as much as the destination. Offering a sanctuary in the centre of Madrid, the scenery and ambience of the city is there for the taking; Privacy is respected, and being true to yourself is encouraged. And if you do plan to explore, the concierge can link you up with one of Madrid’s boutique walking tours. FACTBOX Book your stay here www.blesscollectionhotels.com/en Prices for BLESS Hotel Madrid start from £236 per room, based on a deluxe room on a room only basis. Insider’s Madrid run a range of walking tours around themes ranging from food to fashion, design to history - always giving guests the insider’s angle on the Spanish capital. Check out www.insidersmadrid.com |
sø•travelTravel and transport yourself and experience more of what's not been discovered by the masses. Archives
September 2024
|
RSS Feed