Category: EUROPE

Summer done right: private flights from London to Malaga with Aero

Malaga Spain

There’s a private flight company operating out of London to just make that much difference to your summer holidays this 2023. They’re Aero and offering a personalised jet experience by launching a ‘pop up’ flight from London to Malaga and back throughout April! It’ll get you early access to the sunny Spanish coast ahead of summer before the crowds descend on your favourite Mediterranean destination on the riviera. Responding to their guests’ interest, the flights will align with key calendar dates and events throughout the month, making travelling at times like Easter seamless and stress-free, in true Aero style, they say! In addition to all the perks of a private flight as you’d imagine, Aero has partnered with luxury resort Anantara Villa Padierna Palace, giving you the option of access to the hotel spa wet area on landing, where you can enjoy water circuits with a heated pool, cold plunge pool, saunas and more for the ultimate wellbeing experience. Plus, golf lovers can also look forward to a complimentary one-day pass to enjoy the three world-class courses available at the resort. For more and to get booking head to the Aero website

Your next holiday to Europe: stay in the palace from Netflix’s ‘The Empress’

Weissenstein Schloss Bavaria Airbnb castle palace 1

You don’t have to speak German to know how much of a legend Empress Elizabeth of Austria and the show Netflix made about her was. So when the chance to stay in the palace they created the latest show drop comes up on Airbnb, as if you wouldn’t consider a stay, right? Regardless of if you’re a monarchist, or not, into war history (WWII) or just love a beautiful ceiling, the opportunity to bathe in splendour at Weissenstein Palace is never one to overlook. Weissenstein palace is the remarkable palace and is now ready to welcome guests to a sumptuous suite, which has been given an imperial makeover that will transport guests back in time to the late 19th century when Empress Elizabeth was at the height of her fame. Located in Pommersfelden, Bavaria, Weissenstein Palace is steeped in a rich heritage and is widely considered to be one of Germany’s greatest Baroque buildings. The historical palace features prominently in Netflix’s The Empress, where it serves as Sisi’s principal royal residence. Beginning on Nov 3rd at 4 a.m. AEDT, guests can request to book the exclusive stay, which is just one of many historical homes on Airbnb. So now, in honour of the show and the fact that Sisi would have celebrated her 185th birthday this year, aspiring emperors and empresses can request to book this exclusive stay for €185 ($287 AUD) beginning Nov 3rd at 4 a.m. AEDT at airbnb.com/theempress

Best food festivals around Italy: where to go

Pizza

Italy is the home of pasta. The birthplace of pizza. The refuge of cannoli and the haven of tiramisu. And that’s just covering a few regions! As the world gets increasingly food focused, Italy’s reputation has just taken over, giving us not just the image of Italy as a foodie’s paradise, but direct-from-the-source-type places where we can get all the produce we’d ever need. Think Eataly! To honour the beautiful country that is Italy and to get excited for the full calendar year of food events and things to do around the country, we’re taking a look at the best and biggest food festivals around the country to add to your diary. And why. JANUARY, gennaio Sagra della Sfincia di Priescia, Montelepre, SICILY All about the traditional Sicilian sweet treat, sfincia di priescia, this annual festival takes place on 6th January in the Piazza Principe di Piemonte. FEBRUARY, febbraio Battle of Oranges, Ivrea, PIEDMONT Get your cameras ready because the Battle of Oranges must be seen to be believed. An epic three-day food fight which runs from Sunday until Shrove Tuesday every year, this festival is all about flying fruit in a re-enactment of a skirmish dating back to the 12th century. MARCH, marzo Feast of San Giuseppe, CAMPANIA, SICILY, LAZIO Across southern Italy on March 19th, Italians celebrate San Giuseppe with myriad versions of zeppole, the more-ish crispy fried dough balls which are a popular street food throughout the south. Ask for the melt-in-your-mouth Zeppole di San Giuseppe – and don’t even try stopping at just one…. Read More

Top world heritage sites to see in Italy outside of Pompeii and Venice

Venice gondola

Many of us have been to Pompeii and Venice, sure, but once you’ve been there and bought the t-shirt, where do you go for your next trip? Italy is a peninsula of unadulterated – in parts – coastline, urban dwelling, history, drama, good food and wine – the list is endless, so there’s no shortage of other world heritage sites, some over 2,000 years-old or more, to sink your passport into. So, let’s have a look and say a warm ‘buongiorno’ to your next Italian holiday… Frescoes of Padua, Veneto Added to the UNESCO stable in 2021, the glorious 14th century frescoes in the historic walled city of Padua are painted on eight secular and religious buildings. Chosen for the way they illustrate the progression of fresco art over the course of a century, the most famous is Giotto’s Scrovegni Chapel fresco cycle, which is said to have marked the start of a revolution in mural painting. Porticoes of Bologna, Emilia Romagna Another newcomer, the Porticoes of Bologna have been a feature of the town since the 12th century. Covering 62 kilometres in total, the porticoes, 12 of which have been elected as UNESCO World Heritage sites, range from timber to brick, concrete and stone versions and are an iconic element of the city’s architecture. Sipping an espresso or enjoying a gelato on a summer evening under one of Bologna’s porticoes is an unforgettable, authentic local experience worthy of inclusion on any itinerary to the Emilia Romagna region, a firm favourite among foodies.   Montecatini Terme, Tuscany… Read More

5 best places to go in Italy for wellness retreats

La Sirenuse Italy Amalfi

The concept of wellness in Italy isn’t new. In fact, it’s ancient. Extending well past 1,500 years to the Ancient Romans whose passion for baths, public bathing and their freedom and flexibility with sumptuousness and nudity is now only too-well known. Good things the modern day ‘Romans’ – the Italians – are keeping the tradition alive and well across the entire country and the famed Italian Rivieras where health and wellness spas, hotels and establishments don’t just exist and thrive, but have a clientelle of the most global scale. Working with the Italian National Tourist Board, we’ve found a round-up of five of the best wellness retreats to consider when you’re next on the back of a Vespa, wondering which way the Mediterranean breeze should blow you… Terme di Saturnia, Tuscany Occupying 120 hectares among the rolling Tuscan hills, Terme di Saturnia is centred around legendary open-air thermal springs which have been flowing from the centre of the earth for more than 3000 years. The special ingredient here is Saturnia bioplancton, a naturally occurring ‘miracle’ ingredient in the 37.5°C water which leaves skin silky smooth and soft, as well as minerals said to help reduce blood pressure, soothe tired muscles, and help cleanse and detox the liver. From massaging your shoulders in invigorating whirlpools to surrendering to treatments in the on-site medi-spa or beauty clinic, resident guests enjoy a personalised wellness program, while day visitors can hit the spa, hot springs, tennis court or geo-certified golf course for quick pick-me-up in a picturesque setting. Palazzo Fiuggi, Lazio Is there… Read More

5 reasons to visit Mykonos Greece this summer

Mykonos ocean cliff view

It’s summer in Europe! And that means, well, so many things, but primarily: travel to and around the mainland. Europe’s a big place and Greece is one of the many destinations that sits atop its crown of must-visit destinations; and Mykonos even more so, if that’s your vibe. Think Jackie O’s on the beach, water views at every stop and all the table service anyone could ever need. Oh and these 5 other winning reasons. Read on and get planning! 1. Resident DJ and weekly music events Popular for its glamorous nightlife, superstar DJs and beautiful crowds, Mykonos is a true holiday destination. The fun starts at Kensh? Ornos, with a calendar of regular events sure to keep guests entertained. Throughout the season, different musicians and performances will be taking place at Kensh? Ornos, ranging from singers to DJ’s, dancers and more. Recent events include our resident DJ, DJ Angelosi playing Ethnic Electronic and Afro House music and Mediterranean ethnic music performances by Ghenwa Nemnom. 2. The star-lit swimming pool One of the best places to take a dip in Mykonos, the Kensh? Ornos pool was designed to complement the hotel’s surrounding Ornos Bay. With majestic views of the Aegean Sea, lounging by the pool has never been more relaxing. The pool is the perfect Instagram spot, guaranteed to give everyone at home FOMO. At night, the turquoise swimming pool is illuminated with ‘starlights’ that light up the turquoise water for inviting evening swims. Guests can enjoy fresh towels, delicious cocktails and snackable lite bites whilst… Read More

Europe summer travel is back: consider the Bodrum EDITION Turkiye

Bodrum EDITION hotel room

The Bodrum EDITION is back for the summer and this July 2022, the resort will be hosting an impressive roster of musicians and artists that are set to entertain guests throughout; creating the ultimate oasis for those looking to both celebrate and wind down. It’ll be hosting a variety of DJs and musicians to kick start their nights at Morena Beach Club during their Chillout Vibe sessions, including acts from famed Istanbul DJ Sabo, Persic, Laolu and and sets from DJ Seko; all set amongst the background of the white sandy beach and crystal turquoise water. The resort’s destination signature al fresco restaurant, BRAVA, helmed by chef Diego Muñoz will also be celebrating the national Bayram Holiday with a variety of acts from Berk Büyükak?n and DJ Yaz Yüceil and other artists including DJ Zeynep Erbay to continue to the celebrations after the national holiday is over. And if the general chicness and awesome landscape of the Turkish surrounds and hotel aren’t enough, then artist, Eda Zamanpur will be organising an array of conceptual art club classes with signature cocktails available throughout the sessions from the Beach Club. Eda specialises in watercolour paintings and draws inspiration from the nature around her which is an idyllic partnership due to the resort being on the waterfront with snorkeling spots close by. Rates start from €1,600 per room per night in July. For more, head to the Bodrum EDITION website.

Europe’s most liveable city might not be what you think

Copenhagen

Monocle has announced their annual ranking of the top 25 most liveable cities in the world, with some really interesting results.  Copenhagen takes the top spot on the list, closely followed by Zürich, Lisbon, Helsinki and Stockholm.  With 3DaysOfDesign in Copenhagen kicking off this week, the news will be welcome to the local design scene and all those visiting! For something new to the line-up, too, Milan has entered the list for the very first time – a surprising fact for many who are familiar with the city from its fleeting fashion and design fairs. But now, an ambitious programme of public infrastructure development ahead of the 2026 Winter Olympics has changed it for the better. Why Copenhagen? At a time when many people have been questioning the appeal of city life in a post-pandemic world, Monocle’s survey stands as a reminder of what makes urban living so rewarding in the first place. Compiled by the magazine’s international editors and contributors, the ranking is based on a multitude of factors encompassing objective data such as crime rates, ambulance response times, employment figures, and income inequality, as well as direct-lived experience from Monocle’s global team of correspondents on the ground, and plans for forthcoming infrastructure improvements. No stranger to Monocle’s best city lists, having featured in the top 25 in several of the last 15 years, become a recent fixture of the top 5, and bagged the top spot last year, Copenhagen continues to lead the way in liveability. The Danish capital consistently scores highly across the board, but is never complacent, always looking… Read More

Our hotel and restaurant pick in Paris for the weekend away from London

Paris skyline

France has definitely relaxed its rules about travel and travellers from the UK, so if you’re in London, the Eurostar’s begging you to book a tickets and head to the French capital. And with hotel options a plenty – this one in particular – and restaurants to-boot, why wouldn’t you? GENERATOR PARIS For those looking to immerse themselves in the French capital without breaking the bank, Generator, one of Europe’s fastest growing design-led hostels, has the perfect offering. Handily situated a 15 minute walk from Gare du Nord station in the 10th Arrondissement , Generator Paris is a stone’s throw from Canal Saint-Martin and Buttes-Chaumont Park, surrounded by boutique shops and pastoral cafés. Boasting views of the Sacré-Cœur and Montmartre, guests can sip cocktails at the property’s 9th floor heated Khayma Rooftop, open until 10PM Monday through Saturday. Those staying the full weekend can enjoy Sunday brunch on the rooftop too. With shared room rates starting from £22, and private rooms starting from £66, staying at Generator is accessible to all. SILENCIO DES PRES View this post on Instagram A post shared by SILENCIO DES PRÉS (@silenciodespres) Just a short metro-ride from Generator, iconic Parisian brand Silencio’s most recent opening, Silencio des Pres offers a chic, sought after dining  experience. The restaurant’s dishes have been curated under the progressive thinking of classically trained radical, Guillaume Sanchez, featuring a permanent menu with ingredients that change based on the stock of Silencio des Prés ten small-scale produce providers. Popular plates include Mature Beef Tartare, Kintoa Pork Sausages and Croque Monsieur. To… Read More

A summer German holiday at Schwan Locke in Munich

Schwan Locke hotel

You normally think of Berlin when Germany comes to mind. But that’s just one city in a long string of many, many ancient and beautiful cities that make up the now unified German country. Ever considered Munich? Well, as it turns out, you should because a pioneering lifestyle aparthotel has recently opened, the Schwan Locke aparthotel. Very near the Theresienwiese, the site of Oktoberfest, Schwan Locke features 151 spacious, design-led studio apartments, as well as a complimentary co-working space, gym, coffee shop, retail space, leafy courtyard and craft cocktail bar. The spaces of Schwan Locke are designed to be lived and existed in, rather than just visited and used. Their philosophy is that it makes each location attractive to a wide range of travellers from the leisure and business markets – for both long-, mid- and short-term stays. Schwan Locke is home to a unique art collection, which draws inspiration from the pioneering women involved in the Werkbund movement – from photographer and sculptor Marianne Brandt to Lilly Reich who was on the board of directors. The collection also champions local talent, featuring vibrant artwork from designer and illustrator Veronika Grenzebach, graffiti artist Armin Kiss-Istok, and illustrator Tomomi Maezawa. For more and to see what’s in store for any visit, head to the Schwan Locke website.