Gateways ideas... an oasis in the desert

October 05, 2016 by clara

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Summer left, Fall arrives... Leaves turn red and orange, and yellow and the spectacle is just beautiful...
Gateway is the perfect word to use during this season. Yes, we can enjoy a walk in Central Park or a stroll in the West Village, but for those of you who desire to explore new destinations or to simply get cozy with your better half ( or the all family clan) here are some ideas on how and where spend your time during fall 2016... Ready? Let's go!
Our first idea for you for the season is what we consider ( so far) one of the best Aman we visited in recent years ( and trust us, we visited a lot of them...).
Aman is a luxury hotel group with a presence in 20 countries, included Greece, India and U.S.
All of their resorts are characterized by a small number of rooms ( typically less than 55) and a minimalist architecture.
Gateways generally speaking, don't give us enough time to hop onto a flight and reach very exotic destinations. In addition, for those of you concerned with Zika disease, many of those Caribbean dream like adventures are ( hélas) out of question till... well... we don't know yet...
Solution? Travel local.
U.S. can be full of surprises and beauties just right around the corner and Amangiri is definitely one of those.
Amangiri is set on 600 acres in Canyon Point ( Utah) and built into a breathtaking desert landscape.
Amangiri is one of the finest exemples of Aman resorts architecture and a true sculptural achievement.
The architecture seems to melt into the nature suggesting infinite continuity between the scenery and the buildings, creating the most suggestive spectacles and colors shades.
Public rooms are minimal and decorated with organic indigenous material as are the 34 suites, composing the resort.
Any suite category will enchant and intrigue you.
Featuring sitting areas, private fireplaces and private courtyards some of them add private pools and panoramic terraces where, weather permitting, you can ask to set up a bed and sleep under the stars.
Amenities include a floatation therapy pavilion, a sauna, steam room, cold plunge and step pool, a fitness centre and yoga pavilion. There's also a communal living room, library, art gallery and dining room, as well as a wine cellar.
Food is delicious, meticulously prepared by Chef Jacob Anya.
Guided hikes are also included in the price. And trust us, the surrounding desert is absolutely divine, looking a little like the Moon with its craters.
Considered by many the "coolest hotel in the U.S", you won't be disappointed...
So, stop the time and let this magic, vivid dream begin... Amangiri...

Activities/ What to do: The area is rich in activities during literally every season.
The hotel itself organizes excursions in the beautiful surroundings, stars gazing at night and horse rides.
The hotel staff will be more than happy to direct you in your choices, but just for you to have some ideas, here is a quick list ( not exhaustive) of what this place does offer. From the Lake Powell, to breathtaking Canyons, through Utah's national parks your desire for adventures won't be disappointed. For art lovers check out these two names: James Turrell and Ugo Rondinone... Something crazy magic is coming up... Have fun!

Trentino Alto Adige or the Sound of Music

September 13, 2016 by clara

There are many special places into this world and many that are worth a visit. Italy is certainly one of these places.
Italian landscape varies enormously from North to South and it's quiet impossible to choose a region over the other without feeling like you are missing something... are you going to visit the lakes district, or the crystal Sardinian sea, or the wonders of Sicily or the monuments in Rome? Are you going to shop in Milan, see mosaics in Ravenna or follow the classic paths and end up in Venice?
Well, choices are hard and we will write many, many articles about this fabulous, enchanted Country, but for today we are going to give you the tip that only few know... it's called Trentino Alto Adige.
Trentino Alto Adige or South Tyrol is the magic land of witches and dwarfs, fairies and demons that lies in the very North of the Country, between Austria and Switzerland.
It's truly a special place as very little international and national tourism is known in the area. The region is a virgin, unposiled, untouched territory that can give you the goosebumps with its beauty.
This setting encloses mystical, breathless views over the Dolomites ( mountain range, UNESCO world heritage), picturesque villages that will make you travel back in time and enchanting plays of light between the magnificent snow-capped mountaintops.
Trentino is also a land of superstition and dark legends. Locals will congregate at dusk in front of a sparkling fire to narrate the youngster those ancient stories of king dwarfs and princesses, mysterious shadows and terrible demons that were born in this very land many and many years ago.
Tradition is jealously kept alive in South Tyrol, together with a heritage that is a mix between Italian culture and Ladino customs. Remember, Trentino is a so called Region with a special status as it became part of Italy only 100 years ago, so don't be surprised if people speak German ( or even Ladino, the local dialect) between them.
As Trentino has been under Austrian power for a long time, you will feel like being in the Sound Of Music movie when walking the green pastures or visiting the incredible castles this land is rich with.
Food is not less interesting in this realm of happiness where the sun shines almost all year long ( only comparable to the Sicilian sun at the opposite tip of the Country).
Cold cuts, cheese, spectacular wines, sweet treats ( have the Strudel!!!), deer dishes, goulash or canderli ( special dumpling typically made with smoked prosciutto, cheese and butter)... everything is incredibly good, organic and so, so fresh.
Being Trentino the land of apples try any dish that features them, you won't be disappointed!
Special mention goes to the spas. Trentino is well known by locals for being a land where health and balance are the key ingredients for the happy, long life of its inhabitants.
Here, unique in the entire world, you will be able to take a hay bath ( you will be literally submerged in deliciously scented hay collected from the purest pastures and including 79 type of different flowers and herbs). The goal is to feel full of energy and verve and to revitalize your body. Try it to believe! Other treatments include wine baths, massages of all kind with herbs from the surrounding Alps and mud wrap packed with antioxidants properties.
Trentino Alto Adige... What else???

Where to Stay: Finding the right hotel is the key to enhance your experience in Trentino. Without any doubt the place to stay is the magical Romantik Hotel Turm in a picturesque medieval village, called Fie' allo Sciliar at the foot of the emblem of the Dolomites.
Everything in the hotel is pure charm, beauty and respect for tradition. Your heart will beat a little faster when you will step into the Stube ( the traditional South Tyrol parlor), or when you will discover the incredible dining room or when at breakfast you will be served in the gardens of the hotel with panoramic views.
The owner, a second generation art collector, will organize a special tour of the hotel to admire the artworks, complete with a delicious aperitivo.
Nights will be liven up with the opening of the wine cellar and degustations of nectar of gods and ten different kinds of Strudel, served by the lovely Katharina, the wife of the owner.
You will feel like you won't want to leave the Spa... never! A paradise for health conscious travelers or for who wants simply relax. A salt room lighten by hundreds and hundreds of candles will await for you after your treatment. The pine tree sauna and aromatic steam room ( everyday they will place different fruits so that the air is infused with different scents) will revitalize your body and your spirits.
The kitchen is excellent and features those mesmerizing culinary adventures that you won't forget for a long time to come.
As the area is very little know by international tourism the prices are still extremely affordable especially by American standards.
Our suggestion is to choose a Suite. We loved the Owlsuite because of its high wood cathedral ceilings and coziness, because of those details that only in Trentino you can find... like an old, handprinted stove in your own room or that romantic marquetry, such a staple of the area.
The hotel is just pure perfection for couples in the mood of romanticism or families, ready for adventurous trips in the surroundings.

When to go: Every season truly has its own charm here. Great for skiing, carriage tours in the snow and shopping ( special mention goes to the Christmas Markets), winter is wonderful in Trentino. However summer is also a special time to enjoy the beauty of the surrounding areas. Hiking can be both for beginners and pro.
Many enchanted castles can be visited in winter and summer.
Petty zoos and children friendly farms will make the day of the little ones.

Good to Know: Remember, Trentino has its own rhythms. Do not expect shops, farms and attractions ( included restaurants) being open 24/7. Many of these places are completely closed on Tuesdays and sometimes Sundays. Most of them will close for siesta time between 12.30 and 4pm. Before you go, organize well your trip and check operation hours.

For Art Lovers: Don't forget to visit the Messner Mountain Museum. The museum opened in July 2015 and was designed by Zaha Adid. Be mindful to specify which Messner Museum you are going to see ( he owns six properties open to the public). Ask to visit the Corones one. Its architecture will leave mouth-open.

Enjoy!!! and remember, if you have questions we are here for you!

Baci da Turks and Caicos...

August 29, 2016 by clara

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"Once upon a time,
there was a desert island, a female pirate and 1000 acres of nature at its purest."
Local legend purports that Anne Bonny the pirate, camped here in the 1720's, lending the original name Pirate Cay.
She might have landed here with a picturesque and wonderful ship, but we don't expect this from you... not yet at least!
After your flight to Providenciales, you will be meet and greeted by your private driver and escorted to a van. Your mysterious 30 minutes drive will lead you to a dock, where a boat is also waiting for you to take you to destination. From here on it will be a tale of fascination and love.
You will see some of the most beautiful waters on the Planet, you will see unspoiled and virgin vegetation, and you will treat yourself to an incredible, understated luxury dream.
Parrot Cay is all in one: 3 miles of pristine white beaches, warm crystal clear blue waters, spectacular infinity pool, incredibly delicious and fresh seafood ( the chef is Italian) and one of the most attentive service you can imagine. Ask for Lockita at the Lotus restaurant or Yoga for a white gloves experience at breakfast time.
The resort has 72 suites and villas ( 23 with private heated pools and butler service).
The accommodations are the ultimate in pared-down glamour, with whitewashed walls, beamed, cathedral-high ceilings and huge, dream-like beds.
Find your inner spiritual balance in the award-winning Shamabala Spa, one of the best SPA in the world. Facilities include an outdoor Jacuzzi garden and Japanese baths overlooking the North Caicos Channel and the surrounding wetlands. Skincare and Ayurvedic therapies are the finest delights of the island. The Ayurvedic four hands massage will bring you to Heaven and back.
In addition free Yoga and Pilates classes are offered in a sweeping yoga room aired by natural breezes.
No wonder way the rich and famous choose to own their private sanctuary-villas on this island... In fact it's not unusual to end up dining next to Bruce Willis or Keith Richards and his court!
But don't worry, the level of privacy and romance is at its highest here... And who knows... You might end up feeling just like Anne Bonny in 1720's! Buona Avventura!!!

Children at Parrot Cay: If you travel with children, toddlers or babies, don't worry! The island is sufficiently spread up to guarantee a good level of privacy to all its clients... from couples in need of romance, to babymooners, to families with little ones. Write in advance to Widi, the general manager ( or to us, as we can put you in touch with them) and tell her you are coming with your offspring. She will go above and beyond to ensure the greatest stay possible ( from providing beach toys to funny shaped floats). In addition children eat free meals ( ask for it). But above all remember... Politeness wins the confidence of the princes...

Parrot Cay vs Amanyara: We tried both resorts for you in order to give you a hand if you are between choices. Amanyara is BEAUTIFUL. It truly depends on what you like and looking for from your vacation. Architecturally Amanyara is slightly superior to Parrot Cay, especially if you opt for a first category room. However the feeling of deserted island will go lost in Amanyara as the resort is much more "populated", is not setting on a privately owned piece of land ( therefore you won't have the same wetlands views or the desert beaches) and the design is very Aman ( you won't feel like being at the Caribbean, though it is very luxurious and well thought). Both Spa and food are superior at Parrot Cay. On the other hand Amanyara allows you to be on the main land, so if for some reasons you want to visit Turks and Caicos, you will be able to do it very easily from this resort.