What makes us unique?

This post was originally published on this siteThe mountain resort of Madonna di Campiglio in the Dolomite Mountains is experiencing a wave of restoration, renovation and creativity. Family-owned hotels, shops, mountain restaurants and other businesses vie with one another to offer the best in luxury accommodation, dining and  shopping. Amazing views and beautifully groomed slopes ensure a sense of top quality winter activities. And the ski-lift company keeps the slopes immaculately groomed. It is also following a comprehensive programme to replace exposed ski lifts with covered chairs and cosy cabin lifts. Luxury accommodation in Madonna di Campiglio The choice of accommodation in this lovely mountain resort varies from spacious self-catering apartments to five-star hotels in varying locations. The Majestic offers a centre of town base and the Spinale Club at the bottom of the Spinale cabin lift is ski-in and ski-out. Best located for the stunning views of the Brenta Dolomites that form a crescent around the resort is the Hotel Lorenzetti. Recent additions to this fabulous hotel are two stunning suites on the top floor overlooking the mountains. Each suite offers two bedrooms, two bathrooms, sitting room, free-standing bath and a private sauna. Plus, all those extras that ensure the

This post was originally published on this siteAs a small ship, with a maximum of 312 guests, the all-suite Windstar‘s Star Legend, has slipped right into the heart of Malaga. We are in pole position for exploring the sun-blessed city.  Windstar offers luxurious small-ship cruises, taking us into harbours beyond the mega-cruisers on our seven day exploration of Southern Spain.. Sometimes we will be the only cruise ship in the port, giving opportunities for cultural immersion, that are, as the Windstar credo, reminds us 180° From Ordinary.  Though many Windstar regulars will stay on board for the next two cruises! With Rome among the Italian highlights, before docking in Venice. That is 22 days of intimate excursions, a plethora of wellness options, and superb cuisine. For Star Legend and her crew, after 12 days in a Cadiz dry dock, it is back to work. Looking more than ship-shape, the Star Legend has new carpets of maritime blues in many of the public areas, plenty of fresh paintwork and restaurant Basil and Bamboo ready to open.  Day 1: Malaga With check in from 1 pm, guests are soon through the formalities and heading for lunch. Led by the James Beard Foundation, the Veranda

This post was originally published on this siteThe Palacete Severo has thrice been inspired by love. Ricardo Severo, Portuguese polymath – architect, engineer, political Republican and writer — designed the Palacete Severo in 1902, as a home for his Brazilian wife Francisca. In the library’s wood panels their initials are intertwined. Returning to Portugal from political exile in Brazil, the design of the Little Palace also paid homage to Severo’s love of his homeland’s architecture: azulejo tiles, carved wooden staircases, a loggia, black and white mosaic floors and ceiling frescoes. The Palacette Severo was a paean to Severo’s love of Portugal. Now restored, renovated and revived, as a 20 room boutique 5* hotel, after decades of neglect, the Palacette Severo is loved once more. For new owner, Géraldine Banier, the Palacette is a satellite to her Parisian Gallery. Throughout the Palacette and the gardens, art is everywhere, featured in every room. Most of it for sale. Above the tourist bustle of riverside Ribeiro, the Palacette Severo is a secluded sanctuary, exuding discrete luxury, at the heart of Porto’s creative neighbourhood of Cedofeita. It is an oasis of stillness.  Yet within walking distance of most of Porto’s charms.  The welcome As our