Travel
Villa Peduzzi – a secret waiting to be found
“And above all, watch with glittering eyes the whole world around you, because the greatest secrets are always hidden in the most unlikely place.
Those who don’t believe in magic will never find it” said the quintessential children’s author Roald Dahl. At this under the radar retreat magic awaits.
In the region of Como lies the small commune of Pigra, where a little-known luxury villa sits meters high above the lake commanding the most extraordinary of views that is second to none. One cannot even begin to measure the sheer beauty and...
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Review of Hotel Review | Castello dal Pozzo
Situated on the banks of the spectacular Lake Maggiore, Castello dal Pozzo is a five-star luxury hotel with a storied past. The castle has been in the Dal Pozzo family for six generations, and they have gone to great lengths to turn their beloved home into one of the top destinations in the region. The familial atmosphere and excellent service were evident from the moment we entered the driveway. We were warmly welcomed by the staff, who took our car into the private garage, our bags inside, and gave us a quick tour. They were more than happy to suggest restaurants and bars for us to visit and made the necessary reservations for us to secure tables in the area’s most popular spots. The luxury residence’s 45 rooms are spread out across the 18th-century palace, the renovated stables, and the castle itself. Original antiques, art, and family heirloom pieces adorn the walls and peek out of corners of the hotel’s hallways, and add to its allure. We stayed in one of the Junior Suites, which had wooden flooring and a living area with a coffee table, armchairs, and work desk. The canopy bed exuded old world charm whilst the marble bathroom with both a bath and stand-alone rain shower was a welcome contemporary touch.
Hotel review: Arowhon Pines in Algonquin
These were the words that encouraged us to book a stay at Arowhon Pines, the rustic but luxurious lodge and resort set deep within the Algonquin Provincial Park. We were warned ahead of time that despite being only a 3-hour drive from Toronto, there would be no cell service, WiFi, or television and we welcomed the chance to relax, unwind, and truly disconnect. The all-inclusive seasonal resort is open from the end of May until mid-October. There is a selection of private rooms with ensuite bathrooms and shared common areas and also private cabins with private decks. During our stay, we were the only guests in our shared cabin, so we enjoyed the luxury of having the common room to ourselves and set up a fire as we worked on a puzzle and played some of the board games in the living room. Our room was very charming, peaceful, and quiet, save for the sounds of wild animals in the evenings. The bathroom had Arowhon’s own eco-friendly body wash and soap, which smelled beautiful and was available for purchase at reception, while our private deck out back had comfortable lounge chairs that were perfect for catching some sun.
Review of The landmark hotel London review
What we noticed most at this prestigious establishment was truly in its staff – never failing to greet anyone that entered with warmth, sarcasm and charm. Without being intrusive, its staff remained friendly and accommodating which ultimately made for an unforgettable experience for us. Why should one choose The Landmark when deciding on a five-star hotel to stay at in London? The staff for one thing, but the décor and its signature Winter Garden are aspects of the hotel that can make one feel inspired, comfortable and energised. Each morning, one can make their way to the vast atrium and gather that sense of refreshing energy as the sky above declares itself, greeting you with whatever weather London has to offer. There is something about natural sunlight and wide-open spaces surrounded by charming accents that really puts one’s mood at ease. And for this, we regard The Landmark as an architectural sight to behold.
Review of Santorini modernity – Grace hotel, an Auberge Resorts...
Minimalist and modern, the staff are camouflaged in white; from the tiny reception area with a panoramic terrace, endless flights of steps lead down to rooms on different levels and to a lagoon-like infinity pool. There are 20 rooms and suites and one exclusive VIP villa. All, except Deluxe rooms, have plunge pools or whirlpool baths. Walls are powder white with beige and caramel sofas, and there are lots of elegant details; marble lamps, Cycladic statues, king-sized Coco-Mat beds, summer and winter bathrobes (summer ones are more like kimonos), docking stations, iPads, plenty of plug sockets (including UK), chocolates and local liqueur on arrival. The hotel is keen on souvenirs and include adorable touches to make your stay memorable; on arrival, guests have their photo taken with a Polaroid camera while a small wooden ‘memory box’ can be found in your room. The latter is full of trinkets, including a glass jar to collect the white, black or red sands of Santorini beaches, should you wish to visit (and you should).
Featuring Venice and Liu Bolin: disappearing in Venice
It wasn’t the beautiful symmetry of the Doge Palace’s herringbone walls or the shadowy twin domes of the Basilica of Saint Mary. It was something more humble: the maxi advertising scaffolding wrap of Santa Maria della Pietà church’s façade. Why, oh why? Well, for multiple reasons. Every art, architecture and history lover knows that sinking feeling of seeing a beautiful landmark hidden away under a tarpaulin for what seems like interminable restoration. Sometimes, the building becomes like ghost, enveloped in a bland white plastic flapping endlessly in the wind or, worse still, daubed in some dreary ad for some new washing powder or super fast car. Not so for our Santa Maria ’s wrap I saw. The church, built between 1745 and 1760, sits on the atmospheric promenade along the waterfront few minutes from Saint Mark's Square, and since 2014 it is been undergoing a complex restoration intervention.
Featuring 24 hours in Singapore
From its breathtaking skyline to infinite green spaces, glitzy shopping malls and seemingly endless array of world-class restaurants, Singapore packs a mighty punch. In fact, a mere 24 hours is just not enough time but following our carefully curated itinerary will ensure you get the most out of your whirlwind stay.
Review of Casa Angelina – a chic hideaway on the Amalfi Coast
We took the hotel’s taxi shuttle from the beautiful town of Positano, where the greatest draw is the exceptional view over both Positano and Capri, and the Li Galli islands. On first impression, Casa Angelina looks like a Bond villain’s lair, half hidden within the cliff-edge and decorated in a particularly minimal fashion; almost completely white except for a few vibrant murano sculptures dotted around. The interior is crisp and sharp – perhaps not an ideal location for families with children as there are no scuff marks in sight. Thrilling Bond films aside, this hotel offers guests relaxing seclusion. Within the serene hotel there is a small, albeit picturesque, swimming pool amongst the lemon trees and a stylish terrace, overlooking the azure of the Amalfi Coast. This boutique hotel offers two other options for swimmers; a heated hydrotherapy pool in the gym, and a private beach 200 steps down from the hotel, which is much more lively.
Featuring Capri – The Sybarite’s guide to the Emerald Isle
Glittering azure waves lap up to the harbour, filled with adorable Italian boats and vintage Riva’s, to the multi-coloured houses of the seaside town. As loud and busy as it is due to day-tripper tourists, honeymooning couples and the very well-travelled, nothing can quite compare to the moment you step off the hydro-foil from Naples to the shores of this fantastic emerald isle. If you’re staying at one of the luxurious five-star hotels on the island, which are highly recommended, you will be greeted by a representative, recognisable by the hotel name printed on their captain’s cap. After taking care of your luggage, they will show you to a shuttle or taxi, (not just any taxi, a vintage open-top limousine nonetheless) to take you to the Island’s main square, the Piazzetta Umberto. From there, you’re left to explore the tiny side streets filled with designer boutiques and al fresco restaurants in the sunshine, walking the pavements lined with vintage tiles.
Featuring The top 6 out-there honeymoon destinations for Meghan and...
Amongst other unconventional choices from the couple is their announcement that they intend to defer the all-important and anticipated honeymoon, instead preferring to return to work directly after the wedding. Although some claim to already know where the couple will honeymoon, nothing has been announced yet. That gives the rest of us the chance for some healthy speculation on where in the world the couple might choose for a truly 21st century royal escape. One thing’s for sure: this thoroughly modern royal pairing could choose anywhere in the world – so Odyssey Travels has compiled a honeymoon countdown of six of the world’s most exotic destinations, from Antarctica to Africa, and why they might suit Harry and Meghan down to the ground.
Featuring Roman luxury | discover ancient origins within a...
It was my first time in the city (can you tell?), and beyond my girlish squeals of glee and excitement driving through the beautiful city at night, we stopped just in front of the Colosseum at the Palazzo Manfredi, where later we spent two wonderful evenings. This charming 17th century palace was built metres away from the Colosseum and a training school for gladiators of ancient Rome. The beautiful building of the Palazzo Manfredi began life in the 17th century as the villa of the Evangelisti family, designed by architect Giovanni Battista Mola. It then passed to the Venerabile Confraternita della Ss Trinità dei Pellegrini e dei Convalescenti (Venerable Fraternity of the Holy Trinity of Pilgrims and Convalescents), as commemorated by the two stones on the façade. In 2002, the villa was purchased by Count Goffredo Manfredi, one of Italy’s most famous entrepreneurs and construction magnates, and thanks to him, Palazzo Manfredi, our superb luxury hotel, was born.
Review of The Upper House – the definitive luxury living hotel in...
For one, though its location is smack in the centre of the city, sitting amongst Shangri-La, The Conrad and Marriot Hotels, its discretion as a five-star luxury living abode is its allurement. Just as you enter its lobby, one isn’t really there until they’ve gone up the stair-way of The Upper House. Call it Feng Shui, but The Upper House wants its guests to feel as if they’ve been transported to a home away from home where luxury living is waiting to greet you at the very top. Rather than the typical check-in of entering through the hotel’s doors towards the concierge desk, The Upper House takes it to another notch. As in, one needn’t go through the check-in process. All one need do is head straight to their rooms whilst its staff takes care of everything else.
Featuring Sir Bani Yas Island: an eco-Wildlife Safari on the...
Beginning when this 87-sq-km desert island was originally Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan’s private retreat. The founder and first ruler of the United Arab Emirates was given a bevy of exotic animals as gifts when exploring Africa as a young royal. After this, he took an interest and started collecting exotic species now thriving on the island's huge wildlife. Sheik Zayed’s initiative was to save a native species that had teetered on the brink of extinction; the Arabian oryx. Officially declared extinct in the wild in the late 1960s, it’s plight moved the animal-loving emir to begin developing Sir Bani Yas as a place to protect it. "The oryx is the main reason the island is the way it is today," says Matt Bottomer, an adventure guide who familiarizes visitors staying on Sir Bani Yas with its many resident creatures. "Sheikh Zayed searched the world to see if there were any oryx in captivity. "He found a handful and started a breeding program here."