The Best Things To Do In Paris During Christmas

Every year during Christmas, Paris welcomes visitors from all around the world: tourists, families, businesses and Parisians themselves exalt in admiration of the city’s beauty and wonders. The city of romance is transformed into a fairytale town, and takes you to magical places that you would never dream of… its traditional and popular Christmas markets, shops, luxury boutiques, cafés, restaurants, museums, galleries, artists, food, cuisine and wines. Below are some of the highlights of Paris during Christmas, whether it’s day or night…

Champs Elysées and its illuminations

L’avenue de Champs Elysées during Christmas is the most spectacular place to visit, the largest avenue in the world, decorated with more than 800,000 LED lamps and 400 glowing trees. The magic usually starts around mid-November until the beginning of January each year. Les avenues Montaigne and Faubourg Saint Honoré are also adorned in the most beautiful way, giving the shine and brightness of a thousand flames dazzling in a sweet and subtle display – so magical in every sense.

The famous avenue Montmartre and La Place du Tertre will also have Christmas displays and, walking on the left bank of Paris, you will also enjoy Christmas delights especially around Le boulevard Saint-Germain, located between art galleries and luxury boutiques, and the so renowned jewellery square, La Place Vendome, which offers marvellous Christmas illuminations. The shops and Le Ritz Palace (re-opened in July 2016) is also beautifully decorated. Last but not the least, the Iron lady of Paris, La Tour Eiffel will be dressed up with striking lights sparkling every hour in the evening.

Christmas markets in Paris

The concept was born in Alsace, in the east of France, in the 1990s; the Christmas markets have since spread throughout Europe and have now become an essential festive event of the Christmas season in Paris. The markets are on the four corners of the capital, from La Gare de l’Est to L’avenue de Champs-Elysees going all the way to La Défense, on the west side of Paris; the journey is an absolute pleasure, especially if you love walking! La Défense Christmas Market is the largest in the region with more than 350 wooden chalets offer an amazing variety of Christmas handcrafted products and French gourmet specialities. Then comes Champs Elysées Christmas Market – with more than 200 wooden chalets, it is the most visited of all the Christmas markets in the city.

The markets extend from La Place de la Concorde to Champs Elysees roundabout – the famous and dangerous driving place. You can also continue your walk from the Saint-Germain Des Pres area where you will also find charming Christmas markets offering about 30 small chalets. It is the smallest Christmas market in Paris but it is lovely; its little stands offer traditional handicrafts and =local products. On the other side of the Eiffel Tower, Le Jardin de Trocadero hosts many wooden chalets, offering a wide selection of gifts and decorations for the Christmas and New Year celebrations. Paris at Christmas is breathtaking; however, you must really experience the markets during the evenings when the modern surrounding buildings, houses and candles are blowing lights everywhere, and Christmas trees are all over the streets of the city, illuminating unique spirited settings.

Fun Christmas activities

Around La Tour Eiffel, there are always ice staking rinks all over the place; do not miss out on the experience of holding hands and swinging around like a professional ice skater, taking part in one of several activities offered by the local association Trocadero on Ice event. If you miss this one, there are always other opportunities but don’t miss the ice staking rink experience in Paris. The second most ephemeral ice skating rink ever created in France is in a magical place – inside Le Grand Palais, in the heart of its sumptuous nave. One of the funniest attractions of the Christmas period in Paris is riding on the Big Wheel of the Concorde Square – down the Champs Elysées – try it! At 70 meters high, it dominates the elegant Place de la Concorde, and brightens up as soon as the night falls, offering a stunning view of the city. Over the years, it has become a must-see attraction for Parisians and tourists alike. What would be the Christmas holidays in Paris without its animated windows?

This event is the rendezvous for young and old people, no matter their age group; they all enjoy the spirit and magic of Christmas, the windows shopping or decorations. The most eagerly anticipated displays are those of Les Galleries Lafayette, Printemps on Boulevard Haussman and Bon Marché. Each year each window competes for creativity and imagination, the question always being which is the most exceptional window? Come, see, judge and give your verdict – there is a new theme year after year, and this is of course without forgetting the huge Christmas tree that sits and smiles at you as soon as you enter a boutique or shop.

While you stroll, do not miss the wonderful Parisian cribs in the most magnificent churches of Paris. In every church of the city, whether it is an Orthodox, Catholic and/or Protestant, there is one crib beautifully prepared by artists and amateurs, in life size or a small version. This allegorical and poetic scene is animated and drawn from local lives and even revisited by some contemporary artists. The famous Notre Dame de Paris, L’Eglise de la Madeleine, L’Eglise Bonne Nouvelle and La Basilique du Sacrée Coeur welcome new crib creations. Whether traditional, Baroque or modern, they are pieces of art attracting many visitors every year, and each of the churches organises concerts and entertainments for children and adults throughout the holidays.

Between the Paris illuminations, the Christmas markets, the giant ice staking rinks, the churches, monuments and so on you will find enough attractions and activities to fill all your Christmas desires. Every single element assures you of a magical and memorable moment with your family, friends or just the two of you.

Zakary Chanou is Managing Director at Ultimate Guide Paris.

 A Luxury Travel Blog

7 Of The Best Wineries In South Africa

South Africa is renowned for its verdant Winelands, where a host of wineries produce some of the world’s greatest produce. If you are planning a trip to South Africa, visiting a quintessential winery should definitely be on your to-do list. But where are the best wineries, and which are worth seeing? We’ve compiled a list of the Best Wineries in South Africa, so you won’t have to waste a moment in your search for the perfect glass of wine. Cheers!

Vrede en Lust

Dating back to 1688, the Vrede en Lust winery has had years to perfect its construction of fine wines. Located in the heart of the Cape Winelands, this modern farm establishment rests on a foundation that is more than 300 years old. Vrede en Lust produces red, white and rose wines, which guests can sample on a wine tasting activity day or as they stay in the winery’s luxurious accommodation.

Maison Estate

Maison Estate is a relatively modern winery located in the Valley of the Huguenots, and has won various awards for its fragrant and delicious wines. You can sample the estate’s produce at a wine tasting or even at your own wedding, as they offer luxurious event facilities. There is also an impressive tasting room and deli for you to feast in: your taste buds won’t know what hit them.

Rustenburg

Located in Stellenbosch, Rustenburg boasts stunning landscapes as well as delicious produce. Each bottle of wine has been aged to perfection, with the utmost care taken to perfectly preserve its array of flavours. Rustenburg is open seven days a week, where visitors are welcome to partake in wine tasting events and learn more about this fine estate.

Cederberg

Having won multiple awards for their wines, it’s no surprise that Cederberg is considered one of the greatest wineries in South Africa. Cederberg also takes great pride in its conservation work and biodiversity, with the winery being involved in various projects and initiatives to benefit the surrounding community and environment.

Boekenhoutskloof

First established in 1776, the homestead and vineyard of Boekenhoutskloof is still at the forefront of winemaking today. Located in Franschhoek Valley, the winery enjoys both stunning surroundings and an environment conducive to producing the world’s finest wines. A visit to the winery is guaranteed to delight all of your senses, particularly your taste buds.

Lammershoek

This family-owned and run vineyard in Swartland is committed to creating wine which aptly reflects South Africa. Vibrant colours clash with bold flavours, resulting in some of the world’s most celebrated wines. But don’t just take our word for it: Lammershoek hosts wine tastings, where visitors are invited to sample many of the estate’s offerings.

Tokara Estates

Situated in Stellenbosch, Tokara Estates specialises in making its own olive oils, deli items and of course delicious wines. You are welcome to feast upon all of these masterpieces at the estate, including its own restaurant, which is also home to breath-taking surroundings and a knowledgeable team of winemakers.

Contributed by Matthew Coe, Online Marketing Manager for Wanderforth.  A Luxury Travel Blog

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10+ Incredible Experiences In Newly-Cool Jerusalem

My last trip to Jerusalem was over ten years ago and while it was an eye-opening experience from a religious and historical perspective, it was not a place that I would describe as particularly fun or edgy. But with a slew of recent innovations which can be seen in the city’s dynamic food scene, counter-culture nabes, hip bars and an abundance of stylish new designer boutiques springing up, Jerusalem is really having a “moment”. Newbies will most certainly want to allow time to see Jerusalem’s awe-inspiring Big 5: the Church of the Holy Sepulcher, City of David, the Western Wall, the Temple Mount and Yad Vashem.

Sleep in style

The historic American Colony Hotel is the antithesis to cookie-cutter chain establishments since every room in this elegant property (once a Pasha’s palace) is uniquely furnished combining classic Arabian arches, opulent Oriental rugs, Armenian ceramics and polished stone floors with welcome modern updates including a flat-screen TV, Italian “Frette” bed linens, modern bathrooms and evening turndown service. The whole staff is exceedingly gracious and just a sampling of the hotel’s many amenities include a champagne welcome drink, complimentary Wi-Fi, parking and (how sweet is this?) 20 minutes of free long distance calling nightly. Conveniently located at the crossroads of East and West Jerusalem, the American Colony Hotel has hosted a plethora of famous guests over the last century including Sir Winston Churchill, Lawrence of Arabia, Mikhail Gorbachev, Graham Greene, Robert De Niro, Bob Dylan, Giorgio Armani, Sir Ben Kingsley, etc. With its world-class restaurants, high-tech fitness center, fabulous swimming pool, and beautifully landscaped gardens filled with tropical flowers, stone fountains and olive trees, it can be difficult to tear yourself away.

Insider tip: If you’re jetlagged, be sure to set your alarm because you won’t want to miss the bountiful breakfast buffet-one of the city’s best.

Techie travels

You can aimlessly wander through the labyrinth of cobblestoned alleyways that make up the Old City, where you are almost certain to get lost and could miss out on some of the four quarters ( Jewish, Muslim, Christian and Armenian) or you can get smart and download a free app, The Old City of Jerusalem Audio Walking Tours has 16 self-guided tours (complete with user-friendly directions, maps, descriptions of the sights and photos) covering a wide range of interests such as In the footsteps of Christian sects, The Jewish Quarter, or Marketplaces in the Old City. This app kicks Siri to the curb!

Underrated gem

The new Herzl Museum opened on the 100th anniversary of Binyamin Ze’ev (Theodore) Herzl death, the founder of modern political Zionism, to commemorate the impact his life had on the creation of a Jewish State. A visit here includes a riveting hour long, audio-visual, theatrical encounter with this visionary Zionist. The presentation provides fascinating insight into Herzl’s ambitious goals and incredible achievements, as well as his deep disappointments and turbulent personal life–fodder for a reality show. Herzl and his wife Julia, who was prone to mental instability, had three children, each of whom met a terrible end and Herzl died when he was only 44. Yet only fifty years later, his daring dream, the establishment of the independent State of Israel became a reality.

Insider tip: The museum is adjacent to Mt. Herzl, where Herzl is buried alongside many of Israel’s presidents, prime ministers, Knesset speakers and other leaders.

New/old discovery

A half-hour drive into the Judean Desert brings you to the seldom-visited Herodion, a magnificent seven-story, palace-fortress built between 23 and 15 BCE. After a 35 year search, Professor Ehud Netzer recently discovered Herod’s royal tomb. Herodian, the third largest palace of its day, is similar to Masada, which was also designed by Herod, the greatest builder of the ancient world. The Talmud states, “If you have not seen the Temple that Herod built, you have not seen the most beautiful structure in the world.” You can appreciate Herod’s incredible building skills as you wander through the palace remains, complete with courtyards, a Roman theatre, synagogue, banquet rooms, opulent living quarters, and the largest Roman bathhouse in the country, where you can still see some of the original tiles and colorful frescoes. This gifted builder was also an extremely cruel and paranoid leader, who murdered several family members.

Shoptalk

Small but fabulous Little Bezalel Street is the epitome of style. The pedestrian-only, cobblestoned street is lined with postage stamp sized, stone built shops, home to some very talented Israeli clothing and jewelry designers, as well as a handful of fashionable outdoor cafes. Two chic clothing boutiques, Momi Mia and Homi, feature sophisticated Israeli fashions, while Alit Heiman, a one-woman force to be reckoned with, recently opened a gorgeous jewelry shop. Once a dancer, Alit’s gracefully designed sterling silver and vermeil pieces combine elegant poise and balance.

Insider Tip: If you’re there on a Friday take in the Bezalel Arts Fair, a lively street fair with over 100 crafty booths between Bezalel Street and Shmuel HaNagid Street, next to the old home of the renown Bezalel Academy of Arts and Design.

4,000 years of history in 45 breathtaking minutes

You can not find a more spectacular setting (hence the name, “The Night Spectacular”) than the massive expanse of ancient citadel walls that serve as the backdrop for the Tower of David -Light and Sound Show. Jerusalem’s 4,000 year old history is brought to life during this state-of-the-art, multi-sensory experience that utilizes 20 projectors, 10 video players, 14 computers and 14 loudspeakers resulting in an extraordinary experience that will linger long after the last orchestral note and breathtaking, virtual reality image has faded away.

Insider tip: See below for the perfect end to your evening.

Unique tour experiences

If you’re afraid you won’t have time to see it all or just want to take in the city’s highlights from another perspective, join ZuZu on one of their magical, mysterious Midnight Bike Tours. The company will supply you with a good bike, light and helmet, and a fun, knowledgeable guide who will lead you on a 2 or 3 hour circle tour offering spectacular views of the Old City, as you pedal through the quiet, empty streets up to the top of a hill overlooking the city lights.

Insider tip: Zuzu also offers a variety of Segway City Tours in either Hebrew or English.

Non-schlocky souvenirs 

Yad LaKashish: Lifeline for the Old not only offers one-stop shopping for beautiful, gently priced, hand-made jewelry, candlesticks, menorahs and other quality crafts but at the same time you’ll be performing a mitzvah (charitable act) since this non-profit organization provides approximately 300 of Jerusalem’s needy elderly and disabled a sense of purpose through creative work opportunities. Located in the Musrara neighborhood of Old Jerusalem, the small shack which was originally used as the bookbindery has grown into an impressive complex, offering daily workshops in ceramics, metalwork, embroidery, silk painting, woodwork, paper mache and much more. Standouts include colorful Ethiopian clay mobiles, recycled paper stationery, and very cool hand made metal Star of David necklaces.

Insider tip: Sign up in advance for a tour where you’ll be able to meet these inspiring artisans and see their work works-in-progress.

Market mayhem

The Mahne Yehuda Market aka The Jerusalem Shuk ranks up there with the world’s best. The minute you step foot in the Shuk you are enveloped by the same captivating cloud of scents, sights and flavors that has wooed shoppers since the Ottoman Era, when it served as a social meeting place. Join the throngs of mankind at this cacophonous food market haphazardly lined with over 250 stalls stocked with the finest local produce, freshly ground coffee, exotic teas and spices, dried fruits and nuts, fish, meat, cheese, olives, and baked goods, many which offer tasty free sample! After a recent revitalization the market now includes many new bistros, lively espresso bars and hip clothing boutiques and has become a popular evening hangout.

Insider tip: Some faves here include an incredible cup of freshly roasted coffee served by the sweetest baristas at Cafelix; Basher’s Formagerie, opened since1956 and considered to be the finest cheese outlet in Israel; Marzipan Bakery for their renown gooey, fudge-y, piping-hot, killer-rich chocolate rugelach and The Halva Kingdom which offers 100 different flavors of this ground sesame treat. For a more substantial meal head to Manou ba Shouk, for their decadent baked eggplant anointed with a pool of creamy tahini.

Food to fly back for

Machneyuda is a vivacious venue run by three wildly inventive Jerusalem chefs. Every seat has a view of the open kitchen where you might see the chefs banging on pots in time to the blasting music or painstakingly adding the final touches to their “I’d like to be under the sea, in an octopus garden with you” dish before dancing it over to your table. The creative menu changes daily featuring the freshest ingredients from the adjacent Mahne Yehuda Market.

Insider tip: Foodies near and far have discovered this treasure so be sure to make reservations waaaay in advance.

Adom restaurant, hidden away in the newly renovated First Train Station complex, is a great choice if you’re looking for someplace a bit more romantic. Dramatic design elements include lots of wood, stone and glass with camel, black and burgundy leather banquettes, and outdoor seating. The fusion food has Italian, French and Mediterranean nuances which pairs nicely with the extensive international wine list. Top hits here include any of the seafood dishes, gnocci, a seriously good burger (served with little potato croquettes instead of fries) or any of the not-overly sweet desserts.

Insider tip: The bar is party central after 10:00 pm when a special ½ price menu is available.

Timely transport

Finally someone gets mass transport right! Hop on the environmentally friendly, electrically operated, Jerusalem Light Rail for a virtually noise and pollution free mode of transportation which takes you to many of the city’s popular destinations.

Insider tip: The red line takes you across the new Chords Bridge, also called The Bridge of Strings, a cantilever spar cable-stayed bridge designed by the Spanish architect and engineer Santiago Calatrava. Costing over $70 million the bridge has sparked major controversy for both its price and artistic merit.

For help in planning your exciting trip to Jerusalem visit the Israel Ministry of Tourism website.

Contributed by Janice Nieder, aluxurytravelblog.com
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5 Of The Best Places To Dine Out In Berlin

A decade ago, Berlin’s mayor Klaus Wowereit tried to attract  hip young things and tourists to the city by declaring ‘Berlin ist arm, aber sexy’ – basically, ‘Berlin is poor but sexy’. However, what he failed to mention is that it also has some of the best restaurants in the world. ‘Berlin is poor, sexy and has food you can’t begin to describe’ may have been a more appropriate sentiment. Here are the best places to savour fine dining in Berlin…

Glass: Uhlandstraße 195, 10623 Berlin, Germany

Glass is a modern, playful restaurant located in the heart of Charlottenburg, inside a brutalist apartment building at the top end of Uhlandstrasse. Using movement’s use of science to alter how you taste your food (stay with us here; it’s worth it), diners eat in a black dining room, facing the kitchen, which is covered by reflecting silver fabric.  Guests enjoy  ‘contemporary cuisine at the highest level, without the conventional ceremonies of classic gourmet restaurants’, according to the website, and who are we to argue?

The current dinner menu includes Forest in Glass (mushrooms, smoke and wild herbs, apparently), foie gras, minestrone with scallops, beans and zucchini, and a cheesecake made with pistachios, Saint Maure and wild berries. However, don’t be fooled into thinking that eating here is dull; the showpiece ‘Candybox’ dessert reinvents much-loved childhood sweets, from Snickers snow to passion fruit Gummy Bears, popping candy and a flash-frozen chocolate mousse.

Les Solistes by Pierre Gagnaire: Hardenbergstraße 28, 10623 Berlin, Germany

French chef Pierre Gagnaire has a bit of a thing for Michelin stars, and Les Solistes is his latest effort at the new Waldorf-Astoria.

Using a ‘modern approach to classic French cooking techniques’, Gagnaire excels at impressing without intimidating. The tasting menu is a thing of beauty (it’s four courses at €115 or seven at €150), and starters are priced from €27; try The Spring, an enchanting mixture of asparagus sorrell purree, chard and pearl of farm cider. The pan-fried duck foie gras, served with pumpkin soup, is also a winner.

Gagnaire’s eponymous restaurant in Paris is still one of the best places to eat in the French capital, demonstrating his resilience in the fast and fickle world of culinary fame. It’s worth going here for dessert if nothing else; the signature showstopper ‘grand’ dessert course is a delight to look at and to taste. Jellies, sorbets, caramels and reductions involving everything from coconut milk laced with tapioca pearls to luxuriant slabs of passion fruit fudge are beautifully and elegantly served; prepare your palate for a long night.

Reinstoff: Schlegelstraße 26C, 10115 Berlin, Germany

Despite this restaurant’s high- end credentials, eating here is a pleasingly-relaxed affair. The dining room is like a dark stage and the low-level lighting focuses on the tables, the company and the main act of the evening – the incredible food on offer.

Although it’s hard to find this place (it’s hidden away north of the city centre in a factory), once you’re here, you’ll struggle to leave. The innovating yet inclusive menu is split into ‘nearby’ and ‘faraway’ foods; current offerings include ‘Lamb from the volcanic Eifel’, which includes belly and tatar with Turkish pointed peppers and an ice wine sorbet with grapes, and French rabbit – Welsh onion and mountain cheese in an aromatic broth.

The service here is excellent and the food is plentiful and beautifully-presented; booking is recommended.

Fischers Fritz: Charlottenstraße 49, 10117 Berlin, Germany

This is the place to take a culinary trip into a world of delicious gourmet dishes and fish specialities; chef de cuisine Christian Lohse has worked hard to produce an exquisite menu in a laid-back, friendly restaurant decorated in a classical style with surprising modern touches. As mentioned previously, fish is their business – don’t miss out on the seafood on offer.

Their Easter Brunch is a real treat for two after a hedonistic night out; various egg dishes, crepes and waffles are freshly prepared at live cooking stations before your hungover and hungry eyes. The starter buffet comprises of culinary specialities such as Maine lobster, Fines de Claires oysters and prawn cocktail – but don’t miss out on the prime boiled veal served over navarin of lamb.

Please note: The restaurant is closed from July 27 until August 16, 2015.

Hugos:  Budapester Straße 2/14. Etage, 10787 Berlin, Germany

Hugos offers Michelin-star cuisine with stunning 14th floor city views across Berlin – epicures, take note – you’ve found your new spiritual home. It’s one of Berlin’s longest-standing restaurants, and with good reason; chef Thomas Kammeier deftly celebrates international cuisine inspired by local ingredients and authentic flair.

Occupying the entire top floor of the Hotel InterContinental, Hugos serves up dishes such as ibérico papada bellota with confit, grilled leek, mango and dashifond and red king crab with tartar, rhubarb, vanilla, ginger, coriander and ayran ice cream.

Contributed by Vicky Anscombe, Editor-in-Chief at Columbus Direct. A Luxury Travel Blog 

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6 Of The Best Things To Do In Rome

The capital of Italy is one of the most famous cities in the world. Its roots echo throughout history, as remnants and relics of distant eras blend in with Rome’s modern-day cosmopolitan nature. These unique characteristics allow the city to stand as an attractive destination opportunity for different typologies of visitors: whether you are looking to seize Rome’s vibrant night life and youth culture or you are looking for an unforgettable journey through timeless culture, you are truly in for a treat.

“When in Rome” you really can’t miss the following top 6 attractions in the Italian capital:

Visit the Sistine Chapel and the Vatican Museum

The Sistine Chapel, located in the Apostolic Palace complex (the official residence of the Pope) and theVatican Museum are two of the most popular attractions in the world, to the point that they reached the status of iconic landmarks of the city, in the eyes of tourists and locals alike. If you manage to make your way past the endless lines of visitors from all over the world who come to enjoy these attractions, you’ll have the chance to experience something unique. The Sistine Chapel is a stunning example of architecture and art, while the Vatican Museum is an outstanding parade of priceless treasures spanning from classic heritage (Roman, Greek) to the modern day.

Taste the best pizza in the world at Pizzarium

Italians surely know a thing or two about great pizza, and Pizzarium is definitely one of Rome’s hotspots for a tasty slice of the country’s favourite meal. From classic combinations that never go out of favor (staples such as Margherita, Marinara or Capricciosa are true pizza “evergreens”) to more adventurous flavors, Pizzarium offers a truly overwhelming selection of menu items. This isn’t only an establishment where to find great pizza: prices are more than fair, making for a budget-friendly lunch option. The restaurant is located in Via della Meloria, 43, 00136, Roma.

Have a nice walk at Aventino and think about the civilization

The city of Rome is famously spread throughout seven hills. These hills have been mentioned in local legends since the beginning of the Roman civilization, inspiring history and therefore unleashing a chain of events that quite literally led to “the world as we know it” today. The southernmost of the seven Roman hills is called “Colle Aventino”, and it still stands out as one of the most charming and old-fashioned areas of the city.

Because of its relative isolation, it feels like Aventino didn’t experience the same pace of modernization that appears in other more central areas of the city. These pleasantly old-fashioned vibes make for a pleasant location where locals and tourists alike can experience some rare traditional Italian charm and overlook the “eternal city” from a unique, privileged perspective. Colle Aventino is even home to some of the best eateries and restaurants in the city!

Take a coffee at the marvelous Villa Medici

Sitting down for a coffee at Villa Medici is not just about taking a nice break: it is a true experience. Villa Medici feels luxurious and high-end: the beauty of the enchanting premises is only matched by the Villa’s long and interesting history, as some of the most influential figures in world history have walked through its rooms throughout the decades. As you would expect from such an establishment, the service and attention to quality are absolutely impeccable. Viale della Trinità dei Monti, 1, 00187 Roma.

Have a cosy “aperitivo” at Hotel de Russie

With its classic, timeless atmosphere, Hotel de Russie is one of the city’s current hotspots, attracting some of the trendiest inhabitants of Rome, particularly around 6pm,; about the right time for an aperitif to remember. Between lavish servings and luxurious surrounding, it’s easy to see why this place is highly regarded as one of the city’s most exclusive locations. Hotel De Russie is located in Via del Babuino, 9, 00187 Roma.

Enjoy fine dining at AROMA

If you are traveling to Italy, chances are, food is going to be a huge part of your experience. Italians truly care about the quality of their food, and travelers won’t have any troubles finding great eateries anyday, anytime. In Rome, there are some truly amazing dining opportunities in all areas of the city and for pockets of all sizes.

Having said that, if you are seriously looking for the very best in terms of food in the Italian capital, then look into a night at the famed Aroma restaurant. This Michelin-starred establishment is located within the premises of the enchanting Manfredi palace (Palazzo Manfredi). This is where diners are treated to a high-end culinary experience that bridges the gaps between creativity and tradition. We can only advise one thing:….book in advance! The restaurant is located in Via Labicana, 125, Roma.

Contributed by Olivier Templar-James, Chief Editor at Luxury Travelers Guide.  A Luxury Travel Blog

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5 Of The Best Wine Lists In Spain

An impeccable wine list is an essential component of any well-respected and reputable restaurant. Some of the best restaurants in Spain hit the nail right on the head. The wisdom and good taste of the sommelier is evident and appreciated by those that know about wine. And for those who truly take their wine seriously, it is possible that they choose the wine first and then the food to go with it. For those who think this is backwards, consider if you are going to spend more than 50 Euros on a bottle of wine – then certainly it should be the wine that chooses the food! The following is a short list of what are considered to be some of the restaurants with the best wine lists in Spain.

Atrio, Cáceres

A true classic, Atrio deserves special mention for not being located in one of Spain’s major tourist hotspots. Located in the city of Cáceres, Atrio reigns in Spain with its magnificent wine list. Beautiful like the city it calls home, the restaurant features dozens of Yquem vintages, an extensive list of vintage French champagne, as well as a complete selection of Bordeaux.

El Celler de Can Roca, Girona

30,000 bottles are stored in the 200 square meter cellar waiting patiently to be brought up to one of the tables of what is known by many as the best restaurant in the world. The cellar of El Celler is a project of Josep Roca, one of the brothers who gives life to the restaurant and also considered to be one of the best sommeliers from Spain. Burgundy, Champagne, Riesling, Priorat and Jerez all have a special place in the cellar.

Zalacain, Madrid

Zalacain was the first restaurant to receive three Michelin stars in Spain. It is even more well-known due to its famous sommelier, Custodio Zamora. It has over 1,000 selections and gives special attention to wines of Oporto, not often seen in other wine lists.

Rekondo, San Sebastian

Some five years ago, the prestigious Wine Spectator magazine awarded Rekondo for having one of the top five wine lists in the world. It is said that when Robert Parker, the famous American critic, visited the restaurant in 2012, the sommelier chose for him a Rioja wine from the year he was born. It is service like this that maintains the reputation of the restaurant.

Kaia-Kaipe, Guetaria

About 40,000 bottles and 1,000 selections. A complete collection of French wines and an impressive list of Rioja including very old vintages. Excellent way to celebrate a birthday and find a selection from a particular year.

Contributed by Luis Lechuga, Managing Director at Winetourismspain.  A Luxury Travel Blog

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Top 3 Whale Watching Destinations In South Africa

South Africa is one of the best whale watching destinations in the world. Every year from June to November, thousands of travellers from around the world congregate along the southern shores to spot the gentle giants of the deep – often more than willing to withstand cool winter days further chilled by the ocean breeze.

But you don’t have to stick to the rocks and beaches with your camera on full zoom. There are plenty of ways to see Southern Right, Humpback, and Bryde’s whales closer, be it on a whale watching cruise, a flight overhead, or even by sea kayak. If you dream of seeing whales lobtailing, breaching, and playing with their young, these are the best whale watching destinations to head to in South Africa.

Walker Bay

Stretching from the towns of Hermanus to Gansbaai, Walker Bay has become the whale watching hotspot of South Africa. Hermanus plays host to the annual Whale Festival in October and the cliffs of De Kelders is the place to be to see mother whales cuddling with their young from September to October. Do a sea kayak expedition with Walker Bay Adventures, see baby whales up close with Ivanhoe Sea Safaris, or simply keep an eye out for whale tails from the harbour.

Stay: Harbour House Hotel

Harbour House Hotel is located above the Old Harbour. The Lookout Terrace infinity pool is a town icon as it overlooks the ocean and you can experience the tangible excitement of passers-by in search of a breaching whale while floating on a lilo. The Pavillion pool bar invites guests to relax and savour a sundowner.

Knysna

You won’t be finding any whales in the calm waters of Knysna lagoon, but jump aboard an Ocean Odysseyboat cruise (Knysna’s only permitted close encounter whale watching operation) and head through the famous Knysna Heads. You’ll find that the ocean on the other side is a whale’s playground.

Stay: Head Over Hills

Head over Hills is an exclusive retreat on the famous rocky cliffs of the Knysna’s eastern head. You can’t ask for better whale watching views as the Indian Ocean is spread out below your feet. Luxury features include private balconies, jet baths, and log fireplaces to warm up after a wintery day outdoors.

De Hoop Nature Reserve

Situated at the meeting place of 3 different whale migration routes, De Hoop Nature Reserve is one of the world’s top spots for land-based whale watching. Flights over the marine reserve to see the whales from above can be arranged with African Wings and De Hoop Collection.

Stay: De Hoop Collection

De Hoop Collection has a wide range of accommodation, from basic camping cottages to a luxury manor house. All accommodation is self-catering, but the Fig Tree Restaurant is open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner so you can enjoy a tasty meal that you don’t have to cook yourself.

Travellers who don’t want to make the trip up the Cape Whale Coast will be happy to know that, although not as guaranteed, whales are often spotted around Cape Town, particularly in False Bay on the South Peninsula.

Contributed by Marcel Van de Ghinste, a Director at TravelGround. A Luxury Travel Blog

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5 Top Tips For A Chic Toronto City Break

Toronto is Canada’s east coast wonder city, and top choice for a city break holiday. Canada’s answer to Manhattan, the young and vibrant city is infectious, and after one visit to Toronto you will want to pack your bags and move here! Whether you’re traveling alone, as a couple, or spending a weekend away with the girls, Canada’s largest city is buzzing and fast paced, alive with fun and excitement making for a very enjoyable holiday. Here are five ways to spend a glamorous city break in Toronto:

Retail therapy

Toronto is home to a wealth of shopping opportunities, the trouble is knowing where to start. Why not head straight for Bloor-Yorkville – known as Toronto’s Fifth Avenue. There you will find a host of designer boutiques, antique shops, and galleries to whet your shopping appetite, including the Holt Renfrew Centre, which boasts four floors of space and designer outlets. If smaller boutiques take your fancy, then make your way towards Yorkville Avenue, home to a range of options like Betsey Johnson and Teatro Verde.

Relax and rejuvinate

When you’ve had your fill of retail therapy, some relaxation is definitely in order. The Shizen Spa at the Cosmopolitan Hotel offers a wonderful ‘Friends Bring Benefits’ package that includes a 30 minute massage, manicure, pedicure, lunch and glass of bubbles, all for a great price. It’s the perfect way to relax and rejuvenate after a morning of shopping until you drop.

Sweet treats

For something sweet in the afternoon, you can’t go wrong by visiting The Chocolateria on Roncesvalles Avenue in Little Poland. This chocolate emporium offers truffles, brittles, artisan chocolate bars, and is home to their famous chocolate-dipped potato chips! Go a step further and take part in one of their chocolate classes and get to grips with truffle making, tempering chocolate, and working with moulds.

Cocktail hour

Escape the bustling cityscape with a trip to the Thompson Hotel Rooftop Lounge. Boasting breathtaking 360° views of the Toronto skyline and Lake Ontario, this chic spot is perfect for cocktail hour. Why not try their classic champagne cocktail?

Food, wine and art

Wine and art is such a great pairing, and you can enjoy both at the award-winning FRANK Restaurant at the Art Gallery of Ontario (Dundas Street West). With more than 80 bottles to choose from at the Frank Gehry-designed space, you will be spoilt for choice. The restaurant, headed up by chef Ryan Wilson-Lall, is driven by bold flavours and is sure to round off your chic city break with style.

Contributed by Kathryn Munro, Managing Director at Canadian Affair. A Luxury Travel Blog

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Travelore Tips: The Easy Way to Check On Your Duty Free Purchase Allowance

It’s well known that when entering a country you must declare goods that you have purchased overseas, but keeping a detailed record of each and every item can be hassle when all you want to be doing is enjoying the trip. Actually, though, it needn’t be… thanks to today’s technology, the task of recording all your purchases – regardless of currency – is easier than ever before.

Simply Declare is the only app on the market which is designed to deal specifically with handling your duty-free allowance purchases for declaring back to your home country. It is an iOS travel app which has gone through some major changes with their latest redesign. Available in either a basic free version or in an enhanced paid version, it deals with one of the hassles of paperwork while travelling – that of documenting your purchases whilst you are away. The simple, user-friendly interface is slick with some very intuitive features. This app is made to go from any currency to any currency, and in real time currency keeps you abreast of the amount of your purchases in your home currency. It even has the ability to work with multiple currencies within the same trip.

Simply Declare Travel App FREE is the basic version, which will track your purchases but with a limited 34 supported currencies. Although these 34 currencies are the major currencies, you will have to upgrade to the paid version for the ability to expand to the full 165 currencies, including Bitcoin, if you are travelling to other locations. The free version has some advertising on it but it is not overly intrusive. By upgrading to the paid version, you can lose the ads and tailor the app to your own needs.

The extra features of the paid version also include a handy notepad which can be used for things like packing lists, as well as an “item” notepad to make notes alongside individual items. But one of the best features is the Quick Currency Converter which alleviatse the need to have two apps on the iPhone or iPad.

By upgrading to the full currency list, the “favourites” function for being able to move your top 7 currencies to the top is useful. You simply have to tap the star and your currency is moved to the top. You can create your favourites currency list for your trip and the quick converter and items page will help you to streamline adding items to your roster.

The paid version also integrates with the iCloud service to make sure, if you use the cloud feature, that your purchases are safeguarded against loss. There are in-app purchases for handling your reports and you can create individual user lists or a history of trips in case you want to keep your purchases for future reference. When you add an item, you can even take a picture of the receipt and you can email the receipt and the completed list for safekeeping.

This is a solid, all-round travel app that provides an easy way to manage the task of making sure you have your paperwork and numbers ready to fill out the customs declarations forms when you return home and other handy traveller-friendly features. The look of the app is clean and crisp and it works on WiFi so you don’t have to worry about roaming charges.

The developer has said it will eventually be available on Android, but for now it’s only for Apple mobile devices. Download the free version here or the paid version here. Let us know what you think!

Images #1 and #4: Shutterstock

Contributed by Paul Johnson

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