Tag Archives: Boutique Hôtel

Azores: My Addresses In Ponta Delgada

24 Hours in Ponta Delgada

A Walk in The Historical Center

First day of my trip to the Azores, where I will discover two islands of this beautiful Atlantic Ocean archipelago, São Miguel and Santa Maria. I am super excited, cause I’ve wanted visiting the Azores for a long time!

Départ aux aurores de Bruxelles vers Ponta  Delgada (capitale des Açores sur l’île de São Miguel), via Lisbonne avec la TAP. Nous arrivons en milieu de journée. Le temps est changeant, couvert avec des éclaircies. Mais ça fait partie du charme de l’archipel, les 4 saisons en un jour. 

In the old city, time seems to be stopped, with imposing monuments (Portas da Cidade de Ponta Delgada, 1783) and churches (Igreja Matriz de São Miguel) dating from the sixteenth century. Cobbled streets, green squares, some brightly colored facades (photos below) … 

  

Where To Sip A Tea From The Azores

Louvre Michaelense

Take time to get lost in the city! Take time to get lost. That’s how I found my address: where to sip a tea from the Azores!  

Louvre Michaelense is both a shop (photo 3 above), a tea room (2) and a delicatessen (1). It offers a selection of rare objects and sought local products, with regressive packaging in an ancient framework. The concept reminded me of A Vida Portuguese (in Lisbon). A friendly trendy spot.

Where To Sleep

  

La Casa das Palmeiras

I first saw from a distance the roof of the house that contrasted with the local architecture. Built in 1901, La Casa das Palmeiras is more like one of these Art Nouveau villas on the French Riviera. Recently renovated, this small hotel with 10 rooms is a gem. Perfect for an elegant weekend.

Awesome adress, less is more!   

    

What’s up?

Discovering Street art

What a fantastic surprise! I am a creative (photographer, former art director). So imagine my happiness walking and seeing these amazing Street art works in Ponta Delgada! Oups, I really apology, I lost my notes with the titles of the art works and names of the artists.

 

Where To Drink & Dinner

The Panoramic Terrace of The Azor Hotel

It is always a great pleasure for me to stay or dinner in a hotel decorated by Nini Andrade Silva! I love her work and personality. She has this ability to dramatize space and create unique universes in which we feel good.

After a long time on the relaxing terrace of the Azor Hotel, we dine at the restaurant A Terra Fornaria. The food (promoting local ingredients) and service are great. Definitely my chic address from Ponta Delgada!

 

Photos & vidéos : © Mademoiselle Le K – Tous droits réservés.

Informations  

Visit AzoresVisit Portugal, TAPLouvre Michaelense, Street art with Walk & Talk AzoresCasa das Palmeiras – Charming House, Azor Hotel

Related articles : HOTEL REVIEWS & DESTINATIONS

Many Thanks to Visit Azores, Visit Portugal and TAP for this beautiful invitation. As always these are my opinions.

Seychelles, Praslin: Beaches & Coco de Mer

The Arrival At Mahe

The Departure To Praslin

As soon as I got off the Air Seychelles plane, I took in a cab to catch the Cat Coco Catamaran ferry from Mahe to Praslin, the second largest island in the Seychelles archipelago.

We arrive at the pier under a blazing sun at 9 plus a.m. I stay in the shade, patiently waiting to embark. What a light! Incredible blue sky and white clouds! I arrive in Praslin at 11.30 am, in a landscape of postcard with turquoise waters (photo above).

The crossing lasted an hour … of pure ecstatic contemplation of the Indian Ocean (with air-con)! In the taxi to go to the Coco de Mer hotel, I am surprised by the lush vegetation, steep road and small mountains. Like Mahé and La Digue, Praslin is a granitic island. 

The Charming Hotel

When arriving in the lobby of the Hotel Coco de Mer – Black Parrot Suites, I am attracted by the ocean view and the verdant gardens of this 200-hectare property.

The welcome is warm and friendly. Like Ash Behari, one of the owners and General Manager of the hotel (video below), all the staff are smiling and professional. It feels like visiting friends. 

And guess where the hotel gets its name from? According to a local legend about the Vallée de Ma! nature reserve: 

 

The Suites Black Parrot are located in the exclusive part of the hotel, on a small cliff with a pool offering a panoramic view of the ocean and beaches. My suite in pictures below.

The Island Tour

The Vallée de Mai

I really enjoy taking the road (taxi or rental) to visit the island at my own pace (sometimes exhausting for others, LOL). I am too eager for breathtaking scenery to stay on the beach of the hotel … 

Thanks to my need of action, I discovered stunning coves and beaches! Beware of currents in the water (they can be dangerous), the best is to inquire before bathing.

First stop under tropical rain: the Vallée de Mai, a primitive forest with six species of endemic palms. I have an appointment with the guide Shaun Larue for a detailed visit. He begins by explaining the formation of the Seychelles granite islands (video below). 

Oops I was about to forget ; ) The biggest seed of the world grows on the palm trees of the Valley of May nature reserve : the endemic iconic Coco de Mer (photo above).

 

     

Back On The Road

Anse Lazio

Crystal Clear Water

It doesn’t rain when I finally arrive at Anse Lazio considered one of the most beautiful beaches in the world. I agree, it is superb!

The quality of the very fine sand, the crystal clear water with emerald, turquoise and deep blue reflections, the rock blocks scattered here and there and the palms and vegetation with different green tones.

Unfortunately I don’t have time to swim. I have a ferry to take to another island. To be continued…

 

Photos : © Mademoiselle Le K – Tous droits réservés.

Informations  

Seychelles Tourism Board, Coco de Mer HotelAir Seychelles.

A guide to visit the Vallée de Mai: Shaun Larue, [email protected], tel. (+248) 2595110.

Related posts : DESTINATIONS & HOTEL REVIEWS

Many thanks the Seychelles Tourism Board, Air Seychelles and Coco de Mer Hotel for this beautiful invitation. Also thank you to Ash Behari and Shaun Larue. As always, these are my opinions.

Portugal, Évora: Vitória Stone Hotel

Portugal-Alentejo-Evora-Vitoria-Stone-Hotel-swimming-Pool-1-Photo ©Mademoiselle Le K

Interior Design by Nini Andrade Silva

Portugal-Alentejo-Evora-Vitoria-Stone-Hotel-Breakfast-1-Photo ©Mademoiselle Le K

Improvised Brunch


in the Vitória Stone Hotel roof terrace with Alentejo biscuits and cheese. Delighted, I discovered the panoramic view (just for me) of this Évora neighborhood without tourists (except for hotel guests) and close to the old city (ten minutes walk).

Blue sky and white clouds: high brightness this morning. After months of greyish skies, the shock (lol)! I have the feeling to “see” in new colors! The seats are distributed on different levels. Attracted by sight, I move at the top level and stay near the small infinity pool (photos below).

Leaving, I go in front of the original sauna with walls lined with cork. Cork represents the Alentejo. Besides, I should write a sauna guide, since my meeting with world champion saunas in the South Tyrol!

Portugal-Alentejo-Evora-Vitoria-Stone-Hotel-Swimming-Pool-4-Photo ©Mademoiselle Le KPortugal-Alentejo-Evora-Vitoria-Stone-Hotel-Swimming-Pool-2-Photo ©Mademoiselle Le KPortugal-Alentejo-Evora-Vitoria-Stone-Hotel-Swimming-Pool-5-Photo ©Mademoiselle Le KPortugal-Alentejo-Evora-Vitoria-Stone-Hotel-Swimming-Pool-6-Photo ©Mademoiselle Le KPortugal-Alentejo-Evora-Vitoria-Stone-Hotel-Swimming-Pool-3-Photo ©Mademoiselle Le KPortugal-Alentejo-Evora-Vitoria-Stone-Hotel-Swimming-Pool-7-Photo ©Mademoiselle Le K

The Room

Portugal-Alentejo-Evora-Vitoria-Stone-Hotel-Room-1-Photo ©Mademoiselle Le K

Small But Comfortable

I’ve always found the decorations of the famous interior designer, Nini Andrade Silva, even more glamorous at evening with the different lighting effects and mirrors.

My room reminds me of a David Lynch movies … in part because of the thick curtain covering the entire width of the wall and dressing.

The space is optimized especially in the minimalist white bathroom that stretches the length, wuith an XXL mirror. I like the shower with its simple details. Bedding is also impeccable. In the morning, you can benefit of the small balcony (hidden behind the curtain).

Portugal-Alentejo-Evora-Vitoria-Stone-Hotel-swimming-Room-2-Photo ©Mademoiselle Le KPortugal-Alentejo-Evora-Vitoria-Stone-Hotel-Room-5-Photo ©Mademoiselle Le K Portugal-Alentejo-Evora-Vitoria-Stone-Hotel-Room-4-Photo ©Mademoiselle Le K

The Hotel

Portugal-Alentejo-Evora-Vitoria-Stone-Hotel-1-Photo ©Mademoiselle Le K

J’aime

the intimate arrangement of the common areas. It allows to meet with other clients. We chat sat in the comfy amchairs while looking at the giant photos of megaliths surrounding Évora. Photo above : lounge in the hotel lobby and bar (left photo below).

The restaurant looks nice too (unfortunately I dined in the old city), with a long table that undulates along the bay window (right below). The toilets are pretty unusual with a huge stone bin for handwashing, mirrors and shadows game. Great!

This small hotel is really glam and charming with a smiling efficient service. I felt great!

Portugal-Alentejo-Evora-Vitoria-Stone-Hotel-2-Photo ©Mademoiselle Le K  Portugal-Alentejo-Evora-Vitoria-Stone-Hotel-3-Photo ©Mademoiselle Le KPortugal-Alentejo-Evora-Vitoria-Stone-Hotel-6-Photo ©Mademoiselle Le K Portugal-Alentejo-Evora-Vitoria-Stone-Hotel-4-Photo ©Mademoiselle Le K  Portugal-Alentejo-Evora-Vitoria-Stone-Hotel-5-Photo ©Mademoiselle Le KPortugal-Alentejo-Evora-Vitoria-Stone-Hotel-8-Photo ©Mademoiselle Le K Portugal-Alentejo-Evora-Vitoria-Stone-Hotel-7-Photo ©Mademoiselle Le K

Photos : © Mademoiselle Le K – Tous droits réservés.

Informations  

Visit AlentejoVisit Portugal & Vitória Stone Hotel

Related posts : HOTEL REVIEWSDESTINATIONS & LIFESTYLE

Many thanks to Visit Alentejo and Visit Portugal to this beautiful invitation. Also thanks to the Vitória Stone Hotel and especially the reception team. As always, these are my opinions.