Tag Archives: Discovery

Italy, Piemonte: The Time Stopped in Tappia

Posted on November 30, 2013 | Leave a comment

After enjoying a long pause of slow food in Anzuno,

we hit the road to other villages, starting with Tappia. No need to go to the other side of the world to feel a change of scenery: the ubiquitous mountains (picture 11), beautiful church with baroque details (pictures 1 & 7), abandoned houses worthy of a movie set … And yes, the time stopped in Tappia!

The verdant dense nature wins on the thick gray stone of the traditional architecture (picture 6, the oldest house in the village). Deserted village with the exception of one family that lives there year-round, producing wine. We hear water trickling, relaxing (pictures 2 & 3). And from Tappia, you can access various walking trails I won’t have the opportunity to discover (pictures 4 & 10)! Already time to leave … To be continued …

Related posts : DESTINATIONS & LIFESTYLE

Portugal: Comporta, Miles of Pristine Beaches

Posted on November 27, 2013 | Leave a comment

Comporta is 1h-1h30 drive south of Lisbon,

in the region of Alto Alentejo. I need a breath of fresh air and to discover new places. Amazing light at the end of November which gilds kilometers of wild beaches, bordering a nature reserve (picture above).

Long walk on one of the deserted beaches, with just two or three fishermen whose giant fishing canes are planted in the sand (pictures 4 & 5). We blend in with the scenery. From time to time some ominous clouds. The bottom of the air is really cold, almost freezing when we reach the teak terrace of the restaurant, Ilha do Arroz. But there are infinite Ocean view, I can spend hours contemplating the horizon, sunset …

And some Portuguese tapas consisted of pasteis de bacalhau (cod fritters) with pimentos padrone (small green peppers grilled) : simple and delicious ! And our surprise guest : Cacao, the irresistible young dog of the owners (picture 6). Clap end when night falls, I am freezing in my parka. We take the road back to Lisbon. A great idea of an awesome beach walk for all of those who hate Sundays cocooning (LOL) !

Sintra, Portugal: Tivoli Palacio De Seteais, The Enchanting Gardens

Lisbon, Portugal: India That Wears You

DESTINATIONS & LIFESTYLE

Casa Vanni: A Room in Viganella, Piemonte (Italy)

Posted on September 11, 2013 | Leave a comment

After a very long day

among the beautiful gardens of Sacred Mount Calvary of Domodossola, a short hike in Anzuno and a visit in the ancient village of Tappia, what a fantastic surprise when I arrived at the hotel!

If for you too, luxury is defined by scarcity, taste, simplicity and warm hospitality, you’ll soon become addicted to Casa Vanni Dimora storica (historical house). From the exterior, I immediately loved it! THE pearl of my weekend in the Antrona valley, Piemonte!

This small hotel with 5 bedrooms is located in the center of Viganella, a semi-desert remote village that full of charm and surprises. In my room at the second floor, I was conquered by the elegant sober contrast between the ancient thick walls and minimalist modern decor (pictures 1 & 2). Spotless bedding and bath room, with new facilities, where every detail is perfectly thought out (pictures 5 & 7).

Simple almost monastic, but so refined, congratulations to our smiling charming hostess! Big euphoria when I discovered my little terrace with panoramic views of the mountains and village (pictures 3, 4 & 8). The bottom of the air is fresh and invigorating and the moment is magical.