Tag Archives: Short Break

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.

Informations

CASA VANNI

Related posts : DESTINATIONS, HOTEL REVIEWS & LIFESTYLE

Esplanade Zagreb: A Room

Posted on August 15, 2013 | Leave a comment

I arrived in the evening at the Esplanade Zagreb,

the cuisine of Le Bistro Esplanade closed soon. Check-in completed at the reception desk, I was kindly directed to the restaurant. After dinner, I wanted to do few snapshots of the hotel and I spent lots of time… of course … Still not seen my room. Along the way I discovered a kind of debutante ball, among the thousand decorative objects that arouse my curiosity. Then completely knockout (more than 24 hours without sleeping), I finally go to my room. Opening the door, I have the feeling that I know the place which is very nice. Even the Coca Zero “Frend” (mate) greets me! The room is spacious and cozy, with a comfortable seating area and long windows.

But the real good surprise: the bathroom

designed as an open space, large, clean and functional with a glam touch of Art Deco. A pleasure to use: no door or wall with the room. Without vampirizing space, such as when the tub is placed opposite the bed: I hate and it can be found in a plethora of design hotels! Don’t get me wrong, I am a huge fane of design and crazy architecture.

But in some upscale hotels that were palaces in the past, I especially like their ability to anticipate the notion of comfort for each guest. In my case, I need a large number of electrical outlets in the room for my several chargers (cameras, mobile and laptop). I also need indirect lighting that is not too strong (neither too dark) and a perfect bedding. And do I have to mention free efficient wifi in all areas of the hotel? The Esplanade Zagreb has perfectly fulfilled all these criteria.

Informations

Zagreb Tourist Board, www.visitcroatia.be, Esplanade Zagreb

Follow my whole trip in the CROATIA section. ENJOY! I was hosted by the Office National Croate du Tourisme and of course all my opinions are mine.

Zagreb, Croatia: Museum of Broken Relationships

Shopping Design & Fashion in Zagreb, Croatia

DESTINATIONS & HOTEL REVIEWS

London Shopping, Art and Bar

Posted on April 2, 2013 | Leave a comment

Here is my ultimate London shopping, art and bar review: check my spring summer issue! For new comers: my city walks are one of the hallmarks of my blog (you can find all the city walks, full of exclusive address and tips in DESTINATIONS). I walk for hours and hours to capture, watch and take the pulse of the city. This time, I start to Piccadilly Circus, where was my hotel. Not really my usual London, I’m definitely more Portobello and East End than Soho or Covent Garden. Pictures 2 & 7: incredible, after so many trips to London, I’d never been to the National Gallery! I’m a big fan of the Tate Modern and the Victoria & Albert Museum (coming up post and if you like contemporary art, check my interview with Gilbert & George). In the picture 2, this piece of art (in gold or it looks like gold) of Elmgreen & Dragset is placed in front of the National Gallery. Honestly I don’t like it and I don’t dislike it, let’s say it intrigues me a bit. Picture 3: don’t miss the Radio Rooftop Bar, located on the top floor of the ME London (a newly opened hotel). For a drink or dinner with a panoramic view of the city … hoping you have a better weather than me (LOL!). Picture 4: totally by chance, on the side of Mayfair, I found in the lobby of a company’s building, my favorite work of the Portuguese artist, Joana Vasconcelos! I had the great opportunity to visit her workshop few years ago and see one of her famous giant sandals under construction! Small world! Picture 6: the most iconic London department store, Liberty! Beautiful wooden interiors, in addition to excellent fashion selection and home selection, the place has lots of character. A must do, I had the chance to photograph a famous London based blogger there. Pictures 8, 9, 4 & 1: Anglomania! In Soho, a poster of the theater that displays a show about the Queen. Picture 9: I’ve always been impressed with all the mix of colors, patterns and materials of the English. Unique! Beautiful or not beautiful, that is not the question! Picture 1: beautiful Burberry‘s window in Regent Street. Where you must stop by the huge store of Anthropologie, if you want to shop for your home. Very nice design both contemporary seriously boho, a little regressive (LOL) and very colorful (plates, bowls, candles, furnitures …). In the store, I also like the great wall covered with plants. Picture 10: This small pedestrian street is full of shops and leads to a nice place a little apart, with some (crowd out) terraces, St Christopher Place. Enjoy!