Tag Archives: Short Breaks

Three Weekends in Holland: Amsterdam & Limburg (Part 2)

Limbourg Chic & Nature

The Hotel : Winselerhof in Landgraaf

Surrounded by vineyards, this elegant hotel set in an old farmhouse is a haven of peace. We had lunch in the lovely interior courtyard bathed in sunshine (photo above, 5). Tasty refined cuisine with Mediterranean accents (3 & 4). The breakfast is also varied and plentiful.

We are happy to get in our spacious comfortable suite (1 & 2), after a long (sporty) walk in the nearby forest (6: no, it is not the silhouette of a real wolf, but a sculpture). When we left the Winselerhof, we felt very relaxed and invigorated.

What To Do

Visiting Valkenburg & Maastricht

Direction Valkenburg aan de Geul, a picturesque medieval village (photos 2, 3 & 4 above). What a surprise when we arrived, the village was crowed by tourists! It is really touristy. To avoid the bulk of the crowd, move away from the center of the village.

Another option: driving to Maastricht, a charming little town with countless cafes whose summer and winter I never tire of (1). In the evening, we dine in Herleen at the Brasserie Mijn Streek, located on the top floors of the SCHUNCK museum (5 & 6). A nice view, really good food and friendly team. 

Arty Amsterdam

The Hotel : Conservatorium Hotel

For this new weekend in Amsterdame, we focused about contemporary art. The Conservatorium Hotel, a former music conservatory, is located in the museum district of Amsterdam. I did not know this lovely neighborhood.

As soon as we enter the imposing lobby (photos below 4 & 5), we are projected into a large space mixing cutting-edge design, massive architecture and lots of art. The hotel has a number of works of art as well as renowned restaurants. The reception and restaurant teams are  friendly and professional.

But the best is our large Rooftop Suite with a sleek minimalist design (photo above and photos below 1 & 2). Superb bathroom (3). A cocoon of luxury and good taste. I forgot, the breakfast in the Brasserie and Lounge is simply delicious. 

What To Do

Amsterdam Art Weekend

There are a thousand ways to visit Amsterdam. We decided to go there, during the Amsterdam Art Weekend  (the next session is scheduled from April 15 to 17, 2021). s 2021). We started our art walk by visiting of the artists’ studios in residence at the Royal Academy of Fine Arts, Rijksakademie van Beeldende Kunsten  (1).

Then we spent the rest of the day in different private art galleries. And in the evening, we were at an exhibition opening in the Stedelijk Museum Amsterdam, the huge museum of contemporary art (2). After the event, what a treat to quickly be able to walk back to our hotel! 

The next day: long stop at the PAN Amsterdam,, the most important art and antiques fair in the Netherlands. Where among a thousand discoveries (it’s a real Alibaba cave), I really liked the sculptures of Vladimir Zbynovsky at the Etienne Gallery (3). In the afternoon: we went to the Moco Museum where I really enjoyed the works of Daniel Arsham (4). 

Photos : © Mademoiselle Le K – Tous droits réservés

Informations  

I Amsterdam

Related articles : Destinations & Hotel Review

Many thanks to Visit Holland and I Amsterdam, for this beautiful invitation. Also many thanks to the Winselerhof Landgraaf and Conservatorium Hotel and the restaurants mentioned in the article. As always, theses are my opinions.

Ritz Carlton Ras Al Khaimah, Al Wadi Desert

A Luxury Resort In The Desert

The Arrival

We landed at Dubai International Airport at 6 a.m. Then we took the road to Ras Al Khaimah, one of the seven emirates of the United Arab Emirates. Located in the Al Wadi Nature Reserve. the Ritz Carlton Ras Al Khaimah, Al Wadi Desert looks like a luxury oasis opened to the desert. 

From the lobby (first photo of the post), it feel so different and exotic with a friendly welcome. After a quick stop to our villa to cool off, a kart drops us off at the Kaheela restaurant for breakfast. Soothing view of an elegant fountain (third picture below), with a large selection of Arabic, Indian and Western cuisines. Exciting!

    

The Villa

  

View Of The Pool & Desert

Our villa of 158 square meters is oriented towards the desert. When I got in for the first time, I was impressed by the height of the ceilings and the “Hollywood” vast and extremely comfortable bathroom.

I really enjoy the space and distribution of rooms which offers a great intimacy, each one can breath without disturbing the other. Inspired by Bedouin culture, the interior design is contemporary, sober and functional.

I also like the woodwork, the dressing room and the king size bed with direct views of the pool and the desert. Besides, I stayed in the pool for a long time to look at the dunes … 

  

The Equestrian Centre

Horseback Riding In The Desert

On the program, we planned a ride on Arabian horses in the desert. It promises to be wow! Problem, I did a horseback ride once in my life, in Mexico a long time ago.

In short, today I did not spend more than five minutes on the saddle. Colombo, my horse is adorable, but I do not feel comfortable (it moves, lol). I need to take some lessons to gain confidence.

I decide to stay at the Al Wadi Equestrian Adventure Centre (which is in the property of the hotel) and discover the other horses, while two small gazelles run in front of me! So cool!

You can take private riding lessons, unfortunately I will not have time during this short stay. So I will bike (yes, guys!) because each villa has bicycles available.

Photos : © Mademoiselle Le K – Tous droits réservés

Informations  

Ritz Carlton Ras Al Khaimah, Al Wadi Desert, Ras Al Khaimah Tourism Development Authority

Related articles : Hotel Review Destinations

Many thanks to Ras Al Khaimah Tourism Development Authority and the Ritz Carlton Ras Al Khaimah, Al Wadi Desert for this beautiful invitation. As always these are my opinions.

Club Med Val Thorens Sensations: Great Restaurants & Bars

Club Med-Val Thorens Sensations-France-Epicurious-Panoramic View-1-Photo Mademoiselle Le K-copyright 2014

What about a ski weekend in Val Thorens?

Sorry for the long silence, I had some technical issues on the blog. And I just returned from a wonderful ski weekend at the new Club Med Val Thorens Sensations 4 tridents (in Savoy, France), where I was invited to the inauguration. I haven’t set foot in a Club Med for ages (yes I was DJ in another life)!

Still the same winner formula: as soon as you are in the Club, you feel good. Arrived around 11:30 p.m. (after a trip with 3 hour bus), my first discovery was the main restaurant. 

The Main Restaurant

Club Med-Val Thorens Sensations-France-Main Restaurant-Breakfast-1-Photo Mademoiselle Le K-copyright 2014

User-friendly graphic Yurts

I really discovered the main restaurant at the breakfast, the next morning of my arrival (above photo montage). 

Big crush for the yurts scattered in different rooms of the restaurant. They create a sort of intimate cocoon, where I really like to eat and chat under a subdued light.

The dishes are nicely presented. And as always there is many choice and something for everyone. During my short stay, I really enjoyed fresh or dried fruits, ice creams and Kusmi Tea. Shame on me : )

On the photo montage below: No. 3, fish stew in a small red pot, so chic! No. 2, a set of starters elaborated by star chef Edouard Loubet. No. 1, owls gallery at reception and No. 4, the bench of the Canadian (woodcutter) cousin at the gourmet lounge Epicurious. 

Club Med-Val Thorens Sensations-France-Main Restaurant-Breakfast-2-Photo Mademoiselle Le K-copyright 2014

Breakfast At The Epicurious, Gourmet Lounge

Club Med-Val Thorens Sensations-France-Epicurious-Gourmet Lounge-4-Photo Mademoiselle Le K-copyright 2014

Cozy Atmosphere At The Epicurious

When I finished my first ski lesson in the late afternoon, I joined a part of the group for a drink at the Gourmet Lounge: Epicurious. The outdoor terrace offers panoramic views of the snowy peaks (first photo).

Almost sleepy in a comfortable armchair, while listening some music (photo 7) … when I notice that there’s a live musician and not a soundtrack (LOL!). The space is dedicated to the restoration and local products, including a really nice wine cellar. 

The Epicurious restaurant and wine cellar are decorated by Sophie Jacquemin, in charge of the interior design of the whole Club Med Val Thorens Sensations. The tasting dinner is designed by the chef Edouard Loubet, a native of Val Thorens, with 2 Michelin stars, 5 Gault & Millau toques and chef of the year in 2011.

The morning of departure, I take a late breakfast with a view of the mountains. There is less choice than in the main restaurant, but it’s the quieter and more exclusive, with a great service. On the photo montage below: a plate made of cheese, smoked ham and fresh cereal bread. 

Club Med-Val Thorens Sensations-France-Epicurious-Gourmet Lounge-1-Photo Mademoiselle Le K-copyright 2014Club Med-Val Thorens Sensations-France-Epicurious-Gourmet Lounge-3-Photo Mademoiselle Le K-copyright 2014Club Med-Val Thorens Sensations-France-Epicurious-Gourmet Lounge-2-Photo Mademoiselle Le K-copyright 2014

Tea time At The Main Bar

Club Med-Val Thorens Sensations-France-Main Bar-Tea Time-Macaroons-1-Photo Mademoiselle Le K-copyright 2014

Yummy break at the main bar: few snacks after skiing! We’re lazily laying in the lounge, with a choice of excellent macaroons, chocolate cakes etc … Before getting ready for dinner, LOL!

Photos : Mademoiselle Le K – copyright 2014, tous droits réservés.

Informations   

Club Med Val Thorens Sensations  

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Many thanks to all the team of Club Med for this invitation and as always these are my opinions!