Tag Archives: Tested

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

Poland: Odyssey, The Design Hotel in Kielce

Posted on August 7, 2013 | Leave a comment

I discovered this design hotel during my recent weekend in Kielce, in Swietorkrzyskie, the Witches country in southern Poland. It intrigues you … yes, witches of the south of Poland! Let me help you: we are not far from Krakow. To be honest, I have deserted “design” hotels for a while. I’ve prefered staying in hotels that often offered a greater comfort with more original decorations than a copied pasted of Wallpaper magazine. 4 years, almost all design hotels are alike (except for some really impressive). Do not expect to find at the Odyssey a revolutionary design. And so much the better! Here the decoration is more contemporary than purely “design”. It rests the eye and calms the mind. My favorite space: the lovely infinity pool with huge windows (picture 2). I stayed between the hot tub and spa that offers a wide range of treatments, with an interesting selection of brands such as Decleor, SkinCeuticals (…). I tested a really good SkinCeuticals facial. It’s been awhile that I wanted to test this brand, but never dared. In my room, I appreciated the clear space, shower (picture 4) and especially the unobstructed panoramic (picture 6). The garden (picture 1) and the large reception hall with the walls covered with green plants (pictures 3 & 7) amplify the well being vibe. And the restaurant is really delicious with a light cuisine very well presented and nicely served. A discreet hotel to spend a relaxation weekend.