Greece is breathtaking!
Take a look at a coastal town of Oia and its gems when Kristin Chambers takes you through her tour.The Canaves Oia, Luxury Resorts and Villas, Santorini is among the top hotels in Oia, a destination known for amazing hotels, which is really saying something. We’ve never seen so many amazing infinity pools!
Enjoy the view from the most sought-after table in Santorini, the Honeymoon Table at Lycabettus Restaurant. Reservation has to be made few months in advance but absolutely worth it! Get celebrity Travel Designer Kristin Chambers full review at http://bit.ly/2RRJGoT
Founder Kristin Chambers visited Chile’s Colchuagua Valley last month. Pam Wehbi documents her travels below
It was Spanish monks who first brought wine grapes to Chile in the 16th century so they would have wine to celebrate mass. Fortunately, the locals developed a taste for it, and Chile’s thriving viticulture began.
Well, the monks got the ball rolling at least, and the fabulous terroir didn’t hurt. Now, vintners in the Colchagua Valley are producing award-winning wines that beg to be tasted. Two of last year’s highest-rated wines were produced in this region, located two-and-a-half hours south of Santiago. The Colchagua Valley’s warm and dry climate has just enough rain and ocean breeze to promote vine growth, making it ideal for growing grapes,
The Colchagua Wine Route is graced with many a fine vineyard producing Cabernets, Syrahs, Malbecs and Carménères. To really appreciate the varietals and the stunning landscapes of the Colcagua Valley, going slightly off the beaten path rewards you with incredible experiences – and unparalleled wines, of course.
We had just two days free before my visit to Argentina, and the hour-long flight from Buenos Aires to Santiago and two-and-a-half-hour scenic drive from there to the Colchagua Valley was totally worth it. Fortunately, husband and wife team (Francisco and Connie) from Colchagua Wine Tours gave me ‘behind the scenes access to the wineries in Colchagua. They opened back doors to some wonderful wineries, accommodations and restaurants for an experience that was completely different from the standard Napa or Sonoma wine tours (and even commercial tours of the region) that most people are familiar with.
Having Connie and Francisco accompany us and show us the wine country as locals know it made all the difference. Here are some of the hidden gems I discovered.
With thriving vineyards, award-winning wines (Casa Silva is one of the world’s top 100 wineries) and a small colonial-style boutique hotel (located in the original family house), it has a little of everything. You can tour the vineyards and stop in the wine cellar, and then relax in the Polo Club House. If you’re there in the summer, sit outside, and you can often watch a polo match in action in the nearby fields.
Want a taste of history with your glass of wine? Neyen in the old terraces of the Tinguiririca River in the Apalta area is it. The Cabernet Sauvignon vines are among the oldest in Chile, first planted in 1889. Carménère vines were added in 1936. The owners of Neyen noticed the grapes paired well together, so they developed their one and only wine, a blend of the two. The taste from year to year displays subtle differences, and their intensive tasting program let us discover firsthand the differences a year of aging makes.
To produce the world’s best wine, you need the world’s best location. Norwegian entrepreneur Alexander Vik found a spot just outside Santa Cruz in the Millahue Valley, which means “Place of Gold,” to grow grapes. He even goes so far as to position the vines according to the sun and wind, and put rocks and water where they are most beneficial. The result is a wine created from a blend of grapes that changes yearly in different combination. The first thing you notice when you visit is the contemporary, out-of-the-ordinary hotel with glass-walled suites, the Viña Vik Millahue, set amid the back drop of the Andes. At Vik, you can go on a wine journey, sampling a progression of wines that allows you to enjoy each grape’s singularity, and ultimately, you arrive at the perfect blend.
What do you get when you cross a Carménère with a Spumanti? A delicious wine that the French could never produce because of tight regulations. Apaltagua in the Apalto region can take some liberties with their varietals and have fun with winemaking. It’s worth stopping at this five-year-old French-influenced winery that has won many awards for their wines. Their ‘Grial Icono’ wine was awarded by local vintners as the best Carménère in Chile.
Having a panoramic view of the white-capped Andes while you’re visiting a renowned vineyard is a fantastic bonus, but taking in that view from a horse-drawn carriage is spectacular. That is an experience not to miss at this 82-year-old winery that offers an outstanding portfolio of Malbecs. The winery is family friendly and has an award winning restaurant Rayuela Wine & Grill. It is also home to the Food & Wine Studio run by Chef Pilar Rodriguez. When Pilar is in town, she sends out menus to the locals who rush for a chance to taste her farm-to-table menu – but usually just days in advance.
This is another gem in the Apalta region, a winery known for its reds – and its sustainability. The prize of the property, however, is Fuegos de Apalta, the new restaurant by renowned chef and restaurateur Francis Mallmann. The restaurant is picture perfect – enclosed in glass with unobstructed views. The kitchen is within view, and everything is prepared to perfection over an open fire. If you could picture the perfect lunch setting in the wine country, Fuegos de Apalta is it.
Ventisquero
When you’ve spent the day in the Colchagua Valley touring vineyards and tasting wine, try to end up at the Ventisquero La Roblería” vineyard. Walk into the living room of this little bodega on stilts, and then go out on the terrace for 360-degree views. The serene setting is ideal for watching the sun as it sets over the mountains.
You know that the Colchagua Valley boasts the perfect terroir for growing grapes. That’s not all; it produces wonderful organic produce and has rich pastureland to nourish farm animals. The five farmers’ markets within the Santa Cruz area are worth a visit. You’d be amazed by the variety of products available – everything from sustainably harvested seafood and grass-fed beef to handmade soaps and lotions. Pick up the fixings for a wine country picnic, or grab some souvenirs to take home to family.
Even a short visit to the Colchagua Valley is worth it. The people are friendly, the wine delicious and the views are breathtaking. It’s a great way to wind down after spending time in Patagonia or as a stop along an extended South American journey.
Capri, Italy
DA Luxury Travel advisor, Diane Supino just returned from Capri and Amalfi Coast and has got the scoop heading into the 2019 season. For further insight, booking, and details on her recent travel site inspection, email diane@daluxurytravel.com
As most travelers visit Capri by boat or ferry from the mainland, as a day trip, and only get the opportunity to see the Marina Grande area, which is overflowing with tourists. My daughter and I spent three nights on Capri and had the opportunity to experience the charm of Capri and the calm, island feeling it exudes during the quieter evenings. During the day we walked around the island, popping in and out of the local boutiques, stopping for gelato and delicious lemon granita. We made our way up the steep hills and down narrow stone stairs to stare in awe at the Arc Naturale and lift to Monte Solaro.
To fully capture the charm of the island, I recommend travelers hire a boat, even for a few hours, to admire the island from the sea. If you are looking for a quick few hours buzzing around the island, we love Capri Relax Tours. If your allocating an entire day at sea, and looking for something a bit more luxurious, Capri Luxury Boats offers a captain and crew that can take you to the hidden pockets and grottos sprinkled around the islands.
We stayed at La Minerva, an intimate 19 room boutique hotel, offering a most authentic style and decor, honoring the spirit of Capri. This property has been in the Esposito family for generations and is run by three brothers who are the founder’s grandchildren. Incredible sea views from many vantage points including from our room and around the property.
We dined at many (perhaps too many!) local restaurants around the island, however our most memorable meals together were at Aurora, La Campania, aperitivos at Quissana, Da Paolina, and evening gelato indulgences at Buonocore Gelateria…to name just a few.
Enlisting a local for a walkabout, provided us with incredible insight and storytelling of the island. This is an experience not to be missed with our local partner, Lauru!
Comparing a day trip to Capri a few years ago to our three nights settling into the island this time, opens up an entirely different perspective. The evenings in Capri brings out the vibrancy of the locals and moods elevated all around, among all, who understand this island is so special, and deserves the time to settle in and just enjoy….slowly.
Mustique – it even sounds mysterious. You may not be familiar with it; you may have only heard the name of this Caribbean island, in the archipelago of St.Vincent and the Grenadines. It’s an island you must seek out, discreetly tucked away. The residents are trying very hard to keep it that way. Why? Many of the villa owners and visitors are celebrities who simply wish to relax and the thought of dodging paparazzi is nonexistent.
For quite some time, I’ve wanted to visit this island paradise where Mick Jagger and David Bowie once owned homes and where Tommy Hilfiger and Shania Twain still have properties. I recently had the opportunity to spend a week on Mustique to see what makes it so remarkable. A wealth of knowledge was gained of the individual style and design of these extraordinary villas. This knowledge aids myself and our team of travel designers to hand select the perfect villa for our clients, ensuring the ultimate Mustique experience.
I flew to St. Lucia and then boarded a small plane for the 45-minute flight to Mustique. Suddenly, our plane descended through the clouds, and I saw the mass of tropical forest with a tiny runway carved out amid the trees. As we landed, local’s smiled and waved. The island seemed so remote, yet vibrant at the same time with such welcoming people. That’s probably the first thing that impressed me.
Like other Caribbean islands, Mustique has its share of gorgeous beaches, crystal-clear waters, secluded coves and that unmistakable tropical ambience. That’s where the similarity ends. There’s only one hotel on the island – The Cotton House – and one bed and breakfast, but there are about 100 villas and 80 percent available rent. Spending a week at a villa on Mustique is personal, and the architecture, décor and style of the home sets the “vibe” for our clients’ stay. In one week, I was able to zero in on the intricate details of many of these villas by mingling with the local community and meeting the owners, the staff, builders, architect, and even the general manager of The Cotton House.
Several experiences (and designs) stand out. My golf cart – the main form of transportation on Mustique – was waiting for me as I got off the plane. My “home” for the week was Mandalay, the villa that David Bowie and Iman had owned. On the winding “road” to Mandalay, I traveled inland through tropical forests, past a little school and up a hill. At the top was something that looked like an eclectic mix of ornate wooden Balinese scrollwork, modern features (like an incredible infinity pool with views down to the sea) and warm, Caribbean charm. The current owner left everything as it was when Bowie designed it in the 1980s. I was truly awe-struck as I wandered the property. I instantly relaxed with the Zen-like feel of the koi pond. The gentle sound of a waterfall tumbling down the pool to a sundeck was so calming. It was all absolutely amazing – and so secluded.
That’s the intention of each of these properties on Mustique: to be a secluded haven where nobody cares who you are. Even though privacy is so important, there is a real community feel about the island. It is authentic, and you meet people and get invited to parties and barbecues. I was asked to tea by Bruce, who owns Les Jolies Eaux – formerly the villa of Princess Margaret. Bruce’s staff prepared a lovely tea, and she talked about the intricacies of the villa. It’s a vision in white and surrounded by Gelliceaux Bay and Deep Bay. Porches and decks all around the villa boast the gorgeous views, and dining spaces are just as abundant. I could just imagine her incredibly talented chef preparing a lunch of freshly caught seafood served in the Dining Pavilion that borders the infinity pool.
Another memorable experience was visiting The Cotton House, an old cotton warehouse designed by Oliver Messel in 1968. He had been a leading British theater stage designer who had come up with some flamboyant house designs on Barbados. As I mentioned earlier, it is the island’s only hotel – though I felt as though I had my own address on the beach. Guests can stay in one of 15 luxurious suites or private cottages (with plunge pools, of course) or in the Residence. It is set on a hill apart from the other accommodations, and is completely private. The Residence has its own personal butler and maid service, outdoor gazebo and private swimming pool.
I had dinner with the general manager of The Cotton House, and we were joined by some of the builders on Mustique. It was fascinating to speak with them about the eclectic properties and find out about their conception. Each villa was individually designed according to the architectural fantasy of the owner, and any one of them could easily grace the pages of Architectural Digest. They told me the villas are so detailed that owners often have shipped authentic materials and artifacts from all over the world to ensure their uniqueness.
Another night, I attended a pop up bar on the beach and met Basil, owner of the legendary Basil’s Bar. The bar is being refurbished and will reopen in this spring, but the crowd of barefoot-clad locals, homeowners and “yachties” were there enjoying the low-key Caribbean party scene.
With all the obvious wealth, life on Mustique is unpretentious. It truly is a paradise where people can get away and not be known.
Mustique is small, safe, peaceful – and above all – discreet. It’s a secret worth keeping.
Here are a few villas you might find interesting, though based on your travel style, we can surely find the right fit for you.
The Beach House
Located on the stunning and secluded Gelliceaux Bay, The Beach House embodies the “island chic” vibe. Its eclectic touches – a funicular that leads to a beachside dining pavilion and a myriad of water toys – make it the ultimate playground.
Hummingbird
Beautifully appointed with a neutral palette, Hummingbird is a contemporary villa built on three levels with a cascading stairway that leads to an infinity pool with breathtaking ocean views. There’s even a saltwater pool in the master bath.
Sleeping Dragon
Set among five acres of sprawling hills, it is an architectural masterpiece that fuses classical Chinese and Caribbean design and décor. A dramatic tree-lined path leads to an oceanfront infinity pool. It also features two reading gazebos and a private gym.
Greystone Cottage
If you haven’t decided where to go on your honeymoon, consider this romantic beach cottage that overlooks Britannia Bay. The intimate Caribbean-style villa is like your little castle by the sea, complete with a stone façade and turret.
Les Jolies Eaux
Designed by Oliver Messel for HRH The Princess Margaret, Countess of Snowden, the legendary villa is located on a private peninsula on the island’s southern tip. Les Jolies Eaux (“The Pretty Waters”) lives up to its name with two pools and gorgeous panoramic water views.
Even in the 21st Century, there are still a few places in the world that have not been inundated with tourists and deliver authentic experiences.It’s Sri Lanka, the primitive island located southeast of India. Formerly known as Ceylon, it pairs perfectly with a trip to the Maldives or the UAE.
After spending a week in the Maldives with my mother and nine-year-old son, we took an hour-long flight from Malé to Colombo to begin a short (but adventure-packed) five days in Sri Lanka. Our guides took us on a drive around the capital city, which boasts a long history as a port on the East-West trade routes of old. You can see the diversity here, with the influence of the Portuguese, Dutch and British who once ruled it. It was fascinating to see the various religious sites represented – Buddhist and Hindu temples and a Dutch Reformed church – as well as parks, cricket stadiums and an incredible beach.
An experience found nowhere else in the world …
With only five days to spend in Sri Lanka, we needed to make the most of our time. We headed to the small seaside town of Negombo for our first night, where we noticed its strong surfing culture presence. While wandering through town, we stepped in to lots of cute shops and places offering traditional local medicine and Ayurvedic treatments.
The next morning, we followed the Kurunegala-Negombo Road to Dambadeniya, a ruined ancient city that was the capital during the Sri Lankan Third Kingdom. In the Dambadeniya Kingdom and Palace Complex, we met with the head monk and brought him floral gifts. In exchange, he let us touch and hold 800-year-old artifacts, including scripts, tools and paintings! This is unheard of anywhere else in the world. We felt so honored. At the nearby school for monks, three of the novices hiked with us up a hill to ancient monastery ruins overlooking the temples of the Third Kingdom.
From elephants and amethysts to Buddha’s tooth …
From there, we drove to Pinnawala and the sanctuary for abandoned and wounded elephants. We were there in time to see a remarkable sight: the daily parade of about 100 elephants through the town to the local river to bathe. What is particularly curious is that they take the same path every single day, so if anything – even a building – is in their way, they’ll go right through it.
As we continued to go through Sri Lanka, the “Gem Island,” we met with a gemologist who told us all about the precious stones mined in the area. You can find anything from rubies to amethysts to black opals. Because the gem markets are not regulated, you can really get a good bargain.
It was hard not to notice that religion plays a major role in Sri Lankan culture, especially in our next stop, the walled city of Kandy. The spiritual and cultural heart of the country, Kandy has a retro ambience enhanced by Buddhist culture. We learned that when visiting a Buddhist temple, you are expected to have a gift ready to offer Buddha. We brought white lilies when we stopped at the Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic (Sri Dalada Maligawa), which, you guessed it, houses the relic of the tooth of Buddha. Lines and lines of followers were there, offering anything from flowers to crockpot dinners to silver trinkets.
Tea tasting in the highlands …
The following day, we drove from Kandy toward Yala into the highlands, reaching an elevation of 4,000 feet. The area is lush and gorgeous – like wine country – but instead of vineyards, it is filled with tea plantations. Some of the world’s finest tea is grown in Sri Lanka, and we visited plantations to learn about tea production and, of course, sample some of the delicious brews.
A Sri Lankan-style safari … After a scenic drive in the highlands past waterfalls, we headed to Yala, home to a national park. Staying in the seaside town of Tangalle is great option when visiting Yala. Amanwella Resort, an intimate all-suite property, offers amazing sea and garden views, an Ayurvedic spa and an incredible infinity pool. Another possibility is Anantara Peace Haven Tangalle Resort, located on a secluded stretch of coastline amid a coconut plantation. If you really want to get away and indulge in Ayurvedic and reflexology treatments, practice yoga and meditation, or swim, this is the place to go. From either property, you can get up early in the morning and drive an hour and a half to the park.
We, however, went for more rustic accommodations: “glamping” by the park’s entrance our first night. We had a bonfire and dined on homemade dal, jackfruit curry (polos), pennywort salad (gotukola sambol), potato curry, roti, hoppers (fermented pancakes) and funnel cake for dessert. We enjoyed our delicious meal while star gazing in the Sri Lankan bush – anxiously anticipating our morning leopard safari.
Our local shinta guide, Achintha, took us by open-air Jeep along off-the-beaten-path roads through the park on a Sri Lankan safari. In addition to seeing leopards (often elusive creatures), we observed elephants, sloth bears, water buffalo, alligators and many birds. My son took photos, with pointers from Achintha, and that was the beginning of what I think will be a real hobby for him.
Clay-pot cooking and white-water rafting … The next morning, we went to Yala Beach where we saw local fishermen using traditional nets to fish. We bought a fish, took it back to camp and had a cooking lesson. I learned how to skin, slice and dice a fish to prepare delicious Sri Lankan fish stew, Bawarchi, which is cooked in a clay pot.
We had experienced so many amazing adventures, but we had one to go before returning to Colombo for our flight home. We went white water rafting in Kitulgala on the scenic Kelani River. This thrilling ride over major and minor rapids ended with more leisurely floating and an opportunity to just enjoy the birdlife and beautiful natural surroundings.
In retrospect, Sri Lanka is worth a visit on its own or before a visit to Dubai or the Maldives. It’s still unspoiled and quite primitive – and not for someone with mobility issues – but it offers a lovely balance of culture, nature and an authentic experience.
