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Wonderful photograpy from Emanuelle Brisson and his impression of French beauty and muse Juliette Re'camier @labellejuliette #art #photography #picoftheday
Within any city in the world exists history and Singapore isn’t an exception. In fact, the story behind Sir Stamford Raffles founding of Singapore in the early 19th century is truly fascinating. It was he that had the vision to reorganize the city by ethnic groups. With the Chinese making up 70% of the migrant population, they were allocated a substantial area of the city on the south west part of the Singapore River, which is what became the origins of China Town.
Naturally, traditions in culture and architecture followed the Chinese to Singapore and especially in China Town where the concept of the shophouse were first introduced. Over time, its design style went through many evolutions; therefore today within the streets of China Town, you will see a mixture of styles ranging from: Chinese Baroque Edwardian Baroque, Jubilee Style, and Tropical deco.
One particular striking feature I noticed was how beautifully the facades are painted. From delicate pastel shades to flushes of striking oranges and greens, it makes the whole experience of wondering around the area so enjoyable. Where most cities lack colour and flavour, the existence of these shop houses definitely brings back some blush to our pale winter cheeks.
How shophouses were used?
The original purpose of the shophouse was multi-functional and was split by having the trade area on the ground floor and the residential space of the upper floor. The more wealthy migrants started to build fully residential courtyard town houses, and although not many are left today, you can go and visit Baba House on Neil Street. Now fully restored into a museum, there you can see in fine details the layout and setting of how a typical courtyard house would have looked like back in the late 19th century.
The use of ceramic tiles
The use of ceramic tiles from the Victorians had a big influence in Singapore in the late 19th century and you will see many used on the exterior of many shophouses, with flowers most commonly used as a design. If you are lucky, you can even spot some original tiles in many of the antique shops scattered around China Town.
Modern use of the shop house
Today, the Singapore shop house has now been turned into a variety of uses. If you visit areas such Emerald Hill or Blair Road, you will see many of them converted into beautiful luxury residential houses. Boutique hotels conversions have also become very popular, with hotel and restaurant entrepreneur Loh Lik Peng who was one of the first to start off the trend.
One of his restorations is The New Majestic Hotel located in China Town. What is ingenious about this particular hotel is how the exterior transmits old Singapore with its stark white classical features, yet when you step inside, it is as if you have stepped into the future with its modern design-led features.
For me China Town has a wonderful blend of the old mixed with the new. As well as the history and architecture, there are quaint coffee houses and restaurants, eclectic boutiques and antique finds that will keep you occupied from morning until evening. I spent a good four days exploring the area and I still didn’t manage to see everything.
To find more information about China Town, you can visit China Town Singapore, where you can get all the latest information on what to do and see.
Baba House, 157 Neil Street, Singapore
Entrance to Baba House is free but visits are only made by advance appointment. You can make a reservation by email [email protected] or telephone +65 6227 5731.
More details can be found on their website www.nus.edu.sj
The eclectic makeup of what you see today in Central Java, Indonesia is a legacy of different religions, traditions and cultures dating back centuries. My visit to The UNESCO heritage site of Borobudur is a example of how my eyes were opened to the religion of Buddhism and the strong influence it had in Central Java and the heritage that was inherited as a consequence.
During my stay at the wonderful MesaStilla wellness boutique hotel in Magelang, I was managed to change out of my comfortable yoga pajamas for half a day to experience some nearby local heritage, and the opportunity to visit Borobudur could not be missed. They say the best way to see things of beauty is when there is no one else but you. So, although I did not have that privilege to have exclusive viewing this iconic monument, the hotel recommended that I book an private sunrise tour as the best time to visit, in order avoid the invasion of tourists that follow after 6am, when the site is open to the public.
A wake-up call of 3.30am was not entirely appealing, but when the hotel driver gave me a sumptuous breakfast box to take with me in the car, my tiredness soon disappeared and was replaced by a huge appetite.
The journey to Borobudur from the hotel took approximately one hour by car. It is located 25 miles northwest of Yogyakarta and 53 miles west of Surakarta, set in an elevated area between two magnificent twin volcanoes, Sundoro-Sumbing and Merbabu-Merapi.
On arrival, I was greeted with a private guide – something that I would strongly recommended if you want to gain an insight into the history and connection to Buddhism. There are many that visit Borobudur to purely use it as a perch to view a nice sunrise or sunset and to take some pictures from the monument’s summit. But those who spend some time walking within its narrative galleries would probably get a similar feeling to the Pilgrims that came here over 1,200 years to marvel at the thousands of sculptured figures carved into the lower tiers of Borobudur, conveying in a sequential storytelling fashion the insights of the Buddhist faith. Personally, I enjoyed Reliefs depicting the life of the Buddha which cover the upper half of the main wall all around the first gallery of the monument: how he was born from his mother Maya’s right arm pit; moving from his princely birth and family wealth to renunciation; and, eventually, enlightenment.
Built by the Sailendras of Sumatra, a powerful Indonesian dynasty that emerged in 8th century Java, the magnificent shrine dates from about the late 8th to mid 9th century. It is a huge, truncated pyramid covered with intricately carved blocks of stone, representing the universe and illustrating the life of the Buddha and his teachings according to Mahayana Buddhist doctrine. A seated Buddha within can be seen from three platforms above the seven stone terraces that encircle the pyramid. There are in total 500 statues of the Buddha, although many of their heads were stolen over time. It was also a victim to many earthquakes and buried under layers of volcanic ash until it was rediscovered by Sir Stanford Raffles, in early 19th century.
From a distance, Borobudur gives the appearance of a step-pyramid: row upon ascending row of stone galleries, built upon a hill that dominates the plains and rice fields of south-central Java. However, the view from the top has a more significant experience – a perspective of infinite space and if you want to really soak up the atmosphere, a sense of meditative reflection. Both of those elements made me happy to just sit there for a while and ponder about life a little.
Other than its architectural beauty, Borobudur for me was like being in a gigantic bookstore. It’s a place where you can easily sit down and just look at the stories that are carved out in the stone. Just like browsing along the book aisles, taking one book at a time and reading through the pages. For someone who didn’t have much knowledge of Buddhism, two hours of visiting Borobudur gave me a good appreciation of the faith and its origins.
My private tour was organised by MesaStila. I paid for the tour at my own expense and the opinions expressed here in this article are my own.
The art of herbal healing in Central Java, Indonesia
“Indonesian Jamu?” That was my first reaction when I was asked whether I wanted to visit the Jamu doctor, shortly after my arrival at the MesaStila Wellness Resort in Magelang, Central Java. Over the years, I have dabbled in all sorts of ancient wellness philosophies including Chinese and Indian Ayurvedic traditional medicine. So I became very excited to learn that there was also an Indonesian form called “Jamu”. And as there is always something about my inner self that I’m eager to rectify, I was very eager to find out more about this Indonesian healing tradition that dates from prehistoric times, yet is still relatively unheard of in the western world.
Origins and definition of Jamu
Although there is no real concrete evidence, stories suggest its origins came from the ancient palaces of Surakarta (Solo) and Yogakarta in central Java. Influenced through a complex cultural blend of Chinese, Indian and Arab traditions.
Jamu simply means Indonesian herbal medicine. Based on the belief that the cure comes from within, it encourages the body to produce its own antibodies as opposed to the taking medicine drugs to kill an infection. Around 1,000 plant species are commonly used to prepare a number of remedies. An astonishing fact is that with over 40,000 species of tropical plants that are in existence globally, 30,000 of them grown in Indonesia. So it’s no surprise that plants are considered a powerful healing tool in Indonesian culture.
Many of the younger generations of Indonesians now use modern forms of medicine. Yet 70% of Indonesians living in rural areas in Java still go a Jamu doctor to get treatment for their ailments, just like we would go to our local General Practitioner.
My Jamu healing ritual
Tabib - Pak Rahman was my Jamu Dcotor. Coming from the nearby village of Grabag, he is a welcome visitor for many of the guests coming to MesaStila, looking for alternative healing remedies. With over 24 years of experience, he began as an apprentice through his training in an Indonesian martial art known as Pencak Silat, a traditional form of exercise and powerful way to create energy and gain control of your body. He is an important figure and provides Jamu healing to women, men and children in his local community.
I had my consultation with Pak Rahman and the holistic nurse at the Clubhouse of the hotel, where guests can lazily lounge all day on antique mahogany Indonesian day beds in comfortable yoga pyjamas that are provided to you in your room. After having given an explanation of my current health issues, I went with him on a short journey through the gardens in the hotel, to seek out the appropriate healing plants for my remedy. We then returned back to Clubhouse where he begun to chop and mix together all the ingredients.
Pak Raham’s skills and experience lies in being able to contrast a hot illness with a cold medicine and vice versa, using recipes that have handed down through generations of teachings. Therefore, understanding the contrasts between hot and cold, sweet and sour, and strong and week for example, are vitally important in order for all the ingredients to work in harmony together.
My personalised Jamu remedy tonic
2 x slices of Lempuyang rhizome - A medicinal plant found in Asia used to treat many ailments including colds and increasing appetitie
2 x slices of Galangal rhizome – An Indonesian plant containing high anti-oxidant and enzyme-activation properties, helping with indigestion and loss of appetite.
Terminalia Arjuna leaves - A tree found originally in India, its leaves have high anti-oxidant properties and are also helpful for improving cardiovascular health.
1 x slice of Curcuma root– An anti-inflammatory which helps also to relieve a variety of digestive problems
1 x slice orange and white turmeric root – A very effective liver cleanser.
7 x cardamom seeds – A good source of minerals containing potassium, calcium, and magnesium and other therapeutic elements.
Water, honey, lime and crystalised suger and a 3-step filtration process
Jamu can be used on its own and also in conjunction with other healing techniques to help speed up the healing process. So after I had drank my tonic, I was laid down onto one of the day beds where I was given a massage treatment using pressure point manipulation.
In an ideal world, I should drink a freshly-prepared tonic once a week. And if you are staying in the hotel, there is a Jamu session every morning, where various tonics providing more general health benefits are freshly made and offered to guests as part of their wellness program.
Jamu is not an overnight remedy and has to be used over a period of time to start seeing results. Nethertheless, staying in one the most beautiful boutique hotels in Central Java and experiencing three days of Indonesian wellness, made me feel entirely rejuvenated inside and out. It has also made me more curious about the art of Indonesian healing and its strong connectivity with the country’s strong cultures and traditions.
If you’re interested like I am to know more about Jamu, I suggest that you read Jamu, The Ancient Indonesian Art of Herbal Healing. Written by Irish Journalist Susan Jane-Beers, it’s the only English version that gives you an all rounder insight about the concept.
MesaStila Resort: Desa Losari - Grabag PO BOX 108 Magelang, 56100 Central Java, Indonesia
Website: www.mesahotelsandresorts.com
Member of Mr & Mrs Smith Hotels
I stayed at the MesaStila Resort at my own expense and the opinions expressed here in this article are my own.
Crowds, heat, queues, bad odour, mosquitoes. This is just a brief characterisation of why I dislike visiting Italian cities in the summer. For me, I find it much harder to feel the true essence and character of a place. And most importantly to be able gain a more enriching travel experience.
Florence is one of my favourite cities in Italy that has such captivating heritage and culture. Which in my opinion, is best-visited off-season, where there are a lesser amount of tourists cluttering your visual range. One of my favourite cultural travel blogs – This is my Happiness – recently spoke about the importance of quality travel and the negative impact of mass tourism. It’s a very insightful read if you are interested in gaining an overview of the underlying issues related travel and sustainability. We both have a huge on-going passion for this subject, especially after our experience of attending Florens 2012, a conference formed by Fondazione Florens, to raise awareness of cultural and heritage issues in Italy and on a global level.
The quietest times to visit Florence
There are admittedly obvious reasons such as school holidays and T-shirt weather that make the summer season so popular to visit a destination such as Florence. Yet, wouldn't it be great if you could walk down through the Piazza del Duomo without stepping on people toes? Or to be able to walk straight inside the Uffizzi Gallery without spending endless hours in a queue?
Without boring you with statistics, the quietest months (according to arrivals recorded in 2011/12) to visit Florence were November, January and February. Numbers of visitors reduce to nearly 100% compared to the summer months. OK, so a warm coat, some long johns and earmuffs may be required. But the cold can be soon forgotten when get that nice feeling that you have the city all for yourself with the locals. You can also make yourself feel even warmer in spirit for the fact that you’re doing your contribution towards making tourism more sustainable for the city.
Off-season highlights in Florence
Here are some enjoyable insights suggested by some locals ‘in the know’ of what to see and experience during the quieter months in Florence.
Festa del Cioccolato Artigianale - Chocolate Fair
Veronica Ficarelli’s events and specialities guide of Florence, “A Great Reason for Every Season”, recommends visiting the Chocolate Fair that takes place ever year in February. If you have constant dreams of bathing yourself under a huge chocolate fountain, then Florence is the best place to make those dreams come true. It is here that masters of chocolatiers across Italy gather together to provide the most indulgent chocolate experience ever.
Veronica’s guidebook features other interesting and unique ways to explore Florence in different seasons of the year, including some entertaining historical facts and seasonal Tuscan recipes.
www.citiesofart.com
The reopening of Tempietto del Santo Sepolcro, Rucellai Chapel
Alexandra Korey, Florence-based art historian turned blogger, will know of just about any new event or happening related to art in Florence. Her recent article on her blog ArtTrav, talks about the imminent reopening to the public, of renaissance polymath, Leon Battista Alberti’s imitation of the Church of the Holy Sepulchre in Jerusalem at the Rucellai Chapel.
Check out her website for ongoing stories about the ‘past and present’ of life in Florence, from art and architecture to current events.
www.arttrav.com
Exploring the lesser-known Florence.
Are you keen to explore more about the lesser-known history, art, craftsmanship and stories that Florence has to offer? The Florentine, the English-speaking news magazine in Florence, has started to offer a new series of guided tours and visits, led by the magazine’s own Editor-at-large, Alexandra Lawrence. A licenced guide, combined with 14 years of living in Florence, Alexandra has upcoming private visits planned, including the Villa Corsini and the Palazzo Davanzati.
Read more about her tours in her article So you think you know Florence?
www.theflorentine.com
J.K. Place Boutique Hotel Guide to Florence
My favourite boutique hotel in Florence has recently launched its blog as a compliment to their hard copy Essential Guide to Florence. In addition to talking about special events and exhibitions, J.K. Place gives ideas on other interesting experiences such as creating your own perfume fragrance. Florence’s tradition of perfume distillery goes back to the Medici era and it still holds its high reputation today with brands like Dr. Vangres – a Florentine pharmacist, and cosmetologist all in one. Read more here about how you can spend a day with him and illuminate your senses in his world of perfumery.
Hotel brands need to laugh a little and not take it all so seriously.
I'm not given much of an opportunity to have a giggle while I constantly browse on line searching for beautiful hotels all around the world. But it was for the first time in a very long time that I was able to find a luxury hotel that had a sense of humour. And then I thought to myself, can luxury and humour go hand in hand?
The Parker, Palm Springs really entertained me today when I saw the promotional video of their spa, PSYC - how to enjoy the American country club experience with "mixed doubles, a long steam, and a stiff cocktail".
With Jonathan Adler-designed spaces, the ambiance is fashionable, quirky and fun, working harmoniously with its jocular sense of spirit. Each room type is also portrayed using an entertaining video clip to set the scene.
So maybe it's not everyone's cup of tea, and I may have a warped sense of humour. Nethertheless, it has sent a hot signal to my radar tower, and my curious nature will no doubt get me over to the Parker in the very near future.
Do you think luxury hotels should let out their humorous streak, or should they keep it tucked away under reception desk? I would love to hear your thoughts.
Parker Palm Sprints: 4200 E. Palm Canyon Drive Palm Springs, CA 92264
Unpretentious dining at the Ampersand Hotel, London
It was a sunny August day and I was walking along the streets of South Kensington, when I spotted a building on Harrington Road that I vaguely recognised. It used to be a dark and dingy hotel, one of those places where even the most curious of people wouldn’t want to step foot in. Now it had been transformed back to its original Victorian grandeur, with its newly fresh-painted façade open for business – this time as the Ampersand Hotel.
True, 111 rooms and suites sounds a large number for a boutique hotel, and yet walking through its doors is like entering into a welcoming home – elegant but cosy at the same time. The overall design combines the five scientific concepts of botany, music, geometry, ornithology and astronomy; reflecting South Kensington’s past and present-day heritage. Remarkably, they all connect extremely well.
Last December, I booked to stay an entire week while celebrating my wedding in London. So it really was a real delight to enjoy the delicious comforts of Head Chef Chris Golding’s Mediterranean-style cuisine at the hotel’s Apero restaurant for the whole seven days.
Tucked away in the hotel’s lower basement floor, the restaurant combines both sophistication and a laid back, easy going vibe. Under the brick exposed coves, there is a charming hide-away area called ‘The Snuggery”. Here you can treat yourself to an intimate dinner, curtained off from other customers, and enjoy some precious privacy.
There’s a ‘wear what makes you comfortable’ attitude, with no obligation to wear six-inch Christian Louboutins or a smart jacket. Of course PJs and Ugg boots might be pushing it, but I don’t think Chris would even blink an eye. “We want our guests to feel comfortable and have a good time,” he says. “There are too many hotel restaurants that are stuffy and expensive.”
During my stay, I sampled practically the entire menu – in large quantities I might add - but the dish that got my taste buds in a twizzle was the sharing menu. I was able to taste most of Chris’s signature dishes without feeling the ton of guilt at the end.
One dish particularly worth highlighting is the stone bass, sumac and beetroot risotto. He must be pulling my leg, I thought. Beetroot risotto? It doesn’t even exist in Italy! But low and behold, the dish was splendorous. Cooked to perfection, al dente and smooth. The sweet, relucent pink juices of the beetroot gently coating each rice grain. Even my Italian in-laws were flabbergasted with how good it tasted.
So how did Chris end up in Apero I wondered? I was interested to hear his story.
“I started working in kitchens when I was 13,” Chris explained, “washing dishes in a restaurant where my nan was a waitress.”
At the age of 17, he moved to London. Despite having no formal qualifications, his passion and determination got him a job at Marco Pierre White’s Criterion in Piccadilly. From there, his learning curve continued with invaluable experiences at some of the most renowned restaurants in London, including the Square, Mirabelle, Nobu, Nahm and Zuma. When he was approached to head up the kitchen at the Ampersand, Chris felt a strong connection with both the general manager, Roberto Pajares, and the restaurant’s vision and concept.
When I ask Chris why he loves working at Apero, he replies: “I have the freedom to change the menus when I like, and experiment when I like. I love seeing our customers happy and surprised when they discover Apero and realise that hotel restaurants can be fun.” And with a price tag that’s affordable, you walk away feeling you’ve definitely got your money’s worth. This is Chris’s absolute goal, to offer value for money to his guests.
There is another secret to a successful kitchen — the team that you create and then work so closely with. And I truly believe Chris has been able to achieve this important combination. Ji Sun, Chris’s pastry chef, has a renowned career history. Having worked most recently as Pastry Sous chef at Nobu London for 5 years, she now designs afternoon tea menus and makes all the pastries in the hotel’s drawing room. I’ve experienced many a scone and cucumber sandwich in my time, but Ji Sun delivers a display of delights with a very chic and elegant twist. She also has the freedom to experiment and can be as creative as she desires, to her heart’s content.
So I wholeheartedly recommend that you check out her Valentines afternoon tea menu, which starts in a couple of weeks. It’s also well worth taking a good look at Chris’s blog to catch a glimpse of what Ji Sun has up her sleeve, as well as discover what goes on behind the scenes with the rest of the Apero team.
Chris’s final words to me are: “We have a great team here at the Ampersand, we are all very passionate about the service we provide,” and he says it with complete sincerity. And that’s what I love about Apero, the sincerity and a high-end dining experience, without all the pretentiousness.
So keep that beetroot risotto on the menu Chris, until I’m next back in London!
The Ampersand Hotel: 10 Harrington Road, London, SW7 3ER, UK
Website: www.ampersandhotel.com
Member of Mr & Mrs Smith Hotels
Apero website: www.aperorestaurantandbar.com
I stayed at the Ampersand Hotel at my own expense and the opinions expressed here in this article are my own.
Meet the Owners: Tolga Akarcalı of Taşkonaklar Rocky Palace, Cappadocia, Turkey
Have a look at the first Meet the Owners feature of 2013 on Boutique Hotel News, where I interview hotel owner, Tolga Akarcalı of Taşkonaklar Rocky Palace, Cappadocia, Turkey
Cappadocia has been making headlines in recent years. Situated in Central Anatolia, Turkey, the UNESCO world heritage protected site has become renowned for its fairy-tale chimney landscape and underground cave cities, dating back to the fourth century. The site, in which Taşkonaklar Rocky Palace now stands, was originally going to be used as a private holiday home for the Akarcalı family. However, Tolga Akarcali, a former real estate executive and his father, the former Turkish minister of tourism, saw the potential in developing a boutique hotel that would complement the touristic offering of Cappadocia and provide a distinctive appeal for travellers looking for an out-of-the-ordinary travel experience.
Taşkonaklar opened in 2006 after a two-year renovation period costing €1.5 million. Starting with just seven rooms, the hotel gradually evolved and expanded to 20 rooms, many of which were constructed within pre-existing original cave dwellings, inhabited for hundreds of years. Tolga has been managing the operations of the hotel, and its domestic and international marketing strategy since its opening seven years ago.
Borneo seemed to me a destination so beautiful, yet always out of reach somehow. Little did I know that I would be spending the first three months of 2013 on the third biggest island in the world, surrounded by a rainforest over 130 million years old.
My adventures in Borneo started when I visited Brunei in September of last year. And when I returned in December, I made a promise to myself that I would try visit as much of the island as possible before returning back to Europe in the Spring.
One of my first inquisitive thoughts began with wellness in Borneo. With that entire lush green forest ecosystem and an abundance of fauna and flora, I imagined the spa philosophy to distinctly in touch with nature. I decided the best place to find out would be to escape to one of Borneo’s newest boutique resorts in Malaysia– The Gaya Island Resort.
Just opened in August of 2012, the hotel is located on Pulau Gaya, the largest of a cluster of five islands that form the Tunku Abdul Rahman Marine Park, off the north- east coast of Borneo, close to Kota Kinabalu within the region of Sabah Malaysia. From Brunei, it’s only a 35-minute plane journey, so I didn’t need to travel far to experience my spa escapism.
When I arrived after by 15-minute boat ride from harbour, I was instantly captivated by the island’s tranquil aura and the therapeutic shades of green vegetation swaying softly in the light breeze. It's hard to imagine that the conservation area covers 15sq km of untouched dense rainforest and boasts the best coral and un-spoilt beaches in the entire park, just all on one island.
The resort’s spa village, nestled between the intertwining mangroves, feels as if it belongs within the nature of the island. Designed in local Sabah style, the interiors are contemporary with a simplistic touch – shades of brown and beige contrasting beautifully with the surrounding green rainforest.
My spa experience began in the pre-treatment lounge where I was served a refreshing elixir made with guava, lime, pineapple, star anise and a splash of chilli, along with a cold towel to refresh myself. Although humidity levels on the island are generally high at around 80%, I didn’t feel at all uncomfortable with the heat. It was more a hydrating feeling like when you spray Evian water mist on your face.
The spa concept in Malaysia has a very interesting mélange of cultures due to its historical past with Indian and Chinese traditions. Nethertheless, the essence unites to one philosophy - to restore balance to the body and soul.
I was greeted by my therapist, a Malay local, who led me to one of the verandas to begin my first part of the treatment. My feet were washed with a combination of fresh ginger, chili and salt – ingredients frequently used in Sabah culture. With a spring in my step (thanks to the chili), we went to the room where I would have my Deru Laut treatment, inspired by locals called Bajaus, indigenous locals who’s lives are dedicated the love of the sea. So imagine yourself in a sunken bath filled with organic seaweed, a rich plant collagen full of enzymes and vitamins, and your face coated with extract of sea pearls. There seemed to be no doubt in my mind that all of these natural ingredients were going to do wonders for my skin.
The final part of my treatment involved a rhythmical massage called rolling waves, releasing the tension away from my rock-hard muscles using hand pressure that I had not experienced before. By using the forearm and knuckles, I could feel my body slowing falling into a peaceful slumber. With the healing sound of the waves gently washing up onto the sand, and the wildlife in the rainforest playing its sundown musical repertoire, I had never felt so rejuvenated. You can't get more distinctly Borneo than that!
My spa treatment was combined with a three night stay at the Gaya Island Resort, member of Small Luxury Hotels of the World.
The nearest airport is Kota Kinabalu airport (BKI) and takes approximately 45-1hour to reach Gaya Island. Air Asia, Dragon Air, Royal Brunei and Malaysian Airlines, KLM, Etihad all fly into Kota Kinabalu Airport.
Spa Village Gaya Island Resort: Palau Gaya, Tunko Abdul Rahman Marine Park, 8800 Kota Kinabalu, Sabah, East Malaysia
Last week I had the opportunity to visit Florence, Italy and to be part of the official bloggers team for Florens 2012, an international Biennial dedicated to promoting internationally the economy of culture, heritage and the environment. Although I had previously visited Florence on many occasions, this time was different. I was more curious and more interested to see the side of Florence that I had previously overlooked.
Heritage and culture are two attributes that Italy is very well known for. Actually, it’s the country with the highest percentage of heritage in the world. Yet to find information on how to explore any Italian city on a more cultural level is quite challenging. Participating in Florens 2012 really opened my eyes to engaging topics including art history and the renaissance. So I was eager to start exploring Florence with a new pair of eyes.
As a writer of boutique hotels, I wanted to find a hotel that was located in an area that had a significant historical story to tell. You could say that the whole of Florence offers that, but I wanted to be more focused. Just a few steps away from Piazza Santa Maria Novella and the famous gothic/renaissance façade church bearing its name, I found the extraordinary J.K.Place, a boutique hotel of 20 rooms that effortlessly depicts the old and the new of Florence. Just like entering a house, you ring the doorbell. Upon entering, you are surrounded in an ambience of luxury living, yet with undertones of simplicity and unpretentiousness. The highly tasteful décor is a story in itself; however, it's the view from the bedroom window that equally captured my attention - the Church of Santa Maria Novella. It’s sometimes so easy to pass by what’s in front of your very nose, but in fact the piazza in which J.K. place is situated has an interesting history behind it.
Once abandoned and then retrieved, these lands where the church now stands were considered to be new ("novelle"), from which it may be that the church took its present name. The church was founded by a Dominican order in 1216, but it went through its most important transformation in 15th century. Leon Battista Alberti, a renowned artist, architect, philosopher and above all, a renaissance humanist polymath, designed the white marble-cladded façade using the ideals of humanist architecture. Inside the church, there are also many important works of art including Giotto’s crucifix and The Trinity by Masaccio.
The Trinity - Masaccio (1424-1425)
The neighbourhood of Santa Maria Novella really has an interesting timeline of history and art, combined with an array of artisan shops. You can find out more by downloading the J.K. Essential Guide to Florence guidebook written by its General Manager Claudio Meli. A Florentine himself, having spent many years in the concierge industry, the book is written in a sincere and impartial manner, offering tips on how to visit Florence in a more cultural and authentic way. Watch out also for their upcoming blog, which will include insightful stories and happenings in Florence.
J.K. Place: Piazza Santa Maria Novella, 7, Firenze
Tel: Tel. +39 055 2645181 Website: jkplace.com
Church of Santa Maria Novella: chiesasantamarianovella.it
Have a read of Jenna Francisco's article at This is My Happiness, where she looks more into the detail of art that is inside the church.
For more interesting and intelligent information on art travel in Florence and renaissance art in general, please take a look at these two fantastic blogs:
Put some spark into your travel plans - Top 5 Global Firework Events
With Guy Fawkes night around the corner on November 5th, most thrill-seekers will be traveling to watch some fireworks in the UK. But what about the rest of the year? Here are the Top 5 Firework Displays - all renowned for wowing the crowds worldwide, along with some sparkling boutique hotel recommendations.
New Year’s Eve at Copacabana, 31 December 2012
Over two million people each year watch the impressive New Year’s fireworks at the Brazilian beach, named in honour of Our Lady of Copacabana. For those whose music and passion are always the fashion, Copacabana is the place to be on NYE – last year David Guetta held a free concert. Return flights from London to Rio de Janeiro in December (returning in January 2013) start from £549 on momondo.co.uk
Casa Mosquito - Ipanema
Rio’s first beachside boutique hotel, where vivacious Copacabana melts into chic Ipanema. This intimate boutique hotel, perched on a hill, is the perfect location to not only see the fireworks in the distance but also to marvel at the sight of the Rio de Janeiro's legendary beaches.
casamosquito.com
New Year’s Fireworks on Sydney Harbour, 31 December 2012
Australia is home to possibly the most well known global firework event, held annually on New Year’s Eve at Sydney Harbour. With 1.5 million spectators, the array of fireworks can easily be seen from the inner west Gladesville Bridge, to the famous headlands, forming the entrance to the harbour in Sydney Harbour National Park. Flights from London to Sydney in December 2012 (returning January 2013) start from £819 on momondo.co.uk
Diamant hotel - Potts Point
Although positioned as more of a business hotel, the design is modern and slick and is situated moments away from Sydney Habour. The pent house and a few of the suites have splendid views overlooking the harbour and bridge and are perfect to catch the full experience of the firework spectacle.
diamanthotel.com
Madeira Fireworks Festival – 8, 15, 22 & 29 June 2013
Every year Madeira hosts its own Fireworks Festival -and on every Saturday in June a pyro-musical show fills the bay of Funchal with light and colour. Funchal claimed the title for ‘the largest fireworks display in the world’ in 2006, and has yet to be challenged. Return flights from London to Madeira in June 2013 start from £230 on momondo.co.uk
The Vine - Funchal Bay
360 sky lounge at the Vino Hotel could be reputed to be the best place to view the season of fireworks in Madeira. Situated on Funchal bay, the roof-top bar setting is cool and sophisticated. And if you're really feeling the party mood, you can take a dip in the infinity edge swimming pool, or submerge yourself in bubbles in the 20m jacuzzi.
hotelthevine.com
Macy’s New York show, 4 July 2013
Each year, to celebrate US independence, millions of people gather near the Hudson River, to view the Macy’s Fourth of July Fireworks show, in New York City. In recent years, the illuminating spectacle has been launched from six barges along the river, with over 40,000 shells - exploding over a thousand feet into the air, above peering crowds. Flights from London to NYC in July 2013 start from £383 on momondo.co.uk
The Standard High Line - Meatpacking district
Not only is this hotel situated one most urban-cool spots of New York, its roof top bar has the most daring views of the Hudson River. Serving spunky cocktails in a private members only environment after 10pm, this is one of the most exclusive places to enjoy July 4 celebrations.
standardhotels.com
Redentore at Venice, 15th July 2013
The city of Venice is traditionally famous on an international level for its carnival over mardi gras. But one event that is predominately enjoyed by Venetians and Italians is the party of Redentore. Dating back to 1577, It was first held to celebrate the city's deliverance from a terrible plague, and the construction of one of Andrea Palladio's many famous creations, the "Redentore" (Redeemer) Church, which was commissioned for the same reason. Every year on the third Saturday of July, thousands of people congregate around St. Marks basin on boats to celebrate with music, food and drink, while watching the firework display that begins at 11.30pm and lasts until well past midnight. Return flights from London to Venice in July 2013 start from £62 on momondo.co.uk
Palazzina Grassi - Grand Canal
Palazzina Grassi is a spectacular renovation of a 16th century building overlooking the Canal Grande in Venice. Designed by Philippe Starck and Turinese businessman Emanuele Garosci, its aura perfectly blends tradition and modernity to the purest sense.
Situated close by to the party action on the canals of the Venice, the best advice would be to let the hotel organise a boat so that you can join in and and enjoy the festive spirit with rest of Venice.
palazzinagrassi.com
Discovering the lifestyle of Nordic cuisine in Copenhagen
Stine Heilmann, 2012. A 'merman' on his way up through the Øresund, and refers to the Nordic kitchen's principles of healthiness and use of seasonal ingredients - it hints at the seafood experiences to be had at the festival and the idea of the sea as Copenhagen's front garden
Living in Italy, I’ve been somewhat spoilt with the quantity and diversity that Italian cuisine gives to you. Everywhere around the world one can be exposed to Italian food in some shape and form – the good and the bad kind. It really goes to show how the culture of Italian food has managed to successfully penetrate itself on a global level. But now, I think it’s time for another cuisine to take centre stage - the Nordic food movement.
From the day my mother was feeding me mashed avocado when I was a baby, I became addicted to food – it’s part of me. Not just a fuel to live, but a lifestyle, and a philosophy if you like. My travels around the world have also increased my inquisitive instincts to discover new food delights. When you travel, food gives you an understanding or educative lesson of a country's point of difference, a story to tell about its persona and culture. But what I’m saying here isn’t new. Going as far back to 4 BC, the ancient Greek poet Archestratus was already depicting in his poetry the luxury of gastronomia, or in other words, rules for the stomach.
When I visited Copenhagen back in June, I became very curious about the Nordic food culture. If anyone has visited Noma restaurant, ranked in 2012 as No.1 on San Pellegrino’s World Best 50 Restaurants, you know it’s time to pay serious attention to what’s going on in Nordic hemisphere. Noma’s menu is the perfect 'manifesto' of how it has embodied the principles of what is associated with Nordic food movement – purity, freshness, simplicity, using ingredients and produce that excel in the northern climates, landscapes and waters.
Anyone that happened to be in Copenhagen in the last two weeks of August would have experienced a serious immersion into gastronomic hedonism. The Copenhagen Cooking Food Festival, which has been taking place for the last eight years, celebrates Nordic culinary heritage and sustainable principles. Its mission overall is to spread awareness of Copenhagen as a world-class gastronomic destination through high-quality culinary events.
From Michelin dining, Nordic beer made with salty ocean weed, to smørrebrød (open-faced sandwiches), there isn't a better place to be to indulge the taste buds than in this vibrant city.
Food tourism is definitely a growing interest and an indicator on how our lifestyles are changing as a form or status symbol and identity. With authenticity and experiences high on the agenda for travellers today, Copenhagen is a definite opportunity to exploit all of those culinary desires.
Culinary recommendations
Noma
The renowned two Michelin star restaurant famous for its inventions and interpretations of Nordic cuisine, and placed in one of the most rustic and grand old warehouses on the waterfront of the Christianshavn.
www.noma.dk/
Aamanns
The place to experience the Danish traditional smørrebrød (open-faced sandwiches) in modern form. With a recently-opened restaurant also in New York, the trend is starting to gain popularity beyond Nordic borders.
www.aamanns.dk
Mikkeller Brewery Bar
Mikkel Borg Bjergsø’s ambition was nothing less than to create the best beer bar in the world – a small, cool place for beer enthusiasts as well as novices to enjoy top quality micro brewed beer from Mikkeller and other innovative breweries from around the world.
www.mikkeller.dk
Momondo + noma guide book
For other authentic food recommendations, read the the trusted pocket guide of Copenhagen, beautifully put together by the staff at Noma restaurant in collaboration with travel site Momondo.
Note: This article has been written using sources from Nordic Food Lab and 2050 - Tomorrow's Tourism by Ian Yeoman.
This post is a submission to be part of Team Florens, where themes including agriculture and food tourism as a driver for economic development, will be discussed and debated during the Florens 2012 event.
As a Londoner, I’ve always been fascinated by the fact that each area of the city has it’s own unique and distinctive personality, spawned by its notable historical past. Creative and edgy Clerkenwell; sophisticated and elegant South Kensington, colourful and eclectic Notting Hill. And then there is chic and tech-trending Belgravia. An area of London that I never visited often, but rediscovered by my recent visit to London’s most high-tech boutique hotel.
Situated in between Knightsbridge and Chelsea, Belgravia is an affluent area of London. Once an area of meadows and pastureland, the estate was purchased in the 17th century by Thomas Grosvenor, a family ancestry traced back to William the Conqueror. Used previously for market gardening, the area was developed by master builder Thomas Cubitt (1788-1855), with the aim to build a series of garden squares ‘...to let a little of the country-side into the town’.
Set in one of Belgravia’s most elegant garden squares, where previous residents included Queen Victoria and Winston Churchill, is Eccleston Square Hotel. A boutique hotel with a historic striking white stucco façade, and an interior that is contemporary and exciting in high-tech appeal, yet equally discrete and personable.
As a good nights sleep is so important to me, I was instantly attracted to the ‘world’s best beds’ by Swedish brand Hästens. These luxurius beds are electronically adjustable and have variable massage features. Retailing at around £12,000, it's not surprise that this bed provides you with the best sleep one could possible imagine.
From the comfort of your Hästens bed, you can also experience 3D TV and operate the entire room using the in-room iPad, as well as room service, spa bookings and shopping guides. The whole hotel has effectively been designed to provide the guest with digital convenience, without the feeling of being ripped-off. Thankfully this hotel provides free wifi and free calls within London. Even items in the mini bar are sold at cost price. At last, a place of luxury where one can honestly say ‘I got value for money’.
In a world where technology has become a crucial part in travellers’ lives, it's so refreshing and pleasing to experience a hotel that delivers beyond the expectations of the digital traveller. I’m sure there are many people like myself that travel with multiple digital devices, and to stay in a hotel where everything can be connected seamlessly without fuss and interruption is my ultimate definition of euphoric heaven.
The combination of high-tech pazazz and Belgravia sophistication is really an ideal hang-out spot. With over 300 thriving businesses within the area, there is an abundance of places and shops to visit. My favourite street however is Pimlico Road. The place where Mozart composed his first symphony, its unique village atmosphere offers such a wide variety of shopping attractions intertwined with a historical back drop. Mostly famously known for interiors, design and antiques, but equally renowned for its gastronomic delights. Every Saturday, you can meander around the Pimlico Farmers' market and buy locally-produced food ranging from organic vegetables and cheeses, to delightful cakes of all flavours. Chicness appeal with a twist is what I love about Belgravia. And if my hotel bed can give me a massage while I’m sleeping, well you can’t get better than that.
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