A Stylish Story: It is a concept set on effortlessly guiding its readers through the Swiss luxury lifestyle and flawlessly providing editorial content and insider tips for every season. Regularly attending Fashion Weeks and traveling frequently, Anna Blachut’s fashion blog and Instagram is filled with endless inspiring content for those who love luxury, fashion, and design.
The Greek Islands are a real hot spot for world-class hotel resorts and luxury boutique hideaways. With travel bans lifted in Europe, Greece has come out on top as one of the best places to summer in.
I personally love Greece and have been consistently revisiting this country since my childhood. When I was 8, we rented a villa in Crete for 3 months and explored several Greek islands. Visiting Santorini, Mykonos, Ios, and many other islands. That trip was one of my favorites as a child. Even back then, I was a budding artist so inspired by the colors of the stunning sunsets we watched every evening that I would take my Caran d’Ache crayons and a blank page every night to recreate the skies mesmerizing shades of flaming red and orange turning to dark blue.
What’s more, when I was a teenager I spent several summers in Antiparos which is a tiny, yet charming Greek Island opposite Paros.
This year I went back to one of my favorite Greek islands, Mykonos, and also visited a new one that I had never been to before: Rhodes.
About Rhodes
This Greek island is steeped in history, although there is a touch of luxury and glamour on the islands (we saw several mega yachts dotted along the coastline and a private jet landing as we headed to the airport). It is also so close to Turkey that many travelers hop on a boat after flying into Rhodes and head to hotspot destinations such as the Turkish Island, Bodrum for example.
Rhodes is known for its medieval architecture, wineries, and beaches. It was a key island in the ancient world and once was home to one of the Seven Wonders of the World: the Colossus of Rhodes. A huge bronze statue of the Greek sun god Helios that took 12 years to build. Rhodes was then one of the most important trading ports in the ancient Mediterranean and the statue stood at the entrance of their key port. There are also several historical elements worth visiting for history buffs including stunning Byzantine churches, hilltop castles, and faded frescos as well as many Roman ruins.
About Our Stay in Rhodes at the Lindian Village 5-Star Hotel Resort in Lindos, Rhodes
As the hotel we were staying at was located near Lindos, we opted to hire a car. This also allowed us to do excursions around the island during the day as well. There are options for private transfers as well as taxis on the island.
What was great about the Lindian Village 5-Star Hotel Resort is that it had a wide range of room categories – many of which are suites that have their own private pools. This said there was also two main pools for all guests and of course access to the sea too as the hotel sits on the coastline and has a private hotel beach. There is a multitude of activities available as well and the facilities include a full-sized tennis court, pool bar area with snacks and drinks available, and games areas with a pool table, ping-pong, and arcade games.
My favorite aspects of this 5-Star hotel were:
The architecture of the hotel, especially the layout of the hotel pool area, which was truly unique
The soothing surroundings with the crickets of the winding pebbled pathways
The beautiful water features and floral decorations that were dotted around the hotel, each corner was unique
The hotel’s cafe square area which had a lovely seating area
The incredibly delicious Greek food at their rooftop restaurant
The spacious rooms with private pools
The beachfront
Greek Island Travel Guide by A Stylish Story
As mentioned before, there are so many Greek Islands that are worth visiting. So I made a breakdown of my favorite ones, according to the type of holiday you are after:
Cyclades Islands
• Santorini: ideal for a romantic getaway Santorini is a Greek island located in the Aegean Sea. It is known for its beautiful white cliffs, blue waters, and picturesque views. There are many things to do in Santorini including swimming, snorkeling, scuba diving, hiking, and even windsurfing. If you want to relax, you can go sailing around the island or take a boat tour to some of the surrounding islands.
• Mykonos: the best for luxury lovers with a penchant for party life Mykonos is a Greek island in the Aegean sea. It’s known for its beautiful beaches and vibrant nightlife.
• Milos: a picturesque oasis
• Naxos: the best island for sandy beaches and a relaxing getaway
• Ios: an excellent coming-of-age island to party and enjoy the balmy summer evenings
• Paros: the perfect destination for those who are looking for a new hotspot that is more relaxed than Mykonos
• Antiparos: A tiny, almost secret island tucked away with many charming aspects, my favorite being their open-air cinema
• Crete: is a wonderful island for archeology and adventures Crete is the largest of the Greek Islands and is considered to have the best beaches. It’s known for its natural beauty and clear waters. There are many places to visit in Crete, including Lasithi Plateau, Rethymnon Old Town, Heraklion Old Town, Chania old port, Agia Triada Monastery, Knossos Palace, and much more.
Dodecanese islands
• Rhodes: the best for those who are fans of the ancient world and for real culture bugs who love history Rhodes is the third-largest island in the Mediterranean Sea and is the first European Union member state to join the EU. Rhodes is well-known for its medieval walled cities, monasteries, and castles.
• Kos: is perfect for those looking for the most dazzling beaches, culture with a hint of luxury
Ionian islands
• Corfu: the dream destination for beach lovers Corfu is the second largest of the Ionian Islands and is the only major island not under Turkish rule. It’s known for being the birthplace of the composer George Frideric Handel.
• Zante: a great island for families
So there you have it, the perfect Greek Island guide based on the type of traveling you enjoy most. Stay tuned for more stylish guides and travels!
How to make the most of your stay at the Chedi Andermatt by A Stylish Story
The Swiss Alps are a breathtaking destination for a summer getaway, and there’s no better place to stay than the luxurious Chedi Andermatt. This five-star hotel, designed by minimalist architect Jean-Michel Gathy, is part of the elite GHM group and offers an unforgettable hospitality experience.
The Chedi Andermatt is known for its Asian simplicity in the Alps, with Asian-inspired decor and an excellent Japanese restaurant. Located in the Urseren Valley and surrounded by natural beauty, the hotel is a haven for travelers looking to recharge their batteries. It’s no surprise that the Chedi Andermatt is a proud member of General Hotel Management, Leading Hotels of the World, and Swiss Deluxe Hotels.
The rooms at the Chedi Andermatt are spacious and beautifully decorated, with large balconies overlooking the outdoor pool and the stunning Swiss mountains. The bathrooms are fully equipped with top-quality amenities and the beds are comfortable and inviting.
But the Chedi Andermatt isn’t just about the luxurious accommodations. The hotel also offers a variety of activities and amenities for guests to enjoy. The outdoor pool is the perfect place to cool off on a hot summer day, and the hotel’s spa offers a variety of treatments to help guests relax and rejuvenate.
There are also plenty of opportunities to explore the great outdoors at the Chedi Andermatt. The hotel is located in the heart of the Swiss Alps, making it the perfect base for hiking and mountain picnics. And for those looking for a more leisurely pace, the hotel offers guided tours of the surrounding area.
When it comes to dining, the Chedi Andermatt doesn’t disappoint. The hotel’s Japanese restaurant serves delicious, authentic cuisine, and there are also a variety of other dining options to choose from.
Overall, the Chedi Andermatt is the perfect place to spend a summer getaway in the Swiss Alps. With luxurious accommodations, a variety of activities and amenities, and excellent dining options, it’s an unforgettable experience that should not be missed.
But what are the top 10 reasons to visit the Chedi Andermatt in the summer? Here are just a few:
1. The stunning location in the Swiss Alps: The Chedi Andermatt is located in the heart of the breathtaking Urseren Valley, surrounded by natural beauty.
2. Luxurious accommodations: The rooms at the Chedi Andermatt are spacious, beautifully decorated, and equipped with top-quality amenities.
3. A variety of activities and amenities: From the outdoor pool to the spa to guided tours of the surrounding area, there’s something for everyone at the Chedi Andermatt.
4. Excellent dining options: The hotel’s Japanese restaurant serves authentic cuisine, and there are also a variety of other dining options to choose from.
5. A peaceful and relaxing atmosphere: The Chedi Andermatt is the perfect place to recharge your batteries and escape the stresses of everyday life.
6. The opportunity to explore the great outdoors: The Swiss Alps are a paradise for hikers and race car drivers, and the Chedi Andermatt is the perfect base for exploring the surrounding area.
7. A unique and unforgettable experience: The Chedi Andermatt is unlike any other hotel, with its Asian simplicity in the Alps and luxurious amenities.
8. The chance to indulge in a luxury wellness retreat: The hotel’s spa offers a variety of treatments to help guests relax and rejuvenate.
9. The opportunity to experience Swiss culture: Andermatt has been a popular destination for the bourgeoisie since the early 19th century, and the Chedi Andermatt is the perfect place to experience Swiss culture and luxury.
10. The chance to make lasting memories: Whether you’re exploring the great outdoors or relaxing at the hotel, the Chedi Andermatt is the perfect place to create lasting memories of your summer getaway.
Why the Chedi Andermatt is the best luxury hotel in Switzerland.
How to enjoy the Swiss Alps as a luxury traveler.
Spending the summer in the Swiss Alps is an unexpected yet extremely peaceful way of recharging one’s batteries. This is why the Hôtel Chedi Andermatt is a hidden gem for those looking for a unique and peaceful ambiance. The luxury 5-star deluxe resort oozes Asian zen with alpine chic.
This summer, I was invited to one of the most luxurious hotels in Switzerland, the legendary Chedi Hotel in Andermatt. Along with Bella, we enjoyed a summer Swiss alpine experience at their stunning resort.
About Andermatt & The Chedi Andermatt Hotel
The Chedi Andermatt was designed by the minimalist architect: Jean-Michel Gathy. This luxury five-star hotel is part of the elite GHM group of hotels and is one of the most carefully curated hospitality experiences I have had. Indeed, the Swiss Alps is certainly an unexpected destination for the summer one might say – given that it is such a hot spot in the winter months. However, with the heatwave that ran through all of Europe this summer, it was the perfect place to get away from the city swelter and reconnect with nature. What is more, did you know that the enchanting winter wonderland of Andermatt has been the chosen destination for the bourgeoisie since the early 19th century? Today it is most known for The Chedi Andermatt Hotel. This luxurious hotel draws in a flurry of international visitors regardless of the season. Every year Andermatt shrugs off its snowy white coat and the sun streams down the picturesque village. In the summer months, the Chedi Andermatt becomes a playground for exotic car tours, and hiking enthusiasts with a penchant for delicious dining experiences as well as being the ideal place for a luxury wellness retreat.
The hospitality of the Chedi Andermatt revolves around the following statement: Asian Simplicity in the Alps. The Chedi is in fact an alternative term for a Buddhist stupa, mainly used in Thailand. The name underlines the Asian influence that is omnipresent throughout the hotel. With the dark paneled wood, excellent Japanese restaurant, and Asian-inspired decor.
Surrounded by the natural beauty of the Urseren Valley, situated in the Swiss Alps, dark panels of wood soar up to the sky and form a huge complex known as the Chedi Andermatt. It is a captivating five-star escape in the breathtaking Swiss Alps. The hotel’s Egyptian owner, Samih Sawiris, has created world-class accommodations, services, and amenities for his hotel guests. This architectural gem and prestigious hotel are one of the most ideal destinations in Switzerland for travelers who want to recharge their batteries.
The Chedi Andermatt opened in December 2013 and is part of the General Hotel Management Group (GHM). It is the group’s first resort in Europe and is situated in the Urseren Valley in the heart of the Swiss Alps.
This was a truly magical experience in terms of wellness and gastronomy. I highly recommend the Chedi Andermatt as a hotel to stay in if you are looking for a little rest and relaxation, and are in search of an exceptional level of Swiss luxury hospitality. As the Chedi Andermatt is a proud member of General Hotel Management, Leading Hotels of the World, and Swiss Deluxe Hotels.
About the Hotel Rooms at the Chedi Andermatt
The room we got was beautifully decorated, very spacious, and had a large balcony overlooking the outdoor pool, set against a beautiful backdrop of the Swiss mountains. I loved the huge bathroom which was fully equipped with my favorite Acqua di parma beauty lotions and potions. I really liked the rain shower and deep soaking bathtub. Indeed, each of the hotel rooms comes with a balcony, a Bose surround sound system, and a flat-screen TV with on-demand movies (we watched Crazy Rich Asians to keep in theme with the hotel).
There are serval types of Room Categories available at the Chedi Andermatt, including:
Deluxe Room
Grand Deluxe Room
Junior Deluxe Suite
Deluxe Suite
Grand Deluxe Suite
Gemsstock Suite
Furka Suite
Gotthard Suite (which is the most prestigious category at The Chedi Andermatt. It stretches across 330 square meters and includes its own Private Spa with a Steam bath, Jacuzzi, and Sauna as well as a private wine cabinet)
The whole room that we stayed in at the Chedi Andermatt Hotel was “connected” and you could program the lighting, the fireplace, room temperature, etc all from a single iPad. What’s more, a little welcome package was waiting in the room along with a handwritten note (which always makes it so much more special). The gifts were carefully placed on the low table which was decorated with super soft floor pillows – adding an Asian aesthetic to the dark wooden chalet. This was one of my favorite spots in the room. I also loved the walk-in wardrobe which I immediately filled with my chalet chic attire. We freshened up after unpacking and headed down to the hotel lobby for the Chedi Afternoon Tea experience.
The Chedi Afternoon Tea at the Chedi Andermatt
We had the traditional Afternoon Tea on the ground floor of the Chedi Hotel. It was such a cozy setting, despite the size of the hotel. We selected a soft plush daybed and settled into the ambient space to enjoy the Chedi’s signature afternoon tea. It arrived on a beautiful silver 3-tier cake stand which was laden with stacks of sandwiches, delicious pastries, as well as an array of local delicacies. Depending on the guest’s preferences, the hotel’s afternoon tea can also be swapped for champagne as the bar is stocked with a range of Taittinger champagnes to choose from. I enjoyed a glass of Champagne Taittinger Rosé as well as a fragrant pot of tea from Dammann Frères. If Afternoon Tea is not your scene, there is also a cigar room for gentlemen to enjoy. It is also an ideal location if one is looking for a more private area to conduct their business exchanges, for example. Indeed, The Cigar Library at the Chedi Andermatt Hotel holds the world’s largest variety of cigars in the hotel industry (with over 800 different types of cigars from sixteen countries).
About the Chedi Andermatt Luxury Spa, Hydrotherapy & Pools
Our next stop in the hotel was The Spa and Health Club. I must say, this was one of my favorite aspects of the Chedi Hotel. It is based on a holistic concept and is spread over two floors. There is a beautiful 34-meter interior pool which I did serval laps of before dipping into the heated outdoor pool. I loved the 12-meter outdoor pool as I could gently relax whilst listening to the twittering of birds that swirled around the stunning alpine valley, punctuated by helicopters flying overhead. It was pure bliss and really allowed me to feel replenished and renewed.
The Spa is also equipped with a Tibetan Relaxation Lounge that offers an assortment of Far Eastern treatments customized to suit your personal needs. The Chedi Andermatt also has its own private Health Club filled with the latest TechnoGym equipment. Personal trainers are also available for individual coaching. They also offer both private and group classes including yoga and Pilates.
The Chedi Cocktail Bar & Tasting Experience
In the evening I slipped into a long slinky dress and a pair of heels before heading down to the Chedi cocktail bar. This bar actually won the Best Hotel Bar at the SWISS BAR AWARDS 2021. With around 500 different spirit items, including limited liquid editions, regional gins, and fruit brandies from renowned Swiss distilleries, you are sure to find the perfect beverage adapted to your palette. What is more, they offer both signature drinks and non-alcoholic drinks, and this includes non-alcoholic cocktails as well as wine. I loved how relaxing yet luxurious the setting was. With several circular fireplaces, soft leather sofas dotted with soft pillows, and a full-service bar in dark wood. We then enjoyed a delicious 3-course meal complete with a wine flight selection best suited to each dish.
The Luxury Pit Stop Experience in a Morgan 4/4 and a Scenic Picnic in Andermatt Valley with The Chedi Hotel.
A true 007 Bond Girl adventure: during my stay at the Chedi Andermatt Hotel I really had the feeling of being on set for a James Bond film. Indeed, if you are a fan of James Bond, fast cars, fine wine, and dining, then this is the hotel for you. Why James Bond, you ask? Well, the iconic car chase from the James Bond Goldfinger was filmed in Andermatt itself. Indeed, the Chedi Andermatt Hotel pays tribute to this historic moment in cinema in the summer months by offering its guests a unique 007 experience known as the Luxury Pit Stop. The Chedi hotel organized a fantastic Luxury Pit Stop experience for me and Bella, and we had the most marvelous time. We tucked ourselves into the beautiful Vintage 4×4 Morgan and rode up into the mountains. It was truly like being on the set of an old movie and I adored every second of it! This experience is only available during the summer months, and I really recommend it. Indeed, you can also have the option at the hotel to have a picnic with the experience as well. This is what we did, we drove up and then set up our little picnic that was previously prepared by the hotel staff beforehand. Then once we had found the perfect spot, we took the little wicker picnic basket and blanket up with us and set up the picnic, and enjoyed a delicious late lunch against the stunning backdrop of the Urseren Valley. Complete with delicious spring rolls, fresh sandwiches, and delicious desserts.
In Conclusion
In total at the Chedi Andermatt, there are 123 elegant rooms and suites, five outstanding restaurants and bars, a modern Health Club, and an exceptional spa area. You really are spoilt for choice and pampered in terms of culinary experiences. This said, my personal favorite aspects of the Chedi Andermatt were:
⁃ The exceedingly professional, helpful, and polite staff (especially Chris who helped us set up the picnic in the perfect spot tucked away on a hillside that overlooked the valley).
⁃ The tranquility of the outdoor heated pool area. Possibly the most serene and connected to nature that I have felt in a long time.
⁃ The balcony area with a stunning view from the 6th floor.
⁃ The Morgan 4/4 Luxury pit stop experience, was truly unforgettable.
⁃ The gastronomical aspect: from the wine flight to the Asian delights, the endless choices in the morning at the breakfast buffets to the cheese room, it was a real strong point of the hotel stay.
As you can see, the Chedi Andermatt is the perfect place to visit in the summer. With its stunning location in the Swiss Alps, luxurious accommodations, and variety of activities and amenities, it’s an unforgettable experience that you won’t want to miss. So why not book your stay at the Chedi Andermatt today and start planning your summer getaway in the Swiss Alps?
The other Chedi Hotels in the world are:
The Chedi Hotel & Residences, Luštica Bay, Montenegro
The Chedi Al Bait, Sharjah, UAE
The Chedi Muscat, Oman
Useful Information
The Location:
The Chedi Andermatt
Gotthardstrasse 4,
6490 Andermatt, Switzerland
Contact Details:
Distances
125km/80mi from Zurich Airport
200km/120mi from Malpensa Airport
184km/114mi from Milan Airport
0.1km from Rail Station.
The Chedi Andermatt: An unforgettable experience and a must-visit holiday mountain resort in the Alps by Anna Blachut from A Stylish Story
Borgo di Luce I Monasteri Golf Resort & SPA by MIRA Hotels
One of the most charming hotel resorts in the South-East of Sicily 2022: Borgo di Luce – I Monasteri Golf Resort & SPA
About The Location
In mid-June, I went for the first time ever to a beautiful and historic island in the south of Italy. Sicily is in fact the biggest Italian Island. Sicily is famous for its beautiful cathedrals, lemon groves, vineyards, island beaches, and amazing architecture. Indeed, two of the most known landmarks are the Palermo Opera House and UNESCO Baroque church in Noto. Noto was quite close to where I stayed, and we went to visit this Sicilian city which is famous for its rich historical architectural heritage. Indeed, Noto has been hailed by Condé Nast Traveller as Sicily’s Hidden Gem.
Why so? Well, it is known as Sicily’s Capital of Baroque. Each and every building structure has its own unique and intricate design lavish churches, private palaces, and public buildings are all beautifully built. It is a true dream for those who love that époque as well as a good plate of pasta.
Sicily is also famous for those who love a good hike. It has super trekking routes, with the legendary Mount Etna Volcano being one of the most popular places to go. There are also incredible archeological and historical sites like the Valley of the Temples, the Segesta Temple, and the Baroque town of Noto.
This rich heritage is because Sicily has been home to many ancient civilizations: from the Greeks to the Romans and the Ottoman Empire, this island in the Mediterranean Sea was a real melting pot of history and culture. So needless to say, Sicily had been on my list of places to go for quite some time and I was delighted to be able to visit Italy once again this summer. During my stay, I was hosted by the Borgo di Luce I Monasteri Golf Resort & Spa which is a 5-star hotel just between Syracuse and Noto.
Getting to Borgo di Luce I Monasteri Golf Resort & SPA – and Beyond It
There are two main airports in Sicily: Palermo and Catania. I recommend flying into Catania as it is just over an hour from the Borgo di Luce I Monasteri Golf Resort & SPA. For this, you can either rent a car or organize a transfer which is super easy to do from the airport. I opted for a private transfer (SunTransfers was the name of the company), as I had used it beforehand when traveling in Saint Tropez, so I knew it was trustworthy and efficient. I made sure to do the whole coordination before flying, especially as my flight was at an ungodly hour, so I would not need to think too hard about how, when, where, and what not once I landed in Sicily.
Located in the south-eastern part of Sicily, you will find Borgo di Luce I Monasteri Golf & SPA Resort, nestled just 12 km from the sea. It is situated between 2 beautiful and historically rich cities: Siracusa (or Syracuse) and Noto.
Mira’s Borgo di Luce – I Monasteri Golf Resort & SPA is in a rural area. Surrounded by citrus orchards and olive trees, this Golf Resort is one of the top picks when it comes to looking for the best luxury hotels in Sicily.
After a little over an hour of driving through the beautiful Italian countryside, we passed through a neat row of trees that lined each side of the road and then pulled up to the hotel’s private parking. We were then greeted by the hotel concierge who (given the early hour) invited us to discover the breakfast buffet and a cup of strong Italian coffee. We gladly accepted this offer and walked through the white, cool corridors and down a passageway to the breakfast room.
About The Hotel: Borgo di Luce I Monasteri Golf Resort & Spa
A 5-star hotel in the secluded Syracuse outback, Borgo di Luce I Monasteri Golf Resort & Spa, a member of Radisson Individuals. It promises a unique stay in the rural area surrounded by citrus and olive groves. Perfect for nature lovers: The villa is a tranquil oasis, with plenty of greenery surrounding the grounds and an 18-hole golf course to really bring the villa to life. So if you’re looking for an authentic Sicilian villa and plenty of gardens to relax and unwind in, you’ll find just that at this beautiful hotel.
Before becoming a hotel, it was in fact an ancient Benedictine monastery. In 2012 it was transformed into a 5-star hotel. It has all the characteristics of a Roman farm villa and offers elegantly decorated and modern common areas.
The entrance hall is large and leads off to different areas including a beautiful patio with a panoramic terrace where guests can relax with a glass of good wine.
About The Borgo di Luce I Monasteri Golf Resort & Spa Hotel Rooms
We were led to our room which was situated in the courtyard right next to a ripe apricot tree. Our room was furnished in a modern sophisticated manner. As you entered the room there was a large wooden desk and cabinet filled with water and coffee. There was also a sofa seating area which was just next to a sliding door. Behind which was a beautiful large walk-in wardrobe that led you through to the large bathroom. Cream white interiors with dark wood floors, the room was tranquil and elegant. It has a staircase that led up to a mezzanine where there was a plush bed, another built-in wardrobe, and a bathroom, both the upstairs and downstairs had showers. The room felt like the perfect, cool refuge from the Sicilian sun.
The hotel has a total of 102 rooms, located in different buildings, divided into the following sections:
Superior – 35 m2, double or single bed, with a view of the golf or the garden view
Premium Borgo – 35 m2, double bed, with a golf view
Deluxe Villa – 30 m2, double bed, located inside the old monastery.
Junior Suite – 35 m2, double bed, view of the ancient inner courtyards.
Suite – 60 m2, double bed, view of the courtyards of the old monastery.
The Borgo di Luce I Monasteri Golf Resort & Spa Breakfast Buffet
At the restaurant Sala Laghetto guests can enjoy a buffet breakfast, lunch and dinner are only a la carte with Mediterranean cuisine. Special menus for vegetarians and coeliacs are available on request. We actually had breakfast in the room the second day, which I would highly recommend. A large platter is brought to your room on a golf caddie, laden with fresh fruits (including one of my all-time favorites: papaya!), scrambled eggs, cheeses, salmon, and bread. Along with fresh juice and Italian coffee to ensure that we started the day off in the best possible way.
About the Borgo di Luce I Monasteri Golf Resort & Spa Services & Activities: The Spa, Golf & Swimming Pool
With two outdoor swimming pools that are interconnected and a large spa, the Borgo di Luce I Monasteri Golf & SPA Resort is the perfect place to relax and unwind. I performed enjoyed the pool area as they had very comfortable lounge beds so you could laze around the water.
You can also relax at the full-service Zàgara spa, and enjoy their massages, body treatments, and facials. Designed in 2013 by the architect Simone Micheli. The spa is spread over 300 square meters and it is divided into different areas: Turkish bath, emotional shower, sauna, Jacuzzi, relaxation area, 5 cabins equipped for personalized wellness treatments and a salt room.
The sun-drenched golf course is certainly one of the main highlights of the Borgo di Luce I Monasteri Golf & SPA Resort: it is set in 86 hectares of orange and lemon trees and immersed in lush Mediterranean vegetation, with mandarins, lemons, and figs. It is an 18-hole, par 71 golf course of 6,250 meters and was designed by David Mezzacane (president of the Italian Association of Golf Course Architects) and Vincenzo Mazzacane. There is also a pro-shop, where you can get all the necessary equipment for golfing, changing rooms and lockers.
What is more, they offer golf lessons on-site at the Borgo di Luce I Monasteri Golf & SPA Resort. So we headed to the driving range of the golf course which has 40 stations and putting greens after a little dip in the swimming pool.
Now, these are not your average golf lessons as your instructor is an expert with an incredible professional journey. The golf lesson was with the professional Italian golfer Anna Nistri, who is the winner of three Italian Championships and her career includes 15 years in the Italian national team, and 2 years of the European tour. She is on the Emilia Romagna Regional Committee.
Other services that the Borgo di Luce I Monasteri Golf & SPA Resort offers include horseback riding, diving, and sailing excursions in the surrounding area, upon request.
Conclusion
In my opinion, the Borgo di Luce – I Monasteri Golf Resort & SPA is truly a place to escape from everyday life and relax in the lush, Sicilian vegetation. Picking apricots straight from the tree and enjoying them, the swimming pool area and golf lessons were certainly one of the highlights for me.
New: The Woodward Geneva- luxury suites & 2 Michelin star restaurants
Discovering the newly opened luxury hotel in Geneva: The Woodward Suites.
This 5-star hotel is part of the Oetker Collection. It is comprised of a total of 26 exclusive luxury suites & 2 Michelin star restaurants as well as the biggest indoor pool in all of Geneva.
Along with Bella Zofia, I had the pleasure of discovering this beautiful hotel in late December. We started with a tour of the Spa, pool, and gym. Before heading to our bespoke beauty treatments from Guerlain. As you know, I am a big fan of Guerlain beauty so I was very excited about this experience. The treatment was hands down the most wonderful experience I have had at a hotel spa. It stated with a beauty questionnaire so that the beautician could have a background on the areas you wished to focus on. Then I went into a private room complete with en-suite shower, locker room and of course Guerlain cosmetics and the fluffiest bathrobe I have ever used. Once I had been tucked into the ultra cozy SPA bed I did a personalised consultation to decide what would be the best treatment to have. Then we did a scent test where I was asked to choose the perfume that I found most relaxing. This scent was then integrated into the treatment. After the hour facial and beauty treatment the beautician applied Guerlain makeup for me and led me into the Guerlain makeup room. It was like being led into a candy store for someone who is as obsessed with beauty as myself! I then did my makeup before heading up to Le Jardiner with Bella.
We lunched at the new restaurant called Le Jardiner by Michelin-starred Chef Alain Verzeroli and assisted by the chef Olivier Jean. It is a truly unique restaurant in Geneva, serving up dishes that celebrate the finest local ingredients. There are 2 sections to the restaurant each with a slightly different decoration (coté Lausanne where we ate for lunch, & coté Genève which is also featured here). There is also have a private meeting room right next to the restaurant that is ideal for business meetings. The primarily plant-based concept was launched in 2019 in New York by Joël Robuchon and Alain Verzeroli. This is.their first European edition of the concept. All the ingredients on the menu are locally sourced (maximum I50 km from the hotel. The Jardiner focuses primarily on vegetables in each of their dishes, meat and fish are almost incorporated as accompaniments.
To top it off we enjoyed their delicious pastries and had the pleasure to meet famous in-house pastry chef Titouan Clauder.
Lastly, we were given a private tour of the Woodward hotel and I was truly spellbound but their Royal Suite which was splendid, to say the least, and even had a private elevator for maximum privacy.
Designed Pierre-Yves Rochon (Pyr design), the entire hotel was incredibly refined with a quiet luxury appeal that so suits Geneva city.
I very much recommend the Woodward hotel if you visit Geneva. It is an absolutely wonderful place and the Guerlain SPA treatment was certainly one of the best treatments I have had in Switzerland.
At the beginning of the month, we enjoyed the most wonderful, luxury escape in the Swiss Alps. I wanted to share my exceptional stay at the Arosa Kulm Hotel.
Arosa is a luxury ski resort in Switzerland, situated in the alpine resort village. The Arosa Kulm Hotel is nestled in the Schanfigg Valley, in the Swiss canton of Graubünden. A real winter wonderland, this breathtaking five-star hotel dates all the way back to 1882 and has the most fascinating backstory. It is the perfect setting for a snowy getaway like the one we enjoyed.
Upon arriving, I was struck by the fairytale nature of the hotel. We were warmly welcomed into the hotel and shown to the sprawling suite which we would call home for the next few days.
The Hotel
The hotel even features ski-in & ski-out access, Alpine Spa and 5 first-class restaurants (13, 14 and 15 Gault Millau points).
The Hotel Arosa Kulm is in fact steeped in wonderful history that dates back to even before 1882. It all began when the Arosa confectioner, Hans Hold, bought the house neighboring his farmhouse. It was in 1882 that the Arosa Kulm Hotel originated when Hans’ son, Thomas connected the two houses. Thus, transforming them into a 30-room hotel named the Kurhaus. In 1894, Thomas Hold passed away and the hotel was taken over by the chef, Mr. Scherrer who renames the hotel “Kulm”. Today the hotel stands proudly at the top of Arosa, now with 119 rooms with 207 beds and a stunning Alpin Spa. What’s more, each room in the hotel is furnished differently and tells its own story. Allowing guests to have a truly unique and memorable experience at the hotel.
The Location
Arosa itself has plenty of activities. So during our three-day stay, we took full advantage of all that this snowy ski resort had to offer, including a lovely squirrel trail. The Arosa Kulm Hotel staff even provided us with peanuts to attract squirrels. The Arosa squirrel path was amazingly scenic and we even saw a baby deer on the trail.
Our Room
The hotel suite reminded me of a James Bond film set, with rustic, chalet-chic finishings and huge bay windows that overlooked the Swiss Alps. It had a wonderful glamour and grandeur to it with a fantastic view of the snow-capped mountainside was spectacular.
The suite was classically designed in a Swiss chalet style with luxurious finishes. In addition to the large bedroom and ensuite, marble bathroom, we had a spacious living room area and dressing room. The bedroom had the most comfortable pillows I’ve ever slept on and I was so pleased that the bathroom had both a shower and bath (I am a huge fan of bubble baths!). The cherry on top was that our room had a huge south-facing balcony with lovely wooden deck chairs so we could soak up the sunshine and fresh alpine air.
The Food
The Arosa Kulm Hotel is known as a gourmet destination, with 5 different restaurants we were spoilt for choice.
The first night we enjoyed the delicious, locally sourced dishes from Chef Florian Mainzger at the Mutanella restaurant.
Before dinner on the second night, we cozied up by the fire and enjoyed a little pre-dinner appetitive. I sipped my divinely made expresso martini at the K.Lounge and could not help but be reminded again of the glamour of a 007 movie set.
Then we headed down to try the famous Thai restaurant: Ahaan Thai. This restaurant also has the most fabulous backstory to it In the 1930s the Thai King Bhumibol Adulyadej learned to ski in Arosa and even stayed at the Arosa Kulm Hotel itself. Today, Chef Tussanee and her team have been flown in from Bangkok and bring their authentic expertise to each dish.
The Alpine Spa
The Arosa Kulm Alpine Spa offers relaxation and the most breathtaking view of the Swiss alps. The spa is entirely made of glass windows and you can see out onto the crystal white snow slopes. With 1,200 square meters of wellness and relaxation, the heated area and indoor pool have a calm serenity to them. Indeed, this is because the concept of the Arosa Kulm spa was based on the earliest power symbols from traditional European natural healing. Even the color of the local blue-green Andeer granite in the spa forms the energetic core.
The philosophy is rooted in a source of balance and harmony embodied in our tree of life which represents vital energy and a link to the subconscious. I even practiced some meditation in the quiet room. I felt deeply recharged in both my mind and body. There was a truly calming effect that the Spa itself had on me.
This luxury escape in snowy Arosa is exactly what I needed to unwind. The food, hotel staff and service were all exceptional. The hotel staff was incredibly professional yet so warm, kind and friendly. Everyone went above and beyond any expectations and I can wholeheartedly say this was one of the most amazing experiences I’ve ever had.
