Travels With Bella Figura USA

So You Want to Go to Venice - Italy, That Is!

I began my Silversea adventure with a couple of days in Venice.  Yes, the city of beautiful architecture, fabulous glass, and, of course, enchanting canals.  There's something about getting to where you're going by water taxi, that just cries out "romance" and "adventure."

But let me put all that aside for a minute to give you my recommendations for sleeping and eating.  After all, you're not going to enjoy your visit much if you're staying in a rat-trap hotel and consuming questionable food.

So first, the hotel: the Luna Hotel Baglioni.  Oh my, what an exquisite place.  Just off Piazza San Marco (St. Mark's Square) this hotel is the embodiment of old world charm.  A tad (note I said "tad") less expensive than the Danieli, and definitely less than the famed Cipriani, this hotel is worth the euros.

The arrival to the Luna:

    

   

Oops, we had a bit of a traffic jam there in the lower left photo!


And the lovely room:

    

(Naturally there are fabulous Murano glass chandeliers and sconces.)  And if I wanted to nitpick, I'd say that "yes, there are things that are a bit worn, could use a face lift here and there," but overall, it's lovely.

Unfortunately, I neglected to take pics of the bath, which was sumptuous: large, all marble, with separate tub and shower, and a double vanity.  And even better than the two sinks: good lighting!  

Besides the great digs, the staff is lovely: welcoming, gracious and attentive.  And as I write more about the trip, you'll find that I won't be nearly as complimentary about other hotel's staff.

Now, for the food!  After all, what's the point of going to Italy and not having great dining experiences?  And  there's only one Venice restaurant I'm going to mention in this post; and it's a triple threat, as in fabulous ambiance, charming wait staff and luscious food: the Ristorante Antico Pignolo.

Antico Pignolo is located just a short walk from the cathedral, down a little alleyway at Calle Specchieri, 451. With indoor dining rooms and a beautiful courtyard, there's space to suit everyone's taste.  And if you love to dine al fresco, well, let's just say that it doesn't get much better than this.  But the real star is the food: sumptuous sea food, perfectly cooked meats, pastas to dream about, and desserts...  Well, by the time you get to the delectable desserts your mouth is in sensory overload!

And one of the things I always look for when I'm in a restaurant - locals.  That's right, you don't want a touristy place, but one where the locals eat.  And to my delight, we were surrounded by Italians, all enjoying leisurely, multi-coursed dinners - all with big smiles!

Now, everything in Venice is expensive, there's just no getting around that.  And the food is no exception.  Dinner for two, with a bottle of wine, came to about $375.  I know, not exactly budget conscious - but when in Venice - indulge and enjoy.  At least, that's my motto!

Bella Tuscany - The Fonteverde Spa

I'm thinking all things Italian these days, as my next trip to beautiful Italia is now just weeks away.

Well, I was blown away by this HippyGourmet video I found on YouTube.  I've been all over this area of Tuscany, but somehow missed the Fonteverde Spa Resort (part of The Leading Hotels of the World collection.)

Oh my - this place is incredible.  As in, go buy a plane ticket NOW.  Located south of Siena, it's known for its pools: hydrotherapy pools, thermal pools, Etruscan baths...  Heaven in water.

Plus, they have the usual (and not so usual) spa treatments, and an organic gourmet kitchen that will cater to your dietary wishes.

But it's the water - and the heavenly view - that will have you calling your travel agent. 

 

And be sure and checkout the websites for HippyGourmet and Fonteverde Spa.

Come Visit the Magical La Mamounia in Marrakech

In May, I wrote a post about an auction that was taking place in Marrakech, selling off all kinds of wonderful treasures from the famed La Mamounia Hotel.

The hotel is supposed to reopen this September; and while I'm eager to return, I am anxious about what I'll find.  That's always the problem when you fall in love with a place: will changes destroy your fondness?

But in the meantime, I stumbled upon this little video.  It's lovely: a nice overview of the hotel and the exquisite gardens.

For your pleasure:

Vacations With a Higher Purpose

You know we love the tour operators Abercrombie & Kent.  For the second time since 2007 they've been named the Top Luxury Outfitter by National Geographic Adventure.

And while they've always been known for being environmentally conscious, they've got some fascinating journeys for you where you'll not only see beautiful locales, but you'll get involved in philanthropy - get involved in ways that are impossible on the typical vacation.

For instance, there's a journey through Thailand where you'll visit the SOS Foundation of Thailand, which has helped build small villages for homeless Thai children.  You'll participate in teaching the children through music and art lessons, and English lessons.  Cool and worthy!  While there, you'll stay in eco-friendly accommodations, and spend a day as an honorary elephant trainer at an elephant sanctuary.  Uber cool!

Or there's a trip to Pretoria where you choose your participation.  It might be renovating a space for a nursery school, or assisting a healthcare provider during home visits.  Also, you'll take a bush walk with three semi-habituated elephants and their expert guides in order to learn about the work done by the Living With Elephants Foundation, which deals with human/wildlife conflict.

Journeys with purpose - what a great way to spend some time!

For information on the trips mentioned, go to Abercrombie & Kent.

And note that some more upcoming trips include: Conservation Consciousness in the Galapagos and East Africa Conservation Safari.

And just for fun: click on over to Savvy Style to see some beautiful photos of Elle Macpherson on an A&K trip to Egypt (the very same one we went on last summer!)

A "Room with a View" in Istanbul

I've written before about the beautiful city of Istanbul, and specifically about my stay at the Four Seasons Sultanahmet. 

Now, there was a problem with my room, but I was so impressed by the way the Four Seasons management handled it that I said I'd go back in a heart beat.  Their thoughtfulness and professionalism was an example for all businesses to aspire to.

In that same article,  I also mentioned that a second Four Seasons hotel was opening in the city: the Four Seasons at the Bosphorus.  This hotel was still under construction when I was there, but as I stayed at another beautiful property just down the street, I can attest to the exquisite setting and stunning views.

Well, imagine my surprise and delight to find that the Four Seasons has produced videos for both properties. 

Two beautiful hotels - spectacular (and very different) views from both - two fabulous places to call home when you visit the magical city.

Now, for your pleasure - Istanbul at Sultanahmet:

And Istanbul at the Bosphorus:

Abu Simbel in Egypt - A "Must Do" Before You Die

Yesterday, we had a charming video of a trip on The Orient Express - voted by the British public as one of 50 Things To Do Before You Die.

Well today, we have another one of those "must do's" - Abu Simbel - in southern Egypt.

What an extraordinary place.  I traveled there last year and was overwhelmed - by it's size, it's grandeur, it's beauty. And while I posted some photos, they just couldn't do it justice.  A video is MUCH better.

So, for your pleasure, a "must" place to see before you die.  Enjoy:

50 Things To Do Before You Die

OK, I'm not going to list 50 today - just one.  A journey - a journey that conjures up the past - romance -  mystery - elan.

All aboard the famed Orient Express!

This video is utterly charming.  The British public chose "a trip on The Orient Express" as one of The 50 Things To Do Before You Die.  And here, a lovely older couple experience this trip of a lifetime - Venice to London - in the style of long ago travel: elegant, glamorous.

With all the security lines, hurry up and wait periods, cramped quarters, no food or atrocious food, that travelers must put up with today, it's delightful to watch this journey unfold. 

Just so civilized!  Enjoy:

And for information on Orient-Express trips, check out the website.

Summer Fun - How About Monaco?

I've been researching hotels  - mostly hotels in Italy.  But France has been on my mind too, what with the Cannes Film Festival last month and the fact that southern France is simply a gorgeous, beckoning place.

So in doing my research, I got a bit distracted and started looking at hotels on the Riviera.  And then, this video popped up.  Ah, something for everyone: beautiful gardens, luxurious rooms, delectable cuisine - and oh,  there just happens to be the big race going on!  Yes, fast cars racing through the streets of Monte Carlo.  What more could you ask for?

And full disclosure: no, I've never stayed at this hotel, the historic Hotel de Paris in Monte Carlo.  But after watching this, it's definitely on my list.

Enjoy:

New Doesn't Always Mean Better: What's With Our Obsession for Replacing the Old?

I'm feeling a little ill.  An hour ago I was excited - and full of anticipation.  What changed my mood?

I opened my mail and found a letter inviting me to an auction in Marrakech, Morocco.  The auction consists of hundreds of fabulous items from the historic La Mamounia Hotel.

Well, I love the hotel and have been eagerly awaiting its re-opening this year.  It's been closed now for some time, undergoing a complete renovation.

So, my excitement came for several reasons: 1) the hotel will be welcoming guests again, soon! - and 2) how wonderful to own a piece of history from a place you love.

But my excitement soon turned to despair. I went online to check out the catalogue.  Oh no - the historic suites (including the famed Churchill Suite) are being dismantled.  You can buy bed linens, draperies, carpets, settees, desks - you name it.

And the rest of the hotel?  I was dumbfounded: fountains are for sale, chandeliers, the stained glass panels from the piano bar!  Not to mention sets of china, glassware, silver pieces, statutes, lovely Moroccan side tables and lanterns, exquisite Art Deco desks and pedestals, art work - and the list goes on and on...

What the ?  When I stayed there several years ago, I was charmed and delighted by the decor.  Sure, there were areas that were worn and needed a facelift; but part of the draw of La Mamounia is its history. 

Winston Churchill wintered there for years - that's why there was a Churchill Suite.  Movie stars, from years past and present, have all stayed at La Mamounia.  Some of the movie The Man Who Knew Too Much (Jimmy Stewart and Doris Day) was filmed there.  The hotel is one of those places that even if you've never set foot inside the doors, you've still seen it.

And now, they've completely taken it apart?  All in the name of "new"?

I don't want to be too quick to judge, since I haven't seen even a glimpse of the redo.  But here's what I know from past experience: all too often in the name of "progress" charming, charismatic places have been destroyed because some person (or persons) decided "something new" was required.

For example: there's a restaurant in my area that I started frequenting years ago.  A little neighborhood place with great food - loads of charm.  The owners decided it was too "old fashioned" and needed an update.  Oh, they gave it an update, alright.

The result?  A sterile, nondescript dining room that could just as easily be a cheap chain restaurant in a strip mall.  There is no longer anything unique or endearing about the restaurant.  In fact, it's ugly.  I would never take guests there.  And before the redo, everyone that came to visit was taken to dinner at this place - everyone!  Now, not only would I not take anyone there, I've only been back a couple times myself.  I hate to go - it's depressing - there's no atmosphere, zero charm.

And to think it was done all in the name of progress - "newness."

I will go back to stay at La Mamounia.  And I'm going to keep my fingers crossed that the next visit won't be my last.  I'm going to keep my fingers crossed that in the name of progress, they've maintained the glory of the old La Mamounia while freshening her up.  I'm going to keep my fingers crossed that they haven't totally destroyed the place that so many people have loved - for so many years.

Come Fly With Me, Let's Fly Away!

Calling all lovers:  lovers of Italy - of great food - of great wine - of luxury travel - of Chef Lidia Bastianich!

That about covers everyone I know!  But you combine all those things, and the result is a Silversea cruise that sails this October.

That's right - this cruise covers it all: a seven day cruise, benefiting the James Beard Foundation, and "starring" Lidia Matticchio Bastianich.

The Silver Whisper sails from Venice on October 3, and winds up in Rome on October 10.  Along the way, she makes stops in Trogir,  Kotor, Montenegro, Sicily, and Sorrento.

Just think about it - not only do you get a luxurious vacation on board a Silversea ship (and this is a SMALL baby - not one of those gargantuan behemoths) and the journey to beautiful and historic sites, but you score a famous chef/author/restaurateur/ as a guide.

What more could you ask for?  Oh, there is one other thing: part of the trip is tax deductible!  Now really - how can you say no?

I've made my reservation - I'll see you in Venice!

For all the details, click here.