The Vespa is without doubt the most iconic scooter around. Since the 1950′s, it has appeared in a countless number of movies, music videos and commercials, creating an almost mythical aura. I always wondered what it was that made the Vespa so appealing. Brilliantly executed marketing strategies obviously played a significant role in creating an [...]

Onboard the luxurious Transcantabrico Gran Lujo
There’s something about luxury trains that never fails to capture the imagination. Aside from passing through some of the most stunning landscapes in the world, trains like the Orient Express or the Blue Train transport their guests to a bygone era that exudes luxury and romance. The latest addition to the world’s luxury trains, the [...]

Once in a lifetime experiences in Costa Brava
16 bloggers, 7 days, one amazing destination There are blog trips but there will only be one #InCostaBrava blog trip; in my book, the ultimate blog trip. I’ve just returned from this trip in the Costa Brava sun and my head is still spinning from the whirlwind of once-in-a-lifetime experiences. The itinerary, which was gradually [...]

Experiencing Costa Brava
Costa Brava. The name conjures images of sun, sea and sand. The good news is: there’s plenty of that there. The even better news is: there’s so much more to see and do in Costa Brava. The most excellent news is: I’m about to have the travel experience of a lifetime in Costa Brava! My [...]

Art in motion – pouring cider in Asturias
One of the first things any visitor to the principality of Asturias in northern Spain will notice is the abundance of so-called sidrerias. These are restaurants or cafés where food is served but it’s the cider that takes centre stage. The second thing visitors will notice is the extraordinary way cider is poured at the [...]

Ten things to do in Cyprus
Cyprus is a large island located near Turkey and has an intriguing but turbulent past. Birthplace of Greek goddess Aphrodite, Cyprus has sandy beaches, ancient archeological sites, wineries and gorgeous mountain scenery. There is, however, still evidence of the conflict between the Greek-Cypriots and the Turkish people. Highly coveted because of its location, the island [...]

The seductive curves of Centro Niemeyer
The Centro Niemeyer is a new cultural complex in Avilés, one of the largest towns in the Spanish principality of Asturias, and is part of an ambitious scheme to redevelop the town’s riverfront. World-renowned Brazilian architect, Oscar Niemeyer, designed the complex as a gift to the principality. The result is a mesmerising blend of seductive [...]

The splendour of the Lake District
Imagine green rolling hills that stretch to the feet of massive, boulder-like mountains. In the valleys, tranquil, finger-like lakes extend for miles, their forested shores occasionally interrupted by quaint settlements, grassy meadows and striking patches of daffodils. Crystal-clear streams and waterfalls abound. In the fields, white-faced Herdwick sheep graze peacefully, seemingly smiling at everyone who [...]

Enchanting spots: Calci Charterhouse, Tuscany
The Calci Charterhouse is a magnificent Carthusian monastery located in Calci, at the foothills of the Monti Pisani (Pisan Mountains) about ten kilometers from Pisa. The Charterhouse traces its roots back to 1366 when it was founded by a group of Carthusians. However, its current baroque façade stems from the 18th century. Thanks to [...]

My velvet escape travel tip: Goa
“My velvet escape travel tip” is a guest series about what the name ‘Velvet Escape’ evokes and what that would be in the hometown or favourite place of the guest writer. With this series, I hope to uncover travel tips from places around the world to help visitors have a truly local experience. Today’s guest [...]








