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Dining with a view at El Far

El Far is a name that’s synonymous with the historic Sant Sebastiá lighthouse that for centuries guided ships along the Costa Brava. The adjacent inn was a favourite among the locals who came here to enjoy the sea breeze, the majestic views and a glass or two of vino. Spectacularly situated high above the seaside [...]

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Blissful luxury in Costa Brava

The El Baix Empordá region of the Costa Brava is a stunning corner of Catalonia. About a two-hour drive north of Barcelona, the Empordá is a region of gentle rolling hills, quaint medieval villages, rice fields and mile after mile of fruit orchards and cheery sunflowers. The cities of Girona and Figueres lie to the [...]

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The pristine beauty of Cap de Creus

The Cap de Creus peninsula in northeastern Catalonia is a rocky, mountainous region of wind-swept slopes covered by thick gorse; quaint coastal villages; and crystal-clear coves. The mountains extend from the snow-capped peaks of the Pyrenees to the turquoise coast of the Mediterranean sea and are now part of the Cap de Creus national park. [...]

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Nature, gourmet cuisine and luxury in Greece

Greece is a country of outstanding natural beauty – and the Halkidiki peninsula is one of the jewels in its crown. Idyllic weather, sun kissed beaches, stunning scenery and enough activities to satisfy even the most demanding traveller, it’s an ideal location. It’s here that you’ll find Sani Resort, a family-owned resort stretching across 1,000 [...]

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A luxury holiday in Mauritius – The Residence

Mauritius is a small island nation located in the Indian Ocean, roughly 900 kilometers east of Madagascar. It’s an island of stunning natural beauty – its coast is lined by glorious white beaches and clear, turquoise water whilst its interior features mountains, volcanoes and lush forests. Mauritius is inhabited by descendants of African, Indian and [...]

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SHA: A sanctuary like no other

Sanctuary: “a place of refuge or asylum” Looking at the sweeping views afforded by the rooftop pool of the Sha Wellness Clinic, this is the first descriptive noun that came to my mind. Just a short 15-minute drive from the hustle and bustle of Benidorm, a Spanish seaside town that welcomes 7 million sunbathers a [...]

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velvet escape’s ‘Stayed There’ feature: Robinson Crusoe Inn, Valparaiso

The Robinson Crusoe Inn is situated in the Chilean port city of Valparaiso (‘Valpo’), approximately 120 kilometers west of Santiago. The inn is perched on a hillside in the rustic neighbourhood of Cerro Bellavista and boasts a truly breathtaking view of the city, the port and Valparaiso’s harbour. The inn’s rather ramshackle exterior forms a [...]

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Undersea holiday in paradise

Fancy a stay in an undersea resort amidst coral reefs? That will soon be possible when the Poseidon Undersea Resort opens in Fiji in early-2010. It will be the world’s first seafloor resort and will feature three accommodation types: undersea suites, overwater villas and island bungalows. The undersea suites are located on the seabed, 40 feet under [...]

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velvet escape’s ‘Stayed There’ feature: Mine Boutique Hotel, Buenos Aires

Mine Boutique Hotel is located in the vibrant neighbourhood of Palermo Soho in Buenos Aires. This design hotel’s ample use of wood, stone and glass, and brightly coloured walls provides for a cheery ambiance. The rooms are adequately sized (though the bathroom was small-ish) and have a cosy feel. There’s a café (which doubles as [...]

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velvet escape’s ‘Stayed There’ feature: Bopha Angkor

Bopha Angkor is a gorgeous hotel in Siem Reap, a small town in Cambodia that is the perfect base to explore the ancient ruins of Angkor Wat. The hotel is in a quiet part of town yet it is only a few minutes’ walk away from the main attractions such as the Old Market, Pub [...]

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