For many of us who live in temperate climes, the dreary, rainy weather that winter brings is sufficient reason to want to pack up for an all-inclusive holiday on the beaches of a sunny, warm land. For those of us who enjoy the perks of a refreshing chill in a snowbound land, there are plenty [...]

A relaxing holiday at Hotel Aigua Blava
The road from the town of Begur to Llafranc winds past some of the most beautiful villas on the Costa Brava. After several miles, a left turn in the direction of Fornells leads visitors to arguably one of the most charming hotels along the coast: Hotel Aigua Blava. Situated on a promontory, this family-run hotel [...]

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 [...]

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 [...]

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. [...]

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 [...]

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 [...]

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 [...]

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 [...]
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 [...]








