Friday, September 30, 2011

Isola di Levanzo - Egadi - Sicily



Levanzo ... a place still in its natural state, peaceful place to relax ... ... .. to find regenerate ...

The smallest of the islands Levanzo Egadi is that, due to the nature prevaltemente range and to a limited human presence has saved several endemic plant species (about 400). 
The absence of roadways invites visitors to trek through the trails is not difficult and unique charm, you can, without great difficulty, reach, following the western side of the island, the Grotta del Genovese, meeting many of the expressions of the island plant strong aroma from the wild. 
The graffiti in the cave of the Genovese, dating from around 9200 BC , Testify to a community devoted to hunting and fishing for tuna already, united in bonds of tribal ritual magic. By entering the cave, and slowly getting used to the dark one is overwhelmed by the charm that the reproduction of symbolic and stylized dancers produces. 
The importance of the archaeological heritage of supranational Levanzo worth a visit. From the slopes of "Pizzo del Monaco" you can reach Cala Tramontana, one of the most beautiful island for the color of the rock, the transparency of the sea, the flora and fauna. 
Beyond Cala Dogana which overlooks the charming village, do not miss a swim at Cala Minnola with its trees that are reflected on the sea. 
Levanzo, the ancient "Phorbantia", is the smallest of the Egadi. 
The town is located in the bay of Cala Levanzo Customs. Like the other islands, we recommend an island tour by boat to better enjoy the natural beauty. 
Extreme north of the island are the lighthouse of Capo Grosso. In the sea front you can see the depths of the most beautiful island. Other points of interest are: Minnula Cala, Cala Tramontana and the stack. 

















































Thursday, September 29, 2011

Conchiglia Azzurra Resort & Wellness SPA - Porto Cesareo (Le)

  



Rooms

Shell Blue Room PhotoThe seventy rooms are furnished with blue shell taste and refinement and equipped with all comforts, air conditioning, LCD TV with integrated digital terrestrial television, direct dial telephone line, minibar, safe, hairdryer, wifi ... 



Services

There are many services that the hotel blue shell is able to offer those who choose to dive into a holiday of relaxation and fun. The property offers its guests: laundry service, hairdresser, babysitting, luggage service, shopping center, tobacconist, newsstand, parking with video surveillance and guarded by electronic bar, shuttle service to and from the airport of Brindisi and Bari, In addition to holiday or business trip, please see Business Services Plus . 


Business Services Plus

Business PlusThe hotel Riviera is a shell structure open all year, so we designed the structure we focus our attention to business customers are always attentive and dedicated services that can, devote himself to work and enjoy your stay below the available services took structure:
- Wi-Fi (high-speed connectivity in more detail on Figure No. 1) 
- Voice Number Service * 
- Fax Service for sending and receiving faxes ** 
- Telephone answering service 
* (Assignment of a dedicated number for receiving calls on a landline) 
** (Temporary number assigned private) 
The services are sold separately, ask for the "Business Plus Package". 



Tuesday, September 20, 2011

Relais Villa d'Amelia Loc. Manera, 1 - Benevello (CN) - Piedmont - Italy

Relais Villa d'Amelia - Langhe




Relais Villa d'Amelia Loc. Manera, 1 - Benevello (CN)

Villa d'AmeliaElegance and wellness blend perfectly at the Relais Villa d'Amelia, located in the heart of the Langhe region, just a few minutes away from Alba.
A superb renovation of an 18th century estate, placed on a hill crest between lush woods and Langa hazelnut trees, with a breathtaking view over the Alps and the delicate Barolo vineyards. The perfect place to start discovering this magical territory, rich in flavours and tradition…
The elegant and warm interior décor and the delicate flowered gardens of the villa, design the charming atmosphere of a private home, in which each guest will receive personalized assistance.
In this unique setting it is featured the exclusive gastronomic restaurant (awarded with "1 star" from the famous "Michelin Guide"), where you can enjoy the delicious local cuisine both in its classical and modern version.


Services and facilities

Services and facilities Relais Villa d'AmeliaStaying at the Relais Villa d'Amelia means resting and regenerating. Here relaxation is a must, and you can personalize it the way it better meets your soul. Contemplate the magnificent view of the nearby hills with the snowed Alps in the background. Indulge yourself with the pleasant bien-être offered at the wellness area. Read your favourite book in the courtyard during summertime while you enjoy a refreshing cocktail. Listen to the spitting wood of the living room fireplace during fall while you drink a nice warm tea.
For open air activity lovers, the surrounding area offers a wide range of trekking itineraries and horseback riding tours, while the more adventurous guests can use one of the hotel mountain bikes to explore the area on their own.

Bar and living room

Villa d'AmeliaIt is an elegant and welcoming ambiance located between the hall and the restaurant. Decorated with warm and relaxing colours, an oak-beamed ceiling, oriental carpets, a grand piano and leather sofas, is the perfect place for relaxing, reading or drinking either a sophisticated cocktail with gourmet appetizers or tasting a delicious local wine.
The afternoon tea during the colder season is a great moment to enjoy the warmth and the romantic light of the fireplace.


The swimming pool

The Villa d'Amelia swimming poolThe panoramic outdoor swimming pool grants pleasant and relaxing moments while enjoying a magical view. During the winter season, the covered access and the heated water allow the emotion of a striking reinvigorating bath in the open air.
  

The wellness area

Villa d'Amelia wellness areaThe hotel wellness area is equipped with a fitness center, whirlpool, Turkish bath and a Finnish sauna. A relaxing, welcoming and special place in which you can recover from the daily activities and experience the unique view of the Alps.




  

The park and gardens

Villa d'Amelia park and gardensThe villa has a 7 acres park with a stunning view of the Alps and the hazelnut grooves. Here, you are invited to stroll breathing the fragrances of the nature and relax listening the sound of the breeze that grazes your hair.
The bright colours explosion and the intense flower scent contrast with the autumn romantic warm nuances and the forest fragrances.
A wide green area available for teambuilding activities, games or exclusive open air events.

Events planning

Villa d'Amelia Events planningA special occasion to celebrate, should be planned with style!
Please contact immediately the special events team, share with us your ideas and requests for the event and start relaxing. Whether the organization of the event is easy or not, planning is our specialty!
The Relais Villa d'Amelia, unique location in Alta Langa furnished with an exquisite décor and surrounded by flowered and scented gardens, is the ideal place to celebrate, work, relax and enjoy. Our staff will give you a range of great suggestions to make your special event a unique experience, elegant and unforgettable.
The hotel may be exclusively reserved for your wedding reception, private parties and high level company meetings.


Meetings

Two spacious meeting rooms equipped with modern technologies make the Relais Villa d'Amelia the ideal place to organize company events like incentives, meetings and presentations.
Meetings at Villa d'Amelia



Celebrations & family reunions

Celebrations & family reunions at Villa d'AmeliaThere is always an excuse to gather all the family, a birthday, a wedding anniversary, a graduation party, a baby shower… and needs to be celebrated with great style.
The starred restaurant from the Relais Villa d'Amelia has the right space, décor, service and menu choice to organize an exclusive, elegant and personalized event.
Contact the special events team and share your dreams. Let us tailor the event that better fits your needs and requests.


Weddings & banqueting

Weddings & banqueting in the LangheVilla d'Amelia is the most wonderful location to celebrate your wedding reception with your family and friends. Taste a delicious menu designed by our Michelin starred restaurant executive chef.
Party with style in and a hotel surrounded by the nature, with a stunning view over the Alps and the gentle Langa hills.
Reserve the villa exclusively for the celebration, and feel the intimate ambiance of a private villa with your relatives and friends for this special occasion. Contact the special events team and share your dreams with us, we will make them come true!


The rooms and suites

37 rooms and suites finely decorated in an elegant and contemporary style, perfectly blending with the classical architecture of the building. The Travertine marble bathroom in each room furnishes a welcoming space equipped with all comforts. The exclusive San Luigi Suite, built in the estate's old
Chapel, and the two Deluxe Suites overlooking the Alps, are the most prestigious and fascinating accommodations.


The double superior and deluxe rooms

The double superior and deluxe rooms Relais Villa d'AmeliaKing or twin bedded rooms overlooking the hotel's inner courtyard for the superior rooms or the panoramic view over the Alps for the Deluxe.
Wooden floors, furnished in a warm contemporary style with a perfect balance of classic furniture and modern elements, designed to provide a refined and comfortable environment.
Travertine marble bathrooms with either shower or bathtub.


The junior suites

The junior suites - Relais Villa d'AmeliaLarge open space with king four-poster bed, lounge area and a work station. Wooden floor, furnished in a warm contemporary style with oversized closet space.
Travertine marble bathroom with double sink and bathtub. Total 2 Junior Suites, the first overlooking the courtyard, the second the valley.



Suites deluxe

Suites deluxe Relais Villa d'AmeliaSpacious one-bedroom suite with oversized king bed and separated living room with panoramic views. Located on ground and first floor, one suite has a four poster bed and a large balcony.
Double set of flat screen LCD TV, available on both the bedroom and the living. Wooden floor, furnished in a warm contemporary style with oversized closet space.
Large Travertine-marble bathroom featuring double vanities, shower and bathtub. Total 2 Suites Deluxe.



Attic room

Attic room - Relais Villa d'AmeliaBrand new suite furnished with a contemporary style and warm colours, large bedroom with a lounge area and an antique work station. Wooden floor, hi-fi audio system and spacious closet. Travertine-marble bathroom with a romantic walk in shower for two and a relaxing whirlpool bathtub.
The room features a large private and panoramic terrace-solarium with teak floor and is furnished with two sun beds and an umbrella.


San Luigi Chapel suite

San Luigi Chapel suite Relais Villa d'AmeliaThe hotel's master suite, located right above the old Chapel. One-bedroom Suite with large living/dining room with panoramic views.
Double set of flat screen LCD TV. Wooden and terracotta tiles floors, furnished in a warm contermporary style with oversized closet space. Travertine-marble bathroom featuring shower and bathtub.


The restaurant

The two restaurants and bar from the Relais Villa d'Amelia offer a contrasted choice of menus and types of service. Even though they are both well differentiated, they all use the same first quality seasonal ingredients directly acquired from small local producers.



The gastronomic restaurant

The gastronomic restaurant in the Langhe at Relais Villa d'AmeliaCredited and awarded by the most famous gourmet guides (1 "star" from the Michelin Guide was assigned to the restaurant on 2010), it is outstandingly directed by chef Damiano Nigro, a rising star of the contemporary Italian Gastronomy.
His cuisine is based on the Piedmontese culinary tradition, revisiting its classics with a touch of creativity and great attention in using the best local products. For connoisseurs and food lovers, a dinner signed by Damiano Nigro is worth a trip. The gastronomic restaurant is closed on Mondays all day and Tuesday lunch.



The restaurant "Easy"

The restaurant "Easy" in the Langhe Brand new bistrôt restaurant. Here, you can enjoy a light and refreshing menu in a calm and relaxing atmosphere. Lunch is served outdoors in the inner court yard; whilst dinner is served on the restaurant's second floor, decorated with a chic and contemporary touch.
The "Easy" is open 7 days a week for hotel guests (is closed for non hotel guests on Monday all day and Tuesday lunch).



The chef

Damiano Nigro - The chef of Relais Villa d'AmeliaDamiano Nigro's cuisine fusions different culinary resources from the territory, with courses from the land of Langa and sea scent dishes from the Liguria region. In his menus you will find as well, picks from his Apulian origins, tastes and colours from the Mediterranean area.
Chef Nigro started his cooking adventure in the kitchen of Gualtiero Marchesi (first on Le Terrazze, Milan and then in L'Albereta, Erbusco). After these experiences he worked for Michel Roux (The Waterside Inn), Marco Pierre White (The Oak Room and Criterion Brasserie), Alain Ducasse (Restaurant La Grande Cascade), Alain Soliveres (Les Elysees), Paola Budel (L'Acanto) and as a sous-chef for Enrico Crippa, executive chef from the well known restaurant Piazza Duomo in Alba.
The direction of the restaurant's kitchen of Villa d'Amelia was handled to Damiano Nigro on autumn 2006, and after only four years of hard work he has achieved the first Michelin star. The greatness of his dishes is primarily based on creativity and research of new techiques, the use of great quality ingredients and seasonal products grown by local producers.


Dining events

Be carried away by the seduction of the special events organized at the restaurant from the Relais Villa d'Amelia. From theme nights to musical aperitifs, from Barolo verticals to 4 hand "starred" dinners… all served with fresh Mediterranean ingredients and precious local wines, and designed exclusively for you and your soul.
Dining events of Villa d'Amelia Restaurant in the Langhe