Wednesday, February 22, 2012

Hotel Parco Torre Chia - Chia - Domus de Maria (CA)


Hotel Parco Torre Chia - Chia - Domus de Maria (CA) 

Hotel Parco Torre Chia


WELCOME TO HOTEL PARCO TORRE CHIA


Enjoy the breath-taking views from our Hotel

The Hotel Parco Torre Chia is in one of the most beautiful areas in Sardinia, about 45 km from Cagliari. Chia is in fact surrounded by Mediterranean vegetation with ancient juniper trees, long golden beaches and crystal clear sea that ranges in colour from turquoise to deep blue.

The Hotel Parco Torre Chia looks like a typical hillside village near the natural park and offers breathtaking views of the Torre di Chia and its splendid sea. It has 234 rooms / cottages, all with air conditioning, bathroom with shower, private patio or terrace.

Find out more About Hotel Parco Torre Chia



Until 30 September, the Hotel Parco Torre Chia was part of the Chia Laguna Resort. Since 1 October 2011, the hotel management has reported directly to the owners. The mission of the Hotel Parco Torre Chia is to improve the hotel’s standards, consolidating existing relationships with its loyal clients and focusing in particular on client satisfaction.


During the winter months, while the hotel is closed, refurbishment work will be carried out, including the opening of a new à la carte restaurant, a new kids’ restaurant and a mini club. The hotel’s beauty centre will also be renovated.






Godetevi i panorami mozzafiato dal nostro Hotel



Find out more About Hotel Parco Torre Chia
FACILITIES

Relaxing
The Hotel Parco Torre Chia has its own private beach, just a short walk away through the trees.


 


Sport
For sports lovers there are two swimming pools and plenty of sports available, including tennis, windsurfing and golf at the Is Molas Golf Club.
For kids
We cater specifically for children with a small pool, mini club and a restaurant serving special menus.
Leisure time
There are excursions organised during the day that allow you to discover this wonderful area. In the evening our hotel provides music and entertainment.
Spa
Our spa has a fitness area and spa treatments.
Conferences and congresses
 We have a large 300-capacity room that is ideal for business meetings and gala dinners. The central pool features a terrace with views of Torre di Chia that is perfect for special occasions.
Bars and Restaurants
The Hotel Parco Torre Chia offers an excellent choice of bars and restaurants.
Godetevi i panorami mozzafiato dal nostro Hotel
Bar.A cocktail bar next to the hotel reception.

Beach bar.Just a few metres from the beach there is a small square with a bar open during the day for quick snacks.
Pool Bar Sa Turri.Each pool has its own bar serving drinks, ice creams, cocktails and light snacks.
Torre Chia Tanca S’Isca restaurant.The buffet restaurant for breakfast and dinner is 
reserved for hotel guests. It offers a perfect view of the central pool and Torre di Chia.

Garden Restaurant.Our à la carte restaurant in a natural garden setting. (Near the pool)

Pizzeria.The pool bar serves all the main kinds of pizza and fresh salads.
Kids’ restaurant. The buffet area is just for children, with kids’ size tables and chairs and special menu.
SWIMMING POOLS
Central Pool. The large central pool (800 sqm)
Kids’ pool. Mini pool for the Hotel’s youngest guests (120 m²)

WATER SPORTS
There are sailboats, windsurfs and pedalos available on the hotel beach. Other water sports such as diving are provided by external organisations.
ACTIVITIES AND WELLNESS
Football pitch, 2 tennis courts, hiking, mountain biking and car hire. Every evening there is music and entertainment in the hotel piazza and a weekly show for children during the school holidays. Wellness centre for pampering your body.

Golf: the Hotel Parco Torre Chia management has an agreement with the Is Molas Golf Club (27-hole course) giving hotel guests access to the Golf Club and use of all the facilities and courses. Hotel Parco Torre Chia guests will enjoy special reduced rates.


ROOMS




The hotel has 234 rooms / cottages, each with its own private patio or terrace. All the rooms have air conditioning and bathroom with shower. Some of the bathrooms have a bathtub.


Open: from 19 May to 29 September








Monday, February 20, 2012

Borgo di Villa Castelletti - Signa -Tuscany


BORGO DI VILLA CASTELLETTI - SIGNA- TUSCANY   

Borgo Villa Castelletti has its origins in the 17th century when it was used as a farmhouse. It was recently renovated in a mix between a hotel de charme and the quaint Tuscany villa, achieving one of the finest three stars hotel in Florence area. The city can be reached in 15 minutes by train and in a few minutes you will be able to go for wine tours and wine tasting in the Chianti. Tuscany is the ideal setting for relaxing working holidays or with the family, to enjoy a romantic getaway or for your activity holidays. This country boutique hotel with a pool, is also a golf resort thanks to its partnership with the nearby Pavoniere Golf Club. Il Borgo offers cooking school for culinary holidays and a yoga school for meditation and yoga retreats. Horse riding is also possible in the wonderful park. At Villa Castelletti you can find your vacation rental and villa rent for longer stays or enjoy a bed & breakfast in Florence for short breaks, with a difference from the classic business hotel. 


 SWIMMING POOL  
The Borgo has a pleasant outdoor swimming pool surrounded by grass. equipped with deckchairs.






THE SHOP
Inside the hall a little shop offers typical local products, such as art crafts or the products from our courtesy line.








 
 RESTAURANT 
 At our  Tre Corone Restaurant chef proposes fine dishes in the Tuscan tradition with a creative twist, prepared using selected natural ingredients. And we pride ourselves on the fact that all our dishes, pasta, fillings, and desserts are rigorously 'homemade'.

We at Ristorante Tre Corone is proud to offer our guests the opportunity to enjoy an unforgettable evening in the shadow of Villa Castelletti, with which we share the monumental park and easy-to-reach parking.

Our chef proposes fine dishes in the Tuscan tradition with a creative twist, prepared using selected natural ingredients. And we pride ourselves on the fact that all our dishes, pasta, fillings, and desserts are rigorously “homemade.”

Among all the prestigious labels in our well-stocked wine-cellar, we are especially partial to the Consorzio di Carmignano wines Ristorante Tre Corone is open every evening for dinner, and for lunch on Sunday as well; in the summer, dinner is served in the garden of the Villa.


BIKE RENTAL
A bike rental is available to those guests who wish to discover unusual itineraries.

INTERNET POINT
Inside the hall, a free Internet point and a free wi-fi area are available to our guests.

THE PARK AND THE LAKE
Inside the Villa Castelletti estate, few steps away from your room, you will fin a wonderful park with a lake, for pleasant walks and picnic. Fishing is possible !

ACTIVITIES
We arrange a large choice of activities: food and wine tasting, horseback riding, yoga lessons, wellness treats and much more !





ROOMS AND APARTMENTS

SENIOR SUITE  "FATTORI" 
A main door Split-level studio apartment (32 + 18 sqm) in front of the swimming pool. Furnished in classical Tuscan style.

This wide and bright Senior Suite has one king size bed on the upper level and 2 single beds on the lower one.

This room has bathroom with shower, kitchenette, tv, minibar, internet access and air conditioning/heating,

Themes and decoration are inspired by the Macchiaiolo painter Giovanni Fattori.



SENIOR SUITE "MODIGLIANI"
A main door Split-level studio apartment (32 + 18 sqm) in front of the swimming pool. Furnished in classical Tuscan style.

This wide and bright Senior Suite has one king size bed on the upper level and 2 single beds on the lower one.

This room has bathroom with shower, kitchenette, tv, minibar, telephone, internet access and air conditioning/heating,

Themes and decoration are inspired by Modigliani.



 One of the most beautiful luxury villas in Italy. This estate has its origins in the 14th century and it is one of the oldest villas in Tuscany. Its wonderful altana with a panoramic view over Florence distinguishes it from the Medicean villas and most of the Chianti villas. Villa Castelletti offers a fine catering service for banqueting in an exclusive atmosphere. Our skilled staff will help you in taking care of every single detail from your Italian wedding dress to your bonbonnières or party favors, from the classic car or wedding coach to the wedding flowers and bouquet and we will make sure your wedding in Tuscany will be unforgettable! Villa Castelletti is also one of the biggest and most famous congress centre in Florence with its 5 halls, 2 conference halls and its Italian restaurant with authentic Tuscan food. At Villa Castelletti you can find custom set ups for your incentive dinner or conventions. Few minutes away from Florence, Villa Castelletti is the ideal venue for events whether it is your Tuscany weddings or place for parties 

Sunday, February 19, 2012

IL TRULLO DI RAFFA E BILLI - Contrada Cervarolo





Trullo di Raffa

Welcome to our “Trullo”, we hope you enjoy a holiday between nature and culture.

Our little paradise is situated on the edge of the Apulian Itria Valley in the province of Brindisi. It is 7 km from Ostuni, Cisternino and Ceglie, 15 km from the Adriatic Sea and 45 from the Ionian Sea. 
It consists of three buildings connected by stairs and terraces, surrounded by olive trees, walnuts, almonds, and prickly pears, within 12,000 square meters bounded by stone walls.




Why the “logo” The Trullo is part of our lives and our passions: Africa bathed by the same sea, the Middle East with its architecture, the countryside, good food and wine. All this influenced our “logo” reproduced on the iron doors and windows, where holes and studs draw wonderful kaleidoscopes of light. Black and white stands for the two shores of the Mediterranean, the symbols recall Arabian and African Art and iron that colours the apulian earth red.We got these insights with the help of the architect Pietro Laureano, UNESCO consultant. In his books he argues that this land is like Palestine, Egypt, Syria, Ethiopia ... and that the entire Valle d’Itria should be World Heritage Site. 
GIARDINI DI PIETRA - I Sassi di Matera e la civiltà mediterranea

The complex is divided into various types of architecture: the “Trullo” with three cones, the ostunense tower with a spiral staircase that goes up into the dome, the “Lamia” or barn and the cube (new building). 
The traditional buildings have been completely refurbished, maintaining the original locations. 
Including the existing kitchen, which consists of a fireplace and a wood-burning oven. 

The ancient cistern collects rainwater from the roof, now used to water the plants and flower beds that surround the complex. The new building was designed by us respecting simplicity but with attention to detail. Here and there you will find items from around the world and works of art. The exterior is quipped with a shadily gazebo, a fireplace, a large sink and a shower. You can admire the amazing view from 
the terrace on the roof, and at night, you will see countless stars that sparkle in the sky of Puglia.



SERVICE
The small complex of three buildings is organized as follows: 
New building, 50 m² with central heating, large kitchen, a bedroom, a bathroom with washing machine and a closet. It can accommodate a couple and has possibilities for 1 or 2 additional children. 

Trullo, 40 m². From the large main room you enter the bathroom, the large alcove with a double bed and another room with a fireplace, equipped with two small niches used as beds. Lamia, 20 square meters with an anteroom with stone sink and a bedroom equipped with a bed, which can be transformed into 
a double or 2 single beds. External Spaces, 3 terraces, showers, sinks, fireplaces, oven, a large gazebo and parking. The complex is equipped with an accessory compartment where you’ll find bicycles, hammocks, 

chairs, tables, mattresses and everything you will need to spend a day outdoors at the sea. 
We host only one group per period, at least 1 week. We provide linens and towels. All expenses (water, electricity, gas and cleaning) are included. If you wish a periodic cleaning or a change of the linens and towels we can provide it.
  
TIPS


Food, wine and oil: 1.5 km on the main road from Ostuni to “Trullo” continuing to Martina Franca, there is an old-style grocer, really comfortable; you’ll find everything at every day and every hour. The owner, Maria, is an excellent cook and has a large wood-burning oven. We recommend you try her biscuits, her pies, artichoke omelets and her bread. In front of the grocery store you can buy fruits and vegetables directly from a street vendor. We also purchased “Il Gelso” an herbalist’s shop well signposted, just before the grocer on the right. There is also a cheese dairy on the same street. Excellent wines and olive oils you can find in the “Cantina Sociale di Ostuni”, on the ring road just before the junction for Brindisi.


Restaurants: In Puglia you eat well, practically everywhere. We greatly appreciate the quality of catering in Ceglie, a city with a tradition of culinary excellence. We recommend “Cibus” for a dinner of high-level and “Il Capitolo” for an economically traditional meal. If you love grilled meat go to Cisternino in typical stove ready, where you can enjoy sitting in the narrow medieval streets of the city, after having chosen directly from the butcher. Seafood lovers (especially sea urchins) should not miss Torre Canne, which is on the way to Savelletri. At 5 meters from the sea, sitting at plastic tables, you will enjoy the best spaghetti with sea urchins of the world! On the other coast, at the Ionian Sea, we recommend a fish restaurant in Torre Colimena. Overlooking the marina blue water, you seem to be in a Fellini film (especially in August, when the place is filled with local people). For an appetizer we recommend the wonderful terrace of the “Gran Caffe Tito Schipa”, a few meters from the central “Piazza” of Ostuni, with a breathtaking view over the old City.

Seas: The Adriatic Sea is beautiful and the Ionian Sea is truly amazing. We advise you to pay attention to the direction of the wind, if it is blowing from the north we suggest to go to the Ionian Sea, because you’ll find the Adriatic Sea agitated. In high season we recommend Campomarino and Torre Colimena, little less crowded places. On the Adriatic side we recommend the nature reserve of Torre Guaceto (special!) and Apani, immediately to the south. While you are walking to the reserve you will find a large bay protected from winds and a coastal landscape. For your “every day” sea visits you should go to Torre Pozzella, a beautiful bay in the rocks, or the beautiful white beaches between Pilone and Torre Canne, always on the Adriatic Sea.


Culture: Puglia is an ancient land and this area boasts spectacular cities on every hill! Ostuni, Martina Franca, Ceglie, Cisternino, Locorotondo, Alberobello. All locations close to the “Trullo”. A little further Lecce, Bari, Matera, Andria with Castel del Monte and Polignano... (Find details in the guides), but you should also read the newspapers, so that you can discover the modern cultural vitality of Puglia. Concerts, shows, dances, workshops, festivals of the country,... tirelessly throughout the summer and beyond. Also close to the “Trullo” interesting things are going to happen: for example, the theater “La Luna nel Pozzo”, 3 km from the “Trullo”. Or the Alter Fest near Cisternino, an interesting youth music festival, in an area equipped for the occasion, with stalls and food for two weeks in August.


HISTORY


The Trullo is situated in Contrada Cervarolo, whose name recalls the presence of deer in the foothills of Murgia when it was still covered with forests. The first buildings of this area date back to the sixteenth century. A few hundred meters from the ”Trullo”, you will find a beautiful ”masseria”, a traditional farm, with its baroque church of 1798, once a place of religious pilgrimage. The rolling hills of the district still have a low population density. The territory is divided into areas of approximately 10,000 square meters. Many are still attended by its native owners, at least in summer. Others, like ours, were bought and restored not only by Italians. The complex has a wonderful southern exposure and is located approximately 300 meters above sea level, dominating the district with its large cone. The Trullo has certainly been inhabited since 1800 and was a landmark for the neighborhood because of its wood-fired oven, the only one of the area. Even today it can happen that some old lady arrives for a visit to remember the past ... and nose around. We bought the Trullo in 2002; the restructuring was completed in 2005. Since then, we host friends and friends  of friends. In 2010 it was re-whitewashed, inside and outside. How it was How it is