CIAO ROMA!!!

Pompeii, Vespas and Rome

October 2012

MARI (me) ON A VESPA!!!!!!!

Dave (son-in-law) demonstrating
 how to use an Ancient Toilet (2010 trip)

On the way to Rome from the Amalfi Coast, we stopped in Pompeii.  Pompeii is a perfect add-on to the Amalfi Coast or a long day excursion from Rome.  My favorite tour company for Italy, I.C. Bellagio was a hit again because we had a fantastic licensed guide.  She knew all the hidden places to visit (in addition to the “must see” brothel) and kept us from being behind the crowds.  Pompeii is open year round and my recommendation is to do the tour in the morning to avoid the heat and the crowds.  Pompeii is unfortunately not good for those with mobility issues.  The stone walkways were a killer!  Also, Pompeii is not for young children.  Children under 10 will be bored!

Colosseum

Until this trip, I really have never loved Rome.  It was just another BIG CITY with ancient monuments…until now...  I experienced Roma on a vintage VESPA as part of my education experience with I.C. Bellagio.  My wonderful Italian driver and I drove past the squares and the fountains of Rome as well as past the Colosseum, the Piazza del Popolo and Piazza Navona.   I was able to experience my own “Roman Holiday” (just like the movie with Audrey Hepburn).   I felt like a real Roman as we passed by cars and pedestrians going 30 km/hr.  I was so nervous at the thought of doing this tour however, the Vespa tour was DEFINITELY a highlight for me and for our group!

Example of a Gladiator Class

Our Vespa tour ended near the Colosseum.  We grabbed a pizza and got ready for our very special I.C. Bellagio Underground Tour of the Colosseum.  This tour must be arranged in advance and guests must be guided with a licensed guide AND a curator of the Colosseum. 

Speaking of I.C. Bellagio, they have specialty tours for every interest from cooking classes, to winery tours, and even gelato and pizza classes for families as well as a Gladiator Class for children 10 and under.  Their Gladiator Class would be fun before touring the Colosseum.

Example of a room at
The First Hotel

We were in Rome for two nights and stayed at two distinctly different hotels.  The first hotel was called…The First Hotel!  The First Hotel is a modern, chic, great new hotel 3 minutes from Hotel de Russie near Rome’s great shopping area.  They are currently not part of Virtuoso but for me, our wonderful sales rep. will add Virtuoso type amenities (including their fabulous breakfast)!  The hotel is part of Preferred Boutique Hotels. 

The First Hotel has the most amazing art collection – definitely worth seeing.  The rooms at the First Hotel are quite nice.  My only complaint (and they are working on this) was the lighting in the bathrooms.  The Junior Suites with Jacuzzis are amazing and sexy – great for honeymooners and couples.  We loved room 405 and room 101!  They even have connecting rooms which are perfect for families.

Regina Hotel Baglioni

Our second hotel, the Regina Hotel Baglioni was in a good location on the Via Veneto.  After staying at The First Hotel, we found the rooms to have a heavier old school Italian feeling.  The rooms are classified as either “Classic” or “Deco”.  I found the “Classic” rooms to be well appointed but dark.  I much preferred the “Deco” rooms.  I loved the General Manager and the Restaurant Captain but felt that the breakfast needed better options and service.

Thank you for reading my adventures through London, Provence, the Amalfi Coast and Rome…

Ciao!

Mari 

Amalfi Coast (w/ Capri) - Part DUE!!!!

Amalfi Coast
Part DUE
October 2012

 Victoria Excelsior Hotel

We woke up early yesterday and drove to Sorrento.  After walking around the city (again) we had a chance to peak at the Virtuoso property, Victoria Excelsior Hotel.  This is the best option in Sorrento.  Its location is perfect overlooking the Bay of Sorrento.  There are gardens to walk through and it is close to the main square of the city.  The rooms are nice and I really loved the common rooms.  Very Italian!

After we met our driver, it was time to drive to Positano to visit this famous city and go on our site tour of Le Sirenuese.  Positano is not for anyone with mobility issues.  All of the tiny shops and restaurants line the alley taking you down to the Sea.  The shops have very trendy clothes and there are quite a few art galleries.

Le Sirenuse is perfect.  Its the setting, the feel you get when you arrive and the fragrance that instantly transports you to another level of being.  We had a chance to visit the different room categories and they are wonderful.  Sea views are a must…it’s the reason why you would choose to stay at Le Sirenuse.  We enjoyed cocktails on the terrace overlooking the Sea and it was lovely.  This is an expensive hotel to stay at but the experience that you would have would last a lifetime.

After visiting Le Sirenuse, it was time to return to our hotel to freshen up before our pizza class.  On the way, our wonderful I. C. Bellagio hostess, Monica arranged for us to stop at Hotel San Pietro which is part of Relais and Chateaux.  Hotel San Pietro is a Virtuoso hotel as well.   To access the hotel, you are dropped off in front of the San Pietro Church which is on the street level.  You can also access the hotel via their private boat.  We walked around the grounds of the church overlooking the Sea and then were invited to the elevator which took us to the magical Hotel San Pietro.  I fell in love - it was LOVE at first sight!!  There is something so special about this hotel.  It is located 1 mile outside of Positano with 24 hour complementary transfers to and from the city.  Being removed from the city gives one a sense of serenity.  This was my “zen” hotel.  It is an adult hotel and children under 10 years old are not allowed.  Throughout the entire 9 level property, there are small cozy areas to discover and relax in.  Did I say that I’m in love with this hotel?!?!?

View from Breakfast in Amali (October 2012)

The rooms are perfection.  Each is unique with different layouts and even different ceramic tile designs.  The bathrooms are quite large – even the entry level room.  Sea views again are a must…this is the reason to stay here! 

We enjoyed cocktails (again) as the sun set in the most serene terrace overlooking the sea.  We had a moment to enjoy speaking with the owner of the hotel as well.  When we consider which hotel to stay at along the Amalfi Coast…San Pietro is right there on the top of my most favorite lists.

After our surprise tour of Hotel San Pietro, we only had time to drop off our bags (we all bought something in Positano) and went to Da Maria Trattoria and Pizzaria to learn how they make pizza.  We enjoyed antipasti, caprese salad and then went over to the pizza kitchen for our lesson.  Everyone had a wonderful time!!

The following morning, we left for Ravello. On the way, we stopped in the city of Amalfi for a tour and…some more shopping!

Orient Express Hotel - Hotel Carusso

After lunch, it was time to drive the hairpin turns up to Ravello.  Ravello is stunning!  The views of the Sea are breathtaking.  We had a chance to visit the Orient Express Hotel, Hotel Carusso which I am not wild about.  The views are beautiful and the infinity pool was voted “One of the Most Sexy Pools in the World”.  Unfortunately, the furniture is tired and the rooms were small and beds definitely looked worn down.   Even though there was plenty of space, the breakfast room and dining area near the pool looked cramped.

Palazzo Sasso

Next, we walked next door to our hotel for the night, Palazzo Sasso.  Palazzo Sasso overlooks the Sea.  For Ravello, this is the best option.  I say this with some hesitation.  Our greeting was one of the worst I have ever experienced.  The person rushed us to our room and then said since we were going to have a site visit, she wouldn’t explain the hotel.  VERY NEGATIVE.

Palazzo Sasso is in an 11^th century renovated building.  Due to UNESCO, nothing can be changed.  As a result, each room is different.  The standard rooms overlooking the Sea are quite small with tiny bathrooms.  What balances this are the views from the hotel.  It wasn’t until we saw the Deluxe Special Room with Terrace that I loved the hotel.  These rooms are stunning.  The bedrooms and the bathrooms are spacious and the views are breathtaking from the terrace.  So, if you would like to consider staying at the Palazzo Sasso, please consider this room type.

Rossellinis

We were treated to an extrodinary dining experience at the one star Michillen restaurant on property, Rossellinis.  The cuisine and presentation was perfect.   This was following cocktails on the terrace overlooking the Sea.  What a perfect evening!

Amalfi Marina

The following morning, we woke up, had breakfast and then made our way to the Amalfi Marina for a 3 hour yacht cruise along the Amalfi Coast to Capri.  It was beautiful with calm seas.  We arrived to Capri and were met by our wonderful guide, Maria Louisa and taken to 

our next hotel, Villa Marina.  We were greeted by one of the owners, a 25 year old firecracker named Frederica.  Frederica and her aunt are passionate about their “baby”.  

Villa Marina

This is a quirky fun hotel more 4 star than the 5 star that they say…and I really liked it.  The owners WANT you to feel like you are at home here at Villa Marina.  The 22 rooms and suites are unique and the views from the rooms are stunning. We quickly went to our rooms to freshen up and then were off to the Capri Tiberio Palace for a site visit and lunch. 

The Capri Tiberio Palace

The Capri Tiberio Palace is situated just steps away from the main shopping area of Capri.  I adored the décor, the warmth and rooms of this hotel.  EVERYTHING speaks quality but in a subtle way.  I loved the bed linens and the bathrooms were quite large by Capri standards. We toured the rest of the hotel and discovered the spa which was perfect!  We had a lovely simple lunch with the General Manager, Simona who explained that at the Capri Tiberio Palace, they too wanted their guests to feel like the hotel was an extension of their home. 

Caprese Ravioli in Capri

We split off from our group and returned to Villa Marina for a nap.  Afterwards, the owners arranged for each one of us to have a complementary 30 minutes massage.  What a treat!  My massage was with Alesandra, the Spa Manager and it was one of the best massages I have ever had.  The spa was compact but had every amenity you would want and the creams that they use are all organic.  So, when you visit, ask for Alesandra!

After the massages, Villa Marina treated us to a delicious meal of typical foods from Capri Ziqu Restaurant.  Most of the dishes were fish based and delicious.  I had the opportunity to sit with the owner of Villa Marina Hotel, Francesca and learned more about her and her passion for her very special Villa Marina Hotel.

Tomorrow, we are off to ROMA with a stop in Pompeii.

Ciao!!

Mari

Amalfi Coast - Part Uno

Amalfi Coast
Part Uno

October, 2012

We flew from Marseille airport through Lyon to Rome en route to Amalfi.  The airport in Marseille is getting a facelift and looks ok.  Our planes were tiny and the connection in Lyon was a little frantic because all flights arrive close together and leave close together at this tiny airport.  FCO (Rome International Airport - Fiumicino), Rome’s major airport was the same and it seemed that it took longer to get to the rental car area than the time it took to fly both flights.

HELPFUL TRAVEL HINT:
Driving to Amalfi from Rome saved over $850 per person…would I do this again….probably not!!!  So, to everyone who follows this blog…the routing is quite challenging especially in the dark and the hairpin turns are endless…especially in the dark.  My husband is a brave, confident driver so of course, we arrived in one piece BUT…and this is no reflection on Jeff, I would consider doing this in the daylight…maybe…but NEVER in the dark.  Also, unless you love driving and accept that you would be missing one of the most beautiful drives in Italy, I would always recommend a driver for you, my friends and clients.

Hotel Santa Catarina

We arrived at Hotel Santa Catarina at 10:15 pm.  We were greeted with smiles and amazement that Jeff drove from Rome.  We were tired and hadn’t had anything to eat except a piece of pizza at the Rome airport.  Simone at the front desk arranged for us to eat dinner (after they had closed) on the patio (with a lovely local wine).  Great setting and we met Pino, the head waiter who made our evening complete.

**Picture of Jeff at Da Constatino October 2012**

We woke up the following morning and it was hot!  After a delicious Italian buffet breakfast, we went to the city of Amalfi for a little shopping (hot weather clothes for me and something for Maddy).  

After that, we drove to Positano for Jeff’s favorite place to have lunch, da Constantino.  Da Constantino overlooks Positano.  It is located high up on a hill and faces southward so the views of the Sea are spectacular. 

Food Served at the Table

Sadly leaving da Constantino, we drove to Sorrento where we had to drop off our car.  We hired a driver to take us back to Amalfi which was a 1 hour drive.  This gave us a chance to speak with the driver, Claudio about the local sights and history. 

We met our group of 3 travel consultants and our I.C. Bellagio hostess, Monica for a site visit of Santa Catarina (honeymooners  and anyone wanting romance…ask me about the Romeo and Juliet villa), cocktails and dinner.  Everything was delicious and again, the service was flawless.  Pino was the hit!

View from Da Constatino

A word about the service here at Santa Catarina.  This hotel is independently owned by a 4 generational family.  Service is in their blood.  It is not the corporate “we believe in excellent service…blah blah blah”.  Here at Santa Catarina…it’s the real thing.

We are now off to visit 2 hotels and have a pizza lesson…stay tuned!!!

Mari 

South of France!!!

South of France

October, 2012

We flew to Marseilles on an uneventful flight from London.  Boy, are the BA economy seats tight!  We picked up our car and drove to Joucas, France which was a scenic 1 hour 15 minute drive from Marsailes Airport.  

Our hotel, was a Relais & Chateux property called Le Mas des Herbes Blanche.  The property is stunning.  It is in the Luberon Valley which is the most affluent part of Provence.  **Think Napa Valley.**  We were “upgraded to an apartment” more about this later…

There are 19 rooms at this property.  They are all uniquely different from one another.  I think I mostly liked this property with a few exceptions.

 I loved their restaurant ... we ate there twice.  The food is exceptional to the point that I probably had the best Sole Meuniere that I’ve ever tasted.  The service was spotty; friendly but spotty.  For example, I mentioned that I did not eat pork but was served pork twice for an amuse bouche.  Not everyone spoke English but they found people that did.  

Some service issues included their general lack of information in English.  For example, we stayed there 3 nights.  Two of the three nights, we were given the hotel’s activities and weather reports in French.  Now, our room.  Our room was upgraded but claustrophobic.  It had an amazing view of the Louberon BUT the bedding was old and this room needed an update.  I was able to see the other rooms and room types on my site visit and seeing those rooms allows me to recommend this hotel.   The other rooms were lovely.  Quaint bathrooms with nicer bedding.

While we were in this region of France, we visited a few cities that I would love you to be acquainted with.  My favorite was Gorges.  Gorges is a hillside city with spectacular views.  The people that we met were friendly.  Our most unique dinner was at Le Clos de Gustave.  The restaurant is owned by the chef and his wife who acts as the hostess and server.  At her suggestion, I tried their 10 small plates (think tapas).  They were wonderful and a lot of fun!  This is a definite recommendation!

We also visited Gorges’ Market on Tuesday.  It was much larger that we expected and a lot of fun.  There was everything from cheeses, to woven wear to sausages, paintings, bed linens and more.  Of course, we had to buy an adorable dress for our granddaughter, Maddy.

We also like the city of Goult…tiny but quite pretty.

We were disappointed with Avignon and Chateau Neuf du Pape.  The first was too industrial and the second was just not friendly…both the wineries as well as the restaurants.

For wine lovers, please stop at Tara Winery which is on the way to Roussillon.  Roussillon is another hillside city that has 17 shades of Ochre.  People go to Rousillon to visit their ocre mines.  Many artists reside there.

On route to our next hotel, we passed through the city of Mane and saw the Relais andChateau hotel, Le Couvent des Minimes.  The hotel was a convent and it has a modern convent feel.  It was quite beautiful and intimate.  There are only 38 exquisitly designed rooms at the hotel.  The hotel is actually owned by L’Occitaine.  Their spa is tranquil and quite beautiful.  It is a wonderful place to visit first to get over jet lag.

After visiting Le Couvent des Minimes, we stopped for a simple lunch in the city of Brignoles.  We had a surprisingly good lunch at Le Provencial Restaurant and Hotel and I would recommend this to anyone wanting something simple but delicious with the owners acting as your hosts and servers.

Now, we have returned to my favorite, Chateau Saint-Martin & Spa.  This hotel is situated just outside of Vence near St. Paul de Vence and Antibes.  I love this hotel!  It is a Relais and Chateaux and owned by the same people that own Le Bristol in Paris and part of the Oetker Collection.  Hotels owned by the Oetker family have a sense of place.  It is a 5 star experience.  Beautiful rooms, marble bathroom with dual sinks and lovely grounds to enjoy.  They have two restaurants one of which is a Michelin starred restaurant.  Love, love this hotel!!  Visiting Vence and St. Paul de Vence is a fun thing to do as well.

We also visited their sister property outside of Antibe.  Hotel du Cap Eden Roc sits directly on the Mediterranean. It is an amazing property.  Their rooms are quite large even their “standard rooms”.  This is a wonderful place to relax and enjoy the “beautiful people”.  Prices in 2013 begin at 1000 euro!  There are gardens to enjoy and direct access to the sea.  Once you get past the price tag, you will find a 6 star experience surpassed by nothing else on the Mediterranean.

Tomorrow, we are off to the Amalfi Coast and Rome.

Mari

Just Touched Down in LONDON TOWN!!

LONDON SEPTEMBER 26-30, 2012

AND now for LONDON!!!

We flew British Airways from Las Vegas to London non-stop using our miles.  We were not able to get the direct route from Los Angeles.  We took a quick 55 minute flight from Burbank to Las Vegas to catch our flight.

With this visit to London, I wanted to try the services of one of my favorite people in London, Paul Pugh of Sincerely Paul for our transfers and tours.  Paul Pugh is most loved by everyone.  Many people we met mentioned how well respected and connected he is.  Our drivers were on time and very pleasant.  Our tour yesterday to Stonehenge and Bath was led by Geoff who was part of Blue Guide which is the top guiding service in all of Great Britain.  We visited on a sunny Saturday and as a result, it was quite crowded.  Stonehenge, check...had to see it.  Bath, check again.  Saw the Georgian architecture and the Roman Baths.  The city of Bath was ok...a lot of touristy shopping.  Stonehenge is approximately 1 3/4 hour from London, then Stonehenge to Bath is 3/4 hour and finally to return to London it took 1 3/4 hours.  This is a typical day tour but to me, it seemed like a lot of driving through the English countryside.  Geoff made it interesting with stories and history but if you don't like sitting in a car...I would rethink visiting doing this as a daytrip or plan on staying for one night.

We stayed in 2 completely different hotels in London and loved them both for different reasons.  We stayed at the Mandarin Oriental London which is my friend, Ruth's favorite hotels in London.  I can see why.  It feels British but with a gentle hint of Asian influences.  Laura Ashley is not seen here.  Instead, the hues in the bedrooms have a lighter touch.  The rooms are beautiful and the rooms that overlook Hyde Park are the preferred view.  We could see people hiking and biking along the paths and the beautiful trees getting ready to change their colors.  The bathroom was elegant with dual sinks and separate shower and tub.  Lovely bedding and towels complemented the entire room as we eased passed our jet lag.  

We enjoyed 2 meals at the Mandarin Oriental London both with excellent service.  Our delicious breakfast was served in their lovely room overlooking Hyde Park.  We returned a few days later and had the most memorable meal at Dinner, their signature restaurant which I've been told is about to get its first Michelin star!  The service and care was present yet understated.  We enjoyed lobster and cucumber soup which was so fresh, an excellent and tasty prime rib for two with roasted carrots and chips and our dessert was to die for.  It was brioche which had been baked slowly with infused creme served with pineapple that had been basted for 5 hours with carmel and butter.  As I said...to die for!  

I am proud to say that the Mandarin Oriental London is a Virtuoso hotel and the Virtuoso amenities of daily breakfast for two (a savings of $80 plus) and more makes this hotel something to consider when you are considering visiting London.

Now, let me tell you about the Bulgari Hotel.  While the Mandarin Oriental looks pretty from the outside (pretty on the inside too), the Bulgari being the new kid on the block and the first hotel to be built in London in the past 40 years, reflects it's Italian heritage.  It is modern with sleek lines and emphasis with grey and steel.  The service is impeccable.  The bar is exciting and you feel like someone special from the moment you enter the hotel.  The entry level room at the Bulgari is anyone's dream.  The rooms are large by London standards with Frette linen on the large beds and your comfort has been anticipated at every turn.  The bathroom has a separate shower from the bathtub with Bulgari amenities in the rooms.  At the end of your visit, you may take a very large sample of Bulgari cologne home with you.  I love the trunk that houses your bar items in the entry level room.  It's a perfect accent for a perfect room experience.  We stayed in one of the Bulgari suites.  All I can say is that I felt like a total Princess.  Wow does not describe how amazing the room is.  The room has all of the above plus a large dining room, kitchen and living room with gas burning fireplace.  I love the steam shower and deep soaking tub.

We are off to Provence next so stay tuned for my take on France's most beloved countryside.

Mari

Marks Summer Time Travels!!

MARKS SUMMER TIME TRAVELS

It's been awhile since I've written about my travels.  Since we last met, my youngest daughter, Cayla got married to our son-in-law, David and Jeff and I celebrated our 35th Wedding Anniversary!!  I've been to Napa (obviously), Las Vegas (for the Travel Show) and then we went to Ojai ValleyInn and Pelican Hill...two of my favorite places in Southern California. 

Ojai is where you can find your zen/tranquility 90 minutes North of Los Angeles in the quiet artsy city of Ojai.  It is all about serenity and golf.  Their rooms have just received a soft goods refurbishment.  They also offer children’s programs and horseback riding.

Pelican Hill is a golfer and spa lover’s paradise.  Large, expansive, it's the perfect getaway from it all 1 hour south of Los Angeles in Newport Beach.  We went with 2 of our 3 daughters and their spouses as well as our granddaughter, Maddy.  Maddy loved the heated pool and at 13 months kept us all entertained and woken up...but it was so worth it.  

We had an early dinner at their Italian restaurant, Andrea and had the most amazing mushroom risotto prepared in a parmesan cheese bowl.  Rich and decadent.  

Pelican Hill is really perfect for families, couples and friends. 
In October and November, they are running special pricing for their 3 and 4 bedroom villas beginning at $575 per night plus Virtuoso amenities.  Since Pelican Hill does not believe in resort fees or parking fees, this is a very good promotion worth considering. 



Contact me to assist you with your travel needs and wants :-)

MARI