05Jun

La Bastide de Gordes: Ideal Escapes

la bastide de gordes, view of the medival town

I miss the flexibility that living in Europe provides. The ease of traveling throughout the vicinity countries and getting to experience first-hand the beauty of its cities. The tiniest unknown of towns will impress you with its own beauty and authenticity. La Bastide de Gordes is located in its namesake town, in the Luberon region of the South of France.

Gordes is one of Provence’s prettiest hilltop villages, one of those magical villages that can immediately take you back in time. Dominated by its magnificent medieval castle and the Saint-Firmin church, characterized by its peasant past as well as the splendors of sixteenth-century nobility, it’s easy to lose yourself in the cobbled alleyways that wind between the towering houses made from dry stone.

04Dec

A Travel Guide to Jose Ignacio, Uruguay: A Stylish Escape

Known for its unique beach lined coast and verdant interior, Uruguay is definitely a must visit South American country. The beautiful culture of this country is like no other, and one of their most visited places would have to be Jose Ignacio. This upscale, classy, and a bit flashy village turned resort has recently been visited by some of the wealthiest celebrities and business tycoons around the world. From the cocktail bars, spas, 5-star restaurants, exclusive beach resorts, and state-of-the-art fitness centers, José Ignacio will definitely give you a vacation experience like no other. If you’re planning to travel to José, here are a couple places you must visit and things you should do to get the best out of your experience.

Kitesurfing scene at Laguna Garzon

Where to Stay

25Sep

A Chic and Stylish Guide to Uzes, France

Away from the hustle and bustle of the South of France’s sunny cost line you will find Uzès. A historic town located in Le Gard, a geographical Department in the South of France. Uzes is an enchanting hilly old town which is entirely pedestrian. We recently had the pleasure of spending a few days in this charming region and we had a great time. The town wasn’t always as chic and charming as it is today. Fifty years ago Uzès was a sad forgotten town with dilapidated and ruined homes until the French government took matters in their own hands and took the town under a major restoration. Uzes has recently been designated a historic town. In the center of tow is Place aux Herbes, a square featuring a big fountain, outdoor cafes and cute little shops. Almost every building in Uzes is of Renaissance architecture made of limestone.

A Chic and Stylish Guide to Uzes, France. Map

05Jun

Domain de Fontenille: An Idyllic Chateau Hotel In Provence

Bellevivir-travel-guide-Domain-de-Fontenille3

There is elegance and then there is French elegance furthermore if it comes in the form of a Chateau completely restored respecting its history and functioning as a hotel. Domain de Fontenille is located in the Luberon region of Provence, France and it appears as time has not passed it by since it retains a luxury that is discreet and classic while offering modern amenities and excellent food. My family and I had the joy of staying at Domain de Fontenille for a weekend last year during our two week pilgrimage of
excellent cuisine and wine tasting in The South of France. The hotel is conveniently located only 30 minutes’ drive from Aix-en-Provence. The Domain has only 17 rooms which makes it even more enjoyable and more of a personal experience in lieu of more crowded and busy hotels. The beautiful property is situated amid Provencal hills on an idyllic park setting with green lawns, gravel pathways dotted with terracotta planted topiaries, flower gardens, century old trees and cypress pine.
Read More…

18Jan

Museum Brandhorst

museum Brandhorst munich

Brandhorst Museum in Munich, Germany is one place to keep in mind the next time you have a long lay over while in route. Opened in 2009, it holds an impressive private collection of contemporary art, mostly paintings. Among them, the largest number of Cy Twombly’s work outside the United States and more than 100 exhibits by Andy Warhol. The museum was possible thanks to the generosity of husband and wife, Udo Fritz-Hermann and Anette Brandhorst who started collecting art in the early 70’s. After Annette passed away in 1999, her husband Udo donated the amassed collection to the State of Bavaria with the requirement that the state would give the collection a suited home. Bavaria paid for the modern building designed by Berlin based Sauerbruch Hutto Architects. The museum built an octagonal room specifically designed to display Cy Twombly’s Lepanto, a painting composed of 12 big canvases created to exhibit during Venice Biennale in 2001. I also spotted work by Jean-Michel Basquiat, Yves Klein, Christoper Wool and many more amazing artists. Definitely a must visit. Enjoy. Read More…

26May

Morini Cafe at Beymen in Istanbul

Beymen Department Store in Istanbul is like the synthesis of Barney’s in New York. Although they don’t carry everything online, their stores carry all the exclusive and kind of hip brands that you can ever think of. The Beymen located in the newly opened Zorlu Center also offers a gorgeous Cafe/Restaurant, Morini that is beautiful decorated with blue and white tiles, black and white mosaic floors, mirrored bar shelves and fresh and beautiful flowers. Istanbul Interior Design is influenced by the City’s unique location, between Europe and Asia, whilst being more European in design. It takes its beautiful and unique style from its rich past of grandeur and splendor. Everywhere you go you may find cozy and chic cafes decorated in different styles but always stylish. Since I never feel ashamed to take pictures, regardless of where I am, I took some pictures of Morini Cafe. It’s better to do something even when it’s not too cool than regretting not doing it later.