Monthly Archives: July 2007

Lapa Palace • Lisbon, Portugal

Posted on July 23, 2007 by Leticia| Leave a comment

Lisbon’s luxury headquarters

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The Lapa Palace was originally constructed in 1870 for the count of Valanca. After some years as a private residence, the villa and the beautiful grounds were renovated in 1988 and opened to much fanfare in 1992.

Located in an tranquil residential district not far from the shopping and business center, it is a cool and shady retreat with landscaped gardens with streams, waterfalls and a heated pool.

There are 3 wings over five floors in the hotel and many of the elegantly furnished rooms have terraces overlooking the gardens.

Rooms in the older wing are all opulent but feature several different design themes including Art Deco and Belle Epoque. The newer wing has a quieter charm, with panoramic views of the city. There is a Venetian-themed restaurant and the property is a gathering place for disparate occasions such as fancy-dress affairs, business meetings and family outings.

Lapa Palace
Location: Rua do Pau de Bandeira 4, Portugal, Lisbon; 12 kilometres from the airport; 25 minutes drive, 45 minutes during peak traffic times.

Luxury style: An absolute must for the high-stress executive with business in Lisbon; for those seeking best of the best in Lisbon; family-friendly amenities.

What we’ve heard: The bathrooms are nothing short of spectacular with spacious marble design, interesting tilework, extravagant tub and shower combinations and the fluffiest of towels.

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Grand Hotel Tremezzo Palace • Lake Como, Italy

Posted on July 22, 2007 by Leticia| Leave a comment

Distinguished beauty on the shores of spectacular Lake Como

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This grande dame of Lake Como was built in 1910 and has been pleasing guests ever since with wonderful gardens, spectacular terraces and five-star service. The sublime vistas of Lake Como, one of Europe’s premier destinations, are viewable from a majority of the rooms here. Built in Liberty style, Italy’s take on Art Deco, the hotel has a stately grace and elegance beyond the common villa style.

Lake enthusiasts will love the pool afloat in Lake Como and there are two additional pools for guests with poolside dining and drinks. Other facilities include a fitness center and spa, golf and tennis nearby and other lake-centered activities. Walkers will be in heaven with the garden walks behind the property which adjoin the famous Villa Carlotta gardents.well,

There are three restaurants, a bar and wine bar, most with spectacular lakeside views.

Grand Hotel Tremezzo Palace
Location: Via Regina 8, Tremezzo, Italy; 75 miles from the Milan Malpensa airport.

Luxury style: Old-fashioned luxury in the best sense of the word. Exquisite views of the lake, dinner at one of the restaurant terraces is a memorable centerpiece to a romantic evening.

What we’ve heard: The walk up the hill to the gardens may seem steep, but the best part of the garden is located close in and there is an idyllic spot with garden benches. Another special experience is the elegant afternoon tea.

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Hotel Palais Maeterlinck • Nice, France

Posted on July 21, 2007 by Leticia| Leave a comment

Spectacular sea views, tranquil seclusion on the Cote d’Azur

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The Hotel Palais Maeterlinck, once the home of Belgian writer Maurice Maeterlinck, has one of the most privileged settings on the Mediterranean coast. The intimate property (only 40 rooms) sports several different architectural styles, with Greek columns aside the more Baroque main building.

The action here is all about levels, the terraces, the balconies, the pool and the rocky beach which can be reached by funicular from the terrace. All rooms have sea views and balcony.

The Renaissance-style restaurant Melissande offers gourmet French food and has seating on a terrace, in the Winter Garden and in summer, service poolside. The large heated pool looks out to the sea and a Jacuzzi is available in summer.

Hotel Palais Maeterlinck
Location: 30 blvd Maurice Maeterlinck, Basse Corniche, Nice, France; 12 kilometres to the airport.

Luxury style: For people whose idea of a perfect holiday is to gaze out at endless sea from their balcony, perhaps with a good book and a chilled aperitif at hand. The spaciousness of the 3.5 hectare grounds is a blessing in the crowded summer months.

What we’ve heard: The beach, although rocky, is quite private and a good alternative to the crowded beaches in town. It is reached by funicular from the property itself.