Tag Archives: family getaway

New Year’s Eve with style and cordiality at the Suvretta House!

January 12, 2022 By in Unique Rooms Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , Leave a comment

Unique and novel experiences is what we have missed most, during the pandemic, so we were much looking forward to our New Year’s Eve Gala at the Suvretta House in St.Moritz.


And even though as the days were approaching, so were our close contacts covid cases..we decided to go ahead with the trip, mainly for three reasons.


One, the whole family was vaccinated and boosted, two, the marvelous Suvretta House is famous for its hygiene practices and three it has a private ski lift to the slopes, a competitive advantage that has made the hotel much sought after during covid times!


Almost all New Year events in St.Moritz request black-tie attire and Suvretta House has been organizing such events since 1912.


When you enter the hotel, you get a familiar feeling and friendly atmosphere. Most guests have been spending Christmas and New Year at the same hotel for many years and even though all dressed up and glitzy you can still feel the coziness.


Everyone was taking pictures at the booth at the entrance so we did the same, creating souvenirs that will remind us of this very special night.


We have received the menu and wine list to make our choices two weeks in advance so we thought we knew what to expect. What we didn’t expect was the impeccable service and mouthwatering tastes that were swiftly put before us as an orchestrated theater play. The waiters were wearing party hats with little colorful lights that gave a festive atmosphere but that did not take away any of their professionalism.


So the menu..


The first course was a traditional Swiss salmon dish served with crispbread and Imperial Osiestra caviar that no one could resist, followed by a tasty and delicate glazed Atlantic turbot with barigoule vegetables and ‘sauce vin jaune’.


The main course that left ‘the boys’ very satisfied was a US Wagyu beef fillet with potatoes from the Engadine, winter truffle, bimi broccoli and borderlaise juice.


And who can say no to the Chocolate Lingot with pear and quince sorbet served at the end with mignardises? Certainly, we couldn’t and enjoyed every last bit.


It was wonderful to meet some new families with kids similar age to ours that visit the hotel every year and we can’t wait to be back and dance the last night of the year away!

Last but not least, one must mention the unforgettable experience on January 1st!
We woke up with a view of sunlit mountains and powder snow, took the private lift and enjoyed a whole day of skiing with sunshine followed by an afternoon at the Suvretta spa and its outdoor heated whirlpool.


Definitely, such a mountain ride is my kind of favorite start of the year.


With gratitude, T.

http://www.suvrettahouse.ch

At the artistic and extroverted Milan with kids!

February 15, 2020 By in Unique Rooms Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , Leave a comment

I had missed Milan. Milan, which I used to visit often during my college years, visiting my besties who were studying fashion at the time. Since then, it is true that Milan has undergone a transformation from a grey industrial city to a bright multicolored and interesting urban center. Fashion is still at the forefront of the Milan story, but the continuing rise of its gastronomy and art scene cannot be overlooked.

This time I was looking for activities that I could enjoy with my husband and kids. And I managed to find a range of very exciting choices!

Coming from covid era, we needed the less hassle possible so I booked all our skip the line activities from a very convenient site www.getyourguide.com.

First stop, Duomo.

When the kids asked what plans we have for Milan and we said we are going to a Cathedral they weren’t that excited to be honest. But, the minute they laid their eyes on the Duomo, it was love at first sight. They were extremely impressed by this Gothic -style cathedral and its more than 3000 statues as well as the fact that it took more than 600 years to complete.

We had booked a ‘skip the line cathedral and rooftop ticket by elevator’ and we loved the view from the Duomo terrace.

The next day we had a visit at the Da Vinci Science museum for kids and the Fondazione Prada of modern art. It was one of our favorite days as we experienced the antithesis between the marvel and fascination of Da Vinci times and the art scene that takes place right now!

Don’t miss the bike tour all around the most interesting spots of Milan. You meet outside the Galleria Vittorio Emmanuelle and you visit the Sempione Park, the Castello Sforzesco ,the Brera Pinacoteca and of course the Da Vinci original masterpiece ‘Last Supper’ in Santa Maria delle Grazie. We ended our bike tour there and had organized a tour to admire the Last Supper which I recommend to anyone visiting Milan.

A new hot spot is the navigli district, where one can walk around or choose a canal cruise with audio guide! We did the latter and saw Milan from a different perspective discovering the charm of one of the last waterways that exist in Milan.

As far as restaurants are concerned, I recommend the original Salumaio Di Montenapoleone-my son met the football player Marco Veratti there and he was thrilled-, the terrace of the Papermoon Giardino and of course an aperitivo or Sunday Brunch at Bulgari Hotel!

With Gratitude, T.

Gleneagles- Family Luxury in the Scottish Highlands!

April 25, 2018 By in Unique Rooms Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , , , Leave a comment

 

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Inspired by Gleneagles’ roaring twenties heritage, the quintessentially British hotel is reaffirming its position as a leading luxury destination after a multi-million pound
investment project by new owner Ennismore.
Since opening its doors in June 1924, Gleneagles has been one of Scotland’s
most iconic hotels and sporting estates. Set beneath the Ochil Hills, in the heart of
Perthshire, it has been the must-go destination for travellers for nearly a century.
Beginning its life in the glamorous age of travel when guests arrived in great style
at Gleneagles’ very own train station, the 850-acre estate epitomises the natural
beauty for which Scotland is famed. With its glorious playground of country
pursuits and activities, the hotel is reclaiming its position on the social calendar.

The Glorious Playground
Gleneagles is an authentically Scottish experience, a destination for unparalleled fun
and adventure in one of the most luxurious and beautiful settings imaginable. There
are few places in the world that offer the same breadth of opportunities and activities
as Gleneagles. Beginning its life in the glamorous age of travel when guests arrived
in great style at Gleneagles’ very own train station, the 850-acre estate epitomises the
natural beauty for which Scotland is famed.
Three distinct and challenging championship courses have established Gleneagles’
world-class reputation in golf but it is the glorious playground of other sports, country
pursuits, culinary experiences and luxury hospitality that truly sets Gleneagles apart.
Whether you come to play 18 holes, fly a Harris Hawk, ride horses, play tennis, go
off-roading, train gundogs, shoot game, fish, enjoy Michelin-starred dining, or relax in
an award-winning spa, Gleneagles is a golf experience, sporting estate and five-star
country hotel like no other.
A new modern country style
To realise this vision, Gleneagles has enlisted the skills and expertise of some of the
UK’s most acclaimed designers including David Collins Studio, Timorous Beasties,
Macaulay Sinclair, Goddard Littlefair and Ennismore’s own in-house design studio –
with the aim to create designs and spaces that celebrate the rich, glamorous heritage
and beautiful architecture for which the hotel is famed.
Bedrooms and suites
The hotel comprises 232 luxury bedrooms and suites. The bedrooms are being
enhanced with beautiful detailing, fabrics and craftsmanship to create the feel of
a warm country estate by Goddard Littlefair. The team has also created intimate
corridors to link the hotel spaces together – with antique Persian patterns and special
herringbone wall coverings with bespoke lanterns highlighting room numbers. The
rooms and suites celebrate the stories of Gleneagles’ past through specially-curated
furnishings, antiques and art.
The new design of The Royal Lochnagar, the hotel’s royal suite, was completed by the
Ennismore Design Studio and exudes the grandeur and elegance one expects, but
without the stiff formality often associated with the highest tier of hotel suites. The
designers’ vision for the 170m2 space was to create an opulent, charming and relaxing
space, which would feel at once glamourous and homely – reflecting the atmosphere
of the public spaces within the hotel, as well as the warm Scottish hospitality for which
Gleneagles is renowned.
Other suite categories include Estate Suites, Whisky Suites and Spirit Suites. Signature
suites include the stately Royal Lochnagar Suite and the more contemporary Blue
Tower Suite – both of which have been refurbished.
To Drink and Dine
Gleneagles is a social hotel, a place where people dream of going to have some
fun. The new design means there’s even more spaces where guests can mingle, relax
and better enjoy the dramatic views of the Perthshire countryside whilst creating a
welcoming environment that feels more akin to a home or a private club than a hotel.
There is nowhere that exemplifies the hotel’s style better than in its restaurants and
bars. There is something for everyone – from relaxed Clubhouse lunches to Michelinstarred fine dining.

A World of Pursuits
Gleneagles offers the perfect retreat for those looking for authentic relaxation, fun and
adventure. It has an unrivalled range of pursuits including over 50 outdoor activities,
led by a passionate team of experts who are truly the leaders in their field. Guests
can try their hand at falconry with Harris Hawks; horse riding in the state-of-the-art
equestrian centre; indoor and outdoor tennis; off-roading; cycling; gundog training;
extensive clay pigeon, game shooting and archery; ferret racing; fly fishing; and an
award-winning spa. Located just one hour from Glasgow and Edinburgh airports and
with its own railway station serviced by trains from London and around the UK, the
hotel is ideally suited for a weekend break or extended stay.

Suvretta House -family getaway

February 22, 2018 By in Unique Rooms Tags: , , , , Leave a comment

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What better an idea than spending the holidays with your family! Especially, in an environment ideal for the whole family like the Suvretta House in St Moritz, Switzerland.

The Suvretta House is a historic hotel , established in the 1910s.  Since then, this 5-star residence offers unique hospitality to all those who decide to spend some time within its premises.

The Suvretta House is located in the Upper Engadine and is nestled in an alpine, majestic location no more than 2 Km from St Moritz. It is surrounded by the mountain peaks of the Alps and is  near the famous lake of St Moritz. At first glance, it looks like a fairy-tale castle in the middle of nowhere but the truth is that you can have an extraordinary experience while staying there whether it is winter or summer.

Since its inauguration, in 1912, and throughout the years  the hotel became established not only for its ideal location but due to the luxurious services that were provided. It is also well known  for the celebrities that have visited its premises such as the Crown Prince Akihito, the Shaq of Persia, Evita Peron and many others.

A family getaway

Whoever has visited The Suvretta House can confirm that it is ideal for a family getaway. Children aged 3  and older are very welcome since there are numerous activities especially designed for them.  Well trained multilingual kindergarten teachers are appointed to take care of the little ones while they play in the hotel’s winter garden or outdoor playground in front of the hotel. The kids are encouraged to interact with each other not only by playing but also while engaging in arts and crafts always guided by well trained professionals. Fun games and other exciting activities await the little ones on a daily basis.

One of the most important activities during the winter holidays is of course, skiing! Therefore, children are encouraged to learn to ski by very well trained professionals provided by the  Suvretta Children’s Ski School!  All youngsters are invited to enter the magic of winter sports at the private children’s ski slope, right above the hotel! There, they can learn how to ski with a game-aided learning system, on a slightly inclined slope designed especially for them! A significant factor being that they are able to make new friends and have loads of fun in a safe environment.

Last but not least, while being in the fresh air all day, learning how to ski and playing outdoors the sure thing is that they will build an appetite, and what better an idea than the Teddy club! A restaurant exclusive for children! Where the little ones can enjoy their favorite dishes along with some traditional local dishes named after the favorite characters! Burgers, chicken fillets, pasta and pizza are just some examples of what the kids can eat! Not to mention Teddy’s sweet corner with delicious treats such as chocolate cake with smarties, sweet puffs, ice cream corner and the one and only chocolate fountain (available for 4 children or more!)

What a better combination of activities and services for a family holiday getaway than this one, right?

The Suvretta House is all about the hospitality! Majestic location, luxurious services, fine-dining ,candle lit restaurants and rustic swiss restaurant logdes . A great all around place for families,  comforting and informal yet surely a 5-star experience!

With gratitude, T.

Dancing with dolphins at Atlantis the Palm? Always a good idea!

April 20, 2017 By in Unique Rooms Tags: , , , , , , Leave a comment

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Initially, I had my reservations about staying at Atlantis the Palm at Dubai. I am not a fan of large resorts especially when inhabited by hundreds of small kids. However, its best selling points which are The Dolphin Bay, the Lost Champers Aquarium and the numerous culinary experiences it offers convinced me otherwise. That, as well as the fact that my kids would not appreciate nor enjoy my secluded boutique hotel option to the least.

Atlantis Hotel is located in The Palm (the known man-made island) and it is one of the most luxurious resorts of the area. It is a themed resort, as it is named after the mythical Atlantis. This 5-star hotel opened its doors in 2008, offering genuine luxurious hospitality and as its website suggests, Atlantis is an “aquatic wonderland by the sea”.

Families can entertain themselves in the most exciting marine attractions such as The Lost Chambers Aquarium, where an Atlantis theme park is created allowing families to take interesting hourly tours exploring the ancient ruins of the so-called lost city of Atlantis have finally been uncovered. Snorkeling tours for the whole family, where everyone can learn about the species you will encounter and of course the snorkel techniques to ensure you get the most out of your experience. All sessions are conducted in English by experienced professional.

Another very exciting experience is a visit to The Dolphin Bay, one of the most sophisticated dolphin habitats in the whole world. What a better thing to do than swimming among the dolphins for 30 minutes. This is definitely the most memorable experience for the whole family, where one can swim, play and dance alongside these amazing creatures. You are also invited to join the fun, interact and even kiss dolphins if you are non-swimmer in shallow waters up to your waist.  As far as children are concerned, security measures are very important so all children under 12 years old are always accompanied by a professional as they are connecting with those incredible aquatic mammals.

Last but not least, there is the Aquaventure WaterPark literally the No. 1 Waterpark in the Middle East and Europe! Another great venture for the whole family where everyone can enjoy exploring the Waterpark’s interconnected waterways and discover the adventures that await throughout the whole waterpark. Exciting river rides, wave generators capable of creating tidal swells are some of the activities for families and children over 12 years old!

 

As for the younger children are concerned do not miss the Splashers Childrens Play Area. A real water fun area where children and parents can enjoy playing with the slides designed for two and huge buckets of splashing water offer a true experience of laughter and fun!

 

But fun does not end in the morning! The Atlantis Hotel has created a Kid’s Club where children can be entertained with designed daily programmes ( morning or evening) designed for children (3 to 12 years old) that included a complimentary pizza dinner too!!! Some of the exciting programmes designed for every day of the week such as the Mad Scientists Tuesdays, the Willy Wonka Wednesdays, the Candy Olympics and many more! Play zones, underwater theatre zone, pirate’s playground and other areas are created for endless fun!

 

Another aspect of the Atlantis Hotel is the culinary experience you can gain within the hotel. High end restaurants such as the world known Nobu and Gordon Ramsay’s Bread Street Kitchen & Bar among others, offer a great selection from the world’s cuisines but as far as the families are concerned what a better choice than the Kaleidoscope restaurant where an international breakfast buffet offers a great selection even for the pickiest children.

 

Don’t forget to pay visit at the awarded spa ShuiQi of the hotel with incredible scented underwater yoga and massage therapies. If you need a nanny service for the kids while you are at the spa or the restaurants you need to book at least three days in advance. You will be positively impressed by the level and quality of service especially considering its 1500 rooms!

 

After all this information, are you ready for a 5-star luxury experience for your whole family?

 

Some tips for families with kids at Dubai!

 

·         Book a desert safari experience with Platinum Heritage. The most authentic and luxury safari in Dubai. Choose the Heritage Collection which boasts vintage Land Rover vehicles, a Bedouin camp nestled inside the privacy of a Royal desert retreat and Emirati food recipes, demonstrations of heritage entertainment and conservation of the natural habitat.

·         Don’t miss the Kidzania experience at the Dubai Mall. Kids can choose their preferred profession in order to ‘work’ and ‘earn’ like adults in this city for kids. With more than 80 role-playing activities, kids are able to build essential real life skills. Plan your visit in advance by buying tickets online at www.kidzania.ae . With a small difference in price you can buy the ‘business plus’ ticket and have priority access to the popular establishments which are pilot training, fire station and hospital emergencies!

·         If you visit the Dubai Mall choose the Rainforest Café for lunch with the kids. This casual restaurant recreates a tropical rainforest with tropical vegetation, waterfalls and robotic animals. No reservation needed and the kids love it.

·         Don’t worry about visiting all the shops in the Dubai Mall. They say it takes 5 whole days to see everything in the Mall. With kids you will probably have time to visit 5-7 shops…But if you can, check the Dubai Ice Rink which is open to skaters of all ages with instructors on hand to help you get into the groove.

·         If you have more days in Dubai and older kids try the I Fly experience. The first indoor Skydiving Experience!

 

Have fun and enjoy!

With gratitude, T.