Welcome to the five-star hotel Gran Meliá de Mar Mallorca and the bay of Illetas!

It is no secret that the Mallorcan government wants to enhance the image of the popular Balearic island. More luxury tourism instead of the typical S’Arenal tourism. Instead of building new hotels, the existing buildings are renovated and new standards are set for old houses.

The five-star resort Gran Meliá de Mar is located directly by the sea in the bay of Illetas, away from the buzzling city of Palma – not far from the marina Puerto Portals and the Real Bendinat Golf Club. An oasis of peace in the middle of a garden lined with palm trees and pines. And a predestined location, which the hotel owes to its origins in 1964, when building near water was still permitted.

Ingenious: The chocolate-brown hotel façade with its filigree wooden trellises.The building dates from the 60’s, designed by the renowned architect José Antonio Coderch

Four years ago, the award-winning Spanish team of architect Alvaro Sans gave the listed building new splendour and ingeniously staged the chocolate-brown façade with filigree wooden trellises. Since then, the 142-room and suite hotel has belonged to the luxury category and offers sophisticated gastronomy in three restaurants, indoor and outdoor pools, gym, a spa and wellness area.

Pleasant atmosphere: The modern, bright lobby with its casual lounge furniture

Welcome to paradise

In the modern, bright lobby with its casual lounge furniture and Mediterranean colour concept, the friendly doorman welcomes arriving guests with a glass of sparkling Cava. Cheers! My spacious suite is located on the second floor and offers a magnificent view of the turquoise Mediterranean from both the king size bed and the balconies. Simply unbeatable.

From my suite I enjoy the spectacular view of the turquoise Mediterranean Sea.

Waking up at the Gran Melia de Mar

How do I organize the day? Once on the treadmill in the hotel’s own gym while looking at the sea? I could also book a private yoga lesson, take a few lanes in the sky pool or jump from the hotel’s private beach into the Mediterranean Sea, in order to doze lazily on the comfortable loungers at the pool afterwards. From there I get up at best to have a delicious lunch in the chic “Bardot” bistro – consisting of fish tempura  and chicken wok. By the way, the demanding audience appears here for lunch in well-groomed clothes.

I particularly like the “Bardot” bistro in its black and white retro design

Speaking of dozing: In the Gran Meliá de Mar, one finds enough lying and sitting areas, whether in the idyllic garden, on the luxurious daybeds around the pool or the romantic rock bay with its small private beach. I could easily spend the whole day here, which I additionally enrich with a massage in the “Clarins” Spa. And although Palma attracts with its charming old town, the impressive cathedral, the sophisticated shops, cafés and restaurants, I do not want to leave the Gran Meliá de Mar. I decide on freshly caught fish in the highly acclaimed gourmet restaurant “Arrels” (Spanish for roots). The culinary concept of the “Arrels” – one of three restaurants in the Gran Meliá de Mar – comes from the Majorcan top chef Marga Coll. After this culinary delight I end my perfect evening with a Rosato and this incomparable view to the sea. BvH

If you want to be spoiled all around, book the Red Level Card and enjoy the benefits of the lounge with e.g. VIP check-in and late checkout

Gran Meliá de Mar Insider Tip:

If you want to be spoiled all around, book the Red Level Card and enjoy the benefits of the lounge with its non-stop food and drinks. Here I can have breakfast in a relaxed atmosphere, order eggs as I wish from the butler while I study the daily newspaper of my choice. The Red Level Card also includes VIP check-in and late checkout, free parking, coffee and tea making in my suite or free access to the spa area and “Spa by Clarins”.

The View from the Red Level Lounge to the ocean. So cool!

In the Red Level Lounge I also can enjoy a wonderful breakfast in quiet atmosphere

Hello ocean!

How nice: Delicious macarons are ready to welcome me

My suite is equipped with a kitchenette, Nespresso machine and kettle …

…and from both – the bathroom and the comfortable king size bed – I can look out to the Mediterranean

In the bathroom there is a big whirlpool and XL products by Clarins

Gran Meliá de Mar – an oasis of tranquillity and silence – and therefore exclusively reserved for adults

Let’s go from the hotel’s beach directly into the Mediterranean Sea…

…which is only a ten minutes drive by car from the centre of Palma, located the southwest of Mallorca

Nestled by massive rocks, I enjoy the privacy of the small, dreamy bay

In 2016 the impressive 14,000 square metre garden was redesigned. Here I found various terraces, pools and numerous lying areas…

…as here by the pool which is surrounded and equipped with üItalian and Spanish furniture design

The Gran Meliá de Mar is one of The Leading Hotels of the World. A double room starts from 390 Euros

I particularly like the “Bardot” bistro in its black and white retro design:

For lunch I have delicous Fish Tempura (22 Euros)…

…followed by a yummy Chicken-Wok (26 Euros)

Once again the beautiful private bay

Shadows in front of a the 60s façade which is, by the way, under monumental protection

The “Spa by Clarins” has a sauna, a steam bath and a small indoor pool. A 60-minute massage costs 100 Euros, facials from 140 Euros

After my massage, I relax on one of the comfortable daybeds and enjoy the unique view

The Gran Meliá de Mar is also known as the “Chocolate Hotel” because of its peerless chocolate brown façade made of shiny ceramic tiles

For a nightcap I recommend the chic “Amaro-Bar”: Salud!

Contact:

Gran Meliá de Mar Mallorca

The Gran Meliá de Mar invited me.
More of my personal travel tips you can find here.

Do not miss: The special Mallorca report “A perfect day in Palma” – coming soon on MyStylery!

The post Hotel Gran Meliá de Mar Mallorca appeared first on My Stylery.

Cala Tarida in Ibiza’s west*

You can’t know enough good beach clubs in Ibiza, right? Today I take you along to the Cotton Beach Club at the Cala Tarida in Ibiza’s west. Frankly that’s not normally my corner because usually in Ibiza, I live in the middle-island and am beach-wise more focused on the south – with the exception of Benirras, one of my favorite places in the north – west of Ibiza. But sometimes it is worth taking slightly longer Directions: From afar the view opens over the bay of Cala Tarida. A narrow, steep access road leads to the Cotton Beach Club. Et voilá: Welcome to paradise.

Water colors as in the travel brochure – but here guaranteed without filter

In Cotton Beach Club you can easily spend the whole day. From the comfy chairs at the beach you go a few steps up to the restaurant and bar area, on the roof there is another restaurant, the Fay, which specializes in Asian creations. Who is too lazy to climb stairs, can get food served on the beach where the friendliest staff operates, that I have ever met on the island.

In Cala Tirada the water is free of algae and the entry into the sea gently sloping. Ideal for children

Back to Restaurant: In the completely white designed, ultra-chic location, one sits and looks at the turquoise sea, framed by steep cliffs bay, the Cala Tarida. This is -unfortunately typical of the west coast – strongly built-up in the hinterland. But that does not change the unrestricted views and excellent beach quality. In the indoor area there is a fireplace, that warms the guests even at cooler temperatures. Not to beat: On the west coast of Ibiza there is the most spectacular sunsets and indeed in full length – perfecto! A plus point, that can’t be beaten so easily.

The Lounge: Despite the white color, the location exudes coziness

The food was excellent, both in quality and in the optical presentation. Saffron mussels and sashimi, followed by chicken tacos. The wine list holds an impressive range of Spanish, French and Italian bottles, prepared for those who prefer non-alcoholic’s: select the fresh smoothie and juice supply. A white chocolate soup with raspberry and fruit for dessert was the successful conclusion to a wonderful day in a wonderful location, to which I will return soon.  BvH

White chocolate soup with raspberry and fruit

All in white: from the floorboards to the wooden furniture and the set tables

A beautiful look gives the comfortable chill – corner, which was designed in powder tones

For me the most beautiful color-play: Blue sky, turquoise sea and in front the white decorated restaurant

Pineapple Parrot at the bar

Inside much attention has been paid to detail

From the lounge area, that was built on the terrace, you can enjoy the best views of the beach and sea. Tip: Here is the perfect place for friends of the sunset

Those are fantastic aqua colors – Who needs the Caribbean?

This way! The Cotton Beach Club is built on multiple levels

Fancy a massage? In Cotton Beach Club that is also possible

The Cala Tarida

White ambience, white dressed guests, white dresscode? Coincidence. Here also the style is relaxed

A wonderful day in a splendid location: I’ll be back!

Contact Cotton Beach Club:

cottonbeachclub.com

Featured pic and pics marked * by Cotton Beach Club

Merken

Merken

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IBIZA LOVE Part VIII

Best of MyStylery

The bay of Benirras with breathtaking sunsets

Nowhere in Ibiza the beach, sunset and fine dining combine in such perfect harmony as in the beautiful bay of Benirras. It is my absolute favorite among the island beaches, although the sand quality of Benirras is not exactly top notch. Nevertheless, the bay with the obelisk rock provides an almost tropical feeling, and for me there is hardly a more beautiful place on the island, where I stay until the sun sinks into the sea.

The Restaurant Elements on the beach of Benirras is the perfect place for an unforgettable vacation

On the beach of Benirras is the Restaurant Elements. That’s right up my alley: The device acts like homemade with whitened, recycled wood elements, everything is open and airy – part of the concept of element boss Kiko Malcarne, an Italian, now resident on Ibiza: “Here, everything revolves around a native cuisine with fresh fish, salads and pasta. Our meals are prepared with high-quality products from the region.”

“One needs a lot of love to create something beautiful”. Kiko Malcarne

Beautiful vintage look: The furniture is made of whitewashed, recycled wood elements

I take him at his word and order sea bass in a salt crust, which is filleted at the table. For this purpose I choose grilled vegetables and my favorite Rosé Ibiskus. I look at the colors of the setting sun in the sky and feel like in paradise. Can there be anything more beautiful? The DJ puts on some tunes and I spend the evening in the lounge area. The first people start to dance, because I can’t stand back I dance barefoot in the sand. BvH

The lounge area in the Restaurant Elements. Here, the DJ puts on some tunes

Tip 1

How to fillet a fish perfectly in a salt crust

Tap salt crust with a cloth

Ahhh, the completely salt covered fish … here a sea bass

Release the fish from the salt and solve the skin …

Arrange the fillets, then remove the whalebone …

… Buen Provecho!

Elements Ibiza: News about the island

Tip 2

During the day, Elements offers yoga classes and massages in the spa area, how about the daily vitamin dose at the juice bar afterwards? The small boutique seduces to shop and I discover a sweet bikini, then worn right on the beach.

So wonderful that I can go shopping everywhere on the island. Also the Elements has its own, small boutique …

… for example these friendly grinning, colorful skulls …

… Beach towels and decorative jewelry

…and one more tip:

Sunday evening the beach of Benirras is the Eldorado of aging hippies and drum freaks. In high season, unfortunately already mutated into a tourist attraction of the official tour operators, the spectacle offers especially in the off-season a retro trip to ancient times.

A place to be … not only for the aging hippies: The beach of Benirras

Restaurant Elements

(April until October)
Carrer Benirras
Port de Sant Miquel
Ibiza, Spain

www.elements-ibiza.com

The post Ibiza Love: Beach Restaurant Elements appeared first on My Stylery.

IBIZA LOVE Part VII

Best of MyStylery

All in white: In love with the elegant atmosphere of the Amante Beach Club. So beautiful!

Ibiza is my absolute favorite Mediterranean island. It’s famous for social-scene beaches, nightclubs, superstars, and on the other hand crystal-clear waters, hidden cove beaches, beautiful pine forests and great seafood.

Terrace with a stunning view!

Wow, what a great color of the turquoise water: As you want but jump in right away! Who needs the Caribbean?

Above Playa Sol d’en Serra, near Santa Eularia, you can find a very special beach spot. The two-story Amante Beach Club is set in one of the most beautiful coves on Ibiza.

The Bar: Let’s have a drink!

Chill out and let the day go

I want it all! It’s just awesome …

Amante Beach Club, which certainly is not the newest hotspot but still one of the best restaurants of Ibiza with breathtaking views and a dazzling setting. It’s ideal for fine dining in the evening breeze, a laid back and chilled out day on the beach, while enjoying a glas of rosé. Cheers! BvH

Happy hour: Here the perfect evening starts!

Way to heaven: The narrow pebble path leads down to the Amante Beach Club

Adios, Amante! We’ll see you again soon …

Tip:

Planning a private party or wedding? This all-white stylish venue is one of Ibiza’s finest event locations. By the way the music features a great selection of Balearic beats, no wonder, since the owner is the renowed DJ David Piccioni.

Contact Amante Beach Club:

Sol d’en Serra
Santa Eularia, Ibiza
www.amanteibiza.com

The post Ibiza Love: Amante Beach Club appeared first on My Stylery.

Beautiful views and the fine-sandy beach of Bridgehampton

As I recently got invited to my friends’ home on Long Island, I did not hesitate long: booked the flight, packed my suitcase, the hubby in tow and off we went. Conveniently, Air Berlin offers a non-stop flight from Berlin to New York. After two movies in the flight program, a little writing for MyStylery and a power-nap the plane landed eight hours later, in time on the John F. Kennedy Airport. There, a Blacklane limousine waited for us and chauffeured us comfortably to the Hamptons, where we were warmly welcomed by our friends with chilled drinks and a perfect sunset.

The villas in the Hamptons are protected by high hedges and heavy gates – mostly hidden for prying eyes!

Long Island is the Sylt of the American east coast, a playground for the rich, super-rich and not always pretty. Crazy lifted women – and yes, also men – you meet preferably in the Hamptons – inter alia consisting of Southampton, Bridgehampton and East Hampton: Island centrally located, a two-hour drive from Manhattan, from here you go another hour to Montauk, one of the easternmost points of the USA and the scene of one of my favorite novels by Swiss author Max Frisch. Who has a (second) home here – and this possibly by the sea or with a view – has made it.

Modern architecture with large window elements and airy terraces is the new trend in the Hamptons

Absolutely fantastic are the endless beaches, where private villas line up in different architecture together like beads on a string. Depending on the location, a house can cost around $ 60 million which is something, even for stars like Jennifer Lopez, Mariah Carey and Tiger Woods. Fashion designer Calvin Klein is said to have paid $ 75 million for his estate. Increasingly, you can see modern architecture, which large windows allow unrestricted views of the Atlantic. Ornate buildings in Tudor style are not so en vogue anymore.

Everything is organic: The Round Swamp Farmers Market in Bridgehampton is the ecological shopping paradise for vegan foodies and lovers of vegetarian cuisine

For the Fourth of July weekend everybody came by. Even in the Barre-class, in the Exhale Mind Body Spa, it was difficult to find a free spot. In the Round Swamp Farmers market, Foodies and friends of organic kitchen queued while convoys of Maseratis, Mercedes and Bentleys turned the road between Watermill and Bridgehampton into an endless traffic jam. The restaurants are fully booked since ages. How fortunate that we were invited to dinner Sunday night at the home of friends. Under luxury tents, two elegant tables with lavish floral arrangements were established. Movie star Scarlett Johansson plus husband Romain Dauriac – a French journalist – sat on my opposite. Pop legend Bryan Ferry, a close friend of the host was supposed to come. A perfect evening, including fireworks, albeit from neighboring properties.

Summer Vibes

Tired of the hustle and bustle? Then a small sidestep to the Shelter Island is a good idea. With a ferry we cross from the chic marina and fishing town of Sag Harbor in five minutes and then end up in a different world in which there is only one grocery store and the time seems to have stopped. The place to meet is the hotel-restaurant Sunset Beach, with feet in the sand, enjoying delicious fish or lobster with a glas of André Balazs’ rosé wine – made on Long Island. And all that topped by a magnificent sunset again. Life is beautiful. BvH

That’s me – by and luckily not in the pool – at the dinner party, enjoying a glass of Champagne and the amazing sunset

The surge is a dream for every surfer

Here one takes off shoes before entering the beach! Aw, those Americans!

Long Island architecture in classical style on the beach of Bridgehampton

Kind of a beach house

Life is beautiful

Long Island and especially the Hamptons are, because of their XXL beaches and the fresh sea air, a popular destination for New Yorkers

Here, minimalist design is now on the rise and is considered mega-hip

The Hamptons are a bit like the villages Kampen and Keitum on the German Island Sylt …

… only without thatched-roof houses, but with XXL residences

This property reminds me a bit of a bunker

Not every house on Long Island is award winning architecture

Photographing and walking Yoda? No problem for multitasking MyStylery

Interestingly, for the beach parking one needs a parking permit in the high season, which you can only get if you stay in the Hamptons. Exception: Main Beach in East Hampton

Celebrity hotspot with many facets

I take you along on a stroll through Bridgehampton: Here the venerable Community House

The Fourth of July – the Independence Day of the United States – is a big celebration. Fireworks and flagging are naturally included

Meeting place for lovers of French cakes and other delicious delicacies is the Pierre’s on Main Street

Seems very inviting with its Victorian facade: The awarded hotel Topping Rose House in Bridgehampton: MyStylery’s hotel tip!

The facades of Long Island houses are typically wooden lagging

Newly renovated and all in white: The church in Bridgehampton

The Historical Museum of Bridgehampton: It was built in 1840, making it downright ancient by American standards

I love love love hydrangeas! On Long Island they grow particularly luxuriant

Passing houses with Victorian facades on the way from Bridgehampton to East Hampton

Even for rather small houses prices are up to five million dollars … I have to check my bank balance …

… and passing coincidentally one of the oldest houses on the island …

Hello Southampton!

Welcome to Southampton’s famous Meadow Lane, also known as Billionaires Lane, as Forbes magazine headlined. Here are houses with direct beach access. Simply unbeatable!

White, Victorian Villa with estimated 2,000 square meters of living space

Probably the classiest address of a church on the American East Coast: Saint Andrew’s Dune Church on Gin Lane

Quite a perfect location: The Villas at Lake Agawam in Southampton. From here it’s a short walk to the Ocean

Good to know: Long Island lies on the east coast of the United States and is part of the US state of New York. The 190 km long island is about 190 km long, 20 to 32 kilometers wide, and thus about the size of Mallorca

Voted the best beach in the United States: Coopers Beach in Southampton

By the way: Prominent residents such as lifestyle queen Martha Stewart, pop star Billy Joel and fashion guru Ralph Lauren reside in the chic Lily Pond Lane in East Hampton. The American super-photographer Peter Beard lives in Montauk

In the 19th century there were only potato fields and poultry farms on Long Island, today there are a handful of long-established farmers whose families sell fruit, vegetables and homemade jam by the street, as in Watermill

Long Island Tip I:

The season runs from the last Monday in May (Memorial Day) to the first Monday in September (Labor Day). To escape the crowds and the related congestion, it’s best to come just before or after the season.
You want to rent a house? The average rent of a villa with four bedrooms from May to September is $ 180,000.
The early bird catches the worm: The few motels and bed and breakfasts on Long Island are busy months in advance.

From New York to Long Island and return

Long Island Tip II:

The bus lane Hampton Jitney departs from various stops in Manhattan to Long Island, for example, 39 Street/3rd Ave. From there, you drive 2 hours to Bridgehampton and about 2.5 hours to East Hampton. One should definitely book in advance. Tickets from $ 24: hamptonjitney.com

More stylish and much faster – namely in 35 minutes – one flies by Blane helicopter, directly from Manhattan’s Wall Street to the Hamptons. $ 495 per person, one way, of course

Featured pic by Sotheby’s

The post My Long Island Summer Vibes and Hypes appeared first on My Stylery.

How about a welcome drink at the bar?

Did I ever mention that I was working as a flight attendant for Deutsche Lufthansa years ago? I started on short distances flights on B737, followed by worldwide trips on Jumbojet later on. One of my favourite destinations was Tel Aviv and a real adventure those days. Meanwhile things have changed and I was really excited when I had the chance to visit this fascinating city again recently.

Bugrashov Beach and Frishman Beach are around the corner and to Dizengoff shopping mall it’s a 15 minutes walk

I fell completely in love with Tel Aviv when I went there a couple of month ago. While organizing the trip, many questions popped up and I really had no idea about the dimensions of this buzzling city, where to go and where to stay. So I decided for a boutique hotel, located on the corner of the famous Ben Yehuda Street and close to almost everything – even to the one of the best beaches of Tel Aviv, the Frishman Beach. The Mendeli Street Hotel – a 66-room establishment on a quiet side street – is only a two minute walk away from the beach. It opened already in the 1960s as the Adiv Hotel, and since than it is family-run. Four years ago, the owner family decided to renovate the entire building – an endeavor that took until now.

Me sitting in one of the most stylish outdoor-chairs I have ever seen

The result is a feast to the eyes: The Mendeli Street Hotel presents itself as a modern, stylish facility that is both sleek and homey, with careful attention paid to every detail. Stressing light and airy surroundings with cosy seating areas on attractive wood furnishings and hardwood floors, the hotel entices guests to be seduced by their surroundings.

The bright rooms are equipped with everything I expect from a hotel in its class

The attention to details is evident in every aspect of the hotel’s service, from a warm welcome at the front desk to a personal escort by a staff member to the room. Everything in the rooms is pristine, tasteful and contemporary. Make sure to book a Superior room, because the Standard rooms are pretty small. For that the bathroom in the Deluxe room is spacious and luxurious, featuring the largest shower space I have ever seen. But the real highlight of the Mendeli’s has nothing to do with sleeping: It’s the breakfast.

The real highlight? The breakfast!!!

It’s by far the best breakfast I have ever had – served in the large, open dining area by a friendly staff, who serves freshly squeezed juice and any beverage of your choice. You can order all kinds of egg dishes and combine it with innovative salads of greens or fresh fruit, a whole section of goat cheese and goat milk products, including bottles of yogurt, some with strawberries or raspberries, accompanied by individually wrapped packages of homemade granola. Don’t miss the fresh tartes, strudels and doughnuts. Conclusion: Here no wishes remain unfulfilled – I swear! BvH

Here no wishes remain unfulfilled

By the way, Mendeli Street Hotel is a non kosher hotel

The restaurant area with stressing light, airy surroundings and green jungle walls

Airy surroundings

The hotel offers air-conditioned accommodation with free Wi-Fi

I fell completely in love with Tel Aviv

I like this design … what do you think?

Homey atmosphere in the Deluxe room

Bye bye Mendeli Street Hotel – I’ll be back soon!

Contact:

www.mendelistreethotel.com

The post The Mendeli Street Hotel in Tel Aviv appeared first on My Stylery.

Kalimera, Crete! This is the beautiful bay of the luxury hotel Daios Cove

My last Greece experience lies numerous years in the past and unfortunately it wasn’t a good one: While driving on the island of Lesbos I had a horrible car accident with a threefold rollover, fell into a coma just to awake in an adventurous hospital where I had to share a room with a snoring old lady who passed away in one of the following nights and my only thought was to escape. Maybe that’s the reason why I haven’t been to the land of gods and scholars lately.

Me sitting on the terrace while enjoing the 180-degree view over the turquoise sea

But a few month ago when an invitation arrived to get to know Greece’s most beautiful hotel I didn’t hesitate for a minute: Off to Crete – to soak in some valuable last sun in October!
After roughly four hours flight I’m heading from the airport Heraklion towards Agios Nikolaos with a rental car. Here, in the northeastern part of Greece’s largest island hidden and in absolute standalone location the hotel Daios Cove is situated. With a 180-degree view over the turquoise sea – spectacular!

Daios Cove Luxury Resort & Villas: In 2010 the luxury resort led by the Daios family consisting of 39 villas and 261 rooms opened – 165 come with their own private pool

Actually I am rather a fan of individual boutique hotels. Large concrete hotels aren’t for me. The ‚Daios Cove Luxury Resort & Villas‘ with 39 villas and 261 rooms and suites surely isn’t a small hotel. But thanks to the modern minimalistic architecture of Greek architect 3SK Styliandis it looks as if the luxury resort consisting of individual, interlaced houses has been sculpted into the hillside and is successfully integrated into the landscape. The complex build from grey-brown rocks stretches on lavishing 35 hectares; club cars, three cableways, and lifts are overcoming the resulting distances. Of course it’s also allowed to go up by foot … just kidding!

Surprise: Behind this door is my villa – you can spy my private pool already and the Mediterranean Sea behind

After I had to walk with crutches for the past few months due to a broken foot, I instantaneously had the best contact to the drivers of the club cars, which made the distance to my gorgeous ‘Private Villa’ insignificant. By the way villa is the right description here: On 115 square meters with an additional 50 square meters patio – spread across two stories, I indulged in a life of pure luxury: two bedrooms with large ensuite bathrooms and an outdoor shower, a living room – everything in contemporary and cozy brown-greige shades. Honestly I don’t know what I liked better: my own little ‘private pool’ or the sensational view across the sea and bay that I could enjoy every morning when I was waking up.

Tadaaa: My luxury two story villa with two bedrooms, two bathrooms, living room, and outdoor shower

… Ensuite bathroom with fine marble …

A big plus of the Daios Cove is it’s own private beach at the private bay – hotel guests only. From my daybed draped with countless towels I occasionally went into the Caribbean appearing sea (the colors!) and from time to time to the beach bar. Certainly I could have pretended to be action seeking and rent one of the catamarans, jet – or water ski’s. But with my broken foot as a convincing argument I rather stayed on the daybed – until further notice.

The guests of the Daios Cove mainly come from Germany and England

But Crete really has a lot to offer. So much that it’s also a popular place for alpinists (the Ida-mountains are as far as 2.456 meters high), hobby archaeologists, and old-hippies. Well equipped with tips from Christos Tassakos, the Director of Sales of the Daios-Group, I undertook one or the other amazing day trip. A detailed to-do list is coming soon on MyStylery. But I actually wasn’t too crazy about leaving the Daios Cove, after all I could get pampered in the 2500 square meter spa, dabble in the infinity pool, play tennis or go into the fitness room. The last two options weren’t for me – unfortunately … but as I had mentioned: the foot.

The terrace of the Taverna

Instead I soon became a regular at the hotel’s restaurants. As resident of one of the villas I could avail myself with the exclusive breakfast service at the Ocean-Restaurant. This was followed by a small lunch in the tavern. I have to admit: the Pangea-Restaurant was not for me. Too big, too impersonal, the minimalistic ambience appeared sterile to me and not very pleasant. I – as an interior pro – would like to produce more coziness here. I spent the evenings at the Ocean-Restaurant – with a view at the selfsame. Magnificent! And because I haven’t seen everything Crete has to offer yet, I will come back soon. αντίο για τώρα – see you soon! BvH

Each morning my view falls from the 2.10m bed onto the hotels’ own bay …

… the second eyes fall on my pool. Should I take a refreshing morning bath here …

… or better take an outdoor-shower?

I could take a swim in the infinity-pool …

… or go directly to the beach

I opt for a breakfast in the Ocean Restaurant overlooking the selfsame and the pool

The watersports center …

… where one can book a catamaran- or jet ski tour

For lunch I go to the beach bar. Sea-air makes you hungry

A pool and another pool and then the sea – hard to decide, too many options!

The lounge- and bar area

The 2500 square meter spa with the indoor pool

My freshly pedicured feet and I

Finally a hotel boutique which offers attractive labels – like Missoni Mare – and stylish clothes

The modern executed lobby with designer furniture by Varaschin. Also the lamps by Castellani & Smith are chic. In the background the cableway with which you can get onto the other levels and to the beach with

On the way to my villa passing beds of cacti and bougainvillea. By the way: a standard room consists of luxurious 43 square meters

Who needs the Caribbean? The fine sand strand of the Daios Coves’ private beach in front of the turquoise sea and soft surf. Ideal for families with children

The Taverna

Tavern host Dimitri shows me the freshly caught seabass …

… which he is going to prepare for me now. Yummy!

Sea of lights at Daios Cove

On the 22nd April Dios Cove starts into the new season after the winter break

Tip I:

Namasté on Crete: Yoga-Fans – like me – get their moneys worth as well, for example with a one week Jivamukti-Yoga-Seminar at the end of September for 399,- Euro (plus Hotel). More infos: www.daioscove.com

Daios Cove Director of Sales Christos Tassakos and me

Tip II:

Exclusively for MyStylery Christos Tassakos recommends the most beautiful beaches on Crete

1. Not even five minutes by car the small town of Vathi is located with the bay of Voulisma: Greece has a lot more to offer than crisis, mismanagement and middle fingers á la Varoufakis

2. Crete is known for its countless, antique dig sites. When you’re on the way to Kolpos Malion you should take a detour to the long sand beach east of the town of Malia. Avoid the town itself, it is ultra touristic

3. In the south of Crete you can witness the most beautiful sunsets. For example on the beach of Tertsa – close to the little city of Mirtos – you’ll have to pass an adventures gravel road but its amazingly beautiful, not just for old hippies

4. Also located in the south close to Agia Folia a cul-de-sac winds down the hill. The bumpy road is worth it; a pebble stone beach in a romantic bay awaits the arriving visitor

Me and a last glass of wine on the beach of Tertsa. Αντιο – Bye Crete, see you soon!

Contact:

www.daioscove.com

The post Daios Cove: A chic luxury hotel on Crete appeared first on My Stylery.

Directly located on the wide beach of Santa Monica: The Hotel Shutters on the Beach*

The Shutters on the beach in Santa Monica is one of my favorite hotels ever – and also a place to be for many stars during the Oscars. The five star hotel designed in beach house style – what I love a lot – got an elegant pool and an excellent spa and it is directly located at the wide beach of Santa Monica. Restaurants and rooms that are staffed with small balconies that face the beach side offer a great view over the Pacific Ocean.

The terrace on the first floor of the Shutters

Beachhouse – Look with a white wood facade

Only a few minutes by crossing the (very touristic) Santa Monica pier will take you from the Shutters to Third Street Promenade, the only pedestrian zone in LA that includes lots of stores, restaurants and cinemas.

All of the 198 rooms of the Shutters are decorated beachstylish*

One of the best breakfasts in L.A. is served in the restaurant Coast*

Great view from the terrace to the wide beach and the Pacific ocean

Tip: I love enjoying the seaside view whilst having a sundowner on the terrace of Shutters (- includes only five tables that cannot be reserved). All the snacks that you can pick of the small menu are so delicious!
Additionally: do not forget to reserve a table in advance at restaurant Coast in the Patio, one of the best addresses for having breakfast in LA. There are no reservations necessary during working days.

I love having lunch or dinner with my girlfriends in Pico restaurant. Make your reservation for a table by the window!*

The above terrace is a fantastic location for private events

Contact:

1 Pico Bldv., Santa Monica, CA 90405, USA
+1 310-458-0030
www.shuttersonthebeach.com

*Photos and featured image: Hotel Shutters on the Beach

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