IBIZA LOVE Part VII

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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

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Ibiza Love Part III: In no particular order here are tips for an awesome stay on Ibiza

Even from outside the Giri Café looks inviting

I still remember when I drove to San Juan five years ago, a small, sleepy village in the north of Ibiza. It was early afternoon, the streets were empty, the houses and a few shops closed, the sun burnt hot – deadly silence. Only one café was open and turned out to be the rescue – to all intents and purposes.

What a great mix of materials and furniture

Towards the church situated on an idyllic place of San Juan, the Giri Café is immediately visible: in front of the door of an old, ibizan townhouse, elegant wicker furniture instead of cheap plastic chairs invite to stay and to chill. Inside the Giri Café itself you’ll find modern architecture, different, small rooms with cosy seating corners, a successful mix of materials and furniture. Great drinks and cocktails are being mixed at the bar – who would have thought that?

Good idea: The patio is optically magnified by mirrored windows

View into the kitchen: Soul-Food cooked with Love

The actual highlight – besides the extraordinarily good cuisine – is the bordering garden with additional comfy seats, daybeds and a children’s corner (in hay!), which is atmospherically illuminated in the evening. Here one will experience real holiday happiness at the latest.

Chill time: Between beds with organic vegetables there are sitting areas and daybeds

The interior partly documents that the owner of the Giri Café is Danish, as it seems pretty Nordic. Rosa came as a child through her hippie parents on the island, where she’s living with her own family for 15 years now. Everything started with a beautiful boutique-hotel, The Giri Residence. The idea of The Giri Café developed in order to host the guests appropriate. By the way Giri – el guiri – actually stands for ‘foreigner’, ‘stranger’, which Rosa – whose children grow up on Ibiza – is not at all anymore.

The Scandinavian-inspired design is reminiscent of the roots of the Danish owner

The Giri is more than only a café that offers breakfast and lunch. There, friendly staff is serving modern, Mediterranean cuisine of highest standards with fresh ingredients from the region. A lot is handpicked in the own bio garden, in which herbs, salads, strawberries, tomatoes and other vegetables and fruits are being grown. Here I like to sit with a glass of Rosé – my favourite is the “Ibiskus” – and can hardly believe my luck.  BvH

Inside the Giri Café, there are several sitting areas …

… where you can sit comfortably while enjoying Snacks and Tapas

I like the Giri Café especially in the evening …

… when the setting sun creates a special light in the garden …

… and you really want to be nowhere else

Tip:

Every Sunday San Juan transforms itself into a colourful market with live music. On the place and along the small streets handicrafts, jewellery and ceramics are being offered.

Contact The Giri Café:

Plaza Espana 5
07810 San Juan
Ibiza, Spain
(from April until October)

+ 34 971 333474

www.thegiricafe.com

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That’s me on the roof terrace of the Nomad, one of my favorite restaurants in Marrakech

My first encounter with Marrakech was 22 years ago. Back then, I shot a report for the TV channel Premiere (now ‘Sky’), about a gigantic luxury villa in the Palmeraie, which is owned by the fashion designer Giorgio Armani and has already been rented by movie diva Elizabeth Taylor. Idyllically located, beautifully furnished, with a pool in the garden and a view of the Atlas Mountains and the adjacent property of Yves Saint Laurent. Marrakech has always had a special fascination, prominent names like old-rocker Mick Jagger and style icon Diana Vreeland have left their marks here. I fell in love with this city and, since then, have always returned enthusiastically. Recently this past Easter weekend.

One of the green courtyards of Riad El Cadi

Now is the perfect time of the year for a break in the city of cultural contrasts with its African, Arab and Berber traditions: during the day the sun warms (if it comes out) at 25 degrees Celsius – then the day can already start with an open-air breakfast. The best way of doing so is on a roof terrace with view over the rooftops of Marrakech. For example, in the Riad El Cadi, a with Moroccan antiques decorated boutique hotel, which is run by the Berliner Julia Bartels. She inherited the complex of seven houses of her father, the former German Ambassador of Morocco in 2003. And this is how a lawyer became a hotelier. Riad El Cadi is located in the exciting Medina but is still an oasis of calm. For something a bit more luxurious, I recommend the Riad El Fenn, that was opened in 2004 by the art ambitious founder of Marrakech’s Biennale, Vanessa Branson – sister of the millionaire entrepreneur Richard Branson – and is one of the most popular tourist attractions.

The ultra-chic rooftop of the Riad El Fenn with its inviting seating areas and sun shades. In the El Fenn a very nice concept store opened most recently with an adjoining restaurant where people tired of tajine can also eat pasta

Riad El Fenn is a little gem among the riads, the rooms are partly equipped with camel leather tiles, each room is individually designed

Marrakech has become a true oriental fairy tale, especially in the old city, the medina, which labyrinthine streets invite more to random findings rather than targeted searches. My tip: Invest in a guide that leads you through the souks. Inform yourself in advance of destinations and addresses and what you want to see. Whoever has the time, can just drift. This is the best way to explore the Medina and surrender to its charm. One of my favorite places in the souks is Rahba Kedima. Here, the dealers present basket- and leather goods, spices and argan oils and provide mediums against mosquitoes, moths or sleeping problems. At the end of the square lies the famous Café des Epices, opposite is my favorite, the Nomad, on which you can enjoy the best lunch on the roof terrace. Underneath is a pretty and small shop, where modern design and ceramics are sold.

In the square Rahba Kedima I bought an embroidered bag and placemats decorated with colorful tassels. Of course I did quite successfully haggled as haggling is part of the oriental shopping mentality

Also, the carpet dealers’ neighborhood lies adjacent to the Rahba Kedima square. If you wanted to buy a carpet, a Beni Ourain for example, you should definitely compare the prices. For me, the best of all carpet dealers are the Soufiane brothers. Hidden, so that you can hardly find them on your own, you call beforehand and arrange a meeting point. Entering Soufianes house, you have arrived in paradise of carpets: antique and new Berber carpets or Soufianes own carpet design – the prices are fair and the goods will be delivered right to the front of your door.

Carpet fans will be spoiled for choice at Soufiane’s place

In Marrakech a day goes by in a flash. Suddenly it’s time for a sundowner, and that I recommend on the rooftop of the no longer new, but still wonderful Kosybar at Place des Ferblantiers. Here, one is closest to the snowy peaks of the High Atlas and meanwhile can watch the storks that have built their nests on the ancient walls of the city. More romance is hardly possible.

View to the snowy peaks of the High Atlas and the storks that have built their nests on the ancient walls of the city

It’s also romantic in the evenings at the restaurant Dar Yacout. A legend in the Marrakech-gastronomy, mainly due to the pretty interiors designed by Bill Willis. However, the food quality is not really in the price-benefit-ratio. (Menu 700 DH = 70 Euro per person). For someone who likes it a bit more down to earth, hip and trendy, I suggest the Le Jardin to enjoy delicious chicken skewers (110 DH), grilled sea bream (150 DH) or lamb tajine with prunes (120 DH). Who can’t get tired of shopping can find here on the 1st floor at Norya Ayron individual caftans and beautiful clutches, the perfect outfit for Marrakech’s nightlife. This, however, mainly takes place in the New Town, Guéliz – but this another fairy tale from 1001 Nights. BvH

How about a romantic Candlelight-Dinner directly at the pool of the restaurant Dar Yacout?

It is still one of the most beautiful restaurants in Marrakech

Marrakech – the Pearl of the South

The restaurant Le Jardin is the perfect place for lunch or dinner …

Watch your step …#turtlescrossing

Delicious at Le Jardin are the brochettes: barbecue skewers – here with chicken and vegetables

Le Jardin is a melange of green tones: turquoise tiles and lime green colored walls plus the house “Jungle”. There are also small rooms with open fires for colder nights

On the first floor at Le Jardin Norya Ayron sells her individual creations …

… like this colorful silk caftan …

… or these casual leather Clutches: my newest summer must-have!

An oriental Fairy Tale

I call that service:

The Nomad offers sun hats to the guests for the duration of their stay

Lunch at Café Nomad: I love the appetizer plate ‘mezze’ ( 70DH = approx 7 €) . A glass of Rosé (highly recommended are Moroccan wines ) and a perfect view to the colorful market

The Souks in the Medina:

A big chaos, a colorful world of commodities without fixed prices …

Here, haggling is part of the shopping mentality

In the carpet kingdom of Ismail Soufiane: He offers antique and new carpets. You can get here also the stylish Beni Ourain Berber carpets

Ismail served freshly prepared mint tea – a sign of Moroccan hospitality

Shop’til you drop

Leather poufs currently experience a style-revival. I remember that my parents already had Moroccan leather poufs in their living room

At the Kif-Kif shop you can find beautiful home accessories und textiles

The souks of Marrakech are the Mecca for every jewelry freak: Here I bought exceptional pieces such as bracelets in sterling silver

Tour guide Achmed (on the right) also explains the attractions, such as the former Medersa Ben Youssef …

… with its wonderful tiles …

… And the fantastic facade ornaments. Incidentally, the Medersa is a Unesco World Heritage Site, as well as the entire Medina

Magnificent antique door at the Riad El Cadi

Breakfast on the rooftop of Riad El Cadi …

… and amazing antique details

So beautiful: A Sundowner on the rooftop terrace of the Kosybar

Good night, Marrakech!

Tips:

Best Tour guide for the Medina with its attractions and the Souks is Achmed: +212-661088938.
You should know that the guides like to show you shops, where they are involved in sales

All roads lead – in this case – to Djamaa El Fna , the square of the hanged , where the exciting nightlife of Marrakech awakens at nightfall latest. Tip: If you get lost, simply ask for “La place” …

Contacts:

Soufiane Zarib
24 Db Amseghi Sidi Ishak
Marrakech
+212-661853487

Riad El Cadi
86/87 Derb Moulay Abdelkader, Dabachi
Marrakech +212 5243-78098
www.riyadelcadi.com

Riad El Fenn
Derb Moulay Abdullah Ben Hezzian, 2
Marrakech
+212 5244-41210
www.el-fenn.com

Kosybar
Place des Ferblantiers، Rue de Berrima
Marrakech
+212 5243-80324
www.kosybar.com

Le Jardin
32 Route Sidi Abdelaziz
Marrakech
+212 5243-78295
www.lejardin.ma

Nomad
Rahba Kedima
Marrakech
+212 5243-81609
www.nomadmarrakech.com

Dar Yacout
79 Sidi Ahmed Soussi
Marrakech
+212 5243-82929
www.daryacout.com

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Quite a lot of snow in the Lech-valley!

Frequent Lech travelers might be familiar – but for me as a Lech newbie – this restaurant is a very special discovery – and one of the most rustic ones I found: The Klösterle, an institution among the restaurants in Lech am Arlberg, a bit of the beaten path, in the contemplative district Zug.

That’s me in the snow infront of the beautiful mountain-landscape

Away from the buzzing ski pistes and Après-Ski-Parties, the listed building is located at the end of Zug. In the evenings it is almost too romantic to get driven from Lech to Zug in a horse-drawn sleigh by torchlight. I have booked a table for lunch at the Klösterle so I could use the nice weather for a hike into the magnificent countryside. Instead of a horse-drawn sleigh I took the bus from Lech to the last stop Zug. Not so romantic but useful. Zug is more tranquil and contemplative than Lech and therefore a welcome change. At the so-called Lechquellengebiet (The region around the Lech river-source) I walk around a little, and from time to time sit down at a bench and enjoy the amazing view of the mountain scenery.

Starving? Then you are right here!

So much fresh air generates hunger. Generally while in the mountains I feel like I could eat all the time. Do you feel the same?
With a lot of lovingly details and furnished with old farm furniture the Klösterle looks exactly how you imagine a cabin in the mountains: flat ceilings in the wood paneled parlors, brawny tiled fireplaces and sheltered shrines, plaid curtains and tablecloths. In the afternoon the Klösterle is not as strongly frequented as in the evenings – nevertheless I still recommend to book a table. The lunch menu is small and down-to-earth. We are a group of three and start with a ‘Brotzeit’. After we asked the very friendly waiter to convince the chef to prepare one of the famous – and how it turned out amazingly delicious – cheese fondues, the day seemed to be successful.

The parlor of the original preserved Walser house, a historical blockhouse, whose name is ascribable to the ethnic group of the Walser

The Klösterle is special in every respect. The first time the original maintained ‘Walserhaus’ has been mentioned in documents in 1554 and it is led today by Lore Schneider. It is only opened from December to April. After that the entire household goods, furniture and tableware are being packed up, because during the summer months the building is being used as a farm.
Very satisfied and with a big lump of cheese fondue in my stomach I hike the 4.1 kilometers back to Lech and enjoy the magnificent view at the panoramic trail. BvH

The Klösterle is a bit of the beaten path, in the contemplative district Zug

Come on in!

Pure romance

Attention to detail …

… wherever you look at

Brotzeit!

Cheers!

The legendary inn offers down-to-earth delicacies during the day and ‘Grosses Pièces’ and fondue at night: The fondue is so yummy and usually only on the dinner menu – lucky me!

So yummy: the cheese fondue

Innkeeper Lore Schneider collects old pewter plates

Careful with the low doors:

… watch your head!

Also delicious and my personal favorite of the cakes: The Sachertorte!

Cozyness in the Herrgottswinkel

Good for stomach and digestion is warm tea after the fondue – much better than a “Schnaps”

Not only for VIPs

Interesting who else has been a guest here: Singer Udo Jürgens …

… even Prince Ernst August of Hannover – then still accompanied by wife Caroline of Monaco – has already been here

The listed architectural beauty belongs to one of the most exclusive locations at the Arlberg

Reflecting landscapes

The Klösterle is the starting and ending point for walks into the ‘Lechquellengebiet’ or a romantic drive with the horse-drawn sleigh

The blue sky competing against the freshly fallen snow from last night, in addition the incredible silence: you can’t get any more meditation!

Contact:

Klösterle
Zug 27 in Zug
+43 (5583) 3190
kloesterle@almhof.at

Info:

December to April: Wed – Mon, 2 pm to 5.30 pm, from 7 pm with reservation only

The post So romantic: The Klösterle Inn in Lech 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

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A classic in the Tel Aviv restaurant scene: The Café Noir

“You have definitely go to Café Noir,” recommended an Israeli friend of mine. “There you get the best Schnitzel in whole Tel Aviv – and you feel like being at Borchardt’s.” Eating a good Schnitzel was really not the idea of coming to Tel Aviv. And the Borchardt restaurant feels like my second Berlin home. I love good food and like to try the local cuisine. Hopefully there are also Israeli dishes on Café Noir’s menu.

I love to go here, whether for breakfast, lunch or dinner

When Café Noir opened in 1997, the owner and founder Rafi Bader wanted to create a bistro atmosphere combining European culture with a Tel Aviv experience. The atmosphere changes with the time of the day: mornings are slow and serene, lunch is always bustling and evenings are more romantic. The menu offers classic dishes, lovingly prepared from top-notch ingredients, along with modern specials of fresh, seasonal ingredients. And I am more than happy that also Kebab and Humus are offered. But I went for the Schnitzel: the Schnitzel you can choose from veal, pork or chicken meat.

My choice: Café Noirs iconic Schnitzel

“I wanted a place of a certain period. I picture the places where my grandfather would have spent time in Italy or Paris“, says the owner Rafi Bader. “Café Noir isn’t somewhere you grow bored of. It isn’t trendy, it’s not one of those spots that come and go.“
Honestly my culinary excursion into the Café Noir has paid off. A chic and comfy bistro with cool people and fantastic food. And the Schnitzel was really fabulous! BvH

Café Noir is a place that combines European food tradition with the tastes and atmosphere desired by a Tel Aviv clientele

Reserved in Hebrew: שמורות

Don’t worry, the menu at Café Noir is also available in English

The Bar: Israel is known for its excellent wines! A must try!!!

The restaurant ‘Café Noir’ is located in the heart of Tel Aviv, where one feels the pulse of the city

Bye bye, Café Noir. See you soon again!

Contact:

Café Noir
43 Ahad Ha’am Street
Tel Aviv

noir@cafenoir.co.il

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