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.

One of the famous buildings of the Spanish architect Antoni Gaudi is the Casa Milà on Passeig de Gràcia, which was built from 1906 to 1910 as a landmark of the Modernisme

There is hardly a city that impresses me more in terms of architecture than Barcelona. The famous Spanish architect Antoni Gaudi has created real eye-catchers with his architectural style – the Modernisme. Impressive buildings such as Casa Milà and Casa Batlló, whose bright sandstone facades are adorned with playful bays and balconies. Especially in the districts of Barri Gothic, Raval, Gràcia and the Art Nouveau Eixample district, the magnificent buildings line up like the pearls of a string.

Magnificent buildings especially in the districts of Barri Gothic, Raval, Gràcia and the Art Nouveau Eixample district

Barcelona is not only fascinating because of its architecture. A city located directly by the sea and a five-kilometer, palm-fringed beach promenade, the Passeig Maritim with numerous restaurants and Chiringuitos (Spanish for beach shack) are already a special way of life. Wonderful when you wake up in the morning looking at the harbor silhouette, which is possible, for example, if you stay at the hotel of the stylishly designed private member club “Sohohouse” (located directly opposite the beach mile, from 330 euros per night), which I will soon report in more detail on MyStylery.

Big rush in Antoni Gaudi’s fairytale park

Immediately after getting up I take a taxi up to the hill Turó del Carme to Parc Güell. Dive into the fairy tale forest, which Antoni Gaudi had originally planned as a garden-city and built from imaginative, broken pottery. Tip: The number of visitors to the Gaudi fairytale-forest is limited to 400 visitors. Definitely buy the tickets online before (admission 8 euros per person). The same applies to Barcelona’s landmark, the impressive Basilica Sagrada Familia – a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The exploration of the vast Güell Parc with its arcades and flower columns, also designed by Gaudi, is free and worthwhile for the phenomenal views over Barcelona alone. You can also enjoy a mega-view of the harbor, the city and the sea from the Castell de Montjuïc on the 173-high mountain of the same name. During the Franco dictatorship the former 16th-century fortress was used as a military prison and torture chamber for unwelcome opponents of the regime and political prisoners.

Parc Güell and Antoni Gaudi’s fairytale park overlook Barcelona’s skyline and the sea

On my way back I walk 5.5 kilometers by foot. I explore my favorite district of Gràcia, which is, because of its art scene, not only popular amongst young people. The capital of Catalonia is not as crowded here as in the turbulent old town streets and on the always crowded Ramblas, the famous promenade with its street musicians and artists. A visit to Barcelona’s La Catedral is a must, not just for fans of gothic architecture. Tip: From 8.00 am to 12.30 pm and from 5.30 pm to 7 pm, admission on weekdays is free. I head for the Picasso Museum in Carrer Montcada and then shop in the surrounding chic fashion boutiques. Worth a detour to the Arc de Triomf and the adjacent boulevard Passeig de Lluis Companys, which leads to the Parc de la Ciutadella: Barcelona’s green lung is popular with locals and tourists, especially on Sundays and public holidays.

The Arc de Triomf and the adjacent Boulevard Passeig de Lluis Companys

My destination is the district of Barceloneta, the former fishing village that has awakened from a deep slumber since the 1992 Olympic Games and has been carefully restored since then. Nevertheless, the village charm has been preserved. Nowhere have I seen more clothes on clotheslines fluttering in front of the windows, as a result of which all over Barceloneta there is an intense scent of detergents and fabric softeners. Typical are the small and inexpensive tapas bars and corner bars. However, I want to have lunch with a view of the sea and walk on to the Platja de la Barceloneta. Below the bronze sculpture in the shape of a giant fish by star architect Frank Gehry, I enjoy Calamari L’Andalusa (14 Euro) in the restaurant “Bestial”. Delicioso – delicious!

Why is there an intense scent of detergents and fabric softeners throughout Barceloneta? Therefore!

My tip for the evening is the restaurant “La Dama”, a gourmet restaurant in the spectacular Beletage of the Casa Sayrach, a magnificent building in Gaudi style. The sumptuously decorated entrance with columns and Art Nouveau elevator alone is just about the limit. The plush atmosphere is reminiscent of the lounge times of the 20’s and could have sprung from one of the novels of my Spanish favorite author Ruiz Safon. The food – i.a. roast beef (Rosbif de vaca, 16 euros) and sea bass (Lubina mediterranea, 26 euros) were as good as the final nightcap at the bar. Salud! BvH

Gourmet restaurant “La Dama” in the spectacular Beletage of the Casa Sayrach

Eating in Barcelona

“Can Fisher”: The name says it all. Here you can feast on excellent fresh fish and paella and enjoy a direct view of the Mediterranean Sea.

Foodies must have a look at Barcelona’s most beautiful market hall, “La Boqueria”. But be aware: At lunchtime, tourists come pouring in to eat at one of the stalls. Alternatively, the “El Nacional” offers food and drinks from all corners of Spain at various cooking stations and bars in a gigantic hall.

Me sitting in the sun…Barcelona offers 4.2 kilometers of golden sandy beaches, just 10 minutes from the city center

Sleeping in Barcelona

“Chic and Basic Ramblas Hotels” (from 130 euros per night), “Motel One” Barcelona-Ciutadella (from 95 euros), “Room Mate Gerard” in the Eixamples district (from 180 euros).

Hotel tip: “The Neri” in the middle of the romantic old town with the excellent restaurant “a”

The palm-fringed seafront of Barcelona and Port Vell is five kilometers long btw

Arriving in Barcelona

For example, with EasyJet from 128 euros.

The journey time from the Aeroporto Barcelona to the city is about 20 to 30 minutes by taxi, the fare about 30 to 35 euros. The Aerobus runs every 5 to 10 minutes, single ticket for 5,90, there and back 10,20 Euro. There are also trains as well as the TMB airport bus line 46.
Speaking of bus: In Barcelona you can also explore the city for an initial overview via an on-and-off bus tour.

More tips for Barcelona

A culinary paradise (not only) for vegans: The weekend brunch in the “Flax & Kale” restaurant. Tip: The avocado toast with homemade bread. Glutenfree of course!

Makes one speechless: The monumental architecture of the Gaudi Cathedral Sagrada Familia – the symbol of Barcelona…

…As imaginative as if it had sprung from a Hollywood backdrop

One of the most beautiful places in the Catalan capital: The Placa Reial

Mekka for all foodies: Barcelona’s most beautiful market hall “La Boqueria”

Having lunch under palm trees and with views to the Mediterranean – for example in the restaurant “Bestial”

La Catedral Barcelona: Typical and traditional is the sardana dance that can be watched on Saturday afternoons next to the Catedral Barcelona

The Sardana is a symbol of unity and pride of the Catalans

Parc de la Ciutadella: Barcelona’s green lung is popular with locals and tourists

The marina of Barcelona

Barcelona is the city of contrasts: The Mediterranean metropolis with its 1.5 million inhabitants offers not only Art Nouveau but also award-winning skyscraper architecture

Let’s have an Apertivo in a vermouth bar: Barcelona’s favorite drink

Cool pub in a former garage: The “Auto Rosellón”…

…a top location for breakfast, lunch and dinner

More travel stories you can find here.

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Welcome to 7Pines Resort – the new luxury hotel in Ibiza and Member of “The Leading Hotels of the World”

By this time, one could think that my favorite island Ibiza doesn’t have anything surprising or really new to offer. Far from it. Opened in early June in Ibiza, 7Pines Resort is a 56,000-square-meter deluxe hotel with 186 suites, oceanfront restaurants and bars, infinity and lagoon pools, a 1,500-square-foot spa, its own Pershing yacht and secret grotto. Located in the southwest of the Balearic island, between Cala Tarida and Cala Comte.

The lobby of the 7Pines Resort welcomes the arriving guest with views of the pool and sea. By the way, checking in here is short and relaxed – and comfortable while sitting down

My first encounter with 7Pines Resort is already two years back. At that time, there was just an idea of what the 5.5-acre site would become once. General Manager Markus Lück gave me a small tour and showed with great enthusiasm, what everything would look like in the future. Construction delays on objects of this size are nothing out of the ordinary – especially not in Spain – so it was not surprising that the official opening in early June had to be rather improvised.

Markus Lück, the general manager of 7Pines Resort and me on the construction site. He supervised the project from the beginning and knows it like no one else

However, the gigantic opening party on the evening of June 2nd ran as planned. More than 600 invited guests strolled the red carpet and were impressed by various show acts, live music and light shows. The evening dresses of the ladies fluttered in the light breeze, while the iced champagne sparkled in the glasses. And the kitchen showed its future culinary standard with its offered food. When world-class DJ Fritz Kalkbrenner was at the turntables later in the evening, there was no holding back. What an impressive evening.

One of the highlights of the opening ceremony: Illuminated giant dolls – Dundus – move in time to the music and delight the guests

The 7Pines Resort is part of the Düsseldorf investment group 12.18., which, apart from various hotel projects, also operate in five-star houses such as “Schloss Fleesensee” in Mecklenburg-Vorpommern. With “Hotel Stadt Hamburg” on the North Sea island of Sylt, another hotel in the luxury segment was added this summer. It takes a great deal of entrepreneurial courage to invest millions in a project like the 7Pines Resort, which caters to a pampered clientele who knows everything and has seen it all. Especially in Ibiza. But as an investor you also need a vision. And who visits the 7Pines Resort, can feel the motivation of its operators.

Who visits the 7Pines Resort, can feel the motivation of its operators

What I particularly like about the 7Pines Resort is the generosity of the entire resort. There is room, nothing is tight. There are multiple retreat areas and privacy. The 186 suites (48 to 124 square meters) are spacious and equipped with living room and bedroom (s) in Ibizan style and Mediterranean colors. Some have their own garden and private pool. There is a kitchenette for the preparation of tea and coffee and a wine fridge with champagne, wines, soft drinks, chips and co, which is replenished daily. Even a mini-freezer was thought of, which holds ready ice cubes and cooling sleeve. Friends of the longdrink find everything necessary for its preparation. 24/7 room service is self-evident, as well as the fresh fruit, which is delivered daily on the electric bikes in retro look. In the bathrooms are plenty of towels and bathrobes, Molton Brown products and a XXL rain shower.

The 7Pines Resort’s own delivery – electric bikes in retro look – provide fresh fruit daily and a 24/7 room service. The service at 7Pines Resort is excellent

Speaking of space: the 1,500-square-meter spa is the absolute doozy at the 7Pines Resort (more about it soon on Mystylery) and an architectural masterpiece – the focus is always on the look outside. I cannot think of any other luxury resort on the island that offers me this phenomenal, 180 degree view of the sea and the rock Es Vedrà both in yoga, as on the treadmill or the massage table. The 7Pines Resort aims to welcome and pamper its guests throughout the year. Even in the winter months, when Ibiza is still around 18 degrees Celsius. And even on cooler days, there is nothing more wonderful than sweating in the sauna after a long beach walk.

View of the mystic rock Es Vedrà

I quickly found my favorite spot in the hotel. A lounger by the infinity pool overlooking the rock Es Vedrà. For hours I could hang out here, dream and enjoy the view. This rock has something magical and captivates me. Especially at the blue hour and low sun. And the sunsets are – thanks to the southwest location of 7Pines Resort – the best on the island. Here the sun hovers like a huge, red balloon in the sky, becomes one with the horizon and makes the sky glow. Sometimes a green flash is created for a brief moment. Anyone who sees this may wish for something. BvH

Pure romance: The southwest location of the 7Pines Resort guarantees the best sunsets on the island

Info Pure Seven Spa:

The 1,500 square meter Pure Seven Spa was built by Balmea. The walls are decorated with floor-to-ceiling ornaments made of Bisazza mosaics. In addition to a Finnish sauna, the guest also has a steam bath, bio sauna and hamman. After the sauna, two degrees cold water from the mist shower ensures a little cooling. The Pure Seven Spa and saunas can also be booked and used by external guests.

Varied saunas at the Pure Seven Spa

The Pure Seven Spa at night. In the background the illuminated infinity pool

My suite:

…overlooking the sea from my own balcony. Bright colors were used for the design of the suites, some of which have fireplaces and all of them love to detail

On the convenient sofas you can relax comfortably on ikat pillows in shades of green and blue. Forget the beach bag? No problem. It is part of the 7Pines Resort’s facilities

Fancy a gin and tonic? The ingredients I find in the kitchenette

Comfort XXL: On the box bed of course with several pillows

Good night at 7Pines Resort: I cannot say no to the delicious macarons as a little bedtime treat

Small tour to the 7Pines:

The restaurant “The View” offers a breakfast buffet until noon which leaves nothing to be desired. My favorite: home-made yoghurt with fresh berries, passion fruit and grated coconut

The open-plan lobby at 7Pines Resort is decorated in natural materials such as wood, stone and leather

Following the Ibizan architecture, the facades of the 55 houses of the five-star hotel in total shine in a light sandstone tone. The maxims of 7Pines Resort are maximum comfort, privacy and space

The 44-meter long lagoon pool is ideal for families with children due to the gently sloping water inlet

Spa and Gym from the outside

Om with yoga teacher Sara: I’m thrilled, the 7Pines Resort offers daily yoga and pilates classes as well as personal training

The secret grotto: Like the movie backdrop of a pirate adventure

My favorite spot:

My favorite spot is the 55 meter long and 14 meter wide infinity pool. Pleasant: The subtle music in the background without annoying, deafening beats

Lunch by the pool with probably the most delicious Cesars salad ever. With a peach smoothie…

…Salute!

Infinity pool and sky radiate to the bet. By the way: If you want to swim in the sea and feel like spending a day at the beach, it’s just a few minutes drive away, for example, on the Cala Comte

The architects of Arditecnica from Madrid skillfully put the unique view at the center of the 7Pines Resort’s planning

The culinary:

First, I’ll have an aperitif at the Pershing Bar…

…then to the restaurant “The View” for an à la carte dinner. The view is unbeatable, right?

Chef Bijendra creates European dishes with a Korean touch here. The amuse-gueule with caviar …

…is followed by cannelloni poached Norwegian king crab, red shrimp and avocado

Then I decide for the Wild Red Snapper. Yummy!

From the restaurants “The View” and “Cone Club” my gaze falls on the romantic rock of Es Vedrà and the turquoise Mediterranean Sea

Ship ahoy! The 25-meter Pershing Yacht is available to 7Pines Resort guests for day trips and can also be hired for multi-day tours

Adios 7Pines! I’ll be back. Most certainly…

Contact 7Pines Resort:

www.7pines.com

More travel stories and Ibiza tips you can find here.

The 7Pines Resort Ibiza invited me.

The post Ibiza Love: Fine luxury at the 7Pines Resort appeared first on My Stylery.

Ibiza Love Part XVI

In the Bay of Es Cavallet is quieter than in the Beach Clubs at Playa Las Salinas or even the clubs on Playa d’em Bossa

Why did I actually always turn right in regularity, when the sign “Es Cavallet” appeared on the roadside of the PM 802 in Ibiza on my left? I honestly don’t know. Habit? Convenience? The believe that the Jockey Club at Playa Las Salinas was already the end of the story? Following a spontaneous inspiration, I then chose the other way and that has paid off in every respect. What I found on the beach of Es Cavallet and the Beach Club El Chiringuito, was the paradise.

The beach-chair price of 15 euros in El Chiringuito Beach Club is based on Ibiza’s price level. The luxurious daybeds are more expensive

Since Jonathan Thorogood and Olivia Fleury opened El Chiringuito in 2009 in the south of Ibiza, the Beach Club has developed into one of the hottest and most compelling high addresses of the island. Surrounded by imposing salt flats, sand dunes and turquoise water, here, the open view of the neighboring island Formentera and the old town of Eivissa reveal. The El Chiringuito is a great beach restaurant and lounge area – and in line with the beautiful scenery.

Here things are maintained well-cultivated, which also relates to the guests

Early Birds start their day here on white, cozy cushions with a breakfast, including Eggs Benedicte or Florentine. Eaten on white set tables where the bread is served in a linen bag. On the menu a whole range of breakfast classics are listed, which are comparable hard to find on the island. From 1 pm onwards Lunch is served, Mediterranean cuisine with French-Ibizan Touch. I love the bread selection to which a tapenade of tomatoes is offered. Delicious! Very good is the salad with goat cheese and walnuts, served in a wooden bowl, fresh Calamari Fritti or the spaghetti with seafood. Who wants a wine recommendation, is in best hands with sommelier Esteban Acosta. I like to try local wines and decide for the Rosé LXV Loxarel of Penedes. Gazing out to the sea I enjoy my wine and wouldn’t want to be anywhere else in this moment. BvH

We had the salad with goat cheese and walnuts as a starter …

… followed by fresh Calamari Fritti and the spaghetti with seafood …

… and the Rosé LXV Loxarel of Penedes. Just wonderful!

In El Chiringuito there is also outstanding breakfast …

Chic and casual

… for example, freshly baked rolls and croissants, homemade organic muesli, delicious pancakes with maple syrup and fresh fruits

Best Iberico ham freshly cut by the expert

Just relax!

In order for the big ones in El Chiringuito to eat in peace, there is a professional entertainment area for the little ones

How about an Apéro before lunch?

The only drawback in the Bay of Es Cavallet is the high proportion of algae in the sea. Depending on the flow sometimes more, sometimes less. But knowingly you can’t always have everything

Contact El Chiringuito:

www.elchiringuitoibiza.com

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IBIZA LOVE Part XIV

In a hidden backyard the wooden spoon is swung on Sundays

The paella belongs to Spain, like the sausage belongs to Germany. A holiday in Ibiza without having eaten paella is simply unimaginable. The best paella on the island cannot be found in the hippest posh restaurant: The best of paella is in a backyard in Santa Gertrudis. Who crosses the marketplace which lies in the middle  of the picturesque town, really only has to trust his nose and follow the smell of an open fire, charcoal and fish. So at least I have discovered Kati and her paella workshop.

Round about 2pm, the customers start queuing

Every Sunday from 12 am, the energetic Spanish woman swirls around in a kind of garage. With the participation of the entire family there is being cooked pans of gigantic proportions over three open fires. Temperatures, that fuel the summer-heat additionally. A touch of rosemary is in the air, whose branches give the Mediterranean flavor. And when I watch Kati, it really seems like it’s a sweaty work. Round about 2pm, the customers, mostly Spaniards – what I always interpret as a quality – start queuing. They know each other: here a chat, there a joke.

Kati cooks: from 12 am, the backyard of her restaurant in Santa Gertrudis turns into a paella-kitchen

Kati takes the brought along vessels, pans, casserole or large buckets and filles them with the steaming Paella Mixta. So you call the traditional meat-seafood paella, of which 50 kilos go across the counter every Sunday. Cash up goes by kilo. People eat at home, where it is best eaten straight away. Because in the evening it is too heavy on the stomach, says Kati. Paella to go, a culinary pleasure of a special kind, which you should not miss! BvH

Here you can get Paella to go on Sundays since 1977. Kati prepares 50kg in total with her team

What Paella actually is:

The traditional Paella Valenciana consists of saffron-dyed rice and white meat, which is cooked including bones. Added are vegetables: grated tomato, Judías verdes (green broad beans), and Garrofó, which are large, flat white beans. Seasoned with salt, a little garlic and sprigs of rosemary, which are placed on the rice during the last minutes.

Four men are needed to carry the huge iron pans. The smells of charcoal and fire are in the air

Above three large open campfires, the traditional rice dish simmers. At 2pm onwards it’s then time for take away

A portion costs 13 Euro – about a kilogram – which can easily be shared between two people

Eaten will be at home! Buen provecho – Enjoy!

How to find the best Paella on Ibiza:

Santa Gertrudis Bar Restaurante
Carrer Venda de Fruitera, 19
07814 Santa Gertrudis de Fruitera

The post Ibiza: Where you get the best Paella ever 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

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