More Best of the Best From Travel Week ~ Europe

So far we have explored some of the furthest reaches of the globe from New Zealand to Marrakech. Today, it is time to land in more familiar territory...Europe.  Since many of you are quite familiar with much of Europe, I would like to share are a few remarkable properties which may be new to you.

 
Chateau Saint-Martin sits high above the Côte d'Azur with sweeping views of the Mediterranean. Once a historic residence of the Knights Templar dating back to the 13th century, it has been transformed into a five star hotel and spa. Forty suites and six villas are set acres amidst olive groves in a quiet setting more reminiscent of Provence than the Riviera - yet halfway between Nice or Cannes.

London has become a hot spot for family vacations, but luxury hotels there can be very pricey. Get the best of both worlds - hotel services while living like a local in your own apartment with the Milestone Apartments in the fashionable Kensington neighborhood. Your nearest neighbor will be none other than Will, Kate and baby George who live right across the street in Kensington Palace!

Channel Downton Abbey on the west coast of Ireland at Ashford Castle, the former country estate of the Guinness family. "Country pursuits" are de rigueur at Ashford Castle with over 350 acres of private property offering activities  such as falconry, fly fishing, clay pigeon shooting, horseback riding or cruising on lovely Lough Corrib. Rooms retain many original features to the castle, as well as luxurious modern comforts.

If wintering in the Alps is more your style, then head to the Carlton Hotel in St. Moritz. Après-ski, relax in the 12,000 square foot, tri-level spa, watch world class polo or horse racing (in the snow!), enjoy a horse drawn sleigh ride, take in the views from the sun terrace bar, or dine at the three Michelin starred, Da Vittorio. 

I became enamored with the tiny mountain retreat of Rosa Alpina after meeting the owner and listening to him speak with such love about the property which has been in his family for eighty years. Rosa Alpina is located in the stunning Dolomite region of Italy, in a town of only 750 inhabitants where they speak their own language - Ladin.  It is just two hours north of Venice but feels worlds away. With just 51 rooms and four restaurants you will definitely be well fed - choices include the  two Michelin starred, St. Hubertus, the Fondue Stuben or dinner served on the mountain in your own private cabin for the evening. Open in winter for skiing and summer for hiking, this is and ideal mountain getaway. I have clients headed to the Dolomites in May and I am so sad this charming hotel is not open - I really wanted them to stay there!

(go here if you cannot view the video)
Palazzo del Vice Re on Lake Como is the newly opened boutique suite property by top drawer VIP tour operator, IC-Bellagio.  They are known for their meticulous attention to detail in their VIP services, so it isn't a surprise that they have their first property nailed...and at a price which won't break the bank (unlike many of the other Lake Como hotels). 

Hopefully, a few of these beautiful properties were new to you...in my next post, I will show you some interesting undiscovered gems in Mexico and the Caribbean!