June 16, 2009 at 9:43 am (Canary Islands, Spanish Island, Wine, Wine Tastings)
Lanzarote has been producing wine for centuries, back to the malvasia wine which graced the tables of Europe´s elite in the 16th century.
Now a new and innovative bodega has opened up and already won the title of Best New Bodega 2008 at the 7th Open Wine Assembly in Madrid.
Stratus uses high tech methods combined after intensive research conducted by the director Alberto González Plasencia.
Bodegas Stratus is the result, an almost cathedral like central hall where the wine is produced. The production so far includes Stratus a dry Malvasia wine, with a fruity, citrus flavour, a red wine with the aroma of mulberry and a sweet Moscatel which is a Malvasia and Diego grape combination. A rosé is planned to be added to the range shortly.
Photos thanks to http://www.lanzaroteguidebook.com/
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April 29, 2009 at 11:01 am (Rental Accommodation)
This 18th century converted flour mill set in large grounds and with a huge 15m x 5m private pool is just the place for an escape. The nearest beach is Salou 15 km away and the village of Reus, the birthplace of Gaudi is 8km away.
There are shops and restuarants in the village of Aleixar on the edge of this estate.
For more information see World Villa who give it a 4* rating. For a touch of style and a lot of privacy this villa has all that and more.
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April 11, 2009 at 9:29 am (Barcelona, Gastronomy, Michelin Restaurants, Urban)
The Culinary Institute of America has awarded chef Ferrán Adrià of El Bulli Restaurant in Cala Montjoi, Catalunya, north of Barcelona its Chef of the Year Award.
Adrià is famous for his avant-garde cooking, his restaurant El Bulli has been named World’s Best Restaurant by Restaurant magazine four times in six years.
El Bulli is open from June 16 through December 20 in 2009 but no reservations remain for 2009, to book for 2010 contact El Bulli after December 20, 2009.
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March 21, 2009 at 5:02 pm (4* Hotels, Barcelona, Golf, Spas)
PGA Golf Catalunya, recently voted No.3 in Top 20 European Courses, celebrates its 10th anniversary by being yet again ranked in the Top 10 by The UK’s Golf Monthly.
Formerly known as the Green Course it came 3rd in the Top 20 European Courses. The senior staff, contributors and a panel of readers made up the voting panel for the magazine’s first survey.
The 36-hole golf resort near Barcelona in the north of Spain is to host the 2009 Spanish Open from April 30-May 3 2009.
The Course was developed by the European Tour to host the 1997 Ryder Cup but due to construction delays it didn’t open until 1999 in time to host the Sarazen World Open.
PGA Catalunya Stadium Course
The estate has a stylish 4 * Melia Hotel with sauna and Turkish bath, hydromassage and fitness room and in a fantastic location an hour north of Barcelona and minutes’ drive from the glorious sandy beaches and rocky coves of the Costa Brava.
For more information visit PGA Catalunya.
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March 4, 2009 at 10:01 am (2* Restaurant, Barcelona, Luxury Hotels, Luxury Vehicle Hire, Michelin Restaurants, Private, Romantic Hotel, Spas, Unique, Urban, Vehicles)
Tags: ABaC Hotel
The ABaC Restaurant and Hotel in Barcelona is one of the latest additions to the style gurus Mr & Mrs Smith boutique and luxury hotel collection.
ABaC Restaurant & Hotel
The ABaC in the popular Zona Alta area of Barcelona makes it difficult to leave the premises and explore the city. With plenty of little luxuries: Spa with Jacuzzi, hammam, and chromotherapy room, free WiFi throughout, valet parking, huge flatscreen TV with internet, DVD/CD player, remote control lights and blinds, minibar, Hérmes toiletries.
Between Xavier Pellicer’s fusion style seven-course Michelin cuisine and the sumptuous rooms make sure it’s a several day stay to enable time to explore this amazing city.
For more information on ABaC Restaurant & Hotel
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February 16, 2009 at 6:31 pm (4* Hotels, Lanzarote, Resorts, Spas)
Lanzarote boasts a growing selection of stylish spas, the latest recruit to these ranks has just opened its doors at the four star Jameos Playa Hotel, located just outside the islands main resort of Puerto del Carmen.
The Jameos Playa spa has been fashioned from a combination of local volcanic stone. Which has been polished to a super smooth consistency, contrasting turquoise, blue and white mosaic tiling to optimum effect.
The treatments on offer are as luxurious as the surroundings – encompassing peels, massages and possibly best of all a Chocotherapy wrap. The Spa is open daily to both hotel guests and non residents alike.
Lanzarote boasts a growing selection of stylish spas. And the latest recruit to these ranks has just opened at the four star Jameos Playa Hotel, which is located just outside the islands main resort of Puerto del Carmen.
The Jameos Playa spa has been fashioned from a combination of local volcanic stone. Which has been polished to a super smooth consistency, contrasting turquoise, blue and white mosaic tiling to optimum effect.
The treatments on offer are as luxurious as the surroundings – encompassing peels, massages and possibly best of all a Chocotherapy wrap. The Spa is open daily to both hotel guests and non residents alike.
Read the rest of this entry »
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February 11, 2009 at 10:11 am (Rioja, Wine, Wine Tastings)
Tags: Wine, Wine Courses, wine vineyard tours
In the heart of the famous Spanish wine region of La Rioja, Dinastía Vivanco wine cellar, wine museum and research foundation is home to The Foundation’s Documentation Center.
It houses over 8,000 documents and works relating to vine growing and was awarded Best Of Art and Culture by The Great Wine Capitals International Network.
A visit here is included in two of the trips organised by Epicurean Ways for this year why not try:
- Wine Roads of Rioja & La Ribera del Duero
- Wine Lover’s Rioja
Both trips take place in May and September/October and spend half a day at the Dinastía Vivanco Museum and tour its bodega or cellar.
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January 10, 2009 at 11:59 am (Honeymoon, Lanzarote, Luxury Hotels, Private, Romantic Hotel, Rural, Small Hotels, Spanish Island, Unique)
The small Canary Island of Lanzarote boasts a growing crop of quality rural hotels. Check out this new addition – Casa del Hilario.
Boutique Hotel, Lanzarote, Casa de Hilario
Casa de Hilario has been created from a finca named after the hermit Hilario, who according to folklore was the only human left in the region after the volcanic eruptions of 1730 to 1736.
Lanzarote Casa deHilario bedroom
The seven bedroom property combines the best aspects of a rural retreat with all of the modern creature comforts normally associated with the best boutique hotels.
Situated in the National Park of Timanfaya with fantastic sea views Casa de Hilario is sure to please.
Thanks to Nick Ball from the Lanzorote Guide Book
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January 9, 2009 at 12:48 pm (Cruises, Unique, Wine Tastings)
Tags: Mediterranean Cruises, speciality cruises, wine vineyard tours
Silversea Cruises announce some new routes for Oenophiles this year. The luxury cruise line have put into place 11 Wine Series trips for this year.
Silverwind Cruise Ship from Silversea Cruises
Enjoy sampling some high-end vintages and learning about the art of making wine with special tastings and lectures by wine professionals and vineyard owners.
Some of the shore excursions will also give you the option to explore famous wine regions.
The Mediterranean Cruise on July 6 will be hosted by fashion icon Salvatore Ferragamo who owns Il Borro the award-winning wine estate in Tuscany.
This particular cruise on the Silver Wind is a 12-day trip from Southampton, UK to Monte Carlo with port stops in Cadiz, Malaga, Ibiza, Barcelona (overnight), Cannes, Menton, Livorno and Corsica.
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December 5, 2008 at 10:29 am (Wine)
Tags: Spanish wine, best wine Spain
According to the U.S. magazine Wine Spectator, six Spanish wines have made it into its annual Top 100 List. The list is their 2008 pick of the top 100 wines in throughout the world.
The six Spanish wines that are included are, in number order:
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34 – Condado de Haza Ribera del Duero Crianza 2005
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36 – Bodegas y Viñedos Maurodos ToroSan Román 2004
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52 – Bodegas LAN Rioja Reserva 2004
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65 – Bodegas Muga Rioja Reserva 2004
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71 – Bodegas Sierra Cantabria Rioja Crianza 2004
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90 – Churchill Douro Churchill Estates 2006
With christmas just around the corner what better time to sample some of the best Spanish wines or plan a visit to the wineries that produce the best. Cheers!
See here for the full Wine Spectator list
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