Live like the Bachelor

Posted by Staff in Europe, Luxury Monday, Switzerland

The Victoria-Jungfrau Grand Hotel & Spa, nestled between two stunning Alpine lakes and at the foot of the majestic Jungfrau mountain in Switzerland, played host to Bachelor Ben Flajnik and his bevy of beautiful bachelorettes, Courtney Robertson, Lindzi Cox, and Nicki Sterling, on the ninth episode of ABC’s The Bachelor. Luckily for all Bachelor fans, a romantic Swiss getaway is no longer just an idle daydream. Those wishing to follow in the footsteps of Bachelor Ben can do just that with the Victoria-Jungfrau’s Bachelor’s Rose package.

Ben’s date activities at the Victoria-Jungfrau included a candlelit dinner in the hotel’s elegant Salon Rouge and a scenic picnic lunch prepared by the hotel. At night, things heated up when Bachelor Ben chose to spend the night in the Fantasy Suites on three separate occasions with each bachelorette. To replicate the passion and glamour of these dates, the package includes a picnic basket and a candlelit dinner for two in the Salon Rouge as well as breakfast in bed and couples pampering in the hotel’s wellness wing, which is home to an ESPA treatment center and the world’s only SENSAI SELECT SPA.

Fortunately one of the show’s nerve-wracking rose ceremonies is not included; however, the hotel’s lakeside location, stunning views of the Alps, and the city’s Old World charm will certainly inspire The Bachelor-style romance.

Drainpipe living

Posted by Staff in Austria, Budget Thursdays

If you happen to by kayaking in the Austrian city of Ottensheim, you will come across three lonely segments of concrete drainage pipe hanging out on the shores of the Danube River.  No, a lazy construction company did not leave it’s trash out…..it is actually a hotel….Dasparkhotel to be exact.

Dasparkhotel has turned three large sections of drainpipe into a boutique budget hotel. Located in a grassy park, the seven foot wide pipes are fitted with a large double bed, side table, lamp and a small window; also located on the property are a cafe, bar and restrooms.

“A cause des garcons”

Posted by Staff in France, Travel Tunes

Had this fabulous French tune in my head all weekend and I thought I would pass it along…the song is called “A Cause Des Garcons” and is by the uber-talented Yelle…enjoy!

Sublime tranquility in Oia

Posted by Staff in Greece, Luxury Monday

Clinging to the cliffs of the magical Greek isle of Santorini, the Katikies Hotel is a white refuge hanging above the deep blue Aegean Sea.

Although this five star hotel is known for it’s stunning views and fabulous service, some guests are surprised at how simple the rooms are considering the high-price…but what you pay for here is location, location, location. The hotel is located in the picturesque town of Oia…which is the posterchild of Greece with it’s white buildings, cobalt blue domed roofs and windmills…even if you have never heard of the place I guarantee you have seen a picture of it.

The maze of steps that connect all the hotel’s rooms and common areas are what makes the place so magical…with the added benefit of a involuntary workout. An especially breathtaking part of the hotel is the main infinity pool, which hangs off a cliff and offers completely unobstructed views of the sea. 

Each room has it’s own private terrace where your complimentary breakfast is served each morning…but seclusion does not end in your room, as the Katikies is full of secret nooks where you can feel as if you are the only guest on the island, making this the ultimate destination for romance. 

So if you are looking for dream-like serenity in a white cloud…Katikies is your answer…katikies.com