Where Romeo meets Julia in a hip way!

Welcome to the Byblos Art Hotel Villa Amista!

My travel advice for an extended summer holiday: Spend some hip days in Verona and find some bargains in North Italy's factory outlets. 

The Byblos Art Hotel Villa Amista is an old Villa with hip and modern furnitures and a lot of art and design, everywhere you look. To be sure in advance - this is not a place for children! The paintings of naked woman and men will not be everyone's taste, but if you do not mind for an extra portion of art, then the Villa Amista is the perfect place to keep your mind in peace with you.

The rooms are not that small, although we got uprgaded to a Deluxe Room. The Deluxe room was located in the Garden wing, and therefore we had a really nice ceiling with lots of paintings. The room itself was really tastefully designed, while the bathroom reminded me of a normal 5-star property in Italy - no design or anything modern! 

The bathroom toiletries were terrible, not only the fact that they were no-name ones, also the smell was more like chemical as relaxing. When you take a look, it says they were made in Spain, so not even an Italian Product. 

The Lobby is one of the most beautiful places in the house and is also the meeting point for everyone. From here you can go to the rooms, to the reception, to the outdoor pool, or you can have a drink at the bar.

The spa on the Basement was used to be managed by Henri Chenot a few years ago, and today it is a kind of city spa - nothing special and really small. They use Byblos Products and the jacuzzi looks very crowded if there are more than 4 people in it. The sauna and steam bath en-suite are also nice and the fitness center is situated in a private pavillon, which looks really cool, although it is not large, too.

The Byblos Art Hotel Villa Amista is a nice place to stay during a city trip in Verona or Touring the Outlets of Northern Italy! Rooms are available from 200 Euros per night and room including a lavish buffet breakfast!

http://www.byblosarthotel.com/

Insider's Getaway - Prague Summary

My last seven weeks in one of Europe's most beautiful city were great! As you should always quit when it isbest, I will leave Prague this Friday to go back to Austria.

During my time in Prague I tested some of Prague's best restaurants and places and I also showed them to you on my last two Restaurant-Checks. Today, I will present you my absolute favourite places in Prague - a small Summary so to say!

1. Cotto Crudo (the following three pictures)
First of all my new favourite restaurant is the new CottoCrudo at the Four Seasons Hotel. Of course that may sound strange, but it is not so much more expensive than other mid-range italian restaurants in Prague. I had excellent Vitello Tonnato (also better than in some Restaurants in Italy) and afterwards Saffron Risotto at its finest. I had no space for any dessert, but I got some housemade Cantuccis free of charge. The service? Four Seasons! Do I really have to say more? It could not be better. At nearly 1000 CZK for Dinner-for-one not cheap but well worth.
If you have reserved in advance or you're only lucky, get some tables with castle view!!
http://www.cottocrudo.cz/

 2. The Café Savoy (the next three pictures)
Wow, this was my place to relax in the evenings and to wake-up in the mornings. I had nearly every weekend breakfast at this place. The Savoy breakfast is not only very good by Prague standards it is also cheap - at about 150 CZK per person. The fresh orange juice is seperte at 88 CZK. If you are here, try the famous "Dort Savoy" - the Savoy Cake - you won't be disappointed. It is definitely one of the best cakes, I've ever had. The Café Savoy is also a place to have a late-night drink with friends. Just go there whenever you like and whenever you are in this area. http://cafesavoy.ambi.cz/cz/

3. Cantinetta Fiorentina (picture below)
I always went to this place when I was seeking for holidays. Whenever I was sitting inside or on the glamerous Pariska street, this nice restaurant reminded me of a real Fiorentine Cantinetta, like it can be found in rural Tuscany. This restaurant is not just look-alike-fake. No, it also offers the best bread and olive oil in an italian restaurant in Prague. If we talk about the bill, I have to be honest and I should mention that the Pariska street is simply THE most expensive part in town, so are the prices and of course the guests! http://www.cantinetta.cz/

Last but not least my favourite place to hang around and spend the lazy Sundays:

4. Boscolo Wellness & Spa Prague
When the life of being a single really sucked, I went there to sleep this lazy day away! I was clever enough not to pay these high prices for the average treatments, so I booked a special offer through my Special City Concierge Lime & Tonic, and I immediately got the treatments for at least 30-40% cheaper. The staff is very attentive and very kind. They greet you warmely and you feel welcome from the first moment. The pool is the largest I've seen in a Hotel Spa in Prague and is not cold at 28°. http://prague.boscolohotels.com/spa-and-wellness/

If you want to have more tips or hints of if you want to know anything about Prague, please do not hesitate to contact me: travel.executive@yahoo.de

Insider's Getaway - a Weekend in Florence

Its summer at its best and when else should you make holidays - if not now? 

One of my favourite places to be on this planet is the beautiful Tuscany in Italy. That's the reason why I would like to invite you to a small trip through the capital of this magnificent region.

1. Florence is one of Italy's largest cities and therefore very famous for its food and beverages. The most famous wine is the Chianti, which grows about 10 km south of Florence. The most famous dish in Florence is of course "La Bistecca Fiorentina" - the T-Bone Steak Florentine Style. Although you have to be a large group of people to eat this kind of meat, this is one of my favourite dishes. The best place to try such fabulous Bistecca is the Ristorante Da Delfina in the picturesque town of Artimino, about 20 minutes south-west of Florence.
http://www.dadelfina.it/

2. For all of you who thibk Florence is just well known for its Renaissance buildings, arts and food: One of the worlds most famous and oldest pharmacies is located on Piazza Santa Maria Novella, just between the main station and the Piazza Duomo. The Officina Profumo Farmaceutica di Santa Maria Novella is a museum and beauty store in one building, which should not be missed by beauty friends. http://www.smnovella.it/

3. If you are seeking for a masterpiece of Florentine perfume, then head on to Lorenzo Villoresi, Ortigia or Dr. Vranjes. If you cannot effort these high-price waters, you should just walk-in in these flagship-stores of Ortigia and Dr. Vranjes - it is really worth a visit!
http://www.ortigiasicilia.com/ 
http://en.drvranjes.it/
http://www.lorenzovilloresi.it/

4. Wanted ever to visit the world famous "Uffizi" Gallery. Oh yeah, it is really worth waiting. Although there is a fast-speed access via Online booking, you still have to wait in a queue to get your tickets. Skip the line at Uffizi Gallery

5. Stay like a Florentine Nomad at the Lungarno Collection Hotels. If you checked in at one of the four Florence properties and you do not feel 100 percent authentic, then take a shower with real Salvatorre Ferragamo "Tuscan Soul" amenities and you will immediately know where you are. Room rates start at 140.00 euros at the Gallery Art Hotel. 
http://www.lungarnocollection.com/de/

Restaurant-Check Prague - Part 2

Duck breast with baked mashed potatoes

4.) U Modré Kachnicky (Blue Duckling)

If you pass by the glamerous Mandarin Oriental Hotel and then turn right, you will read the sign of the restaurant. Despite the really bad look from outside, do not pass by at this restaurant - be man enough to open the door! One of Prague's finest restaurants will await you behind the door. We had some great duck breast which was flambé in front of us, as a side dish we chose baked mashed potatoes, which were quite excellent. The dessert was expensive as hell - 8 Euros for a Blackforest Cake - to be honest -  fully worth each Penny. 

Starters from 8-19 euros, main courses from 16-30 Euros. 

http://www.umodrekachnicky.cz/en/original/welcome

Duck breast "flamé en salle"

5.) La Bottega di Finestra

Last but not least my top favourite place for a fast and convenient dinner or late lunch. This casual atmosphere is perfect in my opinion. You can not only have a great meal there - no, you can also buy the best italian products in the whole Czech Republic. The prices? Not bad, I would say. When I was there the last time I paid about 500 CZK for Beef tartar, Lasagne and a housemade lime lemonade - which I highly recommend to try - there is a choice between Lime, Orange, Melon, Grapefruit and some berries.

Starters from 5-8 euros, main courses from 10-22 Euros. 

http://www.labottega.cz/

Restaurant-Check Prague - Part 1

Prague. During the next weeks, I will present some of my favourite hot-spots in my hometown for June, July and half of August 2013. There are several options for having a great evening - the best ones will follow up on my blog during the next 5 weeks. Although Prague has many Italian restaurants, and of course no bad ones (!), you should definitely try typical Czech cuisine. 

1.) Kogo Slovansky dum (picture above)

My absolute favouirite place to have a business lunch or fancy dinner! Cool italian restaurant with probably one of the best fish dishes in Prague. The Pizzas and Pastas are great as well. Vitello Tonnato should not be missed, as one Dolci for a great end of the evening. The location is great as well, next to the Municipal House and the Powder Tower, perfectly situated in a green oasis.

Starters from 5-15 euros, main courses from 13-23 Euros. 

http://www.kogo.cz/en/kogo-slovansky-dum/kogo-slovansky-dum/

2.) Cestr Steak Restaurant (picture above and below)

Top-Secret Hot-Spot far away off the beaten tourist track, but still not too far for Prague's Food Lovers, or those enjoying a great evening with friends. Great steaks from Czech cattle, you can choose from which part you want your steak and of course how long it should be grilled on charcoal. The beer is served in nice cans and the menu consists of a personal envelope which can be taken home. The dessert was great as well. There is also a terrace with a more cool atmosphere. 

The best steak (Tenderloin) and therefore the most expensive course -  is around 23 Euros. 

http://cestr.ambi.cz/en/

The best steak in town - altough it is from Czech Republic!

3.) Marina Grosseto Ristorante (picture above and below)

Not on my favourite's list, but still a great venue for a nice dinner, especially for those not having enough time in Prague to see everything. The view to the castle and the Charles Bridge comes up to nearly everything - that's also the reason why I come again to this restaurant. The service is not everywhere the same - some servers are great and some are definitely not! Food is good and pizza is also above average. Although the location is exceptional, the prices are average - not too high for the quality offered. 

Starters from 6 euros, pizza/pasta from 6 euros and main courses are starting at 14 Euros.

Following you can find some dishes we had during our evening.

http://www.grosseto.cz/en/marina

Travel Offer - Alpine luxury in Lienz, Austria

If you have not yet booked you holiday and you do still not know where to go, we might have an offer that fits perfectly into your summer holidays. If you are unsure to book now, think on your wallet:

GRAND HOTEL LIENZ AND SPA

Package for 2 adults includes: ·         5 nights at the Grand Hotel Lienz in a Superior Suite with 1 king bed, 410 square feet and Balcony Taxes Booking Conditions: Price includes hotel taxes only. Any additional taxes, service charges or resort fees will be payable to the hotel directly. Package is subject to promotional rate availability, and additional restrictions or conditions may apply. If you have specific dates in mind, contact us to confirm that the hotel has availability for this special package. Price includes hotel taxes only. Any additional taxes, service charges or resort fees will be payable to the hotel directly. Price total: ·         615,00 USD taxes included Rate for 5 nights and 2 adults

We would be more than glad to receive your enquiry!
Please do not hesitate to contact our Travel Agency via the following email address to book this incredible offer. If you would like to call us, email us for the number!

Travel Executive On-Line: travel.executive@yahoo.de www.travelexecutive.jimdo.com www.travelexecutive.blogspot.com

Insider's Guide - "Upgrade your travel style"

You know the feeling when you would like to stay at the best hotel in city, but you are not able or willing to pay the high prices?

Then you should try the new hotel platform "EASYNEST". This is definitifely the best way to stay at any of the world's best hotels at the half price! 

Do you still stay in a Classic Room? 
For example, I just found The Dorchester Hotel in London for 200 Euros per night instead of 400! This rate is not even for a Classic room - it's the luxurious Executive Suite.
This hotel does never have any kind of special offers, however now it's affordable! 

Another example is the Four Seasons in New York and in Hongkong where your stay will cost under 300 USD.

The terms and risks:
The only term is that you have to be in the city and in the hotel, at that date, the "Easynester" booked. Of course you can also start an enquiry and Easynest will help you finding a roommate. 

The risk you have is that you do not know your travel partner personally, but as the website was just born, there are only 5-10 users online. So in my opinion there is no high risk yet!

Just try it and start staying at the world's most luxurious hotels for a bargain!

http://www.easynest.com/