Oman, the country of deserts, spices and frankincense exerts a special fascination. Unlike its flashy sisters Dubai, Abu Dhabi and Doha, Muscat has maintained a more earthy and pristine charm, partly also because the country does not allow for buildings to be higher than a palm tree. Oman’s modernization only started in 1970 when Sultan Qaboos seized power. While many new buildings appeared, the old city of Muscat seems unimpressed by the efforts of modernization which have taken place in the country . Embraced by volcanic mountains, Muscat still radiates its ancient Arabic charm. A visit to Oman certainly offers enough activities for a week of holidays however if you are pressed for time these are our tips for a short but very sweet stay in Muscat.
What to do:
Sightseeing:
Visiting the old city of Muscat and the Sultan’s palace is a definite must. Afterwards, stop by Muttrah souk which dates back 200 years and stock up on some beautiful Pashmina’s shawls, frankincense and local craft. Then visit the Al Alam Palace and take in the view of the Portuguese forts of Mirani and Jalali. At the end of your day head to the Royal Opera house and treat yourself to an exquisite dinner or a concert which are shown here regularly. Make sure to book your tickets well in advance as they are sought after. Note the restaurant does not serve any alcoholic beverages. Royal Opera House, Al Kharjiyah St · +968 24 403300, http://www.rohmuscat.org.om/
Diving/Snorkeling:
The Damaniyat Islands which comprise of nine uninhabited islands offer a breathtaking variety of fish and corals in crystal clear waters. To get there you will have to take the boat. The islands are situated roughly 30 minutes from the coastline. Dive centers offer half day trips for both Scuba divers and snorkelers. Be warned though, the sea can be rough at times and anti-motion sickness meds are recommended.
Where to stay:
When it comes to hotels, there is only one choice to consider; the Chedi. The hotel which opened in 2003 has certainly set new standards. Everything about this hotel emanates perfection and its minimalistic charm is eye soothing. If you can, stay in their suites which include a bar, a jacuzzi and private terrace, complimentary laundry service as well as access to the hotels club which serves complimentary cocktails and snacks every evening.
The hotel offers 3 pools and a private beach. Their longest pool is a stunning 110 meters long and allows for long swims. The hotel also offers a chic spa, a top notch gym and 2 restaurants all built into the hotel’s beautiful architecture. As the name suggests, their restaurant “The Beach” is situated right at the Beach and serves seafood. Alternatively visit the sushi restaurant for a romantic dinner on sunbeds by the long pool illuminated by oil pits.
![the-long-pool[1]](http://www.labonnevivante.ch/wp-content/uploads/2016/04/the-long-pool1.jpg)
Bubbly, bustling beautiful Barcelona is one of Europe’s top tourist destinations. With countless top notch restaurants, cool bars, great shopping and the ocean at its doorstep, Barcelona effortlessly fuses the feel of a metropolitan city with the ease of a beach resort. Proudly Catalán, Barcelona differs from other Spanish cities due to its linguistic diversity. Menus in most restaurants can be found in Catalán, Spanish and English. Barcelona’s avant-garde Gaudi architecture is reflected by its equally experimental and creative gastro scene. No first time visitor to Barcelona, this trip focused on exploring Barcelona’s culinary options and then burning these extra calories on extensive shopping trips.
Eat
Cinc Sentits
The minimalist entrance leads to this tiny restaurant which hosts roughly 10 tables. The interior is clean yet intimate and on a Friday night the restaurant is fully booked and fills up as time goes by.
Famous for its playful take on Catalán cuisine, Cinc Sentits has established itself as one of Barcelona’s best gourmet addresses. The menu is presented on 3 lanterns and the menu starts with a Pernod to get our taste buds prepared for a set of Tapas followed by various http://cincsentits.com/en/food/
La Bonne Vivante Tip: Ask for a table at the end of the restaurant as these are a bit more intimate.
La Boca Grande
Since its opening Boca Grande has become one of Barcelona’s coolest hangouts. Barcelona locals flock here however the news have spread and you’ll see some tourists too.
And not surprisingly so. The restaurant’s interior is gorgeous with a beautiful, luminated patio and cozy tables. The menu certainly does not try to reinvent the culinary wheel and focuses on safe choices such as Jamon iberico, fresh fish, oysters and meat. Everything is expertly prepared though. It also hosts an equally cool bar called Boca Chica with a creative cocktail list.
La Bonne Vivante Tip: While having dinner, let the waiter reserve a table at the bar for you as the bar can get pretty packed as the evening progresses.
Arola at the Barcelona Arts Hotel
What’s better than starting your Sunday morning with a relaxed brunch. After a walk by the by the beach, we venture to the Arola Hotel which serves a 3-4 course brunch on Sundays. The brunch menu includes one glass of Wine or Cava, croissants, a hot starter, your choice of eggs, a main course which includes seafood, risotto or pasta and a desert buffet. While we are more acquainted with brunch a discretion this menu based brunch was fun too. Brunch is served every Sunday from 1.30-3.30 pm. Address: -21, Carrer de la Marina, 19, 08005 Barcelona, Spain, Phone:+34 932 21 10 00
La Bonne Vivante Tip: After indulging in a rich buffet, relax with a glass of Cava and sunbath on the restaurant’s large terrace.
Sleep
The Mandarin Oriental Feel like Splurging? Well then this might be your next address. Located in chic Passeig de Gracia, the Mandarin Oriental offers luxurious rooms and impeccable service at an equally impressive price tag.nhttp://www.mandarinoriental.de/barcelona/?kw=barcelona-mandarin-oriental_b&htl=MOBCN&eng=Google_DE&src=PPC&gclid=CK_17PDOyssCFQtAGwodCNcBTw
Le Meridian at la Rambla Location is everything. Le Meridian offers functional, modern rooms and friendly service however it is the location which counts. Only steps away from Las Ramblas you are in the heart of the city. http://www.lemeridienbarcelona.com/
The Art Hotel Barcelona, Eat, sleep, repeat. Located right by the beach, the Art hotel hosts not one but two haute gourmet restaurants and is therefore ideal for travelers who like to keep their gastronomies choices within short reach. http://www.ritzcarlton.com/en/hotels/spain/barcelona?utm_campaign=TBPSEUEGPN23&src=ps&pId=rztbppc
Ok, I won’t beat around the bush. I simply don’t like the first months of the year. What could possibly be more depressing than these grey drizzly skies above Zurich and the lack of fun events and funds after some lavish Christmas celebrations. The first quarter of the year is all about detox, getting back in shape and the all too present question whether that umpteenth cinnamon star was worth the hours spent sweating in a group fitness class and getting shouted at by an über fit hulk of a fitness instructor. Then there is the bad weather with nothing to hope for than spring making it our way soon. And if that weren’t bad enough to stomach, the first months of the year are often insanely busy and stressful in most corporate jobs (well certainly in mine). It is so bad that the Germans have invented a word for it “Januarloch” or january hole in English.
Well hang on there, sisters! There is one remedy that never fails to put us back on an upbeat mood. And it goes by the name mini break! Here is my list of the best places to escape to in February:
Alpine relaxation in Kitzbühel: Treat yourself to a relaxing spa weekend at the Grand Tirolia Kitzbühel. You don’t have to be a skier to enjoy the amneties of the Tirolia. It has spacious, stylish rooms, a large array of breakfast, a great bar serving herb based signature cocktails and a gigantic spa with world class massages and facials. The service is warm and friendly and will go out of their way to make sure that your stay at the hotel isn’t anything but perfection. http://www.grand-tirolia.com/en/welcome.html. Oh, and yes Kitzbühel also boasts fantastic white slopes including the infamous Hahnenkamm. While you are there don’t miss out on a hearty dinner at Saukaserlstub’n, Kitzbühels cosiest restaurant where you can find the likes of Franz Beckenbauer enjoying his Spätzle. http://www.saukaserstube.at/
Arabian Nights in Oman: Sand bashig in the desert of Wahiba, exploring the city of Muscat, enjoying the many beaches and sunbathing at 28 degrees in February? Muscat is only a 6 hour flight from Zurich and a perfect destination for a mini break to escape the damp European weather. The Chedi Muscat offers a luxurious base for your adventures. http://www.ghmhotels.com/de/muscat/
Stay tuned, as a full travel review is coming up soon!
Culture in Barcelona: With pleasing temperatures of around 15 degrees (and up to 20 if the weather god is gracious to us) Barcelona offers a gigantic array of cultural activites. You can’t leave without visiting the Sagrada Familia and Parque Guell, both created by the amazing Gaudí. Museu Picasso and Fundació Joan Miró should also not be missed out on. Stay at Hotel Omm. This chic boutique hotel offers a central location and a floating fireplace in the lobby.
Stay tuned for a full travel review.
Baltho has moved into what used to be known as Zic Zac, a bar and nightclub and relic of Zurich’s nightlife which closed last year. The restaurant has been fully refurbished and nothing resembles its rampant past.
Ambiance:
Designed in a classic black and white theme, the restaurant’s interior is modern yet classic with a sleek elegance. The clear lines and simplicity allude to an art nouveau theme and with its round tables and sofa corners it somewhat resembles a modern brasserie. The glass windows give guests an open view of Baltho’s gastronomique heart, its kitchen. Everything about Baltho’s interior is unpretentious yet classic which perfectly mirrors its menu.
Menu:
The manageable menu at Batho does not comply with regional limitations. Along the lines of the motto: Anything works as long as it is tasty, it offers an interesting selection of casual dining with an eclectic twist. Some dishes are inspired by Asian cuisine however we also spot Engadine Capuns on the menu. We start off with the Bang Bang Chicken, Baltho’s signature dish which turns out to be fried chicken served with a fresh spinach ginger salad. Another of our favorites is an aromatic, smoked sweet potato soup served with a breaded cod. Just as any good casual dining restaurant Baltho features a burger served with generously thick French fries. The parpadelle with a sauce of tomatoes, pork and corn leaves us happily saturated. Our meanl is accompanied by a rich Barbera D’alba available by the glass. Instead of a desert we try a deilicous absinthe based cocktail which Baltho is offering in honor of 100 years of Dada Art currently celebrated in Zurich.
Summary: Baltho isn’t trying to re-invent the proverbial culinary wheel. Nothing here is overly complicated; instead it offers delicious yet simple cuisine paired with unassuming and friendly service and we think that’s great.
Tip: Baltho also houses a dim lit bar and you can even learn how to make cocktail every last Sunday of the month. We say cheers to that!
http://www.balthokuechebar.ch/
Zurich is a true playground for anybody who enjoys great food due to its variety of fantastic eateries. It is difficult to have a bad meal in Zurich. I constantly try out new places however there are only a few which I remain loyal to and which I frequent on a regular basis. To me these are true institutions in Zurich which represent its lifestyle and gastronomic soul best. I often get asked for a pick of my favorite restaurants in Zurich. Well, I have two lists – one for the summer and one for the winter. Here is my pick on Zurich’s best winter restaurants.
Tao’s – Well. what can I say, I simply love this place and have been coming here for the past 8 years. Tao’s feels right for a date night or a night out with your gals but I also had a business dinner here recently. It is perfect throughout all seasons with an elegant, über-cozy interior in the colder months of the year and a lovely bamboo terrace. The Asian fusion menu is comfort food at its best. From a culinary point of view it might not aim as high but to me this makes it all the better as it doesn’t set false expectations. My favorites include the Dim Sums and the Tuna served with Spinach. Read more: http://atasteofthetown.org/2013/12/15/taos-asian-fusion-comfort-food/
Lindenhofkeller – Lindenhofkeller is another of my absoulute all-time favorite. With its sophisticated, charming, cozy interior in the heart to Zurich, friendly service and possibly the best veal in town, you cannot go wrong with this place. According to the motto “Never change a winning horse” Lindenhofkeller is one of the most consistent restaurants in Zurich. Its menu and interior hasn’t changed much in the past 8 years since I have been coming here. Although the restaurant also has a patio for the summer months, Lindenhofkeller is perfect for the colder season. My favourite dishes include the veal and gnocchi served with Truffle both simply devouring. Read more: http://atasteofthetown.org/2013/12/15/lindenhofkeller-rustic-perfection/
Hirschberg – I discovered this place roughly 2 years ago and it has become one of my favorite winter restaurants. Hirchschberg is a family run Italian restaurant. The small restaurant is super charming and a feel good place due to its warm interior decorated with a lot of attention to detail. Albeit a small menu the food is simply fantastic and the service is so lovely that you don’t want to leave. My favourite treat? The discretionaly cantuccini and vin santo which is served at the end of every meal. Read more: http://www.labonnevivante.ch/2014/09/hirschberg-zurich-restaurant-review/
Au-Gust
Before we start let’s just clarify – Are you a Vegetarian? If the answer is yes and you have no immediate plans to change this don’t bother continuing to read. This place is not for you and it will make any Vegetarian cry in despair. Carnivores however might have found their new regular hang out in Zurich.
Ambance: Au-Gust which openend in 2015 at the Widder hotel looks and feel like a high-end butcher. The restaurant features a counter where chefs prepare sausages and other delicacies in front of the seated guests. The nut wood tables and black and white checked marble walls create a casual yet stylish ambiance. Tables cannot be reserved for groups smaller than 6 and it is recommended to get their early and go for an aperitif at Widder bar while you wait for your table. We waited approximately 20 which was just about right to indulge in a glass of Champagne and are welcomed cordially by an energetic chef de service.
The food: Let’s turn to the essential the meat, ehm sorry food. We start with a smoked salmon which is served with a delightfully spicy mustard. The Au-Gust salad which is made of lamb salad is ok but at 15 CHF we think it is a bit overpriced. Our Beef Gulasch which we order with Sauerkraut is creamy however lacks condiment. The meatloaf with an egg up the sunny side is excellent and the homemade spätzle which we order as a side dish are good too. At the end we make space for an apple strudel served with vanilla sauce which is mouth watering delicious. At 7 CHF it is very fairly priced.
Conclusion: Au-Gust is a great addition to Zurich’s gastro scene. We’d definetly come back for leisurly Saturday post shopping lunch.
Tip: Au-Gust also serves service breakfast.
http://au-gust.ch/