I recently visited Berlin for work and combined it with a lovely family weekend. Berlin, the epitome of dynamism is profoundly proud of its eventful history and a true trendsetter at the same time. Cheerfully greeted by the typical Berlin “twang” visitors quickly realize that this is a city, which does not hide its imperfections and is truly authentic. As a result, many love Berlin and some… well, some do less.
Much has been written about Berlin’s historic and iconic sites and I won’t bore you by repeating them. Just a word on sites, if you are a first time visitor make sure to plan in at least two days.
Let’s focus on the essential: Food!
Borchardt
Frequented by those who make movies and those who either are or want to be in them, it is near to impossible to visit this restaurant without running into at least one or two people who will seem vaguely familiar. The restaurant features a brasserie-type interior with soaring ceilings and art-nouveau interior. In terms of the food – well don’t hold your breath. Borchardt serves decent comfort food and its famous Wiener Schnitzel but it isn’t the food that people come here for but rather the admittedly high odds of dining next to somebody famous. The service can be a bit snotty at times but hey – this is Berlin. http://www.borchardt-restaurant.de
Grill Royal
Yet another establishment, which caters to those who either want to see or be seen, Grill Royal caters solid comfort food. Make sure to book a few days in advance if you want to score a table here as tables are sought after throughout the year. http://www.borchardt-restaurant.de/
The Grand
This building used to be an orphanage. Today it is home to a trendy restaurant specialized on high quality meat dishes such as Kobe and a paradise for any true carnivore. The interior is shabby chic however decisively more on the chic side of things. Later in the evening the restaurant turns into a club and is therefore perfect for a Friday evening out. www.the-grand-berlin.com/
If you want to burn some calories amongst all that dining and wining make sure to stop by KaDeWe which is my absoulute shopping favourite in Berlin and offers a great selection of high end fashion, an endless selection of perfumes and a very well sorted Chanel boutique.
Where to stay:
Hotel de Rome This stylish hotel used to be a Bank and has retained its original features. It hosts a luxurious spa and gym. The spacious rooms are comfortable and the breakfast selection is generous and healthy but really, it was the delicious green smoothies which won us over. The entire staff is friendly and the concierge service is knowledgeable and very helpful. hotelderome.grandluxuryhotels.com/
Maputo, the bustling capital city of Mozambique is a 4 hour drive from Kruger park. While the city doesn’t have much to offer culturally it is worth a quick visit: Solana Hotel is Maputo’s premiere address and offers all your regular 5 star amenities, a outdoor large pool and a generous spa.
From there, la bonne vivante heads to Tofo. The village is a 20 minute drive from Inhambane, a tiny airport which offers direct flights from Maputo. Tofo is famous for its diving and in particularly the opportunity to view whale sharks and humpback whales.
The village itself only consists of two streets, a handful of restaurants and a dive center and those who come here are usually either divers or surfers. Tofo is famous for humpback whales which visit the area from July to October. In addition, divers have a good chance of spotting whale sharks, turtles and sharks. At 5 pm the restaurants and bars tend to fill as the sun sets early.
Where to eat:
Branko’s is a busy pizza joint popular with tourists and divers. At night the tiny shack is packed. In addition to pizza it also offers meat and prawns on a hot stone. Tofo Beach, Tel: +258 84 066 6470
All you want offers Italian cuisine and local specialties and possibly Tofo’s best Mojitos. They also host regular life music. Tel: 258 84 929 6936
Green turtle at Barra beach is a 20 minute drive from Tofo and arguably the best restaurant in the area. The French owners offer a selection of seafood and local dishes in a beautiful location right by the long, deserted stretches of sand. +258 82 026 0580
Where to stay
Casa na Praia hosts Tofo’s most prominent location right by the beach and offers various categories of rooms. The African bungalow is the most spacious and luxurious with good breakfast.Tofo Beach, Tel: +258 82 821 5921 http://www.casanapraiatofo.com/en/start
Casa Barry lodge is located next to Casa na Praia and offers a hostel like ambiance. The lodge offers a lunch and dinner menu however pack up some patience and the service can take time.http://www.casabarry.com, Tel: 27 31 767 0111
Diving
Diversity Scuba is a friendly and professional diving school in the center of Tofo. If you plan on diving in Tofo don’t forget pack up your anti motion sickness medication as the ride on a rubber dinghy get can a bit bumpy and the sea can get rough. http://www.diversityscuba.com/
Originally a rose and macadamia farm, the owners at Summerfields decided to add an exclusive retreat and we understand why the minute we arrive. The resort blends in beautifully into its surrounding and emanates a truly fairy tale like charm . It hosts 2 restaurants, a spa and 12 tented suites fittingly named after flowers. The surrounding, set within the lush green South African nature by a river, is both breathtakingly beautiful and soul soothing. The birds are chirping, the sun is shining and we fall in love with the unique beauty of this place. While the resort has become the centerpiece of Summerfield, it is still also a rose and macadamia farm. Many of the produce are used in the resort. If you are interested in roses, ask for a tour with Ilse, the owner and get a glimpse behind the scenes of the rose farming business.
A perfectly relaxing day at Summerfield
Start your day with a bath in the fabulous outdoor bath tub while the sun rises and nature awakes. Breakfast and Lunch are both served at the River cafe. From there you can see the crocodiles sunbathing lazily and indulge in a healthy yet delicious breakfast which includes homemade juices, exotic fruit, macadamia butter and a variety of hot breakfast plates. Afterwards, put on your running shoes and explore the resort and its macadamia farm on Summerfield’s very own 5 km park run. Alternatively relax with a book or take a sunbath by the pool overlooking the river.
In the afternoon, enjoy soul pampering treatments at the splendid spa set out in various wooden pavilions. The spa offers a variety of massages and beauty treatments. Indulge in the Charlotte Rhys treatment, which starts with an exfoliating body scrub and detoxifying body wrap. While your skin is detoxing you will enjoy a relaxing facial. The professional staff spa will ensure an unfortgettable experience at the Summerfield Spa.
Dinner is served at the Summerfield Kitchen which offers fine dining cuisine. The candle-lit terrace sets just the right tone for a romantic evening with your better half. The menu changes regularly and includes fresh, homegrown ingredients from the resort’s very own kitchen garden. We were particularly intrigued by the delicious desert menu. The list of wines includes a great local selection and the wine savy staff will make sure you’ll pair it well with your meal. The service at Summerfield is welcoming and the friendly team will go out of their way to make sure your stay isn’t anything but perfection. We truly enjoyed our stay at Summerfield and look forward to returning some day.
La bonne vivante tip: Due to its romantic setting Summerfield is ideal for honeymooners.
Summerfields Rose Retreat & Spa
www.summerfields.co.za R 536 Sabie Road, Hazyview, 1242, South Africa, Tel: +27 13 737 6500
In search of a perfect holiday combining wild life, nature and relaxation La bonne Vivante packed her battered suitcase for yet another adventure; South Africa’s Kruger Park. If you are a fan of safaris and in search of the big 5, South Africa’s Kruger Park is a must see destination. With over 19’000 square kilometers and countless species, it is one of the largest game reserves in Africa.
Imbali lodge – They got game!
The Imbali lodge is one out of 3 lodges managed by the same owners. All lodges have been designed impeccably and decorated according to their individual themes. We absolutely loved the Hoyo Hoyo lodge with African decorating elements and the signature color orange. The intimate lodge can host 6 guests and is a perfect hideaway if you are looking for a guilt-free getaway from electronic disturbances as the lodge doesn’t have internet.
The Imbali lodge on the other hand captivates guests with its classic and colonial interior design and a beautiful terrace in front of the watering hole. There are 12 lodges available, which have been kept in dark wood and have been furnished elegantly with old school leather couches just perfect for snuggling into. The day consists of a morning and an afternoon drive. In between those, guests will have plenty of time to relax, lunch and read. In the evening, a 3 course dinner awaits the intimate group of guests who will be entertained by the rangers and their fascinating tales of Kruger’s wildlife. Staff at the lodge is very friendly and the cuisine is fantastic. After an entertaining dinner, we are accompanied on the short walk to our room and are reminded that while surrounded by all the conveniences one can wish for we are still in the middle of the African veldt.
The early bird catches the worm. If you are new to the game driving business, your first lesson is likely going to be that they start really early. Our morning drive begins at 5.30 am. Amongst the splendid nature amidst sunrise there is plenty of wildlife to see and once the first elephants, rhinos and giraffes come to pay us a visit we understand why we got up so early.
If you are lucky, you might spot a Lion and although we did not, our ranger went out of his way to try and find some for us. Prior to returning to our lodge, we are served hot tea and biscuits and warm up in the golden morning sun. What a lovely way to say goodbye to the Kruger Park.
Imbali Lodge
Tel: +27 (0) 11 516 4367 / +27 (0)11 463 3070, Lodge direct +27 (0) 13 735 8917, email: lodge@imbali.com, http://imbali.com
![imbali_safari_lodge_pool2[1]](http://www.labonnevivante.ch/wp-content/uploads/2015/10/imbali_safari_lodge_pool21.jpg)
Impressive history, a fantastic culture mix and very friendly people…this is the essence of Malta. La bonne vivante spent an amazing weekend on this diverse island!
A bit more than a two-hour flight from Zurich, Malta is a perfect get away for a mini break. Due to its southern Mediterranean location, temperatures stay up high through most of autumn and it is an ideal location to escape from Northern European damp-cold November drizzle.
La bonne vivante has packed up our recommendations on Malta’s most historic sights, most fabulous restaurants and smartest hotels. Malta offers a great variety of activities for every type of traveler. Want to sun worship? Check. See loads of ancient sites and museums? Check. Dive incredible wrecks? Check
La Bonne Vivante put together a compact travel medley for you.
Sights & Culture:
Mdina
In medieval times Mdina was called Cittá Notabile – the Noble City as this was the preferred residence of the Maltese aristocracy. Today it is called the silent city. With its golden stone walls, medieval buildings and patios Mdina emanates a dreamy, unreal charm. It is best to be visited in the late afternoon when the flocks of tourists have left.. As it hosts a few very good restaurants this is also a great place to come to for dinner.
Valletta
The capital of Malta is a historic gem. It was ruled successively by the Phoenicians, Greeks, Carthaginians, Romans, Byzantines, Arabs and the Order of the Knights of St John. With 320 monuments it has been named a Unesco World Heritage.
Diving:
Malta and Gozo can boast a nice selection of dive spots, amongst them some of the best Mediterranian wreck dives. La bonne vivante can recommend the Um el Faroud ship wreck close to the Blue Grotto. The wreck is well preserved and a 15 minute swim from the shore.
P29 is another wreck which has become a popular dive site.
If you have more time or want to devote an entire day to diving, travel to Gozo and dive at the Blue hole.
Dive Systems is a professional dive center with friendly, competent staff.
Tower Point – Exiles Tower Road, Sliema SLM 1601, Malta +356 2131 9123, www.divesystemsmalta.com
Relax:
If there is one thing that Malta doesn’t have in plenty it is sandy beaches. Most of the beaches you will come across are either rocky or there is simply no beach at all. Amerie bay in the north of the island offers a small but sandy stretch of beach with Caribbean like, turquoise waters and a beautiful view of the island of Gozo. Spend a relaxing afternoon at Baia’s , Malta’s chicest beach club and relax with a glas of something sparkling. www.baiabeachclub.com/
Restaurants:
Medina in Mdina offers one of the most romantic settings in an ancient building. In the summer, book a table on the beautiful patio and indulge in fresh, innovative Mediterranean cuisinewww.medinarestaurantmalta.com
Barracuda is a popular seafood restaurant in St. Julian. The picturesque setting with a view on Saint Julian’s harbor and friendly service make this a convenient choice if you are staying in St. Julien, 194 Tower Road, Sliema, Malta +356 2133 1817
Do Brazil offers Churascos of meat or fish. With large portions and a salad bar Do Brazil caters comfort food and offers a large cocktail menu. www.themarinarestaurants.com
Where to stay:
The Meridian in St.Julian offers a beautiful sea view, modern infrastructure, a roof top pool and friendly staff. This is also a good choice for families.
Main Street, St Julian’s STJ1017, Malta +356 2311 0000, www.lemeridienmalta.com
The Westin Dragonara in Sliema is another good choice with direct access to the ocean and a spacious pool area.
St Julian’s, Malta +356 2138 1000, www.westinmalta.com/
Lisa St. Aubin de Teran once said “Travelling is like flirting with Life. It’s like saying: I would stay and love you but I have to go” La Bonne Vivante found this to be particularly true at our recent trip to the Amalfil coast and has fallen head over heels with the beauty of the landscape, the food and the people. The more you travel the more difficult it becomes to be wowed by places. The Amalfi coast however oozes beauty and it is difficult not to be impressed by this Southern Italian paradise. La Bonne Vivante can’t wait to share our recommendations of what to do where!
Naples – If you are travelling by plane you might be faced with the question on whether you want to spend a day in Naples as is tends to be a starting point for most. The answer to that question is…it depends. Some people refer to Naples as one of the most dangerous cities in Europe. The economic inequality is visible everywhere and manifests itself in the graffiti, deteriorating facades and the complete absence of high-end Italian fashion stores. In short, Naples exudes a very particular charme which seems a lot closer to Havanna than to sophisticated Rome or fashionable Milan. If you are interested in getting a glimpse behind the scene of beautiful coast line and see some of the real Italian south it is recommendable.
Naples offers a range of affordable hotels. Hotel Oriente is located in the center of Naples. The building doesn’t look like much from the outside however the interior has been renovated with a lot of attention to detail and the rooms are modern and spacious. Breakfast is served on the roof top terrace with boasts an amazing view of Naples.
What to do: Venture through the chaotic streets of Centro Storico (a Unesco world heritage) absorb the atmosphere and dine at the harbor in one of the many restaurants. From Naples rent a car and drive to the coast. On the way, stop by Pompej and visit the ruins of this city swept away by a volcanic eruption of nearby Vesuvio.
Positano – This lovely town at the Amalfi coast is among the most popular. You understand why the minute you get there. Lemon trees, pastel colored houses built in the rock and a glorious view make this a unique place to travel. Excellent restaurants catering local dishes and the ubiquitous Limoncello paired with Turquoise ocean water will make you want to settle down here.
Where to stay: Villa Gabrisa is a charming, family owned hotel and offers individual rooms with nothing in common except for the glorious view. The hotel also offers a restaurant.http://www.villagabrisa.it/
Glamorous Hotel Il Sirenuse is where celebs put up at. The charming hotel also hosts a michelin starred restaurant; La Sponda. In the high season It is close to impossible to score a table at the last minute and you’d need to reserve well in advance. Alternatively come here for a leisurely lunch and indulge in the fresh and light menu and fantastic view.http://sirenuse.it/en
Another restaurant with an amazing view is the Capitano specialized in sea food. The menu is large, service is slow but the food is good.http://www.hotelmontemare.it/
ll Palazzo at the Murat Hotel is another Michelin star restaurant set in a cute little terrace. This is one of the few restaurants in Positano without a view however the food is amazing and the service is lovely.http://www.palazzomurat.it/de/restaurant-im-positano-al-palazzo
Capri – From Positano take a ferry and visit the beautiful island of Capri, which is über-charming however overcrowded by day tourists. Take a boat and visit the many grottos inlcuding the famous grotta azurra unless you visit Capri in the season. In the high season the approximate waiting time is 4 hours and no, it is not worth it. Take the train up to Capri’s center or, for a fitness challenge, walk up. Up in the city center visit the Carthusia perfume store. Legend has it he father of the Carthusian Monastery of Saint James picked a flower bouquet for the upcoming visit of Queen Giobanna. When the flowers were thrown away he noticed that the water had acquired a fragrance unknown to him and Capri’s first perfume was born.
