Having just returned from a splendid dive vacation in Curacao La Bonne Vivante can’t wait to bring you the very latest of this gorgeous island.
Sparkling turquoise beaches, idyllic coves and a cultural melting pot represent this windy island. Curacao’s turbulent past which included Spaniards establishing themselves on the island in 16th Century and the subsequent arrival of the Dutch has led to a diverse culture and an impressive linguistic diversity. The local language spoken is the Caribbean Papiamento however Curacao’s residents are also fluent in Dutch, English and Spanish. Willemstad, the island’s capital city looks like a minituare Amsterdam with colorful houses. The city has two parts, Punda and Otrabanda (Papiamento for “the other side” ) are separated by a floating bridge.
Curacao’s Top 5 Dive Sites:
With a coral reef surrounding pretty much most of the island, Curacao has a variety of dives accessible from the shore. As you don’t need a boat to reach most sites simply rent a car, grab a map, gear and your buddy and explore Curacao’s underwater wolrd.
Tug boat
This is a great, easy warm up dive. Start your dive at the pylons and further down you’ll see the tugboat. On your way to tugboat watch out for Seahorses, there is one which always hangs out here! The boat itself hosts a rich marine life and is encrusted by corals and you can spot large Tarpon Fish.
Tip: At the dive site you’ll come across lots of litter and bumpy streets. Don’t be put off by the uninviting surrounding . The underwater world is stunning.
The Superior Producer
This dive site has been ranked as one of Caribbean’s best reef dives and we think this is justified.In 1977 the superior producer was heading to Isla Margarita, and had planned on a stop in Curacao to stock up on fuel and supply. Heavily overloaded the ship ran into trouble and finally sunk just of the coast of Otrobanda. The wreck measures about 50 meters in length and sits upright on a sand plateau only 60 meters away from the shore, at a depth of about 30 meters. The shallowest part of the wreck is the top of the superstructure.
What is there to see: Orange cup corals, tube corals and sponges as well as large Tarpon Fish and Barracudas can be found.
Tip: Be aware that the entrance can be a bit rough with slippery stones and strong waves as well as currents and you’ll need booties. As this is a bit more challenging it is recommended for experienced divers. Less experienced divers should visit the site with a dive instructor
Playa Kalki or Alice in Wonderland
This dive spot is located on the western tip of the island. The dive site is beautiful, full of a rich marine life including lobsters, lion fish and colorful corals. This is a very relaxed dive which feels like a Sunday afternoon walk in the park. The entrance is fairly easy too.
Tip: There is a dive center just in front of the beach so you can rent your tanks right there or use the facilities for 5 USD per person.
Porto Marie
Another easy dive. This is also a popular beach which hosts a dive center and a restaurant. The site consists of a double reef with a sandy plateau in between.There is a good chance to see eagle rays here although were weren’t so lucky . The reef has a very varied coral growth with hard and soft corals with an abundance of lion fish and other rich marine life.
Tip: Rent your bottles at the local dive site and have a Deco beer at the restaurant just by the beach
Director’s bay
Another relaxed dive site easily accessible. The parking spot is located above the beach. The reef is at a very steep face that is grown with many different kinds of soft and hard corals like branching vase sponge, murrays and a large amount of fire fish.
Tip: Alternatively, start your dive at Barbara Beach further down the street and drift to Director’s bay. Make sure you stay shallow at around 6 meters and watch your air consumption carefully as the dive will take approx. 80 minutes. This is only an option for more experienced divers.
In general it is recommended not to leave anything of value in your car. The poverty rate is pretty high. Some leave their cars unlocked to prevent from broken car windows.
Stay:
Santa Barbara’s 5 star Beach hotel is a secluded, lovely hotel situated within the plantation of Santa Barbara. It hosts spacious rooms, two pools and a white sandy beach, a golf and tennis court and 2 restaurants. The staff is very forthcoming and will make you feel welcome. www.santabarbararesortcuracao.com/
Ill-reputed as an overcrowded party island full of Germans and Brits sipping Sangria out of 3 liter buckets and dancing to very simple-minded German Crooners, Mallorca has much more to offer than its “Ballermann” insanity.
With its pretty coves, lavender filled parks and a variety of restaurants the sun kissed Balearic island is a great place for bikers, foodies and sun worshippers alike. If you’d like to build up on your stock of beautiful Spanish fashion pieces there are plenty of opportunities in Palma as well.
Sights: Mallorca’s many tourist beach towns are predominantly populated by one group of tourists, whether its Germans or Brits. Palma on the other hand is one of the few places in Mallorca where locals and tourists mix. Visit the beautiful cathedral of Palma, venture around the harbor or visit Es Baluar, a contemporary art gallery which includes paintings by Miró, Barceló and Picasso.
Port Portals: Indisputably one of Mallorca’s chicest destinations. The small yacht harbor is faintly reminiscent of Saint Tropez although the Yachts are slightly smaller here. In the evening it’s a mix of well heeled tourists and locals who come here for dinner. For some people watching head to Cappuccino for an aperitif.
Rent a bike and explore the island – from Magaluf both Santa Ponca and Paguera are reachable within an hour. If you feel like burning some extra calories walk (or, dependent on your fitness level ) run up the long staircase in Santa Ponca. Up on the top you’ll be rewarded with an amazing view of Santa Ponca’s picturesque cove.
Restaurants:
Simply Fosh in the center of Palma was awarded a Michelin star last year. It offers a delicious 3 course lunch at a real bargain of 26 Euros in the middle of a tranquil patio. Not to be missed! Carrer de la Missió, 7A – 07003 Palma de Mallorca, Tel.: +34 971 720 114
You simply can’t visit Mallorca without a real tapas lunch. Tasts in the center of Palma is the perfect place to indulge in a variety of tapas such as camembert and Jamon Iberico accompanied by a good glass of Ribera del Duero. Don’t leave without having tried their delicious mini hamburguesas. Calle Unio, 2, 07001, Palma de Mallorca () · +34 971 729 878
For dinner head to Tahini, an upscale Sushi Restaurant at Port Portals. The dining areas are split across various heated glass cubicles, the interior is tasteful and elegant and the food is very good too. Plaça Portals, 2, 07184 Portals Nous, Illes Balears, Spanien, +34 971 67 60 25
What to wear: Mallorca is all about relaxed and chic fashion. Generally speaking the fashion worn here is less bohemian than in Ibiza and much more understated than in Saint Tropez.
These are our 3 must wear pieces every fashionista should have packed for a trip to Mallorca:
A white lined dress paired with wedge sandals will work everywhere – whether you are venturing through Palma or ready for a fancy dinner at Port Portals. This look won’t fail you.
Shorts in a signature colour (think red, blue or orange) and a silk top or blouse will make you look elegant. Wear it with flats (sandals or ballerinas) during the day and wedge sandals in the evening.
Accessories, Accessories, Accessories: long earrings, bangles and leather bracelets. Everything goes. After all, you are on vacation!
Where to stay:
ME Mallorca is a modern, trendy hotel in Magaluf next to Niki beach. The rooms are modern and relatively spacious and staff is very helpful. The hotel has recently been renovated and emanates a clean, beach club like charm. The rooms are moderately priced and range from € 80-120. Be warned though, if breakfast is not included it comes with a hefty price tag of 25 Euros per person. Avenida Notario Alemany 1, Valvia
A Michelin starred restaurant located in a single family home in a small village called Schlattingen? Intrigued by this unusual concept we ventured to the canton of Thurgau. From the outside 13 senses doesn’t look like much and there are no signs directing the way. It is obvious that this is a place that wants to be discovered. After turning a few rounds around Schlattingen we finally spot the entrance.
From the moment we arrive we are treated cordially and without a hint of some of the stiffness you’d sometimes find in restaurants with comparable stars and pricing. We instantly relax and feel as if we have been invited to an (admittedly lavish) dinner at a friend’s place in the countryside.
Ambiance: The intimate restaurant hosts approximately 6-7 tables split into two dining rooms kept in grey and white. The interior is minimalistic bordering sober with bright ceiling lights. A self-confessed fan of subtle, candle lit dining rooms la bonne vivante isn’t excited at first however during the course of the evening gets used to it. The warm and friendly service makes up for the glaring light but if we’ve had one wish it would be for the restaurant to reconsider their lighting.
The menu: 13 senses is decisively different in terms of venue & service. It comes at no surprise that they don’t have a menu in the traditional sense. Instead a “Sinnesturm” (tower of senses) is placed in the middle of our table. In it, we are told, we will find hints of what our 7 course surprise menu will consist of. Discovering the tower is a lot of fun and prepares our taste buds for the culinary adventures that await us.
The cuisine is made of high qualit y ingredients and some of the plates are visually striking as well. Our favorites included langoustes with peas, mushrooms and wasabi and a beetroot couscous. The corn breaded chicken with corn and a corn ravioli was…well just slightly too corny for our taste. The desert made of grapefruit sorbet was refreshing yet simple and left space for la bonne vivante’s favourite, a delicious filled chocolate cocoa …yummi! The wine menu offers variety at very reasonable pricing.
Conclusion: The restaurant offers excellent gourmet cuisine deservant of a Michelin star and at a fair price. Not all of the dishes blew our minds away but the overall experience is great an the service helmed by the lovely couple Kirstin und Cornelius Speinle is warm and attentive.
Tip: 13 Sinne also hosts an idyllic terrace for those warm balmy summer days coming up soon.
Madrid, Spain’s bubbly capital city offers a lot; fantastic food, an exciting nightlife, great shopping, friendly people and good museums. Yet, compared to Barcelona Madrid tends to end up in the second rank. Whether or not that’s fair is a question of taste. It is true though that Madrid and Barcelona are as different as chalk from cheese. It is difficult to compare Madrid’s very urban charm with Barcelona’s touristy, Catalonian vibe. La Bonne Vivante visited Madrid recently and can’t wait to bring you the latest on where to shop, eat and sleep.
Restaurants: If there is one thing that Madrileños enjoy it is eating. Whether it is Tapas or a long, 5 course menu, hearty meat dishes or refined Michelin starred cuisine or the ubiquitous Jamón Iberico ; you’ll find all of it in Madrid. For dinner, make sure to book a table after 10 pm unless you’d like to be identified as a tourist straight away.
Tapas: La Plaza de San Miguel is THE place for Tapas. In essence, Plaza San Miguel is a covered food market which serves everything from sweet to savory. Try the frozen yoghurt at La Yogueria which Prince Charles and Camilla couldn’t resist when they stopped by a few years ago.
Restaurant Almagro in Salamanca offers a stylish interior and excellent cuisine and to die for Truffle Ravioli. The value for money is good too. Address: Almagro, 10 Madrid, 28010, Madrid
Restaurant Iroco is a stylish restaurant which offers excellent Spanish cuisine. Most dishes can be ordered as a small portion which gives visitors the opportunity to try out various dishes. Adress: Velazqzuez 18, 28001 Madrid
Café de Oriente is located only steps away from Palacio real. Book a table in the restaurant’s beautiful and very romantic cellar and enjoy the decisively Spanish cuisine. Av. del Mediterráneo, 25, 28007 Madrid, Spanien, Tel+34 915 01 61 93
Hotels: Hotel Santo Mauro was the former residence of the Duke de Santo Mauro. The historic building has been refurbished tastefully and hosts an elegant and modern interior. The spacious rooms feature a view into the beautiful garden and once you’ve seen the large, stylish bathrooms you’ll never want to leave. Calle Zurbano, 36, 28010 Madrid, Tel: 34 913 19 69 00
Shopping: Madrid’s best shopping area is in Salamanca where you’ll find all of the high street and luxury brands. Nevertheless, Madrid also hosts various affordable Spanish brands which are only available in Spain.
The following 3 brands should be a must visit on every Fashionista’s shopping schedule:
Uterqüe is owned by Inditex which Zara is part of too. It offers affordable yet sophisticated, colorful clothes and accessories and an interesting mix of fabrics including some beautiful suede and leather pieces. http://www.uterque.com
Adolfo Dominguez – Colorful, playful yet wearable. To me these three attributes describe the Spanish take on Fashion. Adolfo Dominguez turns this into wearable and affordable clothes. If you had no time to to visit their boutiques during your stay they have a boutique at the airport for some last minute shopping. http://www.adolfodominguez.com/en-es/
Purificación Garcia created this brand in the 80’s. It stands for elegant, feminine and timeless fashion. http://www.purificaciongarcia.com/
For a round up on Spanish brands visit Corte Inglés where you’ll find a good selection of Spanish and International labels.
Sights: Every visit to Madrid should include a visit to Palacio Real. Also, don’t miss out on Pablo Picasso’s Master Piece Guernica which is showcased at Museo Reina Sofia. Other must visit museums include the Prado, one of the most important art museums in Europe.
While there are endless restaurants offering hearty Engadin Specialities in a rustic ambiance those looking for someting a bit more innovative in Scuol are not exactly spoilt for choice. We tried out all there is and decided to frequent one of two restaurants at Paradies Hotel, a petite hide away in Ftan. Charn is specialized on meat and partners with the famous Scuol based butchery Hatecke.
The hotel’s Charn restaurant is divided into a wooden Stübli and a more modern and minimalistic area. We opt for the Stübli which is candle lit, super cozy and kept in light wood.
After a shaky start (our table was a bit unstable but this was quickly fixed but the attentive waiter) we explored the meat heavy cuisine. The menu is small and offers classic entrecotes, veal, steaks and pork. The starters consist of carpaccio’s, salads and soups. We opt for entrecote on a hot stone which is served with two different sauces and a delicious nut bread. The quality of the meat is tender and preparing it on a hot stone feels like having my own mini barbecue. The veal carpaccio filled with goat cheese is expertly prepared but served without bread.
For a main courses the pork fed with apple and nut left our taste buds hoping for a more distinctive taste yet it only tastes like, well pork and slightly bland. Every dish is served with two side dishes. The potatoe gratin is delicious and the savoy cabbage with Perigord Truffle tastes well like savoy cabbage – we cannot detect the faintest taste of truffle.
For desert we cannot resist a heavenly Kaiserschmarrn served with vanilla ice creams and plumps – here is one thing that the Austrians did well at inventing!
Our food is accompanied by a Rioja which is poured up to the rim by an apparently very generous or very inexperienced waitress. Merry with wine we sway out of this lovely establishment.
Well how do we conclude… The quality of ingredients at Charn is remarkable and owned to the high- end supplier Hatecke. The ambiance is lovely but dinner here comes with a hefty price tag. Will we return? Possibly
Zurich Residents know the Dolder for its exclusivity and ultimate level of chicness. I am not a huge fan of hotel restaurants and tend to frequent them only if I find myself in a situation that leaves me with no other choice. Hotel restaurants very often lack the personal charm of a privately owned eatery. Yet, I have to admit that there is something utterly relaxing about dining in these establishments. You can lean back knowing that you will be served expertly prepared cuisine and the highest level of service. Yes, it might lack the personal twist, the innovation and spontaneity of a privately owned restaurant however sometimes you just want to be on the safe side.
Ambiance: Decorated in what resembles a high-end 50s restaurant the ambiance is chic and minimalistic. On both sides of the restaurant the tables are set in corners with a light curtains. The centerpiece of the spacious dining room is the large window front which stretches out to a generous garden (hence the name) and offers a fabulous view of Zurich.
Food: We opt for the oriental 3-course menu which starts off with mezzes served with oven warm bread. The mezzes include hummus, yoghurt with eggplant, a tomatoe- coriander salad and are very good. Next is the sea bass served with rice and dates, which is fresh and pairs well with the oriental seasoning. The desert is composed of pistachio crepes, orange mousse and a date cake. The crepe is delicious however both the texture of the mousse isn`t creamy enough and the cake is too dry. Our food is accompanied by a Ribera Douro which pairs well with the food.
Service: The service is impeccable and extremely forthcoming – what else would you expect at the Dolder. We were however surprised to see the staff wear sneakers.
Conclusion: A good choice if you are not feeling like experimenting after a long week in the office. The hotel’s atmosphere is a good mix of exclusivity paired with comfort. With the large terrace, the Garden is also a good choice for the warmer days of the years.
Tip: Hop to the hotels chic bar for an after dinner digestive.