The Perfect Family Vacation; From France to Italy

Travelling with family can be tricky and requires planning and organization in order to fully enjoy the vacation. The choice of accommodation and places to stay, the destinations, and activities planned make a huge difference in the enjoyment of everyone and the overall experience.

So, to ensure a memorable vacation with your little ones, we have carefully selected the ideal accommodations (based on 4pp), best places to stay among some of the Best Family Hotels in the World, suggested activities and crafted the perfect Family Vacation Itinerary!

Our journey begins in France...

DAY 1-2: Arrival in Provence, France.

Stay: Terre Blanche

Luxury resort on an outstanding estate nestled on a hill, combining the charm and character of Provence with the chic of the Côte d’Azur. This unique destination in the South of France boasts magnificent Suites and Villas set like a Provençal village, all with private terraces; four amazing restaurants, an exceptional Leading Spa, two fabulous championship Golf courses, outstanding Golf school, jaw-dropping infinity pool, tennis courts and a phenomenal kids club. 

Ideal accommodation: Beautiful 2 bedroom Villa Estérel, with a functional kitchen, a large terrace and a private jacuzzi for parents to enjoy while the kids are asleep! 

Kids Club: Terre Blanche Kids Club offers incredible facilities with an exclusive Villa for children, multiple rooms, Golf cart dedicated to children, outdoor games, private swimming pool, seasonal themed programs, creative workshops, shows, pony ride... Favorite experience is the botanical tour of the resort and the visit to the donkeys, ducks and swans!

Family Activities: Jump on your electric bike and go for a ride discovering this magnificent region, breathing in the scents of the Provencal countryside. Go for a buggy adventure on the country roads, discovering the authentic villages and regional landscapes. Take a break at the Chateau des Selves and discover their estate off-road, but also taste their production of wine and olive oils. Discover the perched medieval villages of the region like Seillans, Fayence, Tourrettes, Callian, Mons…

Eat: Lunch at La Gloire de mon Pere, located in the village of Seillans, on the large terrace around a majestic fountain under bicentennial plane trees. An ideal spot to enjoy a refreshing lunch after visiting the village’s cobblestone streets and to discover Provencal and Mediterranean flavours in an informal atmosphere

DAY 3-4: From France to Portugal. 

Stay:  Sao Lourenco do Barrocal

The beautiful Alentejo region in Portugal is home of São Lourenço do Barrocal, an ancient and fascinating small farming village that has been in the owning family for over 200 years… surrounded by olive groves and vineyards where excellent wine and olive oil are produced on property. The wonderful rooms and cottages, amazing restaurant 'farm to table', pool with its own restaurant and myriad of outdoor activities make this a paradise for those who want to connect with their countryside spirit. 

Ideal Accommodation: So charming 2 Bedroom Meadow Cottage, with fully equipped kitchen, gorgeous views towards the meadows and the natural landscape, and private outdoor terraces where you can enjoy the sunset drinking a glass of wine while you’re watching your kids climbing rocks and olive trees.

Kids Playroom: Located right next door to the farm shop, there is a 818 sq. feet room filled with toys, books and films for the little ones.  Different workshops and Treasure Hunt also available. Open from 10:00 am to midnight, children can play while their parents enjoy a meal at the restaurant or at the bar!

Family Activities: Let the children take part in a Treasure Hunt with a treasure map and a chest filled with surprises of all kinds, and discover some of the most incredible places of our hotel and monte. Choose among different ateliers such as painting, prehistoric cooking, prehistoric pottery workshops... Take a horse ride through ancient menhir,  Roman dam,  vineyards, cereals fields and storks nests. Rise over the immensity of the Alentejo landscape in a hot air balloon and fly above the monte, the hilltop village of Monsaraz, the glimmering Alqueva lake and the cattle grazing the fields. 

Eat: Enjoy a meal and some shopping at Mercearia Gadanha, which incorporates a high-quality grocery shop with national products, where you can find olive oil, wines, cheeses and sausages, with a typical Portuguese restaurant that has a contemporary and a casual ambience. 

DAY 5-6: From Portugal to Spain

Stay: Marbella Club

This beautiful 60 years old garden where nothing is taller than the trees, right by the sea, with stunning Beach Club with seawater swimming pool, six stupendous restaurants, real Thalasso Spa, impressive private golf course upon the hills, exceptional kids club and fitness room, makes the Marbella Club the most emblematic beach resort in Spain.

Ideal accommodation: the magnificent Julieta - 2 Bedroom Villa with swimming pool is ideal for private entertaining and families, including two spacious bedrooms, hydromassage bath, a spacious living room and a private garden and patio area with private heated pool, which the children will love!

Kids Club: Phenomenal 5,000 square metre Kids Club set like a mini village hidden within the resort and offering a wide range of activities such as cookery, pottery and art, gardening, music and dancing, aroma workshops, nature experiences... let the children play!

Family activities: Have fun at the beach with a various choice of trampolines, jet skis, water-sports, parasailing, karting, super jump, bumper boats, banana and pedal boats. Have a stroll on the 'paseo maritimo' to Marbella old town and enjoy some shopping and tapas!

Eat: Lunch at El Altamirano for fresh fish and seafood. One of the Best local seafood restaurant in Marbella, very modest and casual terrace in the heart of Marbella old town. 

 

DAY 7: From Spain to Italy

Stay: Hotel Vilòn

This historic mansion dates back to the mid-sixteenth century when it was known as the "House annexed to Palazzo Borghese” is finally reborn, after an attentive restoration, recreating a very interesting balance between history and modernity. Most of its sunny wide windows offer a breathtaking view of the private garden of Palazzo Borghese, the atmosphere of the 18 rooms, suites and Adelaide bar and restaurant, are characterized by an Art Deco yet contemporary feeling is also given by a sophisticated and original choice of décor. Located in the ancient heart of Rome, only a short stroll away from the Spanish Steps and the exclusive shopping district, the hotel has the perfect location to visit the eternal city!

Ideal accommodation: The connecting rooms  Vilòn Charming connecting to Vilon Double with King or Twin beds, sitting areas, as well as a breathtaking view over Palazzo Borghese’s quiet and private garden.

Family activities: Enjoy a leisure stroll in the most emblematic corners of Rome and visit the Spanish Steps, the Trevi Fountain, the Campo de Fiori, the Pantheon, the Colosseum… all at walking distance from the hotel.

Eat: Enjoy a late lunch in the outdoor seating at the Trattoria Al Moro just steps from the famous Trevi Fountain square.

Continue the journey to Florence OR Puglia, your choice!

Option 1 - DAY 8-9: From Rome to Florence

Stay: Villa Cora

Elegant city-resort Villa Cora, situated at 5 minutes from the historical center of Florence. Featuring 45 wonderful accommodations between the main Villa, Villino and La Follie, the pool restaurant with the exterior heated pool, the gourmet restaurant in Villa, Spa, Cigar Bar and a rooftop Bar with amazing views of Florence. Villa Cora is just the perfect place to stay in this historical city, no need to look further.

Ideal accommodation:  Definitely the Family Room with two spacious and beautiful rooms and two bathrooms with a private balcony. For those seeking more privacy.

VIB Program: Children special amenities and services are offered at the hotel for their little guests: Welcome kit, bicycle, Ipad, Concierge services...Further activities such as Hand Painting class, Cooking class, Swimming class, and Treasure Hunt also available on property!

Family activities: Florence exploration! Stroll in this beautiful Renaissance city, stop at the Piazza de la Republica and take a ride on the antique Carousel,  shop at Bartolucci the wooden toy workshop and store where you can find coveted Pinocchio souvenirs made for generations by the Bartolucci family. Indulge in an authentic Italian gelato at one of the city's numerous gelaterias. Enjoy a lazy afternoon at the hotel pool-bar and sip on your favorite cocktail while the children get entertained in the pool.

Eat: Have lunch at Obicà Mozzarella Bar a casual and contemporary Italian restaurant and pizzeria for cheese lovers right in the heart of Florence.

Option 2 - DAY 8-9: From Rome to Puglia

Stay: Borgo Egnazia

The endless expanse of olive groves, located along Puglia’s lush coast is where you will find Borgo Egnazia with its sophisticated rooms in La Corte, suites connected by narrow alleys in the lively Borgo designed to replicate a typical Apulian town and Three-bedroom villas with pool, complemented with five authentic and unique restaurants, eye-opening Beach Club CalaMasciola,championship course San Domenico Golf, surprising and exceptional Vair Spa, kids irresistible Trullaleri Club, two extensive outdoor swimming pools and one indoor, fascinating cooking classes…and so much more!

Ideal accommodation: The spacious 3 bedroom Villa Magnifica , a three-storey limestone Mediterranean villa with full kitchen,  nice dining area, two living rooms, and a private garden that allows complete privacy while taking a dive into the pool and relaxing moments in the shady patio or under the gazebo.

Trullalleri Kid’s Club: Amazing kids club with fun activities for the little guests: creative labs, cooking classes, story-telling, baby dancing, face-painting, playground games, beach days and treasure hunts!  Teens enjoy a club on their own as well with soccer academy, cooking classes, sports activities, dance contests, go-karting, adventure park, pool games, arts & crafts creative activities and water sports.

Family activities: Take a cooking class at the resort's cooking school,  using fresh products from the resort's vegetable gardens or local market. Go for a bike ride and discover the uncontaminated landscape that is rich in colors: from the crystal clear blue of the Mediterranean Sea to the green of the olive groves and rosemary, to the intense red of the magnificent sunsets. Spend the afternoon at Cala Masciola, swim in the crystal blue water or relax in one of the cabanas by the sea.

Eat: Lunch at Cala Masciola's restaurant and enjoy an amazing fresh grilled fish with your favorite cocktail.

Enjoy the family, enjoy the trip!

See full detailed itineraries here:  Option 1 - Family Vacation Itinerary - Florence

                                                      Option 2 - Family Vacation Itinerary - Puglia

Querido's New Properties 2018!

Here it is, the New Year 2018 has begun! And we are beginning the year in Grand with stunning properties to add our collection. 

Borgo Santo Pietro in Tuscany, joins the Finest Family Owned Hotels & Resorts collection, while Satori Yacht and Sublime in Comporta, join the Unique Stays and Journeys Collection.

Let us introduce you to these beautiful properties...  

Borgo San Pietro

Beautifully positioned overlooking far-reaching hilltop vistas, the seamless link between the villa and gardens provide many enchanting areas in which to relax. The unique experience created at Borgo is designed to restore and refresh all those who visit.

Jeanette and Claus Thottrup dreamed up the concept of Borgo Santo Pietro by uniting their backgrounds in property development and fashion design. Both seasoned travellers, they wanted to create a nurturing haven where guests could feel immediately at home; where the thought and care behind each detail raised it a stratosphere above luxury hotels on the market by offering something real – a tangible sense of community. 

Their seven-year labour of love and sheer persistence paid off; Borgo Santo Pietro opened its doors in 2008 and has since grown into a flourishing 200-acre boutique hotel and wellness estate with a ‘farm to plate’ philosophy that supplies two Michelin-starred restaurants; Meo Modo and La Bottega del Buon Caffè. The estate comprises an organically cultivated working farm with sheep, chickens, pigs and bees; an artisan cheese dairy; extensive culinary gardens, including fruit orchards and nut fields; and two vineyards. 

Claus and Jeanette’s continuous quest to create experiences for guests that go beyond the bounds of the known to unite luxury and nature in a way that has never been done before has taken the Borgo Santo Pietro lifestyle concept past the gates of the hotel and now includes the Borgo Cooking School, and a line of natural skincare.

Satori yacht

In April 2017 Borgo Santo Pietro took its lifestyle concept to sea with the launch of luxury yacht Satori. Inspired by the understated elegance of 1920s and '30s-era sailing, the 41.5-metre vessel merges five-star boutique hotel and gourmet dining with a classic sailing experience. Like Borgo Santo Pietro, Satori was designed and built by owners Claus and Jeanette Thottrup. Their signature bespoke approach, so characteristic of Borgo Santo Pietro, is also clearly evident in the uncompromising quality, thoughtful detail and amplified sense of space and privacy found on board.

Satori merges the comfort of a five-star boutique hotel with a traditional hand-built wooden schooner to create the ultimate classic sailing experience.

Flawless service is therefore built into Satori's DNA, where guests enjoy Michelin-starred dining prepared by a personal chef from the restaurants Meo Modo and La Bottega del Buon Caffé , onboard spa facilities, a range of the latest innovative water toys, and an extensive program of concierge activities managed by five-star boutique hotel and estate Borgo Santo Pietro.

Each of the eight crew members has been hand-picked for their expertise, whether in navigation and seamanship, gourmet dining or five-star service, while Satori's two 600-horsepower engines offer guests the choice of both motoring and taking long-haul voyages as well as enjoying the timeless feeling of sailing.

Sublime Comporta

Nestled on a stunning 17 acres estate, surrounded by undulating umbrella pines and cork trees, wild sand dunes, stunning rice fields and over 60km of pristine, white-sand beaches, Sublime Comporta is a magical, unspoiled place yet to be discovered.   

Only one hour from the Capital of Lisbon, and yet surrounded by abundant wildlife where time seems to stand still and one has the possibility to experience all that is genuine and authentic. Rich in cultural heritage, with a welcoming local population, great foods and wines, Sublime Comporta offers a combination of tranquillity and simplicity that is both addictive and inspiring, reminding us of the magic of experiencing more with less.

The rooms and villas stretch across several buildings adding to the exclusivity of the hotel. These are the Main House, the Guest House and the Villas. The hotel includes 14 bedrooms and suites including several 2, 3, 4 and 5 bedroom “cabana” villas.

Proud to welcome these beautiful properties in our collection and honored to be representing them with all our passion! 

Treat yourself! Part III

Nothing better than a day purifying ourselves, relaxing, and taking care of our body and soul at the same time.

We've taken you to the most amazing Spas in the world and award-winning properties. Let's continue this escapade to São Lourenço do Barrocal,  Villa Cora , Palazzo Avino,  and  Santavenere . 

São Lourenço do Barrocal

Susanne Kaufmann Spa Barrocal
 

Welcome to a place of beauty, relaxation and holistic comfort. The Susanne Kaufmann Spa offers a wide range of spa treatments and organic treats perfectly tailored to the needs of the face and body, providing you with a sensorial experience and natural care. 

A beautiful single vaulted aisle serving all the spa treatment rooms is one of the most striking architectural features of both spa and hotel in Alentejo. Its 40 metres hold a monastic feeling that leads you to an immersive state of wellbeing and relaxation. Among its amenities, the spa offers dry saunas and a hydrotherapy room with a cedar wood bathtub.

Villa Cora

Spa Bené

The spa "Bené" is located on the lower floor of Villino Eugenia and is equipped with a small gym, tepidarium, sauna, hammam and three rooms. The wellness center offers Asian and European massages as well as beauty treatments in collaboration with the beauty guru Sarah Chapman, the most appreciated and affirmed facialist in London, for skincare and with Officina Profumo-Farmaceutica di Santa Maria Novella, founded in Florence in 1612, for body rituals. Additionally, healthy restaurant menus in accordance with the programs are offered by the center.

Palazzo Avino

Palazzo Avino Effigilab Spa

Effegilab is leader in the creation of clean cosmeceutical free from dyes, traditional preservatives, petrolatum, and especially with no SLE. The main goal is the development of formulas with an organic cosmetic matrix with no pollutants and health friendly.

EffegiLab's laboratories are fitted with high-quality equipment and methods the use of active substances obtained through forefront extraction techniques: supercritical fluids, ultrasound, freeze-drying and other methods that avoid the use of heat and additives.

In collaboration with Palazzo Avino and based on three products from the Campania Region, Effegilab created an exclusive line of Cosmetic Food based on;  Lemon from Sorrento, with balancing properties, with brightening and detoxing formula; Apricot from Vesuvio, enriched with vitamins, with hydrating and soothing formula; Annurca Apple, with antioxidant, hydrating and refining formula.

Santavenere

Le Grotte Spa

It is a long journey for the wellbeing of your body and mind in a haven where reality becomes an alchemic path and primary elements – water, salt, sun, wood, colours, sounds, and perfumes merge to let you live an intense perception of physical and inner wellbeing.

Imagine yourself to be in a place where time and space touch each other gently, chase one another and embrace to merge in a dance driven by your emotions whose echo emerge in a labyrinth of wellbeing and intimacy. You could find yourself in the thermal baths of ancient Rome or be taking a dreamlike journey among mysterious gates, recesses and tuff grottos lit in suffused colours, candle lights, and reflections of subterranean waters.

A journey through the perfumes and music of Le Grotte Spa is a way to abandon the stereotypical idea of the separation of body and mind. Wellbeing exists as a unique combination of these two elements and the journey spreads before you through a fusion of distant and ancient cultures that simply do not take this dichotomy into consideration.

SPA doesn't only mean relaxation. Self-care means to like and respect yourself. Le Grotte Spa beauty and therapeutic treatments match the best quality standards.

Wish you've had a relaxing and reviving journey with us!

Querido's Christmas Experience

The best time of the years for many, and for good reasons; a profusion of food and drinks, family and friends gatherings, gifts and offerings, sharing moments and full nights of enjoyment... Christmas is a season to be enjoyed and cherished. 

Here are some suggestions for your Holiday season, with the most festive and gourmet experiences in our hotels. 

São Lourenço do Barrocal

Christmas is a time for joy and of gratitude with our family.

Enjoy a special Christmas Eve at the hotel beginning with a Horse-drawn carriage ride for the kids in Monte’s main street. After the ride, receive a Hearty Welcome in the bar before indulging in a delicious Christmas Dinner with traditional desserts such as rice pudding, king cake and queen cake, and other sweet desserts! Spend the Christmas day taking part in an exciting Treasure hunt for the kids. Have a Christmas Lunch à la carte, with cheese and desserts table. 

All details here:  São Lourenço do Barrocal Christmas program

Borgo Egnazia

Enjoy the magic of Christmas in Puglia with thousands of white lights shimmering like stars through the olive branches, bonfires illuminating the stone, the sound of “zampogne” (the traditional bagpipes of the South of Italy), enriched by jute ornaments and by the scent of “pettole” (typical Puglian fried dough) and almond sweets. It's Christmas, reaching the alleys of the Borgo and bringing a pleasantly unexpected atmosphere to the charm of Puglia in wintertime. Enjoy the Christmas markets in The Piazza, with the tasting of typical products and stands enlivened by the local artisans.

More details here: Christmas Markets at Borgo Egnazia

 

Puente Romano

Celebrate a Festive and Gastronomic Christmas at Puente Romano! Enjoy a gourmet 4-course Christmas Eve menu and live music at Sea Grill restaurant. Don't miss out on the Christmas Day Brunch! The selection is featuring turkey, oysters, lobster and a great array of other Mediterranean inspired delicacies; gastronomy feast is completed by a grand assortment of desserts and special Christmas pastries. It´s an eventful day to spend with your friends and family that Santa Claus never skips. As a good tradition, well-behaved will be rewarded by Santa.

Full details here: Festivities Under The Sun

 

Marbella Club

Christmas is all about gourmet meals and great ambience to enjoy with family and friends.

Take part of the Christmas Eve Gala Dinner at The Grill restaurant with Santa Claus and Traditional Christmas Carols sung by the ‘Pastoral’. On Christmas Day, cocktail starts from 1:30PM, followed by lunch from 2PM with Live Jazz ... 

See the detailed menu here: Christmas Eve Gala Dinner

We wish you a Very Merry Christmas Season!

Unique Stays : From London to Puglia

Travel is inspiring for everyone when you find the right place to be and explore. This post is the first of many, where we'll take you to all our destinations and discover some truly unique and beautiful spots in Europe.

We'll start our first journey from London to Puglia, to the most genuine and understated places in our destinations; a journey to our Unique Stays!

Day 1 : Arrival day in London.

Stay:  San Domenico House

San Domenico House,  located in the heart of the fashionable Chelsea, is probably one of the very last contemporary hotels in central London with such a storied heritage. To walk into the townhouse hotel is to experience a world which perfectly balances history and tradition, English eclectic design with a glamorous Italian ‘La Dolce Vita’ flair. It is a hotel with history but perfectly suited to the modern day.

Experience:  Enjoy the view of London from the 135m tower, the London Eye, which stands as the world’s largest cantilevered observation wheel. Go shopping at Harvey Nichols a boutique-style department store loved by those in the fashion know, the shop was originally founded in 1831 as a linen shop… Visit the Victoria and Albert Museum which was founded in 1852 and named after Queen Victoria and Prince Albert, still, stands as the world’s largest museum of decorative arts and design. End the night in the West End watching one of the so many amazing theatre shows!

Eat: Dinner at The Cross Keys Pub.  From innovative, seasonal dishes to pub classics and Sunday roasts served with a choice of real ales, wines or cocktails, The Cross Keys offers the perfect British pub experience.

Day 2: From London, England to Lisbon, Portugal.

Stay: São Lourenço do Barrocal

Portugal, the oldest country in Europe with the same define borders since 1139 and its Alentejo region are home to São Lourenço do Barrocal, a fascinating Monte, an ancient small farming village in the same family for over 200 years, which has been brought carefully back to life as a remarkable hotel of understated luxury. Jose Antonio, the last generation of this family, has invested the last 14 years in creating this undiscovered jewel surrounded by olive groves, vineyards (both wines and olive oil are produced on property and are excellent) and 'Barrocais' (wonderful stone formations). 

Experience:  Visit Monsaraz a hilltop castle with stunning lake views.  One of the oldest settlements in southern Portugal, Monsaraz retains the marks of hundreds of years of raging battles, conquerors and revenge, all crammed up in its fortified hilltop castle. Climb up and awe at the view. For those loving silence and universe's mysteries, relax on the shores of Alqueva Lake, the biggest artificial lake in Europe, where there's an immense clear sky by night to watch the stars, a privileged location within Europe for stargazing.

Eat:  Enjoy dinner at Sabores de  Monsaraz , one of the best places to experience a traditional Alentejo meal. Mrs. Isabel is the owner and also the person responsible for all the amazing dishes that come out of the kitchen. Also, not to mention is the superb view over the Alqueva lake!

Day 3: From Lisbon, Portugal to Maratea, Italy

Stay: Santavenere

Fascinated by the undiscovered Maratea, the only coastal part of the Basilicata region facing the Tyrrhenian Sea, located between Campania (Amalfi Coast) and Puglia, we arrive at Santavenere, the perfect destination for those who love the seaside, lush nature, Italian traditions and simple but elegant lifestyle. Piero and Francesca, the owners, charm you instantly since you step into their beautiful 'home'.  The Porto (harbour) and the town up on the hill with 44 churches add that amazing local flavour we are always looking for.

Experience: Hike up the Monte San Biagio to the Statue of Redeemer. The lookout at the foot of the statue is the most scenic spot of the whole territory of Maratea with an exceptional 360° view of the magical outline of the coast and inland mountains. At night, embark on a picturesque local fishing boat for a night fishing experience. 

Eat: Dinner at Taverna Rovita Situated in one of the most evocative alleys in the old town center of Maratea, the main dining room is beautified with artistic potteries, typical Vietri floor, and an old fireplace. Dishes are cooked following the ancient recipes of the Lucanian tradition and to enhance the flavours of the land and the sea.

Day 4: From Maratea, Potenza to Savalletri, Puglia

Stay: Masseria Cimino

From the first hole of the San Domenico Golf Course, one can already catch a glimpse of a red tower in the distance, which stands out against the intense blue of the sky and the sea that surrounds it. One is driven by curiosity while approaching it and only at the 8th hole you reach it. It's the Masseria Cimino, an 18th Century building, now consigned to San Domenico Golf as its guest House, for those passionate golfers who can’t envisage being too far away from the course.

Experience: Play a round of golf on the beautiful San Domenico Golf course. Explore the surrounding area by bike and discover this uncontaminated landscape that is rich in colors: from the crystal clear blue of the Mediterranean Sea to the green of the olive groves and rosemary, to the intense red of the magnificent sunsets.

Eat: Dinner at Pescheria due Mari.  Located right in the center of the tiny town of Savelletri di Fasano, Pescheria due Mari is a family-owned and -operated restaurant currently run by a father-daughter duo, who work side-by-side, with the father preparing the food and his daughter serving and practicing her English. The menu is seafood-only and the specialty is raw fish. Everything on the menu is spectacular, but opt for the daily special, which features the freshest fish of the day. The tiny restaurant boasts a small dining room, but the sprawling alfresco terrace is the best place to eat thanks to the beautiful views. A sunset aperitivo here is a must!

Day 5: From Savalletri to Ostuni

Stay: Masseria Le Carrube

Masseria Le Carrube is a typical Masseria (farmhouse) with a traditional tile roof, whose walls have the inner side with the stones in view and the external side whitewashed. Only 6 km away from Ostuni downtown, it is situated at the feet of the hill on which “The White Town” rises up as a background, in a secluded and exclusive area characterised by the colours and the flavours of the Maquis shrubland, the typical vegetation of the Mediterranean region.

Experience: Lovers of local gastronomy should know that Ceglie is a land to award-winning restaurants, Cisternino’s ‘braceria’ (brasseries) are a ‘must-try’, Torre Guaceto is renowned for its ‘fiaschetto’ tomatoes and Altamura for its DOP bread. Puglia is also known for its culture and magnificent landscapes, for the Swabian castle at Andria (hunting home of Frederick II), for the ‘trulli’ and for Mount Sant’Angelo, one of the oldest Michaelic cult sites and a Unesco World Heritage Site. The Baroque from Lecce, the measured elegance of Otranto (the easternmost city on the Italian peninsula), the ‘cummerse’ of Locorotondo and the overlooking views of the sea at Polignano offer truly unique panoramas.

Eat: Dinner at  Il Frantoio. Located in the countryside of Ostuni, the restaurant is based on a country farm. The dining room has vaulted ceilings and stone floors. The perfect place to taste the typical Apulian cuisine and its old recipes savouring the many courses of their tasting menu. We don’t have chefs in our kitchen but extraordinary women who know how to cook with the heart of a mother and the passion of a soul of southern Italy.

Enjoy the journey!

Have a look at the full detailed itinerary here:  Querido Itinerary: Unique Stays

What's up this Fall?!

What’s up this Fall?
 
Beautiful colorful season; when the light starts changing, and the colors in all the leaves turn red, orange, yellow... and when the air gets fresh and crisp but the sun is still showing bright and hot at mid-day! What a beautiful season that is!

What’s up this Fall in our destinations? Where should we go, what should we do? Here are some unique experience suggestions for this Fall season...

Borgo Egnazia, Puglia

From 4th to 30th November,  Borgo Egnazia will let you witness the making of olives into extra virgin oil via an unforgettable 3-day experience, during which some expert farmers of the area, the keepers of the rural heritage for generations, will walk you through the discovery of the olive.  You will experience from hand-picking from the fields to its cold-pressing at an authentic subterranean mil, plus some delicious tastings of ‘made in Puglia’ extra virgin olive oils, matched with typical food products such as ‘frise ’, cheese and home-made bread. Add to this a cooking class about oil-based traditional recipes and still-life drawing class to put on canvas olive groves and the sea. Indeed, a very unique and authentic Fall experience!

Check out the full details here: Discover the Apulian Gold

Marbella Club, Marbella

Get healthy and re-boost during this Fall season!

From 8th to 12th of November, Marbella Club offers a 4-day wellness retreat led by Amanda Hamilton. During these 4 days, you will experience a personalised detox-style cuisine, gut health daily boosters, healthy cooking workshop, daily activity programme, evening meditation, personalised treatment at the Award-Winning Thalasso Spa and 2 BIA (Bioelectrical Impedance Analysis).

See more details here: Amanda Hamilton Retreat
 

Barrocal, Alentejo

From November 1st to May 31st. Fall is the perfect season for hikes and bird watching in the region of Alentejo. Why not add some delicious wines and stunning properties? Discover Alentejo, one of the most authentic provinces of Portugal. You will discover all that is unspoiled and genuine. Spend one week in 3 beautiful and charming family-owned estates. Experience the Alentejo, it's food, and its exquisite Award-Winning wines the way the Portuguese do!

All details here:  Discover the Alentejo



Hope you enjoy this Fall season as much as we do!

 

The Best Food is in Europe Part II

In our previous post The Best Food is in Europe we took you to Italy and shared our favorite restaurants and best places to eat in some of our Italian destinations. Now, let's continue the gourmet journey to our other destinations; Spain, Portugal, and France!

Let's begins with Spain!

Marbella, Spain

We'll travel to Andalucia, in the charming town of Marbella. This little town has a variety of local restaurants to choose from and some precious hidden spots with real Spanish flavors and character. Here are a few of our favorites; Buenaventura restaurant is a cool Spanish-Mediterranean cuisine from Andalucia, that offers dishes prepared with the best market raw material and great Champagnes selection and wide wine list with more than 300 references of the best Spanish wines. El Altamirano, is very simple, unpretentious and one of the Best local seafood restaurant in Marbella. For a real local experience Bar el Estrecho is the typical tapas restaurant known for its "gambas al pil pil" and genuine Spanish vibe. 

Alentejo, Portugal

We'll cross over to Portugal, to the beautiful region of Alentejo. This wine-growing, historical and cultural region has a lot to offer, so we have picked the hidden gems and some of our favorite places to eat in the area. Sabores de Monsaras is one of the best places to experience a traditional Alentejo meal. Mrs. Isabel is the owner and also the person responsible for all the amazing dishes that come out of the kitchen. Also to mention is the superb view over the Alqueva lake. Adega Velha restaurant is set in a typical tavern where the floor is irregular and the recipes come directly out of an antique book, passed hand in hand through generations. If you are lucky you might even witness men singing Cante Alentejano, traditional songs from the Alentejo. A visit tothis tiny restaurant Tasquinha do Oliveira, is not to be missed. Typical and genuine, with only 6 tables inside. The delicacies which come out of Mr. Oliveira’s kitchen are made by his wife’s gifted hands. What stands out in this restaurant is the quality of the food and the cosy atmosphere.

Provence, France

Now let's travel to the beautiful region of Provence Cote d'Azur. The region offers a wide range of experiences between the very chic and urban coast to the authentic and modest Provencial villages. Here are our suggestions for the most delicious and authentic Provencial experiences. In the charming village of Fayence, in its square is la Gloire de mon Père restaurant located in the former family-owned bakery. A charming restaurant featuring a large terrace around a majestic fountain under bicentennial plane trees. An ideal spot to enjoy a refreshing lunch after visiting the village’s cobblestone streets and to discover Provencal and Mediterranean flavors in an informal atmosphere.  Located in the village of Lorgues, the truffle restaurant Chez Bruno is one of the best known restaurant in the region. Famous for welcoming celebrities from around the world, Bruno and his sons offer surprising truffle menus, from starter to dessert in a traditional Bastide hidden in the woods. L’Escourtin is an uncommon Michelin-starred restaurant located in an old mill from the 18th century. Chef Philippe Choisy selects fresh seasonal produce and enhances the Provençal flavors through his traditional cuisine. A must!

Bon appétit! Bom apetite! Buen provecho!

Here is the full list of Querido's Favorite Restaurants in all our destinations.