8 things I saw on my trip to Athens

I’ve been to Greece many times before, but always to the islands – Corfu, Rhodes, Kefalonia, Skiathos and, most often more latterly, Crete.  Whilst I love the Greek culture – and of course, the food – visiting the mainland was something that was new to me and I wondered how it might colour my impressions of the country as a whole. This time I was in Athens – a city currently enjoying 3 million visitors a year (half a million of which come from cruise ships) and with over 400 hotels, around 30 of which are 5 star. I was in the capital for just three nights but, in addition to seeing many of the main sights, here’s a handful of some of the more unusual encounters.

New opera house

This is a development on a grand scale. It’s just a construction site at present but you can visit a centre, learn more about the project and see it from afar. It might not sound that appealing but there’s a short film that you can watch which helps to give you much more of an insight into what’s going on here.

This is actually the largest building project in the whole of Greece right now and will be the home not only of the Greek National Opera with a 1,400-seat auditorium, but also the National Library of Greece and 42 acres of parkland. All this at a cost of 566 million euros.

You’d be forgiven for pondering how Greece can afford a project on such a scale but it is being fully funded by the Stavros Niarchos Foundation – one of the world’s leading international philanthropic organisations that provides grants in the areas of arts and culture, education, health and medicine, and social welfare.

Grafitti – lots of it

I suppose this is one of the biggest contrasts I saw between the Greece I knew – the idyllic, pristine and unspoilt Greek islands – and the capital.  In Athens, there is graffiti everywhere. Much of it is a mess.  Some of it is actually quite artistic and has been done by someone who is clearly talented.

More still looks to have been specifically commissioned in the name of art.  Here’s one example that I stumbled upon on a quiet street just near my hotel.

They say that graffiti in Athens is old as the city itself (people used to carve into the stonework in ancient times) and indeed the word ‘graffiti’ of course comes from the Greek (γράφω).

Again, you might think that in austere times, people would not want to spend their money on spray paint, but if anything the opposite appears to be true and instead the walls are often used to express discontent at Greece’s current plight. Apparently, the police in Athens rarely arrest graffiti artists – not unless you’re an anarchist or from the far right.

Gastronomy Museum

Here’s the entrance to a brand new museum in Athens – the Gastronomy Museum (oh, and a bit more graffiti for you, too!). Inside you can learn all about Greek food and wine, and even sample a little of both.

After hearing about Greece’s culinary traditions and the different wine regions in the country, sampled some appetisers and had an enjoyable meal. Pictured is chicken souvlaki with pitta bread and tzatziki.

Meat market

Athens’ meat market has had something of a facelift in recent years since EU regulations have required it to have proper refrigeration. Sadly, I didn’t have time to explore the market on foot, but I did catch a glimpse from the top of a bus! I would love to have a proper explore next time – it looks like a great opportunity for some interesting photography and apparently you can find all manner of beasts for sale. It’s also not for the faint of heart, though, with severed heads and various other gory displays on show.

Improvised Greek comedy

One evening we went to Baraonda – a club/restaurant and city favourite. After dinner, we were treated to an improvised Greek comedy. It was all in English and, well, I suppose mildly entertaining. I can’t really say it was hilarious but it was certainly a bit different!

Gasworks Museum

Last year the Industrial Gas Museum opened its doors. It looks like the site still has some way to go before it is fully completed but the area that was once the source of energy to the city for some 130 years has been preserved for years to come, with a rich collection of photographs, old machinery and equipment, as well as some interactive displays.

The site is perhaps best visited at dusk when two of the chimneys are illuminated and there’s the opportunity to capture some interesting silhouettes outside.

Parkour at the Acropolis

If you don’t at first see the man in this picture, take a closer look.

I’m not sure about the legalities of jumping on and off ancient Greek monuments (I suspect it’s not allowed) but was interested to see this guy hurling himself off the Acropolis and doing various somersaults as he practised his free running skills.

The future venue for TBEX Europe

In October, around a thousand travel bloggers will descend upon Athens for TBEX Europe (TBEX = Travel Bloggers Exchange). And here is the venue where it will all happen – the Megaron Athens International Conference Center.

With two conference suites, multiple break-out rooms and a banqueting hall, this ought to be a great venue for TBEX. And what’s more the WiFi connection there was easy to connect to and perfectly reliable.

As you can see, there are some interesting developments going on in the city. Athens, despite its recent difficulties, is certainly a city with great potential. Of course, it is famous for its gastronomy – the famous traditional Greek cuisine – but there are also lots of options for international cuisine, with a number of Michelin star restaurants. But did you know that Athens is also the European capital with the most Blue Flag beaches? This birthplace of democracy, drama and philosophy is also close to the islands of the Saronic Gulf, enchanting villages and ancient historical cities. Rural Athens has many wine estates – wine tourism in Athens is becoming very popular. And the city has many new developments as well as those already mentioned, including the Acropolis Museum, the National Museum of Contemporary Arts, expansion of the Metro, the construction of the Onassis House of Arts and Letters, the new Cultural Park at the Faliron Delta and the proposed pedestrianisation of Panepistimiou Street in the city centre.

Have you been to Athens? What did you enjoy most? Please tell us your thoughts on the city and the direction in which it is heading in the comments below.

Article From : http://www.aluxurytravelblog.com/

Top 10 sunglasses to keep you looking stylish this Summer

Looking for a pair of sunglasses that will keep you looking stylish this Summer? Then look no further… whether you’re simply looking to deflect the sun, hide a hangover, spice up your outfit, or make a fashion staement… here are 10 of the best to keep you looking stylish throughout the Summer months.

DARTY from Nectar

Nectar is all about having fun and staying ahead of the trends. With this DARTY frame they have embossed logos with blue/green tinted lenses. Available in Polarized and UV400 protection, they come in a wide variety of variations. Wear them at the pool, beach or around town.

Luxuriator Style 23 sunglasses from Dolce & Gabbana

18 carat yellow gold frames and 132 hand-set pave diamonds gives the Luxuriator Style 23 sunglasses from Dolce & Gabbana a total carat weight of 3.45. This ultra-luxurious eyewear has buffalo ivory temples and an eye-watering price tag of $65,000, putting it among the most expensive sunglasses in the world.

Aviator sunglasses from Ray Ban

These flash lens Aviator sunglasses from Ray Ban are both chic and discreet. Their mirrored coating not only reduces glare, but will aslo deflect envious glances. Made in Italy, they come with golden metal frames, 100% UV protection, padded ear pieces and Ray Ban’s iconic Aviator design – the style worn by pilots during World War II as well as by many celebrities since.

Barton Perriera sunglasses from Lugano Diamonds

World-renowned jeweller Lugano Diamonds has come out with a new set of sunglasses designed by Barton Perriera that feature frames inlaid with clear and coloured diamonds. You can choose from various options including gold sunglasses with pink lenses and 2.85 carats of pink diamonds as well as this leopard print option with 3.59 carats of black diamonds to go with a light brown tone on the lenses.

Pop Power 2 from Christian Roth

Be the star of your own adventure. Don’t be afraid to be the hero – after all fashion eyewear glory never goes to the timid. The new Christian Roth ‘ready-to-wear’ shades have arrived. Exclusively available in the Christian Roth official online shop is this hyper-glamorous shape with clean lines and contrast details that add a graphic sophistication, with a sexy out-sized full brown marble cat-eye with burned orange and red polka dot details. Connect the dots! Superb craftsmanship features the unexpected and mismatched colouration details. Luxurious acetate. Handmade in Italy.

PIERO from Oliver Goldsmith

Founded in 1926 and a family-run business for over 80 years, Oliver Goldsmith has become the primary source for contemporary sunglasses. Dress designers, royalty and celebrities such as Audrey Hepburn and Michael Caine approached the brand to make eyewear for them and history was set in stone. Today, the company is still synonymous with stars and style – with beautiful handmade replicas of the original designs available to buy.

The PIERO was originally designed in 1970. Made from lightweight gunmetal, with beautiful Zeiss lenses, it’s a perfect choice for summer.’

Serengeti Aerial from Shade Station

Serengeti sunglasses are pioneers in their own right, with the three pillars of Serengeti design including photochromic lenses, polarisation and Spectral Control which enhances the vivid nature of light and blocks distracting blue light rays. Because of this, the Serengeti Aerial is a stylish, modern sunglass that is part of the Classic and flagship Pilot styles. The frames on the Aerial are stunningly lightweight and sturdy, with a Drivers gradient.

Lenses used in the Serengeti Aerial sunglass are photochromic, and the frames fuse the artisanal element of the brand with a brilliantly strong, remarkably robust exterior that holds the lenses together beautifully. Striving to redefine the modern sunglass at its very roots, the Aerial together fantastically.

Andy Warhol self-portrait sunglasses from RETROSUPERFUTURE

Using photographic collages from Andy Warhol’s Photo Booth Self-Portrait series, the Andy Warhol Foundation collaborated with Milan-based RETROSUPERFUTURE on a line of artsy eyewear. The Andy Warhol self-portrait sunglasses come in four styles: América, Ciccio, Classic, and Drew, each with translucent grey frames, Warhol’s signature on the inside, and a matching limited edition box.

Serpenti sunglasses from Bulgari

Synonymous with the Bulgari fashion house since the late 1940s, the Serpenti serves as ostentatious inspiration for many a precious Bulgari piece. Now, precious snake scales enrich the new Serpenti sunglasses shape. Temple tips feature snake tails to complete the look.

Bentley Platinum sunglasses from Estede

When two luxury blands come together, the results can be exquisite and this is exactly what happened when vehicle maker Bentley joined forces with bespoke eyewear specialist Estede to produce their limited edition pure gold sunglasses. With a frame that’s been perfectly handcraft and balanced, platinum, yellow gold and white gold have been used to come up these much-coveted sunglasses.

Article From : http://www.aluxurytravelblog.com/

A family mountain biking trip in the Lake District, UK

We’ll soon be going on an adventure, exploring some isalnds on the west coast of Scotland, with mountain bikes and the occasional luxury stay thrown in. It promises to be a great experience – if the weather holds, at least – and amazingly we’ve always tended to be rather lucky in that regard with our previous trips north. Keep an eye on the blog for regular updates which, if time and internet connections permit, we’ll be doing as we go along. In the meantime, though, I thought I’d share a ‘trial run’ we took closer to home, in the English Lake District.

We have some great new bikes from Ridgeback for the job so first I’ll share with you a bit of information about them. Ridgeback, if you’re not already familiar with them, were responsible for introducing mountain biking to the UK and are currently enjoying their 30th anniversary.

We have four different Ridgeback bikes among the four of us in the family. Mine is a 19″ matte black Dual Track X3, my wife’s is the 15″ Dual Track X1 which comes in a very smart-looking ‘forest green’, our eldest son loves his 13″ 602LX which is aimed at “young adults” and our youngest is very comfortable on his RX24(he tried the 602LX but it was asking a bit too much of him at this stage!).

This was our first outing on them and we decided to do a loop around Windermere (England’s largest lake), starting from Windermere down to the car ferry just beyond Bowness (which is just £1 per person to cross as a foot passenger with a bike), and back up through Claife Heights on the western (and much quieter) side of the lake.

Now in its second year is a ‘bike boat’ service which is excellent for making the trip a little bit more interesting and varied. There are various jetties where you can pull up, catch the boat and travel with your bike to another point on the lake. We had meant to go up as far as Wray Castle (but inadvertantly got on at an earlier stop – Bark Barn) and ventured across the lake to Brockhole where we sat on the lawn and had an ice cream. The bike boat is a great service – you just hand your bike across before boarding and then take a seat. We were lucky enough to have it all to ourselves – just the four of us, our four bikes and the skipper.

Once at Brockhole, there is an excellent playground there and a new treetop challenge where you follow a marked route through the trees, walking along rope bridges, climbing and zipwiring your way along. Instead we managed to locate a nice muddy puddle and had a little bit of fun with that before returning to Windermere!

The road through the central Lakes is quite a busy one, with plenty of motorhomes and caravans during the tourist season, but for most of the way from Brockhole to Windermere, there’s a reasonably wide pavement with barely any pedestrians, so we opted for that instead.

Note that if you are local to the area, you can apply for a card that gives you a 20% discount on all trips on the bike boat (as well as on Windermere Lake Steamers) in season, and a huge 50% off out of season. The card lasts five years and is a nice little extra perk that many people don’t know about.

Article From : http://www.aluxurytravelblog.com/

Special feature: Andara Resort & Villas, Phuket, Thailand

Commonly referred to as ‘Millionaire’s Mile’ in Phuket, Thailand, the Kamala headland that juts out westward comprising the areas of Surin and Kamala is justifiably nicknamed such for the slew of luxurious resorts and private villas that dot the coast. Andara Resort & Villas epitomises the best of upscale Kamala and Phuket, with a series of suites and privately owned villas sprawling over a steep hillside and overlooking the Andaman Sea.

When we stayed at a nearby resort in Phuket last year, we walked past the gated car entrance to Andara’s resort lobby several times. Intrigued by a je ne sais quoi ambiance that the lobby radiated upon my prior visit, we were desperate to stay at this acclaimed resort on our next trip to the island. When the opportunity presented itself with our annual trip to this idyllic Thai island paradise, we could not resist taking a deeper look into one of Phuket’s most luxurious resorts.

Entry to the resort via the vast lobby provides a teaser of the rest of the resort, with the suites mimicking the entrance: modern and comfortable yet with clearly classical inspirations. The lobby, utilsing heavy, dark, wooden tones, exudes the air of a very private and extremely distinguished and exclusive gentleman’s club, but emits a far more welcoming atmosphere, by always maintaining an open structure that allows air and light to fill the vacant spaces.

After being welcomed with a refreshing drink and towels to freshen up after an arduous overnight flight, my party and I were led to our 4-bedroom penthouse pool suite, from where we were checked-in. Our suite is one of 37 that forms the main component of the resort in a series of low-storied structures near the lobby, ranging from 1-bedroom to 4-bedroom, and categorised by terrace (sans pool), pool and penthouse pool suites. The suites are extremely spacious, ranging from the 153 sqm 1-bedroom terrace suite, to the 836 sqm 4-bedroom penthouse pool suite.

Further, 26 privately-owned freestanding villas ranging from 3- to 6-bedrooms (available for rent and sale) situated further up the hill with their own private entrances from the rest of the resort, provide alternative accommodation for larger parties or for private events, each with a large private infinity pool. The villas are a particularly popular affair for weddings and special occasions, with sweeping sea views from the pool and expansive common areas.

With an entrance at an upper floor accessible by lift and granted only to the residents of the suite, the entrance hall to our accommodation is spacious, containing a fountain that continuously trickles around a vase, potted plants, along with separate access for housekeeping. The door opens into a corridor-foyer, with the large round wooden dining table in sight. A fully equipped kitchen and the generously sized living space, with multiple large sofas (that can comfortably be transformed into daybeds or even overnight beds!), a 52-inch built-in wall TV and balcony-cum-terrace that extends from the living room and two of the bedrooms, complete the common spaces within the apartment.

The master bedroom is larger than most large hotel suites – with a king-sized bed and embedded wall-TV, a walk-in closet (with settee) and an ensuite bathroom with twin vanities, separate shower and toilet, an indoor sunken tub and an outdoor overhead shower (and another settee!). Other bedrooms, all ensuite with full but more space-conscious bathrooms and lacking a walk-in closet, are considerably smaller in comparison but arguably cozier.

Upstairs, the highlight of our suite, the penthouse terrace, contains an infinity pool large enough to swim short laps in, several sun loungers, a barbecue and sitting space around a table, all with a view of the Kamala coast, occasionally shrouded by the colourfully verdant foliage that surrounds the resort. The thoughtfulness and care taken to ensure privacy and functionality is evident when enjoying a swim upstairs: a half-bathroom by the stairs and an outdoor shower at the terrace ensure that guests need not retreat inside should the need to use the bathroom or take a quick rinse arise.

The main pool at the resort is equally as impressive, measuring nearly 40 metres in length. The black-tiled pool has an infinity edge, and is beautifully framed by towering palms and sun loungers, a bar at the base, and a black granite Jacuzzi to the side. The bar, offering 50% off drinks from 4-7 PM for happy hour, presents the perfect opportunity to work on the tan by the pool.

For dinner, SILK, the resort’s only restaurant, serves fine Thai cuisine with favourites such as a rich massaman curry, fried noodles, and the spiciest and best Tom Yum Goong we’ve ever had. A famous Thai institution previously set in luxurious Surin Plaza a few kilometres away, the restaurant, sharing a common owner with Andara Resort, was relocated to the resort soon after the opening of the resort in 2010. The sophisticated space is ideal for elegant Thai fare, but also maintains a carefree vibe that results in it attracting tourists around Phuket that aren’t guests of the resorts, and is a popular fine dining venue.

The spa is ideal for engaging in a relaxing massage complemented by refreshing local teas, including the Andara Signature massage that combines the therapies of Thai, Oriental and Indian influences, or the Javanese massage, inspired by Balinese techniques, that helps restore balance and harmony with heavier strokes.  The rooms at the spa are in line with the resort of the resort – utilising woods and offering a serene, calming atmosphere through the use of trickling water.

Other facilities at the resort include a gym, which also offers regular daily activities such as morning muay thai, yoga or table tennis tournaments. For the less actively-inclined, there is also a library and a shopping boutique. The resort also owns two yachts available for private hire to visit the nearby islands for private diving, snorkeling, or to spend all day out at sea with a romantic cruise and lunch or dinner.

With pleasant staff and warm, considerate service, a stay at Andara Resort & Villas never feels like a stay at a typical resort, but rather like a holiday at a close friend’s extremely luxurious holiday home.

Article From : http://www.aluxurytravelblog.com/

Horseback adventures for the discerning on Dartmoor

If you’re looking for a luxury riding holiday in the UK, then look no further than bespoke horseback adventure organiser Liberty Trails. Established by Elaine Prior following three years of negotiation with landowners and National Park authories, the company offers horseback safaris for discerning riders across Dartmoor, combined with gastronomic adventures in close partnership with Relais & Chateaux hotelGidleigh Park, one of the most highly rated hotels in the world and home to two Michelin stars and the much celebrated chef Michael Caines MBE.

This is a new experience catering for the ever-growing adventurous luxury market, attracting an exclusive clientele from all over the world and introducing them to the pleasure of riding through the unspoiled wilds of the Dartmoor National Park – an area that extends over 368 square miles and is home to valleys, forests, grassland, rivers and,as I remember well from fieldtrips in years gone by, Dartmoor’s famous granite tors.

With this on their ‘doorstep’, and just a 2.5 hour train ride from London, residents of the UK need not be heading out to the likes of Patagonia or the African veld for a luxury riding experience. Similary, those who have come from afar to experience riding in this unique area have been amazed by Dartmoor’s variety and beauty. The wide open grasslands means you can gallop horses for miles at a time away from the constraints of roads and fences.

Packages from Liberty Trails are available from April until October and start from £4200 per couple, this includes three nights at Gidleigh Park and two days guided riding with up to five hours in the saddle covering up to 25 miles per day. That said, the offering is completely bespoke, so if you’d like something different, rest assured that it can be tailored to your specific needs and requirements.

A typical day, though, would begin with riders being driven by Land Rover from Gidleigh to their mounts. After a morning on horseback, exploring scenery that might be familiar to you from Steven Spielberg’s epic film ‘War Horse’, inspired by Michael Morpurgo’s book of the same name. You can even ride past Shepstor Village and the isolated Grade II listed building that was used as the Narracott family’s farmhouse in the film.) Lunch is then served in a luxury dining tent out on the moor before more wonderful riding, followed by a return to Gidleigh for a well-earned rest and a gourmet dinner.

It has to be emphasised that this is not something for novice riders, but for experienced individuals who are accustomed to all paces as well as varied terrain. If that’s you and you’re looking for an opportunity to really escape out into the wilds in the company of experienced guides with considerable local knowledge, then this may just be for you. And, if you prefer, you may even bring your own horse… although, for no extra charge, you can ride one of Liberty Trails’ own well-trained, sure-footed American Quarter horses.

For any non-riders in your group, alternative activities can be arranged, including everything from falconry to fishing. However, once they hear about your own adventures, they may just become tired of missing out and look to become accomplished horsemen or women themselves.

Photographs are courtesy of equestrian photographer Malcolm Snelgrove. Malcolm follows these rides so that Liberty Trails can provide guests with a photo book as a memento of their experience.

Article From : http://www.aluxurytravelblog.com/