We posted a behind the scenes look at Northern Chile from the James Bond installment Quantum of Solace (2008). While at first glance it might seem a little moonlike and "dry" to say the least, this place has so much to offer and is the best starting point for an adventure to the salt flats of Uyuni in Bolivia, a truly magical place. But back to Chile, it is in San Pedro de Atacama that one can truly experience a desert that is very much alive. With gorgeous sunsets in the valley of the moon, you can reminisce in luxury at a number of hotels in this charming desert oasis. The rooms at the plush Explora hotel are filled with quality linens and custom-designed furniture. There are four inter-connecting pools and saunas, and the food and wine are superb - enjoyed with spectacular views of the Licancabur Volcano. Perhaps the chicest and coziest choice is the fabulous Awasi hotel with its 8 private cottages and individualized excursions. The new Tierra Atacama is another option that boasts a unique Andean spa, priceless Volcano views and personalized service. No matter which hotel you select, a visit to the Atacama is very James Bond...
We posted a behind the scenes look at Northern Chile from the James Bond installment Quantum of Solace (2008). While at first glance it might seem a little moonlike and “dry” to say the least, this place has so much to offer and is the best starting point for an…
I just spent a week in Cartagena coinciding with New Years. It is the busiest time of the year in Cartagena, as it is the favourite place for Colombians to spend the holiday. It is becoming popular with foreigners, although it is still rare to come across European and North American Tourists in this beautifully preserved colonial city sitting on the Caribbean coast. Only those "in the know" are flocking to Cartagena, as it is fast becoming the "St Tropez" of Latin American Caribbean. In terms of accomodation, there are wonderful fully restored and fully catered Villas in the historic centre; a myriad of small boutique hotels; and a staggering number of divine B&B's with rooftop pools and miradors, impeccable service and delightful décor. Our favourite is definitely Agua, but there is Passion, Quadrifoglio, and the lovely hotels Santa Clara and Santa Teresa which I would recommend in an instant. Cartagena's New Years street party is amazing and quite unique. This lovely and lively coastal city really comes alive on New Years Eve when Cartagena literally becomes one single street party. All the plazas(of which there are many) are laid out for the party, each with a band, tables and chairs. In order to secure a place you of course have to book way in advance and it is not cheap. Some plaza parties provide food and drink while others require that you bring your own. The scene is filled with lots of merengue, vallenato and salsa; people of all ages; families with children... What I really loved about Cartagena is that it is not "manicured" or too perfect. It still retains its authenticity and real local flavour. I would recommend to do what I did (well, I was particularly lucky to stay at my friends' amazing newly
I just spent a week in Cartagena coinciding with New Years. It is the busiest time of the year in Cartagena, as it is the favourite place for Colombians to spend the holiday. It is becoming popular with foreigners, although it is still rare to come across European and…
Summer Skiing with a difference at Portillo, Chile With our primary goals firmly cemented in the importance of exemplary personal service and unique travel experiences, it was only a matter of time before we were seduced by the charms of Portillo, South America's oldest ski area. Standing in the shadow of Aconcagua, the highest peak in the Americas, the sunshine-yellow facade of the Hotel Portillo is a welcoming site for the lucky ones who discover this all-inclusive ski experience, a two hour drive from the capital of Santiago. Standing alone, the Hotel commandeers the powder white slopes giving you and your maximum of 500 fellow guests exclusive access to the numerous all-ability slopes and 13 chair lifts leading to them, including a one-of-a-kind lift that was specifically designed for Portillo to cope with steepness of the expert runs! This compact and beautifully managed ski area, home of the 1966 Alpine World Championships, has been family-run for over fifty years and the Purcell family pride themselves on their personal service with over 450 employees, that's one per guest. "It's like a cruise ship in the mountains," says world champion extreme skier Chris Davenport, a long-time Portillo visitor who holds his annual 'Ski with the Superstars' freeskiing clinic at the resort. Given that this is summer skiing for us, running from late June to early October (best months July and August), the Ski School has the pick of best instructors in the world and is internationally renowned for its quality. This quality extends to its fabulous childcare facilities - Portillo is extremely family-friendly with the resort featuring a nursery, daycare centre and kids camp and offering kids menus, après-ski kids entertainment and 'Kids Ski Free Weeks'. Trips to Portillo will start from 2008 and can be combined with visits to a number
Summer Skiing with a difference at Portillo, Chile With our primary goals firmly cemented in the importance of exemplary personal service and unique travel experiences, it was only a matter of time before we were seduced by the charms of Portillo, South America’s oldest ski area. Standing in the shadow…
