Logo Reisemagazin
Saturday, June 7, 2025
Home Blog Page 153

Naples – Under the influence of the mountain

PatrickJullien
-
0
Naples – Under the influence of the mountain

Naples is the third largest city in Italy. With a history dating back thousands of years, it dates back to the Greek settlement of Neapolis, which was later taken over by the Romans. While Neapolitan folk music was born there in the Middle Ages, the city is also the birthplace of Italy’s national dish – pizza.

Places to visit in and outside Naples

The old town of Naples

Piazza del Plebiscito
Piazza del Plebiscito, Image: Wila_Image / shutterstock

Naples’ old town is part of the UNESCO World Heritage Site. It consists of a labyrinth of alleys and captivates with small chapels and churches that appear here and there as if out of nowhere. Excavations of the old city wall can also be visited there.

Two other highlights are the Nativity Street and the Basilica of Santa Chiara, whose cloister is considered one of the most beautiful in all of Campania.

Napoli Sotterranea – Naples’ Underworld

The underground passages of Naples are about 80 km long and a guided tour is of course a must for visitors. Like a labyrinth, the paths and tuff caves stretch 40 m below the city. The history of the city has been immortalized down there in the stone of the walls: from the founding of the city to the bombs of the Second World War.

Entrances to this underground system can be found all over the city. The tours last about two hours. There are underground gardens, theatres, cisterns and fountains to marvel at.

National Archaeological Museum of Naples

Basilica of Santa Chiara, Naples
Basilica of Santa Chiara, Image: Inu / shutterstock

It is considered the most important archaeological museum in all of Europe and also contains finds from the city of Pompeii, among other things. Among them is a detailed mosaic depicting the battle between Alexander the Great and the Persian king Darius III. Numerous paintings and statues from the collection of the Bourbon King Charles III are also housed in the museum.

The building in which the museum is located has a long history of its own. It was built in 1585 as a cavalry barracks and later further rebuilt and expanded.

Castel Nuovo – Residence of the Rulers

The construction of Castel Nuovo began under the direction of Charles I of Anjou in 1279 and was completed three years later. Even today, the castle is considered the most famous building in Naples. Inside it is a museum that deals with the multifaceted history of the city. Among other things, a wide variety of bronze and silver objects are housed there, and in the Capella Palatina, frescoes and sculptures from the 13th to 14th century.

Mount Vesuvius – Europe’s volcano

Vesuvius Naples
Mount Vesuvius in the background of Naples, Image: Nataliia Gr / shutterstock

The metropolis of Naples is only nine kilometers away from Mount Vesuvius, the only active volcano on the European mainland. The mountain is best known for the history of the city of Pompeii, whose demise it caused in the first century AD.

Even today, the volcano could erupt again at any time.

Visitor tours are offered to the top of the mountain. The ascent takes about an hour on foot and leads to the crater of the mountain on beautiful hiking trails. Public transport also likes to take visitors up the mountain. On cloudless days, the view of the Gulf of Naples is particularly beautiful.

The ruins of Pompeii

Pompeii
Pompeii, Image: lara-sh / shutterstock

Pompeii, 23 km away, can be reached from Naples in a half-hour drive. It is one of the most famous excavation sites ever. The huge walkable area is about 44 hectares.

Before its demise, Pompeii was about 66 hectares in size and the streets pulsated with life. In 79 AD, this came to an abrupt end with the volcanic eruption. Countless finds and the casts of their bodies bear witness to the people of this city to this day. These, however, were stored in museums – as were many mosaics and sculptures.

The streets of the city are empty and clean today. The same applies to Pompeii’s buildings. Only a few furnishings are still in the houses. Nevertheless, the ruined city is worth a visit with or without a guided tour, which can easily stretch over several hours.

Specialties of Naples

As the birthplace of pizza , it should not be missing in Naples. There is often a long queue in front of good pizzerias and invites you to queue.

The city even organizes a pizza festival every year to commemorate the origin of this dish. A fresh pizza Margaritha with a soft base is classic. A slightly different type of this dish is the deep-fried pizza. The topping is located between two layers of dough and is then simply fried.

The Friarielli are also something special. These grow on the slopes of Mount Vesuvius and are only found in this region. They are often fried and served as a side dish. But they have also developed their own dish: friarielli with salsiccia (a large bratwurst).

It is not surprising that many dishes in Naples, characterized by a certain maritime influence, contain mussels and fish. Seafood is available on pasta and pizza as well as as an independent dish.

For dessert, you can try Sfogliatelle or Babà. Both are pastries that are offered in pastry shops and street stalls throughout the city.

If you’re looking for a drink and don’t shy away from some alcohol, you should definitely try limoncello. Although this lemon liqueur originally comes from Sorrento and Almafi, it is also popular in Naples.

Riding holidays and riding tours in Europe: active holidays in the saddle and in nature

PatrickJullien
-
0
Riding holidays and riding tours in Europe: active holidays in the saddle and in nature

The much-quoted Arabic proverb, according to which happiness on earth lies on the back of a horse, is also ideally suited to poetically explain the great popularity of riding holidays and riding trips. For passionate horse lovers, there can of course be no better holiday than the one with their declared favourite animal.

But not only for professional riders, the journey on horseback through unknown realms is a unique and unforgettable experience. Even for beginners interested in hipposcience, a riding holiday at the riding stable is often the prelude to a lifelong passion.

In practice, riding holidays and riding tours are usually differentiated by commercial providers and tour operators according to the type of stay or course: For already experienced riders, the so-called trail riding lasting several days with daily distances of up to approx. 30 kilometres in a maximum of 8 hours is particularly recommended, during which longer distances are covered and a different place is spent every night.

On the other hand, stationary riding holidays are more leisurely and leisurely, where in addition to daily rides on local and regional bridle paths in the surrounding area and learning the basic gaits, the focus is also on the most important grooming techniques such as feeding, leading, saddling and grooming.

The two undoubtedly internationally best-known destinations for riding holidays of all kinds are the USA and Canada, where horses still play an important role in everyday life and economic life, some of them regionally and much more so than in Europe. Nevertheless, there are also many magical places, areas and areas on the “Old Continent” for an all-round successful riding holiday. Depending on the equipment and type of accommodation or duration of the riding holidays, a week’s riding holiday in Germany and other European countries currently costs between about 350 and 800 euros per person.

Riding holidays and riding tours in Germany

There is a large selection of riding stables and trail riding trails throughout Germany, but most of the stations and routes are in Bavaria, Baden-Württemberg, Hesse, Rhineland-Palatinate and in the “horse country” of Lower Saxony. Particularly popular with families with children are the scenic and varied regions around Lake Constance and the Black Forest, Franconian Switzerland and Upper Palatinate in northeastern Bavaria as well as the many traditional riding stables in Lower Saxony along and near the North Sea coast and in the Lüneburg Heath. A famous long-distance bridle path is the 386.8-kilometre-long “German Equestrian Trail No. 1” between Flensburg and Basel. For excursions on a riding holiday, the respective main and state studs with their regular stallion parades and carriage demonstrations are also ideal. The institutions, some of which are centuries old, are located in Redefin (Mecklenburg), Zweibrücken (Rhineland-Palatinate), Celle (Lower Saxony), Warendorf (North Rhine-Westphalia), Moritzburg (Saxony), Dillenburg (Hesse), Schwaiganger (Bavaria), Neustadt/Dosse (Brandenburg) and Marbach (Baden-Württemberg).

Horse riding holidays and horseback riding tours in France

Within Europe, France is considered by connoisseurs to be the country for horse lovers. This is evidenced not least by the inclusion of the French equestrian tradition in the United Nations’ list of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity in 2011. As early as the late 16th century, the internationally used word “cavalry” for mounted military was derived from the French term “cavalerie”. As the world’s largest exporter of horses, France owes its high national standards in equestrian sports to the military riding school “Cadre Noir” in Saumur (Pays de la Loire), founded in 1828. At Le Pin-au-Haras National Stud Farm (Normandy), 40 percent of all French racehorses and 30 percent of all French sport horses are bred. Horseback riding holidays are offered throughout the country, there are about 8,600 equestrian clubs, 5,000 equestrian centers and 400 equestrian tourism centers. Among the most popular regions for trail riding are the Camargue, Côte d’Azur (Provence) and Pyrenees in the south and southwest as well as the Vosges in Alsace in the northeast.

Riding holidays and riding tours in Spain and Portugal

Spain and Portugal have historically played equally important roles in the spread of equestrian practice in Europe. On the Iberian Peninsula, horses were already known in the Paleolithic Age. They finally became familiar pets and farm animals through the rule of the North African Moors over the country from the 8th to the 15th century, who used the animals both in agriculture and in the military. Horse lovers know the typical Iberian horsemanship under its name “Doma Clásica”. This discipline, which dates back to the Baroque period, is still taught at the “Royal Andalusian Riding School” in Jerez de la Frontera near Cadiz and the “Portuguese School of Equestrian Art” in Belém near Lisbon . However, their classic gaits such as the “Spanish walk” (emphasized lifting of the front hoof) and “Spanish step” (passengers) are by no means necessary for riding holidays in Spain and Portugal. Most of the offers for great riding holidays in front of a fantastic scenic backdrop can be found in the Algarve in the south of Portugal as well as on the Costa del Sol and Costa de la Luz in Andalusia, where the world-famous horse breed “Andalusian” also comes from.

Horse riding holidays in Great Britain and Ireland

Horseback Riding Europe
There are also great offers for beginners to experience a riding holiday, Image: Peter Braakmann / shutterstock

English and Irish history books alike are filled with epic tales and heroic sagas of victorious battles in which knights armed to the teeth on horses defeated all sorts of enemies. Given this proud heritage, which is also reflected in the UK’s enthusiasm for horse racing and horse betting, it’s no surprise that both the UK and Ireland each have plenty of great deals on horse holidays. Numerous raving reports from holidaymakers about breathtaking horseback rides praise the coastal sections of Cornwall and Wales in particular. The Dartmoor and Exmoor National Parks in the counties of Somerset and Devon in the southwest of the United Kingdom are also popular and frequent with horses. On the east coast of England near Newmarket (Suffolk) lies “The National Stud”, a time-honoured thoroughbred horse breeding farm. In Ireland, the provinces of Antrim, Cork, Clare, Mayo as well as the Burren, Connacht, Dublin, Munster and the surrounding area of Westport enjoy an excellent reputation for equestrian holidays.

Iceland and Sweden

As one of the most sparsely populated regions in Europe, Scandinavia inspires its guests with picturesque and in many places still almost untouched natural landscapes. Here, as centuries ago, you are almost alone on horseback along wild rivers, dark lakes and endless forests. Throughout Sweden , riders have hundreds of kilometres of specially marked routes (“ridled”) at their disposal for trail riding. Among the most used trails are those through the Tiveden National Park (Örebro County), in the vicinity of Tidaholm (Västra Götaland Province) and the routes in the southern province of Småland. A ride on the rather small, but robust and muscular Icelandic horse is undoubtedly a special experience for every riding enthusiast. It is true that the prices for two- to eight-day riding holidays with excursions past steaming geysers and majestic volcanoes in Selfoss (Árborg), Hvolsvöllur, Hvammur, Þingvellir, Þjórsá, Skagafjörður and Varmahlíð are significantly higher than in the rest of Europe. However, riders also see fairytale landscapes that cannot be found anywhere else in the world.

Robot vacuums: advantages after the holiday

PatrickJullien
-
0
Robot vacuums: advantages after the holiday

More and more people are deciding to use a robot vacuum cleaner in their own apartment or house. The following article deals with the advantages of such a device and why it is so practical, especially on vacation.

Save time with the robot vacuum cleaner

If you use a robot vacuum cleaner, you no longer need to take care of vacuuming yourself. Instead, he can use his time elsewhere and still enjoy a clean apartment or house. However, it is important to note that the suction power must be sufficient. Thus, it is important to compare different models before making a purchase. All areas of the floor should be efficiently cleaned by the appliance in order to enjoy the appliance.

These are the advantages of the robot vacuum cleaner

Just like the lawnmower robot or the mopping robot, the robot vacuum cleaner takes over some household work that many people find annoying or disturbing. Because normal vacuuming takes a lot of time. The robot vacuum cleaner can be programmed to always drive through your own four walls at a fixed time and ensure cleanliness. And when the owner comes home, such as after work or a vacation, he no longer has to vacuum himself.

Low maintenance costs

Another advantage of the robot vacuum cleaner is its low power consumption. This is because the device requires significantly less energy than a classic vacuum cleaner. Transferred to the whole year, this can save a lot of electricity and thus money. In addition, robot vacuum cleaners get by with a collection container, so there is no bag. This simply has to be emptied and is immediately ready for use again. This can also save money. Because if you use a normal vacuum cleaner, you have to get new bags again and again. So it’s worth spending a little more money and the purchase price is quickly recouped

Easy to use

Most robot vacuum cleaners are very easy to use. Thus, even beginners who have never owned such a device will quickly get to grips with it. In addition, good and understandable instructions are usually also included. There are often different cleaning programs so that all surfaces can be perfectly cleaned. New devices can be conveniently controlled via free apps from the manufacturers.

Low noise

Conventional vacuum cleaners are usually quite loud. Modern robot vacuum cleaners, on the other hand, work much more quietly. This means that the neighbours or the front door are not disturbed. By the way, the robot also removes the hair and fur of cats, dogs and co. effectively and reliably. This is another great advantage.

Cleanliness even on holiday

Especially when you are on vacation for a few weeks, large amounts of dust and dirt quickly accumulate. If you use a robot vacuum cleaner, you don’t have to worry about this scenario. Instead, the machine always ensures cleanliness so that you can feel comfortable again immediately and do not have to devote yourself immediately to housework. This is a very big advantage of the robot vacuum cleaner. Because especially after long journeys, you just want to relax and not start vacuuming right away.

So you have enough time after the holiday to unpack your bags and fortify yourself. The robot vacuum cleaner is therefore a very practical help, even when you are away for a long time. Many different groups of people benefit from this.

New smart models provide a good feeling

Robot vacuum cleaners on vacation
The “smart” robot vacuum cleaner takes care of the house during the holiday season, Image: roborock

It’s hard to believe, but the right vacuum/mopping robot can change the “most beautiful season” decisively. The S7 MaxV model from the Beijing-based manufacturer Roborock takes its job as a home nanny very seriously: Thanks to the separately available “Empty Wash Fill Dock” suction station, it not only keeps floors (carpets or hard floors) clean for up to seven weeks during your vacation. With the free Roborock app, he also becomes a remote-controlled guard dog. The highlight: The integrated camera not only ensures that the device is fantastically safe and clean. In addition, you can switch to your device via live video and check the situation at home yourself – directly from the beach bar! You can remotely control the S7 MaxV via the app and direct it to where you want to see it.

For our test, Roborock provided us with the little sister model Q7 Max+ for testing. The device cleans very effectively, has a high suction power of 4,200 Pa and is easy to operate via the APP. Compared to the S7 MaxV, the model is cheaper to buy and convinces with all the features to find a clean home after the holiday.

Result

A robot vacuum cleaner is very practical and helpful in different situations. And people who are regularly out of the house for a very long time or go on vacation for a longer period of time benefit significantly from one. Before buying, however, it is important to make sure that the performance is sufficient to be able to clean all surfaces ideally. In addition, some different cleaning programs should also be on board. Don’t miss out on the many advantages of a robot vacuum cleaner.

California is rightly considered an absolute dream destination

PatrickJullien
-
0
California is rightly considered an absolute dream destination

In the recent past, it was hardly possible to make longer trips to distant countries in between. In the meantime, however, the situation has improved and it is finally possible again, for example, to travel to the USA and there, for example, to beautiful California. California in particular makes many people dream in advance and is absolutely rightly at the top of many travelers’ list of absolute dream destinations. California has an incredible amount to offer its visitors and, in addition to many highlights and fantastic places, also attracts numerous vacationers across the pond every year with a special lifestyle and the friendly local people. In this article, we want to address some of the most important reasons to take a California vacation.

Casual lifestyle and easy-going Californians

California has an incredible number of interesting destinations in store for its visitors. In addition, California is also known all over the world for its relaxed lifestyle. Experiencing the fascinating California for yourself is an absolute must for many travelers and is often at the top of the list of the most popular travel destinations.

This is partly due to the fact that California stands for sun, good mood and a relaxed lifestyle. The people of California are considered particularly friendly, not least because of their laid-back lifestyle, and they play a major role in the special atmosphere in California.

Californians are also considered helpful and particularly open-minded and open-hearted. This makes it particularly easy for holidaymakers to immerse themselves in the Californian lifestyle and adopt the much more relaxed lifestyle within a few days. The good mood among the Californians and also among the visitors is of course also related to the great weather and the many sunny days.

California inspires with countless sights

On a trip through California, there are an incredible number of sights to see and a variety of absolute highlights that should not be missed. The most famous symbol of California is probably the Golden Gate Bridge, which inspires people all over the world far beyond the borders of the USA.

You should definitely pay a visit to Hollywood, which exudes a special glamour and immerses visitors in a glittering world of stars. On the other hand, you should also plan enough time for a visit to the world-famous beaches of San Diego. On these beaches you will always meet many surfers looking for the perfect wave.

Yoswmite Falls is definitely worth a visit, which causes its visitors to look amazed, not least because of Yosemite Falls. The contrasts are very great in California and so, in addition to gigantic waterfalls, there is also a hostile place with Death Valleys, which allows vacationers to immerse themselves in a hostile but impressive desert landscape.

California has many fascinating cities to offer

On the Californian coast, you can head for a variety of exciting cities on the trip. Along Highway One there are numerous large and small cities that captivate visitors with their special flair.

Of course, the big cities such as San Francisco, San Diego or Los Angeles magnetically attract a particularly large number of travelers from other countries. All these big cities have every mange to offer and are definitely worth a detour. However, there is so much to discover in California that it is best to think in advance about what you definitely want to see on a round trip.

Las Vegas is not located in California, but in the neighboring state of Nevada. Nevertheless, it may be worth planning some time for a detour into the glittering casino world of Las Vegas. After all, Las Vegas is absolutely fascinating, especially because of its numerous huge casinos.

Discover the most beautiful beaches in California

California is a huge state in the USA and due to its size alone, the climate is not the same everywhere in California. Basically, however, it can be said that California has many hours of sunshine. Especially the southern area of California awaits its visitors with lots of sunshine and numerous dream beaches.

The most beautiful beaches in California definitely include Malibu, La Jolla cove and Santa Monica Beach. In addition, there are also many not-so-well-known beaches that also have a lot of charm and should be discovered.

 

Experience a dream holiday with a houseboat in Germany

PatrickJullien
-
0
Experience a dream holiday with a houseboat in Germany

There are a variety of different ways to make a holiday an unforgettable experience. In recent years, more and more people have decided to spend their holidays in their own country. This is not a big surprise, because Germany is beautiful and also very varied. When vacationing in Germany , many people opt for a city trip, a vacation in the mountains or a vacation by the sea, for example. But there are also many possibilities for a holiday on or even on one of the many lakes.

Because on more and more lakes in Germany, you can not only take part in an offered boat trip, but also rent a houseboat as a holiday home. In this way, you can make your next holiday on a lake a very special event. Interestingly, you can rent such houseboats on a number of lakes and then also drive on the water.

On some lakes you can steer a houseboat without a license

In Germany, you can even steer a houseboat on some lakes without having a corresponding boat license. At first glance, this sounds surprising when you think about how exactly many things are regulated in Germany.

Nevertheless, it is possible to steer a houseboat on a whole range of lakes without a boat license. This allows you to rent such a houseboat, even if you have never steered such a boat before. However, you have to find out in advance on which inland waters you are allowed to travel with a houseboat without a license.

Explore the Mecklenburg Lake District without a driver’s license

On the Mecklenburg Lake District, for example, you can also travel with a houseboat without a boat license. The only requirement for this is that you have a charter certificate.

Such a charter certificate is proof that you have taken part in a training course when you took over the rented houseboat. This training lasts about three hours and during this time you will get all the important traffic rules, signs and nautical maps explained even as an inexperienced boat driver without previous knowledge. After this theoretical part, there is a practical introduction by a technician on the houseboat before leaving for the houseboat holiday. The complete technical equipment is explained and mooring manoeuvres and casting off manoeuvres as well as the correct behaviour in locks are practiced.

Discover the Mecklenburg Lake District by houseboat

The Mecklenburg Lake District is simply breathtaking and inspires holidaymakers again and again with numerous lakes and additional connecting canals. Once you have spent a holiday in the Mecklenburg Lake District, you will probably automatically become a repeat offender. After all, this large lake district has incredibly beautiful nature to offer and invites you to relax and unwind during the holiday season.

By renting a houseboat, you can sail across the various lakes of the Mecklenburg Lake District in peace and quiet and actually enjoy almost the entire holiday on the water.

According to your own ideas and requirements, you can rent smaller or larger houseboats and then become a captain on the Mecklenburg Lake District with the houseboat even without previous knowledge and a boat license.

Conquer Berlin and Brandenburg by houseboat

It is certainly particularly attractive to explore the capital Berlin with a houseboat. After all, you have the opportunity to take a rented houseboat on the Spree and see some sights such as the Reichstag building from the water. However, it is not allowed to steer such a houseboat in Berlin without a corresponding boat license. So unfortunately there is no possibility to steer a houseboat in Berlin only with a charter certificate.

So if you are not in possession of such a boat license, then you either have to get the required license or decide on another holiday destination with the houseboat.

Alternatively, you can rent a houseboat in Brandenburg , for example on the Havel, even without an existing boat license and enjoy a wonderful trip on the water. With a houseboat, you also have the opportunity to anchor at many different harbors in this region and then continue your vacation on land for some time and make interesting excursions. So there are also a whole range of lakes and other inland waters in Germany that you can explore without a driver’s license after a short briefing with a rented houseboat.

Maldives Islands: Furanafushi / Sheraton Maldives Full Moon Resort & Spa

PatrickJullien
-
0
Maldives Islands: Furanafushi / Sheraton Maldives Full Moon Resort & Spa

Sheraton Maldives Full Moon Resort & Spa in the Maldives is located on the private island of Furanafushi and is a free 15-minute speedboat ride from Velana International Airport. The five-star resort offers 176 guest rooms that blend harmoniously with the surroundings of turquoise waters, pristine beaches and lush gardens. With seven varied restaurants and bars, the Shine Spa for Sheraton, which sits on its own island, and three tropical freshwater outdoor pools, the resort is the perfect destination for couples, families with young children or teenagers, groups of friends, and solo travelers alike. The overnight stay incl. Breakfast starts at $400 for two people per night in a Deluxe Garden View King Room.

How to reach Sheraton Maldives Full Moon Resort & Spa

Guests can easily reach the resort in just 15 minutes by speedboat from Malé’s Velana International Airport.

The rooms

The Sheraton Maldives Full Moon Resort & Spa has 176 rooms, beachfront bungalows, and villas built directly over the water, many of which have private pools.

The restaurants

At the Sheraton Maldives Full Moon Resort & Spa, guests can choose from a wide range of specialties in seven restaurants every day. In addition to Sea Salt, which serves seafood dishes in a romantic atmosphere and to the sound of the sea, Anchorage offers Mediterranean dishes as well as traditional pizzas, while authentic Thai restaurant Baan Thai and Indian restaurant Masala Hut offer bold Asian flavours. Caribbean cuisine with fresh tacos and sophisticated cocktails can be found at Kakuni Hut, and ChopstiX is the perfect place for a casual lunch of homemade dumplings and delicious noodle bowls. Feast, the resort’s buffet restaurant, offers a selection of international dishes freshly prepared at the live cooking stations.

Spa & Leisure

Image: Sheraton Maldives Full Moon Resort & Spa

At the Shine Spa for Sheraton, located on its own island, guests can enjoy holistic facials and massages in the spa pavilions surrounded by lush greenery. Younger guests can enjoy the Kids Center, and with the family-friendly “Side by Side” program, the resort offers a variety of activities such as interactive cooking classes, picnics on the beach, and family fun at the spa, where kids can create their own face masks from edible ingredients at the dedicated do-it-yourself counter. The offer also includes the joint planting of coral fragments, where the participants can not only have fun and lend a hand themselves, but also learn interesting facts about the hotel’s Adopt a Coral initiative. The coral pieces are planted in a frame, which the marine biologist then places under water. Thanks to a serial number on the frame, guests can follow the growth of the self-planted corals on a specially created website. Other activities include water sports such as diving, snorkelling, boat and sailing tours and jet skiing. An outdoor swimming pool, fitness centre and tennis court complete the offer.

For more information , see www.sheratonmaldives.com

Maldives Islands: Thilamaafushi / Le Méridien Maldives Resort & Spa

PatrickJullien
-
0
Maldives Islands: Thilamaafushi / Le Méridien Maldives Resort & Spa

Inspired by the formation of the atolls, coral reefs and marine life, Le Méridien Maldives Resort & Spa, which opened on September 1, 2021, is picturesquely located in a remote corner of the Lhaviyani Atoll on the natural private island of Thilamaafushi. The nine-hectare island is known locally as “Reef Island” and is considered the quintessential Maldives – an eco-conscious getaway framed by a dazzling lagoon and colorful reefs with lush native flora and fauna.

The six restaurants and bars and the Explore Spa by Le Méridien celebrate the destination’s special features, sounds and flavours, while guests explore the atoll’s unique environment above and below the water with a variety of signature experiences. With 141 villas with a subtle color concept, whose design combines European finesse with the brand’s typical mid-century design and Bauhaus aesthetic, Le Méridien Maldives Resort & Spa is a refuge for curious and creative travelers to discover the destination with typical European enjoyment.

Size of the island

9 hectares, 1800 x 500 meters

How to reach Le Méridien Maldives Resort & Spa

Guests can easily reach the resort in 35 minutes by seaplane from Velana (MLE) International Airport in Malé.

The rooms

Rooms Le Méridien Maldives Resort & Spa
The rooms at Le Méridien Maldives Resort & Spa, Image: © Le Méridien Maldives Resort & Spa

Le Méridien Maldives Resort & Spa comprises 141 villas, set amidst the tropical landscape and scattered on the water, each with magnificent views of the pristine beaches, the sea and the turquoise lagoon respectively. The villas with a choice of one, two or three bedrooms combine art and industrial design with clean lines, neutral tones and contrasting renewable materials that emphasise simplicity, openness and functionality.

The restaurants

Guests can choose from six restaurants and bars with a menu of international specialties and local produce: Inspired by Japanese fishing villages and water lanterns, the signature restaurant Tabemasu entices with a teppanyaki counter and its own outdoor pavilion where a masterfully prepared omakase tasting menu is served.

The adults-only Riviera bar is located on the beach, framed by an oceanfront infinity pool and a private beach, where extended, leisurely lunches and sundowners blend seamlessly as the sun bathes the ocean in the most magnificent colours. The Le Méridien promotion “Au Soleil” also takes place on the beach section there as part of the weekly culinary resort events. “Au Soleil” adds a pinch of summer feeling to the “Golden Hour”, i.e. the magical time just before sunset, through European-inspired small plates (petits plates), rosé cocktails and homemade gelato or sorbet from Le Scoop by Le Méridien, served to live music and the sound of the waves.

Under banyan trees and gently swaying palm trees, the Waves Café indulges in deliberately healthy cuisine, with a focus on organic products directly from the producer. The Velaa Bar + Grill by the pool focuses on freshly mixed cocktails and light dishes to enjoy in the sun. In the evening, there is grilled seafood, meat and delicacies from the wood-fired oven. The Le Méridien Hub sees itself as a creative meeting place. Thanks to the cooperation with illy, coffee specialties prepared individually by the barista are available there. The culinary offer is rounded off by the Turquoise, a kind of marketplace on the beach, where guests can choose from a variety of international and local dishes from breakfast to dinner.

Spa & Leisure

Nature Le Méridien Maldives Resort & Spa
In harmony with nature, Image: © Le Méridien Maldives Resort & Spa

The hub of the resort is the Waves Lifestyle Hub, a central “feel-good place” in the midst of unspoilt countryside and breathtaking sea views. This small, fine lifestyle area includes a gym facing the sea and an elevated yoga pavilion surrounded by greenery, as well as the Waves Café, an interactive studio with a focus on local contemporary art. In a shop, you can buy handmade and modern lifestyle products. The resort’s Marine Hub offers various conservation activities, such as the protection of mangroves and seagrass, or turtle identification and snorkeling with the marine biologist. Here, participants even have the opportunity to give a turtle a name. The resort’s private island, Bodu Finolhu, is full of tropical greenery and a continuous beach that frames the island – perfect for relaxing. Families can take advantage of the services offered by Le Méridien Family and Kids’ Hub, whether it’s a day or night hike on nature trails, listening to folk stories or taking art classes on sustainability. In The Greenhouse greenhouse, too, people can work together, for example when planting greens, harvesting and cooking. Other features include the Explore Spa by Le Méridien and two infinity pools.

Cheap parking at the airport

PatrickJullien
-
0
Cheap parking at the airport

If you park your car at the airport, you often have to be prepared for high parking fees. But with a few simple tricks, you can save a lot of money when parking at the airport. In the following, we will tell you how to do this and what you should pay attention to.

Parking at the airport doesn’t have to be expensive

Whether you go on holiday once a year or you are a frequent flyer, the high parking fees at the airport spoil the joy of flying for many. Therefore, it is advisable to find out in advance how you can save costs for parking . In general, it can be said that it is like in many things: the early bird catches the worm. The earlier you book the parking space at the airport, the lower the price. As soon as a trip by plane is foreseeable, you should invest a little time and reserve a parking space.

In the best case, this is not only a few days before the trip, but weeks or even months in advance. Early bookers can save a lot of money compared to spontaneous parking. At the same time, parking spaces can be booked conveniently and easily online. But parking spaces can also be reserved through the travel agency.

How to save parking fees at the airport

Parking at Frankfurt Airport
Relaxed parking at Frankfurt Airport, Image: By merrymuuu / shutterstock

Another method to save quite a bit of money when parking at the airport is to use alternative parking spaces. At Parkenamflughafen you will find a selection of different alternative car parks around your departure airport. You can select the travel period online and book a parking space. Another alternative to save money on airport parking is Holiday or Shuttle Parking. You do not park directly at the terminal, but in parking areas further away. Travelers will then be driven to the terminal by shuttle bus.

However, the alternative parking spaces are still somewhat cheaper, as they are not offered by the airport itself, but by private providers. On average, you park about ten minutes away from the terminal and are also taken there by shuttle. In addition, the cars are well secured and a comprehensive service is offered.

What are the parking fees at the airport?

Parking fees at the airport depend on various factors. Early booked parking spaces are the cheapest ones, if you drive spontaneously into a nearby parking garage at the terminal during the day, you pay the highest prices. Therefore, it is worthwhile to compare the costs beforehand and weigh up the different parking garages against each other.

How can you save as a frequent flyer?

Frequent flyers who commute for work, for example, can also save a lot of money when parking at the airport. Discounts or special conditions can often be agreed on official car parks or alternative car parks. For this purpose, you can obtain various offers and compare them if necessary. In some cases, however, proof is also required for frequent flyers, but miles or status cards from the airlines are usually sufficient for this.

Can I switch to nearby residential areas?

Parking your car near an airport in the middle of a residential area and thus saving parking fees is not recommended. Especially in large cities, parking conditions can change during vacation, for example due to temporary parking or parking bans. In addition, the risk of theft and vandalism increases.

Residents are also not very pleased when parking spaces in their own area are occupied by travelers for a long time. The police and public order office are particularly sensitive to this issue, especially near the airport, and are happy to have the holiday parkers towed away. If parking in a residential area is generally allowed, then of course you can theoretically park there, but even then it is not necessarily morally right.

 

Zambia is becoming more and more popular with tourists

PatrickJullien
-
0
Zambia is becoming more and more popular with tourists

In recent years, Africa has gradually received the tourist attention it has long deserved. Away from the tourist regions in the north of the continent, there are many beautiful countries with their very own culture and impressive natural treasures, especially in the heart of Africa. Zambia is a good example of this. Unlike Namibia, which has been popular with tourists from all over the world for quite a while, not many Western tourists are yet finding their way to the country. Yet it offers just the right basis for a holiday full of excitement and adventure.

The most important facts about Zambia

Zambia Location
Image: Tudoran Andrei / shutterstock

Between Namibia, the Congo and some other countries, Zambia is centrally located in the south of the African continent. Much of the country is located on various plateaus, which also dominate the country’s nature. From the plateaus it goes down into the valleys, past the many small and large rivers that run through the entire country. It is also those rivers that make the country relatively green and ensure that the cliché of the dry continent does not really apply to Zambia. The diversity of nature is probably the greatest treasure of the country and the reason why tourists now also dare to come here.

Image: Phillip Allaway / shutterstock

Speaking of cultures: Typical for Africa is the tribal system, which can be seen everywhere in the country. While many of the original peoples still live in villages with their tribes today, something like a culture of the big city has only gradually been established. The country’s capital, Lusaka, is not only the cultural center of the country, but also the place that most closely tells of the progress that has been achieved in the country in recent decades. Various foreign investors are causing a small boom and so the industry for tourists was born.

Of course, it is possible to discover the country on your own. However, it is precisely the condition of the roads and the fact that a large part of the heart of the country has not really been developed to this day that ensures that the guided tours are strongly recommended. They lead to the country’s top attractions and guarantee not only safety, but also that you won’t miss any part of Zambia – because there is so much to discover.

Livingstone and other attractions

South Luangwa National Park, Zambia
Elephants in the South Luangwa National Park, Image: paula french / shutterstock

Due to the low development of the tourist infrastructure, Zambia has so far many places to offer that are still almost untouched and present themselves to the visitor as nature has created them. So it can also happen that wild animals cross the road in the heart of the country. Tours for safaris are now of course also offered and give a deep insight into the characteristic animal kingdom of Zambia. Unlike in many other countries, however, it is mainly the hiking safaris that have a particularly good reputation. Together with local guides – who are also armed in case of doubt – the valleys of the country are explored in search of the animals.

In general, there is a lot to discover and experience here. Canoe tours on the many rivers are just as possible as excursions to fish on the Zambezi. Many of the tourist providers still try to bring the country closer to the visitors and not to change the country for the visitors. Luxury holidays outside the capital are not possible – but most people who find their way to Zambia don’t want that at all. Instead, adventure and a deep insight into the local cultures and natural treasures are required.

The biggest highlight of the country is Livingstone and the famous Victoria Falls. It was the British explorer of the same name, Livingstone, who once stopped in front of this imposing surface. The waterfalls stretch for over 1.5 kilometers and more than 3000 tons are moved through the falls every second. A unique spectacle of nature, even by African standards, where there is so much to discover and experience.

Culture and tradition on holiday in Zambia

Victoria Waterfalls Zambia
Victoria Falls, Image: Yana Zubkova / shutterstock

If you are so far away from home and get involved in the adventure of Zambia, you naturally want to have a memory of the culture. The best way to do this is in the capital. At the countless markets that run through the city, you can bargain and find one or the other souvenir. By the way, in some markets it is common to trade not with money, but with goods. So if you are approached by a local and asked if you would like to exchange your baseball cap for something from his stand, this is definitely something you can try.

Of course, the typical African cuisine is very strongly represented here. It mixes with the influences from the West, but has been able to retain its own character over the years. If you are planning a holiday in Zambia, you should take the opportunity and take one or two culinary memories with you on your way home.

Lindos on Rhodes – Island dream in the Aegean Sea

PatrickJullien
-
0
Lindos on Rhodes – Island dream in the Aegean Sea

Crystal clear turquoise blue water, a barren, rock-grey coastal landscape and the bright white face of a dream town that rises like a mirage in the east of Rhodes . Lindos is a picture-book Greek village on the magnificent St. Paul’s Bay. Whitewashed houses stretch along the castle hill in the shadow of a fortress – the ancient town lies there as if painted. On a 116-metre-high rock, the picturesque town exudes its charm, bustling and typically Greek. Welcome to the magical east coast of Greece, welcome to Lindos in Rhodes!

Stop! Arrivals should pause for a moment and pay attention to the viewing plateau: The view of the proud Johanniterburg from the Middle Ages is breathtaking. Ancient columns on a mighty mountain, on the slope below offers the dream town, surrounded by olive groves and lined with white cube houses – the bay rests in the distance. At the southern tip, surfers cavort and dance like splashes of color on the blue waves. After every bend, the dreamlike beauty of the village gains intensity. Beach chapel, fishing boat, oleander blossoms – Lindos is the Greek cliché par excellence.

Lindos – the pearl of Rhodes

Acropolis of Lindos
The Acropolis of Lindos, Image: frantic00 / shutterstock

Once upon a time, the sun god fell in love with the nymph Rhodes. Soon he threw his light over her and enveloped her in rays of sunshine – then the nymph was transformed into a beautiful island. Since that time, the sun has been shining 300 days a year in Lindos on Rhodes. A beautiful legend. At the same time, Lindos is a focal mirror of Rhodian history. The settlement of Lindos can be traced back to the 3rd millennium BC. After Kameiros and Ilysos, Lindos was the third city on the island, which was founded as early as the 11th century BC.

The Acropolis of Lindos is the postcard motif of the island with magnificent views of the vast sea. Dominated by the mighty Acropolis, Lindos is characterized by a ravishing location, by a closed picturesque townscape and by its low white houses. In the evening, the place offers a beguiling sight.

Lindos – an archaeological treasure chest

Lindos Beach
The picturesque beach of Lindos, Image: Lubos K / shutterstock

The castle hill was one of the most important sanctuaries in Greece. Visitors climb up in a long row to the portal of the former Johanniter fortress, which was built around 1500. Behind it are the ancient temples of the patron goddess of the city. Its ruins are relics dedicated to the cult of Athena Lindia. The considerable remains of the temple date from the 3rd/2nd century. Century BC They were surrounded by a mighty fortress wall by the Knights of St. John from 1476 to 1505. From the rock there is a fascinating view of the Agios Pavlos Bay and the Agios Pallas Bay.

Afterwards, it is worth taking a detour to the Ancient Theatre on the southern outskirts of the village. The theatre once offered space for 1800 visitors – it is impressively carved into the rock at the foot of the Acropolis.

Who dares to look at the Last Judgement? The Church of the Mother of God in Panagia, decorated with frescoes and icons from the 18th century, captivates many visitors. On the entrance wall, the Last Judgement convinces with numerous creepy details. The church is located on the main street, in the center of Lindos. Far from the hustle and bustle of the village alleys, the inner courtyard of the church with its lemon trees provides an oasis of peace.

Meanwhile, many visitors cavort in the atmospheric alleys, lined with restaurants and souvenir shops. Spoiler alert: Everything is kind of pretty or cute and also chic. In any case, Lindos is a “dangerous” place for spontaneous buyers.
Magnificent captain’s houses attract attention again and again. The oldest of these houses dates back to 1599. In addition, many historic private houses characterize the cityscape. The private houses are not only beautiful to look at, they also house restaurants and bars. A viewing is therefore guaranteed!

Between beach magic and hiking dream

Good to know: Lindos is closed to all car traffic. Only the road to the beach is open to private traffic. Two beautiful beaches invite you to have fun swimming. Lindos Beach is the main beach, wonderfully sandy and at the same time a child-friendly “sea pool”. The selection of taverns is almost unmanageable. Pallas Beach is the former anchorage of the fishermen. The beautiful bay stretches below the village. It is quieter here than on the main beach. Opposite is the enchanting Agios Pavlos bay with a tiny sandy beach. In memory of Apostle Paul, a chapel was built in the bay.

A hike to the tomb of Kleoboulos is worthwhile. Visitors will find it north of Pallas Bay on a cape in a fantastic location. However, the rotunda has less to do with the tyrant Cleobulus – it dates back to Hellenistic times. An entrance made of stone layers leads to the burial chamber. You should plan about 90 minutes for the way there and back.

A culinary journey in the magic of the countryside

Lindos has long since ceased to be a secluded idyll. The countless taverns, bars, souvenir shops and cafés bear witness to this. The pretty alleys seem to have long since become too narrow. By summer at the latest, when the crowds of people flock towards the Acropolis, the small town is bursting at the seams. Nevertheless, the many taverns are worth a visit. On the way to the Acropolis is the Taverna Timi’s Place. Here, guests can enjoy Cypriot specialties and a great view from the roof terrace.

If one drink is enough for you, you can stop at the Rainbird Bar. Here you sit on colorful cushions in a beautiful garden and sip homemade lemonade.

The Captain’s House Bar is one of the most beautiful captain’s houses and offers a great flair. Right next door, the Socrates Bar invites you to stop for a bite to eat. In the early 70s, it was the favorite pub of the boys from Pink Floyd.

When the night begins, guests are drawn across the alley at the donkey square to a wonderful outdoor terrace. From the top floor, you can enjoy a breathtaking view over the effectively illuminated rock tombs to the illuminated Acropolis at Lindos by Night. The visit is a fantastic end to any Lindos trip.

1...152153154...202Page 153 of 202