Castello Di Ugento - Puglia

By far the one of my best highlights of 2019 was being a guest here at Castello Di Ugento. Puglia was on my bucket list for years.  Now I understand why people love it and I now know how to sell it! I was invited by one of our exclusive suppliers to come and inspect the place.  I was not disappointed.  In fact, I was thoroughly overwhelmed by the experience.  

The owners (now my new best friends) former Pepsi CEO, Massimo Fasanella d'Amore di Ruffano and his partner, Diana Bianchi, began renovations over four years ago to transform the property  which had gone unused by Massimo family for decades—into this new landmark on the region's Salento Coast. Formerly a palazzo before its transformation, it is now a very well publicised and sought after boutique hotel, with a state-of-the-art cooking school, museum, and is fast becoming one of the most upscale seaside retreats. The renovations don’t get much more extreme than the six-year, €15 million (£13.2 million) spent on the project!

Everything about the place feels like it must have been in the 18th-century, from the scented gardens outside to the lofted ceilings and 17th-century frescoes of the salons inside.

The on-site cooking school, and the restaurant led by one of the country's best chefs are both quite incredible. We were utterly spoilt and had the privilege of experiencing the cookery school by making our own pasta. 

WHERE IS IT?

Located at the highest point in Ugento, southern Puglia. Ugento is a sleepy little town in Salento. Along with its magnificent Castello, a cathedral towers over an elegant square and Byzantine and Baroque churches can be glimpsed down tiny alleyways. It is also the site of a state-of-the-art archaeological museum housed in an old Franciscan monastery, a glass roof soaring over a courtyard between the ancient walls and protecting the tomb of an athlete from the 6th century BC.

There are small supermarkets, a pharmacy and the town’s array of pizzerias are within walking distance. The coast is 4 miles (7km) away – it’s worth hiring a car to explore the area.

HOW TO GET THERE

AIR

Brindisi airport, known as “Aeroporto del Salento”, has direct connections to many Italian and European cities.  It is 90 km away and an hour by car from the Castello di Ugento.

Bari is 200 km away and about a 2.15 hour drive.

RAIL

The nearest train station on the Italian National Rail service line is Lecce

HOW MANY ROOMS?

Only nine individually decorated suites, and all of them simply gorgeous: Vaulted ceilings, large windows; exposed stonework and the expected five star luxury items like Italian linen, contemporary furniture; organic locally made olive oil-based products are all included.  The attention to detail is magnificent.

THE VIBE/ATMOSPHERE

It feels like you are staying in someone’s home, well an estate and a castle more like!  It’s very personal and Diana and Massimo, who live on-site, truly make the place so special as they are on hand for your every need. There is no room service but a restaurant. Everything is top-notch quality. Everything is tailor-made. 

HOW TO PUT IT INTO WORDS

A five-star luxury “historical monument” turned hotel. Special. Unique.  A Gem. Exquisite. It’s difficult to use too many superlatives but Ultimate Wow springs to mind.  Just read the reviews online if you don’t believe me!  

THINGS TO DO LOCALLY

Private Walking Tours - Visit of the beautiful Baroque city of Lecce, 50 minutes away: Discover the Roman Amphitheater, the Basilica of Santa Croce, the piazza del Duomo with the cathedral. Arches of triumph, obelisks, aristocratic palaces, caryatids, fountains, everything is arranged according to a theatrical baroque decoration.

Exclusive Palace Visits - Enjoy a coffee or an aperitivo inside a privately owned property such as a historical palazzo or masseria. Discover architectural gems and gardens that are very often hidden to the public eye. The owners will be there to welcome you, show you around their private homes, and offer you a coffee or a glass of wine.

Food Tasting - Food, olive oil and wine are one of the trademarks and excellencies at the heart of the Puglia’s culture. Let us take you to centuries-old olive oil mills and wineries, run by the same families for generations; meet the owners, visit their property accompanied by them and enjoy tasting their product; and gain a unique insight on Salento and its traditions.

Boat Excursions - Come and explore the tip of Italy’s heel, where the majestic Adriatic Sea and the lush Ionian Sea meet: beaches, dunes, nature reserves, watchtowers, grottoes, high cliffs… Choose from one of our many sea-centered options: A unique sailing cruise on a vintage 15-meter boat.Private gozzo-boat excursions to explore the coast and it grottoes. Self-driven or accompanied by experienced skippers.Relaxing day at the sea in one of the elegant sea establishments along the Apulian coast.

Also: Trekking, Hiking, Bicyling; Private Yoga and Pilates Classes; Local Artisanship; Hands-On Grape Harvesting & Olive Picking

Castello di Ugento has a sister property Masseria le Mandorle nearby with a further 12 rooms.  Here there is also a swimming pool that guests from Castllo di Ugento can use. 

Please call me for more information and my own personal photographs. I can assure you that you will treated like a VVIP if you let me take care of your travel arrangements from beginning to end! 

Tenerife Bahia del Duque

Tenerife Bahia del Duque, Tenerife. Canary Islands. Spain

A superb and Unique Resort

To escape the winter weather and for warmer climes Tenerife is usually a safe bet and so easy to get to!   I am lucky enough to have stayed twice at this fabulous luxury hotel and can highly recommend it.

Bahia del Duque is a charming hotel, not huge and is inspired by the traditional Canarian architecture of the end of the 19th Century. This place feels like a tropical oasis and is located on the azure shores of the beautiful Duque Beach. I read and must agree with someone who commented it looks like a cross between Disneyland and Portmeirion. But please don’t be put off by that. It feels like a small, exclusive and very eclectic town. The staff wear traditional Canarian costume, which seems a bit bizarre, but it all adds to the style and vibe of the place – the staff are exceptional by the way.  Polite and friendly. 

What I particularly like is the direct access to the Playa del Duque beach promenade via the lawned gardens surrounding the pool. You can easily and leisurely stroll to the upscale area of Costa Adeje where there are swanky shops and a variety of bars and restaurant. Golf is very close too. (two courses within a 10-minute drive), and airport transfers are quick – a 15-minute ride along the motorway.

The layout is good, and the landscaped tropical gardens are fabulous packed with close to 300 different species. There are 289 rooms and 58 suites. They are either in either the main hotel area or the Casas Ducales, a space that’s separate and has its own independent check ins and butler service. The 40 villas are fantastic for families or big groups of friends. 

As you’d expect with a luxury resort of this type, there are a great variety of restaurants and bars, a first-class SPA and there are many activities that you’d also expect at a 5* place including water sports and sports.

It's suitable for families, couples (especially during term times) couples and single travellers. 

Book with me and you will receive these exclusive Virtuoso Amenities for your stay   

For 2020:

• Upgrade on arrival, subject to availability

• Daily Buffet breakfast, for two guests per bedroom

• A complimentary lunch for up to two people per room, once during stay, excluding taxes and gratuities once during stay, set menu in our Beach Club including water, local wine and coffee)

• Early check-in/late check-out, subject to availability

• Complimentary Wi-Fi

The Mandarin Oriental, Bodrum

On a recent holiday to Turkey I was delighted - and felt very privileged - to have been invited to have a look and spend the day at the Mandarin Oriental in Bodrum with my family. Quite simply – WOW!!!!

It’s located on a 60 hectare waterfront site on the northern side of the Turkish peninsula, close to the charming waterfront village of Göltürkbükü and a 45 minute drive from Milas-Bodrum International Airport and 30 minutes from the centre of Bodrum. The panoramic views over the Aegean Sea are incredible. Built on a series of levels nestled in the resort’s landscaped hillside, surrounded by ancient olive groves and pine trees, the resort’s 109 guestrooms and suites provides the largest accommodation in the area, all with stunning sun-decks, terraces or balconies, and many with private gardens and infinity edged pools. The Spa is out of this world.  There are two sandy beaches in this luxurious hideaway retreat.  What is incredible about this resort is the size of the grounds considering there are only 109 bedrooms (you could seriously get lost!) - we were transported around by electric golf carts. You could seriously get lost!

We had a complete tour of the hotel – from the Cake Shop to the helipad!  We saw a standard sea view room which starts from over £600 per night. Contemporary in style with everything and more that you would expect from Mandarin Oriental and taking full advantage of the resort’s outstanding vistas. It was huge and so stylish! I was more than impressed with the private sun-deck amongst other things; a bathroom overlooking the sea, the handy valet closets which allow guests to use the laundry and delivery services without being disrupted.  Most of all the boys were impressed that Xboxes are available on request!  Some rooms have their own private gardens and infinity edged pools.

We were spoilt for choice when it came to choosing where to have lunch. There are a selection of ten restaurants and bars.  We chose The Olive Garden which serves delectable Turkish cuisine - an al fresco dining experience under the olive trees.  We had probably the best Turkish mezze I have ever tasted.

After lunch we relaxed on the beach and admired the view of the super yachts in the bay and for sundowners our boys chose the beachside JuJu Bar @M2 Bar, as there was international DJ performing on its very spacious and stylish waterfront decks. It was such a fantastic atmosphere and we didn’t want to leave.

What more can I say but treat yourself – you will not be disappointed with this hotel – it really is one of the best beach resorts I have ever seen. 

A Lush Tropical Gem, St Lucia

I spent only a week on St Lucia, but definitely needed more time! (We were there in the week before the main October half term). One of the Windward Islands of the Lesser Antilles, it is located midway down the Eastern Caribbean chain, between Martinique and St. Vincent, north of Barbados. St. Lucia is only 27 miles long and 14 miles wide. It is more like two islands in one. Rodney Bay in the north offers modern comforts amid a beautiful bay and in the south, (where we stayed) is Soufrière; the heart of a gorgeous region of old plantations, hidden beaches and the photogenic Pitons.

We stayed at Sugar Beach – a Viceroy Hotel. Its style, like all Viceroy Hotels, is glamorous and modern; a simply stunning resort, offering the highest levels of luxury in a tranquil rainforest setting overlooking a secluded beach. It is nestled away in the valley of the Pitons within a UNESCO world heritage site in St. Lucia. Recently it was voted 'Favourite Overseas Hotel in the Americas and Caribbean' at the Condé Nast Traveller Readers Awards. It is about a 40 minute drive from the airport.

The lush vegetation and rainforest surrounding the property is absolutely breath-taking and I found the whole place difficult to fault. Wanting to be in charge of our own destiny, we hired a car for the week. This enabled us to not only explore the island at our own leisure but also meant we could dine out of the hotel as we were there on a bed and breakfast basis only. Booking options range from room only to all inclusive. 

On arrival, after a very welcome local cocktail, you are issued with a mobile phone with your personal butler’s number programmed in – so anytime you need anything, including a lift to the main resort you simply call. Getting around the resort they use “tuk tuks” or vans, as getting up the hill to where we were staying was a long walk. We loved been driven around the resort.

We stayed in a luxury one bedroomed villa which was gorgeous and very private.  We had a private terrace and our plunge pool which was an added bonus! The hotel also has cottages, beachfront villas and Residences all of which are spacious, with stunning views of the Caribbean Sea or the resort’s beautiful gardens.  The décor is contemporary, with white four-poster beds (complete with mosquito-netting), and furnishings contrasting with striking dark wood flooring. Our bathroom was massive, with a walk-in shower and a gorgeous freestanding bath. Fabulous touches like a Nespresso machine; bug spray; great selection in mini bar with snacks, BBC news channel! 

The resort offers a selection of dining choices. From the best and most elegant restaurant the Great Room, to the Bayside Restaurant or The Terrace for breakfast. We liked the informality of the Bayside Restaurant and we loved the Cane Bar. We met the hugely talented Rob Zii Taylor – an amazing local saxophonist (originally from Lancs) whose music is a modern day R & B twist on Reggae sound. Fantastic!  

We also discovered a couple of great local, very reasonably priced restaurants in Soufrière; Orlando’s and La Petit Peak. I would highly recommend both if you aren’t afraid to venture out and if you want an authentic St. Lucian restaurant.  

The hotel has the most magnificent Spa. The Rainforest Spa has seven treatment rooms offering more breath-taking views from their unique tree-top locations. It offers a range of treatments and rituals, including a signature Bamboo massage, and a ‘temascal’ or Amerindian steam room.

The beach and pool were also perfect. It was never too crowded. We loved just chilling on the floating circles out in the sea which you could just swim to and relax on. However, I cannot imagine what it is like in peak season – over Christmas and New Year – I guess if you have small children that they would really get looked after – the kids club looks amazing.

This is a superb resort and we had the best time. The staff were excellent and so friendly. I highly recommend this resort for relaxation, impeccable service, fantastic accommodation. In a word, “paradise”!!

GETTING TO ST LUCIA AND GETTING AROUND WHEN YOU ARE THERE

From the UK both British Airways and Virgin Atlantic fly nonstop to St Lucia from Gatwick. Flying inter-island tends to be with LIAT, which operates much like a bus service hopping from one island to the next.

*WHEN TO GO

St. Lucia is a year-round destination. However, mid-December through mid-April is the most popular time to visit, especially for people from cold climates. Visitors who don't mind braving the summer rainy season will find lower hotel rates and fewer crowds. Visitation also peaks in July when Carnival is celebrated.

• High season: mid-December to early April

• Low season: mid-April to early December

*WEATHER INFORMATION

St. Lucia enjoys a moderate, warm climate throughout the year. However, higher humidity and more rainfall is common from June through to December. August receives the most rain, but is also one of the warmest months. Hurricane season runs from June through to November, but a touchdown is rare. January through to June is the driest period, with average high temperatures of 84 degrees and plenty of sunshine. It is generally considered the most pleasant time to visit.

*CROWD INFORMATION

St. Lucia usually doesn't get very crowded, even in the peak of high season when the island is full of visitors. However, several annual events attract big crowds, including the St. Lucia Jazz at the beginning of May, Carnival in June and July, the St. Lucia International Billfish Tournament in September and the Atlantic Rally for Cruisers transatlantic yacht race in December.

*CLOSURE INFORMATION

Most venues, hotels, and shops remain open year-round. A few properties may close temporarily for renovations from August through October.

*WHEN TO SAVE

Despite higher airfare due to fewer flights, the summers are the best time to visit on a budget. Hotels heavily discount their rates and offer reduced-rate packages due to the low visitor levels. Prices in the winter escalate to compensate for the lag in summer tourism.

*WHEN TO BOOK

Book three months in advance for winter vacations. The best prices on airfare, hotel, and car-rentals are offered between late August and October.

*Information provided by the St. Lucia Tourist Board.

JADE MOUNTAIN AND ANSE CHASTENET

Jade Mountain Resort

Whilst in Saint Lucia we took the opportunity to visit Jade Mountain and neighbouring Anse Chastenet resorts for the day. I had always wanted to see Jade Mountain. It consistently gets voted one of the best Caribbean Resorts.  It truly is architecturally astonishing and has incredible views of the Pitons and Caribbean Sea. Architect and owner Nick Troubetzkoy has created an exceptional property which works in complete harmony with its natural surroundings. Bold architectural design includes infinity pool sanctuaries, stone columns and individual bridges make for a truly unforgettable stay. 

Guests can expect their accommodation to include grand sweeping spaces, private infinity pools, a dazzling kaleidoscope of colours and all set against the stunning backdrop of the magnificent Piton Mountains. Jade Mountain is the perfect place to relax with a sunset cocktail as you watch the sun go down over the sparkling Caribbean Sea. The Jade Mountain Club is the perfect place to sample ‘Jade’ cuisine prepared fresh to order by James Beard Award Winning chef Allen Susser.

A wide range of spa services can be enjoyed at the Jade Mountain sanctuaries or at Kai en Ciel boutique spa and fitness studio. 

We saw the most amazing suite with a private infinity pool to die for. The ultimate honeymooner’s hideaway! It has 29 suites, 24 with infinity pools and 5 with Jacuzzis. Suites have only three walls, offering open-air, panoramic views. Wonderful!  I love the fact that all accommodation are techno-free (no radio, TV, or telephone), although Wi-Fi is available.

Any guest staying at Jade Mountain can take advantage of the facilities at the neighbouring Anse Chastanet  resort, including its two private beaches, the spa, restaurants, water skiing, snorkelling, kayaking and scuba facilities, and cycles for hire. Located on a hillside beach, Anse Chastanet has only 49 rooms, each designed uniquely and hidden away on a tropical garden or dotted around the hillside. One of the ‘World’s most romantic getaways,’ this intimate hideaway is the perfect retreat for couples looking to escape. 

We had lunch at the completely laid back Jungle Beach Bar & Grill, located on the second beach of Anse Mamin. The burgers are renowned and were simply delicious! If you are a chocolate fan the resort operates its own organic farm and chocolate laboratory making chocolate from their own estate beans. Guests can buy, taste and participate in the making of the chocolate.

The staff here were exceptional and for a once in a lifetime experience, whether it be for a engagement, honeymoon or special birthday anniversary Jade Mountain is a magical place and a must!

CAP MAISON

One of the highlights of my recent trip to St Lucia was a 30 minute powerboat ride from Sugar Beach – a Viceroy hotel where we stayed, up to Cap Maison for an overnight stay. I have always wanted to visit this gem of a hotel, in particular as clients and colleagues alike have always raved about it. I was not disappointed. 

Cap Masion

The hotel is owned by an experienced and renowned Caribbean hotel family who have so lovingly and stylishly created one of the most gorgeous boutique resorts on the site of their beautiful waterfront former home Saman House. Cap Maison is most certainly a highly personalised and sophisticated home away from home. It offers fabulous comfort and judging from the people we met and talked to who were staying there it’s a place that makes you want to return again and again. The repeat business percentage speaks volumes about the hotel.

It is situated on a cliff top high above Smugglers Cove Beach on the north-west of the island. Along with the exquisite sunset, you can even see the island of Martinique. 

It has just 49 rooms and suites all with air-conditioned bedrooms, beautiful balconies or verandahs with comfortable rattan furniture, Jalousie louvre doors, handmade tiles and ceramics which all add to the beautiful Spanish-Caribbean style. We were treated to an Oceanview Villa Suite complete with private pool– sheer luxury! 

After having been met and greeted by the delightful Jasper Kok, the executive assistant manager and after we had checked into our amazing suite, we were whisked off down to the impressive Cellar Maison for our own private wine tasting before dinner – I was in my –element!

The hotel has been ranked as one of the top in the Caribbean by Travel + Leisure 2014 World’s Best Awards, and has been named a Wine Spectator Restaurant Award Winner for the third consecutive year. We were treated to both French and California offerings – Pouilly Fume being one of my absolute favourite wines in the world!!  There were over 2,000 bottles in the temperature controlled Cellar including rare champagnes, grand cru Bordeaux, fine Burgundies and orange wines.  We learned about pairing the wine with food. We loved the Sommelier, Robinson (Robbie) George, and I would certainly recommend this experience if you stay there.

We had dinner and the most exquisite BBQ at the relaxed Caribbean vibe Naked Fisherman Beach Bar & Grill located at the pretty and secluded Smuggler’s Cove Beach just below the hotel. Rumour has it local fishermen have fished naked down at Smugglers Cove for many years in an effort to save on laundry.  It was with this in mind The Naked Fisherman Beach Bar & Grill was born!

After one of the best night’s sleep, we enjoyed breakfast in the Cliff at Cap Restaurant which has the most gorgeous unobstructed views towards Martinique to the north and Pigeon Island to the West, and surrounded by the magnificent Caribbean Sea. After a thorough hotel inspection of all room types, we spent the day on “Naked Fisherman” beach with one of the best amenities for me – your sun bed mattress becomes a floating lilo – utter bliss!!! 

Before we left we spent some time at the pool relaxing on the most sumptuously comfortable sun beds I have ever laid on. We met some honeymooners from New York who told us they had literally found the hotel of their dreams!

My husband was impressed that golfers can book a round at the St Lucia Country Club – the 18-hole championship golf course nearby and was sorry that he had missed out! 

I was most impressed with the bar near the reception, which is run on an honesty basis. I have only ever seen this in another privately owned hotel on Majorca – so fantastic and what a great touch? 

Why I would recommend Cap Maison (apart from it being probably one of the most stylish, hideaways in an amazing spot I have ever seen!)?

• Location: complete privacy but also conveniently located for bars, restaurants and various activities: golf (3 mins), water sports, kite surfing (5 mins), horse riding (5 mins), hiking, tennis (5 mins), Gros Islet Street Party. Rodney Bay is only a 10min ride by taxi if you fancy a night out, where you will find a wide range of restaurants and bars.

• Breath-taking ocean views and romantic sunsets: a definite wow factor!

• Style and architecture: a genuinely stylish boutique hotel with attention to detail in all corners and niches and a warm feel with lots of wood, colour and natural materials.

• Largest Villa Suites in the Eastern Caribbean with unique private rooftop swimming pools.

• Food and beverage: Cliff at Cap is now a restaurant in a hotel and not a hotel restaurant – definitely one of the hottest tables on the island if not the region!

• Spa Maison: branded by Sothys – an exclusive Parisian spa product company – who also train the therapists with very different, signature treatments.

• Very pretty and secluded cove with excellent house reef and snorkelling.

• Service: intimate family owned and conceptualised property with corresponding personal and individualised service and an “off the menu can do” attitude led by an experienced boutique hotel manager.

• Rock star amenities: technology better in room than anywhere else in St. Lucia (iPod stations, BOSE systems, stereos, TVs, internet), luxurious Italian bathroom amenities, private chef option, online fridge packages and gym.

• Walk in wine cellar: for private dinners and tastings.

• Cap Maison 1: resort has its own luxury 46 foot Sea Ray motor yacht available exclusively to Cap Maison guests for half, full and offshore trips (a great wedding present also!!)

• Rock Maison: made famous by the Sunday and New York Times, a rock out to sea with a champagne zip line, perfect for yoga, sunset drinks, weddings.

My Top tip – take a helicopter transfer - it is well worth it after a long flight.