Escapio Blog. Lifestyle. Travel. Hotels.
Jun
15

Win 2 nights in luxury Berlin hotel

by Justyna Piepiorka June 15, 2011, 1:45 pm

Win two nights in the chic design hotel Casa Camper in the centre of Berlin ’Mitte’ area. The straightforwardly stylish city hotel Casa Camper has an outstanding location in Berlin’s grittily trendy Mitte district. This and the hotel’s sister property in Barcelona have been conceived by the Spanish shoemaker Camper and stay true to the brand’s style of uncomplicated comfort and cool.

Tag yourself in your favorite picture before 30.06.2011 or share the album to be in with a chance of winning two nights in Casa Camper! Good luck!

Casa Camper Berlin Casa Camper Berlin

The Berlin hotel is situated on Weinmeister Strasse, near trendy Rosenthaler Platz and Hackescher Markt with numerous hip restaurants and original boutiques. The cafes along the Kastanienallee, leafy paths and imposing buildings along the Spree river, countless bars and clubs on every street are just waiting to be discovered. This is the perfect location for starting off your day and turning in for the night in Berlin.

Category: Uncategorized

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Dec
03

Top 5 Christmas Markets in Germany

by Gesa Noormann December 3, 2010, 1:12 pm

Germany has long been known for its traditional Christmas markets. For the locals, visiting a Christmas market is an essential part of every festive period, be it with the kids clutching their Christmas lists for Santa and hoping for an edible treat from the man himself, with colleagues for a glass of steaming Glühwein after work, or with your partner on a romantic break to stroll arm in arm between the rows of festively decorated Christmas stalls. Christmas markets are also perfect for stocking up on beautifully hand-crafted gifts or sweet treats from around the world – from Hungarian layered cake to Berlin’s marzipan to Goethe chocolate coins from Leipzig. If you don’t have a sweet tooth then Christmas markets are just as enticing for anyone who loves to buy one-off pieces of jewelery, quirky-shaped soaps and brightly colored silk scarves. So why not do a spot of Christmas market shopping and book a short break to one of Germany’s many beautiful towns? And to top off your stay, book a night in an Escapio hotel. We’ve done the research for you and found Germany’s five best Christmas markets:

The Mandala, Berlin Hotel Alsterblick, Hamburg

1) Christmas market on Gendarmenmarkt square, Berlin: It only costs a euro to get into this  sophisticated Christmas market in the center of the German capital. Even from the nearby  Friedrichstraße you can see the tops of the tents all lit up, and as soon as you’ve got passed the queue to get in, you’ll find yourself in a charming winter wonderland. Ballet shows and music performances are held on the main stage, and inside the tents some of the city’s best-known restaurants like the latest trendy Italian Il Calice sell specialties, wonderful arts and crafts and delicious marzipan in surprising  flavors made by local Berlin confectioners. Hotels in Berlin

2) No plastic or tat here! Just one of the reasons why the “Historical Christmas market” on Hamburg’s Town Hall Square (Rathausmarkt) has for years been known as “the prettiest Christmas market in north Germany”. The real draw of this Christmas market, organized by Circus Roncalli, is its mix of historic surprises like a classic car carousel dating back to the 1920s, smart lifestyle shops and the scent of specialties like Schmalzkuchen doughnuts and roasted almonds. Hotels in Hamburg

Hotel la Maison, Munich Hotel Hessischer Hof, Nuremberg

3) In Munich the Kripperlmarkt, held on Rindermarkt, has been one of Munich’s traditional Christmas markets since the middle of the 18th century and has played a key role in the history of the city. Illuminated stars and strings of fairy lights show shoppers the way to probably Germany’s biggest nativity market, just a few steps from the main Marienplatz square. And it’s not just the kids that delight at the nativity accessories at this market: from the lanterns for the stable to the hay for the oxen and donkey to the gifts of the three wise men, you’ll find everything you need to make a real nativity scene. Hotels in Munich

4) Germany’s most famous market is without doubt the Christkindlmarkt in Nuremberg. Every year more than two million visitors from all over the world come to Nuremberg’s Hauptmarkt square in the heart of town. Every year the ‘Christ Child’ has the highest honor of opening the market with a rousing speech from the window of the Frauenkirche church. Hotels in Nuremberg

5) Over 200 stands and millions of visitors make Frankfurt’s Christmas market one of the biggest and most popular in Germany. With a wonderful backdrop of the medieval Römerberg patrician houses and the historical Paulskirche church, creatively decorated stands stretch as far as they eye can see and offer a wonderfully Christmassy atmosphere. As well as buying presents and watching the entertaining stage shows, the large number of food stands mean that this Christmas market is also a perfect spot for meeting friends or business clients. Hotels in Frankfurt

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Category: Berlin Hotels, Culinaria, Events, Hotels Germany, Top 5

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Nov
30

Romantic boutique hotels for a pre-Christmas getaway

by Gesa Noormann November 30, 2010, 3:20 pm

The decorations are up, magazines are full of Christmas pudding recipes and every day another little door on the advent calendar opens. At home we snuggle up by the fire, planning what to buy our loved-ones this year. The run-up to Christmas is even more special in historic old towns that sparkle with lights and decorations, while the smart department stores try to outdo each other with their most lavish of Christmas decorations. Berlin is famous for its many Christmas markets, Zürich is full of designer boutiques and delicatessens, and London, especially popular with the eurozone countries at the moment, has department stores to exceed all expectations, including Harrod’s and Selfridges. Why not pick a cozy, romantic boutique hotel and book a weekend break to Berlin, Vienna or Paris? Have drinks brought to you by the fire, relax in the spa and stroll through chocolate-box wintery cities. Here are our top 5 cozy boutique hotels for a pre-Christmas break.

Hollmann Beletage Louisas Place

1) The luxury Berlin hotel Louisas Place is housed in a villa built at the turn of the last century. Located at the smart, western end of Kurfürstendamm, it boasts cozy suites with fireplaces, high ceilings and a feel about it that could have come straight from a romance novel. As one of just a few boutique hotels in Berlin, it also has a spa area complete with swimming pool – perfect for relaxing after a long day at Berlin’s Christmas markets. Its restaurant Balthazar is also one of the best in the city.

2) There are probably people out there who book their whole Vienna vacation around when there’s a room available at the Hollmann Beletage – but it’s not always that straight-forward as this unique hotel is often fully booked. But that’s all about to change as another floor is being added to this hotel near St Stephen’s Cathedral. Instead of  “lobby”, here it’s the living room, and the “breakfast room” is more of a dining room. The stylish color concept in brown and orange even extends to the shower gel and shampoo!

3) Zürich is perfect for a pre-Christmas weekend away. The old town with its magnificent churches twinkles with fairy lights, little boutiques beckon you in with their gorgeous gifts and between the pastel-colored macaroons and indulgent chocolates you won’t know where to start at the Sprüngli shop. In the heart of the old town is the Hôtel du Théâtre, a small design hotel with spectacular glass facades and even its own theater where 1950s actors like Heinz Rühmann took to the stage.

Clos Medicis Blakes Hotel

4) When the sun goes down early in Paris, lit-up Nôtre Dame is at its most beautiful, allowing the imagination to run wild around this imposing Gothic cathedral. The banks of the Seine twinkle in the moonlight, and small cafés in Saint Michel and St. Germain are perfect people-watching spots. In the heart of all this is the Clos Medicis Hotel with its warm, cozy interior and the typically charming atmosphere of a Parisian city hotel.

5) For something a little quirkier, try the Blakes Hotel in London. Created by the internationally renowned actress and designer Anouska Hempel, it is situated in the heart of London’s upscale Kensington district and boasts a celebrity clientele. Foodies are just as at home as the style-conscious with fine dining in the hotel’s exquisite gourmet restaurant.

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Category: Boutique Hotels, Romantic Hotels, Top 5, small hotels

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Nov
23

Thanksgiving: Top 5 Gourmet Hotels

by Holly Maguire November 23, 2010, 3:59 pm

Thanksgiving is a time to spend with family and friends, laughing, relaxing and being merry. Tradition dictates lively feasts and banquet-esque gatherings to celebrate this November holiday affectionately known as Turkey day.

How about avoiding the allergies, turkey stuffing and forget about washing the dishes?! What a great opportunity to escape with a bunch of friends to a gourmet hotel where everyone will be satisfied… endless drinks, round-the-clock service and luxurious touches you wont find at home. How about panoramic views in the mountains or a warm rooftop pool? A few steps from the beach or a delightful spa retreat to escape from rowdy kids… here are our Top 5 gourmet hotel tips in culinary heavens to ensure happy holidays, no dirty dishes, and über-comfy beds to sink into after too much indulgence!

Valldemossa Hotel Restaurant, Majorca, Spain
Up in the lush green mountains in the north east of Majorca, this small hotel’s famous restaurant serves up fabulous fresh seafood including prawns, turbot and sea bass; creatively combined with local seasoning from cinnamon, licorice and lemon. The panoramic terraces and twelve suites make the ideal, private getaway for a large group of friends & family.

Hotel Sezz Saint-Tropez, France
This five-star contemporary lodge in St Tropez leaves nothing to be desired. The interior of sister property of Paris’s famous Sezz match the surroundings of this small hotel- turquoise chairs and pool to complement the bright blue sky; wooden walls to fit in with the trees; minimalist whiteness to correspond with the pure, relaxing atmosphere. As well as an exclusive Dom Perignon champagne bar, 3 starred Michelin chef Pierre Gagnaire will ensure guests’ taste buds are truly pampered in the Colette restaurant with a menu featuring lobster, beef tenderloin and a medley of local ingredients.

Spanish ScallopsValdemossa View

Hotel Palafitte, Neuchatel, Switzerland
The calm lakeside setting of this truly unique “floating” hotel will make the fresh menu melt in the mouth. The changing daily menu guarantees locally sourced meats, vegetables and delicious desserts; rabbit, squid, dove and foie gras are hard choices even for the starters. Main course includes risottos, meats and fish combined creatively with exciting truffle, chocolate and juicy sauces – a long Thanksgiving weekend here in Hotel Palafitte will excite the palate considerably more than the standard turkey and stuffing!

Hotel Certosa di Maggiano, Siena, Italy
The Il Canto restaurant at this ancient hotel has been voted one of the world’s 50 best. Each and every dish is meticulously planned to incorporate the best locally produced seasonal produce and to suit the particular time of day. Chef Paolo Lopriore uses a fusion of international culinary movements especially Japanese, to whisk diners on a multi-sensory journey in this old monastery near Siena.

Regional kitchens in the Paradores hotels, Spain
For more adventurous groups of friends looking to tick all the boxes and please everyone, the Paradores are a good place to start – spanning centuries of history, the historic buildings promise culture, history and comfort; as well as stunning views, spa areas and fantastic food. The kitchens in each of the many hotels reflect traditional, regional cuisine and use only the best local ingredients in exemplary, surprising cuisine. Paradores in the Basque region are best for fish lovers; Andalusia for venison and boar; everywhere serves excellent wine and sherry.

Bon Appetit!
Parador breakfastSuckling pig steak + wine

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Category: Culinaria, Fashion & Lifestyle, Gourmet hotels, Hotels Côte d'Azure, Hotels Italy, Hotels Spain, Majorca Hotels, Restaurants, Stunning views, Top 5, Uncategorized

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Nov
12

South Africa: Fashion, Design and Lifestyle

by Gesa Noormann November 12, 2010, 12:38 pm

South Africa isn’t just a haven for surfers, wine connoisseurs and anyone who loves spectacular landscapes. Since the end of apartheid the country has transformed itself into a fashion metropolis. A breathtaking backdrop and mild and sunny climate that brings the rich colors of the country to life have made it a popular spot for photo shoots – even Heidi Klum brought her ‘Top Models’ to Cape Town in 2010. Every year in August when fashion week is on, creative types, fashion designers and trend-setters come together at the Cape Town Fashion Week to present the latest collections from South Africa – two years ago South African fashion and design was even presented with the prestigious “Mercedes-Benz Award 2009” for contemporary art. In keeping with South Africa’s passion for life, it’s not a classic, international look that’s created here, but totally different fashions that keep traditional South Africa at the heart of their design. For example, Johannesburg’s “Black Coffee” label by designer Danica Lepen and her partner Jacques van der Watt, or the renowned young designer Craig Native, who, like his contemporaries, has found inspiration in the traditional dress of the multicultural Rainbow Nation.

Fashion by Palesa Mokubung Traditional Design

If you’re traveling to South Africa, then leave plenty of room in your suitcase. Shopping here is a real delight – little shops and boutiques have been springing up everywhere in South Africa for up-and-coming designers to sell their fashion and start making a name for themselves. These shops have clothes and accessories for every taste and for every occasion, and over a cup of tea you’ll often get to hear an intriguing and deeply moving story too. A shop like this in Cape Town’s Church Street was how the successful artist Doreen Southwood realized her dream of having her own label. The singer and artist Nkensani Nkosi from Johannesburg sells her fashion line all over the world. Her designs are inspired by the style of women in South Africa’s townships, for example female jazz singers from the 1950s. All of the designers have one thing in common: they represent an innovative lifestyle combined with deeply rooted African traditions and international influences. Some of South Africa’s most popular souvenirs are bright and cheerful accessories made from beads knotted together by hand, or colorful whitewashed fabrics with bold geometric shapes and rich colors, a hallmark of the Mpumalanga region’s native culture. Internationally renowned Ndebele artists like Esther Mahlangu have brought these two ideas international kudos, and South Africa’s young designers have taken them from the home of the Nbdele onto the catwalk and into upscale boutiques all over the country.

Elephant Park in Addo Woodall Country House

After a hectic shopping spree, relax with a range of treatments and therapies in one of the wonderful spas within many excellent South African hotels. The trendy Sugar Hotel & Spa in Cape Town offers fantastic massages and a roof-top pool; each one of the lodges at the luxurious Shamwari Game Reserve, set in a secluded spot in the east of the country, is like a mini spa hotel offering all the treatments that you could want. At the Woodall Country & Spa, on the doorstep of an elephant park in Addo, a large pool is surrounded by palm trees and a waterfall. In the spa area you can kick-start your stay with an anti-jet lag treatment and later relax with a citrus therapy in the very area where they grow the fruits themselves. More tips are sure to be found on TravMonkey’s Travel sites.

South Africa is an endless synthesis of culture, nature and creativity. It lives and breathes on its contradictons and diversity,” says designer Palesa Mokubung of her country.

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Category: Fashion & Lifestyle, On tour

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