Palazzo Avino Fam Trip 2015 - Amalfi Coast, Italy

I have probably been to Palazzo Avino (formerly Palazzo Sasso) a dozen times now (yes I am lucky!) but it just gets better every time I go.
Every year I host a familiarisation trip, usually in April but this time we decided to change it to May so that our guests could experience the beach club and wow did we experience it!
The 3.20am wakeup call on Monday had been praying on my mind during most of Sunday but actually I was awake at 3am in anticipation of what I knew would be a lovely trip so did my "automatic pilot" routine for the 6.35 flight from Gatwick to Naples. Arriving to glorious sunshine, we were soon in our comfortable vehicle for the one hour transfer to the hotel.
Sitting at Terrazza Belvedere for lunch by 12 .15 with a glass of prosecco and looking in to the glass like sea below, the early morning start was just a distant memory!
Feeling revived after a, nutritious salad with homemade breads and of course delicious olive oil, few of us wandered into Ravello (only a five minute walk). Ravello is such a unique place , known globally as somewhere on most people's " bucket list".It is unique in its charm , full of locals and whilst a tourist attraction , still unspoilt with its stunning art galleries, cashmere shops and stylish boutiques. I defy anyone to come away without treating yourself!
Cocktails on the terrace at 7pm and whilst waiting for the group, I observed all the happy couples (and a family group) making the most of this special place and creating memories, taking photos that they would look back on sentimentally in years to come. Palazzo Avino oozes elegance and what struck me as I sat there was the understated luxury of the place. Guests are obviously used to the best in life but there is a subtlety about the service. The staff are friendly and professional but confident in what they do and very evidently love working here.
Having enjoyed our cocktail, we opted for a local pizzeria, La Vecchia Cantina just a ten minute walk from the hotel where we enjoyed the most delicious hors d'oeuvres - fresh squid, anchovies, roasted vegetables, the mandatory buffalo mozzarella and smoked salmon. That would have been enough for me but the came two of the most enormous platters of pizza I have ever seen! Unlike our pizzas though they were light (or so I convinced myself!) the service was attentive and friendly and they certainly did not take note of “no thank you" when it came to second helpings! Our fellow diners were a mix of locals and tourists and created a lovely atmosphere in casual surroundings.
At 11pm we called it a day and wandered back through the square looking forward to the soft frette linens awaiting us!
I had promised myself that I would get up early on the Tuesday and do the 1600 steps to Minori and back so full of enthusiasm, I jumped out if bed and donned my trainers to greet the beautiful morning with not a soul around .The descent was fine, taking in the breath-taking vista of the Amalfi coast at its best - a mirror like sea, lemon groves in abundance and little houses scattered around with their owners waking up to start their day in this magical corner of Italy. It struck me as I walked how simple their lives probably are and I wondered if they truly appreciate what a special part of the world they live in. I met three young children walking to school, aged 8 or 9 which made me contemplate what do we really need in life? As I pondered, I came to the conclusion that these people might have it all! -a small house, beautiful views, nature, fresh, organic food, friends and a culture that nurtures family life!
The ascent was much more challenging than I had remembered and soon put an end to my philosophical thinking...... I consider myself to be reasonably fit but it was very tough, the morning sun adding to the challenge...
Eventually I made it back to the hotel and joined the group for a well-earned breakfast selecting from the gorgeous array of fruits, hams, cheeses and breads.
After the hotel site inspection, we took the hotel's shuttle bus to Palazzo Avino's beach club which is exclusive to hotel guests only (15 minutes from the hotel) where Giuseppe and Maria Elena gave us the best of welcomes, showing us the three different levels where we could base ourselves. We opted for the lower level, closest to the sea and a couple of brave colleagues jumped in! The Clubhouse by the sea is a great alternative to the hotel pool for those who want to swim in the ocean, do kayaking or snorkelling or just have a change of scenery. I would certainly recommend any guest at the hotel to spend at least half a day there and it is ever popular with families.
With Giuseppe attentively serving us drinks and issuing towels and cushions to make us feel even more pampered, we collectively agreed that we loved our jobs!
En route back to the hotel, we took a detour (only fifteen minutes from the Beach club) to visit Amalfi which was extremely busy with the many tour buses that stop there as part of a coastal trip and of course many of the boats to Positano, Capri etc depart from here so it is generally never quiet and a complete contrast to Ravello.
We stopped at Sacha in the main square for a gelato  ... need I say more and a great spot for people watching.
Once back at the hotel which is only another fifteen minutes from Amalfi, I took myself up to the roof terrace sadly to check emails but there are a lot worse places this could be done. Two couples were enjoying a bottle of prosecco, dipping periodically into the Jacuzzi. I wasn't at all jealous! The roof top terrace is a must to catch the last of the day’s sun and witness the glorious sunset.
At 6.30pm I decided to try out the spa and so booked a back and shoulder massage which was wonderful except that I could have stayed for another hour! The spa is small but stylish and offers an adequate choice of treatments.
After sampling Salvatore's cocktail recommendations in the lobster and martini bar, we experienced what can only be described as a culinary masterpiece in the Michelin starred and newly renovated Rossellini's restaurant. Chef Michele Deleo kept producing what were more like works of art than food, every one better than the last. My favourite however was the  lobster course steamed and served with buffalo mozzarella cream, eggplant confit  and its aromatic bisque as well as  the “pre dessert " course of fish and chip ice cream!!
It is not often a group of eight travel agents are stuck for words but they were definitely "wowed" a big thank you to Michele and his team for such a gastronomic experience.
I had an early wakeup call on Wednesday to fly home but the rest if the group were doing a guided tour of Ravello and then Pompeii en route to the airport for the late BA flight out of Naples.
I had stayed just two nights at Palazzo Avino and came back feeling very spoilt and privileged to be representing such an incredible resort. 

Visit to D-Resort Gocek and D-Hotel Maris - Turkey

Having suffered the perils of Monarch Airlines  , departing on a Friday afternoon  from Luton , I was more than thrilled a few days later when I heard the news that British Airways will fly to Dalaman from July 2015.Thank the Lord for that!

Arriving in Dalaman at 21.30  , I was relieved to see the smiling face of my driver and relaxed into the back of a very comfortable Audi with a bottle of iced water, knowing that civilisation was not far away!

Following a 20 minute transfer to D Resort Gocek , a warm welcome awaited from the  hotel team , clearly very proud of their completely new resort and sporting their smart new uniforms, eager to please in whatever way they could.

I had anticipated a room service dinner as it was so late but after a cold towel and refreshing glass of fresh lemonade, a golf cart awaited to take me to Breeze restaurant, signature restaurant at D Resort Gocek and D Hotel Maris , both in idyllic locations by the ocean ,serving fresh fish of course but also delicious tapenyake, prepared by the Japanese chef. 

I have to say it was a wonderful dinner  , despite the late start, in the company of Selen ,D Resort’s enthusiastic and charming Sales Manager .We  actually declined dessert but Selen insisted that we try the “chocolate bomb” and she was absolutely right to do so  - hard to describe but a moreish, mouth watering chocolate panache covered in melted hot chocolate  and served with ice cream and berries...AMAZING  and a must if you go to D Resort Gocek! Surprisingly , we were dining alfresco in May and as it got chillier ( towards midnight) the staff arrived with warm , lamb’s wool wraps .

And so to bed.....the mayhem at Luton airport was a distant memory!

There are many different room categories at the resort   and I would recommend the Deluxe ocean view rooms upwards for the majority of your clients, although there are ten attic rooms with terrace and nice view for those on a budget.

The Presidential Suite (max 5 people) is 193 Sq metres with 2 bedrooms  - a double and a twin(with sofa bed) and 24 hour Butler service. There is no kitchen. A 25 m pool is shared by suite guests and the other rooms either side of it.

The layout of the hotel is such that there are 8 accommodation blocks ( 103 rooms in total) with waterways between them and most blocks have a pool. There is also a main hotel pool and very small children’s pool.

The Junior suite category is one of my favourite with living room and bedroom combined, totalling 52 sq metres and pool outside .There are only 2 of these so book well in advance!

The superior rooms are spread on the ground floor and first floor and each one has a roof top terrace with loungers or a garden terrace.

The 70 sq metre Premier Suite and Premier Poolside Suite  both have a separate living area for couples who like a little extra space.

All rooms have air conditioning and free wi – fi.

One of the great things about D Resort Gocek  ( 4* deluxe) is the location .Set in the maritime town of Gocek  and only 20 minutes transfer time from Dalaman , guests can enjoy a stroll into the marina, visit local shops and restaurants or while away the afternoon people watching  in one of the many bars, seeping up the local culture  and chatting to the locals.

There are complimentary bicycles available for guest to explore  and  of course excursions to local ruins, Fethiye , the beautiful beaches of Oludeniz and  historic Kalkan  can be arranged by the concierge team

Many of the gulet cruises depart from Gocek so the hotel is also a great option for pre or post gulet charters.

Naturally , the bar is a focal point and the Olive Tree restaurant  serves food throughout the day .I can honestly say that the buffet breakfast here was one of the best I have experienced, both in terms of presentation , food quality and the choices on offer.

After a wonderful treatment at the ESPA spa   which is state of the art and purpose built with a wonderful  roof terrace   for relaxation after treatments.

Prior to travelling to Turkey , the weather forecast was torrential rain for the whole weekend  but so far , we had managed to enjoy blue skies and  a pleasant temperature .As we travelled to D Hotel Maris on Saturday afternoon ( a 90 minute drive) there was a torrential downpour which cleared as we arrived at the hotel ....The Gods were with us. Beautiful wild horses appeared on the hills   as we ambled up the 5km drive to D Hotel.

Once again  , we were warmly greeted by the entire management team    ( a little overwhelming!)

The feel of D Hotel is very different to D Resort Gocek .Part of Leading Hotels of The World, D Hotel Maris is a 5* resort with 200 rooms  and feels  quite grand as oppose to boutique on arrival. The hotel enjoys spectacular views of the Datca Peninsular.

Guests can arrive by helicopter and also by seaplane from Bodrum or Dalaman which will cost E2500 each way.

Again there are many different room categories and I was in a deluxe ocean view which was very spacious and comfortable with   a good sized balcony and a bath tub  with an incredible vista.

All mountain view rooms ( lead in category) are on the   1^st and 2^nd floor and although children need to be 8 years and over , there are 12 interconnecting rooms  mostly deluxe.

The Presidential Suite  on 8^th floor is a different more contemporary design with kitchen/ lounge and dining room  and it can interconnect with a deluxe ocean view  room  via the balcony. There is a rooftop jacuzzi and large deck with loungers so this suite is very private . A chef can be booked for private dining but as the restaurants are so good  , I would not recommend this!

The two bedroom private villa offers complete privacy and has been finished to the highest standard with Minotti furniture and Calacatta marble.  The private hammam has to be seen to be believed .There is a big garden and pool for families to relax and spend quality time together.

All suite guests can access the Executive Lounge  on the 8^th floor which serves breakfast , lunch and pre dinner cocktails and canapés  on a complimentary basis . 

Executive suites have  a separate living area and balcony and I thought would be ideal for three ladies travelling together which is very possible given the amazing spa at D Hotel Maris . There are 11 treatment rooms   and 7 therapists plus a hammam therapist .The Spa Manager , a lean and very healthy looking Russian lady ( Irina) is compiling some wellness packages which I can forward on to you if you’re interested for your clients.

A very exciting development since my visit is the new partnership between James Duigan and D Hotel Maris to promote Bodyism. There will be a number of workshops throughout the season and guests can enjoy  a “Clean and lean “ menu if they wish. To learn more about the “Clean and lean” philosophy , see www.bodyism.com or see the  attached press release.

Classes include yoga , pilates, stretching  beach volleyball and aqua gym and then guests can pay extra for mountain biking ( accompanied by a trainer) kayak tours and  personal training.

Back to my trip ....It is difficult to choose where to have dinner at D Hotel Maris as there are five  restaurants on offer ranging from Turkish , Italian , steak grill , Breeze seafood and  new for this season Zuma. I felt that as I was only staying one night , I should try the Turkish restaurant and I have to say I am always really impressed  with Turkish food , particularly the mezze and this one did not disappoint.Guests can now  enjoy after dinner drinks with music ant the new Zuma bar though this was not completed when we were there.

After a leisurely breakfast on Sunday , we were thoroughly spoilt with a private yacht charter on Blue Dream , a 55 foot Azimut yacht available for guests to charter. She actually sleeps 6 people – 1 twin and 2 doubles   and can be charter for half a day or for a couple of nights.Bodrum is 3 hours sailing time and Simi in Greece only 1 hour .Rates on application but they are very reasonable.    

For those who prefer to stay on the beach , you have  a choice of 5  including a silent beach ( my preferred one) with no mobile phones and water taxis or golf buggies can take guests from one to another should they not wish to walk.   

After a delicious lunch of fresh fish and grilled vegetables at Breeze , it was time to pack our bags  and depart for the airport. As you can imagine , I was relishing the thought of a return flight with my travelling companions on Monarch but actually it wasn’t all that bad. I think I was so relaxed that I didn’t really care.....

Both these hotels have availability this summer and you can check out their websites , as follows –D Resort Gocek – www.dresortgocek.com.tr D Hotel Maris  - www.dhotel.com.tr

Your clients will love you for sending them here ...I promise!

The History of Palazzo Avino - Amalfi Coast, Italy

The building owes its name to the prosperous Sasso family from Scala, who were descendants of San Romoaldo, founder of the Cistercian order, and San Dominico Sasso, the successor to Saint Dominico who created the Dominican order. The Sasso family settled in Ravello in about 1710 when Domenico Diego purchased the remains of the Palazzo Sasso from the noble Bonito family and subsequently restored it. In 1756, his son, Andrea, built the chapel, dedicated to Maria Maddalena Penitente, which is now the lobby of the hotel. Andrea died in 1758 without an heir.

The Palazzo was then abandoned until the beginning of the 19th century when it was purchased by a rich industrial Camera family. In the mid-19th century, the first foreign visitors began to arrive, such as Francis Nevil Reid in 1851 and Richard Wagner. When James Becket bought and rebuilt Villa Cimbrone in 1904, Ravello attracted many prominent people, including Virginia Woolf, E.M. Forster, Maynard Keynes, D.H. Lawrence and Andre Gide. The potential for tourism was not lost on the Camera family who, following the example of other local families, converted the Palazzo into a hotel.

In 1928 the Vuilleumier family assumed the management of the hotel. During the next half-century, Palazzo Sasso was known as Hotel Palumbo and its guests included Kings, Queens, aristocrats, poets and writers. On the declaration of war against France (in 1939), the French-born Duchess Anna of Aosta (wife of the Viceroy of Ethiopia) was applauded by the people of Ravello when she appeared on a terrace above the Principessa di Piemonte Gardens. The beauty and tranquillity of Palazzo Sasso has inspired many 20th century personalities; the playwright Eduardo de Filippo who wrote ‘Saturday, Sunday, Monday’ on one of its terraces and General Eisenhower was a resident when he was planning the attack on Monte Cassino. Former celebrity guests Ingrid Bergman and Roberto Rossellini were fondly remembered as having giggled over dinner in the restaurant.

This era was sadly interrupted in 1978, when the Vuilleumier family gave up the Palazzo in favour of the Palazzo Confalone. The Palazzo was closed and ensued 19 years of abandon.

Crillon le Brave - Provence, France

My recent visit to Crillon le Brave was an unexpected treat and I have to say September/October  has to be one of the best times to visit the south of France;warm sunshine, blue skies and  no crowds! I don’t know if it’s a masochistic trait  but whenever I get back from somewhere I tend to add the destination to my  Iphone weather

forecast listings and even today is a very pleasant 23 degrees in Avignon!

I flew to Marseilles with British Airways – very civilised and after a 75 minute transfer I arrived in the enchanting village of Crillon, a collection of limestone houses, surrounded by olive groves and vineyards. Peter Chittick the French /Canadian owner and former lawyer came to Provence over twenty years ago, met his wife and decided to stay. One by one , he acquired most  of the houses in the village and converted them into hotel rooms, each one different to the next .This hotel is quirky. There are no long corridors leading to bedrooms,  no rooms the same , no formality .Peter has created a home away from home .The style is casually elegant , a mark of designer Judy Hutson who designed The Pig Hotels but there is no mistaking you are in Provence.

After a warm welcome, I was taken to my room and ordered a green tea to sit and savour the views across to Mount Ventoux in the distance.

I am getting very brave in my old age and used to travelling alone so,  eager to make the most of the evening sunshine , I ventured down to La  Grange Terrace for a class of champagne...I was in France after all! I could imagine that actually just a couple of nights here would be a real tonic....relaxing in a stylish environment but at one with nature.

Dinner that night had been booked in Bistro 40k, the hotel’s more relaxed restaurant where all the produce is sourced from within 40 kilometres.  I did find it vaguely amusing that I walked in and was escorted to a table set for one much to the bemusement of all the happy couples, dressed in smart casual linens and loafers, clearly wondering how anyone could come here alone. It was the ladies in particular who kept casting surreptitious glances over to me and I have no doubt that I was the topic of conversation with many of the diners that evening .As the waiter showed me to my “solo” table, I clocked two family tables, one English, one German which made me think about how appropriate this hotel is for children. Whilst they welcome families, I would suggest that Crillon le Brave is more suited to couples or indeed two girlfriends in search of tranquillity, a beautiful setting, fabulous food and fine wines. The menu   in Bistro 40k is Table d’Hote and was tasty and well priced.

There are three other restaurants within walking distance of the hotel and a very French bar next door should guests want a change of scenery at any point.

I woke up to glorious sunshine and breakfast on the terrace. The buffet   included smoked salmon, cheeses, a wide selection of homemade breads and pastries, cereals and fruits and of course omelettes from the menu.

After breakfast, I met the charming Laeticia who manages reservations and Front Office at Crillon le Brave and showed me around the hotel bedrooms. There are 34 rooms in total starting with Classic rooms overlooking the village or gardens. For families, there are 3 Junior Suites where children’s beds can be accommodated in the living area. There are two stunning Master Suites (27 and 33) with private terraces and views to die for ....I would not want to leave the room!

The rooms in each house are different   and this is what makes Crillon le Brave so unique .I am sure they have guests who return time and again and try a different maison each time. Rates start from E310 ( E360 in mid season) and the hotel closes from Jan 5th   - February 25th each year then re-opens for the exciting truffle season which starts in November and then the first , second and third weekends of March annually. Crillon le Brave have their own Truffle weekend package with one of Provence’s expert Trufflers and incorporates wine tasting at Chateau Neuf du Pape.

The hotel is open for Christmas and New Year and I can imagine it would be magical with log fires burning, the scent of the Christmas trees and a feast of culinary treats which brings me nicely to dinner on the second night of my stay at Jerome Blanchet restaurant .This time though I had the pleasure of Peter and Sebastian Pilat, General Manager at the hotel so you should have seen the heads turning that night when I walked in with two handsome gentlemen .I like to keep them guessing!

The menu degustation had a mushroom theme that evening so each of the seven courses featured mushrooms and I have to say it was absolutely delicious with the truffle risotto coming out tops!

Jerome Blanchet restaurant reminded me of El Olivo at La Residencia in Mallorca in style – the stone walls, candles everywhere and galleried landing for private dining. Guests would definitely remember their culinary experience here and for all the right reasons!

Next morning , feeling very guilty for my over- indulgence the night before , I decided to walk to Bedoin , the nearest village which boasts one of the largest forests in France .I have always considered myself a fast walker and anyone who has been on sales calls with me will testify to that fact  so when I arrived in the village 40 minutes after leaving the hotel , I was somewhat surprised as I had been told it would take 20 minutes ...perhaps they thought I was going “en bicyclette”!It was a wonderful picturesque walk on a beautiful morning and a far cry from taking the tube in London. Evidently there is one of very   few remaining shepherds in the village who recounts tales of old shepherds with   wolves and   lambs but I did not meet him. The village itself is very quaint with gift boutiques and many cafes which I always feel are the heart of French culture. I enjoyed seeing the street stands of fruit and vegetables which are somehow never the same at home.

After wandering back to the hotel and a tasty lunch of seabass & grilled vegetables, I left for the airport and of course bought lavender lotions and a bottle of rose at the airport!

Crillon le Brave have a number of interesting packages from cycling weekends to truffle hunting  and I returned happy that this little gem would fit perfectly into the Highlife Marketing portfolio.