Author: House & Hotel Magazine

Where natural beauty meets culture and timeless tradition Contributed by influencer & feature reporter Jens Hoffmann My hideaway was the Afitis Boutique Hotel (5stars). Graciously stretched in a private oasis is the hotel a retreat in a sublime setting. The joy starts in the lobby. Nestling in front of the sea in a serene hidden location with green washed gardens, sugar fine sand and crystal clear azure waters this resort synthesises an exotic blend of blue and green. The 50 unique luxury boutiquestyle rooms are…Continue Reading “Marvelous Kassandra – joyful days in Afytos (Halkidiki)” →

The Michelin star is the highest honour within the international culinary industry. Chefs all across the world dedicate their lives to earning just one coveted star in recognition of their excellence. But there are those select few who have managed to collect an number of stars in their constellation of fine dining restaurants. Chefs with Michelin Stars Alain Ducasse – 19 Michelin Stars Pierre Gagnaire – 14 Michelin Stars Martin Berasategui – 12 Michelin Stars Yannick Alleno – 10 Michelin Stars Anne-Sophie Pic – 8…Continue Reading ““The Oscars of the culinary world” – A group of Michelin Star Chefs” →

Namaste – The “International Buddhist Conclave ” Contributed by Jens Hoffmann Arrival at Indira Gandhi International Airport in Delhi. I travelled to Buddhist sites in Delhi Varanasi, Dhammek Stupa, Mulaagandha Kutey Vihara, Dashashwamedh Ghat and Ganga Aarti. The ministry of tourism had introduced a concept and twelve cities like eg. Varanasi, Amritsar, Ajmer, Dwaraka, Gaya, Puri, Amaravati, Kanchipuram, Vellankanni, Kedarnath are so called “spiritual development destinations”. For sure great to projecting the Buddhist heritage and pilgrim sites of India. In my opinion the “International Buddhist…Continue Reading “Walking with Buddha in India” →

Contributed by Jens Hoffmann HK is not only one of Asia’s funkiest cities for a break – it can be also one of the most affordable if you know the city. Particular when you know some people you bring you to caraoke and free outdoor entertainment adds an extra sheen for guests keen to enjoy a brilliant (foodie) breal without breaking the bank. We went through the airport and then straight escorted into our taxi, there’s not a better way to arrive in Hong Kong….Continue Reading “Cities we love: Hong Kong” →

Luxury Magazine ‘House &Hotel’at Lebua in Bangkok: We met Deepak Ohri (CEO Lebua Hotels & Resorts) in Bangkok What is a day for you? A new day is for me every day. The only typical thing is that the sun rises every day. Tell us about some of the challenges you faced: The biggest challenge is to make people believe that we are going to achieve it, and the day we can make people believe in you then every feat is a small feat. Why…Continue Reading “Created for extraordinary moments – The Lebua Hotel in Bangkok” →

Destination Indonesia Contributed by Jens Hoffmann Walking around Bandung it’s not hard to imagine what this West Javanese city would have looked like when it had been made Indonesia’s Capital 100 years ago. Although the dutch colonialist plan to move the seat of the from Batavia (today Jakarta) to Bandung was interruped by the Second World War, the offical buildings, transport connections and well and nicely designed university campus they constructed still remain. Bandung is a lovely and bustling Southeast Asian city that’s known as…Continue Reading “The only person dictating your time is you – COMO Shambhala Bali, Indonesia” →

Amsterdam, my sweet love Contributed by Jens Hoffmann The 93-room Waldorf Astoria offers perfect luxury, it is located on Herengracht, which is the so called Gentlemen’s Canal. The hotel has a historical exterior comprising six monumental 17th and 18th century double-front canal palaces and featuring a unique grand staircase built by the architect of Louis XIV, Daniel Marot. The Waldorf Astoria offers sophisticated comfort and unparalleled service in a setting characterized by a long, rich history. The suites overlooking the city’s canal or the courtyard…Continue Reading “Cities we love: Amsterdam – The Waldorf Astoria” →

Contributed by feature reporter Jens Hoffmann Thailand’s first luxury hotel, the Mandarin Oriental got a new look. Somerset Maugham used his hotel room as a hospital when he came down with malaria. John Le Carré wrote much of The Honourable Schoolboy in one of the suites. And Noël Coward would spend hours gazing down at the Chao Phraya, delighting in the river’s varied comings and goings, in particular those of one agile old lady who did a little skip as she punted her craft against…Continue Reading “Cities we love – Bangkok – The Mandarin Oriental in Bangkok” →

Destination Dubai Contributed by Jens Hoffmann Salam, the tower of the arabs is a luxury hotel in Dubai. On the coast of the United Arab Emirates you will find this 321 m high building which is one of the tallest hotels in the world. Talk about money: The price for a suite is high (up to 25.000 € per night) The hotel Burj Al Arab stands on an artificial island 280 m out from Jumeirah beach and is connected to the mainland by a private…Continue Reading “Dubai and its luxury retreats – The Burj al Arab” →

Contributed by Jens Hoffmann Lisbon is not only one of Europe’s most beguiling cities for a break – it is also one of the most affordable. A lot of free outdoor entertainment ads an extra sheen for any visitor. We checked in @Bairro Alto Hotel.A 5-star boutique hotel in central Lisbon, located in the heart of historic downtown, between two of the most emblematic city districts, the bohemian Bairro Alto and the chic, cultural and trendy Chiado. A luxury boutique hotel, both cosmopolitan and trendy…Continue Reading “Cities we love: The charms of Lisbon” →

A short trip through one of the most exciting country in the world Contributed by feature reporter Jens Hoffmann. Vietnam offers really everything: A glorious coastline, fantastic landscapes beautiful islands and amazing people. Beeing in Southeast-Asia is always great but to explore this romantic island – listed in the top ten most joy and peaceful places is just fantastic. Especially after a few days in the humid funky city of Ho-Chi-Minh (Saigon). We travelled to Con Dao, south-east of Vietnam, part of an archipelago of…Continue Reading “The new Vietnam” →

Contributed by feature reporter Jens Hoffmann Chubu region! Nagoya, the fourth biggest city in Japan is well-known for its amazing cuisine, onsen, style and culture. Indeed, the local restaurants in the region leaves no culinary wishes unfulfilled. The local restaurants beguile even the most pampered palates. Placing great value on fresh ingredients and products you can enjoy, kobe beef, tofu, miso, Unagi (eel), tebasaki chicken, red miso dishes like miso katsu the kishimen noodles, amongst others. Fantastic. My personal highlight was the restaurant “Wadakin” in…Continue Reading “Big in Japan” →