Author: House & Hotel Magazine

Contributed by feature reporter Jens Hoffmann From New York to Cancún. Here where the Caribbean Sea converges with the Gulf of Mexico, ancestral voices keep whispering old tales with the winds that refresh Holbox. They tell the stories of the Spanish galleons that disappeared in these waters, they also tell the stories of the pirates who took their treasures, pirates like Francisco Molas. The ferry ride to Isla Holbox (a 20 mile-long sliver of mostly mangrove and beach in the vast Yum Balam biosphere reserve),…Continue Reading “Islands we love – Holbox in Mexico” →

Destination South-Africa. Contributed by Ben Russel. Happy landing on Airport Cape town – The fun starts. Located on the southern coast of Africa, nestling in an almost secret location. For me one of the most extraordinary properties in the world. The Pezula Private Castle with over four thousand entries it was awarded as the “Best Property in the World”. Wow, so probably one of the most stunning places to stay in South Africa a destination that’s poised to leave you speechless. The Noetzie Beach is…Continue Reading “Howzit – my South Africa” →

Destination Malta. Culture, Culture, Culture. Contributed by Jens Hoffmann. The City of Valletta, set to be the European Capital of Culture in 2018 – prove Malta’s got much more to offer than losing in soccer and a few points they always award at the Eurovision contest. Great palaces, new architecture, and lovely places to eat – not to mention its UNESCO World Heritage The island has beaches and opportunities still feels quite undiscovered. Once you biking here you’ll see the landscape is stunning. To really…Continue Reading “Valletta – The European Capital of Culture in 2018” →

Cape Town. South Africa. A hotel with a view. Contributed by Martina Warter. The Silo is worth an incentive or lovely stay, an extraordinary new luxury hotel in Cape Town situated above Zeitz MOCAA. It sets a new standard for luxury accommodation in Cape Townn. Towering above the V&A Waterfront surrounded by the natural wonder of the city. The Silo has been built in the grain elevator portion of the historic grain silo complex occupying six floors above Zeitz MOCAA (Museum of Contemporary Art Africa)….Continue Reading “Howzit – The Silo hotel – Cape Town” →

Destination Bali. Last time the Indonesian volcano Mount Agung caused some troubles during our stay. Today it is more easy, no problem at Taman Bali airport, my sweet paradise is spiritual easy. A tailor made refuge for a romantic stay in the “Garden of Eden”. The locals call the island “Taman Bali” (Garden of Eden). The german painter Spies got his inspiration from Balinese woman that he painted in his lush landscapes. It was in the roaring twenties and thirties, but ever since, foreigners have…Continue Reading “Destination Bali” →

Me gusta Barca. Destination Catalunya. By Jens Hoffmann My food trip to Barcelona and Girona. I am travelling since 20 years to Barcelona, I love the city and especially this wonderful Mandarin hotel. Lets say I am fan. It was designed by Patricia Urquiola and she realized a perfect fantastique location to explore the city. Patricia Urquiola’s designs have been distinguished with many awards: ADI Design Index, International Design Yearbook, IMM Cologne Award, Good Design Awards of the Chicago Athenaeum, Red Dot Award and the…Continue Reading “I am a fan of Mandarin Oriental” →

Thailand, smooth as silk Contributed by Ben Miller. Thailand is no destination, it is an adventure. Going on one means away from everything familiar and allowing your brain to idle into a kind of clenaing bliss. Bangkok can be as bewildering as it is bewitching. There are few things to do to make the most of Thailand’s exuberant capital, filling your days with luxury feelings, massages, street food, impressive temples and lively bars. Bangkok’s nick-name is “Venice of the east”, of course for a reason….Continue Reading “Going on one means away from everything familiar – Thailand” →

Destination Monaco – Overlooking the Mediterranean at Hôtel Hermitage Monte Carlo is located at the base of the Maritime Alps along the French Riviera. Near the western end of the quarter is the world-famous celeb Place du Casino, the gambling center which has made Monte Carlo “an international byword for the extravagant display and reckless dispersal of rich and snobby. The eastern part of the quarter includes Larvotto with Monaco’s only public beach. Our hotel Hermitage offers a intimate ambience, old-fashioned but with a touch…Continue Reading “Pillow talk – Monaco for runaways” →

Las Vegas. A destinationreport by feature reporter Nicola Nolte. The gambling industry is civilisations greatest fun and biggest dilemma. Anyway, we enjoyed the “Venetian”. It offers “storybook charm of old world Italy”. People love or hate Las Vegas, I know. The hotel has three separate Chapels, each accommodating between 40-50 guests. The Venetian is the perfect backdrop for your magical moment. This special place truly captures the romanticism of Venice – an enchanted edifice where eternal love is sealed with a kiss. I start to…Continue Reading “The Venetian in Las Vegas” →

London calling! Mandarin Oriental Hyde Park has unveiled the first phase of its extensive restoration, designed to confirm this historic hotel’s position as one of the best in the world. The hotel remains open throughout the renovation which will be completed in the third quarter of 2018. The first phase includes the launch of 95 new and luxurious guest rooms and suites in the Knightsbridge wing. In addition, the hotel’s classic entrance, notable main lobby and reception lounge have been reconfigured and redesigned to maximise…Continue Reading “I am a fan – Mandarin Oriental Hyde – first phase of renovation” →

My foods of Copenhagen experience – Restaurant Fiskebar, Sticks’n’Sushi & 108 Text: Jens Hoffmann For foodies is Copenhagen the place to be. One of my favourites: Sticks ‘n’ Sushi (the CEO Kim Rabek with me) The culinary offer is a concert of clear japonese flavors. The origin of everything is very high quality and simple. The set includes wooden tables in the original office of the restaurant which started 23 years ago. Nice restaurant: Fiskebar The Fiskebar restaurant in the meatpacking district do it as…Continue Reading “Fine dining tour Copenhagen – Admiral hotel” →

My amazing wine experience in Langenlois in Lower Austria. Contributed by Jens Hoffmann In Lower Austria two hours away from Vienna, lies the amazing wine region Kamptal. The Loisium Wine & Spa Resort is more than just a hideaway and gateway to vineyards, ancient monasteries, medieval castles and wine museums. It embraces also winemakers like Alwin Jurtschitsch who use traditional, bio organic wine-crafting techniques. Furthermore I enjoyed the “Mostviertel” region and a “Kamptaler” Sommelier event with the best European sommelier Raimond Tomsons. Big wow and…Continue Reading ““Kostbares Kamptal” amazing wine experiences in Langenlois / Lower Austria” →