Author: House & Hotel Magazine

Contributed by feature reporter Jens Hoffmann We flew from JFK 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…Continue Reading “Countries we love – Mexico” →

Destination Norway Contributed by feature reporter Jens Hoffmann Rich in breathtaking nature, oil, fishindustry an impressive destination. It is always astonishing how much enthusiasm the country has on those who know it only from hearing. Even greater is the pull, the rough nature, fantastic fjords and the sea, if you really experienced it. The city of Bergen is a special Scandinavian experience. Bergen, the second largest city in Norway, with a population of almost 400,000 inhabitants, the cityscape is characterized by colorful houses and the…Continue Reading “Norway – the home of the salmon” →

Today: Destination in transformation – Dubai. Start the tour with the “tower of the arabs”. On the coast of the United Arab Emirates you will find this 321 m high buliding which the fourth tallest hotel in the world. The price for a suite 1.000-30.000 US$ 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 curving bridge. It is an iconic structure whose shape mimics the sail…Continue Reading “Dubai and its incredible transformation” →

Helsinki – the new centre for art and gastronomy Destinationreport by Jens Hoffmann. Much of the complex history was dark, now it is a stylish place full of Nordic cuisine. I enjoyed my stay in Helsinki. The sun is shining. The capital of Finland is a vibrant seaside city of beautiful islands, great cosy parks, churches and lovely views. The city’s rhythm is laid back yet at the same time refreshingly active in terms of relaxation, design, and quality of restaurants. For me alwys a…Continue Reading “Helsinki – Nordic Cuisine and Art” →

Everything is worth a trip to Corinth Contributed by feature reporter Jens Hoffmann A journey in the Peloponnese is a journey through myth and past. The journey from the International Airport Eleftherios Venizelos in Athens to Loutraki takes about an hour by train or car. Thermae is the ancient name of Loutraki derived from goddess “Thermia Artemis”, the protector goddess of therapeutic mineral waters. Life is easy, time to enjoy the region, the path is the destination and the springkissed Greece is always beautiful. I…Continue Reading “Everything is worth a trip to Corinth / Greece” →

Venice a magical place. Contributed by Jens Hoffmann The Cipriani is located on Giudecca Island, a 5-minute boat ride from St. Mark’s Square. The Hotel Ciprani in Venice is one of the bests hotel, the place has been an idyllic sanctuary since it opened in 1958. There’s nothing quite like waking up in the Hotel Cipriani, amid a sea of quiet streets, sprawling gardens, and that giant saltwater pool. The full glory of Venice is suddenly yours — you can actually imagine being here when…Continue Reading “Bella Italia – Hotel Cipriani in Venice” →

Destination Berlin. The german capital is for me one of the most exciting cities in the world. If you do not think so, you must visit one of our places in Berlin. Contributed by N.Neugebauer. One of my favourite hotels you will find in Berlin-Mitte. A architectural gem and in the ground floor you is the italian restaurant LABANCA (where I met Sir Rocco Forte during the opening party) He never stops to tell the story about Rocco Forte. “Each of the properties is individual,…Continue Reading “Trendy topics about Berlin – Rocco Forte” →

Destination Galicia. My luxury pilgrim tour to Santiago de Compostela. Contributed by Jens Hoffmann. Santiago de Compostela, better known as Santiago is the capital of the community of Galicia in northwestern Spain. The city has its origin in the shrine of Saint James the Great, now the city’s cathedral, as destination of the Way of St. James, a leading Catholic pilgrimage route originated in the 9th century. Always fun to strollthrough Santiago, say hello to the Cathedral, the Plaza do Obradoiro where the Parador is…Continue Reading “Me gusta, Galicia – Santiago de Compostela” →

The charming hotel Il Castelfalfi – TUI BLUE SELECTION is a brand new 5-star hotel within Toscana Resort Castelfalfi. It offers an more exclusive experience, a one-of-a-kind showcase for the Italian lifestyle, highlighting nature and beauty. In the 15th century during the Renaissance in Tuscany many noble families like Gherardesca built new homes today you will find an authentic experience and a perfect place to discover the true Tuscany. Whether you want to play golf, enjoy a relaxing spa treatment or discover the breath-taking Tuscan…Continue Reading “Bella Italia – Il Castelfalfi – a new 5-star hotel within Toscana Resort Castelfalfi” →

Destination Paris. Text by Jens Hoffmann. When you arrive in Paris the feeling to be in the city of love starts. Tourist facts, Pont des Arts: Paris-City removes the world famous ‘love locks”. What a pity. Pont des Arts is famously known for symbol act of affection and love. Its a pity, but doesn’t matter. There can be a lot of more fun pressure to make an romatic evening out in Paris. Finding the perfect restaurant is a particularly difficult choice in a city also…Continue Reading “Paris, mon amour” →

Destination Poland. Poznan a charming European town with a gorgeous city square, a 1,000-year plus history full of horrific wars and destruction, a Catholic bent and a surprising cosy athmosphere. I’m here to visit the hotel Blow Up Hall 50/50, one of the most unique hotels in Europe. Entering in the front door, you’re immediately struck by the grand entrance hall, complete with its four levels of brickwork and artworks ranging from the giant “Red Dwarf” at the back of the hall, through a number…Continue Reading “Dzien dobry! House & Hotel Magazine features Poland” →

Garden eden of Italy – Welcome to Italy where joy is practicall a religion. Firence is an epicentre for food, art and culture. “The Villa La Massa”, is a fascinating Medici dwelling of the 16th century on the outskirts of Florence. It was turned into a luxury hotel in 1948. After a complete renovation by the Villa d’Este Group in 1998 it reopened and its five hundred years of history live on, telling us tales of Renaissance splendour and the lifestyle of Florentine aristocrats in…Continue Reading “Bella Italia – “The Villa Massa” – Firenze” →