Contributed by feature reporter Jens Hoffmann 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 was “the Venice of the east” for a reason. Built upon water, its river and canals (khlongs) formed the thoroughfares until roads were constructed in 1851. Its so beautiful. We checked in at the lovely Sofitel SO in Bangkok. The Sofitel…Continue Reading “Hotels we love: Sofitel SO in Bangkok”
Rio de Janeiro captivates visitors with its lush nature, historical beauty, paradisiacal beaches, and the contagious energy of the locals. Rio also stands out for its food scene with Brazilian tradition and haute cuisine’s boldness. Visionary chefs turn local ingredients into masterpieces, blending tropical flavours with global techniques. From the freshness of the sea to the richness of the land, every dish tells a story. We’ve selected six Michelin-starred restaurants. Each offers a distinct approach, but they all share a commitment to excellence and creativity….Continue Reading “Michelin Star restaurants in Rio de Janeiro”
Kalimera, Greek islands are always pure joy. Tinos is an island that beautifully blends history, culture, and natural beauty. It is not as widely known as its glamorous neighbours, Mykonos and Santorini, Tinos offers an authentic and enchanting Greek experience. You’ll find charming villages, stunning beaches, marble marvels, and religious traditions. There’s no airport, the main reason why it’s so unspoilt, so you need to arrive by sea. Ferries run from Athens, with the journey from Rafina the shortest, taking two hours on a high-speed…Continue Reading “Islands we love: Tinos”
Contributed by feature reporter Jens Hoffmann Don’t cry for me Argentina. “The Pulitzer” is a fantastic hotel. Located in plaza San Martin, it fits perfect with the Buenos Aires identity. We loved to stay there for a couple of days. Nestled between the frenetic hustle of Microcentro and the leafy old-world charm of the Recoleta – a well-heeled district known to locals as “Little Paris” – the hotel offers a unique vantage from which to take in the city. The place is constructed by architect…Continue Reading “Hotels we love: ‘The Pulitzer’ in Buenos Aires”
A visit to Slovenia is always a pleasure. Contributed by Jens Hoffmann Photos: Annamaria Veszeli Slovenia is cool, creative and dynamic. Here you’ll find the perfect blend of tradition and modernity, sports, cuisine and joy. In this country, you can ski, swim in the sea, soak up metropolitan flair and discover romantic places. For almost 700 years, Slovenia was part of the Habsburg Empire, and naturally, much of the food is Austrian influenced, with some Hungarian accents. Being so close to the Ottomans, there’s a…Continue Reading “Presstrip to Slovenia”
Contributed by feature reporter Jens Hoffmann After a happy landing in Hong Qiao International Airport (SHA) I enjoyed the drive with the airport express train (455 km/h, wow!!!) to Pudong. 10 minutes later I arrived. Yes, I am a Shanghai fan. I love it to be here. Are you a Pudong or Puxi boy? Big question. Shanghai is unique in its cultural division between Pudong and Puxi, the city’s two main neighborhoods. These opposing parts of town—named after their location in relation to the Huangpu…Continue Reading “Cities we love: Shanghai”
The 1001 secrets of Marrakesh Contributed by feature reporter Jens Hoffmann Photos: Annamaria Veszeli ] Offering a taste of Africa within easy reach of Europe, Marrakech is a truly exciting travel destination in Morocco. While you will probably visit the ancient Medina and the modern Gueliz while you’re here, there is much more to see and do. A few of Marrakech’s secrets. No need to introduce the La Mamounia, a true legend among the most famous hotels in the world. It is a legend city….Continue Reading “Hotels we like: La Mamounia in Marrakesh”
Contributed by feature reporter Jens Hoffmann 25 degrees the sun is shining. Wow. This lovely hideaway is perfectly situated on Southwest Peloponnese. Costa Navarino-Peleponnes is framed by spectacular scenery. The resorts founder Mr.Constantakopoulos was a shipping tycoon who wished to give back to the region where he was born sustainable tourism. After his death his sons took over the Costa Navarino project – truly a extraordinary development in one of the most attractive parts of Greece. Its offering magnificent views of the Ionian Sea and…Continue Reading “Places we love: Costa Navarino in Southwest Peloponnese”
It was only a short stay for two days, but even a few hours and it would be impossible to not fall in love with the lifestyle city Istanbul. The contemporary Istanbul – a trip to a avantgarde city By feature reporter and influencer Jens Hoffman Photos: Annamaria Veszeli Istanbul boasts a thriving hotel scene. We love the Ciragan Palace Kempinski and also the Marmara hotels. More and more you will find also a great art scene in Istanbul, a lot of bars on the…Continue Reading “Cities we love: Avantgarde lifestyle in Istanbul”
Contributed by influencer: Jens Hoffmann Photos: Annamaria Veszeli When people talk about a hideaway in the hotel industry, they usually mean a romantic hotel in an idyllic location. We found such a hideaway on the lake, namely the Weissensee in Carinthia. It also has a gourmet restaurant which was recently awarded a Michelin star. I’m looking forward to seeing Chef de Cuisine Hannes Müller and enjoying his menu. Berg.See.Küche which means Mountain.Lake.Kitchen. Wow. Many Austrian chefs have just ensured that Austria is on its way…Continue Reading “Hotels we love: “Die Forelle” a hideaway at Weissensee in Carinthia (Austria)”
Fari Islands Contributed by feature reporter Jens Hoffmann Fari Islands in the North Malé Atoll of the Maldives, a 45-minute speedboat ride or a 10-minute seaplane flight from Malé International Airport. The resort’s design by Kerry Hill Architects was inspired by the Maldivian sun and the Indian Ocean. It consists of a series of 100 villas, including the Ocean Villas, which seem to float above a turquoise lagoon like a masterpiece of design. With its white sandy beaches, turquoise lagoons and coral reefs, this place…Continue Reading “Barefoot luxury on Maldives”
Text: Jens Hoffmann Photos: Annamaria Veszeli The taste of the landscape and originals will make the country the leading culinary destination in Europe. The multifaceted landscapes have always been experienced on the plate. After a 15-year break, the Michelin Guide has now awarded 82 MICHELIN stars, 33 green stars and 43 Bib Gourmand awards for the whole of Austria. The restaurant Steirereck in the Stadtpark (cover photo Heinz Reitbauer & Jens Hoffmann) and the Amador from Vienna received three stars. On January 21, 2025, the…Continue Reading “Michelin Austria 2025”