Quirky Traveller's Tales

In the third of our series of interviews with Holiday Homeowners from around the world, globetrotting Italian traveller and entrepreneur, Antonio Bortolotti and his wife share with you their reasons for loving where their holiday home is situated,  best-kept quirky travel secrets and top tips for making the most of your stay. 

After 15 years working as an air steward for Alitalia, Antonio decided to draw on his extensive world knowledge and, together with his wife Cristina, set out on a mission to create their perfect holiday home and fulfil a lifelong dream. In just three years, they bought and renovated, with amazing creative zeal and flair, ‘Casa Teulada’, an idyllic stone farmhouse on the island of Sardinia.

Casa Teulada, Sardinia

Featured in some of the most prominent national papers, including The Sunday Times, The Guardian and The Observer, Casa Teulada has been successful beyond Antonio and Cristina’s wildest dreams.  Today they delight in welcoming guests from around the world to enjoy their beautiful home. As well as running Casa Teulada, Antonio has also written three books, including an iPhone guide, and runs the HolidayHomesRoundTheWorld.com blog, where he and wife Cristina share their experiences of other great holiday rentals around the world.

What first made you fall in love with Sardinia and why should people come here?  We live quite a hectic life and dreamt about the perfect place to indulge our senses for years. After venturing around the world, we found the ideal place not far from home! A traveller’s paradise and undoubtedly the top Italian holiday destination among our fellow countrymen, Sardinia ranks top for idyllic beaches, crystal clear waters, great scenery and warm people hands down. Northern Sardinia is where the rich and famous gather to enjoy the vibrant lifestyle and glittering nightlife, southern Sardinia – especially the southwest – is still authentic, pristine and laid back.

Teulada Beach – Sardinia

It is here that we chose to fulfil our dream, as we love the quality of life, which for us translates into peace and tranquillity surrounded by genuinely warm locals living at a very slow pace. Sardinia has it all in terms of unique history and lots of opportunities for every budget, so it was a natural place to go to live out our dream.

What’s the ‘best kept secret’ you would tell any visitors not to miss?  The coastal drive from Chia to Teulada from September to June! This shows nature at its most spectacular best: secluded coves, endless beaches, unpaved treks in the “Mediterranean macchia (bush)”, ancient ruins of mysterious civilizations, colours and perfumes that shake even the coldest heart. You could get trapped meandering through this 25 km long stretch of coast forever and never get bored seeing something similar twice.

The “Girotonno” (the Tuna Tour) is a not to be missed event held each May in Carloforte on the tiny island of San Pietro.

Giant tuna during a tonnara in Carloforte

A food and wine competition celebrating the tradition of tuna fishing, the event evokes men, stories and flavours of the tuna on the routes of the old Tonnara of Carloforte, one of the most active of the Mediterranean Sea. This is unique opportunity to explore in detail the magic world of the tonnara traps and the fishermen, admiring the ancient rite of “Mattanza“.

Where’s the place to go to just hang out, people watch and generally soak up the atmosphere?  Only an hour’s drive from Teulada, is Poetto’s beach in Cagliari, Sardinia’s gateway.  Catch the sunset if you can – locals love it, so why shouldn’t you?

Poetto beach – Sardinia

What would you recommend visitors either treat themselves to while they’re there, or take home as a souvenir?  Sardinia is a world of its own, very different from the rest of Italy in many ways. A good way to sample its diversity is through food and local delicacies, which speak for the inhabitants of this unique island. “Eat Sardinian” and you will discover a pleasant, unexpected surprise that will make you bring home some fantastic, mouth-watering Pecorino cheese, Mirto liqueur, Grappa “Fileferru” – the typical Sardinian “outlawed” liqueur – and Bottarga, salted, pressed, dried, and ground grey mullet roe, which is excellent on spaghetti or sliced on salads!

Bottarga with spaghetti

Finally, what are the most ‘quirky’ things to do, see, eat, visit or experience in this place?  Again, food is definitely quirky in Sardinia and Sardinians have a concept of cuisine all of their own! Spaghetti with bottarga or sea urchins is an absolute joy for foodies!  Make friends with locals and do something extraordinary for them, and they will invite you home to sample “Porceddu”, a young pig slowly baked and cooked underground with an elaborate procedure) and a specialty consumed only among friends to celebrate special events.

Casa Teulada at night

Holiday Homeowner Q&A is brought to you by HomeAway, the UK’s leading holiday rentals website with over 320,000 properties worldwide. From cute studios and city apartments to rural cottages and country homes, large luxury villas, quirky conversions and more, there are thousands of unique places to enjoy a more authentic and unusual holiday.

It takes a smart traveller to realise that you don’t have to jet off to exotic locations, battling check-in and the dreaded jetlag to experience a little luxury. If it’s wonderful spas you are looking for, boutique hotels like no other, or truly top class food, it is all here hidden away in the UK. Well we think it’s a good idea to keep much of it a secret so shh! Don’t tell anyone and here are a few of the luxury spots that we have discovered which are too good to tell everyone about.

Treglyddins Cottage by Latitude 50

1. Stay in a Luxury Holiday Cottage in Cornwall

Whether you are sneaking away for a luxury weekend with your other half or taking the whole family, you will be able to find a great luxury holiday cottage in Cornwall. We love Latitude 50, who have some great holiday cottages on offer like Treglyddins is a wonderful house that sleeps 8, has its own swimming pool and is a pleasant 5 minutes walk from the shops in Rock. It boasts a beautiful garden, decked patio area for al fresco eating on warm summer evenings and for cooler nights, an inglenook fireplace with wood-burning stove. If you are a smaller party try the cute Pentire Cottage, which is a fairytale cottage with all modern luxuries and the most gorgeous of gardens. And the real luxury? There is no one to disturb you and you’ll never miss breakfast not matter how late you decide to lie in!

Daylesford Organic Farm Shop

2. Visit Daylesford Organic Farm, Gloucestershire

Treat yourself to some delicious organically grown goodies in the Daylesford Organic Farm Shop, from artisan baked bread to freshly cut flowers, to jams pickles and preserves and so much more.  For the best deep relaxing massages, heavenly facials and some simply divine yoga and Pilates classes we recommend you get booked in at the Hay Barn Spa, which is just next door. Daylesford does have everything  – treat yourself to a cookery course and take that luxury feeling home with you as you recreate delicious seasonal dishes for years to come.

3. Stay in ‘Rosie’ the Gypsy Caravan in Dorset

Rosie the Gypsy Caravan

Surrounded by horses and chickens and stunning views of the Dorset countryside you can enjoy this beautiful restoration of a 1934 Gypsy Caravan at The Old Forge. Rosie is cosy and romantic and everything is set out to cater for your every comfort. Breakfast is included and the hosts Tim and Lucy have a reputation for being friendly and welcoming and helping guests to feel most at home.

4. Dine at The Ledbury, ranked 14 in the World’s Best Restaurants.

The Ledbury Restaurant

 It is no small accolade to be ranked as number 14 in the world and for that we are very grateful to have The Ledbury here on home turf. It is a truly world class restaurant guaranteed to give you a proper fine dining experience. Head Chef Brett Graham is both talented and creative and it shows through in huge measure in his food.  From Roasted Scallops with Fennel, Liquorice and Elderflower, to Dover Sole with Thyme Milk Skin, Mussels and Roast Cauliflower, to the Brown Sugar Tart, with Poached Grapes and Stem Ginger Ice Cream, we are sure you will savour every mouthful.

5. Charter Your Own Motor Yacht for the Day

Yacht Charter – Outrun Sailing, Lake Windermere

Live the lifestyle of the Riviera right here in lovely Britain and charter your own yacht for a day and maybe even a night too. You will have everything you need on board so you can just enjoy lapping up the ultimate of luxury, whilst your very own skipper takes care of everything. Step off for lunch and even stay overnight to make the experience one to truly remember.

These are just a few of the many wonderful luxury experiences just waiting to be discovered throughout the UK.  Get out this summer and see what others you can uncover …

This post is brought to you by Latitude 50, who have a wide  selection of great holiday cottages in North Cornwall.

2012 has a lot of celebrations and not all of them are in London. Disneyland Paris is celebrating its 20th anniversary and travel writer Laura Porter visited  for the first time with her young daughter.  She shares some some tips to help you make the most of your time at Disneyland Paris.

Disneyland Paris Castle by Laura Porter

From Marne-la-Vallée train station you’ll see Disney Village and the two Disney parks. Disney Village is free to enter and is mostly shopping and dining but it’s popular at night too for the Wild West Show and cinemas. Do note, a sandwich and drink from the station is cheaper at €6-7. Keep your bottle and refill from the water fountains before you go to the parks.  In front of the station are the hotel shuttle buses.   There are plenty of hotels to choose from – book before you go to get the best deal.  My daughter absolutely loved the Magic Circus Hotel. You’ll need at least one day at each park so consider staying three nights.

The Magic Circus Hotel

 Park 1: Disneyland Park

Arrive early, and definitely visit this park first as – yes, I know it’s a cliché – it’s magical!  Four zones branch off from Main Street USA: Adventureland, Frontierland, Fantasyland and Discoveryland. Grab a map as you enter, along with a daily events schedule.

Cinderella & Prince Charming – by Laura Porter

Go to Fantasyland first as it’s best done in the morning before the crowds get too bad.  Ignore the carousel as it’s a common ride (and had ridiculous turn-around times) and head to Peter Pan’s Flight, Dumbo or the Tea Cups as they are close and all great fun.

Teacup-ride by Laura Porter

It’s A Small World is an indoor boat ride through displays of moving dolls with a repetitive song. That might not sound appealing but we went twice as little ones love it.  Captain EO, a 3D film, was OK but is only really good if you want to remember what Michael Jackson looked like when he was black.

Even with two days, we only saw Frontierland and Adventureland from the Disneyland Railroad, so plan your days well.

Disneyland Paris Parade by Laura Porter

Where to Eat At Disneyland Paris

Be prepared to live on high sugar treats for a few days. And even though the park is open until 10pm, many food outlets are closed after the 5pm Parade. The best option for dinner is Victoria’s Restaurant (near Central Plaza) where pizza, salad and drinks for two was €16.

Park 2: Walt Disney Studios Park

This smaller park was simple to navigate, easier to find toilets, and less crowded.  The Twilight Zone Tower of Terror was darn scary and not recommended for young children even with the 1m height restriction. The ride involves a hotel elevator freefalling again and again. The Flying Carpets over Agrabah is very similar to the Dumbo ride so there’s no need to do both.

Flying-carpets Ride by Laura Porter

Where to Eat At Walt Disney Studios Park

Blockbuster Cafe has the best kid’s meal deals for €6, plus you get a voucher for a free hot drink later too.

FastPass

You can use your ticket on FastPass machines to get an allocated time to return. It’s not at all rides and you can only have one at a time.

Daily Parades

There’s a major parade in each park but get there early as staff (fun police) will constantly move you back, and get in the way of photos, if anyone goes 1cm over the line.

Disneyland Paris Main-Street Parade by Laura Porter

It is slightly odd seeing adults wearing mouse ears – especially ones that light-up at night – but if you don’t give in to the fun at Disneyland then where can you?

Laura Porter is a freelance writer and has About.com London Travel, an online travel guide for visitors to London. You can follow her on Twitter at @AboutLondon All Images © Laura Porter. Disney provided her Disneyland Park Pass.

Here is the second in our series of interviews with very special Holiday Homeowners from around the world.  They share with you their reasons for loving where their holiday homes are situated,  best-kept quirky travel secrets and top tips for making the most of your stay.  

Helen and Andrew O’Donoghue, originally based in Dublin, had always dreamt of having a place by the sea; although they knew central Algarve well, they had never been further east than Faro. Neighbours told them about Fuseta, a Portuguese village on the eastern coast of the Algarve with spectacular views of the Ria Formosa lagoon.

In 2009, after exploring the area, they bought a two-bedroom apartment  in Fuseta, right by the sea, in the Formosa Village development.  Last June, they sealed their love of the area by getting married in nearby Tavira.  Now in their 40s, Andrew works in IT and Helen is a corporate fundraiser for a charity. Here, they talk about their love of Fuseta and offer some tips and advice for visitors.

What first made you fall in love with Fuseta and why should people come here?

When we first came to Fuseta it felt like stepping back in time. The area is very unspoilt and the village is an old fashioned, traditional fishing village where everyone knows everyone. The locals speak just enough English to get by, but they welcome tourists with open arms. They work mostly in restaurants or in the fishing trade and are very family oriented. The beaches are very beautiful and the restaurants serve delicious food at a fraction of what it costs anywhere else on the Algarve. And, of course, there’s guaranteed sunshine from mid April through  to mid October!

What’s the ‘best kept secret’ you would tell any visitors not to miss?

There are beautiful villages in the mountains surrounding the area. Our favourite one is Estoi, a colourful little town about 10km from Fuseta. The place is home to the Palace of Estoi, which was originally built in the 19^th  Century as the ancestral home of the Viscount of Estoi, but has now been converted into a high-end pousada (hotel). Non-residents are welcome to wander around, have a coffee or lunch and admire the magnificent mountain views.

Estoi Palace – Simoni Marco

Close by you can find the Milreu Ruins, one of the most important remains of the Roman presence in the Algarve and an imposing archaeological site, which has been classified as a national monument. What is to be found here today is the remains of a manor house, farm buildings, a wine press, baths and a temple, as well as an open courtyard and garden.

Where’s the place to go to just hang out, people watch and generally soak up the atmosphere?

The square in Fuseta is where the locals come together every morning after doing their shopping, going to the bank and buying their paper. It is a great place to feel part of the community; just grab a coffee and a  Pasteis De Nata (custard tart) and watch the people  go by. The houses around the square are typical of the area, Moorish cubic style, roof terraced buildings with high, ornate chimneys and decorative doors.

What would you recommend visitors either treat themselves to while they’re there, or take home as a souvenir?

Cataplana is a traditional seafood dish, very popular in the area. It is also the name of the dish used to prepare it. Traditionally made of copper, it is shaped like two clamshells hinged at one end and is perfect for steaming. In restaurants, the food  is always served in this beautiful cookware. You should be able to find one to buy in Fuseta.

Finally, what are the most ‘quirky’ things to do, see, eat, visit or experience in this place?

The amazing beaches are amongst the biggest attractions in the area. They have plenty of facilities like sun beds, restaurants and toilets, and are incredibly unspoilt, uncrowded and perfect for long walks and water sports. The area is characterised by  ‘sandspit’ beaches, meaning they are separated from the mainland by a lagoon and have to be reached by a ferry boat or water taxi.

A 10 minute drive from Fuseta is Barril Beach which is accessed by a little locomotive train. The area used to be a tuna village and the buildings are still standing but have now been converted into cafés, restaurants, shops and other facilities for tourists. The beach is strewn with anchors each one commemorating a fisherman who lost his life to the sea. A more romantic alternative is to get a watertaxi from Fuseta Harbour, bring a picnic and enjoy a deserted beach for the day!

Owner Helen on Barill Beach

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Holiday Homeowner Q&A is brought to you by Home Away, the UK’s leading holiday rentals website with over 320,000 properties worldwide. From cute studios and city apartments to rural cottages and country homes, large luxury villas, quirky conversions and more, there are thousands of unique places to enjoy a more authentic and unusual holiday.

Bath was en fete for the Diamond Jubilee, and the Highgrove shop was doing a roaring trade. People were queuing outside the famous Roman Baths and Pump Room.  (When you visit, just be warned – the water tastes … well, let’s just say that it must do you good!)  The glorious Cathedral nearby has been recently renovated and in the square opposite a young woman in a red coat serenaded shoppers with operatic arias.

 The River Avon runs through this World Heritage city and the Robert AdamPulteney Bridge, its broad street lined with quirky little shops and inspired by the Ponte Vecchio in Florence was busy with shoppers intent on enjoying this special holiday.  Another well-known sight is the oh-so-very elegant Georgian Royal Crescent, the first of its kind built anywhere in the world, with its imposing Ionic columns, Palladian cornice and inviting doors.

The city attracts pilgrims of one of our most famous writers and a visit to the Jane Austen Centre, just up the road from where she actually lived, was at the top of my list.  A guide gave us a brief history of the author, with special reference to her time in Bath – it seems she was NOT keen the city considering it rather shallow and concerned with frippery things!  We wandered round the charming little exhibition exploring Jane’s life, family, homes and society goings-on in Bath.  Then it was a really excellent lunch in the tea room at the top of the house.

Stepping back in time even further, the medieval village of Laycock is familiar to many as the setting for numerous TV and films, including Cranford and Lark Rise to Candleford.  There was a Scarecrow competition throughout the village which went over into the grounds of ancient Laycock Abbey (National Trust), which was getting ready for their Jubilee Picnic. Roses clung gracefully to stone wall and in the kitchen garden bees made tentative forays in the warm air. Harry Potter learnt the Dark Arts in one of the vaulted rooms.  In the Fox Talbot Museum of Photography there was an fascinating exhibition of photos from Michael Palin’s travels around the globe.

A friend and I were staying at the Best Western Blunsdon House Hotel, near Swindon, ideally situated for Bath and a whole variety of places to suit even the fussiest of visitors.  For train buffs the Steam Museum of the Great  Western Railway in Swindon will get the pistons going.  Kiddies can splash to their heart’s content at the Cotswold Water Park and fans of world music can groove the day and night at the annual WOMAD festival in Malmesbury.  Fashionable Cheltenham has festivals and racing almost every day.  The pretty villages of the Cotswolds are only a short drive away and for ancient history enthusiasts, Stonehenge and Avebury are at the very top of the itinerary.

The hotel ticked all my quirky travel boxes … With a huge bedroom and balcony we had plenty of space to spread out and unwind with a glass of wine on the balcony whilst enjoying vies across the gold course and splendid gardens.  On the first night, before our evening meal I had a quick swim and sauna in the Leisure Centre and then a very satisfying roast dinner from the excellent buffet in the informal surroundings of Christopher’s restaurant.

Dinner the following night in Nichols a la carte restaurant was superb – no other word for it.  An asparagus fan with frothy, light-as-air Hollandaise sauce, venison cooked to perfection with beetroot and pan fried potatoes, then a scrumptious frangipane tart, home-made ice cream and berry sauce.  Hotel owner Carrie Clifford joined us after the meal and regaled us with stories of the hotel’s fascinating history, the staff who seem to be with them from cradle to grave and the gardens with over 16 thousand plants.

The next morning, after a substantial breakfast to set us up for the day, I treated myself to a rejuvenating facial in the Spa – so lovely to lie back and be pampered!  The friendly reception staff sent us on our way with directions to Cirencester, a very attractive old market town, ‘Gateway to the Cotswolds’ and a whole lot more places to discover …

When it comes to an out of the ordinary stay in London there is no rival to the recently refurbished St Ermin’s Hotel in Westminster.  The hotel’s history is enough to entice many visitors – throughout the 1920s and World War II the hotel was home to the whispers and plots of Winston Churchill’s British Intelligence Services and Special Operations Service, each of which occupied a floor of the hotel.

Additionally, in the 1950s, one of the Cambridge Five, the notorious double agent Guy Burgess, handed over national secrets to his Russian colleague in the adjoining Caxton Grill’s bar.  There’s also a secret tunnel from the hotel to the Houses of Parliament!

If the hotel’s quirky history isn’t enough to entice you, then its incredible baroque plasterwork interiors and grand exterior architecture surely will.  Each time arriving guests walk into the courtyard, they never fail to look up in wonder at this amazing piece of history.

Another quirk of this rather unique hotel is its colony of 75,000 Buckfast honey bees which reside on the roof and provide honey for the Executive Head Chef’s recipes in the hotel’s restaurant – the Caxton Grill.

The staff and current owners of the property are incredibly proud of how St Ermin’s Hotel has kept hold of its original feel whilst at the same time morphing into a modern, luxury hotel.

This post is brought to you by St. Ermin’s Hotel in Westminster- a truly unique experience unlike any other in London.