There are regions with trivial names. And then there are those where merely thinking of their name puts a smile on one’s face – that is what Tuscany means to me. The mind is filled with images, smells and tastes, every memory is a delight and every thought in joyful anticipation – of the L’Andana for instance, a lovingly renovated old manor in Castiglione de la Pescaia. It is comprised of only 33 rooms, including 13 suites – and a whole lot of Tuscan magic, tranquility and the starlit sky. Local specialities are served on the dinner table, accompanied by house-made wine. The mastermind behind these marvelous creations and combinations is Michelin star holder and head chef Enrico Bartolini.

The best time for a short stay there, or a longer one: in September and October for example – or you can still go now, before all of Italy goes on holiday in August.

Foto: © L’Andana Tenuta La Badiola

It feels good for a host to be meeting the guests’ expectations. Although he feels even better when he manages to exceed them – because his guests will respond with a smile and apparent satisfaction. And because they will return and become regulars. That is the major objective the Lošinj Hotels & Villas on the Croatian island of Lošinj have devoted themselves to, namely the ‘Bellevue’, the ‘Alhambra’ and the ‘Villa Augusta’, located in a centuries-old Aleppo-pine forest by the Čikat bay.

This island of only 8,200 inhabitants is situated in the Kvarner Gulf in the northern Adriatic Sea, stretching over 75 square kilometers. It boasts a favorable climate, which is reflected by the fact that it has around 300 sunny days per year. Lošinj was initially recognized as a climatic spa as early as 1892 and it has hiking trails spanning 220 kilometers. There is even an airport on the island now, through which guests can fly in with the hotel private jet. If they do not happen to have their own plane at the ready, Silver Air offers direct flights to Lošinj with Silver Air from Pula, Zagreb, Split, Zagreb or Lugano during the summer months.

Foto: © Boutique Hotel Alhambra & Villa Augusta

It smells like Greek Mocha, white wine and grilled gilthead. Like the sea, the South and spring: the taverns and cafes with a view offer you a table right away, and you will be able to look straight over the pale blue church domes and the snow-white walls of the square-shaped cottages that cover the steep coast. And you can hear Greek pop hits echoing from some radio: early season in Oia on the Cyclades island Santorini ist the most beautiful season! There is no rush, no pushing around, no summerly crowds!

The season on the Greek islands has always been shorter than anywhere else near the Mediterranean Sea. It does not start as early and it does not end as late, charter jets often only start flying in May, and come June, it gets crowded. Those who want to go earlier have to take a connecting flight in Athens – but get to keep the magic for themselves. You want to travel ahead of everyone and be the first on the Cyclades? No problem, that is the best time to go!

Foto: © Helge Sobik

There are journeys that are so special that almost nobody participates in them, so unusual – and so expensive. From the outset, they are conceived as an absolute minority programme. Nevertheless, it is nice to know about them: they inspire the desire to travel, they give people new ideas – and allow them to come up with their own plans. The hotel group Aman, located at the top end of the luxury segment, proposes this kind of experience for fall 2018: a 17-day so-called ‘Private Jet Expedition’.
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