Sophisticated Spectra

Mister Donut and Gion Tsujiri Tea Collaborate on New Matcha Donut Collection

March 22, 2024 in Travel & Destinations by Julian Everett

Mister Donut and Gion Tsujiri Tea, a well-known matcha specialist from Uji, Kyoto, have joined forces to create a new collection of matcha donuts that will be available in Japan starting March 27th.

Serge Gainsbourg's Legacy Lives On: A Cultural Hub and Unique Cocktail Experience in Paris

April 2, 2024 in Travel & Destinations by Julian Everett

In the vibrant heart of Paris, a new cultural landmark pays homage to the legendary French musician Serge Gainsbourg with the opening of his dedicated house museum last year. Adjacent to this tribute, the cultural center Maison Gaibsboug and its intriguing bar, Le Gaibsbarre, invite visitors on a unique journey through Gainsbourg's artistic world.

Discover Alicudi: The Untouched Italian Island Paradise

April 11, 2024 in Travel & Destinations by Charlotte Sinclair

In the quest for untouched beauty and serene solitude, Alicudi stands out as a pristine sanctuary amidst the Mediterranean's bustling tourist hotspots. This quaint island, part of the Lipari archipelago, offers a rare glimpse into a life governed by simplicity and harmony with nature.

Royal Mansour Casablanca: A New Landmark of Luxury Hospitality

April 25, 2024 in Travel & Destinations by Charlotte Sinclair

Last week marked a significant milestone in Casablanca's tourism and hospitality landscape with the grand opening of the Royal Mansour Hotel, one of the most anticipated luxury hotels of the year. Casablanca, previously lacking a definitive flagship hotel, now hosts an establishment that sets a new benchmark for luxury—it is undeniably the new number one hotel in the city.

Historic Eaton Le 9e Restaurant in Montreal Set to Reopen After 25 Years

April 26, 2024 in Travel & Destinations by Julian Everett

Montreal is buzzing with anticipation as the historic Eaton Le 9e restaurant, a designated cultural heritage site, is set to welcome diners once again on May 17th after being shuttered for 25 years. First opened in 1931 by Lady Eaton, the wife of department store magnate John Craig Eaton, Eaton Le 9e has been a beloved gastronomic destination housed on the 9th floor of the Eaton Centre.

Historic Cafes of Turin: A Journey Through Time and Taste

April 29, 2024 in Travel & Destinations by Charlotte Sinclair

Turin, a city celebrated for its refined architecture and rich cultural heritage, is also renowned for its historic cafes, more so than any other city in Italy. These establishments, some operating for over a century, are not just cafes but monuments of gastronomy and tradition, nestled under the elegant arcades and colonnades of Turin's grand squares.

Kunstsilo Museum Opens in Kristiansand: A New Cultural Landmark

May 2, 2024 in Travel & Destinations by Charlotte Sinclair

Kristiansand to Welcome the Kunstsilo Museum, A New Haven for Nordic Art

In a peculiar case of theft, a Spanish court has issued a guilty verdict.

May 14, 2024 in Travel & Destinations by Charlotte Sinclair

In October 2021, criminals stole 45 bottles of wine worth €1.6 million from the luxurious hotel and three-star Michelin restaurant Atrio in the city of Cáceres, western Spain.

Michelin Recognizes Mexican Restaurants for the First Time: A Belated Tribute to Great Cuisine?

May 17, 2024 in Travel & Destinations by Julian Everett

While we were sleeping, Michelin made history by awarding stars to restaurants in Mexico for the first time. This belated recognition of Mexico’s rich and varied cuisine challenges the mistaken belief that it is limited to tacos and burritos. However, the absence of three-star restaurants across Mexico suggests a lingering French bias among the inspectors. With only two restaurants receiving two stars and 16 earning one, the result seems laughable for such a large and gastronomically diverse country.

New Hotel La Fantaisie in Paris Offers Tranquil Retreat Amid Olympic Rush

May 22, 2024 in Travel & Destinations by Charlotte Sinclair

If you're planning a trip to Paris this summer, make sure to add La Fantaisie to your list of must-visit places. This new hotel, located in the serene 9th arrondissement, promises a tranquil retreat in the bustling city, especially valuable during the upcoming Olympic Games.

Hotel du Couvent: A New Gem in Nice's Hospitality Scene

June 10, 2024 in Travel & Destinations by Julian Everett

Hotel du Couvent, a prime example of innovative hospitality, is set to open its doors in Nice, housed within a 400-year-old monastery. This new addition is poised to join the ranks of prestigious monastery hotels worldwide and stand out among Nice's luxury accommodations.

German City to Temporarily Rename Itself After Taylor Swift

July 4, 2024 in Travel & Destinations by Charlotte Sinclair

In an extraordinary display of fandom and civic engagement, the German city of Gelsenkirchen is set to temporarily rebrand itself as "Swiftkirchen" in celebration of Taylor Swift's upcoming visit, as reported by Der Spiegel.

The Controversial French Delicacy: Ortolan Bunting and Its Bizarre Eating Ritual

July 7, 2024 in Travel & Destinations by Charlotte Sinclair

In the world of haute cuisine, few dishes are as controversial and shrouded in mystery as the French delicacy of ortolan bunting. This small bird, once a coveted treat among gourmands, has become the center of ethical debates due to its preparation method and the peculiar ritual surrounding its consumption.

Grand Guignol: The Legendary Parisian Theatre of Horror

July 8, 2024 in Travel & Destinations by Julian Everett

The Grand Guignol, a groundbreaking horror theatre that operated in Paris's Pigalle district from April 13, 1897, to January 5, 1963, has left an indelible mark on the history of horror entertainment. Named after a traditional puppet character from Lyon, this small 293-seat venue became synonymous with shocking, naturalistic portrayals of violence and terror.

Via Manzoni, 46: The Address to Remember in Milan

July 12, 2024 in Travel & Destinations by Charlotte Sinclair

In the heart of Milan, at the corner of Via della Spiga, a 19th-century palace houses a new luxury offering by Rocco Forte. Located at Via Manzoni, 46, these newly opened apartments range from one to three bedrooms and provide a hotel-like service with the added benefit of greater privacy.

Former Maid Resurrects Abandoned Corsican Hotel, Restoring Its Soul

July 16, 2024 in Travel & Destinations by Charlotte Sinclair

In a heartwarming tale of restoration and entrepreneurship, a once-glamorous hotel on the southern coast of Corsica has been given a new lease on life by an unlikely duo. The Grand Hôtel des Roches Rouges, which had fallen into disrepair and remained shuttered for two decades, has been lovingly revived by a former maid and her husband.

Pop-Up Coffee Shop by Ralph Lauren Opens at Paris Bourse Palace During Sports Event

July 26, 2024 in Travel & Destinations by Charlotte Sinclair

As the next two weeks are set to be all about sports, the content is expected to follow suit. In an exciting development, a pop-up coffee shop by Ralph Lauren has opened its doors at the Paris Bourse Palace, the headquarters of the American sports team. Now, anyone can enjoy a top-quality espresso in this elegant setting. What a sight!

Fendi Opens Pop-Up Coffee Shop in Marbella’s City Center

July 27, 2024 in Travel & Destinations by Julian Everett

The creative team at Fendi is once again making a bold move for luxury resort clients in Marbella. A new pop-up coffee shop has opened in the heart of the city, where guests can reserve a table to enjoy cappuccinos accompanied by branded cookies.

Cheese from a Small Village in Asturias Becomes the World's Most Expensive

Aug. 27, 2024 in Travel & Destinations by Julian Everett

A cheesemaker from a small village in Asturias, Spain, has crafted the world’s most expensive cheese. The 2.5 kg piece of Cabrales cheese was sold at auction for an astonishing €36,000, setting a new Guinness World Record for the highest price paid for cheese at auction. This unique Cabrales cheese is aged for 2-4 months in natural caves with high humidity, where the Penicillium mold develops, giving it its distinctive texture, flavor, and characteristic blue veins. This sale highlights the exceptional craftsmanship and tradition behind this rare delicacy, making it a true treasure in the world of gourmet foods.

The Iconic Trousers Named After a Hotel

Sept. 3, 2024 in Fashion & Style by Charlotte Sinclair

In the 1930s, renowned couturier Jean Patou found himself regularly escaping to the sun-kissed shores of Mallorca, where he stayed at the luxurious Formentor Hotel. Nestled in a secluded bay near the town of Pollença, this stunning retreat, opened by a wealthy Argentinian just two months before the Great Depression, quickly became the epitome of opulence. With Limoges porcelain, Baccarat crystal, and hand-embroidered linens, the Formentor was a magnet for the world’s elite, even as economic turmoil claimed its owner.

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