hip destinations

Short Break: Valencia's Renaissance

Valencia on Spain's eastern coast is experiencing a renaissance. Not only will Valencia host the 2007 America's Cup, the first held in Europe, it has caught up with other hip cities in Europe. The skyline has been embellished with everything from an impressive contemporary art museum to the sprawling Ciutat de les Arts i de les Cienes, Santiago Calatrava's swooping collection of white, organically contoured museums and theaters. The special charm of Valencia is a mix of Seville with its crowded cafes and tree-shaded plazas, the Moorish traces and ancient monuments of Granada as well as the tumultuous nightlife of Madrid. Yet this old city by the sea also has an identity all its own, as just one spin around town will attest.
Where to stay There are a few new upmarket desinger hotels that signals Valencia's change in fortunes. We recommend the Palau de la Mar, housed in a adjoning pair of eleganat 19th-century mansions, mingles grand marble entryways and staricases with 66 sleek rooms. The white walls, chocolate-brown floors, and antique tubs provide a tranquil respite from the glamourous streets.

Just back from Marrakech . . .

Do you want to experience something different? Fly to Marrakech and indulge yourself in the fascination of this bustling city. Stay at the Riad El Fenn and enjoy a luxurious oasis. Carefully designed - this place makes you forget that you are in the middle of the Medina. The food, served on the rooftop terrace with a spectacular view of the high atlas, is home grown and organic, tastefully arranged by the skillful chef.

Short Breaks: The Villa Dar Zina - A quiet haven in bustling Marrakesh

Just a few minutes from the hustle and bustle of the famous Djamaa El Fna place, is the quite legendary Targa palm plantation where the Villa Dar Zina stands. Combining contemporary comfort and oriental refinement, you will live in an enchanting environment. The exceptional Villa Dar Zina is located in the heart of a luxurious garden, where bougainvilleas, palm trees, jasmin, citrus trees and orange trees grow and give off rich appeasing fragrances that delight your senses. You can rent the whole villa (including the ten staff members) or just one of the four suites and four double rooms. The Villa Dar Zina has a very special charm when the sun sets and the lamps are lit in the garden.

Private Collection: La Gioia - A charming country house in Umbria

Whatever your heart desires - La Gioia extends a warm welcome. Daniel and Marianne Aerni-Kühne, a Swiss couple, have converted a 300-year-old defunct oil and grain mill into a charming country hotel. La Gioia is an oasis of tranquility and "joie de vivre". Enjoy the inspiring remoteness from everyday routine. Relax in the heart of Italy's lush green hills. An ideal place to start exploring Umbria with its small medieval villages such as Montefalco or Spoleto.
The Country House La Gioia offers one single and eleven double rooms, all of them reflecting the harmonious earthy hues of the region. The rooms are individually furbished with loving attention to detail (Marianne is a former interior designer).
A special treat is the restaurant with its open terrace. Enjoy an evening under the stars with delicious food, excellent wines from the region and the charming, discreet attention from the hosts.

More to explore: The first boutique hotel in Damascus, Syria

Damascus has its first boutique hotel, the Al Mamlouka, a flawless transformation of a traditional Damascene house into a well designed oasis of tranquility. Original features of the eight en-suite rooms include a 200-year-old fresco and a 17th century archway. Step out of such luxury and you will be within a short walking distance from vast mosques and souks that are definitively worth exploring; and for weary sightseers, there's a hammam nearby and plenty of nice little restaurants to eat.