The Dream Team

What is it about the French?! They just really understand hospitality…maybe it is genetic.

I recently enjoyed time at four hotels across France – and visited at least 20 more. They were all wonderful and each offers something unique for each person. From Le Meurice in Paris, to Chateau Eza in the village of Eze, France offers a plethora fairytale hotel experiences. The one that I would return to tomorrow if I could would be La Villa Gallici in Aix-en-Provence.

We arrived late – around 8:30 in the evening - the welcome was overwhelmingly warm and generous. Flowers, fresh fruit and water were in our room to refresh us from the day. Nicholas (pictured on the left), is the delightful person responsible for guest relations - though he is more like your personal attaché while at Villa Gallici. He is quintessentially French and unbelievably vivacious. Dominique (pictured on the right), the charming General Manager, works tirelessly to insure every guest has a picture perfect and truly Provincial experience. Anette, the beautiful front desk clerk went far above and beyond with discretion and joy. The waiter, the night clerk, the day clerk, all were flawless and clearly love being a part of such a delightful hotel.

The commitment at La Villa Gallici is to making you feel as if you are at home (a grand home…) in Provence. This ‘Dream Team’ is truly doing it very well!

Definately a MUST DO while in France!

http://www.villagallici.com/

A Moment of Peace

In finding the perfect shell, my normally bickering children found something to appreciate together and a moment of peace. Combing the beaches for what we can find can be a very cuious thing. Bits of bottles, string, lost shoes, sunglasses...everything has a story. Don't you ever wonder where those bits have been?

At Home in London

The choice of luxury accommodations in London is as varied as the choice of cheeses at Whole Foods and selecting either requires assistance, or at least some familiarity.

As in any major city, some luxury hotels are large and grand while others are intimate and homelike. The Lanesborough or the Dorchester stand out as the Grande Dame icons of cosmopolitan London, but a delightful home away from home is The Goring. It offers every luxury and convenience expected of a 5 star hotel along with warmth and some quirky English touches that endear you to the hotel. (Ask any staffer about Baaahhbara. )

On a recent visit to London, I was privileged to call The Goring 'home' and it truly felt like home. The doorman and concierge greeted me by name as I came and went. The living room is comfortable with the fire burning and sofas clustered for easy conversation. The private gardens off the solarium are beautifully kept and complete with fine sculptures and tranquil sitting spaces.

I don't know about you, but when I go to England, I want an English experience through and through. So many hotels these days are updating to a very modern/European look, but I very much appreciate Jeremy Goring's commitment to all things English. He is very proud of The Goring (and rightfully so) and delighted to share it. I was privileged to have dinner with Jeremy during my stay at the Goring and it really made me appreciate the hotel even more. His great-grandfather, OR Goring, opened the hotel on March 1, 1910 and Jeremy counts it a great honor to carry on the traditions and hospitality of his family. (He has quite the resume too.)
The dinning room itself is sophisticated and crisp, but it is still grounded in English heritage. The English Executive Chef Derek Quelch has revived English cooking and has bought back many famous, and sometimes forgotten, English dishes. Eggs Drumkilbo, once a favorite of Queen Elizabeth The Queen Mother, has been revived for all guests to enjoy and the Lobster Omelet is great as is the traditional Sunday roast with potatoes and all the Yorkshire Pudding and trimmings you could imagine.


I hope you will have the chance to call The Goring home sometime – it IS unique among London hotels.

http://www.goringhotel.co.uk/