Author Archives: Splendia Blog Editor

Chicago’s Sauciest Restaurants

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There are so many restaurants to choose from in big cities that sometimes we don’t know where to start. That’s why we’ve enlisted travel experts iwannagothere.com to provide us with their insider knowledge – from Taipei to London to Auckland, they have all the travel tips you need.

Here are their top tips for eateries in our favourite windy city, Chicago.

Hot Chocolate restaurant and dessert bar simply lives and breathes chocolate, literally – from the cocoa-coloured walls, to the smooth atmosphere. An amazing array of dark, sweet indulgences is on offer with a twisted, eclectic dinner menu. But, no matter what you choose, be sure to leave room for dessert – after all, they are famous for it! There’s an abundance to choose from, and the good thing is that everything tastes as great as it looks.

Bin 36 restaurant, wine and cheese bar is a lot of things rolled into one and it loses absolutely nothing in the mix. It even has its own wine shop. Most impressive is the variety of wines to choose from – over 150. The members of staff have a story for each one, and know what goes with what food-wise. Accompanying the wines are 50 varieties of American cheeses – some achievement for a wine bar/restaurant. Overall, a visit is an absolute must. Crack open a bottle or two! Continue reading →

Marbella Life

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Silvia Ferd is a blogger specialising in fashion. Her blog, The Fashion Space, brings together artists from all over the world who continue to opt for refined craftsmanship. She lives and works in Marbella, a cosmopolitan city that inspires her to discover new trends and learn more about the people behind the brands she works with. Here she shares her insider tips for life in Marbella.

Marbella is rich in contrasts, it’s a multicultural city in which you can fully integrate and be yourself even if you’re not from here. I work in fashion and this is the perfect place to enjoy it: Puerto Banus, La Cañada and the Old Town are areas where you will find international companies and top professionals, but we can go shopping as well as enjoy prawns and anchovies in Altamirano (Plaza Altamirano, 3) in the Old Town or tapas in La Moraga (Calle Ramon Areces, 1) in Puerto Banus! The special light and microclimate enjoyed in Marbella means it’s a pleasure all year round to stroll along the promenade that runs along the Golden Mile and enjoy a mojito in the bohemian Trocadero Playa Bar (Playa de la Carolina).

We feel very lucky to live in Marbella and the Sierra Blanca mountain range, Nagüeles Park and its numerous gardens make it a green and charming place. While fashion is my vocation, I love outdoor sports – a passion that I enjoy with my partner and our children throughout the year: from golf, tennis and of course sailing sports such as kitesurfing, which is very popular in Marbella. Continue reading →

Brunch in Paris

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What better than a relaxing brunch in the midst of a hectic city break? We’ve chosen our top spots in one of our favourite destinations, Paris.

Ozo, 37 rue Quincampoix, 75004

Inside, Ozo is like its own self-contained universe with lots of plants, glass and stonework. Tables are spread out over two levels with lots of space – a rare thing in Paris! Brunch is 20€ and includes a hot beverage, eggs and a salad. Plus, as many mini pastries as you can eat! Huge tartines with butter and jam are also on offer, as well as delicious homemade yogurt.

L’Apparemment, 18, rue des Coutures Saint-Gervais, 75003

Tel: +33 (0)148871222

L’Apparemment is one of those cafes you can spend hours in, sitting on a big sofa playing board games. Besides the brunch fundamentals of a hot beverage, croissants, fruit juice, jam, butter and eggs, there are also fish, cheese and vegetarian dishes. Perfectly situated in the Marais, the atmosphere is cool, yet very cosy with dimly lit table lamps. Continue reading →

Splendia Choice: Santa Teresa Hotel, Rio de Janeiro

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One of Rio de Janeiro’s best kept secrets, with magnificent views of the city, the Santa Teresa Hotel provides a taste of authentic Rio. Surrounded by colonial mansions, museums, artists’ ateliers and Rio’s only remaining tramway, the setting is charming and picturesque; high-rise buildings and traffic are replaced by red-tiled rooftops, cobblestone streets and exuberant nature.

We talked to Nelly Pager, Sales and Marketing Manager at the hotel.

What can you tell us about the area?

It is definitely trendy and exclusive. Perched high on Santa Teresa hill, the hotel has spectacular panoramic views of the city and guests can enjoy the haven of tropical gardens unique to Rio. The area surrounding the hotel is charming and authentic, and the historic tramway goes right past the hotel’s main entrance. Continue reading →

Life’s a Beach

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You want to walk on fine white sand, you want to dive into an azure sea, you deserve a siesta in a hammock, you need to disappear from the hustle and bustle… Welcome to our selection of the world’s best beaches!

Caprera Island, Sardinia, Italy

La Dolce Vita on the ultra-chic Emerald Coast. Only accessible by a 15-minute boat ride to the Costa Smeralda, this is one of the favoured beaches of Italian high society.

Red Beach, Santorini, Greece

Well-known for the unique colour of the sand and the soaring red lava cliffs that drop down to the sandy shore and into the clear blue sea, it’s a beach with a majestic setting and one to be enjoyed.

Huahine, French Polynesia

This atoll in French Polynesia has a rustic, romantic air that puts Bora Bora to shame. The very remote position in the South Pacific Ocean makes this beach the perfect place to disappear.

Playa Tamarindo, Costa Rica

The jungle stretches so close to the beach at Playa Tamarindo that you might feel like you’re really lost. The sea turtles love this beach so much they come back every year. Continue reading →