January 2013 – Page 2 – Purple Travel Official Blog

Foodie Corner: Eat Crete food like a local

Jan 23 2013

Who doesn’t absolutely love Crete? Once you’ve been we’re sure you’ll fall in love with it, so here’s a little extra inspiration, especially for you expert foodie types (and beginners) on what to eat in Crete.

Cretan food is not just food, it is mouth-watering temptation, it’s twice baked breads and oozing cheeses, honey drenched sweets and rich flavours, slow cooked meats and the freshest fish you can imagine. It’s more than just food, it’s Cretan food!

Cretan food is entrenched in the culture, Greeks themselves talk about Cretan food in haloed terms, and sharing as you eat is a big aspect. Families tend to gather and enjoy many plates over many hours, as they talk, eat, laugh and drink. It’s a really wonderful experience whether you want a whole sit down feast, or simply snacking for a few hours in the sunshine. So, here’s our beginner’s guide to Cretan gastronomy.

Image via @ Curious Food Lover

Dinner

Dakos: This is a very typical dish, kind of like a bruschetta. It’s a traditional dried bread, baked several times. On top you add some chopped tomato, high quality Cretan olive oil, lots of cheese and oregano and hey presto! It’s the perfect snack on those hot days.

Dolmades: These are probably one of the most famous dishes in Greece, stuffed vine leaves. They are a little tricky to make, but when you get the good ones, they are really good. It’s usually prepared with a mix of rice, herbs and meat, wrapped inside grape leaves. Totally delicious.

Cheese: There are so many types; you could say Crete is famous for its cheese. How about kefalotiri, a firm goat’s cheese, graviera, a slightly salty cheese made of sheep milk, mizithra, made from sheep’s milk or anthotiro, that changes from mild and soft when fresh and becomes saltier as it hardens. A great idea is to walk through one of the locals and get some samples in. Of course a simple Greek salad, horiatiki will always tickle your tastebuds.

Meat: Crete is food heaven for meat eaters. Lamb, kid and pork cooked in a myriad of different ways until utterly tender and delicious are some of our favourites, while a local special you shouldn’t miss is kohlious boubouristous (snails), fried in tomato sauce for a delicious treat.

Vegetables: Although Crete might not be the first place you think of for vegetarian fare, the variety of absolutely fresh, locally grown produce is a real treat, and many dishes (e.g. dolmades) can be served in meat free versions. The kolokythokeftedes or fried zucchini dipped in a mountain of tzatiki will impress the most hardened carnivore.

Dessert

Loukoumades: these are little handmade donut balls, fried in oil and served with lashings of honey and cinnamon. They are divine and possibly my favourite Crete food!

Bougatsa: you’ll find lots of pastries on offer in Crete and this simple filo filled with cream and sprinkled with sugar and cinnamon makes an indulgent breakfast treat.

Kalitsounia (sweet): The sweet version of kalitsounia or lyhnarakia is made of home made pastry filled with mizithra or anthotyro, cinnamon and sugar.

To drink

Krasi or Cretan wine: Crete is one of the biggest producers of wine in Greece. It goes back 2000 years, and is essential with meals where you order by the kilo. That’ll certainly keep you going over a couple of courses!

Raki (or Tsikoudia): You couldn’t go to Crete and not sample at least a little drop of the local firewater, Raki. This potent but smooth little number will knock your socks off and makes a delightful digestif after a big meal.

To check out just how good fresh bougatsa or buckets of Raki can be, check out Purple Travel’s cheap holidays to Crete.

Purple 10: Top clubs for 2013

Jan 23 2013

Swedish House Mafia at Pacha, Ibiza via @ David Boyle

Sleep is for the weak, so head to some of the most amazing nightclubs in the world to party like there’s no tomorrow.

Pacha – Ibiza Consistently rated in the top nightclubs in the world, you’re in safe hands in Pacha. With five different rooms there’s something for everyone. And although it might not be the biggest club on the island, with the likes of Swedish House Mafia and David Guetta taking over in past years, we can expect good things for 2013.
Privilege – Ibiza A club so hot it has its own swimming pool; it’s a privilege to get in here. Infamous since the 80s, and partying all night long ever since, you can expect one hell of a party.
XS at the Encore – Las Vegas – Sin City is where anything can happen, including tigers in your hotel room, as we saw in The Hangover. XS really lives up to its name, the best place on earth to waste your entire life savings, it’s got a gold crusted interior, and gets the big names in like Diplo and Calvin Harris. Just remember: what happens in Vegas stays in Vegas.
LIV at Fountainbleau – Miami A heady mix of luxury and high energy, this place is usually packed with celebs and is rumoured to be one of the biggest money earning clubs in the world. Filled with sexy dancers, private skyboxes and lavish décor, for the regular Joe this is a once in a lifetime nightspot.
BCM – Magaluf One of the biggest clubs in Europe, BCMs has been packing them in for years. These guys know how to party, and party hard. Packed with themed parties, bangin’ beats and top DJs it’s the place to see and be seen in Magaluf. Perfect for stag and hen parties with a bang.
Subsix – Maldives Not one of the big names on this list, but how could we forget the world’s first underwater nightclub. Opened by Tinie Tempah, this is set to be *the* all night party hotspot in 2013.
La Boom – Cancun All night tequila,amazing lights and laser shows and women hanging around in half nothing. You could try finding a better club in Cancun, but you probably won’t.
Berghain – Berlin A bit of a mission impossible to get in the door (it’s totally random) but once inside it’s the hedonistic capital of nightlife in the city. And for a place that’s renowned for its shenanigans that saying something. The massive converted power station is filled with an edgy crowd who will stay there for hours on end.
Zouk – Singapore Its name actually comes from the French Creole word for party, and do they know it. Three warehouses turned superclubs are aiming to regenerate the Asian dance scene and have been picking up tonnes of plaudits along the way. Filled to the brim every weekend, it draws big names like Bjork, John Digweed and the Chemical Brothers pitching in sets, and its fierce reputation is set to get even better in 2013.
Row 14 – Barcelona Don’t go to Barcelona for a weekend with the expectation that you’ll get any sleep. Step away from the Ramblas and into the winding streets filled with pubs and clubs. The city never stops but really gets going about 1am, and it’s not unusual to fall in your hotel bed at all hours. Head for a wakeup call at Row 14, a sexy new electronic club, with convertible roof and massive sound.

The best new hotel openings for 2013

Jan 22 2013

These incredible 2013 hotel openings will provide great travel inspiration for your next trip. From a Thief Hotel to a sushi hotel, we’ve uncovered the best of the best.

The Quin Hotel, New York

The celebrated 57th Street Buckingham Hotel, built in 1929, is to be restored this year as The Quin Hotel. Once frequented by musical legends such as pianist/composer Ignacy Jan Paderewski, the historic 18-storey beauty is set to open in February 2013, and hopes to capitalise on this musical and artistic heritage. Its luxurious in-house amenities even include a gallery, featuring paintings by Irish artist, Patrick Graham. Furthermore, the hotel’s location, which is within walking distance of Carnegie Hall, the Museum of Modern Art and the 57th Street gallery district, is sure to add to its cultural flair. The hotel will have 200 rooms, an American restaurant, a spa and a business centre.

The Thief, Oslo

Recently opened in downtown Olso, Norway, is a former 18th-century prisoner colony come waterfront hotel. Aptly named The Thief, the name derives from the days when criminals were brought to Tjuvholmen, nicknamed “Thief Island”, which lies just off the coast. Today, the same waterfront is made up of art galleries, bars, cafes, restaurants, shops, and now, to the modern 119-room, nine-floor hotel. A member of Design Hotels, The Thief boasts a penthouse suite, panoramic views of the city and a rooftop terrace. Although it’s unlikely that you will be wishing to escape from this prison, as cars are forbidden along the Scandinavian coastline, the primary way of getting around is via foot or bike.

Four Seasons Hotel Lion Palace, St. Petersburg

Once home to a Russian princess, Four Seasons Hotel Lion Palace St. Petersburg is, as its name suggests, a restored palace. Expected to open sometime in spring 2013, the hotel’s majestic marble staircase is embellished with gold and bronze moulding, a nod to its 1820s glory; the designers even used the original architectural drawings as a reference. One of the palace’s earlier courtyards is now a glass enclosed Tea Lounge, serving breakfast, tea and a light dinner. Hungrier guests can indulge in some fine Italian cuisine at the Percorso restaurant or decadent Asian fare at Sintoho, followed by a glass of cognac at Xander bar. In the works is also a four-level luxury spa with an enclosed rooftop pool and several treatment rooms.

The Peninsula, Paris

Hong Kong-based Peninsula Hotels group will this year make its European debut with its Parisian addition, set to open in late 2013. The hotel will occupy the Beaux-Arts gem constructed in 1908, which was once home to the Majestic Hotel. Great measures are being taken to make certain the building is restored to its original magnificence and ensure that it blends flawlessly with the surrounding Parisian architecture in the sophisticated neighbourhood of the 16th arrondissement. Once complete, The Peninsula will house an impressive 200 guest rooms and a spa on the enviable Avenue Kléber near the Champs-Élysées.

Nobu, Las Vegas

Opening in Las Vegas is the first-ever hotel from master sushi chef Nobu Matsuhisa. Expected to open within Caesars Palace on February 4, the hotel will be one of the first expansions of a restaurant into the world of hotels – a new trend for the New Year perhaps… watch this space. The idea of a hotel built around a restaurant concept is something we quite admire, and with interior design from David Rockwell, including a hand-layed river rock wall, we’re certain the venue will not disappoint. And of course, ordering room service from Nobu is a dream soon to be realised.

Shangri-La Bosphorus, Istanbul

Shangri-La Bosphorus, set to open in Istanbul in the first quarter of 2013, will be the luxury hotel brand’s first property in Turkey. Sitting neatly on the shore of the Bosphorus Strait in the Besiktas district near the Dolmabahce Palace, the hotel is ideally located for all the local amenities. Its addition to the Istanbul skyline will be particularly of note, as on completion Shangri-La Bosphorus will be the second tallest building on the coastline. With 186 guest rooms, including 17 suites with sea views, the hotel’s design is contemporary mixed with Asian touches. This theme crosses over to the hotel restaurant, which serves both Western and Asian cuisine, while in the Lobby Lounge guests can enjoy afternoon tea and tapas. Ladies may indulge at The Spa at Shangri-La, which will specialise in Chinese healing therapies, yet also include two Turkish hammams.

Cheval Blanc Randheli, Maldives

While remote, the Maldives’ island of Noonu Atoll, is possibly the most perfect setting for the upcoming Cheval Blanc Randheli (part of LVMH’s luxury hotel portfolio). Set to open this summer, the extravagant 45 loft-style villas, some of which will be set on the white-sand beach, while others will be propped up on stilts over turquoise waters, will feature personal infinity pools, flawlessly selected interiors and awe-inspiring views of the contiguous lagoon. The Cheval Blanc Spa will be readily available for indulgent treatments, and a fleet of traditional Maldivian fishing boats, specially crafted for Cheval Blanc, will allow guests to explore the local area at its most romantic. The heavenly retreat will also include four restaurants, ranging from fine dining to a fish market, as well as cigar and wine cellars.

At the dive in: poolside outdoor cinemas

Jan 22 2013

We like to keep our finger on the pulse of what’s happening in the travel world, but even we didn’t see this one coming: dive in cinemas. Whether you’re into rom-coms or action flicks, adventure or cartoons, hotels and beyond across the world are tempting guests with poolside outdoor cinemas. So grab your bikini and head for our top 8.

The Westin St John Resort and Villas, US Virgin Islands The only thing that could make a holiday in the Caribbean better, is probably the opportunity to soak up the sunset in the pool as a movie flickers to life on a big screen with maybe a cocktail or two delivered right to your hand.

The Cosmopolitan, Las Vegas, USA Not content with just regular old movies, the Cosmopolitan’s BLVD social club blasts films on a colossal screen, that’s perfect for Hollywood favourites. This year alone feature the Wizard of Oz, Karate Kid, Social Network and Father of the Bride.

Archipelago, Thailand You might have seen those pictures floating (pun intended) around the internet of a huge floating screen in the middle of the sea. Well, it’s part of Thailand’s Film on the Rocks Festival. A huge floating raft was launched with the screening anchored a little way from the seats. The screen is touring, after which it’s set to be donated to the local community.

Spring Hill, Brisbane, Australia We’re not quite sure if this is an inspired idea or just simply mad. As part of the Brisbane International Film Festival the director decided to show an in-pool screening of Jaws. And why not include films with a little bite.

The Fairmont Hotel, Dallas, USA During the day, the pool on the third floor of this hotel offers sweeping views of the Dallas skyline, while at night; anyone can come and watch a free movie. Pull up an inflatable raft, sit back and relax with a cocktail for this lovely experience.

The Pearl, San Diego, USA offers a free weekly cinema social. Dive into their eclectic film choices, some food and drinks and get settled in for classics, blockbusters or independents. There’s certainly something in The Pearl’s library to suit every taste.

Hot Tub Cinema, London Grab your nearest and dearest, hop into your swimming cozzy and head for the latest London trend, Jacuzzi cinemas. The simple idea has exploded in popularity in the last few months and the Hackney rooftop is the place to be. Shows are continually sold out for the champagne fuelled movie nights.

CenterParcs, Park Zandvoort near Amsterdam At its Aqua Mundo you can swim, bring the kids, soak up the sunshine and best of all, finish the day and take a well earned break watching a film on the massive screen in the comfort of your own inflatable rubber ring!

You should read… the best water slides ever!

Holiday like James Bond

Jan 21 2013

Bond, James Bond. Shaken not stirred. That bikini. Let’s face it, Ian Fleming’s creation has come to define the best of British, the suave secret agent, able to infiltrate top secret bunkers and is at home in exotic destinations all over the world (and above it!) James and his, ahem, lady friends have solved mysteries and toppled evil organizations from Istanbul to Iceland and Jamaica to Japan.

We’re celebrating the 50th anniversary of the Bond classics with, what else, but the top destinations where we can indulge in a martini, and live like Bond (preferably, without Blofeld or Max Zorin turning up!)

Image via @ Jo@net

Ko Tapu Island, Thailand So closely linked with 007 that it’s actually known as James Bond Island. It was the backdrop for the famous duel between Roger Moore’s Bond and Scaramanga in The Man with the Golden Gun. Thailand is of course famous for breathtaking white sandy beaches, crystal clear waters and laidback atmosphere, for when you’ve finished your James Bond adventure!

Paris, France Yes, that is James Bond giving chase to Grace Jones’ May Day up the steps of the Eiffel Tower in A View to a Kill. Handily for her, she manages to escape with the aid of a parachute in one of the most memorable Bond scenes. You can’t actually parachute off it though, but you can still learn about Franz Reighfelt’s who’s parachute suit didn’t really happen in 1912.

Karlovy Vary, Czech Republic Although set in Montegnegro, Casino Royale’s epic game of cards was actually filmed in the resort a few hours from Prague. It’s even got its own casino, so you can properly recreate the Bond experience. Although the capital is usually the favourite for a visit, exploring a little further afield will give you a fantastic holiday experience.

Corfu, Greece The relaxed Greek Island might not be your first tip for a Bond adventure, but the glorious scenery and fantastic weather were obviously a big lure. Bond adventured in the area around Mouse Island in For Your Eyes Only. Greece is a great place to holiday right now, with plenty of bargains on offer.

Udaipur, India Still a favourite with Bond fans today, the Taj Lake Palace was where 007 ventured, after a quick stop off at the Taj Mahal, in 1983’s Octopussy. The vast country of India really is home to holidays of a lifetime, from the visiting the Taj like James, to the rolling countryside, exotic food, and fantastic beaches, you’ll find something to suit every taste.

Luxor, Egypt In the Spy Who Loved Me, Luxor acted as the Egyptian capital Cairo, with the Karnak Temple and famous Pyramids as a backdrop. However you might have been concentrating more on Bond’s fight with the metal mouthed maniac, Jaws. Of course, Egypt is a tremendous holiday getaway, with beautiful resorts right along the Red Sea Coast.

Rio de Janeiro, Brazil A fight on top of a cable car over the amazing city. Moonraker really knew how to showcase Bond’s talents. The busy, bustling city of Rio will offer an unforgettable holiday to a truly exotic destination.

Florida, USA Florida’s Seven Mile Bridge is the centrepiece to one of the big scenes in Licence to Kill. While the rest of the Keys play a part too. There’s even a scene where M demands Bond’s licence, filmed in Ernest Hemingway’s house. You can still tour there today.

Venice, Italy It’s actually been used as a location for a couple of Bond films. The hotel Danieli was especially chosen by Dr Holly Goodhead in Moonraker and you can even order a Vesper Martini at the hotel Bar in honour of Casino Royale. The original romantic getaway, a gondola tour is a must, to impress your other half.

Istanbul, Turkey Ok, we haven’t seen it yet, but Skyfall looks set to be the biggest Bond movie ever. Filmed throughout the gorgeous vibrant streets of Istanbul’s Grand Bazaar, we’re expecting some amazing high speed chases along with James being his usual charming self. If that’s a bit too chaotic sounding, a walk around the market which sees half a million visitors for day will sort you out.

Purple Hearts: Valletta destination guide

Jan 21 2013

Finally climbing its way out of a reputation for being old fashioned, Malta is picking up the pace as a place to party, soak up the sunshine and eat great food. Of course, its relaxed atmosphere is a huge part of its charm, but, where blue rinsers once gathered, now you’re more likely to bump into ravers and all without the inflated prices of other Mediterranean destinations.

Early spring is the best time to hit the capital Valletta. The weather is one of the best bits, found tucked away between Sicily and Libya, right now it’s the perfect time to soak up the sun while shaking off the crowds. It gets very hot in summer, so it’s ideal for an early-in-the-year-break to get that golden glow. Valletta might be the smallest capital city of Europe, but it’s location on the sea, and atmosphere make it the beating heart of Malta. Find out more in our expert Valletta destination guide and make your holiday to Malta one to remember.

Image via @ Victoria Peckham

What to do in Valletta

Valletta is a charming capital city that is seriously beautiful to boot. Head for the main street the Triq ir-Republika for a coffee, and a great view, with water left and right.

Off the beaten track: Enagron Ecotourism Village in Crete

Jan 19 2013

If you’re looking for a holiday that’s totally “off the beaten track” and disconnected from your usual hustle and bustle, you’d be pushed to find a nicer experience than at the Enagron Ecotourism Village in beautiful Crete.

High up on a mountain, slap, bang in the middle of the island, you’ll find a throwback to a simpler life, where olive trees grow and the air is filled with the scent of herbs and plants. Not exactly a hotel, but more a place to really get in touch with nature, Enagron is a working farm, where you can do as little or as much as you like.

If you’re on a foodie adventure, you couldn’t ask for a better voyage of discovery, it’s a great opportunity to head to the kitchen and find out the tricks for preparing the best in Cretan dishes like dolmades, or the difference between kefalotiri or graviera. (They are cheeses!) Our favourite part is to try a flaky bougatsa pastry in the morning as we soak up the sunshine.

If you’re feeling a bit more energetic, there are plenty of events and day trips to try out, from nature walks to sightseeing, either on foot or by donkey. Of course there’s always a ‘driver’ on hand to keep you on the straight and narrow around the Psiloritis mountain, and take you to the stone houses, where you can try out cheese making and indulge in a ‘herder’s meal.’

Something a little more laidback tickles your fancy? Then there are a whole heap of chilled out options; like reading on the terrace, snoozing under a tree, grabbing an chilled coffee, or lounging in the pool, with the company of the birds and the wind.

image by NH53

And it being a traditional Greek getaway, there’s always room for a little bit of letting your hair down. The owners are renowned for their raki dixies, or raki nights, with love music and dancing until the wee small hours.

A night less ordinary: Sleeping Around

Jan 18 2013

This is not just any old pop up hotel, this is exclusive. Here’s the deal, you take one old shipping container, fill it with a fancy box spring bed (whatever that is!) rain shower, air con, iPod docking, all the mod cons you can think of. You throw it in the middle of a busy shopping street, beside a city capital building, or in the middle of a park and you’ve got Sleeping Around. A new type of hotel experience.

The owners say: “Sleeping Around is a unique pop-up hotel. The term ‘pop-up’ goes beyond merely ‘making an appearance.’” You want to see and be seen staying in a place like this. The Belgian initiative started life on the roof of an office building, while it’s slated for holidays to the Greek Islands, France, by ski slopes and who knows where else. You can add your own suggestions for where the boxes should go next on their website.

The ‘hotel’ is made up of four containers added together to form a little village, with its own sauna and lounge room to get your day going. Centrally located, all the modern facilities you’d expect, it costs around €199 for two people per night and is aimed at people who want to stay somewhere just for a night or two and experience a different kind of hotel.

Luxury Living: The world’s best cheese

Jan 17 2013

From fresh to aged, smoked to salty, stinky to sweet, good cheese can come in many forms. The options vary even further when it comes to the milk options – cow, goat, sheep, even buffalo – with their country of origin playing a massive role in overall flavour. But where can you go to find the best of the best? We’ve tracked down the world’s best cheeses to inspire even the most discerning of cheese-lovers.

Parmigiano Reggiano, Parma, Italy | Probably the most-loved cheese in human history, everything about the culture and recipe of Parmesan is a testament to nutritional ingenuity. The creation process is one of the world’s most sophisticated and efficient technologies, developing a saliva-inducing flavor that adds depth to almost any dish.

Roquefort, Les Causses; France | Roquefort is the best of the blues for a number of reasons: Charlemagne loved it, its pasty texture makes it a great mix of spreadable and hackable, and its use of sheep’s milk over cow’s makes for a lingering richness. For the best of the best, try smaller producers such as Coulet, Papillion, and Carles.

Brie de Melun, Ile-de-France, France | Not just for Christmas, Brie is a universally popular cheese and the most famous of the soft ripened category. A word of caution though – the real, raw milk brie is made in Ile-de-France, and more specifically, the village of Melun. Rustic, earthy and nutty at the same time.

Gruyère, Fribourg, Switzerland | This cooked-curd alpine cheese is one of the most famous cheeses in the world, with a pliable texture and strong intensity of flavour. A noticeably nutty, yet buttery tang stems from propionic acid, while the more well-aged tend to posses small, crunchy pieces of crystallising protein.

Stichelton, Nottinghamshire, England | Real Stilton, Britain’s beloved blue, is made with raw milk, which provides a nutty, rich flavour.

Mozzarela di Bufala, Naples, Italy | While mozzarella is everywhere (on almost every pizza, in sandwiches and sparingly placed on pasta dishes), fresh handmade mozzarella is of course something completely different from its rubbery, overused neighbour. And if this is true, then di Bufala is not even on the same planet. Water Buffalo from farms in Naples are milked to make this incredible cheese.

Feta, Greece | While a pickled cheese may seem odd, true Greek Feta, made from sheep’s milk and salt, is a delicious and distinctive cheese that makes a great salad condiment.

English Farmhouse Cheddar, Somerset, England | A classic. Cheddar, deriving from the west country of England, is an EU protected cheese that’s a far cry from the supermarket variety. Meaty and salty at the same time, what’s not to love?

Roncal, Navarre, Spain | In the thirteen villages of the Roncal valley of Navarre, Roncal cheese has been made using the same recipe for the past 3,000 years. Made from sheep’s milk, it smells a lot like buttered popcorn, with a taste that lingers long after its been swallowed.

Book your cheese holiday with Purple Travel today by calling 02079939228.

Purple Travel Tip: Swiss cheesemakers have won The World Champion Cheese Contest for the past three years, however for 2012, it was a low-fat Gouda named Vermeer from Friesland Campina, a company based in Wolvega, Netherlands, that took top honours.

San Francisco Airport to be named after Harvey Milk

Jan 17 2013

Last week, we heard news that Birmingham International may be in for a rename, after Brummie-born King of Darkness, Ozzy Osbourne. Now it looks like San Francisco Airport have similar plans in mind.

San Francisco’s airport has released news that they may be renamed after campaigner Harvey Milk. David Campos of the Board of Supervisors, has asked voters to approve the memorial of Milk, who was the first gay man elected to public office in the United States in 1977. His openness and call for others to do the same with their own sexuality, inspired a whole generation of activists. Sadly, Milk, along with Mayor George Moscone, was assassinated at City Hall just over a year later.

His nephew, Stuart Milk, runs an international gay rights foundation in his uncle’s memory. He believes that the renaming of the airport would mark a milestone in gay rights campaigning, as flights to and from San Francisco International serve 68 countries where homosexuality is illegal.

He told one newspaper, “For young gay people in an illegal place looking up at a monitor and being able to point to this international airport named after an LGBT advocate, it gives them the green light to authenticity. It’s a major representation that (they) are being celebrated somewhere in the world in a high-level way.”

Plans are currently well under way and Campos said the San Francisco Board of Supervisors could vote on the amendment in as little as two weeks.

Archive - January 2013