Old Camera 2 © 2012 javcon 117 used under a Creative Commons Attribution License

If you enjoy world cinema at its best, then I am delighted to offer you the chance of a quirky twist to your break at a luxury city hotel. Frankfurt will be the star when it hosts a Japanese Film Festival with a difference.

Having recovered fully from a year of crisis following the 2011 earthquake, the Japanese film world is set to get back on track with the 13th Nippon Connection Festival from June 4 to 9.
I am sure you will be delighted with catching sight of the stars from the silver screen when they visit for a programme scheduled over the six days, while films from the country of the rising sun will be on at different venues – and all close to your city hotel, Frankfurt.
The festival will represent a cross section of current Japanese cinematic art: with about 130 films, ranging from short student films to flamboyant feature and animated films, available for public view.

Many well-known directors, actors and producers will present their films personally at the festival, while there will be lectures, panel discussions and international experts giving the audience an understanding of the history of Japanese cinema.

One of the highlights will be the final of the VGF Nippon in Motion Award in which audience goers have been able to vote for a movie that best depicts “Nippon in Motion” in twelve seconds. The best three will be featured across screens close to the Frankfurt U-Bahn stations. The winner will receive more than 250 euros.

The VGF Nippon in Motion Award, which is awarded at the end of the film festival, is a collaboration of the Japanese Film Festival Nippon Connection and Transport Company in Frankfurt (VGF).

And why not take the chance to see an artist in residence during your stay at a city hotel. Frankfurt will be hosting the renowned, award-laden Kozue Kodama at the Naxoshalle Café.

She will be enchanting audiences with a virtuoso live painting performance by turning a blank canvas into a fascinating work of art. The artwork will be auctioned off, with the proceeds going to the regions in Japan afflicted by the 2011 earthquake.

Gendarmenmarkt © 2010 Chris Grabert under a Creative Commons Attribution License

If the height of your summer break is searching for a classical interlude, then I can guarantee that booking a Berlin city hotel this July will enable you to enjoy the finest in Baroque, arias and operattas.

The charming city’s Gendarmenmarkt square, with its breathtaking architecture, will be the backdrop to the 21st Classic Open Air Festival – an annual series of open air concerts over five days which was the highlight of my stay here a few years ago.

You will be best advised to book your luxury Berlin city hotel well in advance as the festival draws in hundreds of thousands of concert-goers from all over Europe. And, given the programme I have seen for this year’s schedule, it will prove as particularly mouth-watering as ever.

The concerts, scheduled from July 4 to 8 2013, will begin with a production from the Rundfunk Berlin-Brandenburg orchestra with popular arrangements, classical arias and works from pop to film scores. All will be delivered with artistic aplomb and concluded with a stunning fireworks festival.

With such music ringing around the city, I am convinced that the attraction will prove a major hit when you venture out of your Berlin city hotel for a night with a difference.

One key element of the festival not to miss will be the July 5 production focusing on music from Italy, with emphasis on celebrating the works of Giuseppe Verdi – whose 200th birthday will be celebrated next year. Extracts from famous composers, such as Vivaldi and Puccini will add to the spectacle.

July 6 will see a combined fire, light and laser show with European Baroque music from the likes of Bach, Vivaldi, Gluck and Handel, set to enchant audiences.

The following night will be a walk through the back catalogue of opera, with examples from Strauss and Offenbach under the baton of Stefan Diederich, with an orchestra and soloists.

And to enchant you during your scheduled stay at a Berlin city hotel, the conclusion of the festival on July 8 will feature the great works of the Söhne Mannheims band in conjunction with the Deutsches Filmorchester Babelsberg.

Camel ©2007 Alfo23 under a Creative Commons Attribution Licence

For a piece of history and a fun way to experience Zurich, I am delighted to highlight a family circus which is still performing more than 200 years after it was founded.

Hotels in Zurich, Switzerland will be quickly booking up for the arrival of Circus Knie – a Swiss family circus – that is set to delight audiences, young and old, throughout May and early June.

Established in 1806, Circus Knie is now managed and influenced by the family’s eighth generation members.

So if you’re looking for something different, then why not take a departure from the normal schedules promoted by hotels in Zurich, Switzerland, and head for the circus.

Located on Mythenquai 301, Zurich, the circus is packed with thrills and spills, and on some special days you will be able to get up close with some of their star performers – their elephants.

There will be opportunities to meet the elephants Delhi, Mapalaj and Ceylon to observe their daily routine,

Circus Knie has built up an enviable record of dealing with, handling and looking after circus animals over generations and all are humanely looked after with love and care.

The curtain will rise on the circus’ 2013 colourful programme in Zurich, under the banner ‘Emotions’ with different acts and acrobatic performances.

The acts will include comedian and Houdini acolyte Claudio Zuccolini and equestrian expert, circus horseman and family member Fredy Knie Jr with a specially rehearsed dressage performance.

Circus Theatre Bingo is a young and dynamic acrobatic troupe from Ukraine, while three parrots will fascinate the audience with antics. Acrobatic duo Igor Gavva and Iuliia Palii will present an impressive elegant performance, while spiderman Super Silva will defy gravity with his amazing acts.

Other acts from across the globe will also keep you enthralled and provide an interesting excursion if you are staying at one of the many luxury hotels in Zurich, Switzerland.

All this from a circus family whose plans for 2013 include 43 venues, 218 touring days and 351 performances, with their longest stay – four weeks – in Zurich.

Strossmayer Promenade © 2012 Marko Maras under a Creative Commons Attribution License

If art and culture mixed with experiencing the heartbeat of a city ticks all your boxes, then finding yourself in a hotel in Zagreb this summer could be one of your shrewdest moves in deciding on a break with a difference.
The Croatian hub’s leafy Strossmayer Promenade, dubbed one of the most romantic in the world, will come alive for 100 days this summer with music, dance, art and a host of performances to enhance your evening stroll.
Located right underneath Lotrščak Tower, leaning on the southern walls of the old town and in the deep shade from chestnut trees, the Strossmarte Project will be hosting many performances – and all within easy striking distance of your hotel in Zagreb.
In this slightly neglected part of Zagreb, the Kings of the Street decided to create the ‘Summer on Stross’ initiative, while adding a dash of Parisian chic and spirit to the proceedings.
Carefully created musical programmes, art installations integrated into space, unusual and entertaining events, the Strossmarte offers a nostalgic atmosphere akin to an open-air cinema, along with painters and their vibrant canvases.

And with a packed schedule, there is bound to be a performance to tempt the palate and offer a happy detour from your hotel in Zagreb.

The Stross, which is scheduled to start around June and run through to September, will also offer some quirky events including the best mongrel dog show and the finest wine-and-soda spritzer competition.

And having experienced last year’s schedule, I am sure you will be in for an experience.

Some of last year’s performers included blues performers Tomislav Goluban and Little Piegon’s Forhill Blues, Kabare Magare, swing band Tom and Twisters and the delightful Franciska Fis.

Vietnamese dancers © 2009 jula julz under a Creative Commons Attribution License

Staying in one of the hotels in The Hague this month? Well, you will be in for a real treat once I have told you of a fantastic offering that seeks to inspire the mind and tempt the taste buds all in one go.

The Tong Tong Fair, the biggest Eurasian event in the world that seeks to bring the best of South East Asia right to visitors’ hotels in The Hague, will offer a stimulating blend of culture, exhibition and food fest all in one location.
Established in 1959, the fair has now become one of the most sought after to visit and this year promises to be no different with hundreds of performances spread over 12 days.

The fair, organised by the Tong Tong Foundation, is aimed at fostering Eurasian culture and to broaden public understanding of its history.

Eurasian culture is a centuries-old culture, which began when European traders sailed to the Malay archipelago and set up their trading posts. The culture, a fusion of East and West, is also related to other mixed Eurasian cultures which grew up along the route to the East, as in Malaysia (Cristang), Sri Lanka (Burghers) and Goa.

Three centuries of close association between the Netherlands and the Malay archipelago have left their mark on both present-day Indonesia and the Netherlands, with The Hague, popularly known as the ‘Eurasian capital of the world’.

The Tong Tong Fair, to be held on the Malieveld between 22 May and 2 June 2013, comprises the immense Grand Pasar, the famous East-West exhibition with hundreds of stands offering Eastern merchandise and food. Many of the exhibitors come from Indonesia especially for the event; with a growing number from Vietnam and Malaysia.
Equally famous is the Food Court with dozens of restaurants and ‘warungs’; one of the biggest of its kind in Europe.

So if you are looking for a day out while staying at one of the luxury hotels in The Hague, why not immerse yourself in some of the best exotic culture and catering from South East Asia to make your break a mouth-watering one to remember.

The Tong Tong Fair takes place in four theatres on the fair site. The large Bintang Theatre is where the major music and dance artists perform; the Tong Tong Podium is used mainly for acoustic sets and dance.

The intimate Bibit Theatre presents lectures, interviews and theatrical performances: mostly in Dutch, but increasingly in English too, while the Bengkel (studio) enables you to participate in all kinds of workshops in music, dance, art and cooking.

Empire Hotel, New York: Pool Deck with View of Lincoln Center, Courtesy of Worldhotels

Entering the Big Apple can overwhelm the senses at any time of the year, but I am delighted to highlight a virtual oasis above the maelstrom of life below when it opens this May. 

If you happen to be staying in New York this Spring then you might want to consider one of the best New York central hotels in the City, the Empire Hotel, with one of the truly coolest hide-aways, The Pooldeck at The Empire Hotel.

Set 13 stories above the hustle and bustle of New York’s city life, you will be able to take in the sun, moon and the stars when you kick back and relax on the Pooldeck.

The open air deck is exclusive to the guests of the Empire Hotel.   Guests can enjoy food and cocktail service by Jeffrey Chodorow.  This summer the Pooldeck will also offer a selection of Manhattan’s most iconic foods – soft pretzels, snow cones and more.

The bi-level Pooldeck allows for a capacity of 150 guests and provides a spectacular 180-degree view of New York City.  The classic poolside decor includes custom-designed sun beds and a plunge pool.  

The Pooldeck has been the location of many film and television shoots and was the location of a live performance by Grammy Award winning artists Maroon 5.

The pool deck is will officially open daily from Friday May 24 to Monday September 2 (10:00 AM – 10:00 PM) 

Make sure to consider the Empire Hotel on you next visit to New York City! 

Enter for a chance to win a free night at The Empire Hotel! Tweet @TheEmpireHotel and say why you want to hang out on the Pooldeck with the hashtag #EMPIREpool! Contest ends 5.15.13.

Prague Marathon © 2010 Tilemahos Efthimiadis under a Creative Commons Attribution License

From your Prague city hotel this May, you will have the double delight of engaging with one of the most beautiful cities on earth, while spurring on some of the best athletes across the globe.

Prague has become one of the must-see and must-run cities, and I am delighted to highlight the city’s premier marathon which will be bringing the streets alive on Sunday May 12.

Doubtless your Prague city hotel’s reception will be able to advise you on the best places to stake out to see the 19^th annual marathon through the city before admiring the landmarks in all their glory.

Prague is one of the top running destinations in the world, given its unique architecture that varies from Baroque to Art Deco, while its historic atmosphere, riverside views and cultural events attract thousands of visitors.

The Prague marathon, which has been awarded the IAAF Road Race Gold Label, is considered to be one of the most beautiful in the world given that it begins and ends on Old Town Square in the historic centre.

The course wends its way through the heart of the medieval metropolis, along the Vltava River and crosses the Charles Bridge, a beautiful Gothic bridge, and if you’re lucky it may even head past your Prague city hotel.

The 2012 marathon attracted 9,000 participants, with the men’s event won by Kenyan Eliud Kiptanui, while the women’s category is held by fellow Kenyan athlete Lydia Cheromei.

To add to the fantastic day out, I thoroughly recommended the Marathon Music Festival Óčko: a cultural festival featuring local and international bands, including hundreds of street singers, musicians, samba players, dancers, fire-eaters and many other performers.

The marathon is ranked among the top 10 in the world and expected to draw runners from 89 different countries.

So, if you’re heading for a holiday at a Prague city hotel, then I can guarantee you’ll see the fascinating capital from a completely different angle this May.

“Emmental” 2005 © roger4336 under a Creative Commons Attribution License

Switzerland conjures up many images, but the combined concept of golf with cheese is not one that quickly come to mind. However, while staying in a luxury hotel in Bern you’ll happily combine the two in and around the Emmental region.

For a break that will live long in the memory, there are not many where you can breathe in the mountain air and play a classy 18-hole course nestled among luscious countryside – and all close to your hotel in Bern.

Golf Emmental offers the perfect place for a round of golf, with breathtaking views amid tranquility and majestic scenery.

And while posing for a classic photograph on the course, uttering the word ‘cheese’ will take on a new meaning when you explore the local area and discover that it is the birthplace of the legendary Emmental cheese.

To fully enjoy your break, I am delighted to highlight the four-star Superior Lifestyle Hotel Allegro, a classic hotel in Bern. 

It will spoil you with gracious service, outstanding comfort and an array of gastronomic and entertainment possibilities that are as exceptional as they are diverse.

The won­derful vista of the Old Town – just a short stroll from the hotel in Bern – and the majestic Alps beyond will make your stay truly unforgettable.

During the stay, and as part of a special package, you will be offered the chance to be taught by your own personal coach at Golf Emmental and be given an introduction to the game of golf.

After a snack in the club’s restaurant – Altes Sumpfhaus – you will then check into your hotel in Bern – and during the evening, you’ll be spoilt by the Restaurant Meridiano with a sumptuous gourmet meal.

To complete the stay, you can enjoy spa facilities or take a leisurely promenade through the arcades of Bern, a visit to one of the city’s many outstanding museums, or take in another round of golf.

Tulips of Keukenhof. Photo courtesy of the Duin and Kruidberg Country Estate

If one of your favourite pastimes is gardening, then why not add some colour to your Santpoort hotel break with a visit to the world’s largest flower garden.

Although the Dutch are renowned for their tulips, it is the Keukenhof, or Kitchen Garden, that will have you in raptures with the stunning range of flowers that grow within the 32 hectare attraction.

From your Santpoort hotel, which is also based near Haarlem, you can take advantage of the excellent transport links to travel to the Keukenhof – also known as the Garden of Europe – as it is located near Lisse, south of Haarlem.

With seven million flower bulbs planted annually, the park is open from mid-March to mid-May. And I can guarantee you will be overpowered by the sight of a sea of colourful flowers.

As 2012 was a milestone year for the UK, with the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee and the London Summer Olympics, the British ambassador to the Netherlands was on hand last year to plant the final bulbs in a 60,000-flower bulb mosaic of two iconic London monuments, Big Ben and the Tower Bridge.

Visitors will be able to see the flower bulb mosaic in bloom in 2013, the Keukenhof’s 64th season.

After this impressive visit, why not indulge the palate with the kitchen brigade of Brasserie DenK who will prepare a sumptuous two course dinner for you in their open-kitchen.

The Brasserie DenK is hidden in the beautiful Duin & Kruidberg Country Estate, based in Santpoort, a stone’s throw from Amsterdam and Haarlem. The detailed and tasteful creations, and perfect service, will make your stay special.

As an overnight stay is included in this stunning Santpoort hotel, you can truly relax and then be impressed the next morning with a wide choice of delicacies at their Brasserie.

While this hotel near Haarlem in Santpoort will offer you a break second to none, the delight of seeing the Keukenhof will certainly be one of the many stand-out experiences to take away from your magical retreat.

“The Culinary Delights Produced by the Josper Oven”, courtesy of The Claridges, New Delhi.

Travelling is an exhausting business and one that can leave you with a healthy appetite when you land in a strange country. With the frenetic energy that envelops a typical Indian city, it is my delight to be able to recommend an oasis of calm where you can sample the best in Mediterranean cooking in five star surroundings at a hotel in New Delhi.

Out of the bustling, hectic and sometimes oppressive city atmosphere, The Claridges, New Delhi, a luxury hotel in New Delhi, is offering a first for customers in the Asia Pacific region with a delight of new dishes from their new Josper Oven installed at their Sevilla Restaurant.

Inspired by Seville, the artistic and cultural capital of southern Spain, as well as its azure skies and surrounding landscape, Sevilla aims to deliver you a Mediterranean dining experience to remember.

And to highlight The Claridges, New Delhi as a hotel in New Delhi at the pinnacle of cutting edge catering, chefs Lorenzo Marcini and Marcelo Dario Castiglioni Gonsalves were specially flown in early April to offer a Spanish masterclass in dining and showcase their skills on the Josper Oven.

The Josper, as I can attest, is an excellent combination of a grill and an oven in a single machine. Using only the highest quality charcoal, this incredible piece of equipment has precise temperature controls to offer dishes to tempt your taste buds in no time at all.

Marcini and Gonsalves offered diners a range of treats to delight their palates with signature dishes including Josper Oven Baked Mussels, ‘Foie Gras’ with Onion Confit, ‘Strip Loin with Piquillo Peppers, Josper Baked Prawns with Garlic & Paprika and Josper Steaks.

And given the positive feedback from diners you will not want to miss out on Sevilla’s offerings as well as the classy facilities at The Claridges, New Delhi, a wonderful hotel in New Delhi, to indulge the senses.

Sevilla’s picturesque indoor and outdoor ambience successfully merge to provide a free flowing, casual dining experience with a style of its own, reflecting the enchanting Spanish Riviera.

The restaurant, with authentic and innovative gastronomic delights from southern coastal Europe to Casablanca, offers a rich culinary journey through the Mediterranean with specialties such as tapas, paella, wood fired pizzas and the house special – sangrias.