Deprecated: Required parameter $number follows optional parameter $query_type in /customers/3/1/f/xtratraveller.com/httpd.www/wp-content/themes/jannah/framework/functions/post-functions.php on line 819 Deprecated: Required parameter $output follows optional parameter $depth in /customers/3/1/f/xtratraveller.com/httpd.www/wp-content/themes/jannah/framework/classes/class-tielabs-mega-menu.php on line 451 Deprecated: Required parameter $the_post follows optional parameter $sub_title in /customers/3/1/f/xtratraveller.com/httpd.www/wp-content/themes/jannah/framework/plugins/class-tielabs-fbinstant-articles.php on line 85 Warning: Cannot modify header information - headers already sent by (output started at /customers/3/1/f/xtratraveller.com/httpd.www/wp-content/themes/jannah/framework/functions/post-functions.php:819) in /customers/3/1/f/xtratraveller.com/httpd.www/wp-includes/feed-rss2.php on line 8 Featured Archives - Xtra Traveller Magazine https://www.xtratraveller.com/category/featured/ Online travel magazine, covering travel in more than 70 countries Wed, 04 Mar 2020 12:25:10 +0000 en-GB hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=6.1.6 https://www.xtratraveller.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/11/cropped-Xtra_traveller_magazine-32x32.png Featured Archives - Xtra Traveller Magazine https://www.xtratraveller.com/category/featured/ 32 32 The Jeïtta Grotto in Lebanon, a unique experience https://www.xtratraveller.com/the-jeitta-grotto-in-lebanon-an-unique-experience/ Wed, 04 Mar 2020 11:42:13 +0000 https://www.xtratraveller.com/?p=2204 Jeïta Grotto is the jewel of tourism in Lebanon offering to it’s visitors qualified modern services and accommodation in harmony with a fascinating nature.  The Jeïtta Grotto is only 30 minutes away from Beirut and you can easily find a taxi or tour operator to take you to this fantastic place. It creates a magical trip …

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Jeïta Grotto is the jewel of tourism in Lebanon offering to it’s visitors qualified modern services and accommodation in harmony with a fascinating nature. 

The Jeïtta Grotto is only 30 minutes away from Beirut and you can easily find a taxi or tour operator to take you to this fantastic place.

It creates a magical trip which enables visitors to spend a day of wonder-filled adventure by being carried away from a tangible world to a wonderland where you will find 2 limestone crystallized grottoes characterized by extraordinary concretions of stalactites and stalagmites sculpted naturally in different forms, sizes and colors. 

The “Touristic Site of Jeïta” gathers all elements of nature such as stone, water, trees, flowers, air and animals in a splendid environment and with a divine touch of Lebanese cultural heritage. It’s definitely one of the most impressive and interesting natural sites in the world.

More information : http://jeitagrotto.com/

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Zepra Restaurant in Tel Aviv : Trendy & Delicious https://www.xtratraveller.com/zepra-restaurant-in-tel-aviv-trendy-delicious/ Thu, 02 Jan 2020 09:03:50 +0000 https://www.xtratraveller.com/?p=2081 Zepra team The name ‘Zepra’ in Tel Aviv is an amalgamation of the Hebrew words for zebra (zebra) and bird (tzippor). Creating the image therefore of a zebra with wings or a bird with stripes it is clear from the outset that this restaurant is one of extraordinary originality and creativity.  With its striking décor …

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Zepra team

The name ‘Zepra’ in Tel Aviv is an amalgamation of the Hebrew words for zebra (zebra) and bird (tzippor). Creating the image therefore of a zebra with wings or a bird with stripes it is clear from the outset that this restaurant is one of extraordinary originality and creativity.  With its striking décor of black marble, bamboo wood and electric pink lighting this is certainly one of Tel Aviv’s trendiest restaurants to visit.

Chef Avi Confortis’ culinary talent lies in his fusion of the very best of Asian cuisines. Bringing together raw ingredients and techniques from Thailand, China, Japan, India, Cambodia, Korea, Vietnam and Indonesia Avi produces in each of his dishes a full explosion of taste, flavor and color in the most unexpected and innovative ways.

For the first course the chopped sashimi with big eye tuna, yellowtail, salmon, wasabi dashi and green tobiko, the fungus taro har gaw Chinese steam oven dumplings with chopped wild mushrooms in whipped mushroom soy or the popcorn black tiger shrimp tempura served with togarashi crème are just two of the many dishes which are masterfully prepared, perfectly presented, and powerfully arouse the senses.

The fusion flair runs through into Zepra’s main course dishes with the menu offering Japanese steamed dorade, Chilean black cod, and the Randang Sapi tender beef chunks and eggplant in a spicy Indonesian coconut curry.

Visit their homepage here : http://www.zeprarest.co.il/en/

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Timisoara : Culture all around https://www.xtratraveller.com/timisoara-culture-all-around/ Wed, 18 Dec 2019 07:07:20 +0000 https://www.xtratraveller.com/?p=2070 Discover the best things to do in Timisoara, Romania’s third-biggest city, once known as ‘little Vienna’ and Europe’s Capital of Culture in 2021. The first record of the city of Timisoara, built on the site of an ancient Roman fortress called Castrum Regium Themes, dates back to 1212. Over the years, Timisoara, the largest city …

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Discover the best things to do in Timisoara, Romania’s third-biggest city, once known as ‘little Vienna’ and Europe’s Capital of Culture in 2021.

The first record of the city of Timisoara, built on the site of an ancient Roman fortress called Castrum Regium Themes, dates back to 1212.

Over the years, Timisoara, the largest city in western Romania, has been influenced by many cultures. The Romans used it as an important crossroads fortress until the Tatars destroyed it in the 13th century. Conquered by Turkish armies in 1552, Timisoara remained under their protection until 1718 when the region of Banat came under Austrian rule for two centuries. Timisoara later became a vital commercial and manufacturing town. Turks, Austrians, Germans and Serbs all left their mark and their influence can be seen in neighborhoods throughout the city even today.

Timisoara celebrating Christmas

The charm of this city, settled on the northern bank of the Bega River, lies in its distinct architectural character and vibrant cultural life. Frequently referred to as “Little Vienna,” Timisoara is home to year-round musical and theatrical performances, art galleries, museums and a buzzing nightlife. A progressive, cosmopolitan place, Timisoara was the first city in Europe and second in the world after New York, to use electricity to illuminate its public streets.

Green Timisoara

Timisoara was the first European city to introduce horse-drawn trams (in 1869) and electrical street lighting (in 1889);

Timisoara was built on a swamp; the Metropolitan Cathedral has 5000 oaks supports underneath it;

Johnny Weissmuller, Hollywood’s original Tarzan, was born here.

Thanks to its mild climate, Timisoara has lots of public squares and lush green retreats. The city is easy to explore on foot. If you get tired, a tram will be along in a moment; the system is fast, frequent and efficient.

Timisoara abounds with churches of several denominations, a Jewish quarter, an elegant baroque square and a pedestrian-only downtown area. Some of the monuments in the heart of the city afford panoramic views, while the many parks in this “city of flowers” provide an idyllic spot to take a break from sightseeing.

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DIVA | Antwerp Home of Diamonds https://www.xtratraveller.com/diva-antwerp-home-of-diamonds/ Wed, 02 Oct 2019 16:24:22 +0000 https://www.xtratraveller.com/?p=1993 DIVA | Antwerp Home of Diamonds is a unique public experience focussing on the magical world of diamonds, jewellery and goldsmithing. An enchanting world DIVA immerses its guests in an enchanting world. Fictional audio plays, which have been written by the director Frank Van Laecke, takes visitors on a tour of six themes: Diva’s Wunderkammer – which was designed by …

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DIVA | Antwerp Home of Diamonds is a unique public experience focussing on the magical world of diamonds, jewellery and goldsmithing.

An enchanting world

DIVA immerses its guests in an enchanting world. Fictional audio plays, which have been written by the director Frank Van Laecke, takes visitors on a tour of six themes: Diva’s Wunderkammer – which was designed by Gert Voorjans -, craftsmanship, trade, consumption and a real vault and even a jewellery boudoir where DIVA showcases her most precious treasures. Each theme comes with its own unique atmosphere, thanks to staging, soundscapes, multimedia and interactive elements to engage visitors. Hundreds of precious artefacts from DIVA’s collection will astonish and seduce you. DIVA entertains its visitors in the most masterful manner, challenging them to peel away the layers to get to the heart of this exhibition.

A modern-day experience in historic Antwerp

DIVA. Antwerp House of Diamonds is located in the historical heart of Antwerp. In a neighbourhood that goldsmiths, jewellery and diamond dealers have called home since the sixteenth century. Antwerp has been known as the diamond capital of the world since its Golden Age. Merchants and explorers sailed up the River Scheldt, in ships laden with gems and precious metals to sell them all over Europe.

Contact

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Dancing through the Presidential Suite to a Waltz composed especially for guests: “Kempinski Waltz Time” – unique Vienna experience at Palais Hansen Kempinski https://www.xtratraveller.com/dancing-through-the-presidential-suite-to-a-waltz-composed-especially-for-guests-kempinski-waltz-time-unique-vienna-experience-at-palais-hansen-kempinski/ Wed, 25 Sep 2019 05:49:40 +0000 https://www.xtratraveller.com/?p=1974  No city is more strongly associated with a type of music than Vienna with its waltz. The “Kempinski Waltz Time” package offered by Palais Hansen Kempinski allows Vienna lovers to dance to their own waltz. An individual waltz will be composed for each guest and premiered in the Presidential Suite of the five-star superior hotel. …

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 No city is more strongly associated with a type of music than Vienna with its waltz. The “Kempinski Waltz Time” package offered by Palais Hansen Kempinski allows Vienna lovers to dance to their own waltz. An individual waltz will be composed for each guest and premiered in the Presidential Suite of the five-star superior hotel. A professional film team captures the special moment for the guests.

A very personal waltz: as it was in Strauss’ time and now in the Palais Hansen Kempinski. The five-star Superior Palais on Vienna’s Schottenring offers guests a unique experience with its exclusive “Kempinski Waltz Time” package. Guests spend three nights in the city’s largest presidential suite, enjoy dinner at the Michelin star restaurant Edvard, the concierge arranges concert tickets for a classical concert of their choice and limousine transfers to the hotel. However, one evening will be especially memorable: When orchestral musicians play the world premiere of the waltz exclusively composed for each individual guest live in the suite.

General Manager Florian Wille hopes that this package will give visitors to Vienna a unique experience: “Guests can experience the quintessence of Vienna up close with ‘Kempinski Waltz Time’: the wonderful music. The guests take their very own piece of Vienna back home with them, which will connect them to the city of music forever. We are delighted to be able to offer our guests this incomparable experience.” 

Viennese Waltz with Hollywood FlairTristan Schulze is proud to support Palais Hansen Kempinski as music expert and composer for this special offering. The German-born freelance composer, cellist, organist and conductor lives and works in the waltz city. His contact with Oscar winner Hans Zimmer has enabled Schulze to play on the score of Hollywood films such as Captain Phillips, Twelve Years a Slave and Inferno as solo cellist. He has already worked as a composer for the Vienna State Opera, the Theater an der Wien, the Gewandhaus Orchestra Leipzig and the ORF (Austrian Broadcasting Corporation).

Schulze will compose one personal waltz per visit for “Kempinski Waltz Time” guests, which will be named after the guests. He rehearses the waltz together with other musicians, which is then performed live in the suite for the guests’ premiere. “Being so close to the musicians is always a special experience for music fans. But when a piece is premiered that was written just for them, the musical enjoyment is all the more beautiful. Such moments will be remembered forever and it is a great honour to be a part of these memories.” says Tristan Schulze.

A film team will accompany the guests at the premiere and record the waltz. This way, guests can have a vivid reminder of their experience and are able to share it with their loved ones.

Luxurious Indulgence for the Palate and Ears
“Kempinski Waltz Time” guests will spend the night in the Presidential Suite, the most beautiful and luxurious suite that Palais Hansen Kempinski has to offer. At 320 m2, it is the city’s largest presidential suite with a luxurious bedroom, a living room with lounge area and a vertical plant wall, a marble bathroom with its own steam bath and views overlooking the Ringstrasse as well as a piano, upon which the waltz is played.

The “Kempinski Waltz Time” package can be booked immediately. The price is 25,000 euros per stay for two persons. This package includes three nights in the Presidential Suite with champagne welcome, breakfast and a 9 course dinner with accompanying wines at the gourmet restaurant Edvard, as well as the composition and performance of the waltz by professional musicians, filming of the premiere, concert tickets of your choice and limousine transfers from and to the airport and concert.

Booking and information
Kempinski Waltz Time Video

Palais Hansen Kempinski Vienna
Housed in a heritage-listed Palais on Schottenring Street, Palais Hansen Kempinski Vienna forms part of the famously glamourous Ringstrasse boulevard. Sights like the Burgtheater, St. Stephen’s Cathedral, the Parliament building or the Rathausplatz square are only a few minutes’ walk away. The Renaissance Revival architecture combined with innovative touches like iPad check-in and an iPad version of the traditional hotel information covering everything from room service to outdoor activities create a symbiosis of Viennese tradition and present-day zeitgeist. The charming palais accommodates 152 rooms and suites, two restaurants, one bar, a cigar lounge, six function rooms, a ballroom, a florist, a fitness and spa area, also open to day spa guests, as well as 17 private residential penthouse apartments on a total of seven stories. www.kempinski.com/vienna

Kempinski Hotels
Created in 1897, Kempinski Hotels is Europe’s oldest luxury hotel group. Kempinski’s rich heritage of impeccable personal service and superb hospitality is complemented by the exclusivity and individuality of its properties. Kempinski now comprises a portfolio of 78 five-star hotels and residences in 34 countries and continues to add new properties in Europe, the Middle East, Africa, Asia and the Americas. Each one reflects the strength and success of the Kempinski brand without losing sight of its heritage. The portfolio comprises historic landmark properties, award-winning urban lifestyle hotels, outstanding resorts, and prestigious residences. Each one imbues the quality guests have come to expect from Kempinski while embracing the cultural traditions of its location. Kempinski is a founding member of the Global Hotel Alliance (GHA), the world’s largest alliance of independent hotel brands.
www.kempinski.com • www.discoveryloyalty.com

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15 COOL THINGS TO DO IN BIRMINGHAM: AUTUMN 2019 https://www.xtratraveller.com/15-cool-things-to-do-in-birmingham-autumn-2019/ Wed, 25 Sep 2019 05:37:07 +0000 https://www.xtratraveller.com/?p=1969 Autumn in Birmingham is one of our favourite times in this city. Here are 15 brilliant reasons to visit Birmingham this season. SEPTEMBER 1) BIRMINGHAM HERITAGE WEEK (SEPTEMBER 12-22) History lover? Revel in this eclectic celebration of heritage. Choose from 200 events (so many that Heritage Week actually runs for 11 days in Birmingham) . We’re tempted by …

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Autumn in Birmingham is one of our favourite times in this city. Here are 15 brilliant reasons to visit Birmingham this season.

SEPTEMBER

1) BIRMINGHAM HERITAGE WEEK (SEPTEMBER 12-22)

History lover? Revel in this eclectic celebration of heritage. Choose from 200 events (so many that Heritage Week actually runs for 11 days in Birmingham) . We’re tempted by so many things, but a Cadbury’s Bournville walking tour on September 12th (includes entry to Cadbury World) is seriously hard to ignore. If architecture is your bag then we’d suggest the walking tour of John Madin’s Calthorpe estate.

2) LEGITIMATE PEAKY BLINDERS FESTIVAL (SEPTEMBER 14-15)

Peaky Blinders is a global TV phenomenon. What could be better than a two-day Peaky Blinders fest curated by its creator, Stephen Knight? Digbeth – where the series is shot – will be transformed into the world of the Shelby family with 200 actors (including members of the TV cast) adding to the atmosphere. Music is hugely important to the show and Knight is bringing bands such as Primal Scream, Frank Turner & The Rattlesnakes, Slaves, Nadine Shah and Anna Calvi to Birmingham. Brummie Mike Skinner is DJ-ing and you’ll also be able to see jazz and swing acts such as The Correspondents, The Jive Aces and The Heavybeat Brass Band.

3) THE BLUE ANGEL (SEPTEMBER 22)

Don’t miss this Sunday afternoon matinee of The Blue Angel at Brum’s indy Electric cinema. Marlene Dietrich sizzles in this 1930s German classic about a professor falling in love with a nightclub singer. “As timelessly alluring as ever.” Mark Kermode

4) HOME OF METAL (UNTIL SEPTEMBER 29)

This exhibition marking 50 years of the heavy metal genius of Black Sabbath ends on September 29th. It includes historical, ephemera, and memorabilia belonging to all of the original members of Black Sabbath. You can also see 3,000 portraits of the band’s fans from across the world.  members.

OCTOBER

5) BIRMINGHAM LITERATURE FESTIVAL (OCTOBER 3-13)

We LOVE a lit fest. They’re just so darn civilised. Birmingham Literature Festival is a particular goodie. This year, the line-up includes Poet LaureateSimon Armitage, in conversation with Stuart Maconie, Konnie Huq, Billy Bragg, Carol Ann Duffy, How To Fail with Elizabeth Day and Adam Kay’s This Is Going To Hurt. Check out a wide array of writing workshops (including one led by Staying Cool’s first-ever Writer in Residence, Richard O’Brien) and plenty of new writing performed by the likes of Luke Wright.

6) BIRMINGHAM WEEKENDER (OCTOBER 4-6)

Birmingham Weekender returns after a brilliant showing in 2017. The Weekender is a free arts festival and this year it is being held in funky Digbeth, down the hill from our Rotunda apartments. Discover Digbeth and Birmingham’s Southside with an exciting programme of music, street art, dance and performance. The full programme is available online or search for the ‘Poster events’ app to have everything on your phone. 

7) BIRMINGHAM COMEDY FESTIVAL (OCTOBER 5-13)

Brum’s comedy festival goes from strength to strength with 10 days of funny. See the hilarious James Acaster at Town Hall Birmingham. Acaster’s previous shows have earned him five Best Comedy Show nominations at the Edinburgh Fringe and he has produced some brilliant Netflix specials. Other big names include The Last Leg’s Josh Widdicombe, Henning Wehn  – ‘the German Comedy Ambassador’ – and the USA’s marvellous Reginald D. Hunter.

FIERCE FESTIVAL (OCTOBER 15-20)

We never tire of Fierce festival and this year’s intriguing tagline is “Performance Parties Politics Pop”. Fierce is for you if you like to be challenged and – as they put it – embrace “disruptive international performance.”

BIRMINGHAM INTERNATIONAL PIANO FESTIVAL (OCTOBER 25-NOVEMBER 8)

Each year, the International Piano Festival brings some of the world’s finest pianists to Birmingham. Professor Kenneth Hamilton and Ulrich Gerhartz will lift the lid on the Henry Barber Trust funded brand new Steinway grand piano. The festival also features former BBC Young Musician of the Year Freddy Kempf, Messiaen’s masterpiece Visions de l’Amen and gospel-tinged, folk-inspired jazz from the Sam Leak Trio.

10 PRIDE AND PREJUDICE* (*SORT OF) OCTOBER 15-NOV 2

This irreverent take on the Jane Austen classic at Birmingham’s excellent Rep theatre earned four stars in The Guardian: “Isobel McArthur’s adaptation merrily conflates 200 years of romantic-pop history and presents the Bennet sisters singing karaoke covers of Will You Love Me Tomorrow and I Got You Babe while standing on a beer crate in the middle of a regency ball.” Sounds like a great night out!  If you have kids, then you might also want to check out Peter Pan, which comes to The Rep from 30November into January.

NOVEMBER

11 CAKE INTERNATIONAL (NOVEMBER 1-3)

With the UK in the grip of Great British Bake Off fever once more, there couldn’t be better timing for the world’s largest sugarcraft and cake decoration show. If you are into Channel 4’s Extreme Cake Makers then this show at the NEC is definitely for you! (And if you stay with us at Rotunda we will pay for your train tickets if your book our NEC VIP offer).

12 CARMEN (NOVEMBER 5 & 8)

Bizet’s classic opera Carmen comes to the Birmingham Hippodrome this autumn. This new production from WNO is set in 1970s South America and will be sung in French with English surtitles. Rigoletto and The Cunning Little Vixen are also being staged between November 5-9.

13 GERMAN CHRISTMAS MARKET (NOVEMBER 7-DECEMBER 23)

The Christmas market – all the way from Frankfurt – starts right outside our front door at Rotunda and is so popular that it runs from early November. We highly recommend drinking glühwein from a kitsch pottery boot and getting your Christmas spirit in early.  

14 OPUS SOURCE WINE DINNER (NOVEMBER 8)

Opus is one of our favourite places to eat in Birmingham, especially when we are up for some fine dining. The restaurant runs Source dinners throughout the year hosted by one of their favourite fishermen, farmers or winemakers. November brings a wine evening featuring wines from New World estates.  

15 LOKI CHRISTMAS WINE AND SPIRITS FAIR (NOV 23)

Loki is an award-winning Birmingham independent wine merchant. Their annual wine fair takes place in the Council House in Victoria Square – just down the road from Staying Cool’s Rotunda serviced apartments. It’s so popular that it has been split into two sessions and this is a great way to try new wines and spirits for the festive season.   

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The perfect place in the centre of Rome for those traveling by car https://www.xtratraveller.com/the-perfect-place-in-the-centre-of-rome-for-those-traveling-by-car/ Wed, 25 Sep 2019 05:23:57 +0000 https://www.xtratraveller.com/?p=1965 Remember to ask for a parking place when you book a room in The Britannia Hotel with private parking in Rome so that you can enjoy the highest possible levels of comfort and relaxation during your stay in the capital. Parking the car safely at the Britannia Hotel and then forgetting about it until it’s …

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Remember to ask for a parking place when you book a room in The Britannia Hotel with private parking in Rome so that you can enjoy the highest possible levels of comfort and relaxation during your stay in the capital.

Parking the car safely at the Britannia Hotel and then forgetting about it until it’s time to leave is a truly priceless luxury. 

This hotel with parking in central Rome is situated in a truly enviable location in the very centre of the capital, near all the most important landmarks and monuments, which are easy to reach on foot as you go out and explore the Eternal City, relaxing and strolling through the streets. So don’t hesitate, book a room at the Britannia Hotel so that you can take advantage of all the benefits to be had from staying in a hotel with private parking in Rome. 

The advantages of staying in The Britannia Hotel in the centre of Rome are obvious in any city, but they are particularly important in a big city like the capital, where you have to take into consideration the problems of how to get from one place to another fighting your way through traffic.

This is why it is all the more important to choose a hotel with private parking in the centre of Rome, and why Britannia Hotel has set aside private parking spaces reserved for its guests.

More about The Britannia : click here

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Mövenpick Hotels & Resorts Jordan features the flavours of the Mediterranean this autumn with its innovative ‘Pesto and Pistou’ menu https://www.xtratraveller.com/movenpick-hotels-resorts-jordan-features-the-flavours-of-the-mediterranean-this-autumn-with-its-innovative-pesto-and-pistou-menu/ Wed, 25 Sep 2019 05:06:34 +0000 https://www.xtratraveller.com/?p=1962 Mövenpick Hotels & Resorts Jordan is inviting international guests and local residents to come savour the tastes and flavors of the Mediterranean this autumn with the launch of its latest global menu – ‘Pesto and Pistou.  Marking another gastronomic triumph for a brand synonymous with culinary excellence for more than 70 years, the expert chefs …

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Mövenpick Hotels & Resorts Jordan is inviting international guests and local residents to come savour the tastes and flavors of the Mediterranean this autumn with the launch of its latest global menu – ‘Pesto and Pistou.

 Marking another gastronomic triumph for a brand synonymous with culinary excellence for more than 70 years, the expert chefs at Mövenpick have perfected a new innovative range of pestos (Italian) and pistous (French) to create seven experimental dishes, available at Mövenpick Hotels & Resorts Jordan throughout October 2019.

 The culinary team at Mövenpick Hotels & Resorts Jordan will lead the kitchen in preparing the pesto and pistou based dishes. These two classic European sauces are both based on the aromatic herb, basil, which is harvested in late summer. Savoury favourites will include seared Ahi tuna with olive and eggplant pesto and seafood soup with tarragon pistou. For dessert, a sweet treat with a real difference – Bundt cake with chocolate-mint pesto, served alongside a frothy Mövenpick Espresso.

 “We are excited to work with these luscious basil-based sauces, introducing them to guests in ways they have not likely experienced before,” said Chef Marcel Riemer, Executive Chef at Movenpick Resort & Spa Dead Sea “The seasonality of using pesto and pistou is important to us, as basil is traditionally harvested in late summer and preserved into these rich, oil-based sauces that are full of colour, flavour, and healthy omega-3s – perfect for brightening up our cuisine, and our spirits, amid the cooling weather.”

 Igor Ruge Movenpick Resort & Spa Dead Sea Hotel manager added: “While our guests and our local fans love to return for their favourite classic Mövenpick dishes, we always seek to surprise and delight with seasonal offerings or special food-related events. We are certain that our Pesto & Pistou menu will excite the palates of even the most experimental foodies while providing a fitting send-off to summer with a tribute to the flavours that conjure up Mediterranean sun and sea.”

 Pesto and pistou are two versions of a flavourful sauce based on basil, olive oil, and cheese. Italian pesto, which originates in Genoa, the capital city of Liguria, Italy, is blended from garlic, basil, pine nuts, grated pecorino cheese (or sometimes parmesan) and olive oil while its French cousin, pistou, is a Provençal cold sauce with similar ingredients, but without the pine nuts and with or without cheese.

 Mövenpick’s versions add new surprising ingredients to the blend while preserving the essence of both Mediterranean specialty sauces to create seven pesto/pistou-inspired dishes:

  • Ahi tuna with olive and eggplant pesto: pan-seared yellowfin tuna fillet with a modern interpretation of ratatouille, pine nuts, and black tapenade;
  • seafood soup with tarragon pistou: a touch of tarragon and a unique blend of sweet aniseed and mild vanilla bring this specialty seafood dish to life;
  • tagliolini with walnut-basil pesto: walnuts replace pine nuts to create an imitable new pesto blend that is smooth, sweet and deliciously buttery;
  • black cod with pesto rosso: accompanied by risotto made from aged Acquerello rice to absorb every ingredient and flavour in full;
  • beef fillet with red cabbage pesto: a traditional winter vegetable with a sweet edge gives this pesto dish punch;
  • corn chicken breast with bell pepper pesto: with peas, snow peas, egg, a basmati rice galette, and sublime bitter-sweet yellow-red pesto;
  • Bundt cake with chocolate-mint pesto: a timeless German cake with a cool mint and rich chocolate pesto twist, served with a Mövenpick Espresso.

 For more information on Mövenpick’s Pesto, Pistou menu, available throughout October 2019, please visit https://www.movenpick.com/en/restaurants/pesto/

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World’s Largest Underwater Theme Park Dive Bahrain Opens in the Kingdom of Bahrain https://www.xtratraveller.com/worlds-largest-underwater-theme-park-dive-bahrain-opens-in-the-kingdom-of-bahrain/ Wed, 25 Sep 2019 04:50:27 +0000 https://www.xtratraveller.com/?p=1955 Dive Bahrain, the world’s largest underwater theme park spanning an area of 100,000m2, complete with a sunken Boeing 747, is now open to diving enthusiasts. The site, in close proximity to Bahrain International Airport, has a 70m-long decommissioned Boeing 747 as its centerpiece, the largest aircraft ever to be intentionally submerged. The world-class project was developed in close cooperation …

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Dive Bahrain, the world’s largest underwater theme park spanning an area of 100,000m2, complete with a sunken Boeing 747, is now open to diving enthusiasts.

The site, in close proximity to Bahrain International Airport, has a 70m-long decommissioned Boeing 747 as its centerpiece, the largest aircraft ever to be intentionally submerged. The world-class project was developed in close cooperation between the Bahrain Tourism and Exhibitions Authority (BTEA) and the Supreme Council for Environment

Dive Bahrain aims to provide visitors with the opportunity to enjoy a unique diving experience within a large area. In addition to the Boeing 747, the newly opened underwater theme park will feature a replica of a traditional Bahraini pearl merchant’s house, which is being overseen by Diyar Al Muharraq, artificial coral reefs and other sculptures that will be fabricated and submerged to provide a safe haven for coral reef growth and to ensure a sustainable habitat for marine life.

The eco-friendly park will also provide researchers a rich source of information on marine ecologies, and will enhance environmental awareness on the importance of preserving marine life.

The theme park forms part of the BTEA’s strategy of boosting tourism and further promoting this vital sector by making greater use of the Kingdom’s natural assets. The park is expected to attract global recognition and become an international tourist attraction, given its size and location as well as the unique experience it will offer to both tourists and diving enthusiasts.

Since its successful submersion, professional divers from registered dive centers have conducted intermittent inspections of the aircraft to ensure the park’s safety to both professional and leisure divers.

The eco-friendly project will see Bahrain emerge as a key player in the field of eco-tourism and marine wildlife preservation by incorporating international environmental standards.

For more information or to book your next underwater dive experience please visit: www.divebahrain.com. The website includes a list of registered dive centers, and has been developed to provide visitors with a guide to the underwater theme park.

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Hertz launches “Voyage à la Française” sensorial tours in France https://www.xtratraveller.com/hertz-launches-voyage-a-la-francaise-sensorial-tours-in-france/ Tue, 24 Sep 2019 16:12:22 +0000 https://www.xtratraveller.com/?p=1952 Hertz Europe Ltd, has unveiled “Voyage à la Française” self-driving sensorial tours in France, beginning with the Provence-Alpes-Côte d’Azur itinerary dedicated to the joy of the country’s famous scents and fragrances. The Voyage à la Française series will offer customers five regional itineraries – one for each of the five senses – to discover the best …

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Hertz Europe Ltd, has unveiled “Voyage à la Française” self-driving sensorial tours in France, beginning with the Provence-Alpes-Côte d’Azur itinerary dedicated to the joy of the country’s famous scents and fragrances.

The Voyage à la Française series will offer customers five regional itineraries – one for each of the five senses – to discover the best of France. Each sensorial tour comes with the rental of a carefully selected premium vehicle, with a variety to choose from, including the country’s iconic Alpine A110 sports car, DS7 Crossback and DS3 Crossback premium SUVs. As part of the exclusive package, customers will have the option to have an additional driver added free of charge.

The first itinerary, Provence-Alpes-Côte d’Azur, follows the delicate scents of local perfumeries and the fields throughout the well-known region. To introduce customers to the unique fragrances of the region, Hertz France is providing them with a specially designed gift box from the prestigious, local perfumer Fragonard, containing lavender soap and perfume. Additionally Voyage à la Française renters will receive a bespoke travel guide highlighting where to discover the region’s best scents.

“Our Voyage à la Française allows customers to uncover the wonderfully diverse world of French culture through unique sensorial journeys, a selection of carefully chosen vehicles, fantastic extras and expert partners,” said Alexandre de Navailles, General Manager, Hertz France. “We constantly look for new ways of offering an exclusive, fully encompassing car rental experience that goes beyond renting a vehicle, and our Voyage à la Française is yet another example of this.”

Hertz’s Voyage à la Française is currently available from the company’s branch at Nice Airport, with an expansion to more locations across the French Riviera taking place in October.

The service will be launched in four other regions in France between the end of this year and summer 2020, featuring exclusive sensorial experiences and new, bespoke vehicle selections for customers to discover the surroundings in style.

Main terms and conditions:

  • Customers booking the Alpine A110 must be 28 years or more, have a driving licence for at least 5 years and be in possession of two credit cards
  • Customers booking the DS7 Crossback must be 25 years or more, have a driving licence for at least 3 years and be in possession of one credit card
  • Customers renting the DS3 Crossback must be 23 years or more, have a driving licence for at least 3 years and be in possession of one credit card

More details, and full terms and conditions available from www.hertz.co.uk/p/fleet-guide/voyage-a-la-francaise.

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