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December 13, 2011

Andy’s Top 10 Hotels of 2011

Filed under: Active Travel, Adventure Travel, California, Champagne, Corsica, Croatia, Dolomites, France, Hotels, Ireland, Mallorca, Portugal, Provence, Sicily, Top 10 lists — Tags: , , , , , , , , , , — Bike tour guru @ 2:40 pm

Bike. Eat. Drink. Sleep. That’s the DuVine way whether you are on a luxury bike tour or expanding your horizons with an adventure travel trip. But none of it would be truly DuVine if you didn’t get the perfect night’s sleep (and evening’s rest and relaxation) every single day.

So, I give you my Top 10 Hotels of 2011. The only way to be sure that the hotels we bring you to are up to DuVine standards is to stay in them ourselves. So, I sucked it up and bedded down in each of them myself, just for a little quality control. It was hard work, putting my feet up and lounging in the incredible luxury, but someone had to do it. Now here they are for you, to either dream about if you haven’t been or to relive if you have. (These are in no particular order.)

Château Les Crayères

Château Les Crayères

Château Les Crayères in Champagne, France

Complete and utter elegance. That  is the only way to describe Château Les Crayères, which is the definition of French-style art de vivre if there ever was one. It is this majestic, 100-plus year-old chateau in Reims that we call home for two nights on our bicycle tour in Champagne, France. The work of Pierre-Yves Rochon, the stunning interior is a prototype of French classicism, and the ideal spot to contemplate a flute of Champagne after a spectacular day roaming the vineyards and countryside on your bike. The only thing that tops it may be the terrace outside, which offers a breath-taking view of the estate’s park. And if you haven’t had enough Champagne yet (could you ever, really?), Les Crayères features the finest in dining at its in-house restaurant, Le Parc, where French haute cuisine is exquisitely married with a comprehensive selection of vintages from the most prestigious growers. From the ride, to the room, to the dinner table, your experience at Château Les Crayères will be nothing short of exceptional.

Relais et Chateaux la Signoria in Corsica

After a day tackling the ceaselessly undulating terrain on the isle of Corsica, come to rest at night at the foot of the Corsican mountains at La Signoria, which will be more than a welcome site for your tired legs and hungry stomach. Looking out over the azure Mediterranean Sea, Hotel Signoria is a magical Genoese estate from the 18th century, whose private beach and pool offer chance for complete seclusion from the outside world while you fulfill he eating, drinking, and sleeping requirements on your DuVine bicycle tour in Corsica.

Andy’s Top 10 Hotels of 2011

Lešić Dimitri Palace

The Lešić Dimitri Palace in Korcula, Croatia

Intimate is a word that cannot be stressed enough when you are looking for true refinement. In the 18th century bishop’s palace that is the the Lešić Dimitri Palace, that is just what you will get. Stashed away behind the medieval walls in the town of Korcula, this palace features a mere six residences. Rather than carve up this historic building into traditional hotel rooms, the owners have instead chosen to form each story of the palace into a residence, each with no more than four bedrooms. When you do emerge from the confines of your private residency, the full treatment of a Thai therapy spa awaits, along with an astoundingly fresh meal at LD Terrace, the palace’s own first-class restaurant. On your bicycle tour in Croatia, this will certainly be a highlight.

Château de Roussan in Provence

Welcome to the home of Bertrand de Nostredame, brother of the famed Nostradamus. If only his brother could have predicted how much you are going to adore your stay at the former family chateau. Step inside and marvel at the flawless preservation of centuries of Provencal history. From its library that houses the collective works of names like Socrates and Montesquieu to the luxurious lounges where guests find a cozy seat to chat away, the Château de Roussan feels like paradise in Provence. And if you aren’t tired from you invigorating day of riding on your bicycle tour in Provence, the hotel’s park, greenhouse, and ponds offer a gorgeous landscape to explore on foot before heading off to dinner.

Cap Rocat

Cap Rocat in Mallorca, Spain

Be ready to be shocked when you first step into the island fortress that is Cap Rocat. Once a military outpost, this fortress on the Spanish island of Mallorca has been transformed into a palace of true grandeur. Tucked into the Bay of Palma and featuring a magnificent view, the hotel is one of the most unique we have seen, and has retained many of its defining features from its days of military service while adding all the amenities you could ever desire. Home for two nights on your bicycle tour in Mallorca, Cap Rocat offers the chance for serene relaxation in complete peace, removed from the crowds on the beaches and out in town. And as is the Spanish way, the hotel is just as food-centric as it is luxurious. With two outstanding restaurants on the premises, you will be wined and dined to your heart’s content (and your stomach’s), ready for the next leg of your DuVine adventure.

Convento do Espinheiro in Evora, Portugal

Staying with the theme of transformation, this gem in the Alentejo region of Portugal has been the home of serenity for over half a millennium. Originally a 15th century convent and now a UNCESCO world heritage site, the Convento has set the standard for luxury as long as anywhere we know of. Home for two nights on you bicycle tour in Portugal, the Convento do Epinheiro features not only marvelous guest rooms in which to recharge after an exhilarating ride, but also the first-class Diana Spa, where you can fully immerse yourself in the depths of relaxation. And after two days of outstanding cycling, Divinus Restaurant, which sits in the hotel’s ancient and charming wine cellar, offers an intimate experience with the sophisticated yet authentic local cuisine.

Ashford Castle

Ashford Castle in Ireland

Steeped in tradition in more ways than one, Ashford Castle in Mayo, Ireland is also a part of one of the most well-known Irish institutions today: Guinness. While the original structure was erected in 1228, in 1852 Ashford fell into the hands of  Sir Benjamin lee Guinness, who extended the estate to 26,000 acres and added thousands of trees and two large Victorian style extensions. Today, it is a five star hotel and recognized by many as one of the top 50 resorts in Europe. In addition to the magnificent rooms that have been meticulously preserved over time, the resort features a golf course, equestrian center, and countless lakes and rivers for fishing, any of which are the perfect way to pass an afternoon after a day spent tackling the Irish the countryside on your bicycle tour of Ireland. That is, of course, after you’ve indulged in a celebratory pint at the cocktail bar.

Rosa Alpina Hotel & Spa Relais & Châteaux in Badia (Dolomites ski tour)

Set in the village of San Cassiano in Badia, right in the heart of the Italian Dolomites, the Hotel & Spa Rosa Alpina is renowned for a discrete and refined hospitality. It belongs to the tourist district of Alta Badia, which was voted “Queen of the Alps” by the prestigious Italian Touring Club. Home for the first leg of your Dolomites ski tour, Rosa Alpina is the ideal spot to warm up by the fire and loosen your muscles at the spa or in the hot tub after a day carving turns in the Dolomiti.

Castello Cememi

Castello Camemi in Sicily

Shouldn’t a hotel leave you feeling like royalty when you finally settle in for the night? Nestled deep in the Sicilian countryside, Castello Camemi is sure to do just that. Tucked away in this spectacular 15th century castle that has since been converted to a 5-star hotel, it will be easy to believe that you are Italian nobility, enjoying a summer retreat in the Ilbei mountains of Sicily — that is, of course, until you step back on your back the next day, when you’ll realize that life is even better than that on your DuVine bicycle tour in Sicily. With just fourteen rooms, the Castello Camemi will feel for all the world like your own private castle, with your own private dining room and wine cellar to boot.

Solage in Calistoga, California

Is 22 acres enough to call your own? We’d like to think so, and at Solage in Calistoga, California, those are 22 of the finest acres that Napa Valley has to offer, flanked on either side by the Mayacamas and Palisades mountain ranges and which offer only the most stunning of viewpoints from which to watch the sunset, glass of chardonnay or cabernet sauvignon in hand. Solage is home to far more than just breath-taking views and world-class guest rooms, though. The epitome of over the top, it boasts in the number one rated spa in the Americas, as voted for by Conde Naste Traveller, as well as the Michelin-starred restaurant Solbar, where we will refuel our engines after a day of scenic wine country riding on your bicycle tour in Napa Valley and Sonoma.

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June 7, 2011

Bike tour Croatia – Mountains or the Sea?

Filed under: Croatia, Dalmatian Coast, European bike tours — Tags: , , , , , , — Bike tour guru @ 2:25 pm

Coast or mountains? It is a question I sometimes ask people after I’ve known them bit.

bike tours croatia

Coast or mountains?

In my mind, as an avowed mountain person, I often already have the answer. Sea people like to lie as lizards on a beach; they occasionally lift their heads to regard the waves.  A tiny swim suffices to give them a sense of well-being.  The evening begins their second day with friends and acquaintances, the parties last far into the night. In contemplative moments, they look out upon the waters and see limitless possibilities.

Mountain people see obstacles to be scaled. They like the challenges; they sweat. Well-being comes from a mountain-top view after a five-hour uphill hike or a day long bike-ride. An unchanging day at the crowded beach is torture for them, or at best a forced rest after some monumental climb. Movement, alone or in intimate groups, is key, as there is always a new adventure over the next ridge.

So now that I’ve oversimplified us all, I’ll suggest a place we can all get along just fine – a bicycle tour in Croatia.

bike tours croatia

From the mountains to the azure sea

From the mountains to the azure sea, I don’t know if I’ve seen a more beautiful place.  I hate to say that.  I feel like I’m discrediting our bike tours in the French Alps and the Pyrénées.  But the Dinaric Alps rise thousands feet directly out of the Adriatic, a sea that shimmers one hundred clear shades of blue . Mountainous islands rise out of the water, giving sunrises and sunsets a special drama.  Here the sea and the mountains compliment each other.  They get along.

This harmony reflects in the people.  I’ve rarely met a group of people so relaxed, hard-working, and above all,  happy. For the three weeks I was in Croatia, I met daily with people who were happy.  Not without worries or concerns, but happy.  There’s probably a myriad of reasons for this but I’d like to pose three reasons.

  1. The sea and the mountains as I already mentioned
  2. Their history.  Happiness has a long history in Croatia.  Ancient Greeks were happy to plant vines and olive trees in what is now Stari Grad on the island of Hvar.  The last great, pagan Roman emperor, Diocletian, was happy to retire from his role as ruler/diety to a palace he built, a palace which is now the heart of the energetic city Split.  Venetians were happy to use Split and the town of Korčula as shipping ports.  Dubrovnik, with it’s white stone walls and gorgeous art, was happy to remain an independant rival of Venice.
  3. Pomalo. Pomalo is an island word for “Take it easy,” “Rest calm.”  Maybe it is something in the air, something on the winds blowing off the islands, but it has obviously been here for centuries. Diocletian must have gotten it:  When begged to return as emperor to a flagging Rome, he replied that “Running an empire does not compare to the joys of raising cabbages.” Pomalo attitude runs throughout Dalmatia.  It teaches one to breathe, enjoy the present moment and not worry about the future, if only for a week.
bike tours croatia

Let your DuVine guides show you the meaning of Pomalo

That’s what DuVine guides are for, anyway.  When you go with DuVine Adventures to Croatia’s Dalmatian coast, the guides are concerned about you so that you don’t have to be concerned.  We worry about tomorrow so you can concentrate on that beautiful sunset over the Island Brač, or tasting olive oil, or experiencing the brujet at dinner.  Our job is to care about you and give you the best possible bike tour.  (We’re happy to have this job!)  Visit Croatia with us and understand  pomalo, a chance to practice happiness right there between the sea and the mountains.

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May 19, 2011

Where in the World is Andy?

Filed under: Croatia, European bike tours, Group Tours — Tags: , , , , , , , — Bike tour guru @ 1:32 pm

Giving new meaning to island hopping in Croatia, of course!

bike tours in Croatia

Island hopping with YPO group in Croatia

It all began in Split at Le Meridien Hotel with a welcome cocktail offered by the mayor himself, Željko Kerum, and the fantastic sea views overlooking the city and surrounding islands. It is here that we found Andy as he joined YPO members from around the world on their first DuVine adventures bike tour in Croatia.

And oh what a tour is has been so far!

I mean, how can you beat embarking on your first ride accompanied by a police escort around the city of Split? Might as well start out with a bang, not a whimper!

bike tours in Croatia

Police escort in Split

The ride featured a unique introduction to the city highlighting the Old Town, a visit to the market, Diocletian’s Palace (a UNESCO World Heritage Site) and one of the oldest synagogue’s in Europe. Not to be outdone, of course,  by a private dinner that evening hosted by Domagoj Ivan Milosevic, the Deputy Prime Minister of Croatia.

The next morning Andy joined the group as they boarded a fleet of private fast boats and sped off to the island of Brac where they explored the rolling hills on bike and joined a local olive oil producer for a tasting deep in the hills of the island. After a delicious lunch of tender local lamb, they were back on board and racing off to the island of Hvar for some brief downtime before dinner. Meeting up at the restaurant later that night, a slow-food konoba, Andy and crew took over the place – alternating between cooking time with the chef, cocktail toasts, and of course, feasting on an amazing meal.

bike tours in Croatia

Olive oil tasting in Brac

And if that isn’t enough…Andy has been raving non-stop about his experience the following day. The group met up with Olympic sailor, Ivan Kljakovic Gaspic, first on land and then by sea.

In the morning, Ivan joined the group on their scheduled ride that day, challenging all who dared to race him up the hills. We won’t disclose how that turned out…suffice it to say, Ivan decided that pedaling with just one leg might make for an even playing field. They then happened upon a local lavender farmer who invited them in to his home for a private visit (as well as a rallying round of music on his accordion!) And with that, as you can imagine, Mr. Lavender Farmer immediately became Andy’s new best friend! Sadly, it was time to go…but the party was not over.

bike tours in Croatia

Sailing with Ivan

En route to dinner that evening, a few guests had the pleasure of sailing with Ivan on a gorgeous sail boat to the restaurant, while the remaining group, sailed alongside in a private yacht and enjoyed a wine tasting aboard before reaching the intended destination – dinner on a small exclusive island. Where in the world is right! YPO-DuVine stylin’ in the Dalamatian Islands.

Alas, Andy had to say his goodbyes to the group and motored off with Ivan on a dinghy back to Split that very evening (noting that he felt like Bond on this seemingly covert nighttime escape on the water.)  [Hmmmm…haven’t we heard this Bond comparison before? Perhaps this is some sort of recurring theme?]

bike tours in Croatia

Wine tasting on the yacht

Stay tuned…as he is off to visit more DuViners on a Tuscany bike tour.  You won’t want to miss this…

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June 15, 2010

A Bike tour of Croatia – Plenty of sun, biking and boating

Filed under: Active Travel, Bike, Croatia, Tours — Tags: , , , , , , , , , — Bike tour guru @ 2:59 pm

There’s no place like Hvar…there’s no place like Hvar (well maybe Brac, Vis or Korcula).

I guess I should just  say there’s no place like the Dalmatian Coast of Croatia [just promise me you will keep this a secret!]

It really does not get better than this!

A view from the yacht

Let me set the stage with a brief glimpse at one of the epic days I spent on my recent visit – where I joined one of our private bike tours in Croatia.  It began with breakfast delivered to our yacht from our 5 star hotel (egg white omelets, espresso and fresh fruit)…then we cruised for an hour along the calm turquoise water, soaking up the sunshine, to reach the end of the island where our bikes were waiting at the dock ready for us to hop on and begin our 3 hour nonstop ride over the rolling hills of Hvar. Did I mention that every vista is spectacular? Whether you are climbing, riding along the coast or wending your way through the villages…there is certainly no want for scenery!  Wow. It was absolutely picture perfect – not a cloud in the sky, warm sunshine, and a gentle breeze followed us as we rode the entire island. And, honestly, that’s the only thing that followed us.

The open road in Hvar

Throughout the ride, there wasn’t a car, a cyclist, nor even a person in sight – just the stunning blue waters that surrounded us in constant view (whether in the periphery or directly in front of us) as we climbed the rolling hills, striking up some healthy competition on the more challenging climbs as bets were made and the gauntlet thrown down. And when our 80km ride across the island of Hvar was complete, our yacht was waiting for us with 2 massage therapists aboard for our post-ride massages as the yacht cruised around the bay. Aaah…what can I say? Like I said…it really doesn’t get better than this!  At one point Ed looked at me and said this was definitely one of the top days of his life [and believe me, this man lives LARGE!]

Actually, it did get better. After our restorative session on the water, we headed back to Hvar for an absolutely delicious dinner at the local Konoba featuring the freshest seafood, delightful Croatian wine, and the best treat of all…the local ‘pancake’ dessert which resembles a crepe, but is filled with the most incredible blend of homemade ice-cream, nutella and some secret ingredient. Absolutely heavenly.

post-ride massage

And to top off the night…a  relaxing evening at the exclusive Hotel Adriana – Croatia’s first and only member of The Leading Small Hotels of the World. Oh, and don’t let me forget to mention the view from the Adriana  – a panorama that includes the Cathedral, the Arsenal, the Venetian piazza, the yacht harbor and the bay…all in one. Stunning.

Yes, everything is possible in Croatia…just ask and ye shall receive. And Andro, our lead guide in Croatia, is always ready to help you create your dream vacation and share his favorite part of the world with you – no request too large or detail too small (as evidenced by this private group!)

Remember…we are in the business of making memories…and you better believe that my last visit to Croatia provided me with ones that will last a lifetime!

post-ride dockside

A day in the life - Croatia

Alas, I had to leave –  but the tour continued on. The group set out on a 115 ft yacht and sailed off to Dubrovnik where they finished off their ‘dream come true’ staying at a palatial hotel and enjoying all the culture, cuisine and entertainment that this historic city has to offer. As for their experiences in Dubrovnik, I too am interested to hear. I guess we’ll both just have to ask them for more details!

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December 18, 2009

Creating The Croatia Bicycle Tour

Filed under: Bike, Croatia, Dalmatian Coast, Spain — Tags: , , , , , , , — Bike tour guru @ 10:22 am

Croatia Bicycle Tour

Creating the Croatia bicycle tour was amazing.  A local guide from Split had been calling me for a few years, and I finally decided to answer his call and hit the Dalmatian coast.  People often ask me “what’s it like to create a new bike tour, where do you get the inspiration?”

It’s actually a very creative process, whenever I create a new trip, I try to imagine myself as a painter or a great chef, in which case I gather up the best ingredients I can find and I put together something that I feel people are really going to enjoy.  The ingredients for a great trip include; uncrowded roads with views for miles, unique histories of people, architecture, food and wine. Luckily there are many places in the world in which we can craft great experiences and it’s a lot of fun to do so.

First off, I flew into Split, which is the largest Dalmatian City and the second largest city in Croatia.  Entering the old walled town, was unbelievable, you can’t help but be captivated by this city, which is more than 1700 years old with a deep history and beauty found in a city that has been around longer than most countries.

Getting started, I spent time checking out the two 4 star hotels, and walked the village with my private guide, who gave me some more insights into this location and the things that would be of interest to our clients. I then spent the entire week trying to make sense of the region and flow of the tour; how many islands should we visit, how many days should we spend on each island, which hotels would provide the right experience, where are the best wine tastings and restaurants and of course the roads and the ride.

Croatia can be hilly so designing a gorgeous route that is not too hilly was important.   The concept for creating this trip was to offer…a Bike, boat, eat and drink experience that explores the best of the Dalmatian Coast. This tour of Croatia, an island hopping adventure, will have DuVine travelers cycling along the most stunning coastline in Europe.

I decided to start the trip in Split, the largest port city, that abounds with old world charm, ancient Roman ruins, abundant wine cellars, and boasts an UNESCO world heritage site.  Then its off to the gorgeous islands of Hvar and Korcula. Cycle the rolling roads of Hvar with its lavender fields, spectacular vistas and ubiquitous fish markets and fresh seafood. Onto the island of Korcula, the birthplace of Marco Polo, another charming ancient Roman fishing and sailing village that is a seafood aficionado’s dream with its endless supply of octopus, local specialty-fish stew, and the freshest of ingredients picked directly from the sea.

We will have a private tour of some of the secrets of the Peljesac peninsula – home to Croatia’s best know red wines – Dingac and Postup.   We finish in Dubrovnik , where you find one of the world’s most beautifully preserved medieval cities that has been an important power since the 13th century and experience its storied history with its beautiful Gothic, Renaissance and Baroque churches, monasteries, palaces and fountains.

As the week continued, I found that I really loved Croatia, it is a bit like Italy, cypress trees, locals hanging around town squares, fabulous fresh fish, blue waters, and I also love bike around and while they speak a different language, they share the influences of the Mediterranean.  I was blown away by the Roman and Greek architecture and ruins, I never really knew how much wonderful history there was along the Dalmatian coast.

I was also amazed at how many tourists I encountered in the country.  There were tourists from all over the world, here exploring and taking in the sights and sounds, so it would appear that the word is out on Croatia.  Dubrovnik is a little too touristy for me, but it is a gorgeous city.

I am really excited about this amazing new bike trip and being able to offer it to our clients, such a gorgeous blend of ancient walled towns, fresh seafood, and wonderful wines combined with fantastic cycling along the azure waters of the Adriatic, topped off with comfortable nights spent in beautiful hotels…..o yes of course the guides, local guides who respect and love thier home country, who speak the language, introduce us to the local customs, and show us the real…hidden Dalmatian Coast.

Croatia is the place to be in 2010.

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