Cool Hotels

Canarios Park Hotel

Some years ago, when my mother returned from a glamorous sailing trip around Spain’s Balearic Islands, I asked her what her favorite island was. Having read Morvern Callar, I fully expected her to say Ibiza. But she didn’t. She said, “Majorca, by far. It’s like Ibiza but mellower, prettier….and not nearly so much partying.” And she meant that as a high compliment. Let's face it, moms, even my mom, prefer the well-developed but still lovely Majorca.

So, if you want to enjoy the glorious Mediterranean for peace and family oriented fun, head to sunny Majorca. And, one of the more fun places to stay is Canarios Park Hotel. The big, family oriented resort is a short distance from the beach and major resort area, but that just means its quieter, less expensive and has a crowd more willing to explore the island. There is also a little train service that will take your right to the beach, when you want to go. The hotel’s got two swimming pools, a restaurant, pool and snooker tables, an on site mini-market and a sun terrace. Rooms are clean and well-maintained, and although they are not overflowing with silly luxuries, they’ve got everything you need – including private bathrooms. Also, the hotel offers all inclusive packages.

By the way, this post has been sponsored by a lovely UK company that offers cheap, European style beach holidays. But it’s all true, and booking holidays through European companies is a great way for Americans to get deals and discover cool places.

The Gritti Palace

When I was a small girl, I watched the marriage of Prince Charles and Lady Diana Spencer on television. As I admired her pretty, billowy dress, my mother snarked that “being a princess in real life isn’t going to be any fun.” She was right. Luckily, my Dad never called me princess. No delusions here.

But even I have sometimes wondered what it would be like to live in a palace with a glittering chandeliers, creepy paintings, gilded mirrors and views of an ancient city. Thankfully, the Gritti Palace in Venice affords anyone the opportunity to live like a king. Or at the least imagine themselves a pampered member of the leisured class. Or a Courtesan. Or Cardinal.

Built in 1525 as a residence for the Doge of Venice and later the residence of the Ambassador from the Vatican, the opulent palace sits on the Grand Canal and affords its guests glorious views of St. Mark’s Cathedral. Guests enjoy rooms decorated with antiques and period-appropriate detail, but everything that counts (like plumbing and mattresses) has been modernized.

Hotel Punta Tragara

Hotel Punta Tragara is the best hotel in Capri, and Capri is one of the best places on the planet. First, Capri is an island with sublime vistas and lovely Mediterranean beaches that can be uncrowded depending on when you go. The place overflows with flora, as if the whole island is a garden, and the food is well, Italian. And not Little Italy Italian either. Real Euro-Italian. The itself island also has thousands of years of history, including but not limited to incidents involving exiled emperors and crazy pop stars.

The best view of all can be had from the Punta Tragara, a hotel which feels legitimately luxurious yet unpretentious.  No silly over-the-top amenities here, just the ones you need. The large, pink structure is - I kid you not - nestled on the edge of a cliff overlooking the Mediterranean Sea. The white washed rooms evoke peace, pleasure and a perpetual sense of "I am in Italy and all is right with the world." It's as if the Punta Tragara always existed or at the very least  was always meant to exist.  Moreover, it feels like James Bond should have some sort of adventure there.  Daniel Crag's bond, I mean.