Le Journal
A Publication of Afore · A Travel House
Hotel reviews · Destination intelligence · Travel writing
Honest Takes · May 4, 2019
France 101: Petanque
When I think of summer in the south of France, many things come to mind: the endless sunshine, the blue waters of the Mediterranean, the persistent sound of the cicada, the low roar of the crowd on a market day, the taste of cold rose by the pool, rows of purple lavender, sunburned tourists taking
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Hotels · Nov 29, 2018
C.O.Q. Hotel Paris
Set in the 13th arrondissement in a neoclassical building, the C.O.Q. Hotel Paris is conveniently located for exploring the south side of Paris and has easy access to the Aeroport de Paris-Orly. I choose this hotel via Tablet Hotels for the most part based on location since I had a series of meetings near Orly
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Hotels · Sep 4, 2018
Domaine des Andeols
Escape the tourists in the well known villages of Provence and indulge your senses by visiting the Domaine des Andeols, which is close enough to everything that is Provence, but just far enough to feel like you are discovering a new path. The Domaine des Andéols sits in the heart of the Luberon, perched high
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Hotels · Jul 20, 2018
Domaine Des Peyre
“We had been here often before as tourists, desperate for our annual ration of two or three weeks of true heat and sharp light. Always when we left, with peeling noses and regret, we promised ourselves that one day we would live here. We had talked about it during the long gray winters and the
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Hotels · Jul 18, 2018
camellas – lloret maison d’hotes
Sometimes you just get lucky and stumble on to magnificence. That is how I would describe our somewhat last minute discovery of Camellas Lloret. In the middle of a family road trip from the Cote d’Azur to Pyla-sur-Mer via Carcassonne, we opted to slow down instead of pressing on to the Bassin d’Archachon. Unlike the
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Guide Intel · Apr 1, 2018
Easter Brunch at Belles Rives
Off the legendary road to Cap d’Antibes, the Hotel Belles Rives is situated above the sun-kissed, blue water of the Mediterranean. A prestigious waterfront setting that has attracted the rich and famous for 90+ years starting with Francis Scott Fitzgerald and Ernest Hemingway, and more recently celebrities like Andrea Bocelli, George Clooney, Cindy Crawford, Jude
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Hotels · Mar 7, 2018
Provocateur
When you book a few nights at a hotel in Berlin named Provocateur, you certainly don’t expect it to be boring or ordinary, but there was still a level of intrigue leading up to my arrival. As I was dropped off, the entrance looked more like an exclusive nightclub with the historic polished brass post
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Guide Intel · Aug 13, 2017
Mashya
I’ve traveled to Israel several times this year and many more times during the past few years which has allowed me to stay at the best boutique hotels in Tel Aviv. More recently, I have become obsessed with staying at the Mendeli Street Hotel, and it has become my go-to hotel when visiting Tel Aviv-
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Hotels · Aug 2, 2017
Mendeli Street Hotel
I’ve traveled to Israel several times this year and many more times during the past few years which has allowed me to stay at the best boutique hotels in Tel Aviv. More recently, I have become obsessed with staying at the Mendeli Street Hotel, and it has become my go-to hotel when visiting Tel Aviv-
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Honest Takes · Jul 2, 2017
Dip Into Gorges Du Verdon
The Gorges du Verdon is often referred to as Europe’s ‘grand canyon’, but one could argue it is much more beautiful and diverse than the actual Grand Canyon, and quite a bit smaller in scale. Rather than viewing a barren desert, red rock and a brown river at the bottom of the canyon, visitors to
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Honest Takes · Jun 24, 2017
Fête de la Saint-Jean in Valbonne
There is a special summer buzz in Valbonne square this warm evening, fueled by pichet’s of rosé, Provencal music, the laughter of friends, and the anticipation of the organized chaos that is to come after dinner. Tonight is the 24th of June, the Fête de la Saint-Jean, and in this part of France, it means
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Guide Intel · Jan 12, 2017
Melt- Authentic Texas BBQ in Paris
As the saying goes, you can take the boy out of Texas, but you can’t take Texas out of the boy. Originally from deep in the heart of Texas, I was raised with an appreciation of slow-smoked meats, which is considered an art form in the Lone Star State. The smoke, the smell, the flavor
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Guide Intel · Dec 3, 2016
La Taverna Degli Orsi
“Hello my friends. Welcome back familia Slone.” -Andrea, owner of La Taverna Degli Orsi There is no warmer greeting that a family can receive when entering a restaurant. We are always made to feel like close friends or family as we enter La Taverna Degli Orsi or the Tavern of the Bear. Andrea, the owner,
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Guide Intel · Nov 21, 2016
Ristorante Il Nazionale di Vernante
Near the border between Italy and France in the Maritime Alps, surrounded by snow-capped peaks, forests, and streams, you can find Vernante, a small village of just 1300 people, known to many as “the village of Pinocchio,” but I would argue that it should be famous for one of the best restaurants in Italy, Ristorante
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Hotels · Jul 9, 2016
Klaus K
I enjoy visiting Helsinki year-round, but it is a special place in late spring and early summer when the locals begin to spend their time out and about in the city. A great boutique hotel and centrally located in the heart of the active Helsinki downtown, Klaus K Hotel, takes its name and design inspiration
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Honest Takes · Jun 22, 2015
La Piscine at Club 55
There’s a spectacular stretch of white sand near Saint-Tropez, that has become the ultimate spot to see and be seen since Bridgitte Bardot made it famous 50+ years ago, Le Club 55. The rich and famous flock to this celebrity playground during the summer, so don’t be surprised to look up and see Leonardo DiCaprio, Kate
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Hotels · Mar 22, 2015
Altis Belém Hotel & Spa in Lisbon
Arriving at the Altis Belem Hotel after a short drive along the river front, there is no doubt that you are in the presence of a uniquely, special place. Positioned just off the riverside promenade and adjacent to a small marina, the Altis Belem’s modern architecture celebrates a natural connection to the surrounding open spaces and water.
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Guide Intel · Mar 12, 2015
The Old Man and the Sea
A touristy, but must-visit restaurant. Just outside of Tel Aviv, located on the old port in Jaffa is a can’t-miss restaurant experience for newcomers to the area, The Old Man & The Sea. Borrowing the name from the Hemingway novel, this family-style restaurant overlooks the Mediterranean and is an ideal spot for tourists looking for
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Hotels · Nov 5, 2014
Memmo Alfama Hotel
If you’ve been to Lisbon, you’ve probably already explored the historic Alfama neighborhood, one of Lisbon’s oldest, but even if you haven’t you’ve more than likely seen images of the red rooftops, white and pink buildings and the shimmering Tagus River. The Memmo Alfama, a sleek 4- star boutique hotel, sits directly in the heart
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Honest Takes · Sep 23, 2012
Week in Photos: St Tropez, Eze, Monaco, St Paul de Vence, San Remo
With family in town, we spent the week exploring Biot, Saint Tropez, Eze, Monaco and Saint Paul de Vence in France/Monaco and San Remo, over the boarder in Italy. Gallery des Arcades in Biot. This is a great restaurant that serves a mix of Provençal food with an Italian flare. If you can, grab a table
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Guide Intel · May 18, 2012
Our Private Chef Experience in Tuscany
As the Mom and primary chef of my family, a true luxury of our Inspirato tour of Tuscany was the night we spent dining-in with chef Beppe Sposito at Villa Collina. During the planning phase of our trip, our Destination Concierge, Barbara, suggested we bring in a local chef and then followed through with the
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Honest Takes · Apr 9, 2012
23 Tips (and growing) for Visiting Tuscany
1. Make time to see attractions at sunset or at night. If you are taking photos, the best light is often in the last hour of the day. If you can, visit popular tourist attractions after 9pm to avoid crowds and get a different perspective. Sometimes seeing things at night can be a new experience
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Hotels · Apr 2, 2012
Villa Collina by Inspirato- Our Own Italian Borgo
Villa Collina by Inspirato is like no place I’ve ever stayed. Working in the travel industry, I have been fortunate to spend time at some of the top luxury hotels and resorts in the world, but nothing is quite like the experience at Villa Collina. It’s not just another luxury lodging property or resort, but
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