Hotelchain: Relais & Châteaux
Location: Lanaken – Belgium
Classification: 5 star Superior Hotel – La Source Restaurant (Michelin **)
Official website: labutteauxbois.be

One of the best five star hotels in Belgium, la Butte aux Bois is nestled in peaceful Lanaken. As you approach this unique hotel, you’ll hear the sounds of birds and notice the beautiful surroundings. The hotel used to be a great manor house built in 1924. When the Bullens family moved into the manor, they opened a restaurant in 1986. A few years later, they opened the hotel. La Butte aux Bois has undergone several renovations and is one of the very best hotels in Belgium and a member of Relais & Châteaux. 2 years ago, a completely new building has been added with 20 gorgeous rooms and a brand new wellness center, La Forêt.

As soon as you enter the hotel, you’ll feel a sense of luxury and details. The contemporary décor made a great first impression. There are designer elements all over the place. The wooden details match perfectly with the dark designer floors. The young woman behind the front desk made us feel very welcome and offered a glass of sparkling wine, always a good start! I knew this was going to be a great experience, this place truly has character. Sometimes you immediately feel at home and at La Butte aux Bois they welcome you with a great smile.

We stayed in a brand new La Forêt room and we were very pleased when we entered the room. Again, the wood and designer elements are just gorgeous. The room had a great size and was built and decorated with eye for detail. The very comfortable couch was perfect for relaxing. I hate to lay on bed when reading a book, so I did appreciate the large couch. On top of that, each La Forêt room has amazing views over the forest. This factor really did make me feel more comfortable and added to the sense of prestige. Everything in the room is incredibly well finished from the furnishings to the art, styling and décor. The bed was very comfortable which enabled an excellent night’s sleep and added this, top of the line amenities are provided and immaculate cleanliness.

The comfortable and modern bathroom had a tub and separate rainshower. They provide La Forêt toiletries and trust me, they do smell amazing! I must highlight the soft towels!

La Butte aux Bois has 2 restaurants: Le Bistrot and La Source. We experienced La Source, a gastronomic Michelin rated (**) restaurant and we were blown away by the food. We thoroughly enjoyed our 8 course meal with wine pairing. Do believe me, I have been to many restaurants and I can honestly say that La Source is one of the best places I have ever been. Head chef Ralf Berendsen is an artist. He knows how to combine fresh ingredients. It seemed as if the courses would never stop coming. My favorite courses were the monkfish which came with Iberico Belotta, artichoke, basil and foie gras. Also, the Anjou pigeon was just delicious. Every course we had the most magnificent flavors you could possibly imagine. The pictures will speak for themselves.

The service was almost unmatched and they really made you feel warm and cozy. Our La Source experience was the exhibition of art in food preparation and presentation. I loved every second of being there.

The next morning, I visited the spa area. I could spend here a whole day. Did you know that you can even visit the spa for a day without actually staying at the hotel. That is right, they have a day spa with a luxurious lounge with fruit and drinks. The relaxation area is absolutely gorgeous and so relaxing. They do offer the most magnificent spa treatments in the most comfortable spa suites. On top of that, the large indoor swimming pool is large enough for actually lap swimming and I’ve found the water temperature to be pretty pleasant. Next to the pool, guests can use a large Finnish sauna, infrared sauna and a large steamroom. The outdoor terrace is perfect for tanning. The outdoor jacuzzi is a treat. I spent a lot of time in there 😊

Breakfast is served at Le Bistrot and as soon as you enter the restaurant they offer a delicious smoothy and fresh orange juice. The buffet-style breakfast offers a large selection of both hot and cold items and all products are of a good quality. Several à la carte options are available. Sparkling wine is offered to the guests as well. Very nice!

La Butte aux Bois is a one of the few five star superior hotels in Belgium and I can honestly say I was blown away here. Everything they do, they’ll do it in style. Without being over the top. I could be me and again, I enjoyed each moment in this jewel. Highly recommended for a luxurious getaway!

Hotelchain: Helios Hotels & Resorts – The Leading Hotels of the World
Location: Elounda – Greece (Crete)
Classification: 5 star hotel
Official website: eloundabeach.gr

Rated as one of the best beach resorts on Crete, Elounda Beach Hotel & Villas definitely deserves its good reputation. The hotel is located right on the stunning beach and offers five star facilities. As you would expect from a Leading Hotel of the World, we were greeted with a smile and the staff made us feel at home right from the first moment we stepped in. I immediately knew that this stay was going to be an amazing one … and it was … let me tell you why.

First of all, location location location… Elounda Beach Hotel & Villas is a beach resort with a prime location in Elounda. The area truly is mind blowing and is often described as the more exclusive part of Crete.

Elounda Beach Hotel & Villas has been active in luxury hospitality for quite a time now. They definitely know how to treat their guests and service here is on a very high level. Most staff members remembered my name which made me feel like a VIP guest. Every time I met someone, they were all very warm and professional. This is Greek hospitality at its highest level!

The lobby area at Elounda Beach is an elegant place to hang out and gives an excellent first impression of the resort. Check-in took place in one of the comfortable couches. Staff did make us feel at home right from the beginning. Everything we needed to know about the resort was explained in a very professional and kind way.

We stayed in an Waterfront Suite and were very impressed. When we entered we couldn’t believe our eyes. The first thing we saw was the private infinity pool … it was like a dream coming true! The Waterfront Suite itself was ultra luxuriously appointed, had a great size and had all the amenities I would expect at a high level five star hotel. I appreciated the up to date design. The suite was completely renovated. The beds are among the best I have ever slept in. It was great to hang out in the suite and we didn’t need to leave the suite as we had our own pool and sea deck. The view we had was the best we could ask for, watching the ocean while enjoying the sun was a blast! We couldn’t have asked for a better suite, it was perfect and we actually felt at home.

The suite had 2 bathrooms, each luxuriously appointed and featured an oversized walk-in shower and separate (gorgeous) bath tub! The steam shower was a bonus! Fancy Bulgari toiletries were provided. Everything was very clean. They maintain their rooms in an excellent way.

There are a lot of fun things to do here at Elounda Beach Hotel & Villas! The pool area for example is just stunning. This is the perfect place for adults to relax and unwind. Palm trees, comfortable loungers, etc. it’s all there! Kids are welcome at Elounda Beach Hotel & Villas as well. There’s a separate kids pool and a children’s supervised animation program. By the way, tennis courts are available at no extra charge.

A very cool thing about this resort: the sport activities. From very well maintained tennis courts, basketball and volleyball courts, a football pitch and even a minigolf course. It’s all there and we enjoyed it very much. It’s very relaxing to play a badminton game during your holidays and to relax at the pool afterwards. Even if you like watersports, you can do waterskiing, sailing or even rent a water ski. Very cool! Of course, a fitness center is available too with extensive range of cardiovascular machines, body sculpting equipment and free weights. Whether you want a serious work out or just a gentle stretch of the legs, the fitness center is the place to be. Another would be walking. Walking around the resort is like taking a walk in paradise. The surrounding areas are just gorgeous in this upscale resort!

As a guest of Elounda Beach Hotel & Villas you are treated as royalty. I also loved the fact that they organize several themed nights. Staff is there to make each guest feel at ease. It’s not a snobby service, you are treated in a very kind way. Each staff member I encountered was a professional.

Time to relax! The Espace Vitalité Chenot Crete is one of the nicest spa areas I have experienced. The place is just beautiful … It is like entering a world of pure relaxation. Fantastic, I loved it! Decorated with high quality materials, relaxing music and the most wonderful staff … This is how every spa area should be like! I thoroughly enjoyed my treatment. The therapist was a professional. Make sure to book a treatment here. For me the experience was like returning to balance… an escape from the everyday and reinvigorate my mental and physical wellbeing while being in Elounda Beach’s tranquil and welcoming surroundings.

Elounda Beach Hotel & Villas has several dining options. Let me start with ‘White’. This is the buffet restaurant and is definitely an eye catcher! Decoration is fantastic, the way they combined the colors with all the decoration and furniture is lovely. We were both very impressed and not only by the decoration, also the food was just delicious. Each morning, they serve a delicious breakfast. It is one of the best breakfasts I have ever experienced. All the food items were of such a good quality. The à la carte menu will please anyone. I didn’t have lunch as the food from the breakfast was so good and I just had to try everything 😊

At night, I had dinner at Argonaut restaurant, their seaside restaurant and is known for its Mediterranean snacks during lunch hours and Italian cuisine at night. Meat, salads and seafood, it is all there and prepared in an excellent way. The Head Chef is a true professional and makes sure each guest will have a great time. We did wanted to try sushi as we have heard wonderful things about their sushi. Our request was dealed with a smile! We had a table with an amazing view over the sea. It was heavenly! Staff was very attentive and professional. We loved our evening.

As we were in Greece, we just had to book a table at Kafenion Greek Restaurant for the second night. The Cretan cuisine here is out of this world. Prepared to perfection, we tried several traditional and authentic dishes such as Greek salads, Mousakas, grilled lamb chops with thyme, virgin olive oil and lemon. Even the side dishes like a simple patato tasted heavenly! It was just delicious … The dessert – a Galaktoboureko custard filled pie – was to die for. Staff again was excellent and very knowledgeable about each dish.

A stay at the world known Elounda Beach Hotel & Villas is top notch. Of course, it’s a Leading Hotel of the World property after all! I can not say enough good things about this resort. Location is great, food is yummie, rooms are luxurious and the service level is unseen. Highly recommended for a luxurious Crete getaway!

Hotelchain: Bulgari
Location: Milan – Italy
Classification: 5 star hotel
Official website: https://www.bulgarihotels.com/



Bulgari Hotel Milan is the most luxurious hotel in Milan situated in the heart of the city. The hotel has 58 rooms and suites, designed in a contemporary style that is both elegant and luxurious. The hotel is known for its amazing spa, which offers a range of services and treatments, as well as its attention to detail when it comes to its staff. As soon as you enter the Bulgari Hotel Milan you enter a world full of luxury. The lobby feels like a stylish living room with complimentary candies and cookies.





We all know Bulgari as a luxury brand but few know that they have several hotels all over the world. Service is unseen. As soon as you arrive they will remember your name and make sure you are treated as royalty. Our room wasn’t ready and we were taken to Il Bar to start our Bulgari experience. When I ordered the Bulgari cocktail I knew that this was the beginning of a fairytale. The name of the hotel written on top of the cocktail was an amazing surprise. Loved it.





Each room at Bulgari Milan is unique. What they do have in common: they’re all ultra luxuriously appointed. Each material is of a great quality. From the linen to the drapes, you can tell they didn’t save on money nor effort to make this hotel to be a true jewel. The design is awesome and so is the bed. One of the best I have experienced at any hotel. We had a very large balcony with several seating areas.





Bathroom was pretty fancy offering a separate walk-in shower and bath tub. Separate toilet is always a bonus.



What surprised me most was – again – attention to detail. I don’t know how they do it but they clean the room several times a day and we almost didn’t saw a staff member. Each time we were out of the room and came back, there was a surprise waiting: from taking care of our phone chargers with a small Bulgari holder, to fresh flowers, sleep well tea, cakes, etc. Very nice and hardly seen at any hotel world wide.

One of the highlights of this hotel: the Bulgari Spa – a true oasis of relaxation and wellness. The spa offers a wide range of services, including massages, facials, body treatments, and more. The spa also has a sauna, steam room, and indoor swimming pool, all of which are designed to help guests relax and rejuvenate. The swimming pool is an eye catcher, it’s the place to relax and unwind in a stylish environment.

The spa’s therapists are highly trained professionals who are dedicated to providing personalized service to each guest. They are knowledgeable about the latest techniques and products in the spa industry and are committed to ensuring that each guest has a unique and unforgettable experience.

Another highlight: breakfast. Not a buffet style breakfast here, but an à la carte 24 hour breakfast. That is right, here you can have breakfast 24 hours. The à la carte options did blow me away. Each dish is prepared with care and each request had been taken care of.

  

I would like to highlight once again that the hallmarks of the Bulgari Hotel Milan is its attention to detail when it comes to its staff. The hotel’s staff is friendly, professional, and attentive to guests’ needs. From the moment guests arrive at the hotel until they leave, the level of personalized service that is unmatched.

The staff is well-trained and knowledgeable about the hotel’s amenities, as well as the surrounding area. I was out for a run and the front desk staff pointed out several routes. They are always available to answer questions, provide recommendations, and ensure that guests have a comfortable and enjoyable stay.

In conclusion, the Bulgari Hotel Milan is an exceptional hotel that offers guests an unforgettable experience. The hotel’s spa is a true sanctuary of relaxation and wellness, while its staff’s attention to detail ensures that guests are always well-cared for. If you are looking for a luxurious and unforgettable experience in Milan, the Bulgari Hotel Milan is the perfect choice.

Welcome to my luxurious journey through the enchanting world of high-end travel, where elegance, opulence, and extraordinary experiences await at every turn. In this blog, I invite you to embark on a captivating exploration of luxury hotels.

With a lifelong passion for discovering the most exclusive destinations and accommodations across the globe, I have become an authority on the art of indulgence and fine hospitality.

Get ready to be immersed in a world where opulence meets sophistication, where impeccable service and attention to detail create unforgettable memories. Through my eyes, I will unlock the secrets of the most prestigious luxury hotels, inviting you to indulge in unparalleled experiences that redefine the meaning of luxury travel. So fasten your seatbelt, and prepare for an extraordinary journey filled with elegance, indulgence, and pure luxury. Welcome to my world and my passion for luxury travel.

Hotelchain: Bulgari
Location: Milan – Italy
Classification: 5 star hotel
Official website: https://www.bulgarihotels.com/



Bulgari Hotel Milan is the most luxurious hotel in Milan situated in the heart of the city. The hotel has 58 rooms and suites, designed in a contemporary style that is both elegant and luxurious. The hotel is known for its amazing spa, which offers a range of services and treatments, as well as its attention to detail when it comes to its staff. As soon as you enter the Bulgari Hotel Milan you enter a world full of luxury. The lobby feels like a stylish living room with complimentary candies and cookies.





We all know Bulgari as a luxury brand but few know that they have several hotels all over the world. Service is unseen. As soon as you arrive they will remember your name and make sure you are treated as royalty. Our room wasn’t ready and we were taken to Il Bar to start our Bulgari experience. When I ordered the Bulgari cocktail I knew that this was the beginning of a fairytale. The name of the hotel written on top of the cocktail was an amazing surprise. Loved it.





Each room at Bulgari Milan is unique. What they do have in common: they’re all ultra luxuriously appointed. Each material is of a great quality. From the linen to the drapes, you can tell they didn’t save on money nor effort to make this hotel to be a true jewel. The design is awesome and so is the bed. One of the best I have experienced at any hotel. We had a very large balcony with several seating areas.





Bathroom was pretty fancy offering a separate walk-in shower and bath tub. Separate toilet is always a bonus.



What surprised me most was – again – attention to detail. I don’t know how they do it but they clean the room several times a day and we almost didn’t saw a staff member. Each time we were out of the room and came back, there was a surprise waiting: from taking care of our phone chargers with a small Bulgari holder, to fresh flowers, sleep well tea, cakes, etc. Very nice and hardly seen at any hotel world wide.

One of the highlights of this hotel: the Bulgari Spa – a true oasis of relaxation and wellness. The spa offers a wide range of services, including massages, facials, body treatments, and more. The spa also has a sauna, steam room, and indoor swimming pool, all of which are designed to help guests relax and rejuvenate. The swimming pool is an eye catcher, it’s the place to relax and unwind in a stylish environment.

The spa’s therapists are highly trained professionals who are dedicated to providing personalized service to each guest. They are knowledgeable about the latest techniques and products in the spa industry and are committed to ensuring that each guest has a unique and unforgettable experience.

Another highlight: breakfast. Not a buffet style breakfast here, but an à la carte 24 hour breakfast. That is right, here you can have breakfast 24 hours. The à la carte options did blow me away. Each dish is prepared with care and each request had been taken care of.

 

I would like to highlight once again that the hallmarks of the Bulgari Hotel Milan is its attention to detail when it comes to its staff. The hotel’s staff is friendly, professional, and attentive to guests’ needs. From the moment guests arrive at the hotel until they leave, the level of personalized service that is unmatched.

The staff is well-trained and knowledgeable about the hotel’s amenities, as well as the surrounding area. I was out for a run and the front desk staff pointed out several routes. They are always available to answer questions, provide recommendations, and ensure that guests have a comfortable and enjoyable stay.

In conclusion, the Bulgari Hotel Milan is an exceptional hotel that offers guests an unforgettable experience. The hotel’s spa is a true sanctuary of relaxation and wellness, while its staff’s attention to detail ensures that guests are always well-cared for. If you are looking for a luxurious and unforgettable experience in Milan, the Bulgari Hotel Milan is the perfect choice.

Location: Rust – Germany
Classification: 4 star superior hotel Bell Rock
Official website: https://www.europapark.de/en/rulantica

Let me present the best waterpark in the world: Rulantica! Located within the Europa-Park resort in Rust, Germany, Rulantica is a world-class waterpark that offers a wide range of attractions, entertainment, and amenities to visitors of all ages. The park has gained significant popularity since its opening, attracting both local and international visitors seeking an exciting and enjoyable water-based experience.

As mentioned, Rulantica is situated adjacent to the Europa-Park theme park in Rust, Germany. The waterpark covers an expansive area of approximately 45,000 square meters, providing ample space for numerous attractions and facilities. The park boasts a Nordic-themed atmosphere, creating an immersive and unique environment for guests.

The waterpark offers a variety of amenities to enhance the visitor experience. These include locker rooms, showers, changing areas, and a range of dining options to cater to different tastes. Additionally, Rulantica features a well-stocked retail store where visitors can purchase swimwear, towels, and merchandise related to the park’s theme.

The waterpark features a wide array of exhilarating slides, catering to visitors of different ages and preferences. From high-speed body slides to twisting tube slides and family-friendly rafting experiences, Rulantica offers something for everyone. Notable slides include the “Dugdrob & Vildfål,” a thrilling slide with interactive elements, and the “Snorri Strand,” a slide suitable for younger guests.

Rulantica boasts a large wave pool, providing visitors with the opportunity to experience the excitement of ocean-like waves in a controlled environment. The wave pool is a popular attraction for those seeking a more relaxed aquatic adventure. And the waves are HUGE!

My favorite attraction definitely is Vildstrøm, an outdoor rapid river. There’s also a lazy river offers a gentle and scenic journey through the waterpark. Visitors can relax on inflatable tubes as they float along the meandering river, taking in the beautiful surroundings.

Rulantica has dedicated areas for children, including shallow pools, mini-slides, and interactive water play features. These areas are designed to provide a safe and enjoyable experience for young visitors, allowing them to splash and have fun in a controlled environment. The waterpark is divided into several themed areas, each offering a unique atmosphere and attractions. The park’s theming revolves around a Nordic mythology concept, transporting visitors into a mystical and enchanting world. Some of the themed areas include:

Trølldal: This area is designed for younger guests and features shallow pools, mini-slides, and interactive water play elements.

Skog Lagune: Skog Lagune is a serene lagoon surrounded by lush greenery, providing a tranquil escape for visitors seeking relaxation.

Rangnakor: Rangnakor is an ancient village themed area, offering thrilling slides and attractions for older visitors looking for excitement and adventure.

Vinterhal: Vinterhal is an indoor area where visitors can enjoy water-based activities year-round. It features various slides, a wave pool, and a bar serving refreshing beverages.

Rulantica Waterpark maintains high standards of operations and safety to ensure a pleasant experience for all guests. Trained lifeguards are stationed throughout the park to monitor the attractions and respond to any emergencies. The park also enforces strict safety guidelines, including height restrictions for certain slides and the mandatory use of life jackets in designated areas During our stay we stayed at Bell Rock Hotel, a very luxurious marine styled hotel. It is incredibly designed (where Europapark is known for!). It’s a majestic hotel with the most comfortable rooms and many leisure facilities such as an outdoor and indoor pool, fitness facilities, restaurants and bars. Make sure you book a room here, you won’t be disappointed!

What a great weekend we had! Rulantica is definitely one of the best water parks I have been to. Overall service is excellent and employees will make sure you have a wonderful time! Highly recommended!

Hotelchain: Steigenberger
Location: Königswinter – Germany
Classification: 5 star hotel
Official website: https://hrewards.com/de/steigenberger-icon-grandhotel-petersberg-koenigswinter



Steigenberger Grandhotel & Spa Petersberg hotel is a luxurious five-star hotel nestled in the picturesque Siebengebirge hills overlooking the beautiful Rhine Valley in Germany. Renowned for its elegance, impeccable service, and breathtaking views, this historic hotel offers a memorable experience for discerning travelers seeking both relaxation and sophistication.



Upon arrival at the Steigenberger Grandhotel & Spa Petersberg, I was warmly welcomed by the attentive hotel staff. The check-in process was seamless and efficient, with the receptionist providing me with all the necessary information about the hotel’s facilities, dining options, and spa services. The staff demonstrated exceptional professionalism and ensured that I felt valued as a guest. As soon as you enter the hotel you will enter a world full of elegance.





My Grand Deluxe room was a haven of comfort and luxury. The elegantly appointed room featured tasteful decor, plush furnishings, and modern amenities. The attention to detail was evident in every aspect, from the soft bedding to the well-designed workspace. Bathroom was luxuriously appointed with a wonderful walk-in shower. Fancy Aqua Di Parma toiletries are provided. The room boasted panoramic views of the surrounding landscape, creating a serene and tranquil ambiance. I couldn’t stop looking out of the window to watch the surrounding fairytale views.




For my dining experience at the Steigenberger Grandhotel & Spa Petersberg, I opted for a three-course dinner at their renowned Bill’s restaurant & Grill. The restaurant’s elegant atmosphere and attentive service set the stage for a truly exceptional culinary journey. The menu offered a diverse selection of gourmet dishes prepared with the finest ingredients.




To start, I indulged in a delicious appetizer: a crème brûlée of asparagus. Very yummie! For the main course, I chose the salmon, served with fine potatoes and accompanied by seasonal vegetables. The salmon was prepared to perfection, tender and full of flavor. The presentation of each dish was impeccable, showcasing the culinary artistry of the talented chefs.

To end the meal on a sweet note, I savored a decadent dessert of a brownie with vanilla ice cream. The dessert was a harmonious blend of textures and flavors, providing a delightful conclusion to the meal. The impeccable service throughout the dinner, combined with the exquisite culinary creations, made it an unforgettable dining experience.





The next day, after a wonderful breakfast – a combination of a large buffet & à la carte – we were ready to explore the area. We walked all the way to Schloss Drachenburg, a fairytale castle. It’s a beautiful walk, make sure to hike… The surrounding areas are beautiful.

After the hike it was time to explore the spa facilities. The spa at Steigenberger Grandhotel & Spa Petersberg is elegant and serene, offering a tranquil retreat from the outside world. There’s a beautiful indoor pool, two different kind of saunas and a wonderful steam room. The whole place is very well maintained. There’s also a wonderful relaxing area with the most comfy beds to relax.




To further enhance my stay at the Steigenberger Grandhotel & Spa Petersberg, I indulged in a relaxing massage at the hotel’s spa. The massage therapist was highly skilled and attentive, ensuring that every moment of the experience was tailored to my preferences.



The massage itself was a rejuvenating and blissful experience. The therapist used a combination of techniques to alleviate tension and promote relaxation, leaving me feeling refreshed and revitalized. The soothing ambiance of the spa, combined with the professional service, made it the perfect sanctuary for relaxation and self-care.

My stay at the Steigenberger Grandhotel & Spa Petersberg was truly exceptional. The hotel’s commitment to excellence was evident in every aspect, from the warm and efficient check-in process to the luxurious accommodations, exquisite dining experience, and rejuvenating spa treatment. The staff demonstrated genuine care and attention to detail, ensuring that every moment of my stay was memorable.

The Steigenberger Grandhotel & Spa Petersberg is an oasis of luxury and tranquility, offering an unparalleled experience for travelers seeking refinement and relaxation. Whether indulging in a gourmet meal, enjoying the breathtaking views, or pampering oneself at the spa, this hotel exceeded all expectations. I would highly recommend the Steigenberger Grandhotel & Spa Petersberg to anyone seeking an unforgettable stay in a truly remarkable setting.