STAY > Hotel Icaro, Val Gardena Italy (18/20)

With the most amazing views of the breathtaking Dolomites, Hotel Icaro in Val Gardena sits on the edge of ski run (which is a wonderful field of grass and flowers in warmer months), away from the villages of the Alpe di Siusi but still close to everything. Icaro is a gem that seamlessly blends modern…

ByCrispyMarch 16, 20250Comments

STAY > MELBOURNE

STAY > Jackalope, Mornington Peninsula (18/20)

When you mention a weekend on the peninsula you get questions about where you are staying, what you are eating and the wineries and beaches you might visit. Mention Jackalope and you get ohh yes that place is fantastic and there is a good reason for that, they try very hard to make something a little…

ByCrispyMarch 16, 20250Comments

STAY > MILAN

STAY > Magna Pars L’Hotel à Parfum (18/20)

Finding a smart boutique hotel in the busy city of Milan can be hit and miss, the big commercial brands are safe and are often in great locations but they are predictable and can be a little boring. Other smaller boutique hotels are in often in less optimal locations and regularly lack facilities. Magna Pars is…

ByCrispyFebruary 24, 20250Comments

EAT > ALLEGHE

DRINK > Enoteca, Alleghe Italy (17/20)

Alleghe has majestic mountains, a beautiful lake and excellent skiing at the Civetta Ski Resort (part of the Dolomiti Superski ticket). The town itself is quite small, there are a couple of supermarkets, has a number hotels, some tourist and ski shops that are unlikely to excite you and of course a few restaurants (mostly…

ByCrispyFebruary 23, 20250Comments

STAY > DOLOMITES STAY > ITALY

STAY > Snowlake Apartments, Alleghe Italy (15/20)

When you tell people you are going to ski in Alleghe, the likely first comments are “where?” And the next comment if they do recognise the name is oh, yes AL - LEG - HEY. It seems a place where pronunciation of the name is a little complex, it is a small town about 30 kilometres…

ByEd ItorFebruary 8, 20250Comments

EAT > ORTISEI

EAT > Zirm, Ortisei Italy (16/20)

Zirm sits up quite high above the busy streets of Ortisei, its only a ten minute walk (up a steep hill) but the view when you get there is quite lovely and is back across the river towards Mount Sëuc. If you are a wine lover this is definitely a key destination for you, the…

ByEd ItorJanuary 29, 20250Comments

EAT > ORTISEI

EAT > Hell, (Zicoria Brasserie) Ortisei Italy (17/20)

Zicoria Brasserie is one of the restaurants in Hotel Hell, yes that actually is the name. One of the waiters explained that the hotel was his grandfathers business and it was named after him. In fact he was grandson Hell (yep it was also his surname). We wandered along slightly early and…

ByEd ItorJanuary 28, 20250Comments

EAT > ORTISEI

EAT > Ristorante Sotriffer & Wine Bar, Ortisei Italy (16/20)

The moment you walk into Sotriffer you take a moment to capture the essence of the room, the history of the long marble bar with it wine bottles in the front window and a cheese selection on display. It feels the essence of being a fine enotecca without actually being a wine store,…

ByEd ItorJanuary 28, 20250Comments

DRINK > BARS DRINK > ST ANTON

DRINK > Grünbeck, St Anton AM (15/20)

Finding a place that is really comfortable to pop in for a coffee, a beer, a snack or a meal. That is the sign of the local you want to visit. Another good sign is when the patrons start talking and sharing stories. Grünbeck has both and plenty more. AMBIANCE > Hidden…

ByEd ItorJanuary 26, 20250Comments

EAT > ST ANTON AUSTRIA

EAT > Tannenhof Restaurant, St. Anton am Arlberg (20/20)

The email came from Karoline, confirming our restaurant booking asked if we would like a pick up and drop off from our accomodation to the restaurant. Given that the Tannenhof Hotel and Restaurant is on the far side of St Anton and quite a way from our accomodation at Hotel Arpuria we accepted…

ByEd ItorJanuary 23, 20250Comments

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