A Grand Entrance to Buckingham Palace

istock.com/TomasSereda

One of UltraVilla’s founders and experienced Paris and London luxury property rental expert, Madelyn Byrne Willems, reminds us not to miss a visit to the longest reigning monarch in the world’s official home in the capital this summer: Buckingham Palace.

 

“Although this famous London landmark and Queen Elizabeth II’s home opens every summer – a fact that London visitors and residents alike tend to forget – it’s very rare to be able walk through Buckingham Palace’s Grand Entrance, a privilege usually reserved for heads of state and royalty. But this year until 27 September you can as part of the special exhibition A Royal Welcome. The show takes a look at how the palace prepares for special events like state visits, royal engagement and garden parties, hence the ability to imagine yourself a VIP for the day.

“The pièce de résistance of the exhibition is the palace ballroom. You are able to see the magnificent space furnished and decorated for a state banquet and that includes an enormous 170-seat dining table fully bedecked with fine china, cutlery, and glittering candelabras. During the tour, you’ll also learn about all the work and preparation that goes into planning the palace’s lavish events.

“And definitely don’t miss the spectacular display of some of the gifts presented to the queen by various heads of state as well as the sword the Queen uses to grant knighthoods. The Summer Opening at Buckingham Palace is one of my absolute must-dos in London.”

For opening times, ticket prices and more click here.

Where to stay: London Perfect

©istock.com/lunamarina

 

…as chosen by four of Europe’s top mixologists

Cocktails go in and out of fashion like the 1980s so it’s difficult to keep up with the drinks of the moment. UltraVilla hears from four barmen at four of Europes’s top drinking establishments about their bestselling cocktails this summer…

 

MAREK MARUSINEC 

Head Barman at Apero Restaurant and Bar, London

“Our top cocktail right now is the gin-based Light of Asia made with Sipsmith Gin, Brioett apple liquor, lime juice, cucumber sugar and topped with cucumber soda,” says Marek.

“Shaken and served in a long glass with a cucumber and mint garnish, it is one of the most refreshing options on the menu and is a great thirst quencher during the warm summer evenings.”

Apero Restaurant and Bar is nestled in the vaulted cellars of The Ampersand Hotel in London’s South Kensington, with a cocktail list inspired by the collection at the nearby V&A Museum. It’s the perfect spot for some late night drink sampling.

Number two is  the tequila based Vintage Marmalade made from blood oranges, El Jimador Blanco tequila, Bold liquor and lime juice. Sounds lush.

And if you want to know what’s in a Winnie you’ll just have head down to the bar.

THE APERO SUMMER TOP THREE

1. Light of Asia
2. Vintage Marmalade
3. Winnie

Where to stay in London: London Perfect has some of the finest properties available in the capital with a number in top London locale Kensington, so you’ll be able to walk home from the bar. 

 

LUCA MENCACCI

Head Barman at Ocean Club Marbella, Spain

“Our top pick is the Strawberry Daiquiri shaken and served in a chilled cocktail glass with a lime garnish,” says Luca. “It’s an attractive summer drink and a real crowd pleaser. The sweetness of the strawberries combined with the sharpness of the lime makes it a winning combination and the best thing is, it’s simple to make so can easily be replicated at home”.

Located in the heart of Puerto Banús, Marbella, Ocean Club is a private beach side venue offering a seductive mix of modern style, verve and sophistication as well a programme of glamorous events

And it boasts one of the Med’s most elaborate cocktail menus, focusing on premium spirits and sustainably-grown fresh herbs and fruits with Luca heading the team. And this summer’s range of exquisite signature cocktails have been designed with world champion mixologist Mario Hofferer.

And if daiquiris aren’t your thing, the folks at the Ocean Club are going for the OC Breeze made with Belvedere vodka, Midori melon liqueur, fresh lime juice, elderflower syrup, fresh cranberries and Sprite. We’ll drink to that.

THE OC MARBELLA SUMMER TOP THREE

1. Strawberry Daiquiri
2. OC Breeze
3. Mango Espuma Mojito

Where to stay in Southern Spain: Greatness provides some of the most gorgeous villas to be found in all of Spain, and they have the perfect Malaga property, close to Marbella, here. 

 

ANDEAS PANAGIOTOKOPOULOS

Head Barman at Crystal Box, Crete, Greece

“Out top selling cocktail this summer and the one I’d recommend is the Melon Elderflower,” says head barman at Crystal Box in North-East Crete, Andeas. “It’s made with vodka, elderflower syrup, Midori liqueur, fresh lime juice, sugar syrup and Bergamot bitters, shaken over ice and served in a Collins glass.

“A dazzling cocktail ideal at a beach or pool as its fruit character blends perfectly with the floral essence leaving a summery aftertaste,” he adds. Don’t miss out on the Violet Punch either. Made from Tanqueray Ten gin, fresh violet syrup, fresh lemon juice, sour cherry juice and bergamot bitters it goes down a sweet and sour treat.

THE CRYSTAL BOX SUMMER TOP THREE

1. Melon Elderflower
2. Violet Punch
3. The Cretan Bee

Where to stay in Crete: For some truly spectacular homes across Crete and the other Greek islands go here.

 

HÉCTOR DE LA ROSA

Head Barman at The Beach Club, Ibiza, Spain

“Our most popular cocktail right now is Chilli Mango Mojito,” says Héctor, who heads up the Beach Club bar at the Hard Rock Hotel Ibiza is located on Ibiza’s renowned Playa d’en Bossa known for its live DJs, spontaneous dance performances, a Mediterranean-inspired menu and a one-of-a-kind cocktail list.

“We make it from Brugal Rum, brown sugar, lime, spicy mango purée, mint and soda water, stirred and served over crushed ice in a long glass. The sweet nectar of the mango, combined with a hint of chilli and the aroma of the mint leaves creates a refreshing summer drink with an excellent kick, great for getting people in the mood to party!” says Hector.

“You could always try our Strawberry Ginger Daquiri too. Tequila Sauza, Domaine De Canton, lime juice, strawberry and sugar syrup it goes down a treat.”

THE BEACH CLUB SUMMER TOP THREE 

1. Chilli Mango Mojito
2. Strawberry Ginger Daiquiri
3. Mai Tai

Where to stay in Ibiza: For a stunning villa on a private landscaped estate in Es Cubells check out Unique Properties and Events

 

©istock.com/julof90

Teatro Greco, near Taormina, Sicily

This incredible 2,300-year-old amphitheatre, perched on a hilltop on Sicily’s north-east coast in the fake rolex watches shadow of Mount Etna, was once used for gladiator battles. Today it hosts summer concerts. Visit during the day and cast yourself back in time, the magnificent volcano smoking beyond, then head back in the evening for some unforgettable music. taormina-arte.com

Where to stay in Italy

 

 

 

©istock.com/AnzeBizjan

Lick, bite and slurp your way around three of UV’s favourite European scoop sellers this summer.

 

Il Gelato Di San Crispino, Rome, Italy 

The Alongi family have several San Crispino parlours in Rome, including this one near the rolex replica Trevi fountain. Purism is the key here: they eschew any artificial falvourings and even cones. Try the susine (yellow plum) or the Gelato San Crispino, based on a Renaissance recipe using bitter Sardinian honey. Ilgelatodisancrispino.it

When in Rome why not stay at Via dei Prefetti 

Fenocchio, Nice, France

For sheer variety it’s hard to beat Fenocchio’s selection of extravagant ice cream cakes and 94 flavours of ice cream, which include cactus, beer, lavender and black olive. Their busy shop on Place Rossetti, in the middle of Nice’s old town, is the ideal spot for cathedral-weary kids to cool off, and a landmark in it’s own right. Fenocchio.fr

When in Nice why not stay at Villa Grande Paix

Jijonenca, Calella de Palafrugell, Spain

Calella de Palafrugell on the Costa Brava, near Barcelona, is not famous for much but what it is famous for it does very well indeed. And that might just be the best artisanal ice cream in Spain. La Jijonenca is ice cream indulgence to the max with some incredible flavours found nowhere else made with the finest ingredients. Try the Fior di Latte. It doesn’t get purer than this. jijonenca.es

When in the Costa Brava why not stay at Villa Dali

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The start of the Palio of Siena race. The thick rope is lowered and jockeys throw their horses for three laps of the famous Piazza del Campo. Thousands of spectators crowd the centre and sides of the square. ©istock.com/EugenioCini

In Tuscany on Ferragosto? That golden day of the Italian summer celebrated on 15 August? Forget the beach. Head inland to the landlocked city of Siena to watch the legendary Palio, the country’s oldest horse race. You’ll never witness a living piece of Italian history like it.

 

In Siena, dragons and unicorns are real! Drago and Leocorno are just two of the 17 medieval contrade (districts) – others include Lupa (she-wolf), Giraffa (giraffe), Aquila (eagle) and Pantera (panther) – between which the city is divided. You can tell the fake watches area you’re walking in by looking out for animal emblems on buildings and fountains. And every year horse riders representing 10 of the contrade participate in an ancient race that harks back to 1656 and still follows the same rules. Jockeys ride bareback, horses are blessed inside neighbourhood chapels and a kaleidoscopic parade of 17^th century-style minstrels and flag throwers leads competitors onto the track – a makeshift racecourse on the iconic city square Piazza del Campo. For three days before the Palio, Siena goes back in time in what is a truly magnificent spectacle: medieval banners drape stone walls, natives sport centuries-old garb, whole communities dine together in their local squares, crowded around tables laden with pastas and wines. Locals have family allegiances to a specific contrada and the race itself – just 90 seconds in total – is fast-paced and packed with thrills and spills. Get your ticket, pick a side according to which mythical creature you relate to the most and start cheering. It’s an experience you’ll never forget.

©istock.com/Massimiliano Occhetto

Where to Stay: Try a villa in Maremma, not far from Siena, and a truly gorgeous part of Tuscany. Or perhaps one in Chianti province, equally close, and equally stunning.

 

 

From a private island in Indonesia to a remote mountainside in New Zealand: six incredible hideaways to unleash your inner explorer this summer.

IXTAPA, MEXICO

Just south of Ixtapa on Mexico’s southwest coast and north of Acapulco you can still find sun-drenched beaches where baby turtles hatch and shuffle their way down to the replica watches uk ocean and wild pelicans swoop and glide as if humans never existed.

Your bed by the beach: Casa Buena Vista, a stunning luxury villa on a long stretch of sandy beach with lush gardens, staff and more.

Who to know: Marina Gratsos, of Carpe Diem Luxury Travel, has all the hook ups in this part of Mexico and can arrange boat trips, restaurant outings and hikes into the interior, anything in fact that you wish.

 

INDONESIAN PRIVATE ISLAND, NR SINGAPORE

If being like Robinson Crusoe is your dream but without having to fend for yourself then this private island close to Singapore and Bintan is as idyllic as it gets. The surrounding sea is a marine sanctuary where you can spend hours snorkelling or merely laze in a hammock slung between beautiful palms.

Your bed in the trees: Sleep in authentic driftwood beach huts (with ensuite baths and showers natch), or try one of two tree houses or even sleep under the stars in one of the stunning Balinese day beds out on the sand.

Who to know: Lorenzo Urra, of Global Nomad, knows all you need to know about Indonesia and how to get the most of your island experience.

 

BWINDI IMPENETRABLE FOREST, UGANDA

One of Uganda’s most incredible areas, Bwindi Impenetrable Forest, is simply spectacular, primeval and as wild as it gets. Take a guide during the day for a jungle visit to one of the last spots where you can view the great apes, mountain gorillas, untamed and alive in their natural habitat.

Your bed in the wild: Stay at the eco-sensitive Volcanoes Bwindi Lodge, separate from the jungle by nothing more than a small stream. Your room has a terrace facing the jungle canopy where you can spot chimpanzees and monkeys as well as plentiful other wildlife jumping from tree to tree.

Who to know: Praveen Moman, of Volcanoes Safaris, a leading conservationist and the man behind a stunning selection of eco-safari lodges in Uganda and Rwanda.

 

PAROS, GREECE

Get active and get lost on one of the best but lesser known Greek islands out there, in a remote spot just around the corner from the sleepy fishing village of Naoussa. Here you’ll kite- and windsurf to your heart’s content, swim in dreamy waters and even jump on a yacht out to the incredible “The Blue Lagoon.”

Your bed on the island: The Paros 13Y villa sleeps 12 and feels like a bond villain’s hideout with an infinity pool to die for and views that will make you wonder like a child at the magic of the world.

Who to know: Ileana Von Hirsch of Five Star Greece can sort out pretty much anything you need on this Homeric island as well as your whole trip, and tell where you to go for the freshest and tastiest lobster spaghetti to be found anywhere on Paros.

 

MAUSSANE-LES-ALPILLES, PROVENCE, FRANCE

Maussane is a little village at the foot of spectacular Alpilles low range of mountains in Provence, perfect for cycling and losing yourself in, filled with historic castle ruins like the Chateau des Baux and Roman ruins like those at Glanum. If you haven’t done it, do it.

Your bed in the hills: Maison Sereine is a superb villa, cut off from world yet close enough to Maussane to feel connected if needed. It sleeps six, is intimate as can be with secluded gardens and a basin-style pool that’ll have you living La Dolce Vita.

Who to know: Annie Flogaus of Just France knows France like the back of her hand and knows Provence even better. She’ll arrange every aspect of your trip from sorting you out with the latest bicycles to golf games and private dinners at local restaurants.

 

ARROWTOWN, NEW ZEALAND

Arrowtown is close to the remote and breathtakingly beautiful Fjords of New Zealand. Here you can take a helicopter trip high up to view the stunning glaciers and if you’re lucky head down to land on a classic ship anchored in the rarely accessible Dusky Sound. Then go kayaking, fishing and dolphin watching.

Your bed in the mountains: Lodge at the Hills is a private villa on a private golf course in 500 acres of tranquil countryside with views of snow-capped mountains, glacial lakes and rolling hills. Breathe in the clean Arrowtown air and know that you are home.

Who to know: Lisa Hayden and Fiona Stevens of MajorDomo are the peeps to fix your New Zealand escape. And they will only fix the best.

UltraVilla’s Greek supremo Ileana von Hirsch has just come back from Mykonos and she’s keen to tell us about a supermarket, among other things.

Mykonos in June is when the party starts. And it doesn’t stop till September. Among the plethora of beach bars and party joints on offer it’s the newest one I’ll be hanging out at this summer: Scorpios (pictured). What a place – a beach, restaurant and holistic retreat built on simplicity and luxury. Think natural foods, detoxifying juices, and musical events taking place under palm fronds and on hammocks, decadent day beds and Berber rugs. Perched on a ridge on the southern part of the island just a short drive from Mykonos Town, Scorpios is on its own peninsula overlooking Paraga and Kavos lagoons. In between two stunning beaches with views of the Aegean Sea the terraced property is also hugged by the fake watches wild wonder of a protected nature reserve. We’re talking luxury Bedouin chic with an eastern sunrise and the day’s closing sunset over southern cliffs. All night parties here we come.

Meanwhile for a spot of shopping my current fave boutique is Enny Monaco, a bit of a meeting point in the Tria Pigadia area of town where Amalia Korasidou unerringly hand-picks the best top end items from the niche labels from Milan to Tokyo. Honestly, it’s so good and her advice so spot on that next door’s Louis Vuitton ends up looking a bit old hat. (ennydimonaco.gr)

And then there’s that supermarket. Yep this might be the only time you’ll ever read a supermarket review on a luxury travel blog, but one must-do on Mykonos is a grocery shop in Supermarket Flora by the airport. The place is lit by neon ceiling light installations and lounge music plays from numerous speakers. Vast screens around the walls play videos of the fashion shows and red carpet events, LED displays light up the champagne and wine section; the upper gallery gazes down at what looks like a dance floor, and a DJ is set up in the middle of the aisles. Never have plastic washtubs, laundry detergent and dustpans looked quite so iconic. Walmart, Waitrose, Prisunic, take note.

WHERE TO STAY ON MYKONOS

Island life… it’s what we all want. And it’s what UltraVilla’s St Barth villa expert, Peg Walsh, has. She lives on the replica watches island for six months each year, knows everyone and everything and has lazy days in tropical luxury down pat. In fact she’s there right now. We caught up with Peg to find out her top tips for St Barth this summer. 

WHEN NIGHT FALLS “Toast the sunset at the magnificent restaurant Bonito with an exotic cocktail or a glass of Sancerre blanc (my favourite), then watch as Gustavia morphs into a sea of twinkling lights.” ilovebonito.com

DRINK UP AT “Baz Bar on the harbour at Gustavia. Enjoy live music (from 9pm), exquisite cocktails, good sushi and an up-for-it crowd.” bazbar.com

GET YOUR SEA, SAND AND SUN AT “St. Jean Beach. For beautiful people, water sports, seaside lunches, and to watch the small planes take off and land on the island’s notorious little landing strip, just adjacent, this is your place to be and where I go on lazy Sunday afternoons.”

EAT SUNDAY BRUNCH BY “the pool at the Le Toiny hotel. A sumptuous buffet, 5 star service and a stunning view are all part of the experience at its Le Gaïac restaurant. We’ll be pleased to reserve a poolside table for you.” letoiny.com/st-barth-restaurant-le-gaiac

Thanks Peg!

Where to stay on St Barth