Valentines Day at Corinthia Hotel Lisbon

Every month and every day is perfect for love, and every moment must be used to express our appreciation, friendship, love and passion for those who are most dear to us. And if love is transmitted in the simplest gestures, why not also celebrate it on special occasions? How about surprising your love with a new experience or place? This is what I propose to you today when presenting the complete program that Corinthia Hotel Lisbon prepared for the month of February. I've had a chance to attend the afternoon tea and it's a perfect delight.

Todos os meses e cada dia são perfeitos para o amor, e cada momento deve ser aproveitado para expressar o nosso apreço, amizade, amor e paixão pelos que nos são mais queridos. E se o amor se transmite nos gestos mais simples, porque não também celebrá-lo  em ocasiões especiais? Que tal surpreender o vosso amor com uma nova experiência ou local? É isso que vos proponho hoje ao apresentar o programa completo que o Corinthia Hotel Lisbon preparou para o mês de Fevereiro. Eu já tive oportunidade de conhecer o chá da tarde e é uma perfeita delícia. 

As on previous occasions, the Corinthia Hotel Lisbon has prepared a complete program for the Valentines month, which includes several moments and alternatives. During the afternoon, between February 14th and 17th, from 3:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m., the Tempus Lounge Bar offers a romantic afternoon tea, Tea for Two, by Pastry Chef Pedro Dias, who created a colorful and fun selection of pastry inspired by Love. Tea for Two includes a selection of delicious mini sandwiches, assorted pastries, and freshly made scones, and a special Valentine's Day tea from Companhia Portugueza do Chá.

Tal como em ocasiões anteriores, o Corinthia Hotel Lisbon preparou um programa completo para o mês dos namorados, que inclui vários momentos e alternativas. Durante a tarde, entre os dias 14 e 17 de Fevereiro das 15h00 às 18h00, o Tempus Lounge Bar oferece um romântico chá da tarde, o Tea for Two, de autoria do Chef de Pastelaria Pedro Dias, que criou uma colorida e divertida seleção de pastelaria inspirada no Amor. O Tea for Two inclui uma seleção de mini sanduíches deliciosas, pastelaria variada e scones (maravilhosos!) acabados de fazer, e um chá especial do Dia dos Namorados da Companhia Portugueza do Chá.

For couples who like to pamper themselves, what about a romantic getaway at THE SPA? The treatment is called The Spa Romance and begins with a moment of pure relaxation in the thermal water circuit - Acqua, following with a relaxing full body massage and ends with a moment for two where the couple can enjoy a careful selection of truffles, strawberries with chocolate and champagne.

Para os casais que gostam de se mimar, que tal uma escapadinha romântica no THE SPA? O tratamento chama-se The Spa Romance e começa com um momento de puro relaxamento no circuito de águas termais – Acqua, seguindo com uma massagem de corpo completa muito relaxante e termina com um momento a dois onde podem desfrutar de uma cuidada seleção de trufas, morangos com chocolate e champanhe.

Also featured in this program is dinner at the Erva Restaurante. The atmosphere of the Erva is all about a romantic dinner, and with a table full of delicacies, we will have everything for the night to become something special, where good gastronomy and romanticism will be (also ...) hand in hand.

At Valentine's dinner, lovers are invited to start the meal with fresh cod, garlic mayonnaise, onion pickle and Unagui sauce, followed by a Perrier-Jouët champagne ice cream. Of the main dish options, we highlight the golden meagre with razor clams rice and salicornia and the roast beef with truffled mashed potatoes. For dessert, try the "Forbidden Fruit", an inspiration of Pastry Chef Pedro Dias.

Também em destaque neste programa é o jantar  no restaurante Erva. O ambiente do Erva tem tudo a ver com um jantar romântico, e com uma mesa recheada de iguarias, teremos tudo para que a noite se torne algo de especial, em que a boa gastronomia e o romantismo estarão  (também...) de mãos dadas. 

No jantar de São Valentim, os apaixonados são convidados a iniciar a refeição com uma entrada de bacalhau fresco, maionese de alho, picle de cebola e molho Unagui, seguindo-se de um sorvete de champanhe Perrier-Jouët. Das opções de prato principal, destacamos a corvina dourada com arroz de lingueirão e salicórnia e o rosbife com puré de batata trufado. Para sobremesa deixe-se tentar pelo “Fruto Proibido”,  uma inspiração do Chef de Pastelaria Pedro Dias.

For those looking for a more complete and memorable experience, was created the Viva o Amor em Lisboa (Live Love in Lisbon) package,  which includes a luxurious stay in one of the new Deluxe Junior Suites, with breakfast served in the room and a romantic dinner served in the privacy of the suite. Perfect!

Para os que procuram uma experiência mais completa e memorável,  foi criado o package Viva o Amor em Lisboa que inclui uma luxuosa estadia numa das novas Deluxe Junior Suites, com pequeno-almoço servido no quarto e um jantar romântico servido na privacidade da suite. Perfeito!

Corinthia Hotel Lisbon
Av. Columbano Bordalo Pinheiro, nº 105
Lisbon 1099-031
Portugal
Phone: +351 217 236 305
Email: lisbon@corinthia.com

5 Places to Visit in Hamburg

Last December I've visited Hamburg for the weekend, taking advantage of a business meeting that was held in the city. I'm more of a Summer person but these days make it clear that even when it's cold and rainy, and you're on your own, travel is a great option. So, let's stop making excuses to get out of your comfort zone and make 2019 a discovery year.

But lets get to the subject of this post! The 5 spots you can't miss on a visit to Hamburg with about 2 days duration. I walk so much around the city that, by Monday, I was not sure if I could ever again get my feet inside my boots.  So, if you want some extra (and totally free) tips, get some sensible shoes (I thought mine were), and, in the cold weather, get some layers of cloth in other to easily adjust inside and outside temperatures. Enjoy it!

1. HAMBURG CITY HALL

The City Hall (or Rathaus), was constructed from 1886 to 1897 and is located in the Altstadt quarter in the city center, at the Rathausmarkt square.  Near the lake Binnenalster and the central station, is a city's landmark and is at the center of most of the itineraries in Hamburg. Built in a period of wealth and prosperity, the Neo-renaissance style of the new Hamburg Rathaus was intended to express this wealth and also the independence of the Free and Hanseatic City of Hamburg. There are guided tours inside the building and although it looked quite interesting I did not have the time. But I was lucky enough to get in time for the Xmas Market in the square!

2. PLANTEN UN BLUMEN

Planten un Blumen park is the true green heart of Hamburg. In this immense park there is a botanical garden with a tropical greenhouse and the largest Japanese garden in Europe, with its clipped hedges,  a lake and an authentic rustic Japanese tea house where classic tea ceremonies are celebrated from May to September.  The park includes a romantic rose garden with over 300 different varieties.

 I've visited it in a rainy Autumn day, but still it stand as one of the top places in the city.  In your way from the Rathausmarkt to the park, enjoy the views of the Alster, a 160-hectare lake in the heart of the city that is a true paradise for sailors, rowers and paddlers, but has a depth of no more than 2.50 meters.

3. NIKOLAIFLEET

The historic timber-framed houses at Nikolaifleet, in Altstadt district, are an attraction itself. Looking a lot like the canal streets of Amsterdam, Nikolaifleet separates the Cremon island from the mainland, and its easy to get there in your walk from the city center to the Hafencity district. The Nikolaifleet is considered one of the oldest parts of the port of Hamburg, and I'm sure you'll enjoy checking every detail of this old neighborhood.

4. HAFEN CITY

The HafenCity district combines the commercial and port tradition of Hamburg with  the vibrance and modernity of the city in a perfect symbiosis. Walking around you can find both the old and the new, along with a strong cultural offer. Attractions such as Miniature Wonderland (perfect for rainy days) and the Elbphilharmonie are just a few of the attractions that you can find there.

5. ELBPHILHARMONIE

The Elbphilarmonie is the true contemporary landmark of Hamburg. The striking architecture of the building and the stunning view of the harbor and city that one can grasp from its terrace are variables that make it a must see in any visit to the Hanseatic city. Unfortunately I did not have the opportunity to visit the concert hall and hear a concert with its unique acoustics. Even if you're not visiting for a concert, there is part of the building that is accessible to visitors, including the top terrace known as the Plaza, wherefrom the visitors can enjoy the panoramic view over Hamburg and the harbor.

I've travelled light and didn't take my camera. All the photos were taken with my iPhone 8 and when I look at the post now they all look kind of sepia. But, in those rainy days, the city really had those colors. The brick walls, the Autumn leaves and the gray waters of the canals, were only highlighted here and there by the bright red of a boat or of a bunch of berries hanging from a naked brunch.  Looking forward to visit it in the Summer!

Your 10 Favorite Wanderer's Blog Posts from 2018

First of all, let me wish you all a great 2019 and express my gratitude for reading my writing and trust my travel tips and suggestions. In 2018, I resumed my HR career and that left me with a more tight schedule and with less time to work in the blog. This year I'll be making an effort to manage time more efficiently and to make it possible to share more with you. Nevertheless, your preferences make it clear that you're as interested in gastronomy and wine experiences reviews as you are in travel information. I shall keep it in mind for 2019. But let's check your favorite 10 posts from 2018!

Antes de mais nada, deixem-me desejar a todos um ótimo 2019 e expressar minha gratidão por lerem os meus textos e confiar em minhas dicas e sugestões de viagem. Em 2018, retomei minha carreira na área dos Recursos Humanos e isso deixou-me com um horário mais ocupado e com menos tempo para trabalhar no blog. Neste novo ano, vou me esforçar para gerir o tempo de maneira mais eficiente e partilhar mais experiências e histórias com os leitores. No entanto, as vossas preferências deixam claro que estão tão interessados em experiências gastronómicas (vinho incluído!) quanto em informações de viagem. Vou manter isso em mente para 2019. Mas, por hoje, vamos recordar os vossos 10 posts favoritos de 2018!

5 MUST GO PLACES IN PORTO

Porto, the second largest city in Portugal, is getting more and more popular, winning awards and getting prettier by the day to receive all its visitors, both national and foreigner. Known as "Cidade Invicta" (Unvanquished City), the northern capital boasts the same vibrant personality as its inhabitants and is surely a  fantastic place to visit at any time of the year. (Keep Reading Here)

O Porto, segunda maior cidade de Portugal, está a tornar-se cada vez mais popular, ganhando prémios atrás de prémios e ficando cada vez mais bonito para receber todos os seus visitantes, nacionais e estrangeiros. Conhecida como "Cidade Invicta", a capital do norte ostenta a mesma personalidade vibrante dos seus habitantes e é certamente um lugar fantástico para se visitar em qualquer época do ano. (Continue a ler aqui)

BELVEDERE RISTORANTE  (CASCAIS)

Many of you know how much I enjoy good food and to find new restaurants to present you at my Food Chronicles. Recently I've been invited to the Belvedere Ristorante, in Cascais. The Belvedere is one of the restaurants of the stunning Grande Real Villa Itália Hotel & Spa, and its sophisticated atmosphere, great cuisine, led by Chef Paulo Pinto,  and remarkable service contributed to the most agreeable evening. (Keep Reading Here)

Muitos dos meus leitores sabem o quanto eu gosto de boa comida e de encontrar novos restaurantes para apresentá-lo nas minhas Food Chronicles. Recentemente fui convidada para conhecer o Belvedere Ristorante, em Cascais. O Belvedere é um dos restaurantes do impressionante Grande Real Villa Itália Hotel & Spa, e sua atmosfera sofisticada, excelente cozinha, liderada pelo Chef Paulo Pinto, e serviço notável contribuiram para uma noite muito agradável. (Continuar a ler aqui)

SETÚBAL'S PENINSULA WINE REGION

Close to Lisbon and ideal for a day trip from the Portuguese capital, the wine region of Setúbal's Península (Portugal) presents great wines from well-established producers, with a variety of wine tourism activities to offer to its visitors. Famous for its sweet Moscatel wine, Setúbal's Península region is also notable for its table wine with both white and red wines acknowledged internationally. (Keep Reading Here)

Perto de Lisboa e ideal para um passeio a partir da capital portuguesa, a região vinícola da Península de Setúbal (Portugal) apresenta grandes vinhos de produtores bem estabelecidos, com uma variedade de actividades de enoturismo para oferecer aos seus visitantes. Famosa pelo seu doce vinho Moscatel, a região da Península de Setúbal é também conhecida pelo seu vinho de mesa, com vinhos brancos e tintos reconhecidos internacionalmente. (Continue a ler aqui)

TOP 10 INSTAGRAM SPOTS IN PORTO

Portugal has become an important travel destination in the last few years, and, just like Lisbon, Porto (the second largest city in the country) is in many people must go list. Perfect for a short break from any European country, or for a longer stay, there is much to see in and around the northern Portuguese capital. (Keep Reading Here)

Portugal tornou-se um importante destino de viagem nos últimos anos e, tal como em Lisboa, o Porto (a segunda maior cidade do país) na lista dos locais a visitar para muitas pessoas. Perfeito para uma estadia de curta duração a partir de qualquer país europeu, ou para uma estadia mais longa, há muito para ver na capital do norte de Portugal. (Continue a ler aqui)

SOUL GARDEN BAR (LISBOA)

The Corinthia Hotel Lisbon is one my favorite hotels in Lisbon, and to make something good even better, it has made a renovation of the outdoor space and opened the SOUL GARDEN - a bar in an outdoor green space with a direct access to the exterior, independent of the hotel. (Keep Reading Here)

O Corinthia Hotel Lisbon é um dos meus hotéis favoritos na cidade de Lisboa, e agora é capaz de se tornar um dos meus lugares de eleição nos fins de tarde e noites quentes de Verão. O Corinthia renovou o espaço exterior e abriu o SOUL GARDEN - um bar num espaço verde ao ar livre (giríssimo!), com acesso directo ao exterior.  (Continuar a ler aqui)

MALTA | 3 PLACES TO REMEMBER

There are many points of interest in this small nation, including natural, archeological, historical and artistic attractions, but in this first article, I'll focus on 3 places included in our itinerary that struck me the most: Mdina, Valletta and the Three Cities, and Gozo and Comino. (Keep Reading Here)

Há muitos pontos de interesse nesta pequena nação, incluindo atrações naturais, arqueológicas, históricas e artísticas, mas neste primeiro artigo, vou me concentrar nos 3 lugares incluídos no nosso itinerário que mais me impressionaram: Mdina, Valletta e os Três Cidades e Gozo e Comino. (Continue lendo aqui)

PALAZZO JEAN PARISOT BOUTIQUE HOTEL

When visiting a city for its historical features, staying in the city center always seems to be a wise option. In Valletta that was the case and we couldn't be happier with our choice. Palazzo Jean Parisot was the quintessential home away from home. Comfortable and with tasteful interior design, this boutique hotel is steps away from the main attractions of Valletta and close to many great restaurants and bars. (Keep Reading Here)

Ao visitar uma cidade pelas suas características históricas, permanecer no centro da cidade parece sempre ser uma opção sensata. Em Valletta esse era o caso e não poderíamos estar mais felizes com a nossa escolha. Palazzo Jean Parisot foi, por excelência, a casa fora de casa. Confortável e com design de interior de bom gosto, este boutique hotel está a poucos passos das principais atracções de Valletta e perto de muitos restaurantes e bares excelentes. (Continue a ler aqui)

VALLETTA FOOD TRAIL

I love food and all about it! Love roaming through the markets to find an ingredient, love preparing and cooking the food for my family and friends, love to test new recipes and to reinvent old ones, and absolutely love to know a country and its people through the things they eat and their culinary tradition. (Keep Reading Here)

Adoro boa comida e tudo o que lhe está associado! Adoro passear pelos mercados para encontrar um ingrediente, adoro preparar e cozinhar a comida para minha família e amigos, adoro testar novas receitas e reinventar as antigas, e adoro conhecer um país e o seu povo através das coisas que eles comem e de suas tradição culinárias. (Continue a ler aqui)

ERVIDEIRA WINE LOUNGE

Last September I had the privilege of being present at the inauguration of the new Wine Lounge of the Ervideira winery, near Évora. This innovative eno-touristic space, dedicated to wine tastings, presents a wide, functional and well decorated area, whose design was inspired by the landscape and the Alentejo culture, dazzling its visitors with a privileged view of the vineyards of Ervideira. (Keep Reading Here)

No passado mês de Setembro tive o privilégio de estar presente na inauguração do novo Wine Lounge da adega Ervideira, perto de Évora. Este inovador espaço eno-turístico, destinado a provas de vinho, apresenta uma área ampla, funcional e bem decorada, cujo design foi buscar inspiração à paisagem e à cultura alentejana, deslumbrando os visitantes com uma vista privilegiada para as vinhas da Ervideira. (Continue a ler aqui)

HOTEL HERDADE DOS GROUS (ALENTEJO)

The Herdade dos Grous is an upscale 1100 ha estate, situated near Castro Verde in a region included in the World Network of Biosphere Reserves. The estate comprises fields and vineyards as far as the eyes can see, olive groves, gorgeous gardens, biological vegetable gardens, its own cattle and horse breeding and an 80 ha artificial lake, where guests can practice several water sports. (Keep Reading Here)

A Herdade dos Grous, situada perto de Castro Verde, numa região incluída na Rede Mundial de Reservas da Biosfera é uma propriedade com cerca de 1100 ha. A propriedade compreende campos e vinhas, a perder de vista, olivais, belos jardins, hortas biológicas, assim como áreas dedicadas à criação do seu próprio gado e à criação de cavalos, para além de um lago artificial com cerca de 80 ha, onde os hóspedes podem praticar vários desportos aquáticos. (Continuar a ler aqui)