Under the Umbrian Sun Leave behind the tourist hordes and instead head to Umbria’s medieval hilltop towns It was like being immersed in an exuberant dream. Upon entering the palace it took a moment to adjust to the light; flickering candles were held aloft by young Footman dressed in white, wearing striking Zanni and Pantalone style masks with exaggerated noses, typical of an Italian Masquerade Ball. Beautifully dressed hostesses greeted us, dressed in ornately decorated and beaded dresses, their hair adorned with peonies, roses, vine leaves and grapes. Baroque music played. The intrigue continued as we were seated for the

Tips and ideas to enjoy the hill top towns of Orvieto and Montefalco and the market town of Foligno. Read MORE here.  

Sneak Peek at L’Amandier Hotel & Villas, Ouirgane Valley, Morocco Undoubtedly boasting one of the most stunning locations within the tranquil Ouirgane Valley, this intimate six room boutique hotel and spa, with villa residences, promises to be a relaxing and stylish hideaway, close to the foothills of the Atlas Mountain: and only 90 minutes’ drive south of Marrakech. Read MORE here.  

As the hours past whilst walking the mountain trails, the peace and tranquillity became almost tangible. Without aircraft jetting overhead, and with no roads filled with cars or motorbikes, one is truly embraced by nature. Here the sound of silence is the chirps and chatter of small finches amongst the ancient, gnarled juniper trees; the bleating of the long-haired mountain goats as they deftly negotiate the precipitous hillsides; and the gentle rattle of all the hiking paraphernalia being carried by ‘Jacqueline’, our mule. Read MORE here.