The only difference between almost there and being there is going
Restaurants
The most famous of the Saint-Tropez beach clubs, plan a day at “le Club” starting with an early lunch reservation and rent beach chairs - matelas - for the afternoon. As soon as the server arrives, order the epic crudités pour la table and rosé from the nearby vineyards. Then relax, order more rosé, a little more food, and let the show begin. The cuisine is simple, the scene trés chic.
In late autumn and into winter, the kitchen door is a first stop for local truffle hunters on their way back from the woods, making the restaurant’s access to the prized white truffles of Alba exceptional. But in spring and summer, the menu reflects the wonderful bounty of the Langhe valley in Piedmont, mostly known for its noble wines. Veal tartar or carpaccio - carne cruda - is a must.
Unquestionably the Mecca of gourmet stores, after gazing at regal platters of prepared foods, spectacular displays of specialty groceries, and the best of raw ingredients, get a taste of the highest order in either the restaurant, wine bar, or caffe. And walking the streets of central Milan with a Peck shopping bag will no doubt garner an envious look or two.
Calling a restaurant in the heart of Italy’s dairy belt “of the fisherman” is curious until one considers fresh water fish and the Oglio river that runs behind the premises. Antonio and Nadia Santini’s transformation of a local gathering place into one of the most important restaurants in Italy has kept Michelin awarding it three stars, the highest rating, for years. Try anything on the menu. The kitchen is run by angels.
Franca and Romano Franceschini define simplicity and deftness with fish cookery in their restaurant located in the heart of Viareggio, a nostalgic Tuscan resort town also home to some of the world’s best yacht builders. The tiny stuffed calamaretti are a signature antipasto, and if prized rombo al forno - baked turbot - is on the menu, order it. The wine list is extensive, but try a very decent local white or red from the nearby Montecarlo area.
The drive from Sorrento along roads dug out of the steep terrain, flanked by clusters of wildflowers and views of the Mediterranean Sea through groves of trellised lemon trees, approaches ethereal. The owners of the restaurant, Livia and Alfonso Jaccarino, will bring you to new heights with their hospitality and delectable cuisine. Ask to have a menu featuring local specialties like cloud-like panzarotti or ravioli, and fish made in acqua pazza- crazy water. They have a few rooms to stay overnight too. Reserve early.
Hotels
The hotel is in the center of the famous quay Suffren in Saint-Tropez, rendering a view over one of the greatest shows on the planet—the parade of yachts, strollers along the quay, and the harbor cafes. It’s crowded in high season, and during the Voiles de Saint-Tropez regatta, the marina is packed with classic sailing yachts. The hotel bar is a lot of fun, especially during race weeks.
Situated on the tony Cap d’Antibes, the world’s glitterati have signed the guest register at this ultra-luxe hotel for decades, the grande dame of the French Riviera. The grounds are gorgeous, the accommodations sumptuous. If one is to indulge in an ultimate getaway, this destination should be at the top of the list.
This small and intimate hotel rests along a precious stretch of the Italian coast known as Monte Argentario, loosely translated as Silver Mountain. It’s a striking hideaway surrounded by the region’s rich botany, and the expanse of sea in front of it makes it a dream-like location. Close to stylish Porto Ercole and not far from lively Porto Santo Stefano on the other side of the mountain.
Along the exclusive Sardinian Emerald Coast in an inlet also called Cala di Volpe, the architecture of this fashionable resort reflects the natural and organic forms unique to the region. It’s so remote, it’s like a luxury oasis where the color of the sea defines turquoise and ultramarine. If spiny lobster is on the restaurant menu, these are some of the best waters in the Mediterranean for them.
Yacht Charters
Thinking about chartering a yacht? Want to know all about it? Would you like to learn and see everything involved in this fascinating segment of luxury travel? Kim Kavin, author, magazine editor, and specialist in her field has a very polished web site for information about yachts, chartering, destinations, crews, and recommendations as well as featured content and links to other resources. She has even written an insiders guide about all the basics of yacht chartering called Dream Cruises.
Based in Antibes, this group has been successfully arranging Western Mediterranean charters for years. They are experts in helping to create itineraries for their clients that match desired destinations and schedules with the right sailing or motor yachts. If you want to be able to step off the passerelle and onto the quay, most of the popular harbors can accommodate yacht lengths to about 170 feet.
This gorgeous and stunning 160 foot gaff-rig schooner graces the Mediterranean in summer. A new construction of an original Nathanael Herreshoff design from the early 20th century, she was launched in 2000. Under full sail she's a spectacle, being on board exhilarating. Comfortable accommodations for up to eight guests, she carries a crew of seven.
A gem of the Riviera classic yacht scene, she was commissioned in 1914 and restored in 1995. A gaff-rig cutter, she is the epitome of style, taste, and designed for racing and cruising. Fast and expertly maintained, she is available for term charters for up to six guests, and can accommodate up to 22 for day sails, corporate cruises, and team building events during the classic yacht regattas.
Launched in 2003, she is a magnificent replica of an original William Fife design from 1900. The details and construction have been built to exacting standards in an effort to celebrate early 20th century yacht building, notably gaff-rig schooners. With plenty of room on deck for day sails and corporate events, she is a welcome addition to Mediterranean cruising.
Destinations
Upon his invitation to be an artist in residence at what was originally called the Musee Grimaldi, Picasso stated "I'm not only going to paint, I'll decorate the museum too!" He produced an amazing amount of drawings and paintings in a short period, leaving all to the permanent collection. The building was originally a Roman castle, and sits majestically in the center of the old town in Antibes above the ramparts.
The Margaret and Amy Maeght Foundation houses in its unique modern building and beautiful grounds one of the most important collections of 20th century and contemporary art in Europe. Paintings, sculpture, and drawings by Calder, Chagall, Braque, Giacometti, and Miro among many others. Spend the morning at the museum, then head to nearby Vence or Saint-Paul-de-Vence for a late lunch.
A magnificent estate of noble proportions, it is one of Sicily's premier wineries. It's surrounded by hill after hill of rolling green fields as far as the eye can see. Farming on the property makes it almost self-sufficient. Hostess and teacher, Anna Tasca Lanza, herself a countess, holds cooking classes at the estate from one to five days with side trips, all featuring the traditions of Sicilian food and her family's heritage.
One of the best known nightclubs in the Mediterranean, it’s not far from jet set Porto Cervo in Sardinia. The scene is hot, people look great, the music is fine, and it's very expensive. To reserve a table, there might be a one bottle minimum for spirits, mixers included.
Like many discotheques along the Mediterranean coast in summer, this is on the beach on the island of Ponza. Check out the scene, dance hard, have drinks outside in the sand, then go back in and do it some more. All of the sudden, the sun will be coming up.
