Showing posts with label Sweden. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Sweden. Show all posts

Friday, 9 August 2024

Slottsskogen, Gothenburg celebrates 150 years with iconic new observation tower

Slottsskogen Observation Tower
Slottsskogen
, a treasured oasis and Gothenburg´s city park is set to celebrate its 150th anniversary with a spectacular new addition: an observation tower that promises to be an iconic landmark. This tower will offer breathtaking 360-degree views, creating a lasting legacy for the park.

The new observation tower, designed by acclaimed architect Gert Wingårdh and named "Gloria," will be constructed at the existing viewpoint north of Hjorthagsdammen. Gloria features a circular platform supported by elegant columns, inviting visitors to experience panoramic vistas from every angle.

"Slottsskogen's new observation tower answers the question: Where is Gothenburg most beautiful? The answer is simple – everywhere!" says Wingårdh. "By designing a circle, we allow visitors to enjoy 360-degree views from Vinga in the west, Hisingen in the north, Delsjön in the east, and Frölunda in the south. Gothenburg, in 360 degrees, is the best place on earth. Climb up and enjoy!"

In addition to the tower, the project includes upgrading the path connecting the viewpoint to the animal enclosures and scenic trails, enhancing accessibility, and inviting more visitors to explore the park.

"With this observation tower, we aim to create a landmark and meeting place at one of the highest points in Slottsskogen," says Anders Ramsby, Director of Environmental Management for Gothenburg. "We believe it will attract more visitors and encourage them to discover new parts of the park."

"This is a wonderful way to honor the park's rich history and its importance to Gothenburg's residents," says Joakim Larsson, Chair of the Environmental Committee. "A free, lasting attraction like this tower will be appreciated by many."

Construction is set to begin before the end of the year, with the tower expected to be completed in early 2025.

The observation tower will be in good company with Gothenburg's exciting mix of historic buildings, contemporary design, and interesting architecture. Here is a list of the top 5 design and architecture must-sees in Gothenburg and Gothenburg's sweetest design gems.
*Tags: #sweden, #Gothenburg, #Slottskogen, #Observation Tower, #Architecture, #iconic landmarks

Wednesday, 31 January 2024

The Eurovision Song Contest Finals to be held in Malmo

The Eurovision Song Contest in Malmö on 11 May will also be the 50th Anniversary of ABBA's Eurovision Song Contest victory with Waterloo. 

As nation hosts for the seventh time, the finale of the Eurovision Song Contest 2024 will be held at Malmö Arena on Saturday 11 May 2024, with the semi-finals on Tuesday 7 and Thursday 9 May 2024. 

The Eurovision Song Contest, or Eurovision is organised by the European Broadcasting Union has been held annually since 1956 (apart from 2020). 

This makes it the longest running annual international televised music competition and one of the world's longest running television programs. 

To date 52 countries have participated at least once. Each participating EBU broadcaster sends one original song of three minutes duration or less. 

These are performed live by a singer or group of up to six people aged 16 or older. 

Malmö is a coastal city in southern Sweden at the eastern end of the striking Öresund Bridge, a long road and railway bridge–tunnel running to Copenhagen, Denmark. In the city centre, Lilla Torg is a cobblestone square with cafes, half-timbered houses and shops selling local handicrafts. Malmö Castle, a 16th-century fortress built by King Christian III of Denmark, houses nature, history and art exhibits. 
* Josefin Haraldsson at pressusa@visitsweden.com

Friday, 26 January 2024

The World of Volvo, operated by Volvo Cars and the Volvo Group will open in April 2024

The World of Volvo
It is set to become a landmark and meeting place with the new Volvo Museum, exhibitions, shows and events, a bistro and a restaurant. 

The round, five-story building, inspired by the Scandinavian landscape, will be next to the Liseberg amusement park, with its themed rides, performances and a landscaped sculpture garden. 


Here you can let curiosity guide you through the inspiring World of Volvo - a world that’s constantly on the move, and where we will let you reimagine mobility.

Gothenburg is located off the Göta älv river on the country's west coast. An important seaport, it's known for its Dutch-style canals and leafy boulevards with the Avenyn, the city's main thoroughfare, lined with many cafes and shops. 
* Josefin Haraldsson at pressusa@visitsweden.com

Tuesday, 23 January 2024

Stockholm Design Week and Furniture Fair

Stockholm Design Week (5 to 11 February 2024) returns in 2024, with a week of networking, launching industry news and fostering collaborative discussions. 

Stockholm Furniture Fair (6 to 10 February 2024) takes place in the same week and is Scandinavia's leading event for furniture, lighting design, and architecture. 

It serves as a platform for business, networking, product launches, and innovative design featuring a diverse range of products and provides a space for new designers to showcase their work. 

In February 2024, Stockholm Design Week invites all to a city buzzing with events, exhibitions and open showrooms. Coinciding with Stockholm Furniture Fair, the design week welcomes professionals, industry insiders and the public from all over the world to participate in design events and product launches in the city – to meet, mingle and network. Our aim is to push the Scandinavian design industry forward and to make design engage both professionals and enthusiasts alike.

During the seven days gathering, Stockholm Design Week will present news together with the 2024 fair in February. Visitors can use the Stockholm Design Week app to easily navigate between events, exhibitions and activities that take place during the week

Thursday, 18 January 2024

ICEHOTEL 34, where every room is a work of art, has opened in Jukkasjärvi, Sweden

ICEHOTEL 34
ICEHOTEL 34 has its suites, sculptures, and halls entirely made of ice and snow created by a group of international artists. 

ICEHOTEL, which first opened in 1989, is created anew every winter, of natural ice from Torne River, one of Sweden´s national rivers and last untouched waters. 

When the winter season´s hotel has melted back into the river during the spring, a part of the hotel remains where visitors can experience the ice and snow all year round. 

This year’s rendition of the hotel was created by 32 artists from different countries and comprises 15 art suites, a main hall and a ceremony hall which forms the hotel's heart. 

ICEHOTEL 34 has taken six intense weeks to build, with 500 tonnes of ice and 10 Olympic swimming pools of ‘snis’ - a mix of ice and snow. 

Working on ICEHOTEL 34 started in the spring when ice blocks were harvested from the Torne River to be kept cold in an ice warehouse ready to be used. 

Wednesday, 3 January 2024

Sweden (not Switzerland)

Sweden
A marketing campaign by Visit Sweden entitled Sweden (not Switzerland) has been a great success.

The lighthearted Swedish tourism marketing initiative has Sweden wanting to settle with Switzerland, which country is which. 

Visit Sweden's own digital channels achieved a reach over one million during the first days of the campaign and an initial survey with 500 respondents who had seen the campaign saw over 70% say that they are now more interested in travelling to Sweden. 

Sweden 

Sweden is a Scandinavian nation with thousands of coastal islands and inland lakes, along with boreal forests and glaciated mountains. 

Capital Stockholm, Gothenburg and Malmö all on the coast. Switzerland Stockholm is built on 14 islands, has more than 50 bridges a medieval old town and royal palaces. 

Switzerland 

Switzerland is a mountainous Central European country with Geneva as its capital along with ski resorts and hiking trails in the high peaks of the Alps. 

Its cities including Geneva contain medieval quarters, with landmarks like capital Bern’s Zytglogge clock tower and Lucerne’s wooden chapel bridge.
* Steve Robertshaw at steve.robertshaw@visitsweden.com

Sunday, 10 December 2023

Northern Lights rail and cruise tours

Great Rail Journeys has introduced Scandinavian tours for 2024, offering travellers the chance to see the Aurora Borealis. 

With departures starting in 2024, travellers can choose a cruise to spot the Northern Lights and a capital city rail tour stopping at Oslo, Stockholm and Copenhagen. 

Great Rail Journeys, which incorporates Rail Discoveries and Vacations By Rail, has 170 itineraries to 50 countries for a demographic group of ‘culturally interested’ 55+ travellers’. 

Popular itineraries include the Swiss Alps on the Glacier Express or Edinburgh, the Highlands and Islands and there is also a chartered river cruise program. 
* Cassie Nunn-Price at Cassie@gold79.co.uk

Sunday, 19 November 2023

Icehotel 34, Jukkasjärvi Sweden

 From 15 December 2023
Every year when the winter comes, the waters of Torne River slow down and freeze into ice.

The first Icehotel was hand-sculpted out of ice blocks here in 1989 and has continued every year to become one of Sweden’s major winter attractions. 

When the spring comes, the hotel is left to melt and ‘find its way back to nature’. 

Accommodation in the seasonal winter hotel ranges from standard ice rooms to more elegant art suites. Ice rooms are furnished with decor and beds made of ice. 

Art suites offer an even more special experience for those wanting to stay in a room uniquely designed by commissioned artists from all over the world. 

The complex also has the first permanent ice and snow hotel. 

Thursday, 2 November 2023

Gotland launches World's Ugliest Lawn.

Marcus Norström – the winner of the competition
Gotland’s Ugliest Lawn 2022.
Sweden’s biggest island Gotland is highlighting its successful water conservation initiatives with new competition. 

Gotland's Ugliest Lawn, in 2022, helped reduce household water consumption on the island by 5% compared to the previous summer Gotland is regularly experiencing drought and water scarcity and saving water is a constant priority. 

With the competition "The World's Ugliest Lawn," Gotland is challenging the world to share pictures of their dry, unsightly lawns. 

The aim is to save water globally by changing the norm of having lush green lawns. Entrants can submit images of their ugly dry lawns taken during 2023 by sharing a picture of the ugly dry lawn. 

Gotland is a large Swedish island and province in the Baltic Sea, with Visby, its biggest town, having cobblestone streets and well-preserved medieval city wall. Visby is also home to the grand, centuriesold St. Mary's Cathedral. 

Ruined medieval churches around town include St. Nicolai and St. Karin. Nearby, UNESCO has warned of an imminent Risk of a global water crisis with the global urban population affected by water scarcity projected to double from 930 million in 2016 to 1.7–2.4 billion people in 2050. 


* Steve Robertshaw at Steve Robertshaw at steve.robertshaw@visitsweden.com

Tuesday, 12 September 2023

Winter Lights Walk World, the Skansen, Stockholm

27 October 2023 
The new Winter Lights Walk World, a 1.5-kilometre promenade through Skansen lined with sound installations, opens on 27 October 2023, in the middle of the Swedish winter darkness. 

Light walks of large-scale installations have been a success in North America and parts of Europe but, in Sweden, it is a new concept. 

Located in the middle of the green island of Djurgården in Stockholm, Skansen is the world's oldest open-air museum. 

It was founded in 1891 by Artur Hazelius and attracts 1.4 million visitors annually. During the lights walk, buildings dating back to the 1800s will be decked with light installations. 

Gunnebo Castle and Gardens in Mölndal will unveil their Winter Lights on 16 November 2023. www.Lightupyourwinter.com, www.skansen.se/en/ and www.gunneboslott.se/en/ 

 Steve Robertshaw at steve.robertshaw@visitsweden.com

Friday, 11 August 2023

Sweden is looking to offer a cooler alternative

With summer heat of 40 plus degrees across several parts of Europe in 2023, Sweden is looking to offer a cooler alternative

Sweden offers an array of beaches and coastal areas along with inland lakes.

There are also some 270,000 islands, the most of any nation according to worldatlas.com, with nearly 38% of these found in the seas surrounding Sweden and most forming island archipelagos or groups of islands.

These archipelagos are characterised by untouched nature and islands with few inhabitants.


 Steve Robertshaw at Steve.robertshaw@visitsweden.com

Sunday, 26 March 2023

Stockholm, European Capital of Gastronomy 2023

Stockholm celebrating European Capital of Gastronomy during 2023, will spotlight the Swedish capital as one of Europe’s leading gastronomic destinations. 

The hope is to contribute to positive social development and a sustainable food system by showcasing the city’s innovative food scene, always with the pleasure of eating in focus. 

There´s a full program of activities running from Jan-Nov - https://capitalofgastronomy.se/en/program/ 

Stockholm has selected 12 ambassadors/guides from Stockholm's sustainable food scene to give their tips on where to eat, shop and experience good food in Stockholm : https://www.stockholmgoodfoodguide.com/ 

Stockholm takes in more 14 islands and more than 50 bridges on an extensive Baltic Sea archipelago. 

The cobblestone streets and ochre-coloured buildings of Gamla Stan (the old town) are home to the 13th-century Storkyrkan Cathedral, the Kungliga Slottet Royal Palace and the Nobel Museum, which focuses on the Nobel Prize. 

Ferries and sightseeing boats shuttle passengers between the islands. 

*Source: Steve Robertshaw at steve.robertshaw@visitsweden.com

Tuesday, 23 August 2022

Four boats to rent with Click&Boat

Sailboat Galeone 97, Naples, Italy 
Click&Boat provides access to 40,000 boats in more than 50 countries and 600 destinations worldwide.

Among the more quirky are :


Sailboat Galeone 97, Naples, Italy

Sailboat Galeone 97 is a multi-deck sailing ship that was used for wars between the 16th and 18th centuries. This vintage boat is about thirty metres long, and it has six exclusive double bedrooms, four bathrooms, and spacious interior areas. It can be chartered for a week for up to 14 passengers sailing around the Neapolitan and Amalfi Coast. 
www.clickandboat.com/en/boat-rental/naples/sailboat/galeone-97-5pqzy

Sailing Yacht Rara Avis, Split, Croatia

Rara Avis is a sailing yacht for 12 guests and a chef on board, which is based in Split and the chance to visit islands in Dalmatia. 
www.clickandboat.com/en/boat-rental/split/sailing-yacht/custom-sailing-yacht-rara-avis-4vw5v 

Custom sauna boat, Vaxholm, Sweden

Custom - Sauna Boat in Sweden has a simple exterior complete with sauna. 
www.clickandboat.com/en/boat-rental/vaxholm/houseboat/custom-sauna-boat-5dky5b

Donut boat Nemo, Le Marin, French West Indies 

Nemo are donut looking boats for exploring the bay in groups for up to 10 people including the BBQ on board. 
www.clickandboat.com/en/boat-rental/le-marin/motorboat/nemo-boat-d7v1g

www.clickandboat.com/uk

Sunday, 7 February 2021

PREFERRED HOTELS & RESORTS WELCOMES 18 NEW MEMBER HOTELS

Preferred Hotels & Resorts – the world’s largest independent hotel brand – is delighted to announce 18 new member hotels that joined its global portfolio from September 1, 2020 through January 31, 2021. Ranging in style and setting from an iconic Cape Cod retreat to an eco-luxe hideaway on the Greek island of Santorini, each of these new member hotels and resorts provides local, personalized, and authentic guest experiences to fuel the growing enthusiasm around planning and booking post-vaccination trips this year, including rescheduled family reunions, couples' escapes, solo retreats, and exotic adventure breaks.

Highlights of the new additions include: 

Set in New England’s famed Cape Cod along 25 acres of luscious oceanfront grounds, the legendary retreat was originally built in 1914 as a semi-private hunting lodge boasting its own private beach and, today, features 217 airy New England-styled guestrooms and suites – including 12 adults-only spa suites – spread across 30 cottage-style buildings. Guests can relax on a beach cabana, head out on the water during a complimentary harbor tour, and peruse the boutique shops of historic downtown Chatham – all just steps away. Seasonality is top of mind at all four of the hotel’s on-site restaurants, which offer guests fresh, local culinary experiences using ingredients from the property’s eight-acre farm.

Located within the UNESCO World Heritage Centre of Morelia, the contemporary all-suite hotel offers 24 spacious and well-appointed guestrooms ideal for both business and leisure travelers. Once the former residence of Michoacán singer-songwriter Marco Antonio Solís, the storied hotel embodies its musical past with unique architectural design details, such as the guitar-shaped swimming pool and intimate live music performances. After a day exploring local historic sites and attractions, guests can return to enjoy authentic Mexican cuisine at the flagship restaurant or sundowner cocktails at the rooftop bar, El Milagrito, which extends panoramic views across the picturesque city.

  • Pendry Manhattan West (New York, United States) 
The first New York City property from Pendry Hotels & Resorts will debut this summer as part of the eight-acre, six-building Manhattan West development in Hudson Yards. The new hotel’s design blends characteristics and features from both coasts of the United States across 134 guestrooms and 30 suites, and offers creative social spaces including a signature restaurant, lounge and open-air terrace bar, and meeting and events rooms. Situated between Madison Square Garden and the new 7-train station at Hudson Yards, Pendry Manhattan West is ideal for visitors looking for a luxury retreat to return to after a day out exploring the Big Apple.

An art nouveau architectural masterpiece overlooking Stockholm harbor, the 130-room city-center hotel features contemporary interiors with romantic Juliette balconies and scenic views across the water. Home to an extensive art collection that features pieces by renowned Swedish artists, Hotel Diplomat regularly hosts artist exhibitions, including contemporary photographers, and the on-property restaurant and bar offer a variety of gourmet plates, fusing traditional Swedish cuisine with Mediterranean influences. Guests can also relax and unwind in the relaxation area complete with sauna, showers, loungers, fitness center, and an array of wellness treatments and services.

Located on the fringe of Oia village, known for its cobblestone lanes and enchanting coastal sunsets, the exterior of this stylish retreat keeps with the region’s architecture of whitewashed walls and bamboo roofs, while earthy-luxe interiors bring the outdoors in. An appreciation for the natural surroundings is also reflected across 52 suites, featuring plunge pools with sea views, and at Eden Villa – Oia’s largest villa that is complete with six bedrooms over three floors, its own spa, fitness center, private chef, and two private pools. Guests can feast at two on-property restaurants, offering taverna-style dishes and ultra-fresh sushi, and enjoy downtime at the spa that extends an infinity pool, outdoor relaxation area, and locally inspired treatments.

Other member hotels to join Preferred Hotels & Resorts since September 1, 2020 include:

A stone’s throw from the buzzing town of Palo Alto in northern California, the hotel offers a luxury, all-inclusive experience with 23 spacious one-and-two-bedroom suites.
A landmark in the heart of Houston’s theatre district, the hotel extends 93 rooms and suites, and more than 100 internationally recognized Texan artworks.
The design of this welcoming 56-room mid-rise hotel is inspired by the artistic and vibrant atmosphere of the nearby Costa Verde Cliffs – a clifftop promenade overlooking a local surf spot in the Pacific Ocean.
Along the white sand beaches of Punta Cana, this ultra-luxurious resort that opened its doors this month offers a relaxing retreat across 345 guestrooms, seven globally inspired restaurants, an array of swimming pools, and spa.
A historic diplomatic building in the heart of the old capital, the hotel boasts 43 rooms and suites, an oasis courtyard restaurant, and a rooftop pool deck with views across the San Juan Bay.
  • ette hotel (Orlando, Florida, United States)
Set to open in April 2021, the hotel is located outside of Walt Disney World’s Animal Kingdom, and features 126 rooms and suites that are ideal for families seeking a sophisticated hotel stay near the top attractions.
  • Alisal Guest Ranch and Resort (California, United States)
Set on 10,500-acre working cattle ranch in the heart of Santa Barbara wine country, the 73-room resort offers an all-inclusive experience.
Nestled in northern Italy’s Piedmont region, next to the vineyard landscapes of Le Langhe, the sustainable 39-room luxury retreat is set to open Spring 2021.
Overlooking the city’s River Irwell, the contemporary luxury hotel, popular with celebrities and high-profile guests, features 165 rooms and suites, fine-dining restaurant, and spa.
  • Almar Jesolo Resort & SPA (Venice Riviera, Italy)
Located on Italy’s Adriatic Riviera, the 197-room wellbeing retreat is perfectly located for beach days and trips to the magical city of Venice.
  • Lago Resort Menorca Suites del Lago 5* (Menorca, Spain)
Opening May 2021, the adults-only eco-retreat is close to Menorca’s finest beaches, and features 91 suites, a heated Thalasso pool, and an exclusive Japanese-Menorcan restaurant.
Hacienda de Abajo (La Palma, Spain)
Originally the main house on a 17th century plantation, the adults-only 32-room hotel is set in the charming village of Tazacorte, just minutes from the beach.
  • Hotel Metropolitan Premier Taipei (Taipei, Taiwan)
Scheduled to open in summer 2021, the hotel is located in a buzzy, central location perfect for both business and leisure travelers, and features 288 guestrooms and suites, a variety of restaurants, and banquet rooms.

Since 1968, Preferred Hotels & Resorts has remained committed to supporting the world’s finest independent hotels, resorts, residences, and regional hotel groups – and the inspired travelers who favor the independent travel experience. Member hotels can take advantage of a range of benefits including I Prefer Hotel Rewards, the brand’s points-based loyalty program with more than 3.8 million travelers currently enrolled globally. Most of these new member hotels offer guests the opportunity to enroll in I Prefer for the opportunity to earn points redeemable for cash-value Reward Certificates, Elite status, and other special benefits such as complimentary internet to members upon every eligible stay at more than 650 participating locations worldwide.

Each new member properties represented within the Preferred Hotels & Resorts portfolio property is bookable via the brand website, and travel advisors can book client stays on GDS using the “PH” and “PV” chain codes. For hotel owners and operators exploring options to stay or become independent, visit www.PreferredHotels.com/Freedom.    

About Preferred Hotels & Resorts    

Preferred Hotels & Resorts is the world’s largest independent hotel brand, representing more than 700 distinctive hotels, resorts, residences, and unique hotel groups across 80 countries. Through its five global collections, Preferred Hotels & Resorts connects discerning travelers to the singular luxury hospitality experience that meets their life and style preferences for each occasion. Every property within the portfolio maintains the high-quality standards and unparalleled service levels required by the Preferred Hotels & Resorts Integrated Quality Assurance Program. The I Prefer™ hotel rewards program, Preferred Residences℠, Preferred Pride℠, and Preferred Golf™ offer valuable benefits for travelers seeking a unique experience. For more information, visit PreferredHotels.com.    

Website: www.theholidayandtravelmagazine.blogspot.com.au

Thursday, 13 August 2020

Live the Sámi life Swedish Lapland

With no roads in or out, and surrounded by nature, mountains, forests and lakes, guests stay in an isolated traditional homestead with the Vinka family. Guests stay in Geunja The Sámi Ecolodge, which has hosted guests including the Swedish Royal Family. 

Guests are stripped of the modern trappings, and live the life, nature, culture and family that make a traditional Sámi homestead so unique. 

The trip starts in the small village of Ammarnäs, in Swedish Lapland, where visitors are met by Mikael or Ann-Kristine. 

With no roads to the Sámi Ecolodge, guests take a 30- minute long wooden boat ride over the mountain lake Tjulträsk to the homestead (snowmobile when it freezes in winter). 

Made up of traditional Sámi goathie, a wooden tepee structure and Sámi log cabins, guests are welcomed as members of the family.

In doing so they will join in and learn about the traditional Sámi way of life, helping the family with conservation and managing the daily life necessary to live in the Arctic nature. 

The experience can be booked either in summer or winter, managing the different challenges the eight Sámi seasons. 

In the winter this would include using Nordic wooden skiing and snowshoeing to track wild grouse; Ice fishing using traditional techniques passed down through generations. 

The summer brings more tracking and nature conservation; fishing; maintaining the traditional buildings for the winter to come and experiencing and understanding the significance of the Northern Lights and clear night skies.

For an 'away from it all' experience there is the chance to live the life of a Sámi, the traditional nomadic reindeer herders in the Arctic nature of Northern Europe.

Websites:  www.samiecolodge.com and www.swedishlapland.com

Wednesday, 12 August 2020

Melderstein Manor Swedish Lapland

Melderstein, a traditional Swedish Manor built in 1740 from the profits of the first mining concession in the region.

It is now run by Katarina Thingvall, the great, great, great, great, great, great, great-granddaughter of Carl-Johan Thingwall, the Manor’s founder. Located 12 km from Råneå, in sub-arctic region of Swedish Lapland, it is a grand traditional Swedish building, was first converted into accommodation for visitors in 1996.

A new three-night bed & breakfast experience (December to March) sees guests arrive into the manor along the Iron Ore road by dogsled, before enjoying the chance to meet and dine with Katarina and her father, Göran.

Tuesday, 4 August 2020

Crystal Symphony 2023 Itineraries Announced

Crystal Symphony at sea

  • More options in Ireland, Egypt and the British Isles, plus seasonal choices for cherished destinations


Crystal Cruises has unveiled its complete roster of global itineraries for Crystal Symphony's 2023 season. In 2023, 36 all-inclusive voyages of six to 15 nights take guests on far-away journeys that span from exotic, tropical and remote retreats to culturally rich and deeply spiritual explorations. With several regions explored at different times of year, the roster of 2023 sailings offers travelers options to visit many regions outside of high seasons.

When Crystal Symphony's itineraries open for booking on July 22, it will bring more than three and a half years of choices for travelers to plan their future voyages. The announcement comes just two months after Crystal Serenity's 2023 itineraries, bringing the total number of voyages for Crystal's Ocean ships in 2023 to 68 individual itineraries ranging from six to 23 nights, with many combinable options for longer journeys. Crystal Serenity will also offer closer-to-home routes in North America – exploring New England and Canada and the Caribbean – while Crystal Symphony will spend the entire year sailing abroad. Both award-winning luxury ships will sail the Mediterranean and Western Europe in the summer months on differing itineraries that allow travelers to choose the voyage that perfectly suits their preferences.

“Always with an eye to offering our guests multiple choices, we intentionally planned voyages that explore travelers' favorite places outside the traditional seasons, as this allows them to glean a different perspective on the destinations and their cultures and seasonal traditions,” says Carmen Roig, Crystal's senior vice president of marketing and sales. “Voyage durations have also been planned with guests' calendars in mind, from convenient, six-night options to elaborate two-week-plus options, and everything in between. Like every part of the Crystal Experience, selecting and planning a voyage should perfectly suit each traveler's needs.”

Southeast Asia, the Middle East and Holy Land, Mediterranean and Western Europe, the British Isles and Ireland highlight the collection of voyages, all of which feature at least one overnight stay. Also featured are five maiden calls – in Kampot, Cambodia; Khor Fakkan, UAE; Bristol, England; Malmoe, Sweden; and Gisborne, New Zealand – as well as new embarkation and disembarkation in the boutique port of Eilat, Israel; a return to charming Skagen, Denmark for the first time in nine years; and an overnight in the fashionable city of Antwerp, Belgium (rare among ocean ships).

Among the regions and destinations that Crystal Symphony guests have the choice to visit multiple times of year are:

Southeast Asia and India, with six-, seven-, eight- and nine-night sailings visiting Chennai, Goa and Mumbai, India; Yangon, Myanmar; Ho Chi Minh City and Da Nang, Vietnam; Ko Samui, Phuket and Bangkok, Thailand; Singapore, maiden call Kampot (Cambodia); Port Klang and Penang, Malaysia; and Colombo, Sri Lanka and others offered January through March; longer 13- and 15-night sailings offered in November.

The Middle East, Holy Land and Egypt, with March and April sailings of six, eight, nine and 11 nights and seven-, 10- and 13-night options in October exploring Aqaba, Jordan; Manama, Bahrain; Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Sir Bani Yas Island and Khor Fakkan, as well as Kuwait City, Kuwait; Doha, Qatar; Salalah and Muscat, Oman; Ashdod and Eilat, Israel; and Safaga, Sharm el Sheikh and Sokhna, Egypt.

The Mediterranean, with a 12-night April Black Sea exploration throughout Turkey, Bulgaria, Romania, Ukraine, Greece and Italy; and seven-, nine- and 11-night May and June voyages along the Dalmatian Coast, Mediterranean and Western Europe, including Croatia, Montenegro, Greece, Italy, Spain, France, Portugal, Morocco and more. The ship returns to the region in September and October for fall itineraries of seven and 10 nights.

Crystal Symphony will sail the Baltic and Northern Europe – including the British Isles, Ireland, Russia, Norway, Denmark, Sweden, Estonia, Finland, Poland and Iceland in late June and July; will spend December cruising Australia and New Zealand, with a New Year's Eve celebration in Sydney.

While its fleet is paused, the Crystal team is developing new procedures and policies that will support all public health and regulatory requirements and ensure that guests' vacations continue to be not only relaxing and pleasurable but safe and healthy. Details of these new measures and initiatives will be announced soon.

Additionally, the inherent design of Crystal ships maximizes personal and public space, offering plenty of options for those who choose to keep a healthy distance during their voyage. All Crystal ships across the fleet including Ocean, River, Yacht and Expedition offer nearly double the space per person than ships of a similar size, which is among the highest space ratios in the industry and their social spaciousness will be further augmented through the new measures we will be implementing. Further, Crystal Endeavor and Crystal's River ships are all-suite and all-balcony with most staterooms on its two Ocean ships featuring private verandas for fresh airflow.

The safety of guests and crew members is Crystal's number one priority and the fleet will resume service only when the company's expert team and global health and government authorities indicate that it is safe to do so.

#Luxury, #Cruising, #CrystalCruises, #Ocean, #Cruise

Website: gentingcruiselines.com/

Friday, 3 July 2020

Lidö plots fossil free living in Stockholm Archipelago

The island of Lidö in the Stockholm Archipelago teamed up with Scandinavia energy company Neste for the 12 month Zero Island project to make the whole island fossil-free.

The project integrates 18 different solutions ranging from fossil-free fuel for transport through to fitting solar panels, air water heat pumps and climate curtains to buildings.

Zero Island has already reduced emissions by 78%, down from 180 tonnes of CO2 in 2018 to 40 tonnes in 2019. Guests are encouraged to visit, staying at the Inn Lidö Värdshus.

Website: www.stockholmarchipelago.se/en and www.lidovardshus.com

Thursday, 23 April 2020

IKEA’s Swedish Meatballs with Cream Sauce Recipe

IKEA shares recipe for its famous meatballs so
you can make them at home. Photo Credit: IKEA
Ingredients for the meatballs:
  • 500 grams (1.1 pounds) ground beef
  • 250 grams (slightly more than ½ pound) ground pork
  • 1 onion finely chopped
  • 1 clove of garlic (crushed or minced)
  • 100 grams (3.5 ounces) breadcrumbs
  • 1 egg
  • 5 tablespoons of whole milk
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Ingredients for the cream sauce:
  • Dash of oil
  • 40 grams butter
  • 40 grams plain flour
  • 150 ml vegetable stock
  • 150 ml beef stock
  • 150 ml thick double cream
  • 2 teaspoons soy sauce
  • 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard

Here’s how you do it:
  • Combine beef and pork mince and mix thoroughly to break up any lumps. Add finely chopped onion, garlic, breadcrumbs, egg and mix. Add milk and season well with salt and pepper.
  • Shape mixture into small, round balls. Place on a clean plate, cover and store in the fridge for 2 hours (to help them hold their shape while cooking).
  • In a frying pan, heat oil on medium heat. When hot, gently add your meatballs and brown on all sides.
  • When browned, add to an ovenproof dish and cover. Place in a hot oven, 350 degrees Fahrenheit or 180 degrees Celsius, and cook for a further 30 minutes.

And for the cream sauce:
  • Melt the butter in a frying pan. Whisk in the plain flour and continue cooking, stirring continuously for 2 minutes.
  • Add the vegetable stock and beef stock and continue to stir. Add the thick double cream, soy sauce and Dijon mustard.
  • Bring to a simmer and allow the sauce to thicken. Continue to stir.
  • When ready to eat, serve with your favourite potatoes -- either creamy mash or mini new boiled potatoes.
Makes 16 - 20 meatballs

Tuesday, 17 March 2020

50 Degrees North Set Their Sights to Nordic Winter With a New Escorted Winter Tour for 2020-21

In the midst of these unusual times, the Nordic travel company 50 Degrees North is looking forward to the Nordic winter 2020-21: They have introduced a new 11-day winter tour, the Lapland Circle Escorted Tour. This is a small group tour for up to 12 people, visiting the northern regions of Norway, Sweden and Finland.

“This escorted tour is a comfortable and safe way to explore the northern parts of Finland, Sweden and Norway in winter. And although COVID19 is causing a lot of uncertainty in the travel industry right now, we are confident that by winter, this crisis will be behind us”, says Tietse Stelma, the CEO and co-founder of 50 Degrees North and NORD Journeys. “Having said that, we have temporarily reduced our required deposit to 10 percent in order to increase flexibility”, adds Stelma.

The tour has the following key features and inclusions:
- All accommodation in a shared double/twin room (single supplement also available)
- 50 Degrees North Scandinavian Escort
- 1 night in ice room at ICEHOTEL
- 3 nights in a glass igloo
- Daily breakfast and 2 dinners
- Airport transfers
- Snowmobile safari with ice fishing and Husky Safari in Finland
- Tromsø city walk
- Northern Lights Cuisine Cruise
- Northern Lights Snowmobile ride and ice sculpting in Sweden
- Night visit to the Aurora Sky Station
- Sami and Reindeer experience in Sweden
- All transport between destinations, 50 Degrees North minibus / scheduled transfer between Kittilä - Tromsø and Harstad to Björkliden/Abisko.

The trip starts from Kittilä, Finland, with 6 departures: 9 Dec 2020, 7 Jan 2021, 20 Jan 2021, 3 Feb 2021, 3 Mar 2021 and 17 Mar 2021. With a maximum of only 12 fellow passengers, spend less time waiting and more time enjoying what the region has to offer. Prices start from AUD 9,562 / USD 6,647 / NZ 10,220 / EUR 5,450 per adult.

For more information, please visit: https://www.fiftydegreesnorth.com/tour/lapland-circle-escorted-tour

More about 50 Degrees North
50 Degrees North is a niche, independently owned and fully licensed tour operator specialising in Scandinavia, Finland, Iceland, Greenland, the Arctic, the Baltics, Russia, Mongolia and Kamchatka – and also Antarctica in the south. The company operates exceptional tailor-made and small escorted tours in destinations located north of the 50th parallel. 50 Degrees North is recognised for its local expertise, the originality of their programs and detailed operation. The company was established in 2010 and they have offices in Melbourne, Vancouver and Lillehammer. Co-founder and CEO, Tietse Stelma, was in 2018 appointed as Norway's Consul-General in Melbourne, in honor of the company's dedication and destination contribution.

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