5 Favorite Things to Do in Menorca

by Laura Bianchini

Menorca’s laid-back feel and slow pace make it an ideal place for an unforgettable summer escape. Much smaller than Mallorca and less busy than Ibiza, it has a relaxed vibe and a more authentic Spanish feeling. Menorca is not a busy package holiday destination, it’s still quite unspoiled and thankfully tourism has not tainted it – there are so many beautiful places to see and things to do. Which is why we think it’s the perfect destination for a luxury yoga retreat in Spain, with plenty of time in between yoga classes to discover the island or just relax on a gorgeous beach.

Menorca has a striking coastline with some of the most beautiful beaches in Europe, from large stretches of fine white sand in the south to small swimming coves in the north. It’s great for snorkeling and scuba diving, kayaking, boat trips and sailing. There are also hiking trails and horseback riding paths along the coast, as well as several cycling lanes. You can splurge on spa treatments, take day trips to charming towns, shop along pedestrian streets and browse open-air markets. Menorca also has a strong cultural side, with large cathedrals and palaces, as well as archaeological sites spread across the island.

4 Beautiful Beaches on Crete, Greece

by Laura Bianchini

Greece is famous for its gorgeous beaches – swimming in crystal clear waters surrounded by the beautiful colors of the Aegean will make anyone feel new again. And Crete in particular has some of the most stunning beaches in all of Greece – from small coves to long stretches of fine white sand, lagoons and inlets with shallow water leading to deserted islands and soft pink sand.

We’ve explored many of Crete’s beaches and have chosen four of our favorite ones in western Crete to share with you. We often take day trips to visit these during our yoga holidays and one afternoon during the yoga week we practice a sunset yoga class on one of these stunning beaches – heavenly!

But whether you’re in Crete for a yoga retreat or just for a visit, these beaches are definitely worth a day trip.

So you want to get married in the Riviera Maya?

I've been to a quite a few weddings and special celebrations in the Riviera Maya. It’s been my home for the last 5 years so I know it well and I love helping couples create the prefect wedding day by finding a beautiful villa for their festivities. In my opinion, nothing compares to a private villa venue for a romantic and intimate celebration – the perfect place to gather together the most important people in your life. Take a look at just a few of the possible spaces available when you choose a villa for your wedding…

Villa Bramasole: Tuscany Under the Sun

“It’s market day in Cortona. The piazza is an ongoing party and everyone is invited. Clichés converge at this navel of the world. You almost want to laugh but you can’t help feeling these Italians know more about having fun than we do. I eat a hot grape from the market, and the violet sweetness breaks open in my mouth. It even smells purple. I wish I could stay here longer, but the bell reminds me of time. ‘Ding-dang-dong,’ the bell says, instead of ‘ding-dong.’ I wish you were here.” 
~From the 2003 movie, Under the Tuscan Sun

This week I had the privilege to visit Cortona, an ancient hilltop village in Tuscany with beautiful architecture, cobblestone streets, vibrant public squares and spectacular views of olive groves and vineyards terracing to the valley below. One of the oldest settlements in Italy, Cortona is known to have been a city of the ancient Etruscan civilization and later became a Roman colony. It is one of the best preserved historical centers in Italy.

Cortona is surrounded by Etruscan walls, around 3000 years old.