Magical Mediterranean

Need last minute ideas for your summer vacation? Check out these top picks for an ultimate Mediterranean getaway!

BARCELONA

Barcelona is a vibrant city that caters to lovers of history, architecture, art, food and wine. It really does have it all. There are so many different hotel options it can be hard to choose. Our choice is a newcomer to the luxury hotel scene, the understated Mandarin Oriental. Perfectly situated among the fashionable shops on the Passeig de Gracia, you could easily miss it if not for the uniformed doorman out front. Once inside the stylish lobby, you feel that you are somewhere special, with the efficient staff welcoming you and taking care of your every need. After all, service excellence is a hallmark of the Mandarin Oriental hotel company. The hotel boasts the Michelin-starred restaurant, Moments, among its several food and beverage venues. The Banker's Bar is a nod to the hotel building's previous life as a bank. They have original safety deposit boxes as decoration for this fun spot to enjoy a drink and tapas.

A pampering spa, rooftop swimming pool and a superb fitness center round out the amenities offered. The rooms are very modern and high tech. I love when you can push a button next to the bed to open and close the blinds, and in-room wifi has become a must-have in this day and age. Start off the day with a delicious and bountiful breakfast in the dramatic Blanc brasserie - complimentary when you book your stay with us!

If you book your stay at the Mandarin Oriental Barcelona with Bee Kalt Travel, you will receive exclusive Virtuoso amenites of buffet breakfast daily, a room upgrade upon arrival based on availability, and a complimentary bottle of wine and selection of tapas in the Banker's bar. A great value!   


MALLORCA

After the hectic pace in Barcelona, a short flight will take you to Palma, the capital city of the beautiful island of Mallorca. You will find a lot of contrasting scenery on this largest of the Balearic islands: mountains, beaches, olive groves, and rugged cliffs dropping into the blue sea. There are many historical and interesting sights to visit around the town of Palma. You must visit the gothic cathedral and admire the architectural elements, you can visit the house where Joan Miro lived out his later years, and see his studio which has been left untouched with many unfinished works on display. Miro was not the only famous resident who lived on Mallorca. Frederic Chopin wrote many letters about his winter in Mallorca which was purportedly spent with his mistress, George Sand. The current "favorite son" of the island has got to be Raphael Nadal, the famous tennis player. We were told that you know he is in residence when you see his red Ferrari speeding by.

We highly recommend a stay at La Residencia, an Orient-Express property, located in the charming village of Deia. It is less than an hour drive from the city of Palma, through spectacular scenery. The resort was a former residence, and is now one of the finest boutique hotels on Mallorca. The atmosphere is rustic and elegant. It is a very romantic place to celebrate a milestone birthday, anniversary or honeymoon. It is not just for couples as they receive many families and offer childrens' activities as well. The resort has several swimming pools, a fitness center, tennis courts and an award-winning spa on property. The views from the brand-new luxury suites are incredible, all with private terraces and either a swimming or plunge pool. The resort is built on a hillside, with views of the terracotta villages, green mountains, tall cypress trees and the sparkling blue-green sea in the distance. It does book up in season, so we recommend you reserve early!

Book with us and receive complimentary amenities: room upgrade, full breakfast daily, a bottle of Cava and a face and scalp massage! It can't get more relaxing than that! 


PORTOFINO

If a week in Italy is what you crave, check out the venerable Hotel Splendido. This grande dame has been presiding over the Portofino harbor since 1901. Its magnificent hillside location offers spectacular views of the sea below. You can watch the yachts come and go from your private terrace. The lobby and guest rooms are elegant and sophisticated.  Families are welcome and the kids are entertained in their new childrens' center, offering all types of activities. Even the family pet is welcome. The Splendido has gone as far as having a trained spa therapist available for providing "doggie massage", the latest for the pampered pooch! It gives new meaning to the phrase "full service spa". In addition to the beautiful pool, fitness center and spa, they provide transportation into the harbor town if you'd like to do a little shopping. If you'd rather walk, it only takes about 10 minutes to get down the hill.  There are several dining options serving fine Italian cuisine. You are sure to be charmed by Luca, the restaurant manager in La Terrazza. Trust him to recommend the specialties of the day and the appropriate wine accompaniment.

Complimentary Virtuoso amenities include: upgrade upon arrival, full breakfast daily and a $100 resort credit!    

Contact Bee Kalt Travel to book your next Mediterranean holiday!
email: travel@beekalt.com
Tel: 248-288-9600 or Toll-free 1-800-284-5258
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