With summer fun still pressing on, I figure why not continue the trend of travel. With 7.5 billion people and a world that’s meant to be explored, planes were designed for a reason. So don’t even think about touching that TV remote, put down the junk food, get out from under your rock, and get to exploring – humans were made to travel. Let’s go.
For The Weekenders: Luxury Swiss Manors, Underwater Dining, Royalty for a Weekend…
Museums. Remember those? You might have been to a museum in your life at least once – maybe part of a grade school trip, maybe as an adult, or maybe you pulled a Ferris Bueller at some point. I like to think of museums as a collection of snapshots in time – because well, that’s what they are. Obviously.
But what’s better than your standard museum?
Luxury Swiss Manors turned into museums. Or in this case, Charlie Chaplin‘s Manor turned museum, in Switzerland.
I could roll around on that lawn for hours.
Ever so affectionately called Chaplin’s World, this little gem gives you a warm tour of Charlie Chaplin’s life. So if you’re a producer, director, screenplay writer, or even just a film enthusiast, you’ll feel right at home, while you’re guided through, well, Chaplin’s old home (not so fun fact: in the 40’s Chaplin was, unfortunately forced to leave the United States and settle in Switzerland).
“They just don’t understand art, Oona.”
So here’s how to get this trip done right. You’ll book a few nights at the Modern Times Hotel, where you’ll stay in possibly a regular (read: Superior) room, or preferably a Junior suite (all mattresses have cashmere wool so you can sleep like an oversized baby).
True to their word, the floors are swathed in white oak and stone, and you can get fresh water from their spring in Les Pléiades with bubbles (bubbles optional).
You can also grab some breakfast before heading to the museum, to be sure your energy reserves are fully topped up before venturing on to the museum.
Alright so this is where the magic begins. Things get a bit intimate here as you’ll be learning about Chaplin’s personal life; his childhood, his sense of style, taste, his family man side, so to speak…and let me tell you, the man had style.
Having a look over his personal belongings (intended to sound waaay less creepy than it did) you can see it was a classic style nonetheless, timeless, but relatable; it’ll feel like you’re visiting an old friend, rather than a manor turned museum.
Except this…unless running into Uncle Einstein making silly faces at himself in the mirror is your thing and reminds you of home, then that’s great too.
You’ll also get a chance to see his work…and by work I mean a taste of what it was like to work in film back in his era. From a replication of movie sets to a behind-the-scenes look into how brilliant movies are made, this is your chance to step back in time and experience it all.
And hey, if you’re really feeling nostalgic, bring your grandma along…I mean, you know, if she’s that old.
….great grandma maybe?
If she’s alive.
Just…you get what I mean – bring someone old along if you want.
Alright so by this point you’re probably hungry – well there’s a magnificent little cafe restaurant at the centre of the park (yes, there’s a park – I’ll get to that in a minute, be patient) called “The Tramp“.
You can grab something light at the cafe (maybe a nice hot chocolate), or something a bit more filling from the restaurant menu (I recommend the Macaronis Alpine Style – mostly because I’m 5 at heart most days and really like macaroni).
Aside from the food I’d really recommend you just take the time to soak up the decor – the old style cameras and large wooden beams make the place feel like a blast from the past.
Once you’re done chewing, and sipping, and lounging, it might be a good idea to stretch those legs in Chaplin’s estate – in simpleton terms, the park.
With impressive views of Lake Geneva and the mountains, it’s a perfect opportunity to indulge in some nature and forget the craziness (read: unnecessary busyness) of civilisation.
Or, you could choose the less adulting type option and run through the whole thing singing like you’re in the film “The Sound of Music”.
Your choice.
One more thing – take some time to check out the Montreux Riviera region as well. You won’t be disappointed.
If you’re not into museums, that’s fine. Maybe you have the outlook of “hey, it’s summer…and dammit, I want beaches. And sand. Sandy beaches. And underwater dining. Wait…”
Yeah. That’s a real thing. I’m gonna take you back to the maldives (but not the same place, so chill out). If you liked what Mexico had to offer last week, and Thanda Island the week before, then you’ll love what’s in store at Hurawalhi Maldives.
Attractive travel partner not included.
First, you’ll want to charter a flight to Male’ International Airport. Then, from that airport, you’ll charter another flight (via seaplane) to Hurawalhi Maldives – scenic doesn’t even begin to describe the 40-45 minutes flight over. Hopefully you’ve picked which villa you want – there are a plethora of them to choose from.
You want a beach? Beach with sunset and pool? Ocean? Ocean with sunset? Ocean with pool? Ocean with a sunset and a pool? Am I confusing you?
Don’t worry – the main thing is you’ve got options – just like in Pitbull’s song – except, different options in this case…or maybe both – which reminds me, this is an adults only getaway, no kids, sorry.
This also means you’ve got to grab someone to tag along – start looking through that little black book.
I recommend the Ocean Sunset Villa. Swimming in the ocean is like, way better.
But you’re not here to just sleep – you’re here to enjoy yourself. With loads of activities to do, there’s no excuse to be bored.
If for the first day or two you wanna recover from jet lag, and keep things chill, they’ve got a sports ground, games room (Pacman anyone?), and fitness centre, all neatly within reach.
You will never beat my high score in pinball. Ever.
When you fee like you’re ready to delve into some adventure, grab that perfect 10 you’re with and go ahead and show off your sporting skills with things like wakeboarding, jet skiing, speed boating, or maybe just reuniting with Flipper.
Reunited and it feeels so goood.
If you’re not that into adrenaline there’s more low key things to do, like parasailing, playing hide and seek with manta rays, or just snorkeling.
Holy crap…is that Nemo?
Naturally, after that, you’ll probably want some protein and or carbohydrates – meaning food…but you may not want to get out of the water just yet.
Queue 5.8 Undersea Restaurant – a place where you can sit back, watch Nemo and his little school friends swim by, sip on your favourite wine, and enjoy some quality fuel before your next adventure.
All while they look on in horror as you devour their math teacher, Mr. Shrimp (I’m KIDDING. Geez…it’s just his cousin).
Think of being in a big aquarium, except you’re the fish and everyone’s checking you out.
Hiiii friend…would you care to talk about Jesus today?
They’ve got a great lunch menu, and options for vegetarians and vegans as well, if you’re into that; and if you’re looking to impress that special someone you brought along with you, there’s a fabulous little romantic dinner all planned out too.
If eating underwater isn’t your thing, you can always check out the Aquarium Restaurant and Bar, featuring a Teppenyaki grill for those of us who want a slice of Japan while already having a slice of the Maldives. The menu is sustainable, meaning tree huggers can have their cake and eat it too – all while enjoying a fantastic ocean view.
After a full day of living life the way it’s supposed to be lived, there’s always the option to retire to your villa and relax with some good music, a nice wine, and maybe even go for a late night swim so you can show off that summer body you keep maintained all year round.
Just don’t swim right after you eat…cramping up like a senior citizen can really kill the mood.
Let’s say you wanna do it up bigger though.
“Bigger?” You ask.
Yes, bigger.
Ever wanted to live like royalty?
Well now you can – at Castel Porrona, in Italy.
This is far from an overstatement – you can actually book the entire castle if you’ve got a good bit of people you fancy entertaining. With a plethora of suites and living areas to choose from, everyone can have their own space.
There’s also a wonderful little private butler to bring you bubbly, while you’re in a bubbly bath.
So if you’ve got a family reunion you’ve been made the head of to organise, and really don’t like Uncle Carl and Aunt Sue, you can just put them in the servants quarters.
Or, to avoid being cut out of anyone’s will, you can book them a luxury suite/room in The Relais – the surrounding village – that will impress – without giving the impression that you’re not too fond of them.
…I feel like I’m in Assassin’s Creed II.
The castle itself comes with a large kitchen, and private chef to whip up whatever your heart desires, a private butler to answer your (almost) every request, and endless panoramic views offered up by taking a short trip up to the towers.
The rooms and suites outside of the castle and throughout the village are pretty decked out as well, with ridiculously supple bed linen, jacuzzis, and enough fine furniture to satisfy even the pickiest family member.
If you feel like treating yourself to some pampering (or down time away from everyone), there’s an abundance of wellness options to choose from at Agua Spa at The Relais. You can enjoy a taste of Morocco while discovering their sauna, heated salt water pools, steam baths, and so much more.
So if you decide to bring that special someone along, and want to escape the maddening 21 questions about marriage your family keeps throwing at you, you guys can always head for a Signature Agua Spa Couple treatment – where after indulging in a few bottles of wine and food bathed in olive oil during your stay, you can then bask and be massaged in said wine and olive oil…just in like, a way more scientific, homeopathic way.
If there’s ever a perfect opportunity to excuse indulging, this is it.
Fit for a king (or queen).
As always…
Stay awesome.
– Rego
Improve Your Lifestyle. Improve Yourself. This is Life. This is Rego’s Life.™
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