Babymoon getaway at ABAMA Golf & Spa Resort – Tenerife

 

ABAMA Golf & Spa Resort is an oasis of elegance, an exclusive cliff-top resort in Tenerife, Spain, operated by The Ritz Carlton. A one of a kind 5-star European beach destination.

Located on the smooth slopes of the Pico del Teide volcano, the highest point in Spain, Abama is an oasis of luxury, surrounded by banana plantations, with its own beach where a sheltered cove of golden sand meets the crystal waters of the Atlantic Ocean.

476 rooms and suites feature design elements that incorporate the use of materials indigenous to the island and African elements and artefacts with the principles of Feng Shui to create a truly unique oasis of luxury and tranquillity. Rooms and suites include 148 villas, housed in a series of buildings that are situated apart from the main hotel, each group of villas has its own private pool and the last one is an infinity view overlooking the sea from this unique cliff-top location.

A  Moroccan-style citadel forms the main building and is positioned facing the Teide volcano to the east and the Atlantic Ocean to the west. A “gateway to the sun” offers magnificent views of the sunset across the sea. Rooms are situated on various levels leading down the mountainside providing a maximum number of guests with sea views. All rooms have balconies and private terraces that overlook the pools, gardens and lush landscape.

Colours have been selected to represent and balance the five Chinese elements. The red of the buildings is designed to contrast the green vegetation and the azure water. A Koi Carp pool is home to sixty-five vibrantly coloured carp in hues of gold, brilliant orange, yellow, white and blue. The Koi Carp are a special feature at Abama and add a feeling of tranquillity and wonder to guests walking by and to rooms overlooking the pond.

Abama Golf & Spa Resort is a 160-hectare private estate. Guests travel easily from one part of the resort to another on chauffer-driven golf carts, which operate regularly. A glass-enclosed funicular lift transports guests down to Abama’s beach and back again. The beach is a beautiful stretch of golden sand surrounded by volcanic rock formations. Guests can explore these formations and swim in natural salt water pools.

SWIMMING, TENNIS AND GOLF
7 swimming pools and 2 natural seawater pools provide guests at Abama with ample opportunities to enjoy the sun. Facilities include 2 main swimming pools and an adults only pool in the citadel. In addition, a Persian Garden with its own secluded pool features a replica of the Alhambra fountain. An infinity pool in El Mirador offers cliff-top views of the beach and sea, and the Villas provide guests with their own private pools.

Additional resort facilities that can be incorporated into spa and fitness programmes include a Tennis Academy with seven tennis courts run by the famous Spanish tennis pro duo Emilio Sánchez and Sergio Casal; a Dave Thomas-designed 72-par, 18 hole golf course that features lakes, waterfalls and lush landscaping combined with views of the Atlantic Ocean.  Abama also offers scuba diving and snorkeling, Aquagym, Salsa and belly dancing classes.

DINING
Abama Golf & Spa Resort offers a wide variety of dining options. Nine restaurants and four bars provide a dining or drink option to suit any mood or preference.

Restaurants range from casual to elegant and include beachside, poolside, and golf clubhouse dining. Abama Kabuki is overseen by Spanish chef Ricardo Sanz whose Madrid-based Kabuki is known as the best Japanese restaurant in Spain. Kabuki, with its minimalist red and black decor, adapts traditional Japanese cuisine to the flavours of the western palate, achieving a perfect fusion of local ingredients and Japanese traditions.

Basque three Michelin star chef Martin Berasategui has launched his own signature restaurant, M.B, in October 2008. This famous Spanish chef has been involved in El Patio restaurant since Abama’s opening and is now taking full creative ownership of an ocean-facing restaurant that bears his name with a unique new menu that reflects the culmination of his culinary art.

El Mirador serves seafood and rice dishes and is situated near the Villas with its own infinity pool and indoor and outdoor dining areas with magnificent views of the Atlantic. El Mirador features Balinese architecture with a thatched roof and its unique cliff top location is an optimal place to watch the sunrise and sunset.

La Veranda is located in the main citadel and offers a superb breakfast buffet and brunch satisfying a wide range of palates. Pampa Verona serves typical Argentine and Italian cuisine including the traditional “parilla”, pastas, pizzas as well as other specialties.

The Golf Clubhouse (La Casa Club), situated in the centre of the golf course and surrounded by palm trees, offers unparalleled views of the course, Atlantic Ocean and La Gomera island, and is an idyllic spot for golfers and their friends and families to dine between holes. Abama Beach Club presents the option of combining the relaxation of a dip in the sea with a light, refreshing meal in an informal, sea-side environment. Los Chozos offers pool-side dining in a relaxed indoor and outdoor atmosphere. The Wine Bar with a unique offering of labels accompanied by traditional Spanish tapas is the perfect place for easy and tasty dinner.

Cocktail and drink options are as varied as dining options. Hotel bars include Tanganika for tropical cocktails, Abama Sports Bar for sports aficionados of all kinds who wish to enjoy their holiday without missing the best matches, the Morocco Club: a discothèque, with live music and the Lobby Bar with indoor seating and an outdoor terrace that features live piano music and spectacular views of the sea.

ABAMA, THE PERFECT DESTINATION FOR FAMILIES

The Kids’ Club: Club Abami, sets Abama Golf & Spa Resort apart in its diverse offering of activities for children ages 3 – 12 years.   The Kids’ Club is open from 10:00am – midnight daily and offers a wide range of indoor and outdoor activities including painting, cooking classes, jewellery making, outdoor games, treasure hunts, basketball in the pool, trips to the beach and tennis tournaments as well as fancy-dress parties and movie nights on Saturday evenings from 6:00pm – 11:00pm. Nanny services are available for children under 3 years of age. Baby Abami Club is divided into two age categories : 6 to 15 months and 15 to 36 months. The Club Abami is free of charge in contrary to Baby Abami, which is subject to a fee.

Club Abami is located in the main citadel of Abama Golf & Spa resort adjacent to the main lobby. The Kids’ Club allows children and families to get the most out of their holiday and enjoy family time together along with individual time spent pursuing their own interests.

A broad range of leisure activities caters to luxury travellers of all ages and a wide range of interests. An extensive offering of activities varies daily and provides guests with ample opportunities to explore the surrounding island and enjoy their leisure time to the full. Daily activities range from cooking classes with hotel chefs, wine tastings, salsa classes and Atlantic Breathing: yoga-style breathing in an outdoor garden overlooking the sea. Tenerife is home to a diverse mix of aquatic wildlife and is a scuba diver’s paradise. The hotel offers snorkelling lessons on Abama Beach and scuba diving lessons. Tenerife is located in close proximity to one of the best whale watching locations in the world. Abama offers several whale and dolphin-watching trips every week.

 

SPA EXTRAORDINAIRE AT ABAMA
Abama Spa is a world-class destination spa with an African influence that offers the traditional Roman spa circuit hot and cold facilities, which include: Turkish and Roman baths, an African sauna with panoramic views of the Atlantic Ocean, herbal steam baths, a rehydration pool, a World of Showers and an Igloo (with a snow-making device: one of two in the world). A Garden Spa relaxation area with its own waterfall offers an outdoor massage area that allows sea breeze and sunlight within the privacy of white Egyptian cotton screens. A full range of spa treatments, classes and wellness programmes are offered in this 2,500m2 (26,500 square foot) space with natural aromatherapy products and locally-sourced products from the island including bananas and aloe vera. A new Spa Café that serves tailor-made health-conscious and macrobiotic meals is scheduled to open for the winter season of 2009 and a Spa Hotel that will cater to guests in search of the full destination spa experience will open in 2010.

Abama Spa is situated across three levels and accessed through a series of outdoor staircases bordered with lush greenery and cascading fountains.

Sixteen lavishly outfitted treatment rooms include four themed VIP suites: The Colonial Suite equipped with its own Jacuzzi, private sauna and outdoor terrace with sea views. The Safari Suite is decorated with a jungle theme and also features its own outdoor terrace overlooking the sea with private showers and two massage beds for couples’ treatments. The Oriental Suite features gold leaf motifs and offers a cocoon-like retreat for anyone wishing to enjoy the ultimate relaxation of Abama Spa’s East meets West treatments, such as Samunprai or Thai Massage, in intimate and peaceful surroundings.

The Meditation Room is decorated with floor to ceiling murals of the African Savannah and offers an ideal environment for yoga and meditation classes and indoor Thai Massage. An adjoining room is one of the Spa’s best kept secrets and features a large bay window that overlooks patios and cascading fountains for an unmatched ambiance and the soothing sound of water during treatments. A Garden Spa relaxation area with its own waterfall offers a Garden Cabana: an outdoor massage area set upon raised wooden floorboards with a thatched roof and curtains positioned on three sides and a fourth ocean facing side left open to allows sea breeze and sunlight within the privacy of white Egyptian cotton screens.

Additional treatment rooms for hydrotherapy, scrubs and wraps include: a Rasul Suite where the traditional nourishing algae and clay wraps, or Rasul, take place. The room is equipped with a private steam room with tiled walls, a seating area and its own shower. The Vichy Shower Suite utilises a series of water jets to massage, release muscle tension and open up the chakras and is also used for Turkish scrubs and exfoliating treatments. A Hydrotherapy Bath Suite features a warm bed for exfoliations and scrubs and its own hydrotherapy bath for lymphatic drainage treatments.

The Flotation Room offers a “return to the womb” experience where guests are wrapped in skin nourishing oils while resting on a dry float, or warm water bed.

A beauty treatment centre offers manicures, pedicures, facials, skin care, tanning beds, hair styling, waxing and make-up sessions.

A state-of-the-art, fully equipped gymnasium provides exercise machines and weight equipment in a spacious environment with a wall of glass and an outdoor terrace with floor to ceiling views of the sea and surrounding gardens. Personal training sessions with expert staff can be arranged to suit a variety of fitness goals and can be individually tailored to guests’ length of stay.

A daily schedule of fitness classes is on offer and includes yoga, pilates, spinning, stretching classes in the garden, cardio training, body sculpting and power walks. 

Atlantic Breathing takes place in an outdoor garden on a cliff overlooking the sea and is yoga-style breathing that incorporates the elements of the earth below, the breeze from the ocean, the fire of the sun overhead and the sound of waves crashing against the shore for the exhilarating experience of reconnecting with the elements and the rhythm of our own breath.

INTERACTIVE MAP OF THE RESORT

ABAMA BABYMOON RETREAT

Abama created an exclusive Babymoon getaway for expecting couples and includes :

• Accommodation in Abama Double Deluxe Room
• Daily Buffet Breakfast in Restaurant La Veranda
• Upgrade to Ocean View guarantee
• Early check in at 10.00 & Late check out at 18.00 guaranteed
• One dinner per person, per stay in Restaurant El Mirador (beverages not included)
• Bulgari Amenities in your room
• Extra pillows available for back and tummy support
• Complimentary in-room movie
• Romantic rose petals bath for one evening
• One Thermal Circuit in the SPA per person per stay
• Special  2 or 4 days Ultimate Relaxation Package at ABAMA Spa & Wellness
  The two days Ultimate Relaxation Package includes :
  One Face Ritual Equilibrant Legend of Bamboo of 55 minutes
  Two Massages of your choice of 25 minutes
  Two Spa Experience SessionsThe four days Ultimate Relaxation Package includes :
  One Face Ritual Equilibrant Legend of Bamboo of 55 minutes
  Two Massages of your choice of 25 minutes
  One Ritual Corporal of 85 minutes
  One Manicure or Pedicure Spa Deluxe of 70 minutes
  Four Thermal Circuits
• Free access to the Gym
• One hour Tennis court free per stay, in Sanchez-Casal Abama Tennis Academy
• Baby Gift : Abami, The Abama bear and Abami back pack
• Complimentary private buggy during the stay in the resort
• Fruit and water in swimming pools and on the Beach
• Free access to the Business Centre
• WIFI 64kb connection in your room
• Special discounts in the Golf Pro Shop and in the Spa Boutique
• Welcome Back Reward : complimentary 30 minutes massage at the Spa per person for the next stay
• Resort Credit for stays in October 2009 :
  4 nights : 75,- euro per adult per stay
  7 nights : 125,- euro per adult per stay
  10 nights : 175,- euro per adult per stay
  14 nights : 250,- euro per adult per stay
  The Resort Credit is valid for Restaurants and Spa Treatments
  Credit will be deducted from the clients extra invoice

This Babymoon Package is starting from 615,- euro per person for three nights and valid until October 31st 2009
For more details, please visit the ABAMA Babymoon Package

GETTING THERE

Private Transfer to/from Tenerife Reina Sofia (south)and Los Rodeos (North) airports can be arranged on request and supplement.

Tenerife Reina Sofia (South)  airport code = TFS, 33 km from ABAMA Golf & Spa Resort
Tenerfie Los Rodeos (North) airport code = TFN, 99 km from ABAMA Golf & Spa Resort

MORE INFO ABOUT TENERIFE  Tenerife Island Council

Maternity Dresses Sale at IsabellaOliver.com

 

Isabella Oliver is the leading online maternity wear designer in the UK and is known for dressing pregnant celebrities such as Angelina Jolie, Jessica Alba, Gwen Stefani and Heidi Klum to name a few. The range is launched in the US, France, Canada and most recently Australia/New Zealand. The collection is based on maternity must haves that see you throughout the stages. The range consists of classic wrapping and ruching to flatter your pregnancy figure in the form of Wrap Dresses, Wrap Around Tops, Chunky Knitwear, Coats, trousers and skirts- the list is endless.

The Isabella Oliver Maternity Dresses Sale ends Sunday 31st May 2009. With 25% off all full priced dresses (not those in the outlet sale). Just enter the word DRESSES at the checkout to claim your discount.
The sale is exclusive to www.IsabellaOliver.com (click on Maternity).

Isabella Oliver has  launched two lingerie brands to the Maternity website : 
Amoralia and Nearly Nude
Both provide unquestionable comfort throughout your pregnancy and are stylishly sexy pieces. Check out the website to see the two new additions to the brand. www.IsabellaOliver.com

Babymoon trip in London

View across the River Thames towards the Houses of Parliament,
on a summertime evening in London
visitlondonimages/britainonview

The Mandeville Hotel has created a babymoon experience which is especially for indulging the new mother-to-be. Prepare for the new arrival with a beautifully gift wrapped jewel calf leather Deluxe Baby Book from Aspinal. After a hard day being pampered at the Aveda Lifestyle Salon and wandering around Marylebone’s beautiful boutiques, you can relax with a romantic dinner for two in the deVille restaurant before enjoying an undisturbed sleep in luxurious surroundings. A very special gift from Neal’s Yard Remedies awaits you in your beautiful bedroom. Finally, make the most of a long lie in with a full English breakfast delivered to your door.

LOCATION : Mandeville Place (district : Marylebone)
The Mandeville Hotel is located in the fashionable Marylebone Village, within a few minutes walk of some of London’s most exciting shops, art galleries and the antique shops of Mayfair.
Learn more about Marylebone Village at the Marylebone Village website

   The London Eye and County Hall lit up at night
visitlondonimages/ britainonview/ Pawel Libera

Baglioni Hotel London is offering a 2 night Babymoon experience in a Deluxe Double Room, In-Room check-in, Daily Buffet Breakfast or in-room service at your choice, 10% discount in the restaurant, 10% discount at La Perla boutique, Welcome fruity virgin drinks, special gift for mother-to-be, one hour mother-to-be massage in the Spa, Special Session with the Chefs, meeting the Chefs and receive recipes and suggestions for baby meals.

The Rejuvenation Spa at Hotel Baglioni is the first Ayurvedic medical spa.

When you are looking for relaxing hours at the nearby Kensington Park, The Baglioni can arrange a home-made picnic which can be delivered to the Park.

LOCATION : 60 Hyde Park Gate (district : Kensington)
In the heart of Kensington, facing Hyde Park and a short distance from the Royal Albert Hall, this hotel situated in a Victorian building combines the elegance of Italian style along with sophisticated design : a new vision of contemporary luxury. The hotel is known for its impeccable butler service, the Spa and innovative Brunello Lounge & Restaurant area which is open until late at night.

Maternity and Baby fashion in London

Interior Blossom Mother & Child

Blossom Mother & Child (near The Mandeville Hotel)
69 Marylebone High Street
Blossom Mother & Child offers a total experience, bringing the very best luxury maternity and non-maternity clothing and products together under one roof. Combining high fashion designs suited to pregnancy with quality maternity clothing hand-picked for comfort and style. Blossom features such celebrated designers as See by Chloe, Missoni, Alice Temperley, Sonia Rykiel, Juicy Couture and 7 for all mankind. In addition, they offer the very best in baby designs, maternity accessories and other unique gifts.

Blooming Marvellous
725 Fulham Road
Maternity fashion, Maternity Lingerie, Nursery, Baby clothing and toys and gifts.

Pretty Pregnant
13-15 Chilten Street
186 King’s Road
Fashionable Maternity wear :  offering maternity brands like Noppies, Bellybutton, Citizens of Humanity and Pas de Deux.

Push 9 Theberton Street (Islington)
For stylish and sexy designer labels for the fashion-conscious mother to be

Seraphine
28 Kensington Church Street and 58-62 Heath Street
You can book a personal shopping assistant for an exclusive shopping experience to ensure the most relaxing shopping time. Available between 6 pm and 7 pm from Monday till Wednesday.
Read more about the Seraphine brand : A Parisian Chic Maternity Look

Shopping for your Baby at world famous department stores

Hamleys
188 – 196 Regent Street
Hamley’s is one of the largest and most famous toy shops in the world. Six huge floors packed full of toys and games, is one of London’s most popular tourist attractions, welcoming in excess of five million visitors each year.

Harrods
87-135 Brompton Road, Knightsbridge
One of the largest department stores in the world.
Offering inspiring baby products, from exclusive Harrods branded pluche bears, Christian Dior baby shoes to the newest Balmoral Pram.

Romantic Night in London
Electric Cinema
191 Portobello Road (Notting Hill) (short distance from Baglioni Hotel)
In general, more space for a more comfortable cinema experience with leather seating, footstools and tables for food and drink. In addition, two 2-seater sofas are also available at the rear of the theater, perfect for a romantic night out.

City of London waterfront and skyline, with the iconic domed roof of St. Pauls Cathedral illuminated at night
visitlondonimages/ britainonview

MORE INFORMATION ABOUT LONDON
The official visitor organisation for London
http://www.visitlondon.com/

Pickles and Ice Cream at Willows Lodge

With its massive fireplace, Northwest ambiance, luxurious beds and five acres of magical gardens, Willows Lodge is a celebration of the senses where guests feel pampered and revived.

Just a 20 minute drive from Seattle and a short stroll from award wineries, the 84-room rustic retreat offers a host of civilized comforts, including a full-service spa and two of the most highly-rated restaurants in the Northwest : 
The Herbfarm Restaurant and the Barking Frog.

The Pickles N’ Ice Cream ! Package includes :

• One night luxury accommodations in a Nicer Guest Room
• One Couple’s Massage (60 minutes)
• Spa Pedicure for the “Mom-to-be”
• Breakfast in bed (for three !)
• Arrival amenity of a pint of ice cream and a jar of pickles (for her) as well as a selection of Redhook beer and salty snacks (for him)
• Starting at $535 for guest rooms and $705 for suites
  (rates based on availability, includes all taxes )

GUEST ROOMS
84 rooms and suites in the design of a Northwest style lodge.  Guest rooms average 500 square feet and feature stone fireplaces, oversized soaking tubs for two with separate shower, French Press coffee, laptop sized safes, and patios or balconies many with lush garden views.  Additional complements include 40″ HDTV and high-speed Internet access, overstuffed bed with a lambs wool pad, and 300 count linens smothered by soft goose down pillows and European style duvets.

LOCATION
Situated in Woodinville, Washington on five exquisitely landscaped acres that border the Sammamish River at the heart of Western Washington’s wine country; adjacent to the Redhook Brewery, Chateau Ste. Michelle, and Columbia Winery. Sea-Tac International, is approximately 25 miles southwest of the Lodge with easy access via Interstate 405.

DINING
Home to The Herbfarm Restaurant, rated as one of the Top 50 Restaurants in America. Advance dinner reservations required. Barking Frog – a casual bistro featuring country fresh Northwest cuisine with a European flair, and extensive Washington wine collection. Serving lunch and dinner daily.

Fireside Cellars – culinary grazing in a relaxed atmosphere. Dining, cocktails and daily wine tasting showcasing Washington wines.

Fireside Cellars at Willows Lodge

SPA & FITNESS
The Spa and Fitness Center is 2,000 sq. ft. and includes the following treatments and amenities: Massage, Facials, Body Treatments, Sauna, Exercise Room, Outdoor Jacuzzi and a Riverside Spa Cabana. Here you will find a revitalizing experience that will calm and soothe the soul, from full body treatments to exclusive Carita facials, available in only 18 spas in the country.

BABYMOON RETREAT
With its scenic location beside the Sammamish River, Willows Lodge makes an ideal base to explore the scenic beauty of the Northwest. The broad alluvial valley makes walking or bicycling a joy, with golf and sightseeing nearby. Further afield you can explore alpine peaks, islands in the Sound…or take a journey of the senses and leave the world behind, as you surrender to total relaxation in the full-service Spa.

Design your Nursery with Stokke

Creating your own nursery has never been easier. Pick your favorite colours and patterns on your bed and crib, changing table, chair, storage system, walls, floors and textiles with the new and improved nursery configurator.

Mix and match between thousands of combinations, and create your Stokke nursery.

With the Stokke ® Nursery Configurator you can change the wall colors, flooring, furniture color, textile design and base textiles.

Babymoon trip in Florence

 

Florence (in Italian : Firenze) is the capital city of the Tuscany region and lies on the river Arno. In Florence, three of the finest and luxurious hotels are offering a special Babymoon for you and your partner. A truly memorable Babymoon in Florence is waiting for you with exciting must see activities like the Leather School, Ferragamo Shoe Museum and famous Florentine baby stores.

BABYMOONING IN STYLE

Lungarno Hotels (owned by the Ferragamo Group)
Celebrate your special time together in one of the four luxury, design and boutique
hotels of your choice : Hotel Lungarno, Continentale, Gallery Hotel Art and Lungarno Suites.
The Babymoon includes a two nights stay including buffet breakfast, one three course dinner for two at Borgo San Jacopo Restaurant (excluding beverages), a Crave of Mum to Be : a nice box of parfumed bath salts and a chocolate box, a three hours Personal Baby Shopper and return transfer for two with private car from/to Florence Airport

Borgo San Jacopo restaurant is directly facing the Ponte Vecchio and is one of the most special places in Florence.

 Borgo San Jacopo Restaurant, overlooking the River Arno

For couples with a passion for shoes, a visit to the Salvatore Ferragamo Museum should not be missed. Opening hours from 10 a.m. To 6 p.m. Every day except Tuesday. Piazza Santa Trinita 5r
Ticket: euro 5 (Ticket proceeds will fund annual scholarships for young footwear designers)

Opened in 1995 by Wanda Ferragamo and her family, the Salvatore Ferragamo Museum was designed to show the public the history of the brand’s founder and his creations – footwear viewed by museums and experts worldwide as no less than works of art. Eleven years on from its inauguration in 1995, the Museum is being enlarged and moved down to the pillared, cross-vaulted basement, in parts of the building that still show its mediaeval origin.

Hotel Bernini Palace

Hotel Bernini Palace, Piazza San Firenze, 29
A 15th century palazzo in the heart of Florence. This Baglioni property is situated just behind the famous Piazza della Signoria and a few minutes walk from the Uffizi gallery.
The Babymoon includes two nights in a deluxe double room, In room check in, Daily Buffet Breakfast (in-room service at your choice), 10% discount in the restaurant, 10% discount at La Perla boutique, Welcome fruity virgin drinks, Special gift for Mother-to-be, 1 hour in room Mother-to-be massage and a Special session with the Chefs (meet the Chefs and receive recipes and suggestions for baby meals)

This Babymoon Package is also available at all Baglioni properties in Italy : Rome, Milan, Venice, Verona and Bologna.

 Villa San Michele

 Villa San Michele, Via Doccia 4, Fiesole (near Florence)
A former monsatery, nestled on a hilltop surrounded by trees and terraced gardens, overlooks the city of Florence below. Relaxing at the Villa San Michele comes naturally with the unmatched views from the panoramic pool, whilst a small gymnasium allows guests to expend some energy without missing the beautiful views. Cooking Courses are available at the on site Cookery School where you can have a cooking experience alongside the Chefs.

Local golf clubs offer championship quality courses, whilst horse riding through the Tuscan countryside and tennis are all on hand nearby.

The Babymoon includes two nights in a double room, with upgrade on arrival subject to availability, Full American Breakfast daily, Two a-la-carte dinners in the hotel’s restaurant, A pre-maman massage in your room specially designed to relax the mother-to-be, A copy of the amusing book “Baby Owner’s Maintenance Log”(humour and advice with the maintenance manual and the survival guide…), A special present for the baby, A bottle of Italian Spumante, fruit and flowers in your room on arrival and Transfer to and from Florence Airport or station.

This Babymoon Package is also available at the three other properties of Orient Express in Portofino, Venice and Ravello.

 

SHOPPING IN FLORENCE
Should you plan your Babymoon at one of the four Lungarno Hotels, a three hour Personal Shopper is included. An English/Italian & French speaking professional shopper will assist you in your tailore made pre-birth shopping spree, based on the needs of mum to be and baby.

Should your Babymoon be celebrated at Bernini Palace, a 10% discount is included at La Perla Boutique,  Via della Vigna Nuova, 17/19 (Woman Boutique)

For top-of-the-range products the place to start is Via Tornabuoni, once the city’s refined salotto buono, where you can find all the big designer names and top-class jewellers. The famous shoe shops like Tod’s and Hogan also sell adorable baby shoes. Chic purchases can also be made in nearby Via della Vigna Nuova. Florence has a wide range of high end designer boutiques, to name a few : Gucci, Miu Miu, Armani, Ferragamo, Fendi and Dolce & Gabbana.

The famous Florentine brand Patrizia Pepe (baby girls clothes) has its historical and prestigious store in Piazza San Giovanni, in front of the Baptistry and a few steps from the Duomo.

The exclusive Italian baby and children brand Il Gufo can be found at the stores Gesbim (Via S.Pacinotti, 8 R) and Baroni (Via Porta Rossa, 57 and Via Tornabuoni, 9/R)

Mom to Be Italian branded clothes can be found at the Sarà store at Via della Spada, 42.

Bartolucci is a famous interesting store for handcraft wood toys. There are two Bartolucci stores in the city centre of Florence : Via Condotta 12/R and Borgo dei Greci, 11 A/R

Many traditional Florentine shops of historic status can still be found in the city centre. These range from antiques’ shops packed with riches, especially in Via dei Fossi, Via Maggio and the surrounding streets, to the characteristic goldsmiths’ and jewellery shops on Ponte Vecchio.

 

A visit to the Leather School (Scuola del Cuoio) inside the Santa Croce Church will give you a unique experience.
The craftsman will show you how they work the leather and Mom to Be can buy beautiful handmade bags and accessories.

Villa San Michele designed a map navigator of Florence, for visitors keen to explore beyong the major art galleries and churches.

 

 

GETTING THERE
Amerigo Vespucci Airport (airport code = FLR) is situated just 7 kilometres from the city centre. It is a 15 to 20 minute journey into the centre. Private transfer is included in the Babymoon Packages of Lungarno Hotels and Villa San Michele.

Vespucci Airport is connected to some of Europe’s major airports : Amsterdam, Barcelona, Brussels, Bucharest, Frankfurt, Geneva, London Gatwick, Madrid, Munich, Paris C. de Gaulle and Vienna.
There are also flights to and from the following Italian cities: Bologna, Cagliari, Catania, Milan Malpensa, Olbia, Palermo, Rome Fiumicino, Turin and Verona.

Pisa’s Galilei Airport is about 80 kilometres from Florence. There are direct flights from the most important European and Italian airports. The airport is linked to Florence by rail and road: a direct train service runs from the airport to Florence central railway station (Firenze S.M.N.), and there is also a TerraVision bus service. The journey time is approximately 1 hour, 20 minutes.

TOURISM FLORENCE WEBSITES

www.firenzeturismo.it
Official Tourism Board of Florence

www.visitflorence.com

Spring Sale at IsabellaOliver.com

Isabella Oliver is the leading online maternity wear designer in the UK and is known for dressing pregnant celebrities such as Angelina Jolie, Jessica Alba, Gwen Stefani and Heidi Klum to name a few. The range is launched in the US, France, Canada and most recently Australia/New Zealand. The collection is based on maternity must haves that see you throughout the stages. The range consists of classic wrapping and ruching to flatter your pregnancy figure in the form of Wrap Dresses, Wrap Around Tops, Chunky Knitwear, Coats, trousers and skirts- the list is endless.

The Isabella Oliver Maternity SPRING SALE is live until Sunday 10th May 2009.
The sale is exclusive to www.IsabellaOliver.com (click on Maternity) and is a great chance to purchase some summer staples at lower prices, some items with up to 70% off.