Volcanic Soul

SANTORINI is a place of mystical proportions; jaw dropping vistas and natural beauty. The little towns and villages cling to the steep slopes reminiscent of cream running down the sides of a cake berg into the deep blue of the Aegean.

If you are looking for a romantic hideaway, a creative think zone or a place to spend time with friends – the Aenaon Villas is it. Tucked away on its’ own patch of steep cliff face overlooking the famous Caldera, the soothing soft white interiors and crafted rustic elements give the strong emotional character.

This place has soul – get some.

Iain & Crew

Barcelona Beyond Sonar

Barcelona already has a reputation for a good party, but when Catalunyans call it “the wildest night of the year”, you know you’re onto something.  If you’re going to make it to Barcelona for Sonar, you should think about staying for a few more days and celebrating the Feast of Sant Joan, Barcelona style.  The “feast”, which celebrates the Summer Solstice, takes place on the 23rd, with the actual fest day being the 24th.  Fire is an essential element in the celebration, along with water and herbs, and the element you’re most likely to see and hear. Seen as a purifying element, Catalans know this night as the ‘Nit del Foc’ or night of fire, and bonfires of furniture are burnt throughout the city as well as an abundance of fireworks.

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Paris. Shakespeare and Company Literary Festival

The Paris blogs are abuzz with the upcoming Shakespeare and Company Literary Festival (18-20 June). Shakespeare and Company is the Parisian bookshop opened by American George Whitman in 1951, with the blessing of Sylvia Beach.  Since then, it has reigned supreme as the English language bookstore in Paris.  In 2006 George was awarded the “Officier des Arts et Lettres” medal for his contributions to the arts over the last fifty years.  A number of literary greats have made their way through the bookshop including Allen Ginsburg, Ezra Pound, F. Scott Fitzgerald, Gertrude Stein and many many more.

Some have said that the literary festival held by Shakespeare and Company is the only real one of its kind in Paris.  Every year has a theme, and every year thus far has had exceptional reviews.  This year’s theme is “Storytelling and Politics” and explores the role of the imagination in the writer’s depiction, transformation and influence on their environment.  Over the course of 3 days writers will consider politics and responsibility in writing and the role of literature in today’s political and cultural climate.

The event is being held in the René Vivani Park, next to Shakespeare and Company, across from the Notre Dame, and will host readings, discussions, and signings.  You can expect a gathering of some of today’s most progressive and international writers, artists, musicians and actors including Martin Amis, Fatima Bhutto, Zena Edwards, Janine de Giovanni, David Hare, Yusef Komunyakaa, and Emma Larkin, and this is just a drop in the pond.

The programme is packed, and if past years can be used as an example, you’ll want to get there early.

If you’re in Paris for the arts, you’ll want to stay at an address suiting the occasion:  White Line’s Hotel des Academies et des Arts.  There you can curl up with a good book while enjoying tea and Pierre Hermé’s macaroons, or let them organize a trip to a local artists studio.  After all, you are on the creative left bank, and should enjoy all that it has to offer.

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Images Courtesy of The Shakespeare and Company Literary Festival and Matthew Mc Williams.

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Categories: Paris, Culture

Contributing writer: Alicia Reuter

London. Community Service at Town Hall

There’s no doubt that there’s always something happening in London.  So when it’s time to celebrate the newest addition to the White Line Hotel family, the Town Hall Hotel Apartments, and give our readers insight into what’s going on in the city, the biggest problem is choosing one topic.  One of the world’s top art scenes, a Mecca for design and fashion, a music scene that hosts the best acts nightly, clubs, restaurants, underground parties; there are scores of blogs and books dedicated to these things, but who’s helping that scene flourish?  Where do up and coming artists turn for support? Read the rest of this entry »

Cyan Groovers

With the Aegean as a backdrop this masterpiece of 60’s low-rise architecture, which is clad in Cycladic stone, oozes glam sophistication with dashes of cyan and shapely furnishings – more akin to the set of the “Thunderbirds” than Austin Powers.

The Mykonos Theoxenia – a place where you would expect the likes of the young Brigit Bardot to swank past you poolside – it’s a tasty celebration of the 60’s with all the maturity of today.

The bustle of Mykonos Town just beyond the iconic Windmills, this is the hidden place of nomadic hedonists who need to chill.

Iain & Crew