Summer promises lots of time in the fresh air and a more positive attitude to life! Life takes place outdoors. I’m looking forward to a huge burst of creativity, a new direction in life despite all the doubts about what the future might bring! There are many reasons to be optimistic!

Whether dreamy, theatrical, musical, lazy or sporty – what do you think of when you think of summer? Mother Nature gives us an abundance of durable qualities, a harmonious colour palette and aesthetic design. I grew up with a love of nature and as I get older, I feel more and more that I need to stay true to my values in order to feel fulfilled.

Forest bathing – beautiful paths in the shade and under a green roof

Let your thoughts flow. Without fixed rules, because there are no rules when forest bathing. It’s your pace, your time, your experience of nature. The forest inspires us to be attentive to the many small details. Forest bathing makes us realise: These beautiful forests need to be protected. They belong as little influence from civilisation as possible so that they can continue to be a retreat for us and others for many decades to come. A retreat right on our doorstep, not far away at all.

So, what is forest bathing and where does it come from, you ask. Shinrin-yoku is the name of the tradition from the Far East and is the Japanese term for forest (air) bathing. Forest bathing is much more than just a relaxing walk. Forest bathing means immersing yourself in the atmosphere of the forest, immersing yourself in nature. Very consciously. And above all, with plenty of time. A forest bath should last at least three hours, then it has a demonstrably positive effect on body and mind. It lowers blood pressure, regulates the pulse and naturally reduces stress hormones.

It’s not far to the Maritime Alps or the Ligurian Alps and the view here is at least as beautiful as in Bali!

Seeing mountains makes me happy, but water has the strongest energy for me. The philosopher Plato said “The sea washes away all ailments”. A day at the seaside is not only a break from everyday stress and work, but also a holiday for the whole body.

Defining the best recommendations for a day trip to the beach is no easy task. Marcus, Jameson, Mike and I take the plunge and hope that you might want to discover and visit a new and fascinating place after all!

Mike’s choice

Our dear friend Mike, who is not really a beach person at all, recommends the beach at Villefranche, as it is great to walk along after being in Villefranche with its water side restaurants. It has beach side cafes and bars, not glamorous but its gentle, less pebbly beach and shallow waters is great for children. Perfect too as a drop off point before or after a walk around Cap Ferrat with its beaches, Paloma and Passable. It is also worth checking out the lower path between Nice (entrance down just after Palais Maeterlinck) that exits at the western end of Villefranche, en route, and thereafter, many bathing spots for the more adventurous!

Jameson’s choice

One of his longtime favorite beaches is Castel Plage in Nice. He adores the way Castel Plage embraces the coastline’s bend at the end of the beach in Nice along the Promenade des Anglais. It appears that irrespective of the timing or the activities you opt for, whether solo or with companions, each visit yields a unique experience. It’s also an ideal spot for capturing stunning photos from virtually any perspective for your social media platforms. As dusk falls, you can step into the restaurant section to enjoy a delectable meal and drinks with friends, extending your leisure time by the sea. Plus, Castel Plage holds the distinction of being one of the initial beaches in Nice to openly embrace the LGBTQ+ community several years back. Since then, it has remained a fantastic destination for sunbathing, swimming, and enjoying evenings out.

Marcus´ choice

Amarea Bordighera – both the beach and the restaurant, up the east end of Bordighera’s long beach and sea-walk, are great quality and a fun experience. Superb wind-surfing! The scent and colours of the Riviera of Flowers and a salty sea breeze are a balm for the soul! The restaurant’s founder Romolo Giordano arrived at Capo Sant’Ampelio in 2008, with his refined, celebrated culinary art, accompanied by his young chef Nadi Rakipi, whose work has its strong roots in his mentor’s cuisine, and has an innovative, experimental streak. Romolo is a dedicated Bordigotto, founder and member of the committee of the Parmurelo d’Oru, the town’s independent annual award for services to culture.

My choice

La Spiaggetta dei Balzi Rossi. Balzi Rossi really is a great little beach. Not for those on a budget, but well worth it! This beautiful little Italian bay has no room for bad moods, problems and disappointments. Here you can immerse yourself in a world of happiness and bliss, feel a boost of energy and vigour, relax and take your mind off your everyday worries. Sunshades and sunloungers for hire, swimming, strolling along the shore and topping up on vitamin D. Easy access to water, popular for divers.

A visit to the Museo Preistorico dei Balzi Rossi rounds off the trip to the border between Italy and France. Skeletons and artefacts dating back 20,000 years can be found here. The spectacular discovery of two skeletons from the Grotta dei Fanciulli (Children´s cave) exhibiting clear negroid features differed significantly from the Crô-Magnon types known up to that point. Based on this discovery, it must be assumed that another type of human was widespread in Europe. The museum is quite small with friendly staff!

And what do we treat our finely tanned tummies to?

Balzi Rossi Restaurant – Ventimiglia

The MICHELIN Guide commentary – One star: a cuisine full of finesse

This historic bastion of Italian cuisine on the French border has been given a facelift: A new, elegant and modern dining room, while the spectacular view of the Côte d’Azur from the small terrace remains unchanged. The cuisine has its roots in the past with dishes that have been served here for decades and are now reinterpreted with a skilful touch of modernity.

Are you looking for a restaurant that can’t be beaten anywhere in the world? Haute haute cuisine?  Nestled in the foothills of the Alpes-Maritimes mountains, the 3-star Restaurant Mirazur in Menton offers a marvellous view of the Côte d’Azur and across the Mediterranean. The seasonal menu is inspired by the three elements that surround the Mirazur: the sea, the garden and the mountains. Remember to book in good time! 

A physical get-together is a must for those who love dialogue, so the most important constant this summer remains; come together: Eat, Drink and Love!

Casual and spontaneous on the beach, stylish in the garden or cosy with the family: summer tastes of freshly grilled food, crisp salads and refreshing drinks. Delicacies is culture in an aesthetic form – what sounds so simple and natural is an invitation and prelude to carefree enjoyment of sun, warmth and lightness. Cheers! to our well-being.

Green + blue = Turquoise

We are also fans of trying things out. Over the years, however, preferences have crystallised and we like to recommend river baths to find peace and quiet to strengthen our mental health. These fascinating river baths, sometimes with small waterfalls of the surrounding rivers are a refreshing alternative to the sea.

Beauty Essentials

Understatement shows how cool can be cool Neuroglow describes a holistic approach to beauty in which mental well-being and external appearance go hand in hand. It is not just about optimising your external appearance, but also about improving your mental and emotional well-being. In general, inner radiance is becoming increasingly important as a source of attractiveness.

Roller Renaissance and Italodisco sound!

Songs like postcards from the past. They tell of eternal summers on the beaches of Liguria or the Amalfi Coast!

Italodisco sound and roller skating is already considered a modern classic. Any reason to roll outside is welcome, roller skating takes us back to a carefree world of our childhood, free from worries. Perfect for hot summer days. Grab your roller skates and do a few laps in the wind. Not to mention that not only roller skating but also jam skating – dancing on roller skates – looks insanely good. Beautiful blue skies, a cool 70’s outfit make us want to strap rollers under our feet and dance away. Practice makes perfect, let’s roll!

Need for authenticity – Exhibition, book, film, fashion, music? All in one!

Beach holidays and hot temperatures sound tempting, but city trips should not be underestimated either. Broadening your horizons in Liverpool.

If you think you already know everything there is to know about the Beatles, think again! The generations that have no direct memories of the Second World War grew up in a world characterised by material security, a job, the abolition of conscription, free education, state healthcare, freedom and innovation! An age of new beginnings that offered both stability and unbridled freedom.

A miniskirt in front of your eyes and a Beatles song in your ear were the trend, taking a stance against the bourgeois post-war society and many consider this time to be the happiest of all!

Liverpool was considered the grooviest city in England and is still worth a visit today. August offers the perfect opportunity: a direct flight from Nice to the legendary Beatles Week! Our tip for all music lovers and culture vultures: Feeling groovy in Liverpool!

Short trip tip – Verona

Verona is inextricably linked with the tragic love story of ‘Romeo and Juliet’, but the city has much more to offer than the famous balcony. The old town, a UNESCO World Heritage, impresses with the Arena di Verona, a Roman amphitheatre where major opera performances are still held today.

Piazza delle Erbe, the oldest square in the city, is also worth a visit – surrounded by historic palaces and lively cafés.

For art and culture lovers, we recommend the Palazzo Maffei Museum in Piazza delle Erbe, which is celebrating its fifth anniversary this year. The museum was mentioned more frequently in the media due to the damage to the ‘Van Gogh Chair’ in April. A silent reminder of how fragile art, and perhaps even love, can be. Since its foundation in 2020, Palazzo Maffei has experienced many, many good things: an additional exhibition floor with new works and installations enriches the cultural programme.

Another magical moment is provided by the ‘Teatrino di Palazzo Maffei’ – a small theatre hall overlooking the Piazza delle Erbe. Cultural events take place here, while the view of the city and the surrounding hills fully emphasises the magic of this place. WOW!!!

Please contact Palazzo Maffei for further information. Grazie!

Sofia al Asfoor: Handbag and jewellery

Would you like a new companion on your arm? The decision is often difficult, but one is always right!You are well advised with a handbag from Sofia al Asfoor and, more recently, with a her Lab Diamond Fine Jewelry collection. Sofia has masterfully crafted each piece using lab-grown diamonds of unparalleled quality, ensuring exceptional brilliance and craftmanship.

Adorned with a meaningful emblem, they serve as a tangible representation of your inner strenght and beauty! 

Beautiful things can relax us and everyone can probably do with a little relaxation from the outside world! We wish you a relaxing summer!

PHOTO CREDITS

Lead image by Saverio Chiappalone; photos of handbags and jewellery courtesy Sofia al Asfoor; all other photos as credited