Velona's Jungle

It's been a crazy week (I won't delve into it as I'm sure you've heard enough, but my day job involves the website that our friends to the south crashed which ended up all over the news) and before I get into this post, I just wanted to make quick mention of this special day. Today my Grandfather who was a decorated war veteran is in my thoughts along with all those who fought and died in the line of duty. I unfortunately did not know my gramps very well before his passing several years ago as he lived on the opposite side of the country for the majority of my youth, but he was a pretty cool guy and I was really proud of what he did for this country. Anyway, this week has been very emotional and continues to be, so I don't know about you but I could use some eye candy as a distraction, if only for a few moments. Thanks to the team at Studio Fotografico Francesca Pagliai for sending along these beautiful photos of an absolutely delightfully decorated boutique hotel in Florence called Velona's Jungle. (Interior design: Studio Sgroi)

Savor the flawless comfort and unique style of the guest suites at Velona's Jungle Luxury Suites, where many of the elegant objets d'art and furnishings date from the mid century, when the family's patriarch - a respected Florentine art dealer - began collecting pieces during his travels in Italy and abroad. His fabulous finds from trips through Florence, Rome, Naples, London, Paris, and Vienna in the 1950's were paired exquisitely with the prestigious antique and period furnishings from his gallery, creating a one-of-a-kind home.

Subsequent generations added to the original collection, carefully selecting works by contemporary artists, fabrics and decorative accents by favorite designers, and choice books and sculpture...each chosen with the same care and passion as their grandfather and together creating the glorious whole that is now Velona's Jungle.

This dining room is soooooo fabulous!!!!

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The Bunker

If a concrete home leaves us cold we'll often describe it disparagingly as a bunker. So what happens when that concrete home is actually a bunker? If it's this penthouse apartment atop a WWII above ground bunker in Hamburg, Germany what could have been sterile and oppressive is instead raw, warm and sophisticated. The loft-style space has four metre floor-to-ceiling windows, is filled with contemporary designer pieces and has two big balconies offering amazing views over the city. What makes this beautiful apartment even more exciting is that it is part of the luxury vacation accommodation offered through Welcome Beyond. It's available from March 2017. In the meantime we can daydream of a getaway to help us through the Friday grind.

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Going Tribal

Perhaps the post title should be "Going to Tribal", the Tribal Hotel in Granada, Nicaragua. It's Wednesday and I am so in need of a virtual getaway that I'm guessing you are too. A tropical oasis with a boho vibe this boutique hotel is so cool, so stylish and so laid back I know that we'd fit right in. Just need a Macuá in hand to make it paradise.

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Hotel Julien

Time for our Friday escape. Yes if you're chained to your desk at work and need a virtual getaway then why not join me at Hotel Julien in the heart of the historic Belgian city of Antwerp. Two 16th century properties lovingly restored, their historic features effortlessly combined with contemporary furnishings. I'll meet you on the terrace with those lovely rooftop views. Well at least in my daydreams.

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Runaway to Morocco

Come take my hand. We'll close our eyes and click our heels and be magically transported to 5 Columns, a beautifully restored 18th Century house in the heart of the Essaouira Medina, Morocco. If only it was that easy to escape the slow dragging drudgery of Fridays at work.

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