Archive for May, 2021

Five Places to Discover Greek Architecture

Friday, May 28th, 2021

Amidst the mountains, capes, alcoves and beaches that Greece has to offer, there’s stunning architecture to marvel at. Some old, some new – there’s certainly something for everyone.

Whether it’s a day excursion from your Greek villa rental., yacht trip out to sea, or an organized tour, here are five must-visit destinations for appreciating Greek architecture at its best.

Cyprus
With some of the greatest preserved architecture dating back to 900BC and earlier, Cyprus is a fusion of old and new, as seen in its buildings and structures.

The jewel of the Mediterranean, start your whirlwind tour at 9th century Church of Lazarus in Larnaca. If possible, come at night when it’s lit up and gleaning like a beacon in the city skyline, it’s history is equally as impressive.

In stark contrast, another impressive building is The Oval in Limassol. This 16-floor office space is a local landmark, designed to represent a pebble on the Limassol coastline.

Zante
Although Zante has some of the best luxury villa rentals and beaches in the Greek Islands, it also has impressive buildings to view. This includes many aqueducts, a Venetian Castle and Churches includes the Metropolis of Agios Dionysios – the perfect illustration of Greek architecture at its best.

For something more unique head to Navagio Beach. Plunged into the sea and accessible only by boat, here you will find a 40-year old shipwreck, preserved for all to enjoy. Bring your camera, and some flip flops!

Mykonos
For a small island, Mykonos packs an almighty punch when it comes to aesthetically pleasing buildings.

Dotted throughout the island are white-washed houses littering cobbled streets with windmills blowing in the wind. It is very much like stepping inside a postcard of what you imagine the Greek islands to be like.

There are also many state-of-the art Mykonos villas with modern elegant design and views out to sea. Head to Little Venice to enjoy some of these washed up views and cute houses.

Athens
The Greek capital is home to some of the most famous and significant architecture of today and yesteryear.

It would be remiss not to mention the most famous of them all – The Acropolis and Parthenon. Standing atop of a rock since the 5th century, it’s one of the most famous Greek temples, fantastically preserved for generations to enjoy. If you’re interested in neoclassical buildings, there are many private tours you can embark on.

For a more modern approach, the Stavros Niarchos Foundation Cultural Centre is aesthetically impressive, that you could easily mistake if for a luxury mansion for rent!

Corfu
If you just want to meander down stone walkways and gawp at the buildings as you walk on by, then Corfu is your island. As well as great food, and a booming hospitality industry, it has architecture that people come from far and wide to enjoy.

Head to the Old Town, a protected UNESCO World Heritage Site, and must-visit destination for appreciating neoclassical design including the Old and New Fort.

For your next trip to Greece, visit Global Luxury Villas to book your luxury villa rental.

A Guide to Cuban Culture in Miami

Thursday, May 13th, 2021

There may be an ocean between them, but there’s only 531km separating Cuba and the sunny coastline of Miami. This, along with the Cuban revolution in the 50s, helped to inspire a generation of natives to venture further afield, many settling into Florida’s golden coast in recent years.

Today, Cuban culture is proudly embedded in Miami life, bringing its food, fun and flair to the bright lights of the city. In this guide we’ll take a look at some of the best spots to visit.

Historical places to visit
Little Havana is the beating heart of this community, with eateries, salsa bars and a bustling street life reminiscent of Havana, oh na na! Leave your luxury Miami villa behind you and immerse yourself in all that’s great about the Latin spirit. Come on the last Friday of every month where local galleries showcase the art scene and this proud vibrant neighbourhood.

As you scour the streets, look out for craftsmen rolling Cuban cigars – a cultural symbol of its community. The Hispanic neighbourhood of Calle Ocho is a great place to soak it all up, head to El Titan de Bronze for some of the best cigars to bring home with you.

Of course, a trip to Miami would not be complete without a visit to some of the landmarks paying tribute to the people of Cuba. This includes the Freedom Tower on Biscayne Boulevard and The Torch of Friendship monument a few blocks away.

The best Cuban eateries in Miami
At the heart of Cuban culture is good times and good company. Food plays such an important role in family life, that its influence on local Miami cuisine has left an indelible mark. The city is well known for its cosmopolitan food scene, with a Cuban flair, and you can even hire in world-class Cuban chefs to your luxury Miami villa rental.

To understand the culture, you first need to understand it’s food scene, starting with a Cuban sandwich. Head to Sanguich de Miami – an institution known for its authentic cooking and street food, just check out their Instagram page for inspiration.

For sizzling steaks and traditional sides, Palomilla Grill is a top dining spot, along with La Carreta. This also happens to be of the longest family-run restaurants in the area, gracing customers with favourites like boliche (pot-roast) and Yuca with Mojo, to satisfy their cravings.

Don’t forget the coffee…
Hand-in-hand with good food is a classic Cuban coffee – one of the most-loved drinks in this city. There’s a whole host of coffee choices, including the punchy espresso to keep those Cuban heels partying all night and a casual leche (milk) version. Puerto Sagua on Collins Avenue is a great call when it comes to sampling this Latino favorite.

Where to party like a Cuban in Miami?
Salsa and Cuba go together like Miami and cocktails. So, when you’re ready for a Daiquiri, or perhaps a Cuba Libre, the Latin Café in Brickell Plaza is a popular choice for the late-night crowd, conveniently near to the plush Miami villa rentals.

But for salsa heaven, head to Ball & Chain in Little East Havana, which has welcomed jazz heroes like Billie Holiday and Chet Baker in the past. Today it remains a throbbing party place with great cocktails to boot.

Finally, just around the corner Los Altos is a tucked away behind a hidden way for those in the know. This speakeasy brings all the luxury villa vibes with its glamourous design and Mexican-inspired walls.

For luxury villa rentals in Miami with five-star service, visit Villazzo.