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Profiter pleinement de Berlin au cœur de l’hiver

La capitale allemande ne serait peut-être pas à première vue votre escapade hivernale idéale, mais Berlin est tout simplement magique sous la neige et culturellement très active pendant les mois d’hiver, avec des festivals de cinéma, de danse et de gastronomie, des célébrations du Bauhaus et même une fashion week! Voici une liste des choses à voir et à faire dans la capitale allemande.

Berlin est aujourd’hui une ville internationale jeune et active, célèbre pour sa vie nocturne animée, ses nombreux cafés, discothèques, bars, performances artistiques de rue, musées, palais et autres sites d’intérêt historique. Le mois de février est particulièrement prolixe pour les amateurs d’art : du 7 au 11 février aura lieu le Festival du film indépendant de Berlin, qui offre de nombreuses projections et possibilités de se faire un nom aux cinéastes de la relève. Le programme passionnant de films, d’ateliers et d’événements allie engagement en faveur du cinéma indépendant et solide compréhension de leur potentiel sur le marché. Tous les films sont projetés au cinéma Babylon de Berlin-Mitte et sont en anglais ou sous-titrés en anglais. Cerise sur le gâteau : ce cinéma propose des films à minuit tous les samedis, avec un orchestre de musique en direct !

Tenue à peu près au même moment, du 7 au 17 février, la Berlinale est l’événement le plus prestigieux de la ville. Avec plus de 400 films présentés, ce festival du cinéma mondialement connu attire à la fois l’élite de l’industrie cinématographique et le plus large public de tous les festivals de films du monde. Pendant deux semaines, des ateliers, des tables rondes et des projets communs encouragent la collaboration entre tous les participants. Lors des soirées exclusives de la Berlinale, les personnalités, l’art, le glamour et les affaires se rencontrent.

La danse est également à l’honneur : chaque année, des jeunes de 10 à 21 ans du monde entier se rencontrent à Berlin pour partager leur amour de la danse au Tanzolymp, un festival de danse avec ateliers, séminaires et compétitions. L’objectif principal du festival est de soutenir et d’accroître la popularité de la danse, et de fournir un aperçu de sa variété esthétique et stylistique. Un autre festival, Les Journées de la Danse ou Tanztage, promeut la danse contemporaine, et est axé sur la découverte et le soutien de nouveaux chorégraphes et danseurs de Berlin.

 

Le design et l’architecture ne sont pas en reste puisque 2019 marque le 100e anniversaire de la fondation de l’école de design Bauhaus. À l’occasion du centenaire, de nombreuses galeries, musées et autres institutions de Berlin rendent visibles et tangibles les idées du Bauhaus, telles que « Bauhaus – Le modernisme dans le monde » à la Willy Brandt Haus (16 janvier – 14 mars 2019), qui expose les œuvres du photographe Jean Molitor, qui photographie l’architecture Bauhaus dans le monde entier depuis plus de 10 ans. Les villes de Berlin, Saint-Pétersbourg, La Havane, Casablanca et Guatemala City y sont particulièrement représentées. La ville et sa périphérie offrent de nombreux exemples de ce style architectural très reconnaissable, en particulier les Cités du modernisme de Berlin, classées au patrimoine mondial de l’Unesco depuis 2008.

Pour profiter au maximum de toutes ces événements, Clé de Maison a sélectionné pour vous trois appartements extrêmement élégants, parfaits à la fois pour les familles et les voyages d’affaires. Situés dans le même immeuble chic de la Winterfeldstrasse, dans le quartier de Schöneberg, vous pouvez choisir un appartement d’une, deux ou trois chambres, en fonction des personnes avec qui vous voyagez !

Les chambres sont spacieuses et décorées avec goût ; elles disposent de beaucoup de lumière, d’une literie délicieusement confortable, et de salles de bains de marbre et mosaïque. Chaque cuisine est ultramoderne et entièrement équipée. Ces appartements sont parfaits pour ceux qui recherchent l’espace et le confort, à un excellent emplacement central, à côté de la Potsdamer Platz. Le bâtiment lui-même remonte à 1900 et a été restauré avec amour pour retrouver son ancienne gloire. Il est à distance de marche d’une grande variété de bars, restaurants et magasins, où vous pourrez découvrir le meilleur de cette ville dynamique. Clé de Maison à Berlin, c’est l’assurance du confort et de la facilité d’un hôtel, mais avec le sentiment d’être chez soi loin de chez soi.


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An Unforgettable Family Reunion at Villa Vesta, Magnificent Estate near Rome

Last week we received a  lovely review about one of our favorite properties, Villa Vesta, that we would like to share. Because it can sleep 20 and has plenty of space, both  inside and out, to entertain a crowd, to relax, and especially to celebrate a major life time event, we often host small weddings and family reunions, there.

Villa Vesta Event

But this past summer, we hosted a two week event which took months of planning, as we helped with planning of events for every day, gala feasts, with beautiful multi-course meals loaded with favorite local specialities, from plentiful seafood to porchetta, and of course local fruits, vegetables, and cheeses.

Villa Vesta China
Villa Vesta’s cabinets of fine dishes

We organised tours for the  family that ranged from the very young to the elderly and frail in wheel chairs,  including the Vatican and the Colosseum by wheel-chair; vineyards by car and bike, special restaurants, a trip to Sora, and so much more.  Though it kept us busy, the response that we received made it all worth while.

Villa Vesta Entrance
Entrance to Villa Vesta

Villa Vesta Sitting Area
A Comfortable Seating Area Open to the Vast Garden

Villa Vesta Stairs
Entrance Hall

Villa Vesta Estate
Looking Out Over the Garden Estate

Rocco, who planned the event for his multi-generational group moved us beyond words, with the heartfelt narration of his family history. Read on;

« We will never forget the beauty, the staff, the food, the location and support provided by Adriana and the Commendable Rentals team which provided the backdrop for our Italian family reunion. My grandfather, Ernesto, was born in Sora, Italy in 1890. He left for America in 1906 to find a « better life ». Actually, he was leaving his abusive step-father whom he would watch abuse his mother. He left his mother and sister behind, vowing to return one day to bring them to America and to get away from the abuse at home. He did create a beautiful life in Rhode Island and he did return to collect his mother 4 years later. However, his sister married and stayed in Italy. In the over 100 years, Ernesto’s family grew to over 90 Italo-Americans. While in Italy, his sister, Christina’s family grew to almost the same size. As many of the « elders » in my family were in their 80’s, Athena, my beautiful partner and I decided to create a once-in–a-lifetime reunion. We needed lots of coordination, facilities that would accommodate 2 large receptions and a responsive staff. Right from the start, it was clear that Adriana and her team would be able to help. They were amazing. The house was better than the photos, the staff quickly became part of our family, the food was wonderful and beautiful memories were created as part of this very special trip. We brought over 20 family members from Rhode Island and about 30+ of our Italian cousins showed up for 2 separate catered events, with live music, tents, sit down meal service, bar, flowers, and translators it was beautiful. We sat outside around the pool in the beautiful private grounds of the villa. The elders, met their cousins for the first time. There were hugs, tears, laughter, dancing and true connection. Adriana, thank you…what a wonderful magical place! It was truly a once in a lifetime event. About 8 weeks after the reunion, Zia Anna, the matriarch of our Italian family passed away. She was honored at both family festas and was a beautiful woman. The last time I saw her, she was smiling, with tears in her eyes and she gave me a big hug thanking us for creating this special moment bringing the family of Christina and Ernesto together for the first time »

For families who want to reunite, there is no better place!

More about Villa Vesta


8 Events to Include on Your Rome Itinerary This Year

"Triumphs and Laments" on the Tiber
« Triumphs and Laments » on the Tiber

Rome is a captivating destination of new sights and old history. The Eternal City has something to inspire anyone through its effortless charm – whether its the first visit or revisiting many times over. With half the year remaining, Rome’s special events calendar is still in full swing. If you’re taking advantage of a last minute holiday or planning fall and winter vacation, here are a few current and future events that would be a great addition to your travel itinerary in Rome:

Triumphs and Laments (pictured above) – A free “outdoor art” exhibition spanning a portion along the walls of the Tiber River. This large-scale contemporary artwork is by South African artist, William Kentridge, and is truly a skillful presentation depicting historic aspects of Rome highlighted by the surrounding Roman views.

Viaggio nei Fori (Journeys through Ancient Rome) – In two separate storylines, journey through the history of Julius Caesar and the first Roman Emperor, Augustus, through a spectacular multimedia presentation set among ancient ruins. Through October 2016.

Estate Romana (Roman Summer) – An annual vibrant summer event throughout Rome consisting of a wide range of cultural events, music, media, exhibitions, and more from July to September. With venues throughout Rome, you can enjoy Rome’s wonders with an added twist, like an open air concert set at The Baths of Caracalla. Visit the official website for a list of daily events planned around Rome, categorized by type.

"Lungo Il Tevere"
Festive summer events along the Tiber River – « Lungo Il Tevere »

Lungo il Tevere (Along the Tiber) – This annual summer festival is most recognizable by the white tented stalls and booths along both sides of the Tiber River featuring pop up shops, tasty morsels and drinks. In addition to the booths, scheduled exhibitions, music, art, and film events are showcased nearby. Find a map and events on their website.

L’Isola del Cinema – After strolling along the riverbank, catch an outdoor film in the charming atmosphere on Rome’s island, aptly named Tiber Island, as it is located in the middle of the Tiber River.

St Peter's Square
St. Peter’s Square

Jubilee – Even if you are not on pilgrimage, this is an extraordinary year to visit the Vatican City. Pope Francis announced an ‘extraordinary Holy Year’ – an event that last happened in year 2000, and is marked by the opening of sealed “Holy Doors” in the great basilicas, including St. Peter’s. An historic and special event lasting through November 2016.

Roma Europa FestivalAn art lovers festival, Roma Europa is an annual cultural event featuring art, dance, theater, music, and film. Events from June through September.

Rome Jazz Festival In celebration of Jazz, Rome hosts an annual Jazz Festival in November – the perfect complement to aperitivo. Stay tuned for this year’s schedule.

Opera and Theater SeasonAutumn begins the new culture season for Theatre and Opera in Rome. Enchantment can be found in many places in Rome, but experiencing Opera, Ballet, and Theatre in the Eternal City is a memorable experience.

Rome night

ROME RENTALS


Escape to Cartagena, Colombia – A Tropical Adventure

Cartagena

Cartagena, Colombia (also Cartagena de Indias)

A city of vibrance, beauty, history, and perfect tropical weather

Cartagena, Colombia is possibly the most attractive city in the western hemisphere, located on the northern coast of Colombia. Recently named the #2 ‘Destination on the Rise‘ in the world by Tripadvisor, you will find more than the typical coastal resort town in this historic city, whose fortress and walled city have been designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The preservation of its historical colonial heritage, the vibrant old town, with its cobblestone streets and bright colonial mansions, combined with the tropical climate, beaches, numerous islands, and friendly atmosphere create a charming paradise retreat.

Where to stay in Cartagena –

Old Town. Cartagena’s principal attraction is the walled city, an enclosed walking city filled with colorful colonial mansions with flourishing hanging flowers, old cathedrals, monasteries, plazas – a wonderful maze of beautiful sights and vibrant energy. There are many historic sights to see, and so much to discover by just wandering through the streets. Wandering is how the owners of Commendable Rentals found the stunning Cacrtagena Palace, a Palace-turned-Apartments with a rich history, a charming owner, and equally charming accommodations. Restaurants and shopping are plenty in Old Town. Catch the right view, and you can enjoy the blended view of the old and new, historic rooftops in the old city, a shimmering Cartagena Bay, and a skyline of newer developments.

NEW TO OUR COLLECTION – VILLA ALEXANDRA

Cartagena Celedon

Great for families, reunions, retreats – a 5 Bedroom, 5 Bath Villa in the heart of Cartagena, its Historic Old Town. This is the perfect Cartagena accommodation for those looking for the elegance and service of the best hotels, as well as the privacy of a private residence in a spacious home. With a courtyard pool, rooftop Jacuzzi, and hanging hammocks – fall into blissful relaxation. There’s even an option to add on a 36-foot boat for a trip to nearby islands.

Here are a few photos of Villa Celedon and the rejuvenating properties of this relaxing home. See more on the property page.

Upcoming events in Cartagena

NOVEMBER

Independence Day and Miss Colombia Beauty Pageant (Fiestas de Independencia) – This is a 4 day annual festival held in the beginning of November flooding the streets, beaches, rooftops, and sea. From floats, street parades, boat parades, costumes, indoor and outdoor parties, this is Cartagena’s likeness to Carnival.

JANUARY/FEBRUARY

HAY Festival – Annual celebration of literature, philosophy, film, and music with special guests often attending for discussions, book signings, and talks. Concerts are held in the piazzas.

BOOK YOUR TROPICAL ADVENTURE TODAY


Upcoming Events in Sermoneta, Italy

See more of Sermoneta

Welcome to Sermoneta.

A perfect medieval Italian village, Sermoneta is about an hour drive south of Rome, with a wealth of touring possibilities within and surrounding the city.

Sermoneta is a rare, largely unchanged hilltop village, with the fortress of the Castello Caetani (Caetani Castle) looming over its preserved beauty.  Set in the Lepino Mountain Range, stunning views overlook the vast countryside and out to the sea.

While the village itself is worth the visit, with cobblestone alleys, historical intrigue, and not to mention the serene Italian way of living, there are also plenty of events and sights to see that showcase Sermoneta’s vibrance. Here are some of the upcoming events you should plan for in 2016:

Gardens of Ninfa
Starting with the enchanting Gardens of Ninfa. The magical gardens are listed #1 things to do in the Latina region on Tripadvisor – certainly not to miss if you can catch a visiting date. These romantic gardens have been preserved around restored ruins, with a uniquely perfect climate allowing the gardens to flourish. To preserve the delicate nature of the gardens, there has historically been very limited openings to visitors. This year, more open days are available than in the past, giving visitors a chance to see one of the most beautiful gardens of Italy. Plan your trip – see all 2016 Gardens of Ninfa dates.

Love music? Several summer festivals showcase Sermoneta’s vibrance, like Maggio Sermonetano – a series of concerts and events in the streets of Sermoneta, or Festival di Chitarra « Caroso » – an international guitar festival in August.

Of course, there’s always room to celebrate wine and food! See all these exciting events below –

Sermoneta tower MAGGIO SERMONETANO (MAY SERMONETA)

Music and art fill the streets and squares of Sermoneta during Maggio Sermonetano (May Sermoneta). Enjoy free events of several musical genres, from popular music, jazz, classical to workshops, poetry, cinema, and more.
SEE MORE: MAGGIO SERMONETANO

 Sermoneta Caetani Castle

 

FESTIVAL DI PONTINO DI MUSICA

In June and July, the International Campus Foundation of Music organizes concerts of classical music, chamber music, and contemporary in the beautiful setting of Castello Caetani.
SEE MORE: PONTINO MUSIC FESTIVAL

Chitarra FESTIVAL DI CHITARRA « CAROSO »

In August, authors and performers from around the world celebrate the world of Guitar, with plenty of performances around Sermoneta.
SEE MORE: GUITAR FESTIVAL

 Wine SKYWINE FESTIVAL

A local cultural event at the end of August, the SkyWine Festival showcases the regional food and wine, as well as art, for a total cultural immersion.
SEE MORE: SKYWINE FESTIVAL

 Olives SECOLARE FIERA DI SAN MICHELE
At the end of September, experience a traditional fair exhibiting local specialties, from organic products, food stands, wine, as well as musical entertainment, shows, seminars and farm education.
SEE MORE: SAN MICHELE FAIR
 Gardens of Ninfa LIFE DRAWING AND FRESCO PAINTING CLASS
NEW! A unique opportunity to learn history, ancient techniques of life drawing or fresco painting in the Gardens of Ninfa, under the guidance of professors from the Academy of Fine Arts of Rome.
SEE MORE: ART IN SERMONETA


Of course, a holiday in Sermoneta wouldn’t be complete without an equally beautiful place to stay –
Domus Doull

Sermoneta Review

BOOK YOUR SERMONETA HOLIDAY 

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