Travel with us to the Cyclades Islands…

Battered Black Book were invited by ALS Ski and AirX to bring a select group on a fabulous trip to Lech, to experience first-hand, 3 days of mountain luxury that they regularly book for their bosses; flying by private jet and sampling some of the best food, accommodation and activities the area has to offer. The BBB Blogger attempts to do the trip justice… It was a suitably grey Monday morning to escape London as we started to gather at Luton Private Terminal around 11.30am, all set for a 12 noon take-off – as it turns out, and as the more experienced PJ travelers amongst us demonstrated, with no check-in or immigration queues to contend with, 30mins is far too early…there’s really no need to allow more time than you would to board a bus. But for a number of the guests, although very familiar with booking private jets, this was our first time travelling on one and without having to play it cool around clients / principals, we were all rather excited! On boarding the Bombardier Challenger 850, we were treated like royalty, with champagne and a delicious selection of canapés and fresh fruit. Our host for the week, ALS Ski’s indomitable Bella had curated stunning goodie bags for the guests, including all sorts of glamorous ski ‘essentials’; Bracelets from Florence London, sunglasses from Taylor Morris, hats and keyring from Popski, Levison Wood books, bottles of gin from Ableforth’s Gin and beauty products from Bux @ Bewl. An incredible selection and set the tone for the spoiling days ahead. The flight was a mere 90 minutes (if only it was longer…) but included a particular treat for Sarah, who was invited to take a seat in the cockpit for landing, which was an incredible experience for her and a lovely touch from the AirX pilots…who became rather popular amongst the guests… At 2.30pm local time we landed at Zurich Private Terminal and within a matter of minutes, we were through private immigration, our luggage was transferred to two luxury transfer vehicles and we were on the road to Lech. Not a finger raised. After 2 hours on the road, enjoying breath-taking scenery and gradually seeing blue sky and cityscapes change to snow and mountains, we arrived in Lech. Excitement was building as just a few hours after leaving grey Luton, we were in the magical Narnia-like setting of Alpine beauty. The party was split between two accommodations – Severin*s and Aurelio with both parties feeling they lucked out with their allocated accommodation! At Severin*s, our delightful host, Cecily showed us around the stunning property; a beautiful combination of classic Austrian architecture and contemporary design, artwork and technology, including Loewe TVs / Revox sound systems in every room. The property consists of the hotel (exclusively Suites) and The Residence, a sprawling 4 bedroom private chalet with cinema room, grand piano and outside hot tub (natch!). Both buildings have direct access to a full wellness spa featuring an indoor pool, gym, 2 saunas, steam room and infrared cabin. No time to enjoy the spa just yet… Bella had organized a fabulous horse-drawn sleigh ride around Lech – we all piled in and wrapped up with blankets, as we were taken through breath-taking scenery of crisp white snow and village life – very Dr Zhivago. A wise member of the group had the foresight not to depend purely on blankets for warmth and had popped to the Spa (shop, not wellness) returning with copious amounts of Schnapps, so by the time we returned to Severin*s, the group was in high spirits. It may have been around this point that Alasdair floated the idea of extending the trip and delaying Wednesday’s return flight by a few hours – unsurprisingly, the suggestion was unanimously endorsed. And an insight into how a change of circumstances, or simply a whim, AirX can easily accommodate changes to guests’ plans. Returning to our hotels for some downtime to unpack, relax and prepare for dinner, most repaired to their rooms but BBB managed to sneak in a quick visit to the fabulous spa for swim, sauna, steam. We then gathered for pre-dinner drinks [can you sense a theme here…?!] in the wine cellar at Severin*s, made all the more special by champagne flutes from Becky Broome individually engraved with each of our names! Such a thoughtful touch and another example of the wonderful attention to detail by ALS. The dinner that followed at the Residence was sublime – delicious food cooked from a menu created especially for us and served by Severin*s private chef. It was agreed that both dinner and chef were mouth-watering. A screening in the private cinema was planned for after dinner, however first-night-itis was taking hold so we gathered around the piano and laughed the night away – it turned out that BBB had assembled a very jolly group! The next morning, despite slightly foggy heads, we rose for breakfast in our respective hotels either bright and early / at our leisure depending upon whether we were skiing or spa-ing. Bella and Emma from ALS, Georgia and BBB decided to hit the slopes. As we’d already sent through our measurements, skiing ability and hire requirements before leaving London, ski hire was seamless and having left the hotel shortly after 9am, we were kitted out, p the mountain and had completed our first 3 runs by 10.15am. Despite some us not having skied for some years, we soon got our ski legs back and were all of a similar ski level, so following Bella’s lead, were soon bombing down the mountain and blowing last night’s cobwebs away. It’s worth noting that Lech is a very family friendly resort, with a variety of slopes and wide pistes many of which are above the tree-line with great visibility. It was then revealed that it was Bella’s birthday…so a mid-morning pit-stop was called for to celebrate! Following fizzy refreshments, fully fortified, we skied on until lunchtime to reconvene with the rest of the group for lunch at Hotel Kristiania. Navigation hadn’t been an issue up until the point that BBB thought they’d spotted a more direct route to Kristiania – unfortunately BBB was mistaken. We found ourselves heading the wrong way along a cross-country ski lane that eventually met the road. However, with a click of her fingers, Bella had the hotel’s driver locate us and we were collected within minutes – yet another illustration of ALS’s exemplary service that VIP clients can depend upon. Lunch at Kristiania was a particular highlight for BBB – it was lovely to see the reunited gang sharing their morning’s experiences, clearly having a blast and firm friendships being formed. The Kristiania staff gave us such a warm welcome, were incredibly attentive but relaxed and informal. Lunch itself was outstanding Haute Cuisine, accompanied by sensational wine, including a particularly memorable Austrian pinot noir… Back up the mountain after lunch, this time to toboggan down(!) before being ferried back to our hotels for some downtime before the evening’s activities… Before dinner Axel and Claudia from Aurelio took us to view two other incredible properties that are right up BBB’s Strasse: Chalet Mimi and Chalet Arula. Both are utterly stunning, super-high spec and very James Bond, complete with private pools, underground parking, private wellness spas, private ice-rinks and beautiful furnishings and lighting throughout. Naturally, they are both ski-in-ski-out. Perfect properties for principals who require the very highest standards, while also enjoying total privacy. At Chalet Mimi, we were treated to gorgeous canapés from the chalet’s private chef and yet more champagne, before heading back to Aurelio for dinner, a sensational 8-course tasting menu, followed by digestifs in the drawing room. A marvellous way to round up an incredible day. On Wednesday morning, we rose gradually, umm-ing and ahh-ing as to whether we could squeeze in one last ski, although deep down knowing that the spa would win over. At this point, BBB must declare an absolute obsession with Austrian breakfasts; homemade granolas, yoghurts, fresh fruits, hams, salamis, cheeses, fabulous breads and eggs prepared any which way. There’s no better start to the day. Following a lazy morning, those of us staying in Severin*s were given a tour of Hotel Aurelio and Chalet Aurelio all they have to offer – the epitome of a traditional Alpine hotel in the very best sense (including their own charming alpacas) but again, amazingly appointed with superb facilities and incredibly located at the foot of the mountain, where the piste meets the town. Having extended our stay by a few hours, there was time for one final flourish from Bella; a traditional Tyrolean lunch of Fondue, Gröstl, Raclette and Schnitzel. As we rolled out of the restaurant, our transfers (pre-loaded with our luggage) swooped in to collect us and start the journey home. We were soon re-boarding our Bombardier and once the champagne was flowing again (this time remembering to hold on to our glasses on take-off!) we set off back towards London. On arriving back into Luton, it was another short stroll from the plane (Lynn’s principals’ driver was already waiting for her airside!), through immigration at the private terminal and literally within minutes, we were on the road. And definitely with a tinge of sadness – an unforgettable whirlwind of a trip, experiencing the very highest levels of hospitality imaginable, with an incredible gang, we had all become very accustomed to the lifestyle. None of which would have been possible without the vision and attention to detail from Bella and her whole ALS team and the incredible generosity of Alasdair and everyone at AirX. Through BBB you can be assured of the very best service with Partners such as ALS and AirX on board and of course, do contact Anna at anna@thebbbook.com with any enquiries.

For the month of June our focus on Events, we wanted to share with you some of the best, most interesting and more unusual food festivals and events from around the world. So whether a mad, immersive experience is what you’re after, or if you prefer something more sedate, check out our top 10 suggestions of brilliant foodie trips…  

Salon du Chocolat, Quito, Ecuador

  Ecuador is the home of some of the best chocolate in the world and every year, this is celebrated at the incredible ’Salon du Chocolat’ in the Ecuadorian capital, Quito. Around 15,000 people attend each year to enjoy tastings from Ecuadorian producers large and small, cookery classes, check out the prestigious chocolate sculpture competition and even see a chocolate fashion show! The event started in France more than 20 years ago and today is recognised internationally as the most important chocolate event in the world. From previous years, enthusiastic locals arrive early in the morning to get to the front of the line and get in first, so by 10am you can expect long queues to get in (top tip – wait til an hour later and the queues have usually cleared, but don’t wait too long or you’ll miss the free samples!) The highlight of the festival is undoubtedly the last day, when the winners of the various contests are announced! (7-9 June 2019 – info here).    

Dumpling Festival, Hong Kong

  Dumpling lovers of the world unite at this world famous festival in Hong Kong. Celebrated on the fifth day of the fifth Chinese lunar month, this is a day when Chinese families around the world traditionally feast on dumplings – visitors to the festival can enjoy a sea of dumplings, with the highlight being zongzi dumplings, made of glutinous rice with different fillings wrapped in bamboo, lotus or banana leaves. The spectacular Dragon Boat Race, tied in to the legend behind the festival itself, is a must see (in between mouthfuls of course!) – the race has become so popular that the sport now has its own international federation!  

Giant Omelette Celebration – Bessières, France

  Whilst Brits are tucking into chocolate eggs for Easter, our neighbours in Bessières are on a different mission… Here, they celebrate the religious holiday by gathering dozens of the the best chefs from all over the city to make one giant omelette! Using around 15,000 eggs, the omelette is cooked in the streets before being cut up and shared amongst the thousands of onlookers who flock to the celebrations. The festival started, according to legend, when Napoleon Bonaparte visited the area and, enjoying his eggs so much, asked for a giant omelette to be prepared for his troops. The festival has been going for decades and today see chefs gather with huge spoons that look more like oars to prepare the massive omelette in the main square. The festival lasts several days and aside from the main attraction of the omelette itself, visitors can enjoy dancing, music and parades. The tradition (and egg count!) has grown since the 1970’s and now sister festivals with more giant omelettes are found in linked cities worldwide, including Fréjus in France and Pigüé in Argentina! (The next festival in Bessières is Easter 2020, but the sister festivals around the world happen throughout the year. Full info here).  

Die Lange Tafel, Graz, Austria

  On a wonderful, late summer evening each year, Graz hosts a night of sophistication and culinary excellence for the masses. Splendidly laid tables, top chefs and some of the best wines of the country are brought together under the stunning backdrop of Schlossberg, the clock tower and town hall. More than 750 lucky guests dine under the stars in an electric atmosphere, followed by a standing ovations for the chefs and their teams, the organizers and the music ensembles. Tickets sell fast understandably, but if you can get one, it’s really something special. (24 August 2019 – info here).  

La Tomatina, Bunol, Spain

  La Tomatina is an experience unlike any other… the world’s largest food fight, it takes place each August in Buñol, Spain. Over 20,000 participants from all over the world gather in this small Valencian town to throw (literally) tons of over-ripe tomatoes from Extremadura at each other in this huge, epic battle! The food fight itself lasts just one hour, but the week leading up to it is full of festivities including music, fireworks, various parades and huge paella cooking contests, as well as countless after parties with DJ’s and dancing long into the night… So whether you’re into throwing food or just up for eating it, this week long celebration has something for everyone. (28 August 2019 – info here).  

The Onion Market, Bern, Switzerland

  The famous Onion Market (Zibelemärit) is the biggest traditional folk festival in Bern. Held on the fourth Monday of November each year, farmers from the surrounding area gather their wares and head to the Swiss capital to showcase more than 50 metric tons of onions and garlic in woven braids, rings and single bulbs. Officially the festival starts at 6am but the city is already full of onion aromas by 5am, when the first onion soups and tarts start cooking. Stalls with Gluwein, textiles, jewellery, ceramics and children’s toys also fill the streets, making it a wonderful day out. A highlight of the event is the confetti war, which starts punctually at 4pm! (25 November 2019 – info here).  

Nuit de la Sardine, Saint-Jean-de-Luz, France

  For over 30 years, sardines have been celebrated every summer in Saint-Jean-de-Luz, where this traditional festival is one of the highlights of the summer. Every July and August, for two solo nights, the town goes sardine crazy. At Campos Berri, more than a thousand foodies gather to enjoy a giant barbecue. Grilled sardines are accompanied by a host of local and regional dishes, including tuna à la plancha, sausages and the famous Basque cake. After dining at over 200 tables, revellers take to the streets for music, performances and dancing into the night. (20 July & 3 August 2019 – info here).  

La Batalla de Vino, Haro, Spain

  Much like La Tomatina, this sumptuous festival is also about covering friends and strangers in something delicious, but this time it’s wine! Every June, locals in La Rioja gather to spray one another in red wine, before switching to drinking it instead and partying the night away. Known locally as La Batalla del Vino de Haro, this huge ‘wine fight’ involves thousands of all-white wearing locals and tourists tossing delicious vino tinto over each other using everything from buckets to water pistols. The week long fiesta of music and wine drinking culminates with the terrific wine battle on a hill outside of town.  

Night of the Radishes, Oaxaca, Mexico

  Mexico is a country full of colour, music and rich traditions, and this fascinating festival is a prime example of Mexican culture. In the time leading up to Christmas, residents in Oaxaca practise their artistic skills by carving radishes into tiny humans, animals and houses, to showcase finally on the Night of the Radishes, the day before Christmas Eve. The tradition started as a way to attract people into stores after Church services, but quickly became so popular that it’s now an annual event in its own right – the best radish carvings even compete for a 12,000 pesos prize! The most grandiose of these carvings often include scenes from the Gueleguetza Dance and the Nativity. To ensure the competition is fair, participants may only use vegetables grown by the government to create their masterpieces – but understand, these radishes are not like the salad ones, some grow up to 1.5 feet long and weight up to 7lbs! The festival starts in the morning, when visitors can see the artists working on their sculptures, but the highlight is the end of the day when the masterpieces are complete and the judges make their decisions. Oaxaca has a long tradition of wood carving, so imagining that skills have passed down through the generations, the results each year are pretty spectacular… The festival also features concerts around the city, fireworks and light shows. (23 December 2019 – info here).  

Kaljakellunta Beer Floating Festival, Vantaa, Finland

  Kaljakellunta is an open, free-spirited event during which, each summer, thousands of participants float down a river in all kinds of inflatable vessels whilst drinking beer. With no official organiser, no rules and no entrance tickets, this unusual and laid-back festival has become so popular that local companies even started selling boats specially designed for the event, complete with built-in coolers and beer holders! Held on the rivers around Helsinki and now in its 21st year, this glorious festival attracts visitors of all ages, from all over the world. Most liberatingly, there are also no fixed dates for this event… instead attendees connect with each other and spread the word in person or via social media, ending in an online vote before the final date is announced. In recent years, the event has been criticised for the mess left behind, so if you’re going floating, be sure to clean up…. (Typically held last weekend of July or first weekend of August – suggested date is 3 August 2019 – info here.) BBB has access to excellent rates on flights, hotels, car hire and more around the world, so for a quote or just to talk about options, drop a line to our resident travel expert Anna Hayward at anna@thebbbook.com. We also have excellent partners who specialise in visas, insurance, luggage delivery and a host of other travel related services – for further information on these, please contact Alex Popoff at alex@thebbbook.com.