Secret places blog

Anyone who lives in a noisy, congested big city knows that feeling for sure: On holiday, what we look for most is relaxation in untouched nature. We hike through green-covered mountains and valleys, observe native plant and animal species that we... Leer publicación

Let's be honest: we all dreamed of having our own tree house as a child, as a retreat for fantastic adventures out of sight of our parents, and as a private playground for our beloved hobbies. Climbing around in the treetops, watching over the who... Leer publicación

Anyone can go camping - but have you ever tried glamping? Currently, "glamping" (a combination of glamour and camping) is the ultimate trend for rural holidays: Guests enjoy direct contact with nature without having to forego the comfort of a luxu... Leer publicación

What makes a hotel a true Secret Place? A location in an unspoilt setting? A family atmosphere? A unique interior and decoration? Definitely. But last but not least, a special background story. One of our favourite hotels in Italy is the Bed &... Leer publicación

San Giovanni d'Asso, the white truffle secret. Following up on our last post about the truffle season in Northern Italy, we wouldn’t be Secretplaces if we would not have another secret spot up our sleeves: Truffles in Tuscany. Tuscany... Leer publicación

Alba Truffles. A destination. A lifestyle. For some even a currency. But for all of them a heavenly experience. The most wanted mushroom in the world has its prime time once again. Every year when fall turns into winter, masses of self-proclaimed... Leer publicación

Have you ever tried some delicious percebes? If you have traveled to the western European Atlantic coast, you might have noticed them on the menu in some cute little restaurant right by the coast. However, this seafood is still one of the best-... Leer publicación

This is the fourth of a series of 4 posts about the little paradises we found during our recent trip along the coast of Southern Bahia in Brazil. The other three are Trancoso, the only one that is a bit more known, at least in Brazil, Caraí... Leer publicación

This is the third of a series of 4 posts about the little paradises we found during our recent trip along the coast of Southern Bahia in Brazil. The other three are Trancoso, the only one that is a bit more known (at least in Brazil), Caraí... Leer publicación

This is the second of a series of 4 posts about the little paradises we found during our recent trip along the coast of Southern Bahia in Brazil. Caraíva is one of our favourites. The other three are Trancoso, the only one that is a bit mor... Leer publicación

This is the first of a series of 4 posts about 4 little paradises we found during our recent trip along the coast of Southern Bahia in Brazil. Trancoso is the only one that is a bit more known, at least in Brazil. The other three (Caraíva... Leer publicación

We are proud to announce our most recent collaboration with the German Golf Magazine Golf 'n' Style ! We had the pleasure to organize a short trip to the beautiful Italian city Venice for the team of Golf 'n' Style which they combined with a tr... Leer publicación

  We adore Austria, and especially its capital. Vienna is a nonconformist aristocrat. It cherishes its glorious historical patrimony without repressing its constant desire for new horizons.This beautiful city is perfect for a visit any t... Leer publicación

I admit that I discovered Sanlúcar de Barrameda by coincidence many years ago and it never left my mind. At the time I was visiting Jerez de la Frontera and heard marvels about the Doñana National Park, one of Europe’s larg... Leer publicación

The today's world is constantly changing and evolving. Every day, hour, minute and even every second an infinite number of things are happening. Adventures are being experienced, memories are being created and new concepts are being developed. The... Leer publicación

Taking care of our mind as well as our body has never been as important as now. There has been a change in attitude toward re-discovering nature, reconnecting with ourselves, and realizing the mental health benefits of exposure to the great outdoo... Leer publicación

  Part 2: From Lisbon to the Algarve Although being on the same western coast, the ocean south of Lisbon is quite different to the one in the north. Big waves can be found here as well, but the water starts getting warmer and the waves... Leer publicación

Sea so close, you can almost dip your toes in it – from your bedroom! Few things beat waking up in the morning to the soft, melodic sound of water lapping against the shore. Imagine having the ocean right on your doorstep, so close you can... Leer publicación

Portugal’s best beaches: from Caminha (Minho) down to Lisbon When beautiful landscapes turn into golden sand just before they meet the waves of the Atlantic Ocean you are probably in Portugal. Long stretches of the 667 km of Portug... Leer publicación

1. Italy - Wild Poppy Fields in Tuscany When thinking of Tuscany, green valleys filled with sunflowers might be one of the first things that come to your mind. This is not the only thing that this beautiful area of Italy is famous for. From the... Leer publicación

It is a funny feeling when driving along the southern coast of Andalusia near Salobreña. In front of us the bright sunlight is reflected in myriads of small diamonds from the Mediterranean Sea. In the background the majestic snow covered mo... Leer publicación

  “There is no more sagacious animal than the Icelandic horse. He is stopped by neither snow, nor storm, nor impassable roads, nor rocks, glaciers, or anything. He is courageous, sober, and surefooted. He never makes a false step,... Leer publicación

Porto You should definitely spend two days in Porto at the beginning or at the end of the round trip through Northern Portugal. This beautiful city, previously forgotten by visitors, has become one of the most popular travel destinations in Portu... Leer publicación

You know how it is being taken to an Italian restaurant in some far away country wondering why you are not in a restaurant serving local food? Well, sometimes it is worth waiting before judging too soon. The good thing about food is that there are... Leer publicación

Green, greener, green hotels. Lately a special type of hotels has appeared in searches more and more often, but a lot of people don’t really know what this eco-friendly holiday option is all about. What is special about a green hotel, what i... Leer publicación

  We all love luxury. Being the pleasure of driving a nice and fancy car or the delight of enjoying a Ladurée macaron on the Champs Élysées, we all like and deserve to treat ourselves sometimes. Well, we thought abou... Leer publicación

Do you think mass tourism has conquered even the last remaining paradises of Europe? Not really. Those landscapes that make us look in awe at what nature can accomplish still exist. The area between the Sado estuary and the port city of Sines... Leer publicación

  When the crowds of tourists start leaving the beaches and coastal areas and the weather become more mellow, it starts the best time to relax and enjoy the view across the water from your bedroom or hotel terrace. We have put together a... Leer publicación

At Secretplaces we are always seeking to add new, exciting and stylish accommodation options. Last year we were able to begin working with some very exciting new partners all over Portugal. In this blog post we present you the best portuguese vill... Leer publicación

  „Madeira“ – means simply wood. And you can find lots of wood on the island, normally in form of many, many trees. I wanted to dive into the wonderfully natural world of this island, so, took my hiking shoes and searched... Leer publicación

Wanderlust can be quite persistent. I learned this the hard way at home on my couch. I was totally hungry after my Vietnam-trip this year and so I was longing for spring rolls. Authentic, Vietnamese spring rolls with a good filling. So I pulle... Leer publicación

Up until a few years ago, you would be forgiven for not knowing much or anything at all about the Azores, a Paradisaical archipelago situated 800 miles from mainland Europe.  Fast forward and these luscious green islands in the middle of t... Leer publicación