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Author Archive for Paola Fiocchi Van den Brande

Paola Fiocchi Van den Brande is Founder and Director at Passepartout Homes, a curated portfolio of spacious villas, selected for their ease of accommodating extended families, large groups, weddings, corporate retreats and other private events. The company was born out of her desire to share her family holiday home combined with a passion for travel and interior design. Paola prides herself for knowing each client by name and is dedicated to learning their idea of perfect holiday home. Besides running Passepartout Homes, Paola also works as digital Marketing and Social Media Manager for luxury holiday villas and advises home owners on vacation rental best practices.

The luxury of Christmas in Spain

By Paola Fiocchi Van den Brande on Dec 15, 2019 in Europe, Events, Regions, Spain, Travel Miscellany, Western Europe

One of the great pleasures of my work is collaborating with so many people from different countries and cultures. Despite globalisation and commercialisation, at times like Christmas national identities shine through, as each community celebrates in very different ways. Spain is truly an all-year destination. With its rich, colourful and fun-loving culture, it’s a favourite […]

5 of the best Christmas carol concerts in Britain

By Paola Fiocchi Van den Brande on Nov 13, 2019 in Europe, Events, Regions, Travel Miscellany, United Kingdom, Western Europe

Few things best capture the magic of the festive season than a carol concert. Despite all the commercialism of Christmas, carols remain an authentic and enchanting part of this time of year – a chance to get together with friends and family and share a sing-along. It makes us all feel young at heart! What’s […]

5 of the best Christmas markets in Britain

By Paola Fiocchi Van den Brande on Oct 30, 2019 in Attractions, Europe, Going Out, Leisure Travel, Regions, Speciality Travel, United Kingdom, Western Europe

Europe has long had a tradition of wonderful festive markets and it seems that the UK is really beginning to catch up. With the Christmas season starting to kick in fully from early November onwards in Britain, it’s time to grab a glass of mulled wine and explore some locally crafted treats and inspiring gift […]

Falling in love with Lisbon: 5 reasons why you’ll be enthralled by Portugal’s cool capital this Autumn

By Paola Fiocchi Van den Brande on Sep 14, 2019 in Europe, Food and Drink, Portugal, Regions, Travel Miscellany, Western Europe

From the moment you arrive in this historic, maritime city one can’t help but be captivated. Autumn in Portugal’s capital is special; the vibrancy of the city remains, yet the crowds of high season have passed. It’s when one can all too easily fall in love with Lisbon. You’ve probably read that Lisbon is the […]

Discover the authentic Iberia through UNESCO World Heritage Sites

By Paola Fiocchi Van den Brande on Aug 27, 2019 in Attractions, Europe, Featured, Going Out, Regions, Spain, Western Europe

Spain is part of an elite club; one of the top 3 countries on the planet with the most UNESCO World Heritage Sites. It is a remarkable reflection of the country’s rich historical, cultural and natural landscape. Some of Spain’s World Heritage recognitions are world-famous, like Granada’s extraordinary Alhambra, its beautiful Generalife gardens, and the […]

Finding your Balearic bliss

By Paola Fiocchi Van den Brande on Jul 10, 2019 in Europe, Leisure Travel, Regions, Spain, Speciality Travel, Western Europe

The Mediterranean is Europe’s summer playground, and home to almost 200 destination islands. From the big hitters like Sicily to the smallest island nations such as Malta, this beautiful sea offers visitors compelling places to enjoy the joys of a very special Summer lifestyle. The Balearic Islands Formentera, Ibiza, Menorca and Mallorca make up the […]

Where to wine and dine in Bordeaux

By Paola Fiocchi Van den Brande on Jun 01, 2019 in Attractions, Europe, Food and Drink, France, Going Out, Regions, Restaurants, Travel Miscellany, Western Europe

The City of Wine is understandably one of France’s top destinations. This glorious UNESCO World Heritage city of art, architecture, food and wine has French charm and elegance, as well as a genuinely welcoming ambiance. Here are our top tips for eating and drinking well in the city. La Cité du Vin museum Bordeaux is […]

Caribbean castaways – a brief guide to 5 authentic islands

By Paola Fiocchi Van den Brande on May 21, 2019 in Bahamas, Barbados, Caribbean, Regions, Saint Lucia, Turks and Caicos

Travel trends can be fickle – one moment the whole world and her dog want to marvel at steamy geysers in Iceland; and then next season it’s all about devouring culture in Malta. Yet some destinations stand the test of time; visit after visit. Undoubtedly that includes the Caribbean. The luxurious playground of the world, […]

5 of the best places to eat in Palma de Mallorca

By Paola Fiocchi Van den Brande on Apr 02, 2019 in Europe, Food and Drink, Going Out, Regions, Restaurants, Spain, Travel Miscellany, Western Europe

The largest of the Balearic Islands, Mallorca is a foodie, Mediterranean paradise. Beyond the obvious appeal of sun and sea, this beautiful island is a favourite as an upscale destination thanks to the wide choice of elegant places to stay; a lively cultural scene; a rich history; unspoilt nature; and of course, the gastronomy. The […]

7 reasons why Italy should be your next multi-generational holiday destination

By Paola Fiocchi Van den Brande on Mar 18, 2019 in Europe, Family Travel, Italy, Regions, Speciality Travel, Western Europe

The world of tech might well be abuzz with excitement about 5G; but for those in the travel industry, the compelling trend is 3G. It’s the growing demand for destinations that cater for multi-Generational holidays; those travelling with the extended family. Increasingly, parents not only get away with their children but with uncles and aunts, […]

5 of the best wineries in Salento, Puglia

By Paola Fiocchi Van den Brande on Feb 25, 2019 in Europe, Food and Drink, Italy, Regions, Travel Miscellany, Western Europe

Puglia needs little introduction these days. The ‘heel’ of Italy’s ‘boot’ peninsula has emerged as a chic and popular destination for Mediterranean holidays. This once isolated Salentine Peninsula, in the deep south of Europe, is a rural landscape of centuries-old olive groves punctuated with fortress towns, and medieval cities. It is a fashionably desirable destination. […]

Hotels in Belgium with Michelin star restaurants

By Paola Fiocchi Van den Brande on Sep 18, 2017 in Accommodation, Bed & Breakfasts, Belgium, Europe, Food and Drink, Going Out, Hotels, Regions, Restaurants, Travel Miscellany, Western Europe

For those with a passion for travel and gastronomy, what better formula than Michelin star restaurants combined with hotel rooms. After a sumptuous dinner paired with wines, you don’t have to drive home! Simply walk yourself back to your room! There is a decent list of starred restaurants in Belgium with annexed bedrooms. Here is […]

5 of the best restaurants in Canary Wharf

By Paola Fiocchi Van den Brande on Aug 18, 2017 in Business Travel, Europe, Food and Drink, Going Out, Regions, Restaurants, Speciality Travel, Travel Miscellany, United Kingdom, Western Europe

Who would have thought? When I first moved to Canary Wharf in the late 1999, there was literally nothing. One Tesco Metro and a handful of shops and restaurants which were closing on Friday night to reopen on Monday. British friends and colleagues stared at me puzzled and slightly snobbish from their West London postcodes […]

The most remarkable Spanish UNESCO Sites

By Paola Fiocchi Van den Brande on Jul 13, 2017 in Attractions, Europe, Going Out, Regions, Spain, Western Europe

Spain has the third highest number of UNESCO sites of any country in the world, with only China and Italy beating it by a few sites each. They include some of the most famous European monuments and instantly recognizable Spanish icons, from the spectacular Alhambra to Gauds fantastical Barcelona creations. There are other special places, […]

5 of the most romantic hotels in Bruges

By Paola Fiocchi Van den Brande on Jun 14, 2017 in Accommodation, Bed & Breakfasts, Belgium, Europe, Hotels, Regions, Western Europe

Bruges is out there with Venice, Paris, Florence or Prague to be elected as one of the most romantic cities in the world. With its canals, cobblestone alleyways, quaint medieval townhouses and windmills, Bruges will sweep you away into a fairy tale. For a romantic getaway, choose among these luxurious abodes. Hotel Pand A boutique […]

5 of the best boutique hotels in Salento, Italy

By Paola Fiocchi Van den Brande on May 13, 2017 in Accommodation, Europe, Hotels, Italy, Regions, Western Europe

Dont travel to Salento searching for Four Seasons or Mandarin Oriental Hotels, as you wont find them. Salento is all about boutique hotels, family run businesses and authentic experiences far from the madding crowd. It is all about simplicity and slow-living. I have traveled through white-washed villages and extensive olive groves to find 5 of […]