Venice -- Harry's Bar

Here is a view from Harry's Bar in Venice...

While Venice is rich in history, the story about Harry's Bar

actually is rich within its own history.  It all began in May

of 1931 by Giuseppe Cipriani.  The bridge to St. Mark's  

Square did not exist then and Mr. Cipriani deliberately

 picked this particular corner of Venice to build because it 

fronted a blind alley and he wanted to make sure that people 

would "intentionally go out of their way to get there".  

Since opening the doors, Harry's Bar has been popular amongst

  Europe's aristocrats as well as royalty and the very famous from

all over the world.  In fact,  Ernest Hemingway probably stared out

of this same window while writing "Over the River and into the Trees" 

and he mentions Harry's Bar frequently in the book.  Mr. Hemingway

was a fixture at the bar and had his very own table in the corner.

Joining Mr. Hemingway are other colorful clients such as Orson 

Wells, Alfred Hitchcock, Woody Allen, Charlie Chaplin,

Peggy Guggenheim, Aristotle Onassis and Truman Capote along 

with many other writers, actors, socialites and artists.  In fact

Capote once said, "Venice is like eating an entire box of chocolate

liqueurs in one day".  Perhaps that statement was coined at Harry's...

A visit to Harry's will take a pretty good hit on your 

pocketbook so you might say you need to be as rich

as Harry's history...

Harry's Bar is the birthplace of the Bellini (Prosecco with white peach 

puree) which was invented in 1948 by Mr. Cipriani and was named after

Giovanni Bellini, the fifteenth century Venetian painter.  

For a more peaceful setting, head across the Giudecca Canal to

Harry's Dolci.  This restaurant and bar is a quiet retreat from 

the crowds of Piazza San Marco to this rarely visited island.  

You won't get the same history as the original Harry's, 

but you can take a piece of Harry's back home with you

 with some of their products they sell at the restaurant.

Get a table outside and enjoy the view back over to

Venice along with vessels, yachts and the occasional

cruise boat that come down the canal.

Harry's Bar and Harry's Dolci are synonymous with Venice.

Lucky for us, the Cipriani family has expanded to New York and

London so you don't have to go all the way back to Venice to 

experience their risottos, pastas, fish, Bellinis and martinis.

But, why would you ever not yearn to return to Venice?

"CHEERS TO THE WORLD!"  -- Giuseppe Cipriani

TRAVEL M GIRL

Basking In The Beauty At Fontelina Beach

Everything about Capri is heart-stoppingly beautiful!  Whether

on land or sea or even at the edge of the sea there is beauty to

 behold at every corner.  And, just a short distance from the astounding

 Faraglioni, the three dramatic rock formations that shoot out of 

the sea, is the infamous Fontelina Beach.  This is the best beach

 club on the island and is within sight of these majestic and towering rocks.

Finding your way there is easy with these beautiful hand-painted

tiles that show you the way down Via Tragara just past the

  main part of town.  

You will descend down a steep walking path to get to the

beach or you may arrive by boat.  However, walking

down all of those steps and catching tiny glimpses of 

the view only entices you to want to see more of 

what lies there at the foot of the Faraglioni. 

The restaurant at Fontelina Beach is nestled into

  the rock face under a thatched pergola and serves

incredible Italian and seafood.  Combine that with a 

 beautiful glass of wine and you will find yourself

wondering why you haven't gotten here before and 

why you would ever want to leave.

You will need to make reservations by calling 

+39 081 8370845.

Sadly, the day will pass much too quickly and it will

be time to leave Fontelina Beach.  The beach club and

restaurant are only open in the evenings for private events. 

If your dingy is not there to take you back to your yacht,

then plan to take a shuttle boat over to Marina Piccola

as it is a mighty stiff walk up all of those steps you

walked down earlier in the day.  Shuttle boats conveniently

leave every 30 minutes from Fontelina Beach to 

Marina Piccola or you can call to arrange a taxi boat.

You not only leave Fontelina Beach but you leave

a piece of you that beckons you to return.

TRAVEL M GIRL

Amazing Grace Bay Club

You know when there are times that you just need to sit quiet

and let the photos do the talking??  Well, the photos below of

 Grace Bay Club in Turks and Caicos defines that moment.

It's hard to believe all of this beauty and luxury is just a short 

flight away from the mainland.  Situated on Grace Bay beach on

  the island of Providenciales, this stunning all-suite resort offers

junior suites to 3- and 4-bedroom residences along with the 

 award-winning restaurant, Anacaona, two additional restaurants 

and a 5,000 square-foot spa.  All suites, bars and restaurants are 

oceanfront which means your eyes never have to be taken

  off of this magnificent view!

And, did I mention the impeccable service?  It all makes
for the most perfect island paradise getaway.  So, 

put away those high heels and tassel shoes, hop on a 

 plane and before you know it,  you will be on island-vibe 

in ever-so beautiful Turks and Caicos.

TRAVEL M GIRL