Cellar Tours Blog

Kinsale, located in County Cork in the far south of Ireland, is without a doubt one of the most charming villages in the country. It´s got it all:  dramatic natural scenery, a thriving yacht scene, colorful cottages and art studios, a fascinating history complete with pirates and Spanish Armadas, terrific seafood restaurants and lively pubs.

Enjoy these photos of our favorite Irish hamlet:

Some highlights of Kinsale:

Fishy Fishy- unpretentious seafood restaurant with the freshest most delicious fish you can imagine. The owner chef is a real personality, and does TV shows in Kinsale on his program “Martin´s Mad about Fish”

Check out an episode here, featuring Kinsale.

Don Herlihy´s Historic Stroll of Kinsale- this local guide well versed in the history of Kinsale and Ireland, gives a passionate tour of the town. Terrific.

Sea Kayaking- up the road from Kinsale in Garretstown, H20 offer half day, full day and sunset kayak tours of the waterways around Kinsale.

Wine Museum- anyone with an interest in Ireland’s “Wine Geese” would enjoy a visit to the tiny wine museum, located in Desmond Castle. Provincial and small, yes,  but the history of the Irish emigres who set up wine businesses around the world is truly fascinating.

The Scilly Walk- pedestrianized path along the sea from the village of Kinsale to Summercove. From this beautiful walkway partially shaded in ferns, you have divine views over the bobbing boats and the harbor. When the walk finishes, carry on down the hill and stop in the Bulman pub for a drink and then continue on up the hill to the Charles Fort which offers the best panoramic view of Kinsale.

It´s sizzling this summer in Europe and a few days on the coast are definitely in order! Some suggestions for luxury coastal hotels  by country:

FRANCE

Château Eza- Eze: The ultimate French Riviera hideaway. Think lifestyles of the rich and famous, this charming medieval hamlet spills over a clifftop overlooking the Med. The small luxury hotel has a Michelin starred restaurant and Birdseye views over the sparkling sea.

Hôtel du Cap Eden Roc – Antibes:  this hotels attracts the most beautiful, chic and rich jetsetters in Europe. Gorgeous setting.

Le Mas de Langoustier – Porquerolles: Less bling bling than the Riviera, Porquerolles island in a natural paradise and has sublime views and a stay here is about the setting and the sea.

Hotel du Palais- Biarritz:  The ultimate aristocrats playground. The Duchess of Alba is said to take a suite here for a month every year, and Russian aristocrats have been so enamored of this resort they built a Russian orthodox church across the street! Biarritz is located in the beautiful French Pays Basque, a hop skip and a jump from Spain´s gourmet Basquelands.  A stay here could pair well with some time in the Bordeaux wine county, or indeed in San Sebastian across the border.

GREECE

Elounda Beach Hotel- Crete: wow, this is an amazing place located on Crete´s northeastern coastline. Highlights include the dramatic location, Chenot spa, and those sea view rooms..

ITALY

Il San Pietro – Positano, Amalfi Coast: Few hotels can compete with San Pietro in Italy in terms of location and luxury. Located in the dreamy village of Positano, this hotel is a great base for exploring Campania. Must sees and dos include Ravello, Furore, a meal at Don Alfonso 1890, wine tasting in Irpinia, pizza in Naples, Pompeii…featured in our luxury tours of Amalfi Coast.

La Plage resort – Sicily: Spectacular location in Sicily´s prettiest corner, Taormina. Really a collection of villas, tastefully tucked into lush gardens, this is a terrific choice for a few days by the sea. While in Taormina, don´t miss the Ancient Greek theatre and wine tasting near Mount Etna.

Il Pellicano – Maremma, Tuscany: stylish resort in southern Tuscany, attracting a real “it” crowd.   If you can peel yourself away from the pool scene, why not enjoy a luxury wine tour of the local Super Tuscans?

Fortino Napoleonico – Marche: beautiful setting in undiscovered Marche, coined the “new Tuscany” by the New York Times. Unspoiled, amazing food here and dreamy scenery.

PORTUGAL

Vila Vita- Algarve: Moorish inspired design and resort is spread over 50 hectares of gardens and with inviting sea views. The kind of resort where if you want to stay in a cocoon, you have everything you need on site- various restaurants, spa, pools, etc. Tips in fine dining in the area here.

SPAIN

La Gavina- north of Barcelona, you´ll find this graceful resort in an unspoiled section of the Costa Brava. White and airy, it has a 1920’s feel. Romantic outdoor restaurant with candlelight and piano… while in the Costa Brava, explore the Emporda wine country.

Marbella Club Hotel, Golf Resort & Spa – Marbella:  a resort for those looking for golf and sun y basta. It does golf and sun, and does them well If you have a craving for culture and a bit of real Spain, drive up to Ronda, a beautiful village with a terrific restaurant, Tragabuches.