Most Recent Blog Posts

Here is an email I just received from clients who rented several properties in Italy for an extended stay with family: Dear Cornel, We leave San Giovanni as intended, no problems. Arriving in Rapallo, our landlady rushes down to advise that the driveway is a bit tricky - what a bloody understatement!... Continue reading Italy Apartments & Villas

Nestled in the middle of the Spanish Mediterranean, high up a on a hill away from everywhere, I recently visited this most amazing, heavenly property - on arrival I felt like I had entered a set from a James Bond movie it was so stunning and incredible! White leather couches decorted an ultra-modern... Continue reading Sha Wellness Clinic, Spain

Cuenca, is a magical town just a couple of hours southeast of Madrid in the romantic region of Castile-La Mancha (think Don Quixote). Perched up high between two river gorges, its location is extraordinary making for views that are nearly unbeatable. Known for its “hanging houses, the historic... Continue reading Cuenca, Spain

Without a doubt one of the most unforgettable excursions from Madrid is to the Royal Monastery of San Lorenzo de El Escorial, located some 30 miles northwest of Madrid in the foothills of the Sierra de Guadarrama. It was built by King Philip II to house the remains of his parents, Charles I and Isabella... Continue reading El Escorial Spain

Valencia, "City of Arts and Sciences" is not usually on any first time visitor to Spain's agenda but there are many reasons why it should be. This beautiful city spread along the shore of the Spanish Mediterranean is inviting and full of charm. With the orange tree as its symbol, it is bathed... Continue reading Valencia Spain

I recently had an opportunity to return to Madrid and spend several more days in this enchanting city. While short on must-see sights compared to other European capitals, it is a beautiful vibrant and exciting city - that never sleeps! In additional to its 3 magnificent art museums - The Prado has... Continue reading Magical Madrid

Since we're in the midst of awards season, let's talk about how you can plan to attend next year's giddiest, gushiest gateway to them all, The Golden Globes. Method One: Arrive looking like a star and hope for the best. Simply nip/tuck, spray tan, squeeze yourself into a gown or tux and stuff a falsely... Continue reading How They Roll: Celebrity Travel Tales. By Lisa Bernhard

  Here is another email I received today from a client who rented several villas and apartments while on an extended visit to Italy. Dear Cornel and Staff: Hi all! My driving has either improved or Tracey is less concerned about our impending doom on the roads of Italy. Either way the... Continue reading Renting an Apartment in Italy

Yesterday I went to see a ship docked in Port of Los Angeles. What has that got to do with Royal Plantation? Well, quite a bit, at least for reasons of comparison. I am not going to name the ship or the cruise company. It serves no good purpose to say negative things about a company that, for... Continue reading What's so great about Royal Plantation?

Wednesday, November 25, 2009 On November 14 I left for Manzanillo, Mexico, with a group of travel agents, people from the Mexico Tourism Board, a representative from the Manzanillo Tourism Board, a tour operator, a travel writer and the representative from the hotel where we had been invited... Continue reading Magic Pueblos of Mexico and Manzanillo, Too