This week we are visiting one of the most romantic places in the world – Italy. A three-story 18th century farmhouse surrounded by beautiful hills, delicious olive groves, and a restful coast, Casa Olivi is a perfect destination for a honeymoon.
Casa Olivi includes 5 bedrooms designed with a minimalistic theme and elegant decor. The living room, kitchen, and dining room are on the ground floor. Every window features a lovely panoramic view of the surrounding countryside. There are also a variety of things to do in the area, such as wine tasting, boat trips around the coast, and horse-back riding. For those who prefer experiences that go beyond typical tourist attractions, I highly recommend you check this place out and create your own “Roman Holiday.”
Along with the breathtaking view and tasteful decor, I love how their dining options are set up. They have a variety of indoor and outdoor dining spaces for an intimate dinner or a relaxing get-together with friends. The kitchen includes everything for a hired cook to create a gourmet masterpiece or for guests who enjoy shopping for local ingredients to create their own feasts.
Music Spotlight:
Simona Molinari is an Italian singer. Her music fuses pop, jazz, swing, and bossa nova. I love the rhythm in this song and the signature Italian vocal melody. ”La Felicità” means “the happiness.”
This week we are visiting Guinea and indulging in what I like to call luxury-hospitality-art. Sofitel Malabo Sipopo le Golf is a gorgeous destination with a private beach, tennis court, golf course, and luxurious rooms. The entire building was designed with a wave-like shape to reflect contemporary African architecture and the sea that surrounds it, which I think gives it a modern and fresh feel. The interior follows a similar theme with a mixture of elegant French style and African accents, bold color combinations, and a breathtaking view of the sea. They also have fabulous rooms and services to host the best cocktail party. I really love the architecture and decor of this place, it’s like a work of art.
Music Spotlight:
The music in Guinea is heavily influenced by their historical connections with the Spanish, French, and Portuguese. The majority of their music showcases soukous and makossa as well as reggae and rock. Compared to other African countries, there is not a huge amount of music spreading from Guinea, but I have hope that will change as livelihoods improve and technology becomes more accessible (did you hear about Google’s latest Africa project?).
This song is a beautiful collaboration among three artsits from Guinea – Aicha Koné, Takana Zion, Sekouba KK – that has a Brazilian carnival flair as well as African island fun.
Did you ever wonder if you could combine the romantic elegance of Italy with the exotic beauty of East Africa for your wedding or honeymoon? Well, The Lake Victoria Serena Resort in Uganda has everything to make that dream come true. With rose gardens, multiple café and cocktail terraces, and a Roman fountain, this creme palace is a beautiful place to view Africa’s largest lake.
The rooms are housed in Tuscan villas spaced around the terraced rose gardens and all decorated with shades of cream and African accents. There is also a wide and delicious variety of dining options with a mixture of international and Mediterranean cuisine using local and organic produce. This resort pretty much features grande and intimate settings with every convenience possible for a great gala or small party. From the pictures, it looks like the perfect luxurious relaxing spot to enjoy “The Switzerland of Africa.”
Music Spotlight:
Lilian Mbabazi is a singer, member of the girl group Blu3 (dubbed Uganda’s Destiny’s Child) and a radio host. She has a beautiful and passionate voice that really tells a story not only through the lyrics but also emotions. I chose to share two of her songs because her music covers a variety of genres from Uganda. I also love the imagery in both videos.
This song has a lovely African rhythm. From what I read, she is singing about love and telling her leading man “I will take you as you are.”
An island with pure white sand beaches, brilliant turquoise seas, overwhelmingly friendly people, and a strong initiative to support its community. This might sound too good to be true, but I assure you Azurais the full package. Located on Benguerra Island off the coast of Mozambique, Azura is a luxury beach resort that offers 16 villas with private pools, Mozambican butler-hosts, fresh seafood, and an amazing list of activities and experiences.
Let’s indulge in their fabulous accommodations. Each villa blends modern chic architecture with the traditional design and nature of Mozambique to provide a private sanctuary for all of their guests. With the perfect weather, the perfect maxi dress, and the perfect drink – coconut water of course – I don’t think I would ever want to leave this paradise.
Fun Fact: Azura is not only dedicated to luxury, but also to conserving their community and environment. You should check out their story here.
Music Spotlight:
I have two music treats for you this week. While sampling music from Mozambique I came across a beautiful blend of genres – due to their history with the Portuguese – from bossa nova to soukous to traditional African folk. They have been forging these styles with contemporary trends in African music and Global music. I think the way African music has been evolving lately shows that Africa does not have to give up its royal roots to keep up with globalization.
Neyma is a singer from Mozambique. Her genre style blends Marrabenta, Kizomba, and Afro-Zouk. I chose this song because I love the rhythm of the music and the imagery of the video…and the distinct sound of the African guitar.
Lizha James is considered one of the biggest musicians in Lusophone Africa. This song mixes Pandza, Kwaito, House, and Dancehall. I love the 80s block colors and the music vibe.
After all the meetings, parties, and plenty of people, sometimes we want to escape to somewhere quiet and eclectic to unwind with our new spouse. I think I found just the place for you. The Villa Monticello, located in Accra, Ghana, is a luxury boutique hotel with unique trimmings and beautiful accommodations.
Do not let the minimalistic facade fool you. I think this is how they maintain their relaxing sanctuary from the bustling urban streets of Accra. The most fabulous part about this exclusive retreat is its 14 individually custom-decorated luxury suites – each designed with a unique theme to feel like a very fancy home. Here are my favorites:
The Last Emperor Suite fuses historical and contemporary oriental design. The combination of red, black, and white is so elegant and powerful.
The Out of Africa Suite is designed to portray the colonial life of the last decades of the British Empire. It is decorated with beautiful images of the Kenyan savanna.
The Coco Chanel Suite is inspired by the creations of 20th century fashion designer Coco Chanel. Featuring contemporary French furniture and signature colors, I think this room is all the rage for simple elegance.
The Ghana Gold Coast Suite portrays a celebration of Ghana’s history and promising future through its blend of contemporary design and earth tones. Usually these colors tend to darken a room, but I love how they were able to use the color scheme and still brighten the room.
Their lovely dining area features an exclusive dining room and an intimate cocktail lounge. I love their modern twist to Afrocentric furniture and interior design.
Of course, to indulge in our favorite past times, we must lounge around this lovely pool.
Music Spotlight:
Since we are visiting Ghana in this post, it is only appropriate to feature the famous musical genre & dance that has taken Ghana and pretty much the world by storm. ”Azonto” is a Ghanaian dance and music genre that involves hand and knee movements to mimic everyday activities or signal an amusing intention. The style went viral in early 2011 and instantly gained global appeal. I am explaining all of this to you because the origin and creation of this style has been confused. Due to its massive appeal, many other African countries have adapted the style and produced music for it. Regardless of where you might have heard it first or who claimed they learned it from, I am here to set the record straight. Azonto is from the one and only Gold Coast – Ghana.
I decided to share this video because I think it nicely portrays the universal appeal of Azonto and how all Africans enjoy it. The medley includes songs by Sonni Balli (Ghana), D-Black (Ghana), Sarkodie(Ghana), Gasmilla (Ghana), Yaw Siki (Ghana), Iyanya (Nigeria), and T.O. & Stunnakid(Ghana/Germany). If you are planning to host or attend any sort of party, you should definitely include some of this music in the mix and learn these dance moves. Enjoy.
To experience culture and history on an enchanting vacation, Morocco is at the top of my list. From the photos and clips, I think the Amanjena Resort is the best place to experience all of it.
Located just outside Marrakech, Morocco, the Amanjena offers 32 private pavilions to indulge in relaxation, elegance, and romance. Aren’t their rooms gorgeous? I’m pretty sure any guest here feels like royalty.
Their restaurant specializes in authentic Moroccan and Mediterranean cuisine. From breakfast in their Thai Restaurant, to lunch on the Pool Terrace, to an intimate private dinner in the Caidal Tent, there are so many romantic eating opportunities to entice anyone’s taste buds.
Of course, no one can have an enchanted vacation without lounging near or swimming in a 33-metre reflective pool.
My favorite part of this resort is their two-story library. It has a fireplace, high ceiling, and cozy, elegant furniture. Their library features books, magazines, newspapers, and board games. Between exploring the Sahara Desert and learning how to cook Moroccan food, I would probably spend the majority of my indoor time here snuggling with a good book or playing Mancala.
Music Spotlight:
Ahmed Soultan is a singer from Morocco. His signature style fuses Berber (a traditional Moroccan style of music) with soul music, which is why he is called the “Afrobian Soul for Afro-Arabian music.” I sampled some his other work and really like how he continues to advocate for a connection between all African countries. Regardless of region or religion, we should accept each other as just African brothers and sisters. I also like how the video showcases some parts of Morocco you might not see as a tourist. Enjoy!
Dagny Zenovia 