Luxury Lifestyle

Luxury Shopping in Milan: the best addresses

One of the undisputed capitals of fashion along with Paris, New York and London, Milan is the city of shopping and above all designer boutiques. All of the biggest names of Italian and international haute-couture can be found here against a backdrop of luxury and elegance, perfectly in keeping with the typical Milanese sense of the aesthetic.

The Golden Triangle: luxury and…more luxury

The Quadrilatero d’Oro is the epitome of Milanese luxury. Within the streets of Rue Montenapoleone, Rue della Spiga and Rue Sant’ Andrea are the most famous names in the world of fashion: Gucci, Versace, Moschino, Prada, Tod’s, Bulgari, Chanel to name but a few. The amazing boutiques compete with each other for the most stunning and ingenius shop layout; for example at Rolf & Viktor everything is upside down, the floor is the ceiling, the classically inspired arches and columns are inverted and sun rays span out from the ground.

Near to the Quadrilatero there is sophisticated Rue Manzoni which houses Giorgio Armani’s multi-concept store . A vast expanse spanning 6000m² completely dedicated to fashion, interior design and even floristry.

Galleria Vittorio Emanuele: an elegant arcade of shops

This magnificent Belle Epoque gallery was built in the 19th century just steps from the city’s distinctive cathedral and is known to locals as the ‘drawing room of Milan’ thanks to its stylish cafes frequented by an affluent clientele. The beautiful gallery provides a fabulous backdrop for some wonderful boutiques and it is impossible not to be tempted by the chic stores such as Prada, Louis Vuitton, Dolce & Gabbana and many more.

Around Piazza San Babila: luxury design and interior decoration

Although fashion plays an important part in Milan, the city is also well-known for design. To take a look at some of the fabulous interior decoration and design shops head to Piazza Babila, Corso Matteotti, Via Durini, Via Manzoni and Via Santa Cecilia. Here you can find sumptuous stores of well-known Italian brands such as Unifor, B&B Italia Store Milano and Nava Design; a real tribute to homegrown talent. Nearby, on  Corso Venezia, don’t miss the amazing 2000m² showroom of De Padova.

La Rinascente & 10 Corso Como: temples to fashion

Like a scaled down version of Colette in Paris, 10 Corso Como is a hot location in the world of fashion thanks to its carefully chosen and super-trendy merchandise. The hip yet refined atmosphere perfectly showcases the vast range of  fashion, beauty products and accessories. You can also take time out from shopping in the bar which is renowned as the rendezvous spot of Milan’s coolest fashionistas.  

Much less intimate but no less prestigious, the Milanese branch of the Italian department store La Rinascente is located by the cathedral and offers a wide choice of luxury brands. Comparable to the Galeries Lafayette in Paris (the source of inspiration for the store’s recent refurbishment)  La Rinascente tempts shoppers with high-quality leather goods, shoes and the latest collections by the biggest names in fashion. There is also space for haute-couture diffusion lines such as Marc by Marc Jacobs, See by Chloé and Moschino’s Cheap and Chic. 

What are your favourite luxury boutiques in Milan? What do you think is the best shopping area in the city? Let us know your thoughts by leaving a comment below. 

 Photo credits: 1, 2, 3

8 Beautiful Caribbean Beaches

The Caribbean boasts some of the most picturesque beaches in the world and has a seemingly neverending choice from exclusive luxury resorts to secluded natural beauty.

Here is our guide to 8 of the most stunning stretches of shoreline:

 

Grace Bay Beach, Providenciales, Turks and Caicos Islands

Located on Providenciales, the largest island of the Turks and Caicos, the spectacular 20km Grace Bay Beach is often cited as one of the best beaches in the world and its wide expanse of fine white sand is host to most of the islands resorts. The beach is fringed by a reef which offers fabulous snorkeling in the clear waters.

St Jean Beach, Saint Barthélemy 

Despite being rather narrow, the golden sands of St Jean Beach bring a touch of the Cote D’Azur to the French owned  island of Saint Barthélemy. The area is protected by reefs making it perfect for swimming in the warm waters and the jet set clientele of the prestigious Eden Rock Hotel and Nikki Beach Club which are located nearby.    

 

 

Shoal Bay, Anguilla

 One of the prettiest beaches in the Caribbean, Shoal Bay is just one of 33 beautiful beaches on the island of Anguilla and is a popular haunt for celebrities and film stars. The laid-back atmosphere on the 2-mile stretch of silvery sand makes it a relaxing destination and the coral gardens located just offshore attract snorkelers to the beach. 

 

Seven Mile Beach, Grand Cayman, Cayman Islands

Although actually only 5½ miles long, the unspoiled natural surroundings of Seven Mile Beach make it one of the top beaches in the Caribbean. Although popular the beach rarely feels crowded thanks to the enormous expanse of sugary white sand and the wide range of restaurants, beach bars and sporting activities mean that there is plenty to keep you occupied.

 

Half Moon Bay, Antigua

 Famed for having a beach for every day of the year, Antigua has plenty of choice for sun-lovers. The  semicircle of white sand that forms Half Moon Bay is often regarded as the best beach on the island and is one of the least crowded. The wind and big waves of the Atlantic are a big draw for windsurfers and kiteboarders while the coral reef provides snorkeling opportunities close to the beach.

 

Palm Beach, Aruba

Not long ago this was a deserted stretch of sand but the development of Aruba as a tourist destination has seen a number of resorts spring up along the idyllic beach. With its calm water it is perfect for swimming, fishing and sailing and it often features among the best beaches in the world.

 

Sandy Lane, Barbados 

The magnificent Sandy Lane beach is situated near St James on the west coast of Barbados which is now commonly called the Platinum coast due to its exclusive hotels, top restaurants and celebrity guests. The beach takes its name from the adjacent Sandy Lane resort which is renowned for its excellent service and luxury amenities. 

 

Pink Sand Beach, Harbour Island, Bahamas

Perhaps the most beautiful of the Caribbean’s pink beaches, this three-mile stretch of shoreline is lined with exclusive hotels and private estates. The pink sand is created by the shells of microscopic marine organisms and is most picturesque at sunset when the beach glows a deep violet. With activities including horse-riding along the water’s edge and diving in the clear ocean, Pink Sand Beach ranks among the most elegant beaches in the Caribbean.

 

Photo credits: 1, 2, 3

The Top 5 Coolest Aperitivo Spots in Rome

The Italian tradition of aperitivo may have started in Milan but Rome has been playing catch-up over the past few years and now almost every bar in the city offers their own version of the early evening ritual.  

Here is a selection to suit all tastes of the best places in the coolest areas of the city for a pre-dinner drink and snack. 

 

ReD, Viale Pietro di Courbertin, 12/16

ReD, which stands for Restaurant & Design sits in the shadow of Renzo Piano’s futuristic Auditorium Parco della Musica in the Flaminio district. Inaugurated in 2002, the music and concert hall complex brought modern architecture and a new hip new crowd to this area of Rome which was further enhanced in 2012 by the opening of Zaha Hadid’s MAXXI modern art museum up the road. ReD’s interior is filled with contemporary design pieces and a trendy crowd which fits perfectly with its arty surroundings. 

Bar del Fico, Piazza del Fico 2

Everyone who lives in Rome knows that only a tourist would sit at a bar in Piazza Navona so thank heavens for Bar del Fico which sits just around the corner in the tiny Piazza del Fico, a popular spot for chess-playing locals. The bar has been here for years and became a well-known haunt for aperitivo-goers until it closed for two years for refurbishment. Now newly reopened with a distinctly vintage feel it is one of the city centre hotspots for trendy young artists and actors. 

 

Necci dal 1924, Via Fanfulla da Lodi 68

Tucked down a back street in the ‘oh-so-cool' neighbourhood of Pigneto, Necci is a real institution having opened its doors in 1924. Now revitalized as one of the hippest hangouts in the area, its small outside area regularly hosts vintage markets and music events during the summer months. With an amazing buffet selection to choose from with dishes that champion local produce it is one of the best aperitivo options in the capital for foodies. 

Freni e Frizioni, Via della Politeama 4/6

For many Trastevere is the top place for a Roman aperitif with its suggestive streets and quaint piazzas providing the ideal backdrop for the numerous bars and cafes. Arguably the best place to truly experience the aperitivo phenomenon in Rome is Freni e Frizioni, with its groaning buffet table and great value drinks. The  true trasteverino atmosphere is particularly evident in the summer months when the bohemian clientele spill out onto the terrace overlooking Piazza Trilussa.

 

Bartaruga, Piazza Mattei

Situated in the heart of the Jewish Ghetto, the outside tables of Bartaruga overlook the pretty Fontana delle Tartarughe, commonly known to expats as the Turtle Fountain. Elaborately decorated in an eclectic style somewhere between bohemian and baroque, Bartaruga is the bar of choice for radicals, intellectuals and creatives as well as a fair few famous names who stop by to sip a cocktail in the unique surroundings. 

 

For more exclusive bars in the Eternal City take a look at Luxury Lifestyle's 5 of the Most Exclusive Hotel Bars in Rome

 Photo Credits: 1, 2, 3

Lisbon: a paradise for music lovers

Lisbon is characterized by liveliness and culture and this is reflected in the season of music festivals that the Portuguese capital is organizing for 2012. Get ready for the months of May and June when the city will move to the beat of tango, fado and rock and music fans will be in heaven.

Rock in Rio

This huge event takes place in Lisbon every two years and also takes place in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil and Madrid, Spain. This year, for the fourth time, Lisbon will host the event in the Bela Vista park The programme takes place over five days and covers all music taste, not only rock. There are four separate sections of the festival: the ‘World Stage’ which hosts the biggest international names, the ‘Electronic Tent’ offers a mix of dj’s and the ‘Hot Stage’ where up-and-coming artists and groups perform. Some big names are lining up for the 2012 event, for fans of heavy rock there will be Metallica and Linkin Park while there will also be unmissable appearances by famous pop/rock and souls stars such as Bruce Springsteen, Stevie Wonder and Bryan Adams as well as Lenny Kravitz and Joss Stone. 25th, 26 th May & 1st, 2nd, 3rd June.

 

Festa do Fado

Fado is the typical music of Portugal and can be traced back in the middle of the 19th century.  Originally from the working classes it is a melancholic and nostalgic song style often accompanied by plucked instruments. Every year the Festa do Fado attracts a high number of people and welcomes performances by generations of artists widely recognized for their talent. It is an excellent occasion to (re)discover this music of which the Portuguese are so proud. The venues used for the concerts are perfect for the music thanks to their intimate and evocative ambience and include the Castelo de São Jorge, and the Museo do Fado as well as various locations within the historic neighbourhood of Alfama.

 

Festival Internacional de Tango de Lisboa

All of the magic of tango in just one event. Reflecting Lisbon’s special relationship with Buenos Aires, this vibrant festival will this year celebrate its 10th edition. Take the opportunity to listen to the wonderful music by the orchestra, considered to be the best of its kind in the world, and you will not be able to resist tapping your feet. For those who would love to learn the technique of this seductive dance style, the festival also organises lessons both for intermediate dancers and absolute beginners. Away from the shows there are also special art and photography exhibitions in concordance with the festival. 30th May – 2nd June. 

Photo Credits:

Rock in Rio : Jorge Amaral 
Fado: 1 

 

The Tuscany Coast: the most beautiful beaches

 

Although better known for its incredible architectural and artistic riches, Italy’s Tuscany region also boasts a selection of stunning beaches which more than satisfy the needs of an exclusive clientele that are used to the best.  Take a trip along the Tuscan coastline; sometimes chic and trendy, sometimes calm and tranquil, but always inviting.

Versilia: Tuscan prestige

The most prestigious beaches of the region can be found in the north of Tuscany. Each resort is tailored to provide all of the comforts and services that are demanded by the jet set. Versilia offers 20km of beautiful coastline and also the well-known destinations of Forte dei Marmi, Marina di Pietrasanta and Viareggio. Follow the lead of the wealthy Florentines who have been coming to this area for decades and relax with a typically Italian Capari Soda while you watch the (well-heeled) world go by. Forte dei Marmi is without doubt the most exclusive of all the resorts in the area with its luxury hotels and private clubs each with their own patch of sandy beach as well as high-end restaurants and designer boutiques. The town is frequented by celebrities and famous names and is the ideal place to surrounded yourself with a beautiful beach and equally beautiful people.

 

Elba and the Etruscan Coast: a clear blue sea

Moving towards the centre of the region the sea becomes more crystalline and the atmosphere becomes more intimate. Don’t miss the small beaches of the Tuscan Archipelago which is famous for its clean water making it a particularly attractive spot for diving. On the island of Elba (otherwise famous for hosting Napoleon while he was in exile in 1814)  the beaches offer excellent services with a stunning natural backdrop; the most notable areas of beauty are ‘L’Innamorata, de Barabarca and Fetovaia. Also in the central area is the so-called Etruscan Coast of Tuscany is home to the well-known beach of Castiglioncello with its high quality beach clubs and high-class sun worshippers.

 

Maremma: between nature and contemporary chic

The southern area of Tuscany is predominantly known for its wild, open coastline but it does also offer a few luxury options. One of these is Castiglione della Pescaia, which satisfies even the most discerning visitor with its modern buildings and beautiful sea. The town itself is also worth a visit with its stunning medieval castle encircled with ramparts.

It would be impossible to ignore Monte Argentario which since the 1960s has been welcoming an affluent clientele from Rome and a number of politicians and showbusiness personalities have a second home here. The best beaches can be found at Cala Galera where you can also enjoy the social scene of nearby Porto Ercole. Another elegant spot in the area is Porto Santo Stefano, a luxury resort brimming with swanky bars and excellent eateries. 

 

 

If you are looking for other activities in Tuscany take a look at our post on The Top 5 Wines from Tuscany (and where to drink them)

 

Photo credits: 1, 2

 

Athens & Epidaurus Festival: drama, dance and music in an ancient setting

This summer Greece will once again host its famous Hellenic Festival with a richly varied programme that aims to maintain the event’s reputation as one of the largest celebrations of art and culture in the world. Although the country’s economic crisis has resulted in the festival being shortened to just 38 days over June and July as opposed to its usual 5 month run, there are enough unique venues and enticing performances to ensure that fans of music, theatre, dance and poetry will not be disappointed.

The festival has been taking place since 1955 and utilises a wide selection of venues both in Athens and further afield with ancient monuments, museums, art centres and theatres all hosting performances, concerts, installations and recitals. The atmosphere of the festival extends throughout the city with parallel events  taking place across town and the culture lovers who come to Athens from all over the world add a cosmopolitan vibe to the proceedings.

 

There are two signature venues which play almost as big a part as the performers themselves. In Athens the main location is the Odeon of Herodes Atticus, known to locals as the ‘Herodeon’. Situated at the foot of the Acropolis this 5,000 capacity theatre originally dates from 161 AD but was restored in the 1950s just before the first festival began. Two hours southwest, at the archeological site of Epidaurus is the awe-inspiring Theatre of Epidaurus which was built in the 4^th century BC. The immense structure can accommodate a total of 14,000 spectators as is still famed for its perfect acoustics. These evocative open-air venues form an integral part of the festival’s character and provide spectators with a unique opportunity to experience the performances exactly as the ancient Greeks did.

 

The prestige of the Athens & Epidaurus Festival has attracted some exclusive names over the years including Maria Callas, Leonard Bernstein, Jose Carreras and Rudolf Nureyev and last year the triumph of the event was a production of Richard III which starred Hollywood actor Kevin Spacey in the title role and was directed by Sam Mendes. Despite the financial setbacks, 2012 promises to continue the festival’s tradition for combining classic works with brand new, modern pieces and, although the full programme is still being finalized, there are early reports of some enticing propositions. Highlights include a production of Sophocles’ Oedipus the King at Epidaurus, a cycle of musical events and screenings dedicated to the centenary of the birth of the American composer John Cage and a daring performance of Henry V by the all-male Shakespearean theatre company, Propeller, directed by Edward Hall as well as a spectacular production of Verdi’s Il Trovatore by the Greek National Opera which will inaugurate the festival in early June.  

 

Photo credits:

1-© Haris Bilios, 2-© Evi Fylaktou

The Costa Brava: In the Footsteps of Dalì

Usually the Costa Brava in Spain conjures up thoughts of sun, sea and sand. But if you head off the beaten track and away from the bustling resort towns you can follow the life and work of one of the area’s most famous residents, Salvador Dalì.

Dalì was born and died in Figueres and it was there that he conceived and developed the spectacular Theatre-Museum as a showcase for his work. But Dalì also spent many years in the seaside village of Portlligat near Cadaqués where he lived with his wife Gala in a row of old fisherman’s cottages. In 1969 he bought a run-down castle in Pùbol as a home for his wife which over the years was renovated and decorated it in his own inimitable style.

The three locations in Cadaqués, Figueres and Pùbol are now open to the public and are often referred to as the ‘Dalì Triangle’. Each offers an exclusive insight into the mad, surreal world  of Dalì as well as celebrating the more cultural side of the Costa Brava.

 

Seaside Home in Portlligat

Just a short walk from the town of Cadaquès brings you to the cluster of small fisherman’s houses which constituted Dalì’s summer home and studio for over 50 years. He moved into one tiny cottage in 1930 and used this as a base to gradually develop and expand the house into the labyrinth of rooms, corridors and studios each with oddly shaped windows overlooking the Portlligat Bay, often featured as the background landscape in his paintings. The property has been left almost exactly as it was when the painter moved out with household objects, furniture and personal items which perfectly reflect Dalì’s creative, surrealist spirit.

 

Theatre-Museum in Figueres

One of the most visited museums in Spain, the Teatre-Museu Dalì is often called the ‘largest surrealist object in the world’ and the roof with its giant geodesic dome and rows of eggs is instantly recognizable. Dalì spent the last two decades of his life painstakingly planning, designing and creating the museum as a testament to his lifetime’s work and despite his desire to be buried next to his wife in her house in Pùbol, when he died in 1989  his tomb was placed in the crypt of the museum. Highlights include the Mae West Room and the Palace of the Wind though, as to be expected, there is no logical order to the museum and visitors are catapulted into the strange quirky world of Dalì without explanation or justification making it a true voyage into the mind of an artistic genius.  

 

Castle in Pùbol

Situated in the tiny village of Pùbol, located 40km south of Figueres, the Gala-Dalì Castle was bought by the artist for his  beloved wife and it was the site of her death and burial in 1982. The house is less extravagant than the museum in Figueres mainly because Dalì spent the years after Gala’s death transforming it into a suitable memorial to her. However the austere medieval mansion still contains evidence of the Dalì style, particularly in the private gardens where sculptures of elephants on stilts lurk among the trees and the fountains have the face of the couple’s favourite composer, Richard Wagner. 

 Photo credits: 1, 2

http://www.salvador-dali.org

A Springtime of Events on the French Riviera

Spring has finally arrived and the French Riviera is looking its best with mild temperatures, bright blue skies and no hordes of tourists. So it makes sense that the Cote d’Azur should accompany this lovely season with a wealth of events including antique fairs, a wide variety of festivals dedicated to cinema, fashion and shopping, and also the picturesque folklore celebrations. With so much going on it is difficult to resist the glamour and charm of the Riviera in spring.

The season kicks off in Cannes which organizes every year the famous 12-day Film Festival, welcoming a host of top stars. Each evening the red carpet at the Palais des Festivals becomes a glittering spectacle which is relayed across the world by the international press. This year, for its 65^th anniversary, Cannes has chosen an iconic image of Marilyn Monroe seductively blowing out a candle as its publicity poster, perfectly representing the glamour and illustrious past of the event. Founded in 1946 to rival the Venice Film Festival, Cannes quickly gained fame thanks to its advance preview screenings of eagerly anticipated films. This year Italian filmmaker Nanni Moretti will head the jury and Wes Anderson’s new film ‘Moonrise Kingdom’ is scheduled to open the festival on the 16^th May. In total 30,000 professionals and more than 200,000 members of the public will descend on Cannes during the festival and it’s easy to imagine the lively atmosphere around town and the exclusive international parties that will take place in the famous bars and nightclubs.

 

Elsewhere on the Riviera another notable event is the Festival de Mode et de Photographie d’Hyères (Hyrères Festival of Fashion and Photography). Now in its 27^th edition the festival aims to promote a new generation of talented designers and photographers. Ten finalists take part in the competition, selected by a jury which this year will be led by top designer Yohji Yamamoto. The best creations by these emerging artists will be the highlight of the festival which takes place at Villa Noailles from the 27^th to the 30^th April, but an exhibit of the entries will continue until the end of May.

 

Every year, Grasse, the capital of perfume, becomes a showcase for cut roses and rosebushes with the Expo Rose. The festival spreads fragrance along the Riviera thanks to a number of special initiatives which this year will follow the theme of Fashion. Expo Rose will take place from the 17^th to the 20^th May.

Also in May, Saint Tropez will organize the most typically folkloric event of the year in honour of St Torpes who was beheaded in 68 AD for his refusal to recant Christianity. He later became the patron saint of the town and La Bravade de Saint-Tropez from the 16^th-18^th May celebrates the saint with a spectacular military parade through the town. A traditionally Provençal festival, it is very popular with the local residents and St-Tropez dresses for the occasion in black and red, the colours of the Corsairs, while parades, dances and music take place around the town.

Antiques are in the spotlight between the 7^th and 23^rd April in Antibes with the Art Fair which will celebrates its 40^th anniversary in 2012. In a large marquee set up at the port more than 100 exhibitors from both France and abroad convene to the delight of collectors and enthusiasts who come in search of antiques and vintage jewellery as well as furniture, objets d’art and paintings created by the greatest names in modern art. 

Photo credits:
1. © Corbis-Bettmann
2. ©  René Habermacher, 2012 
3. © OT Antibes

 

 

Clerkenwell Design Week: London’s hub of creativity

Although previously an industrial area, the east London district of Clerkenwell has in recent years seen its reputation grow as one of the coolest neighbourhoods in London. However Clerkenwell is far off the usual tourist trail and remains relatively unknown outside of London. This could be changing, however, as in recent years the numerous design and architecture companies that have sprung up in the area are marking out the neighbourhood as a hotspot for creatives, designers and innovators. In fact, with over 60 showrooms and countless agencies it is now the most important design community in the UK.

 Every year since 2010 Clerkenwell has celebrated its position at the forefront of British creativity with the Clerkenwell Design Week which is sponsored by Jaguar. This year will take place 22-24 May and promises to be bigger than ever with over 24,000 people expected to attend. With not only presentations, launches, workshops and exhibitions but also street entertainment, receptions and parties, the festival spreads throughout the whole neighbourhood and involves an ever-expanding wealth of participants and venues, creating a relaxing and inspiring environment which showcases homegrown designer talent.

The exhibition areas include three special buildings which are rarely open to the general public outside of the event. The Farmiloe building on St John Street is an ex-warehouse and provides a post-industrial backdrop while the supposedly haunted House of Detention is a 19^th century subterranean prison. New for 2012, there is also the Order of St John’s Priory which features a 12^th century crypt and a picturesque garden. The use of historic and derelict buildings to exhibit cutting edge displays creates a evocative contrast and helps to emphasise the highly technological and contemporary products, materials and furniture. 

As well as providing a compact way to see what is new in British Design, the event also acts as a launch for many new products and collections helping up and coming names in the field of design and architecture gain further exposure and network with other industry professionals. There is also an international edge as designers of global acclaim display their latest work and the event is the first chance to glimpse new designs from the highly regarded Milan Furniture Fair which takes place a few weeks prior to the Clerkenwell event. 

The Clerkenwell Design Week is gradually receiving more exposure from both the British and International press and is fast becoming one of the top annual events of London’s calendar, putting Clerkenwell firmly on the map as one of the trendiest districts in the capital. However, despite being the most concentrated design area in the world, the neighbourhood still retains its friendly village-like atmosphere and has much to offer its residents all year round.

 

Photo credits: 1, 2

 http://www.clerkenwelldesignweek.com/

St Lucia Jazz Festival: Smooth Sounds in the Caribbean

Perhaps the Caribbean is not the first place that springs to mind when thinking about jazz but the annual St Lucia Jazz Festival has nevertheless become one of the island’s most important events and has gained international notoriety for its winning combination of picturesque settings and exclusive guests.

Founded in 1992 the festival was initially conceived as a way to attract attention and visitors to the island during the quiet month of May. Tourism to St Lucia was growing at the time and the organizers of the festival wanted to increase awareness and maintain interest in the island also during low season. Although seen by some as a curious choice, the idea of a jazz festival proved to be very popular with both residents and tourists. Over the last 20 years the event has gone from strength to strength and is now considered as one of the Caribbean’s top three festivals. The music played includes all forms of jazz, new-age, fusion, rhythm and blues as well as more traditional local reggae sounds. Over 14 days there are performances from over 50 artists and past names have included household names such as Luther Vandross, Smokey Robinson, Dionne Warwick and Amy Winehouse.

 

This year the festival will take place between 30^th April and 13^th May, and will host the usual mix of international superstars and local musicians including Lionel Richie, Ziggy Marley and the Gypsy Kings. Concerts and events will take place in a variety of locations, one of the most popular and atmospheric being Pigeon Island which is situated to the north of the island and is connected to the mainland by a causeway. On Pigeon Island the audience sits on the grass surrounding the stage giving the concerts a laid-back and relaxed vibe, while the backdrop of the Caribbean Sea at sunset just adds to the atmosphere. Elsewhere musicians will play in the main square in St Lucia’s capital Castries, among the natural landscape of the Fond D’Or Heritage Park, on the beaches near Rodney Bay and by the waterfront at Soufrière. There are also the ‘fringe activities’ which take place aside from the main concerts and see the local public participate in their own performances in towns and villages all around the island including Vieux Forte and Laborie.

Although other music festivals in the Caribbean have tried but failed to maintain momentum and interest for more than a few years, the St Lucia Jazz Festival continues to grow and now attracts attention from all over the globe. The festival prides itself on its innovation and determination to retain public interest as well as excellent organization and services. Although physically the event cannot get much bigger there are talks to increase the number of shows and the period of the event which can only be good news for music lovers in the Caribbean.  

 

If you are looking to relax in the Caribbean take a look at our Top 8 Beautiful Caribbean Beaches 

Photo Credits: 1, 2

http://www.stluciajazz.org/