World Famous Landmarks Lit up in Red for AIDS day.

As many will know, December 1st is World AIDS day. A day to reflect, revalue, address and set new policies and goals in the fight against the illness. A day to remember the need to keep up the good fight against this century’s deadly curse.

But December 1st is also one of those days to be proud of humanity and its kind nature. All around the globe thousands of activities, charities and events are taking place this same instant in order to raise funds for research and social work.

A noticeable and fun one is the increasingly popular lighting of famous iconic landmarks worldwide in red for the special occasion. This is the way cities have of showing their support and commitment to the cause. Among many others, being lit tonight stand out, for example: the Harbour Bridge and Opera House (Sydney, Australia), the Empire State Building and New York Stock Exchange (New York, USA), Table Mountain (Cape Town, South Africa), the London Eye and St. Paul’s Cathedral (London, UK), Holy Temple of Sagrada Familia (Barcelona, Spain), etc.

(Holy Temple of Sagrada Familia – Barcelona December 1st, 2010)

For more information on noticeable activities and events taking place today and all week round, visit joinred.com . For more information on events and charities around your area, please check with your local city hall.

DON’T FORGET TO WEAR THE RED RIBBON TODAY!

Tags: 2011, AIDS, Barcelona, buildings, familia, famous, landmarks, red, sagrada, world

Veranos de la Villa: This summer, enjoy the Spanish culture!

Another summer is here, and once again Madrid is ready to celebrate one of the events that best express its idiosyncrasy and its particular way of understanding and enjoying culture: the Veranos de la Villa. The tradition began in 1985, when a dearly beloved mayor was at the helm of City Hall: Enrique Tierno Galván. In that prodigious decade, it was Tierno Galván who approved the first edition of a festival which has now become an inextricable part of the cultural life and heritage of Madrid.

As heirs of the rich history and brilliant track record consolidated over these past years, in 2010 we will strive harder than ever to restore the spirit that brought this festival to life. And what better way to do this than to continue being a point of convergence and popular forum, bringing together a wide variety of artists from every field and a Madrid eager for concerts and unforgettable summer evenings.

Once again, we will delve into the intense fusion of genres and performances that the festival always offers, though there are a few surprises in store. This Summer, Make It to Madrid is the motto under which the festival will offer more than 151 stage projects and 1,156 performances to make the summer heat more bearable.

For the second year running, rock, pop, jazz, flamenco, folk, reggae, R&B, soul, raï and gospel music will ring out from the Escenario Puerta del Ángel, while another of the festival’s most appealing open-air venues, the Sabatini Gardens, will fill the night of Madrid with the soaring melodies of zarzuela, flamenco and fado.

And we mustn’t forget our annual appointment with the West-Eastern Divan Orchestra and the great maestro Daniel Barenboim. Once again, the Plaza Mayor will host a concert where we can enjoy music that “sounds” a call for solidarity and tolerance among the peoples of the Earth.

The Summers on the Street will also return, flooding the corners where this city’s true soul resides with art. The series will offer an encounter with classical music in the imposing Plaza de Oriente and with haunting world music at the ever-evocative Temple of Debod. And this year, Summers on the Street will feature an exciting novelty: the Fringe Space, where young bands will be given a chance to showcase their talent in the auditorium of Parque Enrique Tierno Galván.

Also for the second consecutive year, our program will include events at many of the city’s theaters. Thanks to the enthusiastic involvement of the majority of private theaters, Madrid will be one of the European cities with the most cultural activity this summer. The program also includes movie sessions at La Bombilla, with the fascinating Open Air project, and Titirilandia (Puppetland), a festival dedicated to our boldest and most enthusiastic audience – children – which will offer activities at the Puppet Theater in El Retiro and at La Casa Encendida.

This will undoubtedly be one of the most singular “Veranos” to date, an encounter that no one should miss out on. I trust that the enquiring minds of Madrid will rise to the call of “their festival” once more, and that, working together, we can revive the spirit in which this unique event was forged: This Summer, Make It to Madrid.

As always you will find the best luxury and boutique accomodation in our website: www.cocosuites.com

Tags: madrid, spanish culture, veranos de la villa

CSIO 2010: 99th International Show Jumping Competition

From September 16th to 19th Barcelona will become the capital of the equestrian world hosting the 99th International Show Jumping Competition. It is now the second year that CSIO Barcelona will be the setting for the Meydan FEI Nations Cup Promotional League Final where eight national teams and Spain, as the hosting nation, will compete.

The best riders of the international equestrian world will be at the Real Club de Polo de Barcelona, offering an attractive program of twelve classes, including Grand Prix Ciutat de Barcelona, Queen’s Cup – Longines and the Meydan FEI Nations Cup Promotional League Final. Four intense equestrian days with the best actual riders.

The Commercial Village at the showgrounds will be an extensive shopping area with food-tasting, boutiques, exhibitions and there will also be horse and rider clothing and equipment on sale. You will recognise many of the exclusive and prestigious brands, and the official event sponsors will be amongst those offering a big welcome to all our visitors

The space behind the main tribune is a designated gourmet area where you can taste, at any time, all kinds of Spanish specialities including “tapas”, cava and exquisite pastries.

Timetable:
Thursday 16th: 10.30h – 19.30h
Friday 17th: 10.30h – 00.30h
Saturday 18th: 11.30h – 20.30h
Sunday 19th: 8.30h – 20.00h

ACTIVITIES

Panoramic restaurant in the Main Stand

Situated in the upper part of the Main Tribune. Opened every day for lunch time and during the Gala Dinner on Friday. Our Gourmet Menu will be available during the day and night classes.

Gala Dinner

A distinctive tradition of the CSIO Barcelona. It takes place on Friday evening in the incomparable setting of the Main Stand during the Grand Prix and the Equestrian Show. One of the most important social events of the city. Friday, September 17th.

Private Boxes

The Main Stand has private boxes with capacity for eight persons and there is a permanent waiter service.

Equestrian Shows

This year CSIO Barcelona offers one of the most exciting equestrian shows. From France comes the popular group performing equestrian acrobatics: L’Aventure au Galop. This spectacle is composed by three different shows performed by nine horses. The first part of the show is called the Hungarian Post. This name derives from a legend telling us that the Hungarians moved their horses this way, without taking off the harnesses.

The next exhibition is a vaulting performance, an art almost as old as horse riding itself. It was practiced to strengthen the agility and the balance on the horse. The highlight of this exhibition is the colorful impact of a middle age tournament, which represent battles between armoured knights.

Pony Park

Introduce the children to the fantastic world of ponies.

Schedule
Saturday 18th and Sunday 19th: 11.00 to 20.00 h.

Tickets sale for the Pony Park at the Fundación Renta stand, situated at the Commercial Villge. The collected money will be destined to the Cuida’m programme of the Hospital Sant Joan de Déu.

You will find the best luxury and boutique accomodation for your stay at: www.cocosuites.com

Mellow Beach Club by Custo

A new way of enjoying the beach has come to Barcelona: The Mellow Beach Club is a beach club similar to some in Ibiza, Marbella and Miami. The project is possible thanks to the work of four professionals: the businessman Dirk Vervaet, the designers Custo Dalmau and Bruno Reymond (Maison de l’Elephant) and the renowned chef Peter Monge. The opening took place on Saturday June 12, on the beach of Nova Bocana.

The club has a drinking area and a restaurant (M Restaurant) on charge of Pedro Monge. Customers will be received with an area with bar, tables and chairs from 8.30 am until late at night.

The location of the club couldn’t be better: just a few meters away from the W Hotel Barcelona. Cocosuites will keep you informed in case of openings of other great places like this!

Tags: Barcelona, Custo, Mellow Beach Club, W

Trofeo Conde de Godo in Barcelona

The wind is blowing in the favor of the sailing lovers this summer. The third round of the 2010 Audi MedCup will be held for the first time in Barcelona and will be called: Trofeo Conde de Godo, Ciudad de Barcelona.

The circuit started last May 11 in the Portuguese town of Cascais and it will arrive to Barcelona next July 20, where it will stay for 5 days. If you are planning to assist to this fascinating event and, why not, enjoy of some refreshing summer days in Barcelona, CocoSuites wants to recommend you two hotels: W Hotel Barcelona and Grand Marina Barcelona, both with high quality facilities and splendid views over the Mediterranean.

Hotel Grand Marina Barcelona:

Hotel W Barcelona:

At the 26th floor of the W Barcelona you will find the Cocktail-bar “Eclipse”, with exquisite tapas and drinks. If you prefer, you can also take a bubble bath in one of the junior suites at the Grand Marina while enjoying excellent views. But remember, do not forget to register at http://www.cocosuites.com and you will have access to all types of VIP benefits during your stay in our hotels.

Tags: grand marina, racing, sailing

VIP Catamaran Experience

Looking for new experiences and unforgettable moments? You came to the perfect place. CocoSuites will recommend you two options to make this summer in Barcelona a special experience:

1) Enjoy the Mediterranean:

Discover the Mediterranean shore from Barcelona to the lovely city of Sitges by catamaran. Walk through the beautiful streets of this small coastal town, visit museums, taste its cuisine and at the end of the day … let yourself be treated as royalty in ABAC Restaurant & Hotel.

The package includes:
-Reception with a gourmet detail.
-1 night stay in the room of your choice.
-A gourmet breakfast.
-Transfer by private car to the Olympic Port of Barcelona.
-Sailing accompanied by a Skipper along the waterfront of Barcelona. 49i JEANNEAU from Barcelona Olympic Port. One stop at the marina “Aiguadolç” in Sitges (3 hours). Possibility for a motor yacht.
-Transfer by private car from the Port of Aiguadolç to the center of Sitges.
-Return to Barcelona by a private car.
-Free access to the water circuit of Spa ABaC.

All from 623 € per person. Valid from April 26 to October 31, 2010

ABAC Restaurant & Hotel

2) CDLC CATAMARAN WHITE PARTY II Edition

Departure from the Olympic Port on July 18 at 10.30 AM with a stop and barbecue in Cala Morisca (Sitges)

DJ on board, Camilo Franco (Space Ibiza), Dj Vladi

From 75 EUR including barbecue and soft drinks

After Party at CDLC since 19.00 (first drink free)

For reservations, check with 5 days in advance (Dress Code: White & Sexy)

CDLC Barcelona

http://www.cdlcbarcelona.com/

+34 696 38 63 54 (Joel, PR)

THE W BARCELONA SUPPORTS THE BARCELONA GAY PRIDE 2010

Having become a reference regarding design, services and fashion trends, the hotel W BARCELONA clearly wants to also state its condition as an active participant in the city’s different events and important cultural acts. Therefore, and in consequence with the long gay-friendly policies that the company W Hotels Worldwide have always carried, the recently new 5 star GL hotel hosted this last Monday 21^st, the official presentation reception of the Barcelona Pride week 2010; an event that the hotel also sponsors.

The reception was graced with the presence of the mayor Jordi Hereu amongst a wide spectrum of associations, authorities and both sport and business personalities, who witnessed the presentation of the official program of events and activities, starting today Friday 25^th.

Considered the most important Gay Pride in the Mediterranean, the Barcelona Pride 2010 will offer for ten whole days, an intense program rich in sport and cultural activities, debates, parties and general leisure events. A non- profit popular celebration that in its first edition last year gathered up to 50.000 people.

On the other hand and in light of these celebrations, the hotel W Barcelona also presents a series of special deals oriented to the hotel’s gay customers such as the new gay-friendly pack “WELL”. Requiring a minimum stay of two nights in a “WONDERFUL” type room, the pack includes for a reasonable price of 320€ + VAT a night, a gourmet breakfast at the WAVE restaurant with views upon the sea, as well as a spaahlicius credit worth 150€ (per room and stay), to exchange at the W BLISS SPA, the franchise’s first spa in Spain.

Apart of its other fabulous 473 rooms, the hotel W Barcelona also houses spaces as spectacular as the WET® swimming pool with its cabins and terraces by the beach; as well as the glamorous and famous bar-lounge ECLIPSE with astonishing views upon the Mediterranean from its top 26^th floor. Other famous attractions at the hotel include the BRAVO 24 restaurant by the renowned chef Carles Abellán, the stimulating outside terraces and solariums, and the SWEAT®, a new generation fitness facility.

For more information on the hotel W Barcelona, as well as other similar hotels in the city, don’t forget to visit our website WWW.COCOSUITES.COM, where you’ll be able to find offers such as this in order to enjoy a luxurious experience and stay.

Tags: W BARCELONA, GAY PRIDE, ECLIPSE, BLISS SPA, WONDERFUL

The first Bliss Spa at W Barcelona Spain

With a world presence in countries like U.S., Britain and China, Bliss Spa has decided to bring its mission to improve the health of their clients to Spain, where it wants to leave its mark with the opening of its first European Spa.

The nearly 700 m² of Bliss Barcelona, open to everyone (whether or not hotel guests) are spread over two floors. There is a boutique with beauty products, two centers and two pedicure manicure, eight treatment rooms and relax lounges for post-treatment for women and men. The Bliss Barcelona has a wet area, steam room, sauna and jacuzzi. Luxury made to enjoy and relax.

The mix between massage and facial treatments together with its exclusive spa-services, music of bliss and a legendary brownie-buffet, have made the Bliss Barcelona one of those places that you must visit when staying Barcelona.

By staying at W, you not only can get the amazing spa experience and exclusive amenities in the rooms, but also BIP welcome gifts such as toilette products and a priority treatment when making reservations. Concierges are responsible for reserving the Blissage75 and Triple Oxygen treatments, and also for making wake up calls, all as part of the incredible service Bliss/W.

To learn more about the W Barcelona Bliss Spa or to contact them directly, go to our website WWW.COCOSUITES.COM , to the section “Book”. Remember, if you book a hotel room and you are a CocoSuites registered user, you will get distinguished treatment and a glass of cava by submitting your CocoCard on arrival. Have a nice trip!

Tags: BLISS, RELAX, SPA, W BARCELONA

Hotel VIURA – the first true luxury boutique hotel opens in Rioja

Hotel VIURA – the first true luxury boutique hotel opens in Rioja

London, March 2010:  This summer visitors to the wine region of Rioja will be able to stay at a brand new four star hotel VIURA (www.hotelviura.com).  Named after the most widely planted white grape variety in Rioja, Viura is a new-build, contemporary hotel with 26 guestrooms and seven suites, two bars and a restaurant.

Hotel Viura is the fifth hotel in the MHM portfolio, which specialises in the development, launch and management of independent hotels.  The current portfolio comprises Villa Soro and Astoria7 in San Sebastian, Iturregi in Getaria (Guipúzcoa) and Palacio Guendulain in Pamplona.  Ongoing projects include Cap Rocat in Mallorca (opening June 2010) and a project in Normandy scheduled for 2011.

Pablo Carrington, Managing Director of MHM said:

“Viura is Rioja’s first true luxury boutique hotel.    It feels cutting edge, exciting and fun.  But we also want to give anyone who stays here a true feel of La Rioja – after all, we are right in the middle of a typical, working wine village. So, although it is very contemporary, Viura really blends in with the village.”

Villabuena de Alava, home to Hotel Viura, is typical of the many small medieval villages dotted amongst the vineyards in the rolling wine country of La Rioja Alavesa, one of three regions – with Rioja Alta and Rioja Baja that make up La Rioja, Spain’s prime wine-producing area.   Though part of the Denominación de Origen of La Rioja, the area actually lies within the province of Alava, southernmost of the Basque Country’s three provinces.

Cutting edge architecture and design.

This ancient and illustrious wine country is the place where the old world charms of Spanish wineries now blend flawlessly with ultramodern architecture, and Viura is a perfect example of this.    Although it is set in the middle of the traditional village, next to the 17th century church, Viura’s architecture, is a true departure from traditional form:  a series of concrete cubes, one on top of the other, that seem to rise out of the ground.   The architecture successfully links the interior to the exterior landscape; floor to ceiling windows throughout and private terraces ensure that there is always a view of the village, the Sierra de Cantabria or the church.

The sleek, uncluttered interiors have been designed by designhouses (www.designhouses.es) who are also the owners of the hotel.   Clever use of partitions, glass and sophisticated lighting add to the ambiance and fun.  Materials and techniques have been brilliantly used together to create avant-garde work of art, strikingly different to its environment but nonetheless blending in to its surroundings.

Welcome to space!

Welcome to space!

We don´t have much to wait before one of the most eccentric dreams becomes true: space travel. Next year, Virgin Galactic, thanks to its millionaire owner Sir Richard Branson, will offer for the first time civilian spaceflight for the price of 125,000 pounds sterling (200,000 dollars). So far, about 300 persons have been selected and have booked to secure a place in the new model, named SS2 (SpaceShip Two), designed by aerospace engineer Burt Rutan.

White Knight Two

 

Last year was presented the White Knight Two, the mother ship that will carry the SS2 to a sufficient height in order to enable the SS2 to jump into space with its six passengers and two pilots. The journey will take about two hours, including the route from the base and back. During the journey, passengers will be able to enjoy five minutes of zero gravity. The Virgin Galactic is already working in the “spaceport” in New Mexico from where it will take off.

And we wonder, when are they going to offer us space hotels? So far, the closest to a space-room is the suite called “Space Club” offered by Hotel Puerta America (Madrid):

Suite Space Club by Zaha Hadid

 

Designed by Zaha Hadid, you can find out more about this suite and others in our website WWW.COCOSUITES.COM (note that registering as a user, you will receive all kinds of special services and exclusive benefits on arrival, such as room upgrades, late-check-out, fruit and champagne, etc).