Behind The ChiChi Collection ~ Part 1
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Anyone visiting the Guatemalan highlands can delight in seeing the beautiful traje indigena (traditional Maya clothing). Some basic elements of the traditional dress are the huipil (blouse), corte/refago (skirt), and paz (belt). The styles, patterns and colours used to make these garments are unique to each village and the Maya women of the highlands proudly wear huipilies and cortes everyday.
Escape To: Matachica Resort and Spa, Ambergris Caye, Belize
If you've ever had the good fortune to visit Ambergris Caye, then I'm sure that you will agree there's 1 word to describe it: magical. I first set foot on the breathtaking Belizian coast in 2003 - back when Ambergris Caye was still kind of a secret and the path to get there was a lot less worn. It was all about shoestring budgets and backpacker accommodations back then and while I have very happy memories of my stay at Ruby's Guest House - I'd be lying if I didn't admit that I'm feeling a little desperate to go back and experience the eco-luxury that Matachica has to offer.
Travel Guide - Lake Atitlán, Guatemala
With stunning Lake views to rival some of the most famous in the world, writer Aldous Huxley said of Lake Atitlan: "Atitlan is Como with the additional embellishment of several immense volcanoes. It really is too much of a good thing”. He couldn't have been more right.
Travel Guide - Antigua, Guatemala
Surrounded by 3 large volcanos (Agua, Acatenango and Fuego) and some of the most breathtaking vistas you could imagine - this Spanish colonial town was once the capital city of Guatemala (1543-1776) until much of it was destroyed by earthquakes. Wandering the cobbled streets of Antigua feels like stepping back in time. Designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1979, Antigua is still home to dozens of churches, museums and ruins that tell the story of its turbulent past.
Behind The ChiChi Collection ~ Pt. 2
Reaching for the sky at an altitude of 5,125 ft., Lago Atitlán (Lake Atitlan) is considered by some to be the most beautiful lake in the world. The lake basin, volcanic in origin, was formed by an eruption several thousand years ago. Today filled with glistening water, the lake shores are home to 11 towns and villages belonging to the Maya people - namely the Tz’utujil and Kaqchikel.
Follow Friday | @accidentallywesanderson
Aided by thousands of like-minded adventurers who contribute their photos to this creative collaboration, Koval shows us The Grand Budapest Hotel come to life. And what makes each post even more delightful, is that he goes a step beyond simply posting pretty pictures by also providing a glimpse of the history behind every location captured.
Escape To: Círculo de Bellas Artes, Madrid
Located on top of the Circulo de Bellas Artes (the Fine Arts Building), the Tartan Roof Bar offers some of the most spectacular panoramic views of the city. A four-Euro lift ticket will get you from the cultural centre on the ground floor to the rooftop terrace where you will find some of Madrid's hippest locals lounging with cocktails and cooling off in the mist of built in water spritzers.
Escape to: Tabacon Thermal Resort & Spa, Costa Rica
Nestled near the base of Arenal Valcano, Tabacon's network of mineral rich river pools are naturally heated underground by the volcano's magma. The lush, tropical Costa Rican jungle surrounds the pools making it an experience for all the senses. My favourite memory from that day was sitting at the spa's swim up bar in the evening and sipping a Caipirinha while watching red hot lava roll slowly down the peak. I couldn't help but think "Man...how the hell did I get this lucky?!"