Making blue
Our selection of the 5 most beautiful vacations in blue
Text: Claudia Hilmbauer
The origins of the expression "Blaumachen" are not entirely clear, and linguists have several theories about the origin of the term up their sleeves. What is certain, however, is that to this day it is associated with sweet idleness: simply relaxing and indulging in idleness. The color blue symbolizes tranquillity, clarity and security. We automatically associate it with the sky and the ocean and therefore also with vastness and freedom. So what could be more natural than treating yourself to some time out surrounded by lots of blue? We present five ideas for "turning blue" in style:
Paros, Greece
The Greek island in the center of the Cyclades makes it onto our blue list with several attributes. For one thing, there are strict building regulations here: every building must be white and the doors and windows must be painted a shade of blue. Anything else requires a special permit. Then there is the "Blue Lagoon of Paros". This is a spot in the sea between Paros and Antiparos that is particularly clear and glows in the most intense shades of blue and turquoise outside of the Caribbean and Maldives. The best way to get there is to take a small yacht and swim in the warm water in front of the imposing rocks. Special hotel tip: the luxurious Design Hotels member Parilio in Naoussa on Paros. www.pariliohotelparos.com
Chefchaouen, Morocco
Morocco is usually associated with red rocks and yellow deserts - blue is perhaps the last thing you think of. But there is a city in the north of the country, Chefchaouen, that is completely cloaked in the color. The entire old town glows in different shades of blue. The reason for this is the superstition that the blue color of the houses protects against evil eyes. The locals here are correspondingly relaxed. With so much blue, nothing bad can happen. The city is a popular excursion destination and yet remains enchantingly pristine. The Banyan Tree Tamouda Bay, for example, is a recommended starting point. www.banyantree.com
Blue Palace, Crete/Greece
From this season, the Cretan luxury hotel Blue Palace, a Luxury Collection Resort, will be serving exclusive cocktail creations in the Arsenali Lounge. These come from none other than Cristiano Luciani, bartender at the legendary The Gritti Palace in Venice. Whether shaken, stirred, as an aperitif, sundowner or night cap, Luciani's cocktail creations make the Arsenali Lounge with its imposing, eleven-metre-high round arches more than ever the place to be in summer on Crete. www.bluepalaceresort.gr
Acquapura BLUE.Horizon SPA, Falkensteiner Hotel & Spa Jesolo/Italy
The Falkensteiner Hotel & Spa in Jesolo, Italy, has been given a facelift. The Acquapura BLUE.Horizon Spa was also extensively remodeled as part of the redesign. It reflects the blue of the water and the sky as well as the vastness of the horizon - not only in the design, but also in the treatments. Maritime essences from the Adriatic to Hawaii are used and first-class product lines represent the main elements of the spa: water, sky and earth. www.falkensteiner.com
Velaa Private Island, Noonu Atoll/Maldives
The Maldives is the perfect place for a vacation surrounded by lots of blue: the ocean at your doorstep, the bright blue sky above and nothing but idleness in between. The choice of excellent resorts is huge, but one of the most luxurious and architecturally appealing resorts is probably the 20-hectare private island of Velaa Island, owned by businessman Jiri Smejc. Here you can stay in 43 villas with their own pool and absolute privacy. www.velaaprivateisland.com
