Sharing my passion for travel and discovering exceptional locations with you.
How many years have I already spent criss-crossing the world seeking exceptional locations?
Exceptional does not necessarily mean expensive, with gilded fittings! I consider an exceptional place to be one that brings together four elements that I think are essential, and which warmly welcomes its guests as you would your best friend, simply but with all your heart.
People often ask me which country I prefer, and which was the most amazing hotel I have ever stayed in. But each time I love sharing my discoveries.
I find it very hard to answer. I like to travel; I like meeting different people; I try to speak a few words of their language. I love wandering aimlessly, far from the beaten track. Each country is amazing if you take the pains to understand it and to spend a little time there.
I have friends all over Europe, all over the world, with whom I have spent some amazing moments in their little corners of paradise, and they deserve a special mention from me.
They fill their guests with wellbeing and they have built
these “exceptional places” that I am presenting to you today.
There is no ran king; each has its own style, its own atmosphere and warmth. These are places you leave with a heavy heart, hoping to return very soon.
But what are those four essential elements that make these places “exceptional” for me?
Firstly, a quality of Service that is generous, friendly and efficient in all areas.
Secondly, respect for the environment on two levels. Not only must the impact on the local environment be as low as possible, but the hotel must not pollute the site and the surrounding landscape. In short, it must fit in with the area. How many hotels are true blots on the landscape?!
Thirdly, the size of the hotel. I feel that a hotel often loses its exce ptional character once it has more than 20 or 30 rooms. Most of the places I have chosen have even fewer than ten rooms.
The fourth criterion is harder to fulfil; indeed it is nearly impossible for city hotels. Many of the places I hav e selecte d have large private estates around them. Such little corners of paradise simply cann ot exist sandwiched between two 500-room giants.
The natural landscape surrounding an except ion al location is a key part of its exceptional character.
My list will certainly change, since my next travels will introd uce me to other places, while some locations will disappear off my list when my friends decide to give u p their ‘baby'.
Don’t hesitate to contact me if you share my passion, and I will introduce you to my most beautiful addresses.
This blog presents a number of exceptional places that I have discovered in the course of my globetrotting adventures, far off the beaten track.
You will find them in the "Diamond" section of my website hotelexcellence.com.
Keep in touch .
Bernard Fromageau