Guest Blog: Jet Setting in the Lanzarote

Nick Ball has lived on Lanzarote for eight years and is the editor of Lanzarote Guidebook – the in-depth island information guide which you can download for free online. Today he’s letting the JSL viewers in on the secrets of the Canary Islands.

Lanzagrotty?  You must be kidding.  Whilst Lanzarote, a small speck of Spain, located off the coast of west Africa, has a reputation as little more than a package holiday destination in the UK it’s regarded as the coolest of the Canary Islands by continental Europeans.  Thanks to the work of a famous local artist and architect called Cesar Manrique.  Whose incredible creations have enduring appeal for anyone with a penchant for 70´s chic and the jet set life.

Lanzarote is in fact a surprisingly cosmopolitan island – home to a kaleidoscope of nationalities – all lured by a climate that delivers jet set temperatures – and a lifestyle to match – even in the depths of winter.  Little wonder that the Spanish king maintains a residence here too.

Many are in fact fully paid up members of Lanzarote´s wet set.  Comprising everyone from year round surf bums living here solely to catch the waves that have earned the island the epithet of Europe’s Hawaii.  Through to the millionaires basking on their expensive yachts in one of Lanzarote´s luxury marinas.  Such as Puerto Calero – recent home of the Volvo Ericksson ocean going race team and widely regarded as one of the best facilities of its kind in the whole of Spain.

The island was in fact first designed as a classic jet set destination back in the 1960´s.  With Manrique at the helm of a plan to create a totally new type of holiday experience.  By fusing the islands breathtaking volcanic scenery with his own artistic aesthetic to create luxurious restaurants, nightclubs and concert venues.

The best known expression of this philosophy is the Jameos del Agua in the north of Lanzarote.  Where the artist transformed what had been a 6km long collapsed lava tunnel into an underground auditorium and concert hall, replete with a supremely cool pool reserved for the sole use of the King of Spain.

Manrique´s creation immediately garnered architectural plaudits and filled the pages of international magazines.  Attracting a whole host of 70´s jetsetters to this exciting new holiday destination.

When the Hollywood legend Rita Heyworth visited she was so moved by this feat of engineering that she described the Jameos as The Eighth Wonder of the World.   Whilst elsewhere Manrique created a home and studio out of five bubbles in the lava flow.  Which blew the actor Omar Sharif away to such an extent that he commissioned Manrique to create a similar holiday home for him nearby.

The result is LagOmar – Omars Lake.  An incredible estate fit for a star that has been built into the side of a volcano, bursting with beautiful tropical gardens, pools and fountains and lots of secret little hideaways.

Sharif, ever the gambler, staked the lot in a high stakes game of bridge soon after taking possession – and lost the place.  Leaving the island in a fit of pique, never to return.

Today however LagOmar is home to one of Lanzarote´s most upmarket restaurants – as well as the excellent Bar La Cueva.  Where visitors can party late into the night in the grounds of the film stars former home to a choice selection of chilled house and trance.  All for the price of a drink.

Thanks to Manrique – and the islands unique volcanic scenery – Lanzarote was declared a UNESCO protected biosphere in 1993 – making it the first island in the world to enjoy such status.

Finding the Perfect Bikini with Agustina, owner of Nina Swimwear

Agustina Palacio: Owner/Designer Nina Swimwear

I am a self-proclaimed bikini-aholic. I have more swimsuits than I know what to do with, just ask my husband. And honestly, it’s never enough. I’m constantly searching the globe for new styles, colors and designs. I love mixing and matching my colors and styles. Yet, it was not until I began visiting South America that I realized that if there was such a place as “Bikini Heaven”, this would be it! The beaches of Punta del Este and Rio de Janeiro were filled with the best bikinis (and bodies) that I had EVER seen. I thought that obviously it was the body that made the bikini look great. And that may be true, but as I spent more time on these beaches, I began to realize that these bikinis looked great on even non-perfect Brazilian and Argentine bodies. At that moment I did what any normal girl would do, I hunted down top South American bikini designers and soon they became my favorites! One of my absolute favorites for a sexy, high end, perfectly fitting, unbelievably well made bikini is Nina Swimwear.
The owner and lead designer Agustina Palacio is one of the hottest swimwear designers in the world. Woman everywhere covet her swimsuit designs year after year. And I was lucky enough to get her to answer all the questions that my jet set ladies have regarding choosing the perfect swimsuit.

How did you start designing swimwear?

I always loved swimsuits since I was very little. I used to take one piece of a bathing suit and put it to another. Also I used to wear a different top with a different bottom and I was only 7 years old!! By the age of nine I designed my first bikini and ask my mom to get someone who could sew it. But, I didn’t start designing till I moved to Miami when I was 20. I felt that there was nothing to buy. So it was there where I started up my business.

Nina Swimwear is always able to create and stay ahead of the current trends in swimwear. Where do you find your inspiration for designing new swimwear styles?

I find inspiration in everything specially living in NYC! Many times I dream of a bathing suit and when I wake up, I try to draw it. Our concept is doing bathing suits in a fashionable way, like clothing. So fashion magazines are a great source. When I see a dress or even a sweater or any piece that catches my eye, I try to see in what way I could do something similar in a bathing suit.

From exploring the beaches of South America I have found that a swimsuit is about more than being practical, it’s fashion. One thing that I noticed is that South Americans love to accessorize on the beach. What accessories would you suggest adding to your summer beach attire to enhance the overall outfit without overdoing it?

Yes, in some beaches of South America everything is about fashion and the swimsuit is the protagonist. I love when our clients can’t wait to show their new bikinis to friends or walk in the beach making people turn around to see them. Accessories are a must. I love wearing them when going to the beach. I suggest wearing a very light scarf or pareo that you can also wear it over the head or a cool hat. Wearing loose pieces, harem pants, tunics with belts. Always casual rather than fancy. However, my rule number one is that most of the pieces I wear don’t have to match the bikini. I hate when everything matches!

Many women don’t know which type of bikini would fit their body type. As the designer, I’d love to find out which body types would best fit in your suits.

It’s often hard for woman to find a swimsuit that they love in an actual store. It’s seems it would be impossible for a woman to find a suit online that they will and love and fit well. What tips can you give for women who want to purchase swimwear online?

Finding the right bathing suits is not an easy task. The big advantage of buying online is that you can try them in the comfort of your house and without the pressure of sales personnel and weird lighting in the fitting rooms! Nina makes very easy to return the suits if the client is not happy. To buy online the most important thing is to know your body and take your body measurement of the following: breast, back and hips. Once you know your measurements go to the reference table and choose your size. The most important thing when you are looking for the ideal bathing suit is to feel comfortable and feel sexy.

In the USA, women are shyer about wearing less coverage on the bottom. Explain how the right fit of the bottom (i.e. Brazilian, Argentine, American, full coverage etc..) can enhance or detract from a woman’s figure.

Most of American women are not comfortable with smaller bottom and they think that more fabric will be more flattering. And actually that might be the opposite. If you cover your whole behind, the butt will look bigger. For a lift and more flattering look the best is a “V” shape. One piece suit are very elegant and can be as sexy as a two piece, but if you have wide hips, then avoid low rise bottoms.

Do you have any tips on choosing colors that are more flattering for skin tones?

The color of your skin is very important, if you are fair skin go for stronger colors. If you are thinking of tanning then any print with white background will look very flattering.

What suit styles, colors etc… should I be packing for my 2009 summer vacation?

You should be packing some pieces with tribal prints and earth colors (browns, green, orange, etc). Also strong colors (yellow, green, silver). Maybe a cutout bikini or a one piece and all the rest should be two pieces.

What are the most common mistakes that women make when purchasing a swimsuit/bikini?

Women think that if the bathing suit is bigger and has more fabric then they will look smaller and usually is the opposite you just need to have the right fabric and cover the right place.

Where can my readers find your swimwear?

They can shop our line at http://ninaswim.com/

Wi-Fi in the Sky!

It’s official! The airlines are finally getting with the program and offering in-flight Wi-Fi! Now, we can send email to co-workers and family, check the weather and even shop from Wi-Fi-enabled laptops, BlackBerries and iPhones at 10,000 ft! Finally, this is one change in air travel that we can be excited about. Currently Gogo is the leader in airline wifi, but rest assured, lower cost companies like Row 44 are hot on their tales and starting to match their service, cost and speed.

Here’s a break down of who’s offering Gogo. How much is costs and which flights have it.

Gogo In-flight Internet

Once the aircraft reaches 10,000 feet and the captain gives the okay to turn on portable electronic devices, just log in to Gogo. Gogo’s website provides short videos that show you how to connect your laptop, iPhone or Blackberry while in-flight. I suggest signing up for this service and becoming familiar with the process before you travel to avoid any “connect problems”.

One thing that I thought was funny, is that Gogo also has a video related to your in-flight internet manners. They remind you to not view websites that could “shock your neighbor”, use headphones or shut the sound off and that making voice-calls is not allowed on flight even if connected through the internet(and let’s be honest,  it’s annoying).

How Much?

Rates vary depending on the device and the length of time.

Does my device work?

Laptops with wireless connection definitely work. Most phones that have an internet connect can use Gogo also. But consult the list to be sure!

Who’s got it?

United Airlines

Currently United is offering services from JFK to San Francisco and Los Angeles and has plans to expand it’s domestic

Virgin America

So far, Virgin is offering the service on the most flights, but still primarily the coast to coast flights.

American Airlines

American is offering Gogo on flights from JFK to San Francisco, Los Angeles and Miami.

FYI: There are rumors circulating that companies like Southwest will offer free wifi as part of their in-flight services. I’ll believe it when I see it. If they do, maybe they’ll be able to chat with hotel owners who still make us pay $14.95 per day to use their wifi!

Top 5 Can’t-Miss Jet Set Coastlines

Summer is my favorite time of year! The weather is warm in the Northern Hemisphere and European jet setters are in full travel hopping mode. Everyone is looking for a beach and a chilled glass of Rosé!

Personally, I love to find a nice hot-spot somewhere in the world to party, chill and just let loose for a few weeks, instead of traveling from place to place. Often I have people ask me why I would want spend multiple weeks in one destination. Honestly, I have found that the perfect way to do this, without getting bored, is to find a destination that offers a variety of small towns nearby to give you the change of scenery you want. Taking these day trips to other villages or islands are a great way to change it up and add a little variety to your vacation!

Here is a list of my favorite five places in the Northern Hemisphere that are perfect for the long summer vacation.

The French Riviera

The French Riviera describes a long stretch of coastline in Southern France. This is home to the original jet-set hot spot Saint-Tropez as well as other chic destinations like Cannes, Nice and Eze. These sleepy beach towns wake up to accommodate the summer tourists, many who return year arfter year. However, Saint-Tropez is definitely a destination that you won’t want to miss. Stay at the trendy Byblos Hotel, drink (and spray) champagne at the world famous Nikki Beach and dine at any of the fabulous restaurants that line the port.

The Greek Islands

Whatever your desire, the Greek Islands have it. My personal favorite is Mykonos. Yes, it’s definitely party central, but there is so much more to this beautiful island than Ouzo shots. If you explore the island’s winding roads you’ll be lead to quiet beaches, delicious ocean front hidden restaurants and maybe a high-energy beach club or two. The sunsets are amazing and so are the people. Stay at the Belvedere Hotel and enjoy the views of Mykonos Town from your balcony with a chilled glass of Rosé in hand. Other great islands to explore are Crete, Santorini and Paros.

The Costa del Sol

The main city on the coast for summer parties and beaches is Marbella. I would suggest using Marbella as “home base” to explore the Southern Spanish towns of Rhonda, Estepona and Tarifa as well. If you’re looking for more of a chill environment, stay at the Marbella Club Hotel, if partying is what you’re after, try the Don Carlos (it happens to be walking distance from Nikki Beach Marbella). Plan to rent a car, shop a lot and dine at the great restaurants in Puerto Banus and party all over this beautiful coast.

The Amalfi Coast

Oh the Italians! I just feel like I’m at home in Italy. The Amalfi Coast offers so much in the summer months. Plan to spend a few days on the coast exploring Sorrento, Amalfi, Ravello and Positano. I love Positano’s Le Sirenuse Hotel. It has picturesque views of the mountains and the sea below. If you can, tear yourself away from the magic of this beautiful coast and hop on a ferry to Capri. Spend a few days relaxing at the JK Place or the Capri Palace. Either way you can’t go wrong. Rent a scooter and explore the island. Then find a local with a small boat and ask him for a private cruise to the many grottos (including the famous Blue Grotto).

The Dalmation Coast

Croatia is fast becoming a jet-set hot spot. Dubrovnik and the islands off the Southern Coast of Croatia like Hvar, are luring people with inexpensive prices, hot sun and über-cool nightlife. If you missed Saint Tropez’s innocence in the 50’s and want to be one of the first jet-setters to stake a claim to this coast then you better book your flight now because this coast is constantly being touted as  the next “it” spot. For a happening hotel in Hvar, you may choose the Adriana Hotel.