Latest news with #Castilian
The Independent
04-07-2025
- The Independent
Sensational travel ideas and luxury island stays for 2025
Planning your next getaway? Whether you're seeking serenity in the Castilian hills, diving into coral-rich waters or encountering wildlife aboard a boutique Arctic expedition ship, these travel ideas will thoroughly elevate your year ahead. Find a fresh way to wind down with Sentia Spirits, a functional, alcohol-free drink designed to enhance calm, clarity and connection, without the next-day regret. Whether you're sipping Gaba Gold with tonic by the pool, mixing Gaba Red into a smoky firepit sour, or kicking off a hike with the herbal energy of Gaba Black, this award-winning range is built for modern wellness-led lifestyles. Created by leading UK neuroscientist professor David Nutt, each blend is crafted to support your brain's natural Gaba system using powerful botanicals like hops, schisandra and ginseng. It's not about cutting out joy. It's about mixing it up in style. Functional, flavorful and built for elevated moments wherever you roam. Soak up the other side of Santorini at a volcanic hideaway Folded into the island's dramatic landscape, Magma Resort Santorini, Part of Hyatt's Unbound Collection, invites guests to a serene sanctuary away from the bustling crowds of the Caldera and just a 10-minute drive from Fira. Think sweeping Aegean views from your private pool, Santorinian wine tastings at the hotel vineyard, spa treatments inspired by volcanic soil and soul-soothing morning yoga overlooking the vineyards and sea. Start your day with a champagne buffet breakfast by the infinity pool and dine under the Cycladic stary sky. Interiors nod to Santorini's raw natural beauty, while warm Greek hospitality makes every stay feel personal. With 25% off stays and spa treatments from May to October 2025, now's the time to island escape is waiting at Just a short hop from Rhodes Town, Amus Hotel & Spa offers a sleek, five-star escape for travelers who want both energy and repose. Split between two architecturally distinct buildings, this modern resort delivers everything from poolside ease to pampered privacy. Stay in the main hotel for contemporary comfort across nine room categories, or upgrade to an Amus Suite, where private pools, forest or sea views and a separate check-in lounge bring a refreshing sense of calm. Amus Suite guests also enjoy exclusive access to the Black Pool, a tranquil, adults-only haven, plus full spa facilities, including sauna, hammam and heated indoor pool. A welcome of fruit, fizz and plush towels sets the tone—and thoughtful moments throughout will guarantee your stay lingers long in the memory. Book now Enjoy a leisurely spell on Turks & Caicos On the quiet, lesser-known island of South Caicos, Salterra Resort & Spa invites guests to fully press pause. Here, your suite opens directly to the ocean, your days are shaped by restorative rituals, from halotherapy to tailored couples treatments, and your meals are taken across six distinctive, dazzling dining venues. If you do feel compelled to explore, the in-house team at Adventures by Salterra can guide you through coral reef dives, coastal hikes and salt flat walks that feel like another planet. There's a natural rhythm to life here: slower, gentler and thoroughly grounded. Want one extra day to sink into sublime serenity? Book four nights for the price of three with code LTS at Offer valid until October 31 2025. Seeking real relaxation? Castilla Termal's five-star wellness retreats offer the chance to pause, reflect and restore. Set in some of Spain's most evocative locations—from the medieval monastery of Valbuena in the Ribera del Duero wine region to the lavender-rich hills of Brihuega—these hotels marry heritage architecture with holistic spa rituals and a deep sense of place. Soak in thermal waters rich in abundant natural minerals, savor slow food and local wines or simply breathe in the calm of the Castilian countryside. Every detail is crafted to nurture body and mind, with sustainability woven into every stay. For travelers seeking so much more than room and board, this is a journey within, and a journey worth taking. Plan your escape at Book now Want to see the Arctic in peace? Secret Atlas specializes in Expedition Micro Cruises, taking you far beyond the typical cruise experience. In East Greenland's otherworldly Scoresby Sund, you'll sail past glaciers, fjords and drifting icebergs, and look out for musk oxen, narwhals, polar bears and reindeer. Visit Ittoqqortoormiit, one of the world's most remote settlements, as it celebrates its centenary in 2025, or join a dedicated photography voyage guided by award-winning pros. With no long queues, no fixed itinerary and a profound respect for these fragile ecosystems, you can explore at your leisure—this is the Arctic stripped back and witnessed up close. Solo travelers and private groups welcome. Tailor your Egyptian journey of discovery to uncover the secrets of this fascinating destination—a land rich in ancient history and vibrant cosmopolitan culture. Experience the pulse of the Nile at Four Seasons Hotel Cairo at Nile Plaza, your gateway to exploring energetic modern Cairo and discover historic wonders and the Grand Egyptian Museum, the largest archaeological museum in the world. Dive into the Red Sea's hidden treasures at Four Seasons Resort Sharm El Sheikh, a beachfront sanctuary offering not only vibrant marine life but also desert adventures and breathtaking scenery. Alternatively, immerse yourself in a genuine Mediterranean experience at Four Seasons Hotel Alexandria at San Stefano, an idyllic destination to explore ancient history and culture, including the newly restored Greco-Roman Museum and the Bibliotheca Alexandrina. Book now Set your sights high on an epic Alpine adventure In the mood for a peak experience? The Alps are calling. From Davos to Chamonix, Lech to Cortina d'Ampezzo, the Best of the Alps collection brings together Europe's most iconic mountain towns and villages in one sublime summer offering. Think wildflower meadows, glacial lakes and crisp, pine-scented air, plus charming hotels, scenic trails and mouthwatering farm-to-table cuisine. It's not all about hardcore hiking (though there's plenty of that, too). Local festivals, cultural gems and spa-style relaxation make this a rich, restorative escape. Whether you're chasing adrenaline or craving stillness, these high-altitude havens offer something rare: space to breathe. So, take the high road and discover your perfect mountain escape today at On the sun-kissed shores of Tortola, Long Bay Beach Resort offers the kind of exquisite, easy elegance that turns a week away into a long, deep exhale. This boutique hideaway is all barefoot luxury—think swish beachside villas, wraparound sea views and sand-between-your-toes moments of sheer bliss. Days drift by in a gentle rhythm: sunrise paddleboarding, beachside pickleball, sailing to secret coves, then snoozing to the quiet susurration of waves on a beachfront daybed. Evenings stretch out under golden skies with island fare and Caribbean cocktails. It's a place where summer doesn't just roll around once a year—it's a sensation that stays with you. Book a five-night stay 182 days in advance and save 30% at (t&c's apply)
Japan Today
14-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Japan Today
The world's oldest restaurant faces a challenge from another Madrid tavern that says its even older
A view shows the exterior of the Casa Pedro restaurant in Madrid, Spain, on May 16. By SUMAN NAISHADHAM In the heart of Spain's capital, Sobrino de Botín holds a coveted Guinness World Record as the world's oldest restaurant. Exactly three hundred years after it opened its doors, Botín welcomes droves of daily visitors hungry for Castilian fare with a side of history. But on the outskirts of Madrid, far from the souvenir shops and tourist sites, a rustic tavern named Casa Pedro makes a bold claim. Its owners assert the establishment endured not just the Spanish Civil War in the 1930s and the Napoleonic invasion in the early 1800s, but even the War of Spanish Succession at the start of the 18th century — a lineage that would make Casa Pedro older than Botín and a strong contender for the title. 'It's really frustrating when you say, 'Yes, we've been around since 1702,' but ... you can't prove it,' said manager and eighth-generation proprietor Irene Guiñales. 'If you look at the restaurant's logo, it says 'Casa Pedro, since 1702,' so we said, 'Damn it, let's try to prove it.'' Guiñales, 51, remembers her grandfather swearing by Casa Pedro's age, but she was aware that decades-old hearsay from a proud old-timer wouldn't be enough to prove it. Her family hired a historian and has so far turned up documents dating the restaurant's operations to at least 1750. That puts them within striking distance of Botín's record. Both taverns are family-owned. Both offer Castilian classics like stewed tripe and roast suckling pig. They are decorated with charming Spanish tiles, feature ceilings with exposed wooden beams and underground wine cellars. And both enjoy a rich, star-studded history. Botín's celebrated past includes a roster of literary patrons like Truman Capote, F. Scott Fitzgerald and Graham Greene. In his book 'The Sun Also Rises,' Ernest Hemingway described it as 'one of the best restaurants in the world." While Casa Pedro may not have boasted the same artistic pedigree, it boasts its own VIPs. Its walls are adorned with decades-old photographs of former Spanish King Juan Carlos I dining in one of its many rooms. The current Spanish monarch, King Felipe VI dines there, too, albeit more inconspicuously than his father. But the similarities between the two hotspots end there. Casa Pedro was once a stop on the only road heading north from the Spanish capital toward France. Its clientele is largely local regulars, like David González and Mayte Villena, who for years have spent every Friday lunching at the tavern. 'It wouldn't change a thing for us,' Villena said about the restaurant someday securing the Guinness title. Botín, on the other hand, is a stone's throw from Madrid's famed Plaza Mayor, where any day of the week tour guides are herding groups around town — and often straight through the restaurant's front door. Antonio González, a third-generation proprietor of Botín, concedes that the Guinness accolade awarded in 1987 has helped business, but said the restaurant had enough history to draw visitors even before. 'It has a certain magic,' he said. The question then becomes: How can either restaurant definitively claim the title? Guinness provides its specific guidelines for the superlative only to applicants, according to spokesperson Kylie Galloway, noting that it entails 'substantial evidence and documentation of the restaurant's operation over the years." González said that Guinness required Botín show that it has continuously operated in the same location with the same name. The only time the restaurant closed was during the COVID-19 pandemic, as did Casa Pedro. That criteria would mean that restaurants that are even older — Paris' Le Procope, which says it was founded in 1686, or Beijing's Bianyifang, founded in 1416, or the 1673-established White Horse Tavern in Newport, Rhode Island — aren't eligible for the designation. La Campana, in Rome's historic center, claims over 500 years of operation, citing documents on its menu and in a self-published history. Its owners say they have compiled the requisite paperwork and plan to submit it to Guinness. Guiñales and her husband couldn't consult archives from the former town of Fuencarral, now a Madrid neighborhood. Those papers went up in flames during the Spanish Civil War. Instead, they delved into Spanish national archives, where they found land registries of the area from the First Marquess of Ensenada (1743-1754) that showed the existence of a tavern, wine cellar and inn in the small town as of 1750. In their spare time, the couple continues to hunt for records proving that Casa Pedro indeed dates back to 1702, as is proclaimed on its walls, takeout bags and sugar packets. But even if they dig up the final documents and wrest the Guinness honor from Botín, Guiñales concedes that her restaurant's quiet location makes it unlikely to draw Botín's clientele in central Madrid. 'To think that we could reach that public would be incredible,' Guiñales said. 'It's a dream, but it's a dream.' © Copyright 2025 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed without permission.
11-06-2025
- Entertainment
World's oldest restaurant faces challenge from Madrid tavern that says its even older
MADRID -- In the heart of Spain's capital, Sobrino de Botín holds a coveted Guinness World Record as the world's oldest restaurant. Exactly three hundred years after it opened its doors, Botín welcomes droves of daily visitors hungry for Castilian fare with a side of history. But on the outskirts of Madrid, far from the souvenir shops and tourist sites, a rustic tavern named Casa Pedro makes a bold claim. Its owners assert the establishment endured not just the Spanish Civil War in the 1930s and the Napoleonic invasion in the early 1800s, but even the War of Spanish Succession at the start of the 18th century — a lineage that would make Casa Pedro older than Botín and a strong contender for the title. 'It's really frustrating when you say, 'Yes, we've been around since 1702,' but ... you can't prove it,' said manager and eighth-generation proprietor Irene Guiñales. 'If you look at the restaurant's logo, it says 'Casa Pedro, since 1702,' so we said, 'Damn it, let's try to prove it.'' Guiñales, 51, remembers her grandfather swearing by Casa Pedro's age, but she was aware that decades-old hearsay from a proud old-timer wouldn't be enough to prove it. Her family hired a historian and has so far turned up documents dating the restaurant's operations to at least 1750. That puts them within striking distance of Botín's record. Both taverns are family-owned. Both offer Castilian classics like stewed tripe and roast suckling pig. They are decorated with charming Spanish tiles, feature ceilings with exposed wooden beams and underground wine cellars. And both enjoy a rich, star-studded history. Botín's celebrated past includes a roster of literary patrons like Truman Capote, F. Scott Fitzgerald and Graham Greene. In his book 'The Sun Also Rises,' Ernest Hemingway described it as 'one of the best restaurants in the world." While Casa Pedro may not have boasted the same artistic pedigree, it boasts its own VIPs. Its walls are adorned with decades-old photographs of former Spanish King Juan Carlos I dining in one of its many rooms. The current Spanish monarch, King Felipe VI dines there, too, albeit more inconspicuously than his father. But the similarities between the two hotspots end there. Casa Pedro was once a stop on the only road heading north from the Spanish capital toward France. Its clientele is largely local regulars, like David González and Mayte Villena, who for years have spent every Friday lunching at the tavern. 'It wouldn't change a thing for us,' Villena said about the restaurant someday securing the Guinness title. Botín, on the other hand, is a stone's throw from Madrid's famed Plaza Mayor, where any day of the week tour guides are herding groups around town — and often straight through the restaurant's front door. Antonio González, a third-generation proprietor of Botín, concedes that the Guinness accolade awarded in 1987 has helped business, but said the restaurant had enough history to draw visitors even before. 'It has a certain magic,' he said. The question then becomes: How can either restaurant definitively claim the title? Guinness provides its specific guidelines for the superlative only to applicants, according to spokesperson Kylie Galloway, noting that it entails 'substantial evidence and documentation of the restaurant's operation over the years." González said that Guinness required Botín show that it has continuously operated in the same location with the same name. The only time the restaurant closed was during the COVID-19 pandemic, as did Casa Pedro. That criteria would mean that restaurants that are even older — Paris' Le Procope, which says it was founded in 1686, or Beijing's Bianyifang, founded in 1416, or the 1673-established White Horse Tavern in Newport, Rhode Island — aren't eligible for the designation. La Campana, in Rome's historic center, claims over 500 years of operation, citing documents on its menu and in a self-published history. Its owners say they have compiled the requisite paperwork and plan to submit it to Guinness. Guiñales and her husband couldn't consult archives from the former town of Fuencarral, now a Madrid neighborhood. Those papers went up in flames during the Spanish Civil War. Instead, they delved into Spanish national archives, where they found land registries of the area from the First Marquess of Ensenada (1743-1754) that showed the existence of a tavern, wine cellar and inn in the small town as of 1750. In their spare time, the couple continues to hunt for records proving that Casa Pedro indeed dates back to 1702, as is proclaimed on its walls, takeout bags and sugar packets. But even if they dig up the final documents and wrest the Guinness honor from Botín, Guiñales concedes that her restaurant's quiet location makes it unlikely to draw Botín's clientele in central Madrid. 'To think that we could reach that public would be incredible,' Guiñales said. 'It's a dream, but it's a dream.'
New York Post
11-06-2025
- New York Post
The world's oldest restaurant faces challenge from another Madrid tavern that says it's even older
In the heart of Spain's capital, Sobrino de Botín holds a coveted Guinness World Record as the world's oldest restaurant. Exactly three hundred years after it opened its doors, Botín welcomes droves of daily visitors hungry for Castilian fare with a side of history. But on the outskirts of Madrid, far from the souvenir shops and tourist sites, a rustic tavern named Casa Pedro makes a bold claim. Its owners assert the establishment endured not just the Spanish Civil War in the 1930s and the Napoleonic invasion in the early 1800s, but even the War of Spanish Succession at the start of the 18th century — a lineage that would make Casa Pedro older than Botín and a strong contender for the title. 7 A Madrid rustic tavern, Casa Pedro, is claiming that they are the oldest restaurant in the world. AP 'It's really frustrating when you say, 'Yes, we've been around since 1702,' but … you can't prove it,' said manager and eighth-generation proprietor Irene Guiñales. 'If you look at the restaurant's logo, it says 'Casa Pedro, since 1702,' so we said, 'Damn it, let's try to prove it.'' Guiñales, 51, remembers her grandfather swearing by Casa Pedro's age, but she was aware that decades-old hearsay from a proud old-timer wouldn't be enough to prove it. Her family hired a historian and has so far turned up documents dating the restaurant's operations to at least 1750. That puts them within striking distance of Botín's record. Clients and rivals Both taverns are family-owned. Both offer Castilian classics like stewed tripe and roast suckling pig. They are decorated with charming Spanish tiles, feature ceilings with exposed wooden beams, and underground wine cellars. And both enjoy a rich, star-studded history. 7 'It's really frustrating when you say, 'Yes, we've been around since 1702,' but … you can't prove it,' said manager and eighth-generation proprietor Irene Guiñales (above). AP Botín's celebrated past includes a roster of literary patrons like Truman Capote, F. Scott Fitzgerald, and Graham Greene. In his book 'The Sun Also Rises,' Ernest Hemingway described it as 'one of the best restaurants in the world.' While Casa Pedro may not have boasted the same artistic pedigree, it boasts its own VIPs. Its walls are adorned with decades-old photographs of former Spanish King Juan Carlos I dining in one of its many rooms. The current Spanish monarch, King Felipe VI, dines there, too, albeit more inconspicuously than his father. But the similarities between the two hotspots end there. 7 Irene Guinales, right, and Pedro Guinales del Valle, owners and managers of Casa Pedro restaurant, review documents regarding the restaurant's opening date. AP Casa Pedro was once a stop on the only road heading north from the Spanish capital toward France. Its clientele is largely local regulars, like David González and Mayte Villena, who for years have spent every Friday lunching at the tavern. 'It wouldn't change a thing for us,' Villena said about the restaurant someday securing the Guinness title. Botín, on the other hand, is a stone's throw from Madrid's famed Plaza Mayor, where any day of the week, tour guides are herding groups around town — and often straight through the restaurant's front door. 7 Patrons dining at Casa Pedro restaurant in Madrid. AP Antonio González, a third-generation proprietor of Botín, concedes that the Guinness accolade awarded in 1987 has helped business, but said the restaurant had enough history to draw visitors even before. 'It has a certain magic,' he said. Pretenders to the crown The question then becomes: How can either restaurant definitively claim the title? Guinness provides its specific guidelines for the superlative only to applicants, according to spokesperson Kylie Galloway, noting that it entails 'substantial evidence and documentation of the restaurant's operation over the years.' 7 Several dishes from the restaurant's menu are photographed at Casa Pedro. AP González said that Guinness required Botín to show that it has continuously operated in the same location with the same name. The only time the restaurant closed was during the COVID-19 pandemic, as did Casa Pedro. That criteria would mean that restaurants that are even older — Paris' Le Procope, which says it was founded in 1686, or Beijing's Bianyifang, founded in 1416, or the 1673-established White Horse Tavern in Newport, Rhode Island — aren't eligible for the designation. 7 Casa Pedro offers Castilian classics like stewed tripe and roast suckling pig. AP La Campana, in Rome's historic center, claims over 500 years of operation, citing documents on its menu and in a self-published history. Its owners say they have compiled the requisite paperwork and plan to submit it to Guinness. A dream for Casa Pedro Guiñales and her husband couldn't consult archives from the former town of Fuencarral, now a Madrid neighborhood. Those papers went up in flames during the Spanish Civil War. Instead, they delved into Spanish national archives, where they found land registries of the area from the First Marquess of Ensenada (1743-1754) that showed the existence of a tavern, wine cellar, and inn in the small town as of 1750. 7 A view of the Casa Pedro restaurant in Madrid, Spain. AP In their spare time, the couple continues to hunt for records proving that Casa Pedro indeed dates back to 1702, as is proclaimed on its walls, takeout bags, and sugar packets. But even if they dig up the final documents and wrest the Guinness honor from Botín, Guiñales concedes that her restaurant's quiet location makes it unlikely to draw Botín's clientele in central Madrid. 'To think that we could reach that public would be incredible,' Guiñales said. 'It's a dream, but it's a dream.'
Arab Times
11-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Arab Times
The world's oldest restaurant faces a challenge from another Madrid tavern
MADRID, June 11, (AP): In the heart of Spain's capital, Sobrino de Botín holds a coveted Guinness World Record as the world's oldest restaurant. Exactly three hundred years after it opened its doors, Botín welcomes droves of daily visitors hungry for Castilian fare with a side of history. But on the outskirts of Madrid, far from the souvenir shops and tourist sites, a rustic tavern named Casa Pedro makes a bold claim. Its owners assert the establishment endured not just the Spanish Civil War in the 1930s and the Napoleonic invasion in the early 1800s, but even the War of Spanish Succession at the start of the 18th century - a lineage that would make Casa Pedro older than Botín and a strong contender for the title. "It's really frustrating when you say, 'Yes, we've been around since 1702,' but ... you can't prove it,' said manager and eighth-generation proprietor Irene Guiñales. "If you look at the restaurant's logo, it says 'Casa Pedro, since 1702,' so we said, 'Damn it, let's try to prove it.'' Guiñales, 51, remembers her grandfather swearing by Casa Pedro's age, but she was aware that decades-old hearsay from a proud old-timer wouldn't be enough to prove it. Her family hired a historian and has so far turned up documents dating the restaurant's operations to at least 1750. That puts them within striking distance of Botín's record. Both taverns are family-owned. Both offer Castilian classics like stewed tripe and roast suckling pig. They are decorated with charming Spanish tiles, feature ceilings with exposed wooden beams and underground wine cellars. And both enjoy a rich, star-studded history. Botín's celebrated past includes a roster of literary patrons like Truman Capote, F. Scott Fitzgerald and Graham Greene. In his book "The Sun Also Rises,' Ernest Hemingway described it as "one of the best restaurants in the world." While Casa Pedro may not have boasted the same artistic pedigree, it boasts its own VIPs. Its walls are adorned with decades-old photographs of former Spanish King Juan Carlos I dining in one of its many rooms. The current Spanish monarch, King Felipe VI dines there, too, albeit more inconspicuously than his father. But the similarities between the two hotspots end there. Casa Pedro was once a stop on the only road heading north from the Spanish capital toward France. Its clientele is largely local regulars, like David González and Mayte Villena, who for years have spent every Friday lunching at the tavern. "It wouldn't change a thing for us,' Villena said about the restaurant someday securing the Guinness title. Botín, on the other hand, is a stone's throw from Madrid's famed Plaza Mayor, where any day of the week tour guides are herding groups around town - and often straight through the restaurant's front door. Antonio González, a third-generation proprietor of Botín, concedes that the Guinness accolade awarded in 1987 has helped business, but said the restaurant had enough history to draw visitors even before. "It has a certain magic,' he said. The question then becomes: How can either restaurant definitively claim the title? Guinness provides its specific guidelines for the superlative only to applicants, according to spokesperson Kylie Galloway, noting that it entails "substantial evidence and documentation of the restaurant's operation over the years." González said that Guinness required Botín show that it has continuously operated in the same location with the same name. The only time the restaurant closed was during the COVID-19 pandemic, as did Casa Pedro. That criteria would mean that restaurants that are even older - Paris' Le Procope, which says it was founded in 1686, or Beijing's Bianyifang, founded in 1416, or the 1673-established White Horse Tavern in Newport, Rhode Island - aren't eligible for the designation. La Campana, in Rome's historic center, claims over 500 years of operation, citing documents on its menu and in a self-published history. Its owners say they have compiled the requisite paperwork and plan to submit it to Guinness. Guiñales and her husband couldn't consult archives from the former town of Fuencarral, now a Madrid neighborhood. Those papers went up in flames during the Spanish Civil War. Instead, they delved into Spanish national archives, where they found land registries of the area from the First Marquess of Ensenada (1743-1754) that showed the existence of a tavern, wine cellar and inn in the small town as of 1750. In their spare time, the couple continues to hunt for records proving that Casa Pedro indeed dates back to 1702, as is proclaimed on its walls, takeout bags, and sugar packets. But even if they dig up the final documents and wrest the Guinness honor from Botín, Guiñales concedes that her restaurant's quiet location makes it unlikely to draw Botín's clientele in central Madrid. "To think that we could reach that public would be incredible,' Guiñales said. "It's a dream, but it's a dream.'
