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“There is nothing more satisfying than seeing the name of our
hotel being held prominently in an unfamiliar place”
Simone said as
she caught a glimpse of our limo driver waving a sign while he waited hopefully
for our arrival. |
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We landed at Gran Canaria’s international airport
(also known as 'Aeropuerto de Gando') located about a dozen miles south of Las
Palmas. Contrary to other tourist hot spots this airport accommodates also 1st
and private jet lines; the business traveler even finds conference facilities
here. Our chauffeur identified himself through the arriving masses by holding
up his sign ‘Grand Hotel Residencia’, shielding our privacy. A Luxury
Mercedes Limousine equipped with all the essentials including an entertainment
center and a bottle of perfectly chilled Moet Chandon Brut Imperial was a nice
welcome. But our attention was drawn to the world outside, the tourist hotels
and happy people of all nationalities in shorts and sandals, mingling and
laughing under a radiant blue Eastern Atlantic morning sky.
It is
interesting to know that the average age of the culturally diverse population
is rather young in comparison to the rest of the country. Acceding to three
quarter of a million in population Gran Canaria is very likely the most
cosmopolitan of the Canary Islands, (Fuerteventura, Lanzarote and Tenerife with
its Volcano Teide). More then 42 percent of the island of Gran Canaria is
environmentally protected. But Maspalomas is our destination; also called
‘Maspalomas Costa Canaria’, as it comprises the beach resorts of
Águila, Las Burras, San Agustín and Playa del Inglés all
of which belong to the municipality of San Bartolomé de Tirajana. Here
we should find the most amazing coastline with white sand dunes and beaches.
They are also most desired for their wonderfully mild year-round climate, a
true paradise and an oasis. As we were getting closer to our destination, we
passed luxury estates and golf courses with perfectly manicured lawns and we
arrived after a short twenty-five minute pleasant and safe ride. Golfers are
pleased to find several fine courses, one of which is right in Maspalomas, and
all within easy reach of the Gran Hotel Residencia. The famous sand dunes and
beaches of Maspalomas are located within a short walking distance from the
resort and all so close to the discerning seaside community. |
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| "One's destination is never a place but rather a new way of looking
at things." Henry Miller (1891 - 1980) |
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The magical scent of citrus captivated our dour senses
as the limo doors opened out into the mid-day sun and we were immediately
infatuated by the clean immodest Moorish style of this luxury resort. Opened
just a few years ago, the Gran Hotel Residencia is sited in a thousand year old
palm grove and with its swish two-story villas, the resort is the utmost in
‘Royalty’ on this vacation island. The Grand~e dame is frequently
visited by the Spanish President and Hollywood stars like Ursula Andress, just
to name a couple. “Naturally there are many more whose privacy must be
protected”, assured GM Martin Schneck.
Simone whispered:
“Breathe, honey, breathe in this wondrous air”, while she smiled. Now
it was the sound of exotic birds dictating the rhythm of our hearts; inviting
us to stay. Check-in was ultimately pleasant and we noted that most of the
staff was fluent in English, Spanish and German. The welcome reception area in
the lower part of the two story main building and most of the other buildings
were designed and decorated by internationally renowned architect Alberto
Pinto. Pinto’s elegant and abundantly luxurious style is always easily
recognizable, again he chose to dominate with natural colors that underline the
emblematic Mediterranean atmosphere. As we stepped out onto the sprawling sun
terrace overlooking a sparkling free-form pool, a Seahorse logo in cobalt blue
tiles reflected the colors of the mesmerizing sky. “I didn’t think
they make those skies anymore” Simone joked (we both are coming from
northern parts of the world). Here we were welcomed with a wonderful glass of
‘Cava’ a local, sparkling fruity champagne, quite
refreshing. |
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“The Gran Hotel Residencia belongs to the Seaside Hotel
group, a well recognized name
in the family of highly successful
international hotel firms.” ~ Thorsten Piosczyk |
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| Our accommodations were
luminous throughout. The floors were tiled with wonderful Mediterranean stone.
The comfortable poster bed was dressed with fine-spun linens, large European
pillows and a-light-as-a-feather duvet cover. The blues on white were just
precious and Simone freaked over the ‘adorable’ bath amenities by
Bulgari forcing her to buy them all later on at Rosenthal’s. I was happy
with my ‘E’-menities, since I always travel with my lap-top and when
I looked I found a power outlet feature conveniently located inside the in-room
safe. Well designed lavatory and bidet were tucked away in a
‘private’ room, where they belong. |
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Please take a closer look |
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The make-up mirror made all the difference in
Simone’s life. Our balcony (and all pool sites and terraces) was furnished
with elegant, solid teak patio lounges and accessories. The sun / rain
umbrellas were of natural fibers and wood and presented a nice flow of
outdoor-harmony besides a cool oasis.
We both took a quick shower,
while we were trying to ignore the bathtub, after all we were hungry and good
for lunch. Simone looked really appealing in her bathing suit with a matching
sarong draped around her hips as we sat down at the pool bar for a casual
lunch. Paco Francisco, our “Most Accommodating Waiter” approached us
in the language of our origin with a true and caring smile and inquired after
our whishes. It was obvious that he had no expectations other then to please
the guest. |
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Please take a closer look |
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| I had a perfectly
grilled to-the-minute medium rare filet mignon and Simone a delicious grilled
Salmon with organic greens and a local sparkling water that should be bottled
for the international market. The extraordinary quality of this steak reminded
me immediately of Michael Jordan’s Steakhouse in Grand Central Station in
NYC. The authentic Canary Islands taste was present throughout all dishes,
though never consuming. The cozy pool bar created a great feeling from the
second we entered this outdoor dining room and we nurtured a fabulous meal.
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“The
secret of hospitality is caring, if you do
that honestly, the rest takes
care of itself.”
~ Thorsten Piosczyk |
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After a refreshing siesta and a quick shower we were
on our way to the near-by helicopter landing facilities for a truly exclusive
excursion arranged by Martin Schneck, the GM of the resort.
Alexander
Neumann, our private pilot, a broad & handsome navy seal type, welcomed us
in perfect English. Even Simone felt safe by the way he handled himself and his
helicopter, which was made in Germany. As we
flew
through the
canyons
and over the peaks we spotted a glowing turquoise water reservoir in the midst
of the mountains. I couldn’t help but think how lucky I was at this very
minute. I have traveled around the world on business and pleasure and have
always dreamed of such an adventure with Simone. The experience itself was
unbelievable and we got more excited with every turn only to discover an even
more picturesque view. An experience such as this is just too inconceivable to
portray in simple words! As we were
circling
the spot that we would eventually land on, we discovered to our true
surprise that the plateau had been somehow magically set up with a table and
chairs and a uniformed waiter was expecting us. Nobody said much for the first
few seconds after the chopper got silent. The breathtaking beauty, the complete
silence, the surprise and the anticipation of what was to come, held Simone and
me in awe. We felt almost like slapping high-fives and celebrating; it was
inspiring. |
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| Indeed, the plateau had
somehow been prepared with a picnic set on a yellow table cloth resembling the
colors of the resort. And a perfectly chilled magnum bottle of
‘Tattinger’ and an equally nice chilled bottle of wine in silver
coolers were placed next to the table. A platter of most delicious, local
cold
cuts and fresh fruits was beautifully arranged on pretty stoneware. There
was no sign that the display was longer on the table then just about
to-the-minute. Soon the natural cork of the Tattinger popped to reveal the
smallest of all Bacchus’ pearl strings ever, eagerly running for their
aim, demanding us to toast. |
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Please take a closer look |
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| We could barely recognize the line where the blue of
the sky met the blue of the ocean. Life was sure worth living. After clearing
our palates with some cheese, Martin insited on uncorking another magnum, this
time a Chardonney 2002 from the Julian Civite Bodega collection that was
ripened in French oak barrels. This master wine, relatively high in alcohol,
has true personality. Did I taste a hint of lemon and mango, or was if just the
aroma of the land? An exceptional drop, a precious and unforgettable afternoon
it was. The innovative general manager Martin Schneck comes from a managing
directors position at the Metropolitan Palace Hotel in Dubai. He is an elegant
and sophisticated pro with a real heart and a great winning smile like the
product that he is representing. Martin explained the habitat for a number of
rare plant and animal species that have managed to survive in this arid
environment. The unspoiled scenery left us all breathless although the GM
reassured we that all this is gratefully “ALSO AVAILABLE FOR EACH
GUEST!” |
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“The
essence of this cozy-chic resort in regards to decorations is a series of
captivating unique and
precious materials with an instinctive taste of
combining earthy with bold colors.” ~ Thorsten Piosczyk |
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Back ‘home’ at the hotel, in our very
private accommodations, my mind was after - love, lust and leisure that is. How
can one not feel romantic at a place that is packed with romance? But Simone
just couldn’t wait to get into her new evening summer dress and that gave
me some time to taste from a nicely chilled stone carafe of a local red wine,
which was already expecting us as we opened the door. How in heaven the wine
was exactly chilled to the right temperature at that very moment, I could never
figure out. But what I did get to witness was the six-star-service when I came
back from my jog in the dunes the next morning. A perfectly cooled bottle of
water and a fresh jogging towel with my name on it, was already expecting me
upon my return. By the way, joggers have a special service entrance, so one
doesn’t have to walk soaked through the main entrance.
Finally we
(she was) were ready for dinner. Simone looked breathtaking, and off we went
for a real romantic dinner … |
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| American Dream Cuisine™ |
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| Restaurant at: |
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| Canary
Islands, Spain receives |
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Extraordinary |
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5 Stars
& 5 Stripes
Cuisine & Service |
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The Ultimate
Award:
Seven Stars and Stripes™ |
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From the second we stepped into the Grand Hotel
Residencia's flagship restaurant, we felt the warmth of its colonial Spanish
architecture and décor. Moments later we were led to our table under an
aura of a million luminous points of light hanging above us. A romantic opening
to a much anticipated gourmet dining experience led by the capable talents of
Chef
de Cuisine Herbert Eineichner, a veteran of 5 years with the Seaside Hotel
group. Our panoramic vision was enhanced by the delightful smells wafting from
the nearby kitchen and the pleasant chatter softly audible amongst the
obviously satisfied guests.
Our servers arrived quickly to introduce
themselves in charmingly accentuated English as Alexander and Enrique followed
by Christina and Andrea. It became obvious to us that the level of service
would be more than sufficient to be able to match Chef Eineichner's creative
license. Before we could thoroughly consider the menu one of our servers
arrived with "greetings from the kitchen" in the form of a most delicious
Chilled Paprika Soup with a Gooseliver Pate to die for. |
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| The cuisine selection was
appropriately paired with Conde de la Salceda Rioja Reserva 1998 offering a
complex nose, which is perfumed, rich and appealing. The encore was served next
and I relished my taste of Scallops Tartare with Celery on sauce of Parsley and
Potatoes. Simone raved about her delicious Asparagus mousse with Ratatouille
Vinaigrette and together we sampled the Faustino V Rioja bringing our
experience full circle. |
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| We were fully prepared for the next course as our
expectations were being surpassed with each course and we were not to be
disappointed. The intensely delicious Rabbit and Thyme essence with Dumpling of
Cottage Cheese made me appreciate the inspired creativity of Chef Eineichner's
talents. For Simone it was Bouillabaisse with Garlic Crostini that caused her
to smile and our server poured two glasses of Chivite Coleccion 125 Chardonnay,
Navarra 2002 made by the #1 producer in Navarra who have been making wines
since 1647. After 10 months in French oak this noble wine offers an elegantly
complex structure with harmony and power. |
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Our culinary experience has
so far been of the highest quality and value. Our main course arrived shortly
thereafter, which was Fillet of Beef in Chard Jacket with Red Wine sauce and
Dauphine Potatoes (pictured left). I purposely ordered it to be cooked between
medium and medium rare and upon inspection I found it to be precisely so. I
remarked to Simone that it was "out of this world" and compared to some of the
best steak houses in New York City. |
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| Simone couldn't believe my 'obsession with perfection'
but then she agreed that my challenge was successfully met. Her selection of
Fillet of Sole on Puree of Sun Dried Tomatoes with Sweet Potatoes and Artichoke
Sauce was astoundingly delicate and savory. Our servers immediately poured us
the Chivite Coleccion 125 Reserva Red, an intense, expressive wine made from
Tempranillo, Merlot and a touch of Cabernet Sauvignon paring well with the
Fillet of Beef. It was velvety and persistent with hints of fruits and spices.
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| Chef
Eineichner and his team must have the same 'obsession with perfection' said
Simone as the dessert courses arrived. Mine was Trifle of Currant with Bailey's
parfait in Brandy Snap Basket, delicate and visually appealing. (pictured
right) For Simone it was Toblerone Mousse with Kumquat Ragout and Tartlet of
Marc Ice Cream served in Sherry with notes of bitter orange. These desserts
were downright heavenly. |
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We were now fully satisfied as we got up and strolled
towards the sounds of gentle piano music heard through a soft, slight summer
breeze off the Atlantic. The bartender welcomed us with a well-groomed smile
and made a comfortable place for us to unwind after our delightful dining
experience.
The next morning we woke up early as we had planned to watch
the sunrise over the sand dunes, a sunrise that was going to be different from
any other Sunrise we had experienced before. As a kid, when I thought of the
desert, I'd pictured mountains of pale, beige sand. That was the desert of my
dreams. The colors of these dunes were of saturated gold (ever changing in the
light) with a few shrubs here and there, and we were unprepared for the healing
effect it had on us. Simone leaned in my arms on our spacious but intimate
balcony, both eagerly trying not to miss the most captivating sunrise over
these high dunes. But nothing could have prepared us for the moment when the
sun finally rose over the peak; this place is a painters or photographer's
dream. Imagine an oasis where all-around the only things one can see are dunes.
Sand that is, golden sand. See for yourself… |
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Breakfast was an
international feast, an insane medley of colors and taste. Despite its rise as
an elegant and exclusive resort, the Residencia is a casual place, after all
this is a vacation resort for the discriminating guest. Shorts and sandals are
accepted for breakfast and lunch. We didn't know what to choose from first and
boredom was not an option. There were wonderful displays of local exotic fruits
such as apricot baskets (don't forget it was winter in the northern parts of
the world). There was a hot waffle & omelet station and even a station that
prepared freshly grilled smoked bacon to one's liking.
I was very happy
with the variety of fish salads, especially refreshing after the elaborate
dinner with all the diverse wines and liqueurs from the night before. Simone
couldn't get over the variety of homemade jams, marmalades and jellies -
combined with a great selection of international teas, which started her day
off just right; ever encouraging me to inhale the enchanting aroma of citrus
all around us. |
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| Set in a tropical paradise, this resort would not be
complete without a revitalizing heath and beauty spa; the Residencia's is not
only a holistic & but also an excellent medical spa. Do not miss the
invigorating 'Rasul' and 'Cleopatra' baths. In the 'Rasul' treatment room we
got to sit in one of these chairs, covered all-over in healing muds, while
pleasantly warm sweet water was dripping from the ceiling and deeply penetrated
our skin. |
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| We found at the Seaside Spa
a wide range of highly acclaimed European spa treatments and entire programs
meant to relax and heal. The spa is managed by a doctor's vision allowing the
practice of many medical treatments including gastrointestinal and traditional
Chinese medicine. Special beauty, fitness and health programs are available for
couples and singles alike in luxurious indoor and outdoor gym facilities
supported by one of the world's most healing climatic zones. |
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Please take a closer look |
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| We stayed forever in the sparkling, heated freeform
fresh-water pool covered by a fairytale teak-wood bridge. There is also a Spa
pool with salt water and awesome massage jets, an authentic sauna and steam
bath. The latest innovation in the world of spas, I have seen so far, are
stainless steel bikes in the salt water pool. It is known that a workout in
water prevents high impact, that is why some people prefer an aqua jog over a
land jog. The pool is refilled daily with an additional 65lbs of organic sea
salt which guarantees always a certain level of healing minerals in the water.
I personally adored the pool side snack bar, all surrounded by well-groomed
lawns dotted with palm trees, colorful flowers and cacti. |
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“If a man insisted always on being serious,
and never allowed himself a bit of fun
and relaxation, he would go
mad.” - Herodotus (484 BC - 430 BC) |
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| After a most relaxing, mind defusing morning at the
super-spa Simone had to push me to go shopping. We left the resort and went for
a short walk (ca.650 feet) to the beach. Here on
top
of the dunes we found
a
little table on a beach blanket, overlooking the ocean. |
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Please take a closer look |
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This is a wonderful service
any guest may order as a little surprise for a special person or to celebrate a
special moment. The dunes are also a special place for nudists. It really
reminded us a lot of the ‘walking
dunes’ in Montauk, the home of Seven Stars and Stripes Company in the
Hamptons on Long island. The exceptional champagne of the house of Krypta that
was presented to us that afternoon in these miracle dunes is a rare fine.
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| Every year only 40 cases make it into the auction
houses for Europe of which 20 are designated for Spain. Each bottle is
numbered. We were most surprised |
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| Cava is a wine produced by
time honored traditional methods utilizing underground cellars, benefiting from
the constant temperature thereby reducing sedimentation. Macabeo, Xarel-Lo and
Parellada varietals grown on very old vines are used to make Krypta and it is
sold in ‘amorpha’-like bottles further extending the mystique and
adding to its marketability. We were impressed with the elegant and silky
smooth taste reflecting aromas of ripe fruit, vanilla and toast. |
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We were offered a plate of
deliriously delicious petite fours, a bowl of fresh strawberries, hot coffee
and freshly pressed orange juice. I will never forgive Simone for mixing this
abysmal champagne with the juice; vitamins or not, Simone - that was faux pas
;) |
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| But the nearby boardwalk was all that she'd ever
dreamed of, I heard Simone whisper excitedly. I held on to my Amex. Upscale
boutiques galore, Hugo Boss, Cartier - well you know. I found a lovely little
street café right next to Simone's favorite shop and pretended that I
was desperate for some rest, while she could continue shopping. I could have
dropped dead and she would not have noticed. I ordered a double espresso and to
my surprise the owner was German and so was his entire staff. Several of the
guests sitting at other tables spoke also German. |
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“When (some) women go for vacation, they have to shop. They
shop in the same name brand boutiques like
at home and then they believe
that they shop only to support the local economy.” ~ Thorsten
Piosczyk |
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| Later on when I checked on the demographics for the
island I found out that about 80 000 Germans a living and working on Gran
Canary. Mr. Gerlach, the proprietor of the Seaside Company is also of German
decent, a man of great taste. He'd mentioned that Gran Hotel Residencia is
closing in June 2005 for 3 1/2 weeks to expand this property by an additional
20,000 square feet. Plans of escalating the Spa are already approved and
include a soundproof salon, since Mr. Gerlach deems that the sounds of the hair
dryers may interfere with the feeling of peace and tranquility that the resort
conveys. |
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A German dream man: Theo
Gerlach.
The Seaside Corporation is a relatively small but highly
successful international hotel group founded by President Theo Gerlach. The
entrepreneur's favorite child is the Redencia, without a doubt. Mr. Gerlach,
hands-on in all aspects, jumps in wherever help is needed; he is known for
hiring only crème de la crème employees in hotel service and
management.
Theo Gerlach’s background is building, he founded his real
estate development company in Hamburg, Germany in the early 60’s; a man
who fell in love with hospitality in his later years. He could be easily afford
to retire, but seems to enjoy the daily operation of his 6 star oasis and his
enterprise very much. |
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| “We then shall return, since we feel that the
Gran Hotel Residencia has Seven Stars and Stripes potential.” |
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by
Thorsten Piosczyk & Simone Buehrmann
Editor-in-Chief: Ingrid
Lemme
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| © 2005 ~ Seven Stars and Stripes, Inc. |
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