Source: http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/stupidcelebrities/~3/wH5HlYlBsa8/blacke30
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Thursday, February 28, 2013
Sydney's small bar scene takes off
For years, a night out in Sydney meant downing schooners at a huge, street-corner pub before hitting one of the gaudy mega-clubs in Kings Cross.
Now, however, drinkers are turning their backs on raucous pubs and heaving nightclubs in favor of smaller, more intimate watering holes.
Since a change in licensing laws in 2008 made it easier, and far cheaper, for potential proprietors to open so-called “small bars” –- with capacities under 120 and, significantly, no gaming machines -– more than 50 of these pint-sized drinking dens have sprung up across the city.
“Melbourne had always led the way with the small bar movement and, much to Sydney’s disdain, we were never able to do the same thing,” says Chris Lane, who opened the city’s first small bar, the appropriately-named Small Bar, in 2008. “People had been to these other cities and wanted to see the same sort of bars in Sydney. The market was ready for it.”
“We had a history of only having large pubs here in Sydney,” adds Jason Scott, co-owner of three of the city’s most popular small bars, including Shady Pines in Darlinghurst and the Baxter Inn in the city’s central business district.
“We’d never had small, owner-operated bars, which feel more authentic than the large, corporate-owned chains.”
'More character and passion'
Often hidden in basements and laneways, with little or no signage to distinguish them from their surroundings, these quirky new venues have added some much-needed vigor and vibrancy to Sydney’s bar scene.
“Each one has its own personality and style,” explains James Bradey, owner of Grandma’s Bar.
“They’re a little bit more personable and they’re focusing on quality of service and the experience. While every single one may not appeal to everybody, there’s going to be one or two out there that are exactly what you’re looking for.”
From Western-themed saloons and 1920s-style speakeasies, to kitsch cocktail bars and grungy rock ’n’ roll joints, the small bar trend has seen all manner of venues open their doors.
“Most big pubs all have the same eight beers, whereas smaller operators, who are more enthusiastic about providing a different service, will seek out the little craft boutique beers, so there’s a wider range of products on offer,” says Scott.
“You can see that the owners are showing you something about themselves, so therefore you get more character and passion coming through.”
With new places seemingly opening up each month, the trend shows little sign of slowing down, with Sydneysiders looking to discover the next big thing in small bars.
Five of Sydney's best small bars
Baxter Inn
If you can find this American-style drinking den, which is tucked away in a basement at the end of an uninviting alleyway off Clarence Street, you’ll be rewarded with perhaps the best selection of whiskey in the city.
There are more than 300 bottles to choose from, all proudly displayed behind the bar.
The low lighting, jazz soundtrack and exposed brick walls –- all adorned with retro boxing and horseracing paraphernalia -– make this the perfect place to sit back for a dram or two.
Basement, 152-156 Clarence St.; Monday-Saturday, 4 p.m.-1 a.m.; www.thebaxterinn.com
Bulletin Place
Cocktails are, unsurprisingly, the stars of the show, with an ever-changing selection –- drinks make use of whatever is in season -– displayed on a roll of paper behind the bar.
The rustic décor, casual atmosphere and exquisite cocktails –- all made by knowledgeable bar staff -– look set to make Bulletin Place a firm favorite with Sydney’s small bar connoisseurs.
10-14 Bulletin Place, 1/F; Monday-Saturday, 4 p.m.-midnight (opens at 6 p.m. on Saturdays); www.bulletinplace.com
Grandma’s Bar
The extensive cocktail menu includes classics such as daiquiris, margaritas and mai tais, as well as more exotic concoctions from around the world.
The doilies, teacups and patterned wallpaper accentuate the homely feel of this warm and welcoming watering hole.
275 Clarence St. (basement); +61 (0)2 9264 3004; Monday-Saturday, noon-midnight (opens at 5 p.m. on Saturdays); www.grandmasbarsydney.com.au
Mojo Record Bar
Australian craft beers dominate the menu, but there’s also a decent selection of cocktails. The bar’s vast record collection ensures that you can enjoy plenty of good tunes.
73 York St. (basement); www.mojorecordbar.com
Uncle Ming’s
Lit with a soft red glow and furnished with retro Oriental décor –- complemented by a whiff of burning incense -- Uncle Ming’s is a world away from most Sydney small bars.
Add in Japanese whiskey, Asian beers and cocktails served in teapots –- plus dumplings to snack on –- and you have a sure-fire winner.
55 York St.; www.unclemings.com.au
Source: http://rss.cnngo.com/~r/cnngo/~3/-D5IWgYLE6c/sydneys-small-bar-scene-takes-806271
Taylor Swift Hooking Up With Ginger Singer Ed Sheeran?
Taylor Swift Hooking Up With Ginger Singer Ed Sheeran?
Taylor Swift Hooking Up With Ginger Singer Ed Sheeran? Stupid Celebrities Gossip Stupid Celebrities Gossip News
Source: http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/stupidcelebrities/~3/X4qO3qQfGts/
Clothes Encounters Montage™
Now here’s a job I’d volunteer for *Manager of Last Minute Adjustments”
Source: http://www.robertpattinsonau.com/2013/02/28/clothes-encounters-montage/
Miho Maeshima Mika Kaurismäki Mika Tan Mike Figgis Mike Hodges
Kristen Stewart Shops for Engagement Rings
After four years and four blockbuster films, Robert Pattinson and Kristen Stewart are ready to take their relationship to the next level.
In Touch has learned that Kristen went shopping at Neil Lane in West Hollywood with a friend in early June and stunned eyewitnesses when she headed straight for the engagement rings!
“She was trying on gold rings with various colored diamonds — nothing traditional,” one excited onlooker tells In Touch of the 22-year-old Twilight actress.
Kristen used to be in favor of taking “baby steps,” but a friend of the couple tells In Touch, “She loves Rob, and she’s finally ready — an engagement is a logical next step.”
They’ve been building toward it, adds the friend: “In the past year, they’ve really heated up — moving in together, traveling together, introducing each other to friends.”
Source: http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/InTouchWeekly/~3/Wa2_7MzfrJ8/kristen_stewart_engaged.php
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New Dad Nick Lachey Releases An Album Of Lullabies For Fisher-Price
98 Degrees boybander Nick Lachey became a first-time father back in September when his wife Vanessa Minnillo gave birth to the couple’s first child Camden John. We got our first look at the adorable little dude back in October but today we get a much better look at what Cam looks like as he is [...]
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Kelsey Grammer: A Proud Dad, Again!
On July 13, Kelsey Grammer announced that he and his fourth wife, Kayte, are now the parents of a healthy baby girl, named Faith Evangeline Elisa Grammer. “We are thrilled,” the couple said in a prepared statement.
It’s a happy ending for Kelsey and Kayte, who’ve been through their share of troubles: The couple fell in love in 2010, while Kelsey was still married to Real Housewives of Beverly Hills star Camille Grammer. And, though Kelsey has four other children — two with Camille and two from previous relationships — he and Kayte had been trying for some time to have a baby; in 2010, she suffered a miscarriage, and earlier this year, she miscarried Faith’s twin.
“We choose to celebrate the life that has been given us,” the couple shared.
Source: http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/InTouchWeekly/~3/_HerYvQyP8s/kelsey_grammer_a_proud_dad_aga.php
Miguel Littin Mihai Timofti Miho Maeshima Mika Kaurismäki Mika Tan
Beyoncé’s Concert Inspires A Unique NYC Gun Buyback Program
Well, this is definitely one way to get guns off of the streets. As we all know, the world went cray a few weeks ago when tickets went on sale for Beyoncé‘s world tour, The Mrs. Carter Show. Apparently, an entertainment company in NYC got their hands on a large amount of tickets, which they now [...]
jennifer aniston Miguel Arteta Miguel Littin Mihai Timofti Miho Maeshima
Ryan Reynolds & Blake Lively Chill With Some Kids In Canada
Earlier today we saw photos of Prince Harry hanging out with some deaf children in Africa and right now we get to see some photos of newlywedded actors Ryan Reynolds and Blake Lively hanging out with some sick children in Canada … because today is, apparently, the day that celebs hang with adorable children in [...]
Source: http://www.pinkisthenewblog.com/2013-02-27/ryan-reynolds-blake-lively-chill-with-some-kids-in-canada
Jerzy Skolimowski Jesie St. James Jesse Capelli Jesse Jane Jessica Alba
Steven Tyler -- $6 Million Cocaine ... SAY WHAT?
Steven Tyler has us baffled ... not by the fact he claims to have dropped $6 mil on nose candy -- but by the strangely awesome numerical riddle he laid on our camera guy! Math just ain't our thing.Check out TMZ on TV -- click here to see your local…
Source: http://www.tmz.com/2013/02/28/steven-tyler-cocaine-six-million-dollars-tmz-tv/
Briana Banks Brianna Love Bridget Fonda Bridget Moynahan Bridget Powers
‘Monsters University’ Releases A Fun New Promo Poster
Back in December we got our first look at the first promo posters for the forthcoming Disney/Pixar animated film Monsters University and today we get to check out the just-released newest poster for the flick. As you may recall, Monsters University is a prequel film that takes us back in time to when Mike and [...]
Source: http://www.pinkisthenewblog.com/2013-02-27/monsters-university-releases-a-fun-new-promo-poster
Wednesday, February 27, 2013
Astro Dedicates New Mixtape To His 'Deadbeat' Dad
Former 'X Factor' contestant tells Mixtape Daily his Deadbeats & Lazy Lyrics is a shoutout of sorts to his father who 'was never around.'
By Rob Markman, with additional reporting by Ade Mangum
Astro
Photo: MTV News
Source:
http://www.mtv.com/news/articles/1702670/astro-deadbeats-lazy-lyrics.jhtml
Wolverine Reveals Himself As A Hairy, Hot Gay Superhero In ‘X-Treme X-Men #9′
Last week we learned that Batwoman proposed to her comic book girlfriend in Batwoman #17 and today we’ve got some new gay comic book news to share. Wolverine, one of the most famous and most beloved members of Marvel Comics‘s X-Men series is revealed as a gay mutant superhero in X-Treme X-Men #9. Now, before [...]
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Midweek Randomness
Just a little something to help us through the day
Source: http://www.robertpattinsonau.com/2013/02/27/midweek-randomness-2/
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Midweek Randomness
Just a little something to help us through the day
Source: http://www.robertpattinsonau.com/2013/02/27/midweek-randomness-2/
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Lindsay Lohan Will Guest Star Alongside Charlie Sheen In ‘Anger Management’
In October of 2011, we learned that Charlie Sheen (who had been fired from his hugely successful CBS TV series Two and a Half Men) scored himself a new TV series on FX titled Anger Management (based on the film of the same name). For the past year or so, Sheen has enjoyed marginal success [...]
Brooke Haven Brooke Hunter Brooke Shields Brooke Skye Jessica Darlin
Jessica Simpson To Launch Bridal Line
New mom Jessica Simpson is busy taking care of her newborn daughter, Maxwell, but that isn’t stopping the star, who is set to marry fiancé Eric Johnson later this year, from returning to work — as a bridal gown designer!
In Touch has learned that the star has plans to start her own bridal line. “A wedding line is something she’s always wanted to do,” a source close to Jessica, 32, tells In Touch. “She is talented and knows what women want to wear.”
And Fashion Star stylist, Daniel Musto, can’t wait for Jessica to reveal her new designs, admitting that the style she chooses for her own upcoming nuptials will play a huge role in the new line. “If she does something that’s going to be memorable for decades,” says Daniel, “then certainly her wedding line is going to be successful because girls will want to mimic it!”
Plus, adds the source, Jessica can relate to “regular” girls, not just A-list Hollywood stars. “She has curves like every girl so women will buy those dresses up!”
Source: http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/InTouchWeekly/~3/wHHDemzcaNo/jessica_simpson_bridal_line.php
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New Dad Nick Lachey Releases An Album Of Lullabies For Fisher-Price
98 Degrees boybander Nick Lachey became a first-time father back in September when his wife Vanessa Minnillo gave birth to the couple’s first child Camden John. We got our first look at the adorable little dude back in October but today we get a much better look at what Cam looks like as he is [...]
Jesse Capelli Jesse Jane Jessica Alba Jessica Biel Briana Banks
The-Dream, Mac Miller Set For 'RapFix Live' TV Debut
Atlanta rapper Young Scooter will also make an appearance on Wednesday's show, airing at 4p.m. on MTV.com and live on MTV Jams.
By Nadeska Alexis
The-Dream and Mac Miller
Photo: Getty Images
Source:
http://www.mtv.com/news/articles/1702665/mac-miller-the-dream-rapfix-live-tv-debut.jhtml
Jessica Alba Jessica Biel Briana Banks Brianna Love Bridget Fonda
Cheap and cheerful skiing, Czech-style
Aside from the obvious parental emotional suffering, such anti-activity behavior can represent thousands of dollars down the drain.
With this in mind, I'd always resisted the pleas of my sporty, but of the difficult, fussy variety, 12-year-old son to take him skiing. 
Foremost in my mind were "distant" and frightening skiing holidays in the French Alps, where the sky seemed to be the limit in terms of costs.
Perhaps it was more a question for me, how much do I bank on my son actually enjoying what he says he wants to do?
Frugal fun
When my friend Robin suggested my son and I join him and his two boys on a skiing trip to the Czech Republic, I was amazed. My first reaction: "Can you even ski in that country?" I’d certainly never heard of the possibility.
Robin assured me that while Czech ski resorts are tiny compared with those in the Alps or Austria, they’re great for beginners.
The domineering accountant side of me was even more receptive when he explained that the cost of the expedition would be a fraction of what it would be if we were going to the Alps.
Even better, he owns a house near the small ski resort of Bublava in Western Bohemia, so we didn’t have to shell out for accommodation.
Keeping to my life-shaping budget principles, I scored round-trip easyJet flights for two people from London Gatwick to Prague for £150 (US$227). Upon arrival, we hired a Volkswagen Golf estate car, our share of which cost £100. Two five-day lift passes were £85, while ski and boot hire came to £100. I booked ski lessons for my son from an English-speaking instructor, at £24 each; after just two sessions the cocky lad decided he didn’t need any more.
The price for the whole trip, excluding food and drink, was a very reasonable £500 (US$760). I couldn't have been happier.
Also on CNN: Europe's best budget ski resorts
We were, of course, fortunate that we didn’t have to worry about accommodation, yet even if we had stayed in a hotel, it wouldn’t have broken the Bank of Wilkinson: a twin room in an upmarket hotel just a few hundred meters from the ski slope was about £40 (US$60) a night.
Optimal conditions
Enough about the costs though; the most important aspect was the skiing experience.
Not that planning had anything to do with it, but we timed it right, visiting the Czech Republic during a cold spell. The snow covering was excellent at about 12 to 20 inches. The daytime temperature was about -8C (17 degrees F) which meant the snow remained powdery and there was no ice -- an important consideration, especially for beginners and intermediate skiers such as us.
Given how close it is to the border, Bublava is a small resort popular with German skiers, with just four runs -- a black, two reds and a blue -- as well as a nursery slope.
Even though we visited during school holidays, there were relatively few people around -- a fraction of the numbers you'd expect at more established ski resorts.
This meant the arch-enemy of skiing, the lift queues, were mercifully short.
The surrounding countryside was beautiful and unspoiled and we found the whole experience relaxing.
Czech skiing is a world away from the ostentatious Alps. Everyone was friendly and all levels of ability were accommodated. My son’s instructor was friendly and helpful, despite his limited English.
We enjoyed the skiing, and when we tired of Bublava’s four runs, we drove a few miles to the neighboring resort of Stribrna, which had a beautiful cross-country red run on which we didn’t encounter a single person. (There's also a difficult black run.) Although that excursion cost just a few pounds, it would have been more convenient to incorporate it into the Bublava lift pass.
Several other ski resorts are also within a short drive.
More on CNN: 7 magnificent European ski lodges
If there was one downside to the Czech skiing experience, it was that the food served in the bars and cafés near the slopes was at best average, really little better than the fare you might expect from a roadside café.
Washing it down, another story. Czech beer is excellent in taste and value (just 30 karuna/US$1.50) for a half-liter.
See you next year
Far from the trauma I feared, Bublava was brilliant and might reshape how I evaluate future activity-based vacations.
I’d have no hesitation about returning to the Czech Republic for skiing, though those planning a ski vacation need to ask what they’re after.
If money isn't the priority, and you want the very best and widest range of skiing and après-ski socializing, then go to the United States, Austria or the Alps.
But if you’re on a tight budget, or want something thoroughly un-flashy and a bit different, consider the Czech Republic.
And for the record, my son loved skiing and quickly developed a “no-fear” approach to descending the slopes. If any of Bublava's skiers were crashed into by a pack of over-confident English boys, I apologize. Be warned, we’ll be back next year!
Bublavais one of the smaller Czech ski resorts. Other main resorts include Spindleruv Mlyn, Bozi Dar and Klinovec.
The nearest airport to Bublava is Prague. Although there are bus services, the easiest way to get there is by renting a car -- it’s a two-hour drive from the airport. Check www.bublava.cz (Czech or German only) or www.svejk-bublava.cz for accommodation options and more information.
The Czech ski season runs from December to early April.
Source: http://rss.cnngo.com/~r/cnngo/~3/JsevEU7WFwI/skiing-in-czech-republic-004391
Brooke Ballentyne brooke burke Brooke Burns Brooke Haven Brooke Hunter
Google Glass -- High-Tech Spectacles Make Oscar Pre-Party Appearance
7:59 AM PT -- Turns out ... the woman with the Google Glass device is Anne Wojcicki ... who happens to be married to Google co-founder Sergey Brin. Sorta makes sense now, doesn't it? Also, sources tell us Sergey was also at the party sporting…
Source: http://www.tmz.com/2013/02/26/google-glass-video-oscars-party/
Britt Morgan Brittany Andrews Brittany Murphy Brittany Snow Brittney Skye
Prince Jackson Scores A Guest-Starring Role On ’90210′
Last week we learned that 16-year old Prince Michael Joseph Jackson, the first born child of the late Michael Jackson, secured a job as an entertainment reporter for Entertainment Tonight and today we learn that he has new employment to add to his already growing resumé. The little Prince nabbed a guest-starring role on the [...]
Source: http://www.pinkisthenewblog.com/2013-02-26/prince-jackson-scores-a-guest-starring-role-on-90210
Miley Cyrus Miley Ray Cyrus celebs kristen stewart robert pattinson
Tuesday, February 26, 2013
Chris Brown -- Brutalizing Rihanna Is My 'Deepest Regret'
Chris Brown is calling the infamous Rihanna beating in 2009 the "deepest regret of my life, the biggest mistake."Brown told the UK Mirror, "Sometimes you row, you fight, with the one you love and things get said, stuff spirals."He added, "But she…
Source: http://www.tmz.com/2013/02/26/chris-brown-regret-rihanna-deepest-regret/
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15 of the best European castle hotels
Not everyone can afford to buy a castle, but that doesn't mean you can't rent one.
At least for a night or two.
Across Europe, many castles have been transformed into hotels.
1. Hôtel de la Cité, Carcassonne, France
There are few better places to base yourself while you explore the fairytale city of Carcassonne than Hôtel de la Cité.
It’s the only hotel set inside the ramparts of the UNESCO World Heritage site, and when the throngs of day trippers depart you will have the place almost to yourself.
Enjoy an aperitif on the terrace as the sun sets, taking in the spectacular views, before sitting down to a sumptuous dinner in the Michelin-starred restaurant.
Rates: From US$465 a night.
+33 4 6871 9871; www.hoteldelacite.com
2. Swinton Park, Masham, England
Swinton Park is the ancestral home of the Cunliffe-Lister family, and has been transformed into a 30-bedroom luxury castle hotel.
It comes complete with turrets, long echoing corridors and enormous staircases leading up to huge, individually decorated and designed bedrooms.
It’s the kind of place where you expect to bump into Jeeves and Wooster in the dining room. English country living at its finest.
Rates: From £160 (US$260) a night.
+44 (0) 1765 680900; www.swintonpark.co.uk
Also on CNNGo: 15 unusual places to stay a night
3. Schlosshotel Igls, Austria
Built more than 100 years ago as a summer residence for an eminent German doctor, the Schlosshotel Igls has since served as a base for the German air force during World War II and was then taken over by occupying French and American troops.
Nowadays, the Schloss offers far more luxurious accommodation than was once enjoyed by the military -- it’s now Germany’s smallest five-star hotel and sits in the heart of the Tyrolean mountains five kilometers from Innsbruck.
Rates: From US$231 a night.
+43 512377 217; www.schlosshotel-igls.com
4. Ashford Castle, Ireland
Ashford Castle takes its job seriously, with turrets and ramparts, armour and oak panelling, Waterford chandeliers and rococo gilt mirrors.
Its first stones were laid in 1228 by the de Burgo family, and for eight centuries its inhabitants, including the Guinness family of brewing dynasty fame, have gazed out upon the blue waters of Lough Corrib, Ireland’s second-largest lake.
Today, the castle has 83 bedrooms, a spa, and 140 hectares of wooded parkland.
Rates: From £300 (US$488) a night
+353 94 9546003; www.ashford.ie
Also on CNNGo: World's most expesive hotel suites
5. Castel Porrona, Tuscany, Italy
Deep in the rolling Tuscan hills in a delightful village dating back to the 11th century and surrounded by vineyards, sunflower fields and olive groves, lies Castel Porrona.
Each of its 22 rooms offers stunning views of the village, the castle grounds and the sweeping landscape.
In the summer, sit on the flower-bedecked terrace and enjoy a glass of Tuscan wine.
Rates: From US$193 a night
+39 0564 993316; www.castelporrona.it
6. Burg Wernberg, Germany
Dating back to the 12th century, this castle hotel sits high on a hill, offering panoramic views over the Bavarian countryside. Steeped in history, the castle was converted into a hotel back in 1953.
Since then, guests have been able to enjoy the Gothic charm of the building, along with the more contemporary appeal of the cuisine, much of which is reliant on regional produce, including game from the nearby forests.
Rates: From US$257 a night
+49 (0)9604 9390; www.burg-wernberg.de
Also on CNNGo: World's most exotic wellness retreats
7. Dornröschenschloss Sababurg, Germany
What could be more romantic than a castle that was the setting for the legend of Sleeping Beauty, who is said to have slept here for 100 years before Prince Charming's kiss saved her?
You too can fall into a deep slumber here; the 650-year-old castle, set in the heart of the Reinhardswald Forest, has been converted into a dreamy castle-hotel surrounded by a high wall -- said to be the wall of thorns in the Grimms’ fairy tale.
Rates: From US$187 a night
+49 (0) 5671 8080; www.sababurg.de
8. Pousada de Óbidos, Portugal
Within the city walls of Óbidos lies the Pousada di Óbidos, which has been converted into one of the country’s finest hotels -- and one of the first to become a pousada, a traditional or historical Portuguese hotel.
With only nine rooms, the hotel is charming and intimate, though it can be difficult securing a booking, particularly in the summer months. The tower room is particularly popular.
Rates: From US$300 a night
+351 262 955 080;pousadasportugal.com
Also on CNNGo: 9 places to be a recluse
9. Ruthin Castle, Wales
You can live out your King Arthur fantasies at Ruthin Castle, situated deep within expansive parkland and woods.
The castle in Denbighshire has a gory history, and comes complete with its own dungeon, whipping pit and drowning pool; but those days are long gone, and the castle is now a romantic hotel that holds regular medieval banquets where you can feast like Henry VIII, who once called this castle his own.
Rates: From £65 (US$107) a night
+44 (0)1824 702664; www.ruthincastle.co.uk
10. Abbaye de la Bussière, Burgundy, France
The monks may have long departed, but there is still an air of tranquility surrounding Abbaye de la Bussière. This former monastery, which dates back to the 12th century, is situated in six hectares of beautiful Burgundian parkland.
The interiors include dramatic vaulted ceilings, six-meter high stained glass windows, stone balustrades and a romantic sweeping staircase.
While the Abbaye is unmistakably ecclesiastical in appearance, there’s nothing remotely monastic about the 11 rooms, which are more redolent of an English country house hotel. The food, however, is undoubtedly Gallic.
Rates: From US$250 a night
+33 (0) 3 80 49 02 29; www.abbaye-dela-bussiere.com
Also on CNNGo: 10 islands for every traveler
11. Amberley Castle, West Sussex, England
Step back in time at Amberley Castle, which has been hidden away for 900 years near the picturesque village of Amberley in the bucolic South Downs countryside.
Step beneath the portcullis past the 18-meter walls and you will discover landscaped gardens, stunning examples of medieval architecture and an unrivalled atmosphere of peace and tranquility.
The Castle may be steeped in history, but there’s nothing old-fashioned about the quality of accommodation; with 19 luxurious rooms, many with four-poster beds and all featuring whirlpool bathrooms, you will be cosseted like royalty.
Rates: From £230 (US$375) a night
+44 (0) 1798 831 992; www.amberleycastle.co.uk
12. Fenton Tower, North Berwick, Scotland
This magnificent fortified 16th-century tower which stands proud above the fertile farmland of East Lothian offers stunning views over the Firth of Forth.
It once provided refuge to King James VI of Scotland on the run from a rebel army; now it’s been converted into luxurious accommodation for up to 12 guests.
With its dedicated staff, it offers outstanding service and cuisine in a secluded and secure environment --after all, you are staying in a fortified tower with walls that are two meters thick.
Rates: from £150 (US$244) per person a night
+44 (0) 1620 890089; www.fentontower.co.uk
Also on CNNGo: 10 trips to soothe your soul
13. Château de Bagnols, France
Château de Bagnols is everything a castle should be, complete with a moat, drawbridge and towers with cruciform arrow holes.
But it’s also a wildly romantic five-star hotel. Its lavish interiors are about as far removed from the clean contemporary lines of your average modern boutique hotel as you can imagine.
The 21 rooms, including eight apartments, are exquisite, all individually decorated and filled with an array of antiques and works of art.
Rates: From £312 (US$508) a night
+33 (0) 4 74 71 40 00; www.bagnols.com
14. Balfour Castle, Shapinsay, Orkney Islands, Scotland
Dubbed the most northerly castle hotel in the world, this is the perfect bolt-hole to woo your lover.
Log fires crackle, stags’ heads adorn the walls, Victorian antiques abound and in the library false bookshelves open onto secret passages -- great for illicit trysts.
The Laird’s bedroom features a magnificent four-poster bed carved with the Balfour family’s coat of arms. And you can even get married in the castle’s tiny chapel, which holds just 20 people.
Rates: From £200 (US$320) a night
+44 1856 711 282; www.balfourcastle.co.uk
Also on CNNGo: 10 cities, 100 fantastic free attractions
15. Witchery by the Castle, Edinburgh, Scotland
While not strictly a castle, the Witchery is situated in the shadow of Edinburgh Castle’s ramparts, and offers the most romantic accommodation in the city.
With its lavishly indulgent, antique-filled suites secreted within dreamy 16th-century building, guests are swept into an opulent, Gothic fantasy. Oak-paneled walls hang with tapestries, mirrors and carvings, and ornately painted and gilded ceilings pile on the atmosphere.
The Inner Sanctum suite boasts an antique four-poster bed, red and gold walls, and a sitting room with views over the historic Royal Mile.
Rates: From £325 (US$529) a night
+44 0131 225 0973; www.thewitchery.com
First published September 2011, updated February 2013
Source: http://rss.cnngo.com/~r/cnngo/~3/Rcwy9d0ZHSA/15-most-romantic-castles-764475
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