Food, Recipes, Lifestyle and Travel Blog

By the Flavours Holidays Team

The Health Benefits of Painting

May 26, 2015

Did you know that painting is not only an extremely enjoyable activity but can also have incredible effects on body and mind? For many, painting is a means to escape the stress of every day life. What might come as a surprise for some is that painting can even have benefits on your health! As…

Read more »


Artist Interview: Jean Haines & her Favourite Medium

May 23, 2015

International watercolourist Jean Haines SWA is well known for her passion for working in watercolour. Having lived and travelled and exhibited in many countries, she has had the opportunity to develop her skills, creating incredible paintings whilst under the influence of masters from many countries including Asia, the Middle East and Europe. Today, we had…

Read more »


Pilates Retreat in Italy – A Sense of Wellbeing

May 20, 2015

So, you might have limited Pilates experience or may even attend weekly lessons at your local gym, but why should you pack your bag, grab your passport and commit to an Italian Pilates retreat? We had a look at the top reasons our guests join us on a Pilates holiday in Italy! The setting doesn’t compare!…

Read more »


Top 5 Tips When Painting Outside

May 15, 2015

With the Biennale in full swing, all we can think about is one thing: Venice. Over centuries the festival has been one of the world’s most prestigious cultural institutions and is most certainly one of those “must-visits” for any Italy lover. Some of our lucky guests will experience the cultural highlight of the year on…

Read more »


Verdure Ripiene – Italian Stuffed Vegetables Recipe

May 8, 2015

Try our stuffed aubergine recipe from Puglia  this weekend! Puglia is known for its “cucina povera” which is renowned for their self-sufficiency and deep roots in agricultural traditions. As May marks the start of the aubergine season, we want to share one of these mouthwatering dishes, popular on our cooking holidays in Puglia, with you!

Read more »

Sign up to receive travel tips & inspiration.

Don't worry, you can unsubscribe at any time. Privacy Policy


Top 9 Useful Italian Phrases for Food Related Expressions

May 7, 2015

Who doesn’t love Italian food? From classics such as lasagne to regional specialities – Italian dishes guarantee an amazing culinary experience. But food is much more in Italy than just…well… food. It is quintessential for understanding its culture, people and customs. Everyone who has experienced Italy’s culture and traditions through an Italian cooking holiday knows that….

Read more »


Artist interview: Keiko Tanabe’s incredible Watercolour Journey

May 1, 2015

Are you dreaming about quitting your job to become a professional painter? For watercolour artist Keiko Tanabe the dream became reality: she started her art career in 2005 after quitting a job in international marketing. Since then her paintings have been exhibited around the world.  Most recently she was chosen to be an invited guest…

Read more »


Are you ready for La Notte Bianca in Florence?

April 30, 2015

The rainy season is officially over and the sunshine in Italy is there to stay. What does that mean for Italians? Correct – it’s time to celebrate! Today is “La Notte Bianca” in one of Italy’s most beautiful and historic cities and one of our stunning destinations on a short-break cooking holiday in Tuscany: Florence….

Read more »


In season: Confit Baby Artichokes Recipe

April 20, 2015

Artichokes are amongst the world’s oldest cultivated vegetables and are said to have their origins in Sicily. In season between March and June, they are a fantastic spring treat. The recipe below was recommended by Natoora and is perfect as an appetizer or, quartered, used to top pizzas and open-faced sandwiches – perfect for a delicious & healthy start in the week!

Read more »


How to Balance Mind & Body with Pilates

April 14, 2015

Stress is a reality of a busy lifestyle; rushing around, being distracted by thoughts, feeling exhausted and stressed. This can have drastic consequences on your mental and physical health. Whilst many of us already know the positive impact Pilates can have on the body – many aren’t aware of the astonishing effects it has on…

Read more »

Sign up to receive travel tips & inspiration.

Don't worry, you can unsubscribe at any time. Privacy Policy


Painting courses in Tuscany: Best painting vistas

April 9, 2015

Tuscany is the perfect destination for a painting holiday. Beautiful landscapes in wise harmony with nature, towns overlooking the medieval countryside, views of olive groves and the region’s signature cypress trees. With so much natural beauty, it can be slightly overwhelming when deciding on what to paint next in Tuscany! To make it easier for…

Read more »


Cooking Holidays in Sicily – A taste of Montalbano

April 3, 2015

Beautiful women, beautiful scenery, a crime of passion solved and a glass of wine to finish… That’s what’s to be expected from inspector Montalbano on BBC 4 this Saturday – but did you know that the famous Italian detective is also a passionate foodie? Who is Inspector Montalbano? Salvo Montalbano is the hero of Andrea…

Read more »


What Peter McCombie, Master of Wine, Recommends?

April 1, 2015

This week we talk wine with Peter McCombie. Awarded with the Master of Wine qualification in 1994, we thought he would be the best person to discuss Italian wine with. So, read on and find out what a true expert recommends when it comes down to Italian wine…   What started your passion for Italian…

Read more »


Art in Florence: Top 4 Places to Visit

March 30, 2015

Florence is one of Europe’s great art cities which makes it such an inspiring destination for our painting holidays. But, with so much art and architecture to take in; it’s almost difficult to know where to start. Luckily, most of the major historical sights and galleries are within walking distance of the centre. We’ve put…

Read more »


Sicilian Recipe: Peperonata Con Capperi (Peppers and Capers)

March 27, 2015

This delicious Sicilian vegetable recipe from our Italian cooking holidays is a great side dish or delicious as a light lunch with some good, crusty bread. As well as being brightly coloured and delicious, it is also incredibly good for you and full of health benefits. It is stocked full of vitamin C, which charges up your immune system, and is also a good source of Vitamin E. This dish is a great way to increase your intake of vegetables, and perfect for those looking to follow the Mediterranean diet when returning from a cookery course in Italy.

Read more »

Sign up to receive travel tips & inspiration.

Don't worry, you can unsubscribe at any time. Privacy Policy


Flavours Blog

Food, Recipes, Lifestyle and Travel blog – by the Flavours Holidays team.