Vacation Inspiration

Miguel Massanet with Capri Palace and Port Soller, Italy and Spain

• Paula Prickett

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Please join me as I chat with Miguel Massanet the General Manager of Capri Palace Hotel and Port Soller Hotel in both Capri, Itay and Mallorca, Spain.    If you weren't in love with these places before, you're going to be now!  

And a special bonus for listening to the end...it's a surprise for our listeners!

As you'll hear mentioned:

Jumeirah Port Soller Hotel and Spa located on the beautiful island of Mallorca is a destination not to be missed.  The link to their website: https://www.jumeirah.com/en/stay/mallorca/jumeirah-port-soller-hotel-and-spa
On the Gram: https://www.instagram.com/jumeirahportsoller/
Email: JPSReservations@jumeirah.com

and Jumeirah Capri Palace Hotel in iconic Capri Island, Italy...
https://www.jumeirah.com/en/stay/italy/capri-palace-jumeirah
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/capripalace/
Email: info@capripalace.com

AND Women of Wine Charities in Houston Texas
Tickets are now available for their Sangria Throwndown Fundraiser on July 12, 2023
https://www.wowcharities.org/
to benefit the Houston Area Women's Center 

Black Dog Luxury Travel Website: https://blackdogluxurytravel.com/

Want to connect? I'd love to hear from you!
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/blackdogluxurytravel/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/blackdogluxurytravel

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/blackdogluxurytravel/

Paula Prickett:

Welcome to the Vacation Inspiration Podcast. I'm Paula, your host and owner of Black Dog Luxury Travel, where we design custom vacations for the discerning traveler. If your vacation plans are in need of some serious inspiration, you are in the right place and I am so glad you are here. Oh, my word, you are going to love. Love, love today's episode. We are going to be talking with Miguel Massanet at least that's what I call him. We do know that I was not given the gift of languages as you will see again. Um, but I was given the gift of geography. So I am thankful for that. And we are going to be talking about two of our favorite destinations on the entire planet. Italy and Spain. So please, during. As we talked to Miguel, he is the general manager of both these properties.

One is the beautiful Capri palace in Italy, on the island of Capri. Of course. And the other property is Port Soller in Mallorca in Spain. Which I know. We are going to love, like who doesn't love them already and who isn't already packing their bags, but I do encourage you to listen to the very, very end. There's a huge surprise. I'm not going to spoil it, but you are 1000% going to love it.

Paula Prickett:

Hi, Miguel. Thank you so much for joining me today.

Miguel Massanet:

Hi Paula. How are you

Paula Prickett:

I'm very well. Where are you coming in from? Where are you joining us from?

Miguel Massanet:

currently? I'm, I'm in paradise. I'm Mallorca Islands back in Spain and, and yeah, can't complain. Good weather. 22 degree Celsius,

Paula Prickett:

nice,

Miguel Massanet:

a little bit of sun watching the Mediterranean. So

Paula Prickett:

beautiful.

Miguel Massanet:

office views actually.

Paula Prickett:

We should all be so lucky.

Miguel Massanet:

Yeah, you should come over,

Paula Prickett:

Absolutely. Absolutely. Um, speaking of that, how do we get there?

Miguel Massanet:

uh, pretty easy. So, so let me, lemme tell you first, um, I, I do represent, uh, two properties within the Mediterranean. Actually, it's quite fun because I'm, uh, I'm representing one property, which was the favorite destination of the Roman Empire back in the days, which is Capri in Italy. Yeah.

Paula Prickett:

We've heard of it.

Miguel Massanet:

You know it right? Uh, famous Capri Palace, Inana Capri, as well as, uh, Jumeirah also has a property of Majorca and the Ric Islands in Spain. And how do you get to us, uh, besides the ship you might be able to take? There's there flights, of course, right? We use, um, Napoli Rome or, or Milan. As a hop in Italy and, and then you can take a ferry helicopter or speed boat over to, to Caprio Island and, and in Spain, our hops are usually Madrid and Barcelona. But there's also, right now actually from, from New York and New York, uh, you have direct flights to my York directly. So, uh, it's getting more and more, let's say, popular throughout, uh, throughout the world actually. Uh, increasing connections on a daily basis.

Paula Prickett:

Awesome. I love that. So we can just get there easily and quickly. We love that so much.

Miguel Massanet:

Absolutely. Absolutely. Yeah. And, and nowadays people love to combine it, uh, in, in general. So, so in Spain, usually what they do is a tour through Andalusia, uh, the roots

Paula Prickett:

Mm-hmm.

Miguel Massanet:

of, of history, pretty much good foods. Or they do, uh, a tour through and, and El Pasco past country for good food and wine as well. And, and they end up now Majorca. Um, I think they discovered it. It's, uh, very beautiful island, kind of virgin. Uh, now, uh, tourism is coming more and more up to us. Uh, we love it that they wanna discover our culture, our heritage. It's a nice island to live at. Um, I'm a lucky guy based here to island hopping between both, uh, islands. So, so can't complain on, on that manner.

Paula Prickett:

That's awesome. How long have you been, or how long has the property been in Mayorca?

Miguel Massanet:

Uh, for 10 years now. For 10 years and, um, Gabriel, since 2002, so over 20 years now. 21 years. And. No, it's, uh, right now we established properties within the respective markets, um, very well connected to, to the locals, is, uh, the most important nowadays. And yeah, it's a lot of fun, to be honest, to work for, for this company and, and the two properties,

Paula Prickett:

That's fantastic. That's fantastic. So, picking either one, kind of, we walk in the door, what's, what's our experience gonna be like when we get there?

Miguel Massanet:

uh, that's, that's a good question. Um,

Paula Prickett:

jet lagged and we're tired.

Miguel Massanet:

Um, I think both properties have one thing in common and, uh, which is the fact that they let you completely disconnect from everything which is around, right? And that, that's the beauty of the properties there. Both located, um, little bit more, let's say in the, in the northern part of each islands. Um, over here, Majorca, uh, we are sitting in a UNESCO heritage site, so you can imagine you wake up. Um, and you have two views actually to select from. One is the Mediterranean Sea, where you can listen to the waves, the winds sometimes back a little bit further. You can even see dolphins jumping, uh, jumping around, and of course there's a sunset. And then on the other side, what I like most is the, is the view on the truant heritage side, the mountain range. In the morning, actually, that's where the sunrise goes up. And you can even see sometimes the local farmers burning herbs. Um, the major York Eagle has been coming back during covid, uh, which is a, it's great and positive signal. Uh, we do have donkeys. We do have, uh, a lot of, let's say, foreign and animals over there. So for me, it's uh, it's a vibrant retreat I would say. Uh, a hidden gym within Northern Parts where you can breathe and enjoy, let's say the local atmosphere. But as well, you can have a little bit of international vibe, uh, within our f and p outlets, uh, live, DJ music, you know, and, and usually people, uh, they stay most of the time at the resort. And if we go to Capri, I mean, uh, it's, uh, Capri is, um, if I would need to describe it in a word, I would say magic. Capri is, uh, is magic, uh, since, since the moment you arrive in Capri and this colorful house is sitting within the, within the mountain range over there and, and then all the way up to, to Anna Capri, where suddenly you are in a destination where you can see the old people on the streets having that pasta de ello. Uh, you really feel and breathe, you know, the old Italian culture, and then you arrive at. Suddenly the Capri Palace, which is a, is a resort, a piece of art, in my opinion itself, right? We do have a, a huge, uh, art collection of more than 450 pieces. And, and every room, in my opinion, is a, is a piece of art, handmade tiles, et cetera, et cetera. So, um, yeah, you know, I'm lucky. I'm lucky. It's an easy sell. I'll be honest to you. Listen to me. It's an easy seller. I don't have that much work to do, to be honest. Uh, I'm just a privileged guy to, to work with both of these properties.

Paula Prickett:

I love it. I love it. So how large are these properties? How, how large are these propell?

Miguel Massanet:

small, quite small. So, uh, we do have 68 rooms right now, uh, in Capri, um, and 121 rooms on Myka. Capri. Um, it's a very personalized atmosphere and service. Um, it's a little bit the home away from home to be honest. It's, uh, it's a fantastic atmosphere. You will be experienced over there. And this is combined with, uh, yeah, incredible. F and b offer, unique F m B offer. We do have the. Very well known AO Beach Club, which is one of the most famous ones that the Amalfi Coast with the J popup and, and Vira Beach Club. We do have two Michelin stars and, and Olivo. And, and as of June this year, uh, we're gonna get Zuma Caprio voice. So, uh, our f b office gonna be super vibrant for sexy, to be honest. Sorry for my wording, but

Paula Prickett:

Perfect.

Miguel Massanet:

looking for, I'm really looking forward to it.

Paula Prickett:

I have friends that are tremendous foodies and they would completely agree with that description. It is sexy. Absolutely.

Miguel Massanet:

it's, it's fantastic, honestly. And, and this combined with the people that are over there on property, that's stunning. Stunning. And if we talk about myka, the property is slightly bigger, but still, uh, sitting on a cliff, um, kilometer long actually, and, and you will never feel actually, uh, overcrowded, uh, areas thanks to the space we do have. And also combined with a, with a very, let's say, sexy food and beverage offer. In that particular case, it's true that in. We do live a life, which, which is based on the simplicity of the Mediterranean lifestyle. So luxury for us, in, in, in Myorca, for example, is simplicity, right? We, we always say over here that the, the best thing, uh, we could get on our island or, uh, things for free, which is the people, uh, the views and uh, and the fabulous beaches, right? And that's what we, what we aim for. Uh, In Capri, in Nana Capri, it's a little bit the same. The simplicity is, is pretty much within our roots, and that's the reason I'm, I'm a lucky guy and can head up both of the properties because we have a lot in common. Right? Um, always the product as a protagonist, which is uh, which is what makes us a little bit, let's say, special in my opinion.

Paula Prickett:

I love that. I've always thought, you know, there's luxury and privilege of place and privilege of company. So it just can, you know, just says it all

Miguel Massanet:

Absolutely agree on this. I agree.

Paula Prickett:

Yeah, it just says it all. So what, uh, what type of activities do we have available to do in both of these areas? I feel like it's endless.

Miguel Massanet:

What? Whatever you want. Um, I'll. We want to get people away from touristic activities, of course, right? That's the reason we are on the luxury five star segment. Um, I can give you an example for Myka, for example. I had some guests now for the opening a week ago staying with us, and I wanted to do something we do as major. So, um, and I said, you know what? I love hiking. So I took the couple to, to a hiking trip, uh, within the mountains over here. Asked them for the dietary requirements. So I got the dietary requirements. Thanks God. I love wine as well, and what I did, I bought some food, couple of bottles of wine and we did a hiking trip to, to the mountain over here where we do have some, some barbecue spots. Right, which you can reserve before, and, and it's, I mean, it didn't cost me anything, right? You can reserve it as a, as a resident over here. So we did a barbecue within the mountains, so 1000 meters of above sea level and the head of views over the port. So where we located Bay and what I want to say is that the activities actually, right, uh, they're quite simple. They're stunning. And I think especially nowadays in the environment of, of having technology around us and a lot of inspirations that come through social media and, you know, and are completely targeted for you, uh, I would say we manage to get people, uh, out of this zone and, and do things that, that are somehow out of the box, but simple as I always say, same in Capri. Um, we could potentially say, yeah, you can go for ball trip. You could go for, for whatever you want. You can take a helicopter to Milan for shopping. I mean, everything is possible, but uh, in my opinion, there's nothing better to be honest, that enjoy, of course, the food we have in Capri, which is stunning. And then, uh, take your time Ming through the streets of Ana Capri, have a one in the different smaller bus. Enjoy and, and feel and breathe what the local culture looks like. Right? And then, um, the beauty on Capri or or off Capri is that the bottle line, if you wanna go down, it's an eight minute drive with the shuttles, we have a available 24 hours, and you can go for shopping, you can get your back, you can get your bags, you have the, the whole boutiques over there. As well as one thing I really love, and even though it, it seems like touristically is the, is the fact that you can go to PI in the evening, have your Divo over there, and then you go back to the hotel. Or you have your dinner with RI or, or go even further go for a party. You know, in one of the, the pubs we do have over there like an go, you know, dance on the tables and have some fun. I think both, both destinations give you, uh, really the opportunity to do some, some just, you know, normal things. But on the other hand, again, I say this is the, the beauty of it, right? We, we just take part of the, of the local scene, of the local people and we just minger, we just have fun. Huh?

Paula Prickett:

I love it.

Miguel Massanet:

There's a, there's a saying about us, and it's true, I'll be honest, right? We never save money. The Mediterranean, we never save money because we invest the money into, into fun in the sense of, uh, if I, if I could choose, I would always go for good bottle, bottle of wine, champagne. Good food. And and that's what we spend our money on. And, and, and we live mo most of the time thanks to our weather, we live on the street. Right. And that's what we spend time with our friends and yeah, so, so we don't save, but we, I think we invest a little bit into our lifestyle and, and, and the good life and, and I think that's the beauty of the Mediterranean. Absolutely.

Paula Prickett:

Absolutely love that. I've always. It, it's always interesting to me cuz um, especially American travelers, but we'll have this bucket list of things we want to check off and do and, and that's fine. That's fine. You have the desire to do that. Um, but typically those are not the memories that you carry with you. Those are not the experiences that touch your heart and that you come home with. It's what you exactly just described. Those are the moments that. That really get to your soul and that just keep carrying on forever. So, yeah.

Miguel Massanet:

Yeah. That's, that's the beauty of it, right? Uh, learning about the cultures and the local lifestyle. So, so I can always, if, if they ask me, sometimes I'm in the hotels and, uh, I mingle with a, with a guest and ask me, what would you do? And I always give them very simple things, actually. Right. Um, cuz I mean, let's be honest to each other, and there's so much within the tourism world right now, everyone's to sell, you know, experiences and so on. But, but in the end it's, I think it's not about this. If we, if we really wanna be honest, um, for me, they should do what I do. That's the reason something right now, when I'm heading to the, yes, for example, um, I wanna do things that. Say you guys do, right?

Paula Prickett:

Mm-hmm.

Miguel Massanet:

I don't, and then that's, that's, it's all about this. That's the reason I think we travel. Right, and, and I would say we, we are kind of sophisticated travelers nowadays.

Paula Prickett:

Yes. Oh, for sure. For sure, for sure. So, I, I'm gonna put you a little bit on the spot here with, with the, the options that we have available to us. Uh, you know, what, what kind of sets you guys apart, uh, from other, you know, Even properties in the area or other other options.

Miguel Massanet:

I would, I would say fir, first of all, I think, um, the company we're working for, uh, Jumeirah. Um, has a very, very high standard of, of service, so you can easily compare us to, to any other industry, right? So it's good that we are playing in Champions League and that we are there. So, uh, first division, absolutely. Um, one thing I would say we do pretty well is to connect to the local scene. And, and this is something that, um, makes us in our different areas here on Mallorca and Capri already kind of institutions. Um, so I, I would, I always explain it like this and, and, and, you know, you can get perfect experiences, perfect people, perfect brands and services everywhere. Um, but one thing I need to admit, what Jamira understands is the reason why do we do it. And, and I'm not talking about the profit we're gonna get out of it. I'm talking about the impact we, we are having on, on the local society. And, um, and this is pretty much, um, all about it. Um, we act very sustainable as everyone says it, but we really do it. We recycle even our amenities. Uh, for example, in Mallorca, I work together with, um, with a society that, um, implores handicapped people. So what we do, for example, right curtains from last year, we send them over to them and then they recycle them and make amenities for our guests this year out of it. And as well as we, I'm a, I'm a big fan of the seed, for example. So what we are doing right now is that couple of our prophets and they go into, into an institution that is actually redesigning the whole coral reefs of the Mediterranean. So, you know, the beauty of it is that there is no limit on, on really thinking out of the box and trying to have an impact on society, a positive one. And so it's, it's always nice to see that they give us the full support. Uh, and then I wouldn't say whatever it costs, but, but yes, it is like this. And, and then it's, it's great to see that, that at step by step we're getting our feed into the local scene, which, which is great right now. Cause, uh, in Capri for example, we have a huge, as I said, art collection from local artists right now that gives us life, you know, and inspirations and energy. Same on Mallorca. So they, they bring pieces of art to us free of charge to, to really. Get the exposure and also give us a little bit the energy of local people. And, and that's the great thing. So it's a, it's a back and forth, right? If, if you give, uh, it comes back and, and I, I need to admit, right? And, uh, that's, that Jamira does this quite well. And, and, and I love the fact that I have the flexibility on, on thinking or whatever, as long as the, the impact is positive on society. Right. Nowadays, let's honest you have. Create, uh, properties wherever you go to, uh, the, the hospitality industry is getting better and better, but I would say this is one of the USPS the company has, which we are implementing over an Mediterranean. Besides this, if you, if you would think of a usb, both properties, uh, have, that's the views I've never seen, uh, views such as the ones we do have on my Capri, you know, with the respective parts of the Mediterranean Sea. That's simply stunning.

Paula Prickett:

There is, there is nothing like the Mediterranean that that water just gets. It gets into your soul somehow.

Miguel Massanet:

it's, it's amazing.

Paula Prickett:

Yeah. It becomes part of you.

Miguel Massanet:

I agree. I.

Paula Prickett:

I absolutely love it. Is there anything else that we should know about Sir?

Miguel Massanet:

No, I mean, I think the, no, I think the best, the best way to explore it is to, to come over to both destination, even, even though it's not to our, our hotels. I would love to have you all, uh, with us, but just, uh, let yourself, you know, uh, go. And inspired by, by the people around in their respective destination. And that's when, when I would say, you're gonna have a successful vacation or, or trip to, to each of the destinations. Um, we are constantly as everyone improving things, uh, refurbishing. That's, that's you nowadays. It's normal every year need something new. If not, you're getting, uh, boring and old. Which we, which we are doing. And that's, that's a great thing as well. I mean, Jumeirah is constantly evolving and improving. But, but I would say just, just try it. Uh, no one would regret it. Uh, that's

Paula Prickett:

time. Time to pack the bags. Yep. It's time to pack your bags and go.

Miguel Massanet:

Yeah. Come, we, we should do the ne the next session, Paula, we should do it in one of, one of the two destinations. Right. Maybe with the cvu and, uh, and a good link, you know,

Paula Prickett:

you go. This is not a bad idea.

Miguel Massanet:

but I think that would be the great thing to do. Yeah.

Paula Prickett:

Yes. Well, thank you so very much. I really appreciate

Miguel Massanet:

you know what? Um, let's do one thing,

Paula Prickett:

watch.

Miguel Massanet:

and so we can ensure everyone watches until the end. I would like to give away two vouchers for both properties. So, um, I'm, I'm gonna give away three nights and my, and three nights in copy bed and breakfast. So, um, I leave it with you how you will handle it.

Paula Prickett:

The pressure's on me, huh?

Miguel Massanet:

Pressures in you. But, uh, I give you these two vouchers so we really rest assured people watch until the end.

Paula Prickett:

You're, you are more than generous. Um, I, it's a very generous offer and, um, I think it will only feel the fire because I, I know these are just, Beautiful properties, beautiful destinations, and, and people are already ready to go. So this will just,

Miguel Massanet:

Looking, looking forward to have them with us. Uh, absolutely.

Paula Prickett:

Okay. Like, can you believe he just did that? Like, are your bags packed? At this time that the podcast is coming out, I have the vouchers for this amazing gift of a three night stay. It both Capri. And Mallorca that Miguel and Jumeirah have offered for you guys are amazing listeners. And after lots of, kind of concentrating about how to best give these away and just create the most benefit for everyone. For those of you that are in the Houston area, or want to come to the Houston area? The three nights stay at Port Soller and Majorca has been donated to the fundraiser that the Women Of Wine Charity is having on July 12th in Houston. I will put the link in the show notes. I know that they still have tickets available. Uh, it's a Sangria showdown that they're doing.

Um, and what they do with this charity does is besides drink wine, they raise awareness and most importantly funds for the Houston Area Womens Center to provide safe nights of sleep, education, medical, and mental assistance for victims of domestic violence. So super happy that someone is going to win that amazing gift for the other voucher for Capri palace. In Italy, uh, which is valid, uh, in September of this year. If you want your name in the hat for this drawing. I'm going to have you either email me or message me with the name of your dog now, or a past dog that you've had, or even your, for your cat lovers too. And you get a chance. Or, you know, Guinea pig, lovers, whatever. Uh, some past animal that you had as a child. I want the name of that animal, and we're going to do the drawing for this on July 5th. So, like I said, besides the enchanting, Miguel, it was totally worth sticking around to the end. And I am super excited to see who the winners will be. A, both of these stays. Good luck to everyone.

Paula Prickett:

Thank you so much for joining me this week on the podcast. If you're looking for some help with your next vacation, why don't you go ahead and book a free consultation from the link in the show notes or off my website, black dog luxury travel.com. I look forward to seeing you again very, very soon.