Destination travel portrait and wedding photographer: Serene heaven in Amanruya

Amanruya resort, set among olive groves and pine forests, with carefully landscaped gardens, was designed to blend seamlessly into the landscape of the Bodrum Peninsula, an area known for its ancient history, stunning Aegean Sea views, and charming villages. Bodrum, once home to the Mausoleum at Halicarnassus, one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World, has a rich history that spans millennia, influencing Amanruya's design and ethos. The traditional Ottoman architecture features local stone, marble, and wood. Amanruya in Bodrum is a masterclass in luxury resort design, marrying the historical and cultural elements of its Turkish locale with the understated elegance and comfort that Aman Resorts are known for. Its thoughtful design, which respects and enhances the natural beauty of the Bodrum Peninsula, along with its luxurious accommodations and amenities, make Amanruya a quintessential retreat for those seeking a serene and opulent escape.

Destination film photographer // Saint Paul de Vence and La Colombe d'or.

“Provence has a treasure, it’s a Colombe d’Or. It has the precious scent of thyme and nostalgia and the golden colour of olive oil and happy days. The Colombe is a part of my life. For me, it’s a place that’s as full of promise as of magnificent memories. The Colombe is indefinable, inimitable…”

— César "La Colombe d'Or at Saint Paul de Vence. The taste of Provence"

Nestled in the heart of the French Riviera, St. Paul de Vence emerges as a picturesque gem that has long captivated artists, photographers, and travelers alike. This medieval village, renowned for its well-preserved architecture and vibrant art scene, provides a canvas of breathtaking vistas and historical charm.

The story of the Colombe d'Or begins in the early 1920s when it was originally opened as a café-bar called "Chez Robinson" by Paul Roux, a local farmer and innkeeper. Its transformation into the Colombe d'Or (which translates to "Golden Dove") occurred in 1931 when Roux decided to expand the establishment into an inn and restaurant. The name change marked a new chapter for the venue, setting the stage for its future as a gathering place for artists and intellectuals. The Colombe d'Or's proximity to the vibrant artistic community of Saint-Paul-de-Vence quickly made it a favored haunt for artists, many of whom were living or vacationing on the French Riviera. The Roux family, particularly Paul and his wife Baptistine (known as "Titine"), fostered close relationships with these artists. In a unique arrangement that became part of the Colombe d'Or's lore, they accepted paintings and sculptures in lieu of payment for meals and stays. This tradition turned the inn into a living gallery, adorned with works by some of the 20th century's most renowned artists, including Pablo Picasso, Henri Matisse, Fernand Léger, and Marc Chagall, among others. Over the years, the Colombe d'Or expanded, adding rooms and a swimming pool—reportedly suggested by Picasso himself. Despite these enhancements, the establishment has retained its intimate and welcoming atmosphere, a testament to the Roux family's dedication to preserving the spirit of their unique inn. Every time I visit this amazing place, I am blown away by the beauty of every little detail. I can't get enough of it and will never tire of coming back.

The Fondation Maeght is a remarkable cultural institution nestled in the hills above Saint-Paul-de-Vence in the French Riviera, renowned for its impressive collection of modern and contemporary art. Established in 1964 by Marguerite and Aimé Maeght to honor and house their personal art collection, the foundation has since evolved into one of the most prestigious and significant art venues in Europe. Its creation was also deeply influenced by the couple's relationships with leading artists of the time, such as Joan Miró, Alexander Calder, Fernand Léger, and Georges Braque, whose works form the core of the collection. The architecture, designed by the Catalan architect Josep Lluís Sert, harmonizes beautifully with the surrounding landscape, creating a tranquil and inspiring environment for the appreciation of art.

Beyond its stunning collection, the Fondation Maeght is celebrated for its architecture and the integration of art with nature. The building itself is a masterpiece, featuring terraces, gardens, and water features designed to complement the artworks displayed within and around it. The foundation's gardens are adorned with sculptures and installations by renowned artists, offering a unique outdoor gallery experience that merges art, architecture, and the natural beauty of the Riviera. The Fondation Maeght hosts a variety of exhibitions, workshops, and cultural events throughout the year, drawing art enthusiasts from around the world to experience its diverse offerings. Its commitment to promoting art and culture has made it a vital and enduring institution in the international art community.

Adventures of my hobbits // Destination film photographer - Swiss Family photographer - Travel photography

Fiona's family. The 7132 Hotel in Vals. // Destination family photographer in Switzerland.

Fiona and Jens live in Germany, and this December I had the pleasure of photographing them in Vals, Switzerland. When Fiona wrote me and invited to come to the Hotel 7132 to take pictures of her family, I was immediately very excited. 7132 Hotel is a fantastic place famous for its architecture and design, iconic thermal baths and spectacular panoramic view of the mountain valley. I loved every minute of this beautiful 3 hours session.

If you are interested to know more about the hotel, I found this interesting article written by Epic Europe, a bespoke adventure travel operator based in the Alps and beyond, catering to the luxury experiential traveler. https://www.epiceurope.com/stay-detail/?item=thermes-vals-hotel-7132

The 5-star 7132 Hotel and the adjacent 7132 House of Architects features a unique collection of rooms designed by renowned architects: Tadao Ando, Peter Zumthor, Kengo Kuma and Thom Mayne. Its architect, Peter Zumthor, was awarded the world's most prestigious prize for architecture for this masterpiece.

 Layered stone upon stone, and presented magnificently with light effects, it was built in harmony with the mountain and the surrounding landscape: the green Therme Vals. The edifice is constructed of 60,000 quartz pieces from the local mountains. Together they form a mystical, sensual and surprisingly light vessel for the thermal waters. Pleasantly warm at 30-degree Celsius, the waters originate in the Valser Valley and are full of healing minerals.

 Stone and water at various temperatures (indoor pool 32°C, outdoor pool 30°C to 36°C) and the effect of the light as it changes in the course of the day, turn Therme Vals into a mystical oasis of peace. Blossom bath, sound grotto, cold and fire bath, steam baths and drinking stones are to be found side by side in this building of rock, the first edifice in Switzerland to be designated a protected monument shortly after it opened. 

Asked to describe his building, architect Peter Zumthor said: "Mountain, stone, water – building in stone, building with stone, building into the mountain, building out of the mountain, being in the mountain – how can all the associations and all the sensuousness which these words evoke be translated into a building, that is to say, interpreted in architectural terms? As we worked on the design of this building and saw it take shape, we gradually found answers to these questions."

Swiss family photographer // Destination lifestyle Photographer //Summer holidays, France, 2015

Film processing: Richard Photo Lab

"La Vie en rose" // portraits in Amsterdam // destination wedding photographer

Family photographer in Switzerland // Wildling The Journal for free-spirited families and seekers of adventure

I was very happy to see recently my pictures from our Crete holidays published on the blog of the Wildling Magazine. You can see the whole article HERE.

A weekend in Florence

On the way to the workshop for stylists and event designers "The Styling Pilgrimage" by Pearl & Godiva I spent a weekend in Florence. 2 days are not enough to explore the beauties of the city, this is just the beginning, I will definitely come back (and stay again in the amazing Villa Cora Hotel :) Scans by Richard Photo Lab.

Film photographer in Zurich // Mornings like this

Destination lifestyle photographer // Istanbul in snow

European portrait photographer - Crete holidays