VITA DI LUSSO
ON TOUR IN VALENCIA
Recently, magazine The Art of Living asked me to go to Valencia to write an article
about the company Neolith. Well, what a lovely assignment that is! So there I was at Eindhoven Airport,
with tickets and hotel reservations taken care of, my Italian travel bag packed, the 3-days Programme
on my IPhone and a big smile on my face. The 6thbusiness trip for VITA DI LUSSO this year.
What would this one bring me?
Day 1 – no time for siesta
In the departure hall I met the rest of the group; 20 men (lucky me!) who all work in the construction-, architecture- and interior branch. But we did not have much time to talk. Checking in, boarding and off we went! And when we arrived in Valencia, the bus was already there to take us to our next destination.
After a short drive, with just a glimpse of some city highlights, we arrived at Restaurant Asador de Aranda, where we had some authentic delicacies. At the end of this lovely late lunch, we went to Hotel Luz in Castellon and prepared ourselves for a light dinner.
In Restaurant Cremor, a typical family restaurant, they served us traditional Spanish food. Furthermore, we noticed the Neolith blade on the bar. Of course a little (obvious) wink to the factory visit, which was on our agenda for the next day.
Day 2 – Muy interesante
After breakfast (OMG, one cannot handle much more food!) we were brought to the factory of Neolith. During this drive it became clear that ceramics is big business in this particular area. Huge factories filled the skyline and also the one of Neolith appeared to be very impressive. Once inside, it was even more impressive. I could not believe how fast and seamlessly they made beautiful sintered blades out of finely ground stones.
In the showroom they displayed a few interior pieces, like a cooking island, bathroom furniture, outdoor solutions and a wellness setting. It gave us a clear impression of the versatility and the applicability of sintered stones.
In the afternoon at the campus of Gasma in Villa Dolores we were spoiled with a so called ‘Cook Lovers Course’ by one of their chefs. This animating master class was closed with a five-course lunch. And yes, I did manage to eat it all:- ). After this gastronomic intermezzo we were taken to the Hotel Meliá in Valencia to prepare for dinner later that evening.
In Restaurant Villadodio we had some Spanish meat- and fish dishes prepared in hot-stone ovens. It was sublime, but here I was forced to skip a few dishes in order to reach my hotel room on the 10thfloor!
Day 3 – City Tour including Calatrava
Although I always hate the last travel day, I did wake up smiling. The phenomenal view and the sunny weather made me feel ready to go for the planned city tour. I’ve been to Valencia before, but never had the chance to see the modern part.
And guess what? All my prayers have been heard, because at about 11.00h I was at the Ciudad de las Artes y las Ciencias, designed by the famous Santiago Calatrava.
The tour was closed with a nice lunch on a terrace in the city centre, whereafter we went to Valencia Airport. Gracias Neolith and hasta pronto España!
The formal article about Neolith, which I wrote for magazine The Art of Living, will be published in December and includes an interview with Sales Director Daniel Sànchez. So stay tuned!
