Just when you think the power of social media has diminished any form of secrecy, one of our favourite dining experiences, Diner en Blanc, leaves us in a state of eagerly awaiting anticipation.
Set to turn a Sydney location into an all-white, super-chic pop-up party this November, DeB will bring with it a new wave of incredibly luxe photo opportunities splashed all over our Instagram feeds. Becoming so big is the Diner en Blanc experience, that iconic youth brand, Contiki, is naming 2016’s new trend to be all about the pop-up party locales!
Carissa Walford
The trend-setters have already called in the help of Australia’s most down-to-earth media personality, Carissa Walford, and chart-topping duo, Flight Facilities, to host its own surprise pop-up party…in a 16th century Chateau!
So where can you create your own pop-up party? Contiki suggests going abroad to one of these pop-up party locales next summer.
1. Chateau de Cruix, France
Situated among the green rolling hills and vineyards of the Beaujolais Wine Region of France, Chateau de Cruix is the perfect 16th century backdrop to host the ultimate surprise party.
Pack a picnic and stroll through the vineyards to ‘the top of the world’ – a small hill providing panoramic views of the breathtaking French countryside.
2. Tintoreria Dontell, Barcelona
Walking past Tintoreria Dontell during the day you wouldn’t think anything of the dry cleaning store front, but as night falls it is clear that there is something else going on with groups of young well-dressed locals making their way towards the mysterious white door.
Tintoreria Dontell is one of the pop-up ‘underground’ venues offering visitors a delicious restaurant or hip bar area to enjoy a secret dining experience and is one of Barcelona’s best kept secrets, shhhh Dontell.
3. Rooftop, Santorini
What could be more beautiful than gathering your closest friends and spending an afternoon watching the sunset cast its spell over the Mediterranean ocean in Santorini?
Whether it’s a petite rooftop at the accommodation where you’re staying or a well-established venue such as The Sphinx restaurant nestled in a restored mansion in Fira, Santorini’s volcanic landscape and deep-blue waters will leave you breathless.
4. Champ de Mars, Paris
Go back to where it all began 25 years ago when François Pasquier and his friends thought of a nifty way to meet new people and share their love of French dining, while participating in the unexpected. Diner en Blanc has popped up in places all over Paris – from the bridges of the Seine and the Invalides, Trocadéro Esplanade, the Le Louvre Pyramid, Place des Vosges and Notre Dame to the Champs-Élysées and around the Arc de Triomphe.
Anywhere you pop up in Paris is going to be amazing! Our recommendation is throwing a rug down in the Champ de Mars garden with a picture perfect view of the Eiffel Tower as your backdrop.
5. Gellért Hill, Budapest
Budapest is fast becoming recognised for its bohemian flair. A city that’s embracing the saying “making old things, new again”, Budapest’s unique twist on turning old buildings into roof-top gardens, vintage urban bars and even the odd Sunday farmer’s markets has lured avid travellers alike.
However for a pop-up locale with a stunning view, head to the hill tops and pop-up at Gellért Hill. Home to Budapest’s Statute of Liberty, this hill gives you unrivalled views of the glisten city skyline below.
6. Sahara Desert, Morocco
If Morocco’s eccentric mosaic tiles, grand architecture and vibrant souks haven’t left you in a state of wanderlust as you scroll through your Pinterest feed, we’re not sure what will.
As the destination heats up as a travelling hot-spot, we think the Sahara Desert is the perfect location for an intimate picnic filled with champagne, luscious fruit, meats and cheese spread across a luxurious Moroccan rug.
7. Amalfi Coast, Italy
Pizza, pasta, wine, gelato – Italy kind of has it all when it comes to preparing for a feast. Match that scenic coastal drives with incredible cliff faces and turquoise waters, you can pretty much set up anywhere along the Amalfi Coast and have a location that your friends back home will be envious of.
Go on an adventure and explore some of the caves scattered along the seaboard, and if you’re travelling with a group of guys, perhaps show them this video of Amalfi cliff-diving in 360 degree view.
For more information, visit www.contiki.com/contikilegends.
