The first next steps on the Amberlair adventure – Winter 2016 Update

Dear #boholovers,

Is it too late to say Happy New Year? We are not quite sure where the first 6 weeks of the year went – but that might be because we have been *so busy* with our beloved project.

Our community, made up of boutique hotel lovers from around the world voted for Italy as the destination for the first Amberlair – which will be the first crowdsourced and crowdfunded boutique hotel in the world.

We are so excited, we cannot tell you.

Since the vote in the last quarter of 2015, we have been to Italy twice already. The contrasts in the country are quite wide – should we go North or South? East or West?

On our first trip, we have actually driven from North to South, having started our property scouting mission in Bologna-Emilia Romagna, followed by Tuscany, Umbria, Abruzzo and ended our journey in Puglia, the heel of Italy.

We have asked some of our favourite bloggers for their opinions – just for fun – and they are also divided. Some chose the Amalfi Coast, others Florence. Some think that Piedmont should be the place – others have their heart set on Puglia. What do you think? Do you have a favourite part of Italy? Our problem is that we love Italy a little bit too much. But is that a bad thing?

On our second trip, we have focused on Puglia a bit more – we feel that it is unspoiled, has a good mix of country side and beaches and the pace of life is so bucolic and lovely. Could this be the place? Early days!

We are now on the process of appointing lawyers and real estate advisors – Amberlair is a labour of love project, but it is a business venture, and our German selves would never take an unmeasured risk. It has been interesting meeting so many local professionals, who are also passionate about the project and will surely advise us as and when needed.

The road ahead will be long. Our goal, first and foremost is to find the perfect location (and property) for the first Amberlair. It could take weeks, it could take months – but we are confident we will get there. Then, all the fun will begin for sure.

As we get closer to the D day, we want to hear your thoughts and opinions about what makes a brilliant hotel – do get in touch with us if you would like to be featured on our #boholover series. We have so far interviewed 50 people from all walks of life who have one thing in common: they love boutique hotels.

Thank you once again for the time you have given us over the past year – we cannot tell you how supported we feel.

Marcus & Kristin