Travelling, the best gift for Father’s Day

By Clementine Robine in Madrid hotels

It’s so difficult to buy something for dad! Yes, not to worry, it happens to all of us. And even if it seems there are more gifts for men around than ever, when they day approaches we completely run out of ideas: he’s already got everything! Of course, just like everyone else. Every year it’s Father’s Day. Is it going to be a drama this year? Nah, this time it’s going to be really easy. You’re going to say ‘I love you dad’ and you’re going to give him a real surprise. A card where it says he’s going to go on a very special trip: a Madrid getaway, with you. Without mum, just you and him.

Gran Vía

If you’re thinking that this is the worst idea ever because you’re going to start arguing after a couple of minutes, stop reading right now and go and buy him a pen, a tie or some cuff links. For the rest of you, let’s keep plotting and planning, and you’ll understand what a great idea this is.

The first thing we have to discuss is: why Madrid? Well, it’s a city offering a lot of activities and culture, and this is an important thing when travelling with someone who’s not the same age as you. You might know your father well, but if you’re not used to travelling with him you’ll probably have to adapt the travel plans to his tastes and needs. At the end of the day it’s his trip, isn’t it?

Well, in a capital such as Madrid you can offer him plenty of choice and you can easily get to where you’re going by train, bus or metro (no car-related stress please). It’s always a lot better than going to a beach resort where what you have is… well… only that: beach. If your father is still quite young, active or an art or football fan, he’s going to enjoy Madrid.

It’s also a good destination for gourmet fathers. In fact: if he’s on a diet then Madrid isn’t a very good choice. The food on offer in Madrid: the squid sandwiches on Plaza Mayor, the deluxe croquettes at the San Miguel market, the Lucio scrambled eggs, the sausages, the chips and the Mahou beer. Madrid is a sinful capital.

Something you have to arrange as well, apart from all the activities, is where to stay. It’s better to put your money towards a central hotel where you have all the services you need and where you won’t be bothered by the noise that can be a problem in all large cities. Let him have a say without breaking your budget: there are very interesting offers and promotions available for hotels in Madrid if you book a bit in advance.

In the four-star hotel range there is plenty to choose from, some of them with exclusive facilities such as a roof terrace above the Gran Vía, one of the many fashionable locations in Madrid. Almost all hotels in this category have free wifi so you can plan your daily routes as you go along, choosing the activities you fancy the most. Among those that have received the best ratings by online users are those that belong to the Vincci Hotels chain, and the Petit Palace, two companies that offer original, urban hotels with good service at a good price. Some of the more economic ones are the Petit Palace Madrid Aeropuerto and the Petit Palace Arturo Soria. They are located a little bit outside of the centre, but with good metro connections. If you want to be in the very centre of Madrid, check availability at the Petit Palace Clíper Gran Vía.

Immerse yourself in Costa Brava

By Clementine Robine in Destination

Immersed in the heart of the Costa Brava. There we go, exploring the secrets of one of the most visited and admired coasts in Catalonia, a place where you can easily enjoy the beautiful scenery of sea and nature, where you might even run out of time to see and experiment it all. Blanes, Tossa de Mar (yes, the locations where one of the most famous Estrella Damm commercials was recorded), S’Agaró, Palamós, Playa d’Aro… Magical places in spite of the pressure of tourism invading the coasts every summer.

Among the must-see places there is Blanes botanical garden, where you can find samples of the unique autochtone species and exotical flowers. An indescribable experience of so many colours and smells followed by a visit of the highest point of the cliff where it is located and from where you can savour stunning sea views.

Another garden you should visit is the Santa Clotilde garden. If you are staying in a hotel in Lloret de Mar, it will only be a stone’s throw away. It is a huge garden inspired on the famous gardens in Paris, but with wonderful views over the Mediterranean sea. Luxuriant vegetation with its infinite green tones, stairways, fountains, charming little squares… All of it only a few metres from the beach.

The municipal library of Lloret is a great centre of incessant activities. It offers interesting plans everyday of the year, from exhibitions to reading workshops and book presentations. Next to it, the Casal de l’Obrera offers theatres for all tastes, the Plaza de la Vila invites you to its festivals and local street markets, and Lloret beach will please any sporty person with its large variety of watersports, even traditional fishing demonstrations.

If you book a room in Lloret de Mar you will have the comfort to walk all around the city, without needing any transport. Although it is recommended to rent a bike and visit the surroundings: a perfect way to keep fit enjoying a beautiful scenery.

Don’t forget to save a day during your visit to go for a tour of the town’s Indiano and modernist legacy, eat at one of the traditional restaurants close to the beach, get closer to the Sant Romá church, stroll about the so-called Ronda roads which are the perfect way to discover the cost of the village, go up the hill next to the beach and climb to the Sant Joan castle…

Immerse yourself in Costa Brava and tell us about it: there are a thousand and one experiences you will be willing to share!