The revolution of El Raval, Barcelona

By Esther in Barcelona

El Raval neighbourhood in Barcelona has been a forgotten place until very recently, a historic place in the suburbs known for years as “Barrio Chino” and that now -specially its upper part- has become the in style neighbourhood of the city. It is a multiethnic area which keeps the charm of the old things and a meeting place for those who lead the cultural vanguardism in Barcelona.

The advantage of this place is that what used to be the suburbs of the city has now moved to the heart of it: El Raval delimits with the Gothic neighbourhood through La Rambla and with the area of Pelai street. The famous La Boquería Market is part of its network of streets and, in fact, a good example of the bustling and colourful character of the neighbourhood.

Accommodation in Barcelona

Accommodation in Barcelona

El Raval belongs to the old city district and here the traveller will find pleasant terraces, tapas bars with an atmosphere typical from Barcelona and restaurants with worldly cuisines. One of the essential elements in the neighbourhood’s renovation has been the construction of the Museum of Contemporary Art of Barcelona (MACBA) in the area.

Surrounding this institution, the University and many other firms that have invested in the area, we can find all type of businesses which have created an innovative and dynamic scheme, where traditional firms come hand-in-hand with modern firms from technological or design sectors.

Many hotel chains have also responded to the call of this revolution, inaugurating hotels of vanguardist design, accommodations specially designed for young clients, between 25 and 45, preferably for trips as a couple to Barcelona, trips with friends or business trips.

Hotel in Barcelona

Hotel in Barcelona

A good example of the adaptation of these hotels to the new reality of El Raval is the Barceló Raval, located in the Rambla of El Raval, with a 360º terrace on the roof which offers stunning views of this area of the centre of Barcelona.

The Abba Rambla, the Milenni Hotel, the Be Sound Hostel… And close to them, although outside the neighbourhood, we find some hotels of the Basque chain Petit Palace, such as the Petit Palace Boquería. 

Corralejo, one of the trending destinations in the world

By Esther in Uncategorized

Located in the north of the island of Fuerteventura and with less than 15.000 inhabitants, the village of Corralejo has been chosen by travellers around the world as one of the 10 emerging must-visit destinations for this 2014, together with exotic places such as Katmandu (Nepal), Fortaleza (Brasil) or Cayos de Belice.

Praised for its excellent beaches of white fine sand and its amazing volcanic landscapes, Corralejo is a classic destination for the European tourist and an authentic discovery for those who come from other continents: unconscious of the biodiversity of Fuerteventura, many people are surprised by the combination of the high volcanoes of black rocks with the turquoise water of the Atlantic ocean.

Accommodation in Playa de Jandia

Accommodation in Playa de Jandia

Unique waters which, caressed by the winds, offer an unbeatable setting for water sports lovers: windsurf, kite surf, sailing… Activities which, year after year, bring together in Fuerteventura thousands of amateurs who, season after season, come back to vibrate on the stunning waves.

But Corralejo is much more than beaches and surf, that is why it is one of the 10 top destinations this 2014: tradition, gastronomy, culture, craftsmanship, nature, geology, parties… Besides, its exceptional location, close at hand from Islote de Lobos and with perfect connections by boat with Lanzarote’s neighbouring island, makes this old fishing village an ideal place for getting away from it all and relaxing by the seashores.

Booking an accommodation in Lanzarote, taking the ferry and enjoying a complete day in this beautiful island of unique landscapes can be the perfect experience that crowns your trip to Corralejo.

Iberostar Fuerteventura Palace

Iberostar Fuerteventura Palace

Regarding tourism, the area features some of the best hotels in Fuerteventura, such as the Barceló Corralejo Bay, in the area of Grandes Playas, very close to the Natural Park of the Dunes of Corralejo. The complementary offer is also really varied and adapted to all type of travellers: families, couples with children, groups of friends, business…

A trip to Corralejo is also the perfect excuse to visit Fuerteventura. The island has really unique places, such as the peninsula of Jandia, one of the most beautiful beach areas of the Canary Islands: Jandia or Matorral beaches, Cofete beach, Morro Jable… Located on the south of the island, these beaches represent the naturist and family tourism par excellence, surrounded by the stunning Natural Park of Jandia, where we find the highest mountain in the island.

The area of Jandia is also one of the most recommended areas to find accommodation in Fuerteventura: hotels for children in Jandia, hotels with Adult Only areas close to Matorral beach or family hotels close at hand from Morro Jable are some of the most valued options due to their good quality price ratio and to the variety of services they offer to the traveller.

According to Tripadvisor’s users, Fuerteventura is a rising destination, an island to be visited at any time of the year and where to enjoy sport and relaxation at the same time, without giving up luxury plans such as savouring the excellent gastronomy of the Canary Islands, going through the 24 volcanoes of the island or visiting the main museums and art centres in Puerto del Rosario, the capital.

Benidorm gets an update

By Esther in Destination

Nothing ever surprises, or almost anything. There are few things we haven’t already seen in this century, but sometimes we get surprised: I never thought I would even think of recommending it, but after talking to some friends who assure it is worth it… I have decided to leave a door open and give it an opportunity. It is said that Benidorm is being renovated, and that the most consolidated destination in Spain is becoming a new moneymaker for family holidays at an affordable price and with an added value, modern services and a juvenile atmosphere!

Marconfort Hotels in Benidorm

Marconfort Hotels in Benidorm

Well, sorry about my scepticism, but it has taken me time to accept it. However, there are some facts that make me think maybe now thinks are really changing and the hotel sector of the area has seen the writing on the wall and has gotten cracking. If that is true, I really support them. As a traveler mother I would love to see how one of our most beautiful coasts recovers its charm, becomes a destination for quality tourism and aims at giving an excellent service to its visitors.

I admit this is not going to happen overnight, but it is happening quickly. One of the things that has surprised me the most is, for example, the philosophy of this hotel in the centre of Benidorm: design rooms and suites close to Levante beach, special services for families (including laundry!), free internet access in the common areas of the hotel, entertainment for children…

Marconfort Benidorm Suites Hotel

Marconfort Benidorm Suites Hotel

This idea truly differs from the concept I had in mind of an accommodation in Benidorm (leaving 5-star accommodation apart, of course), and I think I could even spend a pleasant week there with my children. It is true that Levante beach is one of the most crowded beaches in Spain during summer, but it is also true that one of the advantages of Benidorm is that it is a lively all-year-round destination and the climate is perfect for those who are searching for a bit of sun and relax in a different location.

Benidorm is being updated, and as the hotel we have already mentioned, there are many accommodations that are investing in change, in design spaces, and most importantly, in much more specialised services designed for the different guests they may accommodate. I include the capital of Costa Blanca in the list of my possible trips. Maybe it is not my first destination, but it is there: everyone deserves an opportunity, isn’t it?

The magic of Playa Blanca

By Esther in Lanzarote

Playa Blanca is one of the three most touristic areas in Lanzarote, but contrary to other more crowded areas, this one keeps the unique charm that invites the traveller to go with the flow and dive in a quiet and relaxing atmosphere, inspired by a landscape of smooth colours, long isolated beaches and stunning mountains.

Extremely well-cared and very well preserved despite the arrival of national and international tourism, Playa Blanca is still the reference place for a relaxing trip to Lanzarote. Choosing an accommodation in Playa Blanca is always a good option, specially if you are searching for calmness and nature.

Playa Papagayo, Lanzarote

Playa Papagayo, Lanzarote

The heart of Playa Blanca is its old village, with typical houses of light colours and located really close to the seaside promenade and the new yacht harbour. This marina, recognised as one of the most exclusive and complete marinas in the island of Lanzarote, is specially designed to accommodate the most amazing boats sailing the Atlantic.

The atmosphere in this area of the coast of Lanzarote is always relaxing, informal and tied to the concept of life known as slow life. Although the arrival of family tourism has moved nudism to coves and less crowded beaches, in the area of Playa Blanca we can still find some spots where to enjoy nature in all its splendour without the need to use a swimsuit.

From Playa Blanca old town we can easily get to the famous beaches of Papagayo, Playa Dorada and Playa Flamingo, go up to the Timanfaya National Park, visit the amazing Janubio salt mines or let ourselves be surprised by the amazing landscape of lava and sea of Los Hervideros.

Ideal for couples, Playa Blanca is also a good place for spending a night in Lanzarote and then go back to Fuerteventura, as this is the area from where the ferries which connect the two islands leave. The journey lasts half an hour, it is really comfortable and it allows you to plan a different holiday, with two complementary destinations in the route.

Hotel Marconfort Atlantic Gardens

Hotel Marconfort Atlantic Gardens

Accommodation in Playa Blanca

The hotels in Playa Blanca are all of different types and categories: here we can find some of the few Adults Only All Inclusive hotels in Lanzarote, as well as luxury villas, cheap hotels or even camping areas for those who want to enjoy some days in the middle of nature.

Some of the most valued hotels by the visitors of Playa Blanca are 3-star hotels, with an affordable price and really complete services. The Iberostar Lanzarote Park, for example, is perfect for travelling with children, while the Marconfort Atlantic Gardens,  recently refurbished, offers an exclusive All Inclusive Adults Only service, totally recommendable for a romantic trip to Lanzarote.

Rosario festivities in Fuerteventura

By Esther in Fuerteventura

The capital of Fuerteventura, Puerto del Rosario, celebrates these days the Saint Patron’s festivities, which conclude the season term and welcome an autumn full of new and interesting projects. In the Puerto del Rosario festivities there is space for activities for all ages and interests: nobody is left out of the most important celebration of the year in the capital of Fuerteventura. Besides, if you are planning a family trip to Puerto del Rosario, you will be able to enjoy the calmness you deserve in the best All Inclusive hotelsof the island.

Puerto del Rosario in Fuerteventura

Puerto del Rosario en Fuerteventura

The activities during the Saint Patron’s festivities are held in the church’s square and in the recently pedestrianised Primero de Mayo street throughout the evening. This weekends’ agenda is specially designed for a young and medium-aged sports and outdoor activities lover public: skiffs regattas, football, basketball and Canary ball championships… Besides, also during this weekend the first open Fotosub in Fuerteventura will be held, an underwater photo championship whose aim is to promote the richness of Fuerteventura seabed. If you do not have any diving knowledge and you want to participate in this photographic activity, you will be able to take initiation diving courses in the diving clubs of the family hotels of this eclectic island.

Iberostar Fuerteventura Park

Iberostar Fuerteventura Park

The Rosario festivities finish the next 7th of October and till then the village will keep the bubbling spirit which characterises the Saint Patron’s festivities, with visitors coming from very diverse destinations. Because of that, the best accommodation option for these days is a hotel with a good location far away from urban centres and with a natural setting which allows you to rest from the bustling city and recharge your batteries for a new day full of cultural, sports and entertainment activities.