Luke Durden | Hotels and destinations

The Coast of Playa Blanca

By Luke Durden in Lanzarote January 23, 2014

The coast of Playa Blanca, in Lanzarote, is one of those magical places that welcome you to a journey far from any borders. Its volcanic landscape, protected by the declaration as a Biosphere Reserve Park, as well as its spectacular ocean, provide a range of colours and contrasts that surprise visitors time after time, even to the most experienced traveller.

Playa Blanca is a very appreciated tourist destination around the world, specially in Europe, for its unique beauty, the tranquillity of its ambience and its exceptional climate all year round. It is one of the most valued destinations for a relaxing trip during the autumn and winter months, as communications with this part of Lanzarote are comfortable and the possibilities for leisure and rest are infinite.

Apartments in Lanzarote

Large beaches and small rocky coves make up this Atlantic coast, different to all those that can be found in the Canary Islands, including cliffs off volcanic stones, black, dark and red colours that merge with the intense blue of the Atlantic Ocean that slide over the water, turning into fine white sand. A paradise for the senses where the sound of the waves propose a halo of perpetual tranquillity.

Less pronounced coasts link with vertiginous cliffs and coves that open to the traveller, like small oasis where to rest for hours, far away from civilization. Playa Blanca is perfect to defy routine and recover from the stress of the large cities. Ideal for a long weekend after weeks of hard work or to enjoy 10 days of well being and relaxation.

Villas Coral Deluxe

The accommodations in Playa Blanca connect with this peaceful spirit that reigns in every corner of the island, even in the most lively towns of the coast of Yaiza, known for its attractive parties, striking traditions and folklore. To stay in this coast of Lanzarote, there are different options to choose from, from luxury villas in Playa Blanca, at the foot of this stunning volcano of Montaña Roja, to a quiet hotel in Yaiza, or some family apartments.

Travelling is also very comfortable and versatile, as the roads connect the whole island and they provide routes to the most interesting and famous places in Lanzarote. The connection of Playa Blanca with the islands airport is easy, as well as with the capital of the island.

The Crocodile Park in Torremolinos turns 18!

By Luke Durden in Uncategorized January 21, 2014

In 2014, this famous and curious amusement park, focused on displaying these impressive wild animals, celebrates its 18th birthday, with an interesting leisure proposal of fun for the whole family. A must see for those who choose Torremolinos as a holiday destination.

It is one of the most emblematic amusement and animal parks in Spain. Located at t he foot of the Sierra de Torremolinos, the Crocodile Park is one of those places that everyone should visit at least once, especially if you have children.

Marconfort Griego Torremolinos Hotel

Founded in 1996, the park is very close to the center of the city, next to the Aqualand water park and a few kilometers from the family hotel in the center of Torremolinos, the Marconfort Griego hotel. Besides being a place that is already part of the history of Torremolinos, it is one of the most striking leisure proposals the city has to offer. They boast of having among its residents, the oldest crocodiles in Europe, Paco.
After several renovations and new additions, next year the famous crocodile park in Torremolinos will turn 18 years open to the public, and it aims to celebrate it in style. Along with various surprise activities and special parties, the Crocodile Park will show its over 200 crocodiles in the open air, in large ponds that can be visited and admired from different platforms and viewpoints.

Hotel rooms in Torremolinos

Seeing how they eat, move, interact with each other or hunt is a real show, and it is also possible to see at the park from baby crocodiles to large African caimans weighing over 500 Kilograms.

One of the top attractions rated by children is, allowing them to hold baby crocodiles in their arms and being able to take photos with them. The park also includes a museum of objects, wildlife and African culture, a school workshop and projection area in which educational videos are on display about the history and prehistory of the dinosaurs and reptiles.

Discovering the city of Medellin

By Luke Durden in Destination December 24, 2013

Unknown to many, Medellin is a Colombian city of friendly and warm people where to find numerous events, rich cuisine and a pleasant weather all year round. Hotels in Medellin are waiting for you!

Located in a mountain valley, this quiet town has a growing interest especially in the historic centre, where you can visit the Metropolitan Cathedral, Bolivar Park, the Berrio Park, the Cathedral… Medellin is a perfect plan for an escapade.

Panoramic view of Medellin

But, besides the historical centre, the diversity of environments is one of the highlights of Medellin. In North Carobobo you can enjoy the nature, art and the knowledge of its university, while in the Barrio Prado neighbourhood you can admire an outstanding example of local architecture with houses of different styles and streets and gardens with a noble style, such as the Casa del Teatro or Tres patios.

On the other hand, the Managing and Business Area hosts the headquarters of the municipal and departmental governments, public companies, the Plaza Mayor… it is an essential location for all business travellers.

El Poblado is the equivalent of the Golden Mile of Medellin, with luxury shops, restaurants, nightlife and the long Avenue of El Poblado, ideal for a walk. It is a unique neighbourhood for leisure activities. The Lleras Park is ideal for tourists and young people, the La 10 for shopping; Via Primavera and Provenza for exclusive shops, the main park of El Poblado to relax from the hustle and the street of La Buena Mesa to experience the diversity of cuisines and restaurants in Medellin.

Staying at a hotel like The Charlee in Medellin you will discover all this and much more.

A destination guide: What to see in Ibiza?

By Luke Durden in Uncategorized December 12, 2013

What to see in Ibiza? What are the places you must visit in this Mediterranean island, those places that one should not miss? As with many places, choosing a top 5 of the most beautiful places in Ibiza is very complicated, as every traveller is different and each trip also: you will not find the same Ibiza if you travel with friends at age 20, with children at 30 or with your couple at 50… But, it is true that if one stops to think and analyse it, there are a number of places that should not be missed on a holiday in Ibiza.

Hotel in Cala Portinatx

1.Dalt Vila

The old town of the city of Ibiza, also called Vila. Its walls and cathedral stand out, both part of a historical set with a renaissance style (XVI century), which has been declared, since 1999, a World Heritage Site by UNESCO. Another of its most striking landmarks, is the castle that overlooks the city and the port of Ibiza. Strolling through the streets, admiring the view from this area is always a good plan.

2. Calle Barcelona

The liveliest area of Ibiza after sunset. Very close to the port of Ibiza and full of bars, terraces, restaurants, Chill Outs, pubs and the best atmosphere on the island, to enjoy your first drink before heading back to the hotel or to start off the evening. Here, it is easy to buy discount tickets for evening shows to the most important night clubs in Ibiza and be surprised by the parades of professional go-go dancers on the street.

3. Café del Mar

Although there are many Chill Out bars in Ibiza, Cafe del Mar has become a true symbol of the most modern and eclectic island in the Mediterranean. Located on Lepanto Street, in the town of Sant Antoni de Portmany, close to the Hawaii Ibiza hotel. Worth visiting it for its sunsets with music, that have become famous worldwide. The atmosphere is very lively, with people of all kinds and from all over the world. Another similar place, less crowded, is the Kumharas, on Lugo Street of Cala de Bou, in the municipality of San Jose, very close to the Fiesta Milord hotel.

Adults Only hotel in Ibiza

4. Santa Eulalia des Riu

One of the most charming villages on the island. It is a village that best preserves the hippie spirit that reigned the “white island”, and has a large number of interesting hotels where to stay on the beach of Es Canar, the most famous of the municipality. Close, on the 12^th km of the road between Santa Eularia with Sant Carles, close to the Paraiso Beach hotel nest to Cala Marina, you find one of the busiest markets in Ibiza, the market of Las Dalias.

5. Cala Portinatx

One of the most famous and valued coves in Ibiza, is the beautiful Cala Portinatx. Open to the Mediterranean, as a sea inlet, surrounded by vegetation and beautiful landscapes, transparent turquoise waters and fine white sand, this cove is a natural paradise that surely deserves to be among the five essential key points to visit in Ibiza. At the cove, there is a hotel right facing the sea, the El Greco hotel, designed specifically for holidays with your partner or with children.

Green hotels that environmentally involved

By Luke Durden in Environmental Hotels December 11, 2013

The concept of green hotels has begun to penetrate deeply in Europe. Although there are still very few examples in Spain, there is a growing concern favouring a national tourism project that has its foundation on a sustainable industry. Hotels and services that are energy efficient, detailed and involved in the natural area that surrounds it, committed with the sustainability of the destination and its society in different dimensions.

This discussion has already reached some of the most important hotel brands in our country and there are many that have taken measures to achieve the distinction of a “green hotel” that is consolidating as an added value.

Hotels in San Miguel de Abona

In fact, in the latest edition of Fitur, there was a specific part, Fitur Green, designated to analyse sustainable tourism in our country, which was attended by some of the most prominent representatives of this particular sector, such as the Global Sustainable Tourism Council and the Institute for Responsible Tourism, among others.

A good example of the work being done in this regard by the Spanish tourism industry is found in Tenerife, in one of the hotels of the hotel chain Sandos Hotels, the Sandos San Blas Nature Resort & Golf, a resort in San Miguel de Abona, next to the nature reserve of San Blas, which includes a complete environmental program for guests, including routes and tours on rafts through the nature reserve, to a special ecological club, the Sandos Eco Club. This club organizes activities to preserve the ecological values of this volcanic territory in Tenerife and collaborates with other local institutions.

Sustainable hotels in Spain

It is an interesting model and worth praising, while it is still far from resembling what the European Union has considered the ecological hotel in Europe: Hotel Garden Court in the Holland, an energy efficient accommodation, in which no artificial climate control is used, but the construction materials themselves create optimal protection to ensure adequate room temperature at all times.

But, the Garden Court has been able to go a step further and claims to be the only hotel in Europe offering its guests a 100% bio cuisine, a characteristic that has become one of the main attractions of this accommodation that attracts visitors from all around the world.

Accommodation that never go out of style

By Luke Durden in Destination November 22, 2013

It is very common that we review those more innovative hotels, the most avant-garde tourist proposals or the most interesting formulas that will allow our readers to discover new design hotels. In this occasion, wrapped in autumn’s melancoly and with a little post-vacational syndrome, we have written a short but honest summary of destinations and accommodations that, in our opinion, will never go out of fashion.

Iberostar Marbella Coral Beach

The rebirth of Costa Blanca

Benidorm is a classic destination. A destination that has been gradually associated with national and foreign tourists of a certain age, and its eccentric skyscrapers that shape it as one of the European cities with the largest skyline in the continent. Something that surprises everyone that visits it for the first time. Many are those that think that this urban development is an aberration, bearing in mind the Mediterranean environment that surrounds it. As time passes, Benidorm has revitalised and changed into a vintage destination, to which many visit it as a new experience, different and fun, away from the connotations attributed in the past.

In Benidorm there is a beach… and hotels. Choosing one among all the ones available can be stressful, as the decision can be a success or a total mistake. Our recommendation in this sense, and after covering several hotels in the area, are Benidorm’s aparthotel of the hotel chain Marconfort, the Flamingo Playa and the Flamingo Benidorm, two accommodations with All Inclusive next to the beach of Levante. Ideal for those travelling with friends or family. Its services and facilities are complete, and the personalised attention of their staff is unbeatable.

The magic of the Costa del Sol

The hotels in Málaga never go out of style. The city where Pablo Picasso was born, offers beaches that are a haven for families and surfers, and that year after year, the Costa del Sol sees how the magic of its natural beauty continues to have effect an effect on tourists. In addition, the province has many faces. On the one hand, the classic family destination of Torremolinos keeps its pull despite the changes in national tourism trends, recovering from the current economic crisis. On the other hand, Marbella and its luxury resorts near Puerto Banus, that maintains its pulse and retains its status and glamour.

Among the hotels in Torremolinos that we reviewed to include in this list, we have chosen two belonging to the hotel chain Marconfort. The Griego hotel and the Beach Club hotel, two of the classics in this holiday destination, chosen mainly by spanish families of the interior. In Marbella, we are sticking to the Marbella Coral beach, and in the area of Fuengirola, one of the most comfortable hotels located in the beach of Los Boliches, the Confortel Fuengirola hotel.

Hotel in Fuengirola

Natural beauty on the coast of Barcelona

Another classic and family orientated destination in Spain, one of the most protected agains’t foreign mass tourism, is the coast of Barcelona. Away from the bustle of the capital and along the Mediterranean coast you find towns like Pineda del Mar, Calella, Malgrat de Mar and endless towns that have been kept almost intact, retaining its traditional essence of fishing villages. The most appreciated in this area, is its atmosphere, an to a generation it reminds them of a time when summers were blue and they could run around freely along the towns streets.

Preserving the tradition from father to son, those who visit this coast of Barcelona during the summer holidays are usually Spanish, many with a second home in the area, others accommodated in small hotels with character and staff that feels more like family. Along this line, we choose several hotels from the hotel chain Fergus Hotels, available in the coast of Barcelona:

Fergus Style Mar Mediterrania

The Fergus Style Mar Mediterrania, off the coast of Santa Susanna and completely refurbished in 2013. We like it for its exterior designer spaces, with areas of a solarium terrace and an amazing swimming pool in which to spend hours reading a book. The town of Santa Susanna, is also one of the most beautiful of all this coast.

The Fergus Montemar, an All Inclusive hotel in Pineda de Mar with the advantage of having the beach very close and all the services that can be found in the centre of the town. Good atmosphere, personal attention and surprising facilities for an All Inclusive: Jacuzzi, gardens, relax area, cocktail service, children’s playground and kid’s club…

The Fergus Espanya, a historic hotel in Calella that could not be forgotten in a list that mentions traditional holiday accommodations in Spain that, even after so many years have not gone out of style. With a large group of loyal tourists, this hotel in Calella, is a symbol fro tourism on the coast of Barcelona. Informal and with a spirit that makes all its guests feel at home, it has managed to earn the affection of all those that visit it at some point.

About Spanish gastronomy

By Luke Durden in gastronomic hotels November 21, 2013

Spanish gastronomy has experienced, in the last decade, a huge increase in popularity at international levels. Today, spanish chefs and restaurants are among the most recognised and respected in the world and the influence of Spanish cuisine is present in all the corners of the globe.

One of the characteristics of the spanish gastronomy is its variety of dishes, influenced by the different cultures that have populated the Iberian peninsula, as well as the mixture between dishes with rural and seaside origin.

Spanish gastronomy in Budapest

The base of the cuisine is focused on high quality products and raw materials, and a special care in the preparation, where there is an emphasis on obtaining the maximum from the products. Products like olive oil, fish and seafood, vegetables like peppers, garlic and asparagus, and the Iberian pork are part of the traditional dishes and the base of this rich and varied gastronomy.

Nowadays, Mediterranean gastronomy is considered the most healthy and balanced diet. Olive oil stands out among the main ingredients and many considered it as “liquid gold”. Spain is among the top 3 olive oil producers in the world and they are awarded important prices every year and are considered as a reference regarding quality.

Restaurant La Plaza in Budapest

With well known chefs like Ferran Adria, the Roca brothers, Jose Mari Arzak, Martin Berasategui, Andoni Aduritz and others, spanish cuisine has earned its place in the international gastronomic scene and at the same time, they are main exponents of products made in Spain.

In the city of Budapest, the spanish restaurant of La Plaza was recently inaugurated the, a part of the Iberostar Grand Hotel Budapest. Leading the restaurant is the spanish chef Sergio Montaño, with a long career in restaurants around the world. His extensive career and passion for spanish cuisine make this restaurant one of the best restaurants in Budapest.

Beach of Amadores, a destination for the family

By Luke Durden in Gran Canaria November 19, 2013

The beach of Amdores, in Gran Canaria, is one of those destinations that seem to be tailor made for those travelling with family. Known as one of the quietest areas and with the best atmosphere on the island, it also offers a perfect beach for children, protected from the strong currents of the Atlantic ocean by two large breakwaters.

The beach of Amadores, viewed from the hill under which it runs, looks like a large family swimming pool where children can spend the day playing in the water and parents can rest sunbathing peacefully, completely unconcerned.

Views of Playa de Amadores

Located between the towns of Puerto Rico and Mogan we find this famous beach, known by many as the “peaceful beach” and in recent years transformed into one of the most important tourist resorts in Gran Canaria, where you find different accommodation options, from the classic all inclusive hotel or apartments with views to Playa Amadores.

A magnet for many foreign tourists, due to the natural charm of the area, it still retains that simple aesthetics, typical in many towns in the south of Gran Canaria, Amadores and its beautiful beach offer all kinds of comforts, that have led it into the top of user reviews, even over the iconic beach of Playa del Ingles.

Apartments in Playa de Amadores

In the surrounding area, you find the coastal town of Puerto Rico, belonging to the municipality of Mogan (like Amadores), and surrounded by beautiful valleys and a remarkable abundance of European tourists, especially Norwegians. It is an area with a strong link to fishing and coastal activity, and it is an ideal place to enjoy a boat trip and see dolphins travelling along the coast. A perfect experience to enjoy with children.

A wellness hotel in the bay of Palma?

By Luke Durden in Spa & Wellness Hotels October 28, 2013

Not many years ago, it would have been a very difficult task, but today the difficulty strives in choosing between all the hotels available.

The wellness culture is increasingly imposing itself in the most tourist destinations, as is the case with Palma de Mallorca. In the last 5 years, the capital of the Balearics has seen how the offer of spa centres and hotels with wellness areas has proliferated in an ongoing effort to differentiate themselves and offer their clients that extra that they expect during their holidays in the Mediterranean.

Beach of Cala Estancia

The wellness areas are also a good claim for all those hotels that have made a commitment to tourism throughout the year and want to eradicate the deep seasonality of the tourists travelling to Majorca, and in general, to the Balearic Islands.

Hotel chains and large tourism groups, such as Tryp, NH, Melia or Iberostar Hotels & Resorts, have developed their own concepts of wellness, as is the case of the Thai Zen SPAce that one can find in some hotels in Playa de Muro by Iberostar, or in Son Antem, very close to Palma, in one of the most surprising luxury hotels in Majorca.

Others, like the hotel chain Garden Hotels, is strongly committed to it and have made the spa concept in one of their key proposals of their new range of added values. The Garden Spa, a programme of health and wellness that can be enjoyed at their Playa Garden hotel, in Playa de Muro, as well as other accommodations of the chain like the adults only hotel in El Rompido, Huelva or their hotels in Almeria.

Wellness hotel in Playa de Palma

Marina hotels has been one of the last main chains of hotels in Majorca to join the fashion for wellness that reports a substantial income. With the intention of making use of the winter to carry out the construction, the adults only hotel in Cala Estancia, Marina Luz hotel, it will inaugurate in January a wellness area with sauna, fitness, jacuzzi, massage and views to the bay of Palma.

The hotel’s management intends to promote a highly specialised line of work that has been implemented in recent years with great success: turn this charming hotel in Palma into a reference for business travellers and couples to the islands capital.

For now, the Marina Luz has positioned itself as one of the most interesting hotels in this area of the coast of Palma and close to the airport, during the low season. Tourists that are interested in art, business travellers, congresses and incentives, young couples for a romantic escapade or senior holidays are the profiles of people that can be found in this hotel.

With the opening of the new wellness area, the aim is to reach a wider public and to offer those who choose to spend their Christmas holidays on the island a more adapted service to present time. In this regard, access to the relax area will be free for all guests of the hotel.

San Miguel de Abona, a town of contrasts

By Luke Durden in Resorts October 24, 2013

San Miguel de Abona is one of the places of the province of Santa Cruz de Tenerife which keeps intact its traditional spirit, full of contrasts and natural charm, which offers visitors a passage in time and an invitation to dive into the local environment with only simple stroll through the narrow streets of the old town.

Located in the south of Tenerife, with an exceptional climate that only the Canary Islands can offer, San Miguel also has a quality tourism infrastructure, with a notable offer for golf holidays and luxury resorts in San Blas, Los Abrigos, Guincho the Oasis del Sur and all the coast of Amarilla Golf.

Hotel San Blas in San Miguel de Abona

To enjoy a nice image of this charming town there are two viewpoints nearby, El Fronton and La Centinela, from where you can also see some of the neighbouring villas and towns such as Granadilla de Abona, where the Airport Tenerife South is located.

But the best way to discover it, is to go into the old town and spend a night from guaniche to guaniche, small typical taverns where to try some of the best products that are produced in this town with farming and agricultural roots.

Restaurant with views to the ocean

The walk through the heart of San Miguel is a must. Although this is a small town of simple architecture, with Canarian roots and beautiful whitewashed Canarian houses on the foot of the hill, it has been declared a historic-artistic town, of a high value and in it you can find little gems of everyday Canarian life and samples of its people’s character.

The big celebration is the Pilgrimage of San Miguel, which is held in the second half of September, coinciding with the end of summer and the beginning of the so called summer of San Miguel. The celebration is very attractive, with varied gastronomic products, dances and folk music, and it involves not only the locals but also tourists and residents from all over the island of Tenerife.

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Author: Luke Durden