Travelling with children: trending destinations

Family holidays are still an important diving force of the Spanish tourism. Although during 2014, Spaniards have reduced the number of trips to national destinations in search of places beyond the borders, families are still a main figure in local tourism: people travel with children especially around Spain: the Catalonian coast and Andalusia, along with the islands, are the favourite destinations.

But, in the same way, new tendencies are beginning to stand out in this country. Sun and beach have been essential at the time of travelling with children, but it is less and less common. Nature, ecological camps, towns where you can know the rural and quiet life, learn a new sport, attend English courses… these are some of the most successful motivations when choosing the destination to visit with children.

IBEROSTAR Torviscas Playa for families

In fact, figures from Familitur tourism survey show that in last years the rural tourism has been gaining ground in this sense and, along with it, destinations which are not precisely the first image on your mind when you think of the classic holidays. Avilés, in Asturias; Nigrán and Balona, in the Galician Rías Baixas, Castile and León, Santander…

Besides these new destination, there is more demand in coasts targeted at family and traditional holidays, such as Maresme coast, in Barcelona, with family hotels in Calella, Santa Susanna and Pineda de Mar.

There is also an upturn in Granada: Almuñécar and Motril, and the demand for holiday hotels in Fuengirola remains in force; likewise, the demand increase in the wonderful beaches of Calas de Conil and Chiclana, specifically in the area of hotels next to La Barrosa, one of the most recommended beaches for children in the entire coast of Cádiz. Hotels in Cabo de Gata, Almeria, with spaces for sports and wellness are also benefited from this new rise in the number of national tourists travelling with family.

Islands never fail

Beach and sunshine guaranteed. They offer diversified services and provide a range of experiences which cover almost all the things the peninsula can offer, but in a limited territory, therefore more controllable, manageable, and safe: what all the families look for. This is why it is so successful season after season.

The most visited by families are still beach destinations with several services. Hotels for children in Tenerife, All inclusive hotels in Costa Adeje and hotels with miniclub in Majorca get the main part of the bookings, although customers are opting for diversity and choosing more specific destinations and more specialized accommodations such as the theme hotels for families or beach resorts for children in Lanzarote and Tenerife which are standing out since a couple of years ago.

Here is a list with the most visited places during the three last holiday season:

–        Alcudia and Playa de Muro (North of Majorca)

–        Puerto del Carmen (Lanzarote)

–        Calella, Santa Susanna and, specially, Pineda de Mar (Maresme)

–        Punta Umbría (Huelva)

–        Playa Jandía (Fuerteventura)

–        Cabo de Gata and Roquetas de Mar (Almería)

–        Torremolinos and Fuengirola (Málaga)

–        Almuñécar and Motril (Granada)

–        Salou (Costa Brava)

–        Andorra and Vall d’Arán (for winter holidays)

 

Christmas in Madrid

If you search for “Christmas in…” with Google, you will see the trending destinations for 2014 to spend the most traditional family celebrations in winter: Christmas in the Canary Islands, Christmas in the Caribbean, Christmas in Morocco, in Tenerife, in Europe, in Milan, in Majorca and, of course, Christmas in Madrid with children.

The capital of Spain is undoubtedly one of the most versatile destinations when you plan a Christmas holiday with your children out of home.  It is, in fact, the best time to visit Madrid with kids, since the city is renewed for them. Madrid turns into an authentic amusement park plenty of Christmas plans for all the family and it is one of those budget-friendly trips if you choose a good accommodation.

The hotels in the centre of Madrid are usually more expensive than those located in areas distant from the old quarter, such as Barajas, the hotels in Arturo Soria or the surroundings of Casa de Campo park.  In some cases, booking in advance, you can get family rooms next to La Gran Vía in Madrid at bargain prices, but the most usual is to stay in adjoining rooms or book rooms with extra beds.

 Navidades en Madrid

Staying right in the centre of Madrid, although more expensive, has advantages, especially if you travel with children. Moving across the city in public transport is comfortable if you do not need many metro stops or connections from metro to bus. The heart of the city offers the most interesting plans: Tribunal, Alonso Martínez, Gran Vía, Sol, Latina and Paseo del Prado. El Retiro Park is also a must visit if you travel with children to Madrid on Christmas.

Another must visit place is the Christmas market situated every year in Plaza Mayor. Plenty of lively stands with small figures for the Nativity scene and funny house Christmas ornaments, children really enjoy to wander round the small streets, exhibitors and shelves. The stalls with traditional sweets (churros, porras, turrones…) fill the square’s and Puerta del Sol’s atmosphere with scent of party and whet the appetite. Here are not excuses to satisfy the appetite: from the traditional squid sandwiches in a pub in Plaza Mayor to the exquisite San Miguel Market, where we find all types of gourmet, healthy and innovative proposals which will captivate even the little ones.

The ambience you feel in the entire square, Puerta del Sol and Preciados passes on to the centre of Madrid. Cinemas and bars in Gran Vía offer hoardings and new events targeted, above all, at families: famous musicals such as The Lion King, which have kept the children and adults amused during several Christmas, or puppet theatre… Galleries and museums are some of the most active centres in this sense.

The education department of Reina Sofía has special commented visits for children of Primary and High School. For the little ones, it offers now two really interesting exhibitions: Matter in motion and Bodies and identities, inaugurated the past October. It will be opened to the public until summer beginning.

The Museo del Prado has a special program for families during the entire year and offers a complete selection of activities to enjoy with children the centre of the city, its collection, its exhibitions and the art. El Prado en familia (El Prado with family) propose for the end of 2014 Érase una vez el mar (Once upon a time the sea) targeted at families with children between 4 and 12 years old. It is a project whose main figure is the sea, inviting to know the museum driven on by its waves. The activity includes a really good family workshop. If you stay in a hotel close to El Museo del Prado or next to Serrano Street and Salamanca neighbourhood,  you will be right in the heart of the triangle of art, allowing you to plan your visits at your leisure.

La Caixa Foundation and its Caixafórum Madrid are other must visits. This year, Caixaforum Kids programme includes an entertaining family cinema season for Christmas that will captivate parents and children during the entire month of December. Ernest and Celestine, Monsters, Inc, Ratatouille, Wall-e, stories converted to movies thanks to the digital animation.

Weather permitting, we can enjoy Madrid as it should be: in the open air. Besides El Retiro Park, where you can enjoy some of the best afternoons next to the lake, in the small boats, contemplating improvised theathre or practocing Tai Chi with the kids, you can also visit Madrid Rio Park which extends throughout Manzanares. Sport lovers can take one of the public bicycles of the Madrid Council, cross the park and even arrive to the green area of Casa de Campo, ideal place for a picnic with kids.

On the other hand, specially conceived of for rainy days, Madrid has dozens of shopping centres, both in the city and in the surroundings. Visiting one of them will allow you to organise a shopping say, funny food and cinema or playground. If you have a car, you can visit Xanadú and even practice indoor ski.

Information of interest:

Madrid public bicycle.

Madrid bikeway network.

Madrid Río Park’s Map.

Madrid with family.

 

Accommodation in the centre of Madrid for families with children

 

Clíper Gran Vía Hotel

Londres Hotel

Atrium Hotel

AUTUMN GETAWAYS

Yes, back to school, post holiday depression, routine, autumn, leaves falling, end of summer… Whatever people say, September smells like sea, relaxation and adventures. All we need is to choose destination, hotel and plans. Bellow you will find the proposal by Barceló chain for these last summer days.

A visit to Hamburg à  The proposal of a hotel in the centre of Hamburg managed by Barceló is ideal for a getaway in September. The city still keeps a good temperature and it is plenty of interesting cultural plans.

Wine route in Jerez à   One of the best gastronomic routes you can do nowadays in Spain. As for accommodation, Barceló offers its hotel next to Moto GP circuit, perfect if you travel as a couple or with family.

Seville and its Magic Island à   After August suffocation, the Andalusian capital recovers its natural condition of top level tourism destination. If you want to rest, the hotel in Isla Mágica recommended by Barceló is a good option if you travel with your friends, partner or with children.

Corralejo Dunes à  The Adults Only hotel in Corralejo which belongs to Barceló is the ideal option to enjoy a late taste of summer next to the beach, in a unique natural environment, just one step away from Lanzarote Island. Perfect for a romantic getaway.

 

Design hotels for your holiday 2015

Simple lines, sober colours and touches of citric, fluorescent and primary colours creating wider, more illuminated and quiet spaces. Simplicity is fashionable in hotel design for holiday 2015. Many of the Spanish chains specialized in urban hotels in Madrid and Barcelona work hard in order to offer the new interior decoration trends in their most emblematic hotels.

Small changes on furniture, bed clothes, curtains and some basic decoration objects could transform an entire hotel, without needing to make a big refurbishment. This is why there are many hotels using for the first time a more detailed, novel or just equally surprising appearance.

Hotels in Barcelona

Hotels in Barcelona

PHOTOS FROM: PETIT MUSEUM BARCELONA, OPERA GARDEN Y MADRID AEROPUERTO

Other hotels, such as the beach hotels in the coast of Barcelona, Andalusia or the Canary Islands, will begin to work on decorating again their spaces in order to offer a 2015 summer season full of new sensations for their guests. In these holiday destinations, hotels are mainly investing in rooms where light prevails: white colours, big windows, outdoor spaces (from small balconies to terraces), very simple furniture, functional lines, inspired by Nordic design but always keeping a detail or relation to the essence of the destination.

Some of them take elements of the environment and promote them, representing a continuation of the sensations and experiences offered by the destination. Other hotels opt for taking advantage of the most traditional culture, recovering the typical details and creating a connection between guest and destination: famous quotes, images of renowned places of interest, small pieces of local crafts, traditional symbols…

FOTOS DEL FERGUS CALA BLANCA Y DEL IBEROSTAR JARDÍN DEL SOL

A good example of this game consisting of eliminating borders between outdoor landscape and hotel interior decoration (especially in the rooms) are the spaces design made by FERGUS Hotels, specifically, in FERGUS Cala Blanca Suites Hotel, and by IBEROSTAR group, in its IBEROSTAR Jardin del Sol. Curiously, both hotels are located in the same area of Santa Ponsa Bay, just some metres away from each other, with views of one of the best Majorca sunsets.

In addition to the hotels, the rural accommodations and villas complexes in Minorca,Tenerife and the rest of the Canary Islands, are also investing in refurbishing their rooms and spaces. Apartments and hotel complexes with new areas for spa, relax and wellness; area with special spaces for children, such as swimming pools similar to water parks; fitness rooms, beauty salons and special health treatments, gourmet restaurants, even some of them with Michelin Star.

FOTOS DEL ROYAL CUPIDO EN PLAYA DE PALMA Y SU SEA SOUL BEACH CLUB

Beach clubs and Chill Out bars are some of the elements which have become a key space for hotels design. Places inviting to relax and comfort, where interior décor plays the most important role, since it must fill the space with sensations and transport the guest from an atmosphere to another one. Even opposite spaces in the same hotel. IBEROSTAR’s Sea Soul, for example, is an authentic cult of aesthetics, present in their spa hotels in Chiclana and the Royal Cupido spa hotel in Playa de Palma, among others.

By chance, these design spaces made for relaxing, the select wineglasses and music, are almost exclusively offered by Adults Only hotels and apartments, hotels for friends and, as an exception, All Inclusive Hotels in places such as Majorca and the Canary Islands. Precisely in the Canary Islands you can find some family accommodations with these beach clubs and cocktails included. A clear example is Fuerteventura Palace, hotel in Playa de Jandia where we can enjoy a exclusive VIP area for adults, combining the typical services of a family beach hotels in the Canary Islands, with the singularity and elegance of an up to date design hotel.

Gold and spa, the perfect combination for autumn

We have the perfect excuse for receiving the autumn with the same attitude we receive summer. Which? A relaxing golf and spa getaway to the Andalusian coast, to Majorca or Tenerife. You choose the destination and we propose some of the most complete golf and spa hotels and the most interesting discounts!

If you have chosen Majorca as destination for enjoying an autumn to getaway and escaping from the routine, we propose you a different hotel, away from the typical beach accommodations and the classic family hotels in Majorca: a golf resort next to Palma, with a complete spa environment, including holistic area and personalized massage menu. It is a 5 star hotel featuring two golf courses and an excellent gastronomic service. One night costs approximately 165 Euros for Room Only Accommodation, double room (2 adults). Another interesting option is to book a spa hotel in Santa Ponsa (Calvià coast) or a spa hotel in Playa de Palma.

Iberostar Son Antem golf hotel in MajorcaIberostar Son Antem, hotel de golf Mallorca

If you prefer the Canary Islands, you have many excellent alternatives:  a spa hotel in Tenerife, a spa hotel in Fuerteventura, or an Adults Only hotel in Gran Canaria.

Any of them will give you the possibility of enjoying the pleasure of taking care of yourself next to some of the best beaches in the island. Besides, peace and sun are guaranteed in the eternal spring of the Canary Islands. One night at these hotels costs around 100 Euros, including accommodations and breakfast in a double room.

The Andalusian coast is another of the classic destinations in autumn, there we always find a pleasant weather until November and enjoy a health and sports therapy. Our accommodation proposal in the Andalusian coast will leave you in the Golf Valley and its surroundings. Our recommendations are a spa hotel in Marbella and a spa resort in Chiclana, next to La Barrosa beach.

Without going away from this destination in the south of Spain, you have the option of staying in a resort for golf lovers: a golf hotel in Isla Canela or a golf hotel in Chiclana, both of them offer prices per night from 40 Euros per person on half-board.

Quito: the magic of a different destination

When you plan your holiday, the first questions are where, when and _who _, we want to help you with those questions and invite you to discover a different destination, one of those places that, a priori, we would not search on the map. Quito, the wonderful capital of Ecuador. Are you ready to visit it?

From Madrid, you can find flights with many companies, offers of more or less 300 Euros  and usual prices of almost 800 Euros (return ticket) The accommodations offer various prices depending on the place you choose to book a hotel in Quito. Our recommendation is to opt for a room in the financial centre of Quito, close to the commercial area, although the old quarter is ideal for staying some days and enjoying the most authentic Quito.

Dann Carlton Quito Hotel

Precisely now, Quito is more fashionable than ever, It is now one of the finalists in the selection of the 7 wonder cities and it was in the past the first city declared World Heritage by the Unesco, thanks to its historical richness.

The capital of Ecuador, located in Pichincha, is in the most western part of the Andes . Its height requires to stay a couple of days, especially those who travel from other continents, in order to get used and avoid tiredness

Temperatures are very similar to the north of Spain, with significant changes between day and night, with 25 degrees at day and 10 degrees at night. The most important places to visit are, besides the historical centre, the called Mitad del Mundo, the rural parishes, and La Mariscal, as well as its surroundings.

In the old quarter, the must visit places in Quito are:

– La Ronda street: the best place for finding the perfect combination of fun, local cuisine and traditional crafst of Quito.

– El Panecillo: ideal place for enjoying the best views of Quito.

– San Francisco de Quito Square: the heart of the city.

– Corondelet Palace: it is the presidential palace, located in the mythical Siete Cruces street.

– Quito Cathedral: it is considered one of the oldest religious buildings in the whole continent.

 

 

 

La Gran Vía: a must-visit

La Gran Vía is synonymous with charm, tradition and modernity.    The perfect place for gazing at the multiplicity of its architecture, for knowing, tasting the cuisine of Madrid, enjoying the best theatres and shopping.  If you go to Madrid, do not miss La Gran Vía.

Its construction started in 1910 with the purpose of connecting the Northwest part of the city with the centre.  It has become one of the most emblematic streets in the Spanish capital because of its variety in the offer of cinemas, theatres, bars, restaurants and fashion stores.

 

La Gran Vía - Madrid

Walking thought this street is one of the most fascinating experiences for any traveller, thousands of alternatives and places to stay.  Shops and hotels still preserving its old architecture despite more than 100 years of existence of this street and its buildings, as in the case of Gran Vía Suites Apartments, a hotel in Gran Vía situated in a historical building that, nevertheless, hides a really modern space.

Gastronomy, nightlife and accommodations for all tastes, emblematic buildings, luxury shops, art and history.   We could say that visiting and staying in the centre of Madrid is a must, a world we need to know.

Links of interest:

Things to do in La Gran Vía

Accommodation close to La Gran Vía

Good reasons for spending a summer in Madrid

No one thinks of Madrid in August. The capital is empty, streets become long runways where distracted tourists walk under the sun while residents escape to the coast or to the mountains when they get a break from work.  Shops are an authentic oasis where we can relax during several hours, and beers go here and there because thirst does not go away. People say Madrid is not for summer… Today, we are ready to refute this statement here. Do you join us?

POP ART IN MADRID

It is true: Madrid is too hot in August. We will not deny it, but it is also true that it is a city with thousands of possibilities for getting away from the relentless sun’s rays of the tableland, at least during the central hours of the day. One of the most recommended plans for enjoying Madrid in August is to make one of its art tours. Museo del Prado, Thyssen-Bornemisza and Reina Sofía Museum, the new and surprising CaixaFórum… All these museums offer a complete schedule with exhibitions and activities during the whole month of August 2014. Mitos del Pop is an interesting collection with more than 70 Pop Art works. It will be on exhibition until September 14th in Thyssen-Bornemisza Museum.

MADRID NIGHTS

Who can resist a weekend getaway to Madrid to enjoy one of the best nightlife in Europe? The Spanish capital is a unique place full of music, dance and fun until the dawn. The advantage of doing it in August is that bars are much less crowded than usual and it is a real pleasure to occupy the dance floor and be the party master. Places such as Malasaña San Bernardo still have a full agenda of interesting night plans with top level independent music sessions. Huertas is another interesting neighbourhood: more commercial music, more eclectic atmosphere and much more touristic. Chueca does not sleep, must visit place for enjoying a funny night, dancing songs you have not heard since many years ago or attending one of those unforgettable parties. Another plan is to take advantage of summer to enjoy the flat roofs of Madrid. Placing a pub, a cocktail bar or even a Chill out disco on the roofs of some of the most emblematic buildings in the centre of Madrid has revolutionized the summer nights in the capital. There are certain tours you can do: if you are a photographer lover, try to visit it at dusk, not just because it is less hot, but also because the light and sunset are striking.

AGAINST OPERATION BIKINI

As the idea of this post is to refute theories. lets kill two birds with one stone: take advantage of your getaway to Madrid to enjoy some of the best Spanish tapas. The cuisine of Madrid is one of the main attractions and, considering that there is less people in August, it is easier to find a place in those bars and pubs which are usually crowded in winter weekends. Besides, the vermouth in Cava Alta and Cava Baja, where a lot of new charming terraces have been opened, is a balm for the body in this time of the year: beers, gazpacho, salmorejo for fighting off heat and no end of tapas: from typical to innovative and crazy alternatives such as pea hummus and green smoothies, undoubtedly more healthy than the traditional dishes or the famous Lucio´s Scrambled Eggs.

Another interesting gastronomic option is to visit some of the new gourmet restaurants opened in Madrid in the last months: it is easier to find a free table without needing to book much in advance (which is very usual during the rest of the year). Some hotels with restaurant in the centre of Madrid also offer very interesting alternatives for tasting some of the most creative dishes in Spain, the same happens with markets, such as San Miguel market. Nevertheless, it is recommended to seek well, compare and keep the senses awake because it is a whole world waiting for you to discover it and quietly taste it.

HOTEL EXPERIENCE

The advantage of going in August to Madrid is that it is low season in this capital and prices and offers of hotels in the centre of Madrid are more affordable than ever. Looking for a good accommodation with free WiFi next to Puerta del Sol or a design hotel in Gran Vía is easier and more economical in August. The refurbishment of many hotels in the centre of the city, in the interest of offering a different and personalized experiences to their guests, has created a new range of possibilities for those travelling to Madrid and wanting to spend some days full of good moment without giving up to comfort. 60’s inspired hotels next to Circulo de Bellas Artes, historic hotels in the old Madrid such as Posada del Peine or family accommodations located in Preciados street, next to the best shops in the capital, the variety is infinite and prices are in the region of 50 euros per night in a double room. A really affordable price if we bear in mind that they are 4 star hotels in Madrid with high level of quality.

Destination for a relaxing getaway

Sometimes, subjects unleash the imagination. Anyone can refuse to, from time to time, fall into the temptation of imagining an entire week doing nothing else than reading under the sun in a paradise beach, with a fresh pineapple plate and a cocktail waiting for you. In the background, chill out music and the murmur of the waves. Without children, without boss, feeling like doing absolutely nothing. That is called, sometimes, happiness.

In our search for happiness, we have found a series of perfect places for shooting our own film, a handful of exquisite destinations, ideal for taking a break, thinking of nothing and enjoying every moment on the seashore.

Chiclana

The first recommendation is to book a spa hotel in Chiclana. This privileged municipality is the access door to the most idyllic beaches in the south of Spain. Just 20 km away from La Tacita de Plata, right in Costa de la Luz, it goes throughout sand areas such as Sancti Petri beach and La Barrosa, surrounded by pleasant pine groves, natural parks, cliffs and the typical lively ambience of this Andalusian coast.

Lanzarote

The moon island. A trip to another world. The perfect place for escaping from it all and never coming back.­ Lanzarote is a dream island, ideal for a week of dolce far niente on the banks of the Atlantic. The small Chinijo archipelago with its amazing pristine island called La Graciosa and its white sand beaches and crystal-clear waters: Corralejo, Teguise and the spotless Yaiza… If you are really looking for a relaxing getaway, the best option is to choose an All Inclusive hotel in  Lanzarote or an Adults Only hotel in Corralejo.

Cala Barca (Majorca)

One of the quietest and more hidden sites in Majorca, where you can go unnoticed and spend an entire week enjoying the Mediterranean among pine groves, sand and turquoise waters. Cala Barca Trencada is a small beach next to Mondragó Natural Park, in the eastern coast of Majorca, located one step away from the beautiful fishing village in Porto Petro. It combines peace and services, and leisure areas are at just 4 minutes drive and 25 minutes walk.  If you have the possibility, book a hotel in Cala Barca: relax is guaranteed.

El Rompido

One of the most striking natural treasures in Costa de la Luz, in Huelva. El Rompido hides a sand strip which gets into the Atlantic, very close to the mouth of Río Piedras and its marshes, especially ideal for resting far from the madding crowd. Pristine beach not very visited by tourists, even in summer high season. Perfect for a relaxing romantic getaway: there are several Adults Only hotels in El Rompido, at affordable price, with all types of special services for couples.

4 Fashionable beach destinations for summer 2014

August is… sun beach, cocktails beside the sea, parties until dawn, street games, laughs from a ship, friends, family, love. August is the happiness of those who wait all the year for their holiday month. This is why it is essential to choose well where to make the most of it. If you love the sea, do not hesitate: look for the best beaches below and enjoy!

CADIZ BEACHES

Andalusia coast, from Costa del Sol to Costa de la Luz, is a paradise for sun and beach tourism lovers, for those seeking relax without giving up to fun, sport and good cuisine. If we have to opt for one of its destinations for this summer, we would choose Cádiz beaches without hesitation. Known as “tacita de plata” (silver cup) Cádiz and its surroundings are some of the best places in Spain for getting away and relaxing on the sea shore this month of August. You must visit Zahare de la Sierra, Calas de Conil, Arcos de la Frontera, and go wale watching to Tarifa.

Accommodation in Cádiz

MALAGA COAST

Now we go to Costa del Sol, from Torremolinos to Marbella, going through Fuengirola and visiting a town from time to time. Malaga is a unique province when you are planning to spend your holidays on the beach. Its varied landscape and complete tourist centres make of it the ideal destination for travelling with children or erderls. Comfortable and very versatile, with leisure plans for all tastes, it is the meeting point of quietness and fun for all ages. It is essential to go for a stroll in the centre of Malaga, to visit the Picasso Museum and dinner or go clubbing to Larios street.  If you want to have a good time with children, Fuengirola has several parks and interesting leisure centres.

Accommodation in Malaga coast

FUERTEVENTURA BEACHES

Island full of magic and striking landscapes is the perfect definition for Fuerteventura.  From Corralejo to Jandia, we find paradise beaches forming a destination where rest and comfort converge as in any other place. Nature, exotic flavours, art, tradition… But especially, guaranteed sun and wonderful waters where we can practice all types of water sports for all ages. Do not miss the lively ambience of Puerto del Rosario, Cofete beach and Barlovento, a good dinner in Morro Jable, the Corralejo dunes and Lobos Island.

Accommodation in Fuerteventura

IBIZA BEACHES

The white island is not just for enjoying the craziest summer nights. Ibiza is also a sun and beach destination plenty of exclusiveness and nature enclaves of overwhelming beauty where we can be carried along by the placidity and incredible calm of the Mediterranean. You should not miss the Sundays afternoons in Benirrás, the hippy markets in Es Canar, a walk in Vila and Dalt Murada…

Accommodation in Ibiza