Tenerife, home to the most authentic Canarian folklore

By Luke Durden in Tenerife

When we think about the Canary Islands it’s normal to think about all the things that are known around the world – this is what happens (at least it happens to nearly all of us). We think about the delicious Canarian banana, the accent they speak, all the volcanoes (with the magnificent Teide rising above them all) and the world-known flavours that come from there, such as papas arrugás and the mojo picón.

The Canary Islands are much more than that. We’re talking about an archipelago filled with contrasts and a natural wealth unique to our country, and a culture firmly based on traditions and folklore not everyone is familiar with, and that holds special weight on Tenerife.

Timple canario

Timple canario

To the rhythm of delightful Canarian music

Travelling to Tenerife, soaking up the essence of this wonderful destination, you will discover cultural aspects such as its delightful music. It’s music that invites you to dance and makes you feel right at home. The best known sounds? Without a doubt, the traditional isas and fólias, two melodies that you can listen to at performances played by traditional bands in the halls and theatres of the islands, or in the squares of the more authentic villages.

Dancing, dancing and dancing

The traditional dances are another highlight of the traditional culture on the island of Tenerife. The best known? The so-called Dance of the Magi, a mixed dance featuring dancers dressed up as farm workers, characterised by its joy and its 100% Canarian, authentic touch. One of those experiences that are so often overlooked.

The magic of Canarian instruments

This is what makes music and Canarian dance a world-class cultural event: its traditional musical instruments. Instruments such as the timple or the tambourine, always present in all bands and hand-made by real experts in the field.

Hotels on the island of Tenerife

Tenerife is a fantastic destination filled with energy and as such it has managed to grab one of the top spots in Spain when it comes to high-level accommodation on offer. There are exceptional hotels offering unbeatable value for money. This Canarian island is home to unique establishments filled to the brim with services and tailor-made luxuries for customers who are looking for something more than just rest and disconnection.

Although there are many hotel chains that have opted for this formula, this month we’re focusing on three hotels forming part of the Mallorcan brand IBEROSTAR Hotels & Resort that have turned exquisiteness into a true quality seal. They are the hotels IBEROSTAR Grand Hotel El Mirador, IBEROSTAR Grand Hotel Mencey and IBEROSTAR Grand Hotel Salomé.

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.

Plans for 2 in Playa Jandía

By Luke Durden in Fuerteventura, Uncategorized

We have spoken on many occasions about Playa Jandía as one of the booming destinations for those traveling with family, but we have always overlooked something very representative of this Canary paradise: the southern tip of Fuerteventura is an ideal oasis to forget the routine, to flee from the office, bosses, the work… Goodbye to responsibility. Welcome to the corner of the planet where you will only have to worry about which beach you want to roast in the sun on.

Playa Jandía, integrated in the municipality of Pájara, is one of the most welcoming and quiet tourist areas of Fuerteventura. While it’s true that you breathe in an increasingly familiar atmosphere, you should remember that Playa Jandía, and especially its famous Playa del Matorral, have been for decades romantic refuges for couple’s getaways.

Playa Jandía, Fuerteventura

Morro Jable, which is the town with more local life around it, brings you that livelier side, vibrant and festive, thanks to its taverns, terraces by the sea and places to have a drink in the sun while sharing an unforgettable moment at sunset. In its weekly activities, Morro Jable includes multiple activities where the visitor can join in. A must-see is one of its traditional markets, where you can find all kinds of native products, as well as artisan crafts and accessories for all tastes.

But, if your idea of a romantic getaway is to be both alone on a spectacular beach… don’t miss Cofete. Hidden behind some of the beautiful hills of the Jandía Natural Park, on the other side of the Matorral beach and Morro Jable, is the wonderful Cofete beach. What you should know though is that you should be aware of the tides. The Atlantic is not the Mediterranean and its tides and currents must be understood, and enjoyed with respect: at Cofete there’s a point where the tide goes up high enough to isolate you on one side of the beach, preventing you from being able to go back. So, enjoy your peace and beauty, but don’t get too distracted.

For accommodation, you should consider the possibility of looking at a suite or a slightly special or original room in one of the 3 and 4-star hotels in the area. The 5-stars are terrific, but they run high in price, while the 4-stars are more reasonable. As an example, you’ll see that right next to El Matorral beach you have 3 Iberostar options, a brand known in the sector to always provide guarantees: the IBEROSTAR Fuerteventura Palace, the IBEROSTAR Playa Gaviotas, and its neighbor the IBEROSTAR Playa Gaviotas Park. The first of the 3 is the one most oriented to couples and romantic getaways specifically.

If you prefer to stay in the area of ​​Esquinzo, you will also find complete hotels, and also hostels and apartments that are quite affordable. In Costa Calma, a little more towards Puerto del Rosario already, there are some key accommodations like the H10 hotels, a chain that has several locations on this Pájara coast and that are well rated for their service, cleaning and attention.

Are you hunting high and low for summer holiday destinations?

By Luke Durden in Destination, Uncategorized

A new calendar month is around the corner, the month of January is heading for its place at the end of the line and yes… it’s still cold, but it’s a different kind of cold and there’s a lot more sun. You’ve already noticed how the days are getting longer and how those months leading up to summer are approaching, and this is when it’s time to choose a travel destination – to enjoy your holiday in a well-researched location and at the best available price.

Early Booking is becoming increasingly popular, and a majority of destinations compete with each other, presenting interesting offers for leisure and relax. We’ll suggest three of them this month, three that never fail: Ibiza, Tenerife and Mallorca. It does sound good, doesn’t it?

 

Iberostar Santa Eulalia

Iberostar Santa Eulalia

 

Ibiza, the island that never sleeps

Couples, families, singles and groups of friends, there is room for all here on the white island of Ibiza. Known for its beaches and summer nights partying until dawn, the Balearic island has other places to offer that exist side-by-side with this bustling, frenetic lifestyle. Locations such as Santa Agnes or Santa Eulalia del Río where you can experience the real Ibiza. Also, finding a good hotel in Santa Eulalia, Ibiza is relatively easy since there are many who have chosen this area for their headquarters.

From enjoying golden sunsets to strolling along the nature trails, the truth is that this  destination always leaves you with a nice feeling inside, a feeling that this is a place you’ll always want to return to. The best month to enjoy it as it ought to be enjoyed? May, June, the first weeks in July and September.

Tenerife, a passion for everything natural

Territory of the Teide: Tenerife is a place where nature and authenticity is waiting around every corner and at every beach, which is why choosing it as a holiday destination is a winning idea. For those looking for peace and quiet nothing could be better than choosing a hotel in the south of Tenerife, one of the areas preferred by families who want to relax rather than go partying until dawn.

The good thing about the Canary Islands is that thanks to their lovely climate you can visit them all year round, so don’t hesitate to spoil yourself with a getaway during these months if what you’re looking for is getting away from the routine.

Mallorca, the perfect destination

Mallorca is beautiful, we know that for a fact. But there’s something else about it too: Mallorca is a destination that has it all… It’s the perfect place, in the perfect location and with a perfect climate where it’s never too cold or too hot. The Mediterranean in its purest state with landscapes that look like they’ve been created by some world-famous artist.

The areas in the south of the island (such as Playa de Palma) are mostly frequented by younger travellers and the north of Mallorca is the ideal option for those looking for a quiet holiday as a family in one of the many hotels in Alcudia. Just like Ibiza, the best months to visit the island without too much hustle and bustle are May, June, the first weeks of July and September.

 

Arabian Courtyard Hotel & Spa loyalty program

By Luke Durden in Dubai

The Arabian Courtyard Hotel & Spa offers its guests a new project whose name is Loyalty Program. Under this recent procedure, guests will have access to the best hotel rates quickly.

Members of this selective club will take advantage of the special deals and the exclusive discounts of our resort.

As part of the Loyalty Program, you don’t need any points to earn rewards like previous policies, now you only have to fill out the form, submit it and sign up with us. Then you become part of the Arabian Courtyard Hotel & Spa.

First of all you will receive a welcome promotional rate code via email, you can use it when you visit our official website.

After that, you will have free access to the best available rates, promotions and discounts of our hotel. We have the best prices online guaranteed!

Arabian Courtyard Hotel & Spa

There are many advantages at the time of booking directly on our official website, some of those benefits are:

  • 25 % off in laundry
  • 20 % off in food and beverages
  • Breakfast included
  • Late check out at no extra charge
  • Early check in
  • Two bottles of mineral water per day
  • Fruit basket upon arrival
  • Welcome drink on arrival
  • Free meal
  • Special discounts for last minute bookings

These advantages are subject to availability and some of them can change depending on the season and the hotel’s occupancy rate.

You have to check the conditions before confirming your booking.

When visiting our official website and booking some nights at the Arabian Courtyard Hotel & Spa you will get an extra discount by entering a code, this code can change daily or weekly and you can see it while making the reservation.

Before organizing your trip to Bur Dubai, firstly check out our special deals and discounts, then choose the package or the bid that best suits your interests, select the dates of check in and check out, then choose the room and the meal plan, and finally make your reservation.  

What are you waiting for? Hurry up and register on our website!

Top Madrid Hotels for Business Trips

By Luke Durden in Madrid hotels

Leaving the house in the early hours (sometimes in the middle of the night), wearing a corporate suit, with little desire to travel (in most cases), tiredness and a high percentage of stress. That is how we could summarize the experience of going on a business trip, the type of trip that you must do on behalf of your company and that doesn’t normally last more than 2 or 3 days.

Although the mere act of traveling is always an experience, it is a great truth that going on business trips doesn’t always feel like that, much less in months like we are in now, famous for its sub-zero temperatures. But, just in case you really have to travel to a destination like Madrid, how would you feel about staying in a place where you get to feel at home? Today we are recommending some hotels in Madrid that are ideal for those corporate trips.

Madrid

Petit Palace Art Gallery

Elegant, stately and perfectly connected to the main points of the capital, this is the Petit Palace Art Gallery hotel, a boutique hotel situated in a beautiful 19th century building where you can have free use of WiFi and an ipad in your room during your stay along with gourmet dining which can be found in the hotel’s Malevich restaurant, a local and national benchmark of the most select gourmet cuisine.

Petit Palace Arturo Soria

Considered one of the best business hotels in all of Madrid, the Petit Palace Arturo Soria hotel stands out in terms of services. Located near IFEMA (something that will make it an ideal choice if you have to go to Fitur for work), this hotel will provide you with a superior WiFi connection as well as high quality meeting rooms.

Petit Palace Gran Vía

In addition to being located in one of the best areas of Madrid’s Gran Vía, the Petit Palace Gran Via hotel is a stone’s throw from the Fuencarral district and also the Círculo de Bellas Artes. Spacious and stately but comfortable and with services designed to allow you to unwind, this hotel has breakfasts of the highest quality and areas to work online at maximum speed.

2017, the year of your luxury holiday in Ibiza

By Luke Durden in Balearic Islands

Between the bottle half-full and the bottle half-empty, most of us opt for the first option, time and time again, but that is not enough for the arrival of summer. With six months ahead of us to plan with time (and with our heads) how we want those days off to be, it is not a bad idea to opt for that romantic trip full of luxuries that we have always wanted to do but never did because we never found the perfect time to do it. What is the perfect destination? In Hotels & Destinations we are certain: Ibiza.

Far from that bustle that characterizes the island in the month of August, there is nothing better than getting to know the white island in the month of June (or even in May). This is simply because the island in these months begins to be reborn, its Mediterranean sea looks cleaner than ever and the leisure options are exclusive for all those who choose the island in these months. Which are the walks that you absolutely must do or the experiences that you can‘t miss? This month we are bringing you a luxury Ibizan trip to suit all budgets.

Ibiza

A romantic stroll through Dalt Vila

They say that all the magic of the island of Ibiza is concentrated in Dalt Vila so it is considered one of the most romantic and charming parts of the island.

Enjoying the setting sun whilst losing yourselves in the streets of Dalt Vila is one of those ideas that you will always want to try. Although our recommendation for dinner will take you to another corner of the city, there is nothing better than opening your taste buds to dinner with wine in some of the taverns you will find in the old city.

A dinner in the Port

Part of the philosophy of the ‘Adlib’ fashion was born in the port of Ibiza, on those nights by the sea with the sounds of drums and guitars in the background. With several restaurants offering fresh fish and cold champagne, this area promises a perfect dinner for two with an impressive setting of luxury and glamor (for something is the place where they meet the personalities that visit the island).

A day on the boat

Whether heading to Formentera or enjoying a highly romantic day on the high seas, there is nothing like renting a boat to experience a whole day at sea. Since in the early days of June the beaches of the island are practically deserted, you shouldn’t miss visiting the coves that can only be reached by boat.

An ideal hotel for your stay in Ibiza

Romantic by nature, Ibiza is a perfect place to enjoy a romantic and unique holiday. Although you can find lots of hotels on the island, there is nothing better than choosing the Iberostar Santa Eulalia hotel.

Located in the heart of Santa Eulalia, one of the most beautiful localities of the island, the hotel in Santa Eulalia, Ibiza offers exclusive services for two such as a beach club and even soap and bonsai workshops.or workshops. In addition to these things, it is enough to see the quality of the rooms of the Iberostar Santa Eulalia hotel to understand why it is considered one of the best hotels on the island.

Coastal destinations for a New Year’s Eve full of leisure and gourmet food

By Luke Durden in Destination

With a little more than three weeks to go before we taste the traditional and very plentiful Christmas Eve dinner with the family, a lot of people begin to study the possible options for how to spend the last night of the year. Beyond eating the twelve midnight grapes to bring luck in destinations like Madrid (an option that has become very fashionable in recent years) we mustn’t ignore other possibilities that can give the night of the 31st of December a new and original touch.

Although the option of a New Year’s Eve on the coast is no attraction for those who live at the seaside, the truth is that this idea can mark a memorable ‘before and after’ in the holidays of all those who reside in the interior of our country. What are the coast destinations that lend themselves to a different New Year’s Eve? Takes note: Almería, Huelva and Castellón.

The white magic of Mojácar

A New Year’s Eve surrounded by the magic of a small white village lying on a hillside with an Almerian flavor; that and much more is offered by a destination like Mojácar. Considered one of the most beautiful destinations in the province of Almeria, this small town is characterized by its originality and its excellent 100% Andalusian gourmet food; a cuisine that achieves excellence in hotels such as the FERGUS Style Palacio Mojacar SPA.

Beyond its cultural richness, Mojácar is a perfect place for those who seek to be in contact with nature since there are lots of varied routes for cyclists and hikers with specially adapted paths and unique sea views.

Playa de Matalascañas

Playa de Matalascañas

Matalascañas, nature and pure gourmet food

In one of the friendliest areas of the Atlantic is Matalascañas, one of the most popular tourist destinations in the province of Huelva. Kingdom of the traditional fried choquito and the red prawns of Huelva, its realms are perfect for experiencing a different and very Southern New Year’s Eve and incidentally, the place doesn’t die when the summer ends.

You can choose a hotel to enjoy long and rewarding golf sessions, such as those that can be found in the FERGUS Style El Cortijo Golf, or opt for a holiday full of water sports and walks along its kilometers of beaches.

An end of the year in the Mediterranean

They say that few places are as beautiful as Costa Azahar, in Castellón. With its views of the Mediterranean sea and all that is good in the Valencian area to recommend it, the idea of spending the end of the year there is a great one.

A winning idea? Choose a beachfront hotel (like he FERGUS Alcoceber) to welcome in the New Year with the best view in our country.

Gastronomic centers in Tenerife for an Autumn break

By Luke Durden in gastronomic hotels

Although we all agree that Summer is the best season to travel so that we can be assured of having good weather (at least an 80% chance), this statement isn’t the case if Tenerife is your chosen destination.

With mild weather all year round and with a level of tourism that goes down considerably in the Autumn and Winter months, the Canaries are perfectly ideal for three or four day getaways with the aim of escaping the cold.

Once the destination is chosen, it is time to start making plans that will make your stay unforgettable. Yes, we know … The beaches are there and we all know that going to the Canaries and not going to any of its beaches is rather like not having been there; however, the lucky islands offer visitors lots of alternative ideas that are worth trying, especially in this season. For example why not try visiting one of the most outstanding ‘shrines’ to gourmet food in Tenerife.

bodega en Tenerife

A good starting point is to taste some of the wines of the land and what better way to enjoy them to the maximum than with a visit to the Island’s main wineries. Wineries such as Frontos or El Lobo that offer travelers a tour with tasting included. Without a doubt, this idea can be recommended.

Since a glass of wine is perfect to get your appetite going, from Hotels and Destinations we suggest you make an obligatory stop at one of the best restaurants on the island: the Papa Negra restaurant.

This is a restaurant located in the impressive IBEROSTAR Grand Hotel Mencey in which to try some of the land’s most special delicacies presented with an exotic and avant-garde touch. Although in low season it is easier to get a good table, it is best to book in advance.

Lastly, and since more and more people love cookery and spending hours in the kitchen, no traveler with cooking skills should return to his/her routine without having passed through Mencey’s cookery classroom, a place that offers cooking courses in Tenerife taught by expert chefs.

The concept of “leisure and shopping” is prominent in Magaluf on Mallorca

By Luke Durden in Majorca

One of the things about our country’s main holiday destinations that catches the attention, is their ability to reinvent themselves again and again so that they can offer tourists (and locals) interesting, new things which can make a normal vacation into an authentic experience in every way.

By improving year after year (like good wine) the small town of Magaluf (in the southeast of Mallorca) is a benchmark. While in the past its only strong points were its bars, white sandy beach and crystal clear waters, today Magaluf is a place to enjoy a range of leisure activities unique on the island (and yes, we said unique).

Which are the principal tourist spots in the area?

Magaluf beach, Majorca

Magaluf beach, Majorca

Centro Comercial La Vila (Commercial Center)

Although not yet completed, the Centro Comercial La Vila is a sensation for tourists visiting the area and for locals who live there all year. And we have to keep in mind that years’ ago the area was dead as major hotels closed. Thanks to ideas like this, the season has lengthened.

The Katmandu Park

Far from being a theme park just for kids, the Katmandu Park (with its traditional crazy house) is a venue in which to enjoy terrifying passages, 4D cinema, places to kill zombies or cafes full of colorful cupcakes.

The little ones can enjoy this wonderful zone of playgrounds, water parks and shops full of unique toys.

Where to stay in Magaluf

Since Kathmandu Park is one of the attractions for families who choose this area of ​​Mallorca to spend a few days of relaxation and leisure, the Sol Hotels chain decided to give life to the Sol Katmandu Park Resort. A charming hotel closely watched by the resort characters themselves and giving direct access to each and every available attraction.

For those who prefer to enjoy the Mallorcan tranquility as a couple or with friends there is nothing better than the Sol Beach House hotel, an ‘Adults Only’ hotel located on the beach and in which there is no shortage of beautiful views and exclusive services.

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