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.

A wellness hotel in the bay of Palma?

By Luke Durden in Spa & Wellness Hotels

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

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

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

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

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

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.

The best time of year to enjoy Majorca

By Luke Durden in Majorca

Although many believe that the best time to visit Majorca is during the summer, those of us who live on the island know that’s not quite true: while the arrival of the sunnier months is a blessing and the waters of the Mediterranean resemble a warm swimming pool, the large number of people and the suffocating heat of August,  are not the best company for a relaxing and peaceful trip to the sea.

Playa de Muro, Mallorca

Playa de Muro, Mallorca

Autumn, however, is indeed a perfect time to visit the island. It is likely that there will be some stormy days (which are much welcomed after the summer) while mass tourism has left the beaches with a peaceful and restful solitude that are ideal for rest. The water in the coast of Majorca still has a perfect temperature for swimming all day long and, although most of the beach bars and hotels are already closed, those remaining are a peaceful haven in which to enjoy good food and a more personalised service than one might expect during the summer.

Between October and November, Majorca is, really, the island of calm. Besides being able to enjoy the beaches, this is also the best time of year to practice all kinds of sports: the winds that come from time to time, turning the bays of Palma and Alcudia the ideal scenario to sail or practise Kite Surf. The Serra de Tramuntana is the perfect place to relax while hiking to end up discovering beautiful secret coves.. Cycling is very popular at this time, and golf courses become the centre for international personalities from all over the world.

Iberostar Suites Hotel Jardin del Sol

Iberostar Suites Hotel Jardin del Sol

At this time of year, it is also when the towns of Majorca enjoy their most authentic spirit including agricultural and livestock fairs, called Fira de Tardor, crafts and traditional markets, wine cellars are full after the September harvest, fish mongers dealing with tasteful fish and seafood…. Autumn definitely transforms Majorca into a gastronomic and cultural surprise.

For those who finally decide to explore this hidden side of Majorca, the best is to choose an accommodation that suits the type of trip you have in mind. Although there are all kinds of luxury hotels in Majorca and, in general, the whole island has many charms to offer, the location of your accommodation during this time of year is important.

Fergus Style Cala Blanca Suites

Fergus Style Cala Blanca Suites

If one dreams of an active holiday, the best alternative is to book a hotel in Playa de Muro. There are many interesting proposals, ranging from a spa hotel in the bay of Alcudia, surrounded by gardens and natural dunes, a special hotel for athletes, with bicycle storage and repair shop designed for those who come to the island to practice cycle tourism.

For those looking to relax and catch the last rays of sunshine of the year, one of the best places on the island is an area called Costa de la Calma, the Calm coast, a perfect place to enjoy a delicious and traditional pamb oli, while facing the Mediterranean and with one of the most amazing sunsets on the island.

Right on this coast , there are a couple of interesting hotels: Iberostar’s Jardin del Sol, which is a hotel for romantic escapades to Majorca, and Fergus Style Cala Blanca Suites, which is next to the beach of Cala Blanca, a small sea inlet with rocks and clean waters. Both are in the hidden part of the bay of Santa Ponsa, and is one of the most popular bathing areas by those who live in Palma.

Fegus Boutique Bon Repos

Fegus Boutique Bon Repos

Another good alternative is to stay in the town of Santa Ponsa. The summer’s racket has faded away and this town becomes the ideal destination to rest. In fact, many foreigners have chosen this location to buy a second home while the atmosphere is of a fisherman’s town that mixes local culture and the international influence.

In the centre of Santa Ponsa there are many hotels, but there are a couple that stand out from the rest. One of them, is one of the few boutique hotels in Calvia available, called Bon Repos, (good rest). The other is a hotel on the beach of Santa Ponsa, the Plaza Santa Ponsa, that belongs to the hotel chain Fergus Hotels, more traditional but with a fantastic location, next to the park and the town’s main square.

Confortel is committed to their hotels in Andalusia

By Luke Durden in Andalusia

The summer season of 2013 is almost over, and the time comes to make assessments and evaluations.  Although, in general, it seems that this year the results have been positive for the tourism industry, some tourist areas have performed better than others. Majorca continues to lead the month of August, compared to the Canary Islands which have the months when it is cold on the mainland. Andalusia is improving, without a spectacular increase, before the northern parts which still have a long way to compete against destinations like Malaga, Huelva or Cadiz.

Hotel Confortel Fuengirola

Hotel Confortel Fuengirola

If we look at the support for Andalusia as destination, a Spanish hotel chain that has shown great efforts in this regard, is Confortel Hotels, that has 4 hotels in the region and stands out for its commitment to ensure a quality hotel service, even at mature destinations as is the case of Fuengirola.

Hotels Confortel en Andalucia

Hotels Confortel en Andalucia

Besides being a pioneer hotel chain in the construction of upmarket tourism in the Andalusian coast – Confortel owns the first hotel ever in Islantilla -, it has continued to advance in its idea to offer something more to travellers who choose the south of Spain as a destination to spend their summer. In its portfolio, you can find from one of the best all inclusive hotels in Calas de Conil to a design hotel on the beach of Fuengirola.

They are all 4 star hotels offering full services, a cutting edge design and a privileged location. In addition, the majority offer free Wi-Fi, conference and meeting rooms, parking, mini club and areas for relaxation and sport.

Confortel’s idea has been taken up, with more or less success, by other competing hotel chains, raising the level of services offered at hotels in Malaga, Cadiz and Huelva, areas in which the spectacular weather and its traditional market position as top holidays destinations had clouded certain aspects of a professional tourist service, all of which are of key importance for the traveller of the XXI century.

The implication of the hotel industry to provide a higher quality product is essential to maintain the level of income tourism provides in Spain: waiting for external matters benefit our country before another is simply not an solution.

Budapest, a city for the future

By Luke Durden in gastronomic hotels

The city of Budapest is considered one of the most beautiful cities in Europe and each year attracts roughly 4.5 million visitors, making it the 25th most visited city in the world. It lacks no arguments, as there are a number of locations included in UNESCO’s World Heritage, which include the Buda Castle, the Heroes ‘ Square and the Andrassy Avenue. It is also worth mentioning the 80 geothermal springs in the city, making it the largest hot springs system in the world.

Buda castle

Buda castle

Since the end of the Soviet era, and after some years of uncertainty, the city of Budapest experiences a social and economic change that make it one of the top cities in the world due to its quality of life and economic development. The presence of some of the most important hotel chains in the world and the increase of quality services, which had always been present in the Hungarian culture, reflects the country’s current economic situation, regardless of existing global crisis.

The Spanish tourism industry has taken good note of this development, and some of the most important tourism companies in the country have already or intend to open as soon as possible hotels and other accommodations. Among these, the hotel chain Iberostar Hotels & Resorts and its beautiful 5 star hotel, the Iberostar Grand Hotel Budapest.

Restaurant La Plaza in Budapest

Restaurant La Plaza in Budapest

Thanks to Iberostar hotels, there is a presence of spanish restaurants in Budapest. The prestigious Chef Sergio Montaño leads the kitchen of the restaurant La Plaza, a faithful representative of Spanish cuisine in the city .

There are numerous international restaurants in Budapest, and the number of restaurants of exotic cuisines from around the world, continues to increase due to the great success among the local public and the interest of tourists and businessmen visiting the city. There is no doubt that Budapest can become a European reference for the future, combining the quality of life and economic development it experiences.

Beaches of Ibiza: Playa d’en Bossa

By Luke Durden in Uncategorized

The name is always associated with the more festive and party side of the island and it is, in fact, the most famous beach in Ibiza. Playa d’en Bossa is the great meeting point of young people and families from all around the world, that travel to the island every summer to the “white island” to enjoy the charm of its relaxed atmosphere, music and its warm Mediterranean waters.

With white sand, shinny and very thin, the Playa d’ en Bossa has a length of 2.7 km and occupies a large bay between Ibiza and Sant Josep, caressed by the winds coming from the sea. When the wind blows from the south it is an ideal place to practice water sports such as surfing or sailing. Around the beach, along the long seaside promenade that surrounds it, you can find numerous bars, restaurants and nautical sport shops where one can book sailing boats, diving lessons or kite surf equipment.

Fiesta Grand Palladium Ibiza

Hotel Fiesta Grand Palladium Ibiza

The most lively area of Playa d’ en Bossa is found closer to Ibiza, just 3 km from the airport. Here, there is always people following the party spirit of the island, and watching planes nearly touching the sand has become a show that some locations, like the famous Bora Bora, have manage to take advantage of as a symbol of this great holiday island.

Walking towards the other end, which is part of the municipality of Sant Josep de Sa Talaia, the atmosphere is quiet and familiar. Children and adults come to enjoy the crystal clear waters and nearby complementary offer is oriented towards enjoying the relaxing side of Ibiza.

Fiesta Hotel Grand Palladium Palace Ibiza

Hotel Fiesta Grand Palladium Palace Ibiza

In this area, near the Grand Palladium Palace Ibiza Hotel and the Fiesta Club Palm Beach, you can find the typical Ibizan shops, relaxed restaurants where you can taste a typical dish from the island or international cuisine, as well as lounge bars with sun loungers and chill out areas on the beach itself – like the famous Nassau beach – ideal for a cocktail while the kids play and run around the sand.

Very close, just over 3 km, is the Water Park of Aguamar and the beautiful natural park of Las Salinas. Dalt Vila, the old town of Ibiza, is only 4 km away.

This area of Playa d’en Bossa is the most familiar area of a tireless Ibiza, an island that is able to offer on the same beach, different options for fun and relaxation for all ages.

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.

GASTRONOMIC CYCLE “WOMEN WITH STAR”

By Luke Durden in gastronomic hotels

The Majorcan hotel chain Iberostar Hotels & Resorts is organising, as part of their commitment to offer their guests unique experiences, a gastronomic cycle with the best known female chefs in Spain called “Women with a Star”. The venue chosen for this gastronomic event is the island of Santa Cruz de Tenerife, in one of  the most spectacular hotels of the chain, the Iberostar Grand Mencey Hotel.

Women with a Star

“Women with a Star”

This initiative is part of the many proposals already offered by the hotel and its Cookery Classroom, managed by the Canarian Chef Juan Carlos Clemente. Without a doubt, the Grand Mencey is a reference for gastronomic hotels in Tenerife. At the same time, the hotel also has 3 other restaurants and 3 bars, considered as some of the best restaurants in Tenerife.

This gastronomic cycle was inaugurated the 7th of September, featuring the Galician chef Beatriz Sotelo, from the restaurant A Estacion, with a Michelin Star. The Master Class aimed to  bring the world of haute cuisine to Tenerife, as well as some of the most emblematic dishes of this restaurant located in the old railway station of Cambre, Galicia.

Chef Macarena de Castro

Chef Macarena de Castro

The mont of October is reserved for the Majorcan chef Macarena de Castro, from the restaurant Jardin in Alcudia, Majorca. The Master Class of this Michelin Star chef will be held under the title “Pure Mediterranean Sea”. On Saturday 26th of October, starting at 11.30, the attendees will enjoy the cooking class of this renowned chef and will then be able to enjoy a degustation menu, including a wine pairing.

The cycle of “Women with a Star” is open to the public and can reservations can be made through the website of the restaurant La Cocina del Mencey. Places are limited, and due to the great success of the previous event, we recommend you book in advance. This gastronomic cycle aims to bring the world of fine dinning restaurants to Tenerife.