Hotel restaurants: Arabian Courtyard Hotel & Spa

By Luke Durden in gastronomic hotels

Restaurants of the Arabian Courtyard Hotel & Spa invite guests to enjoy a unique experience in Dubai due to their varied offer of delicious dishes. Guests senses make a tour around the world through the appetising and tasty recipes with the personal touch of the chef.

Indian, Mediterranean, Egyptian, Thai, Chinese and other international cuisine, specialties and signature dishes are the items which give this resort the edge.

The Arabian Courtyard Hotel & Spa hosts the following restaurants and bars:

→ Mumtaz Mahal Restaurant

Specialized in Indian cuisine, this restaurant has won many awards.

It serves North West and Mughlai dishes using traditional ingredients.

Clients are both nationals and tourists.

Decoration: Indian style, colourful, comfortable furniture, handicraft, wood.

Live shows and performances of traditional songs and dancings.

→ Silk Route Chinese & Thai Restaurant

Serving the most famous and traditional dishes of Chinese and Thai cuisine.

Live show cooking.

→ Pharaoh Café & Restaurant

This is a museum restaurant of both Mediterranean and Egyptian cuisine.

Specialties such as camel burger.

Vegetarians and vegans will love it.

Drinks: beers, cocktails, spirits and wines.

→ VIP Lounge

Located in the Executive Floor and included in the grand suite and the executive rooms bookings.

Private and exclusive ambience.

Daily buffet breakfast.

Happy Hours from 06:30 to 08:30 pm offering canapés, aperitifs and alcoholic beverages.

Executive boardroom at extra charge.

→ Ahlan Lounge

Ideal for a quick break between meetings.

Salads, juices, sandwiches, coffee and tea.

→ Sherlock Holmes English Pub

Themed decoration which takes guests back to English heritage.

Perfect for relaxing after a hard day of work or a leisure day in Dubai.

Live music with a band.

Those who want to enjoy a gourmet experience in Dubai may come to any of the restaurants of the Arabian Courtyard Hotel & Spa. They are open to both locals and tourists so everyone will find his place.
If you want to have a look to the assorted menus, make a reservation or simply you need additional information about the restaurants and bars, visit the hotel official website.

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Landscapes, sport and fun in northern Mallorca

By Luke Durden in Balearic Islands

Although every tourist, every traveler and every visitor wants a specific destination; All those who visit Mallorca in the summer months agree on something: Few things are comparable to the natural beauty of the north of the island.

Unknown to all those who prefer leisure of the Balearic capital (Palma de Mallorca) and the southern beaches (like the well-known and paradisical Es Trenc), the north of the island is the perfect place to enjoy scenery of immeasurable beauty, sea and mountain sports and entertainment for young and old. An area formed by geographical points that lend their names to the areas that we are going to tour today. Would you come with us?

beach mallorca

Cala Millor, a haven of peace

Although its population has a very high percentage of young people (when compared with other areas of the island), Cala Millor is a place where you breathe tranquility. A piece of the island where you can experience the word “vacation” in every sense.

In this area of ​​Mallorca not only can you enjoy places of inland beauty like Sant Llorençs des Cardassar but its beaches stun in spots like S’Illot and Cala Bona. So with an exceptional gourmet tour and places where you can practice all kinds of sports, you can understand perfectly why so many people choose it for their holidays.

Can Picafort, much more than a beach

The temple of the spectacular Playa de Muro (that which has led Mallorca to be compared with the Caribbean himself) and infinite sea front strolls, Can Picafort is much more than a beach destination. Perfect for cycling enthusiasts and for families seeking tranquility and leisure, this area of ​​northern Mallorca has everything and more for a perfect holiday.

Can Picafort, Mallorca

Can Picafort, Mallorca

Alcudia, the realm of water sports

As can be inferred from the title, Alcudia is a paradise for lovers of water sports. A destination in which to enjoy the most beautiful Mallorcan landscapes whilst kite surfing, paddle surfing, kayaking, parasailing or even sailing with an instructor.

Where to stay in northern Mallorca?
The northern part of Mallorca is characterized by having high quality accommodation. Hotels with no shortage of facilities for big and small alike, are perfectly integrated into the area’s magical environment. So in Cala Millor our recommended choices range from the Apartahotel Ferrer Isabel (for its excellent service and facilities) in Can Picafort and in Alcudia, the Apartamentos Ferrer Tamarindos and Hotel & Spa Ferrer Janeiro, a unique hotel facing the bay of Alcudia.

Discover Malaga from an exclusive luxury hotel

By Luke Durden in Andalusia

They say that Andalusia has two capitals, in the West it would be Seville and in the East, Malaga reigns queen. Beautiful, with great temperatures throughout the year, full of history and steeped in international culture and with customs loved by each and everyone (from the first moment); Malaga is a province of discovery, of rest and a place to experience an exclusive holiday full of luxuries … What sort of luxuries?

Puerto Banus

Puerto Banus

Unique routes to discover Malaga

Shopping along Calle Larios

With its history and character, Malaga’s ‘Calle Larios’ is the meeting place of the ‘fashionistas’ who reside in the Andalusian province and this central street hosts local, national and international brands of both clothing and footwear to complete the look. Since at peak times there are lots of visitors who scour the area from end to end, we recommend that the day of shopping along Calle Larios begins early in the morning (at about 10.00 h) or late or the afternoon.

Puerto Banus, a unique place in the world

Although you have to cover a distance of about thirty kilometers, visiting Puerto Banus is a delight. With its harbor full of white houses, the aroma of pure luxury (with Just, Cavalli or Versace boutiques among many others) and their pontoons filled with ultra long megayachts, the port is one of the most exclusive in the world and also one of the most visited by lovers of luxury tourism.

Dining with a Mediterranean background

Whether in the city center or at the port, there is an element that is always present in Malaga: the Mediterranean. With the slight breeze so characteristic of the Alboran Sea (which bathes the coast of Malaga), there is nothing like enjoying a romantic dinner by candlelight with the sound of the Mediterranean waves, with its scent and cooling moisture. A unique and highly recommended experience.

Luxury hotels in Malaga

Select tourism has kept watch on Malaga for many years and has noticed that the city is a hub for the finest of hotels. Which of these luxury hotels stand out?

  • Vincci Aleysa: Located on the exclusive beach in Benalmadena, The Vincci Aleysa is a 5-star, smoke-free hotel, perfect for those who don’t want just any accommodation. Its cuisine and Spa make it one of the most important hotels in the area.
  • Vincci Estrella del Mar: In Marbella and less than 10 minutes from Puerto Banus, you can find the exclusive Vincci Estrella del Mar, a five star hotel in which you can relax as never before and where you’ll discover the province of Malaga’s most select and beautiful side.
  • Vincci Malaga: For those who prefer to spend their days off in the capital, your best choice is the Vincci Malaga hotel. This four-star hotel is located on the sea front.

Santa Eularia, the most emblematic village of Ibiza

By Luke Durden in Balearic Islands

Ibiza has thousands of places where to enjoy a holiday, but if you are one of those travellers looking for calmness, tradition, the sound of the sea in the morning, sandwiches in traditional bars, walks around narrow streets and the Mediterranean at its best, Santa Eularia des Riu is your destination.

Santa Eularia des Riu, Ibiza

It is said to be the perfect place for a family vacation, as it has the most relaxing and entertaining ambiance for children. In addition, it features tourist attractions for all ages, beyond nightlife and the great discos and clubs of electronic music of the moment.

Santa Eularia des Riu is unique, not only because it features the only river of the Balearic Islands, but because it keeps the authentic essence that the island of Ibiza lost with the arrival of the mass tourism of parties, sun and beach. It is a small place of turquoise waters and white sand.

Its beaches and coves are a beehive in summer, but much more welcoming and quiet than those in Sant Antoni, Sant Josep or Vila. Ideal for all type of travellers, Santa Eularia des Riu’s beaches are perfect for children due to their shallow waters and their sandy areas for walking and playing. Rocky coves, despite their beauty, might be dangerous for children and of difficult access.

Regarding accommodation, there are thousands of options, as despite the calm and authentic ambience, Santa Eularia is one of the tourism centres in Ibiza. There you will find Adults Only hotels, hotels for children, classic beach hotels, hotels with chill out and beach club… Whatever you may need. Some examples of accommodations with a good quality price ratio are the recently inaugurated IBEROSTAR Santa Eularia, the Tropic Garden or the Fergus Paraiso Beach, located in Es Canar beach.

Sea view accomodation of IBEROSTAR Santa Eulalia Hotel

Sea view accomodation of IBEROSTAR Santa Eulalia Hotel

For eating, do not miss one of the most famous sandwich bars in the island, the Costa Bar, and try its delicious cured ham sandwich. But if you want to try a more elaborated local dish, you will find options for all tastes in the historic centre of the village. Tapa hopping is also a must-live experience in Santa Eularia. It is true that in summer you will have to make your way through the crowd to get a tapa, as many people go to Santa Eularia to eat.

For a morning or a cool night in the island, instead of visiting a disco, we recommend you an outdoor experience: the hippy markets. The Punta Arabi and Las Dalias markets are in Santa Eularia, one of them really close to Es Canar and the other one in the area of Sant Carles, one of the must visit villages of the island.

Another of the villages near Santa Eulalia and considered one of the gems of the island for its traditional essence is Santa Gertrudis. It is also a good area for discovering some local delicacies, prepared with fresh products from the orchards of this small locality.

In Santa Eularia, we recommend you walk up to its highest peak, Puig de Missa. It is worth the effort, as you will be able to contemplate a panoramic view of this coastal area of Ibiza.

This village has good communications with the centre of Ibiza (Vila) and with the airport by public transport. The best option if you want to make the most of your time and to visit more areas of Ibiza or plan trips to its different beaches is that you rent a car or a motorbike. Buses are not the best option, especially if you are not going to stay in the island for a long time.

Ole Hotels, the perfect option for a family vacation in the Canary and Balearic Islands.

By Luke Durden in Family holidays

Travelling with your couple or friends is very different to travelling with your family and children. Although travelling with your family is a unique experience (especially if your children are between 5 and 10 years old), the experience might turn an authentic drama if you do not book the perfect hotel in advance, the one that covers all your needs and ensures a safe and comfortable stay.

There are just as many types of hotels as there are families. While in destinations like Seville or Malaga you can choose hotels with half board plan, the best option in other areas of the Spanish geography like the Canary or Balearic Islands is the All Inclusive service offered by chains like Ole Hotels. A chain with experience and many good reviews regarding the services it offers. Its best advantage? Its excellent quality/price ratio and the location of its hotels.

Olé Hotels

Olé Hotels

 

Are you looking for your All Inclusive hotel in the Canary and Balearic Islands?

Although Ole Hotels has All Inclusive hotels in different areas of our country, the ones in the Canary and Balearic Islands deserve a special mention for their quality, good reviews and good price also in high season. Which is our selection of hotels of this chain for this summer month?

  • Olé Galeón Ibiza

Apart from being one of the most beautiful destinations of our country (for its hippy ambiance and its wide leisure offer for the whole family), Ibiza hosts one of the All Inclusive reference establishments of the island: the Olé Galeon Ibiza. This hotel located at the shores of the emblematic Puerto de San Miguel is perfect for an unforgettable family vacation.

It is located in a natural setting and offers an excellent gastronomic service. In addition, it features an area for children and children’s entertainment offered by a professional staff. And for adults? Its chill out areas or its exclusive solarium with views.

  • Olé Galeón Tenerife

The best option for those who prefer to spend their holidays in the Atlantic ocean is Tenerife, a destination full of natural gems perfect for a family vacation. It has fabulous All Inclusive hotels like the Olé Tropical Tenerife, a charming accommodation located less than 500 metres away from Troya beach.

The hotel offers modern facilities and a good gastronomic service, and it is perfect for parents looking for safe areas for children.

  • Olé Olivina Lanzarote

If you want to enjoy a summer family holiday far away from mass tourism areas, Lanzarote is your best option, a volcanic island with the essence of the Canary Islands and with thousand plans for the most adventurous families.
Although there are many All Inclusive hotels in the island, only the Olé Olivina Lanzarote has its own volcanic garden and a surface of more than 5000 metres devoted to the entertainment of adults and children. In addition, the hotel has an excellent location 200 metres away from Porcillos beach which makes it one of the most popular hotels of the area.

Destination: Santa Cruz de Tenerife

By Luke Durden in Tenerife

Are you looking for tranquility, fun and unique places? If so, your destination is, the capital of this beautiful Canary Island; a place where the sun, the sea, the nature in its purest form, tastes and leisure join harmoniously. In short, the perfect holidays we all dream of.

Tenerife is not a very big city and can be visited from end to end with your partner, family or friends. Its capital, Santa Cruz, is one of those places that is well worth visiting and discovering. This island has over 150 kilometers where you can find beautiful beaches (such as Las Teresitas) and stunning volcanic mountains which are always the object of amazing snapshots. Where can you spend those visiting hours and what are the places that any visitor should not miss?

Las Terasitas beach, Tenerife

Las Terasitas beach, Tenerife

Must visit places

Regarding the large shore of Santa Cruz, it is remarkable the magic of its deep blue coastline that fades in the horizon. All this coast is perfect to take pictures and to freeze the moments as those offered -without going any further- the Yacht Club of the capital.

You can take part of that magic engraved in your mind when visiting such beautiful places as César Manrique Maritime Park or Santa Cruz Maritime Park. It is an impressive architectural masterpiece made as an ode to nature that is just a few meters away from the sea (because of that, it is so imposing and always recommended to visit).

Time for gourmet cuisine

Although on holiday we tend to make a lot of plans which last all day, the truth is that there is nothing like taking a break to enjoy first class gourmet cuisine inspired by local products and intense flavors.

One of those essential restaurants you can not miss on a trip to Tenerife is Los Menceyes. It is a place for lunch or dinner, where you can delight unique dishes prepared by chefs from IBEROSTAR Grand Hotel Mencey Hotel.

This hotel, as well as being one of the most remarkable culinary center of Santa Cruz de Tenerife, is a benchmark of quality in terms of cooking courses in Tenerife thanks to its supply of Aula de Cocina del Mencey (be sure to inform yourself if you are a food lover).

Changing mature destinations

By Luke Durden in Destination

The Balearic Islands, Benidorm, Eastern Spain, Marbella, Malaga coast or the Canary Islands are usually called the mature tourist destinations in Spain. Overexploited tourist areas are called mature areas, where average age of hotel facilities is over a decade and they offer traditional holiday concepts from the 60s.

A lot of areas are starting their reconversion and a renewal process to offer travellers new attractions apart from their natural resources (amazing beaches).

Views from IBEROSTAR Bahía de Palma Hotel

Views from IBEROSTAR Bahía de Palma Hotel

 

A great example of a mature tourist area is Playa de Palma, offering a great location in Majorca, near the centre of Palma (ten minutes drive) and the airport, and with the biggest beach in Palma Bay. The developments made by the private sector in this area are committed to the hospitality industry. Therefore, there’s an increasing number of spa hotels in Playa de Palma like IBEROSTAR Hotels & Resorts, which offers a different type of hotel for each traveller group: Adults Only hotels, athlete hotels, family hotels in Playa de Palma… Their hotels meet all travellers needs.
The other mature tourist destinations are committed to develop higher quality hotels offering more competitive facilities and attracting travellers with high purchasing power.  We are talking about areas of family hotels in Costa Adeje, the exclusive Adults Only hotels in Costa Adeje, the hotels in Marbella and other places in Costa del Sol -mostly addressed to golf travellers- and some exclusive areas in Benidorm.

 

The complementary offer is also increasing: more beach clubs, chill outs and new bars and restaurants oriented to people looking for exclusive places with a relaxing atmosphere at the beach.  Design cafes, international brand shops, sport schools offering a wide range of activities (for example cycle tourism in Playa de Palma is really important, and hotels have special facilities for cyclists).

The public sector still needs to be more committed to this new business development in Spain, as tourism remains as the main economic activity in areas like Majorca, the Canary Islands or Benidorm. This could accelerate these changes and the new direction of the tourism industry, but we are on the right track.

Sol Hotels, three hotel types for three different holiday types

By Luke Durden in Sun and beach Hotels

When we are planning our holidays, we should take into account all those things we expect and what we would like to do during our break. We should clearly know why we prefer the beach rather than the countryside or if we really want to travel with the family (or with our couple or friends) in order to enjoy a memorable holiday.

There is a wide range of hotels, but not all of them are designed for the same purpose. As a boutique hotel offers a perfect location in the historical centre of the destination, a big resort is the perfect choice for those who want to enjoy the sun, the hammocks or a pool with amazing views.

Which is the most significant commitment of the big hotel chains? They want to increase their accommodation offer creating hotels for a given audience. In this sense, Sol is one of the hotel chains that put this into action -for many years- more effectively. Its hotels meet the preferences of each customer thanks to its three exclusive subbrands.

beachfront terrace with swimming pool of the Sol House Costa del Sol hotel

Sol House Costa del Sol

The first of them is Sol Hotels, a hotel chain designed for family travels. It has hotels in Andalusia, the Balearic Islands, the Canary Islands, Tarragona and Benidorm (not to mention other international destinations like Bulgaria, Croatia or Cuba). Sol Hotels offers great locations within a few metres from the beach.

Which outstanding attribute has also this hotel chain? Its leisure activities programme for families and restaurants offering the best destination’s gastronomy.

For those who prefer to enjoy their holidays with music and endless sunsets, there’s nothing better than Sol House Hotel, a brand with original hotels in Ibiza, Majorca and Malaga. Apart from its perfect location, Sol House also made great developments like Sol Wave House, a hotel on Magaluf beachfront offering the two biggest “artificial” waves in Europe (it’s perfect for surfing lovers).

As romantic getaways are also a great option, we should also check the hotels and services offered by Sol Beach House brand. Its perfect destinations, charming hotels (as Sol Beach House Ibiza) and its Adults Only offer, allow us to enjoy great relaxing holidays, unique experiences and unforgettable romantic moments.

Everything you always wanted to know about Fuerteventura

By Loren in Fuerteventura

You should visit at least once this paradise destination in summer: Fuerteventura is a magic island where to get lost and enjoy the sea, the relax, the natural environment and the local world-famous products (majorero cheese, wine and delicious fish dishes).

The sun shines always in this amazing island on its 150 kilometers of beaches. A windsurfing paradise where Corralejo, Puerto del Rosario and Costa Calma are the best places of this old island recognized as a Biosphere Reserve by UNESCO due to its incredible natural beauty.

Fuerteventura

The best kept secret of Fuerteventura

  • Beaches at Corralejo in Fuerteventura are in the ranking of the 25 best beaches in Europe.
  • Fuerteventura residents are called majoreros and majoreras as the cheese.
  • The island is a Bird Protected Area as recognized by the European regulations, so you will see unique species in the world hiding at trees.
  • Surprise yourself with amazing histories and the real majorero folklore: it’s said that Fuerteventura was part of Atlantis the lost continent. Some others say Lanzarote and Fuerteventura were a single island.
  • Do you know that the most beautiful Spanish stars can be seen in Fuerteventura? Sabías que las estrellas más hermosas de España se posan siempre en el cielo de Fuerteventura? In fact, it’s a protected atmospheric space.
  • If you travel to Fuerteventura, you should ask local which is the fish that gives the shape to the island.

Activities to do in Fuerteventura

  • Try paprika majorero cheese and surprise yourself!
  • Take a dip at Cofete beach, unspoiled and just incredibly beautiful with an amazing natural environment. Take care of the waves when the tide is high in this sandy beach.
  • Visit Betancuria and ask again locals about the history of what was the capital of Fuerteventura, and now it’s one of the best must-visit destinations in the island where to explore its colonial attributes.
  • Discover the history of Mirador Guise y Ayose. You will know that Fuerteventura was previously two merged islands.
  • Enjoy Playa Jandia. Stay at this beautiful beach area including El Matorral, completely recovered and one of the best unspoiled areas in the entire south coast of Fuerteventura. You should stay at some of the best family hotels in Fuerteventura, as Playa Gaviotas Hotel, Playa Gaviotas Park and Fuerteventura Palace Hotel -with an Adults Only space, chill out and relax areas oriented to travellers who want to enjoy holidays without kids-.

What makes Barcelona so interesting to us?

By Luke Durden in Barcelona

Barcelona is so amazing that you just want to return again and again. You fall in love with it whenever you go. Barcelona is beautiful in summer and winter, but we recommend you to travel there in spring.

The sun shines perfectly. It’s not really hot and the university life stills active. There are fewer tourists and the squares and bars are full of locals and residents. Barcelona never sleeps, which is one of the charms of this Mediterranean city.

Its emblematic places are one of its main attractions, despite tourist agglomerations. One of them is Las Ramblas, a meeting point for all the people in Barcelona, where we can find some of the bests restaurants in the city, including traditional restaurants of authentic Catalan food.

If you are staying at Catalonia Ramblas Hotel, you will be just in the stroll in front plaza Grande. You can leave your room and easily reach and visit the stroll, buy some flowers and visit La Boqueria market calmly.

Rooftop pool in Barcelona

Rooftop pool in Barcelona

 

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