10 March 2025

Venice, the city of canals, romance, and timeless beauty, is always a magical destination, but experiencing it during Carnival weekend is nothing short of extraordinary. I had the privilege of staying at the Hotel Santa Chiara, a charming hotel with a stunning view of the Grand Canal. Waking up each morning to the sight of gondolas gliding over the shimmering waters was a dreamlike experience that set the tone for an unforgettable adventure. A Room with a View Hotel Santa Chiara proved to be the perfect place to stay. My room overlooked the Grand Canal, offering a front-row seat to Venice’s iconic waterways. There’s something mesmerizing about watching the boats, vaporettos, and gondolas navigating through the city. The sounds of the water lapping against the canal walls and the occasional chatter of gondoliers created an ambiance that felt both lively and serene. The hotel staff were incredibly friendly and personable, always ready to assist with a warm smile, making my stay even more enjoyable. Exploring Venice on Foot Venice is best explored on foot, and I found myself wandering through its labyrinthine alleys and crossing picturesque bridges for hours on end. Every turn revealed something new—hidden courtyards, charming cafés, and magnificent palazzi. St. Mark’s Square was particularly breathtaking, with its grand architecture and lively atmosphere. The historic Rialto Bridge, bustling with activity, provided another incredible viewpoint over the canal. Along the way, I couldn’t resist an authentic Italian gelato, enjoying the rich flavors as I strolled through the sunlit streets. There’s nothing quite like savoring a scoop of creamy gelato while taking in the beauty of Venice. The weather was so lovely for February that I even had to buy a pair of sunglasses to help with the bright Venetian sun. The Magic of Carnival Weekend Visiting during Carnival weekend made the experience even more enchanting. The city was alive with energy, filled with people dressed in exquisite 18th-century costumes, elaborate masks, and rich fabrics that transformed Venice into a living piece of history. Strolling through the city felt like stepping into another era, as performers entertained crowds and masked figures posed gracefully against the backdrop of ancient buildings. A City That Captivates the Soul Venice is always a city that enchants, but experiencing it during Carnival was an experience I will remember forever. From my lovely stay at Hotel Santa Chiara to the vibrant celebrations and endless discoveries, every moment felt surreal. Whether you’re visiting for the history, the beauty, or the magic of Carnival, Venice will leave you spellbound. If you ever get the chance to visit during Carnival, don’t hesitate—it’s a journey into the past, a celebration of art and culture, and a memory that will last a lifetime.

03 March 2025

Lapland Adventure: A Magical Trip to Levi In mid-December, my family and I embarked on an unforgettable journey to Levi, Lapland. With my husband and our three children (aged 16, 13, and 6), we were all buzzing with excitement to see Santa, hit the slopes, and, if luck was on our side, catch a glimpse of the mesmerizing Northern Lights. Levi – A Vibrant Lapland Resort Levi is one of the larger resorts in Lapland, making it an excellent choice for those who want a village with a bit more going on. The resort offers a supermarket, plenty of shops selling gifts, clothing, and ski equipment, as well as numerous bars and restaurants. If you enjoy après-ski, Levi has plenty to offer, including a nightclub, games and karaoke bars, and even bowling. However, it’s worth noting that prices in Lapland can be quite high, so budgeting accordingly is essential. Accommodation: Levi Hotel Spa We stayed at the Levi Hotel Spa, a beautiful main hotel with excellent facilities. Upon arrival, we found the reception area bustling with activity, but check-in was efficient, and we received our room key straight away. Our accommodation was in one of the outside buildings across the car park. The room was clean and functional, featuring a mini kitchen, a small bunk room, a double bed, and a single sofa, complete with a charming balcony. However, for a four-star hotel, I found the room to be quite basic. The building itself seemed to be in need of a fresh coat of paint and updated flooring. Hotel Facilities & Dining The main hotel was well-equipped with various amenities, including: A well-stocked shop A pizza restaurant A lively games bar An Asian restaurant A buffet restaurant The buffet restaurant was well-organized, with dietary labels for all dishes. While I appreciated the effort to cater to different dietary needs, I did feel that the vegan options were quite limited. However, after speaking with the chef daily, I was pleased to receive specially prepared vegan meals, which was a great touch. Family-Friendly Features Levi Hotel Spa is an excellent choice for families, offering fantastic facilities such as a large pool area and a playroom suitable for all age groups. These features made it a wonderful place to relax and unwind after an action-packed day in Lapland. Activities with Inghams Holidays We booked our holiday with Inghams Holidays and enjoyed a variety of incredible activities that made our Lapland experience even more magical. Husky Dogs This was a truly unforgettable experience. The huskies were well cared for, and it was exhilarating to drive the sled through the breathtaking winter wonderland. The thrill of gliding over the snow while being pulled by eager, energetic dogs was simply amazing. Reindeer Experience We had the opportunity to feed and stroke the reindeer while learning about their care from our guide. I loved hearing that they roam wild during the summer months. The experience was made even more special by the fascinating stories shared by the guide and the warm, delicious hot berry juice we enjoyed afterward. Snowmobiles This was my absolute favorite activity! Zooming through the stunning snow-covered countryside and across frozen lakes was exhilarating. We stopped at a secluded farm hideaway for a snack and a hot drink before heading back to Levi, making it an unforgettable adventure. Santa’s Village The children absolutely loved Santa’s Village, which was filled with festive activities such as cookie making, decoration crafting, reindeer petting, sledging, and, of course, enjoying hot berry juice. The village itself was charming and magical, especially when illuminated at night. However, the main modern building felt slightly out of character compared to the rest of the village. The interaction with Santa was brief and somewhat similar to UK Santa experiences, but the overall atmosphere was enchanting, and the kids had a wonderful time. Skiing Levi is a fantastic destination for skiing, with well-maintained slopes suitable for all skill levels. Whether beginners or experienced skiers, everyone in our family had a great time on the slopes, enjoying the fresh snow and breathtaking scenery. If you are a new or experienced skier, this resort suits all levels. This was Evie’s first time skiing, and the rest of us had not skied in a while, so we spent most of our time on the nursery slopes. I was really impressed with what they offered. We had to take a bus from Levi, but it ran every 15 minutes and was very easy to use. The nursery slopes allowed us to gradually move up to bigger slopes as we gained confidence, ending with what we called the "rainbow slope," which was beautifully lit up. There was also an indoor play area for little ones to warm up or take a break, as well as options for sledding and tubing. Evie picked it up really quickly and even progressed to her first blue run! Throughout the resort, there were plenty of huts to warm up by a fire, which was much needed as the temperature dropped significantly to -23°C as the week progressed. Final Thoughts Despite a few minor shortcomings in the room’s decor, our stay at Levi Hotel Spa was amazing, and I would highly recommend it for families looking for a comfortable and fun-filled base in Levi.

07 October 2024

Blau Parc Ibiza: A Perfect Blend of Relaxation and Vibrant Energy Located in a fantastic spot near a small golden sandy beach and the lively center of San Antonio, Blau Parc Ibiza offers an ideal balance for both relaxation and excitement. The hotel features a large family-friendly pool area downstairs and a top-floor adult-only infinity pool. The latter boasts stunning sea views, comfortable sunbeds, a cool vibe with music throughout the day, and breathtaking sunsets that are simply unforgettable. Accommodations: Rooms at Blau Parc are recently renovated with spacious, modern contemporary interiors. We stayed in a Junior Suite with a Sea View, which was simply stunning offering both comfort and style, perfect for a memorable stay. Dining and Nightlife: • Golden Buddha Restaurant: Just next to the hotel, this restaurant is highly recommended for its delicious meals and convenient location by the water. • Wiki Woo Hotel: An Instagrammable spot great for enjoying a stylish drink in a vibrant atmosphere. • • Skinny Kitchen is great for health-conscious food, offering a variety of nutritious meals, fresh juices, and smoothies. After a night of dancing, a visit here for a wholesome, energy-boosting breakfast would be just what you need to start the day right. • • Café Mambo is iconic, not only for its famous sunset views and DJ set in the evening in the evening but also for its great brunch options during the day. With a selection of smoothies and breakfast dishes, it's a perfect spot to relax, refuel, and soak in the Ibiza vibe before another day of exploring or chilling by the beach. Evenings and Activities: • Pikes Ibiza: For nights out, Pikes offers an amazing Sunday lunch followed by relaxing by the cool swimming pool, reminiscent of the Wham "Club Tropicana" music video. After dark, it transforms into a lively nightclub, providing a full day of entertainment from brunch to dancing. • Cova Santa: Located in the heart of Ibiza amidst the green mountains of San José, Cova Santa is built around a natural cave sculpted by water over thousands of years. It’s the soul of the island, where nature, art, music, and gastronomy come together to create a unique multisensory experience. Whether enjoying gourmet dining, live music, or exploring the artistic installations, Cova Santa offers an enchanting escape that perfectly complements the vibrant Ibiza lifestyle. Exploring Ibiza: The hotel’s location is perfect for exploring Ibiza. It’s close enough to walk easily into the lively center without feeling intrusive. The walk along the seafront promenade is beautiful and provides a relaxing escape with scenic views. With Ibiza being just a short 2-hour flight from the UK, it's an incredibly convenient destination for a weekend getaway. The island offers such a perfect mix of relaxation, vibrant nightlife, and unique experiences that it makes for an ideal spot for adults looking to escape for a few days. Whether you're looking to chill by the pool, soak in the sunset views from an infinity pool, enjoy stylish drinks at trendy spots like Wiki Woo, or immerse yourself in the island’s famous nightlife at places like Pikes or Cova Santa, Ibiza really packs a lot into a short trip. Plus, the short flight makes it easy to get there without wasting much time on travel.

04 July 2024

Island Hopping in Greece with G Adventures: A Journey Through the Cyclades First and foremost, I would like to extend my heartfelt gratitude to G Adventures for hosting this incredible educational trip. The experience was nothing short of extraordinary. Athens: A Brief Encounter with History Though our stay in Athens was fleeting, the city left a lasting impression. The highlight was undoubtedly the Acropolis, an awe-inspiring historic site that dominates the cityscape. For future travellers, I highly recommend booking your visit in advance as the site occasionally closes when it becomes too crowded. Despite our limited time, we explored the city's charm on foot, discovering quaint shops and vibrant streets. Tinos: A Hidden Gem in the Cyclades A 3-hour and 15-minute fast ferry ride from Athens brought us to Tinos, a little slice of heaven. This island captivated my heart with its authenticity and deep religious roots. Tinos is renowned for its pilgrimage site where devotees, having had their prayers answered, crawl from the base of a hill to a church at the summit in gratitude. The island is dotted with unique pigeon houses and boasts fertile soils, a testament to its rich history of mountain dwellings designed to evade pirate attacks. Among the island's few remaining basket weavers, we met 75-year-old Ludwig in the picturesque town of Volakas, my personal favourite. Panormos, famous for its marble, offers postcard-perfect scenes and lazy days spent in charming squares. Tinos is a paradise for outdoor enthusiasts with options for surfing, hiking, climbing, and diving, all complemented by fantastic food. The evenings in this sleepy port are surprisingly lively, with cocktail bars and fairy-lit streets. My favourite memory is a simple one: enjoying a takeaway gyros while watching the sunset over the port. Mykonos: A Return to Glamour A short 30-minute fast ferry from Tinos took us to Mykonos. Having visited a decade ago, I was excited to return. The island still pulses with its vibrant party atmosphere, though it now carries a more prestigious price tag. Despite its commercialization, Mykonos retains its stunning beauty. We were treated to a site visit at the luxurious Domes Noruz Mykonos, where we indulged in a sumptuous lunch. Naxos: Growing Fond of the Busy Island Initially, Naxos didn't captivate me as Tinos did, perhaps due to its larger and busier nature. However, I soon discovered its charm. The island's beaches are breathtaking, with crystal-clear waters perfect for snorkelling and diving. We enjoyed a sunset catamaran cruise, spotting dolphins despite a hazy sky. Naxos is ideal for exploration, with options to hire quad bikes, mopeds, or cars. The highlight was visiting the Apollo Temple, a must-see landmark. I look forward to returning to hike Mount Zas, the highest peak in the Cyclades, and try my hand at windsurfing and kitesurfing. Santorini: A Dramatic Finale A 2-hour Blue Star ferry ride from Naxos brought us to Santorini, a stark contrast to the other islands. With its dramatic coastlines, volcanic beaches, and upscale hotels, Santorini is a visual and sensory delight. Despite the bustling streets filled with cruise ship visitors, the island's beauty remains unparalleled. The walk from Fira to Oia in Santorini amazing. It is approximately 10-kilometer (6-mile) hike offers breathtaking views of the caldera, picturesque villages, and the Aegean Sea. Here are a few tips to make the most of this stunning walk: Timing: Starting at sunrise or sunset is ideal. Not only will you avoid the heat of the midday sun, but you'll also witness the incredible colors of the sky and landscape. Preparation: Water: Carry plenty of water to stay hydrated, as there are few places to refill along the way. Sun Protection: Wear a hat, sunglasses, and sunscreen to protect yourself from the sun. Comfortable Shoes: Ensure you have good walking shoes, as the terrain can be uneven in places. Route: The path is well-marked, but it's helpful to have a map or GPS for reassurance. The walk typically starts from Fira, passing through the villages of Firostefani and Imerovigli before reaching Oia. Photography: Bring a camera or smartphone to capture the stunning views. The light at sunrise and sunset can create spectacular photo opportunities. Pace: Take your time to enjoy the journey. There are many spots to stop, rest, and take in the scenery. Ferry Travel: Smooth and Enjoyable Traveling by ferry was surprisingly easy and enjoyable, akin to hopping on a bus. The only exception was Santorini, where the popularity of the route made for a slightly more chaotic experience. We used fast ferries and Blue Star Ferries for our island-hopping adventure: • Athens to Tinos: 3 hours 15 minutes • Tinos to Mykonos: 30 minutes • Tinos to Naxos: 2 hours 5 minutes • Naxos to Santorini: 2 hours Traveling with G Adventures: A Seamless Experience Our trip was made effortless and enjoyable by our guide, Sam. His wealth of knowledge about local culture and area, combined with his organizational skills, allowed me to relax and fully immerse myself in the experience. Sam's daily briefings and WhatsApp messages ensured we never missed a detail. This tour offered a great balance of activity and relaxation! Thanks to G Adventures, our island-hopping journey was both enlightening and relaxing. I'm now eagerly planning a Vietnam trip with G Adventures for my family.

05 November 2022

This trip was a long time in the making, it first started with the savings club putting a little bit away every month so it wouldn’t impact our families and we could have an incredible trip without the guilt! (I can help if anyone would like to set up a saving scheme) after booking the holiday we unfortunately got covid cancelled twice, lost 2 people to operations and finances but finally went ahead third time lucky. We started the trip with a taxi to the airport (I can Highly recommend N.A.S Travel) Nick helped us all with our cases and puts you in holiday mode right from leaving your house. We arrived at Heathrow checked in and went straight to the lounge (Plaza Premium Lounge) A lounge is a great way to kick of your holiday giving you somewhere to sit / relax and have some food and drinks before you fly. We flew with British Airways, Unfortunately, we were not all able to sit together but we had a great flight out and the staff on BA were amazing, super friendly. The queue to get through Immigration at arrivals was quite long, however we were able to get a Taxi quite quickly. Taxi took about 20/30 mins and cost us 70$ for all six of us. Miami beach – Wow it is stunning! I loved the Art deco buildings; the promenade and the beaches were beautiful. we spent the day exploring, visiting The Botanical Gardens, Muscle Beach, Ocean drive, Lincoln Road. We got in over 20k steps that day, but it was worth it! We stayed at The Shelbourne Hotel. It was a great located property with access to the beach and promenade, and with bars and restaurants within walking distance. Hotel was lovely with lots of facilities. Be prepared If you are travelling to Miami beach, it is VERY expensive. We ate out at NaiYaRa which is a Thai Restaurant, the food was amazing! We then went for drinks at Juvia it has the most amazing views of the city with incredible cocktails. We found using Uber when we did need to travel via car the cheapest way to travel. Carnival Carbbean Cruises – The Carnival Sunrise is a smaller ship and a little dated in décor but clean and tidy. I think I have been spoilt in the past having been on some of the newer cruise ships. I would rate this ship a 3-star standard. We prepaid for our drinks package which allowed us to enjoy a large choice of drinks without worrying about the final bill. Food was included on the cruise this included a formal restaurant where you check in for a time slot or you could go to the Buffet dining when open. There were several types of snack bars open throughout the day also. Including a Pizza Bar which was open until the early hours ?? Carnival pride themselves on being the ‘Fun’ cruise ship and they were that, with all the game shows, entertainment and watch out those water slides are fast. The clientele is predominantly American with very few other nationalities. We stopped at: Bahamas + Princess Cay – Simply stunning, beautiful beaches with crystal clear waters, you can see that this is where the rich and famous like to holiday with all the big houses on the coastline, we took a 2-hour tour round the island with Sean a local taxi driver who did a fantastic job of showing us round and telling us all about the island. This was 30$ each. We finished off at the beach where we had a swim in the beautiful sea and then had some cocktails. The locals were all friendly and welcoming. On the Princess Cay Island this was a purely private island, with several different water sports which could be pre booked including glass bottom Kayaking, snorkelling, and fishing as well as pedal boats. Food was available in the form of a BBQ buffet with some soft drinks. Alcoholic drinks could be purchased at several of the bars across the Island. Though we didn’t have children with us they were accommodated for which included a pool and play area etc. Grand Turk – Again Simply stunning, beautiful beaches with crystal clear waters opted for a relaxing beach day here but would really like to have seen more of the island. We headed towards the end of the beach where we found Jack’s Shack. Great BBQ food and cold beers! There was a little shopping area which was tax free and then a Margaritaville which had a pool that you could sit and relax. On our return to Miami we hungout at Bayside which was very close to the port, we were able to store our luggage for 7$ each for the day, we did some shopping had a few last drinks before we headed to the airport for our night flight, I surprised everyone by flying home Premium economy with British Airways which was the perfect way to end a great trip.

05 December 2019

For my husband's 40th birthday I brought him a mini cruise for us to go on with three of his best friends. What an amazing weekend it was for such an occasion, I can highly recommend these short cruises to so many people: Hen/Stag Do Groups of friends Special birthdays Couples Wedding anniversaries We met all of the above! Our ship was the Aurora a smaller adult only ship and it really did have the party atmosphere. We each had a balcony cabin but I think I would have been equally happy with a outside or even inside cabin as the weather was not great and we did not spend much time in the cabin. There was no shortage of food and service was fantastic offering excellent vegetarian and vegan options. If you didn't want to go for the formal sit down meal then you have the option of a buffet restaurant open until the early hours. I loved the fact that you could get all dressed up for dinner. After dinner there was no shortage of entertainment shows, piano/jazz bars, Karaoke bars, Casino and a disco. On the day we stopped in Belgium you had the option to do a selection of day trips, stay on the boat, or pop into the local town (which is what we did). It is a lovely like seaside town great for a wander round the shops (purchase some Belgium chocolates) and a drink on the sea front. The only downside was it was all over far to quickly leave me wanting to do another.

05 October 2019

A long weekend with friends in Croatia. Croatia is perfect for a weekend break being a 2-hour flight from London, to get to Novalja it was a 60min transfer. Novalija is the party capital of Croatia from mid-June – end of August, hosting Hideout, Sonus, Barrakud and Fresh Island festival on the famous Zcre beach. The clubs attract a good mix of top DJs each summer – big names appearing during previous summer seasons include Fatboy Slim, Benny Benassi and Fedde le Grande (at Aquarius) and Paul van Dyk, Axwell and the Swedish House Mafia (at Papaya). We went early September so just missed all the parties. We stayed at the Pool Villa Aldura a beautiful, contemporary 2-bedroom apartment 10mins walk from the sea front with its amazing restaurants and bars. Croatia had the most beautiful pebble beaches with the clearest of warm waters, Novalja is set in a bay therefore the water is calm. Croatia really is an up and coming hot destination for the UK market offering great value for money breaks.