The moment I realised I would be going to Valencia for a hen do, the first thing I could think of was indulging in an authentic paella.
You might not think about Valencia as a place for a typical hen party but that was the point – this wasn’t the standard weekend filled with neon pink feathery accessories and drunken escapades. This gorgeous bride wanted a weekend of luxury – Kardashian style.
After being treated to breakfast at the No 1 lounge at Gatwick, our two hour flight touched down in sunny Valencia and we were ready to celebrate, reminisce and explore.
Our first day involved us settling in to our weekend home – a bright and airy apartment located near Plaza de la Reina, where you could eat, shop and easily pick up transportation.
The roads are similar to Sorrento and are lined with the most beautiful buildings boasting uniform balconies. I became somewhat of an architecture fiend, snapping away at any given opportunity to capture the beauty and intricacy of these buildings.
I could spend hours wandering those streets, where lightly coloured buildings pave the way and create an air of romanticism. With every turn, you were likely to stumble across quaint cafes, colourful bars and eateries.
Boarding the city tour bus, we were taken around Valencia where we learnt more about the history of the city and the various influences that is still evident through the architecture and monuments that stand today from both Roman and Muslim rule.
We marvelled at some of the points of interest, taking a moment to really appreciate the life that had walked before us. After our tour we headed back to recoup and were once again out, exploring Valencia by night. Children happily played football as clocks neared midnight and as we freely roamed the streets looking for a good bar to relax at, I loved how safe it felt to be out this late. Of course you must keep your wits with you but as the night life starts relatively late in Spain, there were just as much people around as you would see during the day.
The only downside to Valencia however is the God awful slow service. You appreciate just how good the customer service is in London after you contend with staff in Valencia. Let me tell you, not only are you going to have to chase waiters for drinks, you’re going to have to put up with their blasé attitudes when they really screw up orders. An example of this being bringing me an alcoholic drink when I asked for no alcohol.
Yes. That kind of screw up.
You can’t let that deter you from the rest of the city though. If you want to get away from the rush of it all then why not head to the beach? A 20 minute cab ride from Plaza de la Reina, we pulled up to the bluest skies, towering palm trees and soft golden sand.
Playa de la Malvarrosa is a beautiful spot to lay out, top up that tan and frolick in the sea. Away from the beach, restaurants and bars line the street for those wanting to quench their thirst or satisfy their appetite.
If you prefer to get closer to the water and feel that sea breeze whilst gently riding the waves, then a sunset catamaran cruise will tick all those boxes. My favourite part of the entire weekend, it was good to just lie back, reflect and appreciate. The open sea is breathtaking. I’ve always had a bit of a fear of open water but that completely subsided and you can’t help but marvel at the endless blue right into the distance.
I can’t even describe the mural of colours as the sun began to set.. So I snapped a few pictures which I think explains my loss for words.
The final day of our luxurious weekend was spent at The Westin where we were treated to a soothing 60 minute treatment of our choice at the Caroli Health Club. I opted for a relaxing massage which was the perfect way to end this weekend of indulgence.
In terms of food, Valencia not only boasts dishes that tourists will be familiar with such as pizza and fast food franchises like McDonald’s and Burger King, but they also have more authentic dishes on offer like their traditional paella which I urge everyone to try.
One word of caution though, if you’re after an authentic paella then ensure that you don’t end up ordering arròs caldós by mistake. Although it’s a common dish in Valencia, the name translates to brothy rice. It is served in what reminded me of a cauldron which surprised me quite a bit but even with the mix up, it was a tasty meal.
For those with a sweet tooth, gelato is your answer. There are loads of gelaterias that line those bustling streets and with so many flavours to choose from, chances are you’ll be making more than one trip back.
It’s definitely been a while since I’ve been in Spain, however like my previous visits, I easily find myself not wanting to leave. As we were in Valencia for a purpose our focus was obviously living it up like Kimmy K – which I think we successfully did. Catamaran cruise. VIP access to the club. Indulgent spa treatment. You couldn’t ask for a better hen weekend!
However there is plenty more to explore here and I’m eager to resume my love affair with this vibrant Spanish city – Kardashian ready of course!
It’s always been my dream to travel around Italy.
So you can imagine how excited I was to get my tickets booked for gorgeous Sorrento. For those that don’t know, Sorrento is a coastal town in southwestern Italy which faces the Bay of Naples. A one hour coach ride from Napoli Airport, the cliff top views instantly take your breath away as you cast your sights out to azure waters and the faint trace of nearby islands. With every turn we made up those winding roads, the views just became even more stunning.
As we entered the town of Sorrento the first things I noticed were the cheerfully colourful buildings and the sheer amount of scooters! Roads in Sorrento are quite narrow and winding, which made our journey something of a miracle. Once we disembarked we got a taster of the town as we wheeled our luggage to our hotel, the Carlton International. Sorrento is quite a small town and so our hotel being placed quite near the main square meant that everything was pretty much within walking distance; the supermarket, cafes, souvenier shops and of course important sights that hold important history for the locals.
A good way to determine what you want to see is to board the City Train tour from Piazza Tasso, which spends 35 minutes taking you to key sights around Sorrento. An inexpensive way to get a quick feel for the history and the cultural offerings, it also provides excellent photo opportunities for those keen Insta-travellers. By foot, take the time to wander through those small cobbled roads where you’ll pass local artisan shops and landmarks that are key to this charming city.
I loved exploring Sorrento by foot, peeking in at passionate shop owners, all keen to sell you a piece of this coastal paradise. It was exciting taking a spontaneous left turn and discovering hidden treasures along the way.
Whenever you’re in Italy, you know you can’t go wrong with the food. The main square boasts a range of restaurants and bars all of which offer that pasta and pizza that Italy is known for.
Though I was unable to consume the meat there, I have to say that the vegetarian options on offer more than satisfied me. If I had to pin down my favourite meal, it would be Aurora’s vegetarian lasagna. Trust me. Vegetables never tasted so good!
Don’t forget to sample the gelato there as well. Creamy, smooth and full of flavour, my travel buddy and I savoured our caramel and hazelnut pots until the very end.
As Sorrento is quite small you’ll only need about three days to fully explore the town. I loved the Sedile Dominova, a meeting place where nobles use to gather to discuss issues pertaining to the town. It’s now used by older men as a place to socialise, play cards and pass time. Although constructed in the 16th century, there are breathtaking frescoes from the 18th century of trompe l’oeil columns and the family coat of arms. Considering its use all those years ago, the Sedile Dominova is well preserved, and according to other blogs, if you ask nicely enough, the locals will be more than happy for you to sit and take in the atmosphere and sights.
We pushed the boat out and indulged in spa treatments at the Excelsior Vittoria, which is perched on a high cliff top overlooking the Gulf of Naples. Walking through lush gardens scented with lavender, the Excelsior Vittoria was founded by the Fiorentino family and is run by the fifth generation of the very same family. You immediately know you’re in the hands of five star quality and treatment as you take a right turn three quarters of the way in and find yourself in the boutique spa, La Serra. Prices are a bit steep for treatments, but for 60 minutes, you’re transported to true peace and calm, forgetting completely about the hustle and bustle of Italian life.
A 20 minute ride by ferry from Marina Grande, lies the picturesque island of Capri. As you disembark you can’t help but stop and marvel at how beautiful the coast line is. White, yellow and pink buildings pop against the green backdrop and deep blue waters.
Capri offers sights to explore both on land and by water. The Blue Grotto is a hugely popular feature where visitors can venture inside this sea cave where it is illuminated a magnificent blue thanks to sunlight entering an underwater cavity and shining through the seawater.
The entrance to this cave is determined by the sea. It’s important that the tide is low and the sea is calm as the mouth of the cave is only two metres wide and one metre high. Sadly on the day we were visiting the sea prevented us from entering which was disappointing.
At the same time though, it was good to see that safety was paramount to tour guides and operators. While a lot of visitors wander Capri and take in the parade of shops and architecture this side of the island boasts, some forget to explore Anacapri.
Located approximately 150 metres above Capri, you can get a full view of the island by taking a quick ride on the chairlift to Monte Solaro. I admittedly chickened out of going – the thought of sitting in what looks like a standard chair attached to this revolving machine scared me senseless. However I have it on good authority from my friend who did go that it’s worth it.
Do I regret not going?
Looking back on these pictures, I’m beginning to, but Anacapri will always be there. Given how much I loved this glimmer of Italy, you can be sure I’ll be back.
Spending your Tuesday evening at an award ceremony isn’t a bad idea at all.
Nestled behind the busy streets of Knightsbridge, Atout France hosted the French Travel Media Awards, where travel writers gathered to celebrate the best of France in an intimate ceremony.
Representatives from various regions in France took the time to talk to guests during a champagne networking segment about the wonders they could discover in Toulousse, Marseille and the Loire Valley to name a few.
Travel has become an absolute must for me over the last few years – even if I’m venturing outside of London for the weekend, it’s an opportunity to learn about a new place and see new sights. It’s actually quite a coincidence to be publishing this on International Women’s Day as I loved being in the company of people and female writers who have made this a career. I can’t explain how insanely inspiring this was and more important, they were all the proof I needed to see it can be done if I want it bad enough.
Learning about the different regions in France opened my eyes up to viewing the country as more than just a romantic getaway. There is culture, history and efforts to progress with the times all within France. From family run vineyards to art installations that merge the past with the future, I can guarantee you that there is something for everyone in France – you just have to know where to go.
The networking reception was followed by a delicious – French inspired – menu. Taking my halal-only requirement into consideration was so kind of Atout France (Thank you so much!)
Atout’s guestlist ranged from freelancers to editors of publications. It was a great mix of individuals all of whom have a deep rooted passion for travel writing about France
The awards encompassed areas such as ‘Best Blog’, ‘Best City Break Feature’ and ‘Best Family Break Feature’.
It’s good to see that work being done by a range of writers is being recognised. All too often writers plug away and put their heart and soul into an article or an entire niche with no pay off. Atout France have been phenomenal in celebrating the best of France – it was because of them I got see Nantes last year and also the reason why I had a deep desire to explore more of France.
So thank you again Atout France for your generosity in extending the invitation to me and you can be sure to see more French filled travels soon on the blog!
Two hours west of Paris lies Nantes, one of the major cities of the historic province of Brittany. Dubbed by the Times in 2004 as the most liveable city in Europe, Nantes has continued to flourish and is now a buzzing destination for art, culture and culinary delights. On a recent press trip to the 2013 European Green Capital, we were treated to an eventful history as well as a glimpse into a sustainable and fruitful future.
Between our visits to notable landmarks and towns just outside of Nantes, there was time for deliciously rich food, which even in the blazing heat went down an absolute treat. Granted, Nantes isn’t a halal haven, there is ample choice when it comes to vegetarian and/or seafood options. Let’s not forget we’re in France, which can also only mean one thing – dessert and pastry BLISS!
La Boulangerie d’Antan was our first stop for lunch on day one. I admittedly scoffed my baguette down before capturing a picture, but trust me when I say it was absolutely delicious. Fresh tomatoes and mozzarella was perfect for a hot summer’s day and dessert didn’t disappoint either; Tarte au citron.
Dinner was a delicious affair at Le Bouchon where I fully delved into the seafood options. For dessert we all opted for the Sable; a French shortbread biscuit, with a cream cheese-like topping and fresh strawberries.
Crab starter with an avocado mousse
Filet de dorade royale (Gilt-head Bream)
Sable
Next was wine tasting – without the wine. We headed to Clisson the next day to meet with a family owned vineyard that has been passed down through seven generations. I prepared myself for some astonishing pictures – what I didn’t prepare for was the thoughtful glasses of red grape juice throughout the tasting experience.
Lunch at the Great Western Villa Saint Antoine in Clisson was another three course feast with fresh mussels, soft risotto and a minty dessert. Our view of the historic castle and calm waters made for the perfect view.
Mussel and anchovy salad
Risotto main
Mint chocolate panna cotta
On our last day we headed to see some stops on the well known art trail around Nantes. Lunch was at La Civelle, our last stop before departing to the airport. Known for their seafood, I couldn’t not try their sea bass. Soft, melt in your mouth with a smooth butter sauce to compliment the entire dish, this was the ideal meal. Light but filling and bursting with flavour and overall goodness. Just when I thought I couldn’t eat anymore, I laid my eyes on the profiteroles. I’ll let the images do the talking for this one…
Sea bass with a butter sauce, potatoes and vegetables
Profiteroles with vanilla ice cream, whipped cream and chocolate sauce
