Vacaciones Gourmet en el Iberostar Grand Mencey

Tanto Lucy como yo somos dos apasionados de la gastronomía y nos gusta considerarnos dos “hobby Chefs”. Nos encanta la cocina y pasamos horas en ella preparando toda clase de platos,  probando nuevas recetas o perfeccionando otras. Siempre estamos atentos a cualquier novedad en el mundo culinario, tanto nuevos restaurantes o demás propuestas que se centren en la gastronomía. 

Leyendo un blog de turismo y gastronomía descubrí un articulo que mencionaba la presencia de la Chef Macarena de Castro, del restaurante Jardín en Acudía, en un ciclo de cocineras españolas con estrella Michelin. Inmediatamente, visite la pagina web del Aula de Cocina del Mencey, que forma parte de la oferta gastronómica que ofrece el Hotel Iberostar Grand Mencey en Santa Cruz de Tenerife. 

Hace ya tiempo que queremos visitar las Islas Canarias y este hotel junto a su oferta de restaurantes, resulto realmente atractivo. A mi mujer le encanto la idea: pasar unos días de descanso en un hotel maravilloso y al mismo tiempo disfrutar de unos cursos de cocina en Tenerife de la mano del Chef Juan Carlos Clemente y, con un poco de suerte, poder asistir a uno de los ciclos de “Mujeres con Estrella”.

Este hotel gastronómico en Tenerife cuenta con 3 restaurantes y 3 bares. De sus restaurantes destaca el restaurante de Los Menceyes, que es el restaurante gourmet de referencia en la isla. El Grand Mencey también cuenta con otros rincones gastronómicos como el restaurante y terraza de Los Laureles. Ya puedo imaginarnos sentados en la terraza del bar Iballa, disfrutando de un exótico cocktail junto a mi mujer y unas vistas inigualables.

Nuestras cortas vacaciones coinciden con el fin de semana en el que la chef Macarena de Castro impartirá su master class, por lo que podremos disfrutar de un restaurante de alta cocina en Tenerife. Tenemos planeado visitar algunos de los mejores restaurantes de la isla, aunque nuestra intención es no alquilar coche y centrarnos en la zona de Santa Cruz de Tenerife. 

Zarzis, the unspoilt coast of Tunisia

Located south of Tunis, Zarzis represents the opposite of Sousse or Hammamet or Mahdia. It is an area barely touched by tourism therefore, tourist services or infrastructure are less developed and offer the possibility of enjoying the true essence of a Tunisian coastal city bursting with natural charm.

Zarzis has a coastline of about 30 km, with long beaches of fine golden sand and calm waters, a very relaxed and local atmosphere, far away from the influx of mass tourism limited by the few hotels that are available in the area. Although there is a good range of 2 and even 3 star accommodations, there are few hotels that offer great commodities as the tourism development has only just begun.

To stay in Zarzis with a minimum guarantee, a good option is to look for well known hotel chains. For example, in the area of the beach of Ras Marmour, near the island of Djerba, you can find several Iberostar hotels, such as the Iberostar Safira Palms, which allows to enjoy the two sides of the same coin: A vast number of leisure and party proposals that Djerba has to offer, and the rest that Zarzis always provides. However, if you prefer to be near the centre, the accommodation alternatives in Zarzis are quite ample, but one has to be prepared to take an adventures risk.

The city is quiet, a fishing village with a large commercial port which is still very active. It is the most important exporter of salt and oil in the area, and the last one to be found before the border with Libya. Tourism is so undeveloped in the area that there is not even a marina, so if you would like to practice water sports or sail on a boat, the best option is to go to Ras Marmour or Djerba.

The great advantage of Zarzis is its peace and the possibility of enjoying a real city of Tunisia in every way. The town has a great artistic heritage for which you will need to spend a day discovering this cultural route. The medina, its great mosque, the historical museum of the city, the great Berber souk of Mouensa... It also has some beautiful natural environments, such as the salt lake of El Bibane and the beautiful oasis of Hmadi.

The Retiro Park, a symbol of Madrid

Without it, Madrid would not be Madrid, although it has always been an escape route from the frenetic rhythm of the city. The park of El Retiro, with almost 120 hectares, is one of those magical places of the Spanish capital that invites you to loose yourself and forget the daily hassles of its streets.

Considered as the green lung of the city, a location for all kinds of activities and events, the park of El Retiro has its origins linked to royalty. It was designed around 1640, on lands with dense vegetation with the aim of providing the court of Philip V an area for relaxation and recreation.

Within the limits of the park, it is worth mentioning the great artificial lake, where it is traditional to rent one of the small boats and enjoy a pleasant afternoon on its bank. Thea area of La Rosaleda, inspired by the Parisian Bois de Boulogne, the Fountain of La Alcachofa and the Angel Caido, or the impressive Crystal Palace, that in our days hosts different contemporary art exhibitions.

It is also essential to visit its statue promenade, that in reality is called the promenade of Argentina, one of the broadest and where you can enjoy a dozen sculptures of past kings of Spain. The avenue connects with the most famous entrance, the Puerta de España, that ends directly on the Alfonso XIII street.

The park has a privileged location, located between the streets Alcala, Poeta Esteban de Villegas, the avenue of Menéndez Pelayo and the street Alfonso XII, where one can observe one of the most exclusive boutique hotels in Madrid, situated in a palace of the XIX century. All around this area, one can stroll along observing the beautiful buildings that surround the Park and it is the perfect opportunity to discover the Majestic Madrid.

The charm of the elegant neighbourhood of Salamanca in Madrid becomes more bohemian atmosphere within the park, where all diversity is a reason for harmony: singers, traveling theatre plays, taichí, yoga or Pilates sessions, children’s games, picnics and improvised film sets… The Park of El Retiro is the reflection of its society, restless, somewhat rebellious, welcoming, hospitable and calm.

Hotels near the park of El Retiro:

· Hotel Petit Palace Embassy Serrano

· Hotel Petit Palace Art Gallery

Pet friendly hotels in Majorca

Majorca is a perfect destination for a trip with your pet: the island has incredible natural areas, such as the Serra de Tramuntana where to walk and enjoy the outdoors with our dogs and, just recently, several municipalities have begun a series of policies and measures, designed to improve the coexistence of animals in our society, even reserving some areas on the beach to be able to enjoy the summer with their owners.

Furthermore, given the potential business that represents pet tourism, more and more hotels in Majorca have realised the importance of offering the service of pets allowed. Rural houses and Finca Hotels in Majorca have been offering this service for years, and some hotels are allowing guests to stay with their pet, albeit they do not weigh more than 8 kg.

One of the most advanced in this sense, is the hotel chain Fergus Hotels, a chain of Beach hotels in Majorca and Barcelona, ​​which opens its doors for pet owners to enjoy a complete holiday without the obligation to leave their pet at home.

Hotels have realised that it is more interesting that, the expense that the owner would have to pay at a daycare canine centre, should be done at the hotel leading to an increase in average reservation expenditure at the hotel. A real advantage, compared to children who need special spaces and attentions. Pets only require a small place in the room, a balcony to be able to get some fresh air and feel free, and a responsible owner that is aware of the pets needs.

In this sense, the policy of hotels is usually quite strict as for this coexistence to work, the animal must not be unattended, must be on a leash on all common areas of the hotel and can not access the dinning, sports and swimming pool areas.

When booking a hotel room with pets, the best is to contact the accommodation and find out in detail, all the requirements and conditions that must be fulfilled, as well as the rights you have as a client. Furthermore, it is common for the reception desk to know interesting places in Majorca to which you can go with a dog, hiking routes and fun activities to enjoy together.