A sunny holiday season: Riviera Maya, Punta Cana or Tenerife

The month of December begins and with it comes the stress of not knowing what we are going to do at Christmas. The questions that are asked in any house are the usual ones: how should we spend it or where and with whom should we spend it. Although opting for a traditional white and very cold Christmas would be the most stereotypical (and therefore the easiest decision), there is nothing like breaking free from always doing the usual thing and throwing yourself into spending your holiday on the beach, in your swimsuit and well tanned.

They say that anything goes when spending an alternative Christmas ... Yes, really anything from a few days of relaxation in our country’s warm destinations (like the South, the Canary Islands or even the Balearic Islands) to crossing the pond to enjoy a tropical Christmas surrounded by coconut palms and sunsets on the beach.

Christmas in the Canarias: head to Tenerife

Yes, we know, it takes time getting used to going from a cold Christmas to one on the beach, so it’s a good idea to try the experience little by little and without leaving our country. The perfect destination is the Canary Islands. With Tenerife as the most complete destination (especially for those traveling with the family), the Canary Islands offer a few alternative days off in which to enjoy a holiday at more than twenty degrees.

Although there are several hotels that offer special prices at this time of year, there is nothing better than opting for a hotel full of extras such as the Hotel Catalonia Oro Negro. With a unique location (a few meters from the beach of the Americas and next to one of the best golf courses in the area), this hotel in the Catalonia chain is ideal for a family holiday or with friends.

Everyone to the Maya Riviera

The next step when deciding on a beach destination with lots of sun for these Christmas holiday is to choose a place like the Maya Riviera. With its kilometers of white sandy beaches, with its blue, temperate waters and its unique choice of things to do (such as enjoying a dinner on the beach or welcoming in the New Year in a pareo or Bermuda shorts), this destination is especially beautiful if you are hoping to spend a highly romantic Christmas.

For travelers looking for relaxation as a couple and for those who prefer to spend these special days with the family, there is nothing better than opting for a hotel like Catalonia Riviera Maya Resort & Spa; a hotel located in Puerto Aventuras with unique views that show all the beauties of the Caribbean Sea.

Punta Cana, a real Christmas

Another of those sea and sun picture postcard destinations that are found in the Caribbean is Punta Cana, one of the jewels of the Dominican Republic and a place in which to enjoy all the beauty that unspoiled nature has to offer.

Much more than just enjoying long walks between mangrove swamps or experiencing dreamy sunsets, a perfect holiday in Punta Cana starts with the ideal hotel. We recommend the exclusive Catalonia Bávaro Beach Golf & Casino Resort.

Three day plan for an Autumn break in Tenerife

With the arrival of the first below zero temperatures and with the summer holidays far away (more than we would like), is when we are seduced the idea of a quick break to warm places like the island of Tenerife. Although a lot of people have kept some holidays for these dates (since travelling is much cheaper then and there is a lot less hustle and bustle), the fact is that most of us have to make do with a quick break of 2 or 3 days to recharge our batteries.

The question is obvious: are three days enough to enjoy the island of Tenerife to the fullest? Yes, the answer is certainly yes, and even if you don’t try our small three day itinerary for this beautiful Canary Island. Take note:

Unspoilt Nature and History

Los Gigantes, island of Tenerife

Although it seems small, the island of Tenerife has its crumb; so it is very difficult to see it in its entirety in three days (especially since you have to eat, rest and do a lot of other urban visits). At this point it is necessary to choose to do what really interests and impresses us (though if you are already a repeat visitor you may want to investigate on your own). Some of the must-sees are listed below:

- The Teide National Park

- The cliffs of Los Gigantes

- Icod de los vinos

- Otovara

- Playa de las Americas

- Puerto de la Cruz

Eat like a Marquess

Another of those factors that attract both Spaniards and foreign tourists to the beautiful island of Tenerife is its gourmet food which in the Canary Islands is rich ... very rich.  It is possible to combine your visit to the main parts of the Island and at the same time give yourself gourmet treats. You can’t leave Tenerife without tasting delights such as ‘almogrote’, tuna in a marinade, meat with potatoes, rabbit in ‘Salmorejo’ or ‘mojo colorado’ and picón.

Traditional Shopping

Since you have to pack your case on the last day there is nothing better than using the time you have left to indulge in one or two little whims. On the Canary Islands handicrafts are a highlight so don’t forget to stroll around Puerto de la Cruz or the beachbars of Costa Adeje to carry home a piece of handmade jewelry.

Hotels for a short break in Tenerife

Hotels in Tenerife are of all colors, shapes and for all tastes. There are hotels for families, for couples or for a few days of relaxation with friends. Many of them, moreover, have unique views and really exclusive services, some of which we’ll show you in our new article.

IBEROSTAR Grand hotel Mirador: With over 1,000 meters of spa, the IBEROSTAR Grand Hotel El Mirador – being one of the jewels of Costa Adeje - is the best choice for those looking for relaxation that goes beyond the local strolls and gourmet tours.

IBEROSTAR Grand Hotel Mencey: Those who prefer gourmet trips to Tenerife can do no better than to choose the IBEROSTAR Grand Hotel Mencey. This hotel has a cooking class in which to learn chef’s tricks and unique recipes.

IBEROSTAR Grand Hotel Salomé: The IBEROSTAR Grand Hotel Salomé is our last recommendation.  It is a hotel with a unique setting located right in front of the sea.

Barcelona in October: appointments and events featured

One of those destinations that seems to come to life with the arrival of October is Barcelona. A naturally vibrant city, Barcelona offers a thousand and one different things to do such as a visit to the temple of the Sagrada Familia, the Paseo de Las Ramblas, neighborhoods like the Gotico or the Borne and coastal areas such as Barceloneta.

To truly enjoy Barcelona we should go a little beyond the purely monumental and the guidebook highlights. How can we do this? We can invest a few hours of our trip to savor the outstanding leisure events listed in the city’s Autumn program. Do you plan to give yourself a quick break to the Catalan capital and want to enjoy the best concerts and theater? We list below the most important events of the coming weeks:

International Manga Fair in Barcelona (picture: frikisviajeros.com)

Manga de Barcelona

Lovers of this genre will find the best Manga movies, the most legendary books or even unique gods for Cosplay fans in the Salón del Manga de Barcelona. This event, which takes place between October 29 and November 1 in Fira Barcelona is the perfect excuse to visit the other most authentic and personal side of Barcelona.

"Father" by Ernesto Alterio

One of the most important theater works taking place this October is presented by Ernesto Alterio in the Romea Theater. Entitled "The Father", this play is directed by Florian Zeller and other top actors take part.

The Gastromic Fòrum of Barcelona

If you love fusion cuisine and the most avant-garde recipes you can’t miss a date with Barcelona’s gastronomic Forum, ​​an event that will take place in Fira Barcelona from the 23rd to the 26th October and which will include everything from competitions to themed workshops including tastings, live cooking shows and courses taught by expert chefs and winemakers.

Hotels in downtown Barcelona

• Petit Palace Barcelona: Petit Palace Barcelona  is a charming hotel located a few meters from Paseo de Gracia and perfectly connected to the main areas of Barcelona. Ideal accommodation for those traveling solo, as a couple or with friends.

• Petit Palace Boquería Garden: One of the most prominent urban hotels in central Barcelona is the Petit Palace Boqueria Garden and yes ... it’s just a few meters away from the legendary Boqueria market.

• Petit Palace Museum: La Casa Garriga Nogues is home to the Petit Palace Museum, a hotel which is part of the Petit Palace chain and which offers WiFi, free bicycles and iPads for guests in every room.

Ole Tropical Tenerife, a perfect choice to extend the summer in Tenerife

Whether or not we’ve had a holiday, the truth is that saying goodbye to Summer is always difficult for everyone. With almost endless days, temperatures good as could be, cocktails full of flavor and delicious fruits, this season is the best for unwinding and relaxing but it is not the only one. What is the alternative? Autumn ... yes, it’s the new Summer.

Although temperatures are cooler and the days somewhat shorter (not as much as in the height of winter), Autumn is the perfect choice for those who haven’t yet taken their holidays or for those wanting some days to relax in the form of a quick break.

Which is the ideal destination? Tenerife, the island of eternal Summer. A destination where you find wonderful beaches, local crafts, volcanoes (like the well-known Teide) and gastronomy so scrumptious you want to lick your fingers.

Costa Adeje, Tenerife

With the destination already selected, choose from some of the many sun and beach hotels on the island. What’s our recommendation? Trusting in top chains like Olé Hotels, brands in which comfort, service, quality and price always go hand in hand; a string that is characterized by offering hotels like Olé Tropical Tenerife famous for its excellent location.

Located within walking distance of the Playa de Troya (one of the most beautiful of the Costa Adeje) the hotel Olé Tropical Tenerife is perfect for those who want to pass their time relaxing with family or friends since it has a children’s playground and a wide range of leisure activities with no shortage of live performances, dance sessions, cocktail tasting and so on.

The essentials of the island

Beyond its obvious volcanic beaches and traditions (we all know that the ascent to Mount Teide is part of the experience), the island of Tenerife is a place that never sleeps; one of those destinations where we find almost everything and there is no shortage of ‘Must sees’. These are:

- A visit to the popular Loro Parque

- Go up to the viewpoints of Anaga

- Enjoy the Orotava Valley

- Visit the historic site of Garachico

Lengthen the summer in Fuerteventura, an ideal plan for September

Orange blossom scented nights, fresh meals, light clothing, full days, holidays and unchanging temperatures, never having to leave the beach ... With these examples, few (or very few) want the arrival of autumn. Yes, as the season before winter begins to peek over the horizon and make itself present next 22 September.

While crossing the big pond and heading to the Caribbean is a valid option for those searching to enjoy a real summer vacation (like those of July and August) in September, we must not forget that in our country we have destinations that are the envy of those on the other side of the Atlantic. Unique and charming places like Fuerteventura, where summer lasts almost all year. How about opting for a holiday in this jewel of the Canary Islands?

The Atlantic, natural and perfect, as is Fuerteventura, an island that is a Biosphere Reserve, presents the visitor with endless beaches, crystal clear water and mountainous landscapes formed by the Canary Islands volcanic history. For all this and much more, Fuerteventura is a perfect place to enjoy the summer, limitless calm and direct contact with nature.

Living the Atlantic throughout its entirety

One recommended idea for those who want to make the most of the island, is to get to know the underwater side of Fuerteventura. That other side where you can enjoy native marine species and flora unique to the Atlantic waters of the Canaries.

Although you can practice on all the island’s beaches, the beaches of Cofete or Cotillo are ideal for snorkelling. Why is this? The quality of their water, always crystal clear, always clean and perfect.

Walking among volcanoes

When the day on the beach comes to an end is when you can experience excursions to natural beauty spots that give shape and identity to Fuerteventura. And the island has trails that reach three hundred kilometers in length and are perfect to cover (in sections) on foot. The best? Many of these hikes (such as Isla de Lobos) are volcanic, hence the expedition is unique.

Where to stay in Fuerteventura?

Whether in the more populated or in the most natural areas, it’s certain that Fuerteventura is a place to enjoy relaxing without limits, with all kinds of luxuries and comforts. Our choice is to opt for some of the resorts that make up Playa Jandía.

IBEROSTAR Fuerteventura Palace

On the beach and full of extras for those traveling with friends or family, the IBEROSTAR Fuerteventura Palace hotel is ideal for those who want to make the most of the island without sacrificing luxury and comfort option. Its quality and price make it stand out amongst the hotels in this destination.

IBEROSTAR Gaviotas Park

It is enough to refer to the Spa Sensations to know that we are talking about IBEROSTAR Gaviotas Park. A four-star hotel located in Playa Jandía with a gym, house entertainment for kids and with direct access to the beach.

IBEROSTAR Playa Gaviotas

With its all-inclusive offer Iberostar Playa Gaviotas is another option for those looking for a hotel with Spa in Fuerteventura. With a beachfront location and with lots of extras, this hotel has a Bowling bar, regular shows and a schedule of family sports.

Ras Al Khor Wildlife Sanctuary

In our goal to talk about Dubai’s sightseeing, at the Arabian Courtyard Hotel & Spa we would like to dedicate some words to the Ras Al Khor Wildlife Sanctuary, Cape of the Creek is the translation.

It is a wetland reserve known for attracting many species of migratory birds, although it is also the house of several crustaceans, small mammals and fishes. This area is halfway in between forest and city. It is just metres from the city.

The area covers about 6 kilometres and holds salt flats, mudflats, mangroves and salt ponds. it supports more than 20.000 waterbirds and 67 species. And it houses more than 500 species of flora and fauna.

Arabian Courtyard Hotel photos

Some regular visitor species are: the greater flamingo, the osprey, the mallard, the grey plover, the western reef heron or the common ringed plover.

The Dubai Municipality and the National Bank are making efforts to preserve the wetland. Although it has been fenced off from the public, there are three bird hides located on the perimeter which are the first stage to develop a program for visitors. The three areas opened to visitors operate from 9:00 am to 4:00 pm, Saturday to Thursday, and it is free.

Ras Al Khor Wildlife Sanctuary was established in 1985 and was officially declared as a protected area in 1998, it is among few protected urban areas in the world. It is considered one of the best-managed arid zones in the region.

The protected area is close to the Arabian Courtyard Hotel & Spa since it is located at the end of Dubai creek, so guests who need further information about the reserve can ask for it at the reception desk, our professional team will be pleased to help you at any time as we have 24 hours service and tour assistance.