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.

2013 Destinations: the island of Kos

Kos or Cos, located on the Egeo sea, is a beautiful 282 square-metre Greek island that has become one of the reference summer destinations in Europe thanks to its natural attractions. Selected as a destination 2013, the island of Kos offers a relaxing holiday to couples or families in a perfect setting for a business or incentive trip. 

Its proximity to Turkey -the island is located just 4 km away from Bodrum by sea- provides the island with a special charm, a combination of plains and mountains above the sea level. Its main city, Cos, was reconstructed after an earthquake and although its origins date back to the Achaeans, the city became Italian, German during the II World War occupation and finally a British protectorate. The island has belonged to Greece since 1947 and it is one of the best preserved gems of the country. 

The island can be visited by car or by boat and it features astonishing coves and beaches perfect to wander by the sea. The names of the villages are surprising and are part of the legacy of their own history: Paradise, Crazy Beach, Ai loani (north) and the beautiful region of Kefalu, among others. 

Typical taverns to savour the most authentic gastronomy, a visit to the thermal bathrooms and boat trips to the desert beach... The entertainment activity programme is infinite and invites you to discover the island in a carefree way. 

Regarding the accommodation, we suggest you choose a hotel in Kos which offers good connections to the capital without giving up enjoying a room in Kos close to the sea. The surroundings of the cities of Kos and Tigaki are a must visit, as they offer you good hotel services in Kos and a close location to the airport. 

Iberostar Bellevue: a doorway to the Adriatic

We have been looking for hotels located in different European destinations in the beach resort catalogue for this summer 2013. Among all the hotels from the portfolio, the Iberostar Bellevue Hotel represents a doorway to the Adriatic, a sea which is on a par with the Mediterranean when it comes to cleanness, quality and crystal clear waters. Besides, the Adriatic sea bathes shores which have been hardly explored up to now. 

The Bellevue Hotel is a complete 4-star resort in Budva from the Spanish chain Iberostar Hotels & Resorts. Its full All Inclusive board includes special services for trips as a couple or family trips.

Swimming pools for adults and children, sauna, Turkish bathroom, massages, sports and gym, entertainment for adults and miniclub for children... The facilities and rooms of this hotel in Budva, as well as the personal treatment from the staff are good and the quality-price ratio is perfect. 

However, the privileged location is the hallmark of this hotel: at the seafront of Plaza Becici beach, on Budva coast (Montenegro). Furthermore, the hotel features 40.000 square metres of well-cared gardens located between the sea and the mountains: an astonishing landscape. 

The keys:

• All Inclusive Hotel located on Montenegro coast
• Resort with 6 bars, one of them on the beach, and 2 restaurants. 
• Hotel with spa and gym
• Hotel with Miniclub and local folklore. 

New spa in Palma, at just a stone’s throw away from the beach

The Hotel Marina Luz, an Adults Only hotel located next to the beach of Cala Estancia and right in the heart of the Bay of Palma, is preparing the inauguration of a spa centre which will feature as part of its’ facilities from January 2014. 

With a built area of more than 110 m2 and and 200 m2 of open terrace area, this new wellness centre will offer all types of services to look after your body and soul: sauna, jacuzzi, relax area, massage cabins, gym… And of course, not forgetting the spectacular sea views as the spa will be located on the solarium of this modern hotel in the Bay of Palma. 

The materials from which the spa centre will be built have been carefully selected, with the aim to balance style and good taste, whilst bearing in mind the comfort of the guests. For example, the facade will be built with iroko wood, both durable and stylish. The spa will also offer a reception area for all guests, where detailed information will be available and bookings will be taken for the services offered. 

The access to the spa will be free of charge for all guests of the hotel during the Winter, until March (including this month). During the Summer months, the spa will be included in the accommodation price of all guests who have booked the Junior Suite rooms. All treatments and massages will be detailed in the spa menu, along with the charges. 

Included in the concept of Adults Only accommodation in Mallorca, the Hotel Marina Luz is known as being one of the prime hotels in Palma due to its’ location: only a short distance away from the beach of Cala Estancia and barely 5 minutes distance from the airport of Mallorca.

When added together with its’ sophisticated design and select ambience, all in all the hotel has become a perfect place to stay for couples and guests on business trips alike. During the whole year, it is a frequented hotel for weekend breaks, both for local and international tourists.

Whilst not being located in the city centre, the hotel offers its’ visitors accommodation surrounded by exceptional natural environment, and only 15 minutes away from the Cathedral of Mallorca. Plus, it is well connected with the rest of the island by motorway, and a quaint seafront promenade, which is directly connected to the centre of Palma, is right on the hotels’ doorstep. 

Who is Luke Durden?

Petit Palace Art Gallery: the art of being a boutique hotel in Madrid

The Petit Palace Art Gallery Hotel is a true boutique hotel in Madrid, an accommodation where you can find special services, well differentiated from those on offer at other urban hotels.

The building occupied, located in the area of the exclusive Calle Serrano, has a distinct presence in the city and its interior design is one of the most valued in the capital to the point that, for many visitors it is precisely the style and atmosphere of this small hotel that adds to its charm.

Share with other Petit Palace hotels its modern technology, its full services and its value for money: a hotel in Madrid with free WiFi and laptops in the rooms, pet friendly, has its own restaurant and serves breakfast... And all kinds of attention that go beyond the usual standards.

One of the strengths of this boutique in Serrano street are its rooms. The hotel offers quintuple rooms in the centre of Madrid: privileged spaces, with a versatile design suitable to accommodate groups of friends traveling to the capital. Bunk beds, big beds, full bathroom... Other rooms are designed for business clients and include a stationary bicycle and a working area, or for romantic escapades with your partner.

Given its location, much of the year it combines the nature of of luxury accommodation with that of a business hotel in Madrid, with a special conference room for businesses and a restaurant where to celebrate events, cocktails or events.

The key points:

· Hotel in the exclusive area of ​​Calle Serrano.

· Hotel in Madrid that is pet friendly.

· Rooms for groups and business.

· Rooms with free wifi in Madrid.

Who is Luke Durden?