Travelling like this, of course!

Sometimes we go crazy because of the enthusiasm and desire. We choose the destination, buy the travel guide and start dreaming. There is just one inconvenient, the expectations that we create, which later could not be as we thought. It does not mean that the destination is not as nice as we expected, it means that holidays are short and it is impossible to make all the plans that we organized or thought, because it can fill our holidays of too many fun proposals that turn into an obligation.

Reset everything and choose destination and hotel and let yourself go. Travel to enjoy, relax and have lots of great adventures, but improvising a little, which is not bad from time to time.

Let’s travel then to relax. Let’s look at the map and point the finger at a nice destination, not too expensive (pockets are not up for parties) and treat ourselves to some peaceful days. Here are our proposals. Some of them will surely offer you a great plan.

Cadiz

Sun, endless beaches, luxury gastronomy, great atmosphere and hotels at good prices. Yes! It’s one of our favourite destinations. You can go alone, with friends, kids or in couple and there are many possibilities of organizing a tailor made travel. For example, you can book a  golf hotel in Chiclana if you want to relax and enjoy the nice weather practising sports; book an apartment in Roche for a romantic escape; book a charming hotel in the centre of Cadiz to experience its nightlife…

Don’t get stuck. Cadiz is full of activities and it is one of the best places for a relaxing and affordable holiday. However, take enough time to look for accommodation and flights: it is usually sold out on high season.

Tenerife

Canarias is always a good option. It is a bit tiring getting there, because just flying from Madrid takes two hours…But it is worth if you have 4 or 5 free days. Tenerife is full of possibilities: aquatic sports, spa, wellness, relax activities, gastronomy, culture, bars and pubs, everything you want. We suggest you enjoy the calm and peaceful atmosphere of the island to disconnect from the world. For example, book a hotel with Jacuzzi in Tenerife, whether in the South or in the North. It is better, if it has not Wi-Fi: disconnect from everything.

Lanzarote

Another Canary interesting alternative -even better than Tenerife in our opinion- is Lanzarote. It is really nice to travel with kids to Lanzarote and relax: its natural quietness, its extraordinary landscapes, which seem from another planet and its people are unique. It is a guarantee for you to stay as at home, but with the chance to live lots of adventures. Family resorts in Lanzarote , hotels for couples, apartments and villas have average prices (it is not a cheap destination) but in line with service quality and everything that is offered by the island.   

Fuerteventura

We cannot leave the fortunate islands without suggesting you Fuerteventura. Here the hotels in Jandia beach are great to organize an affordable family holiday in a luxury destination.  There are also family hotels with adult spaces, which allow you to relax while kids have fun with animation teams. Beaches are fabulous in the South of Fuerteventura, where you can visit the small villages and the natural environment of the area, one of the best things you can find in The Canary Islands.

Ibiza

Forget thinking about Ibiza as a crazy party island. We are going to talk about the other side of the island, the quiet and peaceful Ibiza. For example, what about organizing a family holiday to Ibiza, enjoying its natural beauty, the delicious gastronomy, the hippy markets, the sunset, its secret coves, the natural parks, dinners at the beach…It is not necessary to go to Playa d’en Bossa or Vila, we just need to go to the North, to Playa de San Miguel area, so as to have a good time without stress.  

Bilbao, Beach and City

Bilbao is one of the touristic destinations that has grown and it has been modernized over the past years. Yes, even in the middle of the crisis it hasn't stop advancing in this field turning into one of the main Spain capitals more connected to art, alternative music, youth, gastronomy, nature and last but not least,the beach.

Its ria and its spectacular natural environment along with a frenetic cultural life has been its fundamental pillars since the beginning. All of this bounded to the kindness and hospitality of its people, its modern touristic service and the increased air connections with most of the spanish airports.

Nowadays, Bilbao appears as a perfect weekend plan for a short break but its shows as a destination to spend a one or more weeks comfortable, close to the sea or in the mountains.

Hotels in Getxo, with bedrooms with a view to Ereaga beach, the accommodation in the historic centre in Bilbao -next to the famous 7 streets of tapas and bars- the rural houses, the apartments, the red of bedrooms and hotels to stay in Bilbao is huge and its prices are pretty affordable. The most expensive are in the centre, but thanks to the good public transportation it's not important, all that matters is to enjoy everything you can find in Bilbao and its surroundings.

An evening in Ático Las Letras

If Madrid is a living and exciting city, the atmosphere in its terraces aren’t less, especially from the attic of the Hotel  Iberostar Las Letras Gran Vía, where you can enjoy one of the best views of the city from height, while enjoying its fantastic outdoors atmosphere

On the seventh floor of the Iberostar Las Letras Gran Vía, this original attic has become a unique magical place where you can enjoy life on the heights of Madrid, an oasis to hide from the hectic pace of the city.

From the terrace of this hotel in Gran Vía of Madrid, you will be able to enjoy the most beautiful views from the buildings that surround this emblematic street, as well as its warming atmosphere. You can also book to organize personal or professional meetings in one of the most exclusive places in the city.

But the charming air that characterise the terrace can be found in the rest of these hotel in the centre of Madrid, which outstands thanks to its location, its unique atmosphere that resembles to a book passage, full of elegance.

The place is perfect for those who like to go to the theatres and movie theatres of Madrid, since these are located around the Gran Vía of Madrid, A place to live and experiment the most cultural face of Madrid in the neighbourhood Las Letras and then enjoy the evening in its comfortable bedrooms.

September holidays in Santa Cruz de Tenerife

September is always a very difficult month because it is the end of the summer holidays, children go back to school, autumn and the cold weather begins…. But, if there is a destination where you can prolong the summer, it is without a doubt the Canary Islands.

The month of September in the islands is specially pleasant and there are many proposals to enjoy with your partner. Considering that the school year has already begun, the number of families with children on holiday is far less than in the summer months.

One of the most popular destinations is the island of Tenerife. The prices of flights and accommodation in this time of year make Tenerife a very desirable destination.

In the capital of Tenerife you find one of the most emblematic hotels of the Canaries, the Iberostar Grand Hotel Mencey. Situated in an idyllic location for rest and relax, it offers numerous proposals for its guests. In special, Mencey’s Cookery Classroom stands out, an are designed to enjoy the best gastronomy in an unique setting, with 3 restaurants, including the popular Los Menceyes restaurant.

The Grand Mencey hotel is known as the best gastronomic hotel in Tenerife, a location where cooking courses are held with some of the best chefs in Spain, as well as the possibility to celebrate events and presentations among the kitchen’s stoves.

This 5 star hotel also has exclusive services, such as its SPA and thermal circuit, where to enjoy all sorts of massages and thermal and beauty treatments.

For further information, do not hesitate to contact the hotel directly.

Enjoy your holidays in Tenerife!

Madrid, Salamanca and Valladolid, a Fall itinerary

September is ripe for the picking, many of you have a bag full of memories and a house carpeted with post-holiday syndrome, while others can’t wait to travel, explore, and discover. Luckily for the second ones, those who had to work the whole summer, it’s their time to break out the routine, and we have an irresistible offer for them: a travelling route through the centre of the Peninsula, Madrid, Salamanca and Valladolid. A plan where you will have to chance to eat until you’re full with the great cuisine, and enjoy a deluxe holiday without travelling far, a real option for a short break full of stories, pictures and great moments.

Let’s start with Madrid, with low cost flights to the Capital, and hotels in the centre of Madrid, here is my suggestion:

• Las Letras Hotel.- New in the Iberostar hotel chain, a design hotel in the Gran Vía, with a breathtaking view to the centre of Madrid from its rooftop terrace. Gourmet restaurant with a deluxe chef, fully equipped accommodations, room and common area decoration is amazing, ideal to take hundreds of pictures to Instagram.
  
• Hotel Vincci Capitol.- If you are a cinephile, you’re going to love this hotel located above the Capitol Cinema (yes, it’s on the same building, in the Gran Vía) It offers themed accommodations decorated with cult moments and movies from the film history. Besides, it is a 4 star hotel, so it has a full package of services of the highest quality. This hotel is a unique experience in Madrid.
  
• Petit Palace Alcalá Torre.- An historical architectural jewel in Madrid, the city’s first skyscraper, designed the same way as New York buildings (except for the distance and high, of course) It is one of the most emblematic downtown buildings, its 60’s design is what makes it unique and worth visiting.

• Vía 66 Hotel.- Vincci’s hotel in the Gran Vía. It has a lovely rooftop terrace to enjoy the still warm evening in Madrid, impeccable design, beautiful, perfect to take pictures. With the best accommodations, ideal to relax getaways, and go out to discover the best of Madrid, without stress or rush.

Madrid is a privilege in September. The city’s regular rhythm return is slow…the city is still full of life and tourism is wandering around, but without all the crowds, the endless lines for museums, restaurants, bars and galleries. The locals return to their regular lifestyle so you can feel the essence of the capital, without all the things the high seasons bring. There are events everywhere, new movie in theatres and concerts almost every day. Madrid is always the best plan, and what a plan.

But, since we’re on a trip, after a couple of days in the city, best thing to do is to rent a car (unless you picked up yours, of course) and head to Salamanca. From September 5 to 17 are the local festivities and the city’s rhythm goes up, The night's heat are a luxury, the place is full of locals and students who come to take their tests and get ready for the coming classes, the concerts schedule is unique and everything is filled with that wonderful vibe found in this cultural capital.

Salamanca is a unique redoubt for peaceful getaways, a traditional treasure in gastronomy, culture and nightlife. This city has everything you need, you can walk easily everywhere you want since its old town is almost full of pedestrian walkways and its museums, landmarks and historical buildings are close to each other.

We suggest you two accommodations:

• Hotel Las Torres.- A hotel located in the Main plaza of Salamanca. A unique experience to brag about since it is the only hotel in the area and it has bedrooms with view to the plaza. It is a 4 star hotel renowned thanks to its customised service and its design, which tries to keep the city’s charm.

• Vincci Salamanca.- A hotel to the Conference and exhibition centre of Salamanca, close to the cathedral and the pontifical University, the Casa de las Conchas and the famous Meléndez Street. this hotel has  a perfect design, with a more contemporary and business air than the other, with a lounge bar perfect to relax and prepare your city’s itinerary, and if you came by car, don’t worry it has parking service.

Don’t forget to drop by Plaza Anaya, enjoy the magical Calixto and Melibea garden or head down to the Tormes shopping mall. You can also ride a bike though the riverbank remodelled a few years ago, or jog on Mondays or just walk along the edge and admires the city’s view from the river, with all its historical buildings on the Spanish skyline. To go out for tapas, the major square, the Zaroma street (it has some great bars), around the plaza and Rúa street. And there is the Van Dyck, is a little bit farther, at the city’s entrance before the bull ring, a place to taste some of the most authentic flavours.

Last but not least, our final destination is Valladolid, don’t be sad, city is almost an hour away from Salamanca and in September (from 13 forward) they celebrate the local festivities: the city get crowded with stands where you can taste some of the most delicious brochettes, tapas, and wines, party all night long, enjoy the local cuisine, the concerts, the art exhibitions, and even children activities. Best time ever to discover this area of Castilla león, somethings forgotten but, it’s one of the landmarks of this autonomous community.

To stay in Valladolid, we recommend you the Vincci Frontaura, a 4 star hotel in the centre of the city, considered a gastronomical reference in Valladolid, besides the food, you can enjoy its spa and walk peacefully through its old town without the need of cars (and the endless parking search in festivities) the bedrooms are amazing, and it’s perfect if you’re planning a romantic getaway.

4 Activities to do in Majorca in September (second part)

In the second part of our post, we want to concentrate on two recommendations that will allow you to enjoy the beautiful views of Majorca. The first one includes some sports and the second is a recommendation to what we believe is the most emblematic beach on the island.

A lighthouse route through Majorca

While in Majorca, you can enjoy a beautiful route of the lighthouses that light up the island. Many of them are very old towers and true monuments overlooking the Mediterranean.

One of the best examples is the Porto Pi lighthouse, in Palma. Located next to a naval base, right in the Palma Port, it is the third oldest functioning lighthouse in the world, after the Hercules Tower in A Coruña and the Lanterna in Genova. 

The most impressive lighthouses in Majorca are the Faro de Ses Salines, which can be seen from Cabrera, and the one in Formentor, a construction that crowns the Tramuntana Mountains. Others that are also worth visiting due to their special beauty are the Aucanada lighthouse in Capdepera, and Sa Creu, in Sóller.

For cycling enthusiasts, the route from the Iberostar Son Antem hotel to the city of Palma has of approximately 22 km, but every kilometre is worth it when you consider the beautiful views and scenery of the Bay of Palma de Mallorca.

Palma de Mallorca

A bicycle tour around the Bay of Palma

The Bay of Palma has one of the best bicycle lanes on the island of Majorca. The boardwalk connects the city’s centre with the residential and tourist area of Can Pastilla and takes you through areas of great natural beauty.

This bike route is approximately 13 kilometres long and runs along the sea, offering typically marine scenes, diverse landscapes and people of all ages on a stroll or doing sports.

The bicycle lane is protected from transit, making it an ideal path to enjoy a relaxing bike ride or an excursion with the entire family.

Along the path, you will find small inlets, perfect for taking a dip, natural and unique areas like Es Carnatge, and lively bars and restaurants next to the sea.

You will find further information in the official website of the Son Antem hotel, as well as all the other services and activities available in this luxury golf hotel in Llucmajor.

Contact information:

Phone: 902 995 555

Email: san.rec@iberostar.com

Address: 07620 Llucmajor, Baleares-Mallorca