FARAWAY PLACES | MAGICAL MALTA - by Letitia Fitzpatrick

Malta is a fabulous, sunny island, rich in history, boasting lively towns, great nightlife, and a busy calendar of cultural events. For such a small country, it packs a lot in, with beaches, harbour towns and stunning sights to keep you happy. There’s year-round sunshine, most of the friendly locals speak English, the food is very tasty, and you can fly from Dublin.

Malta is an archipelago in the Mediterranean in South Europe, and only the three largest islands, Malta, Gozo and Comino are inhabited. The official language is Maltese, with English the second official language. The islands have been invaded by the Romans, Greeks, Arabs, Normans, Spanish, French and British, giving them a wealth of culture and awesome architecture.

VALLETTA

The capital city of Malta is an architectural gem, small, easy to get around, with delightful cafes and restaurants, perfect for sitting outside and people- watching or admiring its beautiful buildings.

The city is Baroque in character, and is noted for its fortifications, palaces, gardens and churches. Make sure you visit St John’s Co-Cathedral with a stunning signed work by Caravaggio depicting the beheading of St John the Baptist. There’s a fascinating film about Caravaggio’s scandalous life and amazing work down in the crypt.

The National Museum of Fine Arts is a Rococo palace dating back to the late 1570s, and the delightful Manoel Theatre, built in 1731, and which reminded me of Belfast’s Grand Opera House, is one of the oldest working theatres in Europe.

MDINA:

is a medieval fortified city in the northern region of Malta, and it’s well worth a visit. The city is still confined within its walls, and has a population of just under 300. It’s one of the main tourist attractions in Malta.

GOZO

It’s easy to take a ferry to the neighbouring island of Gozo. It is rich in historic locations, such as the Ġgantija temples, which, along with the other Megalithic Temples of Malta, are among the world's oldest free-standing structures. You can catch a hop-on, hop-off tourist bus and get around in a day. Gozo is considered one of the top diving destinations in the Mediterranean and a centre for water sports.

FESTIVALS:

Valletta is the scene of the Maltese Carnival, held in February leading up to Lent. The Valletta International Baroque Festival is held every January.

The predominant religion in Malta is Catholicism. There are more than 360 churches in Malta, Gozo, and Comino, or one church for every 1,000 residents. The parish church is the architectural and geographic focal point of every Maltese town and village, and its main source of civic pride. This civic pride manifests itself in spectacular fashion during the local village festas, which mark the day of the patron saint of each parish with marching bands, religious processions, special Masses, fireworks and other festivities.

BEACHES

Another big draw is Malta’s coastline. It’s quite rugged, with rocky coves and a few sandy spots. The biggest beach is at Mellieha Bay, while resorts like Qawra and Bugibba have flat rocks and platforms where you can stretch out in the sun and soak up those rays. Qawra (pronounced aura) is a charming, purpose-built resort in north-east Malta. Set around scenic St Paul’s Bay, with luxury hotels along the seafront, it works as a vibrant summer destination, and is also a stress-free place to enjoy a winter break. It blends seamlessly into Buggiba, its bolder, brasher neighbour, which has a pretty harbour and a waterpark along its modern promenade. Holidays to Paradise Bay focus on relaxation, and there’s a Blue Flag beach surrounded by miles of sweeping countryside.

WEATHER

Malta has mild, warm winters (16 celsius during the day) and hot summers, hotter in the inland areas. Rain falls mainly in autumn and winter, with summer being generally dry. The average yearly temperature is around

23 °C (73 °F) during the day and 15.5 °C (59.9 °F) at night.

DAY CRUISE

Get away from the main island of Malta in search of sea and sunshine on a boat tour from Bugibba. Visit the Crystal Lagoon, followed by the Blue Lagoon on Comino for swimming and snorkeling. From here, continue to Gozo Island, where you have the choice of enjoying free time at your leisure or taking a tour of the island's historic sites before cruising back to Bugibba via the Santa Maria pirate caves.

NEON NIGHTLIFE.

Sliema on the east coast used to be a fishing village and is now best-known for its wine bars and fancy restaurants. If you wander along the promenade, you’ll come to St Julian’s, an upmarket town, with a generous variety of bars and clubs, including a thriving gay scene. The music keeps going until the early hours, and the cafes are perfect for breakfast the morning after.

FOOD

Maltese cuisine shows strong Sicilian and Italian influences as well as English, Spanish and French flavours. A number of grapes are endemic to Malta. There is a strong wine industry, with significant production of wines using native grapes.

FLIGHTS

Ryanair fly to and from Malta from Dublin three times a week (Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays, all year round) and the flight is just under four hours.

ACCOMMODATION

You can book package tours to Malta, or book flights and accommodation, which is what I did. I searched booking.com and found lots of reasonably priced hotels of a high standard. I chose the Intercontinental Hotel in St Julian’s, which cost £85 a night per person sharing a double or twin room, plus breakfast which was excellent. My friend and I also ate dinner in the hotel twice and the food was very good.

COVID VACCINATIONS:

At the time of writing in January 2022, you need to show a vaccination certificate, and complete a Public Health Travel Declaration Form and the online Passenger Locator Form. You must show both forms to airline officials on departure and health officials stationed at the Terminal Temperature Screening Points when you arrive in Malta. The forms should be completed before departure. For further information about entry requirements visit the Maltese Government website at www.health.government.mt as well as the www.nidirect.com site

So if this all sounds appealing, pack your suntan lotion, swimming gear, and perhaps an underwater camera to capture the mesmerising Maltese sea life.

FARAWAY PLACES | OD TALAMANCA - A PERFECT IBIZAN GETAWAY

Talamanca, Ibiza, Spain
 

Telling people that you’re off to Ibiza for the weekend seems to conjure up lots of presumptions and pre-conceived ideas as to what you might be up to, in my experience. But although the Isla Blanca may be the land of the all-night nightclub with a hedonistic history, I personally prefer the hippie history of the island and the chilled vibe which exists in many parts (thankfully) as yet undiscovered by the disco divas.

On this trip, shared with four forty-somethings, we checked into the super smart OD Talamanca Hotel, which is located six miles/10km from the airport on a quiet bay close to Ibiza Town. It is an elegant refuge from the non-stop party atmosphere elsewhere and the impressive first impressions included a tight attention to detail in everything - from the design (interior and exterior) to the wonderfully accommodating and friendly staff as well as a modern menu and creative cocktails.

Designed by Rahola Vidal architects and the interior designer Mayte Matutes, I totally loved the mix of mid-century and modern.  Dry stone walls and sauna-like wood feature heavily outdoors around the pool area, with white walls and large windows throughout the bedroom spaces in the main buildings. Fans of designer chairs will be in heaven with repro Eames, Jacobson and Wegner styles, to name just a few. For me, the walk-in wardrobes of the suites were an incentive to actually unpack – which I don’t always get round to on weekend trips – and the wide, comfortable beds made for easy, relaxing slumbers, way beyond what I’d get on a busy weeknight at home (which is a terribly un-Ibiza thing to say I imagine).

Location, Location: In terms of location, the hotel is at the eastern end of Talamanca Bay, which is about a 5-10min taxi ride or a 30-minute walk east of Ibiza Town. You can walk down to the sea in a couple of minutes. It’s not the prettiest beach in the world, but it is nice for a swim with shallow waters underfoot and soft sand. We loved the Bodega tapas bar down by the beach – I had been there before back in 2014 and it hadn’t changed, with its hipster vibe plus really tasty tapas at very reasonable prices; perfect for a late night flight arrival.  The the ‘secret find’ of the amazing local Fish Shack restaurant is only about 10 minutes up the beach path also. If you’re partying at Pacha or Ushuaia it takes about 20mins/25 euro to get there by taxi. Likewise, it cost us £25 euro to get to our fave beach club El Chiringuito by private car.

Rooms: All bedrooms and suites, across both main buildings, have at least a partial sea view of Talamanca bay and the Dalt Vila (old part) of Ibiza Town beyond.  I loved our room’s pool view and balcony as well as the walk in wardrobe and open bathroom with its dual basins and a rain shower, plus some zingy citrus fragranced products.

Extra, Extra!: Book a loft room and a Smart Cabrio car is included as a nice bonus. [My partner and I hired one of these babies a few years back in Formentera (Ibiza’s little sister island) and we adored whizzing around the beautiful white sandy beaches of the playboy’s playground.] The first fill of the minibar is free, which is an extra welcoming touch [THAT I DIDN’T KNOW ABOUT UNTIL I RESEARCHED THIS BLOG BACK HOME!]…

Super Staff: The staff from the door to floor reminded me of those trained by the Starwood Group. They were all super polished like the beauties and babes of the Hudson in NYC or the W Barcelona, but with extra (genuine) Mediterranean charm and an eagerness to please. Even the gorgeously Nordic looking blonde female DJ spinning tunes in the lobby on Sunday afternoon was smiley and welcoming in a warm and friendly way.

A Tavola: The kitchen is open all day which helps in Ibiza when you might well be keeping odd hours. Mediterranean-Asian fusion dishes include tuna tataki and wagyu burgers. Room service includes tempting options such as a toasted aubergine sandwich with burrata and rocket. Breakfast – my favourite meal of the day - is available from 8am until midday with an excellent buffet and a menu with lots of healthy options including eggs pretty much any way you like, plus smoothies and bowls with every on-trend ingredient imaginable.  

La Cuenta Por Favor: Our double rooms cost £1200 for 2 people for 3 nights, although we also had an upgrade to a suite as one of the party had stayed before…

Who stays there? Well, when we stayed there were groups of cool baristas from Italy, sponsored by Red Bull. We also met some Norwegian bankers and a DJ/talent agent plus one or two musicians & DJs playing sets at HI! & Ushuaia that weekend.   It doesn’t seem overly family-orientated, but there were a few cool Euro families with beautiful kids lounging by the pool and eating quietly at breakfast. No screaming tantrums on my watch anyway.

My only disappointment? No gym or spa, but I am told these are en route. And that’s good, because I’ll be back.

FARAWAY PLACES | How to pack like a pro…

Packing for a getaway always seems such a chore. Between airline baggage limitations & hand luggage liquid restrictions, as well as pairing up outfits and managing all weather-wear (when it’s not a sunny destination), trying to get everything squeezed in can be a pain.

My job often involves travel, but I am the queen of the weekend away too. As a rule, I only ever bring hand luggage (except if we are going on a longer holiday and then I will bring a bigger suitcase). This saves SO much time – both at the airport, at the destination and when packing to come home again - leaving more time to enjoy the destination or optimise my time between meetings if it’s a work trip.

I’m often asked how and what I pack, so I have collated a quick list of my top tips for packing like a pro (and saying goodbye to baggage reclaim queues!)… Hope you find it helpful!

1.      One of the biggest mistakes travellers often make is not planning – and this includes checking the weather before you go – that way to can pack only the outfits you will actually wear. For me, sunshine is always preferable, I love a bit of Vitamin D – and lighter clothing means lighter bags (or more options if you’re not feeling like fully streamlining).

2.      Lay all the clothes you want to bring out and then make like Marie Kondo on that pile and put most of it back! No matter what you tell yourself, the truth is you don’t need two outfits for each day - winners will always be the effortless, multi-tasking pieces that can take you from day into evening.

3.      Colour co-ordinate. Anyone who knows me, knows that I’m a bit matchy-matchy and this really comes to the fore when packing for a weekend away. In winter my entire suitcase has been known to be black (for the record my travel uniform in winter is typically black leather jeans/leggings, black cowboy boots, a nice black blazer, black vest top or nice blouse and then a big scarf – non-black! – for comfort and to act as a pillow. If its cold, I’ll wear a wool trench over this and probably have lots of thin thermals from M&S for layering too. Then in the suitcase I’ll have an LBD and probably an LBJ (little black jumpsuit), plus walking trainers, jeans, layers of tops and swimwear – you should always pack swimwear, just in case!

4.      Wear your heaviest items to travel. That gorgeously-soft chunky knit will be absolutely no use to you neatly tucked away in your suitcase when you’re sitting freezing on the plane – and we all know aeroplanes can be cold no matter what class you’re in.

5.      Make use of space. All of it. If that means scrunching small items into any gaps you spot then so be it! Sunglasses inside trainers? Check. Pants in boots? Check. Always pack heavier items on the bottom and lighter fabrics on the top.  Quick tip – pack silk or wrinkle-potential pieces into a dry-cleaning bag before folding, this will stop them getting too creased.

6.      LIQUIDS: To save space, try to find and use up all those beauty and skincare minis from event goodie bags or beauty counter freebie samples (I keep all mine in a shoe box in the bathroom cupboard and save for travelling)… and if you want to be super organised and be more eco-friendly, decant your fave products into small bottles and jars in the days before travel so you’re not spilling everything in a last minute rush. Depending on your hotel, the in-room shampoos and body lotions can be on the economy side, so if you want speciality or luxe or organic products, maybe buy them when you get airside at the airport. And buy small so you can use them up while away and not have the whole liquids dilemma again on your return.

**PS - Now that we’re on the subject of liquids, make sure to top up on drinking water before and during the flight. We know getting past other passengers to go pee in what feels like a trap can be a pain, but nothing plays havoc with your skin like cabin pressure and dehydration - now that is a look we don’t want to arrive with! Oh, and always pack a good lip balm!

FOOD | FARAWAY PLACES | EATERIES FOR EVERYONE IN MADRID

Madrid has gone gourmet with a vengeance, but the best of the classic tapas bars are still packed to the rafters come dinner time. Cutting-edge techniques and high-quality ingredients are a given. And whether you’re going all-out or doing the Spanish capital on the cheap, there’s always a good wine list for several toasts.

Ten Con Ten

A lively sit-down spot that serves classic tapas with a modern edge and some pasta dishes. No need to reserve here as some tables are left open for walk-ins, adding to the convivial, chilled vibe.

DriverXO

A colourful space where surprises are the order of the day and contrasts that explode with every bite are the house trademark. A three-hour dining experience featuring more than 20 dishes that you won't forget in a hurry!

Pinkoco

Possibly one of the cutest cafés ever, Pinkoco has a contemporary yet vintage feel with safari-style plants and low-hanging light fixtures paired with comfy chairs and couches, ideal for an Aperol Spritz or a ginger tea. The desserts are pretty notable – try the brownie or the carrot cake.

Taberna Pedraza

Colourful mismatched tiled floors create a casual vibe enhanced by an eclectic bunch of chairs, flowers and super friendly service. The small kitchen is open, so you can see Chef Santiago Pedraza working his magic in real time. 

Botin

The oldest restaurant in the world and a benchmark of Madrid's best traditional Spanish cuisine. Renowned for its suckling pig and fantastic ambience.

FOOD | Where to Eat Like a Parisian

Probably the most romanticised city in the world, with a gastronomic reputation to match, Paris boast more than 70 Michelin-starred restaurants. From bustling dining rooms to hip bistros and brasseries filled with Extremely Beautiful People lining bars and street tables, where does one begin?

Le Train Bleu

One of Paris' most refined and picturesque restaurants happens to be located within one of its busiest train stations, Le Train Bleu, an opulent icon of Parisian dining. Michelin Star winning chef Michel Rostang serves only the finest food such as scallops and perfect ravioli …French cuisine at its most elegant. I ate here about 18 years ago and my lasting memory, which was one I became accustomed to as a tried other Michelin starred eateries, was that the menus for ladies didn’t have prices.

Septime

Meals in this warm yet pared-back Scando-inspired space start with beautiful plant and vegetable focused dishes that change every two weeks. This is fine dining without pomp and circumstance... Grébaut is a master at coaxing out the flavors in every ingredient and playing on texture.

Tannat

Fine French dining training with a real emphasis on seasonality and once neglected root vegetables with whatever protein was freshest that day and wine of equal importance. When ordering by the glass, the sommelier will bring the three bottles they're serving in red or white, tell you about each wine and which is most likely to complement your order.

Carbón

Carbon is dedicated to cooking sustainable ingredients simply over fire. Think beef cheek with potato gnocchi, chanterelles and onions; or scallops with cedar, oysters and mushrooms. Down in the basement, you’ll find speakeasy La Mina, with its intimate smoking room, serving classic cocktails and small plates.

Wild and the Moon

Emma Sawko has successfully combined French living style with veganism from Los Angeles in her this couture flagship on Place du Marché Saint-Honoré. A fashionista favourite for small cakes, freshly squeezed juices, fab salads and gluten-free paninis. 

One other eating experience that I never miss in Paris is a plate of tuna tartare and a plate of avocado slices on the terrace of Hotel Costes. If you are not seated beside a Gitanes-smoking local, then the atmosphere and people watching are fabulous. And actually after a few glasses of Champagne the smoke doesn’t seem quite so bothersome.

**Regular readers will know that there are quite a few French eateries here on the F Words – France is an F word of course; and the foodie Frenchies are my spirit animals. Check out my review of Alain Ducasse 2 Michelin star at the Plaza Athenee or the wonderous delights of traditional fayre at the Colombe D’Or in Saint Paul deVence in the FOOD section of the blog…  

FOOD | FARAWAY PLACES | LUCIOUS LISBON

Lisbon is an incredibly pretty city break destination and a must-visit for foodies. The city’s food scene continues to boom, with new restaurants launching regularly, drawing on the endless bounty from the coastline, mountains and vineyards. While dining out here is certainly a stylish experience, food is held in high regard by lisboetas and eating out is a necessity rather than a luxury.

Alma

Housed in an 18th-century warehouse once used for storing books for one of the world’s oldest bookshops, this fine dining restaurant is one of the biggest gastronomic references in Lisbon.  The dining room features an open kitchen, granting guests a view of Sá Pessoa and his team in action. Menu options include Costa a Costa, with 5 dishes, exclusively inspired by the sea, and Alma, with five dishes chosen by the chef - alongside an à la carte menu.

Cantina

Cantina is situated in the spot everyone’s talking about - the LX Factory, an old industrial space that’s been turned into a warren of hip work spaces, shops, cafes, pop ups and photography studios. The interiors of this bar and restaurant pay tribute to its industrial past... bag a seat on the raised platform for views  over the open bar and kitchen where light, classic Portuguese food is prepared using a small wood-fired oven.

Prado

António Galapito opened Prado at the foot of the Cathedral of Lisbon, where he works with organic meat and vegetables, using seasonal ingredients recommended by their Portuguese producers, so the menu is ever-changing. Every day, something is different, from meat cuts to fish species.

Pesca

This trendy dinery is a fabulous garden on a large terrace in the city, specialising in fish and seafood with excellent vegetable sides. Don't miss the cocktails to enjoy with oysters and be sure to try braised mullet, with bread crumbs, artichoke puree, fava beans and there is an army of suppliers of products that the chef chooses with visits to their lands.

Loco

In the shadow of the Basílica da Estrela, Lisbon's latest hot table comes courtesy of chef Alexandre Silva, whose bold and modern take on Portuguese cuisine taps both tradition and travel on its way to a personality-rich gastronomic adventure. It offers a daily-changing, description-free tasting menu (you choose 18 'moments' with or without a cheese option), each steeped in sustainability and seasonality.

FOOD | FARAWAY PLACES | Where the Fashion Crowd eat in Milan

Once loved more for its striking cathedral and high fashion than its food scene, Milanese eateries now pack serious punch and illustrate a serious commitment to quality ingredients. From fabulous coffee and pastries to seriously good seafood and handmade fresh pasta (take me back), there is so much goodness to choose from.

Bice
Off Via Montenapoleone, the city’s high-end shopping street, Bice is the style world’s cantina during fashion week. A block from the Four Seasons Hotel Milan, it’s a go-to for old-school, perfectly executed Tuscan dishes ...ribollita, pasta e fagioli and risotto.

Carlo e Camilla
A 1930s sawmill with grand crystal chandeliers in its soaring ceilings makes a cool industrial setting for this restaurant in the hip Porta Romana neighborhood. Modern Italian cuisine by Michelin-star chef Carlo Cracco includes handmade pastas and plates of risotto. Don't miss the show stopping cocktails featuring rare ingredients like green cardamom and apricot marmalade.

Pisco
One for serious seafood lovers in the lively area of the Arco della Pace, Pisco's style is that of a colourful seaside bistro with a cosy, welcoming atmosphere.  Try the oyster, ceviche and raw sea food.

Il Salumaio
A charming place located in the historical setting of Palazzo Bagatti Valsecchi where you're likely to brush shoulders with VIPs. Go for the buzzing vibe and classic Italian dishes of carpaccio, risotto and buffalo mozzarella.

The Garden Cafe
You won’t be able to tell whether you’re inside or outside in this eatery, decorated with lush plants throughout, where the fashion crew stop by for a bite in between shopping or shows.

FARAWAY PLACES | BALI ON A BUDGET – BY MOLLY MACHUGH

With exam season around the corner myself and three students found ourselves fantasising over faraway holidays at a high stool table in a local Belfast student bar. Little did we know the realistic cost of an Indonesian adventure and that five months later we would be departing Dublin airport with three-hundred euro in our pockets, backpacks half the size of us, ready for a two-week excursion around Bali and The Gili islands.

The booking process was dangerously easy with STA travel, who arranged our returning flights from Dublin to Doha and Doha to Denpasar for two weeks. They also booked us onto a tour with ‘Bali Intro’ which included airport pickup, luxury resort accommodation, transport across the island, activities and entrance fees, most meals and the trip of a lifetime all for a total of £1200.

After 24 hours of comfortable travel with Qatar airways, we began our trip staying south of Bali in Kuta village where we shopped at street markets, attempted to surf, visited temples and chilled on Bali’s best beaches. We visited the most amazing beach (Seminyak beach) which was covered in colourful bean bags and umbrellas filled with artists selling paintings and good vibes. Making our way west of the island we visited rice paddies, Ubud’s swings and gazed under natures greatest waterfalls. Travelling up to the north coast we swam with dolphins in the Bali sea, visited local families and spent our evenings relaxing in our hotel’s infinity pool overlooking the island.

A bumpy bus journey and a three-hour roof-top boat trip later, we pulled up our shorts and jumped off the boat into the shore of Gili Trawangan east of Bali. The tiny island known for its magical sunsets, lush resorts and insane nightlife could not be described as anything but a paradise. Gili Trawangan (one of the three Gili islands) amazed me from the moment I stepped foot on the sand and realised there were no motorbikes, cars or buses just bikes and horses; it felt like entirely different world. We spent our days cycling around the stunning island and our nights doing what us students do best… partying! We spent our last hours snorkelling with turtles around Gili Air and Gili Meno before we had to sadly depart back to reality.

My favourite and most memorable part of the trip was meeting the Balinese people. Their generosity and kind-heartedness is indescribable and they go completely out of their way to make you feel content in a place so far away from home. While we waited a short time for breakfast in a cafe one morning, a slice of cake was delivered to our table as an apology for the delay. In a resort we stayed in the staff even presented us with flowers, hand crafted from napkins as a welcome gesture; I have never experienced customer service like it. Secondly, the food was out of this world - from healthy smoothie bowls to traditional Balinese dishes, it was safe to say our days were centred around what we ate.  The islands’ restaurants and cafes are fully catered for tourists with American and Italian styled options on nearly every menu, but it was nice having the choice to get a taste for their culture and I most definitely fell in love with it.

Seven months on, Bali should be stroked off my bucket list, but it remains untouched as I have to go back.

FARAWAY PLACES | FAMILY TIME AT CENTER PARCS LONGFORD

When our group of 90 Irish dancers and mums boarded the bus in Holywood County Down and headed for Center Parcs in Longford, it is fair to say that most of us didn’t really know what to expect, but we had all heard great things. There was an air of anticipation as the excited babble of 50 young girls could be heard through our coaches as they gossiped, laughed and sang the whole way down.

Upon approach I saw a beautiful deer walk gently across the forest path in front of us and felt immediately at home with nature. This was going to be good! A quick chat at the security hut led to a large carpark and we caught our first glimpse of the site.

The excitement was palpable, but the truth is, nothing prepares you for Center Parcs Ireland, the whole thing is just remarkable. Nestled in the beautiful Longford Forest, it is so kid and family focused it’s incredible – like they’ve thought of everything you’d never thought of – and it’s just an ideal place to get away and escape the hustle and bustle of everyday life.
The scale is unimaginable – think of lots of football pitches, a super-dooper sized playpark and water park, as well as a massive artificial lake surrounded by footpaths, roads and a whole lot of other things, and you might just be able to picture the huge scale of it, it just exceeded all of my expectations.

One thing I loved about the place is that the only time cars are allowed on site is to transport guests and luggage to their lodges, after that the only means of transport are bicycles or your own two feet! It was so lovely to see groups of families and friends cycling together and the lack of cars created a more relaxed, serene ambiance. The easiest way to get around is by hiring a bicycle (or you can bring your own) as there is some distance between attractions. This can be a disadvantage for the perambulate, but we found the team to be very accommodating so I can only guess extra needs will be looked after accordingly.

And on the subject of staff; even though we were part of the biggest group they’d had since opening, the staff could not have been more accommodating. Staff at all stages were incredible, they were engaged, fun and as you would expect, excellent with kids. When I left behind some personal belongings, they were easy and efficient to liaise with from a post-visit customer service perspective too.

The lodges are a really high standard and there are over 450 to choose from.  Ours were conveniently located near the main shopping and restaurant area which we loved. The beds got thumbs up from everyone and were definitely 4-5 star hotel mattress quality (although I think sleep would come easy to even the fussiest sleeper after such a jam-packed day!).

The lodges were modern with pretty much everything you would need – including excellent WIFI (which is great if you’re anything like me and constantly trying to balance work and pleasure or trying to negotiate later activities for teens).

The kitchen is well-equipped and we brought our own food to self-cater as well as pre-booking restaurants to eat out (the Indian was FAB!). There is a supermarket which is handy if you run out of any essentials (or fancy a little nightcap after such a busy day), and each lodge also comes with a ready-made pit out the back so you can have a family BBQ if you aren’t in the mood to head out to one of the many restaurants on site.

Speaking of restaurants, there are lots to choose from, all offering different kinds of food. Their child-friendly policy creates a relaxing setting that both parents and children can enjoy easily. In Hucks restaurant there is even a computer room and soft play area that your child can go off and explore whilst you finish your meal, meaning you can sit and enjoy the food without the incessant “mum I am done, can we go now” that can often be heard at restaurants from little ones ready to move on to the next activity.

Surrounded by forest, the 400 acre site was beautiful and you instantly feel stress levels fall as you take in the vast landscape of total beauty that encloses you. The carless roads also mean little ones can roam around exploring without the constant worry of traffic.

The designers have definitely had parents in mind when creating the site and have thought of absolutely everything. The whole process is seamless (I especially appreciated the fact that the wristbands open your cabin and act as a locker key for the Subtropical Swimming Paradise – meaning less to carry and no scrambling in handbags for loose change whilst kiddies hover impatiently wanting to dive right in!)

There are over 100 activities to enjoy both indoor and outdoor, so whatever the weather there will be lots to do. You could spend a week here and still not get through the jam packed schedule which includes things like cupcake making, laser quest, den building as well as a cute off road track for 3 year olds and up. We challenged ourselves to the high wire walking – which is hairy and scary, more so for the mums than the kids if truth be told! There is also a spa that grown ups can enjoy. I had a wonderful full body massage and my mum friends also had facials while we all took turns to team-parent our collective kids.  It was heavenly.

Ireland’s largest water park, the Subtropical Swimming Paradise, is open from 10am til 9pm, meaning you can go at a time that suits you. The 29.5C heat feels more like stepping into the Mediterranean than the middle of Ireland and it really is magical. There are also loungers and cots next to most sections of the water park which makes it easy to keep an eye on everyone.

Do note that many of the activities and the spa cost extra, but you can get a price list and book before you go.  In fact I would highly recommend booking before you go, as weekends can get jam-packed. There are plenty of free things to do though, such as trips to the many parks, bike rides with the family (if you bring your own bike as opposed to hiring) walks through the forest and visits to the swimming pool (which is so good you could easily go each day).

Holidaying with kids can be stressful, and it’s not easy (and can be lonely at night if you’re a single mum like me), but I really enjoyed being part of a group and sharing a cabin. Everything was so relaxed and peaceful as well as super exciting for the children. Maybe it’s the lack of screens or the fresh air, but whatever it is I can’t wait to get another dose! My overall verdict? This was the ultimate family escape, and I can’t wait to visit again.

For more information visit the Center Parcs website: www.centerparcs.ie

FARAWAY PLACES | TOP FIVE DESTINATIONS FOR 2020

If like me you're not quite ready to shake off Summer vibes on the cusp of Autumn, it's the perfect time to start thinking about your next trip abroad. I've (metaphorically, more's the pity) combed some of the world's best beaches to  inspo from five of the most fabulous destinations for 2020, whether you prefer to explore city streets, be at one with nature or chillax in complete decadence.

Croatia

Island-hopping is the best way to explore the ancient walled cities and stunning beaches of Croatia. Head south from atmospheric Split to Dubrovnik, with its movie-star good looks... travel by road and boat rides, taking in the medieval town of Korcula and the national park of Mjlet, for hiking with the scent of wild herbs in the air.

Trust me, you haven't seen truly crystal clear waters until you've visited this part of the world, with a mix of idyllic quiet havens and night life to suit every discerning holiday maker.

Slovenia

An earthly paradise of snow-capped peaks, turquoise-green rivers and Venetian-style coastline, Slovenia's natural treasures are enriched with harmonious architecture, charming rustic culture and sophisticated cuisine.

Its capital, leafy Ljubljana, is a young and lively city that should be on everyone’s radar... sail the Ljubljanica River on a traditional wooden boat to experience the city and breathtaking views. In summer, drink in the atmosphere and enjoy people-watching in cafes dotted along the river.

Greek Islands

There are hundreds of Greek islands to explore whether you're looking for sandy beaches, unspoilt landscape or history and culture. The Ionians can't be beaten for golden beaches with dramatic coastlines and Shipwreck Bay on Zakynthos, only accessible by boat, is a little bit of paradise.

Quieter than beautiful Santorini, Paros has a wonderful mix of the great beaches and villages of Naxos and the nightlife and boutique vibe of Mykonos. The largest of them all, Crete remains rich with beaches, historical sights, hikes, and small cities.

The Turkish Riviera

The Turquoise Coast is a chic option for those who want to swim, sail, eat and party. From secret beach spots such as Datçaand Bozburun to the Bodrum Peninsula and superyacht-filled Yalikavak Marina. Kaplankaya, an entire new coastal town north-west of Bodrum, is well worth a visit. If you prefer somewhere more peaceful, opt for Amanruya, while camping is becoming a family favourite on the Aegean Coast. For history lovers, the cities and traditional towns along the coast are packed with ancient sites, including the city ruins of PHaselis, Myra and the Temple of Apollo.  I’m also popping Cappodoccia onto my travel wishlist again this year. It is a must-see wonder of the world, and I might even do it by balloon if I can!

The Caribbean

You’ll be hard pressed to find Caribbean beaches more spectacular than the beautiful Anguilla. From long stretches of pristine white sand on Rendezvous Bay to the sparkling Maundays Bay, Anguilla is a honeymoon hot spot, also popular with families. With its gorgeous coastlines, lush interiors and volcanic peaks, the Caribbean is now popular for hiking too, with some great spots in Antigua and Montserrat.

All topped off by sipping rum punch in and nibbling beach BBQ tapas with cool calypso tunes under the stars...

FARAWAY PLACES | TRAVEL IN STYLE - THE LUGGAGE EDIT

Gone are the days of dragging a dusty, battered old suitcase down from the attic and filling it with your favourite outfits. No longer a purely practical necessity, luggage has become an extension of our personal style... it's got to look good and work hard for you.  

My tick list includes:

• roomy but a manageable size (I've got to lug it everywhere after all)

• sturdy and well made to pass the test of time

• lightweight and easy to maneouvre (wheels non-optional!)

• easy to spot on the conveyor belt

• and of course, stylish!

Great luggage doesn't come cheap and isn't an investment to be taken lightly, so take the time to consider what you really need.

Any pro traveller knows that the golden rule is to travel with hand luggage only - if you can. Not an option for longer than a weekend in my experience, and definitely not in Winter when we need ALL THE LAYERS, but then I'm not one to travel light - and outfit options are a necessity, right?!

Unless your bag is being put in the overhead locker, steer clear of soft cases to avoid damage to your possessions inside. Either way, ask to have your luggage marked as fragile and it will be one of the first to come off of the plane.

Your suitcase is still likely to get chucked about a fair bit on its journey, so choose a case with separate compartments... no-one wants their outfits to smell of Duty Free gin on a weekend away.

Whether you're travelling for business, romance or a family holiday, enjoy my luggage edit.

NB** includes several cases which are pure fantasy (for me) but too gorgeous not to include!

Samsonite Freedom -£449

St Tropex, It luggage at very.co.uk -£79.99

Ted Baker LUGLLO-Metallic-trim-large-holdall-Oxblood_-£245

Ted Baker_LUGOOM-suitcase-Oxblood -£275

Personalised Lipsy Leopard cast, Next -£155

Revelation by Antler 3 piece nest -£249.99

Samsonite Cosmolite -£399.

Oasis Hummingbird Cabin case -£49.99

Crash baggage -£285

globe-trotter--£1920

Louis-Vuitton-horizon-55-damier-graphite-canvas

Louis-Vuitton-horizon pink case

Lulu Guinness red medium spinner case -£245

Mulberry medium clipper -£695

Oasis Floriana print suitcase, Next -"£85

adidas-stella-mccartney -£130

lulu-guinness-valentina-peekaboo-lips-leather-bag

FARAWAY PLACES | Belmond Le Manoir aux Quat'Saisons

The two-Michelin-starred realm of Raymond Blanc is renowned for its gastronomic experience and the stunning grounds, which surround it; particularly, the vegetable and herb gardens that supply the famous kitchen. Strangely, it seems less well-known is the wonderful hotel, which it also houses.

https://youtu.be/3Ht_b-GIyYs

 There are 32 individually designed guest rooms and suites; and, since this is part of my aspirational series, I’ll predominantly focus on the gorgeous Garden suites!

I can’t decide which is my favourite. I feel rather drawn towards the ‘Blanc de Blanc’ suite. Le Manoir describes it as, “a serene, inviting space”; and it’s difficult to argue with that. The décor is all about textures, with beautiful porcelain and ceramics, adding to the stunning fabrics. This suite also has access to a private terrace.

All that would normally make the Blanc de Blanc a slam-dunk, but it’s got some stiff competition, from L’Orangerie. Designed to evoke the sights and smells of a Chateau, the tangerine trees in terracotta pots, limed oak and heated stone floor and the terracotta picked out into the décor, make this a real temptation. Combine that with a glorious marble bathroom, private garden and open terrace, and I’m struggling to resist it!

 Located in the Garden Courtyard, these suites take their inspiration from France and Raymond's travels. The Garden suites are suitable for two adults, and two children using two rollaway beds. Prices vary by month and day of the week, of course, but I’ve seen them around £2,000 per night for two (including breakfast), in June 2020; and studio suites around £1400. That said, even the entry level rooms are ‘deluxe’, by any standard. They can be experienced for around £700 per night, again with breakfast for two; and what an experience!

 Of course, the restaurant is superb, and so familiar that I’m sure it’s not necessary for me to wax lyrical about it, here. 

However, for those interested in the food, before it gets to the table, there is both a Cookery School and Gardening School, at the venue. So, keen cooks and gardeners can get a taste of what goes into creating its great dishes, if you pardon the pun!

Also, it shouldn’t be overlooked that the hotel is surrounded by glorious Oxfordshire countryside, in the picturesque village of Great Milton, with plenty of similarly gorgeous ones, such as ‘Dibley’ (Turville, in the real world), not far away. Obviously, there are larger but equally beautiful towns, such as Thame; and Oxford, of course.

 So, all-in-all, if you’re looking to treat someone special – or yourself – to a stunningly romantic break, I suspect there aren’t many better choices, in England, than Belmond Le Manoir aux Quat'Saisons.

 Have you ever been to the restaurant, or stayed in the hotel? Where would you choose for your romantic getaway, in the UK? Let me know, in the comments below.

FASHION | Swimwear for Curvy Girls

So if I can swan around a Belfast tourist attraction clad in a spangly silver swimsuit, you can surely strut your stuff by the pool this Summer! #thisgirlcan

I went WAYYY out of my comfort zone posing among the tropical plants in swimwear at the Palm House in Botanic Gardens recently (much to the amusement of passing American tourists!).  I forced myself to do this because I believe in promoting body confidence - and there's no point in me shouting about it if I'm not prepared to follow (swim)suit!

Check out my instagram @cathymartin10 here for photographic evidence!

I wholeheartedly believe that women should embrace their bod regardless of shape or size - and that #everybodyisabikinibody!  Swimwear styling is incredible now, with a range to suit every body, supporting and enhancing in all the right places - you just need to know what to look for - and I'm here to help. So embrace your booty, boobs and thighs and prepare to hit the beach with sass this Summer.  

The Bikini

Remember the days when bikinis were only available in regular clothing sizes... tough luck if you were more curvaceous on top/bottom?! Thankfully we can now slip into stylish numbers cut in true lingerie sizes to show off our assets at their very best! Here are a few of my favourites...

Blue Bravissimo Bondi Bikini -£58.

Floozie by Frost French Retro Daisy Bikini, Debenhams -£40 (sale)

Freya Club Envy Khaki Bikini -£60

FREYA -TOTALLY CHECK BANDEAU - £61

The Tankini

If you prefer a little more coverage on the beach, but still want to show a touch of cleavage, set sail in a tankini. Most are available with a choice of bikini or high rise bottoms to suit your individual body shape. Perfect for covering up during lunch or running around after little ones, the top half can easily be rolled up to tan your tum while lounging.

Bravissimo St Moritz Tankini -£68

Free Tropical Palm Tankini, Bravissimo -£67

Panache Anya Crochet Bandeau Tankini -£63

The Swimsuit

While I still sport a bikini on holiday, my personal favourite is a one piece swimsuit as I find them super flattering. Opt for underwired plunge cups, smoothing tummy control and a high cut leg to make the most of those gorgeous curves!

Blue belted swimsuit, Next -£38

Bravissimo Amalfi Swimsuit -£52

Figleaves Edge Colourblock shaping swimsuit -£60

Figleaves fuschia tummy control swimsuit -£38

Figleaves tummy control swimsuit worn -£40

Ruffle shape enhancing bandeau swimsuit, Next -£32

Secret Slimming Floral Print swimsuit M&S -£28 Rosie for Autograph

FARAWAY PLACES | TITANIC ADVENTURE

I really hadn’t spent that much time in the Titanic Hotel until my recent overnight. A (great) opening night party, one or two meetings in the drawing offices and then a black tie dinner for my daughter’s school PTA would be a fair summary of my experience. None of these visits gave me the opportunity to have a proper look around, and so a recent invitation to stay was welcomed with open arms.

The two drawing rooms are bright and airy – one is an events space and the other, the main bar, was buzzing. The hotel features lots of artefacts from the original building owners – Harland and Wolff – the company that built the ship of the hotel’s name, as well as Titanic replicas and plenty of drawings and plans, plus ship signs and more.

I’ll get to the rooms and the overnight in a bit, but I’m going to kick start things with the food in the restaurant. It is outstanding. I mean, REALLY outstanding. I had no idea the quality of dishes (made from ingredients mostly of local provenance) was so epic, nor that the presentation could be so pretty outside of my usual fine dining choices of OX, James Street, Howard Street, Deanes et al.  So I stand well and truly enlightened.

I had scallops with a cauliflower and langoustine velouté to start, while my guest had hake with Jerusalem artichokes (a much underestimated vegetable which grows very successfully here).

For mains we chose together so that we could share both dishes, and I still got food envy when I had to pass the second half of the most delicious beef plate over to him. Our other main course was a halibut fillet with radishes and some very fine broccoli. A dish I would normally fawn over, but I fell so in love with the beef and the buttery carrot stack which came on the side, that it took second place for me – still deliciously light and flavoursome though. Massive shout out also to the roasted purple potatoes. Regular readers will know that I love my spuds – the world’s best carb – and these did not disappoint, with the chef’s perfect hint of oil and salt.

I imagine the puddings would have been wondrously delicate and arty affairs, but it was Sunday evening and a cheeseboard with a glass of port beckoned.

The selection of local cheeses was fab, and I made a special request for some honey to go with it. (My go-to accompaniment for cheese is truffle honey). They didn’t have truffle honey, but the chef sent out a big chunk of runny fresh honeycomb which felt like it had just been lifted straight out of the hive. Just wow.  I spilt the port but we’ll ignore that slight of hand as we were both happy gorging on the cheese and port.

And so back to our room. I always love a room with a bath (less hassle for the blow dry, you see) and this one was perfect. Thankfully the water wasn’t scalding – as some hotel bathwater can be if you leave it running - and the products were from Rituals, which is a great natural brand, with not too many chemical ingredients to dry out the skin. The bathrobes get 9/10 – just the perfect mix of soft and crisp for me; and the bed was a dream to sleep in. Perfectly roomy if you need some space but also great for comfy cuddle.

The hotel is located next to the world-renowned Titanic Belfast tourist attraction and a 15 minute walk from the city centre. We departed the next morning to City Airport and the journey took just 6 minutes in total from the car park – convenience at its best.

FUN | LET THE WEEKEND BE GIN… AT THE GINSTITUTE, LONDON.

The Ginstitute’s New Home at The Distillery, 186 Portobello Road

Rainy day in London? A friend and I holed up in the boutique rooms at The Distillery in Portobello Road and spent a wonderful evening at London’s now fabled gin-making experience ‘The Ginstitute’. The first of its kind in the UK, The Distillery is the new residence for capital bracer, Portobello Road Gin. Proud purveyors of London spirit, Portobello Road Gin’s new home features four floors designed for the discerning drinker, including a distillery, GinTonica (of which, more later, in FOOD), The Resting Room, a museum, off-licenced shop, gin-making experience ‘The Ginstitute’, and three boutique guest rooms overlooking London’s iconic market street, Portobello Road.

The Ginstitute really is the ultimate gin experience, allowing discerning drinkers to craft their own unique gin recipe to take home.

The 180-minute session* will captivate any intellectual (and thirsty) fellow as master distiller and entertaining raconteur Jake F.Burger and his expert team of ginstructors take guests on a historic whistle stop journey, revising the miserable gin era of London in the 1700’s made famous by Hogarth’s iconic ‘Gin Lane’ tableau, through 300 years of heritage belonging to Britain’s national spirit.

The intimate and interactive experience that culminates in making your own distillation begins in The Distillery’s basement History Room, situated adjacent to Portobello Road Gin’s own modern-day working distillery.  ‘The History Room’ is a beguiling space that harks back to London’s Victorian gin palaces. Curved booths look towards the central bar, table lamps providing low-level lighting and walls lined and traditional cabinets with mirrors house gin artefacts including the first-ever English cocktail book, first-edition bottles of various now-legendary gin brands and vintage bottles of gin that are available to purchase (priced at £100 upwards).  

Lubricated by gin cocktails, myself and the other Ginstitute ‘students’ moved on to one of The Blending Rooms in The Distillery to learn about the botanicals used to flavour gin. There is plenty of sniffing and guessing going on at this stage but it’s a wonderful experience in fine tuning your nose and going with your gut on scent and emotion.  With the help of The Ginstitute’s gin gurus, we created our own bespoke blend to take away in a personally signed bottle. Each individual’s recipe is kept on file at The Ginstitute allowing its ingenious Alumni to re-order their gin and continue to enjoy it at home.  Christmas gin in perpetua anyone?

Since its creation in 2011, The Ginstitute has helped over 20,000 gin lovers to craft their own artisan blend in splendid fashion.

Sessions are held daily and last just over 2 hours. Tickets for The Ginsitute are priced at £120 for a 180-minute session and are available to purchase here.

www.portobelloroadgin.com

About The Distillery:

www.the-distillery.london

Phone number is 020 3034 2233

FARAWAY PLACES | TROUBLE FREE TOWELS FROM TESALATE

If you’re anything like me then the long and seemingly never-ending spell of cold weather has got you browsing the internet looking for holidays while happily dreaming of warmer climes and mocktails on the beach… 

It’s official - I am now counting down the days until vacay-time and can’t wait to hit a golden, sandy beach! My little one V loves long days on the beach and we can often be found playing games and dipping in and out of the sea throughout the day when on holiday.  

However one of my pet peeves when spending a day frolicking by the seal is sand - sand and I have a kinda love/hate relationship - I love the feel of it beneath my feet and one of my favourite things to do on holiday is to watch the sunset on the beach, however, I hate how everything in your bag ends up covered in sand – especially when you have little ones who seem to have a knack for getting sand everywhere! 

So when Austrailian brand Tesalate kindly sent me two of their sand repelling towels for me and V to use on our holidays my beach-tote packing certainly stepped up a notch!  

Tesalate towels come in 30 variations and their 2018 collection will keep you totally on trend. They’re loaded with vibrant prints and gorgeous patterns, and look fab spread across the sand, rolled up in a basket bag or draped over a sunbed.  

Not only do they look the part, the other thing that makes Tesalate completely-irresistible is the AbsorbLite microfibre which means sand easily slides off the towel, making them perfect for everyone - even the most active of kids! Oh and if that wasn’t enough, they are also fast-drying too and dry faster than a regular towel (although each towel is still able to absorb one litre of water, meaning no more wet bags or car seats on the journey home - yay!).   

Tesalate is also super light and comes with its own nylon drawstring pouch so you don’t need to worry about it taking up too much space in your bag – meaning there is even more room for those other beach essentials and there is no risk of them getting covered in sand (hallelujah!)  
For fabric care you can either tumble dry on low or do a cold machine wash - without the risk of fading.  

I already have ours packed and ready to go – whether I am lounging by the pool or soaking up some rays at the shore, this is one essential I don’t want to be forgetting! Get yours here:  www.tesalate.com  
 

Have a magical journey with Kikkerland’s Unicorn Zip & Flip Pillow

As I pack for half term holidays with Valentina, I am eagerly awaiting the arrival of some magic at one of my fave kitsch stores, Kikkerland. Their latest product, a travel pillow which folds away to a unicorn cuddly, is an awesome answer to nervous travellers who need to add a sprinkling of magic dust to a trip away.

This handsome, huggable travel companion is so irresistibly squidgy, he makes the perfect placatory piece for perfect for nervous flyers. The grab-and-go, lightweight unicorn plushie *magically* transforms into unashamedly camp rainbow neck-pillow, when called into action.  

Suitable for both kids and fun-loving adults, the Unicorn Zip & Flip Pillow makes every journey a magical one. Trains, planes or automobiles, you’ll be forever graced a sublime slumber with the pillow, allowing you to arrive at your destination as fresh as a daisy; which is surely as good as any pot of gold.
 
 
Price: £40 www.kikkerlandeu.com

FARAWAY PLACES | OD TALAMANCA - A PERFECT IBIZAN GETAWAY

Talamanca, Ibiza, Spain
 

Telling people that you’re off to Ibiza for the weekend seems to conjure up lots of presumptions and pre-conceived ideas as to what you might be up to, in my experience. But although the Isla Blanca may be the land of the all-night nightclub with a hedonistic history, I personally prefer the hippie history of the island and the chilled vibe which exists in many parts (thankfully) as yet undiscovered by the disco divas.

On this trip, shared with four forty-somethings, we checked into the super smart OD Talamanca Hotel, which is located six miles/10km from the airport on a quiet bay close to Ibiza Town. It is an elegant refuge from the non-stop party atmosphere elsewhere and the impressive first impressions included a tight attention to detail in everything - from the design (interior and exterior) to the wonderfully accommodating and friendly staff as well as a modern menu and creative cocktails.

Designed by Rahola Vidal architects and the interior designer Mayte Matutes, I totally loved the mix of mid-century and modern.  Dry stone walls and sauna-like wood feature heavily outdoors around the pool area, with white walls and large windows throughout the bedroom spaces in the main buildings. Fans of designer chairs will be in heaven with repro Eames, Jacobson and Wegner styles, to name just a few. For me, the walk-in wardrobes of the suites were an incentive to actually unpack – which I don’t always get round to on weekend trips – and the wide, comfortable beds made for easy, relaxing slumbers, way beyond what I’d get on a busy weeknight at home (which is a terribly un-Ibiza thing to say I imagine).

Location, Location: In terms of location, the hotel is at the eastern end of Talamanca Bay, which is about a 5-10min taxi ride or a 30-minute walk east of Ibiza Town. You can walk down to the sea in a couple of minutes. It’s not the prettiest beach in the world, but it is nice for a swim with shallow waters underfoot and soft sand. We loved the Bodega tapas bar down by the beach – I had been there before back in 2014 and it hadn’t changed, with its hipster vibe plus really tasty tapas at very reasonable prices; perfect for a late night flight arrival.  The the ‘secret find’ of the amazing local Fish Shack restaurant is only about 10 minutes up the beach path also. If you’re partying at Pacha or Ushuaia it takes about 20mins/25 euro to get there by taxi. Likewise, it cost us £25 euro to get to our fave beach club El Chiringuito by private car.

Rooms: All bedrooms and suites, across both main buildings, have at least a partial sea view of Talamanca bay and the Dalt Vila (old part) of Ibiza Town beyond.  I loved our room’s pool view and balcony as well as the walk in wardrobe and open bathroom with its dual basins and a rain shower, plus some zingy citrus fragranced products.

Extra, Extra!: Book a loft room and a Smart Cabrio car is included as a nice bonus. [My partner and I hired one of these babies a few years back in Formentera (Ibiza’s little sister island) and we adored whizzing around the beautiful white sandy beaches of the playboy’s playground.] The first fill of the minibar is free, which is an extra welcoming touch [THAT I DIDN’T KNOW ABOUT UNTIL I RESEARCHED THIS BLOG BACK HOME!]…

Super Staff: The staff from the door to floor reminded me of those trained by the Starwood Group. They were all super polished like the beauties and babes of the Hudson in NYC or the W Barcelona, but with extra (genuine) Mediterranean charm and an eagerness to please. Even the gorgeously Nordic looking blonde female DJ spinning tunes in the lobby on Sunday afternoon was smiley and welcoming in a warm and friendly way.

A Tavola: The kitchen is open all day which helps in Ibiza when you might well be keeping odd hours. Mediterranean-Asian fusion dishes include tuna tataki and wagyu burgers. Room service includes tempting options such as a toasted aubergine sandwich with burrata and rocket. Breakfast – my favourite meal of the day - is available from 8am until midday with an excellent buffet and a menu with lots of healthy options including eggs pretty much any way you like, plus smoothies and bowls with every on-trend ingredient imaginable.  

La Cuenta Por Favor: Our double rooms cost £1200 for 2 people for 3 nights, although we also had an upgrade to a suite as one of the party had stayed before…

Who stays there? Well, when we stayed there were groups of cool baristas from Italy, sponsored by Red Bull. We also met some Norwegian bankers and a DJ/talent agent plus one or two musicians & DJs playing sets at HI! & Ushuaia that weekend.   It doesn’t seem overly family-orientated, but there were a few cool Euro families with beautiful kids lounging by the pool and eating quietly at breakfast. No screaming tantrums on my watch anyway.

My only disappointment? No gym or spa, but I am told these are en route. And that’s good, because I’ll be back.

TRUFFLE HUNTING AT LAS PASTRAS, CADENET, (PROVENCE) FRANCE

My partner and I love fine wines and good food. And we are pretty heavy on 'stuff', so for Christmas gifts I always like to treat my better half to an experience - ideally involving some culture, food, physical activity and travel. After previous tasting trips to Champagne and cooking courses in Paris, I decided a truffle hunt was the way to go this past Christmas - and it didn't disappoint. I came across Las Pastras on TripAdvisor and booked, then rebooked and chopped & changed 3 times due to work commitments. Thankfully our hosts were accommodating and flexible (or maybe just used to people like us) and we eventually made it to Provence on the last weekend for truffle hunting towards the end of February. There was a mistral wind blowing despite some sunshine, so thankfully we were well wrapped up.

We knew we were going to someone's home and that the home was in a rural environment, so others making the trip should bear this in mind. It's not luxury, in the full five star sense, but it is truly lovely :-)  Johann met us up his lane after our Google Maps app took us exactly to his almost secret home location. We heard the stories of why it is secret - and I don't want to spoil the visit for anyone else who comes, but think Peter Mayle-like stories of local suspicion and conspiracy around such simple things as food (albeit a very expensive foodstuff in terms of the fruits of this precious 'terre'). We then met the dogs - Madeline the elder female was definitely the boss, and we followed their noses to the roots of the oaks to seek out and find the precious cargo of what was almost 1kg of truffles.

View fullsize

After 3 hours of walking, talking and learning about birds, bees, organic farming and the Provençal way of life, we got down to some eating and Champagne quaffing alongside truffles with cheese, truffles with bread and butter and much more! Thankfully, there are not volumes and tomes of info like a wine trip, so I don’t think we’ll forget the info like we have done after visiting wine regions, because truffle farming is a lot about skill, but even more so about a lucky set of natural circumstances. Plus, Johann really welcomed questions of all types -  and I was full of them! This trip was a pleasure - and we left owning (or adopting) an oak tree with the promise of an annual batch of our own truffles for dinner parties at home! It was a wonderful learning experience and not one we’ll forget quickly.

Later that night we ate in a delicious Michelin star restaurant but the next day we burned a good bit of it all off with a dynamic trek to the summit of Mont Sainte Victoire... This is most definitely a trip for foodies and those willing to learn.

Read about the rest of our French antics here on the blog…