12 Best Places To Travel In 2024

I love the hustle and bustle of popular destinations but I am always seeking somewhere new and off the beaten track. There is a unmatched thrill you get from exploring new destinations that are untouched by mass tourism.

As we enter a new year, it’s time to expand our horizons to explore & experience what the world has to offer. I have carefully curated a list of my favourite emerging travel destinations for a dose of travel inspo.

1. Oman

Oman is a stunning middle eastern destination that is fast gaining traction. This country possesses a rich history with a modern style which creates something for every type of traveller. The high-end resorts and pristine beaches create the perfect environment to relax and recuperate in style. Whilst in contrast, the rippling sand dunes and Hajar mountains invite the adventure & adrenaline seekers. The culture rich souks, cuisine and whitewashed infrastructure which the culture lovers and historians can immerse themselves in. Oman exudes a timeless Arabian luxury and is definitely one to add to the 2024 cards.

 
 
 
 
 
View this post on Instagram
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

A post shared by BEAUTIFUL HOTELS (@beautifulhotels)

2. Albania

Nestled between Greece and Montenegro in southern Europe, Albania shares the same stunning coastlines on the Ionian and Adriatic seas.

Albania provides the sought-after hot and dry summers, whilst the Albanian Alps has the picturesque snowcapped mountains in the winter without the crowds. The untouched pristine beaches and stunning natural landscapes have brought about a recent increase in tourism. Which in turn has created a surge of new and trendy hotels, beach clubs and restaurants. The perfect combination of turquoise blue Mediterranean seas, delicious food and good wine, and charming old towns.

If you love Greece as much as I do you might have noticed how extortionate it has become in the past few years and it’s clear to see why it’s neighbouring country, Albania, is becoming the next emerging European hotspot.

3. Malta

Malta is a massively underrated country in Europe, in recent years it has been getting the recognition it deserves. This small island just below Sicily and north of North Africa is the perfect blend of Mediterranean vibes with a hint of ancient Arabian influence. Malta has something for everyone; a crystal clear sea and a myriad of beautiful beaches to unwind for the chilled, infinity pool beach clubs and restaurants along the yacht filled harbour for the boujie, and stunning old towns and ancient medinas for the history lovers. Read more about Malta in my post here.

 
 
 
 
 
View this post on Instagram
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

A post shared by Uncovering the best of Malta???????? (@lovemalta)

4. Slovenia

Slovenia deserves as much hype as its popular scenic neighbours get, it is brimming with natural beauty, much of which is undiscovered.

This picturesque country is home to the most stunning lakes, alpine mountains, natural hot-springs, forests, vineyards and more. In addition to this, Slovenia has been consistently named as one of the safest destination to visit.

If you want immaculate and sensational views and a calming natural environment then make Slovenia your 2024 holiday destination.

 
 
 
 
 
View this post on Instagram
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

A post shared by Regent Holidays (@regentholidays)

5. Mozambique

Mozambique is slowly becoming a sought-after destination and I can see why. This country provides the best of both worlds with its spectacular wildlife and stunning beaches. The Bazaruto Archipelago is a group of six islands in Mozambique creating the perfect opportunity to island hop and visit the pristine coral reefs. The warm crystal clear waters are similar to Zanzibar and rival the Caribbean.

In the past few years there has been a boom in stunning new beach resorts which now line the Indian Ocean coastline, with more planning to open on private islands. Although people mostly visit for the sheer amount of untouched beaches, Mozambique is also abundant with wildlife and a great option for safari.

 
 
 
 
 
View this post on Instagram
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

A post shared by Jetsetter Jackie © ???????????????? (@jetsetterjackie)

6. Montenegro

Sandwiched between Croatia, Bosnia, Serbia, Albania and Kosovo, Montenegro is an up and coming European hotspot and is quickly being established as Southern Europe’s newest luxury destination.

Montenegro is full of breathtaking scenery; cobbled medieval towns, golden beaches, beautiful coves and stunning national parks. The ports are filled with super yachts, 5-star hotels and chic restaurants and clubs. The country also boasts the Bay of Kotor – a UNESCO World Heritage Site – a mesmerizing mediterranean fjord with a backdrop of mountain peaks.

 
 
 
 
 
View this post on Instagram
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

A post shared by One&Only Portonovi (@ooportonovi)

7. Namibia

Namibia is a stunningly unique destination where the red desert meets the sea, creating endless horizons. And this is only one of many of the scarily beautiful natural wonders that Namibia has to offer.

The rolling and remote sand dunes of the Namib desert coupled with the famous red sunset provides a desert experience like you have never seen before. The chillingly captivating ‘dead trees’ in Deadvlei is like a forest frozen in time. And the land is abundant with magnificent safari wildlife.

Namibia was rated as one of the fastest emerging travel destinations in 2020 and it continues to maintain its status which is unsurprising given the beauty of the country.

It is 100% a destination to add to the top of your list, especially before the crowds descend.

 
 
 
 
 
View this post on Instagram
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

A post shared by Solly Levi (@solly_levi)

8. South Korea

Korean culture has been trending for a few years with the ‘Korean Wave’, from K-beauty, to K-pop and K-dramas, so its no surprise that Korea itself is becoming a trending destination.

A girly skin-care trip to Korea is on my bucket list but Korea has so much to offer; natural beauty, traditional culture juxtaposed with an innovative modern and trendy feel, and should I mention the tantalizing and renowned Korean cuisine?!

 
 
 
 
 
View this post on Instagram
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

A post shared by KoreaTravelEasy (@koreatraveleasy)

9. Qatar

Qatar is another middle-eastern destination that has been gaining popularity. The weather is warm all year round and being a mid-haul destination from the UK makes it a great option for a quick getaway.

Qatar offers the same in vogue restaurants and hotels, down to the Friday brunches. But it is much quieter than Dubai – perfect for those that want to chill out.

As well as the shopping, restaurants and resorts high-life, Qatar is full of culture with plenty of museums, souqs and deserts to explore.

 
 
 
 
 
View this post on Instagram
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

A post shared by Hello Qatar (@helloqatar)

10. Costa Rica

Costa Rica’s alluring natural beauty has always made it the destination of choice for nature lovers. And the recent focus on stunning extravagant villas and resorts has it fast becoming an up and coming luxury nature destination.

Costa Rica has two distinct coastlines, the Caribbean and Pacific, where you can explore the black sand beaches or the jungles which are teeming with unique wildlife. It is also well known for the stunning landscape; biodiverse rainforests, volcanos and beautiful beaches.

The adventure lovers can zipline, trek through the jungle to spot jaguars, toucans, sloths & more, whale watch and white water raft. Or the luxury lovers can unwind in a plush luxury villa with cascading showers, floating beds, private plunge pools and a private chef. Or you can be like me and do both!

 
 
 
 
 
View this post on Instagram
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

A post shared by MintPass (@mintpasstravel)

11. Turkey

Turkey is by no means a ‘new’ holiday destination, however it is the country that keeps on giving as more and more Turkish towns and cities gain popularity. The luxe cities of Bodrum & Istanbul get better year on year. Bodrum is rife with five-star hotels, restaurants and beach clubs and I still swear by Istanbul – it is the city that has everything (read my Istanbul blog post here).

Gocek caught my eye as a new charming destination that people are falling in love with. Located in in Fethiye, Gocek is an upmarket town on the southern coast. It is known for its perfect sailing conditions (hello yachts), which provide picturesque calm waters with a backdrop of rugged mountains.

 
 
 
 
 
View this post on Instagram
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

A post shared by SIMPLY THE WEST | Prints & Travel (@simply.the.west)

12. Grenada

With so many popular Caribbean holiday destinations, Grenada doesn’t get as much traction as it’s neighbours, but do not sleep on this up and coming destination.

Grenada encompasses all you want from the Caribbean such as the majestic beaches, rich culture, great food and more. Being lesser visited works in Grenada’s favour as there are dozens of unspoiled beaches and untouched natural rainforest. And as well as being a tranquil and quiet Caribbean option, Grenada has it’s own uniqueness and is known as ‘The Island of Spice’. This is due to Grenadas huge spice industry – and where there is spice, there is flavour!

The recently opened luxury hotels and the promise of more to come in 2024 make Grenada a destination to watch. 

 
 
 
 
 
View this post on Instagram
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

A post shared by Jeremy Flores (@jeremyaustiin)

 

Make sure to check out these destinations and add some to your list if they weren’t there already!
Roberta x
Follow:
Roberta
Roberta
Share:

MALTA

I hadn’t planned to visit Malta was but it came around when searching for a new European destination for my 2023 girls trip. I had about two weeks to research and the more I saw, the more excited I became. Driving through the picturesque quaint cobbled streets on my way out of the airport, I knew we were in for a treat.

This small island just below Sicily and north of North Africa was a perfect blend of Mediterranean vibes with a hint of ancient Arabian influence. Malta has something for everyone; a crystal clear sea & a myriad of beautiful beaches to explore and unwind for the chilled, infinity pool beach clubs and restaurants along the yacht filled harbour for the boujie, and stunning old towns and ancient medinas for the history lovers.

Need to know

Local currency – Euro. Card is accepted everywhere (even on an ice-cream boat in the middle of the sea)

Language – Maltese however English & Italian are both widely spoken

Transport – Uber, Bolt, Taxi, Bus

 

Where to Stay

Malta is quite a small island making every area easily accessible to the centre – it’s only 1 hour drive from one end to the other. For a first time trip I would recommend staying in the centre of Malta – particularly St. Julians, Sliema or Valetta.

St. Julians is energetic and known for being the party town. I stayed in St. Julian’s at the Malta Marriott Hotel & Spa. Whilst the hotel was situated at the end of St. Julians, overlooking Barlutta Bay, and more on the quiet side, I loved the lively and modern feel to it coupled with the sea views. It was the perfect central location.

Valletta is Malta’s capital and is bursting with history with an ancient feel. The relaxed mood and popular al-fresco restaurants make it a great place to stay if you love a casual vibe.

Sliema is more of a residential seaside town but still perfect for tourists. It is vibrant and full of picturesque roads with plenty of shops along the promenade.

There are also plenty of rural areas of Malta to consider with out of the way villas; perfect if you want to be completely away from the hustle & bustle!

Malta has tons of hotels to choose from, I have included some of my favourites below:

  • Xara Palace Relais & Châteaux
  • Cugo Gran Macina Grand Harbour
  • Hotel Juliana
  • Palazzo Consiglia
  • Palais Le Brun
  • Corinthia Palace
  • Hilton Malta
  • Rosselli
  • Lure Hotel & Spa

What to do

If you ask me, Malta is the perfect place to do nothing but soak up the sun and eat great food. And that is exactly what I did on my trip! But there are also a myriad of other things to do:

Boat Trip (Blue Lagoon, Crystal Lagoon & Blue Grotto)

The crystal clear aquamarine waters of the lagoons were the highlight of my trip and are a must see when visiting Malta. The lagoons are close to each other and situated on the island of Comino.

You can visit the lagoons on a public tour, but as we wanted to control our itinerary we rented a private boat with a skipper.

If you love getting into the water then the crystal lagoon is for you as there is no beach area, just stunning, warm, clear water and it’s a lot less busy than the Blue Lagoon. If swimming is not your thing, then the Blue lagoon is perfect, as there is a little beach and a hill to hike for incredible sea views.

The boat trip to the lagoon stops at all the incredible caves on the way, such as the Blue Grotto, so it’s the perfect way to admire the Mediterranean sea views. I still can’t get over the ice-cream boat that came by selling delish ice-creams and ice cold drinks – genius!

Gozo

Gozo is one of the small islands in the Maltese archipelago, neighbouring the main island of Malta itself – just a 20 minute ferry ride away. It is much quieter than Malta Island. Gozo undoubtedly has a more noticeable Arabian influence and is more untouched. You can explore the streets and grab lunch at the port – or do a quad bike tour if that’s more your thing!

Beach Club

I love incorporating a pure chilled out day at a beach club – eating my fave foods and soaking in the sun to music – so I was pleased to see the calibre of the Maltese beach club.

Café Del Mar

We opted for Café del Mar as the panoramic infinity pool and sea view make it undoubtedly the best beach club in Malta. The views were insane and it was easy to spend the whole day frolicking on the sunbed, eating sushi & drinking fresh lemonade with the DJ in the background.

At night, on the weekends, the sunbeds are tucked away and the beach clubs turns into a nightclub.

Book early!! Because it was a last minute trip we couldn’t book far in advance and our first choice of sunbeds (Luxury Beds) were sold out. We did get our second choice – the VIP Beds.

  Beefbar

Beefbar is another stunning beach club that I would have visited if I had enough time. Luxury sun beds on an infinity pool overlooking the Mediterranean sea. A great option if you prefer a less busy beach club than Café Del Mar.

Valletta

The city of Valletta is a UNESCO World Heritage Site – the perfect place to immerse yourself in ancient history. You can wander the cobbled streets and visit historical sites such as the temple of Hagar Qim. Valleta comes alive in the night time, full of buzzing al-fresco restaurants – perfect for day or night.

Mdina

Known as ‘the silent city’ Mdina is a majestic ancient walled city filled with with medieval architecture. Another amazing site for history and architecture lovers.

Photo by David Alfons on Unsplash

What to eat

Klay

Klay is a bayside restaurant in St. Julians which we found on an afternoon stroll around our hotel. The restaurant décor was super chic bohemian style and matched our afternoon lunch vibe.

The cuisine was Italian and the food was great! I had the king prawn fileja which is a long twist shaped pasta from Southern Italy.

San Paolo Naufrago

San Paolo’s is a popular cosy pizza & wine bar in Valletta, and if you go without a booking you will be waiting in a queue round the corner. It is located on the buzzing St. Lucia street where all the neighbouring restaurants dine al-fresco on the cobbled street.

We had a classic margharita (best pizza ever IMO– don’t fight me on this!), lasagne, and a goats cheese salad. The food was fresh and delicious and made me feel like I was back in Venice. We paired with a recommended local white wine and had the best girly sweet & relaxed evening. Highly recommend.

Felice Brasserie

Located on the port in Sliema, Felice is an upper dining restaurant. They had a breakfast/brunch menu but we opted for a dinner visit as they open late and have a DJ.

The cuisine was mixed – grill, Turkish and Italian, which is good as there is something for everyone. We had the Wagyu Ribeye and Chicken Piccata which was good. The vibe was my favourite thing about Felice, relaxed but dressy with a lush sea view.

Malta Marriott

I wouldn’t normally add a hotel to restaurant recommendations but the food at the Marriott was so good, I couldn’t leave it out! We ate poolside at the Sundeck and dined for lunch at Atrio and both delivered:

The Sun Deck

Probably my favourite meal of the whole trip. We had the chicken caesar salad, burrata and spaghetti vongole and all were cooked to perfection. Special shoutout to the spaghetti vongole as the clams were so fresh and deliciously seasoned! The deck also had the prettiest & yummiest lemonades.

Atrio

Atrio was a Mediterranean restaurant and with an rooftop BBQ on the terrace on Saturdays. The food was lovely – we had the burrata, steak pie and a chicken & kale dish.

There are dozens of places to eat that cater to every taste. Two restaurants that were on my list to try were ‘U Bistrot’ and ‘Rosami at the Villa’ which is Michelin star rated.

Malta was a vibrant and beautiful destination that I would recommend to all. Sea, sun and fun – the best combination.

Let me know if you have been to Malta or ask me anything!

 

Roberta x

Follow:
Roberta
Roberta
Share:

The Reykjavik Edition

Named as the best hotel in Reykjavik, the alluring Edition lives up to its name. EDITION hotels are somewhat of a newcomer on the hotel chain scene. Although EDITION hotels have a distinct look, they always incorporate the feel of the home country into their luxury décor.

The Reykjavik Edition lobby is dark, luxurious and inviting with black furry rugs & throws and a huge lava rock centre piece. The Icelandic theme continues into the lobby bar with a massive fireplace and comfy sofas draped with more fur throws. The check in was smooth, quick and friendly. I spent 4 nights at the Edition and loved every second of my stay.

The hotel is situated by the harbour in downtown Reykjavik, the perfect location, central to restaurants and a short walking distance to the town centre.

 

The Room

I stayed in the Loft King Room which was spacious. Though minimalist, the interior echoed the same cosy Icelandic theme with a furry rug and soft throws on the bed and chairs. The mood was dark, warm, contemporary & cosy.

Cosy room decor

I especially loved the dramatic ceiling to floor window, which made the room feel even bigger than it was, looking out to the city. And the special touch of local chocolate left on my pillow at turndown service.

Everything in the room was thoughtful and top of the range. A handheld steamer, GHD hairdryer, Nespresso coffee machine and bathrobes lined with fur. Even the minibar was filled with thoughtful favourites.

The heated floors in the large bathroom were probably my favourite ever hotel feature, perfect for Iceland’s frosty weather. The bathroom had the signature EDITION white tiled look with contrasting black features. The toiletries were the Le Labo with a curated signature scent exclusively for the EDITION.

 

Another thoughtful touch was being able to opt-in to a northern lights wakeup call – a call to the room to wake you up if the northern lights appear.

 

The Food

The hotel has one main restaurant called Tides. There were also several other bars The Roof, Sunset, Tolt and Lobby Bar which serve cocktails and light bites. Sunset is also a nightclub on the weekend.

Tides

Tides doubles up as the breakfast restaurant and a prestigious lunch & dinner restaurant with a Michelin star chef.

The breakfast offered both a la carte and buffet. Buffet can be hit or miss for me because the food can lack quality, but this buffet matched the thoughtful and quality tone of EDITION.

It was delectable; Chia seed puddings with a selection of compotes, fresh Icelandic baked pasties & muffins, pancake & waffle stations, with warm compotes and a champagne bar for freshly juiced orange juice mimosas.

It was so good we ended up having breakfast three times despite planning to try breakfast in town.

The Roof

The roof was perfect for drinks after (or pre) dinner. Set on its own rooftop you can sit out on the terrace looking out to a stunning panoramic view, and even catch the northern lights if you’re lucky. The décor is sultry and moody with a DJ on weekends.

 

View from The Roof

 

The Spa

The ideal place to recharge after spending the day exploring. The spa was small but cosy and beautifully decorated just like the rest of the hotel. The spa boasts a steam room, sauna, and hammam with a number of treatments to select from.

Hammam Room

I thought the ‘Spa Bar’ was such a cute addition – a bar in the spa lounge that services health smoothies and teas in the day and cocktails pre/post treatments in the evening.

Spa Bar

Overall I had an amazing stay at The Reykjavik Edition. I’m a firm believer that a hotel stay can make or break a trip and this hotel was a gem and slice of luxury in my Iceland experience.

Follow:
Roberta
Roberta
Share:

ICELAND

Iceland absolutely blew my mind! I had been longing to visit for years and after finally taking the trip it proved to be the destination that kept on giving. The country itself is captivatingly beautiful, and the people are super friendly, welcoming and chilled. There was a cool, calm feeling vibrating through the land that I can’t quite put into words, the best way to describe it was the feeling, I felt at ease.

After visiting Iceland you completely understand why this Nordic island is known as the land of fire and ice. The landscape is dramatically scattered with black volcanic rock and ice capped mountains and volcanoes. Despite the temperature reaching far below zero degrees there are dozens of natural scorching thermal pools all over the island, and more volcanos than any other country in Europe.

 

Need to Know

Local currency – Icelandic Krona – come prepared because this country is expensive! Rated second most expensive country in Europe £££££

Language – Icelandic – English is widely spoken

Transport – Bus, taxi or rent a car. The roads are wide and easy to navigate

 

Where to stay

There are plenty of unique places to stay in Iceland. I chose to stay in Reykjavik, the capital city, to get a feel of the city life and for ease of options. Reykjavik is a relatively small city and the center is very walkable. Downtown Reykjavik (Midborg) is the best neighbourhood to stay in, it has most of the restaurants, bars and attractions, a buzzing nightlife and it really is the heart of the city.

Other recommended – areas

Vesturbaer – up and coming neighbourhood with a cool, relaxed and sophisticated vibe – 30 mins walk from the city centre

Laugardalur – this quiet, residential and well-connected area makes it best for families.

Hildar – best on a budget, popular for students and young people

I stayed at The Reykjavik Edition which has been named as one of the best in Iceland (and I agree).

The Lobby at The Reykjavik Edition Hotel

What to do

Blue Lagoon

Blue Lagoon is simply bucket list worthy and deserves it’s spot as one of the 25 wonders of the world. Seeing pictures of the lagoon in my teens is what actually put Iceland on my wishlist.

The pale blue, almost milky, water is so inviting and the steam that rises gives a romantic and almost mystical feel. The water is very warm (38°C) and luxurious with a silky sensation. It’s so warm that it doesn’t matter how cold the weather is, you can stay in the water for hours and stay toasty.

The water is said to cure ailments and have regenerative qualities due to the silica and sulfur, which also creates the rich blue colour.

Before visiting I saw complaints that the Blue Lagoon now feels like a public swimming pool and is no longer a coveted attraction in Iceland. Whilst I agree that the Lagoon feels a little busy and definitely feels like a tourist attraction, comparing it to a swimming pool is a reach. It is still a breathtaking experience and worth the visit, and one you must have on your Iceland to do list.

Tips for visiting the Blue Lagoon:
  •  Try and visit on your way to or from the airport as the Lagoon is far from everywhere except the airport.
  • Pick a morning slot or evening slot to avoid the crowd. I went in the evening which was a perfect way to see the sunset; you might even get lucky and see the northern lights.
  • Girls – condition your hair or just wear a headscarf please. The silica in the water makes your hair super brittle and there is no avoiding it. If your natural hair is tucked away then even better.
  • There’s no need to opt for the premium package to get a robe as you take if off straightaway and it gets too wet to use afterwards.

Sky Lagoon

The Sky Lagoon is another geothermal spa but feels much more luxury, natural and secluded that than the Blue Lagoon. Again, I understand why people are ditching the Blue Lagoon for the Sky Lagoon but I still say you need to visit both.

I went for the Sky Date Night package and it was well worth it. The package came with access to the private and luxury changing rooms, a beverage (champagne of course), and a food platter in the café after your visit.

Walking into the Lagoon was a breathtaking experience. I had watched videos and seen pictures prior to visiting, but it is ten times better in person. A rocky natural landscape with an infinity pool that overlooks a never ending sea.

The water was crystal clear and, like the blue lagoon, very warm at (38°C). Even though the weather was cold, the sun was shining and I caught a tan.

Because of how relaxing and beautiful the experience was, we struggled to get out of the thermal pool and stayed in for about 5 hours without even realising.

The sky-lagoon boasts a 7-step ritual which is based on Icelandic traditions to rejuvenate you:

  1. Lagoon – relaxing in the warm geo-thermal infinity pool
  2. Cold Plunge – dipping in a freezing cold pool for 10-30 seconds to stimulate your immune system
  3. Sauna – breathtaking ocean views
  4. Cold Fog-Mist – rejuvenates the skin and refreshes your senses
  5. Body Scrub – apply the signature sky sea salt body scrub to exfoliate your skin
  6. Steam Room – enter the steam room with your scrub on to open the skin and absorb the benefits
  7. Shower and Lagoon – rinse off the scrub in the shower and back into the warm geothermal lagoon

Snowmobiling

Snowmobiling is a must do! Especially if you’re a thrill seeker like me. The experience is so exhilarating; it’s like jet skiing on snow.

There are a few places to snowmobile in Iceland. I chose the Langjokull glacier (Iceland’s second biggest glacier) and the views were absolutely breathtaking, at one point it felt like I was riding on clouds to heaven as there was never-ending pure white scenery. Such a cool experience.

You need a driving license (though they didn’t ask to see ours) or you can get on the back of someone that holds one. And wear something warm – even though they provide gloves, a helmet and overalls.

Golden Circle

The golden circle is a circular driving route that takes you from Reykjavik round in a circle back to Reykjavik in 3 hours with different sightseeing highlights dotted on the way. There are loads of public golden circle tours you can take, but as we had rented a car (and prefer private tours), we did it by ourselves. It was very easy to navigate – just put golden circle in google maps and it will take you to every stop.

The sights are:

· Thingvellir National Park

Iceland’s national park and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Game of Thrones shot some scenes here which you can hike and see. There are lakes, and waterfalls and a snorkeling site.

· Strokkur Geysir

Geothermal area where you can watch a hot geyser erupt from the group every 6-10 minutes. The water shoots up to 131 ft in the air.

· Gulfoss Waterfall

Iceland’s most famous waterfall – and what a vision it was – a huge waterfall with rainbows shooting from the spray.

We stopped here to have a break and eat a delicious lunch. We were picked up here to visit the glacier for our snowmobile tour and dropped back afterwards.

· Langjokull Glacier

Where you can snowmobile or explore the ice caves.

· Fontana Geothermal Baths

I passed on this thermal bath as I had already planned to visit the blue lagoon and sky lagoon but this is a natural hot spring that you can relax in. There are also steam rooms made from the natural water of the hot spring and a sauna.

South of Iceland Tour (Selfoss to Vik)

The south of Iceland has all of the famous highlights of Iceland however it is a further distance than the golden circle. We didn’t have time for both, so opted for the latter which is a good thing because I’ll have to come back and do it another time ?! Highlights of the south include:

· Seljalandsfoss Waterfalls

This is Iceland’s most pictured waterfall as there is a picturesquely positioned with a walking path behind the cascading water which means you can take stunning pics from the bottom of the waterfall.

Skogafoss, Gljufrabui and Svartifoss are all other beautiful waterfalls on the south Iceland coast.

· Reynisfjara Black Sand Beach

This stunning contrasting beach of white foamy water crashing against a jet black sand beach is another of Iceland’s unforgettable destinations.

· Skaftafell National Park

This national park is the gateway to the largest glacier in Europe, Vatnajokull. You can snowmobile here or explore the ice caves and scenic trails.

· Diamond Beach

Diamond beach is a natural phenomenon on the south coastline. Small icebergs from the nearby glacier wash up on the black sand beach creating a landscape that resembles diamonds sparkling ashore.

You can complete the tour in a day with enough time, but some split it into days and stay at hotels or cabins along the way.

Northern Lights

Iceland is full of natural phenomenon’s and the Northen Lights is another very popular one. People travel all the way to Iceland just to see them.

The lights are an aurora; a natural light display which ‘dance’ in the sky and light the whole sky with different colours. The lights can be seen from Reykjavik however there are guided tours outside of the city for a better (and brighter) chance of seeing them.

Best time of year to catch the aurora are the winter solstice in September through March.

Northern Lights – Photo by Lightscape Unsplash

Where to Eat

I prepped for Iceland with a long list of eateries to try but found myself with hardly any time to! We ended up eating at the hotel a lot and on the go because we were so active, but everything we did eat did not disappoint.

ROK

ROK was cute, cosy and the food was delish! We were told that dishes were small-ish and tapas style and so we ordered a lot! … Let’s just say Icelandic small is not the same as English small.

We had the Thai shrimp, fried cod, confit duck, beef tenderloin, African lamb chops and garlic roasted potatoes with chorizo & parmesan. For dessert we tried the brownie with hazelnuts. Everything was cooked to perfection!

Braud & Co

The freshest and most delicious Icelandic baked goods.

KROST

A relaxed grill & wine bar featuring small plates, burgers and traditional mains.

Kol

I didn’t make it to Kol but heard great things – including their weekend bottomless brunch.

The restaurant offers a twist on classic cuisine – fish, steaks and desserts.

Icelandic fish & chips

Restaurant recommendations & must try dishes:

  • Water – yes, water needs its own mention. Icelandic water flows down from a glacier and is the cleanest, freshest, crispest water you will ever drink.
  • Fish and chips – Iceland fish and chips beats any other hands down.
  • Icelandic hotdog – worth the hype (try Bæjarins Beztu Pylsur hotdog stand)
  • Sandholt – amazing brunch
  • Café Loki – relaxed lunch vibe with great local dishes
  • Dill – evening restaurant
  • Duck & Rose
  • Workshop @ Exeter Hotel – delicious doughnuts
  • The Grill Market

Iceland is so highly recommend by me and is firmly in my top 5 destinations ever visited, and it’s a place I can see myself visiting time and time again. Whether it’s for a baecation, a friends, family or solo trip, Iceland holds a taste of magic for everyone.

As always, let me know if you have any questions or your experience if you’ve been to Iceland!

Roberta x

 

Follow:
Roberta
Roberta
Share:

Istanbul

Istanbul is the largest and most popular city in Turkey, though a modern city, it is still full of traditional vibes and brimming with culture at every corner.

A cheeky fun fact is that Istanbul is the only city in the world that is spread over two continents; it is separated by a body of water called The Bosphorus Strait which straddles both Europe and Asia.

NEED TO KNOW:

Local currency: Turkish Lira (TRY)

Language: Turkish

Transport: Taxi, tram, metro, bus – uber is not widely used in Istanbul

 

MY TRIP:

I did a 3-night weekend stay from Friday to Monday and booked my flights and hotel separately.

 

WHERE TO STAY:

Besiktas Best for luxury hotels and restaurants that are overlooking the water. Though this area is not close to the historic peninsula, it is quickly accessible to the waterfront and you can take a ferry to the Asian side of Istanbul. Similar areas are Nisantasi and Ortakoy.

Sultanahmet This area is best for first-timers to the city as it is in walking distance to Istanbul’s unmissable spots. It is close to The Grand Bazaar, Blue Mosque, Spice Bazaar, Basilica Cistern and more. Whilst Sultanahmet is a bustling area, it is quiet on the nightlife side.

Beyoglu A great area for those interested in nightlife as it is full of bars, nightclubs and restaurants.

Other great areas to consider are Taksim, Galata and Bazaar.

I stayed at the St.Regis Istanbul which is situated in Nisantasi; a very cosmopolitan and luxury feel with great views of the water, it was also fairly quick and easy to get to most places.

Other hotels in Istanbul that I would recommend are:

  • Four Seasons Istanbul at the Bosphorus
  • Sumahan on the Water
  • Georges Hotel Galata
  • Witt Istanbul Hotel
  • 10 Karakoy

 

WHAT TO EAT:

Cesme Bazlama Kahvalti

Cesme was recommended to us by the hotel concierge when our first choice for Sunday brunch was fully booked. I was hesitant because I hadn’t seen it on any ‘must visit restaurants’ lists, however, this restaurant took me by surprise and was easily one of my favourite spots on my trip.

Cesme serves a traditional Turkish breakfast which has a set menu and costs around 75TRY (£7.50) per person. The breakfast consists of Turkish eggs, bread, cheeses, salad, potatoes, olives, tahini, hummus, olives, fresh Turkish doughnuts and more.

The waiter came round with warm fresh jams, honey, and chocolates for you to dip your doughnuts and bread in. As if that wasn’t enough, the waiters constantly came round with more bread served plain, stuffed with spinach or cheese, fresh lemonade and Turkish tea.

Everything at Cesme was freshly handmade, including the bread and jam, and it tasted divine.

As it is a walk-in restaurant with no reservations, there is usually a queue. Despite this, the queue moves quickly, and we were seated in around 15 minutes. Additionally, as it is a set menu, the food came quickly after being seated. I highly recommend!

Lacivert

This restaurant is located on the Asian side of Istanbul and required a boat ride to get there.
The settings were beautiful, overlooking the sea by the Istanbul Bosphorus coastline.

Being a seafront restaurant, the menu was Mediterranean style seafood. I ordered a prawn starter and seafood linguine main course. The food was nice but it honestly didn’t wow me.

Whilst the food was mediocre, I really enjoyed the ambience of the restaurant, the views and the boat ride, it was a lovely evening and experience.

The meal was quite expensive by Turkish standards and I paid around £55, but this must factor in the free boat ride too and from the restaurant and you pay for the nice views.

I would recommend for the experience but maybe don’t order what I did lol!

Zuma

Zuma is a well-known contemporary restaurant which serves modern Japanese cuisine. It is also popular in London and it made sense to have it on our restaurant list.

As expected the food was divine. I had the prawn tempura maki rolls as a starter, beef ribs and garlic broccoli as a main, and the famous Zuma melt-in-the-mouth chocolate fondant cake to finish.

Zuma Istanbul was very affordable as compared to London. In London, a three-course meal with several cocktails can easily set you back £100 – £150 per head whereas I paid £50 for the same in Istanbul.

I enjoyed it so much that I went back the next day for a second time and this time replacing the cocktails, with mocktails I paid £40 for my three-course meal and drinks – need I say more?

Spago by Wolfgang Puck

Having visited other Wolfgang Puck restaurants and being really impressed, I was really looking forward to dining at Spago.

The restaurant offered an amazing sky view of Istanbul and great drinks. Although the food was nice, it didn’t live up to my Wolfgang Puck expectations.

I would still recommend as it was nice, but not the Michelin star-worthy food that I was expecting.

If you’re a fan of cocktails and you visit, I recommend the ‘Peace on Earth’ – I would go back to Spago for that drink alone.

Four Seasons Sunday Brunch

I wanted to attend the Four Seasons Sunday brunch after hearing amazing reviews but unfortunately, it was fully booked. The brunch is served in the afternoon and consists of multiple cuisine brunch buffet overlooking the Bosphorus. If you plan on brunching here make sure you book early.

Four Seasons Brunch Restaurant

 

More restaurants that were on my list:

  • Vogue
  • Riches
  • 16 Roof
  • Paper Moon
  • Galvin Nistanasi
  • Cecconi’s, Soho House
  • You can also try your luck at Nusr-Et. As Istanbul is Salt Bae’s first restaurant location and he is Turkish, there is a good chance he might be around for some salt sprinkling action!

Traditional Turkish

You simply cannot come to Turkey without trying some traditional Turkish cuisine, my must-try dishes are:

Baklava – an extremely moreish sweet dessert made of layers of filo pastry stuffed with chopped nuts and held together with syrup or honey. I like my Baklava warm with vanilla ice cream, how do you like yours 😉 ?

I bought some Baklava to take back to London from a popular dessert shop called Hafiz Mustafa 1864.

Kebab – We’ve all had a kebab – but have you really tried a kebab until you’ve tried it the traditional Turkish way? Whether you are a Doner, Kofte, or Sheesh kebab type of person, you have to try it freshly made as Turkish street food.

Turkish Apple Tea Apple tea is the national tea of Turkey and tastes like hot apple juice. It is a big part of Turkish hospitality and I was offered a cup almost everywhere I went – including in the Grand Bazaar and after my spa treatment.

Gozleme / Bazlama – Both Gozleme and Bazlama are Turkish flatbreads made from unleavened dough, the former is made with fat and the latter is made without. The bread is often stuffed with meat, cheese and spinach.

Apple Tea served in the Grand Bazaar

 

WHAT TO DO:

Taht Istanbul

Taht is a rooftop which overlooks Istanbul offering insane views. The rooftop is set up for photoshoots with traditional Turkish rugs, pillows and shisha.

If you’re not scared of heights and birds then Taht is perfect for beautiful scenic pictures of Istanbul.

Entry is 100TRY (£10) and includes tea and time on the rooftop to take pictures. If you require a professional camera and photographer, you can pay more.

Grand Bazaar

Istanbul’s Grand Bazaar is over 500 years old and one of the largest covered bazaars in the world. The bazaar contains over 60 streets and more than 4000 shops.

You can buy all sorts of things in the bazaar including ceramics, scarves, Turkish teas, sweets and spices. You can also get gold and silver jewellery, Turkish rugs and handmade crafts.

The bazaar is usually jam-packed full of people, however, due to Covid-19, it was very empty when I visited. I bought a Turkish eye bracelet as a trinket.

Turkish eye bracelet purchased at Grand Bazaar

If you visit don’t forget to haggle as prices are sometimes tripled if you are a foreigner.

Spice Bazaar

The Spice Bazaar is a vibrant market full of edible goods that visitors can taste before they buy.

There are hundreds of colourful and fragrant spices on offer. You can also buy dried fruits, Turkish sweets, coffees, teas and more.

Turkish Hammam

What is a trip to Turkey without indulging in a hammam bath? Hammams were first found in Arabia but made popular by the Turkish.

A hammam scrub and massage is exactly what the body needs on a holiday and Turkey is made for it. A hammam treatment consists of an exfoliation scrub, rinse and massage as well as relaxing in the bath and steam room.

There are plenty of hammam baths in Istanbul, some are very old and traditional. Because I was on a tight schedule and for a luxury feel, I visited the spa in my Hotel which had its own hammam bath.

Beach Club

If you’re seriously craving a beachside you can get to the beach in an hour from Istanbul city centre.

There are several beach clubs including Solar Beach which is situated on Kilyos beach and is a regular host to festivals and night parties. There is also a variety of activities such as water sports, rock climbing, volleyball etc.

Nightlife

Istanbul has a really good nightlife and you’re guaranteed a night of fun no matter what type of music you are in to.

Being a fan of Afrobeats, Hip Hop and RnB,  the Hip Hop night at Blackk nightclub was the perfect choice. The club was glam, not too big (I dislike huge clubs) and had an open rooftop with views of Istanbul skyline.

Blue Mosque

I didn’t get a chance to visit the Blue Mosque however it is a must-visit whilst in Istanbul. It is one of the only mosques (out of more than 3000) in Istanbul with 6 minarets.

It is known as the Blue Mosque due to the blue tiles that decorate the interior and is one of Istanbul’s most iconic historic sights attracting thousands of tourists.

Blue Mosque Istanbul

Bosphorus Cruise

There are several cruises you can take on the Bosphorus Strait which provide a great overview of both the European and Asian side of the city.

There is a long cruise which lasts six hours and goes all the way to the Black Sea. Or you can choose shorter cruises which last anywhere from one to two hours, and include visits to different historical sites and neighbourhoods.

Boats on the Bosphorus Strait

There are loads of places to visit in Istanbul, a lot more than I managed to visit in my short time. If you want to take in more of the history of the city then you can also visit the below:

  • Basilica Cistern
  • Hagia Sophia
  • Topkapi Palace Museum

I had a great time in Istanbul and I endorse this city for long or short trips. There is so much do see and do in this welcoming and bustling city.

If you have been to Istanbul, or anywhere else in Turkey, or you have any questions, feel free to comment below.

Love Roberta

x

Follow:
Roberta
Roberta
Share:

Jamaica

Jamaica is a Caribbean island in the West Indies which is situated in the Caribbean Sea.

Known for its stunning beaches, reggae music, rum and being home to the fastest man on earth, the island is a popular holiday destination thanks to its year-round sunshine and hot weather.

Need to Know:

Local currency – Jamaican Dollar (JMD)

Language – English

Transport – Taxi

Adaptor – 2 flat pin

 

My Stay:

My trip was a 14-night all-inclusive package holiday – I booked the flights and hotel together.

Where to stay

There are many places to stay in Jamaica – popular tourist destinations include Negril, Montego Bay, Ochi Rios and Port Antonio.

Negril – Situated in the west of Jamaica and is known for its beautiful white beaches.

Montego Bay – Mo Bay is the tourist capital of the country, it is energetic and lively, visited for its nightlife, lux resorts and activities.

Ochi Rios – Another popular tourist destination on the island which boasts some of Jamaica’s most stunning beaches.

Port Antonio – Perfect for those that like quiet trips as PA is not as busy as the other tourist cities.

Wherever you decide to stay you’re guaranteed beautiful scenery and a great stay. As this was a girls trip we opted for Montego Bay for the tourism and nightlife.

Doctors cove beach montego bay jamaica blog travel blog robbienroute

Hotels:

We stayed in the Riu Reggae which was a brand new hotel adults-only resort. Staying at the Riu Reggae meant we could access the grounds of its sister hotels; Riu Palace and Riu Montego Bay. Between the three resorts, there was more than enough going on to keep us occupied for two weeks.

The hotel was very new and clean, the food was good and I was kept happy with the endless supplies of frozen slushies.

The main highlight of the food was the Jerk Hut which was open for lunch every day – authentic jerk chicken barbequed on the beach.

Staying in a resort for my first trip to Jamaica was a good way to get a feel of my surroundings however for my future trips to Jamaica I would love to stay in a private villa.

Other hotels that I had shortlisted included:

  • The Cliff Hotel
  • The Caves
  • Royalton
  • Sandals
  • S Hotel Jamaica
  • Breathless Montego Bay
  • Sensatori Resort Azul Jamaica

 

Montego bay Beach Doctor's Cave Travel Blog image robbienroute

Doctor’s Cave Beach – Montego Bay

What to Eat

Staying at an all-inclusive resort didn’t stop me from trying some of my favourite authentic Jamaican dishes.

Scotchies

I can see why Scotchies was recommended to get authentic traditional jerk. Their jerk chicken did not disappoint, paired with rice and peas and festival bread. Highly recommend.

Juici Patties

Our hotel served a selection of patties every day but we still had to get the real deal. Juici Patties is popular with the locals and serves a choice of fresh meat, shrimp and veggie patties.

Floyds Pelican Bar

Pelican Bar is a unique bar on a sandbar in the ocean. To get there you need to take a 10-minute boat ride from Treasure Beach, Falmouth.

Also highly recommended were:

  • Miss T’s Kitchen
  • Fireman’s Lobster Pit

 

What to do

Jamaica is filled with different activities, I did so much and I still didn’t manage to get round to everything – even after a two-week stay.

Ricks Café

Ricks Café is a Negril hot spot, it’s a bar and restaurant which offers stunning sunset views and cliff jumping if you’re brave enough. If not, you can always watch others cliff jump whilst you sip on a cocktail and listen to the live band. If you visit, try to make sure you time it to see the beautiful sunset view.

 

Seven Mile Beach

Situated in Negril, 7 Mile is a famous endless stretch of powdery white sand and crystal clear water beach. There are plenty of water sports on offer and you can even do shark diving (at your own risk).

If you visit Negril, you can do Seven Mile Beach and Ricks Café on the same day.

Dunns River Falls

Visiting the Dunn’s River Waterfall was the highlight of my trip to Jamaica. The magnificent sight of the falls had me in awe of God.

The falls are situated in Ochi Rios and is one of Jamaica’s national treasures. It was rated the number 1 best thing to do in Jamaica and after visiting I can see why.

You can climb the falls guided or alone – we went in a big group with a guide which was the right option as it’s a slippery climb and can be a little bit dangerous.

Top tip – wearing water shoes is a must to protect your feet from the sharp rocks and to help your grip as you climb – I purchased mine from Amazon.

Bob Marley Museum – Nine Miles

The Nine Miles tour is a trip to the home and resting place of the legendary Bob Marley.

The guided tour takes you around the grounds of where Bob Marley grew up, and ends with his resting place and included a live band playing some of Bob Marley’s hit songs.

The tour isn’t to everyone’s taste but I really enjoyed it and I recommend, especially to any fans of Bob Marley.

Rafting on the Martha Brae

The Martha Brae River is in Falmouth which you ride down on a large bamboo raft – lasting for around an hour. The captain guides the raft with a 30ft bamboo pole and gives information about the river and the surrounding wildlife.

The captain also let us punt which was more difficult than it looks. Be careful if decide to steer the raft as depending on the time of year the river can be aggressive and is deep.

This is a must-do if you love absolute scenes. The river rafting tour was stunning and is one of the most tranquil excursions that I have been on – definitely at one with nature.

Dolphin Cove

Dolphin Cove is a marine interaction attraction in Ochi Rios. You can swim with dolphins, and interact with stingrays and sharks.

Swimming with dolphins was one of my childhood dreams and it was great to tick it off the bucket list.

Glistening Waters

The glistening waters occur in the Luminous Lagoon in Falmouth. It is a phenomenon that occurs in only four places in the world. There are millions of glowing microscopic organisms which light up the waters and create bioluminescence.

The experience was fascinating and is worth going to if you’re near Falmouth. Other than that I wouldn’t recommend as the lagoon was grimy and the entertainment (a fire show) was disappointing.

 

Horse Riding

Horseback riding isn’t a particularly fascinating activity but there is something different about riding through the beach and into the Caribbean Sea.

The trail started in the Jamaican countryside and continued with a ride ‘n’ swim in the warm sea.

Festivals

The Caribbean is known for its festivals but unfortunately, there weren’t any major festivals on during my trip. Some of the best include Dream Weekend, Jamaica Rum Festival, Jamaica Carnival and Reggae Sumfest.

Even though did a lot, there were some other activities that I didn’t have time to fit in:

  • White water rafting
  • Mystic Mountain
  • Blue hole
  • Tubing

Night Life

Montego Bay is said to have the best nightlife in Jamaica and you’ll find the best nightclubs on ‘the hipstrip’ in Montego Bay. I partied at:

Pier 1

Pier 1 holds a party every Friday which is filled with locals; if the locals attend that’s when you know its a good event. Dancehall music is played all night, to a crowd of over 1000 people, overlooking a view of the bay.

Margaritaville

The nightlife was good but I did get a touristy feel and would have loved to have gone to a locals-only club.

 

I loved my time in Jamaica – it had a real authentic and relaxed island feel. The people, the food, the scenery and the activities were all amazing and I would visit again in a heartbeat.

Comment below if you have any questions or suggestions from your own time in Jamaica.

With Love,

Roberta 

x

Follow:
Roberta
Roberta
Share:

St. Regis Mauritius Resort

Mauritius Island has a large selection of luxe resorts and I was truly spoilt for choice when deciding where to stay. My top choices included St. Regis,  Shangri-La, and the Lux Resorts. After lots of deliberation, I decided on the St.Regis.

The St. Regis is located in Le Morne, in the south-west of Mauritius and is a UNESCO Heritage Site. The St. Regis offers an idyllic setting for a stunning beachfront getaway – an ultimate luxury experience.

Let me set the scene, you arrive at the resort met with an infinity waterfall that leads to a blue Indian ocean with a refreshing welcome drink handed to you.

Your 24-hour Butler (yes you read correctly) drives you to your room on a buggy, gives an induction of your room and offers to unpack your suitcase.

The perfect setting for a trip of relaxation and recuperation.

The Room

We stayed in the Ocean Beach Junior Suite on the ground floor as it featured direct access to the beach – honestly, can you think of anything dreamier?

The room had a modern yet warm feel. With a large king-sized bed, sofa and TV with plug-in high tech features.

The bathroom was marble with double vanity sink areas, and a separate spray jet bathtub and walk-in shower. The only negative comment I have is that the shower was a little outdated and the amenities were not of the standard that I would expect from Marriott.

 

The room also featured a modest walk-in wardrobe dressing area – which was perfect for me as I always unpack my suitcase when on holiday.

Direct access to the beach enhanced my stay, it was lovely to wake up to a sea view and be able to stroll to the beach directly from my room.

Pools & The Beach

The hotel has two pools which I’d normally think isn’t enough for a resort, however coupled with the large private beach, it was perfect.

The main pool was situated in front of the Manor House – it was very large and also very quiet (no doubt due to guests enjoying the beach). The pool was surrounded by large Balinese beds to recline on.

I loved that the poolside butlers were on hand to assist and it was not a struggle to get their attention which can usually happen in larger resorts.

The second pool was a lot smaller and nestled in the centre of the resort, closer to the beach. Like the main pool, there were attentive staff and fresh fruit infused water on tap.

The hotel was situated on the Le Morne Beach with a private stretch for hotel guests only. The beach was so beautiful and tranquil, and was where I spent most of my time.

The Watersports Centre offered a selection of beach activities including boating, swimming with dolphins, scuba diving, kayaking, snorkelling and volleyball.

Restaurants

The food at the St. Regis is up there with the best hotel food I’ve experienced and was better food than any all-inclusive resort that I’ve stayed at. They absolutely outdid themselves in the food department – it was top two and it was not two.

The resort had five restaurants to choose from and in my seven-day stay, I dined four.

Le Manoir Dining Room

Le Manoir was a buffet restaurant which served breakfast, lunch and dinner.

And what a buffet it was! Waffles, pancakes, eggs cooked to your choice, I could go on and on. I sometimes find buffets in chain hotels substandard, but the buffet food quality was top notch.

I didn’t lunch at Le Manoir but the two evenings I had dinner were great. The seafood night was heavenly for a seafood lover. There were multiple choices of catch of the day, prawns, mussels, oysters, scallops… the list goes on. There was an outdoor grill serving grilled tiger prawns and lobster.

The Boathouse Grill

The Boathouse quickly became my favourite place to dine for breakfast and lunch. It offered the best views of the sea, even on the one rainy afternoon it was so serene.

The grill was open for breakfast, lunch and dinner. Breakfast was served al a carte (for Platinum and above Marriott Members only). The A la carte menu was perfect served alongside vintage champagne.

I have to add that the quality of the buffet breakfast was incredible, so choosing between the two was difficult.

Lunch at the Boathouse was mixed cuisine from pasta & pizzas, to king prawns, lobster and steak. The desserts on offer were also delicious. I think overall the Boathouse Grill was my favourite restaurant and was consistent whether you dined there for breakfast, lunch or dinner.

Floating Market

Floating Market is a premium dining dinner restaurant serving Thai cuisine. The décor was the best out of all the dinner restaurants at the resort – with marble floors and surrounded by water and koi carp.

I was reluctant to visit as I’m not a big fan of Thai cuisine but this restaurant delivered great food which was not only limited to Thai but also Malay, Vietnamese, Indonesian and Singaporean.

Simply India

Simply India was another fine-dining dinner restaurant which serves Indian cuisine. I visited this restaurant twice and the food was cooked to perfection on both occasions.

There was also a Japanese restaurant called Atsuko which I didn’t get to try and the 1904 bar which is a drinks bar but serves food out of hours.

 Spa

The Iridium spa and gym facilities were clean and contemporary which is expected of a five-star hotel. There were several treatments on offer which you could have in the spa or in-room.

Other than treatments there was a large Jacuzzi, steam room and sauna room.

Grounds

The hotel was made so thoughtfully that you genuinely would not have to leave the grounds unless you wanted to.

Every day at breakfast we were handed a card which showed the activities happening on the day.

The beach bar and the beach front were kitted out with comfortable lounge sofas and bean bags overlooking the sea.

There was so much to do including outdoor tennis court, bike riding and table tennis.

The grounds were huge and included a large beautiful library where you could choose from a large selection of books. There was also a games room with a pool table, table tennis and a PlayStation.

One of my favourite things was the onsite private cinema which was big but personal with several film viewings a day. Guests were given complimentary warm popcorn, beverages and other light snacks. The cinema can also be reserved for private event viewings which is a lovely touch if you’re celebrating an event during your stay.

The St. Regis went above and beyond to make our stay perfect; the grounds, room and the food were all top-notch and I would stay there again in a second.

As always, please feel welcome to comment with any questions or suggestions.

Love Roberta

x

Follow:
Roberta
Roberta
Share:

Mauritius

Mauritius is an island in the Indian Ocean which lies off the coast of Africa. The island is known for its stunning beaches and turquoise seas and is one of the world’s top luxury tourism destinations.

Need to know:

Local currency: Mauritius Rupee (MUR)

Language: English and French

Transport: Taxi

Fun fact: Mauritius is the only recorded home of the extinct dodo

 

How I booked:

I booked my flights and hotel with Emirates on a full board basis.

 

Where to stay:

Mauritius has a microclimate – it can be stifling hot in one area but be raining five minutes away.

  • North Coast is the tourism capital and has the most hotels, which means the beaches are busier, however, there are more tourist attractions.
  • East Coast is the most exclusive with the most luxurious hotels. The east boasts some of the most beautiful powder-white beaches on the island.
  • The south is rugged and full of wildlife. There are fewer hotels causing it to be quieter but it’s a great choice if you want a private and quiet getaway.
  • West Coast is most famous for its beautiful sunsets and stunning beaches. It is home to the UNESCO heritage site, Le Morne Mountain. The calm waters in the west make it popular for water activities.

Where to stay depends on you as an individual and what you want from your Mauritian experience, either way, any corner of the island will provide a slice of paradise.

I stayed in Le Morne, situated in the West, the location of the hotel was perfect. Read more about my stay here.

What to Eat:

Mauritian cuisine is a unique blend of Chinese, European and Indian influences.

As I stayed at the St. Regis on a full board basis, I wasn’t able to eat outside of the hotel as much as I would have liked. However during a day tour of the Island, I was able to try chicken roti from a local restaurant which was divine.

Mauritian dishes to try include:

  • Mauritian Biriyani – flavoured rice with spices, potato and usually with meat or seafood. Bol Renverse is a popular type of biriyani.
  • Dholl Puri – street food which is bread stuffed with peas and served with curry.
  • Roti – an Indian flatbread which is also served with curries, pickles and chutneys.
  • Boulettes – Chinese dumplings served with bouillon.

Many resorts offer the options to dine on the beach which is perfect for a romantic getaway.

 

What to do:

Island Hopping

Spend the day island-hopping by speed boat or luxury catamaran from mainland Mauritius. There are tours on offer which take you to several of the mini islands that surround Mauritius.

You can snorkel to see the coral and sea life and most tours offer lunch on one of the islands.

Swimming with Spinner Dolphins & Whale Watching

The Mauritian Spinner dolphins attract many tourists each year who come specifically to swim with them.

You’ll need to set out early morning; breakfast can be served on the boat that takes you. This is an amazing experience to swim with dolphins in their natural environment.

spinner dolphins mauritius

Casella

Casella is a nature park and one of the leading tourist attractions in Mauritius. The park offers Safari, Lion encounters, zip-lining, quad biking and more.

I did the Lion encounter as the ‘Walk with Lions’ experience was fully booked. It was amazing to interact with these majestic creatures.

Casela mauritius walk with lions lion encounter travel blog

 

Port Louis

Port Louis is the capital of Mauritius, and is where you can go to get a real feel of the island culture. There is shopping, markets, food tours, museums and more.

Island Day Tour

The half-day trip around the island saved us time by taking us to several activities in one day.

We visited Seven Coloured Earth which is a geological formation found in Chamarel. It is a fascinating sand dune made up of seven colours of sand (brown, violet, green, blue, yellow, red and purple). It’s best to visit on a sunny day when the colours really stand out.

seven coloured earth chamarel mauritius

Rum Tasting was the last stop on the tour… which was for the best. There are several breweries that offer a rum tasting tour, I went to the Rhumerie de Chamarel. The tour cost around £10 and involved trying 8 different types of fresh Mauritian rum.

We stopped off at the dormant volcano ‘Trou aux Cerfs’ which is in the CenterPoint of the Island and ended the tour at the Black River Gorges National Park which is a rainforest.

view point mauritius travel blog

Le Morne Brabant

Le Morne Brabant is a UNESCO Heritage site and one of the most popular tourist attractions in Mauritius. The mountain holds a huge amount of history and is culturally significant as it once harboured runaway slaves.

Nature and fitness lovers can take professional guided hikes which last 3 to 4 hours.

Le Morne brabant travel blog Mauritius

Le Morne in the background

The Beach

Whatever you decide to do in Mauritius, make sure that visiting the beach is at the top of your list.

Mauritius beaches travel blog

The best beaches on the Island include:

  • Trou aux Biches
  • Ile aux Cerfs
  • Belle Mare Plage
  • Blue Bay
  • Le Morne (my personal favourite)

Mauritius beaches travel blog

Mauritius was a holiday to remember – it was quiet and relaxing and it gave me an opportunity to recuperate. I highly recommend a trip to this charming island, be it with friends, family or a baecation.

  1. Drop a comment if you’ve been to Mauritius or elsewhere in the Indian Ocean, or if you have any questions.

Love Roberta x

Mauritius travel blog

Follow:
Roberta
Roberta
Share:

BoHo Hotel

BoHo Hotel is a stylish and contemporary boutique hotel situated near Prague Old Town which I stumbled across during my holiday search. After reading reviews online I was sold.

I’m used to staying in well-known hotel chains, however, the more I travel I’ve realised that sometimes the lesser-known hotel is actually newer, cleaner and has tailored service. BoHo Hotel exceeded my expectation.

 

MY STAY

We were given a free glass of prosecco on arrival and sat in the comfy chairs whilst we were checked in. The process was swift and easy and the hotel was able to accommodate our early arrival.

After check-in, we were taken on a mini-tour of the hotel and we were informed that the restaurant serves crisps and a glass of free wine between 5 pm – 6 pm daily and the hotel offers a complimentary City Tour.

THE ROOM

We stayed in the Junior Suite; which was very spacious with a living space and sofa. The room was comfortable and warm but had a modern feel with the latest technology including USB chargers.

The bathroom was my favourite and I couldn’t stop raving about it. It was new and clean with brown transparent glass and equipped with a double basin and double vanity mirrors – handy if multiple people need to get ready.

There was also a separate toilet and a walk-in shower as well as a bathtub. As you may know from my past posts I love good amenities, and BoHo’s amenities were so good; Natura Bisse and Roja.

THE FOOD

The hotel restaurant was bright with large glass windows and an outside courtyard.

I’m not usually a fan of hotel food, but the food served at BoHo was delicious. The menu was a small selection which was perfectly tailored.

We tried the burger and chips, the truffle mushroom risotto with parmesan, and the chicken noodle broth – everything cooked to perfection.

THE SPA

The wellness area included a treatment room, hydrotherapy jacuzzi pool, sauna, steam room and a gym. The area was clean and warm and I had an enjoyable and relaxing experience.

The hotel offered guests a 20% discount on spa treatments; I had the Swedish massage which was the perfect end to my stay.

 

BoHo really went above and beyond and left us a special gift (of champagne and chocolate-covered strawberries) in the room. The customer service was top notch and all staff went out of their way to ensure we had a good stay. I highly recommend this hotel and I will definitely stay again in the future.

Comment below with any questions,

Love,

Roberta x

Follow:
Roberta
Roberta
Share:

Prague

Prague is the capital and largest city of the Czech Republic which lies at the heart of Europe. Steeped in history, the city is known for its cobbled streets, old town square and towering castles.

Need to Know:

Local currency: Czech Koruna (CZK)

Language: Czech. English was widely spoken, however, remember that Czech is the language of Prague

Transport – Trams, Meter Taxi, Uber. We ended up taking Uber everywhere as a 15-minute journey was around £3, very affordable

Adapter: Two round pin adapter

How I booked:

I booked this trip through a British Airways package deal. Flight and hotel were included. The trip was 3 days and 2 nights (Saturday morning to Monday night).

WHERE TO STAY

If you frequent my blog you’ll know that my usual advice for short-haul trips is to stay somewhere quite central. This is so that you can spend less time travelling when you’re on a tighter schedule than normal.

In Prague most sights are within a close distance of each other, the longest uber trip time was around 20 minutes.

Where to stay also depends on what you prefer; some may prefer staying in the quieter areas near scenery and historic sites – such as Prague castle.

I stayed in the BoHo Hotel which was very central and a 5-minute walk to the Old Town. Read more about my hotel stay here.

Prague is a very affordable city and you can stay in luxury hotels for less. If you’re likely to spend less time staying indoors then it’s a good opportunity to try out a unique boutique hotel.

Some options are:

  • Four Seasons Hotel Prague
  • Mandarin Oriental Prague
  • Augustine Prague
  • Hotel Cosmopolitan
  • Alchymist Prague
  • Carlo IV, The Dedica Anthology

WHAT TO EAT

Okay, where do I start?? I’m not the biggest fan of European food so I always prepare myself in the case of disappointment however I was so impressed with the Czech cuisine. Not only is it cheap and cheerful, there are also so many varieties of national foods to try from street food to restaurants.

Trdelnik

Trdelnik is a Czech pastry and one of the most common pastries sold by street vendors. It is often referred to as a ‘chimney cake’. It is made from dough that is wrapped around on a stick, grilled and top with sugar. The pastry is then filled with ice cream – dreamy.

You can choose from a variety of flavours, such as chocolate, vanilla or red velvet dough. Toppings include; nuts, sauces, sprinkles, fruit or gingerbread biscuits.

I had spotted Trdelnik before I came to Prague and couldn’t wait to try it. I can confirm that it really does look as good as it tastes.

Good Food is popular for its Trdelnik and is in a great location off Charles Bridge for scenery pics.

Manifesto (Faency Fries)

There are plenty of food markets in Prague. After some research, I decided on Manifesto as it has cute heated igloos to sit in and had a particular stall called ‘Faency Fries’.

Faency Fries were the best chips I’ve ever had in my life. The chips were seasoned to perfection and you could choose a selection of toppings. I chose cheese topping, which was melted by a blowtorch, and served with spicy mayo.

The chips were so good that we tried to go back to Manifesto the next day, but it was unfortunately shut (opens Wednesday – Sunday).

I also tried some of my friends beef kebab from another food stall. I’m not a big fan of meat at the moment but the meat was tender and soft.

Visiting a food market in Prague is a great idea, especially Manifesto.

Deer Prague

We stumbled on a cute looking restaurant on one of our walks through Old Town called Deer Restaurant and decided to dine there for dinner.

I had the John Dory fish fillet with mussels and roasted potatoes and my friend had the saddle of rabbit. For dessert, we both picked the Strawberry Cheesecake dish.

The food was well presented and tasted delicious. Including our prosecco and elderflower/raspberry drinks the entire meal came to £48 for the both of us – including a 10% tip.

Café Savoy

Café Savoy had been highly recommended on google for the best hot chocolate in Prague. The décor was beautiful and the patisserie display looked delectable – however, the food and drinks were a big disappointment.

The ham and cheese croissant was dry, cold and just generally not nice and the hot chocolate was bitter. I wouldn’t recommend.

Chloé Café

Chloe Cafe was chic and quirky and reminded me of the new wave of flower walled coffee shops in London.
I love a gimmick and really enjoyed the monogrammed coffee. “Gucci Gang” was on the menu, but I went for the Louis Vuitton.

Chloe’s had the fluffiest pancakes which looked like doughnuts they were a hit. The cafe was cute but it wasn’t a must-do.

Restaurants and food on my list that I didn’t get to try;
  • Pork knuckle (A popular traditional food in Prague)
  • Fried Cheese
  • Beer
  • Pickled Cheese (don’t blame me if it’s not nice!)
  • Mlynec Restaurant
  • Café Kaficko
  • Ice Pub

WHAT TO DO

Prague Castle

Prague Castle is a majestic and historic castle complex. The castle is home to the President of the Czech Republic and was once home to the Kings of Bohemia and Roman emperors.

You can easily spend hours at the castle visiting the cathedrals and different towers. Try and get to the castle in time to watch the guard changeover at noon.

My recommendation is St.Vitus Cathédrale which is stunning both on the inside and outside. 

Astronomical Clock

The astronomical clock can be found in the Old Town Square. The clock was first installed in 1410 making it the oldest clock still operating.

The clock rings on the hour and the twelve apostles appear. Don’t expect too much from the display as this is a very old clock, but it was fascinating to watch.

St Charles Bridge

There are many bridges that cross the Vltava river, however, the biggest and most popular is the Charles Bridge. You can take a stroll over the bridge and see the swans of the Vltava river and picturesque view.

Vintage car ride

You can hire a vintage car which takes you on a tour around the city. The ride is the quickest and easiest way to see all of the sights, especially if you’re short on time.
They offer rides of either 40 minutes, 1 hour or 2 hours and the prices start from around 1500 CZK which is roughly £50.

I didn’t have time to do everything I had planned but some others that were on my list were:
  • Truffle Tour – Truffle hunt with dogs which is followed by a truffle meal
  • Infant Jesus of Prague
  • Beer Tour – Czech Republic is famous for its beer – a great option if you like beer
  • John Lennon Wall
  • Boat ride – There are many public tours to choose from, the Four Seasons hotel offers a private boat ride
  • Christmas Markets
  • Food tour
 
Prague was a charming city break. Breaks like this that remind me that Europe is filled with unspoiled gems.
The cobbled roads, tall castles and spires of Prague made me feel like I was in an old Disney movie. I highly recommend Prague for a weekend away and I will back to visit one day soon.
Have you been to Prague or are you planning to go? Feel free to drop a suggestion or to ask any questions.
Love Roberta

Follow:
Roberta
Roberta
Share: