hotel – Page 3 – Check In Tune Out

Zanzibar

May 2, 2018March 29, 2019 CheckIn:TuneOut

Whether you’re transferring after an action packed safari or heading straight to the island for some serious down time, Zanzibar is an excellent destination when your number one aim is to relax on soft white sand with the crystal clear Indian Ocean lapping at your feet.

Currency: Tanzanian Shilling
Local time: GMT +3
Language: Swahili, Arabic, English

Resort: Bwejuu

Bwejuu Beach has been voted in the top 30 beaches in the world, and is located on the South East coast of the island. This part of Zanzibar is one of the most unspoilt, offering pristine white sand and stunning azure waters, with many untouched coral reefs that can be ventured out to. The transfer time from the airport is around an hour, and I recommend pre-booking a private, air-conditioned car, as arriving at this airport can be fairly overwhelming in terms of the amount of people outside arrivals; many of whom are waiting to offer you a ‘taxi’.

Hotel: Breezes Beach Club

I stayed at Breezes Beach Club & Spa for 5 nights, and wow do I wish it could have been longer! Time seemed to stand still here – my only concerns were which cocktail to choose from the menu and whether to sunbathe by the swimming pool or take a stroll along the gorgeous beach.

The food options on site were brilliant – think themed nights and a la carte meals – and I highly recommend that when booking you choose the Full Board option, as it works out most economical come check out.

With four dining locations, three bars and a chai tea room serving afternoon tea daily, plus shops, a scuba diving centre and a Frangipani spa, this hotel has everything you need for a relaxing break without ever having to leave resort!

Do: Stone Town

I highly recommend visiting Stone Town, the capital of Zanzibar while you’re on the island. Whether you choose to stay a night or two before transferring to your chosen beach resort (Stone Town is on the coast, but the luxury resorts are on the other side of the island and the beaches are cleaner and more relaxing there too) or take a day trip from your hotel, you don’t want to miss out on Stone Town.

With its winding streets and alleyways, I almost guarantee that you will get lost at some point in Stone Town, but the locals were very friendly and more than happy to point you in the right direction. A helpful tip I found was to be guided back to the waterfront, as finding our hotel (we stayed at Zanzibar Palace for one night and I highly recommend it!) was very easy from this point.

If you have time, book onto a walking tour of Stone Town, as nobody can show you the city better than a local guide! We got to look around the former slave market, which was a fascinating looking into the darker history of the city, as well as visiting Darajani Market, which I warn you now, is not for those with a delicate stomach or sense of smell. With lots of raw meat and fish, it’s an attack on the senses, but a really interesting look at the daily life of residents of the city.

Make sure you set aside some time to visit Memories gift store to get those all important souvenirs and gifts to take home. We found that once we got to our beach resort, the opportunity to buy gifts was next to zero, so we were very glad we’d picked up what we wanted in Memories.

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Bali

May 2, 2018January 22, 2019 CheckIn:TuneOut

With gorgeous beaches, famous rice paddies and a uniquely spiritual culture, this Indonesian island offers a diverse trip that will guarantee you leave feeling you’ve had a true taste of paradise.

Currency: Indonesian rupiah
Local time: GMT +8
Language: Indonesian

Seminyak:

I started my trip in Seminyak; a coastal resort near the infamous Kuta. Much more laid back and glamorous than its neighbour, the beaches here were golden and the water lovely and warm.

Alila is a luxury boutique hotel brand, and the properties they own in Bali are guaranteed to make your trip one to remember. The first hotel on my trip was Alila Seminyak; an unapologetically luxury resort with three infinity pools, a beach front location, an amazing on site spa and a traditional temple in the grounds to top it all off. The restaurant is also incredible. I highly recommend ensuring your stay here includes a Sunday, as their Sunday Graze brunch sessions (12-4pm every Sunday) are out of this world. Think all-you-can-eat pastries, main courses and desserts with the option of adding free-flowing drinks to the package too!

Ubud:

Moving away from the beach, I headed to Ubud and checked into Alila Ubud, a secluded hilltop retreat boasting undoubtably the best infinity pool I have ever seen. Located 15 minutes from the centre of Ubud, this is the perfect base for exploring all that the town has to offer, whilst maintaining the tranquil feel of a relaxing break.

The hotel offers a number of activities, including an excellent cookery class. We were taken early morning to the market in Ubud to select our fresh local ingredients, then made our way back to the resort where we learnt to make a number of local dishes with an experienced chef. A lovely afternoon activity!

Another highlight of this hotel is the resident monkey tribe. They will greet you outside your door each morning, scamper around the pool while you’re sunbathing, and most certainly make an appearance each afternoon when the daily afternoon tea is served!

Ubud itself is worth taking a couple of days to explore. With hidden markets and cute garden bars, its a lovely place to stroll around and soak up the culture and atmosphere. There are also lots of local temples that can be visited during your time here, and the hotel are able to organise a private tour should you wish.

Tabanan:

The last stop for me in Bali was at Villa Soori, and let me tell you, I thought I had experienced luxury at the last two places. This place is next level luxury. With private one bedroom villas, each complete with their own swimming pool, a personal butler and 24hr room service, there is no need to lift a finger here.

The dining areas here are all about alfresco dining, and most tables offer view of the ocean. Offering varied menus, you’re guaranteed to find a dish you love, and the heavy emphasis on Indonesian cuisine at Cotta restaurant will allow you to sample local dishes with a Balinese focus.

The beaches here are volcanic sand, giving a unique black colouring to them. Walking along in the early mornings looking for shells washed up was great fun, and they showed up clearly, shining in the sunlight on the dark sand below them.

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Milan

May 2, 2018January 22, 2019 CheckIn:TuneOut

I visited Milan for a weekend (literally two days!) in early October with a friend. In the 36 hours we spent in the city, we managed to cram in an impressive amount of sightseeing, and even more impressive amounts of wine and pasta!

Sample itinerary

Currency: Euro
Local time: GMT +1
Language: Italian

Stay: The Westin Palace

My trip to Milan was booked on a bit of a whim, with only a few weeks until departure, so we managed to get an amazing deal on lastminute.com. We booked one of their ‘Top Secret Hotels’ (for those who haven’t done this before, it’s where they list hotels and show you a rough location of each, along with a generic description of the hotel and a star rating. Thats all you get until you confirm your booking and pay. A gamble? Yes. One worth taking? In this case, definitely. Once I’d paid (£91, absolute bargain!) they emailed confirmation to say our accommodation would be at The Westin Palace, and upon googling, we were suitably impressed.

Upon actually arriving at the hotel, our impression levels were kicked up a notch. A doorman greeted us and took our luggage inside for us. In reception, there were chandeliers hanging from the ceiling. And a harp player. Check in was a breeze, our room was ready and waiting for us (despite an early 11am arrival) and we were quickly escorted upstairs.

Although compact, the room was everything we needed and came with an impossibly comfortable bed and a seriously powerful shower. We couldn’t fault the service at the hotel, and the location was great too. It was within easy reach of several Metro stations, or simply a 20 minute stroll to the Duomo in the centre of town.

Do: Milano Navigli, Duomo Di Milano, Sephora

Without a doubt our favourite area of Milan was the Navigli area. It offered canal side eating and drinking as well as quirky market stalls and a very picturesque area to wander in the fading afternoon sun. (Tip: We tried to walk there from the Duomo and after getting ever so slightly lost, decided to purchase a Metro card and hop on. We never looked back!)

No trip to Milan is complete without visiting the Duomo! There are several options for exploring this incredible cathedral, but because the weather was so lovely, we opted to take the lift up to the terraces and take in the amazing views over the city. It cost €13 to go up, and while there was a bit of a queue for the lift, it was 100% worth it when we got to the top and had unlimited time to explore at our leisure.

Being British, we sadly do not have Sephora shops in the UK, so you can imagine my excitement when I realised they had them in Milan! Although not all of the brands I was used to from the American stores were available, I was still like a child in a sweet shop and had to be dragged out in the end in order not to miss our flight! It’s definitely worth adding to the list of many shops you will surely visit on your stay in the city of fashion but if like us, you’re travelling hand luggage only, don’t forget that you can’t buy anything over 100ml – sob!

Eat: Pavé, El Cicinin

For a fabulous breakfast/brunch in a place packed with locals (always tells me I’m onto a winner) head to Pavé. A neighbourhood favourite for very good reason; it comes complete with an incredible selection of cakes and pastries, as well as a main brunch menu and excellent coffee. If you only have time for one brunch out, Pavé is the place to head!

When it came to dinner in Milan, we found the best place to head was down to the Navigili area mentioned above. Restaurants and bars line the canal on both sides, and we were tempted by the aromas coming from most of them! After stopping for a glass of wine at an outdoor bar (the sun was setting and we were super lucky to get a table!) we wandered around the area in search of authentic Italian food. And wow did we find it! On a side road off from the main Navigili canal strip, El Cicinin offers cozy candlelit tables indoors and heated al fresco dining outside. The menu offered your typical Italian dishes; olives, bread baskets and charcuterie boards followed by pastas, pizzas and an excellent specials board. It was very reasonably priced, the food was divine and to top it all off, they served wine on tap by the litre. What more do you want for an evening in Italy?

Pavé

El Cicinin

travel

Vienna

May 2, 2018January 22, 2019 CheckIn:TuneOut

My sister and I went to Vienna straight from Bratislava (€5 on the bus – 1hr!) and spent two nights exploring the city. The extravagant coffee shops were a particular highlight, as was the sachertorte!

Sample itinerary

Currency: Euro
Local time: GMT +1
Language: German

Stay: Austria Trend Hotel Rathauspark

The centrally located Austria Trend Hotel Rathauspark was the perfect base for us to explore Vienna from. It’s located a 20 minute walk from Stephansplatz (the large square in the very centre of Vienna thats home to the cathedral and many shops) and while a Metro would have gotten us there even quicker, we found many coffee shops, pretty parks and historical buildings on our walk.

Do: Spanish Riding School, coffee shops, museum quarter

A trip to the Spanish Riding School is a unique chance to watch the live practice of equitation. Morning exercise sessions are always popular, so arrive around 9am to beat the crowds. However if you want to see a full performance, tickets will need to be purchased well in advance.

The museum quarter (museumsquartier) is home to many of Vienna’s finest museums, and it is well worth setting aside an afternoon to explore the area. If you’re thinking of visiting multiple museums, the Vienna Card may be of interest to you, as it gives discount of many of the cities museum entry costs.

Make sure you leave some time in your schedule to stop off in one of Vienna’s many coffee houses. Renowned not just for their coffee, but as places to while away an afternoon, it is perfectly acceptable to spend a couple of hours in a coffee house in Vienna, sipping your drinks and reading a newspaper at your leisure. A favourite on the trip was Cafe Eiles, which not only did great coffee but also had a very reasonable breakfast menu.

Eat: Demel, Huth Gastwirtschaft

There are several things people want to tick off on a trip to Vienna, and trying Sachertorte usually makes the list. Stop by for a slice of this world famous chocolate cake at Demel, but be warned, combine it with one of their wickedly indulgent hot chocolates and you won’t be needing another chocolate fix for quite a while!

Another must-eat is a schnitzel, and whilst veal is the traditional choice, we opted for chicken and were not disappointed in the slightest! For classic Viennese cuisine, and an ever-changing monthly menu head to Huth Gastwirtschaft. Located centrally in the city, its easy to get to and has a relaxed and cozy feel.

As for street food, the ‘Wurstelstand’ kiosks (usually found outside U-Bahn stations) are a popular and cheap choice for lunch on the go. Pork and veal sausages usually top the list, but most kiosks offer a huge variety, all tucked into a fresh roll and served with the usual condiments.

Huth Gastwirtschaft

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Amsterdam

May 2, 2018August 2, 2020 CheckIn:TuneOut

Amsterdam is one of my favourite European cities, and I head back whenever I can. I’ve done the bars/clubs/Red Light District all before, so now when I go its all about relaxing by the canals and enjoying the slower pace of life.

Sample itinerary

Currency: Euro
Local time: GMT +1
Language: Dutch

Stay: Kimpton De Witt

The gorgeous Kimpton De Witt hotel is an excellent choice for luxury accommodation in Amsterdam. This 5* hotel offers exceptional service, luxury rooms and a great on site restaurant and house bar. They also have a wine hour at 5pm every day in the lobby for guests to meet up and swap tips on the city, along with free bicycles that can be hired from the concierge. What’s not to love?!

The location is perfect for exploring the nearby canals and Jordaan district, and is located only a few minutes walk from Centraal Station, meaning whether you arrive by aeroplane and jump on the quick intercity train or by Eurostar direct into Centraal Station, you can be checked into your hotel within 10 minutes of stepping off the train.

Do: Hire bikes, Red Light Secrets museum, canal cruise, A’dam Lookout, Albert Cuyp Markt, ice skating

When you ask most people what they associate with Amsterdam, the answer is usually one of two things; canals and bicycles. (Okay, there is a third – we all know about the ‘coffee shops’ in the city, but I’ll leave that up to you to explore if it’s your thing!)

There are plenty of places all over the city that offer bicycle hire, and most for a very reasonable price too! Pick one up and set aside a good couple of hours to go exploring – The numerous bike lanes make cycling around a joy, and its a great way to cover large amounts of the city in a small time frame. Get Your Guide offers a variety of cycling tours for those who wish to be guided through the city, and you can choose different lengths and languages.

The Red Light Secrets museum is a fascinating look into life in Amsterdams sex industry. The audio guides offer unique stories from women who have worked as prostitute in the city, and with the museum housed in an old brothel, it’s a great way to learn many of the secrets of this famous aspect of the city.

The A’DAM Lookout is located in Amsterdam North, just a short (free) ferry ride from Centraal Station. Aside from offering panoramic views across the city, there is a also bar and a restaurant at the top, and for those feeling brave, Over The Edge – Europes highest swing! Entry to the lookout is €12, and a swing ticket is €5. Pre-book to avoid the queues, then simply take the lift to the top, buckle up and enjoy an exhilarating ride that literally takes you over the edge of the building. The best bit? You get a free digital memento to keep as proof of your bravery!

Head down to the Albert Cuyp Markt in Amsterdam South to experience Europe’s largest daytime market. Selling everything from clothing and jewellery to fresh fruit and baked goods, there is plenty to see and you’re guaranteed not to go hungry! Particular mention goes to the freshly baked bitterballen and the Stroopwafels that are made in front of you and filled with either caramel or chocolate sauce!

If you’re heading in the winter time, make sure to check out the Ice* Amsterdam rink by the Rijks museum. Open November – February, it’s a great activity for children and adults alike, and each ticket includes skate hire and gives you a two hour slot to enjoy the ice. Wrap up warm and take some gloves – They’re mandatory!

A’Dam lookout

Albert Cuyp Markt

Ice* Amsterdam

Canal tour

Bike tour

Eat: Daalder, La Perla, The Butcher, Locanda, Senses, Pancakes Amsterdam. Jottum

Amsterdam is one of my favourite cities to eat in, and for good reason. The dining options are endless and cover all budgets.

Offering a unique dining option in the canal belt, Daalder serves up a ‘chefs surprise menu’, meaning you simply choose between 3, 4 or 5 courses at lunch or a 5 or 7 course dinner, and the chef will get to work on cooking for you! They always check for allergies or specific dislikes, and after that, its all a surprise! I particularly recommend opting for the wine pairings to accompany each course – They were expertly chosen and really added to the meal. Expect to spend around €130 for a 3 course lunch for two including wine pairings.

La Perla pizzeria, located in the heart of the Jordaan district is always packed, and rightly so. Fresh pizzas are the focus here, and the menu offers plenty of choice (Prosciutto San Daniele is a personal favourite). Turn up early and put you name down, then head to a canal side bar for a drink or two until your table is ready.

Also in the Jordaan area is Locanda, a cute Italian with a small but excellent menu of homemade Italian food. Tables line the streets outside in the warmer weather, but the inside of the restaurant is the star here – Think cozy interiors with small candlelit tables. Reservations are recommended here as it fills up quickly!

If decent burgers are your thing, then look no further than The Butcher. With a metal interior, it may not look like the most welcoming of burger bars, but the food more than makes up for it. (‘The Daddy’ is my personal favourite, but ‘The Butchers Wife’, with a grilled chicken breast instead of beef, is also an excellent choice).

For an incredible dining experience, head to Senses, headed up by chef Lars Bertelsen. With an emphasis on food art, every dish is exquisitely presented and the flavours are expertly paired. Choose the wine pairing option to accompany your meal to make it extra special! A 5 course dinner with wine pairings will cost around €110.

Jottum is the place to go for great tapas. A warm and buzzing restaurant with an extensive menu and delicious sangria to really give you that feeling of Spain! Particularly recommend the chorizo croquettas and the manchego and salami board.

You can’t visit Amsterdam without having pancakes, and while there are many, many options, there are our picks… For amazing fluffy pancakes and a warm welcome, head to Pancakes Amsterdam on Prinsengracht. They offer a set menu for around €14 including pancakes, orange juice and a hot drink. For a more traditional dutch crepe, head to The Pancake Bakery, also on Prinsengracht. Their cheese, bacon and mushroom pancake was excellent, and there is unlimited syrup on every table for guests. Perfect!

Senses

Jottum

Pancakes Amsterdam

Locanda

Daalder

La Perla

Drink: Cafe T’Smalle, P96, Super Lyan, Cafe Roenie’s

For a calming canal-side drink, I recommend heading to either Cafe T’smalle or P96 (a few minutes walk apart, both on Prinsengracht). Cafe T’smalle is a traditional wooden panelled pub, and is as lovely in summer when you can sit on the outdoor terrace with a cold beer as it is in winter when you can enjoy the candlelit interior with a glass of red wine. P96 is perfect for summer afternoons, as they have a stationary boat on the canal that you can enjoy your drinks on in the sunshine, watching the boats cruise along the canal, but it’s equally as great in winter, with cozy interiors and a great list of bar snacks to enjoy.

Attached to Kimpton De Witt hotel is the newly opened Super Lyan – the first international venture from Mr Lyan. With a gorgeous neon bar, plenty of seating and an extensive cocktail list (with two on draught!), make time for a drink here during your stay in the city. We particularly recommend the cucumber champagne!

Down near Vondelpark you’ll find Cafe Roenie’s – a laid back locals bar serving cold beer and a small selection of wines. A lovely ‘off the beaten track’ place to stop for a drink if you’ve spent the afternoon working up a thirst cycling around the park!

P96

Cafe T’smalle

Roenies

Super Lyan

Cafe Sonneveld