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Author: Sam

Be Wooed by San Sebastian

12/10/202212/10/2022

San Sebastian in the Basque Region of Spain is a safe, beautiful part of the world. Renown for its gastronomic experiences, scalloped around a beautiful bay, there is something to find all year round.

Playa de La Concha

Whilst there are many options travellers often become overwhelmed and may miss the beauty and random joyful moments substituting it for stress.

This guide is to remove that stress so you can focus on the day and making this day, this destination on of the best in your lifetime.

This is a suggestion and any order can apply but understand, exercise is often better in the morning (then it is done). Food and wine feels less like a guilty pleasure when exercise has been done.

It is fun to wander around with no commitments and explore.

This is not to steal the serendipitous moments but to give you a fall back plan and one that will make you look in control not lost.

  1. Walk to the Castle
You can see the castle here on top of the hill.

On the hill behind the old town is the Castle. Also known as Castillo of La Mota.

It is on top of the hill surrounded by a big park (Parque de Urgull).

The walk up can be dramatic and step (there are stairs leaving from behind the old town near the boat harbour, or gradual if you follow the boat harbour round past the aquarium and head up.

Just follow your nose – heading up is the main goal and you will find many little tracks.

There is a secret bar that is open in Summer. 

Once up the top you will have amazing views of San Sebastian and the surrounding hills.

The view from the top

Alternative options to climbing the hill

These are some other walking options that are more flat terrain for those with injuries or unable to climb a hill.

If climbing is too tricky there are many walks around San Sebastian.

You can head to the left of the bay towards the south and find the amazing art sculptures of Spanish Artist Eduardo Chillida called Peine del Viento. Also a romantic beautiful spot. 

Or you can walk around the Parque to Urgull and head over to Zurriola beach and head back along the river with the trees and shade. 

2. Pinxos in the Old Part of Town

This gastronomic delight should be on every foodies global tour.

pinxos

Apparently San Sebastian has more michelin awarded restaurants than anywhere else in the world – but I think their pinxos are the stand out.

There are two famous cheese cake shops here.

Saint Telmos is my favourite has the best foie gras, blood pudding and iberian pork cheeks and grilled octapus.

Grilled octapus

Tintos (red wines) are awesome everywhere.

3. La Perla

This day spa (thermalogica) water treatment retreat is fantastic.

Right on the beach at Playa De La Concha, this magnificent building has great views from the far infared chairs. If you go between 130 – 4pm you can get a reduced rate for the two hours.

You can hire a towel and everyone has to wear the sexy blue cap.

La Perla

Hot steam room, hot sauna, multiple spa pools, relaxation zones and a cold plunge pool. Definitely worth it if you like water and day spas. No need for bookings unless during busy season. Click here for more information.

4. Santa Maria Cathedral

Have a pinxos in front of the cathedral

This iconic landmark is found in the old city.

It is 3 euros to pass through but worth it if this is the only church you are going to. There is another up near Saint Telmo which is equally breathtaking and of a different era.

5. Ferry trip

For a small fee (7 euros when we went) you can jump on the ferry and go to La Concha. Here you can disembark for exploring, or in summer swimming and a drink at the bar.

Otherwise you can stay on the ferry and do the round trip.

It’s a great way to get a different aspect from the water.

Other activities

There are so many sporting activities to do. Stand Up Paddling, swimming, sailing, bush walking, bike riding and more.

Simply walking along the promenade later in the day is wonderful as buskers line the wide pavement entertaining children and tourists. Grab an icecream and slowly meander long.

There is an art gallery, library with an exhibition hall beneath it, museum, aquarium and more.

It is the perfect place for a weekend or a week. Relax, drift and enjoy.

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Luis Canas Bodega (winery) La Rioja

12/10/202212/10/2022

This family run winery Luis Canas Bodega is in the La Rioja region in north Spain. La Rioja is about 80km from Bilboa and has many little villages with boutique hotels.

Front wine tasting bar

Some people (especially groups) will often take a cab from Zaragoza or hiring a car will give you independence.

We found this fantastic vineyard in the village of Villabuena de Álava and stayed at Hotel Viura.

You can go for a wine tasting at Luis Canas but I highly recommend a tour.

Wine tasting flight

The vivacious knowledgable Carmen will take you on an exceptional tour, explaining all the grapes grown in the region, some history and finishing on the cusp of the vineyards valley of grape vines.

The cellar was impressive!

With a large production and representing many local wine growers, they are committed to sustainability, integrity and looking after the little farmers.

Carmen and excellent guide!

It is hard to put into perspective the gentle sound that the vines make, the smells that the wine emits and the tastes of the region on your palate. It’s a personal experience that has to be taken by you.

The beautiful vines of the bodega

I highly recommend a tour and visit of this vineyard. Book a tour here and find out more.

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Hotel Viura La Rioja

12/10/202212/10/2022

This fantastic designer Hotel Viura, in discovered in a small town with 43 wineyards (Bodegas). The Hotel Viura is for that holiday where you don’t want to worry and every detail has been paid attention to and is found between Haro and Logrono.

The baby grand in the foyer

With a living art gallery in the foyer and public spaces it is eye candy for the art lovers.

A roof top has many chez lounges where groups can catch up, where you can take a wine from the bar or lie back and relax reading a book looking up at mountain ranges in the back ground.

Starting from the car park you can literally turn off the car and grab some grapes. The reception is very art nouveau with English speaking staff.

A bar with friendly staff(full of local wines), a dining room downstairs that serves complimentary breakfast and a night time menu. It is “fine dining” ie smaller meal sizes but tasty.

You can get meals in town but a different standard and on Sundays nearly impossible.

The rooms are all different with their own personalities, views and private bathroom and toiletries.

My favourite part of the hotel was the art works and room top bar… oh and the grapes in the car park.

Click here to book directly.

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Laguardia the medieval town in La Rioja

12/10/202212/10/2022

High on a hill and easy to find is the foot traffic only medieval town of Laguardia.

With a centuries old history there is much to see and experience.

I would recommend the bodega and wine tour with cueva DorreTxe. A small family run bodega (winery) in the middle of town.

From the outside…

It costs 5-10 euros per person and includes wine tasting.

It is a short punchy life changing experience.

You walk down a few stories under ground seeing the still in use wine making tools. A bramble bunch that serves as a filter for the fruit from the wine.

The stair well underneath to the cellars

Underneath the cave opens up. Apparently during the Teslars rule there were many wars. These spand from 10th century for 4 centuries.

During this time the women and children were often hiding in the caves. Men would bring food, hunted animals and fruit. At one point all the 325 caves were connected as one tunnel. They were sectioned off in the 18th century and now many of the families have their own cave.

This one is used for wine and entertaining.

The wine is boutique, small in production. One Tinto and one blanco.

They also make the local liquor from blueberries. Perfect as a post meal digestiv.

You can book here or turn up and try your luck.

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Vivanco Musea

12/10/202212/10/2022

When my sis mentioned we were going to a wine museum I was a bit like… well how about you go to Vivanco and I will do a wine tasting.

Silly me. The museum is amazing.

The view from the museum

With four levels going underneath the ground, an insight into the large underground barrel collection and it’s own wines, the Vivanco Museum is worth it.

In fact it is a must for any wine connoisseur.

Each floor shares a different angle about wine.

One on the history (wine is 8000 years old)!

And about the local region La Rioja.

Aa floor on corks and corkscrews

A floor about pesticides and commercialising wines – all very interesting.

Upstairs is a cafe with a small menu, outside art installations and a wine tasting corner.

Wine tasting flights

The last level has some incredible art by Andy Warhol, Picasso and Sorolla.

A Warhol

I highly recommend a visit to this museum if you are in La Rioja.

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La Vieja Bodega, La Rioja Spain

12/10/202212/10/2022

Simply one of the greatest treats to the La Rioja region in the north of Spain is not just the wine but the food.

We are in for an amazing treat at La Vieja Bodega just outside of Haro.

A vineyard and fine dining all in one.

If you go with a large group you can have a wine tasting in their cellar which has the musty smells of yesterday and wines.

Angel, who owns the restaurant with his wife Marion have a fancy selection of some 400 ones at the front of their restaurant.

The menu for the restaurant is stunning as is the food.

You can’t really go wrong and today I order the ratatouille with cod fish and the shoulder of lamb for main course.

It is all delicious, flavoursome and gluten free!

The shoulder of lamb is one of the most tender sweetest well cooked cuts I have ever had.

Desert is a gin and tonic sorbet – it is enough to wake you up yet lure you towards a siesta.

I would love to bring a group of people through the Basque region showing you these amazing gems. The food and the people are warm, hospitable and excellent at their wines and food.

You will need to book in advance here and if you are lucky enough you will get to meet the wonderful duet Angel and Marion. Thank you, we will be back again for sure. x

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Port Douglas Creative Flow Writing Retreat

08/08/202229/09/2022


Or maybe about your knowledge on a specialist topic…

Or maybe your book will be used as a marketing tool for your business?

Whatever your reason for writing a book can be one of the most powerful process you will experience.

Writing helps you clarify your message, show your expertise, enable people to day dream through your story telling or capture a time in your life.

Interestingly, writing a book, like public speaking, is perceived to be  daunting and overwhelming, so many don’t take up the opportunity.

This will lead to lost sales, lost timing to bring out your message or an opportunity to leave your children a wonderful legacy. 

Instead of worrying about what might be, understand that you are not alone in feeling apprehensive.

I would like to take the fear out if the process and invite you to my Book Writing Blueprint Retreat so you can create your book with passion and joy.

Once your creative juices are warmed up and you are given the blueprint, you will be surprised how much of an author you are.

This process is best done away from “the every day distractions” so I invite you to my five day Book Writing Retreat in tropical Port Douglas this October. 

This is the outline for the upcoming Port Douglas retreat.

We start on Tuesday 25th October 2022 in the afternoon.

As long as you arrive mid afternoon you will be fine.

The retreat includes a call with me before hand to answer any questions you may have and a guide I have put together on what to expect.

This is the outline of the retreat program and is a guide only as some things may change when we are there.

Monday 17th October

Let the Creative Juices Flow

Port Douglas is an hours drive from Cairns.

Most hotels will offer a shuttle or your travel agent can assist with transport from Cairns airport to Port Douglas.

Once you have settled into your hotel, we will catch up at the the villa I have hand selected for our retreat (AKA the Creative Hub), on the magnificent property, Sheraton Mirage Port Douglas.

This is a small focused group so no need to arrive hours beforehand for an early registration & to secure a front seat but I do appreciate everyone arriving by 2pm.

I will be focused on each individual and my intention is for each person to achieve their book blueprint over the five days. 

This afternoon, after a mind blowing introduction to what is possible with your own book, we dive into letting go of the rational side of our brain and permit our creative side to flourish. 

The suppressed innovation, ideas, opportunities that lie within one’s own mind is surprising and is waiting for the invitation to surface.

We shall spend the afternoon in that process, in a relaxed safe, creative space, using art therapy techniques to unleash your deeper desires.

After time for a swim or pool cocktail, we head off to dinner at a local restaurant that serves amazing tropical and local foods. 

Great Food tonight

Wednesday 26th Discovery Day + Book Writing

Today is a big day of letting the creative juices flow into ideas.

Today you will discover why writing a book is the key to sending your message to the world and an insight the power book writing offers.

We will help you define your “why” and clarify your message.

You can explore what format to write, first person, observational or fictitious. We will discuss the pros and cons of an ebook or book intended to be published, or even a brochure. (Many find this day hugely beneficial for their business aswell).

Once you can see your avatar and audience I will show you how to write specifically to them. 

Then it’s pens down and off to the magic Daintree and Mossman Gorge.

Mossman Gorge

The afternoon is spent immersing yourself in nature, allowing the newly creative neuropaths ways to connect and settle. There is a time for a swim in the lush, warm waters of the Mossman Gorge and admire our first nations land, then head up to the Daintree River.

On the Daintree River we embark on a ecofriendly barge that explores the river and grooves of the UNESCO World Heritage Listed river. Crocodiles, birds, fish and plant life are abundant in this part of the world. Have your camera ready.

After a relaxing trip home, we arrive back at the creative hub and you are free to relax and experience Port Douglas. Maybe try a paddle at Hemingsways Brewery?

Hemingway Brewery

Thursday 27th Book Blueprint Revealed

Book titles

Today is the powerhouse day where I show you how to write your book with ease and enjoyment! 

That’s correct, the process of writing should and can be enjoyable.

I will show you the blueprint that has enabled me to write nine published books, with two best sellers.

We will discuss how to construct a book, logical chapters, brainstorm titles and even play with some covers.

This is a fun day and will leave you feeling inspired.

Join the group for a mocktail or cocktail by the pool before enjoying the night off to enjoy for your own leisure and exploring. 

Friday 28th October Leveraging Your Book

GBR

Today we have a late start so you can further explore the region. Maybe organise a helicopter ride over the Great Barrier Reef, snorkel the Lowe Islands, or do a local fishing experience.

We start at 1pm today and launch straight into the power behind book writing.

I will introduce you to the potential once you become a book writer… that’s right, once you are a published author and the avenues it can take you on.

We hook up with a highly successful special guest who discusses how he has used his book to leverage a podcast series, run 5 day challenges and raise money for charity and higher purpose.

Join in the fun tonight as we dine at a local restaurant to celebrate our new connections and learnings.

Food Port Douglas 2

Saturday 29th Media Activation Day

If it’s one thing I know really well that is how to get your message out to the world. 

Having featured on all the main TV stations, leading newspapers, radios and key interviews in magazines I can show you how to take your book to the next level.

You see, once you publish your book, you are an expert.

I will show you how this can be used to create speaking opportunities, media gigs, inspire your audience and more. 

Today is our last day and is incredibly mind opening for the entrepreneur or person who wants to leave a legacy.

The day finishes at lunch.

This will give you time to catch your plane or stay a little longer and really immerse yourself into what is going to be a ground breaking retreat for many.

The retreat is limited to seven people only.

Reserve your place NOW with a non refundable deposit.

This will book out. 

The cost for the retreat includes:

  • 5 days of coaching by me
  • My book blueprint to write your best seller
  • 1 afternoon of art innovation and creation
  • 2 Dinners, 2 lunches, 1 morning tea and 3 afternoon nibbles
  • 1 x pool side mocktail or cocktail
  • Bus tour to Mossman Gorge, Daintree River
  • Entry into Mossman Gorge
  • Daintree River Tour
  • My hottest tips for getting in the media, including TV, radio & print

The following is not included in the pricing:

  • Accommodation
  • Travel flights
  • Travel Insurance
  • Alcohol
  • Additional water
  • Air port pick ups and drop offs
  • The cost is $4497 AUD

The retreat is loved by all whom attend and I would like to extend the same offerings to you.

BOOK and make a non-refundable $300 deposit.

Retreat costs are $4497

** There are only 7 spots on this very hands on, book writing retreat so book now ***

Please feel free to send me inquiries directly or any questions you may have to here.

To pay your non refundable deposit click here

OR to pay in full click here

Thank you

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Pressing Matters – a Premium Tasmanian Wine

06/03/202106/03/2021

Set away from the main stretch of wines through Coal River, Tasmania but only thirty minutes from the heart of Hobart, is Pressing Matters.

A small vineyard set on the dry mountain side of Tea Tree.

The winery was established in 1986 and is one of the original in the area. With 54 gold medals and 37 trophies, these are some serious wines!

Wine judge and wine lovers, Greg and his wife Michelle have had the property for many years and wine tasting is by appointment only. Call the property here.

We are met by Michelle for our tasting and try all of their wines. They have three rieslings (which are particularly good in Tassie). They are names according to their residual content and unashamedly I like the 69 the best!

The 2018 Riesling R69 is a full yet delicate wine. It reminds me of the Jim Barry Riesling in so much that they both pull off the sweet factor as it is balanced with a depthy wine. It’s almost too nice though and one can forget it is alcoholic but I guess that can be said for all wines!

The Morningside range have been blended with their neighbouring vineyard to produce some very nice wines. The Morningside Pinot Noir doesn’t bounce my socks off as much as their own pure Pinot Noir but is definitely quaffable. The Cabernet is also a lovely drop with some earthern over tones but note as bold and grandiose as the Barossa Cabs we have come used to. I also like this one alot.

Definitely worth calling ahead to arrange a tasting especially if you like and know your wines. Michelle is very welcoming and feels more like a lost friend.

They have a wine club which looks pretty special too.

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Super Yacht art works Monaco

04/02/202104/02/2021

Art on super yachts are breath taking!

One of the best places in the world to experience these mini art galleries is the Monaco Yacht Show, which is held annually in Sept in the sovereign principality.

Fringed along the Cote D’azure coast line, the Monaco Yacht Show (MYS) is worth the annual pilgrimage for the incredible boats, latest in marine toys (single person underwater subs etc), art works and anything nautilus.

The Monaco Yacht Show is a fanciful array of beauty.

Beautiful people (seriously – good looking, incredibly dressed people), beautiful scenery (Porte de Monaco is special) and beautiful art works.

These are some of the amazing art pieces on some of the luxury yachts. Baring in mind many of these yachts house some of the world’s richest art collections.

art work
art work on My Dream Super Yacht

 

 

 

 

IMG_1869

 

 

 

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Potager, Carool NSW

12/01/202113/01/2021

Potager is a delightful surprise hidden beyond the country suburb of Bilambil south of the Gold Coast.

Established in 2006 by Pete and Gareth with a grand vision to grow and source local food – served with exuberant intent. They nailed it!

Fast track to now and the vision lives on and is evident in every dish made and served. It’s a special part of the dream and the intent is certainly evident in the attention to detail, amazing menu and a relaxing venue.

Unfortunately one of the partners passed away in 2019 but everyone is happy and committed in his spirit.

On our visit we are met by a beautiful rustic home set amongst an enlivened field with a seductive edible garden.

The staff are all very competent and eager to say hello. The ethos of the restaurant/community is to support local including the staff.

The views over the valley are delightful and the wine list substantial.

We are with a few friends and cocktails are ordered.

For entree we share the fair game, wild venison carpaccio, pickled plum, mushroom, tarragon pesto, lemon myrtle cracker.

Wild venison carpaccio with pickled plum

My main course didn’t sound that much on the menu but was delicious with lots of subtle and Peruvian sudado de pescado(fish stew). Whilst the menu changes depending on what is in season and available the stew is always available. I will be going back for the fish stew for sure. Warming, nourishing and flavours full of the depth of the sea.

The fish stew is to die for

It is one of the dishes designed and kept as a tribute. I really rate the fish stew but would go so far as to recommend everything on the menu. My friends have the duck which melts in your mouth whilst my partner has local caught fish which was so well cooked.

Succulent duck

What I love most about Potager is the local grown vegetables used with every dish. It is like a blessing from the planet to your plate.

Thank you so much guys, we will be back again soon,

xx

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