There is something quietly luxurious about arriving early enough to sit in an airport lounge and simply pause.
This morning, before my flight, I spent time in the Qantas Business Lounge in Sydney, with access included in my redeemed business class ticket. And I have to say, it set the tone for the day in the best possible way.
The atmosphere is what stands out first.
A low hum of conversation. People largely keeping to themselves. A few on phones, others reading or working. No chaos, no urgency. Just a sense of calm before movement. Bright and airy, it is a nice relaxed space.
Then there is the food.
A noticeable step up from what you would expect outside the lounge or even Qantas’s normal lounge. Fresh salads, scrambled eggs, gluten free sausages, baked beans, and a well stocked juicing station. Good coffee, hot drinks, and enough variety to feel like you have options without it being overwhelming.
It is not extravagant, but it is thoughtful.
One detail I always find slightly amusing is the absence of alcohol before midday. A consistent rule in Qantas lounges. And yet, when you consider how many travellers are crossing time zones, for some people it is midday. Or later.
Still, there is something refreshing about starting the day without it.
There are three showers for those in transit or wanting to refresh.
What the lounge really offers is space. Space to gather yourself, reset, and ease into the journey ahead. And in today’s world, that might be the most valuable luxury of all.
Da Emilia alla Curtiglia found on the western side of Isle of Capri has some of the best food, drinks and sunsets on the island.
Run by classic Capri family from mum/dad, brothers, kids, cousins the place is warm and inviting. They were happy to pick me up from Villa San Michele and drop me back! I felt like royalty and was the service at the restaurant was similar.
Being gluten free can be hit and miss but their GF bruschetta was to die for!
Painting the sunset, drinking a delightful gin cocktail and eating the delicious olives and bruschetta will be some of my fondest memories of Isle of Capri this trip.
There is something wholesome and encompassing about eating fresh local produce that hasn’t been mass produced but lovingly grown by Nonno. Most of the smaller regions still (and staunchly) opt for traditional farming methods so the produce can be grown mostly pesticide and weedicide free. The depth of flavours embarrasses your average super market produce.
Equally the main dishes don’t disappoint. Lashes of local olive oil, fresh seafood and vibrant garnishes. If I didn’t have a trillion other reasons to go back to Capri, I would certainly go back for the Vognole from this restaurant and sunset. GF, delicious and home made with love.
Below one of the chefs and the very big kitchen able to cater for weddings, parties anything.
Click here to book. I would make this the destination and Isle of Capri the incidental.
Truly a life desire and memory is taking a helicopter ride over The Great Barrier Reef and a must to understand the massive size that the reef spans.
Made up of nearly 3000 atols and reefs, the Great Barrier Reef was listed as a world heritage site in 1986.
For years I have been visiting the reef and snorkelling in amazement at the wonderful life forms underneath the water but in recent years the life under the ocean top has diminished. Global warming and coral bleaching unfortunately is true, despite what many politicians will have you believe.
Low Isles off Port Douglas
There’s a couple helicopter companies operating out of Cairns and Port Douglas. We chose GBR for our experience. They all cost about the same and they all are similar whether you book through an agency or direct.
WE had a great pilot , Simon, who was engaging and really loved his job.
I was a little sick on take off and my partner was scared sh*tless.
None the less we both had a hoot.
It was a very hot day but the copter has aircon so that made the trip pleasant.
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.
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 asCastillo 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.
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.
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.
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.
Overlooking the charming area and suburbs of Devonport it Mt Victoria. Set up as a battalion base in the wars it now serves as one of the best, unadulterated views of Auckland.
The Signalman’s House is on the way up and truly breath taking. For it’s colonial style, it’s obvious connection to yesterday and it’s current purpose of offering writers a retreat. Being a writer I am totally in-love with the idea of a haven. A place to write whilst being frivolous and overlooking the harbour.
You can’t drive all the way to the summit any more but you can walk, hike or stroll. Ie foot is the only way. Up the top you will be greeted by sweeping views to the east, north and west. To the south you have iconic views of Auckland although you need to veer past a few trees.
You can have a picnic on the old forts, while watching the clouds jump and jive overhead.
Or you can share a chit chat with an old mate reminencising over times of old … waxing lyrically about childhood while your feet dangle over the edge of the old fortress.
Exploring is lot of fun which is what makes this the perfect afternoon trip for a family or lovers or solo travellers.
2. Visit the Devonport library
Well blow me down, I have visited many libraries around the world but this library is amazing.
Aside from being an architectural designer master piece it offers peace.
Peace and an open air outlook over one of the most amazing bays in the world.
It’s inspiring and has all the literature greats at your finger tips… all for free… waiting to be indulged.
I whittle away a few lustful moments reading the local rag and absorbing the view.
Whilst not a “tourist” attraction I sincerely hope you visit this space. Especially if you have never been to a library before!
3. Walk along the foreshore
This is one of the oldest, loveliest foreshore walks in New Zealand.
Beautiful trees, spaces, play grounds, picnic areas and Elizabeth House, make this a beautiful lazy afternoon walk.
Grab a photo with your family – a real keep-stakes as the back ground of the azure waters of the harbour and the sky line of Auckland subside away. Truly beautiful.
4. Lunch at the Esplanade Hotel
The Esplanade Hotel is such an iconic landmark. Built in 1857 the interior is everything you would expect from a timeless building.
We rock up on a Sunday and have the bowl of mussels done in white wine garlic and cream. Yes you guessed it! Something I will travel back for again and again and again. Especially at the end of the pier if the ferry from Auckland. It the perfect romantic escape and boys… it has a fire side!
5.Visit an art gallery
Despite everyone assuming art is for the rich or eccentric art is an expression. There are many art galleries in davenport and all worth a Casual wander through. There are too many to name and in my personal (artist) opinion, sometimes it is better to waltz through art galleries than it is to visit one. See where your heart takes you.
Reclining back, watching the last of another magic Balinese day, I giggle at the outlook of The Lawn. It is like a piece of Seminyak in Canggu. A little piece of glamour in the surf village. I don’t mind it for a change but I know it wont’ become my local. I am still an “Old Man’s” gal!
The Lawn is impressive though.
Perched on the beach, tastefully hidden, and discrete, you can chill on reef mats, watching the sun set.
It is pseudo kid friendly with an infinity pool, chez lounges and a couple of bar areas.
The cocktails are fairly standard for Bali – good, still cheaper than most parts of the world. I was a little disappointed with the menu and food but that might because I had been spoilt for organic raw choice all day, and gorging on pizza really didn’t tick my fancy. I am sure many would love their American quasi global menu.
The Lawn in summary is definitely worth a sunset visit – it maybe your thing, but you won’t know until you have been there at least once!
This amazing temple is about thirty minutes drive from Ubud.
I didn’t know this temple existed until my latest visit to Bali (my 12th time in the last 3 years)!
It is so worth the visit.
The mere fact that the caved sanctuary was built over 1000 years old makes this place a spiritual mecca.
Originally serving as a meditation school, the temple has recently been used for offerings from local farmers.
The incredible arches, reaching up to the sky give the place a surreal and natural ampitheatre.
The sound in the kings meditation dome is amazing. It is over the river and up behind the large wall alcoves.
There is no rush to pass through this temple and once you pass through the eager shop assistants you will be able to move through at your own pace.
I did some meditation in one of the alcoves and really relaxed in the beautiful grounds.
I can highly recommend this place. Oh – it does have a few steps (300+ apparently). Not a drama for most but definitely an issue if you don’t like steps.
