12 May 2022

I recently returned from a fantastic trip to the Andalucia region of Spain. I travelled here in April with some fellow travel friends to explore the area and see what it has to offer. We arrived into Malaga City with a direct flight from Dublin where we spent our first two nights. It is such a beautiful city, perfect for a city break or short trip as there is so much to see and do. We met our group and were transferred to our first hotel which was the Soho Boutique hotel in Malaga City. It is a lovely hotel and perfectly situated in the heart of the city so you are walking distance to all the historic sites, shopping, bars and restaurants and also the Port of Malaga which you can see from certain rooms within the hotel. We were treated to a very tasty lunch at the "La Fabrica" restaurant in Malaga which is only a few minutes walk from the hotel. This urban eatery serves innovative cuisine, fabulous slow food and they also brew their own Cruzcampo craft beers. They offer over 30 different varieties a year inspired by the local urban culture and the artistic district of the city. They also have live music every day with local or new and upcoming artists. It is well worth a visit on your next trip to Malaga. After lunch we met our very knowledgeable local guide that took us on a walking tour of Malaga City showing us the beautiful Cathedral and Roman ruins of the Roman Theatre and learned about the famous Picasso. Our walking tour finished at the very unique "El Pimpi" restaurant where we had a beautiful dinner and tasted the local wines. This restaurant was founded in 1971 and is a very popular wine cellar where you can enjoy the local food and wine but most importantly the tradition and culture of Spain and it is also a popular meeting point for the famous. It is split into different halls where they host many different events all with a unique theme. The next day we had a lovely relaxing boat trip with City Sightseeing tours where we got to see the neighbouring areas of Torremolinos, Benalmadena and Almeria in the distance. Our group were then treated to a gorgeous lunch at the "Only You" five star hotel which is situated next door to the Soho Boutique. It is a beautiful hotel with a lovely rooftop terrace with beautiful views of Malaga city. After a very tasty lunch, we had some free time to relax and enjoy. We then went on a walking tour towards the "Los Patio de Beatas" restaurant where we enjoyed a wine tasting and dinner for our last night in Malaga. The restaurant is in the heart of the city and only 50 meters from the Picasso Museum. The next morning we left Malaga and were transferred to the beautiful old town of Marbella. This was one of my favourite parts of the trip, it is such a beautiful town full of colour with blooming flowers and hanging baskets on the shops and restaurants with small quirky streets and lots of lovely shops and restaurants to explore. We had a very knowledgeable local guide to take us on a walking tour of the old town and learn about the history of Marbella. We had a special treat for lunch where we visited the gorgeous "Punte Romana Beach Resort" which is one of the Nobu Hotels, a stunning luxury resort situated right on the beach. We had lunch in the Sea grill restaurant listening to the waves of the ocean with Mediterranean style cuisine. The food and service was amazing. We left beautiful Marbella and it took an hour to transfer to the town of Jerez De La Frontera (Cadiz) where we spent the next two nights. Jerez is a gorgeous town famous for its local flamenco culture and Andalusian Horses. We stayed in the "Sherry Park Hotel" which is in a great location and only a few minutes walk to the town of Jerez. Our group enjoyed a Cocktail dinner and sherry tasting at the Bodega Gonzalez Bypass in Jerez. It is a family run business in a beautiful setting where they produce high quality sherry's which are aged following the traditional Solera system where the wines are blended in a 600 litre Oak Cask to bring unique tastes. On our last day in Jerez we visited the Museos de la Atalaya which is the only antique clock and watch museum in Spain. It has ten rooms with the most valuable collections of clocks in Europe. The next part of my trip was without doubt my absolute favourite. We had the pleasure of seeing a Royal Andalusian Horse dancing show at the Royal Andalusian School Of Equestrian Art Foundation in Jerez. It is an authentic equestrian ballet where the horses dance to the pure Spanish music. The school is a specialized training centre in relation to horse breeding and keeping their Andualisan horse tradition alive where they host many different shows. We got to experience a show sitting in the Royal box which was such a treat with the best view to take it all in. It was so beautiful to watch and afterwards we were invited to visit the stables and meet the horses, which were so lovable and gentle and beautiful horses and we also got to meet the lovely riders and see the grounds. If you ever visit the town of Jerez it is a definite highlight and gives a real insight to their culture. After an amazing day we spent our final farewell in a local Spanish tavern where we got to see a local Flamenco show. This was also a highlight to the trip to immerse ourselves in the local Spanish culture and see where the locals come to enjoy a night out and some flamenco dancing. If you are looking to explore a new part of Spain I highly recommend Andalucia. It has so much to offer with so much history and such a beautiful culture . I would be delighted to help you plan your next Spanish holiday to give you a unique experience and to explore new areas of Spain.

09 March 2022

I had an amazing 4 night trip to the Extremadura area of Spain in November with some fellow travel friends. The Extremadura area is a very traditional and authentic part of Spain. We flew into the beautiful city of Seville where we were met at the airport by our transfers that took us to our first stop in beautiful Merida. Merida is a beautiful Roman city where we spent our first two nights. We stayed in the 5* hotel Merida Palace which was located right in the centre overlooking the Plaza. It is within walking distance to all the restaurants and historical sites and only a five minutes walk to the bridge which takes you to the old town. Merida has many old roman buildings situated around the city which have been restored and are still being used, which was so lovely to see. We enjoyed our first group dinner in a Michelin star restaurant located only a few minutes walk from our hotel. We tasted delicious Iberian ham that the area is very famous for and a fabulous sea bass dish along with different types of local goats cheese and wines. It was a perfect start to a great trip. The next day we did a walking tour around the city visiting many of the historic and roman buildings such as the roman amphitheatre which is still being used for many events and festivals throughout the year. The next day we visited the town of Almendralejo. We had a guided tour of the Bullring in the town where the balconies in the bullring dated back to 1912 and have been fully restored. The town hall purchased the bullring and they rent it out to local companies for events such as jazz nights where they serve the famous Cava (Sparkling Champagne). There are very few bullfights held anymore as it is less popular now with the younger generation. The Extremadura area is very well known for the production of wine, sheep and goats cheese. The best quality grapes are picked by hand whereas the standard quality grapes used for table wines are picked using machines. We were so lucky to get a guided tour of the wine production factory. We had the pleasure to see how the wines were produced, bottled and stored before sitting down to a delicious lunch to taste the local made cheese and wines. Our next stop was at the gorgeous city of Caceres, a city full of history with cobblestone streets and beautiful medieval architecture where every building had a story. We visited the stunning Lake Barrucecos which is the setting of the final battle of the dragon in Game of Thrones. Situated right by the lake we got a tour of the famous Museo Vostell Malpartida. This museum is amazing and the artist Wolfe Vostell a German painter fell in love and returned to the area to set up this studio in post-war contemporary art. We arrived back at our hotel to check in and we stayed in the NH Collection Caceres Palacio De Oquendo. It was perfectly located in the centre of Caceres with everything on your doorstep. The next morning our guide took us out into the deep Spanish countryside through fields of oak and acorn trees to see the Iberian pigs. As our bus drove in, they gathered around and it was amazing to see. The pigs only feed on acorns which are plentiful this time of year, so generally they would be less amused with people compared to when they are scarce. We then went to the local village to the Iberian production factory to see where they salt and cure the hams. After the tour, we went for lunch where we got to taste many of the different types of ham. Each slice of ham is from a various parts of the pig and tastes so different. The thinner the slice is cut, the tastier it is. Trujillo was our last stop in Extremadura, another beautiful town full of history with a medieval stone fortress on a steep hill overlooking the whole town. A few of us climbed to the very top to watch the sun setting which was stunning. The town is beautiful with a big market square bustling with many restaurants, shops and museums all within walking distance. Our guide took us on a lovely walking tour to explore the town and then we met to have our farewell dinner before our flight home the next day. We travelled 3 hours to Madrid airport where we flew back to Dublin. Extremadura is such a special part of Spain and is so authentic. The people are so friendly and it is full of history with the most delicious food and wines. I highly recommend anyone to visit Extremadura if you are looking for a non-touristy and more cultured part of Spain to explore as this area has so much to offer.

09 June 2021

If you have never experienced a small group adventure, then you are missing out! October 2019, I decided to get out of my comfort zone and go on a small group Adventure tour of Morocco. The Sahara Desert has always been high on my bucket list, and it certainly did not disappoint. I was nervous not knowing anyone that was going to be in my group and not knowing what to expect. We arrived at the hotel In Marrakesh where we met our guide and I was blown away by his passion and knowledge for his country, and he just made the trip so much fun and an overall amazing experience and putting everyone at ease. We started our journey from Marrakesh and travelled high up the Atlas Mountains. We stopped in the local village of Imil, grabbed our backpack and hiked an hour to the top to the village of Aroumd. It was so different to seeing the usual touristy destinations and getting to experience real local life and the real Berber culture and way of life. Kids were happily playing hopscotch in the streets with big smiling faces, and not a phone or tablet in sight. We stayed in a local Gite which was a family home, and we were welcomed with a tasty home cooked meal. It was a privilege to be invited into their family. We then travelled to Ait Bennhadou which is on the edge of the Sahara. It was once an important stop for caravans passing through as they carried salt across the Sahara, returning with gold, ivory, and slaves. The town is known for many film sets, including Lawrence of Arabia, Game of Thrones, and Gladiator. We travelled through the beautiful Draa Valley to Zagora and then onwards to M’Hamid where we were met by 4x4’s to take us on a thrilling and fun adventure through the sand dunes in the desert. We then met our camels for our 1 hour Trek through the Sahara to our camp for the night. We arrived at our Sahara camp which was just amazing. It was more than I imagined - we had our own tents already set up and a campfire to sit out at and gaze at the amazing starry sky. Our camp Chef cooked us up a tasty Moroccan feast. We hiked up to the highest sand dune to take in the stunning Sahara sunset, and at that point I thought to myself, I am so high up and have full view of the Sahara, I've done it! I never thought I would, so I was proud. It was such an amazing feeling and a view I will never ever forget. The next morning our camp leaders took us to see sunrise before we headed for the small market town of Oulad Berhil stopping to see the goats climbing trees searching for nuts. Our final stop before going back to Marrakesh was in the beautiful colourful fishing town of Essaouira. It is such a pretty town full of culture, beautiful art galleries, shops to explore and also great nightlife and restaurants. I would recommend adding an extra day in Marrakesh which gives you the opportunity to visit the Medinas and all the historic sights. You will get great bargains which makes perfect gifts to bring home. A small group adventure is a perfect way to explore a new country, meet new friends and tick off that bucket list destination. Whether you are a solo traveller or going with friends or family there is an adventure out there to suit everybody. If you are looking to plan your next adventure get in touch. I would be so excited to help you plan your next bucket list adventure!

02 October 2021

I had the opportunity to travel to Asia a few years ago and It was more than I ever Imagined! It was the most amazing fun experience and I can't wait to go back again. A group of us travelled to Thailand and started our adventure in Bangkok for a few nights. It was my first time visiting Bangkok and honestly it is worth spending a few nights here before you travel around Thailand. We stayed in the fabulous Bangkok Menam Riverside Hotel. It is a fabulous central hotel situated on the Chao Phraya river. The Thai people are so friendly and welcoming and the food is just delicious. After dinner of course we just had to venture out to experience the night markets and get some unique gifts to bring home. The following day we got to explore the city and check out some of the amazing temples such as the most ionic temple of Bangkok "Wat Arun". You can climb the steps to the very top and have an amazing view of Bangkok. We then had a relaxing river cruise to show us some of the sites and also some of the poorer areas of Bangkok and seeing how people live which was such an experience. We also got to visit the famous "Sky Bar" from the movie the Hangover and the view from the Bar terrace is stunning overlooking the whole city. We did this at night and seeing the spectacular city lights of Bangkok was worth every minute. After a night out and some dancing the we had a very early start for our bicycle tour of the city. Our tour guide was a local guide and we learned so much, he had so much knowledge and love for his country. We cycled through the heart of Bangkok and peddled through alleyways and canal paths which is the less touristy parts of the city. The tour was about the history and local living of the people of Bangkok to experience the real culture. We passed many Buddhist temples and took a walk through a public park near the Grand Palace which was once used by the Royal family. The next part of our trip we flew to Ho Chi Minh City where we started our adventure of Vietnam. Ho Chi Minh city is such a busy vibrant city. I was amazed to see how a whole family could fit on one scooter along with their weekly shopping. We stayed in the "Le Meridien hotel" located along the Saigon River. The service was amazing and staff so friendly with the most delicious Vietnamese food. In the morning we explored the shops and then had a Vespa tour of the city. This was an absolute highlight of the trip. The weather was very hot and humid but even with a heavy rain shower our Vespa tour drivers were waiting for us with Ponchos and umbrellas and got us on the back of their scooters for the best adventure of the city. We stopped along the way where they took pictures and brought us to experience a delicious Vietnamese meal at one of their favourite local restaurants. It was so much fun I can't recommend it enough and suitable for all. The following morning we did a boat trip on the Mekong Delta where they brought us into the heart of the Delta through the jungle where we were met by a Tuk Tuk. They supplied us with helmets and we all climbed into the back of the tuk tuk where they brought us on a fast paced adventure through the jungle. It was such an adrenaline rush diving from the palm trees along the way we had so much fun and hence why the helmets were needed! We stopped at Ben Tre known as Coconut Island to have a meal cooked by a local family at their homestead and a tour of a coconut workshop where they make candy. It is one of the most delicious and popular candies of Vietnam. Our group then had a trip on a wooden Sampan boat through the canals of the Mekong Delta. This was my absolute favourite part of the whole trip. Seeing the local people standing on the Sampan in their bare feet leading us through the Delta to the floating markets of Cai Rang where we tasted the most delicious exotic fresh fruit. Vietnam is one of my favourite countries I have been to and I can't wait to go back and explore it even more. I would love to help you plan your next Asian adventure. I have such a love for both Thailand and Vietnam and would love the opportunity to help you have an adventure you will never forget and make the most amazing memories to take home with you.

09 June 2021

A few years ago I packed up my suitcase to go and live in beautiful Canada for two years. I can honestly say it was the best two years of my life. Canada is one of the most beautiful countries I have ever been to. I lived in the city of Calgary also known as "Cowtown" for its western culture. It is host to the famous Calgary Stampede every July which is an exciting ten day outdoor festival that celebrates the Western Culture. You can see everything from rodeos, live music and many famous artists doing evening shows and amazing food and entertainment for the whole family. It is a must see if you visit the city, make sure you get the cowboy boots ready! It's very easy to find your way around downtown with a grid street system and access to the C-train which goes all over the city and also on the outskirts. Calgary city has so much to offer. It is perfect for a shopping trip or even to take a picnic in the beautiful Prince's Island Park downtown, or you could even go river tubing. If you ever watched and loved the movie "Cool Runnings" then a visit to the Olympic Park is a must! They actually have the Jamaican team's bobsleigh there and you can sit in it and have your picture taken. You could even take the plunge and do a bobsleigh ride on that very track. It is also great for Skiing and or Ziplining in the summer. An hours drive from Calgary is where you will find the most breath-taking scenery of the beautiful Rocky Mountains. I recommend hiring a car which gives you the freedom to drive and stop off along the way to discover the stunning Lakes such as Lake Morraine and Lake Minnewanka, to name a few. Here you can go paddle boarding, Canoeing or explore the wilderness on foot by taking one of many hikes, and the view at the top is worth every minute. Canmore and Banff are both lovely towns between Calgary and the mountains with cute log cabin houses, restaurants, bars and lovely gift shops to explore. There are so many tours and excursions you can book to explore the surroundings. Lake Louise is just over 2 hours drive from Calgary but definitely a must see when you visit as the Lake itself, it's just stunning. Also in winter they host an Ice Sculpture show on the lake and it's amazing to see what beauty can be carved from a block of ice! It is also the perfect place to hit the slopes in the winter or have some fun with the family by going snow tubing or dog sledding. Camping is also a great way to experience the Canadian Wilderness and then you can spot wildlife and relax to take in the amazing scenery. Many families head out of the city during summer months to go camping on long weekends and enjoy everything the beautiful Rocky Mountains has to offer. If you are thinking about a holiday to Canada I would be able to give you expert guidance on your adventure, so please get in touch!