This hotel has that “je ne sais quoi” that I really liked! The constructions of the Al Seef district are recent constructions inspired by the historic pearl fishing port at the origin of the Dubai Creek. The Al Seef Heritage Hotel extends over a dozen traditional Arab houses (bayts), with all modern comforts. A small walk from the reception desk to access the bayt in which our room is located. During the day, the souk is quite touristy, but not crowed. And in the evening it is even more pleasant.
Our room is large with character without being stuffy or maximalist. I really liked the heavy wooden doors. From our balcony we have a wonderful view of the river’s banks. The bed is very comfortable and the bathroom very practical with a drying rack. Like the feeling of being in a setting of 19th century writers, poets and travelers, or even orientalist painters. Here and there, antique objects.
We took our breakfasts and almost all our dinners at the hotel, because we often come home late. The restaurant closes at 11 p.m.: very very pleasant to be alone, sit down and enjoy the coolness on one of the terraces (photo below). Eat meze and a chicken or beef shawarma. Then stroll through the narrow streets that are less and less crowded as time goes on. Some merchants leave their products outside overnight, apparently there is no problem with theft.
Hotel Riu Dubai
To swim in the waters of the Persian Gulf
Different neighborhood, different atmosphere. For the end of our Dubai getaway, we just wanted to swim in the emerald waters of the Persian Gulf and stay in a beach hotel in a “desert “area. The Hotel Riu Dubai shares this long wide strip of beach with a single neighboring hotel. And from the balcony of our suite, I could spend hours and hours contemplating the sea, if the wind wasn’t blowing.
Cold at first, the sea water is very salty and there is current. The perfect conditions to encourage you to swim in sport mode. The swimming area is delimited by buoys and under the supervision of a lifeguard. After the effort, the comfort with the very good lunch and dinner buffets. A festival of flavors we enjoy on the terrace of the main restaurant, overlooking the swimming pools and gardens.
For a short weekend, we felt like we were on vacation, after rushing around Dubai. Although the hotel has 750 rooms, we managed to find islands of calm and tranquility, where to read a good book, daydream in the shade of a palm tree during the hottest hours and above all swim! In the suite, I really appreciated having space: a comfortable dressing room, spacious bathroom and good bedding.
Hi everyone! On the front page of the blog this exciting article on Curaçao again. During this winter period, we need a bit of a dream! And for the lucky ones who plan to go there, some suggestions and addresses to help you plan your trip! Enjoy!
1. Vamos a la playa!
Driving from beach to beach ! Because there are a lot! So, a good option to discover several in one day (especially if your stay is short) on the west coast of Curacao! The water is turquoise and the beaches are often smaller than in the other Caribbean islands, which gives them a more intimate character. You have to rent a car in order to be truly autonomous and fully enjoy the island.
2. Where To Eat
Here are a few restaurants that I really liked. Above, 1 & 2: the beach lounge restaurant Karakter, with a laid back “vacation” setting, the food and the nonchalant atmosphere. I really enjoyed eating with my feet in the sand. 3 & 4: in the center of Willemstad, the capital of Curaçao, Plasa Bieu is a covered warehouse close to the main market, with 6 restaurants serving local cuisine. We sit at large tables facing the cooks who prepare your order in front of you. Tasty spicy Creole dishes based on fresh products. The atmosphere is simple and friendly, we chat with our neighbors at tables, a mix of locals and tourists.
Below: 1 & 2, at the Kas di Piskado Purunchi, located a small house with a wood terrace on the water, near the fishermen’s boats. The Krioyo-style fish (local Curaçao cuisine) is delicious. The owner and her team are very warm, I didn’t want to leave. Better to book, because it is often full. 3 & 4: in a colonial house, the Number 10 is an eclectic and rather trendy restaurant. One of the lounges where we ate reminded me of Havana. The portions are generous and my salad was yummy.
3. Taking a Kiting Lesson
When I was offered an initiation to “kiting“, I did not understand that it was kitesurfing (lost in translation, lol!). I was more curious than motivated. Then we drove to Tjapko (the instructor) playground, a salty land near a salt lake in the middle of nowhere under a blazing sun. Tjapko is an excellent teacher who before going into practice, explains in detail the basics of kitting (the wind), in order to avoid any accident.
Feet on the sand, you learn how to let the sail evolve with the wind. Not so obvious at first. And right there, I got caught up in the game. Sometimes I direct the sail in the air, sometimes I follow it as long as possible. It’s exciting and your arms work hard. At the end of the lesson, I will go a bit in the lake and only with the sail to discover the sensation of the wind and its strength in the water. A unique experience, awesome!
4. Street art dans Willemstad
Following our guide Chris, found of street art, we discover the capital of Curaçao from a creative perspective. From paintng to painting, we walk in different neighborhoods of central Willemstad, including Punda, Otrobanda and Scharloo. A mix of historic colonial buildings and contemporary constructions. It’s really hot and the sun burns my skin. Through street art, we learn more about the history of the city and island. I really liked this street art tour which we ended with a drink at De Broeders (photo ci-dessus / Insta : @debroederswillemstad).
You Need A Cool Place To Stay …
Two very nice accommodations in Willemstad: a stylish room in the picturesque house of the Terra Boutique Hotel, with an amazing view of the sea and fantastic (super) host, Janette. Or the Renaissance Curaçao Resort & Casino with a small artificial beach overlooking the sea and very convenient parking. Two very pleasant and very different atmospheres in two cool districts of the capital of Curaçao.
5. Diving And Relaxing In Klein Curaçao
A little before 7 a.m., we arrive at Spaanse Water pier, the starting point of our boat trip to Klein Curaçao, aboard the Serendipity boat of the agency Miss Ann Board Trips. This day trip takes you to this idyllic islet an hour by boat from Curaçao. The color of the sea is stunning, between turquoise and deep marine blue.
Once on the islet, I join the instructor for a 50-minute scuba dive to discover the drop offs and reefs. Back from the dice, a barbecue lunch with the best grilled chicken of all my stay in Curaçao! Then I return in the water till we leave the islet. I didn’t have the courage to brave the sun and the wind to visit the iconic abandoned lighthouse, Prins Hendrik, dating from 1849.
6. Quad In XXL Landscapes
Action! A little bit of quad with Eric’s ATV Adventures to have a glimpse of the East and North of Curaçao landscapes! Honestly, the pace is so fast with sometimes, very narrow paths lined with cacti that I let my friend drive the whole tour. Usually, I drive the quad half the tour. Landscape level: cave, small mountain and gorgeous panorama! Energizing! And don’t forget your sunglasses and a thin cotton scarf to protect your nose and mouth from dust.
7. Sunset At Sea
After the quad (and a quick shower), we have a fantastic sunset on the elegant sailboat of Hilde and Norbert, the lovely owners of Maxie Sailing who organize tailor-made trips. An absolut exclusive Curaçao experience! Hilde has prepared really good apetizers. We had such a magical time with our warm hosts. Imagine ending a boat trip under a starry night while chatting with friends. My definition of luxury. Thank you so much Hilde and Norbert! www.maxiesailing.com
8. A Very Physical Hike!
This morning walk begins early from 6.30-7 am to avoid the strong heat and too many people during the ascent (very physical, soldiers train there) of the highest point of Curaçao, at 372 meters: the mountain Christoffelberg which is located in Christoffelpark, the biggest National Park of the island. The start of the mountain is at level 0 and like in video games, as you get closer to the summit, there are larger and larger protruding blocks of rock and increasingly narrow passages that challenge the muscles of your legs, knees and arms. But the view is stunning.
Hi everyone! I post this article on the front page of the blog again. A bit of outdoors, dreams and escape for these long fall and winter months ... I hope this can help you organize a visit to the stunning La Gomera ! Enjoy !
In the early evening, we dock in the small port of San Sebastian de La Gomera, designated by UNESCO as a biosphere reserve. A short trip from Tenerife: 50 minutes to contemplate the calm ocean in the amber light of a beautiful sunset. After collecting a rental car, we will drive to the historic Parador Nacional de Turismo “Conde de la Gomera” which overlooks the city of San Sebastian (photos below), offering magnificent views of the Atlantic Ocean. I will never tire of my stay at this hotel.
Day 2: after picking up our great guide Andrea, we cross the island from east to west to reach the port of the Valle Gran Rey village, where we embark on a small boat in order to observe the whales. Rather, it will be happy dolphins and above all spectacular views of the rugged coastline made up of stratified rocks plunging steeply into the emerald water. Unfortunately I don’t have time for a scuba dive. Then a lunch of excellent fish in the village and back on the road to go to a Laurasilva forest (endemic to the Canaries, Madeira and the Azores), in the Park of Garajonay.
Day 3: the landscapes are impressive and it is also better to know how to drive in the mountains, because in places the driving is “sporty”. Early this morning, guided by Andrea, we head to the center of the island: the Bosque del Cedro hiking trail in Garajonay Park, for a short and invigorating 1.5 hour walk in the forest. Then return to the car and depart to Agulo, in the north of the island. Before, we stop at El Alto de Garajonay, the highest point of La Gomera (1484 meters). Incredible 360 ° view, including a breathtaking view of the famous El Teide volcano in Tenerife! I also really liked the lunar landscape (red earth without vegetation) which leads to the Mirador de Abrante, in the municipality of Agulo.
Day 4: our last morning and we have to take the ferry back to Tenerife, with the desire to stay in La Gomera and discover more about this island with a tragic past and a stunning nature. After the frantic pace of our activities of the previous days, we have a relaxing break at the Riu Buenavista in Tenerife. The recently renovated hotel offers an airy setting, where it is pleasant to stroll and enjoy the beautiful sunsets. I really appreciate the new decoration too, very boutique hotel. In our room, we have an amazing view of the ocean and La Gomera !! Without forgetting the quality of the buffets with very good fish.
Enjoy the travel's pictures below !
Day 1: Our Hotel, The Parador Nacional de Turismo “Conde de la Gomera”
Many thanks to the Spanish Tourist Office / Oficina de Turismo de España and La Gomera Travel for this beautiful invitation. Many thanks to Riu Buenavista too. As always, these are my opinions.
