Tag Archives: Museum

Roadtrip In Spain: Last Stops, La Manga, Cartagena and Murcia

Posted on April 3, 2025 | Leave a comment

On The Way To The Murcia Region

Last stop on this train road trip. We arrived from Madrid late in the day at the superb Grand Hyatt La Manga Club Golf & Spa, the most beautiful hotel of this exciting journey, which began in Barcelona. The grounds, the golf course where we had a lesson, the restaurants where we dined, the room, the spa, the pools… the breakfasts: everything is designed to make you feel happy! Even the weather, with a clear blue sky!

The very next day, we visited the famous Cartagena with a guide who was a fount of knowledge about the history of this maritime city, whose origins date back to antiquity. I particularly enjoyed the Molinete Roman Forum Museum, located on the very site of the Roman forum (photo above and photomontage “Day 2”). Then we went to the Roman theater, dating from the 1st century AD. Allow one to two days to discover the most iconic monuments.

Day three: we meet up with our friendly guide (from the previous day) in the student city of Murcia, whose origins date back to 831 BC. Arriving at the magnificent Plaza Cardinal Belluga, we discover Murcia Cathedral and the Episcopal Palace (with its beautiful painted façade). We visit a few more Baroque churches and monuments, and in the late afternoon, we relax on the terrace of a café located behind the cathedral. Enjoying the pace of the city.

                    La Manga, Cartagena and Murcia in pictures

Day 1 : The Hotel

Day 2 : Golf Lesson And Cartagena Visit

Day 3 : A Walk in Murcia

Photos : © Mademoiselle Le K – Tous droits réservés

Informations

Grand Hyatt La Manga Club Golf & Spa, Spanish Tourism Board, Turismo Region de Murcia

Many thanks to the Grand Hyatt La Manga Club Golf & Spa, the Spanish Tourism Board and Turismo Region de Murcia . As always, these are my opinions.

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Strolling Around Bruges And Surroundings

Posted on May 11, 2022 | Leave a comment

A Huge Need for Beauty And Culture

At the beginning of spring, it was freezing cold and I walked for a long time in the historic center of Bruges without any real goal, just the huge need for beauty and culture. Cobbled streets, old buildings and the Reie river. Following the inspiration of the moment, I follow the narrow passage that opens onto an interior courtyard with a pretty garden. Continuing, near the canal, small bridge probably dating from the Middle Ages extremely curved and slippery. I observe the old stones steeped in history. And it’s off again to get lost in a maze of streets until nightfall. Walk, stroll and visit a museum!

In the city of chocolatiers, I finally tasted the famous chocolate (with hazelnuts) from Dominique Persoone, star chocolatier. Its chocolate is fine, subtle and tasty, without fuss: such a treat! I think the decor of his shop doesn’t represent well to the finesse of his creations. Close to the Ellis Gourmet Burger: very good burgers with quality meat. After many feasts (lololol), I finally head the Groeningemuseum to discover eminent Belgian painters over six centuries, starting with the Flemish masters Jan van Eyck (15th century) and Pieter Bruegel the Elder (16th century). The museum is not huge, but there are many major art works. A really exciting visit, collections absolutely to see!

The big breath of fresh air : on the way to Bruges, we made a detour through the landscape park of the Bulskampveld castle estate. The tour started with the Herb Garden (herbs that can be purchased from a vending machine; bring change). Then the Paths through the water: soothing landscape, even under a threatening sky. We continued into the nearby woods. Very pleasant walk without great difficulty, beneficial for both the mind and the body. As a reward for these 10 km walk: my first homemade ice cream of the season!

                                The day trip in pictures below

Stroll Through The Old Bruges

Flemish Painting, Chocolate And Hamburger

Bulskampveld

Photos : © Mademoiselle Le K – Tous droits réservés

Related articles : Destinations

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Japan: The Hiramatsu Hotels & Resorts Sengokuhara

Posted on July 18, 2018 | Leave a comment

A View To Fuji San

Our Second Stop in Hakone

We arrive at the very exclusive Hiramatsu Hotels & Resorts Sengokuhara, near Hakone, in the middle of the day, after many adventures on the road (we lost ourselves several times! Lol). This small establishment of 11 gestrooms with a modern architecture, is a real art museum.

In a refine decoration with many elements from Italy, I discover paintings, draws and serigraphs numbered of Japanese and Western masters (Kataoka Tamako, Chagal, Buffet, Miro …). The owner of Hiramatsu Hotels & Resorts, a fine art collector wanted this hotel to be dedicated to gastronomy and farniente.

Here, no long list of activities: our private onsen with water from either Ubako spring or Owakudani spring (both having beneficial effects on the skin) is in the center of our large bathroom / terrace overlooking Fuji San. Early morning, the view is stunning (photo above taken from our room). A feeling of euphoria floats in the air …

  

Beauty is Everywhere

The elegant suite-sized room is a haven of “luxury, calm and pleasure” (Beaudelaire). For a better soundproofing, in front of each room, a private glass corridor and carpet insulate noise (7th picture below).

And if like us, you are fond of beauty and space, this bathroom is a dream! I don’t leave my onsen anymore, staring at the top of the trees, Fuji San and the horizon (photo above). 

I also liked the sliding panels that allow you to modulate the space and hide things like TV. The wide and leather sofa design is a monster of comfort. I don’t even talk about bedding! Everything, every detail is perfect!

     

The Gourmet Restaurant

  

The Dinner

On the two photos above: the view from our room of the garden at night and in the background, the silhouette of Fuji San. Picture below: the stretch of water seen from the main hall of the restaurant. The cuisine of chef Kenjiro Yoshikoshi is as captivating to see as to taste. 

At dinner, the plates looks like paintings. The pleasure of sight associated with that of taste, with an exciting experience of flavors and textures, colors and shapes. Rarely, I have seen such beautiful and good dishes. For example: on the second and third picture photo below, the “Spaghetti puttanesca with marinated abalone“. In fact, the chef specialized in Italian cuisine, recommends mixing spaghetti with the whipped white sauce. It’s divine, so inexpected, top!

I will be able to list all dishes served, with my lean culinary vocabulary (I am not a food critic). But I just want to add that Chef Kenjiro Yoshikoshi’s cooking is art. His cuisine is hedonistic, generous and cheerful. 

Like the chef, his cuisine excels without pretension. As just as all the people who work in this hotel. The service is amazing and very warm. Domo arigato gosaimasu to all the (last picture)!

    

The Breakfast

  

Photos : © Mademoiselle Le K – Tous droits réservés

Informations  

The Hiramatsu Hotels & Resorts Sengokuhara

Planning your trip with Exclusif Voyages

Flying to Japan : direct flights from Brussels & Paris with ANA

Related articles : DESTINATIONS & HOTEL REVIEWS

Many thanks to Exclusif Voyages, Ryokan Collection and all the team of The Hiramatsu Hotels & Resorts Sengokuhara, for this beautiful and warm invitation. As always theses are my opnions.

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