Ibiza a un secret bien gardé, l’île de Formentera. Autant Ibiza symbolise la fête flamboyante, autant Formentera est discrète et calme, avec de magnifiques plages d’eau turquoise. En fin de journée, nous prenons le bateau navette depuis le port d’Ibiza jusqu’à Formentera, sur fond de lumière dorée d’un magnifique coucher de soleil (photos ci-dessus 1 & 2). La traversée dure 30 minutes à peine et nous voici plongés dans un autre univers sur la petite île plus intime, d’une superficie de 83,2 km2 (photo-montage ci-dessous).
Je vous recommande de prendre une voiture de location, plus confortable qu’un scooter, surtout pour accéder à certaines plages. A noter : l’été il fait très chaud. Nous roulons vers Playa Migjorn, au sud de l’île. Où se trouve notre hôtel à taille humaine : le très agréable Riu La Mola face à une des plus belles plages de Formentera, la plage d’Es Cupinar. L’ambiance est familiale et conviviale et l’équipe de l’hotel est très accueillante. Sans oublier, la chambre confortable avec une superbe vue sur la mer parfois émeraude et bleu outremer, parfois turquoise, un plaisir dont je ne me lasse pas (photos ci-dessous dans partie: “4. Où dormir”) !
Impossible de séjourner à Formentera, sans découvrir ses différentes plages! Je pense que c’est l’activité principale! Ne me demandez pas laquelle je préfère : j’aurai du mal à vous répondre, parce que chacune d’entre elles correspond à une ambiance et un panorama différents. Es Pujols qui s’étend sur 690 m, est la plus connue et donc la plus touristique. Très chouette pour prendre un brunch. Au sud-ouest de l’île, Cala Saona avec ses bateaux de pêcheurs, est celle où j’aime prendre un verre aux heures les plus chaudes. D’autres plages sont plus sauvages comme l’emblématique Ses Illetes. Mon conseil : prenez une carte et visitez toutes les plages!
L'île a son propre rythme nonchalant. Et plutôt que de vous donner une liste d'endroits où aller, j'ai collecté en images, un kaléidoscope d'impressions, de moments rares et simples que m'évoque un séjour à Formentera. Les photos sont ci-dessous. J'espère que ça vous donnera envie de découvrir cette merveille de la Méditerranée. Fétards, passez votre chemin! Lol!
1. Découvrir les différentes plages
2. Déjeuner face à la mer
3. Faire le tour de l’île et visiter Sant Francesc Xavier
Hi everyone! Back on the front page, this article of Crans-Montana to help you to organize your trip in this beautiful destination. Enjoy your reading!
In the afternoon, we arrive in Montana in the Valais canton. Then we take a ride into a caterpillar to reach the Chetzeron hotel. Stunning landscape with snow, the magic of the Swiss Alps! Located at an altitude of 2112 m on the slopes of the Crans-Montana ski area: the Chetzeron offers a sleek design quite Japandi, in a former gondola station (photos “The hotel” below and photo of the swimming pool in “Day 1” below). From the warm welcome to the excellent dinner with regional products, to the comfort of the room with panoramic views of the moutain peaks and the valley, as well as the really cool team: everything is great! I could be able to spend my stay without leaving the hotel!
Day 1: snowshoeing, early departure from the hotel under a bright sun. Sporty snowshoe descent! Especially when you find yourself on ski slopes (oops!)… Crans-Montana has 140 km of marked ski slopes, including 14 blue, 39 red, 8 black and 40 km marked and secure paths for ski touring routes. Well yes, we got lost on snowshoes. After walking along a few ski slopes, we finally found the restaurant where we reserved for lunch. In the early afternoon, we go up in the cable car to the Plaine Morte glacier at 3000 meters above sea level. Stunning setting, brisk air and blinding (photos “Day 1: Snowshoes & Glacier” below).
Day 2: skiing in overcast weather. Refresher course with an instructor from the ESS (Swiss Ski School). Months and months without skiing, an eternal beginner/intermediate level. Then we take real descents and I am euphoric (photos “Skiing & Fooding” below). Lunch at the restaurant Cry d’Er Club d’Altitude. Tired, I spend the rest of the afternoon in the swimming pool of the Hotel Royal in Crans. More traditional than the Chezteron, this hotel has a gastronomic restaurant, Le Cadre Royal. Rooms are comfortable and the service is pleasant and professional. I really enjoy my stay. For our last evening, we have a dinner at the Mosaic: simple and tasty cuisine (photos “Skiing & Fooding” below).
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.
