Tag Archives: Short Break

Croatia: Opatija,The French Riviera of Istria

Posted on March 19, 2015 | Leave a comment

Under a bright sun,

early in the morning we left by car the Esplanade Zagreb to the famous Opatija, a seaside town on the shores of the Mediterranean, in the Kvarner Bay. Halfway, we stopped at Lake Fuzine (picture 2), with emerald water. Beautiful landscape really green to walk and get some fresh air. The sky is blue, so blue. It is much cooler than in Zagreb and still impeccable, no paper, no butts lying around. A real pleasure!

We hit the road and soon we arrive in Opatija.

The houses architecture of the late nineteenth and early twentieth century reminds me of Nice and the French Riviera, or Sintra in Portugal. Quick jump to the hotel (with a direct view on a small marina) to leave my bags. And I go with Ze who lives in Opatija for a long walk in the city. What a great discovery!

I have the impression of being in a book of Agatha Christie:

architecture, historical figures painted on the wall of fame wall (pictures 8 & 9), including Isadora Duncan (pictures 6, her house & 9). A kind of slow elegance (pictures 4 & 5: Villa Angiolina) … There are few people, it’s very nice: the best time to avoid the crowds is June or September. Photo 7: Park Angiolina. Photos 1,3 & 10: Lungomare is a sublime seaside promenade, to enjoy day and night, by far my favorite part of Opatija!

Informations

Opatija Tourist Board & www.visitcroatia.be

Follow my whole trip in the CROATIA section. ENJOY! I was hosted by the Office National Croate du Tourisme and of course all my opinions are mine.

Related posts : DESTINATIONS & HOTEL REVIEWS

Martinhal Beach Resort & Hotel: Amazing Restaurant

Posted on October 26, 2014 | Leave a comment

After six hours driving from Lisbon to Sagres… Yes, six hours! No joke, I will explain you why later (coming up post). We arrived around six o’clock at the beautiful Martinhal Resort and Hotel. Less tired than dazed, curious and happy to check out our room and the resort. And a bit hungry too.

Fantastic dinner at the O Terraçao

One of the best fish I’ve ever eaten

Initially the restaurant reservation was for 8 o’clock: no way! I need my time, so I changed the reservation and we arrive at the O terraçao at 9 p.m. Thankfully there are not many people and the atmosphere is relaxed. We sit near the large window to enjoy the view of the city lights of Sagres.

I choose as a first meal a salad with shrimps and fried pineapple (picture 2 in the photo montage above). While my friend has an excellent shrimp soup (1). Then we both choose a delicious fresh fish with a mashed sweet potato and Mediterranean vegetables.

Great desserts nicely presented

Above : my chocolate ice cream (picture 1) and the chocolate cake of my friend (picture 2). Super light! Lol! On the wall, beautiful pictures of traditional Portugese : an old woman and nun.

After these desserts we are so full, we decide to have a walk in the big property and stop at the M Bar (really cool surf bar). But at midnight something, it’s already closed! The Martinhal is a family hotel first. No problem, we even laughed a lot on the way back to the hotel room.

A Scandinavian vibe with a Brit twist

Great interior design in the restaurant (first picture of the post) and lobby, with a cosy atmosphere. Picture above: a view from the restaurant to the lobby. Picture below: one of my favorite part of the resort, the lobby is both modern and retro with a “Mad Men” touch.

Sunny breakfast at the terrace

First morning, I missed the breakfast

because I was sleeping (lol!). So the next day, I decided to wake up earlier to be ready fifteen minutes before the breakfast at the restaurant (still O Terraçao) closes! I’m defenitely not a morning person.

Pictures (above and the last one): do you see the view? Stunning, isn’t it? And the buffet is awesome with jams of local producers, many different breads and sun-kissed fruits (picture below). As for the dinner, the service is excellent.

Informations

Martinhal Beach Resort & Hotel

L’And Vineyards: Minimalist Design Skysuite

Algarve, Portugal: Anti-stress Massage @ Vila Vita Vital

HOTEL REVIEWS, DESTINATIONS & How To Prepare Your Travel

We were invited by the Martinhal Beach Resort & Hotel and as always these are my opinions. Many thanks to the O Terraçao team.

Weekend in Rotterdam: Where Going Out and Staying

Posted on October 21, 2014 | Leave a comment

My City Guide Rotterdam

To give you some ideas for your next weekend! Ok, this year, Rotterdam is one of the best destinations recommended by the New York Times and Rough Guide. But what really inspired me: for last few years, Rotterdam is one of the most dynamic cities in terms of contemporary architecture (post to come). As always walk, walk and discover! And feel free to give me your feedback on these addresses.

Where to stay

Comfortable simple design

the brand new Ibis Rotterdam City Centre is ranked 6th best hotel in Rotterdam by Tripadvisor. The room is small, well thought out (for one person) and very clean (photo above). Bedding and facilities are great and the bathroom has a large shower area. The service is very efficient and smiling. Good location, I could see all the major attractions on foot.

Where going out

Sumatraweg, a charming place

with several vintage decor cafes and few restaurants (photo 1). My favorite is the Kopi Soesoe: nice and quiet atmosphere with lovely decor (photos above).

Close to Sumatraweg in a warehouse

the Fenix Food Factory is a covered market with several restaurants on a dock. This is my big favorite! The place is cozy, tastefully arranged and with a New York touch! Perfect for a late brunch.

On the photo montage above: 1. & 2. Kapse Brouwers is both a brewery and a coffee shop offering a variety of beers and also Britain cider. 3. Jordy’s Bakery, a bakery. On the photo montage below: 1. & 2. a restaurant that proposes an incredible variety of delicious Dutch cheeses and crottins Chavignol too.

Panoramic view of the various banks

from the Hotel New York terrace. I wish I could stay there after a long architecture walk, but as it rained! So I decide to do a quick tour of the hotel located in the former offices of the Holland America Line. A piece of history! Photo below: the really cool toilets for women.

Witte by night

Long street with bars, cafes and restaurants in the arty bohemian atmosphere. Witte is a five minute walk from the Museum Quarter. Photo above: translation of the text on drawing “Suddenly when I was kissing my nipples, I saw hundreds of men looking at me.” Funky! Lol! Photo Montage below: 1 Main Street. 2 the “flying bartender”, this guy kept jumping in the air at the sight of my phone! Lol! 3 & 4 Bazaar, with a DIY decor, really cool coffee and restaurant!

Wellness & Fooding Weekend in Poland (Part 2)

5 terraces to relax in Zagreb, Croatia

DESTINATIONS & LIFESTYLE

Thanks to the Accor Hotels to invite me in Rotterdam. As always these are my opinions.