Tag Archives: Short Break

Madeira: Weekend in Porto Santo, Day 1

Posted on September 9, 2016 | Leave a comment

The Madeira Airport

One of My Shortest Flight Ever:

From Funchal to Porto Santo, a dreamy small island with a unique nine kilometer beach of golden sand lined and crystal clear water! I go there for a long sport and wellness weekend, between ocean and spa. I am super excited: it will be my first time in the island! Departure from the Cristiano Ronaldo International Airport (Madeira) with some arty monochrome-corridors, where I am in transit (above photo).

Of course I didn’t sleep the night before: as always a thousand things to absolutely do! I’m in great shape, if I sit down, I fall asleep (lol)! A little walk to the shopphing corner. Photo below: some Poncha, the ultra strong cocktail of Madeira! The pretty bottles on the top look like sunscreen aerosols flavored with orange, passion fruits etc …

That’s it, we are three passengers to board : ) The small plane could be a private jet (first photo of the post)! 25 minutes flight including the wait on the tarmac, takeoff, landing and probably 10 minutes in clouds. I feel euphoric! No you will not see my tired eyes (lol)! Photos below: beautiful views from my window of the Atlantic Ocean and Porto Santo.

I love the rocky side of this volcanic island! An island is always a little magic!

The View

How Many Shades of Blue?

Awesome ocean and beach view from my room balcony! Oops, I lost the key of my suitcase lock and need to take my swimsuit. Nice afternoon program: after a light lunch, I have a treatment at the Hotel Porto Santo spa, a specialty of the island …

The Spa

A Superb Spa All to Myself!

This is luxury, I know it’s insane! And even crazier: me in this “sandbox” (picture above)! I should say : me, from chin to toe, covered by the island warm sand (40 degree celcius, I believe). Muito obrigada to the therapist to have refreshed my face with a wet towel several times.

The explanation: the volcanic island of Porto Santo is famous for the beautiful 9 km beach. The “biogenic carbonate” (Terramiga) sand of this beach is good for the skin, arthritis and rheumatism among others. In the past, the islanders took sand baths on the beach, but there were a lot of accidents due to the burns. Now in spa, the temperature is controlled.

After the Geomedicin sand treatment and a long cold shower, I can notice the relaxing effect. The body released tensions, is deeply relaxed and flexible. The skin is extremely soft (still a little redish due to the warm). In photos below: the different spaces of the elegant spa with modern facilities and direct access to the beach (photos below). To be continued…

Informations

Visit Madeira, Visit Portugal & Hotel Port Santo

Related Posts : HOTEL REVIEWS & DESTINATIONS

Many thanks to Visit Madeira and Visit Portugal for this wonderful discovery of the island of Porto Santo. As always these are my opinions.

Portugal: Weekend in Évora – Day 2

Posted on July 23, 2016 | Leave a comment

Between Art And History

Fórum Fundação Eugénio de Almeida

After a brunch at the rooftop pool of the Vitória Stone Hotel roof, I head (this time without bike) to the historic center of Évora, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Facing the Roman Temple, the Fórum of the Fundação Eugénio de Almeida, where I visit the exhibition, “All Heritage is Poetry“.

And then, surprise, surprise upon entering the first room: an art piece of Ai Weiwei, Stone Pilar (above right). In the first photo of this post: at the entrance of the exhibition, one can read on a table, “O e a amanha Questão” (“Tomorrow is the question“), a reflection on what are heritage and its conservation. The visit of the Forum and the exhibition was exciting.

The left picture below: a ceiling dating back to the terrible Portuguese Inquisition, which lasted nearly three centuries (from the 15th to the 18th century). Part of the premises of the Foundation Eugénio de Almeida is located in the former Palace of the Inquisition (exterior view of the building on the fourth picture below).

Strolling And Looking Up

Taking Time

I like to walk when people have lunch at the terrace of restaurants. The streets and sights are deserted. I can focus on my photos, see and discover. And when we travel two, I prefer to be photographed when there is none.

On the above left photo: I dream having the same terrace. Photos below: Páteo de São Miguel, one of the properties of the Fundação Eugénio de Almeida. In the courtyard, a contemporary art work and a bench covered with ancient tiles, Azulero.

A Small Museum

A l’entrée du Páteo de São Miguel, se trouve le musée des calèches (Coleção de Carruagens). En plus des calèches, on découvre dans un court métrage l’histoire de la famille Eugénio de Almeida. At the entrance of Páteo de São Miguel, you can visit the Museum of Carriages Coleção de Carruagens). Besides the carriages, you can discover in a short film of the Eugénio de Almeida family’s story.

A travel through time: a tailcoat suit in giant trunk and toiletry and hat bags …

Late in The Afternoon

Walking Through A Maze Of Narrow Streets

with buildings lined with yellow or blue paint. Meeting with above-away rare passersby. I end my long walk (begun in late morning) at the terrace of Páteo.

See you soon in Comporta for a surf session with my happy team (of the rafting and bike)! To be continued…

Informations

Visit Alentejo & Visit Portugal

Related posts : DESTINATIONS, LIFESTYLE& HOTEL REVIEWS

Many thanks to Visit Alentejo and Visit Portugal to this beautiful invitation. As always, these are my opinions.

Summer Beauty Essentials: Body

Posted on June 26, 2016 | Leave a comment

Exotic Exfoliating Soaps

For An Even Softer Skin

From Porto Santo, a small island off Madeira, I brought in my suitcases these beautiful exfoliating soaps in the shape of blue pebbles as the Atlantic Ocean, of the new local brand Terramiga (friendly earth, photo 3 below above).

This volcanic island is renowned for its superb 9 km sandy beach. The “biogenic carbonate” sand is therapeutic to the skin, arthritis, rheumatism ... (photos abvoe 1 and 2). Curious, I couldn’t resist the temptation to try the famous warm sand treatment (the post soon!). It’s not every day you find yourself in a beautiful spa, buried in a hot sand box!

In the Terramiga Premium box (photo above): the color of each soap corresponds to a degree of exfoliation. Foot/Hand – strong exfoliation dark blue soap. Body – medium exfoliation navy-blue soap to clean the body. Face – gentle exfoliation sky-blue soap to remove the makeup. For my hedonistic buddies, the smell is to die for!

Body Moisturizer and Oil

A Very Sensual Summer

I haven’t used Vichy products for ages! And my thunderbolt product is the Vichy Ideal Body Aqua Sorbet: the creamy light texture is a treat! I don’t have to apply a lot of product to gently moisturize my super dry skin. Peach skin! And the fragrance is fantastic! A pure pleasure instant! The product would improve the firmness too. Why not!

In summer, my objective is to fight against dehydration and irritation due to sweat, salt, solar products etc … The Ideal Body 3-Gold Oil is perfect at night to sublimate the tan on face (like a complexion illuminator), hair and body (to give a finish touch on decollete, arms and legs).

Less is more … Versatile products to use both in the sea, town and countryside.

Tag Archives: Short Break

Madeira: Weekend in Porto Santo, Day 1

The Madeira Airport

One of My Shortest Flight Ever:

The View

How Many Shades of Blue?

The Spa

A Superb Spa All to Myself!

Informations

Portugal: Weekend in Évora – Day 2

Between Art And History

Fórum Fundação Eugénio de Almeida

Strolling And Looking Up

Taking Time

A Small Museum

Late in The Afternoon

Walking Through A Maze Of Narrow Streets

Informations

Summer Beauty Essentials: Body

Exotic Exfoliating Soaps

For An Even Softer Skin

Body Moisturizer and Oil

A Very Sensual Summer

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