Tag Archives: Tourism

Ayana Resort & Spa, Bali: Thalassotherapy & The Rock Bar

Posted on January 6, 2015 | Leave a comment

Thalassotherapy At The Thermes Marins Spa

Sparkling Happy New Year to everyone! Here’s a post that is specially aimed at those who have eaten too much chocolate, champagne and whatnot … during the holidays : ) And also to travelers before a long haul flight.

Invited by the luxurious Ayana Resort and Spa, I had the pleasure to experience a thalassotherapy at the Thermes Marins Spa of the Ayana, just few hours before flying back to Europe. The goal was to prepare the body for 25 hours travel (plane and stopovers included).

Throughout the course of care that lasts 2 hours in the Aquatonic Pool, a huge pool of 700 liters of the Indian Ocean’s water, I am guided by a member of the spa staff that shows me the jets to use. I guarantee you that I felt my muscles worked deep (sometimes it was a bit painful), while enjoying a direct sea view, in a pleasant golden light of late afternoon. Happiness!

I came away softer than a mollusk, LOL! Extremely relaxed and a bit euphoric! Honestly, if I had had more time, I’ll be stayed even longer! I usually have the swollen legs and back pain in the plane, this time I slept like a new born.

A Drink At The Famous Rock Bar

Even though I am late because of the spa, no way not to make a short stop at the Rock Bar of the Ayana Resort and Spa. People can stand in line more than an hour to have a seat at the sunset time.

I know, it’s insane, but the location is great with good music! Even crazier: after sunset, the bar empties. For me, the best time is the dusk, when candles are lit and the ocean gets darker … But I gotta run to the airport, bye bye beautiful Bali!

Informations

Ayana Resort and Spa : Thalassotherapy and the Rock Bar Bali

To go to Bali : Qatar airways

The Hot Cold Wellbeing Treatment of The Thermes Marins de Saint Malo @ Sapsiba, Brussel

Sungai Gold, Bali: A Luxury Villa in The Countryside

BEAUTY, HOTEL REVIEWS & DESTINATIONS

Many thanks to the Ayana Resort and Spa for the invitation and Qatar Airways. As always these opinions are my own.

Martinhal Beach Resort & Hotel: A Room With A View

Posted on November 9, 2014 | Leave a comment

I like this kind of surprise.

By opening the door to my room, I am won by a kind of euphoria and I head straight to the window. I opened wide the curtains to enjoy the warm golden light of early evening, the last weekend of August.

Spectacular panorama for nature lovers ! A stunning 180 degree view of the Atlantic Ocean and Sagres cliffs. A part of wild Algarve in the extreme south of Portugal: the beautiful Martinhal Beach Resort & Hotel is located in a protected natural park.

Yes I love the feeling of being both outside and inside. The decor is very simple and stylish, with a 50’s twist and a Nespresso coffee machine.

But the icing on the cake: falling asleep under a moonlit night, lulled by the sound of waves … in an incredibly comfortable bed (lol). I tried to do a podcast, it did not work. Dizziness ! A thousand words: here are some amazing pictures !

Pictures below: panoramic overview from the room, left (pictures 1 & 2) to right (pictures 3 & 4). Pictures 5 & 6, the building rooms with ocean views. Last picture: my room.

Informations

Martinhal Beach Resort & Hotel

Martinhal Beach Resort & Hotel: Amazing Restaurant

Areias do Seixo: Awesome Eco-luxury Hotel in Portugal

HOTEL REVIEWS, DESTINATIONS & How To Prepare Your Travel

I was invited with a friend by the Martinhal Beach Resort & Hotel and as always these are my opinions. Many thanks to the hotel’s team.

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.