Tag Archives: Tourism

Croatia: Le Mandrac, The Gourmet Restaurant in Opatijia

Posted on March 12, 2015 | Leave a comment

After my long visit of Opatija

with Zé under a blazing sun, we follow Lungumare (a paved path along the sea with a beautiful view) to Le Mandrac, a gourmet restaurant. We are in a small cove with a backdrop worthy of the golden age of the Italian cinema. It feels like home… and also reminded me of the Marseille’s Calanques and a distant dinner at Chez Fonfon (a famous restaurant in Marseille).

I love the scenery, I’m blown away! The view from our table is just WOW (picture 1)! Impeccable service. The black bread looks like the one I tasted in South Tyrol (picture 4). Excellent starters (pictures 2 & 3), followed by a perfectly grilled fish with olive oil (pictures 6 & 7) and a chocolate cake, with in the middle some hot chocolate and garnished with a lemon sorbet … OMG and beleive me, I am not at all a dessert person (pictures 8 & 9). After the second starter, I wasn’t hungry!

The chef Denis Zembo

Honestly, I think it must be a nightmare to have lunch with me. Each dish is carefully photographed before and sometimes even after, as below, LOL! Here everything is so flavorful and tasty that between the main course and dessert, I improvise a quick meeting with the talented chef and owner of Le Mandrac, Denis Zembo (picture above):

– How would you describe your cooking? – Mediterranean cuisine with a twist. Unpredictable and surprising.

– What kind of ingredients inspire you? – Only some Mediterranean herbs and garlic found in the mountains. I like to use different techniques, such as caramelize. The presentation is half of the dish too.

– What traditional Croatian dish would you recommend to someone who comes for the first time in Croatia? – The risotto, all made pasta, scampi. My avant-garde interpretation of traditional fritaja (fritaya), with scrambled eggs and local ingredients: wild asparagus, truffles and mushrooms.

Thank you Denis Zembo.

Informations

Le Mandrac : Obala F. Supila 10, Volosko, 51410 Opatija – Tel +385 51 701 357. 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 as usual all my opinions are mine.

Related posts : DESTINATIONS, LIFESTYLE & HOTEL REVIEWS

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.