Tag Archives: Vacation

Croatia : My Second Cruise In The Islands

Posted on August 24, 2024 | Leave a comment

A Cruise On a Nice Yacht

It’s always a pleasure to go to Croatia! After two flights with a change in Zagreb, I arrive in Dubrovnik where I join the yacht privatized by the French tour operator Rivages du Monde for about twenty clients. The boat is large and well maintained; its crew is young and dynamic. The next day, after a short morning in Dubrovnik (still as superb): I visit with a friend Cavtat, a charming seaside town and its surroundings with beautiful vineyards, 20 km south of Dubrovnik. This little getaway is not included in the cruise program.

The cruise starts the next day, heading for the small island of Korcula that I already know. I am also very excited to see Split again, even if the weather will not be great all week: torrential rain, turbulence and even a storm that will prevent us from going to Hvar. It happens. Fortunately for my seasickness, our cabin is comfortable. We will also have some beautiful clearings that will allow me to discover Trogir, Sibenik and Zadar. And to enjoy the beauty of the landscapes, at sea as on land. Photo above, the impeccable upper deck, my favorite place on the entire yacht, to appreciate the grandiose landscapes.

The week goes by quickly, full of discoveries and if you are independent and a gourmet by nature: take advantage of each stopover to follow your own program, at your own pace, by choosing your activities and restaurants. Rivages du Monde also offers excursions. In any case, I recommend that you prepare your cruise in advance, in order to make the most of it. And if you can, leave off-season. Don’t waste time doing your research on site. As the return flight is from Zagreb, we leave the yacht in Krk early in the morning and spend the day in Zagreb. I particularly like the historic city centre, with the funicular (on Tomić Street), its museums, terraces and gardens. It is a vibrant young city, with many students. 

                            The cruise in pictures

1. Dubrovnik & Cavtat

2. Korcula & Split

3. Split, Trogir & Sibenik

4. Zadar & Krk

5. Zagreb

Photos : © Mademoiselle Le K – Tous droits réservés

Informations

Rivages du Monde, Croatia

Many thanks to Rivages du Monde and the Croatian National Tourist Board for this beautiful invitation. As always these are my opinions.

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Ras Al Khaimah: DoubleTree by Hilton Resort & Spa Marjan Island

Posted on January 31, 2019 | Leave a comment

Suite With A View

Facing The Arabian Sea

My first impression when arriving at the DoubleTree by Marjan Island Resort & Spa, the hotel is huge! We are settled in he resort Bay Club Villas, a more exclusive part of the resort, facing the beach. Our suite is very spacious, with a large bathroom and nice balcony where it’s nice to laze at the end of the day (picture below 4, the terrace and 5, the view).

The interior design is contemporary with a very comfortable bed, which I found it hard to get out every morning (photo below 3). Because of my busy planning (visits, sports activities and dinners), I wasn’t able to enjoy it as much as I would have liked (lololol, my lazy temperament!). The resort Bay Club Villas is also near two trendy restaurants of the hotel: Meze and Sanchaya.

The Shisha Bar & Spa

Goodbye Stress

As I’ve already said, the DoubleTree by Hilton Resort & Spa The island of Marjan is huge! We took more than one hour to visit it. Among many, there are 7 pools, a spa and 13 bars and restaurants, including the Shofee Rooftop Bar, a shisha bar with a great view of the Arabian Gulf (photo above). We spent our last evening there and the view is hypnotic! In the same building, I experienced a relaxing back massage at the Jouri Rose Spa, the spa of resort.

The Restaurants

3 Tested, 3 Approved

Si vous êtes un foody ou gourmet, vous serez plus qu’heureux. Le premier soir, nous avons dîner au restaurant turc, le fameux Meze : un vrai festin. Les plats s’enchaînaient tous plus goûteux, avec l’opulence orientale (quelques photos ci-dessous). Un régal tant pour le palet que pour les yeux! Le cadre, sur une terrasse face à la mer est aussi enchanteur! If you are a gourmet, you will be more than happy! The first night we had a dinner at the Turkish restaurant, the famous Meze. All the different dishes were tasty, served with the oriental opulence (pictures below). A treat for the palate as well as for the eyes! The setting on a terrace facing the sea was also enchanting!

The next evening, we had dinner in the neighboring Meze restaurant, the Sanchaya, for a refined Asian fusion cuisine (photomontage above, pic n ° 3). As we were not very hungry, we shared sushi and then each one ordered a main course. The portions are smaller than at Meze, but the flavors are also delicious.

The last day of our stay, we had lunch at Vespa, the Italian restaurant. We chose a simple dish with sardines, fresh vegetables and polenta, super tasty! 

Photos : © Mademoiselle Le K – Tous droits réservés

Informations  

DoubleTree by Hilton Resort & Spa Marjan Island

Related articles : Hotel Review & Destinations

Many thanks to Ras Al Khaimah Tourism Development Authority and all the team of the DoubleTree by Hilton Resort & Spa Marjan Island for this beautiful invitation. As always, these are my opinions.

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Corsica, France: From Bastia To Corte (1)

Posted on January 4, 2019 | Leave a comment

An Original Way of Traveling

A Mix of TGV & Ferry

When I was offered to travel to Corsica with a TGV with SNCB International and ferry of Corsica Linea, I was very curious to experience this way of traveling! Departure from Brussels from Gare du Midi around 10 a.m. In the comfort of the first class, I quietly watch the landscape scroll.

Arrived in Marseille at 3:50 p.m. The subway is direct (2 or 3 stations) to the ferries of Corsica Linea which is located in a renovated area, with large modern shopping malls in old warehouses. How to wait before boarding the Pascal Paoli ferry at 6 p.m. for Bastia? Do some shopping : I took the opportunity to buy Detox Kusmi Tea (a soulful memory of the Paris fashion weeks years ago, lololol!).

We had dinner in the ferry restaurant. Everything was really fine: the crew was super pro and the night route allows you to reach your destination early. My only con, some travelers: as a woman, I did not feel comfortable crossing the corridors, alone. 

The spectacle of the sunrise when approaching the port of Bastia is absolutely gorgeous! 

From Bastia To Corte

The Old Port of Bastia

At 7 a.m., we land at Bastia. Early fall, the trees start to slightly become orange under a shy sun. After a long break in an outside cafe, we walk in empty picturesque streets leading to the Old Port. The city wakes up slowly. I like the South, its rhythm.

  

Lunch in Folelli

I fruletti

In the late morning, we leave Bastia for the village of Folleli, where we have lunch at the restaurant I Fulett. Our long table is on a pleasant terrace with enough sun to believe summer is not over. The Mediterranean cuisine with Corsican and Italian influences is delicious. I even took a dessert (my dishes pictured above and below)! 

The Parc Galéa

We take the road towards Taglio Isolaccio to visit the Parc Galéa, where I had a big crush for the cactus gardens (photos above and below). This park allows to discover the natural and cultural heritage of Corsica.Visitors can attend lectures on various topics, or have guided tours and educational workshops. 

  

Corsican Whisky

Domaine Mavela

Surprise: Corsican whiskey! The Mavela distillery produces spirits and has partnered with the Pietra brewery to produce quality Corsican whiskeys under the name P & M. I do not drink alcohol, but I am always curious about terroirs and know-how. After a tour of the distillery, we tasted different liqueurs (like those of Cédrat Natura and Clémentine Natura) and some whiskeys.

Then we leave for Corte, where we sleep tonight. To be continued…

    

Photos : © Mademoiselle Le K – Tous droits réservés

Informations  

To go to Corsica by Ferry : www.corsicalinea.com, Sales office in Brussels : T. 02/620 06 76, [email protected]

To go to Marseille by train : www.sncb-international.com. 2 or 3 connections a day by TGV Brussels-France (duration: 5h10). If you buy your TGV tickects online, you can print them at your home, or download them with the SNCB International mobile appli.

CCI de Bastia et de la Haute-Corse : www.ccihc.fr

Related articles : Destinations & Lifestyle

Many thanks to the Corsica Linea, SNCB International and CCI de Bastia et de la Haute-Corse, for this beautiful invitation. As always these are opinions.

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