Tag Archives: Vacation

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

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.

Corsica, France: From Bastia To Corte (1)

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.

Tokyo: Capitol Hotel Tokyu

A Room With A View

Kumbawa Tokyo!

We arrive from Hiroshima via Himeji to visit the famous Castle. Long day including two trips in Shinkansen (bullet train), three cities – three moods and a thousand impressions! We are a little tired when we arrive in Tokyo tonight. We finally are at the Capitol Hotel Tokyu, conveniently located in Chiyoda-ku, with a metro exit that directly leads to the hotel.

What a great view from our Premier Corner Twin room at the 26th floor! We fall asleep with the show of the city lights. The room is really large: 57.8 m², which means huge for Tokyo. The shower & bath area also offers a superb view! Showering while “flying over” Tokyo. Awesome! 

Minimalist interior design with a great comfort (including an air humidifier). It is very hard to leave your bed (and the bathroom and room too, lol), even if I’m up at dawn! When traveling, I like getting up very early. And in the Land of the Rising Sun, from 5 a.m. it is broad daylight.

  

The Swimming Pool

Some Lengths

My second pool of 20 meters long in Tokyo’s skyscrapers. The first one was at the 47th floor of Park Hyatt Tokyo. Here you can also enjoy a beautiful view of Tokyo. As it opens from 6:30 a.m., we serenely swim before breakfast.

The pool is adjacent to the spa. Unfortunately, we did not have time to test the Carju Rajah Tiado spa. We only stay two nights and Tokyo is huge! For the next trip, the beautista in me will make you a “spa and beauty in Japan” article.

  

The Breakfast

At Origami Restaurant

The breakfast room opens onto the hotel’s garden (pictured above). Which brings a zen contemplative touch. And makes us forget the effervescence of Tokyo!

The buffet is delicious with croissants as good as in France! The products are fresh and the service  is pleasant, besides throughout the hotel, the teams are efficient, polite and smiling. Photos below: our different breakfasts.  

The Entry Hall

This morning, we hit the road for an onsen weekend in Hakone. By depositing our suitcases at the reception (which we pick up back after Hakone), we hear live Japanese music.

What a lovely surprise! In front of the impressive bouquet in the hotel’s entry hall, an elegant musician in kimono plays a traditional instrument. Superb mix and contrast with the modern architecture! Just like our stay at the Capitol Hotel Tokyu, an experience full of finesse. 

    

Photos : © Mademoiselle Le K – Tous droits réservés

Informations  

Capitol Hotel Tokyu

Planning your trip with Exclusif Voyages

Flying to Japan : direct flights from Brussels & Paris with ANA

Related articles : DESTINATIONS & HOTEL REVIEWS

Many thanks to Exclusif Voyages, Ryokan Collection and Capitol Hotel Tokyu for this beautiful invitation. As always theses are my opnions.