Tag Archives: Winter Vacation

Riu Palace Boavista in Cabo Verde

Posted on February 23, 2019 | Leave a comment

The Suite

Yes, Cabo Verde baby!

Winter lasts: what better than a break in the sun? Let’s go to Cape Verde, in my wishlist for a long time. After a TUI flight Brussels-Boa Vista, via Sal (the main island), we stay in the brand new Riu Palace Boavista, opened last December on the small island of Boa Vista.

The elegant architecture of the resort cuts harmoniously out in the arid landscape, whipped by strong winds (below last photo of the article). Our suite with a small pool (of the size of a large Jacuzzi) is facing the long main pool and the ocean. First impressions, a sense of space and calm. Few decorative elements in the room, which adds to the zen side.

The beds are very comfortable. Nice volumes in the bathroom, very pleasant to use, especially the spacious shower, with a seating area. I also enjoy the fact that we can both put our products on the broad edges of the washbasins, each with a dedicated space. During this short stay, we will be much outside and therefore less in our suite. 

    

In Beautiful Setting

Spaces To Relax

Honestly, the activities like shows and games do not interest me (now you know, I’m pretty boring, LOL!). In an all inclusive hotel, I am looking for comfort and tranquility. And I managed to find some privacy (like a cocoon) at Riu Palace Boavista.

The secret is to schedule activities that are out of step with the majority of other clients. To get up earlier to swim in one of the large empty pools, facing the beautiful beach. To dinner late, when the most of us are waiting for the show. To sit in front of the ocean at the end of the day, while the bar is closing. Or to spend your days visiting different parts of the island (we are hyper active).

Especially since the main restaurant (the best one) is large enough to have a table a little apart from the other holidaymakers. I really liked the breakfasts and some of the meals at the buffet. And throughout the hotel, the staff is very kind. 

Photos : © Mademoiselle Le K – Tous droits réservés

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Riu Palace Hotel, Tui Fly

Related articles : Hotel Review & Destinations

Many thanks to all the team of the Riu Palace Boavista and TUI Fly, 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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Ritz-Carlton Ras Al Khaimah, Al Hamra Beach

Posted on January 15, 2019 | Leave a comment

The Arrival By Boat

Artificial Islands

After a great stay at the Ritz Carlton Al Khaimah, Al Wadi Desert, we arrive at the very recent Ritz Carlton Al Khaimah, Al Hamra Beach, open in the spring 2018. First nice surprise: to go to our villa from the reception, we take a small boat. Very nice view of artificial islets, under a early afternoon blinding light.

The luxurious resort has only 32 villas. From the reception desk, you are welcomed in a very personalized way. It feels more intimate than in hotels with larger capacities. Everything is on human scale, which gives the Ritz Carlton Al Khaimah, Al Hamra Beach, a very exclusive character. Second excellent surprise when arriving at our villa: the transparent infinity pool with sea view (second photo below).

Our Tent

Less is more

Now, you know now how much I love the moment when I discover a hotel room. Where I make my pictures before unpacking my suitcases. The interior of the villa as well as the exterior are inspired by the Bedouin traditional architecture. You are elsewhere.

Canopy bed, bathroom with a large walk-in shower (and separate toilet) and lounge area: the villa is bright and very comfortable. Our cameras in hand, we cross the pleasant garden to reach the large deserted beach and sea of the Arabian Gulf.

    

The Beach

A Late Afternoon

I like this feeling of emptiness. In contrast to the effervescent Dubai, the coastline of Ras Al Khaimah is not crowded with multiple towers yet, which is very relaxing. Facing the sea, on my left: the impressive silhouette of the Waldorf Astoria (photo above) and to my right, the villas of the Ritz Carlton Al Khaimah, Al Hamra Beach.

The Shore House

  

The Breakfast

As our activities program in Ras Al Khaimah is very busy (including the famous zipline …), we didn’t have time to explore all the possibilities offered by the resort, such as the spa. Except for The Shore House restaurant, where we had breakfast (the first two pictures below) and dinner in a beautiful setting. 

Undoubtedly, one of the best breakfast buffets, exciting! I fell for the delicious fresh fruit juices (lovely mocktails)! With a wide choice of quality products, very neat presentation and efficient smiling team. Besides, we had a hard time leaving the terrace, rocked by the sound of waves.

The Dinner

In the evening, the ambiance of the Shore House is different, still chic and casual but more lively. Part of the terrace is also a bar, where you can have a drink with friends. 

Fish is the speciality of the restaurant and it is delicious (photo below). The dishes are simple and tasty. As a starter, I chose these colorful sushi. Bon apetite!

Photos : © Mademoiselle Le K – Tous droits réservés

Informations  

Ritz Carlton Ras Al Khaimah, Al Hamra Beach, Ras Al Khaimah Tourism Development Authority

Related articles : Hotel Review & Destinations

Many thanks to Ras Al Khaimah Tourism Development Authority and all the team of the Ritz Carlton Ras Al Khaimah, Al Hamra Beach for this beautiful invitation. As always, these are my opinions.

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