This blog is made possible thanks to the generous support of CrampDefense - the supplement that’s been keeping my swing smooth and my calves cramp-free throughout my travels.
Five Stars, Two Personalities: My Favourite Luxury Stays in Marbella
Discover two exceptional 5-star Marbella hotels, each offering a different kind of luxury. From the peaceful, adults-only Casa Bodhi Boutique Hotel & Spa to the iconic Marbella Club on the Golden Mile, explore beautiful rooms, outstanding wellness facilities, attentive service and Mediterranean charm to inspire your next Costa del Sol escape.
Three Costa del Sol Hotels I’d Happily Book Again
Discover three Costa del Sol hotels I’d happily book again, from a charming beachfront stay in Torremolinos to a stylish Marbella Golden Mile hotel and a peaceful colonial-style retreat in Guadalmina. With honest impressions, standout amenities and recommendations for different travellers, find your ideal base for exploring southern Spain.
Four Marbella Hotels, Four Different Ways to Experience the Costa del Sol
Discover four different ways to experience Marbella, Spain, with four distinctive 4-star stays along the Costa del Sol. From a relaxing spa retreat and a peaceful adults-only hideaway to a hillside villa with Mediterranean views and a modern beach hotel, find the perfect base for your next Spanish getaway.
Mojácar, Spain: Whitewashed Streets, Mediterranean Views and a Taste of Almería
Mojácar is more than its famous whitewashed streets. Explore a fascinating Andalusian hilltop village, discover centuries of history, enjoy spectacular Mediterranean views and experience the contrast between the historic old town and Mojácar Playa. Add a relaxed Spanish dinner and a comfortable coastal base, and this Almería stop becomes hard to forget.
Why Altea, Spain Deserves More Than a Day Trip
Altea is the kind of Costa Blanca destination that deserves more than a quick day trip. Spend time wandering its whitewashed old town, enjoying Mediterranean views, discovering local food and slowing down by the sea. With six nights split between two very different hotels, I discovered a more relaxed and authentic side of Altea.
Tarragona, Spain: Roman History, Mediterranean Views and a Relaxed Costa Daurada Stay
Tarragona brings together some of Catalonia’s best travel experiences in one compact destination. Explore remarkable Roman ruins, wander through the historic old town, enjoy Mediterranean views and discover excellent local food. Add a relaxing stay beside the beach at Estival Park, and you have the perfect mix of history, culture and coastal escape.
Three Days in Lloret de Mar: Discovering a More Relaxed Side of the Costa Brava
Lloret de Mar has a reputation for nightlife, but there is much more to discover beyond the busy streets. From a peaceful boutique hotel and Mediterranean coastal paths to historic landmarks, hidden coves and authentic Catalan food, three days gave me a chance to experience a quieter and more interesting side of Lloret.
Calella, Spain: A Perfect Break Between the Pyrenees and the Sea
Calella was the coastal change of pace I needed after travelling through the Pyrenees. From staying at the stylish Sant Jordi Boutique Hotel to walking the Mediterranean coastline, exploring the historic centre and enjoying dinner at Restaurante El Drac, this relaxed Catalan seaside town proved to be a surprisingly enjoyable stop.
A Stay in València d’Àneu: Exploring One of Catalonia’s Mountain Villages
València d’Àneu may be small, but this Catalan Pyrenean village offers plenty of reasons to slow down. From staying in a traditional mountain hotel and enjoying authentic Pallars cuisine to exploring a medieval castle and the beautiful Àneu Valley, this was a short stop that gave me a memorable taste of mountain Catalonia.
Loudenvielle, France: A Pyrenean Village Surrounded by Mountains
Loudenvielle may be small, but its spectacular mountain setting makes it hard to forget. From the peaceful shores of Lac de Génos-Loudenvielle to traditional village streets, mountain activities and local food, this quiet corner of the French Pyrenees offers plenty to discover. Here’s why I’d happily return with more time.
My Stay at Hôtel Le Rive Droite & Spa: Exploring Lourdes Beyond the Sanctuary
Lourdes is famous for its Sanctuary, but there's much more to discover beyond the pilgrimage streets. During my one-night stay at Hôtel Le Rive Droite & Spa, I explored a medieval castle, followed the story of Bernadette, wandered beside the Gave de Pau and discovered a fascinating side of this Pyrenean town.
One Night in Argelès-Gazost, France: A Small Pyrenean Town With a Lot to Discover
Argelès-Gazost may be small, but this Pyrenean spa town has plenty to offer. From its thermal baths and mountain scenery to the historic Le Miramont and a memorable dinner featuring local ingredients, discover how one night in this charming French town gave me a taste of the slower side of the Pyrenees.
Three Days in Pouzac, France: A Quiet Pyrenean Escape at the Golf Country Club de Bigorre
After weeks of coastal towns and busy destinations, Pouzac offered a completely different side of France. Surrounded by golf fairways, peaceful countryside and the dramatic Pyrenees, it was the perfect place to slow down. From exploring Bagnères-de-Bigorre to enjoying a memorable local dinner, discover why I'd recommend this quiet escape.
Saint-Jean-de-Luz, France: The Charming Basque Town I Didn't Want to Leave
After the lively energy of Biarritz, Saint-Jean-de-Luz offered a slower, more authentic side of the French Basque Coast. From its colourful fishing port and historic streets to royal connections, beautiful beaches and excellent food, discover why this charming seaside town became one of my favourite stops during my journey.
Three Hotels That Proved Great Stays Don't Always Need Five Stars
Not every unforgettable hotel needs five stars. During my journey through San Sebastián, Biarritz, and Saint-Jean-de-Luz, I discovered three hotels that perfectly matched their destinations. From boutique charm to coastal relaxation, these stays proved that comfort, location, and genuine hospitality often matter far more than luxury when you're travelling.
Biarritz, France: A Seaside Town That Completely Won Me Over
Biarritz completely won me over with its elegant coastline, vibrant food scene, charming markets, and laid-back surf culture. From spectacular Atlantic views to unforgettable seafood and Michelin-starred dining, this French Basque gem became one of the highlights of my road trip. Here's why it's well worth visiting.
The City That Made Me Understand Why Everyone Loves San Sebastián
San Sebastián exceeded every expectation. From the stunning curve of La Concha Beach to unforgettable Basque cuisine and the lively streets of Parte Vieja, this elegant coastal city quickly became a highlight of my northern Spain road trip. Here's why I think everyone should experience Donostia at least once.
Santander, Spain: A City That's Well Worth Adding to Your Northern Spain Itinerary
Santander exceeded every expectation. With grand waterfront promenades, royal history, beautiful beaches, and some of the best seafood I enjoyed in northern Spain, this elegant coastal city quickly became a highlight of my road trip. Here's why Santander deserves more than just a quick stop on your itinerary.
Luxury Stays in Northern Spain: Three Hotels I'd Recommend
From a peaceful countryside estate in Asturias to a boutique coastal retreat in Cantabria and a grand historic hotel overlooking Santander Bay, these three luxury stays each offered something completely different. If you're planning a road trip through northern Spain, these are the hotels I'd happily recommend and book again.
The Best Fine Dining Restaurants in A Coruña. Three Meals Worth Dressing Up For
Think Galicia is only about tapas and seafood? A Coruña surprised me with three unforgettable fine dining experiences that rival some of Spain's best restaurants. From a Michelin-starred tasting menu overlooking the Atlantic to exceptional Galician beef and impeccably fresh seafood, these are the meals I'd happily book again.
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