15 August 2018

In July my husband and I ticked another destination off our travel must-do list, spending five days in Palma, Mallorca. This city seems to be a favourite among many people we have spoken to, and somewhere I would now recommend. Sun, sea, stunning scenery and spectacular sights - the perfect destination for a relaxing city break. Just a short drive from Palma airport, we knew we had arrived when the amazing view of the cathedral was upon us - a famous sight in the city. Driving along with the cathedral on our right and the shimmering sea and spectacle of boats in the marina to our left, I knew I was going to like it here. We stayed at the Melia Palma Marina, which, not surprisingly, had prime position opposite the marina! It had an excellent location by the Paseo Maritimo with outstanding marina views, within walking distance of the city sightseeing tour departure point, amid many varied restaurants (our favourite was The Boat House) and close to boat tour departures. It is also an easy 10 -15 minute taxi ride to the city centre, where there is an array of shops, restaurants and the place we headed for on two days of our stay, Palma Intermodal Station at Plaza Espana. On our first day in Palma we were typical tourists on the hop on- hop off bus. Very enjoyable, and usually our first activity for getting our bearings when somewhere new. Particularly enjoyable was the stop at Castillo de Bellver - set high with fabulous views of the city, and a good place to stop off for a short break. The cafe was nice - well stocked with drinks and ice creams - just what we needed in the hot weather! While Palma was beautiful, we like to see as much as we can and chose to also travel independently to resorts further north on the island. One day, starting from the Intermodal Station we took the local bus to Puerto Pollensa - absolutely stunning, especially along the Pine Walk with its abundance of restaurants. The next day we took the narrow-gauge Vintage Train through the Mallorca countryside to Soller, and tram on to the beach at Puerto de Soller. Tickets can be bought at the station, just beside the main rail station. but there is limited space, and only a few departures so good to get there early or book in advance. Definitely two days out worth doing! I'm studying Spanish and enjoyed the buying of the tickets, finding our way and the journey as much as the destinations. When seated at a waterside restaurant once we arrived, I did though very much enjoy ordering our drinks and snack - the local Pa Amb Oli, literally bread with oil, and served with a variety of toppings including ham, cheese and tomatoes. Each day was busy, and it was great to come back to our hotel to enjoy the last of the sun by the pool. By Friday we gave in and spent the whole day there! I would highly recommend the Melia Palma Marina. Staff outstanding, the refurbished lobby and breakfast area stunning and the relaxing pool area overlooking the marina an added extra, considering we were in a city. Rooms great - we were fortunate to stay in a marina view room with balcony - to enjoy the location at its best I would highly recommend the same to my clients. We could have sat there all day just watching the views, the marina, the sea and the visiting cruise ships, but we would have missed everything else that the area has to offer. Fabulous time, beautiful city and will definitely be going back!

09 November 2016

Wow! I have just returned from a four night stay in South Australia. A long way for a short break, but an opportunity not to be missed! Travelling in a group of twelve, together with hosts from Qatar Airways and the South Australian Tourist board, I visited to see the varied experiences that Adelaide offers. Setting off on a chilly October Saturday morning from Heathrow I flew with Qatar Airways via Doha to the state capital. It is a long journey, but flying with the airline’s Airbus A380, and new A350 aircraft, with outstanding on board service, the flights were comfortable, and time soon passed. My stopover at Doha airport, too, seemed brief, as I experienced the smart surroundings, and wide range of shops and facilities. On Sunday evening arriving into Adelaide I was whisked off to my home for the night, the city’s newest boutique property, The Mayfair Hotel. Located in the heart of the city, the elegant Mayfair is just a short drive from the airport. My arrival into Australia was so smooth that within two hours of landing, our group were already at our first Australian dining experience, the Bread and Bone Wood Grill. My hotel stay was enjoyable, though brief. Early the next morning I returned to Adelaide airport for our 35 minute flight to Kangaroo Island. In contrast to my overnight city stay, Kangaroo Island would showcase its array of Australian wildlife and natural wonders. Over two days I toured the island spotting koalas in their natural habitat as they clung to swinging eucalyptus branches, shared a beach with sea lions at Seal Bay Conservation Park, home to around 1000 Australia sea lions, and had afternoon tea amongst kangaroos. In addition to wildlife viewing, our first day included a visit to Kangaroo Island Spirits, an award winning distillery, offering gin tasting! After an overnight stay at Mercure Kangaroo Island Lodge, day two offered wildlife viewing as well as a visit to Flinders Chase National Park, one of Australia’s largest parks and home to spectacular rugged coastlines, and wilderness views. Sights included Admirals Arch, a distinctive rock bridge caused by sea erosion. As we approached via the boardwalk and turned the corner to the unexpected arch, our host captured the amazement on everyone’s faces. Driving on, we approached Remarkable Rocks, stunning granite rock formations, each inspiring something different to the imagination. Leaving our bus, we climbed uphill to the rocks, and with fantastic views, overlooking the sea, it was no surprise to see so many cameras in action. Time then to return to the airport, for my flight back to Adelaide. One small hesitation on our journey, as we encountered a very confused koala in the middle of the road – before it scampered off into nearby trees! Back in Adelaide, I was taken to my home for our last two nights, the Majestic Roof Garden Hotel. Located near to Rundle Street amid restaurants, cafes and shops, it was close to our second evening meal venue in Adelaide, where we enjoyed the Italian ambience of Andre’s Cucina and Polenta Bar. A fun filled day awaited the next morning, beginning with EcoCaddy, and our city sightseeing tour by motorised rickshaws. An enjoyable quirky way to experience the sights of Adelaide, and illuminating to see everything the city offers, from parks and the river, the sight of the Adelaide Oval, home of cricket, to bustling restaurants and beautiful buildings. Our day continued with a drive through Adelaide Hills, South Australia’s oldest wine region. Our visit today, however, was not for wine, but for beer, with beer tasting and lunch at the Prancing Pony Brewery. Next a visit to Cleland Wildlife Park, for the opportunity to hold a koala, followed by a drive to Mount Lofty Summit, with amazing views over Adelaide City and surrounding area. An evening fusion meal at Press Food and Wine ended our busy day. Last day in Australia, and proving how accessible Adelaide is to culinary delights, and a wide variety of experiences, I was taken on a full day tour of the Barossa, heart of Australia’s wine industry. Beautiful countryside, stunning wineries, excellent wine and am amazing lunch – all within an hour’s drive of Adelaide. Just time to return to my hotel, to collect luggage, before visiting Adelaide’s seaside. One final meal, at Stella Restaurant, overlooking Henley Beach. A perfect choice as I sat with my friends looking towards the pier, watching the sunset, and reminiscing on our short, but extremely busy, stay in Australia, before flying home. So much to recommend, and proof that however short your stay, there is so much you can see and do in and around the beautiful city of Adelaide.