TRAVELOGUES
and these are a few of our favourite ones!
email us for others…
Lisbon I
Explore: Once you have climbed the winding medieval streets of Alfama to the 9th century Castelo de São Jorge, whizzed through the National Azulejo Museum, and pretty-posed in front of the Tower of Belem and Jeronimo’s Monastery, catch a ride to Principe Real (our favourite boho neighbourhood) where you can't throw a rock without hitting an innovative concept store. It is also home to Embaixada, an 18th century neo-Moorish mansion now housing local designers, art studios, a dedicated gin bar, and a magnificently mighty cedar tree in the Jardim do Principe Real.
Walk around industro-trendy LX Factory for artisanal coffees, design stores, restaurants and antiques (Luis at Muito Muito is your man for vintage) then head to Rio Maravilha to drink in some good views.
Catch a break from the heat after walking hills (they say seven, more like seven hundred imo), chill by the gorgeous pool at Sud Lisboa with its stunning views of the Tagus river and 25th April Bridge, lounging for €45 a day. Or drive down to Princesa Beach and spend the day at Yamba Beach Club, also famous for its Saturday night parties.
If like me you love antiques and all things vintage, walk down the long Rua de Sao Bento and you will not be disappointed.
Want to drool over Rembrandts and Monets? Yes please! Then make your way to Armenian philanthropist and oil magnate Calouste Gulbenkian’s Museum and enjoy a critically acclaimed collection of international treasures.
For the gentlemen: If you need a beard trim, Figaro's Barbershop is where it’s at. Hipster old-school type barber shop where Beckham shaves. Walk in and as they put it “Bad jokes and beer are free.”
Get an Uber to drive you along the Atlantic coast through Estoril to the sleepy seaside town of Cascais, where old palaces and palm trees line the quaint waterfront. Laze on Rainha beach and eat at Somos Um Regalo – life changing Portuguese spitfire grilled chicken in a no frills family restaurant, or Jardim dos Frangos, another casual joint. Looking for a healthier menu or just a fresh juice? Walk over to the colourful rooftop crowning the House of Wonders. Then indulge in an ice cream at Santini, an institution going strong for 60 years. You can also get a day beach/pool pass at Farol Hotel, a Relais & Chateaux property (or wait till retirement). If you fancy a Michelin star dinner, book a table at Fortaleza do Guincho Hotel’s restaurant, and for sushi head to Confraria LX.
Sleep: Casa Fortunato is by far the trendiest home/hotel we have EVER seen! Every nook and cranny is design heaven, the owners and their 4 lovely kids and dog live there (I would too!) adding to the homey feel, and trust us when we tell you: You will NOT want to leave!
LX Boutique nestled in trendy Chiado has river views and houses Lisbon’s Confraria LX outpost, worth a break from the Portuguese food.
Palacete Chafariz del Rei is an opulent Moorish mansion hidden in ancient Alfama with 6 luxurious suites and an elegantly manicured garden.
Posh Liberdade is also home to Valverde, a low-key gem of a hotel with a heated swimming pool and a sailboat for rent, a private lounge, great restaurant, and a courtyard patio with awesome live music.
Santa Clara 1728 is an 18th century palace that our favourite Portuguese hoteliers, Silent Living, transformed into yet another stunning home-away-from-home; an architect’s romantic dream run by the coolest kids in town.
If it’s an adult-only hotel with a pool you’re looking for, Casa Balthazar is for you (and us, tbh). The pastry making owners are the same ones since 1882, and the factory that used to make the pastries is now the hotel’s restaurant. They have rooms with jacuzzis and antiques, with brekkie included.
Le Consulat was the Consulate of Brazil for more than a century before it became a charming bohemian hotel showcasing artwork from Lisbon’s top galleries. They have a contemporary art gallery on the first floor, but all the art in their 12 suites and apartments are also for purchase.
Casa C’alma is a boutique guesthouse with 5 Scandinavian inspired rooms, in Praça das Flores near hip Principe Real.
Hotel Fontecruz Autograph Collection is a design-forward art hotel with huge rooms, in fancy Liberdade.
Palacio Ramalhete, well Madonna has reportedly moved her posse out of this 17th century urban palace turned boutique hotel in artsy Santos, making it available to us commoners once again..
All of the 9 palatial suites at the charming B&B Casa do Principe have been immaculately restored to maintain their 19th century décor and grandeur.
Shiadu is a guesthouse chain of 6 stylish boutique guest houses with 3-star hotel outposts in Lisbon and Porto.
The Lisboans in touristy Baixa offers cosy yet elegantly furnished apartments with high ceilings and custom-designed handmade tiles.
All 3 Brown’s hotels are centrally located, are good value for money and styled with boho-meets-retro-chic interiors.
Casa das Janelas com Vista in a quiet street of raucous Bairro Alto, is a quirky design B&B.
Play: House of Zen in Estoril holds regular yoga and mindfulness retreats and classes, with a very cute guesthouse.
We HIGHLY recommend Gillian’s reiki healing, flower essence therapy and gong baths.
Acclaimed reflexologist Paula Bravo is a healer with magical hands, crystals & much more.
Siendo is a lovely space that offers craniosacral therapy, homeopathy, health coaching, osteopathy, as well as holding workshops with guest specialists.
For a list of our tried-and-tested super special co-working spots, drop us a line here!
Lisbon II
Eat: The hottest restaurant in town is JNCQUOI, upscale, excellent food and cool bar downstairs with the DJ in the toilet BUT the latest ‘see-and-be-seen’ hotspot is JNCQUOI Asia, where you can get your taste buds tickled and shoulders celebrity-brushed.
We wish we had discovered Pistola y Corazon sooner, a hole-in-the-wall Mexican with deadly margaritas, a no cutlery rule, and infamous very crunchy ‘volcanos’.
Jose Avillez is a double Michelin starred chef with a whole bunch of restaurants around Lisbon. Theatrical and super fun Mini Bar, and fine-dining Belcanto are our absolute favourites. Bairro do Avillez is also excellent, there are 3 different restaurants inside, including a burlesque cabaret called Beco.
Excellent steaks at Knowledge of Beef, and amazing sushi by the same chef at Yakuza First Floor. Chef Olivier also has an awesome gourmet burger place called Guilty, the perfect cheat meal.
The Decadente is a cool restaurant in the Independente Collective (hotel, bar and restaurant) which is in the former storied residence of the Swiss Ambassador dating to the early 1900s.
For a casual meal go to Chiado Palace, a converted palace with beautiful ornate work on the frescos painted on the ceilings upstairs. There’s an amazing meat restaurant (try the wagyu) downstairs, and an Italian upstairs (that we haven’t been to yet).
Casa do Pasto, right next to the infamous Pink Street area is an eccentric kitschy Portuguese home-style themed restaurant with good food and super quirky décor (there’s rubber geese hanging at the entrance).
Another bizarre but great restaurant is Pharmacia, think amazing comfort food with quirky presentation in a old-timey pharmacy themed space in the actual pharmacological museum of Lisbon.
Head to A Cevicheria for the best ceviches and pisco sours in town!
Taberna das Flores is a tiny Portuguese tapas restaurant that has a limited delicious menu but doesn’t take reservations; a must try!
Go to Casa da India for cheap and cheerful piri-piri chicken on the grill, that kinda awesome thing.
Mercado da Ribeira (the Time Out Market) has gourmet food stalls from some of the best chefs in Lisbon, and a dedicated tequila bar, in a massive space that used to be the fruit and vegetable market (part of it still is, in fact).
100 Maneiras is famous for their exquisite 9 course dinner, if that’s your thing, it’s not ours. Or at least not mine I should say…
Go to Local: Your Healthy Kitchen for yes, local healthy food. Poke bowls and Greek salad on hummus just absolutely yummus. They have all the substitutes in all 4 branches.
Cantina Peruana is the love-child of El Bulli friends Diego Munoz and Jose Avillez, do I need to say more?
Breakfast: Our favourite meal of the day! The best healthy-ish hipster breakfast/brunch spots are Nicolau, Amelia (his girlfriend), and Basilio (his cousin). Think almond flour pancakes and waffles, acai bowls, eggs, and all the non-dairy milk options.
Have smashed avo toasties at Fauna & Flora.
Great coffee and eye-candy servers at The Mill.
White-washed walls and exposed bricks set on two floors, the egg-centric Dear Breakfast is the spot for uber creative detox juices.
Hello Kristoff will make you the best matcha latte with oat milk you have ever had while you pick from their wall of journals and magazines.
Heim Cafe has strong wifi, friendly waitresses and amazing brunch options.
Comoba has incredible matcha and open at 7.30am – unheard of for a southern European capital. Has communal work tables and a small outside area for more privacy because inside is very noisy with chatter and loud music.
NOTE: All these spots get really busy so go early, although a minute away from Nicolau is Mad Pizza; they make awesome green bowls, delicious acai bowls, interesting green coffee, and there is never a line! Their specialty though is super thin whole grain wheat pizza dough and homemade tomato sauce.
Treat: With 300 days of sun a year, knowing where to get good ice cream is key. Gelato Davvero scared us by disappearing for a while, only to open in a new location 3 times the previous size; we can walk there from anywhere with our eyes closed.
And then there’s Mú, with over 50 lactose and gluten free flavours of artisanal ice cream to choose from.
‘When in Lisbon’ you can’t not have a pastel de nata. Once a day. At least. These traditional Portuguese creamy, custard-y pastries go down a treat. Some claim Belem has the best ones, but too big and too sweet for our liking. Go to Manteigaria in the historical center instead, they ring a bell the entire neighbourhood can hear when a fresh batch comes piping hot out of the oven.
Drink: Pink street is where all the bars are, but it can get a little trashy, though always fun. Pensão Amor is an ex-brothel turned bar. It is one of the oldest brothels in the city, a favourite with the sailors, and fun, they sometimes have unusual shows too. Like rap operas.
The Garden is the newest rooftop bar, great cocktails, great views, known though for not so great service.
Purista is another interesting one, they have an old-school barber shop inside so you can get beard trims with your drink until 7pm.
Rio Maravilha is industrial and very casual with good sunset vibes.
Newly opened tropical Monkey Mash is the contrastingly bright and breezy little sister of highly acclaimed speak-easy Red Frog, if you’re in the mood for that, otherwise go to Foxtrot for some jazz and art deco feels.
BARCELONA
Explore: So you’ve walked around Park Guell and marveled over all of Gaudi’s gorgeous creations already? Great! But to get a genuine grip on this vibrant city, rent a stylish Vespa through Vesping, head straight to the Santa Catarina market, and while away hours walking around the gorgeous Gràcia neighbourhood.
Picnic! Picnic! do an AMAZING job of conjuring up the most magical picnic for you in unique and varied locations around town accompanied by jamon and local wine in a picnic basket. Whether you go for a shaded and secluded area with city views or a sunny spot in a popular park with monuments, you will be in great hands with their advice. They are super accommodating with bespoke requests.
Barcelona By Bike because it’s always more fun on a bicycle than on foot, with carriages on hand for your non cycling friends so they’re not left behind! We recommend the tapas tour, but they do have quite a few different themes to go for.
Eat: Jaime Beriestain is an interior designer’s studio housing his concept store, flower shop and restaurant; muy cosmopolitan.
La Pepita is Sofia and Andreu’s graffiti covered French bistro-style tapas bar oozing with good vibes.
Dos Palillos is a 1 Michelin star Japanese restaurant and tapas bar with a Spanish twist. Our favs included the “roll your own tuna belly” sushi and bite-sized doughnuts filled with chocolate and topped with ginger (yumm).
Pablo Peyra has done an exceptional job with the design of hot and seductive Feroz, the city’s most fashionable restaurant turning into a club until 3am.
Boca Grande draws in the sophisticate and local celebrities and sits right below Boca Chica, an old-world colonial feel upmarket cocktail bar. Be sure to check out the DJ booth and wall of mirrors in the bathroom too.
You’ll need a 2 month wait in advance for a booking at Tickets, Barcelona’s most famous Michelin star restaurant; excellent food with arrogant servers. Then walk over to La Dolça for your dessert, it’s part of the same restaurant, very Alice in Wonderland, very delish.
For excellent food AND impeccable service, go to the delightful Mexican restaurant Hoja Santa (same owners as Tickets).
La Dama is a GORGEOUS restaurant in a stunning Gaudi inspired building with extremely friendly and accommodating staff.
All 3 Rosa Negra restaurants are your perfect cheap-and-cheerful starts to the evening!
Tapas 24 is still a good Carles Abellan spot considering the constant long queue of tourists outside.
Brunch: None of the Brunch & Cake venues take reservations, just go there and wait, it’s well worth it!
Go to Flax & Kale for a healthy flexitarian meal in a cozy Instagram-perfect space.
A couple from New Zealand founded Little Fern Café, a spot so lovely and a brunch so creative, it will charm your pants off!
Coffee: The newest opening we are most excited about is Wild Lulita, a vegan cake shop and concept store filled with goodies from local artists!
Sister stores Orval and Espai Joliu are effortlessly lovely art gallery/ WIFI coffee shop/ plant concept stores, just the way we like them.
Les Filles will serve you tasty organic food in a lush oasis of a terrace.
Slow Mov has an uber interesting philosophy attracting an interesting clientele, plus great coffee of course.
For top-notch matcha, go to coffee lovers’ heaven Balafria, and splurge your diet on their homemade cinnamon roll.
Sleep: 22 delightful rooms in a 17th century house make Neri, a Relais & Chateaux property that oozes old charm.
Ask for a room in the old Roman tower of the Mercer, an avant-garde designed hotel housed in medieval buildings built on Roman walls.
Alma Barcelona is a sleek and minimal stylish little number in an excellent location with a luscious breakfast and very friendly staff.
The Pulitzer not only has a classy vibe with all the creature comforts you could hope for, but also lovingly prepared fresh local produce food and super chic rooms.
Casa Camper, founded by the makers of the shoe brand, is contemporary fun and laid back with a 24-hour snack room that makes you want to raid the pantry. Constantly!
Each and every pied a terre of DestinationBCN is design magazine worthy and indeed a sight for sore eyes.
And then there is Soho House: Always. The. Winner.
For tried and tested wifi cafes, co-working spaces and headshops, just email us!
Tulum
Explore:
Cenotes: Of the 6,000 divine water sinkholes sacred to the Mayans, a few are open to the public. Message us for our list of favs.
Ruins: To get an in depth idea of the spectacular Mayan archeological sites, drop us a note for a list of the popular and well-visited ones, but especially the handful off-the-beaten-path ones!
Sian Ka'an: A UNESCO World Heritage site, this biosphere reserve contains tropical forests, mangroves and marshes, and a large marine section intersected by a barrier reef, providing habitat for remarkably rich flora and fauna, and incredible animals!
Eat:
Wild Tulum: Impressive farm-to-jungle-table menu
Unique "Middle East meets Mediterranean" twist to the flavours, in a relaxed seductive atmosphere.
Casa Banana: Pretty-people magnet
Seared Argentine-style carnivore’s delights, freshly caught fish and home-made gelatos.
Hartwood: NYC meets Tulum jungle eatery
Sexy picnic in a courtyard where the wood-fired food is natural, minimal and egalitarian.
Posada Margherita: No fixed-menu Italian
Charming and eclectic design with breathtaking beachfront views under a palapa, also housing Daria Tulum, a super cute lifestyle boutique.
Drink:
Kin Toh: Other-wordly architecture and ridic views!
It is sundowner-heaven while you rest in your group nest on stilts, 40 feet above the Mayan jungle.
Gitano: “Studio 54 in the jungle”
Intimate and hip Carribean escape with an extensive Mezcal menu. Thursday night is a must-go.
Casa Jaguar: Cozy Oriental splendor
Agave cocktails in the back-garden terraces nibbling on mouthwatering ceviches and tacos. Friday night must-go.
Sleep:
Casa Malca: Laidback luxury
An infamous Colombian drug lord’s former mega-mansion hideaway overflowing with some museum-worthy artwork.
Nômade: Haute-hippie playground
Nomad-chic replete with Moroccan influences and all about well-being.
BeTulum: Boho-glam wonderland
A hip secret hideaway cocooned in the jungle. Particularly rustic-romantic in the evenings!
Habitas: Sustainable sanctuary
Unique lifestyle hotel with a hip community vibe all about fostering the connection between man and nature.
Azulik: Slow-living jungle treehouse
Adult only, clothing optional, (almost) no electricity, sustainable eco-resort. Prepare for your mind to be blown at their holistic gallery Uh May and phenomenal in-house concept and clothing store Zak Ik.
Papaya Playa Project: Think primitive sophistication
Detox with cold-press juices and Mexican classics, then retox with their legendary hedonistic beach parties.
Shop:
The beach road shops are beautiful but brutally overpriced.
Tulum town is less glamorous but has authentic Mexican vibes and a great place to buy dream catchers and goodies worth haggling for.
Indulge:
Mayan Clay Spa: Detox, mineralize and rejuvenate your body in the rich clay of the land, in a jungle bathhouse or even on a boat in the blue lagoon.
Yaan Wellness: Cleanse your body and spirit with a copper bathtub treatment or a traditional indigenous massage at this state-of-the-art energy healing spa.
To satiate your curiosity of a Transformative Cacao Ritual or a Full Moon Temazcal Ceremony, email us to reach our Shaman.
algarve
almost ready!
marrakesh goa florence
…coming soon, patience patience!
PORTLANd I
Explore: Every main neighbourhood in Portland had its own quirky cool vibe with independent shops, antique and vintage stores, and food trucks ranging from Nepali home cooking, french cuisine out of a truck, paleo Indian, and unusual banh-mi combos! In order of preference: quirky Alberta, trendy Division, kooky Mississippi, vintage in Hawthorne, high-end Nob Hill and 23rd Street, residential in Belmont, and accessible Downtown and Pearl districts.
We highly recommend a day trip to Oregon's Columbia River back country. 30 mins out of Portland are lush berry farms, vista points lofting over the valley, waterfalls and hiking trails. Highlights: Lautrell Falls, Wahkeena Falls, Multnomah Falls and Oneonta Gorge. Thanks to @cascadianimal for an amazing trip and finding the more intimate spots - awesome tour from a local.
Work: Heart Coffee Roasters has an intimate setting, not many plug points, great coffee, more for hanging out. Case Study Coffee is an ideal workspace location, comfy, lots of plug points and strong wifi, lots of others working, again great coffee.
Sleep: Sentinel Hotel Smack in the heart of downtown with a 1900's vibe, comfy leather, warm oak tones and antiques all over. Feels like you're in a turn of the century exclusive old gentlemen's club and they may find you and kick you out. Ace Hotel is a Funky design hotel near the Sentinel where we ought to have stayed. "Portland" weird with entrance looking like a speakeasy.
PortlanD II
Eat: Tasty n Alder What a brunch! Crunchy Korean fried chicken served on a bed of lightly vinegar-ed rice with hints of sriracha sweetness and kimchee topped with a fried egg. Couple next to us pulled a "Portlandia" and interrogated the waitress on the origin story of their eggs!
808 Grinds is a Hawaiian food truck nestled in the food truck heaven that is Alder Street - Kahlua pig sauced 8 different ways.
Laurelhurst Market is an elegant butchery/Resto close to Hawthorne and Belmont districts - concentrated flavours of a 28 day dry aged bone-in NY strip with intense charred home grown jalapeños paired with Oregonian Pinot noir.
Reel M Inn is said to be the best fried chicken in Portland. It’s a dive bar on trendy Division, juicy freshly salt-brined and battered free range and happy chicken that takes 40 mins to prepare, served with twice battered and fried potato wedges called "jojos". Worth it.
Go to TILT for delicious southern styled burgers and pies. Tried the Freebird (crunchy fried chicken on a bed of jalapeño slaw - excellent), and the bacon cheeseburger with crispy rough cut skin-on fries served with bacon and gravy.
Drink: Alternate inhaling the natives' favorite fermented tea and fruit infused fizzy beverage Kombucha (Humm had great brews) and dip into innovative craft breweries lined up on Alberta, Mississippi and Division.
Ice Cream: Ruby Jewel had standard flavours. Salt & Straw on the other hand had innovative and uber quality ice cream (guaranteed long line waits). Flavours like bone marrow, figs, sour cream, strawberry and honey balsamic.
The Donut Wars: Blue Star Donuts put a lot of love in and you can taste quality. Horchata, Hot Mexican chocolate and the Creme Brûlée with Cointreau injections were standouts.
Voodoo Donuts had interesting creations, but average donuts. Toppings too sweet and not a lot of love. Maybe it's a goth thing.
Pip's Original Donuts & Chai may possibly be the best donuts on the planet! Tiny little guys crunchy on the outside and soft in, with drizzles of Nutella, sea salt, cinnamon, honey, etc, served with creative chai options like toasted coconut and spicy ginger.
South Bombay
Explore: Kala Ghoda is South Bombay’s hip district, and home to our favourite designer Sabyasachi. His stunning store is a feast to the eyes (to say the least), and the narrow streets behind are lined with art galleries, concept stores, funky eateries and the ornate turquoise Knesset Eliyahoo synagogue.
Nicobar, directly above tiny Kala Ghoda Café, is a spacious retail space with free WIFI, friendly staff and their own quaint post box, while Filter is a well-curated boutique promoting varied local brands of graphic designers, photographers and students (think slogans on t-shirts like “Hipsters prefer Kala Ghoda”).
I may be biased but Bombaywalla’s Irani Café Walking Tour is pretty awesome!
For early risers we highly recommend booking a tour and admiring the organized chaos and symphony of the newspaper vendors, the vegetable market, the flower market, the Dabbawallas (lunchbox delivery men) and Dhobi Ghat (open air laundry).
The Dharavi Slum Tour (from the Slumdog Millionaire movie), Asia’s largest slum, is not what one would expect. We were initially skeptical about the tour, but the various recycling operations, pottery manufacturers, leather and garment industry, embroidery factory, and the poppadum makers blew our minds!
If you have half a day to spare, a ferry from the Gateway of India to explore the 5th century AD archeological remains at the UNESCO World Heritage Elephanta caves is quite a special tour.
Work: All hail Ministry of New! Trendy Design furniture, luscious green plants hanging off high ceilings, quirky art, and a cool café, can we move in already? I mean, they also have super high speed wifi, free chai, lockers, showers and rentable meeting rooms, as well as a cozy couch to take naps on, if that’s what you’re looking for. With a tagline like “voulez-vous cowork avec moi”, who wouldn’t want to in this hip and creative space?
Eat: You will find lots of healthy breakfast options at The Pantry, Poetry by Love and Cheesecake, and Sequel (hard.to.believe.it’s.healthy sweet potato waffles are to.die.for here), in the historic Kala Ghoda but breakfast or lunch at Indigo Deli is also a must. Their cookies are divine. They only make them on order though!
High tea at the Taj Mahal Palace is an experience; sit by the window for a beautiful view of the Gate of India. The contrast is surreal as you imagine the glitz and glamour during the British reign, and then reality hits you when you step back out into the smells, noise, pollution and poverty.
For afternoon tea and snacks, step into the iconic Leopold Cafe, mentioned in the famous book Shantaram.
Definitely have the weekend brunch (or dinner) at the award-winning restaurant The Table.
For dinner, book a table at Ellipsis for seasonal New American food, the super trendy Miss T, and Americano, Mumbai’s newest hot-spot to see and be seen at Italian-inspired eatery that is a neighbourhood favourite already!!
Sleep: Abode is an authentic hipster boutique hotel with vintage Indian furniture pieces, a shop selling sustainable products supporting local NGOs and an all-day café/workspace. Everything used to build and run the hotel was sourced locally, their airport transfer cars are driven only by females to support women empowerment, and they work with a school for the blind for their massage therapists. They even give you a phone with a local sim card. We loved the free-standing bath tub in our double height room!
The Taj Mahal Palace or “Diamond by the Sea” is India’s most luxurious and grandest hotel and has lived through numerous incarnations. It was the first Indian hotel that had electricity, American fans, Turkish baths, German elevators, and English butlers, and during WWI was a 600-bed hospital. The highlight for us was getting magical respite in the serene pool where one totally escapes Mumbai chaos.
The Oberoi Mumbai is a high end mainstream yet oh so luxurious 5 star hotel with delicious breakfast options ranging from crunchy french toast to fragrant truffled scrambled eggs to masala dosas and the friendliest staff who always greet us with a smile (and warm greetings making us feel at home!), a revitalizing massage and a very relaxing spa.
Azores - Terceira
Terceira was classified as a World Heritage site by UNESCO in 1983. There we stayed in a family run Bed & Breakfast called My Angra Boutique Hostel in the capital Angra do Heroismo which is a dainty town to walk around for half a day. The hostel is a building from the 14th century, purchased in the early 1900s by the owner’s great grandfather after his return from the USA. Today it is a tasteful and very comfortable hostel with an open kitchen and trust bar.
We had a lovely couple Juca & Marissa, founders of Trilhas Outdoor Adventure Tours show us around the island. We highly recommend taking their Best View Tour if you don’t have enough time, but also ask them to take you to the ruins they discovered! If you have more time, definitely take their Archeology Tour, swim in the natural lava pool of Biscoitos and visit the wine museum.
The unique attraction of Terceira is Algar do Carvao, a 90m deep volcano chimney with a crystal-clear lake in the bottom formed by rainwater, and unique stalactites and stalagmites all around.
Azores - Flores
Flores, with a population of 3000 people, is the Western most point of Europe. It is like Jurassic Park, stunning and super lush, with countless beautiful waterfalls, trails and hikes.
We hired Marco from WestCanyon for a Full Day Jeep Tour, and also for our first ever Canyoning Tour, an exhilarating few hours of jumping down 3m rocks, absailing down waterfalls, ziplining, and swimming against tides all in 10 degree waters (in wetsuits ofcourse).
We stayed at Aldeia da Cuada, a village already inhabited in the early 1700s whose stone cottages have now been transformed into “hotel rooms”. One of the houses is the reception, and the original chapel still stands today. Aldeia da Cuada was abandoned in the 1960s, the families emigrating to the USA and has been rebuilt over time, its stone houses transformed to include today’s standards of comfort while maintaining their rural style.
Unfortunately food on this island was nothing to write home about and the only good meal we had was at the property’s restaurant.
Azores - Pico
Pico was epic. We climbed Mount Pico, a dormant volcanic mountain, the most crushing yet rewarding experience ever! The top of a rock they’ve placed on the summit is the highest point in Portugal at 2351m. And quite cold, except for the pockets of sulphur smelling hot steam emitted from between the rocks. Pico is basically a very steep uphill hike and feels dangerous in some parts. The wide range of hard rock formations and different types of soil are a challenge to your feet, ankles and knees, especially on the way down. There are numbered poles on the way to the peak, andwhen you reach the crater of the volcano, there’s a final 70m summit to a mini-mountain called Piquinho which may well be the hardest part of all.
While guide dog Ace, and Matteo from Tripix Azores were the best guides on the island for the Pico Day Climb, Matteo’s partner and co-founder of the company Raisa took us on a fascinating Secret Lagoons & Lava Caves Tour two days later. This included walking down part of a 5km lava tube, with a torch & helmet, that was formed over 1500 years ago! The day after the climb was spent getting a much-needed, excellent massage from Flavio of Pico Massage at our villa, and finally eating some delicious meals at Cella Bar, Casa Âncora, and Canto do Paco.
Our accommodation, a duplex 2-bedroom restored stone cottage at Adegas do Pico did not disappoint either, with it’s stunning view of the village and ocean.
Azores - Sao Miguel
Sao Miguel is the biggest of the Portuguese Azores archipelago.
The Azor Hotel in Ponte Delgada, the island’s largest city, was a very trendy design hotel with a panoramic pool and an amazing breakfast & fancy restaurant, whereas Furnas Boutique Hotel in Furnas, has its own natural outdoor and indoor thermal pools, and a really good restaurant. While we haven’t personally stayed at the White Exclusive Suites & Villas, an 18th century Manor House, it has come highly recommended.
In the West, the Sete Cidades Lake (a volcanic crater formed 22000 years ago) and the Boca do Inferno viewpoint (the most breathtaking we have ever seen), are not to be missed.
If you fancy a swim in an ocean where the water is heated by a natural geo-thermal spring beneath, creating waves of cold and hot sea water, head to Ponta da Ferraria.
In the East you get to see (and smell) the hot springs and geysers up close, and while on this side of the island, walk around the gorgeous Terra Nostra tropical garden and massive thermal pool, and definitely visit the Poca da Dona Beija hot therapeutic pools to rub some mud on your face for instant invigoration!
We have Jorge & Lisa, founders of Holistika, to thank for our wonderful time in Sao Miguel. If it wasn’t for them, we wouldn’t have learnt how to surf, had a sunset picnic on a secluded beach, walked a secret trail to the stunning Congro lake for a private handpan and dance session, explored hidden caves, or swam under a waterfall deep inside a village!
Mallorca - Palma
Explore: Walk around the historic Old Town and its quaint stores, visit the spectacular Cathedral that took 500 years to build, and the Palau March palace next to it.
Have a coffee at Rialto Living, a concept store in a beautiful restored palace.
For the best walking tour guide contact Pavel Patrovsky on +34630878709.
For helicopter ride over Palma: Sloane Helicopters.
We highly recommend renting a yatch to go to Cabrera Island, have lunch in Ibiza, or just see the gorgeous beach coves of Mallorca. Email us for reservations.
Eat: Fera Palma, Mallorca’s hottest new opening on the ground floor of a historic palace, is beautifully decorated and has a lovely garden and a beautifully curated art.
Head to The Kitchen for a quick lunch or dinner.
Sleep: Hotel Sant Francesc is an elegant 19th century mansion with a rooftop terrace shadowed by the Basilica & a great view, perfect for sunset drinks.
Es Princep is a new urban SLH along the seafront, near the Cathedral, and has a roof terrace with views and an Anna Semonin Spa.
Can Alomar, Can Cera and Boutique Hotel Calatrava, owned by the same family, are lovely boutique hotels conveniently located in the middle of Palma.
Tan: Purobeach Illetas Beach Club and Beach Club Gran Folies
Mallorca - COUNTRYSIDE
Explore & Eat: Walk around the charming Valldemossa, and visit the Chopin museum. Then drive to Deia for lunch at C’as Patro March, the famous fish shack in a stunning setting where The Night Manager was shot. They only take reservations for before 1pm but it’s worth it!
Then head to the super picturesque Belmond La Residencia for tea or drinks.
Sa Foradada, also in Deia serves the best paella and sea views in Mallorca! It was even included in Yotam Ottolenghi’s Mallorca series. You can’t drive here, either arrive by boat from Soller or walk down the mountain through Son Marroig.
Flanigan is an institution, ask for a table in the front room, the old King and Nadal both eat here often. Then stroll down the Puerto Portals port and shop.
Es Verger is an authentic rustic establishment halfway up the Puig de Alaró mountain. The old lady who owns it has been making her infamous slow-cooked lamb shoulder for decades and it will be the most succulent you have ever had. Do not expect good wine, dessert or service though!
Sleep: Cap Rocat is our absolute favourite! It's a former military fortress converted into a manificent hotel with a strict no kids policy.
Castell Son Claret is another beautiful hotel, a 19th century converted castle with Mallorca’s only two Michelin star restaurant.
Venice
Subito!
camino de santiago
coming super presto!
munich berlin
in a min!