You may have seen Mount Rainier – the mountain that keeps a sleepy watch over Seattle. It usually pops up in any outside shots of Seattle pictures, or in TV series (yes, I am talking about my favourite Grey’s Anatomy), or movies.
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Downtown Seattle, U.S. with Mount Rainier in the background – LifeBeyondBorders
Rainier is in the Cascade Range and is actually an active volcano, along the North American tectonic plate, just north of Mount Saint Helens. At 14,411 feet, Rainier is the highest mountain/volcano of the Cascades, but actually quite young in geologic terms as it was only formed about 500,000 years (only?!) She is listed as one of the Decade Volcanoes list:
16 volcanoes identified by the International Association of Volcanology and Chemistry of the Earth’s Interior (IAVCEI) as being worthy of particular study in light of their history of large, destructive eruptions and proximity to populated areas.
Source: Wikepedia My friend and I were lucky: we visited on a rare sunny day – and at 30 degrees C, Seattle was undergoing a bout of dry weather – and has been, I’ve been told, for a couple of years (as of 2015), resulting in water shortages. This was evident in how low the rivers were.
Despite this, it was glorious to road trip it out there.
The river at Mt Rainier National Park was just a trickle – the shingle area should have been completely covered with water
Seattle to Mount Rainier: What awaits you at the National Park?
The National Park was established in 1899 by the U.S. Congress. You can expect numerous hiking trails, various places to stay: inns, opportunities to camp, fish (if you have a permit) or just take a drive around, like we did. Interesting Mount Rainier facts
The Native Americans referred to Rainier as Talol, Tahoma or Tacoma
George Vancouver named the mountain its current name, in honour of his friend Rear Admiral Peter Rainier
On exceptionally clear days, it’s possible to spot Rainier from as far away as Portland, Oregon and Victoria, British Colombia (Canada)
Roughly five earthquakes are recorded each month at its summit
It last erupted in 1894
It can take 2-3 days climbing to reach the summit, and entails traversing the largest glaciers in the United States south of Alaska
It’s possible to do Seattle to Mt Rainier as a day trip. The journey, by car, is 76 miles (122 km) and takes approx. one and a half hours.
Spending one day in Mount Rainier National Park – a day trip from Seattle – Washington -United States – LifeBeyondBorders
To find out more, visit their official page: Visit Rainier Meanwhile, enjoy my pictures – whet your appetite to go and visit yourself.
Mount Rainier NP near Seattle, Washington, U.S. also has lush green forest – LifeBeyondBordersBeautiful bridges span the hiking trails in Mount Rainier NP – Seattle, Washington – U.S. – LifeBeyondBorders
Yes, whilst it’s possible to travel Seattle to Mt Rainier in a day, why not overnight? There are some wonderful places to choose from to stay. PIN for later
Take a day trip from Seattle to Mount Rainier. It’s a gorgeous break from Seattle, the Emerald City in the United States – LifeBeyondBorders
In my time of travelling, I’ve never been to the Balkans. I’d never visited Yugoslavia when it was a country and now divided into seven independent countries; Bosnia and Herzegovina, Croatia, Kosovo, Macedonia, Montenegro, Serbia and Slovenia, I was delighted to be offered the opportunity of experiencing one of these countries – Slovenia – by staying at a lifestyle resort on the Slovenian/Croatian border…Big Berry. Did you know that Slovenia is 60% forest? It’s one huge rural country, with bears and wolves and beautiful countryside such as Lahinja Krajinski Park.
I was hosted by Big Berry, yet all thoughts and opinions remain my own. There will be affiliate links throughout meaning if you choose to book through these, I will receive a small amount of commission, at no cost to you.
What and where is Big Berry Slovenia?
Big Berry’s official tagline is:
A new mobile home concept that meets the highest standards of contemporary design and comfort. The mobile homes are primarily intended to equip campsites, resorts, creative hotels, individual users and leisure time dwellings.
A dynamic accommodation concept that perfectly combines the need to live in harmony with nature and the comfort of the modern home.
My Brown House at Big Berry Glamping Lifestyle Resort in Slovenia
Big Berry offers up their ‘new mobile home concept’ in, what they term ‘Landscape Resorts’ in:
Kolpa River – Slovenia
Mamaia Beach – Romania
Krk Island – Croatia
As mentioned already, I was invited by Big Berry to experience their resort in Slovenia, located on the Kolpa River (ever heard of that? No, neither had I), pretty much on the Slovenian/Croatian border. In fact, from my mobile home on the river’s edge, Croatia was across the other side of the river….swimmable!
View from the terrace of my Big Berry Glamping home to the Kolpa River… Croatia is the other side – LifeBeyondBorders
The Big Berry Slovenia Kolpa River Resort
I will be honest, from the outset, it is pretty obvious that Big Berry Luxury Landscape Resort is something unique. First of all, there’s that contemporarily designed mobile home they talk about. It’s not really a mobile home as we know it (‘we’ being in the UK, probably the U.S. too) – it’s like a posh cabin in the woods by the river – oh, with your own jacuzzi on your deck/porch. No kidding. Let’s not forget about the massive flat screen TV in the open plan living room/kitchen, and the comfortable beds and duvets that have you drifting off to sleep in no time.
Interior of my ‘Brown Berry’ Lifestyle Home at Big Berry Resort
Breakfast at Big Berry Slovenia
Then there’s the breakfast basket delivered to your porch every morning, complete with fresh milk (literally taken from the farm that morning), freshly baked bread, muesli, yogurts (again, from the same cows as the milk), fruit and any manner of cheeses. It’s enough to sustain you right until dinnertime.
Big Berry Breakfast Basket and fresh bread every morning
Swimming at Big Berry Resort – Slovenia
When I visited Big Berry, it was in September and therefore just at the end of summer, but not quite chilly enough to be autumn. Daytime temperatures were reaching about 27 degrees C and a dip in the Kolpa Riverwith a swim across to Croatia was most welcoming! Having spent most of my time in Greece, I’m used to swimming in clear seas, so swimming in a river with debris was a bit of a challenge for me – but apparently the more (natural) debris stirred up, the cleaner the actual water. Oh, and I did have a fear of catfish (of which there is!) and eels – so again this was a challenge to overcome…but I managed it!
Relaxing at Big Berry Resort – Slovenia
When you’re not partaking in one of the many activitiesBig Berry has to offer, their outdoor Day Beds are perfect for relaxing in. Just chill out, listen to the river, the cows in the next field, nature in general. Read you book, plan your next blog post (yes, always working, that’s me!) or jump in your jacuzzi.
Relax on the Day Bed at Big Berry in nature
Big Berry Lifestyle Resort, Slovenia: Conclusion and Facts
Officially, Big Berry along the Kolpa river in Slovenia is not open to the public yet in 2016. My trip was part of a Press Trip for bloggers/journalists/travel specialists to gain information about this new concept and to see what Big Berry was all about. They plan to open in 2017 and prices range from:
EUR€200 per night for a 34 square metre house with free wi-fi (but note; it depends on how far from the main Reception you are as to the reliability of it), hot tub, river view (all homes have a river view) and either one or two bedrooms. Prices can be found here.
It’s a perfect place for families, couples looking to get away from it (the homes are nicely spaced out, so you don’t feel as if you’re in a ‘trailer park’ – far from it) and even solo travellers.
Nearest airports are Zagreb (Croatia, where I flew into), Ljubljana (capital of Slovenia) or Trieste (in Italy). This shows you the location of Big Berry and the great areas you can explore surrounding it, if chilling in the camp isn’t enough!
So if you’re looking for a different location and different holiday, a luxury resort – I would highly recommend Big Berry Landscape Resort as the place to base yourself for exploring the countries of Slovenia, Croatia or north-eastern Italy (the Italian Alps). It’s perfect for a day trip to Lake Bled and Ljubljana, the capital city.
Get booking!
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Have you been glamping? How about glamping in the central European country of Slovenia. A luxury lifestyle resort – Big Berry – is the way to go. Great for couples and families. LifeBeyondBorders
Many of you will have heard of Meteora and the Meteora Monasteries in Central Greece. It’s a UNESCO protected World Heritage site and is famous for its pinnacles of rocks and caves, formed approx. 60 million years ago (can you get your head around that?). From the 9th century, hermit monks used to live in dugouts amongst the rocks.
60 million year old pinnacles of Meteora Greece – LifeBeyondBorders
There will be some affiliate links in this post, meaning if you choose to purchase anything through them, I will receive a small amount of commission at no extra cost to you.
Later, beautiful monasteries’ were built – a total of 20 by the beginning of the 14th Century. Access to them was deliberately difficult (due to threats of invasion) and only via very long ladders and/or rope bridges.
Today only 6 Meteora monasteries stand:
The Holy Monastery of Great Meteoron – the largest of the 6
The Holy Monastery of Varlaam
The Holy Monastery of Rousanou
The Holy Monastery of St. Nicholas Anapausas
The Holy Monastery of St. Stephen – damaged by the Nazis in WWII and now taken over, rebuilt and inhabited by Nuns
The Monastery of the Holy Trinity – location for the 1981 filming of the James Bond “For Your Eyes Only”
Great Meteoran Monastery of Meteora- Greece – LifeBeyondBorders
Visiting the Meteora Greece Monasteries as a woman
Going into any monastery, if you are a woman you must keep your shoulders covered and also be wearing a skirt.
Ironically, if you are wearing trousers or jeans, you must STILL wear one of the little wrap around skirts they give you upon entry. Even short skirts must be covered; the nun explained that women must display modesty (no showing of legs) and no ‘dressing like men’ – aka: trousers.
Tips for visiting Meteora, Greece
Situated 3.5hr train ride away from Athens (beautiful btw; cuts through countryside and stunning views)
The small town of Kalambaka is where to base yourself
My father and I stayed in Guesthouse Elena, perfectly located for the Monasteries and rocks, and nestled right amongst them
I suggest hiring a taxi when you arrive in Kalambaka to take you around the monasteries, unless you enjoy hiking and your fitness level is good
The beautiful landscape of Meteora in Greece – LifeBeyondBorders
I hope you’ve enjoyed my brief overview of the Meteora Monasteries and you’ll choose to visit the monasteries of Meteora when you come to Greece.
Are you coming to Athens for a city break? Then you need to read my Things to do in Athens to help you plan your trip.
Having spent some time looking at the things to see and do in Bournemouth, Dorset in the UK, I was looking forward to looking at things to do in the smaller coastal town of Poole…so let’s have a look at what there is to see and do in Poole, Dorset.
Things to do in Poole, Dorset – where is it?
As you can see from the map, Poole in Dorset is located not very far from Bournemouth – it’s about 6 miles to drive, taking about 20 minutes. It’s a quaint coastal town with a lovely old harbour, which in itself makes for a lovely place to stroll around.
Things to do in Poole, Dorset – Compton Acres
On the way to Poole, a visit to Compton Acres – one of the finest privately owned gardens in the country – at over 10 acres – is a must. It was constructed in 1920 when bought by Thomas Simpson and boasts a circular garden walk where one can wander through various styled gardens such as:
The Italian Garden – fountains and statues galore
The Wooded Valley – waterfalls and winding paths
Rock and Water Gardens – one of England’s largest
Heather Garden – as the name suggests, one can expect to see a variety of heathers in bloom
The day I went, in good old British style it was pouring with rain, but Compton Acres provides umbrellas and I had a wonderful time strolling through these gardens…and the bad weather ensured I was alone…and it didn’t detract from appreciating the beauty of the place.
Compton Acres also boasts an Italian Villa – privately owned and available for wedding hire.
On sight there are cafeterias offering a range of goods made from local produce, a small shop and all in all, makes for an interesting morning or afternoon visit; with over 3000 plant species, it gets you outside and appreciating nature more.
The beautiful Italian Gardens in Compton Acres estate near Poole, Dorset, UK – beautiful at any time of the year – LifeBeyondBorders
Things to do in Poole, Dorset – Boat Cruise around Poole Harbour & Brownsea Island
If the weather’s good, which it luckily was when I visited, in summer or winter – year round you’ll find City Cruises Poole offers a variety of cruises from the harbour. I undertook a 70 minute cruise around Poole Harbour and Brownsea island – a natural island of 500 acres of heath and woodland. In 1907 it was ‘tested out’ by Lord Baden-Powel, founder of the Scout movement in 1908. It now belongs to the National Trust – the UK conservation charity that preserves historic places and green spaces, opening them up to the public.
Brownsea Island has a church and some properties, but these are owned by the luxury department store chain John Lewis and leased to staff for vacation homes.
It’s pretty interesting to see the island up close and experience its beauty. It is possible to just take a transfer ferry there and visit the small museum, cafe and wander through the woodland. I’d love to come back and spend some time there.
Approaching Brownsea Island – just off Poole Harbour, Dorset – UK. One of the many things to see and do when visiting Poole – LifeBeyondBorders
Next the boat tour takes you along what’s known as ‘Golden Mile’ to see the homes along the peninsular known as Sandbanks, just outside of Poole Harbour. As you’ve guessed, the homes start in the region of £1 million.
Things to do in Poole, Dorset: Facts about City Cruises Poole
For the 70 minute Harbour and Brownsea lsland tour – prices start at £9.00 per adult (if booked online)
The boat has both outdoor and indoor seating
There’s a small bar onboard serving drinks such as tea, coffee, soft drinks and crisps
Things to do in Poole, Dorset – Wander the Old Harbour/Visit the Museum
I loved wandering the Old Harbour of Poole and seeing the quaint pubs,
Enjoy the pubs along Poole Harbour, Dorset, UK – Things to do in Poole, LifeBeyondBorders
then popping into the Poole Museum – set in a Victorian warehouse – and experiencing Poole’s history through the ages.
Poole through the ages – visit the Museum , entry free, in Poole, Dorset , UK – LifeBeyondBorders
There’s a coffee shop inside; entry is free, donations are welcomed
Things to do in Poole, Dorset: Where to eat
If you’re looking for a good location on the Harbour, then the Harbour View Restaurant and bar at the Thistle Hotel, Poole is a good choice. I was treated to a lovely meal and I chose traditional fish and chips (‘when in Rome’ – as the saying goes!) And it was delicious.
I hope you’ve enjoyed my brief rundown of Things to see and do in Poole, Dorset on the south coast of the UK. It’s a beautiful part of the country, and well worth a visit.
Back in 2011 I had arrived refreshed (sort of) and alert in Venice after a delightful adventure on board the Paris – Venice train. I was travelling solo from London to Athens via Venice, Italy and had decided to spend the night in Venice.
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Let’s have a look at things to do in one day in Venice, this famous Italian city.
How to spend just one day in Venice, Italy – LifeBeyondBorders Photo via WanderlustingK
Things to do in Venice: Water taxis – share a private one, or queue a long time for the public ones
I exited the station into bright sunlight and followed everyone else to what looked like a queue for a taxi. Remember, I was in Venice hence ‘taxi’ is a small boat shared with many people. Before I did this though, I saw a sign for “private taxi” and wandered over to take a look.
€60 to St Marc’s Square
they informed me, apologetically shrugging and also pointing to the long queue. “You’re best off going there.” I thought this was rather nice of him, given that he’d passed up a fare.
I went back to the public taxi queue. 5 mins later & it hadn’t moved.
If you’re looking for ideas of what to pack and wear when in Venice, take a look at my Greek island all round packing guide. Yes, it’s for the Greek islands, but many items recommended cross over to a Venetian break.
I turned to an Australian couple behind me and ask if they’d like to share a private taxi to St. Marc’s Square and they readily agreed.
We boarded the private taxi—more like a mini speedboat.
Speeding along, we passed many beautiful sights and I was in awe of the many bridges and, quite frankly, the magic of the place. I know Venice, at the time of updating this post, is under a lot of scrutiny for being too touristy, but I understood why it’s such a popular destination when I was there.
Beautiful Venice Bridges – One Day in Venice, Italy – LifeBeyondBorders
Things to do in Venice – Just wander the streets
I was left simply breathless by the place: small side streets that lead you over bridges and canals. It is possible to hide from the crowds and find your own little ‘backwater’.
How to spend one day in Venice, Italy – Wander the back streets and see views like this – LifeBeyondBorders
Things to do in Venice: A gondala ride
Enquiries into a gondola ride revealed that it costs 80 euros per person, even if sharing a gondola with five or six others. I did my best to stifle a laugh in the face of the gondola man and made my way over to another place: 30 euros for a ride on a small motor boat up the Grand Canal and back. This was a much more agreeable price and I happily parted with my money.
One Day in Venice, Italy – Gondala rides are ridiculously expensive – LifeBeyondBorders
I had an hour to kill before the trip, so I relaxed in the park—stretching out on a bench, happily dozing whilst listening to the chattering of many different languages around me.
The trip meandered around the canals—only fitting seven passengers, we were able to stand up and for an hour we were shown the Rialto Bridge and all along the Grand Canal as well as Byron’s house.
One day in Venice, Italy – a motor boat ride along the Grand Canal and see the Rialto Bridge – LifeBeyondBorders
Things to do / one day in Venice – Overall impressions
My jaunt to Venice was thoroughly enjoyable and I loved it. Even though I had a day and night there, less than 24 hours in fact, I fell in love with the city; it offered beauty, peace (yes, when you could find a spot away from the tourists) and tranquility.
One day in Venice, Italy – Venice is so pretty – LifeBeyondBorders
I would love to come back off season, or book in advance, maybe for Carnival in February? I visited a small shop which sold masks and carnival dresses. The lady informed me they make the dresses for carnival and they hire from 300 – 1,000 Euros.
One thing is for sure; Venice is not a cheap place! Or I’d take a Foodie Tours: 2.5-hour Cicchetti of Venice Small Group Tour – I love foodie tours and would love the chance to ‘taste’ Venice.
Read my Travel Sized Toiletries article to help you decide what toiletries to pack for your trip
The New Forest area of the UK is eclectic and full of nature. Let’s take a look at what to do in the New Forest, in particular the cycling I had the opportunity to experience.
There will be affiliate links through this post, meaning if you choose to purchase anything, I will receive a small amount of commission, at no extra cost to you
Things to do in The New Forest – where is it?
Located in southern England, partly in the counties of Hampshire, Wiltshire and Dorset – nearest large towns include Southampton and Bournemouth – The New Forest is 571 sq km of natural heathland, moorland and forest trails and livestock such as the New Forest Pony and deer roaming freely. There are several country hotels and lodges to stay in across the region, not to mention rather grand Manor Houses such as Rhinefield House.
It’s a mere 82 miles from London, just over 1hr 30 min drive, or let the train take the strain – again only a 1hr 30 min journey. Eight train stations are served:
Ashurst
Beaulieu Road
Brockenhurst
Hinton Admiral
Lymington
New Milton
Sway
Totton
ensuring you’ll have at least one stop that is near your accommodation. And it’s not necessarily expensive either: a One Way to Brockenhurst, for example, booked in advance can cost as little as £10.40 (price example for May 2018).
Things to do in The New Forest – what’s in a name?
William the Conqueror – in 1079 – is said to have created the New Forest. He wanted somewhere away from Winchester, the royal capital in those days, to hunt deer, so therefore he razed villages and demolished churches, creating a ‘new forest’ or breeding ground for his favourite game.
The New Forest Activities – beauty in southern England – LifeBeyondBorders
Things to do in the New Forest
Being so spread out though, to fully enjoy the New Forest, you’d be best off with a car. Our hosts were Go New Forest which is a not for profit Community Interest Company (CIC) whose aims to market the destination and work with local businesses.
Being an area of natural beauty, as you can imagine there are a variety of outside pursuits one can take part in such as horse riding, more adventurous activities such as archery, canoeing, kayaking and rope courses with New Forest Activities (great for kids, too). The National Motor Museum of Beulieu – home to a collection of over 250 classic cars also includes entry to Palace House, home of the Montague family.
Or how about getting closer to nature in a ‘controlled environment’ by developing a bond with horses? It’s a well known fact that being in and amongst nature is good for our well being, and The Horse Raft aims to do just that:
to support and engage people in the community, whether with wellbeing using horses and nature, or by a Forest Experience of sensations and learning.
During my time in the New Forest, I decided to take the opportunity to try out cycling along the forest trails, amongst the heathland and generally get back to nature again.
Cyclexperience offers a variety of bikes to hire: mountain bikes – even electric, great for me as I am not a cyclist by any means! Great for giving me that extra push as we cycled up hills (not steep ones, but I would highly recommend an electric bicycle for navigating even slightly rough terrain). As mentioned, I don’t generally go in for cycling, but really enjoyed myself the day members of the Guild went cycling with Cyclex. I’m not sure it’s convinced me to take up cycling as a hobby, but when next visiting the New Forest, I shall be sure to have another go across another route – they offer many to choose from.
Cycling around the New Forest in the UK offers breathtaking scenery across heathland and forests. LifeBeyondBorders
Things to do in the New Forest – Conclusion
It’s an area of outstanding natural beauty and extends down towards the south coast of the UK
It offers a plethora of opportunities to immerse yourself with nature, either through independent walking or organised activities, as mentioned above
There are a variety of hotels to stay in; spa hotels, opportunities to become involved with cookery classes to manor houses
At only 90 mins from London, it’s a great respite for a weekend break from the capital (but I’d advise longer!)
**Thank you – Go New Forest – for your hospitality and showing us your gorgeous region of the UK**
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The New Forest in the UK offers breathtaking scenery across heathland and forests. LifeBeyondBorders
I recently had the pleasure of experiencing the seaside town of Bournemouth in the UK and had a look at Things to do in Bournemouth. When choosing a place to stay in this south coast town, it made sense to me to be located by the sea, a short walk from the beach and along the cliffs. Therefore the Cumberland Hotel, Bournemouth was the perfect choice.
Seaside hotels in Bournemouth – Dorset – UK – A Review of the Cumberland Hotel by LifeBeyondBorders
Disclosure: despite any complimentary services received, all thoughts and opinions remain my own. Any affiliate links that you may choose to book through will result in a small amount of commission for me, at no extra cost to you.
Cumberland Hotel – Bournemouth: where is it?
Part of the Oceana Hotel group, the Cumberland Hotel Bournemouth is located on a clifftop, East Overcliff Drive with views out across the English Channel. It has a car park at the rear of the property with room for a limited amount of cars, but other Oceana Group hotels are located next the Cumberland, so parking is allowed in any of these, if room is available.
It takes about 10 minutes to walk down to the seafront from the hotel, and the seafront is about 10 minutes from the town centre, meaning The Cumberland Hotel, Bournemouth is well located for both.
View from Cumberland Hotel – Bournemouth – Dorset – UK
Cumberland Hotel – Bournemouth: facilities
With 107 rooms ranging from Crash Pad (single), Double (some with sea views and balcony/terrace) and up to King and Corporate Suites and it’s facade that looks like something out of the 1960s, you’d be forgiven for thinking that the Cumberland Hotel might be a little impersonal. This is not the case. It’s more of a vintage style that gives off a retro vibe and with walls adorned with Audrey Hepburn and movie star pictures and its very opulent reception, from the minute you step over the threshold, the Cumberland Hotel Bournemouth feels like a ‘fun’ environment. Indeed, in 2013 it won the Bournemouth Tourism Award for Best Large / Medium Hotel.
Outdoor pool at the hotel, indoor heated pool next door at the Suncliff Hotel, free for use for guests of The Cumberland Hotel because it belongs to the same chain of hotels
Buffet breakfast including cereals, full English (yum!), continental and yogurt
I was there in January, so naturally didn’t get to experience the outdoor pool, but the views from the hotel across the English Channel were quite, quite special.
Double room at Cumberland Hotel – Bournemouth – Dorset – UK – LifeBeyondBorders
Ventana Grand Cafe at the Cumberland Hotel, Bournemouth
This, for me, was the highlight of my stay. It’s a 2-rosette award-winning cafe/restaurant and on my first night I was treated to dinner. With dishes on offer such as:
Three Cheese and Red Onion Pie
local Wookey Hole cheddar cheese
smoked Dorset red cheese gruyere cheese
red onion
cream veloute
scalloped potato top
Three Cheese and Red Onion Pie at Vetana Cafe, Cumberland Hotel, Bournemouth, Dorset – LifeBeyondBorders
followed by:
Homemade Sticky Toffee and Date Pudding
with Butterscotch Sauce and Salted Caramel Ice Cream (but ask for clotted cream instead, it’s delicious!), it’s easy to see why the restaurant is award-winning. I actually made time in my busy schedule to go back a second time and eat just the dessert again.
Cumberland Hotel, Bournemouth – Conclusion
I found the Cumberland Hotel’s rooms comfortable, the wi-fi super fast, the food (as mentioned) delicious and I did relish the buffet breakfast each morning – really setting me up for the day. It’s open year round and the ballroom is a particular feature for private hire for any celebration.
Oceana ‘ballroom’ at Cumberland Hotel – Bournemouth – Dorset – UK – LifeBeyondBorders
It’s well located for both town activities and the sea, offering gorgeous views across to the Isle of White and English Channel. A good budget option for your stay in Bournemouth, with that feel of retro vintage opulence.
Bournemouth is also near Poole – Dorset. Read my Things to do in Poole, Dorset and make the most of your time when in this region of the UK.
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Beach Hotels, Bournemouth, Dorset – UK – The Cumberland Hotel – LifeBeyondBorders
Bristol is one of my favourite cities in the UK. My Things to see in Bristol post shows you what you can see and do here. I’ve been fortunate enough to visit Bristol on a few occasions and have stayed with friends and was hosted by the luxurious Bristol Harbour Hotel on one occasion.
This time, I decided to have a luxury hosted serviced apartment experience in the city with the Berkeley Suites. Let’s see what my luxury serviced apartment in Bristol was like.
Note: Despite any complimentary services received, all thoughts and opinions remain my own.
There will be affiliate links throughout this article, meaning if you choose to purchase anything through these links, I receive a small amount of commission at no extra cost to you.
The Berkeley Suites Bristol
Located in Berkeley Crescent, in the centre of the city – a short walk from major attractions and eateries, the Berkeley Suites are just around the corner from the Berkeley Square Hotel; voted one of the best boutique hotels in the UK for under £100 a night.
The Berkeley Suites offer five luxury serviced apartments in Bristol, situated in a Grade 2 listed Georgian building.
Why stay in a serviced apartment as opposed to a hotel?
I love staying in serviced apartments. I’ve stayed in a luxury serviced apartment in London and thoroughly enjoyed the experience. Mostly I like the freedom to come and go, and the extra space; my own sitting room for example. The same applied to my Berkeley Suite experience in Bristol; it was a home away from home…to go out sightseeing and experience all Bristol has to offer, and then return home to my own space was wonderful.
What do the Luxury services Berkeley Suites Bristol offer?
From the minute you step into your Berkeley Suite luxury serviced apartment, a sense of peace washes over you – and I’m not exaggerating. The door opens straight into the living space, and unique to Berkeley Suites is the state of the art cinema projector that projects ‘living art’ onto the wall – changing images of nature; no sound…just relaxing, peaceful images that actually make sitting staring at a wall not so crazy! Alternatively, it can also show TV channels and you can link your laptop up to it.
Living Art – curated art gallery on the walls on the Berkeley Suites – Luxury Serviced Apartments in Bristol, UK.
In the tastefully, comfortable living room there is also a small kitchenette cleverly hidden away behind a dresser. Opening it up reveals a convection hob, kettle, microwave, dishwasher and Delonghi espresso coffee maker with milk frother.
Move into the double bedroom and the bathroom is cleverly divided by glass partition, in my apartment there was the original Georgian fireplace there too.
Click through below to see images of Luxury Services Apartments – Berkeley Suites, Bristol
Added extras for staying in the Berkeley Suites – Bristol
The great thing about staying in the Berkeley Suites is the free use of the Nuffield Luxury gym, located a mere 5 minute walk from Berkeley Crescent and offers a plethora of classes such as spinning, yoga and pilates, a fully equipped gym, sauna and pool. Great if it’s raining and you want an alternative to traipsing around, or good for the business traveller who needs some exercise after long meetings.
Breakfast is served at the Berkeley Luxury Suites, Bristol, UK
Looking to move out of your (albeit well hooked up to wi-fi) suite and work in a more creative environment, with people around you? Head to The Square Club then. It’s just around the corner, within the Berkeley Hotel, and is a place with big comfy sofas, more of that Living Art projected onto the walls and free tea and coffee, plus lovely shortbread biscuits. It makes a great co-working space and through my stay, when I inevitably had to knuckle down to some work, it was a pleasure to work in The Square, surrounded amongst likeminded people.
Things to Note about the Berkeley Luxury Suites in Bristol:
No lift/elevator in the Berkeley Luxury Suites, but staff on hand to help you with luggage up the stairs as the suites are on two levels
Check in from 3pm
24 hour reception at the Berkeley Square Hotel
Great breakfast range taken in the dining area of the Berkeley Square Hotel
Costs from £262 per suite per night (Dinner, Bed and Breakfast) – The Square Kitchen is award-winning (should you choose not to prepare anything yourself) and all the menu is available as Room Service too
I love staying in luxury serviced apartments as a change from hotels. As mentioned; they give you privacy and that home away from home feel. There’s not the pressure to feel you have to get up by a certain time in the morning to allow the housekeeping in, or be down for breakfast at a certain time (unless you choose the breakfast option when staying at Berkeley Suites – and highly recommended!)
I would recommend the Berkeley Luxury Suites in Bristol to anyone visiting the city. Whether on business or for a weekend break to the city, they are well worth checking out.
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Berkeley Suites – Luxury Serviced Apartments in the city of Bristol UK
Ahh Greece: culture, islands, tradition and aesthetic beauty. As followers of my site will know, I am a huge Grecophile and love all things Greek. I particularly love exploring new destinations and showcasing them to you on my site. Greece isn’t only made up of her islands, however – as I have mentioned countless number of times. I’ve had the opportunity to explore the Agrafa mountains in the Karditsa area of central Greece, take a trip around Mount Parnassosand Delphi, visit the relatively undiscovered region of Methana in the Peloponnese and spend a weekend exploring the region of Nafpaktos. Who knew there was so much on the mainland to explore? Well, apparently another very popular region of the mainland is Pelion. Let’s explore more here.
**Despite any complimentary services received, all thoughts and opinions remain my own**
Where is Pelion?
Pelion is actually a mountain in the south eastern part of the Thessaly region of Greece, forming a peninsular with several traditional and unique villages. The nearest airport is in Volos, the biggest town in the Pelion region. Volos is actually a great starting point and good place to base yourself if you want to explore the region and stay by the sea.
It’s 203 miles (326km) from Athens by car or bus, approx. 4 to 5 hours driving (depending on traffic and weather). You can also travel to Volos from Thessaloniki in the north of Greece, and is actually nearer – 134 miles (215km). The journey takes about 2.5 hours. There are many regional buses that connect to Volos, timetable here. For more information on flights to Volos, see here.
So what can you do in Pelion? I have written about Hiking in Pelion, introduced the gastronomy of the region by looking at What to Eat in Pelion, but one of my favourite activities was being escorted around and exploring the beautiful villages.
The Villages of Pelion
To explore the region properly, you’ll need a car. Buses to the villages and tiny hamlets are few and far between, so a car or organised tour is the best bet. We were transported around the region by private bus with Les Hirondelles Travel Agency. And three cheers to the bus driver! The roads around the mountain are twisty and turny and the day we explored, quite snowy and wet and the bus driver did a fantastic job. If you’re prone to motion sickness, be aware of the twisty turns. But it is so very worth it.
Village of Pelion – Accommodation
We stayed for two nights in the historic village of Tsagarada – first discovered around 1600 A.D. and known as the backbone of Mount Pelion, nestled amongst the meadows and wild flowers – at the Aglaida Apartments (click on the link and if you book, I will get a little bit of commission but at no extra cost to you), a selection of large apartments in stone houses that also offer fireplaces in the rooms. It’s a cozy feel, especially in the winter as it snows up here! There’s also an outdoor pool to use in the summer.
Villages of Pelion: Zagora
The biggest traditional village in the region, it used to be a place where silk was produced and a trading centre until the 18th century. Now you can wander and photograph the picturesque church square as well as marvel at the fact that their library actually houses 1000’s of rare manuscripts. For lunch, the traditional restaurant of O Patis is a lovely cozy environment with wood burning stove and Greek meze dishes.
Villages of Pelion: Ski Centre
Yes, it’s even possible to ski in Greece! Pelion has its own ski centre at Agriolefkes, sitting at over 3,900 ft (1200 m) in height. With a total of 7 miles (12 km) of ski runs and a ski school plus a view all the way down to the sea, it’s a fabulous opportunity to partake in an activity you wouldn’t normally equate with Greece. Pelion Ski can give you more information (website in Greek). Here the Travel Bloggers Greece crowd all posed for a photo.
This tiny village offers a Women’s Cooperative offering a huge selection of homemade jams, marmalades and ‘sweet spoons’ – a Greek phrase for the small desserts a Greek person will offer you when you visit their house. We were given a jar of apple sweet spoon, and I highly recommend visiting and supporting this initiative.
Villages of Pelion: Milies
The attraction of this village is most definitely the Church of the Archangels. Step inside and it’ll take your breath away, literally. The frescos – smothered in black grit and not discovered until the church was restored in 1741 – are magnificent and the feeling of peace emanated from the walls is truly settling. Note: It’s possible to reach Milies by quaint old railway train. See below.
Atmospheric, traditional villages of Pelion Region of Greece
Ano Lechonia Train Station
This is a place right out of E. Nesbit’s famous book then film The Railway Children. The vintage style train station in this village houses the “Pelion Train” whose operation started over a century ago between the town of Volos and the village of Lehonia and then extended onto Milies in 1903. It’s still in operation and runs for 18 miles (29km) over lush landscapes and many bridges. At time of writing, return rail fares are €18 for Adults and €10 for Children. Call the Volos Railway Station for more info: +30 24210 39723
Villages of Pelion: Makrinista
My favourite village in Pelion. Granted, it’s quite touristy, even in winter (mainly Greeks) but wandering around its cobbled lanes and stopping to marvel at the lion’s fountain in the village square, the ancient plane trees and the houses with traditional slate roofs, it’s easy to see why it’s an attraction. It’s also understandable why it’s nicknamed the ‘Balcony of Mount Pelion’ when you look at the view stretching all the way down to the coast.
A photo posted by Rebecca – Travel Writer (@beyondbex) on
There are many more villages in Pelion to discover, especially by the sea, such as Fakistra, Milopotamos, Agios Ioannis and Papa Nero on the Aegean Sea side, or Kala Nera,Afissos and Ano/Kato Lehonia located on the Pagasitikos Gulf. Ano and Kato Lehonia is where the train starts its journey up to the villages in the mountain and in both the Upper (Ano) and Lower (Kato) parts of the village you can marvel at the old, neoclassical mansions.
Conclusion
You’d need at least a week to properly explore this unique region of Greece. My suggestion? Do your research and choose a couple of places to explore, mix it with some skiing and have a quality experience. Don’t try to fit in too much. As I had joined a Press Trip then we were ensured to see a lot in a short space of time, thus offering a taster of the region. I’ll definitely be coming back.
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Come and explore the atmospheric, traditional villages of the Pelion region of Greece
Here we’ll look at the Korikion Cave – a good starting point for a trek to Delphi.
**As always, all thoughts and opinions remain my own, despite any complimentary services received**
Korikion Cave, Delphi – Central Greece
Driving along an incredibly rough track (note: Four-wheeled drive recommended), but with superb views, my host from Fly Me to the Moon and I eventually parked and after walking for about five minutes, came across the Cave of Korikion Andron (sometimes spelt Corycian).
Cave Of Korikion Andron – and views across the valley below
It’s located on the eastern slopes of Mount Parnassos, known to be home of the ancient God Panas and the Corikian Nymphs. Lying at an altitude of 1310 meters, the God Apollo was said to have been worshipped here. There is a hiking trail that starts or finishes here to/from the ancient site of Delphi. The hike is considered ‘Medium’ difficulty and takes roughly 4 hours, therefore Korikion Cave makes a good, un-touristy trek to Delphi.
Korikion Andron Cave – Central Greece
I think you’ll agree with me, it’s a pretty spooky location! And see the stone circle on the floor? It’s regularly frequented by occultists, adding to the atmosphere of spookiness!
Delphi
Next stop on our tailor made trip was Delphi. Not so much of a ‘hidden gem’, nonetheless you cannot come to this part of Greece and not visit the famous site of worship of the God Apollo, and the Navel of the Earth.
We had a guided tour of the Museum first, and this was WELL worth it because it prepared me to know what I would see when we went to the archeological site.
Beautiful views of the Archaeological site of Delphi in Greece
The God Apollo
Delphi is the Sanctuary of the God Apollo – the God of Music, Light, Sun and the Future (hence where the Oracle of Delphi comes from).
NOTE: I strongly recommend booking a Tour Guide to take you around the museum and site as you get a much better idea as to what’s what, rather than reading all the information and struggling to make sense of it all. In Greece, however, Tour Guides are not employed by any museums or sites, they are self-employed…so you would have to book through a reputable agent who knows where to find good Tour Guides as they are tried and tested, such as Fly Me To The Moon Travel. The cost of hiring a tour guide can be incorporated into your holiday cost.
After a comprehensive tour around the museum and gaining a better understanding of what to expect at the site, we ventured up there. And the higher we climbed, the more stunning the views.
I was intrigued to learn that Apollo’s ‘Fortune Teller’ – Pythia – was always a woman and science has actually proven that the first time she ‘prophesied’ the future was because there was a crack in the earth and it released vaporous gasses, including methane. On top of this, she was chewing a specific type of leaf, hence it was more than likely she was ‘high’!
She was situated in the bowels of the Temple of Apollo (closed off to the public, only Archeologists are allowed) and only the Priest could visit her and take her answer to any questions people posed.
A photo posted by Rebecca Hall – Travel Writer (@beyondbex) on
Tip:
When you come to this area, the places you’ll want to base yourself in are in Arachova. Check below for places to stay in Arachova, Greece.
Seaside town of Galaxidi
Half an hour later, we were down from the mountain and in the seaside town of Galaxidi, enjoying a light lunch. Note: Unfortunately, whilst beautiful, it’s hard to find great quality food in this town. It’s not unlikable, it’s just there is better food to be had elsewhere, which is a shame as Galaxidi is a perfect spot to eat by the seaside.
When in Delphi, it’s worth hiring a tour guide to show you around the museum and the site (even if it’s just two of you). You’ll gain a better understanding and perspective of what you’re seeing
Go to the museum first in Delphi, then the site – everything will become clearer
REMEMBER: Tour Guides are self-employed in Greece so it takes a travel agent in the know to know which ones are best to book for you
Galaxidi, whilst a beautiful town, doesn’t have such great food. Tip: eat in Delphi or Arachova
The trip from Athens to Delphi by KTEL (the public bus) is from Terminal B, Liosion Street and is roughly €32.00 return (prices as of 2017). Tickets can only be bought from the ticket office in the bus station, not online.
You’re visiting London for a few days and don’t fancy staying in a hotel. You’re either coming for business reasons, family break or even solo trip. What are your options for accommodation? During a recent trip to the World Travel Market I was offered the opportunity to trial out a one-bedroomed luxury serviced apartment in Kensington through City Relay. How exciting, to be located in the heart of all London has to offer!
**Disclosure: Despite any complimentary services received, all opinions remain my own**
It’s also vital to make sure – as with all international travel – that travel insurance is arranged. Even if the accommodation you’re staying in is super duper swish and in a high class area, you never know what’s around the corner. Always best to be prepared.
Luxury Vacation Rental – London
City Relay offers luxury vacation rental in London at what is considered to be affordable prices. As their site states:
We are London’s largest and most trusted short-let property management provider. All of our properties are managed with care and gives you unparalleled access to living like a local in one of the worlds most unique and travelled cities. Whether its our hotel trained housekeeping team, our luxury bedroom and bathroom amenities or our 24/7 friendly support, the ultimate holiday experience starts here.
You visit the City Relay office in Earls Court to collect your keys (if no-one’s at the property to meet you), you can leave your luggage in their office after check out rather than lug it around London all day and they are the first point of call should any issues (unlikely) arise with your property.
Also City Relay offer a Management Service for your property if you rent it through AirBNB.
My luxury vacation rental experience in London
Upon exiting the Underground station at Gloucester Road, a quick phone call to Melany, the amiable hostess I’d been dealing with came to meet me and we walked together to my abode for the next three days.
Bina Gardens
Bina Gardens – where my luxury serviced apartment in London was located
My one bedroom apartment was located in a small street just off a square with greenery around. And actually, once I knew where I was going the walk back to the main Gloucester Road with its pubs, tea shops and various eateries, plus supermarket and Underground, was literally a stone’s throw away (no Google Maps needed).
It didn’t take long to show me around my small but luxurious lodgings:
High ceilinged living room with room for six people around the dining table in the bay window
Bathroom with combined shower and bath – accessible from the double bedroom and hallway
Fully equipped kitchen with dishwasher and tea/coffee plus popcorn to make in the microwave
Couch in the living room could pull out to a double bed, easily accommodating two more people if necessary.
Bathroom, Kitchen and Bedroom of my City Relay apartment at Bina Gardens – London. Life Beyond BordersBeautiful living room at Bina Gardens property – London, through City Relay.
I soon settled in and made myself comfortable. I had kindly provided me with a bottle of Merlot and some Lindor chocolates, so I was set!
Chocolate and wine in my City Relay managed property – London. Life Beyond Borders.
I would definitely come back to Bina Gardens or any of City Relay’s apartments again.
The internet, whilst working, was slightly up and down but this wasn’t the company’s fault – this was something to do with the area at the time, and to be honest, when I contacted City Relay – the management company who assists in all such matters – they were very quick to respond and offer a solution; an alternative internet connection
My stay at Bina Gardens was from £79 per night (weekend rates i.e.: Friday through to Sunday, expect to pay slightly more). For the apartment and the area, this represented very good value for money and I had the freedom to buy food to prepare in my spacious kitchen
Thick, fluffy towels were provided as was a hair dryer and all toiletries – like being in a hotel but having a huge suite all to yourself!
Have you stayed in a City Relay property in London? Have you stayed in any luxury serviced apartments before? Do you prefer them to hotels? Let me know in the Comments.
During one of my trips to Bristol in the South West of the UK, I had the honour of being hosted at the Bristol Harbour Hotel. There are so many things to see in Bristol, it’s hard to know where to start. As a West-Country girl myself, I tend not to think of exploring in my own backyard, as it were. But the longer I travel and stay abroad, the more I see my own country and culture through different eyes and appreciate it, almost as a tourist would. A tourist in my own country.
Bristol probably isn’t initially on many people’s radars. I know it certainly wasn’t on mine. But did you know that Rough Guides has voted it #4 in the Top Ten Cities to Visit in 2017? Yes, #4 in the whole world. So what’s the big deal about Bristol? Well, Rough Guides states:
Bristol stands as a shining example of one of the UK’s most forward-thinking, innovative and dynamic small cities.
I certainly enjoyed my time there – so let’s take a wander around and have a look at the things to do in Bristol.
Things to do in Bristol – Street Art
It goes without saying that Bristol is probably world-famous for its street art. After all, Bristol is the home of Banksy, the international renowned street artist. Visit Bristol – the city’s regional tourism board – had kindly left a press kit and Media Pass in my room at the Bristol Harbour Hotel, and included in this was a Street Art map so I could go on a self-guided tour.
You can also take a street art tour with the company Where The Wall. They operate tours at the weekends only (unless you request a private tour) and have various prices, with prices ranging from GBP£6.00 to GBP£10.50. As I was there on a mid-week day, I went exploring with Heather on her Travels, a local blogger and Bristolian, as my guide. Off we went to wander the streets of the city and see what we could find.
Bristol’s Street Art can be found in three main areas around the city:
Central Bristol
South Bristol
Stokes Croft (a slightly ‘grungier’ area)
Heather and myself started in Stoke’s Croft, where a lot of the smaller street art could be found, and we made our way down to the Harbour. Along the way we saw various murals, Banksy artwork and smaller pieces.
Some of Banksy’s artwork around Bristol cityExamples of Bristol Street Art – Things to see in Bristol, UK
These murals can be found in the Bedminster district of Bristol, where Upfest – Europe’s largest street art and graffiti festival is held each year.
A photo posted by Rebecca – Travel Writer (@beyondbex) on
Things to do in Bristol – SS Great Britain along the harbour front, and colourful houses
And so we reached the harbour. My Visit Bristol Media Pass allowed me free entry to Brunel’s famous SS Great Britain, the world’s first ocean liner that has circumnavigated the world 32 times. Now permanently docked in Bristol, the entrance fee is GBP£14 for Adults, FREE for children aged 4 and under, GBP£8 for a child 5-17 years and a whole host of senior, group, student and family discount rates.
SS Great Britain – Things to do in Bristol
It’s interesting to go inside and walk on and below deck. It has a recording that plays noises from ‘back in the day’ and it very immersive/interactive with dummies, etc…making you jump!
The scariest for me was walking past the ‘sick bay’ and hearing all the coughs and groans, and seeing the dummies in their beds. It’s really realistic!
It’s no secret that Bristol has some of the most colourful houses in the UK – these houses, perched above the harbour in Clifton Wood, can be seen from the deck of the SS Great Britain.
Colourful houses above the floating harbour at CliftonWood – Things to do in Bristol
Things to do in Bristol – Clifton village
What I like to term as the Primrose Hill equivalent area of Bristol, Clifton is the posh and independent quarter just a little north of the city centre. If offers independent shops, Clifton Arcade – a beautiful Victorian shopping arcade, small cafes, cobbled mews, The Observatory atop the Downs and the famous landmark – the Clifton Suspension Bridge. There’s certainly a different vibe here as it feels visibly slower in the pace of life (although Bristol as a city is a far cry from the hustle and impersonalness of London).
Having walked uphill to reach Clifton from the centre, I decided to take a wander across Clifton Downs to the Suspension Bridge, suspended over Avon Gorge.
Clifton Suspension Bridge – Things to do in Bristol. Life Beyond Borders
The Clifton Suspension Bridge is an unmissable architectural attraction and is known as the defining symbol of Bristol. Designed by the famous Victorian engineer Isambard Kingdom Brunel, it spans the River Avon Gorge below and has two huge towers either end of the bridge, supporting cables. It’s open to vehicles and foot traffic and I loved walking across one side, then back the other…stopping frequently to gaze down into the Gorge, and try not to get vertigo.
And then walking back into town – via the Hotwell district of the city – north of the Harbour and directly under Clifton. This area had some beautiful houses surrounding very picturesque squares.
A photo posted by Rebecca – Travel Writer (@beyondbex) on
My time ambling around the city of Bristol was enjoyable. There is so much to see and do here – such as museums and on a rainy day, why not visit the Bristol Aquarium? Great for all the family.
In August each year, the Bristol International Balloon Fiesta is held, where more than 130 national and international hot air balloons and enthusiasts attend the event. It’s world famous.
I can’t wait to come back to this city again and explore some more.
Bristol Aquarium
Have you been to Bristol? Where was your favourite spot?
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Things to see in Bristol – why you shouldn’t miss the chance to visit this city in the South West of EnglandThings to see in Bristol – colourful houses – you must visit this UK city
Back in 2006, just as I was getting into the swing of ‘adventure’ I decided to take a trip to the Arctic. It was to whet my appetite for all things nautical.
Travelling the Norwegian Arctic
Travelling the Arctic means going with an approved company. There are many to choose from such as Quark Expeditions, the company I went with. It’s really recommended you choose to go with an operator who’ll look after all the practical side of things. The Arctic is not a place you just ‘rock up’ to.
There will be affiliate links through this post, meaning that if you choose to book or buy anything through them, I will get a small amount of commission at no charge to you.
I’m really in the Arctic! It’s surprisingly green – Travelling the Arctic – LifeBeyondBorders
No, I didn’t travel by container ship – but took a plane to Longyearbyen, the largest and only permanently inhabited town on the Norwegian island of Spitsbergen / Svalbard. There I joined my home for the next seven nights: the 100 year old Dutch schooner M/V Noorderlicht.
100 year old Dutch schooner M/V Noorderlicht – Travelling the Arctic – LifeBeyondBorders
I shared a bunk cabin and wash facilities were also shared – but the ship was incredibly clean. With a capacity for 20 passengers, she was a pretty impressive sight!
Daytimes were spent sailing and polar bear spotting (my favourite animal, aside from cats). Alas, we never saw any on our trip – but we certainly heard the odd roar in the distance (or was that my imagination?) We came across the “Texas Bar” – the place humorously named by the film crew that stay here for months on end filming the wildlife (and the polar bears I never got to see) – oh well, thank God for National Geographic cameramen.
Would you like this as your home for three months whilst on a filming assignment in the Arctic? – Travelling the Arctic – LifeBeyondBorders
Beluga whales and walrus’s were in abundance though, as were Arctic foxes – to a point where we’d get all excited, only to mumble:
Uhhh, only another Arctic fox
before heading back to the binoculars and sipping wine on deck.
Travelling the Arctic – Barentsberg
Believe it or not, there are signs of human inhabitation in the Arctic. Barentsberg – what a depressing, yet fascinating place. In fact, the itinerary deliberately left this place until the last day of our trip, knowing that we’d feel pulled down. But an interesting and I feel, essential place to visit nonetheless – in the interests of understanding international destinations and coming into contact with places completely far removed from our own:
Barentsberg dock – we were warned to NOT go into the toilet – Travelling the Arctic
Barentsberg is the second largest inhabited place on Svalbard, is actually a Russian settlement and has approx. 500 year round inhabitants (2007), mostly Russian and Ukranian. It has been a coal mining town since 1932. There are no roads connecting Longyearbyen and Barentsberg: the only way to reach either one is by boat, snowmobile or helicopter. Meals are taken in the community centre building, and our guide told us no fresh dairy or vegetables are available, all canned or powdered milk (I am quoting our guide – I apologize if it’s incorrect).
Community centre – Barentsberg – Svalbard – Travelling the Arctic
Many abandoned buildings were on view: people moving out and returning to Russia or the Ukraine after their working stint, and people not occupying them. To me, it resembled a ghost town. In fact, I could swear I saw curtains twitching when we set foot on land (or maybe that’s my over active imagination).
Abandoned house on Barentsberg – Travelling the Arctic
Overall – WHAT an interesting trip! Twenty-four hours of daylight is quite unnerving, but imagine the Arctic in the winter! An amazing trip…I would love to go again and see a polar bear this time…or maybe the Antarctic which is more dramatic in its landscape (more ice).
Practicalities for Travelling the Arctic
Fly to Oslo, then connecting flight to Longyearbyen
Depending on who you book with, flights might be included
Pack warm thermals, ski jackets and expect 24 hour daylight in the summertime
Don’t go off on your own. Polar bears roam this area and are slowly starving, therefore encroaching on human places such as the town of Longyearbyen. Your guide has a shotgun and flare – not to kill, but to warn them away. Don’t try to be heroic and think you can do this alone. Respect the environment and people.
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Travelling the Norwegian Arctic – have you ever been?
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Followers of my site will know that in September of 2016, I travelled to Slovenia for the first time where I stayed at Big Berry Luxury Landscape Resort and explored the Lahinja Krajinski Park. I was also lucky enough to be afforded the chance to explore a bucket list dream destination of mine: a day trip to the the fairytale Lake Bled, and afterwards a city that was relatively unknown to me: Ljubljana, the capital of Slovenia. Let’s take a look at my Day Trip to Lake Bled and Ljubljana.
**My Day Trip to Lake Bled and Ljubljana was courtesy of Big Berry. All thoughts and opinions remain my own**
Lake Bled & Ljubljana
Located between a 2.5 and three hours drive from the Big Berry resort (depending on traffic and route you take), the landscape as you traverse the route is magnificent. As you approach Bled, located in northwestern Slovenia, you’ll see the Julian Alps in the background and as you finally make the twist to the lake itself, you’ll see it magnificently framed against the Alps backdrop.
Big Berry to Lake Bled, Slovenia
Where and what is Lake Bled
As I’ve mentioned, I’ve seen many picture of Bled as my travel adventures grow – so my appetite has really been whetted. Bled is actually a small town, and the Lake is a tourist attraction. It’s 34 miles (55km) from Ljubljana.
The lake itself didn’t disappoint. Rarely do I visit a place and feel the reality is better than the pictures…not so at Lake Bled. The waters were a bluey/green hue – this is probably due to the glacial waters. It’s 6,950 ft (1,380 m) long and 4,530 ft (1,380 m) wide and has a depth of 97 ft (29.5m). Is there a Bled Ness like at Loch Ness? Not that I’ve heard of!
It’s surrounded by forest and mountains, and the medieval Bled Castle – one of the oldest in Slovenia dating back to the year 1011, sits atop the north shore, whilst Bled island in the centre accommodates the 17th Century pilgrimage church of the Assumption of Mary. The church frequently hosts weddings and with its 171 ft (52 m) tower and 99 stone steps in a baroque stairway leading up to it, tradition says that if the groom can carry the bride up the steps on the day of their wedding and ring the bell, he may make a wish inside the church.
It’s possible to hire canoes, swim and there’s a campground on one side of the Lake. Take a look at the pictures to give you an idea just how beautiful Lake Bled is.
Have you been to Lake Bled?
Things to do in Ljubljana
About half an hour later (just under), we arrived in Ljubljana, the capital of Slovenia. For a city relatively unknown to tourists, it has a lot to offer.
Ljubljana – Slovenia
Ljubljana Castle has sat for approx. 900 years, silently watching over the city and offers amazing views, houses a puppet museum and museum exhibition of Slovenian history. There are two restaurants where you can eat and a cafe, plus a nightclub! Reached on foot or funicular railway, this is one attraction not to miss.
Ljubljana Town and Castle – A Day Trip to Lake Bled and Ljubljana – LifeBeyondBorders
The Dragon Bridge is a landmark in the town, spanning the Ljubljanica River. A non-pedestrian bridge, its iconic dragons stand out and the bridge itself has a particular art nouveau look to it.
There are many sights to experience in Ljubljana, one afternoon wasn’t enough…but check the Tourism Board’s website hereto get more ideas.
Dragon Bridge – Ljubljana
Things to do in Ljubljana – Metelkova District
This is a MUST visit to anyone coming to Ljubljana – but maybe prepare yourself. In the centre of the city sits a former army barracks, harking back to the days when Ljubljana was part of the former Yugoslavia. Then a squat, but now a hub for alternative music, art, clubs and bars, it’s a haven for alternative types. The day we visited, extremely heavy rock music blared from one of the buildings…but the people milling around were incredibly friendly – as most artistic people are.
Metelkova District of Ljubljana – Day Trip to Lake Bled and Ljubljana – LifeBeyondBorders
Distinctive art work and street art adorns the walls, and Metelkova has been a cultural hub since 1993, when 200 volunteers initially set themselves up to transform the place, to stop it being demolished. I have to be honest, despite feeling a little overwhelmed, it’s an interesting place and I would highly recommend popping in there, to find out for yourself (as you can see).
I wish I had more than a day to explore Lake Bled and Ljubljana. I intend to go back one day to explore more. Have you been to either places? What’s your impression?
Check out discounted flights to Ljubljana here:
(Disclosure: This is an affiliate link and will result in a small commission for me if you use, but at no extra cost to you).
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Day Trip to Lake Bled & Ljubljana – LifeBeyondBorders
We all know that there is more to Greece than islands, sunshine and sand. I didn’t realise quite how much more, until I was invited on a specialised trip by luxury Greece Travel Specialist – Fly Me To The Moon Travel. Here, I was invited to experience off season travel in the country – in particular Mount Parnassos in Greece, realising that it’s never really a country that’s off season for tourism. Let’s take a look at what awaited me.
**As always, all thoughts and opinions remain my own, despite any complimentary services received**
This post contains Amazon Affiliate links.
Greece Off Season – Luxury in Mount Parnassos
Luxury does not have to necessarily mean five star resorts, as Elena Papanicolaou – founder of Fly Me To The Moon Travel specifies:
Luxury is about the experience; the authenticity, the richness and genuiness of the experience received.
I agree. “Luxury” is a subjective concept. I was thrilled, therefore, to experience the luxury of Greece off season, by seeing corners of Greece not usually seen by the average tourist. Before reaching Mount Parnassos though, first came a tour of the:
Mount Parnassos Greece: Bread & Folklore Museum of Amphiklia
Bread Museum of Amphiklia – Greece Out Of Season
Leaving Athens bright an early, we wove our way through the beautiful countryside of Central Greece and the Viotiaregion. After about 1.5 hours of driving, we arrived into the town of Amfiklia, a town based at the northern base of Mount Parnassos.
Why stop here specifically? Well, apart from sitting in the unusually warm February sunshine, sipping coffee in the Town Square, we were to visit the Bread Museum. Not being a huge fan of museums, I was pleasantly surprised: who knew that bread could be so interesting?
Amfiklia was the first town in Greece to have a threshing machine and the town itself is surrounded by wheat fields. Many people in the past had bread ovens in their gardens and the museum had dedicated itself to:
…bread in relation to local history, society, customs and tradition.
The most interesting aspect for me were the types of bread on offer and what they symbolise. A small selection is shown above:
Bread with snake = Prevenda or New Year’s bread. A snake is a symbol of the protector of the house.
Lambroukouloures, or Red Egg bread = An Easter bread (Greeks bread hard boiled eggs painted red at Easter) and was baked as a gift to the Godchild
Armyrokouloura = This is a bread which contained a lot of salt. It was baked and given to the unmarried daughter of the family. It was hoped she would grow thirsty and dream of a man to bring her water to drink. The man she dreamed of would be the man she would marry.
Bread traditions
Every year between 21-23 November, the women of Amfiklia hold a three day celebration where they dress in traditional costume and bake the bread of the past.
The museum is small and entry fee costs €2 for Adults, €1 for children.
Now we come to the favourite part of my trip: An off season visit to Mount Parnassos, Greece.
We drove to the Headquarters of the Mount Parnassos National Park Management Body’s offices (at the base of the mountain). Here I met the young, enthusiastic team of 10; six scientists and four Park Rangers. Yiorgos, the Forester in charge of the Educational Programme, and his ranger colleague drove us to the area on the mountain of Perdikouryssi – the Chapel of St John (usually kept locked, but if the Rangers accompany you, they can let you in). Inside you’ll find ancient frescos.
St John’s Chapel – Mount Parnassos – Greece
Mount Parnassos National Park is 35,000 hectares and offers many limestone caves, wildlife such as foxes, eagles and even wolves and a special fauna phenomena: once a year, for one week in May only, the wildflower Paeonia Parnassica blooms. During the winter you can ski here and base yourself in the ‘Mykonos of the Mainland’ – Arachova. It’s also near the famous archeological site of Delphi.
I could have happily spent all day on Mount Parnassos. Who would have thought that such a place existed, only a short drive from Athens, with an abundance of wildlife, flora and fauna? I especially love travelling to parts of Greece off season, teaching me that Greece is a 365 day destination. My unusual visit to the Bread Museum and Mount Parnassos was one of my favourite parts of the trip. You can read more about Parnassos National Park and their educational programmes here.
Other things to do in the region of Mount Parnassos, Greece:
My luxury tour of Greece Out Of Season continued. Read all about Greece Out of Season – Mount Parnassos and a visit to a bread museum. We continue with a look at ‘Greece Out of Season’ through wine tasting in Central Greece and experience local culture through weaving – although in reality, Greece is never out of season…it’s a 365 day destination with many different activities.
**There will be affiliate links through this post, meaning that if you choose to book through them, I will receive a small amount of commission, at no extra cost to you. Despite any complimentary services received, all thoughts and opinions remain my own**
Wine tasting in Greece – Hidden Natural Gems
From Mount Parnassos I was driven to a secret location. It is such a hidden gem that Elena of Fly Me To The Moon travel has specifically asked me not to disclose it! All I will do is tantalise you with some fantastic photos of the fountains and ancient site – and you’ll just have to book your tour through Fly me To The Moon if you wish to discover more about this gorgeous natural gem.
Hidden Gem – Greece Out Of Season (clue: it’s near Mount Parnassos)KIfissos Fountains and Ancient Erochos – Greece
Wine tasting – Greece out of season
Near Mount Parnassos in central Greece you can find the Argyriou Winery and Guesthouse in Polydrossos. Run by the Argyriou family, whose wines are exported to China (big market for red wines), Cyprus (big market for white and red wines) and supplies hotels locally and in the islands, you can rest assured when sampling one of the many on offer, you’re supporting a local company, not a big chain – a family who cultivated their land into vineyards in 1995 and turned their home into a winery in 2001.
After a delicious taste of three white and three red, I came away with a bottle of my favourite: Manteio White.
Wines at the Argyriou Winery – Wine tasting in Greece. Life Beyond Borders
And after a delicious lunch at Nikos’s Taverna in the square of the local village of Eptalofos, we headed to our final destination of Arachova, our base for our two days and our last port of call for the day, the Weaving Museum.
Delicious lunch at Nikos’s Taverna – (fried eggs and potatoes) and the Town Square of Eptalofos – Greece Out Of Season
Arachova Weaving Museum – Greece
It’s actually the Ethnographic Museum of Arachova and offers a permanent exhibition of local costumes and weaving of rugs from the area, plus a variety of looms – and a temporary exhibition. When we visited, it was a rather bizarre (but fun, nonetheless) exhibition of robots, all made by a retired local as his hobby when he worked in the telecommunications industry. All parts that were no longer needed, he would collect and made a variety of gadgets from them!
Robotic visiting exhibition at Arachova Ethnographic Museum – Greece Out Of Season
The Weaving Museum itself also hosted workshops and classes – and every day in the evening, a variety of age groups and levels of ability would come and take weaving classes. To me, this was nice to see as it showed that:
People wanted to keep the traditions alive
Even young kids and teenagers would come to classes – meaning it was a good hobby to encourage, rather than watching tv all the time.
I got to try my hand at weaving, on the ‘very basic’ loom (apparently) and trust me, it requires patience which I don’t have.
You pass the loom through the strings of the machine
You pull the weave tight
Repeat the process
If a different colour is required, you need to weave in a different colour.
Nope – not for me, I will leave it to the professionals.
Ethnographic / Weaving Museum – Arachova – Greece Out of Season
Hotel Elafivolia – Wine Tasting in Greece
And then finally we checked into our beautiful hotel for our stay – more like luxury apartments – located just outside of Arachova.
The Elafivolia Suites and Apartments offer 6 private apartments for guests, ranging up to approx. 120 sq m with private bedroom, kitchen, living room and bathroom. Some suite have two bedroom – perfect for families. I stayed in the Junior Executive suite – well, I think I’ll leave you to see the photos and judge for yourself.
Junior Executive Suite collage – Elafivolia Suites and Apartments – Arachova – Greece Out of SeasonThe view from Elafivolia Suites and Apartments – ArachovaBreakfast with a view in Elafivolia Suites and Apartments – Arachova – Greece Out Of Season
And so my day came to a close – what a wonderful place to fall asleep.
As you’ve seen, Greece can be very interesting ‘out of season’ – and offers so much more than just beaches, islands and sea. I hope you’ll consider Greece at any time of the year, and come and experience the mountains and traditions and the wine tasting.
One thing I love about the UK is its castles, there’s never a time of year not to visit. Granted, winter may be a little miserable but despite this – I think you’ll agree that the very ‘Games of Thones’ eque style of castles in the country make for an interesting day or weekend. One of these is the Castle in the Dorset village of Corfe.
**There will be links through this post meaning if you choose to purchase, I will make a small amount of commission to support the running of my site, at no cost to you**
About Corfe Castle, Dorset
A long time ago when I was living back in the UK – and digital plus camera phones didn’t exist – I took myself off to visit Corfe Castle. It’s a thousand year old castle shaped by warfare as the National Trust site claims and was built by William the Conqueror in the 11th Century.
Corfe Castle, Dorset is situated on the Isle of Purbeck surrounded by the Purbeck Hills and dramatically standing guard of all around.
Ruins of Corfe Castle in the village of Corfe, Dorset. LifeBeyondBorders
Apparently it was partly demolished in 1646 by the Parliamentarians, but all information pertaining to this fascinating place can be found via the Visitor’s Information page of the National Trust’s website. I wanted to share with you what I could remember of the place, and the emotions it evoked.
Corfe Castle found in the Dorset village of Corfe – UK
Corfe Castle, Dorset – the village
Corfe is also a village and is very quaint, in a British way. I adored it! I spent ages wandering around the ruins. A sensitive soul, it felt spooky with the history all around. You won’t find ‘McDonaldisation’ has filtered into this quaint place – it’s all independent shops, some traditional pubs, restaurants, the quintessentially British teashops (scone and cream anyone?), bed and breakfasts and small hotels.
The village of Corfe – Dorst with the castle in the background. Photo by MarilynJane
Years later, going through old prints, I found my Corfe Castle Dorset ones, took them to a local shop and had them digitized. I share my ‘Corfe’ with you here and hope I’ve tempted to you visit Corfe village, and the atmospheric Corfe Castle.
Corfe Castle Ruins rising from the grounds – LifeBeyondBordersCorfe Castle – Dorset – UK
When you travel, think about using the Hynes Eagle 40L backpack. It’s great for a weekend break away.
Purbeckis a peninsular in Dorset, surrounded on three sides by water. Corfe and Corfe Castle sit here and the area offers so many activities to make a great family holiday after spending your time exploring the castle: horse riding, hiking in the Purbeck hills or brisk walks/strolls along the beaches of the area. There are two free museums in Corfe Village and the whole area is part of the World Heritage Jurassic Coast, a 96 mile coastline running from South Devon to Dorset offering stunning views and discoveries such as fossils – as the name indicates. Great for the budding palaeontologist of the family!
I have to go back again and spend more time in this region. I can’t wait.
Getting to Corfe Castle, Dorset
It’s possible to travel by train from London Waterloo to Wareham in Dorset, then take a bus. The total journey is approx 3 hrs 9 mins. There are two trains every hour, hourly on a Sunday from Waterloo.
Sit back and let the train take the strain.
Have you been to Corfe Castle and the village in Dorset? What was your opinion?
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Corfe Castle sits in the Purbeck Peninsular of Dorset, UK near the dramatic Jurassic coastline. Come and visit this remarkable ruin and quaint village.
It’s no secret that Life Beyond Borders loves the Greek island of Rhodes, especially Rhodes Old Town. Wandering the streets behind those old castle walls in the oldest inhabited Medieval Town in Europe is so enjoyable, sometimes with not a soul around, especially in ‘off season’. My Things to do in Rhodes article goes into some depth about what you can see and do on this island and in the Old Town itself; here I’d like to share with you some of the luxury boutique hotels found in Rhodes Old Town.
**There will be affiliate links throughout this post – this means that if you choose to purchase anything, it will gain me a small amount of commission, at no cost to you. Furthermore, all thoughts and opinions remain my own despite any complimentary services received**
Luxury Hotels in Rhodes Old Town – Kokkini Porta Rossa
Kokkini Porta Rossa has featured on my site before with my exploration of Luxury in Rhodes Old Town – Kokkini Porta Rossa article. I first had the pleasurable experience of this quiet boutique hotel back in 2014. As you enter through the Gate of St. John into the Old Town, the first building you come to is an old knight’s residence. History shows that from 1522, when Greece was under Ottoman rule, a residence of Turkish and – later – Greek families lived here until its current ownership and extensive conversion into luxury suites. As you can imagine, the building is seeped in history. Kokkini’s site gives you a clear and interesting picture of its history.
The delight about Kokkini Porta Rossa – besides the current owner’s attention to detail and unparalleled service offering, what can only be described as a concierge service, tailor making your stay to your desires – is the fact it has only six luxury suites.
I was fortunate during my recent visit to experience the newest addition to the family: Michalis Suite.
Michalis Suite – Kokkini Porta Rossa
Michalis is the newest addition to Kokkini Porta Rossa, and I have to say, completes your luxury stay in Rhodes Old Town. This part of the building was first constructed in 1350 and was originally a carpenter’s room – Michalis, a young man from Symi Island, and has been lovingly restored to now offer a 37 sq meter interior space with walk in monsoon rain shower in the bathroom (with marble antique sink), a carpenter’s bench and tools encased in glass in the floor and to top it off, your own private 45 sq meter garden with olive tree, plants and herbs, seating area and even warm water soaking tub.
Luxury Hotels in Rhodes Old Town, Greece. Michalis Suite private garden at Kokkini Porta Rossa.
Kokkini Porta Rossa is great for couples and especially honeymooners. Or how about book a stay here if you’re planning to propose? Angela and Nikos, the owners are more than happy to arrange surprises for their guests – it’s all part of their quality, personalised service.
Aside from bathrobes in the purest cotton, slippers and a pillow menu, expect personalised service that honestly makes you feel like you’ve come to stay with friends. The Kokkini Porta Rossa ‘experience’ will leave you feeling very special.
No cars are allowed in Rhodes Old Town – apart from some residents with permits – but as Kokkini Porta is located so near St. John’s Gate, they can arrange for a taxi to meet you outside the hotel if you wish.
Zacosta Villa Hotel – Luxury Hotels in Rhodes Old Town – Greece
Tucked away down a quiet old cobbled street, behind the castle walls and near the Hamsa Bei Mosque lies a quaint villa style accommodation with lovely bougainvillea clad courtyard to eat breakfast or just sit and relax, soaking up the rays. With only five suites, Zacosta is another place that’s more of an experience than merely a place to stay.
Zacosta is one of the ‘freshest’ editions of boutique hotels to the Old Town in that this, too, has been renovated and updated. The galleried room I stayed in had literally only been completed in the summer of 2017.
Expect attention to detail such as bathrobes, slippers, mattress toppers and Wine Tasting sessions – Box 51 – as the owner has collaborated with wineries around Greece to afford the guest the opportunity to garner a taste of Greek wines, also supporting the Greek community.
For me, Zacosta is perfectly placed to explore the main sights of the Old Town; Palace of the Grand Masters of the Knights of Rhodes for example, and as I said, just amble the streets of this perfect place.
Zacosta’s owner has a golf buggy and he comes to meet you from your ferry or the entrance of any Gate (no cars are allowed in the Old Town) and whisk you and your luggage back to this little haven.
Luxury Hotels in Rhodes Old Town – Trinity Boutique Hotel
One of the newest editions to the boutique scene here is that of Trinity Boutique Hotel.
Opened in the summer of 2017 and tucked away behind iron gates, it’s lovely to wander into the courtyard and wonder what awaits you.
Trinity Boutique Hotel – Rhodes Old Town – Greece
Slightly larger with 12 rooms sleeping either two or four people, it is by no less personal and cozy. And talk about traditional! The building has been lovingly restored and it is, literally, like sleeping in a part of a castle – with exposed stone walls, wooden beams and mosaic stone flooring.
As with everything, pictures speak 1000 words, so take a look through my Instagram pictures (don’t forget to scroll through), and my little video.
All hotels mentioned have free wi-fi and their rates include breakfast.
So come to Rhodes Old Town and spend time exploring the unique heritage of the area, treat yourself to some real history by staying in one of these historic places.
There are other options too, such as the In Camera Art Boutique Hotel and Spirit of the Knights.
And don’t rule out coming to Athens first for a stay, before heading on to Rhodes. See my Insider’s Guide to Visiting Athens to get some ideas of the hidden spots and tours I’d recommend.
How to get to Rhodes
Most European airports have direct charters in the summer – or even up to November. There are flights daily with Ryanair from Athens, making a combined trip even easier.
Have you been to Rhodes Old Town? Have I tempted you to step back in time? I hope so.
** Thank you to Mahabis for providing the Classic slippers for review. Despite any complimentary services received, all thoughts and opinions remain my own.**
Scrolling through my Instagram feed I kept coming across advertisements for Mahabis slippers. I was intrigued by this concept; a slipper with a range of different coloured detachable rubber soles that can be quickly and easily attached for when you want to pop out. They’d be perfect as a pair of travel slippers; when you’re inside your hotel room and want to pop down to Reception, for example, and don’t want to fuss around finding a pair of shoes.
Mahabis slipper style
I received my slippers in beautiful packaging and excitedly tried them on.
Mahabis slippers nicely packaged up
The inside is pure wool and they fit snuggly over the foot. As a slipper, the bottom sole is quite sturdy too, making walking around inside a comfort. Now for trying on the detachable sole.
Mahabis slippers detachable sole
The rubber soles of the Mahabis slipper design come in a variety of colours;
Ilen ivory
Larvik Grey
Skien Black
Skane Yellow
Gold Edition
Gotland Green
Borgen Blue
Bjukan Red
I chose Gotland Green as I felt this was pretty all encompassing for both summer and winter. Note, however, that all colours are quite pale so, for example – the Gotland Green is more of a turquoise colour, the Red more of a coral.
It’s pretty easy to add onto the slipper:
Push your slipper clad foot into the sole (rather like Cinderella)
Clip the back of the sole to the slipper with the attached popper
Attaching the Mahabis sole to the slipper
Mahabis slippers in use
So there you have it! I recently used my slippers when I visited the Greek island of Sifnos. It was excellent as I mooched around my friend’s house and when needing to pop out into the yard, just pop on the sole.
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I also had the opportunity to use them when I was invited on board Celestyal Cruises as part of my promotion of my debut novel Girl Gone Greek. They particularly came in handy on board as breakfast was quite early in the morning, so getting dressed for breakfast (and having to be relatively smart) meant I could wear something comfortable on my feet, without it being obvious they were slippers.
Using my Mahabis slippers on board Celestyal Cruises
Mahabis slippers: conclusion and facts
My experience of Mahabis slippers has been a good one so far. They’re comfortable, seemingly durable and practical. They have a great range of coloured soles to choose from, and it’s also possible to buy and extra pair of soles (or as many as you want really), so why not mix and match?
The Mahabis Classic slipper retails at £69, €82 and US$90 and their special Summer Collection retails at the same price. The only difference in the Summer collection is that they’re made from different material to allow your feet to breathe. I’ve only had my Mahabis for over a year now and I have to say, they’re still in great condition and I haven’t had to order any new soles (only because I’ve wanted to have different colours, not because I’ve needed them). They offer male and female sizes.
They fit snugly, so be prepared to push your feet in a little. If you want to wear socks with your Mahabis Classic slippers (not really necessary as the pure wool interior keeps your feet toasty warm), then I’d suggest getting the next size up for you.
Treat yourself or a loved one for their birthday or celebration.
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What’s the fuss about Mahabis Slippers? LifeBeyondBorders trials them out
I’d stayed at a Grecotel hotel before, the Grecotel Kos Imperial Thalasso hotel on the Greek island of Kos. Here I was introduced to the Grecotel concept: the fact it’s a Greek hotel chain, originated from Crete over 40 years ago. Now, Grecotel operates over 30 hotels in 11 destinations around the islands and mainland of Greece (including two on Kos, one on Rhodes and one on Mykonos, seven on Crete and then several spread across the mainland including Athens and the Peloponnese). They also operate the Agreco Farm on Crete where a lot of the natural produce from there is used in some of their hotels in Crete.
Hence I knew what to expect from a Grecotel resort. Nothing, however, quite prepared me for the Grecotel Cape Sounio luxury resort.
**Please note that I was a guest of Grecotel Sounio resort. All thoughts and opinions remain my own. You will also find some affiliates and links in this post. Should you choose to buy anything through them, I will earn a small amount of commission, at no cost to you.**
Cape Sounio is 43 miles (69 kms) south east of Athens and it’s where the Temple of Poseidon lies. Poseidon was the protector of seafarers and God of sea and waters, earthquakes and horses (I know, a strange mix but there you go). The Temple was constructed in 444 – 440 B.C. and is perched 200ft above the sea on a cliff.
The area today is one of the most expensive areas outside of Athens and many people have summer houses here. It’s surrounded by woodland and lush pines, and Grecotel Cape Sounio certainly respects the environment by merging in with it.
Temple of Poseidon from Grecotel Cape Sounio Exclusive Resort, Greece
It’s located on the road from Athens to Lavrio, tucked away up in the hills and trees, spread out over 5000 sq meters of landscape. Pass the security gate and you enter a quiet oasis of harmony.
Grecotel Cape Sounio: What type of guests?
As we know from my previous introduction to Grecotel, the chain offers several Greek package style resorts around the country, but Grecotel Cape Sounio really did stand out for me.
As the Guest Relations manager explained; it attracts a ‘classier’ type of guest…possibly because of its location by the Temple of Poseidon and its ‘at one with nature’ concept. Many couples come due to its romantic location – looking out to sea, some businesses who hold conferences there and some families as there are facilities such as private beach, indoor and outdoor pool and kids play area plus tennis courts, spa with three pools and a helicopter pad.
But the beauty of it? As the layout of accommodation is purely bungalows or villas in the woodland, some with small pools; even during high season you don’t necessarily have to see a soul.
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For more pictures of Grecotel Sounio and Greece in general, head to my Instagram account.
Accommodation at Grecotel Sounio
Deluxe Bungalow with Private Pool at Grecotel Luxury Resort Cape Sounio
Unlike other Grecotels, Grecotel Cape Sounio’s accommodation layout is purely bungalows or villas. It’s incorporated into the surrounding environment and each has its own private garden, most with sea views and some with tiny pools. You really can hide away from it all.
Meals are taken in the main restaurant – upstairs from the Reception and bar area, but if you just want to stay away from everyone, stay in your large bungalow; ranging from 30 to 36 sq m, depending on which one you book.
I had a Deluxe Bungalow with Private Poolin a little garden and floor to ceiling sliding glass doors, views out to the sea and Cape Sounio/Temple of Poseidon. Really, it was gorgeous and as I rolled over in the mornings in my large double bed, I could watch the sun rise over the sea.
Despite the beach bar, gorgeous views and general overall feeling of complete contentment, if this wasn’t enough, I was offered a complimentary 50 minute aromatherapy massage (usually priced at €90 with regular offers) at the spa in the resort.
This was the icing on the cake for me: this 350 sq meter spa tucked away in the forest offered several treatment rooms, three open air pools in terraced lawns, a gym, yoga and pilates platform with regular programmes and changing rooms (if you don’t want to wander up in your dressing gown, unlike me!)
After my treatment I just sat in the gardens, soaking up the atmosphere and then returned to my own little bungalow to sit in my own garden, further soaking up the atmosphere. Ahhh – decisions decisions.
Gorgeous Cape Sounio and Temple of Poseidon, Greece from Grecotel Exclusive Resort
Grecotel Cape Sounio: Things to note
Grecotel Cape Sounio is really quite remote, so be prepared to understand it is a luxury resort holiday and not located really near anything (except the Temple of Poseidon).
If you’re looking for lively nightlife, this is not the place for you. Grecotel Cape Sounio is a place to relax, therefore after dinner drinks can be taken at the bar as you look out to sea. In the summer months, there is live music by the main outdoor pool every Friday and Saturday night, otherwise it’s relaxed lounge music style.
I took the bus from the centre of Athens – stopping right outside the hotel (just tell the driver). It cost €9.20 and the journey took just over an hour. You can also take a bus from the airport.
A taxi will cost approx. €40 from the centre of Athens to the resort.
It’s a perfect get away from it all. A retreat, hideaway for people who really want to escape and get away from it all. There are mainly adults here, but children are welcomed.
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