Atlantis, The Palm, one of the many landmarks of Dubai. We have driven past, dined in, looked over, sailed past and photographed it many times and yet, after 4 years here, we have not stayed. This week, that changes.… Read the rest
Aquaventure
Aquaventure, at Atlantis, The Palm, is a 42 acre water park attached to the Atlantis hotel. Both have been developed around a lost city theme. As we arrive for the day, to celebrate the boy’s birthdays this week, we can see both the Tower of Neptune and the Tower of Poseidon looming across the park.… Read the rest
La Perle at Al Habtoor Palace
The Habtoor Palace at Al Habtoor City in Dubai, is part of a grand complex associated with the Hilton hotels chain. With over 1,000 rooms, an array of restaurants, meeting and conference facilities and on-site entertainment like La Perle, this really is a City unto itself.… Read the rest
Cruising Again, At Sea
And here we go! Again. A little week long interlude for mid term break has seen us escaping from Dubai to go cruising again on the Costa Diadema. Some R&R is in order. Actually, I will be working and there is some concern over the current COVID-19 pandemic but, here we are, decision made and ready to cruise again.… Read the rest
Cruising Again, Dubai
And here we go! Again. A little week long interlude for mid term break has seen us escaping from Dubai on the Costa Diadema for some R&R. Actually, I will be working and there is some concern over the current COVID-19 pandemic but, here we are, decision made and ready to go cruising Dubai again.… Read the rest
La Mer
It is the UAE National Day long weekend and while many friends are out of town or on local staycations, given the five days of celebrations made possible by the 3 days of declared public holidays, we have elected for a quiet extended weekend at home with a little La Mer celebration.… Read the rest
Cádiz
Cádiz is an ancient port dating back to Phoenician (Gadir) and Roman (Gadas) times although what exists of the historic centre today primarily dates from between the 17th and 19th centuries as this was a prosperous time for trade, particularly with the Americas.… Read the rest
Málaga
The Málaga marina is perfectly tropical today, palm tree lined with whispy clouds floating high in the otherwise clear sky. There is also music floating on the air from the annual fair, already underway, and the fortress at the top of the hill promises sweeping views.… Read the rest
Valencia
Valencia is a city with an old soul and a modern heart. The centre is a typical Medieval gem with a towering cathedral, Spanish and Roman historic architecture and museums to fulfill those intellectual yearnings. However, venture just a little further afield and you discover that the moat of yesteryears has been turned into sprawling parklands and swaths of land in close proximity (walking distance) have been transformed into modern day art and cultural hubs including the district with the Opera House x and xxxx all joined by walkways and undulating water features.… Read the rest
Dalt Vila
Ibiza dawns blue and warm, just the way I imagined it to and after a morning at the beach enjoying Ibiza’s blue sky and water we head into Dalt Vila, Ibiza’s old town or ‘upper town’, the walled historical centre from the Middle Ages.… Read the rest