Posts Tagged ‘Spain’

28 Apr

Be Live Experience La Nina, Av. de Espana, s/n, 38660, Adeje, Tenerife Spain

Posted by Val Penny in Hotel Review, Review. Tagged: , , , , , , .

My husband and I enjoyed our first visit to Tenerife in November. We chose to stay at the Be Live Experience la Nina, in Costa Adeje. It is a beautiful hotel. Eminently suitable for families and couples alike. We chose to have the adult VIP up-grade which gave us access to a peaceful adult only lounge, adult only sun decks and quiet areas of the dining room. We also had access to the fine dining restaurant, MyLos, on the complex two nights during our one week stay. We went as an adult couple and this up-grade was well worth having.

nina outside

Be Live Experience La Nina Hotels is an exclusive 4 star hotel in the southern area of Tenerife. The Be Live Experience La Nina Hotel is located in Adeje Coast, near Los Cristianos Beach and next to Puerto Colon Marina, the hotel offers fun and the best atmosphere surrounded of recreational areas and shopping centers.

nina attrium

It offers luxurious facilities. Enjoy a perfect romantic stay with the Spa. The only thing we did not like about the hotel, was that we only had one visit to the spa pool included in our stay and after that we had to pay. I understand paying for treatments, but we did feel that the indoor pool and gym should be included for VIP patrons. nina mylos

The gym is excellent but very under-used. There is also a  squash court and daily activities like water polo, table tennis, archery. Be Live Experience La Nina Hotel has Wi-Fi area and meeting rooms and a library area for those who enjoy a quieter time or have business to attend to. 

nina pool day

The rooms are large and comfortable and there are lots of cafes and restaurants in the immediate vicinity to visit for meals and coffees. The hotel is within easy walking distance of the beach and the harbour. The resort is relatively quiet and access for those with mobility issues is generally good. We look forward to our next visit to Tenerife, when travel restrictions allow.

Val Penny

 

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6 May

Cala Millor Garden Spa and Chill Out, Cala Millor Majorca

Posted by Val Penny in Hotel Review. Tagged: , , , , , , , , .

It was ten years since I had been to Majorca and over forty years since my husband had visited the island, so, when we decided to go to the Cala Millor Garden Spa and Chill Out for an Easter Break, we joked that the place would be glad of the repeat business! However neither of us had been to Cala Millor so the trip felt like a real adventure: going somewhere new.

The Cala Millor Garden Spa and Chill Out is an adults only resort. We had never chosen to go to an adult only resort before and chose this one rather by chance. It seemed like a relaxing place and had an indoor pool and spa which we thought we would enjoy at that early part of the season.cala millor reception

When we arrived at the hotel, from the very beginning, we found the staff to be charming and helpful. We were greeted with a smile and a glass of cava and when we went up to our room, on the top floor, we were delighted with the accommodation too. Although we arrived early in the day, our room was ready for occupation. It was scrupulously clean and comfortably spacious, although at that time of year we did not use the balcony as much as we might have done later on.cala millor view

What marks this resort out from many others we have visited is the beautiful grounds which surround the hotel. There is plenty of seating, many sun beds, a jacuzzi and lovely outdoor pool a snack and drinks bar in the grounds with tables and chairs where hot and cold drinks and light meals are served. It was lovely to sit with a drink or a snack and enjoy the views from the terrace.

The dining room, within the hotel is where most meals are served. The Cala Millor Garden Spa and Chill Out offers many levels of board through from bed and breakfast to all-inclusive. In the dining room, again, there was lots of space and the seating very relaxed: everybody just choosing where they wanted to sit rather than being assigned a table. All meals are served buffet style although, apart from breakfast, drinks are served to diners.cala millor dining room

In the basement of the hotel there is a heated indoor pool, a jacuzzi, a small gym which is well-equipped and well-used and a delightful beauty salon where many different procedures can be enjoyed. These require to be booked at the reception desk.cala millor outside

We were also delighted by the situation of the Cala Millor Garden Spa and Chill Out. It is in a very flat part of the island, and therefore lends itself to easy, enjoyable walks. It was funny walking along by the sea and coming across so many happy children and families when we were staying in an adults only environment. We also enjoyed easy walks to the shops and into the town where there are lots of cafes and restaurants to choose from. We enjoyed the fact that the weather was warm enough for us to eat al fresco and people watch.

Both my husband and I very much enjoyed our holiday in the Cala Millor Garden Spa and Chill Out and certainly plan to return soon.

Val Penny

26 Jun

Tempranillo Restaurant, 165 Midland Ave, Basalt, Colorado 81621, USA

Posted by Val Penny in Restaurant Review. Tagged: , , , , , , , , , , , .

glennMy friend, Lisa and I had spent a happy morning wandering around shops and art galleries in Carbondale and Basalt, Colorado while our respective husbands were fighting the fish on the Frying Pan River under the guidance of Glenn Smith from Taylor Creek Fly Shop, Basalt, Colorado. After our endeavours to empty the shops, we stopped into Tempranillo for some delicious home made lemonade. Tempranillo is located in historic, downtown Basalt on Midland Avenue and we sat temp outoutside in the front gardens in the shade. It was lovely.

As we were there early in the summer season, the restaurant had just opened for lunch and we were the only customers during our visit. The waiter was extremely attentive and frequently refreshed our drinks. I got the feeling he was bored and glad of the company. He did tell us that he normally worked evenings, when Tempranillo is very busy. He told us that the name Tempranillo, pays homage to one of Spain’s premier grape varieties, and true to its name, the restaurant features a selection of over temp wine100 hand-chosen wines.

Inside, Tempranillo warm and welcoming. It is notable for its rich colors, dual fireplaces, and community gathering table – all reflecting the equally rich depth of flavors and influences which are created by its internationally acclaimed chef Javier Gonzalez-Bringas, a native of Madrid, Spain combines an old-world style with a new-world flair in his signature cuisine.

The service was impeccable, the restaurant was spotlessly clean and I look forward to heading back to Tempranillo in Basalt, Colorado, USA for a meal, soon.

Valerie Penny

 

11 Apr

Cotillo Beach Hotel, El Cotillo, Fuerteventura, Spain

Posted by Val Penny in Hotel Review. Tagged: , , , , , , , , , .

My husband and I booked Cotillo Beach Hotel in El Cotillo on Fuerteventura, in the Canary Islands, Spain on an all-inclusive basis having looked at other reviews here. We needed a cheap, relaxing sunny break to give us some relief from the UK winter. We were very pleased with all aspects if the holiday. The resort is small and very quiet off season. This suited us, but if you are looking for shops, pubs or clubs you would be better to choose a bigger resort.

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This hotel is set around a rectangular court yard with the swimming pool, plenty of loungers and chairs and tables in the middle. It is all very pretty and well maintainedImage

The restaurant serves a wide variety of tasty, fresh food at breakfast, lunch and dinner. When the restaurant is not open snacks are available in the bar. The food caters for a variety of nationalities.  There were British, French, Spanish, Italians and Germans in the Hotel when we were there. The chef cooks some variety of fresh fish or meat each lunch and dinner time. The coffee is delicious and if you want to you can drink alcohol continually from 10am-11pm!

The hotel is on the edge of the town a few yards from the coast and at the bus terminal if you want to take a trip to Corralejo. There are some lovely coastal walks and a wide variety or plants and birds to spot nearby. The hotel has tennis, table tennis, darts and various other activities organised. There was always something on in the evenings. Sometimes karaoke, bingo or live entertainment

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The rooms are spotlessly clean and the balconies sunny and sheltered.  The staff are all really friendly and helpful. They are extremely hard working and could not have been more helpful.

If I wanted to nit-pick I would tell you that as the staff cover the dining room and bar at the same time we sometimes had to wait quite a long time (several minutes) to be served in the bar if we went in during mealtimes and the puddings were very similar throughout our stay, but these things are very minor.  We had a lovely holiday and would certainly go back to this hotel.

Valerie Penny

30 Mar

Caleta Palace, Playa d’Aro, Spain

Posted by Val Penny in Hotel Review. Tagged: , , , , , .

This was a quick budget “all inclusive” break for my husband and me after a busy year. It was also to ward off the onset of winter for a week, so our expectations were not high – but Caleta Palace was great – no entertainment at that time of year, but that suited us! The resort of Playa d’Aro in Spain is quieter than many. That is what we were looking for.

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The resort is beautiful. The hotel is perfectly situated with steps leading directly on to the beach. It is a large hotel really designed for the “all inclusive” market and probably more suited to couples or young families than teenagers or young couples.

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Our room was spotlessly clean, and quiet as it did not overlook the pool, but had a view to the mountains at the front of the hotel. It was lovely, The room was cleaned daily. It was huge with both a bath and shower, balcony and separate sleeping area. The room was marvellous.

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We also really enjoyed the food. it is all served on a buffet basis so you can always find something you enjoy. I am vegetarian and my husband is a decided omnivore who likes his meat! Both of us ate well, don’t expect to lose weight! There are always fresh salad vegetables and fruit available as well as fish and meat freshly cooked. Potatoes, rice and pasta are provided and chips are always an option. Cheese, cold meats and freshly prepared mixed salads are available too. Puddings are delicious! fresh cakes, puddings, jellies and yoghurt are available and ice cream and fruit are always choices. I do not understand those who say food is not good – it is delicious!
Snacks are available on the all inclusive tariff in between meals, drinks are continuous and the coffee is delicious.

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The staff at the hotel were kind and helpful. We thoroughly enjoyed our break and plan to go back next year.

Valerie Penny