Tag: holiday

Beach, Bay and Bodrum – Summer Holiday Blog

My first all-inclusive holiday experience with Jet2Holidays


Ah, summer! I always look forward to spending this quality time with the family when we can detach from work, school and other commitments for a few days, explore new destinations together and engage and reconnect with each other. But planning the perfect holiday can be quite daunting – budgeting, organising meals, finding activities everyone can enjoy, arranging commutes, etc. So, this year, I was overjoyed when Jet2Holidays invited us on an all-inclusive holiday. This was my first package holiday experience, and I was so impressed with the entire process from start to end. The brand offers multiple options for all kinds of travellers, and planning a family holiday with Jet2Holidays was an absolute breeze.

Through the platform, I found multiple destinations they cater to across Europe and a few more in other parts of the world. All information, suggested itineraries and packages are so well organised, easily accessible and comprehensible it made the planning process very simple for me.

Why Turkey

Turkey was a destination I had heard so much about from those who had visited, and its history and culture always intrigued me. When I came across holidays to Turkey with Jet2Holidays I was pleasantly surprised to find resort destinations in abundance to choose from. We finally settled on visiting Bodrum during this trip, with plans to visit other destinations in the future.

Flipping through magazines and blogs and listening to travellers recount their experiences, I learned that Bodrum was a classic European city – it is a new-age city teeming with all things modern luxury, but its character and essence still stem from its glorious ancient history and culture. It is the perfect holiday destination for anyone – stretches of golden sand beaches are surrounded by ancient castles and remains that date back to Crusades.

We booked cost-effective flights to Bodrum via Jet2, a comfortable four-hour journey from Manchester with a 22kg baggage allowance bonus per traveller. The check-in facilities were flexible, with the option of completing the task between 28 days to six hours before our departure via the app. It had to be the least stressful I have ever been about getting to the airport in time. The brand’s app and customer service were also impeccable, paying attention to every detail that would help us plan the perfect holiday for our taste and comfort. With their help, we could plan enjoyable activities and did not have to worry about the usual hiccups, like arranging our commute to our hotel from the airport – it was all taken care of! Finding your way around a new city can be stressful when you have just landed, so this was useful. Their services even helped us find the best accommodation that fit our budget and provided many options for eating, relaxing and entertainment. We made Aquasis Deluxe Resort & Spa our home during these five nights.

Located approximately an hour and 45 minutes from the airport, this property is a sprawling haven tucked along the Turkish coastline. It features stunning architecture, plenty of rooms, five animated bars and seven exquisite restaurants, each offering specialised cuisines, including local Turkish, Japanese, Mexican, Indian and more. Our package included buffet-style breakfast, lunch and dinner in the main restaurant and one dining experience at any of the a la carte restaurants.


The hotel has four outdoor pools, including two for children, complete with sun beds to bask in the summer glory, an indoor pool to cool off during warmer days, and an aqua park. And if that is not enough for the water babies, the hotel also offers access to its private strip of the beach and private pier stretching over the pristine sea. Other activities and plans for children are well thought out, with a Children’s Club offering movie nights, story time, indoor games and arts and crafts, and a playground.

As for the adults, the spa is a great place for one to unwind after a long flight or sightseeing and truly relaxing on holiday. The beach bars and disco offer wonderful local and international wines, beers, spirits and non-alcoholic beverages so everyone can party! The hotel is truly a destination in its own right, with something for everyone…

… This is exactly how we began our little vacation. We arrived quite late at Bodrum and hit the sack as soon as we reached our room that night, wanting to recharge and not waste a minute of holiday fun over the next few days.

Day 1 

On our first morning, we decided to enjoy some of the facilities at the hotel. While my son had the time of his life on the slides at the Aqua Park, I went straight to the spa for my first-ever Turkish hammam. What an experience it was – I felt that the stresses of life back home were leaving my body. I felt truly relaxed and restored, a great note to start my vacation on.

Later that day, we ventured to Altinkum Beach, around 4.5 km from the resort. Although a short coastline, it constantly buzzes with locals and tourists and is lined with bars, restaurants, shops and coastal markets. It deserves at least a whole day to itself. We also spent a few hours browsing through the wonderful stalls at Mavişehir bazaar. It offers plenty of options in local handicrafts, clothes and accessories, fresh local produce of fruits, cheese, herbs and spices. I shopped to my heart’s content to go home with a piece (or quite a few in my case) of Turkey. We wound up our first night at the dinner buffet at the hotel, which was made even more spectacular with the evening entertainment. It was indeed an exuberant first day in Bodrum!

Day 2

The next day, we explored the local culture and its historical points, starting with a visit to the Temple of Apollo. The brilliance of ancient architecture can be felt even in the ruins of this historic place of importance. As if to say that the Sun God was truly with us, this visit in the open proved quite taxing, as the temperature of the day was soaring to nearly 40°C, beating down upon us. We returned to the hotel and took advantage of the indoor pool. We were still just getting used to the weather. But had we had more energy, I would have loved to visit the ancient city of Ephesus, steeped in history since ancient Greek times and the Middle Ages. The town of Pamukkale and its travertine terraces of mineral water would have also made a great day trip and are definitely on my bucket list.

 

We rented a car to drive down to the old city of Bodrum the next day. The drive is ever so scenic, as is the city’s beautiful bays and yacht-filled marinas. We had some local delicacies for lunch at one of the quaint markets and then decided to explore the Bodrum Castle, the ancient fortress that stood proud with its history in the modern city, now also housing the Museum of Underwater Archaeology with stories from shipwrecks and sea crusades in the Aegean. If we had more time on our hands, we would have also taken the ferry to the Greek island of Kos – imagine! Visiting another country was but a ferry ride away. One can also visit several other smaller islands by ferry from Bodrum. Outdoor enthusiasts can hire quad bikes for off-roading fun along dedicated mud tracks.

Day 3

On our second last day in Turkey, we visited the small fishing village of Gümüşlük, a quieter cultural alternative to the rumbling bustle of Bodrum city. It is famous for its gastronomic scene, with several seaside restaurants offering local cuisine and picturesque backdrops and settings. While we were here, we decided to eat at the Melengeç Balik, one of the most popular restaurants in the area with yet more Instagram-worthy memories to capture. We ran out of time again, but I would have loved to visit Rabbit Island, a short walk through the village where one can spot more ruins and sites, and of course fuzzy rabbits! We decided to end our day with an à la carte dinner at one of the speciality cuisines of the restaurant.

Unfortunately, this marked our last day out and about, as I met with a minor accident and injured my foot. But that only meant spending more time back at the resort in Didim the next day, enjoying the aqua park and even visiting the games arcade for indoor games and fun with the family. And then, all too soon, it was time to fly back home.

Barring my little accident, Bodrum was a wonderful experience, and the stress-free, all-inclusive package with Jet2Holidays was the cherry on the cake. It was a holiday in its true sense without the fuss and worry of planning too many things. Although there were not enough days to explore the beautiful destination, returning is as easy as booking the next adventure with Jet2Holidays.

Mykonos Food Scene – Restaurant Recommendations

If you are planning to travel to Mykonos then look no further as this post will help you with some of the best and unique restaurants in Mykonos on your travels.

Food has and would always be a major deciding factor while zeroing down on a travel destination. For many of us, there is no better way to experience a place than exploring various places to eat. While I cannot stop gushing about the quirky places to eat, there were a couple of them that stood out and are must try:

Kuzina: The beach facing restaurant in the Mykonos Ammos hotel is not only known for the beautiful Aegean Sea views but lip smacking food, especially the sushi (the sushi chef is a master at making yummy sushi). The ambiance is perfect for a romantic dinner date complete with Greek soft music, drinks, and friendly staff. If you are staying at the Ammos hotel, you can even go ahead and try their big breakfast spreads and lunch menus.

Sic, coffee bar: This brand-new coffee shop is located at the heart of the island called the town square. The café located amidst the white washed architecture is perfect to stop for a caffeine shot and small nibbles. The café, being newly constructed is a refreshing welcome for all of us wanting to take a break from walking around the town.

Sunset Bar: Always dreamt of sitting back with a glass of a cool cocktail and watching the sun go down in the horizon? Well, it need not be a dream anymore, because the Sunset bar, located in little Venice is perfect to sit back, relax with a refreshing drink and watch the sunset. You can also get a great view of the town itself, so all in all a great place to chill and unwind after a hard day. Just make sure, you get there in time to watch the sun set.

Veranda Bar: Again, a lovely bar in Little Venice, perfectly situated to watch the sunset and windmills. It is best to take the water edge seats to have good views of the windmill and sunset. Not to mention, their refreshing range of cocktails especially ‘the third windmill’ is a must try. If in doubt about the choice of cocktails, simply ask one of their friendly staff members to help you out.

Vinos: A cozy little place located in the heart of the Mykonos town is a great outdoor place to unwind for a drink and yummy food. They have an extensive selection of Greek wines that pair up wonderfully well with the freshly prepared foods like salads, cheese, and curated meats. If you are too confused about the wines, simply ask one of the ever so friendly staff members for a recommendation. So, sit back and have a guaranteed lovely evening.


D’Angelo Mykonos: There is always an Italian restaurant gem in every city and Mykonos is not an exception. The Italian style bistro is situated en route to the Windmills and is a pleasant outdoor restaurant. They have a wide range of authentic pizzas and pasta, with a wide array of options to satisfy even a vegetarian like me. The wine and food are clear winners here. This is one place we would not mind returning to.

While the list of places to eat are never ending and we need multiple trips to Mykonos to cover them all, but overall the island has surprised us with multiple options to choose from, thereby satisfying every mood and palate. But most importantly the ambience, pretty views, and friendliness of the staff added a cherry to the cake.

Mykonos Travel Diaries

If you have dreamt of holidaying in the Mediterranean, then the Greek island of Mykonos is worth packing your suitcases and taking the next available flight to it. The vibrancy and energy when you simply walk around the distinct white and blue island is tremendous. No wonder it is always buzzing during the peak summer season which typically starts in June and ends in October. It is mostly warm for the major part of the year and the lovely sea breeze blowing through your hair makes it look like a scene just out of a movie.

The sandy white beaches are always beckoning you to visit and take a dip in the crystal-clear waters. The most popular ones are Ornos, Paradise, Super Paradise and Elia.

Ornos being closest to the city center is much quieter and the winds are relatively less as compared to the other beaches. Thus, making it perfect for families and for those looking for some ‘me time’.

The Elia Beach has the longest stretch of white sands and transparent waters; although it is far from the city center still attracts many people.

Paradise is the most popular among backpackers and party goers alike. Typically, the beach parties start around 4 pm and go on till wee hours of the morning. The city is best explored on foot or if that is too tedious for you, there are multiple options for ATV’s, bikes, scooters, mopeds and even buses.

You can start walking at leisure around little Venice, which derives is name due to the little houses on the water. This is an excellent place to spend the evening sipping coffee or wine in one of the many bars and catch a glimpse of the sunset. You can also treat your eyes to the white windmills, which are historically symbolic to the island in terms of the prosperity and trade. Out of 16 that are preserved, 7 are perched on a small hill in Kato Myloi (Lower Windmills) in the village Chora.

You can visit 2 of these windmills namely; Bonis Mill and Geronymos mills to get a good look and understanding of how they work.

As you walk around the city passing through cobbled streets and narrow lanes, you cannot help but notice the serene white colored buildings and houses perfectly complimenting the blue Aegean Sea water. Thus, making it a symbol of the Greek flag colors. But more importantly, they were initially painted white to insulate the homes and make it heat resistant. Winters become cooler, but most of the island is empty and only a few hotels are occupied. If you are looking for a relaxing way to spend your afternoon, you can also take a boat tour of the island or smaller islands around for as little as 250 Euros. But make sure to make bookings in advance to get some good deals.

Mykonos has something for everybody; families, honeymooning couples, solo travelers and even senior citizens. You can enjoy the fast-paced beach parties or relish your favorite dish or simply plonk yourself on of the quieter beaches to catch the sunset and windmills. If Greece is on your bucket list, be sure to include Mykonos in the itinerary because it is truly worth it.

Kentisbury Grange Hotel Review

We’ve all been there: stressed out by the pace of hectic city life and earnestly looking for a relaxing break close to nature. The next time you find yourself feeling that way, look no further than Kentisbury Grange, a wonderful hotel set in North Devon. It’s the perfect weekend getaway with the best of everything: a luxury country hotel which brings together elegance, peace and natural beauty. Recently, I had an opportunity to stay at the property with my family and experience all the pleasures that this wonderful place has to offer. We opted for a 2-night stay at the hotel, and had an amazing time, soaking up nature, spending quality time together and recharging our batteries.

Kentisbury Grange offers two options in lodging, the Classic Room, and the Garden Suite. We stayed in the latter, which is separate from the main building and located in the quiet gardens of the property. The Garden Suites are ultra modern, yet close to nature, as they offer the perfect pleasant view of the Devon countryside. If you’re looking to experience the peace and beauty of nature in a modern setting, the Garden Suites are ideal.

Each suite is well-furnished, with contemporary interiors, a king-size bed and comfortable seating area. The bathrooms are spacious and equipped with under floor heating – a major plus when it’s chilly outside! My favourite part was the porch: a great space to enjoy the evening, with lots of privacy. The suites have impeccable amenities too, with an espresso coffee machine, flat screen TV, free Wi-Fi access, room safe, iron, fridge, and hair dryer – you’ll find everything you need! Needless to say, the stay in these suites is comfortable, despite the fact that they’re not located in the main building.

Morning coffee in bed @kentisburygrange #nesspresso in the room #coffeeaddict #mondaysbelike this always

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There are numerous Garden Suites available for guests who appreciate being surrounded by nature. Besides the abundance of greenery, there are three splendid ponds on the ground. These lovely ponds are adorned with pretty lotuses and have ducks, geese, and fishes. These excited my son so much that he even named one of the fish as Big Bad Baddy after the Ben and Holly character!

Now, let me say something about the scrumptious food we enjoyed at the Kentisbury Grange. The Coach House Restaurant by Michael Caines promises a culinary experience of a lifetime – and I believe that it truly lived up to the promise. The restaurant is run by the celebrated Michelin-starred chef Michael Caines, so expect to be blown away by the quality and curation of the food! The menus have been carefully designed by the seasoned chef himself, incorporating fresh local ingredients to create impeccable culinary delights. Guests can even have a meal created according to their special dietary requirements. The Bar Menu is equally exciting, with an extensive variety of wines, whiskies and cocktails.

We savored sumptuous meals at the Coach House Restaurant by Michael Caines during our stay. A hearty English breakfast made for a great start to our day. We also sampled a delicious 5-course meal here. I opted for the vegetarian menu while my husband opted for a regular one, and both were absolutely heavenly. It’s easy to see that the restaurant works as much on the presentation and plating of the food as it does on the taste – making for a memorable dining experience. The dessert was awesome too, melting right as we took a bite and creating the perfect sweet note to end the meal with.

Glimpse into our 5 course taster menu at The Coach House by @macaines @kentisburygrange #tastermenu #gourmetweekend

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Morning breakfast on a sunny day at The Coach House @kentisburygrange #devon #staycation #ukblogger

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The visit to the Woolacombe Beach was another highlight of the trip, and I highly recommend making the trip. Located just 30 minutes from the hotel, the golden sandy beach is a favorite retreat for tourists in North Devon.

When all you want to be doing is siting on a beach sipping margarita’s 🍸 #humpday #wednesdayhumpday #beachbum #sharewithnext

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All in all, we had a wonderful time at Kentisbury Grange. Though our stay was short – our trip started on Friday evening and came to an end on Sunday afternoon – we carried unforgettable memories home, along with a promise to return soon.

Outfit Post: Holiday Wardrobe

It’s the season to travel. But before you leave for your perfect holiday you need to pack. Packing for a holiday is tiresome. You never know what kind of clothes you would need. So you end up packing those backup outfits which you know you would never wear…because just in case. Then you end up paying extra for baggage or groan about how don’t have enough space for all the cool things you shopped on your holiday because of the excess outfits.
To save you all from this misery, I’ve decoded the holiday wardrobe for you, in case you are clueless about what to pack.

1. Off-Shoulder Ruffled Top: From sunbathing to sightseeing an off shoulder top is one of my favourite picks this season. Tuck it in with your pleated maxi skirt or let it out with your ripped denim shorts. Off-shoulder tops are extremely versatile. I like the ruffled off-shoulder tops as they are flattering for my body shape and look ultra cute.

2. Flattering Bikini: A bikini is the one thing you can’t afford to forget. Whether you are going to a beach or a country side, you are going to need this one. Most places have a pool and after a chilly winter where you can’t dream of diving into a pool, that’s all you feel like doing once its spring. Go for a bikini which flatters your body type. I really like a ruffled and high-waisted bikini. You can go for a coordinated set or mix and match based on what you’re comfortable with.

3. The long Jacket: A sarong or a beach wrap is a must if you are going to the beach. But this year leave the basics and go for a long jacket or a kimono style jacket. They are extremely versatile. You can wear them to the beach with your bikini or even on a day out in town with a pair of shorts and a crop top or a maxi skirt. Jackets with tassels are in this season. Go for a jacket which is lightweight and has fun prints.

4. Crop Top: Crop tops have been in trend for some time now and don’t seem to be going out of style for anytime soon. Ditch the usual crop top for something more elegant this season. Go for a lacy crop top with intricate designs. They are feminine, flirty and fun. They make you look chic when teamed with high-waist shorts, slip on shoes and fun accessories.

5. Two piece outfit: I love two piece outfits. They look cute plus can be paired with other items in your closet if you don’t want to wear coordinated sets. Two piece sets are great as you can mix and match them with the other pieces in your wardrobe and don’t have to carry different outfits. They are perfect when you want to travel light. You can go for a skirt and off shoulder set if your style is more feminine or shorts and crop top set if you like to keep it more casual. Plus you can also team the shorts or skirt with other basic pieces in your wardrobe.

6. Pleated Maxi Skirt: A pleated maxi skirt is another key piece in your wardrobe. Team it with a dressed up crop top for a dinner date or a boho blouse for a day at the beach. There are so many ways you can wear a pleated maxi skirt. Plus it’s extremely versatile as you can easily transform your outfit from beach to date night with the right accessories.

7. Evening Dress: This is a must have in your holiday wardrobe. An evening dress is for those romantic dinner dates you plan to go for with your partner or the cute stranger you met at the beach. Pack that classic outfit in your wardrobe that you can trust will look great for any occasion. A classic LBD or a high-low dress which can be dressed up or down based on the occasion is something you need in your bag.

Apart from the outfits be sure to carry some basic accessories like a hat, sunglasses, 3-4 pairs of earrings in different colours, comfy sandals and shoes and lots of sunscreen.

Links to all the outfits features in the post are below, incase you fancy browsing 😉

So what are your travel plans this season? Let me know in the comments below.

10 Things You Can Do To Relax This Holiday Season 

Sometimes the most important thing in the whole day is just to pause and breathe in the moment. Every now and then it’s important to give yourself a break, slow down a bit, relax and unwind. We are always pre-occupied with our lives and juggling too many things like work, household chores, having a social life and so much so that, we just forget to hit the pause button. I know I am always on my toes running from pillar to pole juggling between my job, blog, studies and family. We even get stressed about festivals. The amount of cleaning, cooking or shopping you need to do sometimes just stresses you out.
Hence I have decided to take a break this Christmas, and do all the things that I enjoy. Celebrate the festivities with the small things that make me happy and give me satisfaction.

One of the things that come to everyone’s mind when we talk about unwinding is a spa weekend. But let’s get real, we don’t always have the time or money to do so and same goes for vacations.

So here are a few ideas for you to enjoy your holidays without breaking your bank:

  • Go out for a coffee or hot chocolate: Winters are all about warm snugly drinks, and cafes are nicely decorated and Christmasy during this time of the year. An even better idea is to go café crawl – try out all the cafes near your area to see which one serves the best coffee or hot chocolate. Then go crazy on the sugar high.
  • Read a book: Remember the book you have been meaning to read since your last resolution. It’s time to grab a copy get cozy under the blanket or by the fire in your bedroom or mix up the café crawl with a book reading.
  • Get a digital detox: spend the time with your friends and family and turn off the internet and all your gadgets for a few day. Ok, let’s get realistic here at least a few hours and just relax.
  • Detox your body: After a digital detox it makes sense to follow a detox plan as well between Christmas and New Year. It’s the thing our body needs after all those bubblies and candies this year.
  • Exercise: After all the merriment you’ve had this Christmas, get your body back on track by hitting the gym or going for a run. Getting your sweat on helps increase your endorphins, blood circulation, improves your mood and makes you more relaxed.
  • Walking: If you aren’t a fan for some hardcore exercise then just go for a walk, alone, with a dog or a friend. Enjoy the mesmerising lights, the humungous Christmas trees and the decorations around your town.
  • Catch up: Invite your friends over for some tea, brunch or even a dinner and catch up on all the gossip and happenings in each other’s lives. After all festivals are all about enjoying them with your close friends and family.
  • Get Artsy: Remember that DIY pin you’ve saved on Pinterest for over a couple a months. Well, its time get your craft kit out. This Christmas get creative with your gifts and give your friends and family something they may remember. Make the scented candles or the dream catcher. Or even better, paint and fill up that empty wall in your house. If nothing else it would be a great story someday.
  • Wardrobe Detox: It’s time to take the plunge. Get rid of all the clothes you don’t wear, don’t fit or are out of style. This is the only way to fit in more new clothes. 😉 Make it a fun day by getting your friends and some champagne and strutting in your house like a model. (Imagine Sex and the City scene with Carrie)
  • Get Organised: Have a pile of mail, bills and random papers lurking around in some drawer? Get your work mode on and clean your paperwork or pending tasks at home. Send a thank you note and reply to all those Christmas greetings and check this off your list.

So now that you have detoxed, relaxed and enjoyed your Christmas. Get your boots on to rock the work with a fresh mind. How do you like you unwind and relax? Let me know in the comments below.

#VacationShoppingGoals – My Holiday Wishlist

The holiday season is upon us and that calls for some shopping! I’m the kind of person who hunts for excuses to go out and explore the world of buyable things. And vacations are a pretty solid reason, so I’m quite excited around this time every year.
Vacation-Shopping-Wishlist
Mostly, I already have a wishlist prepared before the shopping spree begins. It helps me keep track of exactly what I want/need so I don’t get too carried away. It’s actually a great way to prevent too many impulse purchases and exceed my budget. So here’s what I want to treat myself to these vacations. Have a look for inspiration for your own Holiday Wishlists.

  1. Blue Reflectors – Everywhere I look these days, I spot someone wearing a pair of reflectors. And since it’s sunny enough for one’s sunglasses to be put to good use, I think I need to buy a new pair asap. I have a feeling it’s going to be blue reflectors! They’ll look great with casual outfits.
  2. POM POM Sandals – The boho-diva in me is quite active these days and I need to get my hands on some pom pom sandals. You know, the kind that have little fur/wool/rubber pom poms on them? They come in both ethnic and western styles and I need to decide which I’d prefer. Some help, please?
  3. Printed Shoes – I was going through my shoe-closet when I realized that it is full of mostly classic styles and colours. I want to stock up on more striking, bold footwear as well, especially for semi-formal wear. So I might pick up something from Jones Shoe Collection – they have a good collection of floral pumps!
  4. Wheeled Carry On Case – If one is travelling, there’s nothing more convenient than a wheeled carry on case. I have a few of course, but now I want something new. Perhaps in some pretty colour like pink or red. Don’t you just love it when people have interesting, colourful luggage?
  5. A Floppy Hat – Beach bags and hats are a match made in heaven. And I just realized that my mind is obsessed with the idea of a beach vacation! Whether I go on one or not is another thing, but a floppy hat will surely wind its way into my closet. Maybe I’ll get a lacy vintage hat – oh, that sounds so good!

These are the things I really want to buy for the holidays and not on the holidays.
What about you? Share your suggestions on how I could improve this list!