LUXURY TRAVEL AND LIFESTYLE BLOG
With its chic colonial architecture and enviable location overlooking the blue oceans of the North Atlantic and towards Lobos Island, Princesa Yaiza Suite Hotel Resort is glamorous yet laidback. Nestled along a prime stretch of Dorada Beach, it oozes the exotic beachside charm that is synonymous with the Canary Islands and is the perfect place for an indulgent getaway.
I’ve already written about the range of offshore excursions and onboard events I enjoyed while cruising with Princess Cruises through the Mediterranean, but one of the challenges was packing for the cruise.
This is because I wanted a relatively compact wardrobe that would stylishly transition from mornings lazing by the pool to afternoons sipping wine in the vineyards of Provence, and then to formal dinners onboard. Therefore, I put a lot of thought into what to bring in my suitcase for my seven days sailing over the seas and around the glorious Mediterranean.
There’s an undeniable charm about a quintessential British hotel, where the history seems interwoven with the luxurious linens and elegant furnishings. The Bradley in Cheltenham has this historic ambience in spades, although it has been tastefully modernised and renovated to ensure that it simultaneously offers every modern convenience. For guests staying in one of the Bed and Breakfast’s ten ensuite rooms, it is the chance to soak in the atmospheric charm without sacrificing any comfort or luxury, as I learned on a recent stay with my husband.
Like many travellers, I’ve long dreamed of visiting the Cinque Terre. Nestled against the rugged coastline of Italy, photographs of the pastel-coloured houses perched precariously close to the cliff-face are some of the most iconic visuals of Italy. I was thrilled to have the opportunity to experience it for myself on a stopover with Princess Cruises.
Our ship docked at 7 am and we needed to set sail at 9 pm, so our time in the Cinque Terre was somewhat limited. We were able to visit 2 villages, although if you had a few more hours you could visit the five villages. You can do so in a car, by train, or on an organised tour.
Although I had not cruised before, as soon as I read the itinerary for Princess Cruises seven-day Mediterranean tour, I was excited. Over one luxurious week, the itinerary visited some of the Mediterranean’s cultural and culinary hotspots, providing ample opportunity to experience many of the delights of the region. From sipping wine amongst the vineyards of Provence to looking out over the ocean from the Rock of Gibraltar, it was an incredibly rich and varied itinerary that I couldn’t wait to see. Certainly, I was not disappointed, and the cruise more than lived up to my expectations.
During my travels I have experienced many different styles of trips, however (until very recently) I had never been on a cruise. To be honest, although I had thought about it, I always had a number of concerns about going on a cruise – whether the other guests would be much older than me, if I’d get bored during the days at sea, and whether the restaurants and activities would be good quality.
In all my years of travelling, one style of holiday I had never experienced was a cruise. That is why I was so thrilled to have the chance to journey aboard the Crown Princess ship with Princess Cruises, visiting the highlights of the Mediterranean including Barcelona, Gibraltar, Marseille, Genoa and Florence over seven days. After a busy year, sailing across the sea on a premium cruise ship, stopping off at exciting destinations along the journey, sounded particularly enticing.
Perched atop the hillside within the dense jungle of the Anse Chastanet property in Saint Lucia, Jade Mountain is nothing short of astonishing. Surrounded by jaw-dropping natural beauty and featuring architecture that takes every opportunity to highlight the mesmerising views and blend with its stunning surroundings, it is truly enchanting.
Radisson Aquatica Resort in Barbados was a bit of a shift in style for me, being slightly different from the ultra-luxury boutique style accommodation I usually go for. However, there was a good reason to step beyond my usual style – the Radisson Acquatica’s enviable views out over the beautiful water and sands of Carlisle Bay and the UNESCO listed Victorian Pier.
The stunning views and the laid-back charm of the hotel definitely won my heart and made it a great place to stay during our Barbados holiday.
Since opening, Sandals Grande St Lucian Resort has made quite the splash, becoming a hot destination for the rich and famous to stay on an exclusive and romantic retreat. It’s no wonder, with glorious rooms, suites and overwater bungalows, each set up to give the ultimate romantic Carribean escape.
You certainly don’t need to be Prince Harry to feel like royalty during your stay here, with its luxurious elegance, delicious dining options and spectacular beach.
