Hi followers,

Welcome and join me on my very interesting and fun trip around Asia.

This was a multiple flight trip to and from Bangkok,Thailand, in which i visited quite a number of islands and towns, and  then flew to Bali Indonesia. As you may know I hate long flights, however, since beaming is not yet invented, there was no other option. I visited a total of four places in Thailand; that is Ao Nang, Koh Samui, Koh Tao and Bangkok. After that I flew to Bali.

But wait.., I am getting way ahead of myself… Let's start from the beginning!

From Luxembourg to Bangkok

My trip started from Luxembourg. I flew from Luxembourg via Istanbul to Bangkok. I arrived in Bangkok, whereI stayed with friends for 1 night. We had a nice hotel here.The Loft, more about it in the description below.

To pass the time, we decided to go sightseeing in Bangkok, even though for me Bangkok is way too crowded for a good sightseeing experience.

Wat Arun temple

Wat Arun Temple, translated as Temple of Dawn, is a budhist temple and one of the best known landmarks in Thailand. It was built way back in the 17th century and  is quite an interesting place to visit.

Pak Khlong Talat (Flower Market)

The Pak Khlong Talat is a beautiful colourful sea of fresh flowers, fruits and vegetables where tourists can visit for instagram worthy pictures. It is a famous flower market in Bangkok where you can buy a huge variety of flowers,  tropical fruits and vegetables. It is the biggest flower and fresh fruit shipping point where wholesalers and resellers from all over Thailand come to buy fresh flowers, plants and fruits every day.

Thai Stir Fried Ice Cream

We were also excited to see the making of the famous Thai Stir fried ice cream.  Stir fried Ice cream is a very popular dessert in Thailand that is made on top of a steel plate that is below freezing temperature. The mixture is poured on the steel and rolled into ice cream rolls. It is then served with extra toppings such as candy or cookies.

The first evening we had some local Thai food which was yummy and actually very affordable, which was quite surprising as Thailand is often expensive.

Ao Nang

On the second day we flew to Krabi, where we arrived late in the evening from where we waited for our bus transfer to Ao Nang. Being that the Krabi airport is not too big, our wait there was really comfortable.The airport also offers some international flights.

Ao Nang is a resort town in the south of Krabi and is known for its beautiful beaches and has access to beautiful diving sites off the nearby islands. It is not yet too crowded and is easily reachable from Krabi Airport, and is definitely worth visiting.

In Ao Nang you will find everything you can find in Thai tourist cities, but it's more calm. From massages, to good food and nice beaches. They also have considerable great night lights and a sexy nightlife, but it's a bit limited.

Ao Nang Market

We decided to visit the Ao Nang night Market, which was not so good. A lot of walking for too little fun.

Ao Nang Beach

The beach was sadly also a bit disappointing for me, because it was not as beautiful as you see it in most Blogs and videos. The good thing is it was actually clean and did not have plastics and other debris.

We discovered a beach close by which seemed to be the Centara beach, because the hotel is named after it. It's a small beach which is 5 to 10 min walking from Ao Nang via a trail. It had  amazing water and a great view  of the area.

We stayed in the cliffhanger hotel, which is a modern and new hotel.

Link below in description.

We had some food at the hotel restaurant which was of course much more expensive than the local places but really tasty.

Diving at the Ao Nang Marina

The main purpose of this holiday was scuba diving, so we booked 2 dive days at a local dive shop in Ao Nang.

We were picke very early in the morning and taken to the Ao Nang Marina where our dive boat was waiting for us.

On the first day, we dove close to the phi phi islands which is a natural reserve and protected by rangers. You need to pay a special fee to go there. Look at those amazing underwater life!

The second day we went to another dive spot next to phi phi islands.

Railay Beach

We decided to buy 2 tickets to go with the long-tail boat to Railay Beach, a peninsula between the towns of Krabi and Ao Nang and is only accessible by boat. It has nice beaches and a beautiful view point.

The ride with the long-tail is a real adventure.The boats all use some old car engines to power the boat.

Railay west beach was amazing with a great view. We stayed here for 30 minutes and got to swim in the sea. We also walked to the other side of the half island. You cross some shops and hotel areas. The east beach was not as beautiful and was not usable. We moved forward in the direction of the view point. Moving up to the viewpoint  is easy to do with good shoes. Look at this amazing view.

Pranang Beach

On the way to Pranang beach we found a viewpoint and lagoon. Shall we go up here..? Look at those signs.. Well we decided to take the challenge. I can tell you this was heavy work and one of the most exhausting hiking that I did.

We needed to climb up for 40 minutes to come to the viewpoint, and yes the view was worth the work. From here we wanted to hike towards the blue lagoon. 30 Minutes later we arrived at the access to the lagoon but people told us that it was dirty and not worth so we decided to not go further and go back. Arrived back we were so happy we did it.

We moved forward to another beach next  to Pranang beach. This beach was very crowded and there were apes that tried to steal tourists' belongings. Despite this, the water was nice, warm and clean. It was just a dream!

I definitely fell in love with the waters and the beach here.

After half a day we moved back to the west beach where we took a long-tail to go back to ao nang. Arrived back at the beach we enjoyed the sunset. Amazing too.

Koh Samui

We stayed  in Ao Nang for 5 days, and after that we took the boat to koh samui.

We booked the ferry combi ticket and the transfer bus picked us up  from the hotel and drove us to the port where the ferry was waiting. .

The ferry was fun.

We arrived in Koh Samui, a very beautiful and very touristic island,  in the evening and were taken to the hotel by a pick-up bus. pick-up bus to get to the hotel. Our hotel, the Manathai Hotel was nice and clean, and had a pool just right across the residential building, more in the description below.

However, the hotel was relatively empty, probably due to the still low season.

We visited a market in the evening when we arrived. Enjoyed some super good local food and bought some presents for our families and friends.

We had planned to stay for 2 nights at Koh Samui but left already after one night because diving was much more expensive here than on other islands and the sea was too rough for diving.

We decided to instead check out Koh Tao.

Koh Tao

Decision taken, we checked out early from the hotel and took a taxi to the other port to take a ferry to Koh Tao.

This was a long journey, a 4hour ferry drive. I used the time to work on the ferry, and I must say, it was the best Office I ever had. Lol!

Koh Tao is a small backpacker and hippie island which is also famous for good diving spots.

We booked some good hotels, not perfect but good. More in the description below.

The next morning I rented a scooter which was around 4euro à day without insurance. But that's normal you never get insurance in Thailand as a tourist. We drove to our dive resort, the Carabao dive resort, check the link below.

This is a super good dive resort with boat accès in front of the resort. I have never had such a comfortable dive as the one I had at Carabao dive resort in a long while.

We did multiple dives in Koh Tao, I uploaded a dive video for each dive spot. You will find them in the description below.

Let's enjoy together some seconds in the beautiful underwater world.

With our scooter we drove to the 350 view point of koh tao. Amazing...

At koh tao the main activities that we did were diving, chilling and eating.

Yuan Nang Island

On one of the days we decided to take a long-tail boat to Koh Nang Yang Island. A small island which you can only reach with a long-tail.

This island is amazing. Super white sand and great for snorkeling.

When we arrived at the island, we met with the local authority who control the access into the island. Here you have to pay a fee to go ahead. We were informed that it is forbidden to bring plastic bottles into the island and were also informed that they could not allow us to bring fins to the beach as they would destroy the corals. I was disappointed but could of course understand that.

We then climbed up hills to the viewpoint, and the view was just amazing!

From koh tao we took the ferry back to koh samui where we had some quick lunch and we flew from here to Bangkok.

Back to Bangkok

For my last night in Thailand, we booked one of the best hotels in Bangkok the Marriott which is an amazing hotel with a great restaurant, a pool and one of the best rooftop bars in Bangkok. Though I must note that it is quite a bit on the expensive side.

Prices aside, the rooms at the Marriott were amazing and never and I have never slept in such a good bed. My highlight was the bathroom which had a bathtub and an amazing view over Bangkok. Isn't that just romantic…

After dinner we went to the rooftop bar, where of course all the drinks were overpriced, but the thing that made it all worth it was the great view of Bangkok.

The next day, our group went our separate ways and I flew to Bali, Indonesia.

From Bangkok to Bali

I flew with a local cheap airline.

I arrived late in Bali and took a Grab, which is a local alternative to Uber, to my hotel.

For the first 3 days in Bali, I booked and stayed at the Sol Melia House Legian. The hotel was great and I was really impressed that the entire staff at the hotel, from the reception to the bars, knew my name before I even spoke to them.

I spent these first few days enjoying the calm and rested a bit in Bali from the heavy active time in Thailand.I enjoyed the sunsets, did a bit of  partying and got my energy restored for the next adventures.

Gili Trawangan

After this much needed rest, I booked a ferry from Bali to the island of Gili Trawangan, one of the best dive spots around.

Here I booked a dive resort, the Trawangan dive resort. The resort had nice rooms, a good dive team and professional people. Also their restaurant was good. I made a review video about this place check below.

Gili Trawangan is famous for diving and magic mushrooms. Every bar on the island will offer you a magic mushroom shake.But watch out. Consuming drugs in Asia can easily bring you a long time in jail.

People living in Gili Trawangan told me that there is no risk because the 2 policemen on the island would accept it, but I decided to not take any risk.

I even found that  in one of the main bars, a raggedy weed-smelling bar, people were selling weed everywhere. Again, I wouldn’t take the risk.  

The dives in Gili Trawangan were beyond amazing. Enjoy for some seconds this amazing underwater life. More in the description below.

The island of Gili Trawangan is a small land mass that you can discover in 1 day or even less.There are no cars or motorbikes allowed so the only transport available are horses and bicycles are around. It was a great great experience.

From Gili Trawangan, I left with the boat in the direction Nusa Penida and Nusa Ceningan.

Nusa Ceningan

The boat ride to Nusa Ceningan was around 4 hours with a slot in bali.

I arrived in Nusa Ceningan and a driver from the dive resort was already there waiting for me with a motorbike. Because I had a lot of luggage, he had to take the luggage to the dive resort first before coming back to pick me up. heheeh!

Nusa ceningan was too calm for me. There was nothing much to do, so I decided to rent a motorbike, but there was no rental company around. So I rented a bike from one of the resort employees to discover the island which has a 95% local population and thus quite interesting.

Diving in Nusa Ceningan

Diving in Nusa Ceningan was a  completely different experience. The water was much colder and there were so many big fish. I realised that my 3mm Neoprene was actually not good enough for these waters. I would recommend a 5mm.  

We had very good dives here. Let's enjoy the highlights

I have also made a review of the dive resort in ceningan,  link below.

Back to Bali

After 2 days of enjoying Nusa Ceningan,  I went back to Bali.

When I arrived, I was invited by some people I had met in Gili Trawangan for a meet up at Cafe d Mar Club. We had a nice posh experience on Christmas evening and enjoyed super good food, great drinks, nice music and a beautiful view of the town. The place requires a compulsory minimum consumption of 15 euros which you pay at the door as you enter.

This time I stayed at the Zuri hotel in Bali. The hotel was good but its location was not the best in terms of accessibility. However you could take a motorbike taxi to take you to where you want to go for a couple of cents.

The last days in Bali were mostly  party days for me. So I went out with a friend I met the last time I was in Bali.  We partied at different places including Motel Nexicola, which is one of my favourite places. Motel Nexicola is a restaurant which transforms into a club at night. The food is really good and very affordable.

For my last days in Bali, I decided to  book a nice hotel, the Marriott Fairfield Kuta Sunset Road. The hotel had just opened a month before I arrived and honestly, the service was amazing, the rooms were very nice and the pool was refreshing. I just feel so zen here.

After two days in the hotel, I flew back home refreshed and full of amazing stories of the adventure that was my Asia trip experience. I hope I gave you a glimpse of all the fun that I had.

If you liked it, please like and share with your friends.

Welcome to my trip to the small and interesting town of Antibes. Here I will be visiting some of the sites and will be showing you the many interesting places you should check out when you are Antibes.

First, I should tell you a few facts about Antibes. It is a small resort town in the south of France, which is situated between Cannes and Nice. It is full of history, culture and has a vibrant community that makes it a very popular destination for holiday makers. And to top it up, Antibes has amazing beaches and a beautiful blue sea that is perfect for both solo travelers and families on holiday.

So join me in exploring this beautiful little coastal town of Antibes and its environs.

1. Le Vieil Antibes

There are two parts of Antibes, the old Antibes and the new Antibes. The old Antibes is referred to as Vieil Antibes and is built on the old ancient greek town of Antipolis. This old town is a very popular tourist destination and has exquisite architecture, historical art and a pleasant calm atmosphere where numerous restaurants and cafés thrive.

The old Antibes has a rich and interesting history under the greeks and romans and is a perfect destination for a history lover. The town’s markets, streets, houses and beautiful scenery also attract tourists to this rich cultural centre.

Things to see in the old town include the Picasso museum, Notre dame cathedral, Chemin des douaniers, Antibes marche’ provencal, and many others, all of which I will tour and tell you more about.

2. The Picasso Museum

I will start with the Picasso museum, which is one of the most popular sites in Vieil Antibes.

The Picasso museum is situated in an old mansion in old Antibes, next to the Notre dame cathedral. It was initially the Antibes town hall building and later became the first museum in the world to be dedicated to Picasso, who once had his studio in the building and even gave some of his works to the museum when he left.

The museum has almost 250 pieces of Picasso’s works and also houses pieces from other artists. The history of the building itself is quite interesting and apart from the works of art inside the mansion, the building and its surroundings are also beautiful and great for sightseeing, and the sea view is stunning.

The museum is also located in a great location with nice bars, restaurants and cafes nearby.

3. Notre Dame Cathedral

Located just next to the Picasso museum, the Notre dame cathedral is the largest church in Antibes and its rose colored beauty has attracted many tourists.The church is a mixture of old and new as it has been built and rebuilt numerous times since its creation in the 5th century. It is a national monument and historical site and it is believed that St. Paul was  arrested here in AD 67.

Inside, the church is full of old artwork and beautiful architecture that tell the story of resilience through time and yet still seem delicate and fragile. The inside is also quite silent and one could use this opportunity to relax silently with your thoughts, listen to the choir singing, or join an ongoing service.

4. The Archeology Museum

The archeology museum of Antibes is located in one of the two remaining forts of the Old Antibes. It is a small local museum that has archaeological finds from as far as the 17th century and tells the story of how Antibes came to be.

Inside you will find artifacts from land and sea and stories of ancient greek and roman mariners. There are many artifacts and one is free to roam around, or even just enjoy the beautiful view of the sea at the top of the building.

5. Chemin des douaniers

This is a hiking trail at the Cap d’Antibes that takes you through the old town, the beautiful seafront and coastline and  the billionaires bay where you will see beautiful private villas.

Through this hike, you will get to see the beautiful sites of Cap d’Antibes and experience the great views of this wooded hilly area that has attracted rich men since the 19th century.

The path is rocky but easy to walk and takes slightly more than an hour.

I enjoyed the interesting blend of hostile rocks and the colorfulness of vegetation, flowers and the clear blue ocean. It was quite relaxing.

Make sure to come prepared with the right shoes and a bottle of water, and if you can, it is even more enjoyable as a bike ride.

6. Antibes marche’ provencal

This is a local market that sells fresh produce, meats, fruits, vegetables, breads, olives and even pastries such as french croissants, cheese and chocolates.

The market is outstanding with a wide variety of multi couloured fabulous selling products that create a great vibe.

The market is a bit pricey but has high quality goods. It is a clean orderly place to buy fresh regional produce or just take a stroll and enjoy the arrangements or the restaurants and cafes around.

7. Fort Carre

Built in the 16th century for military strategic purposes, Fort carre is a star shaped structure on the edge of the Saint-Roch peninsula and was used as a military barracks and a military training center. It has an exceptional 360 degree view of the surrounding and a fascination layout.

The fort is accessible only by guided tour due to safety reasons, and gives you a good idea of how soldiers used to live in historic times. It played a significant role in the French Revolution and in the history of France and even had Napoleon briefly imprisoned there.

It is quite an interesting experience that is worth checking out.

8. Le Nomade

Le Nomade is a 3 meters tall modern sculpture that squat at the edge of port Vauban seemingly watching into the horizon as ships sail into and out of Antibes. It is most definitely one of the best spots in the town.

It was built on a building that was once a temple, which later became a church and later on a fortified tower and has a rich history that is quite interesting.

The sculpture is made of letters and is a gigantic hollow figure where tourists can enter and sit in its hollow space. The sculpture is well worth a visit and is one of the most interesting icons about Antibes town and is quite spectacular at night.

9. Parc de la pinede

The Parc de la pinede is  a beautifully maintained park in the center of the town full of pines.

It has small pathways and benches, carousels and merry go rounds and is a great place for children.

It is also a great place for adults to take a stroll, feed birds, or just sit and relax as you people watch. The place is decorated with large art figures and could be great for unwinding after a long day touring the beautiful city.

I hope you enjoyed my day in Antibes and had as much fun seeing this interesting city as I did.

Do let me know what you think in the comments below.

Welcome to my review of the Hotel Barcelona Condal Mar managed by Melia.

Hotel Barcelona Condal Mar is a beautiful modern hotel in Barcelona that is situated just 10 minutes away from Mar Bella Beach. The hotel which is managed by Melia has beautifully designed rooms including family rooms, a rooftop pool and bar, a 24hr reception, parking, a 24hr gym and free wifi.

The hotel Barcelona Condal Mar is well known for its amazing brightly designed rooms, impressive views of Barcelona from the rooftop pool and great service. The hotel is situated near the International Convention Center  (CCIB) and is therefore convenient for many business travellers. It is quite near the beach and  just 30minutes from the city center, and just a walking distance from the metro and shopping centre.The hotel scores really well among travellers looking for some sunshine and a cool relaxing ambiance and is a favourite for both business and tourist travellers.  

Rooms

The rooms at Barcelona Condal Mar are contemporary and brightly designed to suit the sunny relaxing vibe of the beach.

The room we got was beautiful with classy furniture and everything inside was fresh and clean. The room was spacious and had air conditioning, a satellite TV, a private bathroom, a mini-bar, a telephone, free wifi, a working desk and a bed.

The bed was modern, clean and comfortable and the bathroom was fully stocked with toiletries including a hair dryer.

The staff were very helpful and nice and always made sure that our room was always clean, which is a really big plus for me.

Hotel Inside

The hotel inside had a great vibe and is quite ideal for business travellers.

Inside, the hotel has a restaurant, a bar, a 24hr gym, parking space, a snack lounge, a lobby bar and a rooftop pool and bar.

The rooftop pool and bar offers a great place for guests to unwind and relax while enjoying the beautiful views of Barcelona in the evening. Guests can also enjoy a range of cocktails at the lobby bar.

The hotel offers a great buffet breakfast with a great variety of delicious options to choose from.

Hotel Outside

Outside, the hotel is just a few minutes walk from the Maresme Forum Metro Station and a minutes walk from the nearest bus station. From here, guests can take the bus or the metro to the city center of Barcelon and enjoy exploring the city.

Alternatively, guests can also go to the Mar Bella beach which is about 10 minutes away. Here, guests can swim, have food and drinks, enjoy various water sports or just relax and watch the beautiful sunsets by the beach.

Pros

Great Location. Comfortable Bedl.Great Amenities and service.

Cons

Hotel a bit far from the city center

If you like this hotel, please use our link to make a booking. By using our link, we may get a small commission to support us, but this will not increase the price for you in any way. Our reviews are honest and independent, and we do not get paid by the hotels.

You can watch the video review below. If you like it, please  give us a thumbs up do not forget to share with your friends.

Welcome to my review of the Hotel Acta Mimic, Barcelona. If you wish, you can go straight below the article and watch the video there.

The Hotel Acta Mimic, Barcelona is a 3star hotel located in one of the oldest and most popular neighbourhoods in Barcelona, Ciutat Vella.

Housed in a building that used to be a theatre, the hotel has an innovative design with black and white decor that captures the classic essence of theatre. The rooms are themed according to different classic black and white films and have an open plan design that separates the living room from the bathroom with just a curtain!

The hotel’s classic look is designed to blend in quite well in the old architecture neighbourhood and is a favourite for those who like old town explorations.

Rooms

The rooms are designed with interesting details in their decorations and have a classic feel with modern conveniences.The room we got was medium sized  with a flat screen satellite TV, a bed, and a fully stocked bathroom.

Unfortunately,  the room was not as clean as I would have wanted it and had some furniture that was broken and some even had some moisture on it.

The bathroom was separated from the room with just a curtain, which I found a bit weird.

The bed was clean and comfortable, but there was a tube that passed over it, which was  also strange.

Hotel Inside

The hotel has a 24hr front desk, a rooftop terrace, a solarium (sunroom), a business center, paid parking space, 24hr security and offers breakfast and free internet throughout the premises.

The hotel also has a courtyard where a breakfast buffet is served for the guests.

The staff  was always polite and friendly and were ready to help whenever called on.

Hotel Outside

The hotel is situated in a very popular part of Barcelona and is a favourite for people who enjoy old town exploration. The hotel is located in a very lively area just a few meters from the Barcelona port, and is near the metro stations of Drassanes and Parallel.

While at the hotel, guests can explore the surrounding restaurants and enjoy tapas and other foods, go on guided tours around Barcelona or just decide to explore the city on their own using maps available at the hotel.

Pros

Great location. Interesting hotel.

Cons

The room we got was dirty and some of the furniture was broken.

If you like the hotel, you can use our link to make a booking. Note that by using our link, we may get a small commission to support us, but this will not increase the price for you in any way. Our reviews are honest and independent, and we do not get paid by the hotels.

You can watch the video review below. Please give us a thumbs up, and don't forget to share with your friends and family.

Welcome to my review of the Hotel de Blanke Top.

Hotel de Blanke Top is a newly renovated family luxurious hotel situated right next to the beach on the top of the dunes at the southernmost point of the province of Zeeland, Netherlands.

The hotel, which has an array of 93 beautiful rooms suites and family rooms, also has 2 swimming pools, a hot tub, a spa and wellness center, free complimentary  breakfast, free wifi, free parking and is situated right next to the beach.The hotel is top rated for its premium location, with great views of the sea and beaches and has a highly rated restaurant and business center.

Its first class amenities and service, coupled with its prime location and serene environments make it a great destination for rest and relaxation and is a favourite for tourists, couples and families looking to get away from the hustle and bustle of everyday life.

Rooms

The rooms are designed in soft natural hues for relaxation, and have a modern minimalistic design that blends really well with the beach, sea and surrounding environs.

Our room was fully equipped with a flat screen TV, a mini bar, coffee station, free wifi, a private balcony and had floor to ceiling  windows that allowed us to wake up to the beautiful view of the sea.

The bed was clean and comfortable, which is a great plus for me, and the bathroom was clean, modern and fully stocked with toiletries.

Hotel Inside

Inside, the hotel has a restaurant, a bar, fitness facilities, free parking space, a wellness center, an indoor pool, and a business center. The wellness center was well designed with saunas and relaxation rooms that are guaranteed to give you a wonderful luxury experience.

The hotel restaurant, Restaurant Le Sommet, offered a diverse range of french cuisine, which was a bit expensive. The free complimentary buffet breakfast however was really  delicious and had many great choices.

The hotel staff  were polite and friendly and the reception was always ready to help whenever we needed.  

Hotel Outside

Outside the Hotel de Blanke Top, guests can tour popular Cadzand landmarks such as Molen Nooit Gedacht, Mariakerk, try out popular water sports or just explore and relax along the beaches.

The hotel is also surrounded by great restaurants and pubs where guests can sample delicious meals and enjoy the nightlife.

Pros

Excellent location. Comfortable bed. Great Amenities and service.

Cons

Hotel a bit pricey, but definitely worth it.

If you like this hotel, please use our link to make a booking. By using our link, we may get a small commission to support us, but this will not increase the price for you in any way. Our reviews are honest and independent, and we do not get paid by the hotels.

You can watch the video review below. If you like it, please  give us a thumbs up do not forget to share with your friends.

Welcome to my review of the Sol House, Bali Legian by Melia Hotels International.

The Sol House, Bali Legian by Melia Hotels International is a 4 star hotel located in downtown Legian, just a small distance from the beach and is perfectly surrounded by restaurants, bars, and shopping outlets. The hotel offers free WIFI, a rooftop pool, a restaurant and a cocktail bar, and has a bright coloured design with a minimalistic laidback style to suit the young at heart.

Situated just a few meters from the vibrant Legian and Kuta beaches, the Sol House is a lively social hub in Bali where millennial travelers meet to dance, tweet and have fun. The hotel features vibrant weekly events and has world-famous DJs playing daily, making it the new cool place to relax and have fun.

The hotel scores really well for its location and experience and is quite popular among the young and hip.

Rooms

The room we got had a modern, bright and fresh design with quirky & fun decorations and was quite spacious. It was equipped with air conditioning, a big screen TV, a mini bar, a safe, free WIFI and a lounge.

The bedroom was medium size and comfortable, with enough space for luggage, and the bed was nice and comfortable, though not as clean as I would have wanted it to be.

The bathroom was also clean and fully stocked with toiletries. However, when we arrived, the shower was not working properly, which we reported at the reception and it was promptly repaired.

Hotel Inside

Inside the hotel, there is a 24hr front desk where one can get assistance at any time. There  is also a restaurant, 2 swimming pools with a cocktail bar and a fitness center.

It also has a DJ playing every night for those who enjoy a good nightlife, however, this makes it quite noisy at night which may not be a good thing for those who want to sleep in.

The hotel staff were amazing and friendly and the reception was always helpful and polite.

Hotel Outside

Outside the Sol House Bali Legian, guests can engage in a variety of activities as the hotel is surrounded by markets, shopping malls, restaurants and bars. The Legian Art Market, just a few meters from the hotel, is an interesting place to see, and there are also tours to Hindu Temples if one is interested.

It is also quite near the beach and one can engage in watersports if they like such as surfing and scuba diving, or just enjoy the theme parks around such as the Waterbom park Kuta or the Bali safari and Marine Park.

Pros

Excellent location. Nice rooms. Comfortable bed

Cons

Shower was not working properly but was fixed in good time

Can be quite noisy at night

If you like the hotel, you can use our link to make a booking. Note that by using our link, we may get a small commission to support us, but this will not increase the price for you in any way. Our reviews are honest and independent, and we do not get paid by the hotels.

Watch the video review below and if you like it, make sure to give us a thumbs up and share with your friends. Do not forget to share with your friends.

Hotel Montaigne & Spa is a 4 star luxury and comfort hotel at the heart of Cannes, a resort town on the French Riviera known for its amazing film festivals. Hotel Montaigne & Spa is located just 5 minutes away from the La Croisette, the world-famous street along the shoreline of Cannes.

The hotel is the perfect location for a cultural stay in Cannes and is just 3 minutes away from the Cannes train station, 500m from the Palais Des Festivals and is just a walking distance from the city center. The hotel is a non-smoking premise with 96 contemporary rooms, a restaurant, and a spa which offers 1hr free access per day to its guests.

The hotel is in the best place in Cannes and is a good place to stay when visiting the city.

Rooms

The room we got was quiet and clean, and was fully equipped with air conditioning, a flat screen TV and had free WIFI. It also had a nice working desk, a safe box and a mini bar.

The bed was clean and comfortable and the bathroom was a good size with all toiletries including a hair drier.

Outside the room had a small balcony with a nice view of the city where one could stay in and relax in the evenings.

Hotel Inside

The hotel inside has a 24 hour front desk, a restaurant, 2 swimming pools, a spa and wellness center and underground parking.

The restaurant is nice, though a bit expensive, so I did not get to eat there. However, the hotel staff were very friendly and helpful and can direct you where you can eat outside as there are many restaurants and shopping places outside.

Hotel Outside

Outside Hôtel Montaigne & Spa - Cannes, guests get to enjoy a variety of cultural and touristic activities such as taking a stroll on  La Croisette, the beaches or along the man shops and shopping malls. Alternatively they could explore the museums of Cannes or Lerins islands and the French Riviera.

It is also a great location for those who enjoy coastal walks and city walks, or just want to go for walks along the promenades. The hotel is also surrounded by many restaurants, shops and bars and guests can go shopping or sample the nightlife.

Pros

Excellent location. Nice rooms. Comfortable bed

Cons

Restaurant a bit expensive

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Hotel Mercure Velleneuve-Loubet is a 4star beach hotel located right on the beach front in Villeneuve-Loubet. The hotel is in the South-Eastern region of France and is located next to the Marina Baie des Anges Port.

The best thing about Hotel Mercure Velleneuve-Loubet is definitely its location. The hotel is located in between Cannes and Nice and is a great location to enjoy the French Riviera. It is only a few steps from  the beach and the promenade and just a few minutes from bars and restaurants at the popular Marina Baie des Anges and just a short distance from local attractions in the traditional village such as the Musée Escoffier de l'Art Culinaire, and the Vieux Villeneuve-Loubet among others.

The hotel has a beautiful rooftop terrace and pool with a view of the beach, a restaurant, and free wifi throughout the property. It is quite quite popular among couples.

Rooms

The room we were given was stylish and cozy, and was equipped with a bed, flatscreen TV, a safe, a telephone and a private bathroom. It also had a terrace with a beautiful view of the beach.

The room was super clean and the bed we had was nice. The bathroom is comfortable and  was well stocked with toiletries and the shower was just fabulous.

However, the Wi-fi was not always good in the rooms and had connection issues.

Hotel Inside

The hotel inside was stunning. It is modern and beautifully decorated. It  has a restaurant, parking and a beautiful rooftop pool with a view of the beach and bar area where guests can relax on sunbeds while having drinks and snacks.

The rooftop is a great place to enjoy the sunset of cote d’Azur.  

The restaurant is quite nice and has a great variety of meals, and the hotel staff are very friendly and helpful.

Hotel Outside

Outside Hotel Mercure Velleneuve-Loube, guests can engage in different activities from water sports to leisurely exploring the traditional town.

The hotel is surrounded by a variety of restaurants, shops and bars and guests can venture out to sample the surrounding environs and nightlife.

There is a promenade right outside the hotel where you can go for walks and is also ideal for joggers.

Pros
Excellent location. Beautiful hotel. Great service. Great staff

Cons
Wi-fi issues

Nice bed, but a bit too firm for my taste.

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Lopesan Villa del Conde Resort and Thalasso

The hotel villa del Conte Lopesan is located on the seafront, in the south of the island of Gran Canaria, between the Maspalomas dunes nature reserve and Pasito Blanco sports marina.

Three years ago, I stayed the last time in this hotel, and before several times, so I was curious to see what has changed and whether it is still so good.

As usual, our suitcases were taken from us on arrival and brought to our room after check-in.

The reception is in a large, buddy-like room that resembles a cathedral. All around are exquisite club chairs, furniture, and a bar.

The check-in, in the reception, was rather formal than friendly, and after a welcome drink, we were able to move into our room immediately.

Rooms

Our room was on the 6th floor. It was a newly renovated room.

The room was equipped with a bathroom (with bath, shower, and separate toilet.) King-size bed, TV, minibar, couch, table, and balcony.

The small balcony had a beautiful view of the garden and the sea.

Wi-Fi is free throughout the hotel, but you have to pay for the safe per day.

It was a quiet room, but in the evening, you could hear the somewhat loud music of the animation program until 10:45 p.m.

Hotel Inside

The entire complex consists of several blocks of different colors and sizes that surround several gardens and pools. The whole area is well maintained, and the pools are pleasantly quiet.

It was also in the week we were there never a problem to get free beach chairs.

But if you prefer to go for a walk, you can go to the Pasito Blanco Sports Marina or the playa del ingles, passing the dunes from Maspalomas, which is 6 km away.

The whole staff was very accommodating and friendly.

There are several restaurants in the complex, the breakfast buffet and dinner can be enjoyed in „La Plaza“ or the „Casa Vieja“ restaurant.

La Plaza is a big restaurant and therefore the food is spread over several tables, which is a bit inconvenient as you have to walk around a lot to fill your plate.\

Hotel Outside

Opposite from the restaurant “La Plaza” is the restaurant “Casa Vieja”, which one smaller is and a bit quieter. The buffet is structured differently, and the dishes are easier to find.

But in both restaurants, the food that was under the lamps to keep it warm was lukewarm. That's a no go for a five stars hotel!

Another option is to reserve a table in the OVO restaurant and have dinner served. If you booked the hotel with half board, you get a 23% discount on dinner.

In the evening you can have a drink in the plaza with live music, or stroll along the promenade to the nearby shopping center with its various restaurants.

rating:5/5

-Location 5stars -Cleanliness 4stars -Friendliness 4stars -Beakfast&dinner 4 stars

If you liked the hotel, please book using our link and support us. Our reviews are honest and independent and we do not get paid by the hotels. Booking using our link does not increase the costs for you in any way

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Welcome to my review of the Manathai Hotel Koh Samui

Manathai Hotel Koh Samui is a 4 star hotel located near Lamai Beach. The hotel is an elegant colorful set up just next to the serene sandy beaches with amazing gardens, 3 restaurants, 2 swimming pools, a kids club, a gym, free wifi access and numerous options for accommodation from deluxe rooms to family suites. The hotel also has a tour desk, onsite parking and a luggage storage for those who may need them.

The hotel has 133 rooms that have a colonial style design with cheerful yellow hues and designed for a summer getaway on the delightful island, and is a peaceful haven for both individual, couple and group vacations.

Rooms

The hotel rooms are colorful and spacious, equipped with air conditioning, a minibar, private bathrooms with showers, toiletries, a hairdryer and bathrobe  and have a balcony  overlooking beautiful green gardens. They also have cable TV and satellite.

The rooms were very clean with beds that are big, clean and comfortable. The staff was also very nice and professional and gave excellent service.

Hotel Inside

Inside the hotel, you will find a Thai cuisine restaurant, a pool. The gym, second pool and another restaurant are located on the beach across the hotel. You have to cross a busy highway from the hotel to get there.

Guests can have drinks and meals on both pool areas, and the pool and restaurant services are quite good. However the prices for meals and drinks were a bit expensive compared to other hotels nearby

Hotel Outside

The hotel is a bit far from Lamai centre and you may need a taxi to get there. However, it can take you about 15-20 minutes to walk there. What is interesting about the hotel is that it is separated by a busy road.

The accommodation is on one side of the road and the pool and spa are on the other side. The beach near the hotel was not so great, but you can find better beaches near Lamai Center.

The hotel has a tour desk where you can get information on how to enjoy the local tourist attractions and top things to do in Lamai.

Apart from relaxing along the beaches or by the pool, guests can engage in an array of activities such as cycling, diving and snorkeling.

Pros

Beautiful hotel. Great accommodation. Excellent service. Great staff

Cons

A bit expensive

Pool and spa separated by a busy road

If you like this hotel, you can use our link to make a booking. Note that by using our link, we may get a small commission, but this will not increase the price for you in any way.

Our reviews are honest and independent and we do not get paid by the hotels.

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Welcome to the review of the Trawangan Dive Resort

Located on the northeast end of Gili Trawangan, one of the Gili Triplet islands in Indonesia, Gili Trawangan Dive resort is a 3 star resort that offers simple but unique accommodation. It also houses an award winning dive center, Trawangan Dive that offers the best dive facilities on the island.

What sets apart Gili Trawangan dive resort however, is the location. Located next to the white sand beaches, overlooking clear waters, the resort has a range of rooms for different budget needs, ranging from economy to luxurious.

Guests can choose to join the award winning dive center for scuba diving courses from beginner to professional, or just relax by along the beach or by the pool and enjoy the breathtaking views of the island and even sample the night life in bars and restaurants around.

Rooms

The hotel rooms were spacious and clean and were fully equipped with modern furniture with a private balcony, including air conditioning, a satellite TV, en suite bathrooms with hot showers, a mini-bar and even had a safety deposit box.

However the bed was not that comfortable and the rooms are not exactly sound proof. There  is a mosque next to the hotel that can get very loud for light sleepers.

Also, the bathroom was clean and had toiletries provided, but the shower had very little pressure and the water was either too hot or cold.

Hotel Inside

The hotel has a restaurant that serves a buffet breakfast every day, 2 pools, a pool bar, and a very beautiful beach front with free sunbeds offered.

The restaurant was very good and had a great variety of local and international fresh dishes, and even offers vegan options. The restaurant staff was very friendly and the food was very tasty.

The hotel staff was also friendly and helpful and there was free wifi throughout the property.

Hotel Outside

Outside the hotel, guests can sample the island town or join the dive center activities which are just great. The dive center instructors were knowledgeable and professional and made sure that everyone had fun.

The hotel is also easily accessible by land or sea and guests can request the staff to arrange for a boat or shuttle transfer as needed.

The hotel is located on a very touristic and busy part of  the island and the beaches were littered and dirty sometimes.

Pros:

Excellent location. Great dive center. Great food

Cons:

Noise disturbance. Bed a bit uncomfortable. Littered beaches

If you like the hotel, please use our link to make your booking. Note that by using our link we will get a small commission, but this will not increase your price in any way.

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Welcome to my review of the Fairfield by Marriott Bali Kuta Sunset Road.

The hotel Fairfield by Marriott Bali Kuta Sunset Road is an amazing 4 star, eco-friendly luxurious hotel that was opened in August 2019.The hotel offers 227 luxurious rooms with a continental of buffet breakfast. It also has a swimming pool, a fitness center, evening entertainment, a 24hr reception area and a business center where you can hold meetings and conference calls.

It is located a few minutes from the magnificent surf and sunsets of Double Six beach and only 15 minutes from Ngurah Rai International Airport by car. Despite not being a walking distance from most places, it is not so far from local attractions when using a taxi or a mototaxi,and is the perfect place for both couples and business travelers.

I booked the hotel for my last days during my long Asia Trip. The hotel had just opened a month before I arrived and honestly, the service was amazing, the rooms were very nice and the pool was refreshing. I just felt so zen there.

Rooms

The hotel rooms were well designed with a simple, modern and classy style, and are equipped with air conditioning, a desk, a TV and a private bathroom. The rooms are quite big and also have a naturally lit and relaxing seating area.

Because the hotel is eco-friendly, no water bottles were allowed in the rooms or hotel and instead, they had a big water tank where you could refill your own bottle anytime you needed to.

Most importantly, the bed was just amazing! Big, clean and comfortable.

Hotel Inside

The Fairfield by Marriott was definitely designed for rest, relaxation and enjoyment. It has a classy lounge that serves high tea, cocktails and snacks all day, a very cool outdoor pool with a bar, a restaurant with fresh local cuisines, a modern business center and work space.

The food in the restaurant was great and the staff were really friendly and  professional. They served a big breakfast buffet that I quite enjoyed, and the service was excellent.

Hotel Outside

Outside, the hotel has this nice serene garden and lotus pond where one can just relax.

Once outside the Fairfield by Marriott Bali Kuta sunset road, you have to use a taxi or a mototaxi to get to most places.

You can get to Legian beach or to Tuban beach which are not more than 3 kms away. The hotel provides a paid shuttle service to and from the airport when requested.

Pros:

Great food. Amazing bed. Excellent staff

Cons:

Location not perfect- you need taxi or mototaxi to go to most places. Quite pricey for Bali

If you like the hotel, you can use our link to make a booking. Note that by using our link we will get a small commission, but this will not increase your price in any way.

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Welcome to my review of the Ceningan Divers Resort - Nusa Ceningan

Ceningan Resort is a well known multi-award winning divers resort in Bali. It is located on one of the 3 Nusa Islands, Nusa Ceningan Island, just 500 meters from the Yellow bridge near the pristine mangroves. This PADI 5star dive center and eco-friendly resort has won numerous awards including ‘Dive Resort of the Year’ and voted as the 3rd Best Dive Resort in the world in 2018.

Ceningan Resort is a small hotel with 8 fully equipped thatched roof bungalows, an outdoor pool, a restaurant, a bar/lounge and free wi-fi throughout the property. The resort offers guided dives and PADI courses of all levels, including snorkeling trips in world-class dive sites in the protected areas of Nusa Penida. It scores really well for its dive center and water sports activities, and is very popular among divers, and couples.

Rooms

The rooms are wooden, thatched roof bungalows are equipped with a bed, air conditioning, an outdoor private open bathroom with hot shower, and a balcony overlooking the gardens with a hammock. Because the hotel is situated in pure nature, there are quite some insects around, however the hotel provides a mosquito net, which is a bonus, even though there were no mosquitoes.

The beds were nice and comfortable, and were cleaned regularly. The staff was also very nice and professional.

I was a bit hesitant about having an outside bathroom, however they turned out to be quite private and clean.

Hotel Inside

Ceningan Resort, which is owned and managed by a couple, is Eco-friendly and adheres to regulations such as no water from bottles, forbids use of sun protection which destroys corals among, and many more.

It has an outdoor pool area with pool beds and a bar/lounge where you can have drinks and have your meals

The resort also has a restaurant that serves a variety of fresh western and asian dishes. However, I found the food to be very basic and not to my taste.

Hotel Outside

What i loved most about the hotel is the dive center. The instructors were really nice and professional and the resort had its own boat for scuba dives directly from the hotel, which is quite cool actually. The boat was modern and really good too, quite impressive..

Pros

Great dive center. Environmental friendly. Good accommodation. Great staff

Cons

Outside bathroom may be a negative point for some people

Hotel could be more guest friendly

If you like the hotel, please use our link to make a booking. Note that by using our link, we may get a small commission, but this will not increase the price for you in any way.

Our reviews are honest and independent and we do not get paid by the hotels.

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Welcome to my trip to Plovdiv.

Today we will explore this ancient city and show you the places you should definitely visit the next time you are in the 2019 European Capital of culture!

Listed as one of the oldest cities in the world, Plovdiv has a rich and interesting history and a huge variety of cultural events that will entice any traveler. It is the second largest city of Bulgaria and is a growing creative center that uses its ancient Roman, Persian and Ottoman influences and contemporary culture  to bring together a perfect balance.

Plovdiv is colorful and lively and is definitely one of the most interesting places to visit in Europe. Its nightlife, historical buildings, museums, food and culture will definitely charm you, just like it charmed me!

Here are a few of the places I managed to visit during my trip to the City of Seven Hills.

The Ancient Theater

Located at the center of Plovdiv, the ancient theater is the most famous cultural landmark in the city.

Constructed in the 90s of the 1st century, the theater, which has a capacity of 6000,  was used for gladiatorial and hunting games, as well as for the general assembly seating of the Roman province of Thrace.

Today, the theater, which was renovated in the 80s of the 20th century, is used as a stage for opera, music, drama and hosts various festivals such as the international folklore festival among others.

The Archeological Complex Nebet Tepe

The archaeological complex Nebet Tepe is one of the 7 hills on which Plovdiv is situated. It is said to be the place where Plovdiv was founded and the first place where people settled in the 6th millennium BC.

Today the remains of this first settlement include a fortress wall, towers and a postern, which contribute to the cultural significance of Plovdiv.

The Tsar Simeon’s Gardens and the Singing Fountains

The Tsar Simeon’s  gardens and singing fountains are definitely one of the prettiest places in Plovdiv. The gardens were created in 1892 Swedish landscape architect, who is often referred to as ‘the minister of flowers’.

The garden, which is now renovated, is at the center of a park with flowers, fountains and a playground.

What is most popular is the light show of the lake with singing fountains that is intertwined with water effects.

The Roman Stadium

The ancient stadium of Plovdiv is said to be one of the largest and best preserved buildings from the time of the ancient Rome. The stadium was used for athletic games.

The stadium, which was discovered in 1923 is today partly restored and could seat up to 30,000 spectators.

The Architectural and Historical Reserve

The Architectural and Historical Reserve, also known as the old town, is a preserved area where visitors can walk through the different historical ages of the city of Plovdiv.

The town is situated on 3 of the 7 hills and has well preserved remains that will take you through the centuries and cultures dating back to 4000 years BC.

Plovdiv was quite an interesting cultural experience. And besides these cultural attractions, the city has very good sports and recreation facilities such as an Olympic size rowing base that offers rowing, cycling and running.

I hope you enjoyed this trip with me. Please give us a thumbs up and tell us what you think about Plovdiv and our trip in the comments below.