Disneyland Paris

After several years, it was time to visit Disneyland Paris, Europe’s leading magical theme park. While we visited Disneyland Paris during the Covid19-pandemic, it didn’t stop us to explore and experience my favorite place in the world. Health and safety are Disney’s top priorities. The measures they take to ensure a safe stay are incredible and much appreciated. The attention to detail at Disneyland Paris is incredible.



Ok, let’s start dreaming again and let me take you on my journey …

First of all, location. The park is located near Paris and is therefor ideal to combine a city trip to the city of light and Disneyland Paris. It’s very easy to reach and I must admit, the place is huge! Disneyland Paris is split into several areas. There are two Disney Parks: Disneyland Park and Walt Disney Studios Park. The resort offers 6 hotels and one bungalow park. Over the years they renovated most of their hotels. Did you know that the flagship hotel – Disneyland Hotel – where I stayed last time, is currently closed due to renovations? That is right, they are totally renewing this gorgeous Victorian palace. Another Disney Deluxe Resort is Disney’s Newport Bay Club where I stayed this time. I will tell you more about this gorgeous place later. Next up is Disney’s Sequoia Lodge featuring comfortable rooms in a mountain theme. It is like staying in a typical luxurious hotel in an American National Park. The resort also offers two value resorts: Disney’s Cheyenne and Santa Fe. Both are 100% Disney inspired and interestingly priced. Hotel New York – The art of Marvel is the recently opened again offering ultra-luxurious rooms. It is world’s first Marvel-inspired hotel offering the world’s largest collection of Marvel artwork.



The huge advantage of staying at an official Disney hotel are the Magical Hours. Guests who are staying in one of the Disney’s hotels can enter both parks one hour before official opening times. Several popular attractions were opened at 8:30 AM (and yes, we did make use of the Magical Hours!) and we could enjoy many attractions with no waiting line! It was very cool! We enjoyed for example the Big Thunder Mountain roller coaster without any waiting.

Before I speak about both parks, let me tell you about my experience at Disney’s Newport Bay Club. Since I was a kid, this hotel has always been one of my favorite hotels in Disneyland Paris. This hotel is located at Lake Disney and is a destination on itself. Both parks are only a 15 minute walk away. Of course, there are shuttle busses available during the opening hours to/from the parks.
Disney’s Newport Bay Club has been totally renovated and opened back its doors in Spring 2016. This maritime themed four star hotel actually is one of Europe’s largest hotels offering 1093 rooms and 13 suites.




As soon as you enter the hotel, you will feel you are in a seaside resort on the New England coast. From the wooden furniture, to the grand elegant staircase… I just love it all. The elegant atmosphere was very impressive and yet, there’s this typical Disney feeling throughout this hotel. We were welcomed with a big smile and everything we needed to know about the Resort was explained in a very kind way.




The rooms of Disney’s Newport Bay Club are designed in a maritime style with mainly the colors blue and white. Our Superior Room had two queen sized beds, a large desk and a comfortable couch. The small Disney touches such as the suitcase-lookalike cabinet and the wallpaper were amazing. That’s why I like this hotel so much. It’s not over the top, not too childish but still has much character.



Bathroom was comfortable featuring a bath tub and large single sink. Of course, Disney toiletries are available and there’s plenty of storage room.

There’s so much to do in this hotel. First of all, Disney’s Newport Bay Club has the best pool facilities in the resort in my opinion. There’s a large indoor pool with a huge ship play area for the kids. It kind of feels like a ship is sailing through the indoor pool area. The outdoor pool is beautiful too and offers sun loungers. The outdoor hot tub was perfect after a day in the parks. Also available in the Nantucket Pool and Health Club is the fitness room and sauna.



Disney’s Newport Bay Club’s main restaurant is Cape Cod, an all you can eat restaurant where food stations offers fresh dishes. This is also the place where breakfast is served. The large buffet is the perfect start of the day! I loved the large selections and overall quality of the food. A must try are the delicious pastries and the best thing is you do not have to worry about the calories as you will walk the whole day anyway.

Another dining facility is Captain’s Quarters, a beautifully designed bar right next to the lobby area where you can enjoy delicious cocktails in a classy nautical themed environment.

During our stay we visited both Disney Parks. The largest park is Disneyland Park. This theme park is divided in several areas. Main Street USA is the main street leading you to the magical world of Disneyland Paris. This street does take you back in time and walking around the shops is a fun activity. A must do: entering the shops and enjoying the beautiful interiors. Literally each shop is designed in a unique way and don’t you agree that fun shopping is a great thing to do? Also, the music in this street even add more magic.



We were traveling with 2 small boys and you should have seen their eyes when they saw Discoveryland which is located right next to Main Street USA. We did take them into Star Wars Hyperspace Mountain which was absolutely amazing.



Fantasyland is where Disneyland Paris is all about. This place takes me back in time and reminds me of my favorite Disney classics such as Peter Pan, Pinocchio, etc. This always reminds me of not being in a regular theme park. Disneyland Paris is – again – all about details. The music, the décors, … it is all there and maintained in an excellent way!



Adventureland is where the pirates live. A must do is Pirates of the Caribbean. The boys (and not only them, but we adults as well) loved it. The huge Pirate Galleon is the main point of this part of the park. It is beautifully integrated.

And then of course, there is Frontierland which brings you to the Wild West. This is where the Big Thunder Mountain is located, one of my favorite attractions. Make sure to also visit Phantom Manor, my favorite goast inspired haunted house.



Disneyland Park is the most beautiful theme park in Europe in my opinion. It truly is a magical place where both kids and adults will have a wonderful time.

Walt Disney Studios Park is the second park at Disneyland Paris. It brings the magic of Disney TV and film to life across 5 zones. The highlight of this park is the Twilight Zone of Terror, the decorations in the ride’s facade are very good and the queue is worth waiting 🙂  The ride itself is an imagineering masterpiece. It combines a thrilling adventure with excellent special effects, very impressive and a must do when you visit Walt Disney Studios Park!




Other recommendations are Crush’s Coaster, a roller coaster within the Finding Nemo theme, RC Racer and Ratatouille: The Adventure. Actually, each attraction at Walt Disney Studios Park is beautifully constructed and designed.

We loved our stay at Disneyland Paris. We had one unforgettable adventure, and I couldn’t be happier about it! Between the attractions, the breathtaking entertainment productions and meeting your favorite Disney pals, there’s something for everyone in the family here.

Corpo Santo Lison



Location: Lisbon – Portugal
Classification: 5 star hotel
Official websitehttps://www.corposantohotel.com/en/

Rated as the number one hotels in Lisbon, the Corpo Santo Lisbon Historical Hotel is perfectly located in the center of Lisbon in the district of Cais do Sodré, a prime area of ​​the city. Major attractions in Lisbon are within walking distance. Speaking of walking… did you know that the Corpo Santo Lisbon Historical Hotel offers free guided walking tours around the city? That is right, as a first time visitor of Lisbon, this is the perfect way to get to know the city. I did visit Lisbon as a kid, but couldn’t remember much. The walking tours were great! There are a lot of other complimentary services that are offered to the guests, I will tell you more about it later. No wonder this hotel is rated as the best hotel in Lisbon based on reviews on Tripadvisor!




The lobby is spacious, airy and has a trendy design. Comfortable couches, nice colours and (most important!) friendly and professional staff, it is all there! Our room keys were handed in just seconds… I was ready to explore and experience the Corpo Santo Hotel! One thing I appreciated about this hotel is the fact that there are 79 rooms, they are definitely offering a personalized service which was much appreciated. Oh and I should definitely mention the free cookies and sweeties they offer in the lobby. There’s even a complimentary ice cream machine which can be used at no additional charges.

Another service that comes with your booking at the Corpo Santo Lisbon Historical Hotel is a complimentary 20 minute massage. I have never experienced any service like that at any hotel. Each guest is entitled to a free massage. The massage itself was given by a wonderful therapist and she did make me feel at ease and so relaxed after the treatment. Loved every second of it!



The room I stayed in was very nicely decorated and had all the amenities of a five star hotel room. Honestly, one of the best beds ever! They were so soft and the linen used were of a very good quality! The spacious bathroom had a walk-in shower with light therapy, a toilet and single sink.

I had some work to do while I was in Lisbon and appreciated the oversized desk in the room! Each room at the Corpo Santo Lisbon Historical Hotel has a seating area with comfy couches. It was just perfect! Oh… and the views over Lisbon were amazing! Overall, rooms are great here!




Another highlight at the Corpo Santo Lisbon Historical Hotel is the Sense Spa. For a city hotel it has a good size. The spa area has a sauna, a wonderful jacuzzi (I love to dip into a jacuzzi after a day walking in the city 😊), a great steam room and some sensation showers. It’s a great place to relax and unwind. There’s also a full equipped gym for a nice work out.



Hungry after working out? There are several dining options. Porter Bistrô is located on the ground floor and offers fine dining dishes. I liked the fact that it’s not ‘over the top’, there’s still a relaxed atmosphere throughout the restaurant. By the way, make sure to check out the complimentary ‘happy hour’ in the lobby area. Guests can enjoy some wine, cheese and other small bites at no additional charges, it’s all included in your stay. This is a great time to meet and mingle with your fellow travelers, especially in the Fernandina Wall Room. I met some very interesting international guests and it was fun talking to each other with a glass of wine.




If you are more into cocktails, make sure to check out 146 Bar, a stylish bar where you can enjoy drinks at affordable rates. It is a great place to hang out and again, service is great.

Each morning, I enjoyed the wonderful Corpo Santo Breakfast. It is an à la carte breakfast in a gorgeous setting. The staff will do anything to offer you a great start of the day. It is served in the beautiful restaurant of the hotel.



Corpo Santo Historical Hotel definitely deserves its good name! It is one of the better hotels in the area and you can’t go wrong by booking a room here.

Moura Suites Hotel



Location: Evora – Portugal
Classification: 4 star superior hotel
Official website: http://mourasuites.pt/


Located in a very interesting and convenient spot in one of the most beautiful towns in Portugal, MouraSuites Hotel is rated as one of the best hotels in town. Évora truly is beautiful. It’s a town where I could keep on taking pictures. It’s great to hang out and walk through the small streets. MouraSuites Hotel has a prime location in Évora. The cathedral, for example, is only a very short walk away, as is the Roman temple and Moura’s Gate Square. There are many good restaurants and bars in the neighborhood.



Now let’s go back to the hotel. MouraSuites Hotel is a brand new four star hotel and offers only the best of the best! From the moment we arrived until the time we left, we felt great. The staff is just wonderful and will do their upmost best to serve you in a fantastic way.

Upon arrival, everything is explained in a friendly yet professional way. Good to know: complimentary parking here! Their parking is at the end of the street, near the church.  

The lobby is stylish and trendy decorated. There are several cozy sitting areas where it is great to hang out and talk about the everyday’s life. Our keys were handed in just seconds before we headed to our wonderful room. Speaking of rooms, there are only 25 rooms at MouraSuites Hotel which is why they can provide such personal service. Each staff member I met was friendly and each request was dealt with professionalism.




I was blown away when I entered my room. The deluxe room we stayed in had a great size, trendy décor and was luxuriously appointed. The ceiling of the room was breathtaking … As I enjoy the daylight, I appreciated the floor to ceiling windows. Standard amenities are a Nespresso coffee machine, HD television and a safe. The small couches are a treat after walking all day long in Évora. The room felt like a junior suite to me. It was the most beautiful room we stayed in during our trip in Portugal!



The bathroom had a nice free standing bath tub, a good sized shower, single designer sink and toilet. Complimentary toiletries are provided in each room. Every spot in our room was spotlesly clean.



There’s a lot to do here so even on a rainy day (although it hardly ever rains in Évora), you won’t get bored. The outdoor pool is a treat. It has a great size and water temperature is very comfortable. Plenty of seats around the pool. There’s also a (smal) fitness facility.

Besides a restaurant, there’s also a bar where we ordered some cocktails. I must admit it were one of the best mojito’s we have ever had. They were d-e-l-i-c-i-o-u-s. Service again was great! Every single request has been taken care of with a smile. That’s truly what makes MouraSuites Hotel unique. Nothing is asked for too much.

The next morning we had breakfast in the restaurant downstairs. We sat down and the very accommodating staff immediately wished us a very good morning. It is a buffet style breakfast offering only fresh products. They also have some à la carte options such as omelets, French toasts, etc. Make sure to check out the French toasts, they are yummie! The buffet truly was delicious and I appreciated the mix of sweet and salt. There’s just something for everybody.



Our stay at MouraSuites Hotel was wonderful and I can easily understand why it is rated as one of the best hotels in the area. From the personal approach to the luxurious rooms and amazing breakfast, MouraSuites Hotel is top notch and I highly recommend to stay at this hotel when you are in the area of Évora. The up to date design and accommodating staff will please anyone!

Newport Bay Club – Disneyland Paris

After several years, it was time to visit Disneyland Paris, Europe’s leading magical theme park. While we visited Disneyland Paris during the Covid19-pandemic, it didn’t stop us to explore and experience my favorite place in the world. Health and safety are Disney’s top priorities. The measures they take to ensure a safe stay are incredible and much appreciated. The attention to detail at Disneyland Paris is incredible.



Ok, let’s start dreaming again and let me take you on my journey …

First of all, location. The park is located near Paris and is therefor ideal to combine a city trip to the city of light and Disneyland Paris. It’s very easy to reach and I must admit, the place is huge! Disneyland Paris is split into several areas. There are two Disney Parks: Disneyland Park and Walt Disney Studios Park. The resort offers 6 hotels and one bungalow park. Over the years they renovated most of their hotels. Did you know that the flagship hotel – Disneyland Hotel – where I stayed last time, is currently closed due to renovations? That is right, they are totally renewing this gorgeous Victorian palace. Another Disney Deluxe Resort is Disney’s Newport Bay Club where I stayed this time. I will tell you more about this gorgeous place later. Next up is Disney’s Sequoia Lodge featuring comfortable rooms in a mountain theme. It is like staying in a typical luxurious hotel in an American National Park. The resort also offers two value resorts: Disney’s Cheyenne and Santa Fe. Both are 100% Disney inspired and interestingly priced. Hotel New York – The art of Marvel is the recently opened again offering ultra-luxurious rooms. It is world’s first Marvel-inspired hotel offering the world’s largest collection of Marvel artwork.



The huge advantage of staying at an official Disney hotel are the Magical Hours. Guests who are staying in one of the Disney’s hotels can enter both parks one hour before official opening times. Several popular attractions were opened at 8:30 AM (and yes, we did make use of the Magical Hours!) and we could enjoy many attractions with no waiting line! It was very cool! We enjoyed for example the Big Thunder Mountain roller coaster without any waiting.

Before I speak about both parks, let me tell you about my experience at Disney’s Newport Bay Club. Since I was a kid, this hotel has always been one of my favorite hotels in Disneyland Paris. This hotel is located at Lake Disney and is a destination on itself. Both parks are only a 15 minute walk away. Of course, there are shuttle busses available during the opening hours to/from the parks.
Disney’s Newport Bay Club has been totally renovated and opened back its doors in Spring 2016. This maritime themed four star hotel actually is one of Europe’s largest hotels offering 1093 rooms and 13 suites.




As soon as you enter the hotel, you will feel you are in a seaside resort on the New England coast. From the wooden furniture, to the grand elegant staircase… I just love it all. The elegant atmosphere was very impressive and yet, there’s this typical Disney feeling throughout this hotel. We were welcomed with a big smile and everything we needed to know about the Resort was explained in a very kind way.




The rooms of Disney’s Newport Bay Club are designed in a maritime style with mainly the colors blue and white. Our Superior Room had two queen sized beds, a large desk and a comfortable couch. The small Disney touches such as the suitcase-lookalike cabinet and the wallpaper were amazing. That’s why I like this hotel so much. It’s not over the top, not too childish but still has much character.



Bathroom was comfortable featuring a bath tub and large single sink. Of course, Disney toiletries are available and there’s plenty of storage room.

There’s so much to do in this hotel. First of all, Disney’s Newport Bay Club has the best pool facilities in the resort in my opinion. There’s a large indoor pool with a huge ship play area for the kids. It kind of feels like a ship is sailing through the indoor pool area. The outdoor pool is beautiful too and offers sun loungers. The outdoor hot tub was perfect after a day in the parks. Also available in the Nantucket Pool and Health Club is the fitness room and sauna.



Disney’s Newport Bay Club’s main restaurant is Cape Cod, an all you can eat restaurant where food stations offers fresh dishes. This is also the place where breakfast is served. The large buffet is the perfect start of the day! I loved the large selections and overall quality of the food. A must try are the delicious pastries and the best thing is you do not have to worry about the calories as you will walk the whole day anyway 😊

Another dining facility is Captain’s Quarters, a beautifully designed bar right next to the lobby area where you can enjoy delicious cocktails in a classy nautical themed environment.

During our stay we visited both Disney Parks. The largest park is Disneyland Park. This theme park is divided in several areas. Main Street USA is the main street leading you to the magical world of Disneyland Paris. This street does take you back in time and walking around the shops is a fun activity. A must do: entering the shops and enjoying the beautiful interiors. Literally each shop is designed in a unique way and don’t you agree that fun shopping is a great thing to do? Also, the music in this street even add more magic.



We were traveling with 2 small boys and you should have seen their eyes when they saw Discoveryland which is located right next to Main Street USA. We did take them into Star Wars Hyperspace Mountain which was absolutely amazing.



Fantasyland is where Disneyland Paris is all about. This place takes me back in time and reminds me of my favorite Disney classics such as Peter Pan, Pinocchio, etc. This always reminds me of not being in a regular theme park. Disneyland Paris is – again – all about details. The music, the décors, … it is all there and maintained in an excellent way!



Adventureland is where the pirates live. A must do is Pirates of the Caribbean. The boys (and not only them, but we adults as well) loved it. The huge Pirate Galleon is the main point of this part of the park. It is beautifully integrated.

And then of course, there is Frontierland which brings you to the Wild West. This is where the Big Thunder Mountain is located, one of my favorite attractions. Make sure to also visit Phantom Manor, my favorite goast inspired haunted house.



Disneyland Park is the most beautiful theme park in Europe in my opinion. It truly is a magical place where both kids and adults will have a wonderful time.

Walt Disney Studios Park is the second park at Disneyland Paris. It brings the magic of Disney TV and film to life across 5 zones. The highlight of this park is the Twilight Zone of Terror, the decorations in the ride’s facade are very good and the queue is worth waiting 😊  The ride itself is an imagineering masterpiece. It combines a thrilling adventure with excellent special effects, very impressive and a must do when you visit Walt Disney Studios Park!




Other recommendations are Crush’s Coaster, a roller coaster within the Finding Nemo theme, RC Racer and Ratatouille: The Adventure. Actually, each attraction at Walt Disney Studios Park is beautifully constructed and designed.

We loved our stay at Disneyland Paris. We had one unforgettable adventure, and I couldn’t be happier about it! Between the attractions, the breathtaking entertainment productions and meeting your favorite Disney pals, there’s something for everyone in the family here.

Hotel Heritage Bruges

Knipsel

Hotelchain: Relais & Châteaux
Location: Bruges – Belgium
Classification: 5 star  Hotel
Official websitehotel-heritage.com/nl

Hotel Heritage, a member of the renown Relais & Chateaux chain, is a 5 star hotel located in the center of Bruges (the nicest and most romantic city of Belgium, if you ask me!). This hotel has impressed me! It is one of the most beautiful 5 star hotels I have ever been to.

First of all, let me tell you something more about Bruges. Every year, 5 million tourists visit this small city which often is referred to “the Venice of the North”. With its canals and typical roofs, it truly is a must-see when you’re in Belgium!

Now… let’s get back to the Heritage Hotel. You really can’t beat the location, it literally is just a few steps from the main market square, the Church of Our Lady and the Groenerei (canal). Also the main shopping streets are 2 steps away. As soon as you enter the hotel, they will park your car and guide you to the beautiful authentic reception area. This hotel is all about service! Every staff member we met was serving us with a smile and nothing was too much for an ask.

20190705_095746.jpg

Each room at Hotele Heritage is absolutely stunning and very stylish. Again, they are of a 5 star level. Every room at the Heritage hotel has some luxurious touches like an iPad 2 and a handmade bed. Also a Nespresso machine and a Bose speaker are available. The room we stayed in had a walk in closet, separate sitting and sleeping area and a very spacious bathroom with walk in shower, tub and double sinks. It’s all about the details, such as the old phone, etc. As you already know, I just love the combined old/new styles and they did a great job here!

20190705_082027.jpg
20190704_163952.jpg

The Heritage hotel is a small hotel with only 22 rooms. That’s why they will treat you as a true guest and not just a number. The service is very personal yet professional, as it should be in every hotel. But even the size of the hotel, they do have a full fitness and wellness area with sauna and hammam which are both well maintained. Don’t forget to book your spa treatment here! I had a relaxing massage and enjoyed every second of it. I need to mention the rooftop terrace! It is located on the 4th floor… Do go up and explore, you won’t be sorry… The views are amazing!

Since a few years, they opened their gastronomic restaurant “Le Mystique”. It is often referred to as one of the best restaurants of Bruges and I can easily see why. The dinner we had here was just d-e-l-i-c-i-o-u-s and we loved the professional service we received here. After some stylish amuses we ordered the river eel with courgette. What a great start of our night! The second course that was served was lobster accomponied with asparagus which I loved very much. The main course – beef wich came with a caviar of eggplant tasted heavenly. And of course, there is always room for dessert: Greek yoghurt with white chocolate. I could eat this every day 🙂

20190705_193947.jpg
20190704_194544.jpg
IMG_20190704_232440_995
20190704_202626.jpg

We did got the chance to enjoy a full breakfast and I loved every single bit and sip. Some highlights: champagne, the sugar bread and the salmon. Again, service was top notch!

20190705_090647.jpg
20190707_085022.jpg

The Heritage hotel in Bruges is a very exclusive hotel which will please everyone. I could take pictures of this place all day long. Highly recommended when you’re looking for a high class hotel in this beautiful city? Will I return? In a heartbeat!

QC Termeroma



Hotelchain: QC Terme Spas and Resorts
Location
: Fiumicino (Rome) – Italy
Classification: 5 star hotel
Official website: https://www.qcterme.com/en/roma/qc-termeroma-hotel



Looking for a luxurious spa resort near Fiumicino? Look no futher, QC Termeroma is a five star hotel near the airport of Rome Fiumicino. You actually wouldn’t tell that this hotel is located near the airport. The area is so peaceful. It’s the perfect spot for a luxurious spa resort. The surrounding areas within the Oasi di Porto National Park are gorgeous. I’d describe the hotel which is located within a historical building as a romantic place where you can unwind and relax in a luxurious atmosphere.

For me it was the first QC experience and truly was blown away by the top notch service and overall quality. From the beginning to the last second, everything felt right here.

The lobby area is cozy and luxurious, ‘country chic’ as they call it. It gives a perfect first impression of the hotel. What I liked here was the personal check-in. I was well informed of all the services and facilities in a very kind way.



Each room at QC Termeroma is luxuriously appointed and has everything I could wish for. The rooms have all the amenities you’d expect from a five star hotel and are beautifully decorated.

I stayed a Suite Caracalla, the signature suite at QC Termeroma. When I entered I couldn’t believe my eyes. It’s such a beautiful suite. At 62 m² it is huge! As they describe it themselves: the ancient luxury still lives here. Decorated with an eye for detail, this must be one of the most impressive rooms I have ever stayed at.



I appreciated the classical look of the rooms which made them – again – very romantic. As this is a spa resort, the room is ideal for relaxation. The bed was heavenly. Couldn’t have asked for more…

Bathroom was luxuriously appointed with marble sink and high class toiletries. The oversized rain shower was excellent. Do note that each room is provided with bathrobes so you can directly enter the wellness area without having to change your clothes on spot. Very convenient!




We had a great view of the garden. Walking in the garden was like walking in a peaceful and quiet hidden gem. The pools are beautifully integrated in the garden.

The personal approach here is of a high level. Each time I met a staff member, I was greeted with a smile. It are those small things that made my stay at QC Termeroma so great. You never feel uncomfortable here while staff is serving you. It feels very naturally which means the service level is of an unseen level. Let me give you another example, after my work out one of the staff members offered me a complete stretch out. This was the perfect way to relax.

Then it was time to explore the highlight of QC Termeroma: the wellness area. Honestly, one of the best I have seen at any hotel. The entrance with relaxing waterfall showers is impressive. This place is filled with hidden pools, sauna’s, steamrooms, relaxation areas, etc. It truly is mind blowing and make sure you visit the spa area early in the morning as there are less people visiting the facilities.





Outside the relaxation experience continues. As soon as you are outside you will enter the jacuzzi area with 4 different oversized jacuzzis. Make sure to visit the Veranda of laurels, my favorite secret hideaway where it was fun chilling on one of the laurels. Another great room to rest is the carriage room which is located on one of the top floors. The sounds of horses pacing on the cobblestones makes the experience even more relaxing.

There are two large outdoor pools which are maintained very well. Actually, I found the whole place very clean.




In the afternoon I was pleased to experience the spa facilities at QC Termerome. After all those good previous services, I realized that this experience would be one of kind as well. And it definitely was! I was then escorted to the beautiful treatment room where the excellent therapist made me feel in heaven as she was massaging my body. The aromatic massage was excellent and what I requested before the treatment (medium pressure, etc.) was exactly done. After the massage, I thoroughly enjoyed the facial. All products she used were from the luxurious and fancy QC brand. My skin felt like a baby skin after the mini facial I received during the treatment 🙂 What makes this experience different from others is that the therapist actually introduces the products she is using and explains why she uses them. Those small things do make a huge difference!

Lunch at QC Termeroma is something to look forward to. The buffet style lunch has something for everybody. Freshly prepared pasta, delicious salads and the most perfect desserts… it’s all there. Make sure to check it out yourself.g

At 17h it was time for an aperitif. Every guest is kindly requested to wear bathrobes. The drinks came with several delicious tapas. This was the perfect way to start a nice evening. The bar itself is stylish and beautifully decorated. It is this kind of bar where you could spend hours in comfortable couches while enjoying drinks and some small bites.

Dinner is an à la carte experience in a wonderful décor. We had a table outside with direct views over the wonderful fairytale garden. I ordered a pea and carrot pie as a starter which was delicious and beautifully presented. The veal and yoghurt dessert were amazing too, as was the service! This is a classy five star hotel as it should be! Breakfast is served here as well by the way.







QC Termeroma is a top notch five star property which will please everyone. It is a one of a kind hotel in a very convenient spot near the airport of Fiumicino airport. The personal approach, high standards and impeccable spa services are making this hotel truly unique. This is what every five star hotel should be like! Highly recommended!


Andaz Prague

Hotelchain: Hyatt
Location
: Prague – Czech Republic
Classification: 5 star hotel
Official website: https://www.hyatt.com/en-US/hotel/czech/andaz-prague/prgaz?src=corp_lclb_gmb_seo_prgaz

I have traveled all over the world and have found Andaz Prague to be one of the most exquisite luxury lifestyle hotels in my experience. Andaz Prague is a brand new luxurious 5 star hotel which is located in the iconic Sugar Palace. The hotel is well located on Senovázné Square, right in the heart of the gorgeous historical center of Prague. It’s a very convenient location. I walked around the city and most attractions are reachable within walking distance. Make sure to check out Wensceslas Square, the Old Town Square and, probably my favorite: Charles Bridge… offering stunning panoramic views over the surrounding areas of Prague.

I was welcomed by a very courteous bellman who escorted me into the beautiful lobby. I immediately realized why this will be one of the top 5 star hotels in Prague. It is actually the place to meet and mingle with your fellow travelers. The lobby is large and filled with cozy corners where you can relax, unwind and have wonderful chats. Further, I was greeted by an exceptionally great front desk staff. The kind of staff that make you feel at ease as soon as you enter the hotel. Check-in went smoothly and the staff were just extremely professional, going to extraordinary lengths to make everybody’s stay pleasurable. They even remember your names. Oh, and the complimentary welcome drink is a bonus and always a good start 😊

All the guestrooms at Andaz Prague are unique and very tastefully decorated. It’s all about the details and to be honest, the bed was one the best I have ever experienced! What I appreciated about my room were the small funny elements such as the 2 golden hands holding the drapes open, the giant lion head above the bed, the small golden guy hanging on the mirror in the bathroom… Those small things made me feel that I’m not just in a regular hotel. Andaz Prague has a personality which I liked very much. Other amenities I appreciated were the designer elements in the room and not to forget: a complimentary mini bar with local soft drinks and snacks. The room was modern, opulent and charming at the same time, perfectly appointed and completely functional. I loved the comfy lounger, large marble table and 2 comfy chairs. I had a few requests and everyone, from housekeeping to room service or the food and beverage servers, makes it their goal to treat all their guests like VIPs.



The bathroom – again, designed in an amazing way – had an oversized shower, large sink and separate toilet. Local toiletries by Krása were amazing!  




It would be very difficult to get bored at Andaz Prague. For example, the Spa by Klara Rott is the place to relax and unwind after a day in wonderful Prague. For me, it is one of the highlights at Andaz Prague. The staff is so kind. I thoroughly enjoyed the relaxing Ritual with herbal pouches. This 80 minute experience was just out of this world. I lately experienced some stress and this pressure massage with heated massage pouches filled with Czech herbs was exactly what I needed. The treatment comes also with a relaxing massage with detoxifying oil. The therapist was extremely friendly and knowledgeable. A great experience from start to finish.



There’s also a sauna and steam room which guests can use at no additional cost. If you are into working out, a nice fitness facility with the newest equipment can be used 24/24. I had a great work out and relaxed in the hammam afterwards. I felt reborn and was hungry …



Luckily Andaz Prague has a great restaurant named ZEM, an avant-garde Czech bistro. The menu is a creative combination of local Czech products with some Japanese touches. The 3-course dinner we had was delicious! I always try the local dishes and each bite was divine. I started with a potatoes and gheerkins salad… and it wasn’t just a salad! It was elegantly presented and came with onions, chives and crème fraiche. The Wagyu Beef (probably the best beef in the world) was to die for! The combination with tataki, ponzu onions, avocado and garlic chips was excellent. There is always room for dessert and the apple strudel with bourbon vanilla cream is probably the most special designed appel strudel I have ever seen.

You’d expect a high end atmosphere, but that was not the case. We could be ourselves and that was awesome. I must also highlight the staff (again!). Each person that served us was kind, professional and efficient. Nothing was asked for too much.

ZEM is also the place where they serve breakfast. The breakfast selection and service were amazing and they had my favorite fruit, muffins and excellent coffee. The large buffet was leisurely and good with great hot food choices. All in all, an excellent breakfast that set us up for the day.  

MEZ is where you need to be for a delicious cocktails. This beautifully designed bar is located next to the lobby area. I found the drinks reasonably priced and again, service was top notch!


Andaz Prague is one the best (if not THE best) five star hotels in Prague. It is brand new and is a destination hotel for those travelers that are looking for a truly wonderful luxury experience! Andaz Prague and its staff exceeds customer service in every possible way! I felt at home and I can’t wait to stay here again!

Aquarein – Grobbendonk


Awarded as the most beautiful sauna complex of Belgium and located in a very peaceful area of Grobbendonk, Aquarein is THE place to relax and unwind. After all the hectic times we live in, all we have to do is sometimes think about our mental and physical health and treat ourselves to a relaxing me-time. That’s exactly why I love Aquarein.



The first thing I really appreciate is the professional and kind welcome. Each time, we are welcomed with a smile and everything is explained in a very kind way. That’s how it should it. As soon as I enter I feel at ease and you immediately realize you are in a professional wellness center. Each guest receives a locker key which is also used for on site payments. That’s great as you do not have to carry any credit card or cash. Smartphone are also not allowed. Isn’t that great? Of course, you’re not allowed to take any pictures but it’s also super nice to be offline for a period of time. No e-mails, no messages, etc.

The locker rooms are very well maintained as is the rest of the complex. There’s no need to take your own towels or bathrobes as you can rent them on site.

The wellness complex itself is huge. It has an indoor/outdoor pool, a large jacuzzi, hammam, relaxing areas and several saunas. What I really appreciate is the fact that there’s hangers all over the place. While this is a nude facility, I like to wear my towel and bathrobe. When I want to enjoy a sauna session, I take my bathrobe off, hang it next to sauna and I’m ready to relax. During the day they offer several sauna sessions which are not to be missed.



The outdoor area is beautiful. There’s a beautiful garden with comfortable loungers and a large outdoor pool. There’s another jacuzzi as well which is the perfect spot to enjoy the garden views. Several other saunas are here too for you to enjoy. Make sure to also enjoy their bio sauna which uses several color schemes.





No wellness day without a spa treatment. Aqaurein has several therapists who are each professional and kind. We were escorted to the treatment room and totally enjoyed the experience. They definitely know how to make you feel relaxed and at ease. Also, each request was taken care of. The relaxing music made the experience even more special. Make sure to book upfront as a lot of guests book massages. If you are more into facials, they offer them as well.

Aquarein also has an on-site restaurant which we made use of. The Aperol Spritz which we ordered was actually one of the best we have ever had. Also, the small tapas were delicious. Service was splendid and we didn’t have to wait too long for our food and drinks. Excellent!



If you are looking for a relaxing me-time with just yourself or with your partner, mother, etc. look no further and treat yourself a visit to Aquarein. You won’t be disappointed!

More info can be found on: https://www.aquarein.be/

Amor Arenal



Location: La Fortuna, Costa Rica
Classification: Deluxe hotel
Official website: https://www.amorarenal.com/



Situated at the foothills of the world-famous Arenal, Amor Arenal is one of the top luxury resorts in the area. This luxurious resort built with precious tropical hardwoods has only opened several years ago and everything still looks brand new.

The dramatic entrance as I would call it, truly is spectacular. You enter the semi open lobby area and immediately notice the fantastic view all over the resort. I couldn’t believe my eyes, it is so beautiful… so peaceful and oh so romantic. When I think of Costa Rica, this is exactly what I would expect. Check-in was very efficient and personal. A welcome drink was offered and the administration only took a few minutes.



I read many good things about Amor Arenal and I had high expectations. The resort is well known for its service and overall quality. When I entered the hotel, everything felt right here. After check-in we were escorted to our beautiful Canyon Casita King. Each room at Amor Arenal is a separate villa. That’s right, the hotel is build up in several buildings and the resort does feel like a small luxurious village. At 872 sq. ft., the room was huge and the king sized bed was heavenly. I loved the lay-out of the room as well as the decoration. The wood touches add the true Costa Rica feel. A bonus was the complimentary mini bar with home-made sangrias and kambuchas, local beer, water, soda, coffee, tea and snacks. The huge HD-television was something we didn’t need during the day, but at night it was fun to watch some Netflix while being in the middle of the jungle. To round up, our room felt like a small luxury villa. Absolutely gorgeous! It felt like a home away from home.





The semi open bath room has a huge double walk-in (rain)shower and his/hers sinks. Taking a shower here is something to look forward to. I’d call it a panoramic shower experience as I had a direct view through the top to floor windows over the jungle. Luxury toiletries of Molton Brown were a treat. They smell amazing.



The oversized balcony offered the most amazing views all over the jungle and volcano. And probably the best feature of the room: a plunge pool. Honestly, I could have spent a whole day in this pool. Relaxing in the plunge pool and soak up all the beauty of the area was heavenly!



There is so much to do here and even just walking around the resort is so much fun. It is almost unbelievable how well maintained this place is. I saw staff working and maintaining the gardens every time of the day. Amor Arenal offers several natural spring pool that are beautifully integrated in the resort and its surrounding areas. This is what paradise look like and I couldn’t believe how beautiful this place is. There’s a great laid back ambiance around the pools with a lot of comfortable loungers. No need to put your towels here to ‘reserve’ your spot in the sun. Pool service was great too, they greet you as soon as you approach the pool area and make sure you’ll have everything you need.





A must-do is booking a relaxing massage when you’re guest at Amor Arenal. They have 3 beautiful semi-open treatment rooms surrounded by jungle vegetation. I couldn’t have asked for a better view. I often have a lot of tension everywhere so I love a good massage. I’ve been for many massages in my life in many different parts of the world and I can say wholeheartedly and sincerely that my massage at Amor Arenal is one of the best I’ve ever had. The therapist was absolutely incredible. Her knowledge and intuition about the muscular system is superb and she is extremely skilled at releasing tension and always hitting exactly the right spots. On top of that, she made me feel so relaxed during and after the treatment.



Also the restaurants are worth mentioning. We started each day at El Rancho where they serve a wonderful breakfast. The personal service was great as was the food. They use many local products which was much appreciated. I liked the many healthy options I could choose from. Each dish was presented in an excellent way! This truly is a five star breakfast!





At night, we had dinner. It is good to know that the resort is proud of how fresh their ingredients are and that they buy almost everything from local producers. The six course Costarican tasting menu is a must do! This culinary experience takes you on a delicious journey through Costa Rica. Eating such good food with rain forest views is an experience I will never forget. Again, you can request the food to be prepared exactly the way you want it. Service was so friendly… They will make sure you are enjoying your time here and every single request has been taken care of with a smile! It truly is all about service here! People are so nice, the level of service is very high at Amor Arenal. I never felt uncomfortable requesting for something and I was greeted every single time I met one of the staff members. 







There is so much to discover at Amor Arenal. Let me share a secret: did you know that they have 2 hiking trails around the rain forest? A must do when you are here. The nature is mind blowing and I spotted many wild animals during the hike.



The Amor Arenal experience was amazing! From the beginning to the end, everything felt right here! Highly recommended for a romantic getaway in paradise!

Le Mirabeau Hotel & Spa


Location: Zermatt – Switzerland
Classification: 4 star superior hotel
Official website: https://www.hotel-mirabeau.ch/en

All of you know that I’m a huge fan of Zermatt! I was so excited to visit and stay at Le Mireau, one of the top rated hotels in this wonderful town. This upscale four star superior hotel has a prime location within Zermatt. Although the hotel has its age, they recently renovated the entire hotel. It’s totally up to date with wonderful decorations all over the hotel.

The building itself gave me this grand feeling right upon arrival. The lobby area is luxurious, well maintained and gave me a good first impression. Check-in staff was among the best I have ever met. A big smile, asking how the journey was while arranging our keys was a lovely experience. After I was told that we would be staying in one of their Alpine Junior Suites with a magnificent Matterhorn view, I could not wait any longer and wanted to see it myself.

I can easily see why our room is called a Alpine Junior Suite. Decorated in a very stylish way, the room absolutely had everything I would expect from a four star superior property. The wooden details in our room were wonderful. The sitting area with two comfortable couches was great for lounging and relaxing. The bed was extremely comfortable. And probably the best thing about the room was the wonderful view of the Matterhorn. It actually is one of my favorite mountains, I could look at it all day long 😊

Bathroom featured a bath tub, an oversized walk-in shower, toilet and oversized sink. Turn down service was provided every night, always a bonus!

You could never get bored here! I was happy to find out that the hotel has a large beautiful indoor new built pool. It is a very large pool for hotel standards and has the ideal water temperature. The adjoining jacuzzi is great to relax. The Alpine spa area is a must visit when you stay at Le Mirabeau offering several relaxing areas with waterbeds (probably the most comfortable loungers I have experienced at any hotel), several kinds of sauna’s (including a Valaison wood sauna and a mountain herb-scented sauna), a mountain crystal steam bath and a glacier shower (which is a treat after a session in a hot sauna). There are also several treatment rooms and a (small) fitness room. I just loved the spa area and recommend you to experience the same!

There are several dining options at the hotel as there are two on-site restaurants. Restaurant Veranda is the main restaurant open for breakfast, lunch and dinner. I must say that breakfast at Le Mirabeau is a top notch gourmet breakfast… One of the better I have ever experienced in Zermatt with everything one could wish for. The extensive buffet has to offer something for anybody. Sparkling wine was a bonus! Do note that they offer several à la carte options as well. Restaurant Veranda has been awarded with 14 Gault Millau points. The tasting menu we enjoyed at night was delicious. From the beef carpaccio to the wonderful veal, it all not only tasted great, the presentation was also perfect. Service was great.

Marie’s Deli is located right at the entrance of the hotel. I loved the atmosphere of the restaurant, it offers local traditional specialties and French delicacies. Besides the restaurants, the hotel has a cosy bar where they serve fancy cocktails in a classy environment.

I loved my stay at Le Mirabeau and definitely recommend staying here when you are in Zermatt. Every staff member I met was friendly, professional and did everything to make sure I had a great time. Highly recommended!