HOTEL TIP: Villa Karisa – Seminyak, Bali

Seminyak, one of Bali’s trendiest hubs, is known for its many hotspots, beach clubs, and fashion boutiques. Which is exactly why it is no surprise that the lively streets of Seminyak meet the travel itinerary of most people visiting Bali. Still looking for that perfect hotel to stay on your upcoming trip to Seminyak? We might have found the place for you!

Already in Seminyak?

• Don’t forget to watch the sunset at this beach bar
• Grab a smoothie bowl here 

Villa Karisa, Seminyak

Balinese bohemian vibes in the midst of Seminyak; that is Villa Karisa. The villa, which is actually a boutique hotel, is roughly a 12-minute walk from the beach and a stone’s throw away from loads of shops and restaurants. Aside from its lovely interior, Villa Karisa was renovated early 2016 and, with rooms going for as little as €55 a night, offers great value for money for guests that are looking for a centrally located hotel in Seminyak.

Adjacent to Villa Karisa lies Villa Saffira. This luxury 4 bedroom villa features a Morrocan rooftop, swimming pool, and a stunning living area. Guests of Villa Saffira have direct access to Villa Karisa and can enjoy all the amenities of the boutique hotel. But, this also goes vice versa. Should Villa Saffira be free upon the time of arrival, guests of Villa Karisa can make use of two magnificent areas to relax and explore.

Hotel rooms

All rooms at Villa Karisa have been individually designed by the owner and furnished with hand-picked Balinese furniture. This gives each of the 10 hotel rooms a unique personality and atmosphere-  having in common that they are all incredibly good looking. Some rooms feature a separate bathroom, others have the bathroom cooperated within the room. But, they all feature a rain shower, a characteristic mirror, and shielded toilet. Furthermore, all rooms are equipped with filtered water dispensers, flatscreen TV and air conditioning.

 

Facilities

Swimming pool

Villa Karisa boasts one large swimming pool that guests can make use of. The comfortable sun loungers make the pool area a great spot to spend an afternoon sunbathing and doing absolutely nothing. If Villa Saffira is available, there are two swimming pools for guests to enjoy. Another bonus: the pool is beneficially located and has sun for the largest part of the day.

Breakfast

Daily breakfast is included in all room rates. Between 07:00 and 10:00 guests can enjoy breakfast in the lobby area where your choice of the a la carte menu will be freshly prepared. Aside from the standard coffee, thee and fruits, guests can choose between three different set menus. Other items are available upon request and require a surcharge.

Rooftop (Villa Saffira)

When and if guests are lucky enough to have Villa Saffira available for usage, there is a stunning Morrocan rooftop to enjoy. The all white rooftop is the perfect spot for afternoon drinks and chats under the open sky.

What is a night at Villa Karisa going to cost you?

Villa Karisa

Room prices starting from €55 ($62.50) per night 

More information

Guests that book 3 nights or more at the hotel get extra privileges by booking directly. For more information on Villa Karisa, its facilities and the promotional offer; please visit www.villakarisabali.com.

All prices converted on xe.com as of 28 February ’19, in EURO and US Dollar. Subject to currency fluctuations. 

Great hotels for an unforgettable trip to Thailand

Planning your trip to Thailand and looking for a good hotel in Bangkok, Koh Chang, Koh Kood, Chiang Mai, Pai or Chiang Rai? We’ve got you covered! This handy little list of hotels is here to help you make the most out of your stay, no matter which area you wish to go. Each hotel on this list has its own unique features and charm, yet they all have on thing in common. They all have been handpicked –by the pickiest of pickiest-  tried and tested. With a stamp of approval, these hotels are ready to contribute towards an unforgettable trip through Thailand.

Did you know that Booking.com often allows travellers to cancel their booking up until 24 hrs in advance. Perfect for those wanting to keep their options open and remain flexible at all times!

Where do you want to go?

Bangkok
Koh Chang
Koh Kood
Chiang Mai
Pai
Chiang Rai 

Bangkok

Marriott The Surawongse

 

Pamper yourself upon arrival in Bangkok with this 5* hotel. Marriott the Surawongse has it all; a killer infinity pool, large gym, diverse breakfast, and the perfect rooftop bar to watch a Bangkok sunset. Basically, guests don’t even have to leave the hotel in order to have a good time. Read our more detailed review here.

Room prices starting from €128 ($145) per night 

More information

Koh Chang

Santhiya Tree Resort

 

Our island favorite; Santhiya Tree Resort in Koh Chang. This hotel has a 9.0 guest review score on Booking.com and there is no wonder why. The hotel staff is friendly, the rooms are incredible and the bathrooms are unique. Even the restaurant has the perfect beachfront location. A night at Santhiya Tree resort is guaranteed to be money well spent.

Double room prices start from €126 per night

More information

Koh Kood

Away Resort Koh Kood

 

A lovely resort, that is affordable, on Koh Kood is Away Resort. Without to much fuss, this hotel offers all you need. An activity center can be found on the premises and scooters are available for rent to explore the rest of the island. Read our detailed hotel review by clicking here.

Bungalow prices start from €110 ($124) per night 

As with most islands, prices on Koh Kood tends to be slightly higher than on the Thai mainland.

More information

Chiang Mai

The Inside House

 

Sleep like a royal in Chiang Mai at the Inside House. This newly opened hotel is set right in the middle of all the action; Chiang Mai’s old town. Restaurants, shops, and some general sightseeing are therefore all to be found within its immediate surroundings. The iconic white interior, spacious rooms, and general design are what makes this hotel breathtaking.

Price for a double room starts from €151 ($171) 

More information

Pai

The Quarter Pai

 

There is plenty to discover in Pai but it is always good to have a nice home front to fall back on. The Quarter Pai is just that. The hotel offers spacious light infused rooms, which all feature a separate bathroom and two small outdoor lounge areas.  Done exploring Pai for the day? The Quarter Pai’s large on-site pool lends itself perfectly to hang out till the sun is long gone.

Price for a double room starts from €39 ($44)

More information

Chiang Rai

Sabai Chiang Rai

 

Who said good things rarely come cheap? At Sabai Chiang Rai guests can book a comfortable room for solely 18 euros a night. The rooms are a tad small but the hotel is centrally located and the staff is super friendly. Great value for money!

Price for a double room starts from €19 ($21) 

More information

Le Meridien Chiang Rai

 

Le Meridien is a luxury hotel set a little out of the center of Chiang Rai. This is the hotel you go to the end of your trip to have a night of tranquility and relaxation. The riverfront pool is chilly but phenomenal. Guests that are keen on a good meal don’t have to go far. Le Meridien’s on-site Italian restaurant proudly upholds the no. 1 place on Tripadvisor for best restaurant in the area.

Price for a double room starts from €89 ($101) 

More information

All prices as of 20 January 2019, in US dollars and EURO, converted on http://www.xe.com.

7+ Things to do during your next trip to Sydney

With an abundance of diverse activities – surfing on brilliant beaches, going into the depths of the urban jungle or visiting world-renowned landmarks – it can be difficult to decide what to do first when arriving in Sydney. For a little head start, we’ve laid out the highlights, that cannot be missed on a visit to the biggest city of Australia:

1. Luna Park

Ride the Ferris Wheel, the Wild Mouse rollercoaster or just enjoy some people gazing at Sydney’s retro Luna Park. This colorful theme park originally opened in 1935 and has been open on and off since, with some of the attractions still in use this day. The general old-school vibe and its waterfront position are what makes Luna Park worth the visit even for those who are not planning on riding anything.

Entrance to the park is free, visitors solely have to pay for the rides they want to get on. Luna Park is open year round and can be easily accessed by ferry, which stops right in front of its literally smiling door. (Milsons Point Wharf)

Note: avoid going on school holidays as it tends to get extremely overcrowded. 

 For more information and opening hours visit www.lunaparksydney.com

2. Sydney Opera House

Perhaps the most symbolic to Sydney is the Opera House. Surprising for some is that, even though it looks like one gigantic building from a distance, the Sydney Opera House actually consists out of 7 individual venues. Each and everyone with their own iconic white roof built up out of over 1 million tiles. The Opera House still hosts over 40 shows a week and no, these aren’t only opera shows. Shows vary from cabaret to theater and dance; basically, anything that concerns performing arts so that visitors of all ages and backgrounds can enjoy a visit to the striking UNESCO world heritage site.

TIP:  Have a drink at the Opera Bar whilst visiting the Opera house. This beer garden is situated right at the waters edge and offers a phenomal view of the harbour.

Visit www.sydneyoperahouse.com for more information and to discover the prices of a show to your liking.

3. Chinese Garden of Friendship

An oasis amidst the busy city center; the Chinese gardens of Sydney. This calming sight is open to the public for an entrance fee of 6 AUD (€3.7/$4.2 ). It takes roughly 30 minutes to an hour to make your way through the park

For more information visit www.darlingharbour.com

4. Walk the Sydney Harbour Bridge

Sydney’s Harbour Bridge was originally build to make the Northern half of Sydney more accessible and has been in use for nearly a century now. The bridge is 1.149m long and 49m wide, allowing cars as well as pedestrians to cross the sea. For an exceptional walk in which you can spot several city highlights from above, access the bridge on Cumberland Stree in Circular Quay,  and make your way over to the Northern end. The walk is particularly good during sunset and sunrise!

Sydney Harbour Bridge bonus activity:

Feeling a bit more adventurous than crossing the bridge by foot? It is also possible to actually climb the steel arch bridge, where an organized tour will bring you all the way up to the top. Hearsay has it that this experience, and the views from above, are ones to never-ever forget. As it is a once in a lifetime experience, climbing the bridge does not come cheap. Tour prices start at 168 AUD and run up to 388 AUD.

For more information visit www.bridgeclimb.com

5. Bondi Beach

A visit to the world’s most renowned beach can surely not be left off this list. Surfing, tanning, people watching, take a ton of photos, drinks with a view, outdoor workouts; there is something to do for everyone on this nearly 1 km stretch of sand. For a complete overview, click here to discover the best things to do in and around Bondi Beach.

6. Darling Harbour

Sydney’s Darling Harbour is without a doubt a leisure and entertainment hub. The long paved path surrounding the harbour is filled with bars, restaurants, and shops that are ready to entertain its visitors. The waterfront location and the skyscrapers set in the background of the area, is what makes Darling Harbour an impressive sight in general. At night, the area comes even more alive, with street performers, happy hours and tourist and locals alike flocking to the area, preparing for a night into town.

7. Go to Manly 

Perhaps one of the most surprising Sydney suburbs is Manly. This idyllic beach set town is located a half hour ferry ride away from Circular Quay, or 15-minutes if you hop on the fast ferry. Manly is a Sydneysiders favorite and many will go to Manly on the weekends, to either get their surf on or just to enjoy a nice meal along the palm-lined boulevard. There is more to Manly than just the long stretch of golden main beach, make sure to explore the area and visit Shelly beach whilst you’re there.

The ferry to Manly leaves every half hour from Circular Quay. The price of a ticket for the regular ferry is roughly 15 AUD per person. The fast ferry is priced at 18.20 AUD. Prepare yourself for some killer views along the way.

Tip: on Sundays, public transport fares are adjusted to a $2.70 travel cap within NSW. Making it by far the best day to explore farther out areas in Sydney, such as Manly.

8. The Rocks 

‘The Rocks’ is the oldest neighborhood in Sydney’s inner city center and can be referred to nothing less than spectacular. Whilst the area is mainly popular with locals for its shopping and dining possibilities, it is the view that makes The Rocks into something truly unique. A walk through these vibrant streets is amusing at any time of day.

*All prices as of 8 January ’18 in US dollars & Euro, converted on xe.com

HOTEL TIP – Florence, Italy

HOTEL TIP Florence – Hotel Pendini

Where classical music plays on vinyl,  the rooms are decorated with floral wallpaper and the furniture is antique. Hotel Pendini, a stone’s  throw away from all the major sightseeing spots in Florence, is an ideal base for any tourist visiting Florence. The hotel first opened its doors is 1897, as the upscale Pensione Pendini, and has been run by family ever since. Nowadays, the hotel is still by many perceived as city history, setting high standards to uphold the class it once opened with.

Popular landmarks such as the cathedral of Florence, Basilica of Sante Croce, Piazza della Signoria, Uffizi Gallery and the renowned Ponte Vecchio bridge are all within a short walking distance of the hotel. And, as to expect from such a central location, so are all the restaurants, shops and gelato you could possible wish for. Or, after a long day of visiting the historic sights, chill out in hotel Pendini’s very own authentic Italian lounge,  decorated with hints of gold and vintage furniture throughout. 

 

Fun fact: the location of hotel Pendini is now perceived as one of the best areas to stay in Florence,  with neighbors such as  Louis Vuitton, Dolce & Gabbana and Cartier. BUT, back in the day, this particular neighborhood was known as the ghetto of the city and the square it is situated on was just a local market. Then, late in the 1800’s, Italy decided to clean up Florence and, in an effort to imitate some of Paris’ elegance and fine historical buildings, builded the grand arch that is featured in the photo above. When the work on the arch was completed, a very rich lady which happened to be part of the Pendini family decided to started a residence for travellers in the attached building. The grand arch still proudly bears the Pendini name today.

Usually we like our hotel rooms to be styled somewhat modern, but this -the vintage cellphone, golden beds, velvet curtains and bright floral wallpapers – somehow just all work. All rooms of the hotel are featured with air-conditioning, television and free wifi. Furthermore, the room above in specific, had a lounge, desk and closet which aren’t showing in the photo. The same goes for the bathroom, which might look small but is in reality rather large.

Breakfast at the hotel is served every morning from 07:00-10:00, with some good complimentary Italian coffee brought to you be the attentive staff members.

Price of a night at Hotel Pendini, Florence

So, what does one pay for a stay in a vintage-esque hotel right within the city centre of Florence? Well, for our 4-night trip (Thursday till Monday) we paid a total of  $637.36 (€ 527,40) with breakfast included. With high review scores, such as the 9.1 on Booking.com, the hotel is incredibly popular and always sells out early. Being on time is therefore highly recommended, also budget wise as it tends to get more expensive as you wait. Curious to whether it is still available and what it might cost on your desired date? Click here. 

Have you ever visited Florence? We’d love to hear your thoughts! 🙂 ↓

* All prices as of 30 April ’18, in US dollar and EURO, converted on xe.com. 

SLEEP IN THE HISTORICAL CENTER OF FLORENCE : Hotel Pendini

HOTEL TIP Florence – Hotel Pendini

Where classical music plays on vinyl,  the rooms are decorated with floral wallpaper and the furniture is antique. Hotel Pendini, a stone’s throw away from all the major sightseeing spots in Florence, is an ideal base for any tourist visiting Florence. The hotel first opened its doors is 1897, as the upscale Pensione Pendini, and has been run by the family ever since. Nowadays, the hotel is still by many perceived as city history, setting high standards to uphold the class it once opened with.

Already there and hungry?

• 9x where to eat in Florence 

Central location

Popular landmarks such as the cathedral of Florence, Basilica of Sante Croce, Piazza della Signoria, Uffizi Gallery and the renowned Ponte Vecchio bridge are all within a short walking distance of the hotel. And, as to expect from such a central location, so are all the restaurants, shops and gelato you could possibly wish for. Or, after a long day of visiting the historic sights, chill out in hotel Pendini’s very own authentic Italian lounge,  decorated with hints of gold and vintage furniture throughout. 

Fun fact: the location of hotel Pendini is now perceived as one of the best areas to stay in Florence,  with neighbors such as  Louis Vuitton, Dolce & Gabbana, and Cartier. BUT, back in the day, this particular neighborhood was known as the ghetto of the city and the square it is situated on was just a local market. Then, late in the 1800’s, Italy decided to clean up Florence and, in an effort to imitate some of Paris’ elegance and fine historical buildings, built the grand arch that is featured in the photo above. When the work on the arch was completed, a very rich lady which happened to be part of the Pendini family decided to start a residence for travelers in the attached building. The grand arch still proudly bears the Pendini name today.

Room interior

Usually, we like our hotel rooms to be styled somewhat modern, but this -the vintage cellphone, golden beds, velvet curtains, and bright floral wallpapers – somehow just all work. All rooms of the hotel are featured with air-conditioning, television, and free wifi. Furthermore, the room above in specific had a lounge, desk, and closet which aren’t showing in the photo. The same goes for the bathroom, which might look small but is in reality rather large.

Breakfast at the hotel is served every morning from 07:00-10:00, with some good complimentary Italian coffee brought to you by the attentive staff members.

What is a night at Hotel Pendini in Florence going to cost you?

For our 4-night trip (Thursday till Monday) we paid a total of  $637.36 (€ 527,40) with breakfast included. With high review scores, such as the 9.1 on Booking.com, the hotel is incredibly popular and always sells out early. Being on time is therefore highly recommended, also budget wise as it tends to get more expensive as you wait. Curious to whether it is still available and what it might cost on your desired date? Click here to check out the prices.

Rooms prices starting from €95 ($108)

More information

Have you ever visited Florence? We’d love to hear your thoughts! 🙂 ↓

* All prices as of 30 April ’18, in US dollar and EURO, converted on xe.com. 

ACCOMMODATION TIP – New York City

That Manhattan is no longer the only ‘place-to-be’ has been clear for quite some time now. With a large variety of districts – that each have their own characteristics- Brooklyn’s got it. And, whilst other popular area’s such as Williamsburg and Dumbo might be located closer to the bridge, Bushwick, a little bit farther out, ain’t bad at all. Especially, if you come across an accommodation like this.

The Funky Loft

A 30-minute subway ride away from New York City’s bubbling core, lies the extravagant Funky Loft.  With a variety of lush plants, a swing in the living room, kitschy 1970’s themed bathroom, vintage furniture and props throughout; this place truly is an artists dream. The Funky Loft was named “the coolest Airbnb in Brooklyn’ in 2017 by Time Out Magazine. Well, there is no arguing that.

With its quirky interior and something eye-catching on every inch of the appartment, it’s no wonder the property is regularly rented out for photoshoots. The Funky Loft features 3 rooms that are individually themed and are fully decorated to complement that theme. New York City is famous for ever fluctuating weather but they’ve got you covered with an A/C for the hot days and heaters for the colder ones.  The doors of the accommodation are wooden barn doors, and slide from side to side. Which are super cool but do not completely close, so hopefully you’ll have mindful neighbors.

The owners are friendly and, above all, experienced in renting out their accommodation. They know how to anticipate on anything you might need and have tons of tips to make the best of your stay.  As, an original bed and breakfast be-tamed, breakfast is set up for you to use at 07:00 and remains available until 11:00.

However, as superb as this place might be, do keep in mind that the owners actually live at the property. Therefore, they’ve set silent hours, from 10pm until 10am. Not to say that you’re unable to go out or anything like that, you’re more than welcome to step in at any time of the night, just keep down the noise. Small price to pay for such a lovely apartment. Staying longer or having a romantic weekend getaway? Than maybe this place is best combined with a night in a hotel in Manhattan.

Total costs for staying at the Funky Loft in Brooklyn?

For our 3-night stay, during a particularly cold March, we paid a total of $345 (280 EUR) which is a bargain in NYC.

Keen on spending the night in this incredible accommodation? Find out what it is going to cost you on your desired date and time by clicking here.

*All prices as of 31 March’18 in US dollars and EUR, converted on xe.com

Sunset Magic – Bali Hotspot

Bright cocktails, fresh food and pink-isch sunsets; a magical combination. La Plancha, located on the Double Six beach between Dhyanapura & 66 road in Seminyak, is a Spanish beach bar with an abundance of colourful beanbags and tasseled parasols.  

5x The Best Roof Top Bars in Marrakesh

The Best Roof Top Bars in Marrakesh

Ah, the roof top bars in Marrakesh. The ultimate way to escape an ever chaotic Medina, which -don’t get me wrong- definitely has its charms. It is however not quite suited for those who are looking for tranquility and relaxation, as these lively streets will feed the curious throughout their stay. But luckily, Marrakesh offers a way out, just for a moment. When stepping in to the following 5 cafes and restaurants, where the hectic is left behind and one can take in all the colorful beauty that this diverse old city has on offer – from above.

1.Nomad

This trendy decorated restaurant, located right in the center of the Medina, is hands down one of the favorite rooftop bars we’ve ever set foot in  The atmosphere is fascinating and with three floors -two of which are outdoors- you will be able to view the old city from above from many different angles. During nighttime the light beamed edges of the rooftop and its lit lanterns under the open sky have an incredibly romantic feel to it. Reservations do come in handy as this place draws the crowd, especially during high season.

An extensive three course dinner, including four sodas and coffees, will set you back 588 Moroccan Dirham, which equals 61.12 US Dollar.

Nomad upper floor

Total costs for a three course dinner for two- 588 Moroccan Dirham, 61.12 US Dollar

For more information on menu items and prices click here 

2. Atay Cafe Food

This multi-level little gem offers the ideal combination of good food, good shade and good views. One cannot help but getting a hint of those Ibiza vibes with the wicker lamps floating in mid-air and the hints of color that are alternated with natural shades throughout. The seating areas get smaller the further up you wish to go, so being there early ain’t a bad idea if you want to be guaranteed of a good spot to start gazing at the city and of course – the biggest eye-catcher of all – the mosque.

For this lunch with a view – which consisted out of a taijne, omelette, two coffee, juice and tea- we paid roughly 200 Moroccan Dirham, which equals 21.13 US dollar.

Orange cinnamon juice 25 Moroccan Dirham- 2.64 US dollar | Mint tea 15 MAD- 1.51 US dollar

3. Café Des Épices

Café Des Épices, located just minutes away from its sister Nomad, offers equally beautiful views of a colorful square. An open space that almost feels like a relieve when making your way to the vibrant, but narrow, streets of the souk. This lovely place has a more of a casual vibe to it, making it perfect for daytime meals or some Moroccan whisky. (Read:tea)

Total costs of our lunch came down to 202 Moroccan Dirham, equaling 21.34 US dollar. And it was a LOT. Next to the meals it included a juice, two coffees and a large soda.

Lamb Taijne 7.39 US dollar – Chicken sandwich 5.28 US dollar

Colorful views

For more information on menu items and prices click here

4.  Souk cafe

The bright and playful rooftop bar of Souk cafe was such a pleasant surprise. We actually ended up here by accident, as normally we carefully look for places we want to eat on forehand. But this time, after hours of strolling through the Medina, we needed some energy ASAP, and then there appeared Souk cafe. Where we honestly ate the best Taijne we had throughout our stay! The beef taijne, topped of with apricot was finger licking good, and the terrace itself was lovely during the day. Don’t expect spectacular views of the Medina, but the food alone is reason enough to stop by.

Total costs for our meal -consisting out of two taijnes, two juices, two sodas and coffees- was roughly 340 MAD/35.92 US dollar.

5. Le Jardin

Soaked in emerald green, Le Jardin, is a sight for sore eyes.  The across the street neighbor of Souk Cafe features a combination of Moroccan and European chic interior, and is garden themed throughout. The relaxed atmosphere alone is why Le Jardin should be on top of your to-do list, either by day or by night. However, for the more romantic ‘dinner-in-the-garden-by-candle-light’ idea, nighttime is definitely advised.

For dinner at this lush green restaurant we paid 529.20 Moroccan Dirham , which is 55.91 US dollar. We, again, ordered extensively and this included a two-course diner, four sodas, coffee and a juice.

 

Ground floor

For more information on menu items and prices click here

All prices as of 11’December 2017, converted on xe.com