Destinations Archives - Page 5 of 8

Una Vida Tulum- a tropical oasis

theblondeflamingo / May 31, 2019 / 2 Comments

Recently I had a pleasure to stay somewhere absolutely beautiful. Ok, let me be honest- I have been planning to stay at Una Vida Tulum already last year, however due to another project, I didn’t make it to Tulum. I have been patiently waiting and yet the most incredible thing happened this month- I got to celebrate my birthday in this dreamy hotel! I still can’t believe it!

Why Una Vida Tulum? Well, you already know me- I fall in love with people and places at first sight and this is exactly what happened this time as well. ! I have found this place on Social Media last year and thought “wow”. I am a huge fan of bohemian decor and this small, boutique hotel had it all. I could feel its vibe already by just looking at the photos. It was absolutely stunning and away from Tulum’s crowds and noise. For some people this could be a little problem as the hotel is located a little bit away from the main Tulum area that you see all over Instagram. Well, personally I didn’t mind that at all. I loved that the hotel was located in the middle of jungle, away from the city’s life. It was a real, secret boho oasis. A paradise for unique design and art lovers.

Let me show you around. Let’s start with a beautiful reception area- they looked after absolutely every little detail. The decor got me absolutely crazy! Everything was so me! Loved the boho, hippie and coastal vibes. This area already gave me all the feels. I felt so inspired and close to the nature. I also really liked the space to rent the bikes- bikes are free of charge which is great as it makes it super easy to get to the main attractions that Tulum has to offer. If you are planning to rent a car there’s also a parking space just in front of the hotel. Centre of Tulum is only few minutes drive.

After the check-in we were escorted to our one bedroom boutique villa. We’ve passed a beautiful pool area that felt so just so peaceful. I honestly can’t find a better word for this place than “tropical oasis”.

Accomodation

Let’s talk about villa! First think I spotted was a huge, comfortable bed and beautiful dream catchers on the wall- you know how much I love them! The decor was really rustic and simple but this is exactly what I love. We’ve had a large private bathroom, terrace overlooking the jungle and a beautiful living room with a kitchenette. Personally I think this one bedroom villa would be a perfect option for families travelling with kids.

We absolutely loved our stay here! We also had the chance to have a look at their Villa Jacinta- 3 Bedroom House that can fit up to 8 people. This villa was absolutely magical too! The decor was pretty much the same but the space was huge and also had its own private pool and outdoor bathroom- what a dream!

Dining

During our stay at Una Vida Tulum we had a pleasure to try some delicious Mexican dishes prepared by a private chef. I was impressed not only with flavours but also with a presentation of the dishes. You could see the chef put his heart into it! I highly recommend trying Huevos a la Mexicana- Mexican eggs, Huevos Verdes- Green eggs and their delicious fruit bowls. That was our favourite brunch! PS. If you’re wondering inside of that fun pumpkin-shape dish- this is how they serve warm, homemade tortilla- so good!

Una Vida by night

One more thing I’d like to mention is how magical was this hotel by night. I remember coming back from the dinner to the most magical view. I tried to capture it but it wasn’t easy, haha. Honestly, this place gave me all the feels. I felt at peace while staying there. It was a perfect place to do yoga, meditate and eat delicious and healthy food. It somehow reminded me of the yoga retreat I done back in January in Koh Samui, Thailand. Look how gorgeous was this place with a candle light!

To sum up, I would 100% recommend choosing Una Vida Tulum as your Tulum’s home. I am calling it home as this is how it felt to me from the moment I stepped in. The room rates in low season start from as low as 60$ per night which makes it not only affordable but also a boutique and chic accomodation option. What I would recommend is packing a mosquito spray- yes there are some insects in the evening, but it’s natural as the hotel is located in the middle of the jungle. I personally loved being so close to the nature and to myself. Thank you so much for a wonderful and memorable stay. I have a feeling, we’ll see you again soon!

Post in collaboration with Una Vida Tulum Hotel

Few things you should be aware of before travelling to Tulum

theblondeflamingo / May 12, 2019 / 1 Comment

Hello from Tulum!

As I have been here for a week already I have decided to put together a couple of tips and things you should be aware of when planning your trip to Tulum.

Seaweed

Sadly many people who reviewed Tulum on Social Media didn’t mention this problem. I think it’s super important to mention it especially if you’re planning a beach holidays. We visited in May and in Tulum we were not able to swim in the ocean. The seaweed was everywhere and water looked seriously dirty. While luxury hotels are trying to clean their private beaches and it they were looking a bit better, we still haven’t managed to have a swim. Of course there’s many other things to do and see in the area. You can drive to other beaches ( car is essential) or swim in local cenotes but personally I wouldn’t recommend Tulum as a beach destination. We’ve been told by locals it’s not like this all year long- they advised the best time to visit Tulum and avoid the seaweed is between October and April however I heard from other travellers who visited during this time and the seaweed was there aswell, however less than it is now.

London prices

This is not what you probably expect from Mexico but Tulum is extremely touristy and prices are pretty much the same like in London when it’s about food and drinks. The prices of cocktails in the beach clubs vary between £10-£17, for lunch/ dinner for two between £70-£200. Scooter rental per day is about £20 plus 5000 pesos deposit. Car rental with full inscurance starts from £40 per day ( the most basic car) plus £500 deposit. The only thing we were quite lucky with, is that in May Tulum was pretty dead. Beach clubs were pretty empty so there was not such a thing like queues or no space. Few times ( in the weekend) we were told there’s a minimum spent. Normally it was around $60 US dollars per person in places like Nomade or to the bar at Azulik ( to get to the bar there was a minimum spent of around £25 per person)

Drugs

Another thing that really surprised me. I mean, I was aware that there’s lots of parties in Tulum but drugs were sold literally everywhere even in the day time. When walking around in the evening you are literally bombarded!

Extreme poverty

While most of the people showcase Tulum as luxurious, trendy destination full of chic restaurants, boutiques and 5* hotels to me it was only one street. Outside of it ( also in Tulum) the poverty is insane. It actually made me super sad. Once we were eating in the restaurant in Tulum downtown and i stood up to take a photo of something. In the meantime, a little boy (3-4 years old) came up to our table. He saw that I left a cherry on my empty plate and asked my boyfriend if he could eat it. When he told me I wanted to cry. We bought him a crepe with nutella and I swear I’ve never seen so grateful eyes and big smile in my life. The contrasts in Tulum are crazy and while I loved all the chic places on the ocean front, I was also trying to spent some money in downtown and support local businesses rather than only 5* chains.

Tips

In Mexico, similar to US they expect you to tip for everything. Sometimes optional service charge will be added to your bill. If not, they will kindly suggest you should tip even at places like petrol station, parkings etc It’s good to have some change on you at all times. In the beach clubs they will expect higher tips even though in most of the places the service charge is added to the bill already. Waiters in some places like Taboo were very pushy and rude about it.

Parking

Once again – we’ve visited Tulum in a low season but sometimes in the weekend it was not easy to find the parking space which would be free. Sometimes they let you park as a guest of the hotel/ beach club but most of the times these spaces are reserved for the guests who actually stay at the hotel. There was few parkings around but I have noticed the prices were not really fixed. Once there was a sign of Parking 15 pesos while when we got there it turned out to be 200 pesos. Also in some of these private parkings they were changing the prices depending on what car is coming in. We were asked for 300 pesos and the better looking car after us 500 pesos.

How Marbella stole my heart

theblondeflamingo / March 23, 2019 / 4 Comments

Marbella has been a dream of mine for a good few years. At the end of last year I even created a Pinterest board for the future, where I’ve pinned all the beautiful white- washed streets, charming cafes and chic boutiques. I had a plan to visit this city but had no idea the opportunity will come so quick! When Klaudia from Carmelatte asked me to join her on the trip to Marbella I literally couldn’t believe it! Felt like it was meant to be! I booked my tickets straight away and counted the days down like crazy, haha!

Where is Marbella?

Marbella is situated in the foothills of the Sierra Blanca, on the Costa del Sol, in the province of Malaga.

How to get to Marbella?

The closest airport is Malaga airport. Gibraltar International airport is also another option. At Malaga airport, we’ve rented a car from Goldcar. Marbella was around 40 mins drive. What a drive that was though! The mountains views on our way were absolutely gorgeous.

First glance at Marbella

I fallen in love with Marbella at first sight. It felt like a mix of places I absolutely adore- my beloved Mykonos with all its charming white streets, my dream LA (all the roads where full of palms on each side. Also all the incredible mountains views, wow!) tropical Bali with all its lush gardens and banana plants everywhere, vibrant Morocco with all colourful buildings and tiles. Ah, what else I could ask for from one place? Marbella has this incredible cosmopolitan atmosphere. I’ve also had a chance to stroll around few neighbourhoods and it felt like walking around Beverly Hills. Absolutely stunning! I am not going to lie I felt like I could live there!

Where I stayed

During my little break in Marbella I had a chance to stay at Marbella Club Hotel. From the moment I walked in, I fallen in love. This place is so elegant, luxurious and charming surrounded by lush gardens and with stunning views over the sea. Marbella Club Hotel offers different accommodation types : rooms, suites, grand suites, villas and grand villas. There were two villas that absolutely stolen my heart.

Let me show you around Casabel– my love at first sight. I loved the beautiful pool, rattan outdoor furnitures, bohemian feel and its most perfect patio, decorated with hand-painted ceramic murals. Also the villa has a beautiful, private garden lined up with lemon, orange, avocado and olive trees. Ohhh, could I please move in?

*Welcome to the home of my dreams! Or the most perfect holiday home!*

*The cosiest living room with a lovely fireplace*

*Kimono from **Miss June** and sandals from* ***Renee***

Another villa I absolutely fallen in love with was Bel Air with a huge private Balinese style pool and absolutely insane boho decor. This villa looked like taken from my Pinterest board! Take a peek!

Restaurants

There’s plenty of restaurant choices at Marbella Club Hotel. I personally enjoyed dining at Beach Club the most- as it doesn’t get better than delicious meal in the sunshine with the Seaview, right? I also loved The Grill. Such a romantic scenery for the evening and plenty of sea food options so I was in heaven. There’s also a beautiful cafe located right by the beach that was my favourite spot. Perfect place to relax and have a cup of tea with a view.

What to do in Marbella?

Marbella has so much to offer- from beautiful beaches, mountains, golf courses, lush gardens, charming restaurants, cafes, chic boutiques. Here’s my top recommendations.

Visit Marbella Old Town

I could be strolling these beautiful, white-washed streets for hours. It’s so nice to actually get lost and admire the beauty of them. What I loved the most were the cute, colourful flower pots on every single corner- it’s a very characteristic thing in this region. There’s lots of stylish restaurants and beautiful shops- real paradise for flamingos life myself! I treated myself to another bohemian style bag, yay!

Shop at Puerto Banus

For shopping lovers- you can’t skip the visit to Puerto Banus- luxury marina and shopping complex. This is where you can shop at the luxury fashion boutiques : Gucci, Dolce Gabbana, Prada or sip a cocktail at the fancy bar or beach club watching the super rich on their luxury yachts and the Ferraris passing by. Insane!

Watch sunset at Belvue Rooftop Bar

If you’re looking for a chilled spot for a cocktail or a glass of a lovely Spanish wine or Sangria and watch sunset over the city Belvue is a perfect choice. They also had the live music playing the night we went and it was so lovely! May I add that for two glasses of local red wine we’ve paid only 9 euro? Wow! And you get this view!

Have a lunch at Organic Market & Food

We discovered this place while searching for a healthy lunch spot. Organic Market & Food was a perfect choice! We actually went there twice as we loved it- once for late lunch and once for cakes. It’s such a beautiful place and the staff working there was super friendly! Not even mentioning my favourite boho decor and such a great food choices- healthy salads, veggies, juices, smoothies etc. They also do a takeaway, so if you’re heading to the beach and would like to take some healthy food with you, look no further. Just a little tip here- if you’re looking to come for lunch and would love to sit outside, it’s better to book a table as they get quite busy and there’s only few tables outdoors.

Chill at the Beach Clubs

In Marbella you can find so many stylish beach clubs with great food and music for either a chilled afternoon on the sun-bed or a crazy night out. If you love beach clubs write these names down : Nikki Beach Club, Ocean Club, Amare Beach, La Sala by the Sea, Funky Buddha Beach, Puro Beach and Max Beach.

Tours around

There’s also lots of places around Marbella that are worth visiting. As we’ve only been there for 4 days we haven’t managed to do that, but that means I have to come back soon!) From Marbella you can go for a day trip to either Gibraltar, Malaga, Mijas Pueblo, Serrania De Ronda or even Tangier in Morocco!

I hope I inspired you to visit Marbella! This place stolen my heart and I hope I will have a chance to come back soon!

What to pack?

Post in collaboration with Marbella Club Hotel

Finding my balance at Absolute Sanctuary, Koh Samui

theblondeflamingo / March 7, 2019 / 1 Comment

How have I ended up going on a retreat? Well, let’s start with saying that doing what I do is not always that colourful and easy as it seems on the photos. I do realise that to some people it may look like I am only having fun. And it’s true! Most of the time I do, but its also my own company, a real, full-time job and business. Business I’ve started from the scratch without even knowing that I am really building a business and a full-time career. As much as I absolutely love what I do and would never ever change any decision I’ve taken so far, after few months of working 7 days a week, constantly researching, learning, travelling non stop, being jet-lagged all the time, forever chasing on invoices, payments and deadlines, at the beginning of this year I started to feel really stressed, tired and overwhelmed. All the upcoming opportunities sounded incredible however it’s only me who really knows how much it costs me. I felt huge anxiety like I’ve never felt before. I was constantly worried about something and couldn’t make the deadlines and my work done. It was a very scary feeling knowing you’re completely on your own. I felt like I needed help as I also felt so lonely trying to explain my feelings to other people who really got no idea what my job is about. And then suddenly the incredible invitation came through my email – a retreat at Absolute Sanctuary in Koh Samui, Thailand Asia’s top wellness resort, located on the North Eastern side of Koh Samui, also known as the island of healing. I’ve felt like it was a destiny! This was exactly what I needed in my life! I said yes straight away!

So, where to start…

First thing I had to do is to choose the program for me. How did I know what program would be the right fit? Before the arrival I had a phone consultation that helped me to choose the right programme that would suit my needs. As I’ve been going through some tough time we both agreed that what I really needed was to relax. That’s why I decided to go for an Anti Stress & Burnout program which is designed to those who are in need to escape from their hectic lives, recharge and rebalance their mind, body & spirit through a combination of relaxing & healing spa treatments and massages, healthy foods and supportive emotional therapies.

As everyone is a need or something different, Absolute Sanctuary introduced 6 new wellness and fitness programs to make sure everyone will find something they truly need wether is a rest, rebalance, weight loss, increasing the fitness level or changing the lifestyle. The 6 new programs are : Women’s Holistic Health, Men’s Vitality, Body Realignment, Sleep Well, Mindfulness, Rest and Rebalance. You can find all the details about the programs here.

Couple of weeks later after the phone call I was already sitting on a plane to Thailand with my friend Bonnie both super excited for this incredible trip.

I’ve fallen in love with the Absolute Sanctuary at first sight. It had this incredible energy that is really hard to describe. We’ve arrived in the late evening, we’ve checked in, our schedules were all ready for us. We’ve been shown around the Sanctuary and taken to our beautiful rooms.

Accommodation

They have 38 rooms in total inspired by architecture of Morocco with bright colours and moroccan tiles. You can choose between Sanctuary Suite, Sanctuary Deluxe and Sanctuary Superior rooms– whatever matches your budget and comfort level. I personally stayed at Deluxe room with a beautiful moroccan bathroom and a large bathtub.

Schedule

So how my daily schedule looked like? I would normally start my morning with a ginger tea by the pool watching the sunrise and listening to the birds sing. It felt so incredible to be there completely on my own, at peace and contact with nature. Will never forget this view!

After that I would head for a group meditation and yoga class. That was the perfect way to really wake up.

Myself and Bonnie who I went on this incredible retreat with. We both needed it so much! We’re wearing matchy activewear from Evveervital

And then time for breakfast served at Love Kitchen ( where you could seriously feel the love with every dish and every smile from the staff members. I am still smiling when I think of them!) The food was delicious. There was seriously not a single thing I did not like. Everything was super fresh, high in nutrients, low in calories, enriched with superfoods and wholefoods. They also served healthy juices, smoothies and herbal teas ( my favourite was goji berries, honey and lime).

After breakfast I was usually soaking up the sun that I’ve missed so much, relaxing by the pool and enjoying coconut water or super juices.

Then I would head to their beautiful spa to enjoy a massage and spa treatments. My favourite and was 60 mins Indian Head Massage and 90 min Traditional Thai Massage with Herbal Heat Compress.

Usually after that I had lunch, a little nap and attended another yoga session in the late afternoon. My favourite but also a very hard experience (for the beginner as myself) was a group hot yoga session. It was my first time and I honestly really enjoyed it even though my muscles felt really painful the day after. However that was not a problem at all. They were very accommodating and let me change the schedule the way my mind and body was happy at all times. One day I skipped some of the classes and gave myself more relaxing time, longer sleep and a stroll at the beach nearby the hotel.

Here’s some photos of the Absolute Sanctuary. Ahh just looking at it brings all the positive energy and peace back!

Juice bar located by the pool

5 days spent in this place honestly changed me and my life. The stress management session with a therapist helped me a lot too as I found a real reason where is my stress and anxiety coming from. I’ve found my inner peace, I’ve rested, I’ve finally had enough sleep, exercised, ate super healthy and set the new goals. My skin also got better. As some of you know I am dealing with adult acne that has been such a pain since couple of years now and I left Absolute Sanctuary with cleaner, healthier looking skin. I came back to London new-born and by saying new-born I really mean it! I’ve started to wake up earlier which gave me more time in a day. I’ve started to exercise regularly, I’ve stopped skipping breakfast and I’ve started to listen to relaxing music in the morning (rather then getting into my Instagram and emails straight away) to get me in a good mood before a busy day. This trip honestly changed my lifestyle so much! I am forever grateful! Thank you so much to all team at Absolute Sanctuary for incredible hospitality and looking after us so well! I can’t find words to describe how much I miss this place every single day. I promised myself I will return one day as I haven’t found a place that has such an incredible energy. I can’t recommend it enough!

Thank you for bringing back the happy, healthy me!

Post in collaboration with Absolute Sanctuary

New Year means new destinations! What’s on The Blonde Flamingo bucketlist for 2019

theblondeflamingo / January 6, 2019 / 7 Comments

Hello everyone in 2019!

As the year has just started I have spent the last few days relaxing and recovering after crazy NYE party ( i havent had a party like that for ages- it was awesome!) and I spent the time thinking of new goals, resolutions and destinations. I have so many plans in my head and I still struggle to seriously write them down as honestly my problem is – I want to go EVERYWHERE! Can anyone relate?

However after thinking deeply about where I really want to go RIGHT Now i created a list of 10 places I am seriously dreaming of and hoping I can visit some of them in 2019!

1. Bahamas

I know this place is currently quite popular destination but I seriously would looooove to visit in 2019! I have been thinking of that place for years now! And I am sure tropical flamingo couldn’t imagine better friends than couple of sharks and swimming pigs haha!

2. Hawaii

Another destination I have honestly been dreaming of! This would be a dream place to take my first surfing lesson! Also as a tropical flamingo, how could I miss the real aloha vibes? I would love to swim with turles, visit all the incredible beaches, waterfalls and if possible ( please please please!) stay at the Royal Hawaiian Hotel- the real tropical pink paradise and experience the Honolulu Latern Festival!

3. Dubai

This place seems just so unique and different from any other places I’ve travelled to. Dubai became my obsession and I am really really hoping to tick this destination off my bucketlist in 2019. Not gonna lie I am already making some serious plans! Fingers crossed! I would also love to visit Abu Dhabi, experience the Desert ( my dream since forever!) beautiful Dubai Miracle Garden, visit the absolutely insane Zaya Nurai Island and dine in the underwater restaurant – Ossiano. That would be GOALS!

4. Bora Bora

Probably this place should be at the top of my list as it’s the most far one and the most expensive destination to travel to. However I am being positive and thinking that If I work hard this year, it can take me anywhere I want! Going to Bora Bora would be honestly the biggest travel dream come true( after Maldives, Seychelles and Aruba that I also had on the top of my bucketlist and I have managed to visit last year!)

5. California

Honestly, I don’t understand why I haven’t been there yet! I felt like I have as my Pinterest is just full of inspo, pinned cafes and places I want to visit. I really hope this year my Big Californian dream can come true! I feel like this place is literally calling my name! All the palms, magical sunsets, cacti and THAT pink door! Dying to go!

6. Cape Town

Mama Africa will forever scream my name! After visiting Zanzibar, Kenya, Morocco and Tunisia, I feel like I would love to also experience a different side of Africa and head to the South. Cape Town has been on my bucket list forever but recently I am seriously obsessed! I guess I don’t even need to explain how much I would love to visit the famous penguin beach! Flamingo and penguin- can you imagine?! Awww! Please, please, please 2019!

7. Capadoccia, Turkey

Those of you who follow me on Instagram since the beginning already know how long I’ve been planning a trip there! And I almost went in October 2018 however due to some personal and health issues I had to cancel the trip. I really hope 2019 will finally bring me to this magical place. Would love to experience the ballon ride at sunrise. Ah, what a dream!

8. Cayman Islands

Another exotic destination so high on my bucket list! I have been following my bloggers friends who went there on a Press Trip in 2018 and they got me even more obsessed. I would love to experience the helicopter ride for the first time ( I guess that would be a perfect spot!), the stingrays city- it looks absolutely unbelievable and the starfish point- wow! Also the food and the most insane looking beaches. How could The Blonde Flamingo missed that? 2019- teleport me right there!

9. Tulum, Mexico

Tulum is forever somewhere in my head. I would love to visit all the adorable cafes, also my dream Azulik Hotel, snorkel at cenotes, buy all the boho accessories from my flat ( let’s just stop for a second and imagine the size of that suitcase haha!) and eat tacos!

10. New York

I guess i don’t have to explain why I would love to ( finally!) visit New York. Even though I live in the big city- London, I have a feeling that NY is completely different and experiencing it would be absolutely incredible. I already have a list and Pinterest board of all the cute and Instagrammy spots I would love to tick off. My huge dream would be to visit New York during New York Fashion Week ( after attending London and Paris one in 2018!) Ahh, bring on 2019!

Images source- Pinterest

As you can see my bucket list is never-ending haha and I was limiting myself to really think of the Top 10 places! I really hope I will manage to visit at least few of these incredible places. I am sure they would inspire me to create more and more for you!

What places do you have on the bucketlist for 2019?

The Blonde Flamingo