Destinations Archives - Page 7 of 8

Italian roadtrip with Hertz Europe

theblondeflamingo / June 21, 2018 / 4 Comments

I have always been dreaming of Italian roadtrip- yup, I’ve probably watched way too many movies, haha! This year I’ve teamed up my friends with Hertz Europe and decided to make it happen! What an incredible experience that was! But let me start from the beginning…

We’ve started our trip off in Naples- the capital of Italian region Campania located in the southern Italy, at the foot of Mount Vesuvius. We spent the entire day strolling the beautiful streets with a little stop for an ice cream at Bilancione (omg if you ever go please trust me and order Ricotta & Pera ice cream!) We’ve also had a real, Italian espresso at Gran Caffe Gambrinus and watched the magical sunset in Posillipo. However what got us the most excited here is (let’s be honest!) – PIZZA! I am sure you’ve heard that Napoli is a birthplace of pizza. We went to the famous Antica Pizzeria Da Michele– known from the movie “ Eat, Pray, Love’ . The queue was massive and we were super hungry so we decided to order pizzas takeaway and enjoy them outdoors. I felt like Julia Roberts eating pizza with using only hands, surrounded by all shouting and gesticulating Italians!

The next day we decided to head to Positano. It was my fourth time there (it became my little tradition to go there every year as it’s my favourite place in Europe) and believe me- I still can’t get enough of the beauty of this place and counting the months down to go back! What’s also magical is the actual drive to this city. The views are absolutely breathtaking. The best part about renting the car and travelling on your own is being able to stop every time you see a cute spot ( and changing the outfits inside the car, haha). I swear we’ve been stopping literally all the time! So many Instagram perfect locations all around! Ahh, dolce vita!

We finished off this incredible day with a sunset cruise around Amalfi Coast with Bluestar Positano. I swear we all had tears in our eyes. It just couldn’t get more magical! The golden hour was absolutely unbelievable. I was surrounded by my favourite views and drinking champagne with people I love. At first, we couldn’t even take photos as we were all so overwhelmed by the beauty of this place. We just had to take a deep breath and enjoy every second. It honestly felt like a dream coming true. I highly recommend booking this incredible experience!

After the intense day and night driving around Amalfi Coast we decided to get a little sleep and head to Rome the morning after. It was also a very quick visit but we’ve managed to tick off all things we wanted to do- ate pizza with a view for Colosseum, tried traditional roman pasta cacio e Pepe (so simple and so good!), made a wish and tossed the coin in Fontana di Trevi, visited magical Vatican by night ( it was my grandma’s dream and I’ve done it for her) and ate the best tiramisu in a place called Pompi (please visit!). It was enough to fall in love with this city!

The last stop of our trip was visiting the beautiful city of Gaeta. I have been there couple of times and I can’t stop going back. There’s something very special about this little town. I spent the day walking around and admiring the charming and super colourful streets. We’ve also had a pizza in a famous place called Pizzeria Rustica. It was delicious! (Yup, we ate pizza everyday during this trip, haha!)

On the way back to Naples we passed this beautiful vineyard. I just had to stop to take a photo! It felt like a movie!

Ohh, it will be so hard to get back to reality after all we’ve seen during this trip! We had the best time and we’re already planning where are we going next! If you’re looking for a car rental I highly recommend booking your adventure with Hertz. Let them take you there!

Ciao!

New Year in the Maldives

theblondeflamingo / January 31, 2018 / Leave a comment

Hi guys!

Those of you who follow me on Instagram know that I have celebrated the New Year with my bestie in my favourite place on Earth- Maldives. I still can’t believe it actually happened. It passed soooo quickly! But we had absolutely the best time and would love to share more with you!

So Siobhan and I were trying to meet each other for like a year. We’ve connected via Instagram and something really clicked between us and we continued talking to each other every single day since November 2016 – when I was in Maldives for the first time and Siobhan was getting ready for her trip there. We kept in touch all these months. We even had a dinner in Zanzibar arranged once and her connecting flight got cancelled – can you imagine how unlucky we were? That was February. Then in May we were meant to see each other in Mykonos where I’ve celebrated my birthday and Siobhan at the end and very last minute changed her mind and flew to Aruba. Again we didn’t meet, but kept in touch and kept inspiring and motivating each other through the year. Until Maldives, our dream trip. Together. Our favourite destination on Earth! It was all very last minute and chaotic but when we had our tickets booked I thought “Omg, this is destiny! It was meant to be”

What I mean by chaotic is that I have almost missed my connecting flight- we both flew from different cities- Siobhan from Dublin and myself from London and we were meant to meet in Turkey and catch our connecting flight to Male. My flight was over an hour delayed and when I looked at my phone and time when I landed I realised I had 10 minutes to departure time! OMG. I have never been so stressed- sorry to all people I pushed that evening but I just didn’t think- I HAD TO MAKE IT. I literally flew through the whole airport to the gate and saw this little girl in a pink fur (she looked like a flamingo I swear to God!)- the only person standing there as everyone was already sitting on the plane. Omg, I couldn’t breath! But I made it. We hugged like old friends all ready for our first adventure together! As it was all just crazy we didn’t even think to buy the seats next to each other and our tickets showed Siobhan in the front and myself in the back of the plane – brilliant. But we decided to sit next to each other anyway haha, we literally pushed it, I am still laughing when I think about it- big thanks to the guy who changed his seat for us and let us talk and laugh all flight! Yup, we were exhausted but talked and laugh all 9 hours flight. I felt like I knew her all my life! Isn’t crazy?

We were literally dead when we got to the Maldives- zero sleep, jet lag and hunger haha, but I knew I am not allowed to sleep as we were getting on the seaplane straight after and it was my deepest dream! WHAT AN AMAZING EXPERIENCE. I can’t even find right words to explain how incredible that was. You HAVE TO experience it yourself. The view was just unbelievable. Yes, we were in paradise. My heart was beating so fast, I had tears in my eyes the entire time and I was holding Siobhan’s hand as I couldn’t believe this was really happening!

The first hotel we checked into was The Sun Siyam Iru Fushi. This is where we were celebrating New Years Eve! We have fallen love straight away! Take a peek!

The last night of 2017 was absolutely incredible. At midnight, we just stood by the ocean, watched fireworks and cried from happiness. We were just so happy and grateful for what we have achieved so far. It’s been an extremely hard working and stressful year for both of us and we felt like this was a prize for all these struggles and hard work- celebrating the New Year in paradise. We danced, we laugh, we cried, we had a swim at the ocean at 3am, loads bubbles and chocolate! What a night. The most magical New Years Eve in my life so far.

Hello 2018!

Highlights of 2017

theblondeflamingo / December 30, 2017 / Leave a comment

As the year is coming to an end I thought it would be great to sum it up. First of all I would like to say how quick this year was! I can’t believe it’s almost over!

What a year it has been though…

Started with ticking Portugal off my bucket list. I had the most magical time in Lisbon and also made it to by dream palace in Sintra which was even more beautiful than I expected!

In February we travelled to another bucket list destination of mine- Zanzibar. It’s one of my top destinations I’ve visited this year. Apart from its endless blue oceans, stunning white sand beaches, delicious food and warm people it had also taught me a great lesson. It is truly a beautiful and luxury destination, but if you leave the resort everything changes and you see the real Africa. It’s so sad and overwhelming, however seeing the people so happy and grateful for what they have, seeing them loving the simple life with ‘hakuna matata’ problem free philosophy made me start being more grateful for things I haven’t appreciated before.

After this trip I was already getting ready for another adventure- my boyfriend treated me to the best birthday trip to beautiful Mykonos and Santorini! I’d love a gift like that every year, please!

While in Greece, I found out I am travelling to Morocco with my best friends 2 weeks after! Isn’t it crazy? It was the best birthday gift ever- travelling to my dream destination- Chefchaouen with people I love! This city will always have a special place in my heart.

After this trip I was selected a blogger of a month by SkinnyDip London. It was my first and very special interview that made me believe in my blogging career even more!

Few weeks later I was boarding to Italy- this year I have visited my dream Genova, Cinque Terre and Portofino and Napoli and Amalfi Coast after that. I had a chance to visit my favourite place in Europe- Positano for the third time and I fallen in love even more! 2018, could you please take me back there again?

In August this year was offered the Social Media job I was fighting for for months! What a big change that was! I am grateful to be growing and learning something new every single day and be surrounded by passionate, ambitious and creative people.

That month was also very special to me as my boyfriend and I treated each other to a magical weekend getaway to Soho Farmhouse in Oxfordshire to celebrate our 4th anniversary. We couldn’t have chosen a more unique place to celebrate!

Few weeks after that I treated my mum to the birthday escape to Mallorca. I have been planning our daughter and mother trip for months and couldn’t be happier we made it happen! She literally cried! Hopefully the New Year will bring us more trips like that! We had the best time ever.

At the end of September we flew to Barcelona to celebrate my boyfriend’s birthday) I will never forget his magical birthday dinner at Soho House Barcelona rooftop restaurant.

Month later we were already packing for our dream trip to Seychelles!

We have finished this crazy intensive year with a peaceful Christmas in London, just two of us, loads of Italian food and Christmas movies. We both needed to recharge the batteries!

You may think I am crazy, but I am blogging from the plane now! Will spent NYE with my bestie Siobhan from They Wanderlust in the Maldives. Can’t wait to see her! I am so so so so so excited!

Thank you 2017! You’ve been one of the most intensive and stressful but also the most incredible and progressive year of my life. In 2017 TheBlondeFlamingo officially became a business and a job. I am finishing the year with amazing audience of 50 000 of you around the world Thank you for believing in me, thank you for your love, support and to the people who’re by my side everyday- a very special thank you for your patience and kicking my bum everyday- I know I’ve been such a pain this year with all my travels, lack of time, constant stress and ups and downs. But we made it together! I would never be where I am without you and your help! Thank you for still being by my side! I love you.

Bye 2017. Thank you for all your lessons. Bring on 2018! Can’t wait to see what you hold!

Seychelles- Paradise on Earth

theblondeflamingo / December 28, 2017 / Leave a comment

I have been dreaming of visiting the Seychelles since I can remember. It was my bucket destination for 2017 and I still can’t believe I have managed to tick this place off my list considering I have travelled to so many destinations this year already! Writing this post is taking me forever as I literally can’t find the words to describe this paradise! Hopefully my photos will help out!

But let’s start with where the Seychelles are located and how did we get there. So, the Seychelles is an archipelago of 115 islands in the Indian Ocean, off East Africa. We flew there from London, with a quick stop in Ethiopia and landed on Mahé Island where we’ve spent first few days. We stayed at Bliss Hotel located on the northern shores of the island, in a sheltered cove, set between white sandy beaches and lush tropical vegetation. This hotel was so beautiful, minimalistic, chic and had a bohemian feel I absolutely adore.

After couple of days in Mahe we took a Cat Cocos ferry to Praslin. It took us a little bit over an hour to get there. In Praslin we have decided to rent a car and go a on a little road trip around the island. What a dream! Talcum-powder sands, turquoise waters, lush hills, granite rocks all over,tropical flowers, colourful birds. Absolutely unbelievable! Wish I could teleport back right now!

After couple of days we took a ferry to another bucket list island- La Digue. The journey was only 15 minutes and we were in completely different world. No cars, no noice, just pure nature and the ocean. The best way to move around the island is to rent a bike. I am not gonna lie it took me ages and still didn’t manage to find the pink one ( haha, what a drama!) but got a pretty blue one so I was happy at the end! The roads and views around the islands were absolutely breathtaking.

We have also ticked the famous Anse Source D’Argent off my bucket list and I have to admit it was the most beautiful beach I’ve seen in my life so far. Believe me, the photos do not justify the beauty of this place!

We have finished off our incredible stay on La Digue Island with a romantic, sunset dinner at Le Domaine de L’Orangeraie hotel. What a magical setting! Will never ever forget this beautiful evening!

After visiting Praslin and La Digue we went back to the main island- Mahé and spent our last two days at Hilton Northolme Resort & Spa- I fallen in love at first sight! It was one of the most charming hotel I’ve stayed at. Located in the North of Mahé , only 30 mins away from Victoria airport, nestled into the hillside with spectacular views of the Indian Ocean. Surrounded by white-sand beaches, lush tropical gardens and turquoise waters- ahhh, a true escape from everyday life. It’s also an adult only hotel which makes it a perfect romantic getaway or a honeymoon destination.

Our villa was just perfect. Very private, spacious, with a king size beautifully- decorated bed and all wooden interior. I loved the woody scents all over the place. We also had the dreamiest walk-in shower and a whirlpool bath. Yup, I’ve spent most of my time in there!

My second favourite place at the resort was the pool area. It was just a perfect place to relax and forget about the world. We’ve been also lucky to witness one of the most incredible sunset ever!

When talking about Hilton Northolme Resort & Spa you definitely can’t forget mentioning how incredible and private the beach is! I felt like I had it all to myself. Look at these endless blues! I couldn’t believe my eyes! I will also never forget this place as it’s was the first time I tried paddle-boarding! Omg, so much fun! (especially when you feel like you’re the only person in the ocean!)

It was so hard to leave this beautiful hotel! Wish we could stay longer! PS. My flamingo loved it too! We will miss you, Hilton Northolme Resort & Spa!

All these experiences, incredible views, magical sunsets and lovely people we’ve met during our trip- especially Judith from Hilton’s Social Media Team but also a very talented Fashion and Travel Journalist and the cutest travel couple- Stuart and Helianna made me love the Seychelles. Due to some health issues we experienced during the trip and also crushed drone ( Thank you Stuart for letting me use your photo!) we were not able to see and shoot as much as we planned but still tried our best to do as much as possible during our stay and showcase our favourite places around these magical islands. What I know is- we have to come back as soon as we can and explore more!

Seychelles, we love you!

The most magical Christmas spots in London

theblondeflamingo / December 25, 2017 / 3 Comments

As some of you already know- this year I am spending Christmas in my favourite city- London (before heading on the next and very special trip soon, but will share it with you later! It’s still a little secret!) I’ve been here for 5 years and this city never fails to amaze me- especially during the festive season. I just can’t get enough of the decorations and lights all around the city. I love strolling around my favourite places with hot chocolate in hand. Today I decided to share my favourite Christmassy spots with you!

Peggy Porshen I think I don’t have to introduce this perfect pink coffee shop with the prettiest looking coffees, cupcakes and the most magical displays. This place is actually my tradition every season of the year and I think it can’t be missed during your visit in London! The closest tube station is Sloane Square.

Winter Wonderland – I have been visiting this place every single year for the past 5 years and I can’t get enough! Makes me feel like a little child! Love running around with pink cotton candy, riding carousels, sipping mulled wine and watching London from above on a Giant Wheel. There’s no better place in London to get into the Christmas spirit!

New Bond Street– definitely my favourite street to stroll around during the festive season. Every shop display is just incredible and so photo-worthy. I promise the memory card in your camera will get completely full!

Ice skating at National History Museum– London has quite a few ice rinks but this one is the most enchanting. This year my visit to this ice rink was even more especial than last year as it was snowing! Couldn’t get more magical!

Harrods – the world’s most famous department store located on Brompton Road in Knightsbridge. It’s a must see tourist attraction all year long, but during the festive season is just something else! You need to see it with your own eyes!