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48 Hours in Malaga: Embrace the Magic of Culture and Sun-Kissed Adventures

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Long time no post here! I apologize for my absence and I genuinely missed being here! Life has been incredibly busy, but I have great news – I am finally back! Around two weeks ago, I had the amazing opportunity to fulfill my travel dream, all thanks to Gallery Hoteles, an independent hotel group based in Spain.

Where is Malaga?

I have been dreaming about visiting Malaga for what feels like forever! And guess what? I finally had the chance to explore this magnificent city! Not only did I get to stay at one of their breathtaking hotels right in the heart of Malaga, but I also had the privilege of immersing myself in the region’s exceptional hospitality, mouthwatering gastronomy, and rich culture. You won’t believe how excited I am to share all of my experiences with you and give you all the best tips! Brace yourself for an inspiring and vibrant journey through this incredible city!

Malaga is located in Southern Spain, precisely on the beautiful Mediterranean coast within the enchanting region of Andalusia. Thanks to its exceptional geographical position, the city is bestowed with idyllic weather conditions, a gorgeous sunshine throughout the year. This makes it an ideal destination to explore at any time, regardless of the season. Additionally, it is worth mentioning that Málaga holds renowned status as a prominent port city, and proudly serves as the birthplace and hometown of the great artist, Pablo Picasso.

I had the pleasure of spending just 48 hours in Malaga, and let me tell you, it was more than enough to fully immerse myself in the vibrant atmosphere of this city. Picture yourself surrounded by golden sand beaches, basking in delightful weather, and indulging in a never-ending variety of tapas restaurants. As the day unfolds, the lively bars come alive, and you can’t help but be captivated by the mesmerizing sunsets. The streets are filled with live music, making every step you take a truly enchanting experience. Malaga is a place that exudes vibrancy, bursting with colors, and brimming with life!

Where to stay?

I had the opportunity to stay at the Molina Lario hotel, nestled in the heart of the lively city. This magnificent boutique hotel boasts a well-deserved 4-star rating and is conveniently situated just across from the majestic cathedral. Immerse yourself in the vibrant atmosphere of Malaga as you explore the countless bars, restaurants, shops, and museums, all within a short walking distance from the hotel.

Photo by talented Spanish photographer Alejandro Moneo

Nestled in the city center, this charming hotel comprises two meticulously renovated 19th-century buildings with original facades, accompanied by a third contemporary structure. Together, they form a unique and captivating hotel complex, blending historical allure with modern elegance.

With 103 uniquely styled, bright rooms, this hotel creates a welcoming ambiance that effortlessly embraces a sense of home. Thoughtfully curated with a great attention to detail, each room is adorned with delightful touches to ensure your comfort and convenience.

This hotel presents a diverse culinary experience that encompasses various venues. From the delightful restaurant Matiz and its charming Patio, where guests can enjoy Mediterranean cuisine infused with contemporary twists on traditional Andalusian recipes, to the bar offering a tempting selection of tapas, and the rooftop terrace, known as The TOP, serving delicious cocktails. While you’re here, I encourage you to try the Picasso-inspired cocktail—a delightful drink that celebrates the famous artist’s legacy.


Throughout my stay, I found joy in indulging in the exquisite rooftop pool. The serene ambiance, accompanied by refreshing cocktails, provided the perfect setting for basking in the sun’s warmth, all while relishing the stunning vistas that stretched across the Mediterranean Sea and the majestic cathedral.

For hotel bookings and availability please click here.

Best things to do in Malaga?

1. Experience Authentic Malaga at Casa de Guardia

Step into the rich history of Malaga by visiting Casa de Guardia, one of the city’s oldest taverns. Indulge in the delightful Pajarete sweet wine, savor the mouthwatering local hams and cheeses, and soak in the genuine Malaga ambiance that fills the air. It’s the perfect spot to immerse yourself in the authentic flavors and atmosphere of this vibrant city.

2. Immerse Yourself in the Local Flavors at Mercado de Atarazanas

Discover the heart and soul of Malaga by exploring Mercado de Atarazanas, a bustling market where you can find an array of fresh meat and fish. Wander through the vibrant stalls, engage with friendly local vendors, and experience the vibrant energy of this cultural hub. It’s an opportunity to taste and discover the local side of Malaga while connecting with the city’s culinary traditions.

3. Delight in a Sea View Lunch at Las Palmeras in Marengo

Escape to the picturesque Marengo neighborhood and treat yourself to a delightful lunch at Las Palmeras. Indulge in the famous Malaga skewers, relish the flavors of fresh fish, and savor the refreshing salads, all while enjoying a mesmerizing view of the sea. It’s a perfect combination of great food, captivating scenery, and the authentic essence of Malaga.

4. Discover Picasso’s Legacy at El Pimpi

Uncover the artistic heritage of Malaga at El Pimpi, a legendary establishment with deep connections to Picasso. Immerse yourself in the ambiance of this historic place as you sip on the traditional sweet wine, a true local specialty. Allow yourself to be transported back in time while appreciating the intertwining of art, culture, and history that this iconic venue represents.

5. Indulge in Sweet Delights at Casa Mira

Treat yourself to some delicious ice cream at Casa Mira. It’s the perfect way to end your Malaga adventure on a sweet note.

For safe travels, do not forget to get travel insurance. I never travel anywhere without one. You never know what can go wrong these days! Cedar Tree is an award-winning travel insurer. Booking your insurance with them is super quick, easy and affordable – expect to pay around £7.75 for a Single-Trip policy for a long weekend. How good is that? Cedar Tree has launched a new and improved version of its TravelMate app- a UK-first in the travel app space. You can get 24/7 support anywhere in the world. Policy holders can also enjoy Loyalty Club, which opens up a world of savings on over 400 of the UK’s most popular brands including Sainsbury’s, Tesco, BT, M&S, ASOS, Disney+ and more! If you’re planning your trip soon, get 20% off your travel insurance with my code TQKA9MK6XQ More details here : https://www.cedartreeinsurance.com/ T&C – the code is valid for 12-months direct from Cedar Tree, and is not to be used in conjunction with any other offer.

I hope the tips in this blog post will be helpful for your future trip to Malaga. May you fall in love with the city and its culture, just as I did. Enjoy the vibrant streets, immerse yourself in the rich history, savor the delicious cuisine, and embrace the warmth of the locals. Malaga has a way of capturing hearts and creating unforgettable memories. Happy travels!

Post in collaboration with Gallery Hoteles

5 things I learnt during 5 weeks of lockdown

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Cleaning counts as a workout

I must say I was feeling quite guilty for eating so much these last few weeks. I was just not in the mood to do work outs and jump around, but hey! What I realised recently is- cleaning the house is also a workout! I became soooo quick and strong at cleaning the house after Salvo’s cooking that I honestly deserve a gold medal- I couldn’t be more active right now, haha! So to all my ladies out there feeling guilty- check out your muscles after washing tones of plates, cleaning the whole house everyday and running around with your kids 24/7! See? It’s a new level of fit! Quarantine fit!

Family and home is everything

I mean it seems pretty much logical. But do we really appreciate it everyday as much as we do right now? Personally I think- not really. Normally my London’s home is like a hotel to me. I travel in and out. Pack and unpack. I am never around really and frankly this home was never as important to me as it is right now. I am now grateful I have my space, my office, my boho corners and a large bath to chill at. I appreciate my large sunny kitchen where we cook everyday with so much joy and sun rays. I appreaciate our huge comfy sofa where I can snuggle up with a rad candle and a warm cup of my favourite tea. I didn’t appreaciate small things like these before!

And of course my family- of course I always appreciate them and miss them, but now knowing I can’t go home and not knowing when I will see them again kills me and makes me think of them every single day and all the time. I spent days browsing our photos and planning where we will go when this is all over.  The lockdown made me realise this is all that matters and this is the only solid thing in our lives that we should look after every single day. Not the money and job- now we see it’s soooo easy to lose. It’s a warm home and loving family that helps you to get through everything and pushes you forward. 

Improving my food photography skills 

As our recipe account started to honestly grows so quick (thank you so much for your support and such a positive response to our new project. We are over the moon!) I started to improve my food photography skills. As you know, in the past (almost 2 years ago now- wow time flies!) I was working at Soho House as a Social Media Coordinator and I was managing quite a few restaurant’s accounts and creating food related content. I now had a pretty long break, but last few weeks made me realise I have really missed it and I still really enjoy it so I keep experimenting with new props, backgrounds, colours and angles everyday! Here’s some of my recent snaps and Salvo’s incredible creations. Follow him for the most amazing recipes!

Shop kitchenware

  

Nothing cheers me up more than good food

As you know last few weeks I wasn’t feeling great (sorry for being a crying baby!) but I swear every time Salvo’s brought me his dish (and a chilled glass of Rosé with a strawberry) my worries seemed to disappear for a moment! I truly enjoy delicious food and drinks and all things fancy! His incredible dishes help me so much to get through this difficult time and put a smile on my face!

Working with what I have 

Let’s be honest. Normally as a full-time travel blogger I get to experience and stay at the most incredible places to create the content. Brands and hotels are always putting so much effort to put together the most magical itineraries, events and set ups for us bloggers to create content. But now the situation is completely different. There is no pretty hotel bathrooms and pink flower displays. There is no fancy flower baths (unless you create one at home!) infinity pools and afternoon teas. Now we need to learn how to work with what we have. It’s not easy at all but I must say after these few weeks of experimenting- it’s super challenging but very interesting. It makes me happy to see people getting more creative and working with what they have at home. I have struggled a lot but hey- slowly getting there and getting new ideas everyday. Here’s my fav snap shot in my hallway!

Peachy blanket and cushion from Peachy Parrot. I absolutely love this brand! My new discovery! Their products honestly added sunshine to this corner of my home. I highly recommend to check out their gorgeous accessories.

Shop my homeware

What I am sure is – the current situation makes you grow. Not only with creating content but also as a person. We learn to adapt to completely new reality, we became mentally stronger and more supportive. I love that and I think my industry and this world truly needed this! 

Have you learnt or realised something during the lockdown?

The Blonde Flamingo

Life in lockdown- you don’t have to be productive right now

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You don’t have to be productive right now.

I haven’t been here a lot in the last weeks. Everything has been crazy and changed so quickly. I felt like my life changed completely and I believe Corona Virus affected all of us all over the world. Let’s face it. We have never been through something like that. None of us. Nobody really knows when it will end up and when our lives will get back to “normal”. It’s indeed a very stressful situation and we all need time to process everything in our heads and learn to live in a new reality for a while.

However what I found more stressful these days (even more than the virus itself) was the pressure to be productive and creative. Especially in the industry I am at. Normally I am creative and full of energy and positivity. At almost all times. I am always online, writing, creating, reading, researching, learning, shooting and editing. I am doing my best to inspire and educate people to live their best lives.

I am not going to lie – the new reality hit me and my business really hard. I had my next few months perfectly planned with projects, travels and my goals. I was meant to make so many of my dreams come true. Of course due to the current situation everything got cancelled or postponed. These last weeks I was feeling upset and lost. Every time I looked at Social Media was either another negative, overwhelming news or other people posting the videos being super productive, happy, creative, doing lots of fitness and practicing Tik Tok choreographies. Frankly, I felt like I live on a different planet. I blamed myself for not being able to do anything really. I struggled and I was proud of myself for actually getting out of bed these days. I was really down and really scared. I had difficulties sleeping and bad dreams. I was scared about the future, about my career, about finances. I started to feel like I am being negative. And then I came across this quote :

“Staying positive doesn’t mean you have to be happy all the time. It means that even on hard days you know that there are better ones coming.”

I have decided to give myself a break. And get myself out of the sick and fake circle. I decided not to pretend I am ok to please others. I opened up and shared my feelings. I don’t have to be ok right now. I don’t have to be jumping and dancing right now. I don’t have to be positive 24/7. I am a human being and I have a right to struggle and be sad and it doesn’t mean I am a negative person.

Why am I writing it? Because maybe you out there, deep inside feel exactly the same. Maybe you also feel the society pressure now to be productive creative, to get that “dream body” RIGHT NOW. To work on that goal and find a dream job RIGHT NOW. I am here now to tell you – don’t. Do not let that pressure get to you. Life in a new reality is hard enough already. Do what feels right to you. Don’t force yourself when you don’t feel ready. Give yourself time to process and accept everything. Sleep as long as your body needs. Have that relaxing bath everyday. Read that book you’ve always wanted. Slow down. Look around you and deep inside you. Look yourself in the mirror and do what you and your body truly need right now. Look after your body and soul. Call your loved ones and support each other. You don’t have to be productive now. It’s ok not to be ok. And it’s ok to talk about it aloud instead of getting into that sick circle again. I truly believe it’s time to slow down now and look after our health- both physical and mental.

How’s my life during the quarantine?

I have been now self-isolating since 21 days. I went to the grocery shop twice during this time. I allow myself daily walks in the park- I can’t even describe how important nature is in my life. It keeps me going.

I have also slowly started to set up the new home routine. As you know as a full-time travel blogger it was always very hard for me to have a routine. Well now I do. I wake up when my body is ready. I do my morning skincare routine. I then head to the kitchen and drink hot water with lemon, ginger and honey ( adding turmeric from time to time). I open the window and let the fresh air in. I let myself be ready for the day. Then I make breakfast, clean the kitchen and start with my normal work- replying to the emails, messages and creating content for my Social Media Channels.

Last weeks were really slow and I didn’t work much also because I really needed a break. But I have actually started something new thanks to you! These days Salvo and I were cooking a lot (well he was, I am the upaid kitchen porter lol) and we received a lot of requests so we have started cooking and filming the recipes for you. It is giving me some energy these days. I now have my little mission and it’s keeping me busy and away from negative thoughts. If you’d like to follow our recipes feel free to follow me and Salvo on Instagram. We are going to create new recipes for you everyday. Salvo is in charge for cooking and I am looking after video and photography part. I actually really enjoy it. So far we have created recipes for homemade bread, pizza, famous pasta Cacio e pepe and Carbonara today per my best friend request. Here’s some photographs I took :

    Apart from that I haven’t done much really. I gave myself time to slow down, accept what’s happening and start working and creating when I am ready for it. I am spending these days sleeping, reading and eating. I also have baths now almost every day as I find it relaxing. And I drink wine and watch videos from my travels. That would be it!

    How are you? How you’ve been doing these days?

    Sending you lots of love and support!

    The Blonde Flamingo

    Detox weekend in Glass House, Essex

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    Hello in 2020 everyone!

    I hope you all started the year with a new, positive energy! One of my 2020 resolution was to look after my health (both physical and mental a bit more). I have recently visited a place that seriously inspired me (and helped me) to do and I would love to tell you all about it!

    When thinking of detox retreat, we often think of those far away from home, usually quite pricey when adding the costs of plane tickets but sometimes we don’t have to look this far! I have discovered an incredible and super relaxing place less than an hour drive from London called Glass House.

    A little bit about the retreat

    The Glass House is set in the heart of the Essex countryside and has been designed from scratch and built by industry experts. Offering a unique programme of wellness, fitness and nutrition led by their team of expert therapists, instructors and coaches, Glass House will be the go-to place for those seeking the ultimate wellness experience.

    How to get there?

    Less than an hour drive from London

    What makes it special?

    I truly loved this place as they were treating everyone individually. They do tailor and suggest a specialist programme to give you the most self-beneficial experience however it’s not enforced- it’s only recommended. Your journey here, can be either intense or relaxed- it’s all up to you. If you feel like a personal training session rather than a group class, that’s fine. If you feel like staying in the pool, no problem.

    Personally I done a bit of both- one intense day full of fitness classes and one day of relaxation – long sleep, yoga class, pool, sauna sessions, a massage and a facial and I loved it. What I also found great were the long countryside sunrise walks. We were lucky as it was so beautiful and sunny at all times so it was such a magical and relaxing experience and a break from busy and noisy London life. ( I would recommend you to pack warmer jacket and wellies as it was quite muddy). Also every evening after dinner they organise the wellness talks. I found them so interesting, useful and it was also a great way to connect with others attending the retreat.

    The accommodation

    The room I have stayed at was very comfortable, spacious and cosy. What I loved the most was the huge and super comfy bed. I was sleeping like a baby! The en-suite bathroom was really pretty too! I loved going back to this room after all day of treatments. They also had a great selection of herbal tees in the room. I really enjoyed having one every evening before going to sleep.

    The food

    The food at the retreat was absolutely delicious and all plant- based. Everything was natural and clean. I have chosen the Equilibrium Diet which is suitable if you want to detox, but weight loss isn’t a priority. I really enjoyed all the meals, especially the soups ( I will never ever forget the mushroom soup- it was the best one I ever had in my life!) and yummy juices. I wish I could eat this healthy everyday! They also offer and Weight loss Diet and Pure Juicing Diet. You can read more here.

    The facilities

    During the stay I was actively using all the Glass House facilities- the heated leisure pool, Himalayan salt block sauna, yoga & pilates at their fitness studio, gym ( I had an amazing session with a personal trainer!) cryo chamber and the spa.

    SPA

    As I struggle with acne I was recommended The Elemis Skin Soother which was absolutely incredible. My skin was so smooth and calm after all. I have purchased couple of Elemis products after this facial as I loved how my skin felt! I have also tried the Dermalux® LED Phototherapy which instantly energises skin cells to revitalise a dull and tired complexion. I think it seriously helped to heal the acne. You can check out all the spa treatments they offer here.

      After the retreat…

      After the retreat I felt so restored and relaxed. My skin got better too! I also learnt how important is to drink lots of water- I always forget which is so bad but after this retreat I started to think about it more. I also started to begin my day with a glass of warm water with lemon- just like at the retreat and having morning walks more often. I feel honestly grateful I have went on this little detox weekend and I would recommend you to do the same weather you’re looking for relaxation or would like to learn how you could improve your lifestyle. You can have a look at all packages and book your stay here.

      Post in collaboration with Glass House Retreat

      The Blonde Flamingo Christmas event at Knot Churros

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      Hi everyone!

      I hope you’re having the most magical Christmas!

      Last week I have hosted my very first event at Knot Churros in South Kensington. Some of you probably remember my very first visit to Knot Churros this spring. I have fallen in love with this cosy cafe and their incredible pink churros (what a dream). I continued coming back to this place regularly and quickly became friends with Knot Churros team- I honestly feel like at home when I am there. Everyone’s so lovely! And the place itself is SO FLAMINGO! After I published this photo on my Instagram they even decided to use it on the cover of their menu!

      When Knot Churros asked me to host a Christmas event with them – their very first Christmas party I was beyond excited and said yes straight away! I have invited my closest friends and been counting the days down.

      When I got to the venue on the day of the event I couldn’t believe my eyes…It all looked soooooo magical, like a fairytale! Honestly- I had tears in my eyes. Look how much effort they put into decorating the place for my very first event! I was SO happy!

        We had so much fun with my girls! We all absolutely loved the churros. The choice is so big – from classic signature churros with cinnamon or dipped in Belgian white chocolate, glazed with fruit Pebbles. So YUMMY! They also created a very special Christmas Flamingo Shake! It was delicious!

        Here’s the full squad! Diana, Ticija, Simone, Taylor, Ana, and Cassie Love these girls so much!

        A special thank you to the Knot Churros team for creating such a magical Christmas event, to Miniso UK for the cutest goodie bags, to Diana – a great London based photographer and for snapping these beautiful photos and GurpreetKaur for filming the whole experience. You can watch the full video from the event here. We honestly had the best time! I am so grateful for this wonderful opportunity and a bunch of supportive girls! My heart was full! If you ever visit- send them my flamingo love again!

        Post in collaboration with Knot Churros