luxury travel Archives - The Blonde Flamingo

Elevate Your Athens experience : the best hotel to stay at – Electra Metropolis Athens

theblondeflamingo / December 22, 2023 / Leave a comment

Booked that flight to Athens but stuck on where to stay? Fear not, because this blog post is about to unravel the perfect place to stay in Athens for your weekend escape.

From my previous blogpost, you’ve gleaned insights into the best things to do in Athens for a winter weekend getaway. Now, let’s spill the tea on where you should stay, and trust me, it will make your trip extra special!

As you already know, I was lucky to visit Athens thanks to the Greek Tourism Board. The moment I laid eyes on the brochure showcasing our accommodation, excitement bubbled within me. The photos hinted a dreamy stay with the most incredible views, but let me assure you- reality surpassed every expectation.

When we finally got to the hotel, it was like unwrapping a present – and guess what? Our surprise was the incredible Hotel Electra Metropolis Athens. Stepping into this property was like entering a pure luxury and elegance. Upon stepping into the hotel, my eyes were immediately drawn to a magnificent giant, beautifully decorated Christmas tree that stood proudly in the lobby. The Christmas tree was adorned with twinkling lights, shimmering ornaments, and a sprinkle of holiday magic. Oh what a welcome!

LOCATION

Hotel Electra Metropolis is nestled right at the start of Mitropoleos Street and jump away from the famous Syntagma Square – the buzzing heart of Athens life, and close to the Metro station for easy peasy travel. It’s also located next door to Ermou Street which is the go-to shopping street in Athens, but also super close to the newest food paradise in town. Think mouthwatering gastronomic delights just at your hotel doorstep. Another cool part? You’re in walking distance to the posh Kolonaki neighborhood as well as charming Plaka. So whether you’re into museums, shopping, chilling at cosy cafes or dining at fancy restaurants, this place has got it all, and it’s all practically at your door step.

ROOMS

Hotel Electra Metropolis, is the place to stay whether you are in Athens for business or leisure. Modern with a classical twist with 216 rooms and suites, equipped with all the necessary amenities for a luxury stay, whether you’re staying for a short weekend or longer. The rooms have wooden floors and are decorated in natural, Earthy tones. Rooms got a mini bar, coffee and tea making facilities, flat screen smart TV, electronic laptop-sized safe, desk with lamp, closet, marble-tiled chic bathroom, magnifying mirror, hair dryer, bathrobes and slippers for a luxury touch. Also the wifi was really good which made it easy to work. All you need for a comfortable stay. Best part? The most stunning view of the Acropolis. I couldn’t believe my eyes when I saw it from my hotel’s room mirror. It was just a dream come true!

GETTING AROUND

That’s my favourite part. Navigating Athens was so easy thanks to the hotel’s unbeatable central location – a true gem in the heart of the city. The beauty? I could literally stroll everywhere! Imagine this : the hottest spots, chic bars, cosy cafes, fascinating museums and trendy shops – all within an easy walking distance from the hotel.

Hotel Electra Metropolis is just an hour’s drive from the airport. We had a taxi waiting for us and the journey was super smooth.

RESTAURANTS

Electra Metropolis gladly offers a range of Mediterranean options. Take your pick : Metropolis Roof Garden boasts a romantic ambience and jaw-dropping Acropolis views. If you are in a mood for a lighter meal and laid-back drinks, the Atrium Lounge Bar is your spot. Craving signature cocktails with insane views? Head to the 10th floor and M Bar has you covered. And for a delightful twist, head to the Burger Lounge, where sliders are paired with cocktails.

With such a variety, I believe there’s something for everyone, making each dining experience a culinary adventure.

SPA AND WELLNESS CENTER

What takes this luxury stay at the Hotel Electra Metropolis to the next level? They’ve got an oasis within, a Spa and Wellness Center that adds a touch of bliss to the while experience. The award wining Age Spa’s team has created 360-degree relaxation experience, that is not just about your muscles, but also awaking your senses, boosting your energy and uplifting your spirit. They offer some incredible treatments, inspired by the rich tapestry of Greek history and innovatively enclose all the natural wealth of Greece.

Let’s talk about their pools. If you visit the hotel during summer season, their stunning rooftop pool awaits offering a gorgeous panoramic view over Acropolis. Winter visit? No problem – there is a jacuzzi and indoor heated pool too, as well as sauna, steam room, and gym for those fitness enthusiasts.

Even with a December visit, I couldn’t resist taking an advantage of Hotel Electra Metropolis’ rooftop pool. One morning, I opened my eyes to a breathtaking pink sky. With swift moved, I headed upstairs, ordered a coffee, settled into a lounger, and admired the most magical winter sunrise. It is one of the moments I won’t forget.

Wrapping up my stories from Hotel Electra Metropolis, I really hope they inspired you and make you excited for your own visit in the future. Imagine waking up to the dreamy sunrises on a rooftop, indulging in a relaxing spa day or maybe working from your hotel room facing the magnificent Acropolis. What a dream!

So as you start planning your future getaways, consider Hotel Electra Metropolis for an adventures that combines luxury, comfort, convenience and the right price tag.

When planning your trip to Athens, do not miss out on my blog post featuring a Winter Weekend guide– a curated collection of tips and must-do activities that will make your winter escape in Athens absolutely unforgettable. Hotel Electra Metropolis is your beginning; the guide is your ready itinerary to exploring the winter magic of this enchanting city!

HAPPY TRAVELS!

Post in collaboration with Visit Greece

Exploring Capri Island: A Chic Travel Guide

theblondeflamingo / June 10, 2022 / 1 Comment

I am finally back with the guide I’ve been promising you for a very long time. The chic guide to Capri, Italy- one of the most charming islands in the world. I know many of you are heading to this absolutely breathtaking island this summer and I decided to put all my favourite places together with the most iconic spots and practical information to make your upcoming holidays unforgettable and stress-free.

Where is Capri?

Capri is located in the Tyrrhenian Sea off the Sorrento Peninsula, on the south side of the Gulf of Naples. The nearest airport is Naples Capodichino airport.

How do you get to the island?

The easiest is taking a taxi from the airport to Molo Beverello port (about 20 minutes drive) where you can catch a ferry to Capri. The ferry takes about 45 minutes and costs about 25 euros. You can check the ferry time schedule here.

How to move around the island?

There’s a few ways. You can move around either by taxis, buses or my favorite- by scooter or vespa! We have been renting a scooter at the same place for years and I thought it would be helpful to share. I recommend Noleggio scooter Capri by Alfano 1. You can rent at Marina Grande, Capri, and Anacapri. We normally rent from Anacapri.

Where to stay in Capri?

The island of Capri is divided into two municipalities: Capri and Anacapri. People often ask what is a better place to stay. If you’d like to experience the real ambience of Capri island- the luxury restaurants, world-class shopping, night clubs and the famous Piazzetta, the best place for you would be staying around Capri town. However, if you’d like to experience a little bit less busy, more intimate atmosphere, while still not being far from Capri Town, I would suggest Anacapri.

From my personal experience Capri Town gets very crowded during the summer, so I really enjoy slower and quieter mornings in Anacapri, and then enjoying evenings in Capri town, when the temperature is cooler. It’s about 15 minutes by taxi from Anacapri to Capri town. It’s very easy to move between both places.

Villa Solage in Anacapri

This year I had a chance to stay at Villa Solage located in the heart of Anacapri. It was a very special stay as it was my birthday trip. My girlfriends flew over from London. It was their first time in Capri, so I wanted to make sure to show them the best of Capri. Villa Solage was the perfect choice. It is a charming villa in a typical Caprese Style. I fell in love from the moment I stepped into its lush green gardens, full of tropical plants, lemon trees , and olive groves. What an Italian dream!

This location required a special outfit!

The villa is located about 1.4 kilometers from the center of Anacapri. There are a few steps to take, but the breathtaking views and the tranquility are worth it. Solage offers accommodation for up to 12 guests. The villa is distributed on two levels. There are three bedrooms upstairs with the gorgeous balconies overlooking the greenery and the sea, and 2 bedrooms downstairs. Moreover, there is a gorgeous open-space kitchen and living room. Personally my favorite area in the villa. I found this space so inspiring. I loved the cozy fire place, the traditional ceramics, and coral decoration.

What’s also special about Villa Solage is the huge private pool and the terrace over-looking the lush greenery and the sea. For my birthday celebration the girls and I decided to throw a little pool party followed up by a magical aperitif on the terrace. We witnessed the most beautiful sunset! It was honestly spectacular! Felt so lucky to be with my closest friends on my beloved island. Couldn’t have imagined a better way to celebrate my birthday!

For villa bookings and availability please click here

What to do in Capri?

Capri has it all! From iconic beach clubs, chic restaurants, fancy bars, to high-end boutiques, breathtaking landscapes and stunning beaches. I have been to the island about 10 times now and you can find my perfect Capri itinerary below.

Morning boat tour with Gianni

One of my beloved activities when in Capri- a private island tour with a skipper. There’s no better way to see the island! I really enjoyed admiring the absolutely spectacular views, swimming in the crystal clear waters, discovering magical caves while having fun, and catching some rays! PS. Don’t forget to pack sunscreen and a hat to avoid sunburn! For bookings click here.

Lunch at the Camerelle restaurant

You cannot miss lunch at the iconic and super-chic Le Camerelle Restaurant located at Via Camerrelle 81, in the heart of Capri. It’s only a short walk from the main Piazzetta. It’s a perfect place to enjoy authentic Italian cuisine under the Capri sun. I personally love sitting at their stylish outdoor tables and admiring the beautiful views. It’s also a perfect place for a people watch! The service and food are absolutely outstanding. If you area seafood lover like myself, highly recommend trying the seafood salad as a starter and seafood spaghetti as a main course. Alternatively, I also recommend the classic Gnocchi alla Sorrentina! So simple and so delicious!

Admire the views from Augustus Gardens

For the best views of Capri’s iconic Faraglioni rocks and Marina Piccola, you must visit the absolutely spectacular Augustus Gardens. I highly recommend visiting in the morning so you can experience the beauty of this place without the heat and crowds. I have been here so many times and I can’t get enough. Being there feels kind of therapeutic to me. Sitting on a gorgeous ceramic bench, in a shade, surrounded by beautiful plants and flowers and listening to the birds chipping. Did I make you dream already? Then check out these views! Truly unforgettable experience!

Soak up the sun at the Fontelina Capri Beach Club

There’s nowhere I was dreaming of visiting as much as the iconic La Fontelina Capri. I have seen the photos of this stylish beach club and finally this year I made it here! It is probably one of the most famous and prestigious beach clubs in the world, loved by the international jet set and many big celebrities. It is always fully booked, so please book in advance. What makes it so special? It is the only beach club where you can sun bath right opposite the iconic Faraglioni rocks. Imagine having a swim beneath the Capri’s pearl- Faraglioni. What a dream!

How to get there? You can either take a walk from the Piazetta on foot, via a little path that starts next to the Tragara viewing point and walk all the way down. It takes around 30 minutes from the main Piazzetta and it is quite tiring in the heat to be honest; however the views on the way down are spectacular. Instead, you can take the beach club’s shuttle boat from Marina Piccola ( about 7 euros per person, May 2022, price). What we did, we walked to the beach club on the way in, and took a boat shuttle on the way back. It was such a fabulous experience! We were sun bathing with my girlfriends on the stylish striped sun-lounger, sipping Aperol Spritz, followed up by a delicious lunch at their famous restaurant. Loved the experience. It’s expensive but super worth it!

Sunset cocktails at Capri Palace

If you’re looking for a chic and tranquil place for a sunset cocktail, I highly recommend a visit to Capri Palace Jumeirah in Anacapri. It is the best luxury 5-star hotel in Capri. I visited Bistro Ragù- their gorgeous panoramic terrace overlooking the spectacular Gulf of Naples, for a sunset aperitif and it was perfect! They serve some lovely canapés and the most delicious cocktails. I recommend trying their signature Limoncello Spritz!

Luxury Shopping experience

I believe there is nowhere as special to shop like Capri. The surroundings are just stunning! You can find the major luxury boutiques at Via Camerelle. Dolce & Gabbana, Chanel, Dior, LV, Fendi, Miu Miu, Valentino, Gucci and many more. Some of those brands also sell exclusive Capri collections. I am sure you have seen Dior Capri! So beautiful! But there’s so much more to shop at Capri apart from those famous brands. You can also shop Capri’s local products such as their famous handmade leather sandals decorated with colourful stones, unique ceramics (definitely recommend to have a look at Ricciocaprese boutique in Capri as well as Eureka in Anacapri), gorgeous Caprese style homeware ( I love Capri shop Art Work at Anacapri), perfumes at the iconic Carthusia, or the famous Capri Watch.

Golden hour aperitif at Il Riccio Anacapri

What’s more magical than a delicious cocktail or a chilled glass of wine with a view in a beautiful setting? I am personally obsessed with finding unique and luxurious spots for a drink and I found quite a few in Capri. My personal favourite is Il Riccio Anacapri. It’s a super chic beach club that overlooks the Blue Grotto from its absolutely spectacular terrace. It’s accessible either by taxi or a boat. What makes it so special apart from the breathtaking views? I love the design, furniture, stylish parasols, fantastic music, outstanding service, the eye to detail. Everything is served absolutely beautifully. And my favourite part? This beach club has been home to Dior who set up their amazing Dior pop-up store here! Yes, you can get a pic of a chic Dior Vespa! Oh my! I want one!

Alternatively, you can book a sun bed here or a romantic dinner. For more information and bookings click here.

Dine at Da Paolino Capri

I am sure you all heard about this absolutely gorgeous restaurant! This is where you can dine under the beautiful lemon trees – the symbol of Capri. It is located nearby Marina Grande- the main port. I can guarantee you will fall in love with this place from the moment you step in. The setting is just absolutely magical- both at day and night time. The food here is spectacular too! I recommend trying everything lemon infused – Tagliolini al Limone, Ravioli Capresi al Limone and my favourite Lemon Sorbet! Oh, take me there right now!

Watch the sunset at Lido del Faro

Dreaming of witnessing the incredible sunset in a beautiful setting? You can’t miss a visit to Lido del Faro. It is located just in front of Capri’s lighthouse. I absolutely loved watching the sun go down here. It’s such a relaxing spot on the island with such a great vibe. The music is fantastic too! And the sunsets here- wow. I was speechless!

I hope my Chic Guide to Capri will make your trip to Capri unforgettable! It is truly one of my favourite places in the world. I hope my recommendations will help you to fall in love with this magical island too!

Dominika

Chill and Play at Niyama Private Islands Maldives

theblondeflamingo / November 24, 2021 / Leave a comment

As you already know- I absolutely love Maldives. It’s one of my favourite destinations in the world. It was the first place I dreamt of visiting post-pandemic and I am so happy to say- I did! In this blog post I would love to talk to you about the incredible Niyama Private Islands Maldives resort I got to experience after hearing SO much about it! Let’s start from the beginning…

The Blonde Flamingo in Niyama Private Islands Maldives

HOW TO GET THERE

Niyama Private Islands Maldives is located in the south-western atoll of Dhaalu. There are three ways to reach the resort – by shared seaplane transfer, by domestic transfer ,or by VIP private chartered flight. I chose the seaplane transfer with Manta Air. As you know it was not my first time on the seaplane but I just absolutely love this magical experience and I can’t get enough! Yes, I did have a happy tear in my eye again! I truly missed it!

ACOMMODATION

Niyama offers a great choice of accommodation. Their villas are incredible! You can choose to either stay in luxurious Water Pool Villas or in lush beach pool villas. You can check all villa types here.

I had a chance to stay in their gorgeous Water Pool Villa. We were escorted to our villa by our butler and were surprised with a personalized welcome message, the most beautiful bed set up made of tropical flowers and a bottle of perfectly chilled champagne. What a perfect way to start the vacations!

Our villa was a dream! We had our own private deck with sun loungers, private infinity pool ,and direct access to the most magical crystal clear lagoon. Our bathroom had both – a gorgeous bath tub overviewing the endless blues of the Indian Ocean and a partially open-air shower which I absolutely loved. The mini bar was great and very well-stocked. We even had our own popcorn machine. I mean, who needs a cinema when you have views like this right outside your window?

I also had a chance to check out and enjoy a floating breakfast at their stunning and super spacious Family Water Pool Villa. It was truly a spectacular experience! How massive is the pool? Of course I had to bring some of my pool floats for a little post breakfast pool party!

GETTING AROUND

Now my favourite part! Niyama Private Islands Maldives consists of 2 islands connected by a small bridge. The islands are called Chill and Play. The best way to get around is by bike. What’s special about Niyama – their bikes are personalised! I found it very unique as I haven’t experienced that in any resort before. Here we’re having some fun in the sun together with my travel companion Ieva.

RESTAURANTS

There is a great choice of restaurants in Niyama. Epicure serves International cuisine by a chic pool, the Nest offering Asian cuisines including Thai, Cantonese, Teppanyaki, Japanese, Indonesian, and more. Niyama is the only resort in the Maldives to have an Afro Latin restaurant – Tribal serving exotic African, Central and South American dishes.

Let’s not forget about mentioning Subsix – The world’s first underwater restaurant located 6m below sea level- you can also find it at Niyama! It’s mind-blowing!

For surf and chill lovers, there’s also a Surf Shack – offering some great snacks like ceviche, tacos, burgers and my absolutely favourite truffle fries. PS. Surf Shack is also the best spot to watch the sunsets!

SURFING

As I already mentioned the Surf Shack, I should also talk to you about Surfing. Niyama Private Islands is the first 5-star luxury resort in the Maldives that has its own onsite wave called Vodi. Yes, you heard that right! You can surf in the Maldives! For more information click here.

DRIFT SPA

Let’s talk about the Spa. Niyama owns a 24-hour Drift Spa. It’s a real paradise! There are six over water treatment rooms with lagoon view and two treatment sanctuaries with private gardens, outdoor bath, rain shower and daybed. There’s also a gorgeous relaxation area – lime tree garden with sauna, steam baths, plunge pools, Jacuzzis, and Vitality juice bar.

Drift Spa offers a wide variety of treatments and rituals from around the world. We got to experience a signature one hour treatment. With your treatment you can pick a booster. Ieva chose the Anne Semonin Facial Mask booster to hydrate the skin and protect it from sun damage and I went for a Drift Aroma Hot Stone Massage. It was so relaxing! I highly recommend trying it!

Image Source – Niyama.com

KIDS CLUB

Niyama Private Islands Maldives is perfect for families and owns Indian Ocean’s biggest kid’s club called Explorers, giving parents time to unwind and relax while their little ones can have the time of their life. The club is located in the heart of the tropical jungle letting the young VIPs connect with nature. There are some great activities for littles ones such as dolphin scouting, snorkeling safaris, coconut tree planting and many more.

THINGS TO DO

I believe at Niyama Private Islands Resort there’s something to do for everyone. There’s no way to get bored! There’s so much to do. Surf, swim in the ocean, snorkel in their beautiful house reef, exercise at their gym, relax at their SPA, enjoy all the incredible restaurants, or enjoy a destination dining. Have a rum cocktail, and enjoy reggae music in Surf Shack; party under the water in Subsix; watch the movie on the beach under the stars with your loved one. What would you pick?

Thank you for having me Niyama Private Islands Maldives. I absolutely love my stay and I hope to visit you again in the future.

For bookings head to https://www.niyama.com/en

Post in collaboration with Niyama Private Islands Maldives

48 hours in Alberobello guide

theblondeflamingo / August 4, 2020 / Leave a comment

Ah so excited to write this guide for you! I’ve dreamt of visiting Alberobello since I can remember! I am so happy I finally made it! This little town in Apulia’s region was love at first sight. I hope this little guide will inspire you to visit this fairytale destination.

Where is Alberobello?

Alberobello is a small village in the Itria Valley in Puglia, Southern Italy. This small town is a UNESCO World Heritage site for its unusual districts of trulli, the characteristic white-washed, conical-roofed houses of the area.

How to get there?

The best airports for Alberobello are Bari and Brindisi, both served by budget airlines from the United Kingdom. From Bari airport you can simply catch a shuttle bus to Bari railway station then take a little train run by FSE (Ferrovie Sud Est) to Alberobello. The journey take about 2 hours. Alternatively you can also rent a car and drive there.

Where to stay?

During my stay in Alberobello I was very lucky to stay in the most glorious place – La Linea dell’Orizzonte which means ” Beyond the Horizon”. It’s a B&B resort located few minutes drive from the main square in Alberobello. I fall in love from the moment I got to this property. It was surrounded by fields and trees. What a wonderful smell and sounds of the nature! I truly loved it. We also got there right before the golden hour so it was just so magical and peaceful! I also got to meet the wonderful owners, who made us feel home. I just loved how warm and loving were people in this region! We were greeted with the most dreamy aperitif by their gorgeous pool. It was a perfect way to start our Alberobello adventure!

Best thing about this B&B? You will get to stay in Trullo! I was so excited as it was honestly my dream experience! When we got the keys to our trullo I couldn’t believe my eyes. I absolutely loved the traditional decor! It was so cosy!

La Linea dell’Orizzonte also has its private wellness center, called “La rosa dei venti” that includes a Finnish sauna and a Turkish bath, a tropical and nebulized emotional shower, a hydromassage pool and a relax area with herbal tea.

I only stayed here for a night but I can truly recommend it. Each unit is fitted with patio, a fully-equipped kitchen and a private bathroom. I think it’s a perfect place for both couples and families with children. There is a great children playground and a lovely pool. If you’re not planning to rent a car, the property offers a bike rental. We’ve done it and it was super fun to explore the area on the bikes ( and a great morning work out too!). PS Their Italian breakfasts are lovely! We actually decided to do a little picnic style breakfast under the olive trees and it was just perfect!

What to do in Alberobello?

Alberobello is a small town. In my opinion one day is more than enough to explore it. What I loved the most was getting lost between the lovely alleys and admire the gorgeous trulli. It felt like being in a fairytale. It was so magical exploring Alberobello without crazy crowds. I highly recommend strolling in the morning as it less crowded and less hot. The heat in the afternoon is insane! What you can also do here is shop! There are many pretty local boutiques where you can find everything from clothing, accessories to local wine and pasta. I highly recommend getting some orrechiete- a typical pasta from this region. Here’s some Alberobello snaps! Look how pretty are these streets!

Alberobello is also very special to visit at night, that’s way I think staying here over the night is a great idea as you can sleep in a trullo and explore the town with the colourful city lights. These views are truly unforgettable! Such a magical experience!

Where to eat?

Alberobello is full of little restaurants and cafes, however I was looking something more particular. I was looking for a place with a terrace so I could enjoy the views. I was so happy when I found Ristorante il Pinnacolo, located inside traditional trullo with a prettiest little terrace. As it was a very hot day, we decided to have seafood- Octopus Salad, White Fish Carpaccio. We’ve also shared the famous Orecchiete with cime di rapa- traditional pasta with broccoli rabe and it was so tasty! The views from here are wonderful! I highly recommend this place! PS. It’s super affordable too.

Where to drink?

You may want to write the name of place down- Senso Unico. I discovered this place by total accident as I had to wait for my bus back to Naples on my own in the rain. I saw this place and it seemed so cosy that I didn’t hesitate and got a table for one. I sat down and ordered a glass of local red wine. When it arrived to the table I was shocked! The glass was HUGE and the price of it was 1.50 euros! I was already so happy with the place but it got even better! Around 10pm I was the only person sitting there and I noticed they are slowly starting to close down. I had a little chat with a waiter and I asked him where could I go as I have 1.5 hours more until my bus arrived. He informed the owner and he kindly kept the place opened and stayed with me! I was shocked! We had such a lovely chat! He told me he needs to make sure I am getting on the bus safely. Honestly never experienced such a kindness before! Gotta love people in Southern Italy! I will never ever forget that! If you ever visit this place, please give the owner a massive hug from me! I will come back for sure!

I hope you enjoyed this little guide and I hope you’re ready to explore this magical little town soon!

Kisses,

The Blonde Flamingo

Adult cruising on Scarlet Lady, The brand new cruise ship from Virgin Voyages

theblondeflamingo / March 8, 2020 / 2 Comments

Ahoy! Last weekend I had a chance to spend a night on a brand-new ship from Virgin Voyages – Scarlet Lady. I was over the moon as recently I have dreamt of a cruise holiday, so I thought this experience would help me to understand what cruising is like these days! A few years back I used to think cruises were boring, designed mainly for older people, and generally a peaceful type of holiday. Well this is 100% not the case here! Scarlet Lady is an adult-only, luxury party ship. The aim of Scarlet Lady is to attract the younger audience- the modern traveller who enjoys stylish restaurants, fun entertainment, great music and parties. I personally fell in love with this red beauty from the moment I walked in. Let me tell you all about it and show you around!

Accommodation

There are 1330 cabins and 78 Rock Star suites aboard the Scarlet Lady. My room was a Sea Terrace. The room was quite small but comfortable and it had all I needed – a sofa bed, in-room entertainment with 43″ + 4K flat-screen HDTV, a mini bar, a glam area, a wardrobe and a little bathroom. At first, I didn’t understand where the bed was. I walked around, confused as to why there was only a sofa bed, haha. Turned out the “sofa bed” is actually a Seabed, the first-ever transformational cabin bed, specially engineered and handcrafted by Walter Knoll in Germany. The concept of the Seabed came from the convivial nature of cruising and gives sailors more space for social gatherings in the cabin. Virgin Voyages sailors can enjoy their cabin in two distinct ways as a place to revel or a place to relax. I think it’s a great idea! When we came back from the party our Seabed was already converted for us into a very comfortable bed. I slept so well! Another great feature is the mood-matching lights, that automatically adjust to enhance the time of day based on where the ship is in the world, reflecting the blue seas and the gold to purple sunsets of the Caribbean waters. How dreamy! I certainly liked them the most in flamingo pink!

It’s also worth mentioning that each Sea Terrace cabin has a private balcony that features custom-designed hammocks, hand-woven by artisans from Yellow Leaf – a social enterprise that fosters women’s empowerment and community transformation in rural Thailand. Imagine sipping your morning cuppa, sitting in a hammock in the Caribbean sun, ah!

During my one-night stay on the ship, I also had a look at the Mega Rock Star Massive Suite and it was epic. It was huge, even had its own music room! How cool! My personal favourite thing was the marble-clad bathroom with a Peek-a-Boo shower area that overlooks the bedroom and out to the ocean. So magical! There are only two Massive Suites aboard the Scarlet Lady, each with a private huge terrace and a hot tub. Can you imagine how amazing it could be to enjoy this place with your friends in a sunny Miami or the Caribbean? I mean wow!

RESTAURANTS & BARS

Forget the boring buffets, this is not what Scarlet Lady is about. There are 20+ world-class intimate eateries and luxury bars on board. Of course, during my one night stay I couldn’t check them all out, but I did try a couple and would love to show you my favourites!

First we’ve headed to the Sip for a little sip of champagne…I absolutely loved this Champagne Lounge. The decor was so beautiful! It was a perfect way to begin the night.

After a couple of glasses of champagne, we have decided to check out other bars and restaurants. I personally fell in love with the Dock House as it gave me my favourite bohemian and Mediterranean feel. This place is perfect to relax and have some dips and mezze.

Another place that got my attention was The Wake, a glamorous restaurant serving steaks and seafood, and Pink Agave, that transports sailors to the vibrant streets of Mexico City. Loved its vibe!

We had dinner at Test Kitchen, a laboratory-like eatery, that is part cooking school and part restaurant. I found it a very interesting experience and I loved the food. Every dish was truly special.

I also got to try Razzle Dazzle which is a vegetarian-forward restaurant. We had such a delicious brunch there. It was hard to decide what to eat as the menu looked great and there was a huge choice!

Other on-board eateries include Gunbae – a lively Korean BBQ, and Extra Virgin, the ship’s trattoria serving regionally inspired, deeply rooted Italian culinary traditions. More casual alternatives include the The Pizza Place and Lick Me Till Ice Cream (which serves complimentary scoops) – and many more!

ENTERTAINMENT

I don’t know where to start here as it was such a fun night! First, we got to watch a show in The Red Room – the first transformational multi-form theatre at sea. We watched the ‘Duel Reality’, which is a modern take on Romeo and Juliet. The show and effects were incredible! I had lots of fun! There was also another show at night in the same room, which then turned into a huge party! Here’s some snaps from this fun night!

We also got to experience The Manor – a mind-blowing nightclub with the most spectacular entrance. It was seriously calling for a little photo shoot! I decided to go with Virgin’s signature colour and put my favourite red dress on! Do I look like a Scarlet Lady? Haha

WELLNESS & FITNESS

Now let’s talk about probably my favourite part of the ship! What I loved about Scarlet Lady was the incredible, luxurious Redemption Spa featuring a hydrotherapy pool, mud room, salt room, cold plunge pools, quartz beds, and rejuvenating spa treatments.

Don’t think it’s only a place to relax though! By night, sailors can complete their well-being journey by attending one of the voyage’s evening spa parties where a killer DJ will transform the spa’s thermal suite into a mermaid hideaway extravaganza.

Wellness is a major focus for Virgin Voyages and along with the spa there’s also the B-complex gym, The Perch – an outdoor yoga space, The Runway-outdoor running track, a training centre, and much more.

Let’s also not forget to mention the outdoor well-being pool. Of course, we didn’t get to enjoy it due to the weather, but here’s how it looks. There’s also a Gym and Tonic bar right next to the pool that serves fresh cold-pressed juices and handcrafted cocktails.

GROOMING SPACES

There are also grooming spaces on the ship! There is the Mani Pedi Spa– a nail salon with the most beautiful views, The Dry Dock– a blow dry and hair styling beauty bar complete with hair nourishing and scalp treatments designed by Softroom, Stubble and Groom– a barber, and the first ever tattoo studio on board a cruise ship called Squid Ink. And look how stylish these places are! No need to worry about manicure or pedicure when travelling on the Scarlet Lady!

SUSTAINABILITY

Virgin Voyages has partnered with Climeon, a Sweden-based technology company, with a goal to significantly reduce carbon dioxide emissions by converting engine waste heat into clean electricity. The company has also banned single-use plastics on board. I think it’s a great initiative!

To sum up, I had an absolutely amazing time on a Scarlet Lady ship. I have only one question now. When am I going on a cruise holiday?

If you fancy checking their packages yourself or book your stay, you can do it here. You can also get a cheeky up to $400 bar bonus! I hope to see you there!

Post in collaboration with Virgin Voyages