Barcelona

Barcelona is one of those amazing cities that can easily whisk you off your feet, enthrall you and before you know it, you’re on your way home, breathless and consumed by a whirlwind of impressions and vague memories. There’s so much to see and do in the city that you’ll soon find yourself zooming from one highlight to another without getting a real sense of the local culture or discovering what makes the city tick. One of my favourite remedies is to find a café in a quiet street or square and plant myself there for a few hours and simply observe the world passing by. Strolling around a market or participating in a cooking course are two activities that also help me to travel slow and immerse myself in the local scene. In Barcelona, Cook and Taste, a small cooking school offers just that: a stroll around the splendid La Boqueria market, followed by a cooking course that introduces guests to Catalan cuisine.

A cooking course in Barcelona

Cook and Taste is located a short distance from La Rambla, Barcelona’s most famous boulevard. It’s a cosy place with a long counter along the length of the studio and an exposed, ancient-looking stone wall at the far end. My visit to the cooking school turned out to be one of my favourite experiences in Barcelona (along with the Segway tour). The chef first took us on a tour around the La Boqueria market on La Rambla. It was a fascinating tour as the chef took her time to show us many types of vegetables, meats and seafood and how each are typically prepared in Catalan cuisine.

La Boqueria

A stroll around La Boquria is a mouthwatering experience. The seafood looked incredibly fresh and the hams, sausages and mushrooms were more than sufficient to get my juices flowing within minutes.

Fresh seafood at La Boqueria

Hams and sausages

We spent what seemed like ages exploring the market, picking up some groceries along the way before we were led to the cooking studio. Once there, we washed our hands and donned aprons. I couldn’t wait for the fun to begin. The chef explained the day’s menu: Crema de Calazabo (pumpkin cream soup), fideuá (noodle paella) and Crema Catalana (Catalan flan). YUM!

The Cook and Taste cooking studio

I was quick to raise my hand when she asked for volunteers to prepare the soup – I love pumpkin soup. She explained how the pumpkin should be peeled and chopped and what to do next whilst the others in the group looked on. She then turned her attention to the others and explained the first steps of preparing the noodle paella. She kept a close eye on us as we chopped, blended and stirred all sorts of different concoctions, and explained the origins of the dishes and the specific use of certain ingredients in Catalonia. I loved the way she mixed the cooking instructions with stories about her grandparents and anecdotes about the dishes we were preparing.

Nellie stirring the noodles in the paella pan

Toasted bread with tomato, garlic and olive oil

I chopped the pumpkin, onions and potatoes and dumped them into a pot of water and left them to boil. I then fried the leek before turning my attention to the others. It was good fun having a peek at what the others were up to. After about 30 minutes, I put the boiled vegetables into a blender and watched it churn into a porridge-like soup. A sprinkling of salt and pepper and I was done!

Pumpking soup anyone?

My yummy pumpkin soup!

The noodle paella simmering in the paella pan

Rich firing up the Crema Catalana

My pumpkin soup was a big success! Phew! I’ve since tried this recipe a few times at home and it’s delicious every time. Another simple recipe I picked up at Cook & Taste was how to make toast with tomato and garlic. It’s so simple yet absolutely delicious and perfect for a Sunday morning. The fideuá and the Crema Catalana were done really well – Rich did a fantastic job with the burner to create a thin sugary layer with a lightly burnt colour.

We had a fun afternoon and I came home with some great memories, insights into Catalan cuisine and new recipes. If you’re thinking of taking it slow to immerse yourself in Barcelona’s vibe, I recommend staying in an apartment (click here to find out more about renting an apartment in Barcelona) and enrolling for a cooking course at Cook & Taste. After the course, you can get your groceries at a local market and try out new recipes in your apartment while you’re still on holiday!

Note: this post was brought to you in partnership with Oh-Barcelona.

Cook, taste Catalonia is a post from: Velvet Escape travel blog

Taj Mahal (image courtesy of Rachel)

India. The name conjures images of ancient temples and palaces, aromatic markets, colourful saris, curries and oh yes, the Taj Mahal. Dig deeper and one will quickly discover that India has much more to offer to visitors. With its amazing breadth and depth of attractions and experiences, it’s very easy to visit India and only just skim the surface. These days, with so many cheap flights to India with a number of airlines, it’s become a lot easier to head off on an adventure in India and immerse ourselves in the wondrous sights, sounds and scents of the land. Of course you will want to see the sights – what’s a trip to India without the obligatory photograph outside the Taj Mahal or the Red Fort? However, if you want to get a glimpse into the real India, here is a list of some of the alternative attractions that you can visit.

1 – Classic Bike Adventures

Forget that cramped bus and don’t even think about levering yourself into that crowded train carriage – the only way to experience India is on the back of a classic motorcycle. These tours are available throughout the country and allow you to placate the adrenaline junkie within whilst marvelling at some of the countries most spectacular scenery.

2 – The Old Delhi Food Trail

Explore the narrow lanes and bazaars of Old Delhi whilst sampling arguably some of the most fantastic food you will find in the whole country. Your guide will encourage you to sample delicacies such as kulfi, chat papri, dahl and chai tea. The trip also allows you to visit a haveli – a traditional four-storey home with a central courtyard flanked by 58 doors.

Old Delhi food trail (image courtesy of Aileen)

3 – Chandipur Beach

It may seem like your typical beautiful Indian beach but twice a day a strange phenomenon occurs which will be worth the wait. When the tide goes out, it recedes up to 5km leaving the shore awash with driftwood, beautiful shells and thousands of tiny red crabs and horseshoe crabs foraging for food. It’s a phenomenal experience to watch the sea recede into the horizon, then slowly fill up the empty coast several hours later.

4 – Experience Gandhi’s Delhi

Follow in the footsteps of Mahatma Gandhi and learn about the message of non-violence and truth that he tried to spread to the masses. You will travel on public transport to see all of the sites associated with ‘the Father of the Nation’ including the National Gandhi Museum.

5 – Kerala Backwaters

Step aboard a luxury kettuvallom and sail down the narrow canals and streams into the vast lagoons of this breathtaking region. Being on-board is an experience in itself and you will find it hard not to be completely won over by the lip-smacking cuisine, the aromatic plantations and the vibrant culture that surrounds you. Kettuvalom literally means ‘boat with knots’, a translation that is spot on considering the boats are made with coir knots only and not a single nail is used.

Kettuvalom houseboat (image courtesy of Christian Haugen)

6 – Yoga retreat

Although increasing in popularity, a lot of travellers don’t even think to take the time to realign their chakras at a relaxing yoga retreat. Allow yourself to push your troubles away, improve your yoga practice and relieve your aches and pains with any number of healing treatments. If yoga isn’t really your thing, choose from a variety of relaxing Ayurvedic treatments.

Yofa retreat in Dharmsala (image courtesy of Vivek)

7 – Palace on Wheels

India is famous for train travel but the Royal Train is in a completely different league. Enter a bygone era as the train, one of the top-ten luxury trains in the world, dashes through the countryside, past medieval fortresses and into the heart of Rajasthan.

8 – Meet a real life Maharaja

There are a number of heritage hotels dotted around the country that have been transformed by members of the Royal Family. Enjoy an evening listening to tales of the past and decadence you can only imagine.

City Palace Udaipur (image courtesy of di_pappa)

9 – Witness the inexplicable

Visitors to the Sufi Qamar Ali shrine near Pune can witness, or take part in, what many people consider a miracle. 11 people are asked to stand around a large boulder and place their forefingers lightly on its surface. After repeatedly chanting ‘Qamar Ali Dervish’ the stone rises. If one person moves away the rock will fall. The levitating stone of Shivapur is an amazing, if not surreal, sight.

10 – Yak Safari

Climb on to the back of an enormous yak and trek the ancient grazing ground of the lonely yak herdsmen in the Himalayan region of Sikkim. You will trek along the Singelila Ridge past lakes, glacial valleys and plush forests until you find yourself in the shadow of the imposing peaks of the Himalayas.

Yak herdsman in Sikkim (image courtesy of WHL Travel)

 Note: this post was brought to you in partnership with Travelzoo.

Ten alternative things to do in India is a post from: Velvet Escape travel blog

Here’s a contribution from Umei Teh a.k.a. Cumi & Ciki.

This hallowed establishment still ranks among the 5 top fine-dining restaurants in the cosmopoliton, city of Kuala Lumpur. The great Japanese French fusion of Chef Daniel has done enough innovating to span several culinary lifetimes, and, more than most things cooked up during this decade, his Hiramase King Fish with smoked Avruga Caviar Cream, and Consomme of Foie Gras with Fresh Mushroom and Pacific Oysters, both have certainly stood the test of time.

Read the accompanying post from CC Food Travel: ‘Sage Restaurant & Wine Bar‘.

Velvet moments: travel photo – fine-dining in Kuala Lumpur is a post from: Velvet Escape travel blog

The mighty Gran Sasso peaks in Abruzzo

I knew very little about Abruzzo other than that it’s a region to the east of Rome, on the other side of the Apennine mountains, and that it’s home to Montepulciano d’Abruzzo, a sublime red wine that instantly makes you daydream of rolling hills bathed in sunshine and fragrant herbs – well, that’s the effect the wine has on me. I still wasn’t sure what to expect of Abruzzo when my partner and I picked up our rental car at Rome’s Fiumicino Airport. We headed in an easterly direction on the A24 highway towards the Apennine mountains. One and a half hours later, we found ourselves in a simply enchanting region: imposing snow-capped mountains (with peaks exceeding 10,000 feet) formed a spectacular backdrop for quaint medieval towns perched (often precariously) on hilltops and mountain ridges, whilst the surrounding hills and plains were a colourful patchwork of forests, grassy fields, olive groves, fruit orchards and vineyards, and in the distance, I could just about see the bright blue shimmer of the Adriatic Sea. I was stunned!

Impressions of Abruzzo

We explored more of Abruzzo in the following week and I found myself wondering out loud on various occasions why this region was still pretty much off-the-beaten-path. The first thing that grabbed my attention were the mountains. I never expected them to be this huge.

The mountains of Abruzzo

The Gran Sasso and Majella mountain ranges are the highest in Abruzzo and are visible from practically the entire region. The Gran Sasso mountains are also home to Europe’s southernmost glacier – I never knew there was a glacier so close to Rome!

The snowcapped Gran Sasso mountains and forested hills

When I turned my gaze away from the majestic mountain scenery, I noticed many hilltops, with medieval villages hugging the slopes and crowned with ancient castles or fortresses. With a history going back more than 2,000 years, Abruzzo is awash with historic towns and archeological sites.

The medieval village of Scanno

The villages of Calascio & Rocca Calascio (with its imposing castle on the hilltop)

Civitella del Tronto - the medieval village with one of Europe's greatest fortresses

The fortress and rooftops of Civitella del Tronto

We got to explore some of the towns in Abruzzo in the following days. I quickly drew one conclusion: fans of medieval towns are spoilt for choice in Abruzzo. There are so many of them, each with its own charm, history and traditions.

A charming street in Civitella del Tronto

The main square in Pescocostanza - one of my favourite towns in Abruzzo

The historic town of Sulmona (famous for its confetti candy) with its Roman aqueduct

We strolled around the towns, stopping occasionally for a coffee at one of the local cafés. One of my favourites was Bar Abruzzo, a café in Scanno, simply for the fascinating historical photos of people and life in Abruzzo on the wall.

The photo wall in Bar Abruzzo, Scanno

One of the highlights for me was a visit to Campli, a small town in the far north of Abruzzo. Campli is home to one of Italy’s most important archeological sites, as well as the Holy Staircase (one of only three in the country). Oh yes, and Campli is also famous throughout the region for its porchetta (roast pork)! The Holy Staircase was a truly breathtaking sight and the best part: unlike its counterpart in Rome, there were no crowds, just us!

The Holy Staircase in Campli

Then there was the food and wines. I’m a big fan of porcini mushrooms so I had lots of it with all sorts of pasta, mostly fettucine and pappardelle. I discovered types of pasta which are unique to Abruzzo such as ‘ceppe’ (each bit of ceppe is hand-made!) and chitarra. And yes, I had my fair share of Montepulciano d’Abruzzo and Pecorino wines. Absolutely gorgeous stuff!

Fettucine with porcini mushrooms

Ceppe with a light tomato meat sauce served at Hotel Zunica, Civitella del Tronto

A gorgeous Montepulciano d'Abruzzo at Hotel Zunica

Remember when I talked about the effect Montepulciano d’Abruzzo wines have on me? Well, this one from the Illuminati estate hit the right notes within moments!

This one from the Illuminati winery topped my list!

The towering peaks of the Gran Sasso mountains, pristine beaches along the Adriatic coast, a treasure chest of medieval towns and historic sites, unique local food and wines, spectacular hiking trails and ski pistes… it was clear to me that Abruzzo has a lot going for it, and all this just an hour and a half’s drive east of Rome! I’m truly happy that I visited Abruzzo. If you’re reading this and thinking that you should visit too, I suggest you hurry while Abruzzo is still delightfully off-the-beaten-path!

View Towns in Abruzzo in a larger map

Note: a big thank you goes to Abruzzo Turismo, Hotel Zunica 1880 and Hotel Santa Croce for taking such great care of us in Abruzzo. We greatly appreciate your generous hospitality.

Impressions of Abruzzo is a post from: Velvet Escape travel blog

Wu Gorge (image courtesy of Anne Roberts)

The Yangzi (or Yangtze) River is the world’s third longest river – with its humble origins in the Tibetan plateau, the river then grows in width and volume, flowing 6,400km (or almost 4,000 miles) to its mouth in Shanghai, where it empties into the East China Sea. The Yangzi River has historically acted as a divide between China’s north and south. Based in the heartland of China, home to 500 million people, it’s not surprising the impact the river has had on Chinese culture – the Chinese people have long viewed the river as integral to their culture. Its great power has been recognised and celebrated throughout Chinese history in poetry, painting and prose.

View of the Yangtze River from Fengdu

Undoubtedly the best way to experience this world-famous landmark is first hand on a luxury cruise. This is the only way to be fully immersed in the tranquility of the Yangzi river basin. China cruises are perfect for those looking for a cultural experience in a serene manner, and, of course, in luxury. Relax onboard and enjoy the majestic scenery or hop onto a boat excursion. Here are three sights you shouldn’t miss:

1. Wanzou

Yangtze excursion boat

As you drift along the water, you will take in the landscape and traditional Chinese culture. Spanning both sides of the river, the mountain city of Wanzou is known as the gateway to the East Sichuan Basin. Here you will gain a snapshot of rural China where you will see countless farmers and fishermen.

2. The Three Gorges

The most celebrated area of the Yangzi is undeniably the Three Gorges region, with its towering mountains that seemingly plunge into the river basin. Enriched with over 3000 years of history, the gorges have played an important role as far back as the ancient Three Kingdoms Period (260-280 AD) to modern history of World War II, when they acted as a barrier against the Japanese invasion. These days, the Three Gorges is a popular cruise destination; tourists come here to gape at the awe-inspiring gorges and the huge, albeit controversial, Three Gorges dam.

3. Shennong Stream

Take a trip on a local longboat (‘sampan’) along the Shennong stream, poled by Tujia boatmen where you will discover inland creeks. With the clear waters and luscious forestry surroundings this really is a must-do whilst on China cruises.

On board a Yangzi River luxury cruise

The serenity doesn’t end outside. On board luxury China cruises you can unwind with a series of authentic Chinese activities. Those looking for indulgence can enjoy the Spa, fitted with oriental themed treatment rooms where the only goal is relax with rejuvenating treatments to revive the body. Afterwards sip on traditional Chinese tea on the deck as you watch the Yangzi scenery pass by.

The cruises also provide the opportunity to whet your cultural appetite with Chinese cookery lessons where you can learn to create your own traditional Chinese masterpieces. For those looking to expand their cultural knowledge, classes in ancient civilisation, calligraphy and silk embroidery are also available.

If you are looking for a relaxing and authentic cultural experience then book a luxury Yangzi River cruise today and let the Three Gorges act as a scenic backdrop for your voyage.

Note: This post is brought to you in partnership with Sanctuary Retreats who operate a number of luxury cruise experiences.

A luxury cruise on the Yangtze River is a post from: Velvet Escape travel blog

City of Arts & Sciences, Valencia

I leave for Valencia today, one of my favourite cities in Spain, for a week of leisurely walks through its markets, parks and Art Nouveau neighbourhoods; visits to some of the city’s excellent museums and the stunning City of Arts and Sciences; some beach time; and undoubtedly a good deal of delicious local cuisine and wines – I suspect that paella will be a prominent feature and I’m hoping to revisit some of my favourite restaurants in Valencia.

I visited Valencia twice in 2009 to cover the Valencia Formula One Grand Prix, the SHA Wellness clinic as well as some of the nearby medieval towns like Morella. This time around, I’ll be exploring the city’s numerous attractions such as the Old Town, the City of Arts & Sciences (including the Oceanographic, Europe’s largest aquarium), the Central Market, and the Bioparc to get the lowdown of what makes Valencia a perennial favourite city/beach getaway amongst many Europeans. I’m really excited because I didn’t get to see a lot of Valencia on my previous trips though what I did get to see certainly impressed me. Moreover, the city’s vibe is infectious and I promised myself I’d return one day.

An aerial view of Valencia

That day has come and I can’t wait to immerse myself in Valencia’s historic, cultural and gastronomic heritage… and spend some lazy afternoons on the city’s white, sandy beaches. This is going to be an awesome trip! Follow me via Twitter (I’ll be using the hashtag #VEinValencia) and/or facebook as I explore this fabulous city.

A big thank you goes to the City of Valencia tourism board, Vueling airlines, Barceló Valencia hotel and the Caro Hotel for your generous hospitality.

Discovering Valencia is a post from: Velvet Escape travel blog

Read about my impressions of Abruzzo.

View other Velvet Moments from around the world.

Velvet moments: travel photo – wine station in Abruzzo is a post from: Velvet Escape travel blog

Elephants in a river near Kandy

Sri Lanka is a tropical island nation in the Indian Ocean, just off the coast of the Indian sub-continent. Shaped like a tear-drop, Sri Lanka is most famous amongst visitors for its sandy, palm-fringed beaches; colonial architecture; its mountainous core with lush forests and picturesque tea plantations; and its many fascinating Buddhist temples. In this sense, Sri Lanka holidays offer an appealing mix of sun, sea and culture. Whilst the sun-worshippers stick to the coast, the culture seekers often head into the hills of central Sri Lanka where many of the island’s famous temples can be found. If you have your own set of wheels, I suggest doing the Three Temples Loop, which takes visitors to some of central Sri Lanka’s lesser-explored temples and places of interest. This loop can easily be done in a day from Kandy.

The Three Temples Loop

Temple of the Tooth (image courtesy of Terry Feuerborn)

Base yourself in Kandy, Sri Lanka’s second largest city and one of the most culturally significant locations on the island. It is home to the world-famous Temple of the Tooth, in which the renowned Tooth Relic of Lord Buddha resides. The temple attracts visitors from all across the globe; unsurprisingly, it’s often busy and ticket prices are high. In the surrounding hills, however, lie several Kandyan-era temples worth exploring, three in particular which date back to the fourteenth-century, commonly referred to as the ‘Three Temples Loop’.

From Kandy, first head to Embekke Devale: this can be easily reached from the main Kandy – Gampola road (A5). At Geli-Oya, about ten kilometres from Kandy, make a right turn towards Embekke village. The temple itself is well signposted from Embekke and under a kilometre away. The most notable aspect of the temple is its digge (or ‘drummers’ pavilion’), the pillars of which are adorned with delicate carvings of Bodhisattvas, Kataragama’s peacocks and Kandyan dancers (to name just a few of the myriad designs), all of which are in miraculous condition considering their age.

Next, follow signs from Embekke to the nearby temple at Lankatilake. With its lengthy set of rock-cut steps and striking position – perched upon a picturesque rock outcrop, surrounded by tea-plantations, paddy-fields and hills – its location is as crucial to it beauty as the building itself. It’s unique among Kandyan-era temples due to its architectural style, which strays away from the customary resplendent wooden temples towards a much simpler stone design. Its most outstanding and memorable features are its unusual light blue colour and the eighteenth-century paintings that can be viewed within its main shrine.

Lankatilake temple (image courtesy of Hewy)

The last of the three temples is Gadaladeniya, around three kilometres from Lankatilake and situated near the main Colombo-Kandy road (A1), making it relatively easy to find. As with Lankatilake, the temple is built on a rock outcrop and dates back to the same year: 1344. It boasts a strong South-Indian influence and numerous decorative carvings to rival some of the subcontinents finest.

Gadaladeniya temple (image courtesy of Mahesh)

For the most part, these temples remain tourist-free; you’re more likely to find yourself amid day-tripping locals, especially on poya or other public holidays. They’re accessible to the degree that you’ll be able to find your own way between them without difficulty – although, if necessary, you can always ask a friendly villager for a tip in the right direction.

Note: this post was brought to you in partnership with Selective Asia.

Temple-hopping in Sri Lanka is a post from: Velvet Escape travel blog

Aurora borealis (image courtesy of Visit Finland)

I’ve always wanted to see the northern lights or the aurora borealis. I was about eight when I first saw a picture of it in a geographic encyclopedia. I stared at the image for ages, in total awe of the colours and how they seemingly dance in the sky.

Thirty-odd years later, my wish to see the northern lights was about to come true. I’d just arrived in Ylläs, a village in Finnish Lapland, about 150km north of the Arctic Circle. Being this far north and the fact that the aurora borealis was at the peak of its eleven-year cycle, the chance of seeing the northern lights was almost a sure thing – and I was excited beyond words. As I unpacked my bag in my room, I glanced out the window and noticed a strange, elongated cloud. “Hmm, that’s a weird-looking cloud”, I thought and continued unpacking. A few minutes later, I met my guide, Tuija, in the hotel lobby and she asked me if I’d already seen the northern lights. I shook my head and she said, “well, let’s go see it now!”. She didn’t have to tell me twice!

Once outside, I was greeted by the most magical sight I’d ever seen. Long curtains of light seemed to descend from the dark sky in hues of green, yellow and pink. They moved slowly in a series of swirls, performing a sensual dance in the sky. I was simply awestruck.

The northern lights above Ylläs

I grabbed my camera and took some pictures to capture this moment – the photo above is, unfortunately, the best shot I have – but I quickly put my camera away and simply stared at this amazing natural phenomenon. I’d waited decades to see this! I pinched myself and stamped my feet in the snow – yes, this was real. The stinging pinch was real, the ground below me was real and the dancing lights in the sky were definitely real. I then realised that the long ‘cloud’ I’d seen earlier from my room window was indeed the northern lights. I chuckled at the thought that I’d waited thirty-odd years to see it and when I finally saw it for the first time, I mistook it for a cloud!

they were performing the tango right before me in the dark, Laplandic sky

Later that evening, Tuija and I had a lovely chat over dinner. She mentioned that the tango is one of the most popular dances in Finland – there are numerous tango dance clubs scattered across the country and tango competitions are very popular. That bit of information crept into my mind as I went for a walk after dinner. The northern lights danced in the night sky above me, with their rhythmic and expressive movements. It seemed like they were performing the tango right before me in the dark, Laplandic sky: a quick swirl, then a sensual embrace; small steps followed by long, elegant steps; lifts and drops. I felt honoured and humbled by this magnificent performance. It was a dream come true and I thanked the heavens for coming out to dance. It’s a sight I will never forget.

Getting there: the closest airport to Ylläs is in Kittila, about a 45-minute drive away. There are scheduled flights from Helsinki as well as a variety of chartered services from various points in Europe.

Note: a big thank you goes to Visit Finland and Ylläs for hosting me in Lapland. As always, all opinions expressed above are mine.

Tango in the sky is a post from: Velvet Escape travel blog

The snow-capped peaks of the Alps

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The Alps from 33,000 feet

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Plane views: the European Alps is a post from: Velvet Escape travel blog

Here’s a contribution from Abigail King, a.k.a. Inside the Travel Lab.

London’s a city with more experiences than you can fit into a lifetime – even a lucky one full of great health and plenty of years. Celebrate London, therefore, with a flaming cosmopolitan at the sumptuous Egerton Hotel. Great service has never looked this good. – Abigail King

Read the accompanying post: ‘The Egerton Hotel Review‘.

Velvet moments: travel photo – a lavish kind of London is a post from: Velvet Escape travel blog

The smoke sauna

The sauna is an integral part of daily life in Finland. It’s much more than just a place to sit, sweat and relax; it’s woven into the social fabric, a place where families and friends gather for a chat or the latest gossip. There’s an average of one sauna per household in Finland! I’ve been told that the sauna even functions as a place where informal business meetings are held and decisions are made. As soon as I heard that, images of Nokia executives discussing the latest mobile trends in the sauna quickly sprung to my mind. Fact is, the Finns love their saunas.

The sauna gondola in Ylläs

On my recent trip to Ylläs in Lapland (northern Finland), I had the opportunity to experience a variety of saunas, from the traditional wood-fired type to the modern electric-powered cabins. However, there was one sauna that was unlike anything I’ve ever experienced: the sauna gondola!

The wood-panelled sauna gondola on the Ylläs ski lift

Located in the ski resort village of Ylläs in Finnish Lapland (150km north of the Arctic Circle), the sauna gondola is operated by Sport Resort Ylläs and runs on the 2km-long ski lift that brings skiers from the base station to the top of Ylläs, about 800m above sea level. I would’ve loved to see the puzzled expressions on the faces of Doppelmayr’s engineers (the world’s leading ropeway engineering company) when they were commissioned to build a ski-lift in Ylläs and include a custom-built sauna gondola. That’s right, a sauna cabin on a ski-lift! I’m quite sure the engineers doubted the mental state of their Finnish client upon hearing this requirement. However, the engineers rose to the challenge and built the gondola in accordance with the specifications of the Finns, the one and only sauna gondola in the world!

The exterior of the sauna gondola

The interior of the sauna gondola

Experiencing the sauna gondola

The ride on the sauna gondola starts at the top of Ylläs when the ski-lift shuts down for skiers in the evening. I was transported to the top in the VIP gondola which comes equipped with a television screen and a small bar, another quirky touch.

Inside the VIP gondola

Once at the top, I was led to the changing room which has an adjacent sauna, a shower area and an outdoor jacuzzi. I changed, had a shower, then grabbed a drink from the well-stocked refrigerator and hopped into the sauna. I was warm and ready for the sauna gondola after ten minutes. With nothing more than a towel draped around my waist, I was led outside to the ski-lift station in sub-zero temperatures (it was minus 12 degrees Celsius or 10 degrees Fahrenheit). I hardly felt the chill. The sauna gondola awaited us, with the temperature inside hovering at around 80 degrees Celsius (170 degrees Fahrenheit). The two sets of doors were closed and off we went. I don’t have any photos or a video of the experience – it would’ve been crazy to take my camera with me into the boiling sauna! – but this promotional photo sourced from Ylläs should give you an idea.

Inside the sauna gondola

The gondola glided silently over the snow-covered slopes of Ylläs, the lights of Ylläs village illuminating the lower slopes. In the distance, I could see mile after mile of forests, interspersed with frozen lakes and small communities. Ylläs looked simply magical in the soft glow of the Arctic twilight.

The Ylläs slopes seen from the VIP ski gondola

we walked around the platform in the snow, barefoot and dressed in nothing but our towels!

As the sauna gondola is only operated after skiing hours, we had the entire ski-lift to ourselves. It was so serene. I sipped on my cold drink, took in the views and engaged in an animated conversation with my guides. We took turns heating up the sauna and we talked about the sauna culture in Finland. They told me that if it became too hot in the cabin, a little window could be opened, but there was no need for it. The intense heat relaxed my body and when I felt too hot, I simply took a big sip of my cold drink. It was hard though to tear my attention away from the stunning scenery outside. When we reached the base station 13 minutes later, the doors opened and we hopped outside onto the platform. During the day, this platform is packed with skiers queuing for the ski-lift but now, it was silent and we walked around the platform in the snow, barefoot and dressed in nothing but our towels!

We hopped back into the gondola for the ride back up the fell. Back at the top, we disembarked from the gondola and headed for the outdoor jacuzzi. As I sat there, I couldn’t help but think how perfect it would be if the northern lights came out to dance for us. Alas, it was too cloudy that evening. After our soak in the jacuzzi, we made our way back to the sauna gondola for another unforgettable round-trip.

Riding the sauna gondola sounded quirky at first. However, when I saw this little engineering marvel and experienced two round trips in it, I realised that this was a truly unique way to enjoy a sauna, a lovely conversation and the stunning views of the Laplandic fells. If I had another chance, I’d do it again in a flash!

The Ylläs slopes

The sauna gondola package costs EUR 1,500 but split amongst up to twelve people, it’s certainly affordable. The package includes use of the sauna facilities (and jacuzzi) and round-trips in the sauna gondola for two hours.

I’ve included below a video (in Finnish with German commentary) to show you what it’s like to ride in the sauna gondola.

Getting there: the closest airport to Ylläs is in Kittila, about a 45-minute drive away. There are scheduled flights from Helsinki as well as a variety of chartered services from various points in Europe.

Note: a big thank you goes to Visit Finland and Ylläs for hosting me in Lapland. As always, all opinions expressed above are mine.

A Finnish sauna like no other is a post from: Velvet Escape travel blog

An eye-opening incident

I was out on a snorkelling trip when a strong current swept me away. Two things saved me: a lesson I learned many years ago that if I were to be in this situation, I had to swim parallel to the shore before heading for the boat or the shoreline; and sheer willpower. I began to tire before I reached the boat. My body felt like a slab of lead and my mind was racing. I struggled to stay afloat as I felt waves of panic washing over me. As I sank for the third time, it suddenly occurred to me that I should start yelling for help. I fought my way back to the surface and shouted, “Help me please!”. Many thoughts flitted through my mind and it occurred to me that even in my dire state, I still remained polite – a bizarre thing to think of at that moment!

Fortunately, I was close enough to the boat for the crew to hear my cries and throw out a life buoy. I used my last reserves to reach out and grab the buoy. The waves played with me like a little doll, smashing me against the boat as the crew struggled to get me to the ladder. I somehow managed to catch the ladder and I knew I was safe.

I kicked myself for not listening to my instincts.

Before I went into the sea, I noticed the wind picking up and the swells growing. My instincts told me not to go in but I figured: I’m an experienced snorkeller, I’m a decent swimmer, I initiated this trip, I was there, I wanted to see the reefs and if I felt unsafe, I could always make my way back to the boat. I was swept away within minutes. The crew tried to haul me back into the boat but I couldn’t move. I hung onto the ladder in a state of shock. My throat choked on the salty water and my mind was reeling. I tried desperately to relax my breathing and calm my nerves. After what seemed like ages, I allowed the crew to pull me up. My first real thoughts were of my utter stupidity – I kicked myself for not listening to my instincts. I then started to think of my loved ones at home and how I wished they were there.

I was elated to return home to big hugs, kisses and smiling faces – it was all I needed to know that I was back with the people I love and I thanked them for simply being in my life.

There’s a lesson in every experience

I strongly believe that there’s a lesson in every experience, whilst the more dramatic ones have the power to truly open our eyes. My Dad’s passing several years ago taught me a great lesson about setting aside our differences to allow love to fluorish.

This near-drowning incident reminded me of how fragile life is and taught me to appreciate my loved ones and tell them as often as I can why they mean so much to me. It also taught me to listen carefully to my instincts. My mind may have a will of its own but when it comes to personal safety, it’s my instincts that I should trust.

Travel safe – a lesson learned is a post from: Velvet Escape travel blog

Read the accompanying post: “Delightful Delft“.

View other Velvet Moments from around the world.

Search for hotels in Delft.

Velvet moments: travel photo – antique market in Delft is a post from: Velvet Escape travel blog

Coastal views along the Camins de Ronda

The name Costa Brava literally means ‘rugged coast’, a reference to the spectacular cliffs and hundreds of coves that line the coast. While the coast is a perennial favourite amongst many Europeans looking for sun, sand and sangria, there’s a lot more to discover starting just a few miles inland in the Baix Empordá region and further inland in the hills of the Garrotxa Volcanic region, such as the gorgeous medieval towns and villages. Steeped in history and home to well-preserved medieval architecture, these towns and villages each have their own charm and attractions. Due to the short distances, many of these medieval villages and towns can easily be explored by means of a leisurely day trip from any point in the Costa Brava. Economy car hire is available in almost every major town, making it a breeze to discover the many historic, cultural and gastronomic highlights that Costa Brava has to offer.

There are dozens of medieval towns and villages in the Costa Brava region but I’ve chosen to highlight five; three near the coast and two in the hills of the Garrotxa. I’ve also added additional tips for things to do and see in the surrounding areas, including some of my favourite restaurants.

Begur and the coast

Begur is a colourful hillside town overlooked by a beautifully restored 16th century castle. It’s a popular town, especially in the summer, due to its proximity to the beaches and a variety of summer festivals. There’s a lovely square, packed with terraces, and cobblestone alleys with a good choice of restaurants and cafés, some tucked away in beautiful courtyards.

Begur

From Begur, take the road to Sa Tuna, a hamlet on the coast with a small beach. The road winds through quiet neighbourhoods and thick forests, and offers beautiful vistas of the rugged coast. A great place to stop for a drink and a meal is the Vintage Lounge – or you can stay at the adjacent Vintage Hotel. Located under a canopy of pine trees on a cliff-edge, Vintage Lounge is a great place to simply chill and watch the waves crash on the rocks below.

The Vintage Lounge, Sa Tuna

Hotel Aigua Blava, one of my favourite hotels on the Costa Brava is located a 15-minute drive away from Begur. It’s a great base from which to explore the coast: the famed Camins de Ronda or the Costa Brava coastal trail passes the hotel’s front entrance; and it is along the trunk road that connects the towns of Begur, Tamariu, Llafranc and Palafrugell.

The Aigua Blava hotel overlooks a gorgeous bay and the blue Mediterranean

For an amazing gastronomic experience with a spectacular view, head for El Far, a restaurant and hotel located on a clifftop near Llafranc, a short drive from Begur. The food (local Catalan and Empordá fare) is absolutely divine and the view of the blue Mediterranean is unforgettable.

El Far

Pals

Pals is one of the most impressive medieval towns in the Costa Brava. Situated in the Baix Empordá, a short distance from Begur and a few kilometers from the coast, Pals’ main attraction is its beautifully restored medieval quarter. Dominated by the Torre de les Hores, an 11th century Romanesque tower, the medieval quarter features quaint alleys lined by ancient stone houses and charming squares. The medieval town wall with its four towers offers stunning views of the Empordá countryside.

Pals (image courtesy of Jakob Tischler)

Pals is also the location of one of my favourite restaurants in Costa Brava. If you’re looking for a casual dining experience with simply fabulous food, I highly recommend Vicus. Situated at the corner of the main road that leads into the centre of Pals (if you’re approaching from Begur), Vicus serves Catalan fare with a modern twist in a contemporary ambiance.

Scallops at Vicus restaurant in Pals

Peratallada

Peratallada is a small, fortified medieval town in the Baix Empordá region. The town, with its 11th century castle (now home to a luxury hotel), 13th century Romanesque church, gorgeous cobblestone streets and picturesque squares, is an absolute delight. It’s a popular place for day-trippers who come here to soak up the medieval atmosphere but stick around in the evenings for a romantic dinner at one of the numerous restaurants.

A quaint street in Peratallada

For a dose of indulgence, I can highly recommend the Mas de Torrent Hotel and Spa, the Costa Brava’s most luxurious hotel, which is situated a short drive away from Peratallada.

The main building at Mas de Torrent

Other medieval towns in the Empordá region that are worth a visit include La Bisbal (with its castle, Jewish quarter and porticoes – it’s also a centre of ceramics and pottery) and the nearby villages of Monells, with its gorgeous medieval square lined by beautiful arches, and Púbol, home of the Gala Dalí castle.

Besalú and the Garrotxa region

Besalú is a stunning medieval town in the hills of the Garrotxa region. The first thing that will grab your attention as you approach the town is the magnificent 12th century Romanesque bridge over the Fluviá river. The bridge leads visitors into the town, with its arcaded streets, cobblestone alleys and squares. There’s a wonderful array of shops selling local produce and handicraft – my favourite shop, at 10, Pont del Besalú, sells all sorts of tea, coffee and chocolates. Other historic monuments in the town include the 11th century Sant Pere church and 12th century Jewish bath (mikveh).

The bridge to Besalú

Reflections of the Besalú bridge over the Fluviá river

Santa Pau is another medieval village in the Garrotxa region that I absolutely love. Located near the Garrotxa Volcanoes, Santa Pau is tiny but boasts gorgeous porticoes, alleys and arcades as well as a 15th century Gothic church. Moreover, this wonderfully atmospheric village is home to another of my favourite restaurants in the Costa Brava: Cal Sastre.

Santa Pau

The heavenly cannelloni at Cal Sastre

You can easily combine a visit to Besalú with the Garrotxa Volcanoes and Santa Pau. From Besalú, follow the A26 motorway in the direction of Olot. Take the Castellfollit de la Roca exit to see this stunning clifftop village, then continue along the A26 motorway to Olot or Santa Pau.

Castellfollit de la Roca

The best time to visit Costa Brava is in May/June or in September/October. This way, you avoid the summer crowds and you’ll truly get to enjoy the natural, historical and culinary highlights of the Costa Brava at a leisurely pace. I’ve pinned the locations of the places mentioned above in the map below. I hope it helps you to discover some of my favourite spots in the Costa Brava.

View Medieval towns Costa Brava in a larger map

Note: this post is brought to you in partnership with CarHireMarket.com.

Medieval towns in the Costa Brava is a post from: Velvet Escape travel blog

Here’s a contribution from Abigail King, the travel blogger/photographer of Inside the Travel Lab.

The water of the Thames looks so majestic in the dark, the streetlights casting streaks like golden tiger stripes across the surface. – Abigail King

Velvet moments: travel photo – the Thames by night is a post from: Velvet Escape travel blog

A tour of the Snow Village

It doesn’t look like much from the outside – a discreet entrance and mounds of snow surrounded by lovely pine forests.

The entrance to the Snow Village

Mounds of snow

Visitors are greeted in the heated Reception area – this area, along with the adjacent restaurant, is the only permanent structure in the Snow Village. There’s also a television that shows a fascinating documentary of how the village is built (it’s absolutely worth watching!). From the Reception area, two doors lead visitors to two separate sections of the Snow Village: the igloos and chapel, and the Ice Bar. These sections are naturally isolated and remain at a steady minus 5 degrees Celsius (23 degrees Fahrenheit); cold but warmer than the winter temperatures outside, which often hit minus 20 degrees Celsius (-4 degrees Fahrenheit)! I decided to check out the Ice Bar first!

The Ice Bar at the Snow Village

Where dinner is served!

The bar is made of solid ice!

Two things you have to do in the Snow Village: dress warm and enjoy a shot of peppermint vodka served in an ice glass (which you then smash onto the floor!).

Cheers! Finnish peppermint vodka in an ice glass!

Minttu peppermint vodka served in an ice glass

Watch a short video of my stroll around the Ice Bar:

The Snow Hotel

A long passageway from the Reception area takes visitors past all the rooms in the Snow Hotel. It truly is a surreal sight and I had to stop, stare and touch the surfaces many times to allow my mind to properly register the scenes! See for yourself:

The passages were decorated and lit differently

My favourite passage was the Passage of Fire, with its fiery ice sculptures and bright red lighting.

The Passage of Fire

The main passage ends at the Ice Chapel, a bright space covered by a dome, with ice benches, ice columns and classical lines along the wall. Gorgeous!

The Ice Chapel

The Snow Village is a popular spot for weddings. I guess it’s a novel, romantic idea – I was told that the bride arrives at the Chapel in a reindeer sled – but standing there in the Chapel, I couldn’t help but think how cold it was and how long the ceremony would take. In addition, with the virgin white walls, floor and ceiling, I wondered if the bride would simply disappear if she wore a white gown.

What it’s like to spend a night at the Snow Hotel

The Snow Hotel has 20-odd rooms or igloos, some of which are individually decorated suites. Each room has beds made of ice, with a mattress on top. The illuminated ice and snow art in the suites were absolutely beautiful.

One of the suites at the Snow Hotel

The snow and ice provides excellent isolation. As a consequence, the temperature remains stable, albeit below freezing, throughout the hotel. There’s a heated common area in a separate building (exclusively for guests) with bunks, showers, toilets and a Finnish sauna (of course!). Each guest is provided with Arctic thermal sleeping bags and pillows – you take these with you from the heated common area to your room when you turn in for the night. I found the sleeping bags sufficiently warm – there was no need to go to sleep dressed in multiple layers. Climbing into the bed without slipping off the icy edge was a bit of a challenge, as was taking off my jacket and quickly diving into the sleeping bag! I made sure I didn’t drink too much before turning in – I dreaded the consequence of a struggle with a sleeping bag and a long, cold walk to the loo in the middle of the night!

Another gorgeous suite

I slept in the Cupid suite.

It was surely a unique experience to sleep in an illuminated igloo and be surrounded by ice and snow. The ethereal light in the igloo combined with the incredible silence was simply bewildering. However, I felt very confined in the Arctic sleeping bag – I admit, I’m not used to sleeping bags. Moreover, the constant blue glow in the igloo (see the photo of the Cupid suite above) each time I opened my eyes was a bit too otherworldly for me to have a restful sleep. At eight o’clock the next morning, the guests were awoken by the hotel staff who also brought a glass of hot berry juice. I gathered my sleeping bag and pillows and stumbled back to the heated common area before heading to the heated restaurant for breakfast – the hot cup of coffee never felt so good in my hands!

A visit to the Snow Village is a fantastic experience and one I would highly recommend to anyone travelling through Finnish Lapland in the winter. Spending the night in the Snow Hotel is an extraordinary experience but keep in mind that it’s not the most comfortable place for a good night’s sleep.

Getting there: the closest airport is in Kittila, about a 40-minute drive away. There are scheduled flights from Helsinki as well as a variety of chartered services from various points in Europe. The Snow Village in Lainio is also easily accessible from Ylläs.

Note: a big thank you goes to Visit Finland and Ylläs for hosting me in Lapland. As always, all opinions expressed above are mine.

Inside the Snow Village is a post from: Velvet Escape travel blog

Self-drive safari in Namibia

Namibia, a nation known as the ‘land of contrasts’, is a mysterious, ethereal and beautiful place that today remains for many even well-seasoned travellers somewhat of an enigma; a dry and desolate rectangle of land perhaps more famous for sprinter Frankie Fredericks than as a luxury safari destination.

Twice the size of Germany or Japan, a little over one million international visitors travelled to Namibia in 2010; half that of neighbouring Botswana and barely a tenth of the number who journeyed to South Africa. Slowly but surely though, an increasing number of intrepid travellers are beginning to unearth the inexhaustible delights that Namibia has to offer. With a geography largely dominated by two vast deserts, the Namib and Kalahari, you may at first expect the country to be largely bereft of colour or vibrancy but this couldn’t in fact be further from the truth.

Enthralling Etosha National Park

Wildlife congregate at oen of the water holes in Etosha

Namibia is home to some of the most enthralling and enchanting scenery anywhere in Africa and nowhere else is this typified more than in the Etosha National Park, one of the country’s largest and most popular conservancies. First attaining National Park status in 1907 when Namibia was still a German colony known simply as South West Africa, the park is home to a wide variety of mammals, birds, reptiles and perhaps unusually for a semi-arid region, one species of fish.

The park’s outstanding feature is a large salt pan stretching over 6,500km² where a vast ancient lake once existed before seasonal shifts isolated the body from the flow of the Kunene River producing this immense canvas of shimmering white earth. For photography enthusiasts, Etosha and indeed Namibia as a whole provides some of the most incredible panoramas in the world and the contrasts of the bright salt rich earth against the surrounding shrub land is quite the spectacle.

Namibia's desert elephant

Although the hyper-saline conditions make it difficult for wildlife to flourish on the pan itself, the annual rains that occasionally flood the area promote the growth of huge fields of green-blue algae, in turn attracting great flocks of flamingos and pelicans which journey to the plains in dense clouds of colour and noise. Beyond the pan though a variety of micro-climatic networks support an eclectic ecology including broad leaved woodland to the east of the park, thorn bush, and shrub. Over thirty perennial waterholes dotted across Etosha act as oases for the wildlife and are often the best places to spot a host of animal and birdlife, drinking and bathing in the waters. These sightings are particularly prevalent during the drier winter months from June – September when lower rainfall draws innumerable species from far and wide to the springs.

A lone cheetah

An interesting phenomenon in the Etosha National Park is the relatively high number of predatory species including lions, hyenas and jackals which stalk the plains and grasslands and as such encourage many types of game to congregate in large numbers as a means of defence. This habit results in impressive sightings of zebra, wildebeest, giraffe, springbok, impala and eland which abound across the region. Herds of elephant have been recorded travelling in numbers of 50 and over trailing across the region in search of food and according to studies those individuals found in Etosha are thought to be the largest in the world. Intelligent, charismatic and yet captivatingly graceful, Namibian elephants are a highlight of any trip to the area.

Luxury lodges in Etosha

Mushara Lodge (image courtesy of Greg Willis)

Although for a long time very few permanent accommodations were established in Etosha, today an impressive but still very select portfolio of properties are scattered in and around the park including the luxurious Epacha Game Lodge, the exclusive Little Ongava and Mushara Lodge a paragon of colonial chic.

Most lodges and camps provide organised daily game drives out into the bush led by experienced trackers who offer the greatest chance of seeing rarer species including black rhinos and black-faced impalas. However, Namibia is also one of the homes of the self-drive safari and more and more tourists are taking to the roads and heading out on an independent adventure. The wide open roads and flat plains around Etosha make it an easy area to explore by car and most areas can be negotiated quite easily by 2WD vehicles.

Note: this post is was brought to you in partnership with Mahlatini Travel, a luxury tour operator specialising in travel to Southern Africa, Namibia and the Indian Ocean Islands. Fully ATOL protected, holidays are tailored to make sure Mahlatini clients have the time of their lives.

Unforgettable Etosha is a post from: Velvet Escape travel blog

Galapagos islands (image courtesy of Judy Paris)

Deciding when to visit the Galapagos Islands can be a difficult decision. Unlike a beach holiday, when warm, sunny weather is essential for that bronze tan, the attractions of the Galapagos Islands vary throughout the year, making no particular time of the year any better than others to visit the Islands.

Off-peak seasons

If price is a factor for you, then the low seasons of April/May or September/October should mean that it is possible to find lower prices and boat owners usually lower their prices at these times of the year, although the weather is always suitable for boat tours.

June to December: dry season

Waved albatross (image courtesy of Bill Bumgarner)

From June to December, the waters are cooler and there can be more mist around, making sightseeing a little more difficult. This dampness, however, does mean that the islands are green and lush during this period. Surprisingly, there is not a significant amount of rainfall at this time, which is often referred to as the dry season, with the sky remaining blue, albeit usually with a short daily shower. One major attraction during this period takes place in October when the waved albatross performs its courtship ritual which is a fascinating spectacle to see. One word of warning though, if you suffer from sea sickness, you may wish to avoid this season as seas tend to be rougher than in the warm season!

December to May: warm season

Galapagos sea lion & pups (image courtesy of Derek Keats)

December to May is called the warm season which brings a tropical climate with more rain and cloud although the weather is warmer. This is the time of the year when you can expect to see the most bird activity. The waters too are significantly warmer and are ideal for swimming and snorkelling.

The drawback to this warmer water though is that there are less fish to see at this time of the year compared to the dry season. During this period there is also a strong possibility that you will get a chance to see the sea turtles laying their eggs on the beaches of the Galapagos. As this is the season for sea lions to mate, if you go during March and April, you will be able to see the new born sea lion pups roaming the islands too.

The best months to visit the Galapagos Islands

For sheer beauty though, the months of February, March and April are the best as this is the time when the colourful flowers bloom and fill the Galapagos Islands with a plethora of wonderful colours. Whichever time of the year you choose, the Galapagos Islands will always have something magical for you to remember for a long time afterwards.

If you would like to speak to an expert, get in touch with the Ultimate Travel Company who have a team of experts that understand the Galapagos Islands and can make recommendations for you as well as taking care of booking and organising your trip. The Ultimate Travel company can create a tailor made holiday based on your needs, wishes and budget.

Note: this post is brought to you in partnership with the Ultimate Travel Company.

Read about other recommended places to visit in Ecuador.

When to visit the Galapagos Islands is a post from: Velvet Escape travel blog

Here’s a contribution from Nellie Huang, a.k.a. Wild Junket.

Panglao Island in the Philippines is a palette of colors: different shades of blue are on full display. We are currently on this beautiful island, exploring its pristine beaches, lush green rainforest and rolling chocolate hills. This shot is taken at the Panglao Island Nature Resort, where the view is magnificent and the atmosphere hypnotic. By day, we head out to track wild tarsiers and visit the island’s countrysides, and as the sun sets, we are sipping sundowners by the resort’s infinity pool. Life cannot get any better. – Nellie Huang

Read the accompanying post from Wild Junket: ‘The Philippines – From Metropolis to Mountains and Beaches‘.

Velvet moments: travel photo – Panglao Island is a post from: Velvet Escape travel blog

Welcome to Wadi Rum!

Wadi Rum, also known as the Valley of the Moon, is a desert region in southern Jordan that consists of a broad valley with extensive dunes and impressive rocky outcrops, some as high as 1,500m (or close to 5,000ft), carved out over time by the eroding effects of water, wind and frost.

These days, Wadi Rum is one of Jordan’s top attractions, drawing visitors from around the world who come to explore the spectacular desert landscapes and experience staying with the Bedouins. On my trip to Jordan, I had the great pleasure of seeing Wadi Rum in different ways: a hot-air balloon ride, a jeep safari and a a series of short hikes.

Experiencing the majesty of Wadi Rum

From the vastness of the desert floor to the towering mountains and the multi-coloured sand, Wadi Rum is truly majestic. There are many ways to experience this majesty. My favourite though is a hot-air balloon ride across the desert at dawn.

The mountains and the colours of Wadi Rum

The sensation of silently hovering over the surreal desert landscapes is one that no visitor will easily forget! Signing up for a hot-air balloon ride is also a great excuse to haul yourself out of bed in the wee hours of the morning to witness a magical sunrise! The hot-air balloon tours over Wadi Rum are offered by Royal Aero Sports. This company also offers microlight and ultralight aircraft flights over the desert.

Ground tours around Wadi Rum

Local tour operators (managed by Bedouins) offer a variety of tours that allow visitors to explore the magnificent canyons, dunes and mountains of Wadi Rum. I chose a 4WD jeep safari combined with short hikes. I especially loved the changing colours of the sand – from ochre to peach, pink and even red – and the strange geological formations. There was one formation I found particularly intriguing as it reminded me of a character from ‘The Planet of the Apes’.

Me and my guide Mahmoud on our jeep safari

The Seven Pillars of Wisdom

Dunes and mountains

A burst of green in the desert

Spot the ape!

My guide, Mahmoud, took me to his favourite places, including a natural stone bridge and a variety of spots where he pointed out ancient rock inscriptions. These inscriptions are believed to be from the Nabatean and Thamudic periods, more than a thousand years ago! Wherever we went, I always made it a point to stop for a moment and enjoy the wondrous silence.

Natural stone bridge

Ancient rock inscriptions

Visitors can choose a handful of day tours and spend the night in a goat-haired Bedouin camp, like I did. You can easily combine a hot-air balloon ride with a jeep or camel safari in one day. It’s also possible to go on hiking excursions lasting several days – such as the trek through the Rakabat Canyon and the climb to the peak of Um Ad Dami, Jordan’s highest mountain.

Fancy a camel safari with the Bedouins?

The Captain's Tent in Wadi Rum

Whichever you choose, step outside after dark, find a comfortable spot to lie down and look up! The star-studded sky will quite literally take your breath away!

Note: a big thank you goes to the Jordan Tourism Board for hosting me.

The majestic Wadi Rum is a post from: Velvet Escape travel blog

Spring is in the air!

A guest post by Amanda Andrews.

Spring is a time of renewal. This is the time of the year when everything is bright and new and, if you’re anything like me, you just want to get outside and feel the warm sun on your face for the first time in months! The English countryside is never better than when everything is waking from its winter slumber and beginning to show its colourful face.

This spring, treat yourself to a relaxing last minute UK cottage holiday and take some time to wander the paths that wend their way through the English countryside and experience the beautiful landscapes and awe inspiring coastlines that the UK is famous for.

Hadrian’s Wall Path

In the north west of England you will find the wall that once marked the northern frontier of the Roman Empire. Stretching the from coast to coast, from Cumbria in the west to Tyneside in the East, the Hadrian’s Wall Path allows visitors to become immersed in the ancient history of Britain.

Hadrian's Wall (image courtesy of Sam & Ian)

Hadrian’s Wall is Europe’s largest surviving Roman monument, becoming a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1987, and this 140km walk is fast becoming one of the most popular long distance hikes in England. This relatively new path, which was only opened in 2003, follows the Roman wall closely and takes you along the River Tyne, through the farm fields of Northumberland, into the pastures of Cumbria, and finally opening into the salt marshes of the Solway Estuary. With more than eighty short walks which break off of the main trail you don’t have to worry if you can’t invest seven days into the full path. Just imagine settling down to a hearty meal in a country pub at the end of a long day of walking – life doesn’t get much better!

Pembrokeshire Coastal Path

As one of three National Trails which are located in Wales, you can rest assured that the Pembrokeshire Coastal Path will not disappoint – either in terms of views or the amenities available along the way. The 186 mile trail works its way along the Pembrokeshire Coast, which is the only coastline in Britain to be designated as a National Park.

Pembrokeshire Coastal Path (image courtesy of CLS Photos)

The variety of landscapes that you will travel through while walking the Pembrokeshire Coastal Path is astonishing, ranging from steep limestone cliffs and red sandstone bays, to flooded glacial valleys. Take a break along your walk to do some wildlife spotting, with nesting seabirds, dolphins, seals, and porpoises regularly spotted along the way. From picturesque harbours and unspoilt villages, to medieval castle ruins and magnificent cathedrals, there is a never ending supply of beauty and history to be explored along the trail. You can even visit St. David, which claims the title of the smallest city in Britain as well as being the place from which St. Patrick set sail for Ireland in the 5th century.

The Cotswold Way

Follow along the Cotswold escarpment to experience the most tranquil and quintessentially English of walks, which travels form Chipping Campden in the north to the iconic World Heritage city of Bath in the south. The Cotswold Way spans over 100 miles and takes visitors through some of the most breathtaking countryside and charming villages that England has to offer.

The Cotswold Way (image courtesy of Clay Pole)

The Cotswold Way one of England’s premier long distance walking routes and is a great option for first timers as it wends its way through gentle hills and valleys and the local villages offer a great place to take a well deserved break along the way. One of the best stops along the route is Sudeley Castle near Winchcombe, which has been the site of royal gossip and intrigue for more than a thousand years.

Sudeley Castle (image courtesy of Gordon Robertson)

Sudeley Castle was once the home to Queen Katherine Parr, the last of Henry VIII six wives, and it is here that she has been interred. 2012 marks Katherine’s quincentenary (that would be 500th birthday) and will be celebrated with historical events throughout the season at the castle. The Cotswold Way is a very special national trail and the Cotswold National Trail Office runs a Hall of Fame for those who finish the whole trek – filling out a simple card along the way will bag you a pin or badge for you to proudly display. That will be one well earned pin!

If you don’t fancy setting off on one of these walks on your own there are numerous guiding companies who can help you along the way, whether you want to take a fully guided trip or just have someone transport your bags between stops. Just pack up a few snacks, tighten up those boot laces and you’re off!

The UK is filled with breathtaking walks, from short rambles with the family to long distance treks across the beautiful countryside. Walking is really a unique way to experience a country and it’s something we really don’t do enough of. Consider taking a slower type of holiday and immerse yourself completely in the landscape and history of this lovely little island.

Note: this post was brought to you in partnership with Sykes Cottages.

Iconic walks in the English countryside is a post from: Velvet Escape travel blog

Eclectic styles, Skanderberg Square (image courtesy of net_effekt)

History

Albania as a nation was subject to the pre-history of the Greeks, the Illyrians, the Romans and later the Ottomans. The result of these influences is an amalgam of culturally diverse architectural features such as places of worship and aristocratic or royal residences. Once such place is the Et’Hem Bay Mosque in the centre of the Albanian capital Tirana. The mosque certainly warrants a visit because of its astounding beauty and historical worth. Skanderberg Square in Tirana offers an abundance of this history, being the typically Albanian mix-up of cultural influences with an ancient cobbled square shaped as a horseshoe, surrounded by Mussolini’s 1930′s government buildings.

For the history buffs, the National Museum of History in Tirana has extensive collections of Albania’s turbulent cultural past, with articles pre-dating 95,000 BC offering a fascinating show of tangible, not to mention stunning regional cultural history. There is also the Archaeological Museum near Durrës, set along the waterfront of this magnificent coast, and offering a full range of Greek, Hellenistic, and Roman artefacts.

A trip to Albania would not be complete without a visit to one of its ancient fortresses such as the fascinating Rozafa Fortress near Shkodra and the museum town of Berat, with its beautiful Ottoman houses in a striking mountain setting.

Wondrous landscapes

Saranda (image courtesy of Brett Wayn)

The Ionian Coast in Albania is one of the most beautiful stretches of coast in Eastern Europe and is even said to contend with Croatia’s awe-inspiring Dalmatian Coast. This stunning part of Albania’s coastline features steep crags, towering mountains and a string of hidden coves and beaches. One of Albania’s most charming seaside towns, Saranda, is located here. Nearby attractions include the Syri i Katterc spring and gorgeous beaches near the village of Ksamili. There are a range of sea- and land-based activities along the Ionian Coast like kayaking and hiking to get involved with thanks to the tour company ‘Outdoor Albania’, who promote eco-tourism along this stretch of Adriatic and Ionian coastline. Tours include sea-kayaking excursions with stays in traditional villages along the coast.

In the north, the Albanian Alps are famous for its dramatic peaks, crystalline lakes and quaint villages. A ride on the ferry across Komani lake is a great way to enjoy the rugged scenery and mingle with the locals. ‘Outdoor Albania’ also offers hiking trips in the Albanian Alps.

Sit back and relax or join the party

Two of the country’s most popular drinking holes couldn’t be more different. Bar Torra, located in the city of Durrës, is a chic bar and café with a stunning view. Located inside a fortified Venetian tower, Bar Torra was one of the very first privately owned cafés to be set up in Albania, and it owes its existence to a team of keen local artists who took the time to decorate and revive this structure into what is today a vibrant and cool destination. Sit back, enjoy the view and one of the local brews.

For a memorable night out, the Oxygen Beach-bar in Pogradec on the shores of Lake Ohrid is one of the most popular party destinations with a private pool and beach, as well as the very best dance music.

If you want to save money before you go then Tours4fun coupon codes may just do the trick!

Note: this post is brought to you in partnership with CouponCodes4U.

Inside Albania is a post from: Velvet Escape travel blog

We were invited to London to celebrate a friend’s wedding on the 31st of December. It was fantastic! As we were already in London we also did some sightseeing. I’ve never been on the London Eye, so we decided to go for it. It was stormy and it was getting dark. Perfect conditions! So we were up there, above the clouds and above London, my wife, our little-travel-dude and myself. – Melvin

Read the accompanying post from Traveldudes: ‘Above the Clouds of London – the London Eye Experience‘.

Velvet moments: travel photo – above the clouds of London is a post from: Velvet Escape travel blog

Floating in an icy pool in a frozen lake!

Ice-floating is one of many winter activities in Finnish Lapland. In Ylläs (pronounced as ‘Ool-las’), the premier winter sports destination in Finland, you can book an ice-floating session at Ylläs Adventures. They have an office at Lake Ylläsjärvi, just outside Ylläs, from which all sorts of activities are organised, including husky-sledding, reindeer and snowmobile safaris.

The smoke sauna

It’s a short stroll to the lake from their office. We passed the smoke sauna (a traditional Lappish experience) before being led into a cute house where I was hoisted, fully-clothed, into a thick survival suit. These suits were designed for Arctic expeditions but here in Ylläs, they have a more relaxing purpose: to keep you warm and afloat in the icy water of the frozen Lake Ylläsjärvi. I had a look at myself in the mirror and burst out laughing – I looked like a Teletubby in that bulky suit!

I know, I look ridiculous in this Teletubby suit!

Once we were tightly strapped in, we received the green light to venture outside. We trudged through the snow to the lake which was completely frozen except for a ‘pool’ that had been carved out of the ice. After a few instructions, I slowly lowered myself onto the ladder and into the water. The air in the suit rushed from the legs to my upper body, creating a vacuum effect around my legs and the opposite effect around my upper body (which started to look like the ‘Michelin Man’!). Once my feet touched the lake bed, I allowed myself to lean backwards and drift away.

Descending into the water with my bloated upper body

The first thought that crossed my mind was the sensation of floating in mid-air. “Is this what it feels like in zero-gravity?”, I pondered. The water was calm and the suit kept me warm and snug. My mind and body relaxed in an instant. I lifted my head up every so often to remind myself of where I was. It was surreal to see the frozen lake, the snow-covered trees and the icy water I was in. The only part of my body that started to get cold were my hands.

Drifting away.....

...into a blissfull state!

I floated in the pool for about 20-odd minutes in a blissful state before paddling back to the ladder. It was an unworldly experience, one that I would highly recommend to anyone looking for a surreal (and very relaxing) winter experience in Lapland.

Getting there: the closest airport to Ylläs is in Kittilä, about a 40-minute bus-ride away. There are scheduled flights from Helsinki as well as a variety of chartered services from various points in Europe to Kittilä.

Note: a big thank you goes to Visit Finland and Ylläs for hosting me in Lapland. As always, all opinions expressed above are mine.

Ice-floating in Lapland is a post from: Velvet Escape travel blog

A Sunday outing in Auckland

As the sun beats down on a warm autumn morning in Auckland, I make my way down to the city’s harbour. Queen Street, the city’s main thoroughfare is busy with Sunday shoppers but today I’m off to the village of Devonport on Auckland’s North Shore. The journey across Waitemata Harbour is only twelve minutes long and I’m able to get some great views looking back at the city and the impressive SkyTower that dominates the skyline.

Auckland skyline from Devonport (image courtesy of Abaconda)

Devonport’s main street is a mix of cafés, boutique shops, art galleries and antique stores but my first stop is down one of the village’s side streets. Devonport Chocolates is a boutique chocolate maker and their store in the village is home to their kitchen. Watching them craft each piece by hand makes my mouth begin to salivate and I have an important decision to make as I struggle to choose between the Chilli Lime and Orange Creams. Unable to decide I buy both, I’d only regret not buying the other later.

My favourite places are the bookshops where I could spend hours looking through the shelves. I have a couple of books to sell which the owner kindly gives me a few dollars each for. I love how you can trade in books in small shops like this. Wanting to find a replacement I browse through the sport and travel sections before finally opting for Chocolat, not my usual type of book but it seems chocolate is becoming a running theme of the day.

Patriot Pub in Devonport

Crossing the road I pop into the Patriot pub for lunch. With the warm afternoon air I grab a table outside on the pavement where I spend an hour or so watching the world go by. Housed in an old Bank of New Zealand building, the Patriot is Devonport’s only British pub and prides itself on its food. It has every reason to as well as I devour their delicious Patriot burger.

Finishing off the final fat chip it’s time to head back to the pier and the ferry back to the city. Back at Auckland harbour there’s time for an ice cream from Valentino’s Gelato, an ice cream parlour in the ferry building. I opt for my favourite hokey pokey flavour, a vanilla ice cream with lumps of honeycomb toffee. As the sun begins to set over Auckland I sit on the balcony reading my earlier purchase and reflect on what has been another Velvet Escape.

Though Devonport is the location for my weekend trip, there are many other Velvet Escapes in and around Auckland. New Zealand is geared towards the outdoors and Auckland is no different. Whether it is walking along the coastline and beaches of the North Shore or climbing up the volcanic cones of Mt Eden and One Tree Hill to the south of the city, being able to discover more of my favourite city is the perfect Velvet Escape.

About this week’s guest writer
Paul Corbett spent eight months in New Zealand, six of which were living and working in Auckland, as part of a year long trip around the world. Now back in the UK Paul writes about his experiences on his blog My Postcard From and more recently set up a site all about his favourite country, My Postcard From New Zealand.

My velvet escape travel tip: Auckland is a post from: Velvet Escape travel blog

Few things in life are more stressful than wandering the through the proverbial paradise of White Beach in Boracay [Philippines] – widely regarded as the 2nd best beach in the world. Luckily for visitors to the island, a waterside massage is never far away. These holiday makers seemed to be doing an excellent job of unwinding as I strolled past at sunset. – John O’Nolan

Velvet moments: travel photo – massage on White Beach, Boracay is a post from: Velvet Escape travel blog

Capital cities are seen in much of the world as a sign of permanence, of historic grandeur and visible power and strength. Yet for many nations of the world capital cities have moved with surprising regularity and for a host of different reasons. Here are just five of the most common reasons to relocate a capital city.

To be neutral

Brasilia (image courtesy of Ariél Lopez)

Rio de Janeiro to Brasilia (1960)
The idea to relocate the Brazilian capital began in the early 19th century although it took over 100 years for the decision to be put into action. With all state functions and major influencers living in the south east of the country it was felt that a more centrally located capital would better serve the needs of the whole population of this giant nation.

Canberra (1927)
Years of argument could not solve the dispute between Melbourne and Sydney. The authorities in both cities felt that they should be the Australian capital and never would cede to the other. Finally the compromise was agreed to create a new capital, roughly halfway between the two cities.

Canberra

Abuja (1991)
After years of bitter ethnic and religious troubles, it was decided to move the capital from the southern shore to the centre of Nigeria. By having a city that was accessible to both the Christian south and Muslim north it was hoped that the government would better represent the whole nation. On top of this, Lagos had grown so quickly and so chaotically that this plan hoped to stop the mass migration of people to the city.

To be more ‘Western’

The Hermitage in St. Petersburg (image courtesy of Alistair Knock)

Moscow to St Petersburg (1712)
Moscow has been the Russian capital for around 500 of the last 700 years and remains so today. Between 1712 and 1918 however the capital moved west to the Baltic Sea port of St Petersburg on the orders of Peter the Great. The reason? To be closer to the major centres of world trade and influence, which at the time were almost exclusively in Europe.

To preserve unity

Auckland to Wellington (1865)
While the North Island had all the politicians, the South Island had the gold. The folks in Auckland were getting nervous that the South Islanders would declare themselves a distinct and separate colony within the British Empire. The decision was quickly made to relocate the government functions to a more central location. Wellington was chosen for its natural harbour.

For self-defence

Shwedagon Pagoda, Yangon (image courtesy of Arian Zegers)

Yangon to Naypyidaw (2005)
When the Burmese government announced that they were moving the capital away from Yangon, they were effectively relocating to an empty field. The new capital was constructed hastily after their arrival and is still not complete. Officially the reason given for the move was the overcrowding of the old capital. However many believe that the regime is very fearful of foreign attacks and by moving inland they have created something of a modern fortress city.

Risk management

Tehran to somewhere to be decided (sometime soon?)
Tehran is a disaster waiting to happen. The city sits on over 100 seismic fault lines and as far as a catastrophic earthquake is concerned it’s a question of when rather than if. The site of Tehran itself was something of an accident and talk of relocation has long preceded the current unrest. However, with all the current uncertainty for the regime, perhaps relocation away from the masses of Tehran will become even more attractive?

About this week’s guest writer
Written by Andy Jarosz for Travel Insurance Cover. Andy is based St Albans in the UK, and writes professionally for a number of companies. He can be found at the 501 Places website which was recently listed in the top 10 most influential travel blogs.

Note: this post was brought to you in partnership with Travel Insurance Cover.

Shifting capitals is a post from: Velvet Escape travel blog

The Northern Lights in Finnish Lapland (image courtesy of Visit Finland)

The Northern Lights or the Aurora Borealis, the dancing lights in the northern sky, is a phenomenon I’ve always wanted to see. I think I first read about it when I was about eight-years-old. I saw a picture and description about it in a geographic encyclopedia my parents had given me and I was awestruck. I promised myself that I would one day see it. That day may happen this week! I’ll be in Lapland (the part of it in Finland) for the next few days, in Ylläs to be precise. Located about 150km north of the Arctic Circle, in Finnish Lapland, I should have a pretty good chance of seeing the Northern Lights in the resort of Ylläs for two reasons: the winter of 2011/2012 is the peak of the eleven-year cycle of the Northern Lights, and Lapland is one of the best places in the world to view it. From what I’ve heard, the Northern Lights have been dancing around in the sky almost every night in the past few weeks. As you can imagine, I’m keeping my fingers tightly crossed that they’ll keep dancing when I’m there and that the sky is clear for an unobstructed view.

Dog-sledding in Lapland (image courtesy of Visit Finland)

I’m also looking forward to many unique experiences in Finnish Lapland, like a ride in the Sauna Gondola. I had an inkling of what it would be when I first heard about it but the idea seemed too far-fetched – lo and behold, my thoughts were soon confirmed. Yes, it’s a Finnish sauna in a gondola or cable-car! This video should give you an idea!

I’ll also be going on a snowshoe trek across the hills around Ylläs, a husky safari and I’ll be staying at the Snow Village where everything, from the rooms (igloos) to the restaurant and bar are made from snow and ice. There will also be opportunities to experience an authentic Finnish sauna and a quick plunge in an icy lake! Oh, and for the ultimate Arctic ‘indulgence’: an Arctic peat bath at the Ylläs Saaga Resort! I’m not exactly sure what that is yet but I’ll let you know as soon as I find out!

All in all, it promises to be an amazing four-day trip. My bags are packed with loads of warm clothing, my camera batteries are fully charged and I’m ready to go. I’ve never been this far north and it would certainly be a dream come true if I get to see the Northern Lights. It’s going to be freezing cold – temperatures of minus 30 degrees Celsius or minus 22 degrees Fahrenheit were recorded in the past week – but I’m sure it’ll be an experience of a lifetime!

The Snow Hotel (image courtesy of the Snow Village)

A huge thank you goes to Visit Finland for hosting me in Lapland. Follow my trip to Finnish Lapland on Twitter via the hashtag #VEinLapland or via the Twitter feed below (tweets in the feed below may load slowly during busy periods):

Experiencing the Arctic wonders of Finnish Lapland is a post from: Velvet Escape travel blog

Wild Junket magazine cover

I pushed my work aside and sat back in amazement as I (digitally) flipped through the pages of the Wild Junket Magazine. The first thing that grabbed my attention was the breathtaking photography. With its vibrant colours, each photo was a visual delight and a grand invitation to read more about the destination.

Snapshots from around the world

The second thing that attracted me was the choice of exotic destinations. I found myself making mental notes as I read fascinating articles about experiences in far-flung places like the Arctic, Namibia and Turkey. I sighed as I thought of my growing bucket list.

A single click on the world map takes you directly to the article

Exotic destinations like Namibia <sigh!>

The Wild Junket Magazine features articles from some of my favourite writers/bloggers such as Abigail King, Lola Akinmade and Andy Jarosz. I’m a big fan of their blogs but they truly shine in the Wild Junket Magazine: their beautiful prose, combined with lavish photography and the handy facts and tips boxes effectively bring their experiences to life. They evoke a sense of adventure and inspire the reader to want to learn more about these amazing destinations.

"Spirit of Lapland" by Lola Akinmade

It was a great pleasure to read the Wild Junket Magazine. Aside from the font size, which I found a tad too small, especially in the captions, I loved every aspect of the magazine. To me, it truly is a bundle of travel inspiration and I would recommend it to anyone. The magazine is a bi-monthly publication and at $2.95 per issue or $14.95 a year, it’s a steal for this much travel inspiration. I love it that Nellie has provided a preview of the magazine’s current issue. The next issue is due in March.

Congratulations to Nellie, Alberto and the rest of the Wild Junket team for producing this inspiring digital magazine. Your first issue got me salivating in seconds. I can’t wait for the next issue!

Note: the Wild Junket Magazine was provided to me for my review. All opinions expressed above are seriously mine.

A bundle of travel inspiration is a post from: Velvet Escape travel blog