My 5 top bars in and around Vale Do Lobo

What: Izzy's Beach Bar
Where: Morada, Vale Do Garrao, 8135 Almancil, Portugal - Right next to Julia's beach

Why: Fun, lively and a great place to watch the sun set after a day at the beach. Colourful cocktails complimented by tasty snack with summer tunes drumming away in the background. 

Occasion: Relaxed evening out - beach wear mandatory! 

What: Casa Do Lago

Where: Off roundabout 6, Quinta Do Lago

Why: A fancy joint yet relaxing with great views across the lake, comfy outdoor furniture and an extensive wine list.

Occasion: Great for after dinner drinks - they have a great selection of digestives! Guests may also enjoy the live music and occasional fireworks. Sunset balloon rides are available on request! 

What: Breeze Papagaio

Where: The Praca in Vale Do Lobo

Why: Right on the beach in the busy Praca, its a great place to go for pre dinner drinks. They have a great range of fruity summer cocktails to get your evening started. 

Occasion: Great place to start before hitting the town! 

What: Monty's
Where: The Praca, Vale Do Lobo
Why: Great karaoke and fantastic live music.
Occasion: Perfect for a girls night out!

What: Spike's
Where: Parque do Golfe, Vale Do Lobo
Why: Beautiful setting overlooking the golf course. Quiet, relaxing with attentive service.
Occasion: Perfect place for drinks during the spring and autumn on a sunny day.

Bon Voyage x 

Vale Do Lobo and the surrounding areas - My top 8 places to eat

Having been to Vale Do Lobo in Portugal every year since I was two, I thought this would be the year to go back to all my old favorites and see if they were as good as I remembered (as you can imagine a lot of food was consumed on this trip!).

Have a look through my top 8 faves and please feel free to comment!

Maria's Beach Restaurant - Praia do Garrão Poente, 8135-170 Almancil

This beach bar has been a large part of my life - a family favorite! I have watched it grow from a small shack on the side of the beach to the place it is today. The food at Maria's has always been fantastic, this has never wavered even though it has changed hands over the years. The menu is made up of traditional Portuguese beach front food, including chicken piri piri, an assortment of fish, cataplana and of course their famous Maris's rice! If you are a rice fan, you will thoroughly enjoy this dish in Portugal, however I must admit Maria's rice is by far my favorite (even though its not quite as good as when Maria herself used to make it!).
Priced reasonably, I would highly recommend a visit, after all there is nothing better than eating by the beach when you are on holiday! www.mariasbeachalgarve.com

BJ's Restaurant - Rua do Poco Romano 8125, Portugal

Very similar to Maria's in many respects however BJ's has a slightly more relaxed vibe partly due to it being one of the few remaining original beach restaurants along the Algarvian coastline. The staff are extremely accommodating making the experience very relaxing and enjoyable. BJ's basically sits on the sand - pretty much all seating is outside and at night its lit up by small lights. I went for the first time this summer after many rave reviews from my family. Me and my 6 companions sat, drank wine and ate an assortment of delicious fish (my favorite was the grilled squid!) and were surprised when the bill arrived - this place is the meaning of good value for money! If your looking to jazz things up a bit head down on a Friday or Sunday lunchtime to enjoy some live music. http://bjsoceanside.com/

Figueiral - Almancil, Portugal 8135-117

Not the prettiest of locations however the food is exceptional - best steak ive had in Portugal! Slightly off the beaten track its never heaving so you are always guaranteed attentive service and a table! My childhood favorite was steak on the stone which I always thought was such a fun concept! Nowadays it would be a sin not to have Picanha - a Brazilian specialty made up of roast rump and brisket of beef. It is accompanied by smaller dishes, including Feijoada (black bean stew), rice, veggies, tomato salad and weirdly enough, cooked banana, and the helpings keep on coming until the diner is unable to walk. to start i would recommend opting for the goats cheese dish, which comes paired with apple and walnuts - divine! This is a dish ive definitely tried to recreate on many occasion however it never seems to taste as good as it does at the Figueiral. A reasonably priced joint considering the quality of the food.

Paixa Restaurant - Quadradinhos Lote 52, Vale Do Lobo, 8135-034 Almancil

"A delight of Algarve's finest flavors served in intimate snacks" - a great way to describe Paixa. Set off the beaten track in a quite area of town, Paixa has a romantic feel to it - perfect for dinner if your on holiday with your other half. Lunch time is available however I would suggest going for dinner to get a proper feel for the joint - at night the candles really set the scene. The menu is vast offering a selection of hot and cold sharing plates which are all 'tapas' like - aka no need to cut things up! My recommendations would be the following: get the bread - its comes with a selection of jams, olive pates and lupins. I hadn't had a lupin before coming to Paixa - they are delicious! I would then go for the smoked duck breast, stuffed squid, oxtail coquettes, quails eggs with sausage black pork and oysters, however if this is not your tipple, everything on the menu is extremely tasty! Slightly more expensive than my suggestions so far but perfect if you want to treat yourself.
www.paixarestaurante.com

Eduardos - Vale do Garrao 8135, Almancil, Portugal

Another beach favourite of mine. Previously known as the Paradise Beach Bar (which sadly burnt down a few years back), Eduardo has rebuilt a fantastic establishment. The hot spot has been newly refurbished and, in addition, Eduardo has produced a brand spanking new Portuguese menu to accompany the new look. Like other beach restaurants along the Algarve, Eduardos serves a mixture of fish and meat accompanied by the famous north african inspired rice! Probably coming in second to Maria's, this rice is a extremely tasty and in my eyes accompanies any meal! Service with a smile, great few and beautiful views, there isn't anything to dislike about this place!

The Thai Garden at Sao Gabriel - Estrada Vale Do Lobo, 8135 Almancil

Set in beautiful gardens just off the main road to Vale Do Lobo, its a great place for dinner on a sunny evening! As you can tell from the title, the menu is made up of scrumptious Thai treats which are prepared in front of your eyes. Its always fun to watch the chefs cooking in view of the guests as they prepare tasty yet healthy delights! The general decor mixed with the gardens gives this restaurant a relaxed atmosphere and

 combined with the great food and friendly service its a great place to go if your looking for something a bit different. Good price point, great atmosphere! 

Gourmet Natural - Apartado 3954 8135-018 Almancil

Dubbed as having the best South African steak in the Algarve (different to the Figueiral), for you meat eaters out there this should definitely be on your list of eatery's in the area. Great service and set in a great location, there is not much to dislike about this place. The restaurant has a relaxed and cosy feel to it, especially in the evenings. Last time I went, we all had different types of steak and each tried a different sauce, and there was not a complaint from any one around the table.. in fact we pretty much sat in silence throughout the meal, that's how good the food was! Perfect evening out for families or just friends.
www.gourmetnaturalrestaurante.com

Pequeno Mundo - Apartado 3618,8135-907, Almancil

Close to Vale Do Lobo, surrounded by trees and beautiful flowers you will find the traditional Algarvian property home of the "Pequeno Mundo". Probably the smartest (and most expensive!) of the restaurants I've mentioned. Spread between out door patios and indoor cosy rooms there is a lovely charm and sophistication to this place. In the winter, its nice to sit and relax by the fire while in the summer there is the option to sit among the flowers and star gaze. Pequeno Mundo specialises in French cuisine, however a large selection of both Portuguese and French wine is on offer to enjoy. This is probably my parents favorite restaurant in the Algarve - they are yet to have a disappointing meal and as a result of this I would highly recommend this place to anyone travelling to the region. 

 I hope you enjoy!

Bon Voyage x

Lake Geneva - Part 1

After my Grandpa relocated to Bursinel, Switzerland became my new home away from home. Right on the lake, its the perfect place for a relaxing weekend away! The area surrounding Lake Geneva is breath takingly beautiful and the view from Bursinel does not disappoint - on a good day you can see across to France and sometimes (if your lucky) Mont Blanc. The edge of the lake is littered with cute little towns in both France and Switzerland and visiting these places is not difficult. There a boats going from Switzerland to France throughout the day and driving around the whole lake would only take 2 hours and 50 minutes.

View from Bursinel (day and night)

Neighbouring Bursinel is Nyon and Rolle - both typical Swiss villages. Right on the lake they both have a lot to offer. When visiting, daily trips to Rolle are essential, usually to visit the local fromagerie or patisserie (probably the best cakes I have ever had were at Patisserie Ch. Moret)! Apart from the local tasty food, Rolle has a beautiful walk route by the lake. There is also a lovely chateau you can tour round too and local markets at certain times during the year. Yet the charming city of Rolle has more to be grateful for (as if it weren’t enough) than its spectacular front-row seat on the northwestern shore of Lake Geneva. For it sits below rolling hills smothered in vineyards that form part of the famous Route Du Vignoble in the lush wine producing region of La Cote, an area renowned for gastronomy and fine wine as well as culture and heritage.  

Nyon is a slightly bigger version of Rolle. The streets are small and winding dotted with antique shops and 'chocolateries'. Nyon is one of the many places you can take a boat to France and it is also home to the prestigious Castle of Nyon which is situated up from the Lake. The Historic Museum occupies the entire building, allowing visitors to explore the Castle itself and absorb its atmosphere.

Take a day trip to France


One fine morning we decided to sail across to Yvoire. A mere 20 minutes away on a boat (which go on the hour) its the perfect place to spend a morning. This medieval village is bursting with personality, restaurants and even the odd tourist attraction. There are beautiful gardens and a medieval chateaux which are definitely worth a visit if your up for a bit of French culture. There are plenty of cute little restaurants by the lake serving typical French cuisine and on a summers day the views of Switzerland are beautiful. Another option is to amble along the lake and feed the ducks - we were lucky enough to stumble across some gorgeous baby swans whilst we were visiting. 

Lausanne


This buzzing city played host for dinner one evening during our visit. Sadly, as we had limited time in Lausanne our tour was cut slightly short however there was time for a tasty yet cheap meal followed by a stroll round the city. I must warn you though, Lausanne is smack bang on a hill, with the centre at the top. This results in LOTS of stairs - its no wonder the people who live there are all so skinny! Even though the steps were (extremely!) tiring, it did give a certain aspect of character to the city as well as amazing views out across the lake. Lausanne seemed mysterious with little pubs down side alleys, or in dark corners, however bustling with people nonetheless. There are a mix of high street/high end and vintage shops scattered around and for such a busy place, traffic didnt seem to cause any problems. Another thing to be aware of is due to the University, ive heard Lausanne has amazing nightlife even though i am yet to experience it myself - ill have to save that for my next trip!  

Expect lots more of Switzerland - I intend to visit again sooner rather than later! 


Until next time, Bon voyage x 

Les Diablerets

If you are looking to go skiing somewhere which isn't going to be heaving with British, Les Diablerets is always a good shout. Situated under two hours away from Geneva airport, the journey up to the mountains is not only stress free but beautiful. The route follows the lake before climbing up the mountains to Les Diablerets.

From first appearances its look like a small and quaint town - however after a closer look, Les Diablerets has a lot more to offer..
Firstly, there is plenty of skiing to be done. Les Diableret plays host to three different mountains, one which runs down into two different valleys opening up even more options. There is ample choice when it comes to runs, ski parks and there is also a glacier to keep the pros interested.

For beginners: Isenau is by far the best place to learn to ski. The slopes are wide and easy and its ski friendly with hardly any snowboarders around.

The Glacier and Meilleret are larger mountains with a variety of runs leading off to different resorts and valleys. Even though there are some blue and green runs on these mountains, there are less options available for learners.

Restaurants and Nightlife: On arrival, expectations of a good night life were low. Luckily we were staying with some Les Diableret residents who quickly showed us the ropes and introduced us to the local haunts. There is a small but fun club called Discotheque Le Pot - however Friday and Saturday nights are the only nights when its busy - we attempted going on a Wednesday and we were quite literally the only people there.

There are an array of restaurants available, however I would suggest going to a typically Swiss eatery. Order a Fondue or Raclette - i promise they wont let you down! If you are on a budget, like most ski resorts eating on the mountains is expensive..however the local COOP is great and will cater all your needs. There are plenty of picnic areas on all mountains so i would advise making your own lunch and taking it with you!

Day trips: Take a trip to Gstaad if you fancy a bit of luxury. Apres ski is big and the locals dress up to the nines (as much as one can dress up in winter get up). Head to Apple Pie for a Vin Chaud and a slice of pie and watch the world go by. If are tempted to stay the evening, try and get into the exclusive club at the Palace Hotel, GreenGo (the only club ive been to which has a pool by the dance floor).

Villars is also just across the valley where they all get involved in Apres Ski in a slightly more casual fashion - if your a fan I would suggest making the trip over. 

This hidden gem really does have a bit of everything for all, I would highly recommend it to anyone!

Bon voyage x

Barcelona in December

There really is nothing better than escaping London during the winter months, and even though I would normally not expect the weather conditions in Spain to be any better than England at that time of year, on arriving at Barcelona airport I was pleasantly surprised (14 degrees and sunny!). This made me feel a lot better after my impulse buy on www.voyageprive.com!

Places and food to eat: TAPAS TAPAS TAPAS! When in Barcelona, the best thing to do is veer off the beaten track - the best places to eat and drink are hidden down side alleys and plazas. Local wine is cheap and super yummy as is the local tapas ( I would personally highly recommend the manchago cheese!) Paella is another MUST!

For all you foodies, the Las Ramblas Market is a definite must see! Every form of meat, fish, cheese, fruit, juices, chocolate etc is readily available and right at your finger tips. Amelia and I spent an entire afternoon just wondering around and sampling different cuisine.

Places to visit: 
The top of the list would 100% be La Sagrada Familia (which I'm sure most people would suggest). By far my favourite European Cathedral! From the way the building is sculptured to the beautiful stain glass windows, this was a memorable experience!

I would also highly recommend walking up the mountain of steps to Parc Guell. Parc Guell was commissioned by Eusebi Guell who wanted to create a stylish park for Barcelona Aristocracy. The park contains amazing stone structures, stunning tiling and fascinating buildings produced by Gaudi. However its not just the structures that are amazing, the views are something to be appreciated as is the museum which is situated in the heart of the park. 

Parc Guell isnt the only impressive park in Barcelona - Parc de la Ciutadella is also beautiful and situation closely to other tourist hot spots including the Barcelona Zoo. Other sites to see in the park include the Catalan Parliment Buildings, Cascada fountains, Castel dels Tres Dragons and a boating lake! On a weekend the Parc is buzzing with people, picnicing on the grass and strolling through the gardens - its a great place to go and sit and watch the world go by. 

Take a wonder through the gothic quarter and visit the other Barcelona Cathedral . It is also the perfect place to find little restaurants for dinner or drinks - I would recommend the Plaza of Santa Maria - even though its fairly touristy, its beautiful at night time. 

If you have time, try and fit in a trip to Montjuic. Its another place to take in the spectacular Barcelona views.  It is also home to the Magic Fountains which are an amazing display of colour, light, motion, music and water acrobatics! There are also great exhibitions always running at Museu Nacional d'Art de Catalunya which is situated at the top of the hill. 

 Another thing to note is the shopping!! Zara especially is a store to be hit - prices are considerably lower than they are in London. Other places i would recommend are...

The Portal de l’Àngel - just off Placa de Catalunya, is lined with an endless array of shops selling the most exclusive brands of clothing and accessories. 



Plaça de Sant Josep Oriol is usually filled with street musicians, fortune-tellers and painters. This area is full of designer boutiques and handicraft shops that will definitely tempt you into buying.



Avinguda Diagonal is the place to look if you're after international fashion. Shops along here include Calvin Klein, Giorgio Armani, Gianni Versace and Gucci. 



Les Glòries - close to the metro and situated on the Avinguda Diagonal is a huge commercial centre with 230 well-known shops, a multiplex cinema, bars and restaurants - the complex is spread over 3 levels.



The Centre Comercial Maremàgnum is a large American style shopping mall with shops, discos, bars, restaurants, rooftop mini golf course, cinemas and aquarium.  Located at the end of Moll de la Fusta open from 10am to 10 pm all-year round, and the only mall to be open on Sundays.  This is the perfect spot to find what you are looking for and experience fashion at its best. 



El Bulevard Rosa - Indoor arcade of over 100 shops in the heart of the Barri Gotic area - mostly clothes boutiques.  The side streets in the area are lined with a multitude of antique shops - visit Bulevard dels Antiquaris, which has more than 70 antiques shops, mostly furnishings, paintings, decorative items.



El Corte Inglés–spread over 9 floors and possibly the most important chain-store in Europe, can be found on the Plaça de Catalunya.



Diagonal Mar– At the end of the Avenida Diagonal can be found the newest and most modern commercial centre in Barcelona with more than 250 stores, cinemas, game spaces for children and a large public walkway with views to the sea.  The complex is split into convenient to use levels.  First floor White goods, TVs, and all your household goods.  Second floor for fashion, design and personal care and then the top floor for a good meal.



L’illa Diagonal - complex was the first commercial centre to be opened in the nineties.   Due to its size, it was known as the "Superblock".  Home to over 100 big-name shops the mall can be found on the Avenida Diagonal.  



La Maquinista- Catalonia’s largest and newest mall on three levels. The complex houses 225 shops, ranging from top-rung designers to ready-to-wear fashions There’s also a cinema, a bowling alley and a Carrefour hypermarket

I am hoping the next time i get to visit Barcelona will be in the summer so I can take a trip to the famous beaches! 

Till then, Bon voyage x