Out on the Road Spain Archives -

Skydiving in Costa Brava (Video)

Duane Wells — Wed, 04 May 2016 08:27:56 +0000

There is perhaps no better view of Costa Brava than the one you get from 10,000 feet.

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Out on the Road Spain with Davey Wavey

Duane Wells — Wed, 02 Dec 2015 06:23:35 +0000

The adventure begins at Barajas Airport in Madrid

Duane Wells and Davey Wavey on a road trip across Spain together for 10 days? That just sounds crazy right? And yet it happened.

It wouldn’t be a stretch to describe Davey and I as the modern incarnation of the odd couple.

Take for example the fact I am an unabashed clotheshorse who lives to get dressed. The more layers I can wear the better. Even in summer I find it difficult to walk out of the house without a scarf. Davey on the other hand is quite happy to wear a tank top and baseball cap year-round. He doesn’t even like sleeves in winter, which is an absolute mystery to me.

I like luxury hotels and haute cuisine. Davey likes to camp and the taste of foie gras is absolutely abhorrent to him.

I like to stay up all night and party until the small hours. Davey likes to be in bed by 10 so he can be up by 6 for his morning work out.

I could go on and on here, but you get the gist — Davey Wavey and I are very different people. And yet, despite our differences, we’re great friends. So we thought it would be fun to take “our show” on the road in Spain for 10 days.

I planned surprises for Davey as this was his first trip to Spain and he planned surprises for me. The video below, traces the good and the bad, along with the highs and lows of our journey from the Costa del Sol and Granada to Valencia, Costa Brava and Barcelona. It’s not always pretty, and, for the record, I would like to acknowledge that the lighting was doing me no favors, but it’s always fun:

Be sure to like the video (that is, of course, if you do) and if you want more detailed information on each of the places we visited on our road trip, go to: www.theduanewells.com/out-on-the-road-spain.

For more information about Spain, go to: www.spain.info.

And don’t forget to tell us where you’d like to see us go next!

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Out on the Road Spain | Costa del Sol

Duane Wells — Mon, 30 Nov 2015 20:53:37 +0000

Malaga City Centre

Costa del Sol literally means “Coast of the Sun”, a name which feels quite fitting after spending any time in Málaga, Marbella and Torremolinos, the most popular destinations in this sun-soaked paradise that might best be described as Spain’s answer to Côte d’Azur.

Noted for its temperate climate year-round, Andalusian charms and glamorous inhabitants, the Costa del Sol has become infamous as a playground for the rich and famous but let there be no doubt that it is in fact, first and foremost, a playground and one of the most vibrant and diverse destinations in Spain. From the beaches to the cuisine to the nightlife, Costa del Sol celebrates Spain at its luxuriously laidback best.

Stay

Rooftop Pool, Hotel Vincci Posada del Patio, Malaga

Hotel Vincci Selección Posada del Patio
Pasillo Santa Isabel, 7- 29005
Málaga, Spain
T: +34 951 001 020
E: posadadelpatio@vinccihoteles.com
www.vincciposadadelpatio.com

Modern sophistication and history collide in the heart of Malaga at the chic Hotel Vincci Selección Posada del Patio. Built atop the Old City Walls, the hotel is not only one of the few proper hotels in the historical center of Málaga, it is the only hotel to offer direct access to the aforementioned ancient ruins as an added bonus to a stay at this elegant space. Expect contemporary décor, attentive service, a stunning rooftop pool and proximity to the thriving center of Malaga where the Picasso Museum and the Centre Pompidou are among the cultural highlights, while the city’s bustling tapas restaurants and scintillating nightlife options are but steps away. Finally, do be sure to dine at the hotel’s decidedly upscale Le Diner restaurant where classic Andalusian dishes are prepared with a showman’s sense of innovation and flair.

Marbella Club Hotel, Golf Resort and Spa
Bulevar Príncipe Alfonso de Hohenlohe 29600
Marbella, Spain
T: +34 952 82 22 11
E: hotel@marbellaclub.com
www.marbellaclub.com

The Marbella Club hotel may, save for the stunning weather and natural accoutrements of its splendid location, be the single most important reason that the Costa del Sol grew from its former existence as a string of sleepy coastal towns into a playground for European royals and their über rich and fabulously famous friends. A clubby property with a noticeably “members only” vibe, this beachfront boutique resort on the Mediterranean boasts 37 guestrooms and 78 elegant suites all swathed in privacy and set in the jasmine-scented subtropical gardens that bear the signature of the hotel’s founder Prince Alfonso de Hohenlohe-Langenburg. Tip: Brunch at the Marbella Club is a spectacular affair not to be missed.

Puente Romano Beach Resort & Spa Marbella
Bulevar Principe Alfonso von Hohenlohe, s/n, 29602
Marbella, Málaga, Spain
T: +34 952 82 09 00
E: hotel@puenteromano.com
www.puenteromano.com

Plunked down in the heart of Marbella’s Miracle Mile, the oceanfront Puente Romano Beach Resort & Spa Marbella deserves raves for both the caliber of its luxurious accommodations, which take inspiration from classic Andalusian villages, as well as its stunning beachfront Six Senses Spa complete with a wet area featuring a hydrotherapy pool, a cold plunge pool, heat and ice experience showers with different types of water flow and mood lighting, herbal steam room, sauna and hammam. Also of note are the property’s award-winning botanical gardens and Tennis Club, which has played host to the Nations Seniors Tennis Cup since 2004 in addition to doing double duty as a concert space that has hosted a veritable pantheon of music icons.

Villa Padierna Palace Hotel
Urbanización Los Flamingos Golf, Carretera de Cádiz, Km 166, 29679
Marbella, Málaga, Spain
T: +34 952 88 91 50
E: info@villapadiernapalacehotel.com
www.villapadiernapalacehotel.com

When First Lady Michelle Obama visited Marbella in 2010 amid much fanfare, she chose a stunning villa with 3 floors, 2 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms and a private pool at the Villa Padierna Palace Hotel as her respite from the White House (See Villa “Obama”). And when Antonio Banderas and Eva Longoria teamed up to help showcase the celebrity of Marbella and the Costa del Sol via the annual Starlight Gala, the Villa Padierna Palace Hotel was the venue of choice for the first two editions of the event. In keeping with its name, the Villa Padierna is a grand and palatial property reminiscent of a Tuscan palace. There’s even a Roman amphitheater to compliment the golf courses which are among the hotel’s many selling points.

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Puerto Banús
Plaza Antonio Banderas s/n
29660 Puerto Banús, Malaga, Spain
T: +34 952 81 85 70
www.marbellaexclusive.com/puerto-banus

This popular enclave of exclusive shops and upscale eateries dotted around a port embellished with a staggering collection of luxury seafaring vessels is also the nightlife capitol of Marbella. Spend the afternoon lunching and shopping at Puerto Banús and then return after dinner to show off your newly purchased wares and twirl the night away in one of the many local nightspots.

Torremolinos
La Nogalera
Plaza de la Nogalera
Torremolinos, Málaga, Spain
T: 34 952 37 19 09
www.ayto-torremolinos.org (Spanish)
www.visitcostadelsol.com/torremolinos (English)

A more relaxed and decidedly gayer atmosphere awaits in Torremolinos, which is home to a maze of bars and restaurants that have for decades been like mecca to partygoers from all across Europe. In particular, La Nogalera, located in the center of Torremonlinos, is where you’ll find a concentration of gay-friendly establishments like Eden where locals and tourists alike keep the party going well into the early morning hours.

For a sample of what Eden and Torremolinos nightlife has to offer, see below:

https://youtu.be/BpeV4RAQziI

Eat

Skina
Calle de Adúar, 12
29801 Marbella, Málaga
T. +34 952 76 52 77
E: reservas@restauranteskina.com
restauranteskina.com

A tiny restaurant entrenched in the alleys of Old Town Marbella where Chef Jaume Puigdengolas is noted for infusing traditional Andalusian cuisine with a sense of the avant-garde.

Restaurante El Gran Gatsby
Edificio del Mar, Muelle de Honor, s/n, 29660
Marbella, Málaga, Spain
T: +34 951 77 87 97
www.elgrangatsby.com

Located in the iconic Tower at the tip of Puerto Banús, Restaurante El Gran Gatsby boasts extraordinary views of the Mediterranean Sea along with extraordinary outdoor spaces unlike any other in the neighborhood. Meanwhile the menu offers everything from Foie Gras and Lobster Salad to Wagyu Beef and an array of seafood offers, all of which are of course served in the most elegantly subdued environs.

Caléndula
Calle Skal, 6
29620 Torremolinos, Spain
T: +34 659 576 529

Relatively new, this wonderful little tapas restaurant is currently the talk of Torremolinos and rightfully so. Stop in, grab a seat on the patio and enjoy a selection of authentic Andalusian tapas along with many glasses of wine as a preamble to a night out in La Nogalera which is just a short walk away.

See

Centre Pompidou Málaga
Puerto de Málaga, Pasaje Doctor Carrillo Casaux, s/n, Muelle 1
29016 Málaga, Spain
T: +34 951 92 62 00
E: info.centrepompidou@malaga.eu
centrepompidou-malaga.eu

The only offshoot of the Paris’ famed Centre Pompidou to be opened outside of the City of Lights, the Centre Pompidou Málaga is a celebration of contemporary art wrapped in an eye-popping jeweled box designed by Alain Sebban. It is the perfect complement to Malaga’s already esteemed catalogue of museums.

Explore

Picasso Museum Málaga
Palacio de Buenavista, Calle San Agustín, 8
29015 Málaga, Spain
T: +34 952 12 76 00
www.museopicassomalaga.org

It is only fitting that the birthplace of Pablo Picasso should also be the home of one of the most notable collections of his works. Considered one of the most important collections of Picasso’s work, this villa-like museum is, without exception, a must-see on any visit to Málaga.

Marbella Old Town
Plaza De Los Naranjos, Marbella
29601, Málaga, Spain
www.visitcostadelsol.com/marbella-old-town

Before Marbella was a magnet for glamour and titled Europeans, it was essentially a simple fishing village. In the charming, winding corridors of Marbella’s Old Town the historical roots of the Costa del Sol come to life as old meets new. New boutiques and eateries pop up next to centuries old dwellings and religious iconography. The Plaza de Los Naranjos located in the center of town offers one of the best vantage points from which to people watch and enjoy Old Town so allotting time for a coffee or a cool beverage on the often packed terrace is a thing for which one would be highly advised to budget ample time.

Indulge

Doliva
Calle Nueva, 9
29601 Marbella, Málaga, Spain
T: +34 952 76 67 44
E: dg@dolivaonline.com
www.dolivaonline.com

Sample some of Spain’s finest and most rare olive oils in this veritable temple of olive oil tucked just a few feet away from the Plaza de Los Naranjos in the heart of Marbella’s Old Town.

More information:

www.visitcostadelsol.com

www.marbellaexclusive.com

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Out on the Road Spain | Granada

Duane Wells — Sat, 28 Nov 2015 16:41:56 +0000

Duane and Davey take La Alhambra

The allure of Granada essentially lies in the city’s unique history as told by its dominant architectural legacy which hearkens back to a time when the Moors controlled Spain. The famed La Alhambra Palace and the neighboring El Albaicín quarter with its Moorish dwellings seemingly untouched by time are among the most compelling sites in Granada. Ditto for the Sacramonte Caves and the community of gypsies who have for centuries called them home and continue to do so.

In fact if you’re lucky enough to catch a glimpse of the Sacramonte cave owned by Curro, who is perhaps Granada’s most famous gypsy, you’ll find yourself in good company. As the walls of framed photographs in his abode will attest, everyone from royals to politicians to movie stars have made the pilgrimage to Curro’s jaw-dropping cave. Beyond the historic, contemporary Granada is largely a college town and evenings are abuzz with lively youthful energy from the packed streets and squares to the hopping local bars and tapas joints. If bar-hopping is not your speed, try something a bit more soulful and authentic like a Flamenco show, a local treat served up with astounding authenticity in various spots around the city.

Stay

Hotel NH Collection Granada Victoria

Hotel NH Collection Granada Victoria
Puerta Real de España, 3
18005 Granada, Spain
T: +34 958 53 62 16
E: nhcollectionvictoria@nh-hotels.com
www.nh-collection.com/granada-victoria

Ideally situated in an early 20th century building in central Granada, the NH Collection Granada Victoria hotel is a scant 3-minute walk from the Granada cathedral and Royal Chapel, and a short 20-minute walk away from La Alhambra. Modern, yet comfortable, the property exists at the intersection of the diverse cultures that define Granada, making it an excellent home base to begin one’s exploration of the city. That it’s also smack dab in the middle of some of the best shopping in Granada is a mere added bonus.

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El Templo del Flamenco
Calle Pernaleros Alto, 41
18010 Granada, Spain
T: +34 622 50 00 52
E: eltemplodelflamenco@gmail.com
www.templodelflamenco.com

Located in the El Albaicin quarter of Granada, The Temple of Flamenco is a centuries old Cave-Restaurant noted for nightly live flamenco shows featuring a cast of male and female dancers, singers and a guitarist, many of whom are teachers at Granada’s Flamenco School “Reina Sofia”. Stop in for dinner and stay for the show.

Eat

El Bar de Fede
Calle Marqués de Falces, 1
18001 Granada, Spain
T: +34 958 28 88 14

A centrally located authentic tapas bar, popular with the locals and proximate to the local gayborhood.

See

La Alhambra
Patronato de la Alhambra y el Generalife
Calle Real de la Alhambra s/n
18009 Granada, Spain
T: +34 902 44 12 21
www.alhambra-patronato.es

Built as a palace, a fortress and a citadel, La Alhambra served as the residence of the Nasrid Sultans and top government officials, court servants and the royal guard from the 13th through the 15th centuries. A striking example of Moorish architecture with equally striking views of the city and ample gardens yearning for exploration, La Alhambra could quite easily fill an afternoon with adventure. Tip: Be prepared to wait in lines from time to time as the crowds visiting La Alhambra are plentiful and regular.

Explore

El Albaicín (Albayzin)

The winding, hillside streets of El Albaicín form what is known as the Moorish quarter of the city. While it can be seen in a most favorable light from the rose gardens of La Alhambra, it’s location opposite the famed palace provides it with its own spectacular view. Stroll the maze of streets of El Albaicín and stop in at the neighborhood bazaars and restaurants which feel so authentic to Morocco, right down to the wares being sold, you might altogether forget for just a few moments that you’re even in Spain.
Sacramonte
Camino del Sacromonte, 31
18010 Granada, Spain

Pair a walking tour of El Albaicín with a visit to neighboring Sacramonte, home to the famed gypsy caves. Wind up the Camino del Sacromonte to the crest of the large hill bordering El Albaicín. There you’ll find a few restaurants interspersed with the aforementioned gypsy dwellings along with yet another magnificent view of the La Alhambra. If you’re truly adventurous, book in at a gypsy cave for the night and truly experience what it feels like to live as the locals have lived for centuries. Tip: Sacramonte is noted for its flamenco shows so check in with the locals when you visit about current show schedules.
More information:

granadatur.com/en/

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Out on the Road Spain | Gran Canaria

Duane Wells — Fri, 27 Nov 2015 16:40:18 +0000

Las Palmas de Gran Canaria

Just a short flight from mainland Spain, Gran Canaria is an island so distinguished by its chameleon-like qualities that it appears enchanted to the uninitiated. In Las Palmas, the island’s capital, you’ll find broad stretches of beach and as much urban bustle as you can expect to unearth in any region of the island. Meanwhile, you’ll also find cooler temperatures and a bit more rain in the capitol city than most other parts of the island depending upon the season.

Conversely in southernmost Maspalomas, you’ll find arid desert like conditions and staggering beaches bordered by even more staggering sand dunes. In between the two extremes, the island offers up a series of microclimates that have to be experienced to comprehend. Very rarely will you encounter an island that offers so much diversity in so compact an expanse, giving new meaning to the oft-quoted but rarely delivered upon promise by so many destinations to genuinely offer something for everyone. I ask you, how many places can you name where you ride a camel before hiking across a splendid stretch of sand dunes for a dip in the ocean followed by lunch and cocktails on a clothing optional beach? I rest my case.

Stay

View from a room at the Axel Beach Maspalomas

AxelBeach Maspalomas Apartments & Lounge Club
Av. de Tirajana, 32
35100 Playa del Inglés, Maspalomas, Las Palmas, Spain
T: +34 928 76 78 63
www.axelhotels.com/hoteles/maspalomas

Gran Canary’s outpost of the hetero-friendly Axel Hotel Group, AxelBeach Maspalomas is an apartment hotel located in Playa del Ingles, a quick walk to the beach and minutes away from the popular Yumbo complex and its mixed bag of restaurants, bars, clubs, and shops. Truly embodying the spirit of apartment living, each room at the AxelBeach Maspalomas boasts a combined living/dining room with kitchenette, bathroom, double bedroom, and a terrace. Plus as an added bonus for those looking to settle in for a bit, it’s worth noting that the kitchens are equipped with a microwave, fridge, kettle, toaster and coffee maker, and the apartment itself even has a sofa bed to accommodate guest. This is certainly the place to stay if you want to be in stumbling distance of the proverbial action. In fact this place is so close that the action might just stumble upon you.

Hotel Fonda de la Tea
c/ Ezequiel Sánchez, 22
35360 Tejeda, Las Palmas, Spain
T: +34 928 666 422 / +34 629 548 473
E: reservas@hotelfondadelatea.com
www.hotelfondadelatea.com

Hotel Fonda de la Tea adds charm to the already charming town of Tejeda. Rustic yet modern, the hotel is housed in a 19^th century building but also offers all the conveniences of 21^st century life: air-conditioning, WiFi, satellite TV, and so on. Charm aside, it is the views that make this place truly special. In fact it is actually because of the the views that hikers and nature lovers are enticed to venture up to Tejeda in the first place. Tip: If you do venture up to Tejeda be sure to check in for a meal at Let me take you – Déjate llevar (see below). It may well be the highlight of your whole trip

Hotel Santa Catalina
Calle León y Castillo, 227
35005 Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, Las Palmas, Spain
T: +34 928 24 30 40
E: hotel@hotelsantacatalina.com
www.hotelsantacatalina.com

At 125 years old, the Hotel Santa Catalina is the grande dame of hotels in Gran Granaria. The property’s historic jump on competitors guarantees that the Hotel Santa Catalina offers classic elegance and the best views in the city in a five-star setting as it has done since it opened its doors back in 1890.

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Puerto de Mogán
Edificio Torre de Control, Explanada del Castillete, 351 – 38
35140 Mogán, Las Palmas, Spain
T: +34 928 56 51 51
E: nfo@puertomogan.es
www.puertodemogan.es

Puerto de Mogán is a picturesque marina dotted with local shops and restaurants and it’s the perfect place to spend a long afternoon exploring.

Tip: If you don’t plan on renting a car, there are buses from the city that travel to Puerto de Mogán so check with your hotel concierge for information on the nearest stops.

Yumbo Centrum
Av. Estados Unidos, 54
35100 Maspalomas, Las Palmas, Spain
T: +34 928 76 41 96
yumbocentrum.com

It may not be to everyone’s tastes, but it would be hard to say that there isn’t something that at least aims to suit every taste in the vast Yumbo complex. A multi-level open air strip mall filled with clubs, shops, restaurants and bars of every conceivable stripe, Yumbo is as unique to Gran Canaria as Las Vegas is to America. It is truly one of the only places I have ever been where you could have a doner kebab, saunter past a German-owned café filled with Germans, nip into a gay strip club, pop by a drag show, hit up a leather bar and then meet friends at a lounge for a glass of champers to wind down the night. That’s Yumbo folks!

Eat

Let me take you – Déjate llevar
Calle Dr. Domingo Hernández Guerra, 25
35360 Tejeda, Las Palmas, Spain
T: +34 629 19 86 85
E: nikolaspetas@gmail.com
www.letmetakeu.com

Not only a treasure but an absolute surprise, Let Me Take You is one of those rare gems that catches the unsuspecting completely unawares. In the tiny town of Tejeda, high above Gran Canaria, the last thing you would expect is a menu that serves genuinely delicious Thai soups prepared by…wait for it…a Greek chef, but that is what you will find at Let Me Take You. In addition to a menu of traditional Spanish favorites, you will find an international menu with Greek, French and Asian influences that will delight your palate. That the restaurant is helmed by the most adorable couple, Fernando Henriquez Muñoz and Nikolaos Petas, who clearly take great pride in their restaurant and the art of hospitality, only inspires one to want to visit again and again.

Hotel Puerto de Mogán Club de Mar
Urbanización Puerto de Mogán, s/n
35138 Playa de Mogán, Las Palmas, Spain
T: +34 928 56 50 66
E: reservas@hotelpuertodemogan.com
www.hotelpuertodemogan.com

Hotel Puerto de Mogán Club de Mar has one of the best ocean views in Puerto Mogán which served in tandem with the chef’s expansive menu of fresh seafood options makes it the port to pull into it for a long lazy lunch or a very special dinner.

Café Hotel Madrid
Plaza de Cairasco 4
35002 Las Palmas de Gran Canaria
T: +34 928 360 664
elhotelmadrid.com

Pop into this authentic venue where the walls are still filled with emblems of the Franco era and eat like the locals do. Chock full of the character that come swith age and perfectly situated on a square where the local life thrives, Café Hotel Madrid is the one of the best vantage points from which to view life in Las Palmas – past and present.

See

Carnaval Las Palmas de Gran Canaria
35007 Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, Las Palmas, Spain
T: +34 928 44 68 24
http://www.lpacarnaval.com/es/

The highlight of Carnaval Las Palmas in Gran Canaria is the annual Drag Queen Gala which I can only describe as the Superbowl of drag. Tickets to this drag extravaganza are so coveted they sell out almost immediately. Attending this show would alone be reason enough for making a detour to this slice of paradise.

See the 2015 Drag Queen Gala in its entirety here:

Pico de las Nieves
www.grancanaria.com/patronato_turismo/bike

This peak is the highest in all of Gran Canaria and the views are quite staggering from every angle. Diehard cyclists find tmaking the trek up the hill by bike a welcome challenge despite the fact that it is fraught with multiple tests of endurance. However, for mere looky loos (like myself), a quick drive to the top to take in the sights is sufficient in addition to being an infinitely more efficient option timewise.

Explore

Maspalomas Beach / Sand Dunes
Playa Del Inglés & Maspalomas , Spain
www.grancanaria.com/Maspalomas

The massive sand dunes surrounding the happening, clothing optional Maspalomas Beach are a marvel to behold (and even more of a marvel to climb). The most dramatic effect is the sight of the beach appearing like an oasis over the edge of the dunes. Tis the stuff one imagines inspires scenes in movies.

Vegueta Old Town
Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, Las Palmas, Spain
www.grancanaria.com/Vegueta

Take an afternoon to explore the rich history of Gran Canaria in the one place on the island richest in it – Old Town Vegueta. From the oldest house on the island, which dates back to the 15^th century, to the Plaza Santa Ana, which is bordered by the cathedral and surrounded by an array of museums, Vegueta is steeped in the roots of Gran Canaria. When evening descends, return to Vegueta to sample tapas and experience the community of Las Palmas as the city comes out and comes alive over food and drink as one suspects that it has done for centuries.

Indulge

Finca La Laja
Villa de Agaete
35489 Los Berrazales
Las Palmas, Spain
T: +34 928 89 81 54
E: lugojorge3@hotmail.com
www.bodegalosberrazales.com

Finca de la Laja is another of Gran Canaria’s treasures. Hidden among the cliffs of the Valley Tamadaba Agaete, this family-owned farm not only produces oranges and a signature range of coffees, but also a limited production wine. Stop in for a visit on a tour around the island and sample the farm’s wares and experience not only a taste of the best of Gran Canaria, but also a healthy helping of the island’s famous hospitality. Before you leave, take a little of Gran Canaria home with you if for no other reason than the bragging rights that come along with it. After all, how many people can say, “Oh this coffee? It’s from a little farm I discovered in Gran Canaria. It’s impossible to get anywhere else.” That’s the ultimate in winning.

More information:

www.grancanaria.com

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Out on the Road Spain | Valencia

Duane Wells — Thu, 26 Nov 2015 16:34:43 +0000

Valencia is a city of subtle but powerful appeal. It eschews the razzle dazzle and fast pace of its slightly larger sister cities, Barcelona and Madrid, in favor of a more carefree vibe. While the city’s pristine beaches are busy they are not overly burdened with sun-seeking bodies. Likewise, the city as a whole projects a progressive image without making strenuous effort to do so. In short, Valencia is a destination that lends itself to bike tours, lazy beach days, casual wanders around museums, long strolls through the Turia Garden and, perhaps most enjoyable of all, an exploration of the gastronomy for which the region is famous.

Nighttime view from the rooftop bar at the Barcelo Hotel, Valencia

Stay

Hotel Barceló Valencia
Avenida de Francia, 11
46023 València, Spain
T: +34 963 306 344
E: valencia@barcelo.com
www.barcelo.com/espana/valencia

This sleek and modern hotel boasts state of the art amenities and claims an enviable location within walking distance of the City of Arts and Sciences and the Turia Gardens. It’s also only a short taxi ride away from the beach and the lively historic old town neighborhood. Come night time, the hotel’s rooftop bar serves up smart cocktails along with a memorable view of the city.

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Café de las Horas
Carrer del Comte d’Almodóvar, 1
46003 València, Spain
T: +34 963 91 73 36
E: info@cafedelashoras.com
www.cafedelashoras.com

This eclectic hotspot is a long-time local favorite. Eccentric in its décor as well as its entertainment menu, Café de las Horas is also favored spot to pop into for a sample of one of the best versions of the city’s signature cocktail, Agua de Valencia, a subtle yet potentially lethal commingling of Cava, orange juice, vodka and gin.

El Carmen

Though some might call it a bit of a tourist trap, there is no denying that El Carmen is a ‘sure-thing’ when it comes to nightlife in València. A hodge podge of restaurants, lounges, assorted live music venues, clubs and bars among other things, El Carmen delivers everything from the alternative to the mainstream in a winding maze of heavily trafficked streets. Come the weekend, the crowds are plentiful and the party rages on into the small hours in a handful of spots dotting this ancient neighborhood bordered by the city’s historic Old Town district.

Eat

Ocho y Medio Restaurant
Plaça de Lope de Vega
46001 València, Spain
T: +34 963 92 20 22
www.elochoymedio.com

Sample traditional Valèncian fare presented with sophistication and polish in a setting overlooking the city’s historical center.

La Cigrona Restaurant
Calle Serranos, 22
46001 València, Spain
T: +34 963 15 37 52
www.lacigrona.com

A cozy but elegant eatery in the historic Old Town specializing in paella and other Valèncian favorites.

See

Jardines Del Turia (Turia Gardens)
Avenida Manuel de Falla, s/n
46018 Valencia, Spain
T: +34 963 59 99 67
E: info@culturia.org
www.visitvalencia.com/turia-gardens

From disaster a beautiful garden blooms. Such is the tale of Valencia’s Turia Gardens which came to be only after a disastrous flood in 1957. To prevent a recurrence of the flooding, the Turia River’s course was diverted south of the city and one of the largest urban parks in Spain was built on the riverbed. Spanning more than 5.5 miles, the park runs the length of the city from Cabecera Park to the City of Arts and Sciences and offers everything from children’s parks and foot paths, to other leisure and sports areas, and romantic spots where tourists and locals alike take full advantage of the opportunity to unwind and take in the spirit of Valencia.

Historic Old Town
www.visitvalencia.com/historic-centre

Valencia’s Historic Old Town is the city’s heartbeat. Notable sites include the Valencia Cathedral, the Plaza de la Virgen, the Plaza Redonda and La Lonja a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Aside from the sites you’ll find abundant eateries, cafes and watering holes in the Old town area.

Explore

City of Arts and Sciences of Valencia
Avenida del Professor López Piñero, 7
46013 València, Spain
T: +34 902 10 00 31
www.cac.es

Designed by acclaimed architects Santiago Calatrava and Félix Candela, València’s City of Arts and Sciences is a visually stunning conglomerate of five architecturally significant venues devoted to scientific pursuits. The five venues are: the Hemisfèric (IMAX cinema and digital projections), the Umbracle (a landscaped vantage point and car park), the Príncipe Felipe Science Museum (an innovative centre of interactive science), the Oceanográfico (the largest aquarium in Europe with over 500 marine species) and the Palau de les Arts Reina Sofía (the Opera House). Now who says science can’t be interesting?

BioParc Valencia
Avenida Pio Baroja, 3
46015 Valencia, Spain
T: +34 902 25 03 40
E: info@bioparcvalencia.es
www.bioparcvalencia.es

Far from your average zoo, the Bioparc Valencia is a much more innovative proposition. Taking the notion of zoo immersion to the next level, guests of the seven year-old BioParc are invited into the habitat of the animals where seemingly invisible barriers exist between guests and animals. Think a tamer version of Jurassic Park and you’ll get the idea. A selection rides and walking paths complete the novel adventure into the wild right in the throbbing center of the city.

The Beaches of Valencia
www.visitvalencia.com/valencia-beaches

Davey hits the beach in Valencia

Valencia’s beaches have regularly been rated favorites of tourists worldwide with Blue Flag certified beaches like Las Arenas, Malvarrosa and El Cabañal ranking among the most popular.

Indulge

Escuela de Arroces y Paella Valenciana
Calle Juristas, 12
46001 València, Spain
T: +34 963 15 38 56
E: info@escueladearrocesypaellas.com
www.escueladearrocesypaellas.com

Did you know that paella originated in Valencia? That is but one of the many facts you’ll take away from a paella cooking class at Escuela de Arroces y Paella Valenciana. Beginning with a guided tour of the Mercado Central (or Central Market) to purchase all the necessary ingredients to make a paella from local vendors and continuing on to the school’s kitchen for a step by step lesson in the art of paella making, this is a class that is at once educational and delicious. Oh and did I mention that it’s also fun?

More information:
www.visitvalencia.com

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Out on the Road Spain | Costa Brava – Girona

Duane Wells — Wed, 25 Nov 2015 16:29:50 +0000

Hostal Spa Empuries by night

Spain’s Costa Brava is equal parts wild and wonderful. In Girona in particular, wide swaths of beach meet a coastline unspoiled by not a single hi-rise hotel or condominium building. In their stead, you’ll find a rambling town and an impressive legacy of Greek and Roman ruins to explore. Next door, you’ll also find Sant Marti d’Empúries, a village gifted with fairy-tale level charm that has been reinvented as the hub of social life in this beachfront enclave. Whether your favored outdoor adventure involves casual walks along the beach, wind-surfing or simple sun-bathing, Costa Brava promises to sing a siren song tailored just for you.

Stay

Hostal Empúries
Platja de Portitxol s/n Ap. Correos 174
17130 l’Escala, Girona, Spain
T: +34 972.77.02.07
E: info@hostalempuries.com
http://www.hostalempuries.com

The Hostal Empúries is the only hotel in the otherwise sparsely residential beachfront community of Girona. From the approach to the boutique seaside resorts, guests can sense the magic that awaits. Unpaved roads lead to the doors of the hotel through which guests can peer straight through the lobby to glimpse the pristine beaches that await on the other side of the property. Embodying the very epitome of laidback luxury, rooms are spacious and laden with an array of amenities that not only encourage but endorse full and complete resignation from the cares of the world.

Don’t take my word for it, see for yourself:

Play

Sant Martí d’Empúries
Plaza Major
17130 Sant Martí d’Empúrie, L’escala, Girona
www.visitlescala.com/Sant-marti-dempuries

Stumbling upon Sant Martí d’Empúries is akin to stepping into wonderland. Perched above the beaches, the medieval town is home to a gaggle of restaurants and small boutiques along with the church of Sant Martí which dates back to the 16th century.

Eat

Villa Teresita Restaurant
Hostal Empúries
Platja de Portitxol s/n Ap. Correos 174
17130 l’Escala, Girona, Spain
T: + 34 972 77 59 32
E: info@hostalempuries.com
www.hostalempuries.com

Chef Rafa Peña succeeds in delivering an inspired, modern menu at Villa Teresita Restaurant, Hostal Empúries’ upscale dining option. Though his presentation is at times almost whimsical, the flavors conjured up by Chef Peña’s menu up are unequivocally rustic. A whole fish simply fried and perfectly seasoned is not only visually stunning when it arrives but also a wonderful celebration of the bounty of the Costa Brava region. This offering is but one example of the eco-friendly Mediterranean cuisine that has become Villa Teresita’s hallmark. Tip: Do book in advance if you hope to get a reservations.

Explore

The Ruins of Empúries
www.spain.info/las_ruinas_de_empuries_en_la_costa_brava

Founded by the Greeks in the 6th century BC and later occupied by the Romans in the 1st century BC, the ruins of the colony of Empúries now rest a short walk from the Hostal Empúries. Take a break from the beach and the spa and stroll the network of walls, columns, streets, houses and constructions such as the Forum, an old factory, the Amphitheatre and the Basilica all of which provide a fascinating glimpse of what life was like on the Costa Brava 2,500 years ago. Then pop over to Sant Martí d’Empúries for a glass of wine and a nosh.

See

Empuriabrava Beach

Noted for its wide sand beaches and the stellar conditions it offers for watersports ranging from windsurfing to parasailing, Empuriabrava Brava is also a certified Blue Flag beach, which adds just a bit more gravitas to its already superlative reputation.

Indulge

Skydive Empuriabrava
Sector Aeroclub, s/n
17487 Empuriabrava, Girona, Spain
T: +34 972 45 01 11
E: infoweb@skydiveempuriabrava.com
www.skydiveempuriabrava.com

For the best view of Empuriabrava, nothing beats seeing it from 13,000 feet! Skydive Empuriabrava is located just a short drive from the beach and active thrillseekers (or reluctant thrillseekers like myself) can book a tandem jump irrespective of any previous training they may or may not have had. A little nervous? Don’t be. Not only does Empuriabrava have a standout reputation in the world of skydiving, the Empuriabrava Skydive team regularly participates in worldwide skydiving competitions and the facilities (which are considered top notch for the record) have provided the stage for a number of European and world skydiving titles.

Watch my complete jump with the team from Skydive Empuriabrava here:

Hostal Spa Empúries
Platja de Portitxol s/n Ap. Correos 174
17130 l’Escala, Girona, Spain
T: +34 972.77.02.07
E: info@hostalempuries.com
www.hostalempuries.com/spa

Book in for any of an array of treatments offered at the s Hostal Empúries Spa or simply enjoy the the spa’s water area which boasts a recreational pool with foot massage jets,a 14-meter long swimming pool, a starry sky steam room, a cold bucket shower, a bi-thermal sensation shower and a dry sauna with views over the garden, among other amenities.
More information:

www.costabrava.org

www.pirineugirona.org

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Out on the Road Spain | Barcelona

Duane Wells — Tue, 24 Nov 2015 00:56:40 +0000

Barcelona at night

Beaches, beautiful people and nightlife. That is immediately what comes to mind when I think of Barcelona. Rivaling Berlin as the party capitol of Europe, Barcelona has the benefit of better weather and a seaside location – two cards it plays like trumps in the game of attracting tourists.

That said, there’s more to life to partying, there’s also shopping and style, a thing that Barcelona offers in spades.

Stay

Inside a room at the TWO by Axel

TWO Hotel Barcelona by Axel
Calabria 90-92
08015 Barcelona, Spain
T: +34 935 39 23 13
www.axelhotels.com/twobarcelona

The newest member of the hetero-friendly Axel Hotel group, the TWO Hotel by Axel is ideally located in the club-filled Gaixample neighborhood, an area perfumed by the heady scent of non-stop nightlife. But despite its lively environs the TWO is a more subdued affair. While an intimate bar greets guests at check-in, fully soundproofed rooms bathed in natural light and neighborhood views provide a relaxing and welcoming vibe. Unlike the neighboring Axel Hotel, the TWO hotel does not have a rooftop bar scene (though it does have a rooftop pool) and it is certainly not what you might call particularly clubby. That said, guests of the TWO have full access to all of the facilities at the neighboring Axel, including the gym, which is just about a 10-minute walk away. Offering a new dimension to the Axel Hotel experience in Barcelona, the TWO is certainly an excellent option for those who thrive on the pulse of the city and yet still enjoy a comfortable night’s sleep.

Axel Hotel Barcelona
Aribau 33
08011 Barcelona, Spain
T: +34 93 323 93 93
www.axelhotels.com/barcelona

Also located in the Gaixample, the Axel Hotel Barcelona is actually one of the neighborhood hotspots in addition to being a pragmatically stylish boutique property with 105 rooms. The hotel’s rooftop Sky Bar is regularly hopping, particularly when the weather is at its finest and there are frequently a slew of events on tap at the hotel making it an excellent for those who don’t like the party to be far from where they lay their heads at night. Tip: For a special treat, book one of the Axel’s four suites which boast a private terrace and solarium.

Meliá Barcelona Sky
Pere IV, 272 – 286
08005 Barcelona, Spain
T: +34 933 67 20 50
E: melia.sky@melia.com
www.melia.com/melia-barcelona-sky

Contemporary and modern, the sleek twenty-nine floors of the Meliá Barcelona Sky hotel soar above the city’s hip Poblenou district. Anything but cookie-cutter, this hotel designed by French architect Dominique Perrault was clearly built to impress and it does not fail on that score. Elegantly appointed rooms combining seaside chic with urban flair are outfitted with all manner of amenities including all the ones you might expect along with extras like adjustable lighting, electric curtains, bold red writing desks and Aveda bathroom products. Complementing each room is a view of either Barcelona, the beach, which is just a short 10-minute walk away, or the pool. Finally, the popular ‘see-and-be-seen’ terrace at the property’s acclaimed Dos Cielos restaurant on the 24th floor offers downright dreamy views of both the city and some of its most well turned out residents and guests.

Play

Eixample
www.barcelonaturisme.com/the-eixample

In Barcelona, it’s not difficult to stumble onto a party because the city literally never seems to stop partying. One popular area sure to offer something for all tastes is the Eixample neighborhood which is a hotbed of activity most of the time but especially so on weekends and holidays. Start out late for tapas at one of the many local restaurants and then bar hop through the Eixample’s gaggle of clubs and bars until you find the one that best suits your own unique kind of boogie.

Gaixample
www.barcelonaturisme.com/gaixample

Traditionally thought out as the “gay” side the Eixample, Gaixample is bordered by the Carrer Balmes, Gran Via de les Corts Catalanes, Carrer Urgell and Carrer Aragó. Live entertainment venues, bars and clubs of all varieties abound with the following being but a few of the favorites:

Arena Madre
Carrer de Balmes, 32
08007 Barcelona, Spain
www.grupoarena.com

A big, dark gay club popular with a youthful crowd. One of five arena clubs in the area.

Átame
Carrer del Consell de Cent 257
08011 Barcelona, Spain

The name means “fit to be tied”. Not sure of the origin of that name, but those who like this little place and its live entertainment seem to love it. Not a bad place to stop in for a cocktail and a dose of local color.

Botanic Bar Cafe
Muntaner 64
08011Barcelona, Spain
www.botanicbarcafe.com

Quite the chill place for a drink or a quick nosh before a night out.

Eat

La Gavina
Plaça Pau Vila, 1
08039 Barcelona, Spain
T: +34 932 21 05 95
lagavina.es

La Gavina is an enchanting restaurant tucked away in the Palau del Mar building at the foot of the Mediterranean Sea. A large restaurant with over two decades of history, this eatery has become something of a staple for tourists descending upon Barcelona from mega-cruise ships but it’s worth a stop even if for those who aren’t disembarking from a cruise. Tip: Do request a table on the terrace (weather permitting of course) and do sample the seafood which is without question the star of the menu along with the various paellas.

Explore

The Beaches of Barcelona

Barcelona is a city known for its beaches. That’s no secret. Almost nowhere else in the world will you find more glorious beaches packed with more acres of perfectly toned and tan bodies…day and night. By day the beaches are filled with sun seekers and social animals and by night they become an open air club where the pretty party people converge to twirl the night away. Regular hotspots of all varieties can be found along San Sebastià and Barceloneta, two beaches located directly next to one another which are both busy day and night. Meanwhile during the summer months Mar Bella beach is an extraordinarily popular destination, famous for its nudist beach, late night parties and the legendary gay beach bar El Chiringuito de la Mar Bella. Tip: If you happen to be visiting Barcelona during the summer months and find yourself angling for a big night out, inquiring about the happenings at Mar Bella beach would probably make for an excellent starting point.

Indulge

La Roca Village, Barcelona

La Roca Village
08430 Santa Agnès de Malanyanes (La Roca del Vallès)
Barcelona, Spain
T: +34 938 42 39 39
www.larocavillage.com

In my world, no holiday is complete without a little (or a lot of) shopping and La Roca Village, located just about 30 minutes from the beaches of Barcelona is a destination unto itself for doing just that. One of the collection of nine Chic Outlet Shopping Villages operated by Value Retail across Europe, the brand offerings at La Roca Village commingle upscale global brands like Polo Ralph Lauren, Gucci, Moncler, Escada and Jimmy Choo with a selection of luxe Spanish-born brands like Loewe, Adolfo Dominguez, El Ganso and Lottussee and absolutely nothing lesser.

The quaint village of shops even includes among its offerings a pop-up boutique called Barcelona Designers Collective which showcases up and coming designers from across design disciplines ranging from fashion, graphic design and illustration to product design, crafts and contemporary jewelry. It’s the perfect stop for those who want to pick up a little something uniquely Barcelona.

Finally, as if all of the aforementioned was not enough of a draw, adding to the experience of this swank shopping outpost are a range of guest services designed to complement guests’ experience of the village.

Don’t want to be saddled with your purchases while you shop? La Roca Village offers a “Hands-Free” service that so while you shop unencumbered, your purchases are collected and stored at reception for pick up when you leave. Need a ride? La Roca Village can arrange a car and driver from the city for you and you friends. Feel the need to rest in solitude or refresh during your shopping excursion? There’s a VIP room for that.

Bottom line: Your average outlet shopping experience this is not. This is outlet shopping on a whole different level.

More information:

www.barcelonaturisme.com

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Out on the Road | Spain (Video)

Duane Wells — Mon, 23 Nov 2015 08:25:35 +0000

Ten days and five cities across Spain from Malaga to Costa Brava provide a colorful backdrop for one very eventful roadtrip.

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