velvet | hotel feature

The luxuries of dreamy Ko Racha

A special guest post by a girl named Bird. All too quickly and flippantly the word “undiscovered” is attached to the words “Thai island” and the hearts of numerous beach-loving travellers start beating a little quicker. For this reason I’d quickly like to state that Ko Racha Yai, a small island found 12 miles off [...]

1 Comment Continue Reading →
ma-in-hot-springs-falls-photo

Enchanting spots: Evason Ma’in hot springs

Jordan is home to numerous places that can justifiably be called ‘enchanting’; walking through Petra by night or floating in the Dead Sea at sunset are some of the most magical experiences I’ve ever had. Another place that absolutely fits the bill is the Evason Ma’in Hot Springs. The Ma’in hot springs are located near [...]

3 Comments Continue Reading →
four-seasons-amman-lobby-photo

A warm welcome in Amman

“Good evening Mr. Jenkins, would you like to see our drinks menu?”. I looked up at the waiter with an expression of pure amazement. I’d checked into the Four Seasons Amman twenty minutes earlier and decided to head to the bar for a night cap. How did he know my name? I was seriously impressed. [...]

7 Comments Continue Reading →

Mas Perafita: a lovely retreat in the Cap de Creus

The Cap de Creus is a rugged wind-swept peninsula in the far northeastern corner of Catalonia, not far from the border with France. A large part of the peninsula is a designated national park and is famous for its nature trails and secluded coves and inlets. There is also a variety of picturesque fishing villages [...]

2 Comments Continue Reading →
floating-dead-sea-sunset-photo

Experiencing the Dead Sea

There it was! I stood at the edge of the cliff and marvelled at the scenery. It was one of those unforgettable travel moments. A place I’ve read and heard so much about and finally… I’m here! Stretching from below me to the distant horizon was the blue expanse of the Dead Sea; famous the [...]

13 Comments Continue Reading →
northern-lights-lapland-photo

Winter adventures in Lapland

For many of us who live in temperate climes, the dreary, rainy weather that winter brings is sufficient reason to want to pack up for an all-inclusive holiday on the beaches of a sunny, warm land. For those of us who enjoy the perks of a refreshing chill in a snowbound land, there are plenty [...]

4 Comments Continue Reading →
aigua-blava-bay-photo

A relaxing holiday at Hotel Aigua Blava

The road from the town of Begur to Llafranc winds past some of the most beautiful villas on the Costa Brava. After several miles, a left turn in the direction of Fornells leads visitors to arguably one of the most charming hotels along the coast: Hotel Aigua Blava. Situated on a promontory, this family-run hotel [...]

4 Comments Continue Reading →
El-Far-hotel-restaurant-llafranc-terrace-photo

Dining with a view at El Far

El Far is a name that’s synonymous with the historic Sant Sebastiá lighthouse that for centuries guided ships along the Costa Brava. The adjacent inn was a favourite among the locals who came here to enjoy the sea breeze, the majestic views and a glass or two of vino. Spectacularly situated high above the seaside [...]

10 Comments Continue Reading →
mas-de-torrent-main-building-photo

Blissful luxury in Costa Brava

The El Baix Empordá region of the Costa Brava is a stunning corner of Catalonia. About a two-hour drive north of Barcelona, the Empordá is a region of gentle rolling hills, quaint medieval villages, rice fields and mile after mile of fruit orchards and cheery sunflowers. The cities of Girona and Figueres lie to the [...]

8 Comments Continue Reading →
mas-perafita

The pristine beauty of Cap de Creus

The Cap de Creus peninsula in northeastern Catalonia is a rocky, mountainous region of wind-swept slopes covered by thick gorse; quaint coastal villages; and crystal-clear coves. The mountains extend from the snow-capped peaks of the Pyrenees to the turquoise coast of the Mediterranean sea and are now part of the Cap de Creus national park. [...]

9 Comments Continue Reading →