Easy, Beautiful, Delicious – Hotel Review Gran Canaria Adults Only

Easy, Beautiful, Delicious – Hotel Review Gran Canaria Adults Only

If you’re looking for a quiet escape in the Canary Islands, this hotel review Gran Canaria is for you. We recently stayed at the wonderful H10 Costa Mogan, an adults-only hotel in Playa del Cura. After just a few hours, it was clear: this trip that we took with Jet2 would be special.

H10 Costa Mogan Gran Canaria pool and ocean all inclusive adults only
 

First Impressions and a Warm Welcome

The check-in experience set the tone for our stay. We were welcomed with a glass of bubbles and broad smiles. The luxe large entrance, surrounded by palm trees and soaring cliffs, felt inviting and tranquil. It was immediately evident that this was a place made for relaxation – something that has become desperately needed after a very hectic start to the year.

From the terrace we could see the ocean, glass-bottom boats, and speedboats heading out for dolphin watching. The setting felt peaceful but full of life. It was easy to settle in – it’s truly beautiful.

 

Our Room: Modern and Comfortable

The room was modern, spacious, stylish, and very clean. It included a king-sized bed, walk-in shower, fast Wi-Fi, a coffee pod machine, and a balcony with sea and pool views. The soft colour scheme helped create a calm and soothing atmosphere.

After each evening’s entertainment came to a close (hosted in M10’s Mogán Lounge Bar from around 9pm-midnight – always a fun time :), we slept soundly. The room was blissfully quiet, the bed was excellent, and the blackout curtains worked perfectly. For a good night’s rest, it really delivered.

H10 Costa Mogan Gran Canaria
 

Facilities and Activities: Thoughtful Touches Everywhere

The main pool area was one of our favourite spots. There are plenty of loungers, shady areas for when you need a break from the sun, and a relaxed, adults-only vibe. The bar serves drinks and snacks and as we had our handy all-inclusive wristband on, we could access whatever we wanted at any time.

Pool towels are available to borrow at the mini market on site. It also sells lovely gifts, resort wear and basics. On my first day I couldn’t help but buy a beautiful silk sarong and pink bikini: my last purchase like this was a few years ago, so I just went for it!

If you like, you can hire a lovely Bali Bed at H10’s La Riviera Beach Club for €35 per day. In April it wasn’t busy enough for us to consider this, but in the height of summer it could be a good option to guarantee a good place for yourself for the day.

There’s also a small gym, a wellness centre, and free daily classes like Yoga, Pilates and aqua aerobics. These sessions made a big difference to how we felt, and were all hosted by lively, engaging ‘Entertainment Managers’. They helped us reset both physically (needed after our buffet visits!) and mentally. It’s the kind of wellness travel that sneaks up on you – in the best way.

Gran Canaria Playa del Cura
 

Dining: Excellent Food and Generous Service

Speaking of buffets… we went all-inclusive and were glad we did. The buffet was generous and very high-quality, with lots of fresh salads, fish, grilled vegetables, and desserts. Each meal was different enough to keep things interesting.

The drink service was generous, and the cocktails were well made. Staff were friendly and attentive without being overbearing. Dining here felt calm and comfortable, not rushed or loud.

On the Friday evening, a wonderful saxophonist played while we dined creating a wonderful ambiance in an already sublime setting.

The hotel is well equipped with multiple entertainment and dining spaces. We also adored the Rooftop Sky Bar on the fifth floor overlooking the beach and vast ocean. A second restaurant is on site too but not included in all-inclusive. We loved our selection so much we didn’t feel the need to branch out, but will visit the Costa Fusion Restaurant next time for sure!

H10 Costa Mogan Gran Canaria food
 

Nearby and Easy to Explore

Although you don’t have to leave the resort, there’s a large Spar supermarket nearby as well as a few local eateries. The Spar turned out to be helpful since I’d forgotten to pack deodorant: that could have ended badly!

If you want to explore, Puerto de Mogán is a short taxi ride away. It’s a beautiful marina town with boutique shops and great seafood restaurants. Find out more about our experience there: read more here.

If you’re searching for hotels in Gran Canaria that offer comfort, calm, and good value, H10 Costa Mogan is a fantastic option.

Puerto de Mogan Gran Canaria
 

See More, Do More Gran Canaria

You can of course relax and stay around the hotel for your entire trip, it’s easy to do. We sure didn’t want to leave. However, you can also engage in a wide range of activities that get you around the island. Shopping excursions to the capital of Las Palmas, dolphin watching and glass bottom boat rides, all-day jeep experiences, and food tours abound. All of this can be booked via Jet2 on the ground and at your hotel. Easy done.

Gran Canaria Puerto de Morgan
 

Why This Hotel Stands Out

This hotel review Gran Canaria is an honest reflection of a truly easy and relaxing stay. The hotel has thoughtful details, great food, and peaceful surroundings. It’s perfect for couples, solo travellers, or anyone needing to recharge.

Booking with Jet2 made everything easy. From flights to Gran Canaria to smooth transfers and clear communication, we felt supported at every stage.

H10 Costa Mogan Gran Canaria rooftop
 

Our Trip and Disclosure

This trip was part of a content invitation from Jet2holidays. We were invited to share our experience in Gran Canaria with Jet2. Our flights, hotel and transfers were complimentary, but this is not a paid post. All opinions are our own.

Booking Details

Here’s what we did:

  • Gran Canaria in April, flying from Stansted Airport in London.
  • 4 nights at adults-only accommodation H10 Costa Mogán, arriving Friday evening, departing Tuesday afternoon.
  • Flights, transfers and hotel are part of the package. You can add extras including seats, food and drinks for during your flight.
  • Our room was facing the beach and ocean: simply sublime.
  • We experienced full board which included three amazing restaurant buffet meals a day. Additionally, full board includes an entire menu of drinks available at the Pool Bar, Rooftop Sky Bar, and Mogán Lounge Bar.
  • Activities are also on offer at H10 Costa Mogán including Yoga, Pilates, aqua aerobics. And, if dancing is your thing, there’s nightly entertainment. Pack what you will with this advice :)
  • Drinking water: we were advised to drink bottled water here. Accounts vary as to whether the island water is drinkable or not. Our tap water didn’t taste too great, so we just filled our bottles up using the facilities provided at the hotel.

 

Gorgeous Gran Canaria with Jet2: A Luxurious Getaway from London Stansted

Gorgeous Gran Canaria with Jet2: A Luxurious Getaway from London Stansted

Looking for a warm and relaxing break in Europe? Enter Gran Canaria with Jet2 – an adults-only getaway done right! From smooth flights to golden beaches and tranquil villages, this trip is ideal for couples or solo travellers seeking sunshine and serenity. Honestly, our expectations were entirely exceeded which hasn’t been our experience for a long time! This was our first time flying with Jet2 but certainly will not be our last.
 

Jet2 from London Stansted

Our holiday started the moment we arrived for our flights at London Stansted Airport. Check-in with Jet2 was fast and easy. The staff were exceedingly friendly, and the flight departed on time. It was a comfortable and relaxed journey, with Jet2 offering excellent service throughout. On the other side, there was no faff: great signage and support enabled a smooth transition to our transfer bus. In fact, from the beginning of the trip to after we’d left the hotel, text messages arrived from Jet2 offering help, advice and directions, including to the bus bay number where our transfer was waiting at Gran Canaria’s airport. We are definitely surprised and delighted by their service and can confirm that the return trip was just as easy.


 

Welcome to Playa del Cura, Gran Canaria

We were based in Playa del Cura, a peaceful beachside town in the southwest of Gran Canaria. The area is calm and less crowded than other coastal spots, perfect for those seeking peace and quiet. Its beach is small but clean, and there’s a relaxed atmosphere all day long. As a base, we were totally happy with this area and will head directly there in the future (yes, we are already planning to return).

Hotels in Gran Canaria offer something for every kind of traveller, and Playa del Cura is a great base for exploring, or resting which was what we were after following a very busy start to the year.

H10 Costa Mogan Gran Canaria Jet2 adults only all inclusive
 

Our Stay at H10 Costa Mogán

We stayed at the H10 Costa Mogan, a stylish and contemporary adults-only hotel just a short walk from the beach. The hotel is beautifully designed with coastal-inspired décor, a large outdoor pool, multiple chill-out areas, several bars, two restaurants, wellness activities, and spacious modern rooms.

It’s the perfect place to unwind. The calm, adults-only atmosphere helped us relax from day one. The views from the roof terrace and the fresh, locally-inspired cuisine added to the experience.

Over the weekend too, we received one of Jet2’s helpful messages from a customer service representative, letting us know about a window of time they would be at the hotel, should we have any questions or need help. Fab!

Read and watch more in our H10 Costa Mogan hotel review here.

H10 Costa Mogan Gran Canaria
 

Exploring Puerto de Mogán: Gran Canaria’s “Little Venice”

A highlight of our trip was a visit to picturesque Puerto de Mogán. This charming fishing village is known as ‘Little Venice’ because of its canals and pretty whitewashed houses. Colourful bougainvillaea climbs every balcony, and the marina is lined with cafes and shops.

We spent a few hours strolling the narrow streets, shopping for local gifts and enjoying a seafood lunch by the water. It’s a must-see when visiting Gran Canaria with Jet2. You can easily reach Puerto de Mogán from Playa del Cura by taxi in about 20 minutes, or local bus. In the interest of saving time, we took a cab to and from H10 Costa Mogan hotel, which cost around €20 each way. Taxis here are payable by cash or card.

Tip: found a great coffee at a little place called Sai Heladeria just off the main esplanade near the beach, and €2.50 large beers at the Mogán Bar along the beachfront.
 

See More, Do More Gran Canaria

If you want to relax and stay around the hotel, there’s plenty to do. However, you can also engage in a wide range of activities that get you around the island. Shopping trips to the capital of Las Palmas, dolphin watching and glass bottom boat rides, all-day jeep experiences, and food tours abound. All of this can be booked via Jet2 on the ground and at your hotel. Easy done.

Puerto de Mogan Gran Canaria
 

Adults-Only Relaxation with Jet2holidays

If you’re looking for a child-free, stress-free holiday, we think adults only holidays with Jet2holidays are ideal. This trip was just what we needed – a slow, quiet pace, AMAZING food, stunning views, and revitalising sea air.

Jet2 took care of every detail. From the flights to Gran Canaria to airport transfers and accommodation, everything is streamlined and simple. This package made travelling easy, especially perfect if you want everything in one place. We have booked other package holidays before and actually had a negative experience: we’d not planned to again. However, now we’ve discovered Jet2, quite honestly, we’re not sure we can go back to DIY. We’re already looking at Jet2’s holiday destination map to make a decision on our next trip to book! We’ve got our eyes on Crete and Turkey, although, it’s going to be hard to beat Gran Canaria!
 

Why Choose Gran Canaria with Jet2?

Before heading to Gran Canaria, we quizzed friends who continue to visit the Canary Islands all year round: now we know why they return. Whether you’re escaping winter or just need a sunny break (which we did after a long British winter), Gran Canaria with Jet2 is a perfect choice. The destination offers warm weather, beautiful landscapes and plenty of opportunities to unwind. Jet2 makes travel smooth, affordable, and stress-free – everything you (and we!) want in a holiday.

With direct flights from multiple airports in Britain, flexible booking, and great hotels, we’re pretty much raving fans of Jet2 now, and highly recommend you check them out while planning your next island getaway. The app is on our phones – originally downloaded for easy access to our booking, but it’s good to browse for travel ideas too. It’s especially handy if you’re prone to a little impulse-booking, as we tend to be!

H10 Costa Mogan Gran Canaria with Jet2 Holidays all inclusive adults only
 

Our Trip and Disclosure

We were invited by Jet2holidays to experience and share what it’s like to travel to Gran Canaria with Jet2. While our flights, accommodation and transfers were provided free of charge, this is not a paid collaboration. All thoughts and opinions are entirely our own.

Booking Details

Here’s what we did:

  • Gran Canaria in April, flying from Stansted Airport in London.
  • 4 nights at adults-only accommodation H10 Costa Mogán, arriving Friday evening, departing Tuesday afternoon.
  • Flights, transfers and hotel are part of the package. You can add extras including seats, food and drinks for during your flight.
  • Our room was facing the beach and ocean: simply sublime. If you are sensitive to noise at night or like to go to sleep before midnight, see if you can request a room a little further away from where the evening entertainment is held at the Lounge Bar. Not a big deal, but worth knowing.
  • We experienced full board which included three amazing restaurant buffet meals a day. Additionally, full board includes an entire menu of drinks available at the Pool Bar, Rooftop Sky Bar, and Mogán Lounge Bar.
  • Activities are also on offer at H10 Costa Mogán including Yoga, Pilates, aqua aerobics. And, if dancing is your thing, there’s nightly entertainment. Pack what you will with this advice :)
  • Drinking water: we were advised to drink bottled water here. Accounts vary as to whether the island water is drinkable or not. Our tap water didn’t taste too great, so we just filled our bottles up using the facilities provided at the hotel.

 

Historic hotels London city: Batty Langley’s Georgian glamour

Historic hotels London city: Batty Langley’s Georgian glamour

What does the term ‘historic hotels London city’ bring to mind for you? Maybe it’s the Ritz over near Buckingham Palace, with its famous afternoon tea. There’s the Savoy and Claridge’s, certainly. I used to walk past stunning St Pancras each day on the way to work, it qualifies.

But did you know about Batty Langley’s?

Listed as one of London’s six best hotels in Conde Nast‘s Gold List, it’s time you definitely did hear about it ⭐

 

Hotels London city: WHY you need to experience Batty Langley’s

Batty Langley’s in London city near Liverpool street doesn’t even look like a hotel from the outside! It’s completely unassuming. To step inside feels precisely like you’ve stepped back in time. Georgian times, to be exact.

I read a piece about this historic hotel in London city that captured it beautifully for me. The review mentioned that while this place is a hotel, it doesn’t feel like one.

It feels more like you’re visiting your [very] rich aunt’s house.

 

It’s so true, in the most affectionate of ways

We’ve written about staycations in London and accommodation you can try in east London – Shoreditch and Liverpool Street – but we’ve never seen anything like this!

The attention to detail and perfect mix of old meets new is truly something special.

Batty Langleys hotel in central London

 

Adventures in the past

The hotel is housed in a restored Georgian building, and is named after Batty Langley (1696–1751) who published guides for the upper class on how to tastefully plan a lavish home.

Inspired by Batty’s work, proprietors Douglas Blain and Peter McKay went to extraordinary lengths to recreate the style of the era. Their labour of love took 20 years to complete, but the finished product is exquisite.

With the exception of a few modern luxuries like smart televisions; furnishings, art, antiques and ornaments from Georgian times have been sourced and decorate the property.

Batty Langleys meeting room

 

Full of Georgian characters

Our room was on the 5th floor, which we accessed by a little elevator. Cooper and I definitely had a ‘pinch me’ moment upon entering the Kitty Fisher suite. It was like living a past life where we were RICH – we had a balcony with city views, huge four poster bed, a little library and sitting room, and a grand bathroom complete with a genuine Victorian canopy bathing machine.

Kitty Fisher is another Georgian character whose name graces the hotel’s walls. She was a courtesan, known as the subject of a nursery rhyme: “Lucy Locket lost her pocket, Kitty Fisher found it…”.

Ms Fisher came from humble beginnings when she was a milliner (maker of fashionable hats). But the story goes that her beauty, smarts and charm led to her mixing in the right circles and hence she climbed the social ladder of her time.

If we were to ever tire of our own luxurious Georgian suite named after Kitty, we had the rest of the place to enjoy too.

Despite having 29 rooms (all named after interesting Georgian characters) tucked away within the hotel, it’s rare to see another soul. So, off we went, to laze about in the old library, Downton Abbey style; and enjoy a whiskey by the fireplace in the olde-world stylish sitting room.

Batty Langleys hotel room

 

Facts about Georgian times that add flavour to a stay

While we were at Batty Langley’s, the staff shared some interesting facts with us. Did you know that hotels only really came into being during the first half of the 1800s? Before the Industrial Revolution which began in the 1700s, most people lived and worked on the land, and wouldn’t have ventured very far. In the 1800s things started to change with the Industrial Revolution and the steam locomotive. The middle class – who ran and owned businesses – began to travel, and hotels became their beautiful escape. You can imagine this scenario within the palatial walls of Batty Langley’s boutique establishment.

We also looked at how well made the furniture is from Georgian times. If you examine a wardrobe, for example, you will see the effort that has gone into ensuring the grain is all in the same direction. Evidence of this craftsmanship adorns the hotel.

Finally, did you know that despite the period being entirely romanticised now, the Georgians didn’t have bathrooms? Apparently everyone stank! Very few houses had running water, the streets were filled with rubbish and animal excrement, and chamber pots were often emptied out of windows onto the street. It’s a far cry from the cleanliness and opulence you’ll experience within the hotel and surrounding streets today, but interesting to know about all the same. What do you think?

 

London city stay: what to expect in the area

We don’t need to be sold on east London (we’re fans!), although staying at Batty Langley’s gave us renewed appreciation for our surroundings.

Convenience wise, the hotel’s perfectly located for any kind of stay in London. You’re within walking distance of Liverpool Street and Shoreditch stations, so can get anywhere, easily.

Just up the road is Spitalfields, which houses markets, foodie delights, pubs and shopping. You can walk to famous Brick Lane for a curry in about 15 minutes.

Back to the history: it’s all around you, inside the hotel and outside. From cobbled streets to elegant old churches and imaginative architecture: go exploring in this exciting corner of old London.

Spitalfields itself was originally the site of the Priory of St Mary Spital, or Hospital, established in 1197! Part of the hospital’s kitchen lies under the hotel building and more substantial remains can be seen in a floodlit underground chamber just around the corner in Spital Square.

Residential development of the area began when King Henry VIII renounced the Pope’s authority and seized all English monasteries in 1540, selling off to loyal subjects. The area became attractive to immigrant settlers who were not allowed to live or work in London city itself. At that time, this area was just outside the city walls.

We spotted evidence of different period buildings as we wandered the streets here. Of course Georgian architecture is obvious too, known by its red brick and symmetrical shape.

Batty Langleys area history

 

Exclusive accommodation in east London

What can we say other than this hotel is absolutely beautiful? It’s cosy enough that you feel at home, yet luxurious with quality touches and service expected in a fine hotel. The staff were perfect as well. (thank you!).

Batty Langley‘s website says:

Our quiet, characterful bedrooms are furnished with genuine antiques, and every one is different. Our bathrooms are so extraordinary, guests often ask if they can take them home. Your surroundings here are civilised: old fashioned hospitality, friendly, efficient staff, and a location second to none.

 

Batty Langleys library

 

We have to say, it’s all true. This bit of web copy is absolutely not fake news. If you’re looking for a wonderfully London experience and prepared to splash a little extra cash for a once in a lifetime stay, Batty Langley’s is for you. It’s truly like living in an opulent period film – and who doesn’t want to try that for a night? Book your stay

 

 

Cooper and I were sponsored by Hazlitt Hotels for this stay. 
Images: battylangleys.com. Video: Cooper Dawson
Point A Hotel Liverpool Street (and things to do nearby)

Point A Hotel Liverpool Street (and things to do nearby)

A few weeks back, we received an invite from Point A Hotel Liverpool Street, asking if we’d like to take a look around the newly refurbished premises. After having the chance to stay at Point A Hotel Shoreditch we jumped at the opportunity. There’s nothing like a London staycation, after all!

The thing we genuinely like about the two Point A Hotels in London that we’ve seen: the brand has reinvented what compact is. It’s easier than you might think to get totally ripped off by hotels in London – you’ll pay a fortune thinking you have somewhere nice reserved, only to find it’s run-down, uncomfortable and dowdy.

Our experience with Point A Hotels in London is that they make great use of space, opt for stylish tech and comfy beds.

Point A Hotel Liverpool Street

Best things about Point A Hotel Liverpool Street

Point A Hotel Liverpool Street was one of the original hotels in the network. We experienced the totally refurbished version, and we’re thoroughly impressed! Point a Hotel Liverpool Street is about 5 to 7 minutes walk from the station. It’s just two minutes’ from Spitalfields, which has everything you could need for a stay in central London.

Outside of its very convenient location, there’s a spacious outdoor area that you can enjoy if the sun is out. Inside you’ll find a comfortable lounge / chill out space that is also where breakfast is served.

Like its sister property in Shoreditch, the rooms are compact but cleverly designed so that you feel like you’re in a cosy nook. There’s plenty of clever hiding space for luggage too. Topped off by fun mood lighting, black-out curtains and 43-inch Samsung Smart TV, you’ve got everything you need for a total getaway.

Find out more about Point A Liverpool Street Hotel’s refurb here.

 

 

Top 4 things to do near Liverpool Street

Old Spitalfields market

This east London hot-spot has seen market activity for over 350 years! Now, Spitalfields is a covered market, brimming with lovely eateries, lively places to have a beer and shops to browse. It’s definitely one of the best things to do near Liverpool Street, and it’s just a couple of minutes’ walk from this London Point A Hotel. There’s over 50 shops and stalls at Spitalfields.
What we like about the place is that the restaurants and bars are big. Plenty of space means a place to sit down. I even managed to get some work done so would add it to our list of fave London digital nomad working spots.

 

 

Salesforce Tower and Sushi Samba

Locals know this secret well. For one of the very best things to do near Liverpool Street, and a FREE view of London, head to Salesforce Tower (formerly Heron Tower). The glass lift is swift. That is, in less than 30 seconds you’ll be 39 floors high! The view is spectacular though.
It’s easy to pop into Sushi Samba for a drink on their outdoor deck. You’ll need a reservation to eat there though, or at the dining alternative at the top, The Duck and Waffle. The Drift is on the ground level, also another lovely venue.
Be mindful here, you’ll possibly need dress shoes to enter the building, but outside that, you can enjoy a fun free experience, just a short walk across the road from Liverpool Street.

 

Broadgate

Described as ‘a 32-acre central London neighbourhood’, Broadgate is the brand new precinct opened next to Liverpool Street station. We wandered through earlier this year just as it was opened. It’s built in a circle type shape, with beautiful restaurants and Instagrammable boutiques throughout.
This spot has everything from pubs to high-end sushi, beautiful meeting spots and table tennis. Read more here.

 

Bishopsgate road

Finally, if you’re after a bite to eat or a quick drink, there’s plenty of options along Bishopsgate road. This is the main road in front of Liverpool Street train station. Most of our high street eateries are here, including Wasabi, All Bar One, Dirty Martini… You won’t go hungry or thirsty in this part of London.
And when you’re done, head back to Point A for a dreamy sleep.

 

Point A Hotels are situated across the nation, so ideal for a value for money UK staycation escape. We were sponsored for this stay but the review is our own.



Christmas in Mallorca, Spain

Christmas in Mallorca, Spain

The past few weeks in London had been cold – colder than I care for, but I had Christmas in Mallorca to look forward to! Work days at a top of 3 degrees, and when you top that off with a daily ride to work full of sniffly, coughing commuters, well, you can appreciate that we all need a little break come Christmastime.

 

I’d been very good [hello Santa] coming up to the festive period. One who enjoys the sparkly allure of a Christmas party, this year the late nights were kept in check, that is, until 22 December when a slew of happy events led me to being in a state not at all fit for a 4.30am rise.

We got through Stansted airport, fending off the rest of the Saturday morning school holiday rush. I thought I was doing well, despite the brain fog and living on the edge of severe grumpiness, only to get to security and realise my computer and liquids were inside my carry-on suitcase. I slid the laptop out through the side and attempted a very cunning manoeuvre to remove my plastic bag full of liquids, only for the entire suitcase to flip over on itself and for all the contents to scatter along the floor.

Oh yes, I was that person.

It would have been hilarious if only it wasn’t me. I’m sure for the hoards of holiday-goers trying to cope pre-caffeine it was hysterical. I didn’t look. I still can’t think too much about it.

 

Fortunately, just over two hours later, I was in Spain where I would happily take the sun and breezy 17 degrees by the marina – a pleasurable escape from the grey that has been my adopted home of the UK (I’m its biggest fan but even I need a little sunshine every now and then).

Thank the Universe for Christmas in Mallorca (sometimes spelled Majorca).

Then there was Spain

There really is something about Spain, for us at least.

We love the language and the accents and the culture. The sun and beaches are pretty nice too.

Last Christmas we defied tradition and visited Ibiza, a long-time dream destination of ours. It certainly did not disappoint and remains one of our favourite places. I’m looking forward to returning to that blissful, melodic island – probably in summer when everything is open!

We couldn’t get as far as home (Queensland), so wanted an Ibiza-esque Christmas experience in 2017. That is, sunshine, beautiful scenery and travel experiences, but with a little more actually happening over the festive break. After a long discussion where the list of possibilities became impossible (we just want to go everywhere!), one weekend in September we literally closed our eyes and put a virtual pin on Google Maps.

Mallorca (or Majorca) was the winner.

Is anything open at Christmas in Mallorca?

At Christmastime for most around the world, we all encounter the same thing which is a lack of activities, shopping and travel options on offer late December. Fair enough, this is a time for families and if you’re lucky enough to not be working, then so be it (you deserve it!).

As a visitor to a region though, we want to be able to take in a couple of new experiences, and my research indicated that while much of the island of Mallorca may not be open (some beach clubs operate seasonally across the summer months), the capital of Palma promised to be abuzz with plenty to do.

As it turns out, this is very true. Even London totally (totally!) shuts down on Christmas day, but in Mallorca the local buses were operating, as was City Sightseeing (hop on hop off bus tour) and many bars and restaurants opened their doors.

Winter in Mallorca – travel tips, transport and best-of

The weather in December averages a top of about 15 or 16 degrees. It’s warm in the sun but can be a little chilly if there’s a breeze, and the temperature does drop at night. It’s quite pleasant though.

The capital, Palma, is buzzing with plenty going on, so in the first instance wander the back streets, visit art galleries, take a look inside the old churches and try some tapas.

The Cathedral of Santa Maria of Palma (or La Seu) is unmissable, its Gothic structure standing tall over the city. Work on this cathedral began in the 13 Century, and famous architect Antoni Gaudí (who has left his stamp all over Barcelona) even spent time working on this structure between 1904 and 1914.

Another Gothic structure that’s well worth the trip to the top of a hill overlooking the city, is Bellver Castle. The only circular castle in all of Spain, this 14th Century structure is really interesting to explore, and with a huge bonus in that it boasts the best views across Mallorca.

Hire a bike and ride along the extensive promenade, explore the marinas and along the coast.

You could ride to, or take bus number 25 to nearby beach s’Arenal. Many beaches and beach clubs around the island are closed over winter but this is a nice area and some eateries and shops are open.

The bus system is quite easy to use, but you’ll need cash. A single fare is currently €1.50, and the driver can change up to a €10 note.

If you have spare time and in need of retail therapy, there’s plenty of stores and a mall in the city, and a large shopping destination called Porto Pi which you can take a bus or a cab to.

Another experience that was mentioned to us a few times was a steam train that runs between Palma and Soller on the other side of Mallorca.

The whole trip is about an hour and a half one way, and you can’t pre-book tickets. The line was closed for maintenance when we were there, but this seems like it would be a lovely thing to do. Do keep an eye on the timetable though, because return trip would need to be planned.

Christmas in Palma – dining ideas

To be honest, we didn’t have a bad meal here! I remember being concerned about what may not be open at Christmas in Mallorca but there’s no need to worry, you’ll have plenty to choose from even on 25 December.

Notable venues we found:

Lennox the Pub, for €2.50 glasses of wine and gorgeous bar ambience.

Cafeteria Tropic (opposite the marina and next to the Auditorium), for delicious tapas.

Hogan’s Live Music, Sports Bar & Restaurant for yummy burgers, pub menu and music.

Bodega can Rigo, in Palma town, a charismatic little restaurant and bar, excellent food and coffee and a popular bar since 1949. We literally stumbled across this place and loved it!

Chez Camille for a finer dining experience.

All of the above and much more was open on Christmas day. It’s quiet around 5pm so go for a wander and see what takes your fancy.

Travel in Killarney Ireland vlog, and find out about TBEX

Travel in Killarney Ireland vlog, and find out about TBEX

Attending my fifth TBEX Future of Travel Media conference, I had the chance to also travel in Killarney and Kenmare in Ireland.

I produced a vlog on the experience to share so you can see highlights like seals, donkeys, history, nightlife, traditional dancing and much more.

Ireland is amazing! If you want to know more about TBEX and why you should go, press play, or search TBEX on this blog for learnings and adventures from over the past few years in Costa Brava, Athens, Stockholm and Dublin.

If you’ve been to TBEX or have questions drop us a line and say hi in the comments.

Want more Ireland? View this photo essay on travel in Killarney and Kenmare