A Quick Marrakech Itinerary – Quirky Places To Visit In Marrakech

La Sultana Spa, Marrakech

Planning a trip to Morocco’s red city? Create your own Marrakech itinerary with these quirky places in the city! 

Whether you’ve got your flights booked, or you’re looking for inspiration, planning a trip to Marrakech is always a fun thing to do! The city offers so much. From the bustling market stalls in the medina, to the beautiful YSL gardens. 

For lots of tips on where to visit on a first trip, check out my guide to the top places to visit in Marrakech.  Once you’ve added those to your Marrakech itinerary, it’s time to spice things up with a few quirky spots you might not have considered before. 

From a super cool party spot, to a beautiful place to stay and a great cooking school, you’ll struggle to choose what to do next!

Read more

REVIEW: The Singular Hotel, Santiago, Chile

Lounge and Bar Area at The Singular Hotel, Santiago

Stylish décor, a rooftop swimming pool and one of the best meals I’ve eaten in a while. Welcome to 5 star luxury courtesy of The Singular Hotel, Santiago.

Arriving at The Singular Hotel is a bit like going to visit one of your oldest friends. They welcome you with open arms, ask how your journey was, and leave you to relax on a comfy sofa while they fetch you drinks and treats. It sounds strange to say it, but I felt like I’d been here before.

Courtyard Restaurant Area at The Singular Hotel, Santiago
Courtyard Restaurant Area at The Singular Hotel, Santiago
Lounge and Bar Area at The Singular Hotel, Santiago
Lounge and Bar Area at The Singular Hotel, Santiago

Read more

REVIEW: Mark Warner Hotel L’Ecrin du Val Claret

Hotel L'Ecrin Du Val Claret

Considering booking L’Ecrin Du Val Claret in Tignes for your ski holiday? From more about the rooms, food quality and the spa in this detailed review. 

As outlined in my Wanderlust Bambi post I wasn’t a natural skier… but after a few days in ski school, I started to get the hang of it! Thankfully, when I wasn’t on the slopes I had a cosy mountain hideaway to warm up in – the Mark Warner Hotel L’Ecrin in the village of Tignes Val Claret in the French Alps.

Mark Warner Ski Trip Tignes - 39

Covered in a snowy cotton-wool blanket, the chalet style hotel had a spacious reception area, a comfortable lounge with a fireplace, bar, restaurant, a luxurious spa, and 52 bedrooms.

Lounge area at Hotel L'Ecrin Du Val Claret
Lounge area at Hotel L’Ecrin Du Val Claret
Hotel L'Ecrin Du Val Claret
Hotel L’Ecrin Du Val Claret
Spa area at Hotel L'Ecrin Du Val Claret
Spa area at Hotel L’Ecrin Du Val Claret
Lounge area at Hotel L'Ecrin Du Val Claret
Lounge area at Hotel L’Ecrin Du Val Claret

The Mark Warner experience is all about warm service, comfort and convenience. Over the course of a few days I got to know the hotel staff – from the front desk team to the spa girls and the barmen. Everyone was friendly, full of info and brought a really lovely social vibe to the hotel. For families, they offer childcare – a great option when the grown ups fancy a day on the slopes.

Read more

REVIEW: Noi Hotel Vitacura, Santiago, Chile

Noi Vitacura Rooftop Pool

Looking for a luxury hotel in Santiago? My review of 5* Noi Hotel will have you even more excited for your trip! 

In the upmarket Vitacura neighbourhood, the five-star Noi Hotel is attracting a stylish clientele in search of a luxurious base in Santiago. Enticing them – contemporary décor, a plush spa and an incredible rooftop pool and bar with panoramic views of the city. After 23 hours of travelling, I couldn’t wait to check in.

Noi Vitacura Rooftop Bar

The Noi group is proud to own luxury boutique hotels in several areas of outstanding natural beauty across Chile, including San Pedro de Atacama, Patagonia and the Andes Mountains. They aim to deliver a unique experience via their locations and facilities – something that the Noi Vitacura certainly achieved. Close to Alonso de Córdova Street (filled with exclusive boutiques, restaurants and art galleries) and near to Bicentennial Park, Vitacura is one of the most desirable parts of the city.

Noi Vitacura Exterior

From the contemporary wood-clad exterior, to the polished floors and grand lobby area with its criss-cross view of overhead walkways, arriving at the Noi was a sophisticated experience.

READ MORE: The Best Luxury Hotels In Santiago

Noi Vitacura Lobby

Read more

Mark Warner Ski Review: Beginner Ski Holiday

Me kitted out in my ski gear

Thinking of booking a beginner ski holiday? Find out more about learning to ski on a Mark Warner holiday in this first hand account. 

All the gear and no idea. That’s how I’d describe myself as I headed to Heathrow Airport on a dark  January morning ready for my first ever ski trip. I’d signed up to a beginner ski holiday with Mark Warner. 

Kitted out in newly purchased snow boots and a borrowed ski jacket, I felt like a massive fraud. I’ve never skied in my life. I struggle with activities that involve balance or co-ordination. Don’t even ask about my track record on a bike…

Mark Warner Ski Trip Tignes - 20

Despite this, I like to think of myself as a bit of adventurer, yes really! I’ve hang-glided in Rio De Janeiro, volcano boarded in Nicaragua and I’m an adrenaline freak when it comes to rollercoasters. I’ll try most things once. So why did the thought of hitting the slopes fill me with fear? Well for a start, who learns to ski at the age of 30?!

SKIING FOR BEGINNERS

Thankfully this was a ski trip to ease anxious sorts like me into this bizarre concept of sliding down a mountain with two planks strapped to my feet. From London, I travelled to the Mark Warner resort in Tignes Val Claret in the French Alps. It was a beautiful journey – with fir trees dusted in white powder, frozen lakes and frosty mountain peaks. My home for the next few days was the chalet-style Hotel L’Ecrin du Val Claret (full review coming soon). Covered in a snowy cotton-wool blanket, the hotel was beautifully cosy with large lounge areas, an inviting fireplace and a luxurious spa. I started to think I could fit in here.

 

Spectacular snowy drive in the Alps… Feels like Christmas all over again! #mwmoment

A photo posted by Chloë Gunning (@wanderlustchloe) on

Hotel L'ecrin Du Val Claret
Hotel L’ecrin Du Val Claret

Read more