luxury

REVIEW: Vapor Restaurant, Hotel Bellevue, Dubrovnik

A very special dinner at Vapor Restaurant in the Hotel Bellevue, Dubrovnik.

“And here’s the elevator to the beach…”

Not something you hear every day… but then again, it’s not often you spend your day exploring Dubrovnik’s ancient city walls, and then pop for dinner at one of Croatia’s most exclusive restaurants.

Vapor RestaurantWanderlust Chloe Vapor Restaurant Dubrovnik05 is a part of Hotel Bellevue, one of the Adriatic Luxury Hotels, and is located just 15 minutes walk from the famous old town. Head chef Saša Računica’s spends his days reinventing traditional Croatian cuisine, adding exciting twists, and combining unexpected flavours.

Hotel Bellevue is a unique hotel, built right into the cliff edge. It was described as a small hotel, although with 91 rooms, it’s not on the boutique level of many of the small hotels within the old town such as The Pucic Palace.

Wanderlust Chloe Vapor Restaurant Dubrovnik01Before dinner I checked out both a deluxe and executive room. They did not disappoint – how could they when every room has THAT view? Yes…. The sea view, usually sought after when booking a room, but at this hotel, it comes as standard.

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REVIEW: The Pucic Palace, Dubrovnik, Croatia

Pucic Palace Dubrovnik Bedroom

Checking out The Pucic Palace in the ancient city of Dubrovnik, Croatia.

Awkward guest – that’s just not my style!

Oh… that was until I checked into The Pucic Palace in Dubrovnik in June 2015. I arrived just as an incredible electric storm struck the city. My arrival in Dubrovnik was already tinged with drama as my shuttle bus from the airport had broken down on a cliff edge and another bus had to come and rescue us. Once at The Pucic Palace, the hotel staff agreed to help me set up my Croatian SIM card, which was a small drama in itself as they searched the entire building for an unlocked phone!

It’s fair to say, they took all my mini dramas in their stride, and went above and beyond to make my stay a pleasant one.

The hotel has two sections: the 17th Century Baroque hotel building, and the annex apartments a minute away. I was staying in Defne Apartment in the annex – a stunning building right in the heart of the old town.

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Afternoon Tea At Sandy Lane, Barbados

Wanderlust Chloe Sandy Lane Barbados 4

What’s it really like to go for afternoon tea at Sandy Lane in Barbados?

This guest post was written by Sarah Connolly

Some hotels are known globally, be it for the guests they host, a long standing reputation as a leading hotel, impeccable service, the destination of a high profile wedding, or just as somewhere people aspire to go to. I’m thinking of places like The Ritz, George V, Beverly Wilshire, or in my case Sandy Lane.

Wanderlust Chloe Sandy Lane Barbados 2

The word luxury is thrown around a lot and used far too often when it comes to hotels. Luxury to one person may not be luxury to another but having been to Sandy Lane I am 100% confident that this hotel wholeheartedly deserves to be deemed a luxury property, and that all those who have stepped through its doors would agree.

I was in Barbados for a week staying at a nearby hotel and booked to have afternoon tea at Sandy Lane. From the gated entrance to the long and winding driveway, everything plays a role in creating a really exclusive and beautiful setting. On arrival we were led to the lower level of Bajan Blue; an alfresco restaurant looking out to the beach, scattered with the famous pink sun loungers and even more famous guests.

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REVIEW: Hotel Cram, Barcelona, Spain

A stay at Hotel Cram in the Eixample area of Barcelona is a luxurious, stylish experience. Don’t be fooled by the grand facade dating back to the late 1890s, the rest of this hotel is über contemporary.

REVIEW: Grand Velas, Riviera Maya, Mexico

Grand Velas Hotel in the Riviera Maya is one of the most stunning, luxurious places to stay in the region.

I’ve lost track of how many people have recommended Grand Velas to me. I’m often weary of things with a lot of hype… Harry Potter – never liked it, Disneyland – not really my thing. Often expectations are not met!

When I visited Grand Velas it was straight after my stay at Grand Residences – currently the number one place to stay in the area. So how would Grand Velas shape up?

Wanderlust Chloe Grand Velas Entrance

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