A few nights in Greece – Marbella – Bali – Seville
After spending most of the Spring and summer months in Thailand, Turkey and Toronto, David from Chic has been travelling extensively again in October – December.
First was a return to Greece, starting with a night in Athens at the new Moxy hotel, part of the Marriott group. Centrally located on Omania Square, the hotel is ultra-modern and quite funky with a rather unique check-in at the bar reception. David rated the hotel as good value first class, ideally positioned for exploring the delights of Athens.
After that, it was a 3-hour road transfer to Porto Heli, with stops at the Corinth Canal, the ancient temple and the amphitheatre at Asklepieion.
The base at Porto Heli was at the NikKi Beach Resort, located a 5-minute drive from the village. David said in his report back, “Nikki Beach has a rather bland exterior from a distance, but as you get closer, you see the intricacies of the design. Once inside, it was instant Wow – Clean, bright and white. The rooms, all sea-facing, were large and with good views. The beach was fine and the village delightful, despite being in the last few days of the season.”
On the 2nd night, it was a short 20-minute boat trip to the neighbouring island of Spetses. Regarded as one of the most upscale, David was taken with its style and quality, despite seeing it in the dark and rain. Then it was back to Athens for the return flight to London. Just a 3-night visit but it showed David once again what a great destination Greece is. Travel out & back was with Aegean Airlines.
Next, it was an even shorter 2-night visit to Marbella. David was invited as a VIP guest- the only one from the UK – by the local tourism authorities and was royally hosted, literally. He stayed at the boutique 14-room La Castillo hotel located in the charming old town, a totally different experience.
He visited numerous hotels during his stay, including Marbella Club and Puente Romano, plus a revisit to the famous Porto Banus and personal shopper assistance at El Corte Ingles department store. Travel this time was out and back with Vueling Airlines.
Then it was a return to Bali after a 3-year absence.
Essentially, it was to attend the Further East luxury show, held in Seminyak. Again limited invitations – just a handful of operators from the UK. David rates it as one of the better shows he attends, plus he always seems to enjoy Bali. Apparently, he has visited the island well over 100 times, so knows it well.
He was joined by Marie-Helene (MH) from Chic on this trip and in addition, they went to Ubud, Nusa Dua, Jimbaran and Ulawatu areas. So many new hotels to check out as well as seeing existing partners again.
David said “The innovation and quality Bali offers is exceptional, some of the very best in the region. It is priced at the upper level, deliberately, as the intention is quality rather than quantity.”
Travel out & back was with Qatar, using Avios points which allowed us, business class. Absolutely superb in comfort and service.”
Then it was to Seville for 4 days. David & MH both rate this city as one of the very best in the whole of Europe. Magical contrasts, and for late November the sky was blue and the days warm. They stayed at the H10 hotel in the old quarter. Nicely atmospheric.
David is off to Saudi Arabia on the 12th of December just for 6 days. First-time visit, one of the few places he never travelled to – along with Australia & New Zealand.
It is an emerging destination for the curious traveller keen to discover something new.
And then David & MH will end the year in the Caribbean, visiting friends and family in Barbados, Dominica and St Lucia.
2022 was busy on several levels, but good to see travel back to a sort of normality.
Season Greetings to you all.
“There’s no such thing as the best hotel, just the right one…”
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All price guides are Per Person Sharing Double Room (Entry level), based on travel between May and/or June when prices are generally at their lowest and include promotional offers.
Supplements will probably apply at other times, particularly mid-summer in the Med, and for rooms and/or transfers arranged for single travellers.
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