All posts filed under: Accomodation Reviews

[Hotel Review]: Palazzo Versace, Dubai

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[Disclaimer]: If you’re into minimalist and understated design, this hotel is not for you. Styled on a 16th century Italian palace, this hotel is all about the gold antique furnishings, high ornate ceilings, Italian art and fashion, with splashes of bright colour and intricate patterns and, with every single piece of furniture and fabric in the hotel designed and made by Versace herself, is an absolute symbol of the extravagant Versace lifestyle. Dotted around the hotel are original sketches and prints of Versace’s designs and collections, which is a nice touch. Anyone who knows me knows I’m not one for ornate and OTT, I’m much more of a fan of a modern hotel, so although I was looking forward to living a plush lifestyle here for a few days, I was unsure what my opinion would be. The lobby can only be described as extravagant. There were huge glass tables filled with marble vases and ornaments, paisley settees dotted with patterned cushions and centered around rows of bright flowers and some form of chandelier lighting …

[Hotel Review]: Banyan Tree Seychelles

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So after a really disappointing experience at our first hotel, it wouldn’t be exaggerating to say we rushed back from breakfast first thing to pack up our bags and check out of our rooms in the keen desperation to get to our next stop – what we had been savouring for our last stop and what we were (even more so than before) hoping would be a memorable end to our Seychellois experience (read all about my time on the island here)… And it didn’t disappoint. The Banyan Tree Seychelles is a true oasis of calm and serenity. No sooner had we drawn up to the grand entrance of the property than we were swept into the cool air -con of the spacious high-ceiling lobby, bags taken care of, and offered refreshing fruity drinks and cold face towels – just what we needed! After being told we’d kindly been upgraded to an Ocean View Pool Villa (!) and whilst the check-in process was taken care of by the competent and friendly staff, we were free …

[Accommodation Review]: Casas Particulares In Cuba

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Before I travelled to Cuba, the notion of Casas Particulares to me was just a general term for a homestay, a nice and more local alternative to the usual hotels/hostels that the majority of tourists, travellers and holiday makers alike use as a form of accommodation. Little did I realise just how significant a concept the Casas Particulares in Cuba has become. These government-run ‘homestays’ have all but taken over in Cuba as not just the most economical, but most popular and rewarding way of travelling for the majority of tourists visiting the island. It has especially taken off in the last few years since 2011 when bureaucratic regulations relaxed, allowing some Casas to turn into a kind of private business employing staff and even advertising online where possible. It’s definitely a hugely positive step in the ever evolving economy of the country. It’s not an exaggeration to say that you see the familiar Casa Particular logo hanging off almost every other house on every street, even in the smallest of rural villages. I think …

[Hotel Review]: Villa Julius, Gili Islands

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The Gilis, a group of 3 small islands just off Bali, are a tiny piece of paradise. Whether you’re heading there for a few days relaxation after partying in Kuta or Seminyak on mainland Bali, or just after a peaceful getaway, you are guaranteed to forget about whatever it is you came to forget, as the hustle and bustle of real life escapes you.