Christmas greetings from the Mediterranean Sea: As the festive season descends upon us, Mallorca transforms into a magical wonderland, adorned with twinkling lights and festive cheer.
One of the most enchanting sights is Palma’s historic center, illuminated with dazzling displays. The city’s iconic landmarks, such as the Cathedral and the Royal Palace, are bathed in a warm, festive glow.
If you’re planning a winter getaway to Mallorca, I highly recommend staying at the Meliá Marina. This hotel offers exceptional service, stunning views of the marina, and a prime location.
Wishing you all a joyous holiday season and a prosperous New Year! ✨🫶🏼
Arnhem. You probably only picture cute shops, cobblestone streets, and maybe a museum or two, right? Well, there is so much more! This city is bursting with natural beauty, perfect for a weekend escape that’s way more than just “city life.”
My recent trip was a total game-changer. Forget crowded shopping streets, I was all about exploring the stunning nature Arnhem has to offer. Think lush parks, hidden trails, and the most breathtaking views. Seriously, I felt like I’d stepped into a nature documentary! 🌳
Here’s the highlight: I stayed at Hotel Haarhuis and let me tell you, this place knows how to do relaxation right. Imagine this: your own private sauna on a terrace overlooking the city. Yep, you read that right. After a day of hiking, I was soaking in those steamy vibes with a view. Talk about the ultimate unwind! ✨
Ready to ditch the usual city break and embrace Arnhem’s wild side? Here’s what you need to know:
Explore the Veluwe: This national park is basically Arnhem’s backyard. Hike or bike through forests, heathlands, and sand dunes. Keep your eyes peeled for wild deer! 🦌
Stroll through Sonsbeek Park: This place is straight out of a fairytale. Wander past romantic ponds, hidden waterfalls, and even a 18th-century mansion.
Hike to the top of the Posbank: Okay, this one requires a bit of effort, but trust me, the panoramic views are SO worth it. Pro tip: Pack your hiking boots and your swimsuit (for that sauna action, obviously!).
Arnhem is calling for a weekend of nature, relaxation, and unexpected adventures. Who’s in?
Norderney, one of the East Frisian Islands, is easily accessible by ferry, making it a popular choice for a day trip. The journey itself offers beautiful sea views, and once you arrive, the scenery changes to a slightly rougher, more dramatic coastline compared to the mainland. The island has its fair share of attractions: the iconic lighthouse, the charming town center with its shops and cafes, and of course, the vast sandy beaches. If you’re looking for activities, there’s plenty to keep you busy, from cycling and hiking to windsurfing and kiteboarding.
However, it’s important to be aware that Norderney is a very touristy destination, especially during peak season. The crowds can be overwhelming, and the overall atmosphere may not be as relaxed and idyllic as you might expect from an island getaway.
For me, Norderney was a mixed bag. The natural beauty of the island is undeniable, but the touristy vibe dampened the experience somewhat. If you’re looking for a quiet, secluded escape, Norderney may not be the best choice. But if you’re prepared for the crowds and enjoy a bustling atmosphere, it’s still worth a visit.
Mallorca, the vibrant Balearic island, is renowned for its stunning beaches and bustling resorts.
However, beyond the tourist hotspots lie two hidden gems, El Molinar and Paguera, each offering a unique charm and peaceful atmosphere. If you’re seeking a more authentic Mallorcan experience, these tranquil escapes should be on your radar.
El Molinar: A Seaside Village with Old-World Charm
Just a stone’s throw away from Palma, the capital of Mallorca, lies the picturesque village of El Molinar. This former fishing village has retained its old-world character, with charming narrow streets, colorful houses, and a lively promenade.
What to See and Do:
Paseo Marítimo: Stroll along the promenade, lined with traditional fishing boats and enjoy the breathtaking views of the Bay of Palma.
Molinar Beach: Relax on this small sandy beach, popular among locals, and take a refreshing dip in the crystal-clear waters.
Windsurfing and Sailing: El Molinar is a haven for windsurfing and sailing enthusiasts, thanks to its ideal wind conditions.
Gastronomic Delights: Indulge in fresh seafood delicacies at the numerous restaurants and tapas bars dotted along the promenade.
Paguera: A Secluded Oasis with Natural Beauty
Nestled on the southwest coast of Mallorca, Paguera offers a serene retreat away from the crowds. This picturesque resort town boasts three beautiful beaches, surrounded by lush pine forests and dramatic cliffs.
What to See and Do:
Paguera Beaches: Explore the three beaches – Palmira, Tora, and Romana – each with its own unique character.
Hiking and Biking: Discover the stunning natural landscapes of Paguera through scenic hiking and biking trails.
Boat Trips: Embark on a boat trip to explore the nearby coves and hidden beaches.
Boulevard de Paguera: Wander along the vibrant boulevard, lined with shops, restaurants, and bars, and soak up the lively atmosphere.
Why Visit El Molinar and Paguera?
Authenticity: Both destinations offer a glimpse into traditional Mallorcan life, away from the touristy crowds.
Tranquility: El Molinar and Paguera provide a peaceful escape, perfect for relaxation and rejuvenation.
Natural Beauty: These hidden gems boast stunning natural landscapes, from picturesque beaches to lush forests.
Variety of Activities: Whether you’re seeking water sports, outdoor adventures, or cultural experiences, El Molinar and Paguera have something for everyone.
Conclusion
El Molinar and Paguera are two hidden treasures waiting to be discovered in Mallorca. These off-the-beaten-path destinations offer a unique blend of authenticity, tranquility, and natural beauty, making them ideal for travelers seeking a more intimate and enriching experience on the island. ☀️🌊
I ended the year with a niceday trip to Enschede in the Netherlands. I totally digged their easygoing lifestyle, positive attitude and very laidback atmosphere.
The city is pretty small so that you can easily walk through the whole city center – it’s just a ten-minute walk from the train station and you can get everywhere by foot.
Oh, and their cuisine: loved it. 🫶🏼 🇳🇱
If you ever get a chance to visit during the holiday season, do it. And not just for some Christmas shopping, enjoy this peaceful break.
Ihave been living in my new hood for almost a year now and love exploring new places. These are my three favorite Christmas markets this season:
I. Essen
Twinkling lights as far as the eye can see and endless inspirations for your Shopping Spree. There are Christmas decorations from Israel, jewellery from the Baltic States and delicacies from Italy, Greece and France. An excellent range and quality, for which the Essen International Christmas Market was voted 6th in Europe and even 1st in Germany in the “European Best Christmas Markets” online voting.
II. Bückeburg Castle
Majestic views, gorgeous light installations and breathtakingly beautiful settings inside the castle. This one is a must for all holiday lovers.
III. Christmas lights at the Munster Zoo
Though it is a bit expensive, the interactive walk through the themed light show was simply magical.
Wishing everyone happy holidays with your loved ones. 🎄♥️ Stay healthy and happy and see ya back in January 2024.🍀
I am really digging the North Sea vibes. Whenever I am up north, I feel relaxed, happy, am totally in balance and extremely fit. It’s like the fresh breeze is my natural energy source.
This time, I explored Bremerhaven and was surprised by its chill atmosphere. It wasn’t crowded, rather quiet and peaceful, great nature spots for my fitness routine and magical moments at the water front. Will definitely come back.
I also took a little detour to Cuxhaven in order to go for a swim and to relax at the beach. Though I love the sea, Cuxhaven is not a place I would recommend. Didn’t like the vibe at all. Next time, I will be back at the beach in Norddeich or Schillig.
But all in all, it was an awesome road trip and I cannot wait to plan my next one in early October.
If you ever wanna take a break, need to unwind, simply getting away from everything, this is your place to be: Jenesien, northwest of Bolzano. Here are some impressions from a long weekend.
And if you are looking for a wellness hotel, I can recommend the Hotel Saltus: no TV, no screen time, no social media, pure relaxation, peaceful and quiet, excellent food.
I for myself will take more days off for the rest of the year, simply taking care of myself, staying in balance and refueling my energy from these crazy past months.
Hello Vitamin Sea. I gotta say that I am starting to love the North Sea, especially since I have found my own routine to relax and refuel my energy. Either it is a day trip with my bike or a whole weekend filled with sports, sun and beach time.
Norddeich has become a regular spot for me, since it is not too far from my new home and can be reached by both, car or public transportation.
Here are my tips for a beach weekend in Norddeich:
Get ready for the most magical sunsets. I don’t think, I will find any words that do them justice. At around 9:30 p.m. people gather at the beach, sit on the stairs and simply enjoy the calmness of the sea. See for yourself. Pure magic!
Go for an early morning run. Watching nature wake up has always been soothing to me. It is a very special atmosphere in the early morning at 5 a.m. and you are mainly by yourself. Try it!
If you wanna go for a beach day, start early at around 9:30 a.m.. It is better for your skin and not crowded. The crowds will arrive at around 2 in the afternoon, which is your time to go for a swim and then treat yourself with some wellness. Today was my first time I actually went swimming in the North Sea and I loved it. 😍🌊
The water was extremely warm, for me, even a bit too warm, but it was awesome and I will be back soon. Also make sure to book your beach chair online. You pay 10 EUR for a whole day from six till midnight.
Well, if you wanna dine at your hotel, go for it. I recommend: buy a pizza, some cold drinks and have a picnic in your beach chair till the sun sets. Or do it like I did and stop by at the best ice cream shop: Frieseneis.
Watch out: their portions are huge!! One scoop is more than enough. I made the mistake not to look at their size and ordered three scoops. For me, this was lunch and dinner. 🙈 But it is the best ice cream in town.
I have only stayed at one hotel so far: the Regina Maris. Since I am a very private person, I really appreciate this accommodation. Private, extremely cordial and helpful, excellent service, clean and charming rooms, coffee machine in the room and great food. You can even use their small pool and sauna, if you need some time to unwind. If I had to name one thing: missing air conditioning. But seriously, it is not really necessary. I can totally recommend this one and will be back.
If you need any tips for Norddeich, send me a DM or maybe meet me for a coffee at the beach. You can expect me to become a regular this summer. ☀️
I recently traveled to Frankfurt on business and tried to explore the city a little bit, checking out future travel potentials during the NFL German games.
And I gotta say: Frankfurt is probably one of the most underrated cities in Germany. From arts, sports & culture, to nature, architecture & food, this city has a lot to offer.
I attended the Banksy exhibition, checked out some local bars & restaurants and attended the first home game of the local Football team Frankfurt Galaxy.
Though I only got to check out some spots while away on business, I totally digged the relaxed atmosphere and loved the diversity of the city. The only thing I really hated was this high humidity – there were moments when I felt like I was in Singapore.
So, all in all, NFL fans definitely have something to look forward to this fall season, besides the actual game.
