HOTEL FAVOURITES

Madeira is a lush, mountainous Portuguese island situated in the middle of the Atlantic Ocean. It has earned the title of "World's Leading Island Destination" nine consecutive times in the World Travel Awards. Each year, millions of tourists flock to the island, captivated by its stunning landscapes, extensive hiking trails that span over 2,000 kilometers along the irrigation channels (known as levadas), and its mild, pleasant climate. During summer, the island enjoys an average temperature of around 25°C. Believing that the best way to experience Madeira was from a seaside resort — of which there are many — I chose to stay at the five-star Saccharum Resort & Spa in Calheta, approximately 35 kilometers from Funchal, the capital. My goal was to escape the busy tourist spots and fully immerse myself in Madeira's diverse natural beauty. The resort is ideally located on the island’s sunny southwest coast, nestled between the sea and mountains. I eagerly anticipated da...

I discovered that Air Baltic offers an excellent connection between Helsinki and Riga, and it struck me that my  last visit to Latvia's capital was also in October. Riga in October is peaceful, with many beautiful parks to enjoy the autumn foliage. The city boasts a charming Old Town, which is a UNESCO World Heritage site. It’s renowned for its numerous photogenic Art Nouveau buildings, but it also has a great shopping center that I knew my kids would appreciate. So, I decided to introduce them to this European capital. Wellton Riverside SPA Hotel For this trip, I had two specific criteria for accommodation: a central location and a pool for the kids. I chose the budget-friendly, four-star Wellton Riverside SPA Hotel, which opened in November 2018. This modern hotel is located on the edge of the Old Town and offers beautiful views of the Daugava River. Its location provides easy access to historical sights, shopping areas, and city landmarks. Additionally, the hotel features the l...

Bad Gastein has been on my radar for some time due to its Belle Époque architecture and breathtaking mountain views. Once a favored spa destination for royalty during its golden era, the town evokes a beautiful sense of nostalgia. Today, Bad Gastein remains popular for its thermal waters, celebrated for their regenerative and holistic wellness benefits. Another highlight of the area is the 140-meter-long suspension bridge at Stubnerkogel, which soars 2,300 meters above sea level — an incredible way to take in the surrounding mountain views! Badeschloss Hotel In this town, the contemporary architecture and creative design of the Badeschloss Hotel (recently renamed Urban Nature Bad Gastein) immediately caught my attention. Originally built in 1971, the hotel has recently undergone extensive renovations, including the addition of a striking new concrete tower that stands in bold contrast to the grand historic buildings in the area. Following these renovations, the hotel reopened at the en...