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...

Katajanokka in Helsinki is renowned for its vibrant restaurant scene and the stunning Uspenski Cathedral. Surrounded by the sea, the area also hosts a bustling passenger harbor. Popular tourist attractions like the SkyWheel, Flying Cinema, and Allas Sea Pool are all located here. Nearby, you’ll find Market Square (Helsinki’s most famous and international market) along with the lush Esplanadi Park and Helsinki Zoo. I love being close to the water, thus this location was perfect for me. When it’s time to leave, the Central Railway Station is just a 20-minute walk away. Solo Sokos Hotel Pier 4 Solo Sokos Hotel Pier 4 in Katajanokka is the newest addition to Helsinki’s hotel scene, designed by Anttinen Oiva Architects. I was immediately drawn to its striking wood architecture when it opened on August 26, 2024. The hotel aims to offer a multi-sensory nature experience, unlike anything previously seen in Finnish hotels .  I felt privileged to be among the first guests to experience ...

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...