Riad Numero 9, Fez

Fez sits immovable in a dusty basin, hemmed in by mountains. It is one of Morocco’s Imperial Cities, the oldest in fact; the largest intact medieval Islamic medina in the world. To truly appreciate its sprawling bulk, head towards the basin’s higher edges (a rooftop terrace close to the main entrance gate, Bab Boujeloud, is ideal) and marvel at the labyrinthine alleyways and crooked streets that form this most stimulating of cities.

Where to Stay

A soothing and serene sleeping environment is an absolute must. My favourite place to stay is the bijou Riad Numero 9 (9 Derb el Masid), which is tucked away in a nondescript alleyway close to Bab Boujeloud. It is a jewellery box of mosaic tiling, precious antiques, carved cedarwood ceilings and a very friendly in-house cat.

What to See

Spend your days getting lost in the medina (not difficult to do: even the most detailed map is nigh-on useless in a city this intricately fashioned). Fez is the country’s cultural heart, full to bursting with fine craftsmanship and traditional wares. Hone your haggling skills and be prepared to depart with your pockets considerably lighter.

Where to Eat

Stay at Riad Numero 9 and you’re in for a treat. One of the owners is a chef and as well as scrummy waffles and French toast at breakfast, you can arrange lunch and dinner to order (highly recommended and an absolute treat).

For something more laid-back try Cafe Clock (7 Derb El Magana). Perfect for chilled out evenings and light lunches, the home-made cakes are particularly delicious.

After Dark

Safety in Fez has improved considerably in recent years, however it is still advisable (especially for women) not to wander alone at night. It’s very easy to get lost and there is a significant crime rate. Most restaurants and cafes (and indeed the riads themselves) are more than happy to provide a guide to take you back to your sleeping quarters; take advantage of this offer.

Fancy a trip to this ancient city? Then don’t forget to check out our pick of luxury hotels in Fez…

TI contributor Cynthia Rosenfeld has written a great guide to shopping in Fez – it’s highly recommended reading!

Technorati Tags: Boutique Hotels, Fez, Five-minute Guide

Luxury Hotels in the Costa del Sol: La Fuente de la Higuera

We have even more respect for the Obamas having heard of their plans for a Costa del Sol vacation next week. We’ve long been advocates of this overlooked holiday destination and think that Mrs Obama and her daughters are in for a real treat.

Not quite convinced that the Costa del Sol has hotels fit for a President’s family? Look no further than the hand-picked selection below; if Michelle decides to venture beyond Marbella, these are the places we’d recommend checking out…

The Rustic Bolthole: Cortijo Valverde

Cortijo Valverde is a beautiful boutique hotel that’s off the Costa’s beaten track (all the better for avoiding those pesky paparazzi). Overlooking the picture-perfect Moorish village of Alora, it is utterly serene and a great choice for family holidays.

There’s a real home-from-home atmosphere here; a traditional Andalucían dinner is served each evening on a long communal table, the gardens are lushly green and the pool area is kept low-key and private. The fact that it’s an easy 45-minute drive from Malaga Airport just adds to its charms.

Find out more about Cortijo Valverde

The Mountain Retreat: Fountainhead

Fountainhead’s setting in the mountainous wilds of Andalucía belies the eclectic interiors within. This is a luxury resort that combines style with substance; for all its quirky design features and costly artwork, it remains a family-friendly retreat with a homely heart.

Even better for parents is the knowledge that phones, televisions and even plug points are non-existent (though can be provided if absolutely necessary). The owners assume a hands-off approach, allowing guests to enjoy first-class hiking trails, a sublime organic restaurant, day-trips to Granada (a two-hour drive away) and yoga classes in the pavilion.

Find out more about Fountainhead

The Ultra-Luxurious Resort: Finca Cortesin

Forget any preconceptions you may have of the traditional Spanish finca (farmhouse). Finca Cortesin is a polished and elegant luxury hotel with myriad facilities, including a championship-standard golf course, a choice of restaurants and a sumptuous spa.

Its close proximity to some of Marbella’s best beaches, together with truly impeccable staff, have won it a loyal following. It’s certainly not a budget option on the Costa del Sol, but somehow we don’t think that’ll be worrying the Obamas.

Find out more about Finca Cortesin

The Michelin-starred Marvel: La Fuente de la Higuera

Dutch owners Pom and Christine Piek created La Fuente de la Higuera as an escape from nearby Ronda. It is a very convenient retreat, just 15-minutes by car from the city and surrounded by sweeping views of the surrounded countryside.

The biggest draw is its Michelin-starred restaurant, El Tragabuche, which serves faultless regional cuisine. Elsewhere, guests can enjoy the wisteria-filled gardens, the traditional Turkish bath and a well-stocked library.

Find out more about La Fuente de la Higuera

Inspired by the Obamas’ holiday plans? Then check out our entire collection of luxury hotels on the Costa del Sol…

Technorati Tags: Costa del Sol, Luxury Hotels, Luxury hotels in Spain

Le Taha'a Private Island & Spa

Having a slight obsession with TI hotels in the movies means we get ridiculously excited when we see any of our hotels on screen. So, our beady eye’s now on Le Taha’a in Tahiti, which stormed up the charts of most-viewed TI hotels after being shown off in all its glory on Monday night’s episode of The Bachelorette (ABC). The jealousy-inducing episode had bachelorette Ali holing up in a Fantasy Suite as well as a bungalow with private hot tub – alright for some…

What with that, and these Youtube videos popping up of base jump stunts filming for Transformers 3 off Chicago’s Trump Hotel & Tower this week, all the excitement means we might need a little lie down…

Technorati Tags: luxury hotel news, Luxury Hotels

One of the big pleasures of a stay in Seville is the opportunity to experience the local culture in the form of tapas – small snacks eaten with a drink in the bars and cafés. There are a multitude of really good tapas bars in Seville, ranging, both in food and ambience, from the most traditional to the more modern and innovative, many with their own particular specialities. Although some can be found in the more touristy districts, the best are usually those frequented by the locals, so don’t be afraid to stray from the beaten track.

With so many places to choose from, and so much variety on offer, choosing the five best tapas bars in Seville is a near-impossible task, but these are five of my personal favourites, chosen from five different neighbourhoods…

Eslava

Eslava

Tucked away in the barrio San Lorenzo, Eslava is definitely one place not to miss. It’s always really busy, and once you are inside, it doesn’t take long to find out why. The food is simply some of the best in town, and very reasonably priced. Try breaded mushrooms stuffed with chorizo, pork ribs in honey sauce, or anything else from the menu, and you won’t be disappointed. The sauces are to die for. The staff are efficient, and the atmosphere noisy and convivial. Just remember to get there early!

c/Eslava 5
tel. 954 906 568
Open 13.00 – midnight
closed Sunday evening & Monday

La Azotea

La Azotea

Just five minutes’ walk from the main shopping streets, La Azotea is a relative newcomer, but thanks to owners Juan and Jeanine it has already acquired a reputation for excellent food and service. It’s small, cosy and intimate, yet lively and friendly. Unusually, there are two menus – one that changes seasonally, and the other every week or even daily, depending on what looks good and fresh at the market. Full and half raciones (portions) are available at the six tables – be sure to make a reservation – or just show up to enjoy tapas at the bar.

Jesús del Gran Poder, 31
Tel 955 116 748
Open 13.30 – 16.30 / 21.00 – midnight
Closed Sunday and Monday

Bodeguita Romero

Bodeguita Romero

Bodeguita Romero’s claim to fame is that it has the very best pringá montaditos – small toasted buns filled with a mixture of very tender roasted pork, blood sausage and pork fat – in the whole city! It’s usually served as a sort of paste in other tapas bars in Seville, but here it’s very meaty and chunky and served piping hot. But there’s more to its popularity than that. Not only are there lots of other excellent tapas – from marinated potatoes and crunchy roquefort croquettes (a roquefort/bechamel mixture rolled in crushed almonds then breaded and fried) to Argentinean beef and amazing stewed pig’s cheeks – but also the staff are extremely efficient, very friendly and make you feel at home.

c/ Harinas 10
tel. 954 229 556
13.00 – 16.00 / 20.00 – midnight
(closed Mondays)

Vinería San Telmo

Vineria San Telmo

Perhaps the first unusual thing you’ll notice when you go in are the mottos and quotations painted on the walls and ceiling, followed by the display case featuring homemade desserts that are just as delicious as they look. You can then go on to discover the friendly service and the interesting and varied menu, which has both traditional and innovative tapas, as well as several tasty vegetarian options. Try the aubergine, goat cheese and tomato tower, the chicken “things” (odd English translation…) or the grilled tuna with tempura fried onions. There is also an extensive selection of wines by the glass, and an outdoor terrace overlooking the Murillo gardens.

Paseo Catalina de Ribera, 4
tel. 954 410 600
Open 7 days a week
8.00am – midnight (kitchen closes 16.00 – 20.00)

La Primera del Puente

Primera del Puente

Just across the river from the San Telmo palace you can find the delightful Primera del Puente. Definitely traditional, the decor celebrates Seville’s nautical past, the service is fast and friendly, and the tapas at the bar are excellent. The speciality is fish and seafood, and at the rate it flies out of the kitchen you know it has to be fresh. Try the pepito de gambas (a small toasted sandwich with langostines and alioli), grilled swordfish, battered prawns, chiperones or puntillitas and, well, just about anything else. There is also a riverside terrace across the street (serves raciones only) with a great view of the city. Lovely and naturally cool in summer.

c/ Bétis 66
Tel. 954 27 69 18
Open 12.30 – 16.00 / 20.00 – midnight
Closed Wednesdays

Guest blogger Shawn Hennessey is the driving force behind Azahar Sevilla – the undisputed authority on the best tapas bars in Seville. And now you can be guided through the city’s gastronomic landscape on one of her bespoke Seville tapas tours. Best to book in advance, though, as they tend to fill up quickly…

Planning a trip to southern Spain? See all Travel Intelligence’s luxury hotels in Seville.

Technorati Tags: Andalucia, Eating and Drinking, Food, Restaurants, Seville, Spain

It’s hard to believe, but editing such a stellar collection of luxury hotels as those found on Travel Intelligence can, as times, make a person yearn for life’s simpler pleasures. The TI Team are huge fans of the humble self-catering holiday, and even more so when it’s given a boutique-style makeover, as is the case with this newly-opened riverside apartment from Kendal Cottages.

Bedroom

The apartment occupies a lovely spot, overlooking the River Kent and Kendal Castle. Even better is its close proximity to two National Parks, the Lake District and the Yorkshire Dales. Owners Paul and Becky Johnson have kept the interiors light, bright and contemporary (not a scrap of chintz in sight), with quality fittings and furnishings from the likes of Laura Ashley and Bose.

There’s plenty to see and do in and around Kendal (the owners live here and are active members of the local community, so are full of recommendations).  We got especially excited by the The Famous 1657 Chocolate House (“an Aladdin’s cave of hundreds of hand-picked chocolates” – YUM!) and the Quaker Tapestry Collection (which, incidentally, also houses the award-winning Tapestry Tearooms).

If you’d like to find out more about Kendal Cottages, check out their website.

Technorati Tags: Boutique Hotels, Lake District, Self-Catering Holidays