I think Valencia often gets overshadowed by Barcelona, its neighbour up the coast. And while Barcelona forever has my heart, being a place I once called home, I’m also a big fan of Valencia. I’ve been a few times and most recently as a family, discovering the city from a different perspective and finding it … Read more
Santa Teresa is a laid-back surf town on the Nicoya Peninsula with a hippy soul and a whole lot of style. The dusty main road might not look like much at first glance, but it’s lined with hip cafés, boutiques, and surf shops. Plus, once you turn toward the beach, it’s a different world. Palm-lined … Read more
The Loire Valley isn’t just a place for grown-up, fancy wine holidays – it’s also brilliant for kids. For us it was one of those holy grail family vacations that we and kids enjoyed in equal measure. From visiting family-friendly chateaux where the furniture is made of LEGO, to cycling along the river and sleeping … Read more
La Fortuna was one of the most highly anticipated destinations on our Costa Rica road trip. Steve had been there 20 years previously when the volcano was still spewing lava. He has a fabulous memory of sitting in the hot springs, sipping cocktails and watching while the volcano lit up the sky. The volcano is … Read more
Is visiting Costa Rica’s Manuel Antonio National Park worth it with kids? I read a lot of people complaining about how busy this Costa Rican national park is – so much so that I questioned if it was worth visiting at all. But amid the complaints, there were many more people marvelling at its beauty … Read more
Hideaway Rio Celeste was our first stay in Costa Rica, and one of the most luxurious of trip – it almost felt a bit ‘White Lotus’, albeit more down-to-earth. This special stay is ideal if you’d like a slice of luxury, but also want something that feels more authentic than the big brand resorts. Plus, … Read more
Monteverde Lodge was one of those places that quietly crept onto my list of favourites. At first glance, it’s elegant and polished – part of the Boena collection of eco-luxury lodges – so I wondered if it might feel a bit too hotel-y for my taste. But once we arrived, I was completely won over. … Read more
Isla Chiquita is exactly the type of stay we adore – luxurious yet down-to-earth, immersed in nature, and beautifully tailored for both kids and adults. Nestled on its own island just off the Nicoya Peninsula, this glamping resort was a case of love at first sight, making it one of our standout experiences in Costa … Read more
Domo Hotel Boutique is a standout newcomer to Nosara’s hotel scene, beautifully transforming an older, landmark property into a stunning, Moroccan-inspired boutique hotel. From the moment we stepped in, we were struck by its meticulous design and sophisticated charm. Though it could easily pass as an adults-only retreat, our kids were warmly welcomed, and the … Read more
Costa Rica has long been on our family travel bucket list. The promise of sloths, jungle adventures, volcanoes, and surfing beaches sounded like a dream – especially for our nature-loving boys. But what really drew me in was Costa Rica’s concept of pura vida (pure life), an ethos that encapsulates a philosophy of optimism, appreciation, … Read more