Nikedun Blog

Sometimes you just want to get away from it all - and where better to do that than at a place called the "Chillout Hotel"! Their website calls it 'an oasis of peace and relaxation', and it's certainly that. It's situated just 8km from the town of Tarifa towards Cadiz, on Costa de la Luz on the southern coast of Spain. The area is known as one of the world's most popular destinations for wind sports, because of the unique wind conditions in this area.  The hotel is set in beautiful gardens, and is only a five minute walk from Casas de Porro beach. There are plenty of places you can relax and enjoy the surroundings, but my favourite is the beautiful Balinese-style terrace.  The hotel prices are very competitive for what you get, and breakfast is included in the price. While the rooms are functional they have everything you need including air conditioning. The kafe and restaurant are both good value, and a top tip for you...the mojitos are ...

On my recent trip to Rome, I wanted to be right in the middle of the action. A friend who is a regular visitor to the city suggested it was more economical to stay near the sights than on the outskirts simply because I'd spend the money I'd saved on cheaper accommodation on public transport. I have found a gem that I'm going to share with you - and before I tell you where it is - how about this for a room with a view? As you may have guessed, Hotel Abruzzi is right opposite the fabulous Pantheon in the beautiful Piazza de la Rotunda. Despite the square being filled with tourists day and night, there is no duduk perkara with noise here. I'm a light sleeper, but never had a duduk perkara - the double glazing is superb! The hotel has just 26 rooms which have all been recently renovated, and are decorated with images of ancient Rome. They're well appointed and come equipped with a hairdryer; tea and coffee making facilities, and free wifi.  Breakf...

Today I'm flashing back to one of my favourite places in Europe. La Fresnada is a little village in the heart of Spain's Matarraña region, and the best place to stay is in the stunning 17th century converted convent, El Convent.  If you want to get away from it all, then the location of this convent is just perfect - it has a pool if you do just want to chill out, but you can also hire bikes from the hotel to discover the beautiful nearby towns. I can't recommend this place highly enough, so to read my original post, and find out more about the convent - click here .

If you're a sun worshipper, then you could do worse than head to Palm Springs in Southern California. It has 360 days of sun-kissed weather and stunning scenery. It is sometimes called Hollywood's playground because of its nightlife, but is also known for the hot springs; golf courses and stylish hotels. A few years ago, I featured a quirky party hotel with a real retro feel, so why not flashback to my original post, and read more about it  here !

If being eco friendly is important to you, then you're going to love today's post. Built on an island right off the Finnish capital Helsinki is a beautiful little cabin that has a minimal environmental impact.  Designed by Finnish designer Robin Falck, the cabin has been built from sustainable materials, and designed for a simple lifestyle with almost no emissions. The great thing is, it also takes into account the stunning surroundings.  The cabin is only a 20 minute boat ride from the Helsinki market square, and will be there until the end of September. It's the size of a small bedroom and can be assembled and transported without heavy machinery, leaving its environment nearly untouched. The Nolla cabin has been enlisted for booking a two-night stay during September through Airbnb, offering accommodation for two. Why not book and experience something a little bit different!

If you're into extravagant holidays and want something that is totally out of this world, then I'm sure you'll be interested in the world's most luxurious new yacht. While this is definitely for special occasions, it could be the perfect honeymoon idea, or could even be chartered for a wedding. Launched in September, super-yacht Prana by Atzaro, is a stunning handbuilt boat and is the biggest of its kind in the world. At just over 55 metres in length, it has been crafted in the style of a traditional Indonesian Phinisi - a sail boat with two masts, and is build entirely of ironwood and teak, according to traditional methods. The yacht has been designed with the utmost luxury, offering guests space and comfort in nine elegant suites, each with their own private ensuite bathrooms. It has all the mod cons of a lavish five star hotel, and the 18-man crew are on hand to ensure all your needs are met. Moored in Indonesia, a voyage on Prana is a once in a lifeti...

Sorrento is known as the gateway to the Amalfi coast, but it's also a great place to visit even if you don't plan to travel around too much. It has a real buzz about it, and I've found a beautiful place to retreat to after a busy day exploring the sights. La Rupe Relais is a B&B with 6 rooms on the ground floor of a 16th century villa situated just five minutes walk from the old town. The building is a real landmark in Sorrento. It sits on a gorge which houses the remains of an ancient mill, and has beautiful gardens to relax in.  The rooms are furnished in an old Italian style, with antique furniture and elegant tapestries. They all have a private bathroom; mini fridge; safe; wi-fi and TV. The best thing is that even though you're in the centre of town, they're lovely and peaceful! There is also a pool in the gardens - a real relief to return here in the afternoon to cool off in the summer. As for the breakfast there are lots of choices...