Barcelona from above by Monika

The pampering on my holiday trip began with my sleeping quarters. If you’ve ever tried to plan a trip to Barcelona, you’ll know that there are a ton of tempting accommodations waiting to hook you in. From gorgeous mansion hotels with three-story pools and more native Barcelona foliage than a Spaniard forest itself to rustic-themed apartments housed in incredible ancient buildings overlooking Barcelona’s bustling streets, it can prove to be quite difficult to choose somewhere to sleep.

Personally, I was especially drawn in by a little bed and breakfast off Calle Pau Claris called Boutique Bed & Breakfast. From the neat, informative website, the place seemed to me like an amusing twist between a quaint parlor bed and breakfast from the late 1800s and a modern, “with-it” techno retreat. The site employed grand use of the term ‘cozy’ in their descriptions, yet also proudly featured an image of an Apple Macbook Air laying open on one of their beds. As someone who can’t stand to live without my iPad, Twitter, and morning cappuccino, the bed and breakfast description boasting free WiFi and advanced modern coffee facilities made me quickly find my way to the “Reserve Room” button. Thankfully, Boutique didn’t disappoint in the slightest. My little suite was, in fact, cozy with a distinct modern feel, and the staff was incredibly friendly. Despite the fact that Boutique Bed & Breakfast was not really a ‘luxury’ accommodation, I felt more refreshed and relaxed than I believe I ever would have with a three-story pool outside my window.

The real luxurious aspects of my trip, however, began with the first activity I partook in my first morning in the awe-striking capital city. Under a bright December sun, I spent the morning being pampered by Rosa at Barcelona Massage, an excellently priced deluxe massage studio which offers a relaxing variety of exotic massages derived from countries and cultures all over the world, from Mayan to Silk to Sea Shell massages and a wide range of body scrubs too.

Feeling giddy and a bit light-headed from my fantastic Silk massage, I was ready to party, so I opted for a night on the town at the Coppelia Club. I’d heard great things about Coppelia online before I arrived, and I was not disappointed. Coppelia manages to give patrons a first-hand Spanish club experience while still maintaining an elegant, classy feel that is nothing like the get-down-and-dirty, grimy filth nightclubs I’ve come to despise in America. Modern and chrome-finished, I enjoyed a delectable eucalyptus honey infused vodka premium while perched on a barstool feeling incredibly sophisticated and right at home.

The next afternoon, after sleeping until almost noon (which I blamed on jetlag but which also might have had something to do with my eucalyptus honey vodka) I felt compelled to conquer the bright blue waters I’d been admiring ever since my plane touched down on Barcelona soil. Through the kindness and luxurious accommodations of Barcelona Yacht Charter, I was able to enjoy a fantastic afternoon on a twelve passenger sailing yacht, slicing through that tantalizing blue water at god-speed, lying on the deck giggling to myself with a bottle of sparkling champagne.

My yachting, spa, and nightclub adventures were probably the three most interesting parts of my holiday in Barcelona. The rest of the week I spent eating delicious Spanish cuisine, drinking rich wine straight from the Spanish vineyards, and lying out on the beach, longing to sail those clear blue waters again. In conclusion, well, let’s just say I’ll be getting back on that Barcelona-bound plane next December, and I might just end up extending my stay beyond a meagre seven days.

Catherine Zotto is an experienced travel writer for MyPremiumEurope.com a luxury European holiday provider. My Premium Europe offer fantastic 5 star luxury hotels, villas and spa accommodation throughout Spain and hundreds of other destinations in Europe.

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Old Town Square, Praha / Photo by admin

1 – The Alchymist Grand Hotel
Part of a row of Baroque houses, the state of the art Alchymist hotel is decorated in a neo Baroque style. Its suites are also enhanced by spas and restaurant options. Located in the centre of the city, the Alchymist is also an ideal starting point for exploring Prague.

2 – Romantic Hotel U Raka
Sampling the best of medieval and Gothic Prague, the 18th century Romantik Hotel Uk Raka features a winter garden and a courtyard. Located in one of the quieter areas of the central city, the Romantik Hotel Uk Raka is particularly ideal for honeymoon stays.

3 – The Golden Well Hotel
Influenced by Renaissance styles, the Golden Well Hotel has 19 suites, and is located within a short walk of the Old Town Square. The Golden Well Hotel is also distinguished by its restaurant selection.

4 – Old Town Square Hotel
Perhaps the best choice for those wanting to stay in Prague’s historic Old Town Square, this hotel has been recognised as a world heritage site. As well as its luxury suites, the Old Town Square Hotel also includes lounges, cafes, and an international range of wines.

5 – Hotel Yasmin
Distinguished by its bold graphic design, and located at Wenceslas Square, the Hotel Yasmin includes a world class restaurant, as well as the Yasmin garden, which is open from March to October every year. The hotel also includes free WiFi for guests, as well as a health club.

6 – Design Hotel Sax
A retro hotel located near to the Charles Bridges, the Design Hotel Sax is within easy reach of Prague’s leading attractions. The hotel’s 14th century roots are offset by high quality modern facilities.

7 – Savic Hotel
Recently renovated, the Savic Hotel has its own internal courtyard, and an al fresco terrace for outdoor dining.

8 – Ventana Hotel
A converted townhouse in the centre of Prague, the Ventana Hotel’s marble decoration and stone staircases are complemented by richly appointed rooms with built in wardrobes, and by skyloft views over the city.

9 – Hotel Neruda
Found near to Prague castle, the four star Hotel Neruda features high quality room decoration by Borek Sipek. Notable features include large rooms in wood and glass, as well as quotes from the hotel’s namesake Jan Neruda.

10 – Grand Hotel Bohemia
A key feature of Prague’s Old Town, the Grand Hotel Bohemia is ideally placed for exploring the city. The luxury hotel also includes ballroom events. The hotel is also distinguished by its Franz Josef restaurant, which features world class dining from chef Michal Chermak, and an adjoining Bohemia lounge.

Travelling from country to country and visiting Prague, Matt Mynors is a travel enthusiast and freelance copywriter currently writing for UK based company Room For Romance.

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Photo licensed under the Creative Commons, created by Surf Cabo Guide

Here is a list of some of England’s best bed & breakfast spots for you to try on your holiday.

Woodhayes Farm is in Honiton. With a choice of renting the entire barn or rooms in the main house, Woodhayes is quite special. You will dine in candle light in a formal dining room filled with antiques on gourmet cuisine, much of it from the farm’s livestock and gardens. One of the rooms has a large four poster bed with a view of the rose garden.

York is home to Alexander House, an elegant Victorian home open for guests. It has pretty bright rooms with fresh flowers, free WiFi, and all the amenities for a very affordable price, including a full traditional English breakfast.

You can stay in the historic town of Oxford at Burlington House, a lovely Victorian house with 10 guest rooms which are beautifully decorated and all having modern state of the art bathrooms. A gourmet breakfast is on offer in the morning with home baked breads, home made yogurt, omelettes and Italian coffee.

You will feel as if you are staying in a resort at Ennys in Penzance because it has facilities not normally associated with bed and breakfasts, like a large heated swimming pool, tennis, and extensive gardens. Pick one of the four poster bedrooms or suites in the main house or book one of the little cottages. Room rates include an organic breakfast spread and afternoon high tea.

Magnolia House in Canterbury is a magnificent bed and breakfast with guest rooms that are decorated to a luxurious standard with complimentary wine in the mini fridge and breakfast available in the morning. It puts you in a prime location for touring the historic city of Canterbury.

And finally, the ultimate. Stay in a jaw-dropping castle! Augill Castle in Brough-in-Westmorland is expensive compared to the other choices offered here, but for what you get it is a bargain. Gorgeous bedrooms dripping with atmosphere, antiques and luxury. Great public rooms with roaring fires. And great pictures to take home!

Alex is a travel blogger and writer. He blogs regularly about travelling around Europe and dining out in great cities. He also writes for www.kefalonia.co.uk.

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