This is a sponsored guest post by Virgin Holidays.

As the largest island in the Caribbean, Cuba is as diverse as it is beautiful – from miles and miles of windswept beaches to acres of nature reserves and vibrant cities. A trip to Cuba offers travelers a peek into its rich history and heritage and a chance to get acquainted with its warm and welcoming locals. With warm, tropical climate all year round, you can choose to delve deep into its cities or just lounge around on its virgin beaches. There’s something for everyone here, whether you’re a nature-lover, history buff or culture vulture. Here’s a look at some of the best places to visit in Cuba, be sure to check them out the next time you’re there!

Havana

As the capital of Cuba, Havana is usually the starting and ending point of most people’s journey through Cuba. Although there are few American tourists in the capital, there are thousands of tourists visiting from around the world, drawn here by its characteristic flair. There are dozens of important historical landmarks to include on your itinerary when visiting Havana, but the most popular ones include the Capital Building, Plaza de la Revolución and the giant fortress of Castillo de la Real Fuerza. The real excitement in Havana begins as the sun goes down, and the city’s infamous nightlife is explosive. Most bars and hotel lobbies feature live bands playing Cuban music, a key feature of the nightlife in Havana.

Flickr photo by Simon Kelp

Reserva de la Biosfera Sierra del Rosario

Mention Cuba and most people think of its virgin beaches and historical landmarks – few know about the extensive national parks and the flurry of pristine nature they have on offer. Reserva de la Biosfera Sierra del Rosario is one of the most beautiful and scenic locations in Cuba, and it is a designated UNESCO Biosphere Preserve. Covering an area of over 103.04 square miles, the park is so extensive that visitors can hike for hours without seeing a single person. Hike amidst the mountains, wander through its forests, camp overnight, or just spend the day underneath the beautiful waterfalls and enjoy local food from the handful of authentic restaurants in the area.

Flickr photo by Annie Mole

Varadero

Many international tourists head to Varadero on their Cuban holidays, as it has some of the best beaches in the country. Warm, blue waters and pristine white sand beaches make up the coastline or Varadero, and countless hotels and resorts cater to the hordes of tourists. The town has few attractions, but most visitors are happy to stay in the resorts. But if you’re looking for a little something more, venture out on catamaran to snorkel around its coral reefs, or go on  guided excursions to the child-friendly zoo, or simply go golfing at the Villa Du Pont, the country’s only 18 hole golf course.

Flickr photo by syue2k

Plan your Cuban vacation and find fantastic hotel rooms in the Caribbean at Virgin Holidays.

Dawn in the Pyrenees is quite a magical sight to behold: the sky striated in streaks of red and blue, with the sun slowly peeking through the wispy clouds against a backdrop of imposing mountains. By sunrise, the mountains beneath us are blanketed in gold with the occasional patches of white snow and clusters of green forests amidst them. As we float higher into the skies on our hot-air balloon,we also find ourselves drifting further and further away from the dry prairies and green volcano craters.

I’ve tried hot air ballooning over the unworldly landscapes of Cappadocia, Turkey as well as the haunting desert of Wadi Rum in Jordan, but this is something else. Instead of eerie rock outcrops or vast fields of rose red sand, we see verdant greenery , magnolia fields and colorful farmland. Everything seems to come alive here. At every turn and every corner, there’s always a pleasant surprise: whether it’s a herd of cows running beneath us or a picturesque volcanic lake snuggled between craters. This is La Garnatxa Volcanic Zone in the Spanish part of the Pyrenees and we are taking in a visual feast of the area from above.

Falling in Love with Ballooning

Our hot air balloon flight had started earlier that morning, at the crack of dawn. Shivering in the cold 5 degrees Celsius air, we watched our pilots unfolding the balloon, firing it up with hot air and setting it to its take-off position. Just as we hopped onto the 11-person basket, our pilot, Xevi Port, amused us with his morning joke, “Good luck!”

Xevi has flown the hot air balloon for over 20 years but he’s never lost one bit of his childlike enthusiasm.  Along with his three other brothers, he’d set up the company Vol de Coloms in 1992. Today, it’s still the leading hot air ballooning company in the Costa Brava region.

As we lift off into the horizon, Xevi tells us that hot air ballooning is an expensive business: the balloon itself costs €50,000 and it needs to be replaced after every 500 hours of flying. That is perhaps why each hot air balloon flight here costs €170 per person (including flight, certificate, cava and a brunch in their office) – which, considering the cost of the balloon, doesn’t feel too expensive after all.

Floating Solo Above Volcanoes

We find ourselves floating along with just one other balloon in the Pyrenees – there are no other hot-air balloons in sight. A stark difference to my previous hot air ballooning experience in Turkey (literally thousands of us). Despite being in a group of 12, we are struck speechless by the beauty surrounding us – so much so, there’s a soothing, comfortable silence as we let the wind take us.

Hot air ballooning is a relaxing affair. It operates by the simple fact that hot air rises and cold air sinks, so there’s a constant need to fire the balloon with blasting hot air. When the balloon is not filled with hot air, it descends at a speed of 5m/s. But with the flow of air, the movement is barely noticable and besides with the view before us, it’s all too distracting.

Above the Clouds

As we reach up to heights of 1,500m, the churches and houses below us resemble small lego pieces. Xevi points out to a fully circular sinkhole: Santa Margarita, the most well-preserved volcano crater in the area (which we would visit later on by foot). Xevi tells us that we’re flying at a speed of 100km/h, but the movement is so languid and relaxing, we can barely feel the wind in our hair.

Coming to the end of our flight, Xevi pulls out a bottle of ice-cold cava (Spanish champagne) and pops it open while we’re mid-air.  In the rosy morning air, we cling our glasses and share bites of the locally-produced coca (cake) – our laughter echoing in the Pyrenees skies. We may be 1,500m above the ground, but who says that’s going to stop us from some earthly indulgence?

Disclaimer: This hot air balloon ride was made possible by Vol de Coloms and Patronat de Turisme Costa Brava. All opinions expressed above are my own.

Read more about my adventures in the Pyrenees here or get more visual perspectives through my Pyrenees photos.

This is a sponsored guest post written by Leslie To.

It’s a brisk 78 degree day without a dark cloud in the sky.  The sounds of crashing waves on the warm ocean shore and the cawing of seagulls from above add to Mother Nature’s soothing soundtrack. With a pair of sunglasses and a tall glass of refreshing juice sitting beside me, this is just the type of beach vacation I’d always envision myself having. There’s nothing I love more than being able to just sit, relax and enjoy the sunlight. But before we get to that, let’s figure out which North American beaches deserve a visit from you. We’ve seen the top beaches in Europe and Asia, so here I present to you our list of the best beaches in North America.

1. D.T. Fleming Beach, Maui

Maui’s coastline stretches over 120 miles with over 30 miles of beautiful beaches. Of the many things to do in Hawaii, visiting a beach is definitely one of them. D.T. Fleming Beach Park in Kapalua, Maui was named one of America’s Best Beaches in 2006 in the annual list compiled by Mr Beach. Perfect for picnics and small children, D.T. Flemming Beach has everything you need to make your next Maui beach adventure an exciting, yet relaxing one. Surrounded by ironwood trees and crisp blue waters in the distance, finding a piece of shade or peace of mind will not be difficult.

Flickr photo by Belindah

2. Clearwater Beach, Florida

Straddling the blue waters of the Gulf of Mexico to the west and the tranquil waters of Tampa Bay to the east is Clearwater Beach in Florida. This 3 mile stretch ocean oasis offers a bevy of activities for guests of all ages and vacations of all types. Often, guests find themselves in a mixture of popular beach activities, such as sunbathing, diving into a game of beach volleyball, dolphin-watching, or parasailing. You might find yourself short of energy by the end a gorgeous day, but a shortage of things to do is one thing you’ll never find.

Flickr photo by superwebdeveloper

3. Palm Beach, Florida

Known for its year-round gorgeous weather (an average high of 82.8 degrees and an average low of 67.4 degrees) and endless beach resorts, Palm Beach, Florida is home to some of the most affluent inhabitants in Florida; it was even selected in June of 2003 as one of America’s “Best Places to Live.”  Winter home to the Vanderbilts, the Kennedys, the Rockefellers and a number of other millionaires, Palm Beach is a 14-mile long, half-mile wide of extravagance and wealth. With warm ocean waters and gentle breezes, Palm Beach is the perfect place for a luxurious vacation under the sun.

Flickr photo by Benson Khua

4. Myrtle Beach, South Carolina

As one of the East Coast’s ultimate vacation spots, Myrtle Beach in South Carolina has justly earned its name was one of the best beaches in North America. Garnering over 400,000 visitors every summer, Myrtle Beach is teaming with tourists from around the country and all over the world as soon as the summer sun starts to come out. And for good reason too! With a number of amusement and water parks, world renowned restaurants, over 100 golf courses, and unparalleled shopping opportunities, you’d think it’d be easy to overlook Myrtle Beach’s greatest attraction of all: its surf, sand and shine.

Flickr photo by eutrophication&hypoxia

5. Malibu, California

When one thinks of beaches in North America, one of the first pictures that come to mind are the beautiful beaches of the great state of California. Known for a beautiful coastline and ideal weather conditions, California boasts some of the most amazing beaches and unparalleled surfing opportunities. Malibu is home to a number of celebrities:  British actress and singer Julie Andrews; Irish actor Pierce Brosnan, known for his take on 007; Inception and Titanic star Leonardo DiCaprio and legendary singer/actress Barbra Streisand. Catch a glimpse of one of these stars while taking in some rays and enjoying the beautiful California weather.

Flickr photo by gibffe

6. Bellows Field Beach, Oahu

If you’re in the mood for relaxing Hawaii vacations and happen to be looking for Hawaii activities, head on to one of Oahu’s famed beaches. Featuring a long and wide sandy beach with shallow sandbar just off the coast, Bellows Field Beach in Oahu provides some of the best waves for beginner bodysurfing and bodyboarding. Often floating amok these waters are jellyfish, blown towards the beach via a prevailing trade wind—so beware. But this aside, this secret oasis under the sun provides just the right mix of relaxation, beautiful panoramic views of the Pacific, and a peak into some of the most colorful and beautiful marine life in all of Oahu.

Flickr photo by Irene

7. Hampton Beach, New Hampshire

When thinking of vacations on the East Coast, it’s almost second nature to think of Hampton Beach in New Hampshire. In 2011, it was named one of four “Superstar” beaches in the US for having perfect water quality, coming out with full marks on every test in the last three years. Many dub Hampton Beach as the premier vacation spot on the New Hampshire seacoast, and it’s easy to see why. With a bevy of recreational parks, golfing adventures, shopping opportunities, and most importantly, a beautiful and renowned beach, there’s no doubt in my mind where I will be spending my next New Hampshire adventure at.

Flickr photo by gailf548

8. Manhattan Beach, New York

Bounded by the Atlantic Ocean to the south, Sheepshead Bay to the North and Brighton Beach to the west, Manhattan Beach is one of the most amazing beach locations in all of New York City. Situated in the borough of Brooklyn, it is a prime getaway location for many families in New York. Once the summer heat and humidity sets in, families take their picnic baskets and come out for a barbeque at Manhattan Beach. While there, build some sandcastles by the shore and take a swim in the cooling waves of the Atlantic Ocean. With playgrounds, baseball diamonds and tennis courts abound, Manhattan Beach has plenty of room for outdoor activities!

Flickr photo by Samat Jain

9. Waianapanapa Beach, Maui

Not necessarily known to be a prime surfing location, but definitely a must-see if you happen to be in Maui is Waianapanapa Beach, otherwise known as Black Sand Beach. This unique beach is set among lava cliffs and pebbles. Known for high surf and strong currents, it’s important to be mindful of weather and water conditions before going in for a swim. But even if the current is not safe for you to take a dive, there are a number of hiking trails, picnic facilities, and camping areas that are perfect for alternative outdoor activities.

Flickr photo by xoque

10. Coronado Beach, California

Popular among locals, families and tourists, Coronado Beach in San Diego, California is the perfect location for swimming, surfing, fishing and sunbathing. Surrounded by other parks, Coronado Beach offers a number of other activities for families if hitting the sand and surf isn’t on your radar. Coronado Beach is also known for their upscale restaurants and shops at the corners of Orange and Pomona Avenues. Named as one of U.S. News and World Reports “Most Expensive Places to Reside” in the United States as well as Travel Channel’s fifth best beach in America, Coronado Beach will not disappoint!

Flickr photo by Jeffrey Coffman

Which is your favorite on the list? Are there any other good beaches that we missed out? Leave a comment and let us know!

Mention Iceland and you often conjure images of glaciers, waterfalls, volcanoes and most of all, the Northern Lights. Electrifying lights dancing in the night skies, lighting up the darkness with all kinds of color – this phenomenon occurs in few places in the world, and Iceland happens to be one of the best spots to see them. Like many others, we were here in Iceland to hopefully catch the Aurora Borealis in its full glory.

As part of our attempt to see the Northern Lights in action, we based ourselves at Aurora Central, Hotel Rangá. This countryside resort is not just a hotel on its own right, it’s a world-acclaimed expert in Northern Lights, specializing in aurora forecasts, studies and photography. Surrounded by the volcano Mt Hekla and a range of mountains and glaciers and the Atlantic Ocean, the resort’s geographical location in South Iceland creates perfect conditions for the phenomenon. In fact, Hotel Rangá has been dubbed the best place on Earth from which to witness the Aurora Borealis by The Sunday Times Travel Magazine.

Photo courtesy of  Hotel Ranga

Countryside Comfort

Upon arriving at the country lodge, it’s hard to associate this charming and humble wooden lodge with worldwide fame. Standing lonesome in the midst of rolling hills, by the Rangá River, the hotel looked like a traditional family-style cottage: cosy, warm and welcoming. Once inside, I was swept off my feet by a world of sophistication. Within the glazed wooden walls were elegant leather furnishing, stylish designs, state-of-the-art facilities and a touch of countryside traditions. Retaining the alpine feel, the hotel manages to provide four-star comforts in the remote, country setting.

The hotel also has its in-house restaurant to thank for such worldwide fame: its acclaimed gourmet restaurant is popular with both tourists and locals alike, especially attracting Rekis who drive out to dine here on weekends (the hotel is just one hour from Reykjavik). Best known for adopting the concept of a ‘Farmers Market’, the restaurant uses only local ingredients of the highest quality and freshness, including fresh salmon right out of the Rangá River straight to it kitchen.

Featuring a gigantic polar bear figure as a centerpiece, the hotel’s lobby leads to rows of tastefully designed rooms and suites. The World Pavillion suites at Hotel Rangá literally brings you around the world in seven days – with each suite designed and themed after each of the seven continents (I found the Africa suite to be particularly attractive). We opted for something simpler: its deluxe room featuring wooden panels, white sofas and a balcony that opened up to an outdoor hot-tub and a gorgeous view of the river.

Magic of the Northern Lights

Every evening, we would return from our action-packed excursions in the area (including ice-climbing on the nearby Sólheimajökull Glacier and hiking the recently-erupted Eyjafjallajökull Volcano) to soak away our exhaustion in the bubbling hot tubs at sunset. Under the starlight, we would step outside to keep watch over the skies, hoping to catch a glimpse of the magic. We requested for the hotel’s 24-hour round-the-clock wake-up call service to give us a nudge if the Northern Lights ever made an appearance. Although at the end of our stay, we didn’t manage to catch any Northern Lights – we weren’t the least bit disappointed, because we know we would be back – with another excuse to see the aurora and perhaps, to enjoy this unique experience at Hotel Rangá once again.

Our stay at Hotel Rangá was sponsored by the hotel, while our Aurora Nights experience was hosted by Discover the World. All opinions expressed above are my own. Read more about my adventures in Iceland here or follow my updates on Facebook and Twitter.

I love surprises. Seriously, who doesn’t? This summer I was treated to a beautiful surprise, one that definitely left an imprint in my memories.

On the night before our wedding, I was dashing around Granada, doing some last-minute preparations, when a surprise came knocking on our door. A luxury heritage hotel in Granada had invited us to stay at their presidential suite.

It wasn’t just any presidential suite, and it wasn’t just any hotel. Since its inauguration in 2005, Hospes Palacio de los Patos has attained a reputation as one of the best hotels in Granada. The legendary hotel is most famed for its architectural design and well-preserved heritage. I’ve long heard of its legacy and I was truly grateful to be spending our wedding eve in a place as special as this.

The Story Behind Palacio de los Patos

Built in the 1890s, the Palacio was originally a private family residence, home to the Moreno Agrelas, an affluent family in Granada. The lavish residence was a representation of Granada’s prosperity back in those days. It took on the name ‘Palace of the Ducks’ then – a reference to the concrete swan figures that stood at the gate of the building. But when UNESCO announced its status as a heritage building, the family sold it off. Soon enough, the Hospes Luxury Hotel Group took over and transformed it into what it is today.

Walking through its doors, I was surprised to find modern, futuristics designs within the hotel – a stark contrast to its classic 19th-century exterior. The refreshing combination featured minimalistic furnishing and bold lines against alabaster-white walls and artistically painted ceilings. Avant garde lighting filled up the space within the hotel, while bright sunshine poured through the gorgeous gardens outside.

Time Travel in the Presidential Suite

Our presidential suite was a whole new world: with ceilings that stretch up to 4m high, doors that look out to a massive patio, mosaic-tiled flooring that has been kept in its original form, a steel peacock-styled bedframe and an elegant marble-tiled bathroom. But the main star of the suite was definitely the elaborate ceiling – with paintings reminscent of Capilla Sistina, intricate carvings on the cornice and shimmering gold paint that sparkle in the night.

“This was the main saloon of the house. The paintings on the ceiling are original, we’ve restored them to their glory.”  said Marc Passola, the General Manager of the hotel. Although maintaining the UNESCO building comes at a cost, the hotel makes it a point to retain the building’s original paintings, floorings and carvings to give it an identity.

Royal Living

I was curious to find out what else the hotel had in stored for us. The 42 rooms in the hotel are split amongst two buildings – 22 in the new edifice and 20 in the palace itself (inc the Presidential Suite). Each room in the palace has its own unique design. The hotel’s in-house restaurant, Senzone, embodies the spirit of the hotel, serving up traditional Andalusian cuisine in a slick, stylish setting. At the Bodyna Spa, dark lights and harmonious music create a hypnotic atmosphere and provide complete privacy. It features a thermal swimming pool, steam bath and private spaces for ultimate relaxation.

Palacio de los Patos has definitely won me over with its vintage beauty, antiquated charm and medley of surprises. The next time I’ve got a special occasion to celebrate in Granada, Spain, I know where I’ll be heading.

My stay was hosted by Hospes Palacio de los Patos. All opinions expressed here are my own.

Seeing the world from above often gives a refreshing perspective: peaked mountains transform into jagged land masses under your feet and rivers meander around like snakes. From above, land stretches beyond the horizon, revealing all the secret corners that one would have missed while on land. Atop a hot air balloon, it’s also easy to to see and feel the enormity of the world. Our planet Earth has been blessed with some gorgeous landscapes and terrain, some of which are best viewed from greater heights. Here’s my take (based on my own travels and readings) on the world’s best places for a hot air balloon ride.

1. Cappadocia, Turkey

Cappadocia is one of the most famous hot air ballooning spots in the world thanks to its strangely unique landscape and favorable weather conditions. An expanse of sandy brown desert and limestone rock mountains, this area in Central Turkey features whimsical fairy chimneys and cave churches scattered amidst steep valleys and green olive groves. Hot air ballooning in Cappadocia is a dreamy experience: floating above these magical rock outcrops at dawn and rising above the red canyons upon sunrise impresses even the hardened travelers.

2. Wadi Rum, Jordan

Also known as the Valley of the Moon, Wadi Rum is a mishmash of rose-red sandy plains and jagged peaks in Southern Jordan. With so much to see and plenty of surprises at each corner, Wadi Rum is an excellent place for hot air ballooning. At an altitude of 7,000 feet,  you’re treated to a jaw-dropping view of the vast desert and its peculiar rock formations, sand dunes and the occasional natural springs. Located close to the Israeli border, this is definitely one good spot to catch a glimpse of Israel and the Red Sea.

3. Maasai Mara, Kenya

The Masai Mara National Reserve is a massive game reserve in Southwestern Kenya, most famed for the Great Migration that takes place here every year from July to October. Millions of zebras, gazelles and wildebeests travel long-distance through the park each year in search of water. This is an exceptionally phenomenal sight, especially when seen from the air, making hot-air ballooning in the Maasai Mara an essential experience if you’re visiting the park during this period of the year. Adventure tours often include this hot air balloon flight as part of the itinerary, but if your program doesn’t include, book directly with the company.

Flickr photo by Nigel Wedge

4.  Napa Valley, U.S.

As one of the best wine regions in the world, California’s Napa Valley is a perfect getaway for the well-heeled traveler in search of good food, luxurious accommodations and a natural setting. Floating above the vineyards, the mishmash of olive groves and plunging valleys are spread out below your feet. Fields of yellow sunflowers and patches of brown earth create a beautiful palette of colors. After descending into a meadow of mustard and wild flowers, celebrate to a glass of champagne with your loved one.

Flickr photo by Meg Lessard

5. Queenstown, New Zealand

Dubbed the adventure capital of the world, Queenstown packs a punch in terms of adrenaline-pumping activities. Located in the south-west of New Zealand’s South Island, Queenstown is built along the shores of Lake Wakatipu, a long Z-shaped lake formed by glacial processes. Surrounded by awe-inspiring mountains and lakes, Queenstown features dramatic scenes straight out of the Lord of the Rings movie. If bungee jumping and skydiving is not your cup of tea, then hot-air ballooning would be the best way to witness Queenstown’s natural beauty at a leisurely pace.

Flickr photo by Peter Harrison

6. The Outback, Australia

The Australian Outback can be hot, dry and brutal but its beauty is undeniable. Located right smack in the middle of Australia, the Great Red Center is more than just a desert. From a vantage point, you’ll be treated to a view of the red soil, the Ayers Rock and nearby Mount Olga. Uluru or Ayers Rock is perhaps the most famous landmark in Australia and once here, it’s easy to see why. The 348m-tall sandstone formation is not only majestic but it also appears to change colors at different times of the day, glowing red at dawn and sunset.

Flickr photo by Paul Arps

7. Bagan, Myanmar

Myanmar is one of the few remaining places in the world that steers clear of the well-trodden tourist trail and retains a sense of authenticity. The most visited area in Myanmar is Bagan, an ancient city in the Mandalay division. Located in the dry central plains along the eastern bank of the Ayeyarwady River, the ruins of Bagan were constructed between the 11th and 13th centuries, during which Bagan was the capital of the First Burmese Empire. Atop the hot air balloon, you will float above the 5,000 pagodas of Bagan and taking in the serenity of the sunrise. Note that hot air ballooning in Bagan is suspended during the rainy season (from the beginning of April to end of September).

Flickr photo by Roger Price

Here’s a quick update to let you guys know that I’ve found paradise! An emerald isle found in the middle of the Indian Ocean, Mauritius is all that I’d imagine it to be, and more. Surrounded by turquoise sea and cluttered with luscious green rainforests, this tropical island is packed with plenty of surprises. Since we got here, we’ve been driving through its bustling towns and sugarcane plantations, soaking up its chilled undercurrents and getting a feel of its electic ethnic culture. We’re here for just a week, before hopping over to our main destination: Madagascar! While I try my best to steer clear from my laptop (we’re on our honeymoon!), here are some pictures shot over the past few days to give you a glimpse of island life on Mauritius. Enjoy!

Belle Mare beach – pristine waters, clear skies and not a single person in sight.

The 7-colored earth surrounded by luscious palm trees and mountains.

A stunning view of the Black Gorge River National Park in Southern Mauritius.

Huge waves and green grass at the Roche Noir beach.

Our intimate and cosy resort at Belle Mare.

That’s me, happily wading into the clear waters at Grand Baie, Mauritius.

As my pilot starts the engine, I put on his Vin Diesel jacket and batman shades and buckle up. Within seconds, we are airborne, flying just inches away from the jebels or rock towers of Wadi Rum in Southern Jordan. I don’t care if the morning wind is whipping across my face – the view before me is too distracting. I see a blanket of gold studded with grey landforms: the desert sprawls beneath my feet, with the occasional rock formations poking into the skies.

Flying on a Microlight

I’ve flown on a floatplane in Alaska, floated on a hot air balloon in Cappadocia and skydived in Spain, but nothing quite prepared me for this flight on a microlight. A microlight is basically a 1 or 2-person aircraft, similar in design to a hang-glider but equipped with an engine and landing gear. So as you can imagine, a microlight allows you to glide close enough to mountain peaks and yet high enough to get a bird’s eye view.

“Wohoooo!” Once we’re mid-air, I hear a loud cheer through my headphones and see Zsolt, my pilot, grinning like a child. He’s flown the microlight for 16 years but he’s never lost one bit of passion. As we whizz between two giant rock towers, we cheer and laugh like we’re on a rollercoaster ride.  I stare in awe as the desert runs for miles beyond the horizon – and I see him equally distracted by the stunning views of Wadi Rum.

“It’s beautiful here isn’t it? I’ve flown in Jordan for close to a decade and I can never get bored of its beauty.” Zsolt Petrovszki is a native Hungarian, who’s flown all sorts of aircraft around the world, but has now chosen to call Jordan home.

A Love Affair with Jordan and the Microlight

He’s flown commerical and private aircrafts, done paragliding for years and now has fallen head over heels for the microlight. I can easily see why: it’s a perfect combination of flying with an engine (which means speed) and feeling the wind in your face (a thrill that airplane-flying does not provide). The microlight can fly up to a maximum of 4,000 feet and can fly for over 2.5hours without refueling.

Why Jordan? I ask. He says simply, “Look around you. There’s nowhere else like this in the world.” Indeed, Wadi Rum is something special – the colors of the desert change like a chameleon upon the reflection of the sun’s rays, while its topography transform unpredictably as we swoosh from one point to another.

Floating on a Hot Air Balloon

As soon as I descend from the microlight, I’m up in the skies again – this time, on a hot air balloon. The occasional bellow of the hot air pierces through the tranquility as the glaring sun showers the desert with its light. In the wispy morning air, I can see grey jagged peaks beneath me and the dreamy Red Sea in the distance.

Wadi Rum is a perfect place for hot air ballooning: there’s so much to see from above and plenty of surprises at each corner. At an altitude of 7,000 feet,  I get a refreshing perspective of the vast desert and its peculiar rock formations, sand dunes and the occasional natural springs. It’s easy to see why Wadi Rum is also known as the Valley of the Moon.

We find ourselves floating solo in Wadi Rum, there are no other hot-air balloons in sight. A stark difference to my previous hot air ballooning experience in Turkey (literally thousands of us). Despite being in a group of 15, we are struck speechless by the beauty surrounding us – so much so, there’s a soothing, comfortable silence as we let the wind take us.

Khalid, my balloon pilot tells me why hot air ballooning is a good way to see Jordan, “Every visitor flocks to Petra, the Dead Sea and Wadi Rum. But we break convention and go up to the skies and get away from the crowd. Get away from everyone.”

 Royal Aero Sports Club of Jordan is the only aviation company that offers hot-air balloon tours and microlight flights. To make your reservation, go to their website or call +962 79 8706 622.

Disclaimer: This experience was made possible by Jordan Tourism Board, but all opinions are my own. Read more about my travels in Jordan here.

One of the highlights of my recent jaunt through Costa Brava, Spain, was the exquisite food and wine: our meals were made up of fresh Mediterranean food, punctuated with some of the best wines in the world – from Priorat wine to Freixenet cava (Spanish version of champagne). At Celler Martin Faixo, we sampled the best in the region against the stunning backdrop of Cap de Creus.

Family-run Winery

Arriving at Celler Martin Faixo, we were greeted by the vast greenery and gorgeous landscapes that enveloped the winery. Extensive hills of vineyards and meadows spread for miles. In the center of it all was the masia, a Roman villa made up of stones and rocks from the area. Dating back to the 13th century, the beautiful villa has been refurbished to house the sprawling cellar, rooms and restaurant.

Run by the Martin Faixo family, the cellar was first started with an aim to recover the wine originally produced in the region by their grandparents. Now, having restored the masia and winery to its original glory, the family is making wine-production their pasttime. “ We do it for passion and preserve our culture, not for anything else. We want to sell not just our product but also our culture,” says Ester, the manager of the winery.

Unique Wine Flavors

Wine produced in this area, known as Cap de Creus, has its own unique flavor. The winery’s in-house wine-maker Joan Benejamvidal tells me why, “The land here is very stressful on the grape plants, so they need to extend their roots deep underground for water, therefore giving the wine an extraordinary flavor.”

Here at Celler Martin Faixo, there is a good selection of home-grown wine on offer: Merlot, Muscat, Cabernet Sauvignon and Marsala. These wines are of course accompanied by local fare – such as the escalibada (aubergine and capisicum salad), jamón iberico, tomato toast and preserved anchovies.

An All-Encompassing Experience

Costa Brava is a rising star in Spain’s wine tourism industry, with Celler Martin Faixo setting the golden standards. Besides serving up high-standard homegrown wine along with matching cuisine, the winery provides comfortable B&B-style accommodation. The rooms are tastefully decorated in modern country-style and range from 2-storey studio lofts to simple double bedrooms – all looking out to the green vineyards and valley.  (Room prices are 150euros/night including breakfast – click for more information).

For travelers interested in learning more about wine, Celler Martin Faixo  invites guests to get involved with the wine-picking process and get to learn how wine is made in their cellar. As a guest here, I felt like I was family friend here to visit and know more about the Martin Faixo’s home.

What to See Around the Area

With its location close to the coast, there is plenty to do in the Cap de Creus area. The picturesque town of Cadaqués is 10 minutes away by car, as well as the Casa de Dali at Portlligat and the Monastery of San Pedro de Roda. If you’re looking to soak in nature, there is a network of hiking trails and countryside to explore. For those planning their Costa Brava holidays, be sure to rent a car to explore the surrounding region.

This experience was made possible by Costa Brava Tourism Board and Tourism Spain but all opinions are my own. Read more about my travels in Costa Brava here.

On the last leg of our journey through Asturias, we hopped onto the newly launched Transcantabrico Gran Lujo train to get a taste of something different. We had spent the past week traversing its mountains by car, exploring its fishing villages on foot and now, whizzing through Asturia’s prairies and valleys on a train. But it’s not just any train, it’s the Transcantabrico Gran Lujo – the epitomy of luxury train travel.

Akin to the Oriente Express of Spain, it is an exclusive luxury tourist train that promises to deliver the highest standards in service and facilities. To cater to travelers of refined taste, everything about the train trip is exclusive: from the suite accommodation to the trip itinerary to the cuisine and excursions.

The Transcantabrico Gran Lujo train journey has a standard itinerary that goes from San Sebastian to Santiago de Compostela (or the other direction). Due to our tight schedule, our experience was unfortunately a tad bit shorter, traversing from Candás to Navas in Asturias. Nonetheless, we got to experience quite a bit of the train journey – sampling its gourmet lunch, dancing the night away in the disco carriage and spending a night in our luxury suite, waking up to see the landscapes of Asturias whizz by.

Gourmet Cuisine

Our train journey began with a gourmet lunch immaculately prepared by the train’s in-house veteran chef. After warmly welcoming us with a round of champagne, the friendly team of staff served up sumptuous dishes of Michelin standards.

First dish: soft cheese from the region sprinkled with crisp bits of Jamón Iberico (cured ham). It opened up my appetite for more and when the second dish – sardines soaked in olive oil punctuated by mint leaves – was served, I had high expectations for the main course. The protagonist of the meal didn’t disappoint: the tender oven-baked cod fish punctuated with outrageously flavorful crab meat sauce was a dramatic end to the gastronomic experience.

I tiptoed my way into the kitchen to have a chat with the chef, “The biggest challenge for me when I first started cooking on the train was trying to adjust to the movement of the train. It took me awhile to make sure my food didn’t tumble to the ground…” resulting in a series of laughter on our end.

Luxury Suites

Back in my suite, I was astonished to see how well-furbished and spacious it was. Each of the train’s suites are fitted with a double bed or two twin beds, a wardrobe, two TVs, a PC with free internet connection, a large sofa, a work desk with panoramic views and a full bathroom with hydromassage.

If not for the impressive views of the countryscapes whizzing by, I would have barely noticed that I was on the train – it was literally a five-star hotel on wheels.

By the end of our train journey, I couldn’t bear to leave – lounging on my bed and watching the world go by through the train windows.

Here’s a photo I shot from my bed, dreamy isnt it?

To see more of my photos from Asturias, click on any of the images above or go to my online gallery.

This experience was made possible by Asturias Tourism Board and Turismo.as, but all opinions are my own. Read more about my travels in Asturias here.