Right in the heart of Barcelona, very close to Plaza Espanya and on the hill of Montjuic, you will uncover Poble Espanyol, an exciting attraction that will transport you instantly out of the town, into the area of traditional Spanish villages.

A little history

Poble Espanyol was constructed at the time of the planet Fair of 1929 by creators of great renown : the designer Puig I Cadafalch, initiator of the project ; two famous designers, Ramon Reventos and Francesc Folguera ; and the two artists Xavier Nogus and Miquel Utrillo. To do this project, they travelled through characteristic villages on the cape and got info about the architectural characteristics of each area to make a harmonious synthesis in one single town, Poble Espanyol Barcelona, right in the heart of the city of Barcelona. Their goal was to present to the world Spanish architecture in all of its variety, as well as the convivial ambiance of Iberian hamlets.
The town consists of elements reconstructed at once on the model of authentic Spanish buildings, whilst others are in original form, extrapolated and transported right to the middle of Barcelona. Carried out with great precision and a particularly harmonious aesthetic, this hamlet, which was to be destroyed after the Exposition, is still standing today, much to the delight of visitors. Aragon, Castilla, Andalusia, Asturias, Murcia, Catalunya.. You will be able to discover the standard architecture of all these areas without leaving the centre of Barcelona, so be sure not to miss Poble Espanyol.

My experience in Poble Espanyol

After having entered the enclosure of Poble Espanyol, you have the impression of having left the town and transported into the centre of an energetic and pleasing town. You are then in a position to ask for audio guides, which are available in Spanish, Catalan, English, French and Italian, giving you reasons about the regions of Spain, their design, their history, which is perfect to get an overall picture of the country. Strolling around gives you a full tour of Iberian design, while at the same time benefitting from the convivial ambiance of a Spanish hamlet, breathing in the gentle perfume of the orange trees.
Your visit begins in plaza Mayor, which abounds in small restaurants offering good quality menus and whose patios will allow you to absorb the sun, while admiring the architectural landscape of the village. Upon continuing your visit, you’ll discover Galicia, Asturias and Aragon, and will make a stop-off in Andalusia with its white-washed towns. Then you’ll be in a position to go and visit the Fran Fraudel foundation, a collection of modern art which gathers stupefying works from the contemporary Catalan artistic world : Picasso, Mir, Dal, Tpies, Pon, Momp and many others.

Afterwards, you can take a look around the tranquil monastery of San Miguel, as well as a giant number of buildings reflecting all areas of Spain.
While walking through the small lanes of Poble Espanyol, you’ll discover all types of shops, many of which are essentially craft and artists’ workshops. Leather, jewels, guitar manufacturers, glass-blowers, fans, masks, hand-made embroidery, paintings, ceramics you will be able to discover the trade systems of all of these objects and see online a way to blow glass thanks to one of the most noted glass-blowers in Spain. You may certainly be ready to dig out a few attractive objects to take back home.
To amuse the children, there are also some workshops offering such things as puppets, storytelling, and even a fun game which lets you discover the hamlet all whilst having a great time. Many festivities are also organized to amuse small ones and grown ups alike.
If you come later in the evening, you can eat in one of the many restaurants in Poble Espanyol, later having a drink in one of the pubs and then enjoying the well known clubs of the hamlet, to keep the party banging into the wee-small hours.
For those that wish to really get into the Spanish vibe, an authentic flamenco show with dancing, songs and music is also on offer in the Andalusian lanes of the village.
Poble Espanyol is an energetic town, ideal for walking, and where you’ll have the facility to discover the areas of Spain thru design and the standard craft industry. Moreover, Poble Esanyol regularly accommodates many events and festivities which liven up the life of the town and make your visit full of surprises.
Check the Barcelona blog.

Do you rent an appartement in Sevilla? Then there are a lot of things you must defenitely do, one of them is tasting the feel of the flamenco dance.
When the sun is going down in the gorgeous city Seville, and when it´s nice weather and the terraces are full you´ll listen to the sounds of the flamenco dance. Sevilla isn´t only the capital of Andalusia but also the creator of the flamenco dance.

The flamenco dance is a giant part of the Spanish culture, the Gypsies introduced these dance around the 15th century to Seville but just in the 19th century was this dance taking over by the native inhabitants in Spain. Flamenco is the conventional music, dance and song of Spain and specially in Andalusia.

How do they make the flamenco melody? De base is the song, the cante flamenco, this means de flamenco song. In the flamenco music you can hear a bunch of several instruments, this is a rhythmic beat. This beat is made by knuckles on the table, smack with the hands or strike with a stick on the ground. These are mostly human instuments but we live in the modern era so they also use real instruments. Instruments like the Spanish guitar, palmas, tinaja and the cajón. But they also use ´regular´ instruments like the flute, piano, violin and the cello. The flamenco guitar is however the most popular instrument, on this sound are the complex hand moves and foot moves from the dance the easiest.

About the origin from the word flamenco is not so much information, we already know that the Gypsies introduced it but that is all. There are several thoughts regarding the explanation of the word, frequently it is mentioned as a fragment in a book or a journey article. For instance the author from England George Barrow mentioned the word in one of his books, he wrotes that the word flamenco was used for gitanos.

A famous Gypsy who plays a big role in the flamenco culture is Carmen. There are two statues of this Gypsy close to the big waterway in Seville, the Guadalquivir. It is thought she was a housekeeper in the tobacco industrial unit in Seville, that´s now a university.

But where can you see a actual traditional flamenco dance when you stay in one of the appartementen Sevilla? Cause Seville is the spot to be when it´s about the flamenco dance, that´s why there are a lot of places where you can find the dance. But if you don´t want to go to the touristic show of flamenco, then you can go to a theatre, peña, tabloa or a Sevillian monastery. Plus if you truly like this dance, then is the new modern Museo del baile flamenco a gorgeous place to go. This museum is about the famous flamenco danser Christina Hoyos. You can make a spectaculate trip through the history of this danser with a movie and clothes from this era.

So get out of your appartement Sevilla and search for the flamenco dance in this vibrant capital. Cause the flamenco dance is really more than only smacking your heels on the dancefloor and the audience calling Olé!

The Torre del Oro tower, a perfect spot to visit on a stunning time in Seville.

When you rent an appartement in Sevilla, there are various things you can go see|look at} . One of the places that is worth a visit is the Torre del Oro, or the tower of gold. This tower from the 13th century has been used in the function of a jail, watch tower and warehouse. It has been an important function of the city for lots of years, it is an valuable building in Seville and a bunch of people wonder about where the name comes from. It is thought the name ´Torre del Oro´ is coming from the gorgeous gold colour tiles which covered the tower. However it is also said this title comes from the former function of the tower as a storehouse for the gold from America.

A couple of times people threatened through taking down the tower, although these plans were never implemented, happily. The renovation costed more than 1.000.000.000 euro!

Nearly by the tower you´ll discover nice terraces next to the water, someplace you can calm down for a while. You won´t see just tourists but as well the regional people, named Sevillano. They are coming here for a good glass of wine with tapas. appartementen Sevilla in these surroundings are just as beautiful as the tower itself.

What many persons don´t know Torro del Oro also has a twin sister: La Torre de la Plata, the silver tower. The towers are connected through a giant golden chain, this string prevented that the enemy ships would be able to go in the city.

Between these two towers flowed a river: Gualdalquivir, this name comes from Arabian and means ´the huge river´. This waterway is more than 570 kilometres long, it flowes through five Andalusian provinces (Jaén, Córdoba, Sevilla, Huelva en Cádiz) and ends in the Gulf of Seville.

Indoors the tower is a marine museum (Museo Naval). It is very pleasant to also take a look in here. This is possible on every day of the week, not including for Monday. It costs only one euro and on Tuesday it is even free! However note, the museum is open from ten o´clock till two o´clock and in the weekend only from eleven o´clock.

Are you staying in an appartement Sevilla in the centre of the capital? Than it´s definitely worth taking a look at this lovely hot spot. Not for the cultural aspect only but as well for amusing and relaxation. You can also combine it with a boat journey on the river or a walk in the old streets.

It´s one thing to see Barcelona by foot, but let me tell you now that it´s another thing to see by air with Barcelona helicopters. Not one to be afraid of heights, I jumped at the opportunity to see Barcelona from a whole different perspective, a helicopters perspective. Needless to say, on a pristine summer´s day with excellent visibility and barely a cloud in the sky, I buckled myself in for a ride of a life time?

Arriving at Barcelona Port, I was placed into a group of 4 where were given concise instructions about the flight and before we knew it, we were airborne. To add to much of my enthusiasm, I was placed in the front seat where I witnessed first hand the proficiency and composure of the pilot as we flew around the lovely city of Catalonia.

With astonishing attractions to blissful architecture all all the way through the city, Barcelona caters for any kind of interest and having already visited the majority of Barcelona´s tourist hot spots by foot, I essentially rediscovered Barcelona´s most celebrated sights form a entirely new angle. So with a ready, set, lift off?we were in the air and started by flying around the commercial port and over the fabulous Mediterranean Sea to see it in all its glory, with a plethora of boats all the way to the horizon to seeing the golden sun reflecting its rays off the ocean.

We streamed down the extraordinary coastline of Barceloneta and past the powerful football stadium of Camp Nou, where of course we could see inside; to taking a casual stroll down the heart of Calle Diagonal and throughout Barrio Eixample. Ohh and I forgot to mention doing all this with the magnificent Montjuic and Mount Tibidabo stretching across the breath taking Catalonian landscape. After we passed El Torre Agbar as well as the immaculate Park Güell, and finally took it home with a bird´s eye view all over the Olympic Stadium which was simply splendid.

With the helipad in sight, we touched down for a smooth landing. To my delight, I was able to take some great photos opening the helicopter door which capped off an experience I won´t forget in many years to come. In addition, having lived here for close to 8 months, I would advise this to anyone regardless of whether you are visiting for 3 days or have been here 3 years; a 10 minute flight is all you need to provide you a whole other perception on Barcelona. So get out of your Barcelona apartments and try it for yourself today!

If your interested in more great articles, check out our Barcelona blog

If you rent out an appartement sevilla you will almost immediately understand that the Moors had a enormous effect on the architectural design in Andalucia. One of the most excellent maintained buildings in this design is the Alcázar of Seville.

The Alcázar is in all probability the oldest palace that still serves to house the royal family. The name comes from the Arabic word of palace and it is erected on the place where used to be a Moorish fort. Mudéjar is the name of the building technique that is influenced by Moorish style.

From the original version of the palace it has developed to the way it is currently, with 8 separate parts, due to new residents adding parts. All these parts carry their own unique stories. The Patio de las Doncellas, that is named after the fact that the Moors demanded 100 virgins from the Christians each year during their time, has been reconstructed 3 times during a very short period. One time to bring the patio back in its initial state, after that it was returned to the state it had previous to this for a filmshot only to return to its initial state for a second time after the film was completed. The second story of this patio was only added in 1540 and combines the Italian renessaince and Moorish style.

In the period of Columbus the Alcázar as well played a very essential role. Royal couple Ferdinand II and Isabella I added the ´Casa de Contratación´ to the palace. They used this room for exchange with the new world and it housed a shippingschool. The chapel in the room was used to welcome Columbus as soon as he returned from his second journey.

If you are planning to rent an appartement in sevilla then take on at least half a day to view this lovely old palace comfortably. Next to the different patios there are a number of amazing gardens where you can take a nice walk so there is enough to do!

The current economic doom and gloom means that some holiday makers will be staying at home this year. Rather than enjoying a sunshine break abroad. And whilst no destination is immune many, such as Lanzarote in the Canary Islands, will still be attracting a sizeable amount of arrivals. Despite the weak pound and economic climate.

This figure will still be way down on previous years however. As island tourist authorities have already recorded a 20% drop in arrivals during the first quarter of this year. As some consumers opt to either stay at home or journey outside of the euro zone. But many more still find that a good value break in a destination such as Lanzarote can even work out cheaper than a holiday in the UK.

Many Lanzarote apartments for example offer room rates that start from around €170 per week – which is the price per room, not per person. With the best offers usually available on apartments in Puerto del Carmen – the largest and oldest resort on the island. Which boasts the highest concentration of complexes of any destination on Lanzarote.

Accommodation is available in both the New and Old Towns – both popular holiday locations in their own right. Offering good facilities, such as swimming pools and maid service at highly competitive prices. Puerto del Carmen has also enjoyed a recent revamp, with a new marina nearing completion in the Old Town Harbour area. Whilst the main beachfront strip, the Avenida de las Playas has been partly pedestrians. Making it a for more pleasant place to stroll.

For those who prefer more space and a private pool there are lots of good quality Lanzarote villas available for rent in all locations right across the island.Expect to pay from €400 upwards for a standard two bedroom villa with swimming pool. With many owners offering deals on their villas in Playa Blanca for early bookings. As competition for business intensifies in the islands southernmost resort due to an over supply of property there.

Details of holiday deals on villas in Playa Blanca and apartments in Puerto del Carmen can be found here.

Playa Blanca is an ideal location for a break in the sun. Not least as it enjoys the best microclimate on the island. And is also home to some of Lanzarote´s finest beaches – such as the set of coves at Papagayo, which are just fifteen minutes walk from the town centre. Along with Playa Dorada and Playa Flamingo in the heart of the resort itself.

No matter where you choose to stay on the Island of Lanzarote just as with the other Canaries islands you can be assured of a warm reception and a fantastic holiday.

If you or your friends and family are planning to arrange a special occasion?
Whether this is a get together, birthday party, anniversary celebration, or perhaps a retirement celebration?

You can Book the whole hotel in Wilton for exclusive use and guarantee that your fellow guests will not mind you throwing off your shoes and relaxing by the log burner. It also means that you know the people you will be meeting at the bar in the evening.

We will not be open to anyone else; to all intents and purposes the hotel is yours throughout your stay. This means that you can set it up exactly to reflect the mood of your event and know it wont be tampered with.

£2500.00 including VAT for up to 16 people Friday to Sunday

£4000.00 including VAT Sunday to Friday

Price includes all eight bedrooms for up to 16 people, though cots and zed beds may also be accommodated.

Full English Breakfast at a time to suit you!!

Lunches if Required, can be arranged to accomodate everyones needs be it vegetarian or fruitarian

Complimentary tea and coffee throughout your stay, ensures you stay refreshed in this home away from home.

Three course evening meals are available and if you give us prior warning we will be happy to make the dishes you require.

Why do we do this??

Our friends took over the hotel recently for a big get together and it was so amazing we decided to roll out the idea so now you can hire a hotel

Please come and talk to us….. We are committed to offering you an occasion to remember.

Our business is your pleasure and our exceptional service comes at no extra charge.

Friendly staff will look after all your catering and cleaning needs leaving you to enjoy your stay in the country.

Whether you are used to traveling domestically or abroad, you must never let your guard down and become too complacent. After all, you are in a foreign area and it often leaves you feeling vulnerable. There is a vast range of unpredicted circumstances that could arise when you are traveling such as theft and robbery. Tourists who are negligent of their belongings often fall prey to these individuals who aim to take advantage of their vulnerability.

Here are some practical tips to ensure a safe travel. While most of them might be quite obvious, a simple reminder won’t hurt:

*Keep a close eye on your luggage at all times. If you have to put them down, make sure that they are close within your reach and they you can see it.

*Never keep any important documents or valuable items away from you. Avoid putting these valuable items inside a bag that can possibly be taken away by some robbers since you are also posing them at risk of being taken away. Items like credit cards or passport must be securely placed in a passport holder or passport wallet. You need to carry them with you at all times.

*If possible, dress simple and appropriately. Wear as little jewelry as possible since they could suggest affluence and trigger potential thieves or pickpockets.

*Never bring all your credit cards with you during travel.

*Vary the time at which you leave your hotel room or apartment. That way, no one can monitor and predict your schedule.

*Examine the safety features of the hotel or apartment you are staying in. Opt for a room near the stairwell. Make sure that the hotel room doors have a peephole and can be opened only through the use of cards.

*Be cautious when riding a cab or public transportation. Keep an eye on your bag and other important belongings.

*If you are driving your own car, park in well-lit areas. Preferably, these areas must have enough people around too.

*If you are traveling for an important business appointment or conference, bring travel alarm clocks to ensure that you wake up on time and never be late for those appointments. When you have trouble waking up early in the morning, choose the type of alarm clock that produces a loud noise.

*Before even leaving for your trip, you need to formulate an emergency plan with members of your family. That way, they’d be informed on what they need to do in case emergencies happen.

*Never divulge any travel plans or personal information with anyone while you are traveling, especially among strangers.

*If you have to take medications, properly label them. Place reminders on the schedule when you must take these medications.

*Whatever you do, never flash your money in public. This will invite notorious pickpockets and robbers.

*Before visiting a specific city or region, do some background research on the city. This will give you a clear idea of the traffic system, the crime rate, and other essential information that will enable you to assess how much safety precaution you need.

Lanzarote, the popular Canary Island holiday destination, expects to welcome well over a million foreign tourists this year. The majority from the UK. Despite the recent depreciation of sterling against the euro and the confidence sapping effects of the credit crunch.

The Canarian archipelago, comprising a total of seven islands, is four hours away from the UK by plane. And some of the best known low cost airlines fly there, such as Jet 2 and Thomas Cook. Which means it is usually fairly easy to get a flight to the island for as little as £200 return. Making it a big favourite with overseas investors – many of whom rent their property in Lanzarote to holidaymakers. The bulk of flights from the UK operate on Mondays and Thursdays.

You can check on the availability of Flights to Lanzarote here.

Visitors arrive at Lanzarote´s only airport – which is called Arrecife (flight code ACE). The airport is located just outside the capital city of the same name – and also acts as a hub for inter-island flights between the other Canary Islands as well as services from mainland Spain. Despite being one of the top ten busiest airports in Spain the amenities at Arrecife are a bit limited though. With no shops or money change facility in arrivals.

The majority of visitors to the island are booked on package holidays. Which means that they are transferred to their hotels in Lanzarote on coaches provided by their tour operator. Independent travellers should note that there is no public or shuttle bus service available at the airport. Which means that they will need to either hire a car in the arrivals hall or take a taxi just outside it. Car hire on the island is relatively cheap with prices starting from around €20 per day.

On the upside, getting to most accommodation such as Lanzarote villas or apartments is usually pretty quick. As the island is very small – measuring less than 60km from end to end. So transfer times are speedy. For example, Playa Blanca, which is the furthest resort from the airport can be reached in around 35 minutes. Whilst the other two main resorts of Costa Teguise and Puerto del Carmen are both within a ten minute radius of Arecife airport.

There´s lots of things for tourists to do on Lanzarote. As the island boasts over ninety great beaches. Along with a surprisingly large amount of natural beauty spots – such as the Timanfaya Volcano Park and the Green Lagoon. Along with historic towns such as Teguise – the oldest in the Canaries. And some unique man made attractions – created by the island born artist Cesar Manrique. So hire a car and take time to explore this enchanting island.

Visit the Lanzarote guidebook for the ultimate lowdown and latest deals on Hotels in Lanzarote and Lanzarote holiday apartments .