Valentines Special

Tired of Paris? Already gondola'd through Venice? Then it is time for something different and we are here to help!

Want to have romantic strolls through the city, kiss under the moonlight and cruise along the canals? You say Venice, we say Amsterdam

FACT: Did you know Amsterdam has more canals than Venice?

Want great architecture, gorgeous monuments and the most beautiful cathedrals? You say Paris, we say Barcelona.

FACT: Did you know Barcelona has some of the worlds most beautiful cathedrals one of which is the worlds longest running architecture project- the Sagrada Familia.

Want a beautiful coast line, sea, sand, culture and great food? You say Santorini, we say the Amalfi Coast. 

FACT: Did you know the Amalfi Coast is a world heritage sight?


We want to invite you to think outside of the box and create some of the best memories ever without breaking the bank! All three place are very special to us. Amsterdam is Jades favourite European destination, Barcelona is mine, and Amalfi has a special place in both of our hearts- this is where our favourite saying was born, "life is too short to drink bad wine". On that note let's show you why...

Amsterdam

Submerge yourself in beauty, surrounded by water. Walk along the canals in Jordaan, and grab a bite to eat at G's restaurant with mimosas on tap. Or head over to Jades fave district  'De Pijp' and enjoy the scrumptious brunch at Bakers and Roasters - take your time walking through these beautiful winding streets and admire the architecture. 

 

If you're both beer lovers go to Brouwerij't IJ and sample home grown beers under a gorgeous windmill. Time for some art? Pop into the Rijksmuseum or the Van Gogh museum and hold hands as you walk around the galleries. If you want to soak up the atmosphere go on a bike ride (but be careful, bike rage is real) or a boat ride around the city. Now, after a long day of swooning you need to make a reservation at Blue Spoon Restaurant and eat at the chefs table. The kitchen is open plan so you get a front row seat seeing the magic of the delicious dishes come together. 

 

If you want something special, bright and airy (book way in advance because it is Amsterdam's hidden gem) book you & your lover a table at De Kas, a beautiful large green house styled restaurant serving you home grown organic ingredients. If you're not ready to end the night there then off to the secret bar behind a burger joint called the Butcher. This intimate bar has a smokey speakeasy vibe, playing smooth tunes and giving the perfect setting to drink a cocktail and dance the night away with your loved one.

Once your whirlwind day has wound down rest your lil heads at the Inntel Hotel in the heart of the city. This is a sleek and minimal hotel that oozes quirky luxury but doesn't murder the check book!

 

Feeling extra special: Hop on a 40 minute train to Rotterdam and sample some great food in the quirkiest venue, Markthal - or treat yourself to the best sushi and cocktails ever at Shiki Rotterdam

Barcelona

Your aim should be to get lost, lost in art, nature, love and in this beautiful city because that's when you make the best memories. Start your day with a hearty breakfast in Eixample at our fave spot Pudding, their pancakes are to die for and they are served with the biggest smiles and warmest hearts. Fill your day up with gorgeous architecture, visit Sagrada Familia the worlds longest running architecture project- you will be knocked off of your feet by the sheer beauty of it. You can book online or get tickets on the day but be prepared to wait.

Barcelona looks fantastic from up high so if you are looking for a romantic spot to declare your love. We have two places either Tribidado which also has a beautiful church and amusement park or jump on the cable car to Montjuic Castle this gorgeous fortress dates back to 1640. If you are there on a Friday or Saturday before heading back to the hotel to spruce up, head to Montjuic Fountain and cuddle up close whilst you watch the beautiful light show and are serenaded by a band.

There are many places to eat in Barcelona, but our favourite is affordable, intimate and romantic Elsa y Fred situated right by the Arc de Triompf. You can sit next to each other on the sofa or stare at each other across the table it is just the cutest little restaurant with phenomenal food.

If you fancy shaking your leg head to the W Hotel for more stunning views of the city whilst dancing the night away. After an eventful day you deserve to rest your head somewhere special, we
pick the Mirror Hotel- Modern, clean, and luxurious... PS. its called the mirror for a reason :) Thank us later.

Feeling extra special: Take a trip up the hills to the Penedes region just outside of Barcelona for Cava Tasting or if you want to impress the boy be sure to book tickets for a FC Barcelona match.

Amalfi Coast

This trip is all about indulging, and who better to learn from than the Italians. Travel from Naples to this piece of heaven, and escape life as you know it. The UNESCO committee decided this just had to be a world heritage site because "considering that the Costiera Amalfitana is an outstanding example of a Mediterranean landscape, with exceptional cultural and natural scenic values resulting from its dramatic topography and historical evolution." Most days just wondering through the town eating gelato will be enough, but when it's not do as follows. Wake up at the NH Collection Grand Hotel Convento di Amalfi, and eat breakfast at the hotel overlooking the sea. Head into town and jump on a boat to visit the Emerald Grotto. Here you will tour the hidden caves which are more than 6000 years old, prepare to be mesmerised. 

From there take a bus to Positano for a late lunch at Chez Black, this gorgeous restaurant is on the beach and serves fantastically fresh food (mostly in heart shapes for lovers...so cute).  

At this point you have two options, chill by the beach and explore this cute town, go shopping and visit independent galleries like Franco Sensi's Fine Art Gallery, and then later move on to Music On The Rocks for drinks and a dance. Alternatively, you can venture all the way up to Ravello...oh how we love Ravello! This amazing town is surrounded by vineyards. Your first stop must be Wine and Drugs. This tiny wine shop has a wide array of home grown wines of the up-most quality, which the cheeky owner Branco will tempt you to try whilst professing "life is too short to drink bad wine" so enjoy it. After that sit and enjoy the views because they are phenomenal. End your evening breaking bread at Rosellinis Restaurant, for more phenomenal views, more great food and more fantastic wine. 

Feeling extra special: Take a day trip to Pompeii and be in awe of the hidden city or if you want complete luxury jump on a yacht to Capri. 

If you venture to any of these destination let us know or if there are others you would suggest put it in the box below. 

Nay and Jay xxxx