Spring Break, UK Style
As the May bank holiday weekend approaches, it's time to swap out the laptops for travel guides & embrace the spirit of Spring break, UK style. While our American counterparts jet off to tropical destinations, we Brits...
Our Summer Getaways
Andrea's Hotspot
Mexico City
From the moment I arrived in Mexico City I found myself ooh-ing and ah-ing so much that I actually had to make a note to myself to keep quiet and just enjoy this incredible city of 23 million people. There are hundreds of neighbourhoods and whether you want to explore Aztec temples, walk through the leafy cosmopolitan and Spanish colonial Roma Norte or eat at some of the best restaurants in the world, Mexico City has it all.
If you go to Mexico City
I like to stay in any of these three very beautiful, relatively safe and stunning areas: Condesa, Roma Norte or Polanco. Uber is a great way to get around the city. It’s very cheap and if you don’t speak Spanish, I found it reassuring to know I was headed in the right direction and could follow along where we were going.
Where to stay:
Airbnb has lots of options and all the large hotel chains are there but consider staying in one of the beautiful boutique hotels like Nima Local House which only has four suites and is housed in a stunning colonial mansion in Roma Norte, walking distance to the best restaurants and shops in the city. In complete contrast is Condesa DF, a twenty year old hotel in the Condesa neighbourhood that still is one of the coolest and hippest spots in town.
Where to eat:
The list is endless but here are a few of my favourites:
Rosetta is on everyone’s list for a reason. Superb food and a beautiful restaurant with bouganvillea climbing through an open roof. Innovative menu with old world service.
Meroma when you walk in the door there is an amazing buzz with their gorgeous bar, a terrace with a 1970’s architectural vibe and a menu that makes you want to eat there again and again.
Hugo’s Wine Bar when you’ve had a big lunch and feel like snacking on exquisite small plates with candlelit tables and a busy but quiet spot then Hugo is your place.
Sartoria I feel sooo bad saying this as I love Italy, but this was the best Italian meal I have had. Ever.
Sightseeing:
The central part of the city with the main Cathedral and the remains of the city’s original Aztec temple will take you a few hours to walk around. The murals by Diego Rivera are stunning and it’s an interesting visit to Frida Kahlo’s house and museum. If you want to visit the beautiful jewel that is Luis Barragin’s house then you need to book a few months in advance. Well worth planning for this! The National Museum of Anthopology is considered one of the greatest museums in the world and its pre- Columbian collection is just one of the highlights. You have to pick and choose where you will focus or get a guide. It’s a vast museum and would take several days to go through!
Grace's Hotspot
Paros & Antiparos, Greece
The Greek Islands are vast, varied & truly beautiful. It's hard to pick a favourite but my go to at the moment is Paros & Antiparos. Belonging to the Cyclades, these islands are lot more barren than the Sporades, but equally still as breathtaking.
After spending a few days in Mykonos, we arrived in Paros by ferry & stayed in the area of Naoussa. The perfect blend of relaxed & fun. Naoussa is an old fishing village, filled with gorgeous restaurants, bars, boats & quaint side streets that you can amble down & get lost in all day. We explored the island by hiring a moped (highly recommend) & found lots of gorgeous little Greek tavernas, beaches & spots we never would've found otherwise. We ended up extending our holiday by a week because we loved it that much! There's simply a feeling of relaxed lightness on this island & with neighbouring Antiparos nearby we just couldn't get enough of it.
If you go to Paros
Rent a moped or a car it's a must to explore the island! Don't be afraid to get off the beaten track & discover some untouched gems.
Siparos - Delicious beach side dining. East of Naoussa, this restaurant is a must for a long, lazy, seafood lunch in the sunshine, with a glass of crisp rose.
Thalassamou - A laid back spot, for dining under the stars. This restaurant serves up a twist on traditional Greek cuisine. If you're looking for a fresh plate of Mediterranean flavours this should be on your list.
A non-negotiable; a day trip or two in Antiparos.
Jump on a ferry for 30 minutes either by foot or with your car & explore this incredible island. At first sight Antiparos might not be what you expect, but stroll down the back streets to find beautiful shops, restaurants & bars where it feels like it's just you & your partner.
Captain Pipinos - A true Greek taverna serving up the freshest catch of the day. A beautiful, peaceful setting, get here early to secure a spot as this place get's packed out for good reason.
Beach House - Our favourite spot of the whole holiday. In a bid to catch the stunning sunset, we stumbled upon this paradise. With 8 rooms & a hidden sheltered beach, this all day hangout turned out to be our favourite day. We dined on delicious sashimi, sushi & aperol. There happened to be a live jazz band playing & everybody got up & danced bare foot & sandy toed under the stars. It was one of those nights that was truly unforgettable & pure magic.
