Destination Madrid, Spain

Madrid is wonderfully seductive!  This international and high-octane city, where life moves to an upbeat rhythm, oozes a distinctly Spanish flavour.

Resonating with history, the home of amazing art and a foodie’s heaven, the Spanish capital has always been one of my favourite cities to visit. But since a programme of recent improvements, 

Madrid has morphed into a world-class player exploding with exciting shopping, exceptional restaurants and bars and its top-ranking museums have got bigger and better. 

Old world elegance melds together harmoniously with contemporary edginess. There is no doubt that Madrid is Spain’s pulsating heart, yet what makes the city stand out from the crowd is that it still manages to be incredibly intimate and welcoming. The Madrileños certainly know how to enjoy themselves. There is a spirit about the place which is infectious, despite the political and financial difficulties. 

Almudena Cathedral and the Royal Palace
© Agustín Martínez

Courtesy of Madrid Destino Cultura, Turismo y Negocio S.A. caption

Although said to have been inhabited since the Lower Palaeolithic era, it was only in 1561 that King Felipe ll made Madrid the capital of his empire. Carlos lll, nicknamed the "Mayor of Madrid", in the 18^th century wanted a capital that matched the likes of Paris and Rome and had the centre built on a grand scale. His idea seems to live on.

The best way to get around the city is to walk. (The Metro, if you want to use it, is easy to navigate.) At every twist and turn, you will find a pleasant surprise. My guide, Lidia did a rather spectacular job of condensing the history of Madrid and pointing out the highlights in a few hours. It was clear from the outset that eating and drinking is of vital importance to the Madrileños.

A stroll through the Plaza Mayor, the city’s main square lined with colourful buildings, makes you feel as if you have stepped back in time. The 16^th century cobbled streets and medieval squares of the surrounding area also boast a good selection of tapas bars offering plenty of tasty treats. And they are not just filled with tourists, you will find yourself socialising with locals as well. A bocata de calamares (calamari sandwich) is a traditional speciality.

Madrileños like to party. They eat late and think nothing of rambling around the streets until dawn. So you won’t be having early nights in this city! 

Plaza Mayor

© Paolo Giocoso

Courtesy of  Madrid Destino Cultura, Turismo y Negocio S.A.

Lidia also ushered me into the world’s oldest restaurant, Botin, in Calle Cuchilleros. According to the Guinness Book of Records, it has been doing uninterrupted business since 1725. I can’t vouch for the food as I did not eat there, but I did see the old brick ovens and cellars.

Chocolate lovers should seek out Chocolateria San Ginés hidden away in an alley near the Plaza de Ópera. For over a hundred years, it has been renowned for its delicious, thick, hot chocolate and churros – the perfect pick-me-up after a night on the town. 

After taking in the Catedral de la Almudena which took about 110 years to complete and the Royal Palace, which occupies the site of the old Alcázar fortress, a former Moorish castle, we took a gentle stroll through the pretty Sabatini and Campo del Moro Gardens.

Passing through stunning wide boulevards lined with resplendent buildings, we soon arrived at the iconic Cibeles Fountain which has watched over the Paseo del Prado since the 18^th century. I could only guess at the tales it could tell!  It is also here that Real Madrid celebrates its victories.

Fuente de Cibeles

Courtesy of  Madrid Destino Cultura, Turismo y Negocio S.A. 

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My tour finished, it was time for the Art Walk, a paradise for culture vultures. Within a kilometre or so you have Madrid’s three main museums.

If you only have time for one, make it the Prado. I was mesmerised at what has often been called the greatest painting in the world: Velázquez’s Las Meninas. There is free entry (6pm-8pm weekdays and 5pm-7pm Sundays for visitors) but if time is of the essence, pay and go early in the morning. 

Unfortunately, there was not time to visit the Reina Sofía and the Thyssen-Bornemisza, also free early evenings. Going to a city like Madrid, it is virtually impossible to see everything in a couple of days. Next time!

With most of the city’s key sights ticked off, it was time to unwind so I headed for El Parque de Retiro, once a recreation area for the royal family. Peppered with marble monuments and awash with perfectly manicured lawns and a gorgeous lake, this was the perfect way to recharge the batteries for an exhilarating night ahead.

By Daralyn Danns

Getting there

British Airways operates up to three flights per day from London City to Madrid in addition to services from Heathrow with connections also available from across the UK and Ireland. Fares and more information about British Airways services can be found at ba.com/Madrid

Always a pleasure to fly with British Airways. Service is consistently good and I always feel as if I am in safe hands. I flew from London City Airport which means I could check-in 20 minutes prior to departure (15 minutes with hand luggage)

I stayed at the Hotel Ritz, Madrid. For more information and best rates visit  mandarinoriental.com

For more information about Madrid visit spain.info


First published in All About Hair (All About Hair UK), the travel and lifestyle blog with a luxury twist

Destination Sierra Nevada Ski Resort, Spain

The adrenalin rush that I got as I sped down the snow-covered slope was something that I will never forget. Stopping was a bit more of a problem, but somehow I managed to bring myself to a halt without causing any damage.

Some people have a list of things they want to experience before they die. Skiing was not on mine. However, here at the Sierra Nevada, the most southern ski resort in Europe, I got my first taster.

Maybe it was the combination of the heady atmosphere, the thrill on small children’s faces at they took their first steps, the sun shining and the spectacular views that coerced me to do an activity that took me completely out of my comfort zone. 

From the moment I had put on my ski boots and had taken my first steps on the Magic Carpet conveyor belt which takes you to the nursery slopes, I knew there was no turning back. 

Sierra Nevada Ski Resort
Courtesy of the Spanish Tourist Office

I was with two other girls that also had never skied. Our instructor was really good and could sense our nervousness.  After my first fall – I wasn’t hurt – I had enough courage to “ski” down the small slope. It is something that I am so pleased that I actually accomplished. 

All the exercise had left us famished, so before we returned our hired ski equipment, we enjoyed a delicious lunch of grilled meats at one of the many restaurants. Sitting outside with the sun beating down, in the middle of winter, drinking in the vistas of the peaks, the pistes and dots in the distant that were stretches of beaches was rather special.

This resort, a world of sports, has approximately 105 km (65 miles) of slopes. From steep and challenging to the nursery slopes, it caters for skiers of all levels. There are plenty of schools if you want to take the sport up. If you have a bit of daredevil lurking inside and fancy trying skiing under the stars, the lit-up El Rio piste is waiting for you on Saturdays.  

The sun sets over the Sierra Nevada

The Sierra Nevada is perfect if your idea of a dream break, summer or winter, consists of a helping of sports, a swim at the beach and the attractions of an historic city, all peppered with warming rays. The Andalucía region has an average of 320 days of sunshine a year. The winters are particularly mild. It is only 32km (20 miles) from the historic city of Granada and a short drive from the coast. You could be skiing in the morning and dipping your toes in the ocean in the afternoon.

The ski season usually runs from the beginning of December until early May. If skiing isn’t your bag, you will find plenty of other activities to keep you entertained in the Sierra Nevada. The resort village, Pradollano, pulsates with energy, especially at night.

Awash with hotels, restaurants, bars and shops, it is almost a destination in itself. You could easily while away a few hours here during the day at a café taking in the mountain air while enjoyed a glass of wine or hot chocolate. 

Having fun on the slopes

If you prefer something more energetic without having to wear skis, head to El Miro Blanco. This family leisure centre offers a host of activities ranging from ice skating to slides to the Russian Sleigh. My favourite was a ride on a toboggan. It brings the child out in you.

After so much activity aching limbs deserve a treat. So a quick visit to relax at the Yhi Wellness Spa at the Meliá Sierra Nevada is just what you need. I’m sure its hydrogenating baths have revitalised many a weary skier!

By Daralyn Danns

Getting there

British Airways flies to Granada from London City Airport in the spring and summer. There are BA flights from Heathrow and Gatwick during the winter. For more information visit britishairways.com

I stayed at the Hotel Carmen (hotelcarmen.com) 

For more information on Granada and Sierra Nevada Ski Resort visit turgranada.es and spain.info

First published in All About Hair (All About Hair UK), the travel and lifestyle blog with a luxury twist