Accomodations at la mar

Simon is smart and ambitious about collecting hotel points while he's on the road for FEMA, and we were beyond spoiled at the various properties where we spent them. By far our favorite was Le Meridien Ra in El Vendrell, Spain, about an hour south of Barcelona.

We had spent 5 days in El Vendrell on our trip to Europe 2 years ago, and couldn't wait to get back to "la mar" as we call it. (Simon is the Spanish speaker for the team, so take up any grammar issues with him. :) )

Five days at la mar cured my weary traveler feet and legs. Between the duplex suite with four bathrooms, a large patio overlooking the Mediterranean Sea, access to the spa with targeted jets, saunas, and wellness circuits, and the constant crashing of the waves, it was hard to know what was working on us.




The staff could not have been more thrilled to share the property with us and made every day wonderful. The night we arrived, after traveling 12 hours in the Mediterranean heat, their annual local food party was taking place. Buffet tables were covered with local cheeses, fruits, honeys, nuts, breads, chocolates, and candies.

Along with our feast, we enjoyed local wine and conversation with 2 other couples staying at the hotel. 3 continents, Australia, Europe (Belgium) and North America, were represented. Simon and the Belgian gentleman agreed: this hotel is their favorite in the world.

Schoepfer!

The cheese and wine in France was delicious and cheap. We enjoyed baguettes and cheese plates each day on our patio.













I'm not sure how my good friend Katie Schoepf is involved, but this photo proves she had something to do with it. Thanks Katie!

Moon Rising in Nice

Panorama from our Balcony in Nice

Our balcony in Nice faced east, so we got half of the city view and half of the sea view. Also, when they set off fireworks to celebrate the end of the Ironman Triathlon, our view included fireworks!

Balcony in Milan

Simon loves balconies above all other hotel amenities.
Our balcony in Milan was a welcome retreat from the busy city.

Our view was of the private courtyard, where the bar staff was
serving aperitivo and cocktails to a chic crowd late into the night.