The luxury Alva Park Resort is situated in the beautiful area of Girona, Spain. Often described as an oasis, it offers an ideal base from which to explore Barcelona. All of the luxurious rooms feature the highest technology including a Bang & Olufsen 40’ LCD widescreen TV, Jacuzzi hydro-massage, Wi Fi internet connection and private terrace.

For those seeking a relaxation the hotel also offers variety of wellness and beauty centre such as Indian Princess Bath and the Molton Brown Spa. Guests also can relax and enjoy the steam bath, sauna, and spa or go for simulator indoor golf club specially design for left and right handed. The Alva Park Resort and Spa hotel is the perfect choice for those seeking in the ultimate luxury break.

All rooms are non-smoking environment. Official site – http://www.alvapark.com/

The Church of Our Lady of the Pillar is near the River Ebro in the province of Zaragoza, west of Barcelona on the coast of Spain. It is reputed to be the first Church dedicated to Mary in history. The location is considered the birthplace of Christianity in Spain and has been the destination of pilgrims for hundreds of years.

The architecture is of baroque style, and the present building was predominantly built between 1681 and 1872. Zaragoza is some Islamic architectural influence which means there are more mosaics and more colors.

The statue and pillar have been preserved however for almost 2000 years. Numerous healings throughout the ages have been attributed to the Virgin by those visiting the site seeking her help.

According to legend, the Virgin Mary appeared miraculously to Saint James the Great in the 1st century, standing on a pillar.This legend is commemorated by a famous Catholic basilica called Nuestra Señora del Pilar (”Our Lady of the Pillar”). Her feast day is also celebrated every 12th of October.
For centuries, rivers of pilgrims have continued to visit the Shrine of Saragossa.

One of eight provinces in Andalucia, Malaga is home to the prestige holiday resorts of the Costa del Sol. It includes about 300km of the Mediterranean Coast and is one of Spain’s most popular tourist destinations. Due to averaging 300 days of sun shine each year, the Costa del Sol is the Mecca for those seeking sea side funs. The most popular resorts in Costa del Sol is like Benalmadena and Marbella.

This beautiful coast consists of a series of coves half-hidden among cliffs and sports harbors. The Costa del Sol offers an exciting selection of entertainment and relaxation options. The best sports and activities in Malaga are: golf courses, marinas and football. The nightlife is lively offers a huge variety of bars and restaurants. Other attractions include zoos and water parks, casinos, bullfights and amusement parks.

The mild climate is a major factor in enjoying the beaches and a wide variety of outdoor and water activities year round. Evidence of the area’s popularity is the fact that there are more jet skis per capita than anywhere else in Europe.

Atzaro is a century old family finca converted into luxurious accommodations with a cutting edge gastronomical restaurant and a blissful spa. It is nestled secretly in its own orange grove stands with an oasis of rest, where the flavours of orange blossom, rosemary and lavender mix to indulge your senses. It’s a luxury getaway for anyone looking for the more natural side of Ibiza.

The Atzaro offers a wide range of facilities and services as well as it’s wonderful landscaped gardens, with many fountains and private chill-out corners which make this 10 hectare estate and grove an ideal venue for self indulgence and an outstanding setting for any event.

There are reatment temples, couples or individuals, feature beautifully hand crafted ceilings and decor exquisitely accented with rich tropical woods, reflecting an Asian design philosophy carefully blended with Arabian and Ibizencan influences. The Spa facilities features Sauna, Hamm am (Turkish bath), gym, and a 43-meter lap pool. In a separate temple guests may exercise open classes or private sessions offering fitness at its best.

The cuisine has great respect for using the finest and freshest ingredients and produce, a combination of vibrant, cutting edge flavours, great ambience, friendly but yet professional service, an extensive wine list and exquisite surroundings make the restaurant a truly memorable experience.

Their rooms are divided between the old finca with it’s classical Ibizencan architecture. Both mix a sanctuary of open spaces and beauty where one can enjoy peaceful moments. All rooms have their private terraces (some have romantic fireplaces and skylights) with private plunge pool, fountains and outside daybed.

The Ibiza Rocks Hotel is situated in the centre of San Antonio, just 300m from the beach. The team of the hotel took over one of the largest hotels with the intention of revamping it, celebrating the glory of rock, naturally. There are 2 outdoor pools, 4 bars including the Electric and Back Stage bars, Ibiza Rocks Shop selling an amazing range of Ibiza Rocks merchandise and an on site supermarket.

This year are their pool and stage view rooms – book one of these babies for you and your friends and you can enjoy the Tuesday night live shows from the comfort and privacy of your very own balcony. Gig tickets are included with all of these premium rooms.

Most of the guests are 18-24 year old Brits who’ve come for a party, so don’t expect peace and quiet. In addition to the constant entertainment, there’s a large gaming room courtesy of X-box, and the consoles can be rented for in-room use. If you’re game for some action and sleep is not a priority, Ibiza Rocks Hotel is in the heart of the action. Rooms are higher grade furnishings with twin beds in the main lounge, a double terrace with pool view, plasma screen TV, fresh fruit and flowers on arrival and maid service and fresh towels 6 days per week.

When to go: June to September. Getting there: Fly to Ibiza, then car/bus to  San Antonio. The hotel is at only 300m from the beach and sunset bars.

Es Verde is a magical rock and one of the most fascinating attraction on Earth,  holding an age-old mystical and spiritual aura. The rock is first sight upon entering Hotel Calador, the rock spreads its magnetism, making the hotel a difficult thing to part with. Landhotel Calador is a small country-style hotel, the symbol of Ibiza Island. You reach the quiet sandy beach of Cala Carbo in a short walking distance.

The owner Claudia Schubert and her staff have created a charming atmosphere, catering to those that want to enjoy the beauty of the island without the price tag. The hotel offers various room sizes ranging from comfortable one bedrooms to a two-story tower studio with a roof terrace, the one thing they all share is the breathtaking view. Also a bar and restaurant, a lovely palm-garden and a big swimmingpool with seperate children’s pool, a tennis court and free parking facility are at guest’s disposal.

Cala Carbo Beach, where the hotel is sited is one of Ibiza’s most private little beaches. The beach is a combination of sand and pebbles that shelves gently into clear water. The rocky coastline that extends from the sand is great for kids, while fishing off the small jetty is a more tranquil activity.

Getting there: Fly to Ibiza, then you reach, San José and San Antonio in a few miles. A rental car is recommended. Aslo follow signposts from San Antonio or San José, direction Cala Tarida and Cala Vadella.

If you’ve strolled in the sunny Barcelona you will came across magnificent modernist buildings gaze proudly over the tree-lined boulevards, sleek furniture, elaborate tapas, chic couture and handmade chocolates. Hidden from view, there are gardens and courtyards that offers shelter from the urban rush and an intimate view of everyday Barcelona life.

Most of the gardens have been carved in recent years from the patios that form the center of each city block, and are reached down narrow passageways or by cutting through a building. They are the ideal place to relax between the sights of the Eixample, which stretches from the old city to neighborhoods like Gracia.

The picture displays the swimming pool at Calle Roger de Lluria by a water tower. This is one of the first patios returned to the public by the city in the late 1980s and home to a looming brick water tower. “The patios are like a window onto Barcelona,” said Francesc Munoz Ramirez. He also mentioned that, ”You can be an urban voyeur — watch the business of the city from the inside.”

An enormous list of Barcelona’s often-overlooked public gardens — like the serene grounds of the Barcelona Seminary or the courtyard of the Casa Elizalde cultural center, where you can often catch a weekend children’s show — can be found on the Web site of ProEixample (www.proeixample.cat), a public-private partnership dedicated to revitalizing the Eixample. Photos by: Stefano Buonamici

The Hotel Diagonal Barcelona is a modern architecture with stylish interior design. The architect Juli Capella, was responsible for the hotel’s design.The location of the hotel is another attraction, next to the impressive Agbar Tower. The newest skyscraper in this dynamic, cultural, Mediterranean city, it is the work of Jean Nouvel, one of today’s greatest architects.

Inside, the hotel’s fresh and striking features will please guests seeking accommodation that is both exclusive, tasteful and in line with current design trends. The hotel’s location makes it convenient for the Conference Centre, main access roads, the port and the airport, and means you can reach the city centre in just a few minutes.

The Tecla Cafe is an ideal place to make a date, relax after the stress of a working day, or stock up your energy after a visit to the city.

The hotel has 240 rooms, including smoker’s and disabled-friendly rooms. All rooms feature the latest design trends, wood furniture, contrasted tones and refined lines that, all combined, provide an elegant and peaceful atmosphere. The hotel provides four distinct room categories: Comfort Room, Silken Club Room, Diagonal Corner Room and Suites 08. Each room includes comprehensive and modern services, including digital satellite TV, manually controlled air conditioning and heating units, telephone in room and bathroom, hair dryer and a safe with enough room for a laptop.

As well as the Piano Restaurant offers impeccable attention to detail in its decor, and has access to a terrace. You have the choice of two of the best cuisines in Spain: the Basque and the Catalan, as well as designer cuisine.

MelonDistrict is a new concept of accommodation for national and international students who are looking for a place to live in Barcelona. The hostel offers an international atmosphere, and a wide range of services based on demanding quality standards. MelonDistrict has accommodation that is adapted to the requirements of students who come with different purposes, to study, to work, or simply to travel. This flexibility makes it the ideal option both for long stays as well as for medium or short stays.

Rooms are characterized  into MelonFlats. Each MelonFlat features 10 rooms with en-suite bathrooms and a shared Cooking Lounge. There are also Studioflats with a fully eaauiped kitchen. Both MelonFlats and Studio Flats share the Meeting Lounge and the Refreshing Lounge as well as the rest of the building’s amenities.

The hostel offers design service to free you from of the domestic chores and make your life as easy as can be. They express discounts on several of the services provided by our associate companies, because being part of MelonDistrict is much more than just renting a room.

MelonDistrict gives many aspects of its personality and distinctive style of Barcelona. With its rich cultural heritage, astonishing architecture and  international focus, embodies the same cosmopolitan, creative and sophisticated spirit as MelonDistrict’s own. For stays under one month, you can make a reservation online via their booking central. You will be asked for a credit card number as a guarantee.

Just a few meters away from the famous Guggenheim Museum, Bilbao is located Gran Hotel Domine. It is a luxury five-star accommodation, comprises 145 rooms. Its designers are Javier Mariscal and Fernando Salas with their respective teams. The hotel was designed, in the same spirit as its neighbor – the Guggenheim Museum – one of the most recognizable buildings in the world. Amongst the dining options count the Buena Vista Terrace that offers a spectacular view over the museum from the hotel’s rooftop terrace.

Andalucia Museum of Memory is located in Granada and is very good attempt of creating the interesting spatial experience through an elliptic central court which is designed to connect 3 levels spaces via the featured circular ramp. The architect of the museum is Alberto Campo Baeza, who said that ” The new building, silent in its forms, is resounding in its elements to communicate the messages of the new millennium in which we are already immersed.”

The museum transmits the entire history of Andalusia. As early as Roman times, Strabo described the inhabitants of Andalusia as “the most cultivated of the Iberians, who have laws in verse. Everything is arranged around a central courtyard, in elliptical form in which circular ramps rise, connecting the three levels and creating a very interesting spatial tension. The dimensions of the elliptical courtyard have been taken from the courtyard of the Palace of Charles the V in the Alhambra.

And to complete the entire operation, a large horizontal platform all the way to the River, the MA open FIELD that will serve as a public space in that new area of the city of Granada. The new building, silent in its forms, is resounding in its elements to communicate the messages of the new millennium in which we are already immersed.

This guest post has been written by Nick Ball, editor of Lanzarote Guidebook, the free tourist guide to Lanzarote.

Lanzarote is the most easterly of the Canary Islands.  The seven specks of Spain which are located off the coast of Morocco in the Atlantic Ocean.  The archipelago has long had something of a reputation as a package tourist destination.  Not unjustifiably so –  as this is the second most visited region in Spain after Catalonia.

Yet the Canaries are not all birds of a feather.  As whilst the bigger islands such as Tenerife have long since been buried beneath a sea of hotels and apartment complexes little Lanzarote has managed to remain relatively unspoiled.

High rise buildings were banned during the 1970´s – along with advertising hoardings.  Whilst the three main tourist resorts of Playa Blanca, Puerto del Carmen and Costa Teguise are all well contained.  Leaving the bulk of the island much as nature intended.

This is just as well – as Lanzarote boasts some of the most surreal scenery in the world.  The island was rocked by a series of huge volcanic eruptions during the 1730´s and again in 1824.  Which remodelled the south of Lanzarote, wiping out villages, destroying farmland and carpeting hundreds of kilometres of land in lava.  Creating a twisted new terrain in its wake that is often likened to the surface of the moon – and which is now Lanzarote´s most popular tourist attraction.

Elsewhere on the island these arid, volcanic vistas give way to more verdant scenery.  Especially in the north of the island in and around the aptly named Valley of 1000 Palms.  Here locals used to follow a tradition of planting a Canarian palm tree for every new born child.  Creating a breathtaking sight reminiscent of an African oasis – as the crowns of countless giant palms sway gently in the breeze.

This concert hall is designed by Santiago Calatrava, which is known for such landmarks as the City of Arts (Valencia), the Montjuic Communications Tower (Barcelona) and BCE Place (Toronto). The auditorium is located on the waterfront in the port area of Santa Cruz, Tenerife and connects the city to the ocean, creates a significant urban landmark. The concert hall features the architect’s signature wing effect – a single wing that seems to enfold the building without covering it entirely. 

The complex contains of 6,741 m² auditorium and administrative building with a public plaza and parking below. The auditorium includes two concert venues. The main hall seats 1,800 with features a stage area 14 m deep and a proscenium 15 m high.  There is also a chamber music hall with seating for 400. The architect’ superb site: click here

Moraira is a small town located between Alicante and Valencia (Spain), in the beautiful area of Marina Alta. It enjoys a mild Mediterranean climate, with hot summers and mild winters, with over 300 days of sunshine each year. It was once a fishing village and has grown into a popular coastal holiday resort.

This resort has retained a lot of its original character and atmosphere. Thanks to its tourism, Moraira has known how to mix all the necessary and modern services into its typical fishing port ambience. The narrow streets are lined with shops, bars and restaurants there is plenty to choose from. The Friday market is held every week close to the beach and attracts many people. Clothing, shoes, leather goods, crafts and locally grown produce are on sale here.

There are two sandy both carry “blue flag” status and were in fact amongst the first to achieve this distinction of being the cleanest in Europe. Here you can have a great beach holiday. There are a huge range of watersports facilities including jet-skiing, diving, sailing and water skiing. You can choose other beaches part rock or a boulder beach which is ideal for snorkeling plus there are coves along the coast you may want to explore.

Menorca is the smallest sister island of Majorca. The island offers a beautifully hilly landscape and pine-fringed coast with more beaches than all the other Balearic Islands – combined with silver and golden sand to tiny calas. It is blissfully free of tourist development and was designated a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve in 1993. Photo by: Stu Worrall

Menorca is renowned for its stone megaliths, some 1,600 of them dotted all over the island, attesting to a prehistoric civilization dating from 2000 BC. From Monte Toro – the highest point at 355 m – there are panoramic views of rolling countryside increasingly wild and rugged to the north and carpeted with a patchwork of fields to the south. Photo by: let²

Mahon, the island’s capital on the east coast is a sleepy, elegant city of Georgian architecture built during a period of British colonial rule in the 18th century. It has one of the world’s largest natural harbours, cause of a centuries – long squabble between the English, French and Spanish, and is surrounded by astonishing scenery. But the architectural jewel is the island’s crown – the medieval Moorish town of Ciutadella, with its narrow maze of streets, old walls and beautiful Baroque 17th century places. Photo by: let²

When to go: May to early July and September to October if you want to avoid the worst of the holiday season yet still take advantages of the Mediterranean climate. Population: 88,434. How to get there: Boat from Palma, Majorca, Barcelona or Valencia; direc international flights to Mahon. Photo by: Stu Worrall

Photo by: let²