Georgie Darling – Holiday

11 Best Costa Del Sol Beaches

Georgie Darling — Tue, 14 May 2024 20:37:56 +0000

Costa del Sol translates to “sun coast” in English and that’s exactly what you can expect when you visit this sunshine-hued place. The Costa del Sol is a coastal region in the south of Spain, stretching from the Strait of Gibraltar to the province of Granada, with an endless array of gorgeous beaches to explore.

It’s one of the most popular tourist destinations in Europe, attracting millions of visitors every year, and plays host to a huge range of hotels and vacation rentals to suit all kinds of travelers. In total, the Costa del Sol has more than 150 km of coastline, with over 300 beaches to choose from. Some of those are designed for lazy tanning days while others are more suited to water sports and swimming.

Heading to the Costa del Sol and not sure which beaches to hit up first? Read on for all of the best beaches in the Costa del Sol!

11 Best Luxury Hotels in Istanbul, Turkey

Georgie Darling — Sun, 17 Dec 2023 14:00:49 +0000

I was intrigued by Istanbul when I learned that it’s the only city in the world that spans two continents, Europe and Asia, separated by the Bosphorus Strait. Ever since then, I’ve been captivated whenever I’ve returned, thanks to the city’s wealth of monuments, museums, mosques, churches, palaces, bazaars, and neighborhoods that reflect its diverse and colorful past. Istanbul is a city that everyone should visit at least once in their lives to soak up the Roman, Byzantine, and Ottoman cultures that run through the city to this day.

Not sure where to stay next time you check out Istanbul? We’ve rounded up all of the best luxury hotels here.

12 Best Luxury Hotels in Cartagena, Colombia

Georgie Darling — Mon, 13 Nov 2023 14:00:55 +0000

There were multiple points when I fell in love with Cartagena: while wandering through the vibrant and colorful streets of Getsemani, listening to a saxophonist while watching the sunset, and when exploring the colonial architecture of the Old Town. This must-see destination in South America offers the best of both worlds – the ocean on one side and bustling city life on the other. Luckily, there is also an endless array of incredible places to stay in Cartagena, and we’ve rounded up all of the best hotels in the city below!

12 Coolest Cave Hotels in Cappadocia, Turkey

Georgie Darling — Thu, 09 Nov 2023 14:00:00 +0000

I’ve visited Turkey plenty of times, but nowhere captured my attention quite like Cappadocia. This dreamy region, known for its distinctive rock formations (called fairy chimneys), has become a top spot for awe-inspiring hot air balloon rides and picturesque adventures. While you’re here, there’s nowhere better to stay than one of Cappadocia’s famous cave hotels. Cave hotels in Cappadocia are not just ordinary hotels but historical and cultural monuments that preserve the legacy of past civilizations. Many of these hotels have been restored and renovated with modern amenities, but they still retain their original charm and character. Not sure where to stay next time you’re here? Read on for all of the best cave hotels in Cappadocia!

12 Best Hotels in Mayfair, London

Georgie Darling — Tue, 07 Nov 2023 14:00:59 +0000

It doesn’t matter how many times I wander through Mayfair; it’ll always remain somewhere I find almost overwhelmingly impressive. Bordered by four famous streets – Park Lane, Oxford Street, Regent Street, and Piccadilly – Mayfair is one of London’s most prestigious neighborhoods and comes with the clientele to match. Here, you’re within easy distance of beautiful spots like Hyde Park or luxury shopping stores down Bond Street. You’ll also find a magical range of hotels in Mayfair – and we’ve rounded up the best ones below!

13 Best Hotels & Resorts in Canggu, Bali

Georgie Darling — Thu, 28 Sep 2023 13:00:33 +0000

Having lived in Canggu for upwards of three years, I’ve spent more time than your average tourist checking out the coolest hotels and resorts around here. Known for being Bali’s digital nomad hotspot, Canggu is a paradise for surfers, yogis, foodies, and remote workers, with something to please all kinds of energetic travelers. With a perfect balance of laid-back vibes, stunning scenery, and vibrant nightlife, Canggu gives you the opportunity to catch some waves, chill out in a cafe, or party till dawn (or all of the above) with plenty of incredible hotels to rest your head at the end of a busy day. Read on for all of the coolest hotels here!

13 Best Beaches in the United Kingdom

Georgie Darling — Thu, 21 Sep 2023 13:00:21 +0000

Having grown up in the United Kingdom, I’ve had my fair share of British seaside vacations over the years. And, while the United Kingdom may not be the first destination that comes to mind when you think of beach holidays, there are plenty of beautiful spots here from the north to the south and everywhere in between. From rugged cliffs and rocky coves to golden sands and turquoise waters, the United Kingdom has some of the most stunning beaches in Europe, no matter what your ideal trip to the seaside includes. Read on for all of the best beaches in the United Kingdom!

13 Best Hotels in Ubud, Bali

Georgie Darling — Wed, 30 Aug 2023 13:00:46 +0000

Ubud, with its rich culture, stunning nature, and spiritual vibe, will forever be one of my favorite places in Bali. It’s hard not to get swept up in the magic of this town as you’re exploring its dense jungles, verdant rice fields, and vine-covered walkways. As well as that breathtaking natural beauty, with cascading waterfalls in every direction, Ubud is also a top spot for art and culture, with a vibrant art market running every day and a number of museums and galleries dotted around to explore. Not sure where to stay next time you check out Ubud? We’ve rounded up all of the best hotels here!

Top 13 Luxury Hotels in Amsterdam

Georgie Darling — Fri, 25 Aug 2023 13:00:02 +0000

Amsterdam was the first city I visited that I decided I wanted to move to. Since then, I’ve been back close to 10 times, each time discovering something new about this incredible place. Amsterdam is a city of contrasts, where centuries-old architecture meets cutting-edge design, where traditional culture blends with modern innovation, and where history and art coexist with vibrant nightlife and entertainment. It’s also home to more than a handful of luxury hotels, ranging from stylish and modern boutique spots to historical palaces almost dripping with history. Not sure where to stay when you next head to Amsterdam? Read on for all of the best luxury hotels here!

16 Best Boutique Hotels in London

Georgie Darling — Mon, 21 Aug 2023 13:00:32 +0000

As a travel writer, I’ve made it my mission to check out as many of the world’s coolest hotels as possible. And being based in London, UK, means that’s pretty much a full-time job, with an endless number of new boutique hotels popping up in the capital city on an almost weekly basis.

London is a city of contrasts, where history and modernity coexist, where culture and creativity flourish, and where diversity and dynamism are celebrated. And that’s something that applies to its boutique hotels, too, with historical buildings filled with modern touches and cozy retreats, chic hideaways, quirky havens, and trendy hotspots just waiting to be admired.

Read on for all of the best boutique hotels in London!

Top 12 Family Hotels in London

Georgie Darling — Fri, 18 Aug 2023 13:15:52 +0000

Having grown up just outside of London, I’ve probably spent more time here with my family than anywhere else in the world. And, thanks to the never-ending flow of extended family who’ve come to visit the city, I’ve become pretty well-acquainted with many of London’s best family hotels, too. While the great public transport around the city and the never-ending flow of fun activities to do here means you can pretty much stay anywhere and have fun, London definitely has some top family hotels that deserve a little extra attention. Read on for all of the best places to stay next time you’re visiting with family!

13 Coolest Airbnbs in Brighton, England

Georgie Darling — Mon, 31 Jul 2023 13:15:01 +0000

Brighton might just be my favorite city in England. Living only an hour’s train ride away means I’ve spent a huge amount of time exploring the quirky independent shops of the Laines, sunbathing on the beach, playing the arcades on the pier, and checking out the ever-growing array of restaurants and bars dotted throughout the city. Whether you’re looking for a romantic escape, a family adventure, or a solo retreat, Brighton has something for everyone. Not sure where to stay next time you hit up Brighton? Read on for all of the coolest Airbnbs there!

13 Best Hotels in Seminyak, Bali

Georgie Darling — Tue, 25 Jul 2023 13:15:40 +0000

Having lived there for just over a year, I still maintain that Seminyak is Bali’s coolest neighborhood. Home to a great range of restaurants, rooftop bars, beachfront dining spots, and independent shops, a trip to Seminyak never disappoints. Its beaches are just as ideal for surfing as they are for swimming or simply admiring from the beach with a new book in hand. And the range of hotels in Seminyak is pretty spectacular, too!

Not sure where to stay next time you head to Seminyak? Read on for all of the best hotels to check out.

13 Best Beach Resorts in Portugal

Georgie Darling — Mon, 17 Jul 2023 13:15:15 +0000

Portugal has some of the most beautiful beaches in Europe, where you can walk for miles along the golden sand without ever feeling pressed for space. I’ve been lucky enough to spend plenty of time in this incredible country, checking out some of the sandy shores, rocky cliffs, calm waters, and surfing waves the coastline has to offer. You’ll find beaches to suit all kinds of holidaymakers in Portugal, from those who want to get up at the crack of dawn for a surf session as well as those who’d like nothing more than a day spent tanning on the sand. Not sure where to stay while exploring the country’s charming coastal towns? Read on for all of the best beach resorts in Portugal!

13 Best Spas in Bali

Georgie Darling — Thu, 22 Jun 2023 13:00:52 +0000

Bali doesn’t hold back when it comes to incredible spas, and I’d know – I’ve spent the last few years trying out as many as possible. The Island of the Gods is renowned for its impressive wellness culture, a place where massage is practically medicinal, and aromatic herbs and spices make up the ingredients list in all kinds of treatments. The beautiful backdrops of this island make Bali’s best spas even more of an experience, with views of rice fields, active volcanoes, black sand beaches, and rainforests from your massage bed. Heading to Bali and ready for a little R&R? Read on for all of the best spas in Bali!

12 Best Places to Scuba Dive in Bali

Georgie Darling — Wed, 21 Jun 2023 13:00:19 +0000

After learning to dive in Indonesia in early 2020, I made it my mission to explore as many of the archipelago’s best diving spots as possible. And fortunately, from my home in Bali, there are plenty nearby. Bali has some of the best scuba diving opportunities in the world, with dive sites to suit all levels and a huge range of marine life to match. Indonesia sits in the Coral Triangle, an area of the ocean that supports the greatest diversity of coral species in the world, which means a dive here is always exciting. From vibrant coral reefs to elusive mola mola, endless turtles, and schools of colorful fish, read on for all the best places to scuba dive in Bali.

12 Best Extended Stay Hotels in Austin, Texas

Georgie Darling — Mon, 12 Jun 2023 13:15:47 +0000

Heading to Austin, Texas for an extended period of time? You’re not the only one! The often-called “Live Music Capital of the World” has plenty more to explore than just its music scene, and it’s a popular city for extended visits, both of the working and playing variety.

From the large number of businesses and government offices around here to the University of Texas at Austin, there are plenty of extended-stay hotels to check into, ensuring you’re always within easy distance of your reason for visiting. Just make sure you save enough time to check out the sights of this incredible city before you wave goodbye!

12 Best Day Trips in Bali

Georgie Darling — Thu, 08 Jun 2023 13:15:06 +0000

I’ve been based in Bali, Indonesia, since 2019 and have spent that time exploring as much of the island as possible. Thanks to Bali’s relatively small size (the island is 153 km /95 miles wide and spans 112 km / 70 miles north to south), it’s easy to venture out just for the day without spending too long on the road. And, despite its small size, Bali has a huge range of sights to see, from majestic waterfalls, picturesque beaches, incredible architecture, and fancy hotels, among plenty more.

These day trips assume that you’re spending most of your time in the Badung regency (Canggu, Seminyak, Kuta, Uluwatu), which is where most tourists set up camp. With that in mind, read on for all of the best day trips in Bali!

13 Best Luxury Hotels in Bali

Georgie Darling — Mon, 05 Jun 2023 13:30:22 +0000

Contrary to what my family and friends back home think, not all of my time in Bali over the last three years has been spent in luxury hotels. But, as a travel writer with a taste for the good stuff in life (and a career that practically encourages new experiences), it seemed only right to check out some of Bali’s best luxury hotels during my time here. And what a lot of them there are: from the white sand beaches of Nusa Dua through to the surfing spots of Canggu and Seminyak and the dense jungles of Ubud, Bali really doesn’t hold back when it comes to luxury hotels. I’ve rounded up all of the best ones below!

11 Best Things to Do in Hollywood, Florida

Georgie Darling — Fri, 02 Jun 2023 13:15:58 +0000

You’ve seen the iconic beach, you’ve wandered down the broadwalk and you’ve heard all about its thriving arts and culture scene. If you hadn’t guessed, we’re talking about the one and only Hollywood, Florida. This vibrant and dynamic city is located in South Florida and boasts beautiful beaches, year-round sunshine, and plenty of things to do. A popular spot for those looking to relax, people watch, sightsee, play a round of golf, or pretty much anything else, Hollywood, Florida should be on every traveler’s list. Read on for all of the best things to do there!