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This trip was partially hosted by Visit Bath who did not review or approve this story.

Travel tip: A scenic train ride from London will take you directly into the heart of Bath in just over an hour. Book your train journey with GWR or GWR National Rail, £47.50+ one way. Pay attention to the duration of the trip, some trains are faster than others. 

What to see & Do in Bath, England

Take time wandering the streets 

Some time in 60 AD, the Romans found hot springs in this region, and so they stayed and built baths and a temple. Naturally, many different people and cultures resided in the region since, eventually turning the area into a popular spa destination during the Georgian era. The extensive development made during this period is definitive of what Bath looks like today. It is no surprise that quite a few scenes in Bridgerton were filmed in Bath. 

Bath is a very walkable city. With intertwining streets connected by passages, it is easy to get slightly lost, but within that diversion, you will more than likely discover something new to admire. Bath Guildhall Market is one of those connecting passages, packed with over twenty boutique shops and cafes. Make sure to take a stroll through Green Street where independent shops, grocers, and pubs are door to door, setting a vibrant neigbourhood vibe.

Walking from the train station, you will come across, and likely pass through, the infamous Pulteney Bridge. Built by Robert Adam in 1769, it is the only bridge in the world with shops on both sides, making it feel more like a regular city street than a transportation necessity. During the day, walk along the main road to take in the bridge in its full glory from a distance.

One of the most notable structures in the city is the Bath Abbey, or The Abbey Church of Saint Peter and Saint Paul. First built in the 7th century, the Abbey has been rebuilt in the 12th and 16th centuries. Both inside and out, this is a beautiful example of Anglo-Saxon architecture. The main hall is frequently open for live music performances, acoustics there are ideal for classical instruments. Bath Abbey’s Tower, 212 steps above ground, is where one goes for the best view of the city.

Bath Abbey | Map link
Admission:  £9.00 adult, £7.50 student, £5.00 child, infants are free.
Tower admission:  £18 adult, £15 student, £12.00 child.
Tower Tour tickets include a guided tour of the tower, access to the Abbey floor, and the Discovery Museum.

Take the longer walk to the Royal Crescent to witness this phenomenal circular architectural wonder. The structure is 500 feet long and contains 30 terraced houses, overlooking a pristine park. Built in 1767, The Royal Crescent is a UNESCO-recognised iconic structure. The uniformity of the building was enforced on its residents by the Bath City Council. Miss Wellesley-Colley famously defied the rules by painting her front door and windows primrose yellow and even had to defend her colour choice at a public inquiry. While you are there, stop by the No. 1 Royal Crescent Bath for a taste of local history and seasonal immersive exhibitions.

No. 1 Royal Crescent Bath | Map link
Admission:  £16 adult, £14.50 student and seniors, children under 18 are free. The ticket is good for multiple visits.

As an important heritage city, Bath hosts a lot of walking tours. Explore your options on TripAdvisor, GetYourGuide, or Expedia. Free tours are offered by the Mayor of Bath’s Honorary Guides. 

Bath Abbey interior. The image in the centre includes a special art piece set up for Remembrance Day. Images by Kateryna Topol.

Roman Baths & Baths to bathe in

Learn about the intricate history of the region at The Roman Baths as you wander through this ancient structure. Before the Romans, the springs were dedicate a goddess named Sulis, locally identified with Minerva. Many myths and legends are tied to these waters. The journey through the Baths is one way, leading you along the water pools and into the museum. The museum contains a beautiful collection of artefacts, some of which were thrown into the spring as offerings to Sulis.

One of the best preserved Roman Sites in the world, this historic centre is a treasure chest of ancient innovation. Designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1987, the Roman Baths still fill with over 1,170,000 litres of natural hot spring water daily.

Roman Baths | Map link
Admission: £23.50 adult, £22.50 student and senior, £16.50 child. Add £3 to each fare for weekend visits. Late evening openings will be back for the summer. Guided tours are available. 

Celebrating its 20th anniversary this year, Thermae Bath Spa is what makes Bath a wellness destination today. The four-story spa complex takes advantage of the mineral-rich waters just as the Romans did thousands of years ago. On the lower level is a large thermal pool, while higher up, guests will find steam rooms and other relaxation areas. The main attraction is, of course, the rooftop pool with a view of the Abbey. Thermae also has a cafe with a terrace, and the best spa package includes wine and charcuterie. 

Thermae Bath Spa | Map link 
Admission: Starts at £44 and has a 2-hour limit. Minimum age for the baths is 16.

Explore Bath’s museums & Galleries 

The majority of museums in Bath are quite small, you can check them off your list casually over the course of two days. Famous authors, like Jane Austin and Mary Shelley, have both lived in Bath, so naturally, there are museums dedicated to them. The Jane Austen Centre visit includes a small theatrical introduction and a self-guided tour. The Mary Shelley’s House of Frankenstein is located just next door and is a stark dark contrast to the romantic world of Austen. In the basement of this building, is a room that comes with a warning. An escape room experience, of course, is also available. 

The Jane Austen Centre | Map link 
Admission: £17 adult, £15.50 students and seniors, £9.50 child. 

Mary Shelley’s House of Frankenstein | Map link 
Admission: £16.75 adult, £14 students and seniors, £12.50 child.

Nearby, you will also find the Herschel Museum of Astronomy, Bath World Heritage Centre, Bath Royal Literary and Scientific Institution, Bath Medical Museum, and a few others. 

Make sure to make time for The Victoria Art Gallery, set at the top of the Pulteney Bridge. The gallery opened in 1900 to commemorate the Diamond Jubilee of Queen Victoria and houses over 1,500 objects and paintings from classical and modern British artists. The Bath Society of Artists’ 121st Open Exhibition is on till November 2026. The exhibition is an impressively large showcase of work from amateur and professional artists across the country. 

The Victoria Art Gallery | Map link
Admission: Parts of the art gallery are free.
Special exhibitions are £9 adult, £8.50 students and seniors, £4 child.

Breakfast at The Roseate Villa Bath. Images by Kateryna Topol.

Where to eat & Drink in Bath

If you find yourself in Bath in March, make sure to look at the Bath Restaurant Week. One of the main events this week is the Waiter’s Race at the Royal Crescent, a surely comedic annual celebration that many local businesses take part in. 

Restaurants, pubs & Cocktail bars

Michelin Guide recently named Bath one of the top 10 destinations in the world for food. Walking around the city, it is hard to miss the many restaurants, cafes, bakeries, and pubs. Michelin Guide includes restaurants across Somerset, from Bath to Bristol, but a few of these notable stops are here in the city. Olive Tree Restaurant holds a star, while Beckford Bottle Shop and The Chequers have a Bib Gourmand. Stars aside, Bath’s culinary range spans many cuisines, from tapas at Pintxo de Bath to Italian at Solina Pasta. And you can always find uniquely local seasonal dishes at Emberwood. New this year, Somerset-based pizza restaurant Pizzarova will open a restaurant in Bath.

Classic English pub fare can be found across the city. The Raven, for example, is a traditional English pub with a maze of rooms and corners serving hearty and delicious pies and stews served with seasonal vegetables and taro chips. Here you will also find a dress cask ale selection, great service and good vibes. The Old Green Tree and Bath Cider House are close local favourites.

In the city centre, you will also find The Dark Horse, a classic cocktail bar. Open late nightly, this is a great spot for expertly made craft cocktails served in a cosy, yet vibrant environment. The beverage team offers in-house creations and classics made with local spirits and ingredients sourced within 15 miles of the bar. Opium Bar, tucked away in the vaults below Grove Street, also came highly recommended. 

If you are limited on time, consider joining a guided food tour, like Local Pubs & Historic Sights, British Wine and Cheese, or one of the multiple tours offered by Savouring Bath. Add an extra day to your itinerary with a day trip to Wells for a Cheddar Cheese and Cheddar Gorge tour. 

Left: The Raven pub. Right: Cocktail and one of the seating areas at the Dark Horse cocktail bar. Images by Kateryna Topol.

Don’t skip the classic Afternoon Tea 

Afternoon tea while in Bath is a must. The most notable location for this classic afair is, of course, the Pump Room Restaurant, set near the Abbey in the Roman Baths building. The restaurant offers Morning Bakery and Brunch and Jane Austen Afternoon Tea. Reservations are strongly recommended for both. Hotels like The Roseate Villa Bath and The Royal Crescent also open their doors for the traditional feast, offering two to three-course meals and a glass of bubbly.

Events & Entertainment in Bath 

A wide range of festivals takes place in Bath throughout the year. Some of those include the Bath Literature Festival, Curious Minds, Queer Bath annual festival, Bath Comedy Festival, The Jane Austen Festival, Film Bath, and Bath Christmas Market.

Bath International Music Festival focuses on classical music across a series of five concerts, some held at Bath Abbey. Other local music festivals include Bath Bachfest in February and Bath Mozartfest in November. New this May is the Bath Festival Of Choirs, free to the public.  

Regular programming includes shows at The Theatre Royal Bath, with performances across all genres in a beautiful theatre setting. Fever, a global entertainment company, hosts live performances and the Candelight concert series at the Abbey.  

Where to stay in Bath, England

While larger hotels are often located outside of the city center The Roseate Villa Bath is a short walk across Pulteney Bridge. This beautiful boutique hotel, set in a historic building, can be a destination on its own. The outdoor terrace is great for relaxation, while the on-site restaurant serves delicious, filling breakfast, afternoon tea, and a wonderful nightly dinner.

For a taste of luxury, consider The Royal Crescent Hotel & Spa. Set behind the Roya Crescent half-moon building, this two-Michelin-Key hotel has a private garden and a full-service spa with a steam room, sauna, and hot tub. The on-premises restaurant has a garden terrace, casual bar, afternoon team room, and a beautiful dining room. 

Roseate Villa Bath
Rooms starting at £165 / $285 CAD for a classic double
Henrietta Rd, Bathwick, Bath BA2 6LX, United Kingdom
Book directly on roseatehotels.com to take advantage of special offers. Compare rate to: Expedia | Booking.com |TripAdvisor 

The Royal Crescent Hotel & Spa
Rooms starting at £408 / $760 CAD for a classic double
16 Royal Cres, Bath BA1 2LS, United Kingdom
Book directly on royalcrescent.co.uk or with your favourite booking site Expedia | Booking.com | TripAdvisor 

Roseate Villa Bath hotel. Images by Kateryna Topol.

Find more hotels in Bath, England 

The post A weekender’s guide to Bath, England appeared first on Paths to Travel.

Devour! A festival born from vision

In the early 2010s, iconic Nova Scotia chef Michael Howell and film industry veteran Lia Rinaldo, known for her leadership at the Atlantic Film Festival, shared a fundamental belief: food was more than just a matter of sustenance, and film was more than simple entertainment. With that, a seed was planted, and it was at this moment when Howell and Rinaldo embarked on a quest to create an experimental festival. 

The inaugural fest was small yet charming – indicative of Wolfville itself. But Howell and Rinaldo’s respected ranks in their respective arenas played a big role when it came to impact. Chef-led dinners, hands-on workshops, community gatherings, and culinary-inspired movie screenings injected immediate excitement, and word spread quickly about the festival’s authentic, wholesome flair. As time passed, many prolific names attended, including Sam Kass (former White House chef for the Obamas), and even Anthony Bourdain. 

2025 marked the 15^th anniversary of Devour! Guests come from far and wide not only to immerse themselves with feature films and flavours, but celebrate taste and storytelling in a community already known for its welcoming nature, and agricultural ethos. 

Images courtesy of Devour! Festival.

Why Wolfville & Devour! go hand-in-hand

Nova Scotia is already famous for its delicious experiences, including the Lobster Trail, Chowder Trail, Cheese Trail, and Good Cheer Trail. Beer and cider are big here, as is wine. The province’s viticultural roots date back to the early 17^th century, and today boasts varietals including Baco Noir and L’Acadie Blanc. Besides being home to the nearby Grand-Pre UNESCO World Heritage Site, Wolfville is considered to be the province’s agricultural heartland with everything from roadside farmer’s markets to coastal culinary experiences and wine tours – all featuring local flavours. 

When it comes to the big screen, Denton Hall on the Acadia University campus is home to galas and special events, while the Al Whittle Theatre, opened in 1911, is the hub for most of the 47 screenings that were shown in 2025. Its historic charm, and community initiatives to resurrect it complements the festival’s theme perfectly. Since reopening in 2004, it’s become Wolfville’s cultural hub and is very much woven into the heart of the town’s historic, and independent cinematic soul. Like Devour!, the theatre is a celebratory symbol of heritage, culture and place. 

Left: Image by Alison Slattery, courtesy of Tourisme Montréal. Right: Danny Smiles, Le Violon. Image courtesy of Devour! Festival.

Michelin-starred experiences

The 15^th edition of Devour! treated guests to both local culinary connoisseurs and Michelin-starred chefs from Montreal. Le Caveau restaurant played host to a curated three-course luncheon inspired by Bistro La Franquette’s Renee Deschene-O’Hagan and chef Elias Deligianis, while at Lightfoot Vineyards, acclaimed chefs Emma Cardarelli and Chris Pyne showcased seasonal, autumnal ingredients resulting in exquisite flavours. Workshops from Danny Smiles (Le Violon), Massimo Piedimonte (Cabaret l’Enfer), and sommelier Ryan Gray (Nora Gray, Elena, Gia Vin & Grill) were immersive, engaging, and informative. 

Chef Jean-Sebastien Giguere (La Cabane du Coureur) added a touch of home-grown sweetness to brunch thanks to his maple-infused delights. In the afternoon, Eastern Canada’s most talented chefs competed for most innovative poutine, while at the Wolfville Farmer’s Market, a lobster-themed ‘Fais-to-do’ blended street market energy with culinary celebration and communal dining fun. Every event, talk, and workshop reflected the festival’s aim of combining local flavours, tips and tricks, and storytelling with a personal touch.

Devour! global stature & Enduring legacy

What started in Wolfville has expanded globally. In 2019 alone, there were 19 satellite events, including throughout Canada, the USA, Germany, and Portugal. An increasingly popular spinoff takes place in the Bahamas. In February 2026, Green Turtle Cay will host the 6^th Annual Devour! The Beach, a tropical winter getaway that combines food and film with uniquely local experiences. No matter the location, each Devour! has one goal in mind: to celebrate the collective human experience, to go deeper with the aim of inspiring compassion with emotional, impactful storytelling through food and film. 

Devour! favourites

As a fan of food, film and the combination thereof, Devour! was divine! If the goal was to experience, savour and appreciate the finer, more detailed nuances of what it takes to create a masterpiece on a plate or on film, Devour! left me salivating and satiated. Sure, the dishes were delicious, the films moving, but I found myself impacted most when young directors excitedly shared spontaneous, unrehearsed exuberance about their latest film project, and when seasoned pros gathered young students together, and instructed them on how to best crack a lobster for diners unfamiliar with how to eat them (thank you). 

What struck the biggest chord was the 10^th annual Great Devour! Community Cajun Chicken Supper, supporting regional food banks in the Annapolis Valley.  “We’ll serve thousands of free meals to those who need it the most today,” chef Michael tells me. “It’s not only about inviting chefs and screening films, it’s about giving back to this community – healthy meals to food-insecure residents while promoting health and agriculture”. 

Author: Jim Bamboulis
@travelmammal

Jim Bamboulis is a content creator with 25 years of experience as a TV host and producer, Travel Journalist, and Podcaster. He has created travel and food videos for Lonely Planet and contributes to various international publications. Jim hosts the Fact Up Podcast, a travel show exploring destinations and local culture. He runs Mazee, a business offering Greek gift baskets and online cooking classes. A passionate traveller and outdoor enthusiast, Jim believes in balancing adventure with great food.

The post Inside Nova Scotia’s Devour! Food & Film Fest: Where taste meets story appeared first on Paths to Travel.

Interesting fact: The country is a monarchy and has been a grand duchy since 1815. Currently, the country is led by Henri, Grand Duke of Luxembourg. According to the Royal Central, “Luxembourg is the only Grand Duchy with the House of Nassau reigning since 1890”.

Luxembourg City, despite its naturally small size, is a showcase of the vast history and influences of the neighbouring countries. It is a multicultural city filled with UNESCO World Heritage monuments, museums, and beautiful neighbourhoods that often feel like their own cities. There is also a wealth of cultural activities to explore.

This article might contain affiliate links. Read the disclaimer about affiliate links & PR gifting here. 
All images by Kateryna Topol.

Local basics

Currency: Euro

Language: As a country landlocked by France, Germany, and Belgium, Luxembourg is a place of many languages. Luxembourgish, French, and German are official languages, but many people, at least in the city, also speak English. 

When to visit: July and August are the warmest months and therefore the highest tourist peak season. I visited in October and aside from the rain, the weather was quite lovely. Turning leaves creates a poetic fall atmosphere.

Public transit: Luxembourg public transit is free across the country and has been so since 2020. There are buses and streetcars moving around the city, including a line which loops through the shopping village (Ville Haute). Find maps and connections on Mobiliteit.lu app or on the transit website. Most stops also have extensive system maps.

Sightseeing tip: Some of the attractions are free to enter on certain days. Quite a few are included in the LuxembourgPass; check your wishlist against the pass inclusions. Pass fees start at €21 per person for one-day access and go up to €66 for 3-5 people for three-day access.

Adolphe Bridge exterior on the left, exterior on the right.

Luxembourg’s walking paths

The city can be easily explored on foot with casual coffee and snack stops sprinkled between sightseeing and entertainment. Twenty Tour company offer free guided walking tours, but if you choose to go on a self-guided walking tour, a great place to start is on Boulevard Royal at the foot of Adolphe Bridge. The bridge is a double-decked arch bridge that serves as a one-way route for road traffic across the Pétrusse. The view from the bridge is quite wonderful, and if you take the underpassageway, the scenery will be framed by brick arches.

Take a stroll through Place Guillaume II, a town square in the heart of the Ville Haute quarter. In the winter, the square houses one of the city’s Christmas Markets. If timing works out, pop into Notre-Dame de Luxembourg, to take in the tall arched roof and stained glass windows.

Most walking paths will also lead you to the Gëlle Fra memorial and Place de la Constitution, or as the locals call her, The Golden Lady. The monument is set in memory of those who perished in WWI. The square sits on the edge of a wall, looking over Parcs de la Pétrusse, travelling theme parks, farmers’ markets, and the annual Christmas market set up here, at the Golden Lady’s feet. 

Galeries Lafayette is a shopping centre, but at the top of the shopping centre is a spacious outdoor terrace with a restaurant and a sprawling view of the city. Last summer, the terrace cafe was set up by Veuve Clicquot, yellow umbrellas reflecting the sun. 

Gëlle Fra memorial and Place de la Constitution.

Above: The Grund neigbourhood during the day. Below: Grund city gate and the neigbourhood at sunset.

Experience the remnants of the old city

A visit to the Grund quarter is a must, this part of the city is set below the Downtown. The Grund is a UNESCO cultural and architectural heritage site and home to many locals. Here you will find restaurants, pubs, museums, and outdoor art galleries. Partially surrounded by the old city walls, the Grund feels like a charming historic village with pastel-coloured homes with charcoal roofs curving along the Alzette River. The easiest way to access the Grund is by using the elevator near Cité Judiciaire. The observation deck near the elevator offers a picturesque view of the Grund. From here, you can walk along the wall to the other side of the city, looking down at the Grund. 

While here, you can visit the Neimënster Abbey, which now operates as a cultural and conference centre. Various events take place in the Pais (square) of the abbey throughout the year, and sometimes the entire square can be a temporary art installation. 

Casemates du Bock will take you into the rock tunnels surrounding the Grund, one of the most important historical points in Luxembourg. This is a subterranean defence system made up of many kilometres of tunnels, which you can walk through on your own, stopping to look out through the windows onto the city. 

Casemates du Bock
10 Montee de Clausen, 1343 Grund, Luxembourg | Map link
Admission: €10 adults, €18 for a guided tour

In the Grund, you will also find the National Museum of Natural History (MNHNL), which, as the name suggests, contains a collection of special exhibits focused on nature and science. The collections include botanical, mineralogy, meteorites and tektites, palaeontology, and many more. 

National Museum of Natural History
25 Rue Münster, 2160 Grund Luxembourg | Map link
Admission: €7 adults, free on Tuesday evenings after 5:30 PM

Galleries, museums & Monuments

National Art & History Museum (MNHA, or Nationalmusée um Fëschmaart) is the city’s art and history museum with a large archaeological collection. What looks like a white cube from the outside is combined with an older structure, which houses older art and artefacts. The building is set in the heart of the UNESCO-listed Old Town, so you will likely walk by it more than once. 

Nationalmusée um Fëschmaart
Marché-aux-Poissons, 2345, Luxembourg | Map link
Admission: Free entry for permanent collection, temporary exhibitions €7 adults, free after 5 PM on Thursdays. Closed on Mondays. 

National Art & History Museum, Luxembourg City.

Left: National Art & History Museum. Right: Grand Ducal Palace.

Nearby, you will undoubtedly see the Grand Ducal Palace, which serves as the residence and official workplace of the Grand Duke. Guided tours are offered in the summer months. 

Luxembourg City History Museum (or Lëtzebuerg City Museum) is a fun and interactive way to learn about the city’s history. The permanent exhibit, The Luxembourg Story, is quite fascinating, looking back at the history from the 10th century to today. Temporary exhibitions range from historic to cultural, looking at topics beyond Luxembourg City. The museum also offers a mix of workshops, if you’d like to get creative on your trip. The museum is larger than it seems and can easily take up multiple hours. Don’t miss the outdoor terrace for the view. 

Lëtzebuerg City Museum
14 Rue du St Esprit, 1475 Ville-Haute | Map link
Admission: €5 adults, free on Thursdays after 6 PM

Above left: Luxembourg City History Museum seen from the Grun, right is the view from the museum terrace. Below: images from inside the museum.

Art lovers will also enjoy a visit to Villa Vauban, home to a collection of European art pieces from the 17th to 19th century and Luxembourgish art from the 20th century to today. The building is surrounded by the Municipal Park of Luxembourg, which occasionally has interesting pop-ups with live music and a temporary bar.

Villa Vauban
18 Av. Emile Reuter, 2420 Ville-Haute Luxembourg | Map link
Admission: €5 adults, free on Fridays after 6 PM

Mudam Luxembourg Museum is a new structure within an old structure, or rather, surrounded by the remains of it. It is a great, medium-sized museum that features a range of touring contemporary exhibitions and a permanent collection. The building itself is quite beautiful, with geometric shapes making it look like a crystal from certain angles. 

Photo tip: On the way to the Mudam, you will also pass Philharmonie Luxembourg with the large Luxembourg sign.

Mudam Museum of Modern Art
3 Park Drai Eechelen, 1499 Clausen, Luxembourg | Map link
Admission: €10 adults, free Wednesdays after 6 PM

Mudam Museum of Modern Art.

Municipal Park of Luxembourg, summer pop-up bar and play areas.

Bonus stop off-the-beaten-path: Coque Sports Center (D’Coque). This spaceship-looking structure is the national sports and cultural centre. The centre houses various fitness facilities and a (nude) spa; day passes are available for visitors. The building is surrounded by a lovely park, playground, and a maze garden.

Coque Sports Center
2 Rue Léon Hengen, 1745 Kirchberg | Map link

Entertinament & nightlife 

As with any major city, something is happening in Luxembourg throughout the year. The VisitLuxembourg app is a great way to learn about daily happenings, from large events to small comedy pop-ups.

Weekdays across the city can be a little quiet. But on the weekends, the city centre is overcome with life, with people mingling across bars and restaurants, often spilling out on the streets in every weather. In the winter, multiple Christmas Markets are set up in the city, and you can visit more than one per day. Each market has a selection of prepared food and beverage vendors and speciality shops. With music playing, these markets become makeshift bars for people looking to escape their regular social spots.

Tip: Most bars will take a deposit on a mug, which you can reuse throughout the market and return for change when you are done.

Munchies Burger Luxembourg.

Locally created pastry, Pâté de Riesling at Pâtisserie Hoffmann.

Where to eat & Drink in Luxembourg

A fun way to get a taste of any new city is with a walking Food Tour, and Luxembourg has one, operated by a local company, Sightseeing.Lu. On this food tour, you will learn about local specialities and visit some of the oldest restaurants.

Plenty of restaurants are scattered throughout Luxembourg City, some casual, some elevated, and many family-owned. 

Rôtisserie Ardennaise, for example, offers fine dining French cuisine while Max + Moritz across the street serve delicious shareable small plates. Brasserie Restaurant L’Hêtre Beim Musée, is a great spot for an elevated meal with wine service. Nearby is Bar Lady Jane, a speakeasy-style cocktail bar on the upper floor (password can be found on their Facebook page). 

If you are looking for cocktails, look at The 18th Bar at Hotel Place d’Armes and Paname, whose bartender, François Bachmann, recently competed in the Diageo Global World Class Finals. Head to The Spirit, Kaale Kaffi, BARBAR or the Tube for a more casual vibe. 

For casual meals and snacks, visit Pâtisserie Hoffmann or Kaempff-Kohler for pastries and traditional Luxembourgish snacks, Munchies Burger for a juice burger, Nnert de Steiler for traditional hearty meals, or Restaurant Himalaya for hearty Indian food. 

Boutique Léa Linster Delicatessen specialises in freshly-baked madelines, served with local Crémant or coffee, is an absolute must for a sweet treat. The cafe is located steps away from the Grand Ducal Palace.

Day trips

Luxembourg is a small country and within 30 minutes or under, you can get to a wide variety of activities, from visiting castles to the wine routes along the Moselle River and multi-day hiking trails. Half an hour out of the city, for example, you will find Haff Réimech and Biodiversum nature reserve. A cluster of ponds and lakes connected with mixed paths and fields form a protected wildlife heaven. The main structure is quite futuristic-looking, simultaneously blending in with the environment through materials and standing out due to its stark, dark shape. 

Visitors can learn about local wildlife and sustainability in the centre, hike or bike across the biosphere (easy paths) or take a moment bird watching from a designated cabin above one of the small lakes. 

Haff Réimech and Biodiversum
5 Breicherwee, 5441 Rëmerschen Schengen, Luxembourg | Map link 

Réimech and Biodiversum nature reserve.

More day trip ideas from Luxembourg City

The views & flavours of the Luxembourg wine country

In pictures: A quick walk through the Mullerthal Trail, Luxembourg

Go back in time touring Luxembourg’s castles & medieval villages

Find a hotel in Luxembourg

The post Double-take on the small but mighty Luxembourg appeared first on Paths to Travel.

This Italy travel itinerary took us about two weeks, you can do it a bit faster (though not recommended), or stretch it out with more day trips and relaxing days at the beach.  Alternatively, if you are only visiting one of these destinations (Tuscany, Puglia, Naples, Amalfi), skip ahead to that guide using the table of contents.

This article might contain affiliate links. Read the disclaimer about affiliate links & PR gifting here. 

Stop One: Tuscany

Florence is the closest international airport for Tuscany. Here you can pick up the car and begin your journey to the Italian wine country. The drive from the airport to our chosen hotel is about an hour. Alternatively you can lend in Pisa which will make this drive about two hours. In this case, if you start to feel peckish, Restorante Il Convio in San Miniato is a good stop (Google, Instagram). Have your first spritz, order a coccoli starter (bite-sized fried dough balls with accoutrements), and one of their signature house-made pastas to enjoy in a serine garden environment. 

Tuscany will be the only stop where we rent a car or fly. Once we leave Tuscany we will move across the country by trains and ferries.

Simple planning tip: Add places you’d like to visit on the map and break up the days based on the regional clusters created on that map. For example, a few of the wineries on this list are near Siena so the day would be Siena plus those wineries.

Above: Restorante Il Convio in San Miniato

Where to stay in Tuscany

We had a vision of a remote historic stay which led us to Relais La Costa. This is a small boutique hotel recently renovated to preserve all of its historic elements. The rooms are spread out across multiple floors each with their own door and access to a shared or private terrace. We had a slow daily breakfast in the garden (included) while planning the day ahead. The hotel offers dinner service as well which you need to prebook because each meal is quite unique. It is worth noting that a few of the ingredients are grown here on the property. There is also a rooftop-style pool and a spa where guests can get a mix of services including manicures and pedicures. 

The location of this stay was very strategic: to be close to other towns without having to drive for over an hour in each direction. 

Book directly on relaislacosta.it or your favourite booking site: booking.com | Expedia | TripAdvisor | Hotels

Quick Tip: Stay connected with an eSIM like AirAlo: $24 USD for 10GB, 30 days (more on that here).

Below: Relais La Costa Hotel building, chef’s garden, and inclusive breakfast.

Above and below: San Giorgio a Lapi winery, Siena, Italy.

Wineries to visit in Tuscany

San Giorgio a Lapi was perhaps my favourite stop in this region (Website, Google, Instagram). This family-owned production is known for its wonderful wines and olive oil, all of which are grown around the tasting room. The wine flight comes with a small snack, a delicious baguette bite with olive oil. Their pink Sangiovese is a chef’s kiss. Next is Loacker Wines, which has a breathtaking Corte Pavone Winery estate elevated above the region offering a wonderful view of Tuscany (Website, Google, Instagram). 

Arrigoni Pietraserena winery has a scenic terrace and does frequent tours which you might even be able to book the same day (Website, Google, Instagram). The tour includes a walk through the winemaking facilities, the vineyard, and a guided tasting. In your free time, you can walk around the property where horses and a lama live. Cantinale’s Castello di Monteriggioni Farm Restaurant is located in Monteriggioni fairly close to the hotel so that stop can be made at any time (Website, Google, Instagram). 

Above and below: Corte Pavone Winery estate. The standard tasting doesn’t come with snacks but the wines by the glass does.

Above and below: Arrigoni Pietraserena winery.

Below: Cantinale’s Castello di Monteriggioni Farm Restaurant.

If time permits before your departure flight visit the Ruffino 1877 Estate just outside of Florence (Website, Google, Instagram). This property is immense: there are two restaurants, a garden terrace (where the tastings take place), on-site lodging, and even a garden maze. If you choose to stay in Casa Ruffino the daily journey into the wine country will be longer. 

Wine tastings in the region start at €30+ or €5 by the glass; tour and tasting €40+ and from there you can elevate these experiences with meals, picnics, and rare wines.

Ruffino 1877 Estate, Florence, below is the garden terrace where the tastings take place in the summer.

Towns to visit in Tuscany

San Gimignano: A gorgeous Italian hill town with many shops, historic monuments, and medieval architecture. In the heart of it is a square plaza, Piazza della Cisterna, where everyone gathers and enjoys their ice cream. Go on a little walking tour, pop into a few shops, and enjoy the elevated views. The historic center of San Gimignano is a recognized UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Below: Siena at night, we got there fairly late and I took very few photos.

Siena: One of the largest cities in Italy and the heart of Tuscany this town is a popular stop and for many reasons. Siena also has a UNESCO-listed historic center, Piazza del Campo. Il Campo is a one-of-a-kind structure angled towards the center facilitating great views for all in attendance for various public performances. Even today all public and civic holidays are celebrated in the piazza. 

Quick note: The parking in Siena can be tricky and is illegal in most places unless you are a local. Find more about parking in Siena on discovertuscany.com.

Montalcino: another hilltop medieval town, some would say a village, with a vibrant community spread across its many restaurants and patios. Montalcino region is well known for its production of Brunello so you will see plenty of wine shops and tasting rooms. Architecturally speaking this town is perhaps best known for its clock tower at the top of Palazzo dei Priori. A must-stop in Montalcino is Il Gallo Stuzzicheria for its warm toast sandwiches and local wine (Google Map, TripAdvsior)

Don’t feel like driving? Here are a few tour options

• Book a private wine tour from wherever you are staying through local guides: tuscanwinetastingtours.com, scenicwinetoursintuscany.com, or tuscandrivers.com/wine-tours. There are others as well but these promise private custom itineraries. 
• From Siena: Chianti and Castles Tour with Wine Tastings 
• From Siena: Brunello di Montalcino Guided Wine Tour w/ Lunch 
• Siena: Tuk Tuk Tour with Wine Tasting 

Above: Il Gallo Stuzzicheria cafe and one of their warm sandwiches.
Below: Some views of Montalcino and the infamous tower clock.

Transit day: Tuscany to Puglia

Our next stop is Puglia and while there are trains that go there they take 8+ hours, at least one change, and can involve a bus. So to save time we opt for a short flight. Florence to Bari journey by air takes about 1 hour and 15 minutes non-stop with Ryanair.

From Bari to Monopoli there are a few travel options. There is a +/- 30-minute train however, you will need to travel to that train from the airport by bus which will increase the time to over an hour and a half. It’s also worth mentioning that this specific train line does not go all night so depending on when your flight lands you might miss the last train. This was the case for us so we pre-booked a transfer securely on the airport’s website (~€128 for 2 passages and 2 bags). Monopoli Historic Center is car-free so you will be dropped off at the border and will need to travel on foot. The town is quite small though, so don’t panic

Stop Two: Monopoli

Welcome to Monopoli, Metropolitan City of Bari located on the Adriatic Sea. This charming white town has a vibrant culture, beautiful architecture, a great culinary scene, and a generally relaxed atmosphere. Monopoly, Italy, is absolutely worth visiting and if you are anything like me you just might fall a little bit in love with it. Puglia itself is quite large but Monopoli is a good base for Puglia, especially if you are planning to visit Alberobello, The Home Of Trulli.

Where to stay in Monopoli, Italy

The town is small and there aren’t many hotels but there are a few nice AirBNBs and we chose Pusa Mare Suite. This rental is located on the second floor (no lift) and has a unique one-bedroom design. There is also a fully private terrace one floor up with two sunbeds, a dining table, and a jacuzzi. We absolutely loved having slow mornings and aperitivo hour on this roof. 

Alternatively here are a few hotels and suites:

• Palazzo Indelli hotel in the city center, breakfast included 
• Suite1212 Pirrelli townhouse rental in the city center, with a rooftop terrace 
• Al Console Luxury Suite in the city center, with a pool, hot tub, and included breakfast

What to do in Monopoli

Slowly stroll the city streets bopping into its many shops and historic buildings. Take a walk along the town walls where the rugged sea waves occasionally splash over leaving behind speckles of white sand. Sit back and enjoy the early morning fisherman activities or take a walk down to the rocky beach and join the locals in the sun. 

There are quite a few festivals in Monopoli one of which is PhEST, a major art and photography festival that takes over the city at the end of August. In June the city hosts a literature festival called Prospero Fest and Ritratti music festival is on from mid-July to early August. See the complete events list on monopolitourism.com. 

A few organized tours and excursions:

• 2.5-hour Guided Boat Tour to Polignano a Mare Caves
• Walking Street Food Tour
• Snorkeling Tour in Cala Incina or Porto Alga
• Tour of the beaches of Monopoli and Polignano a Mare 
• Discover Scuba Diving in the Apulian Riviera

Palazzo Indelli hotel is seen in the background in the image on the right.

Where to eat in Monopoli

Monopoli is where you come for the wine and the seafood. Baldovino Wine Bar seems to be a local favourite (Google, Instagram). Here in a casual atmosphere, you will enjoy fresh, uniquely prepared local dishes paired with delicious natural wines. There are very few tables but the sitting area, in true European nature, is extended to the nearby building steps. For the sea view head to Portavecchia Terrazza  (Google, Instagram) while a more mixology-forward menu can be found at Alchemy Bar and Things (Google, Instagram). For an elevated dinner, there is Condominio 60 (Website, Google, Instagram) and Room 21 (Website, Google, Instagram).

Generally speaking, you will see menu fun terraces, appetizing menus, and casual bodegas with tables out front. Most of these vendors will at minimum offer you a good glass of wine and a cold beer. So take a seat and enjoy the people-watching, there is always music to make the experience more fun.

Above: Portavecchia Terrazza, Monopoli

Day trip to Alberobello, The Home Of Trulli

Puglia is known for its cheese but over the last few years, its most popular images are from Alberobello, The Home Of Trulli.

How to get to Alberobello from Monopoli:

There is a bus that goes from Monopoli to Alberobello, the stop is called Monopoli Station and is located on the outskirts of the city (walkable). This journey will take about an hour and cost ~€2/person each way. The bus tickets must be purchased ahead of time for a specific time (at least 5min before departure). To purchase the tickets, head to trenitalia.com and choose “regional” from the dropdown menu. The bus stop is a short walk from the center and isn’t actually a station but just a street stop, unless it moved, which is entirely possible. According to the TrenItalia website, it is also possible to purchase a ticket using the “Trenitalia app, by contacting the call centre: +39.06.5210550 (premium-rate number), at the ticket offices in the station, from the Self-service machines and affiliated travel agencies”. You can also take a taxi (hard to find, $$) or book a transfer vehicle ($$-$$$ in season), there is an updated list of both on TripAdvisor here.

When in Alberobello…

Once in town, take slow, leisurely strolls up and down the city streets, visit the small vendor shops, and get the ultimate panoramic view from the elevated balcony up a few steps from the main street. If you are looking for a more informative experience, join the Alberobello: 2-Hour Guided Trulli Tour, this tour is approved by the local tourism board.

There are naturally quite a few restaurants and bars in the village but I was looking for a wine bar with a local cheese selection. The two best spots to satisfy that craving are Trulli e Puglia Wine Bar and Vino & Amore which is where we had lunch. Vino & Amore (Instagram) is a lovely family-run lunch spot with an impressive selection of local wines and all kinds of homemade deliciousness (they don’t do takeout). What was meant to be a quick pit stop turned into a fun lunch and a hang-out with the kind people who work there.

Above: A few photos from Alberobello, The Home of the Trulli, Puglia
Below: Images from Vino & Amore, Alberobello, Puglia

Given the distance from Monopoli, we combined this journey with a wine-tasting experience below. There was no bus available to get to the winery so the folks at Vino & Amore recommended a driver who then ended up taking us back to Monopoli after.

Alberobello transfers: togotopuglia.it, you can call or use WhatsApp to schedule as well: 377-341-6385

Sunset wine-tasting experience trip

The vision was rural Puglia, a harvest table, and endless rows of vines. This vision came to fruition with Puglia del Trulli, a small family owner winery that up until this current generation of children (2 sons) only produced wine and olive oil for themselves (Website, Instagram). The family offers a few different experiences from cooking lessons to dinners and tastings in the vineyard. You can also stay here in a Trulli overnight, there are three available for flexible booking.

At the wine tasting, a small group of us strolled the vineyard, tasted the grapes, and learned about regional varietals before sitting down for a communal tasting with snack pairings. Book directly on pugliadeitrulli.com/en/experiences, transfer can be arranged with them if desired. 

*** Find a set of postcards from Italy, Amalfi Beach, and Atrani Artchitecture prints in my Gift Shop.

Transit day: Monopoli to Naples

This journey is about 5 hours and will have up to two transfers: Bari Central (regional) and then likely Caserta, though there are other routes this one is the fastest option to Naples Centrale. The longer trains include snack boxes with water and most changes were on the same platform but do pay attention.  Book with RailErope or trenitalia.com which, in full transparency, I found extremely frustrating to use. 

The safest transfer option from the train station to the hotel is one booked with the hotel. The hotel will make sure the rate is fair and the driver won’t take you on a ride around town.

Stop Three: Naples

Naples is the third largest city in Italy. It is a large urban center with a unique culture, architecture, and history. The city is a bit messy, raw in its appearance but vibrant, exciting, and beautiful at the same time. It is a safe city to travel to but you should pay attention to your surroundings and belonging here just as much as anywhere else. Napoli, as the locals call it, will take you on adventures, feed you great food, and show you art and literature beyond what you could’ve imagined.

Where to stay in Naples, Italy

Stay in the historic heart of Naples at the Rinuccini Relais Hotel, I wrote a separate piece on that, please see that article here. This property is directly in the center with spectacular views and multiple added safety measures for that piece of mind.

What to do in Naples  

Food is a huge part of Italian culture, especially here in Naples so head out on a walking food tour. My choice is Secret Food Tours, ever since I did their tour in Paris, they have been my go-to. This walking tour will begin near the hotel, take you through the main streets, and between the bites speak about the historic development of this great city in an informative and often entertaining manner. Your guide will communicate using WhatsApp.

Explore on foot on your own. Visit the breathtaking Duomo di Napoli (Naples Cathedral) and the city’s many other churches like The Sansevero Chapel and San Domenico Maggiore. Dedicate at least an hour to Complesso Monumentale di Santa Chiara, a stunningly ornate and colourful majolica-tiled museum. Learn about the city’s history through its medieval fortress Castel Nuovo or head further out to the Catacombs of San Gennaro and Certosa e Museo di San Martino monastery. 

If you have enough time for day tours Naples is 30 minutes away from Pompeii and close to a famous diving center, Centro Sub Campi Flegrei Srl. The diving center offers a range of certifications and recreational courses and is located on a private beach on the shore of the Underwater Archaeology Park of Baia. Yet another unique experience.

A few other tours to consider: 

• Pompeii Ruins & Mount Vesuvius Day Tour
• Wine Tasting Tour on Vesuvius Slopes with Lunch
• Neapolitan Pizza Making Class 
• Pasta-making class in a private garden

Above and below: Complesso Monumentale di Santa Chiara

Where to eat & drink in Naples

Naples is the birthplace of the infamous Neapolitan Pizza and the people who have made it the longest are Di Matteo (Website, Google, Instagram), the food tour will stop here. Located on one of the busiest city streets surrounded by many other food vendors Di Matteo is not just a street window, there is an entire restaurant on the higher floor with a nice city view. This Neapolitan pizza is traditionally made with mouthwatering local tomatoes and soft salty cheese. 

While in Naples, get a giant pizza pocket at Caffè del Professore (Google). And when I say giant I’m not exaggerating, this is not a small snack. Down the street is a great seafood spot, Ristopescheria la Tana Della Sirena (Google), order one of their fried seafood dishes like sardines, cod, or calamari to enjoy on the side terrace or take away. 

Back in the plaza near the hotel is a great traditional Neapolitan spot called Ristorante 53 (Google). The kitchen team at his restaurant are members of the Slow Food Network working with small, quality producers. Tandem Via Paladino has a similar menu and casual atmosphere (Google). For more wine bar feels check out Vineria Bandita (Google, Instagram) and JUS (Google, Instagram). On the beverages side, Naples is home to L’Antiquario, one of the World’s 50 Best Bars (Website, Google, Instagram). Reservations are required, the drinks are expertly mixed, and a small food menu is available. Archivio Storico also comes with high promises and looks like a cool experience (Google, Instagram). 

Transit day: Naples to Amalfi

For this last leg of the journey take a taxi to the ferry terminal and enjoy a scenic ferry ride to Amalfi. This ride is about 2 hours long and costs roughly $55/per person, book on directferries.com. You will need to arrive at least 30 minutes early for check-in. This terminal gets very busy and crowded so make sure you have time for emergencies or to accommodate for various potential confusions. If you are staying in Amalfi, most hotels are pretty high up, you can hire a porter to drag your luggage up the hill. If you are staying in Atrani or along the coast, it’s a nice and scenic walk but will not be fun with bags, get a taxi. 

Stop Four: Amalfi & Atrani

The town of Amalfi is the port for the Amalfi coast. It’s a fairly small town with lots of shops, lemon gelaterias, and other souvenir vendors. Atrani is a small city commune nearby and is quite a bit less touristy. The two are connected by a coastal road which makes for a lovely walk along the shore and through the interior passages. There is an elevator that will take you to the scenic lookout in Amalfi and then you can walk down through the residential neighbourhood, a cluster of tightly woven white houses nested up the hill. 

Where to stay in Amalfi, Italy

Hotel Luna Convento is where I would like to stay for my next visit. This hotel has a private pool and access to the water as well as a beautiful scenic restaurant. La Scogliera is a bit further up closer to Atrani. This hotel has colourful rooms, scenic windows, a pool, and a restaurant with quick access to Citara Beach. For a more luxurious experience have a look at the beautiful Santa Caterina Hotel with direct access to Amalfi Beach and Anantara Convento di Amalfi Grand Hotel where some suites have private pools.

Personal note: We stayed at the Amalfi Resort which I strongly recommend against – one of those situations where it looks much better online than in person and then some. While the rooms are nice the rest of the property could use an update, the stay came with extra fees, and the only nice team member was the sweet lady serving breakfast.

Above: Collegiate Santa Maria Maddalena, Amalfi, interior and gardens, and the cathedral on the right.
Below: A few shots from Atrani including Restorante Savo on the right.

Below: Views from the observation platform.

What to do in Amalfi & Atrani

One of the main attractions in Amalfi are Chiostro del Paradiso, a Moorish-style cloister and garden (Google), and the Amalfi Cathedral (Google), both are absolutely stunning examples of Italian architecture. Note, you will need to cover your bare shoulders at the cathedral and if you don’t have something to do so they’ll give you a paper shawl.

Atrani, located just 15 minutes away walking, also has a lot of colourful historic architecture, like Collegiate Santa Maria Maddalena and the pink castle-like building near it. From the seaside, you will enter into the small public square called Piazza Umberto where you will also find the public bathroom for the nearby beach. Atrani Beach is sandy and has a beach bar, changing room amenities, and sunbeds for rent. The beach stretches all the way back to the Amalfi port broken up into different beach club businesses. Beaches in Amalfi get a bit more rocky but are still nice and all have the same amenities. All the beach images are below.

Accessing the Amalfi scenic lift/elevator

To get to the scenic lift can be tricky. First, you need to enter a parking lot and pay a small fee, here is a Google map pin from which you will see the said parking lot. The walk from the viewing platform to Atrani is really nice, but be mindful of the fact that people live there and refrain from entering their yards. 

The many regional festivals

Quite a few different festivals occur here during the warm summer season. Rome Chamber Music Festival takes place in June, in August there is Atrani’s Festa del Pesce Azzurro music and culinary festival, and in September there is a theatre festival called Teatro Regio Parma. Last year on September 9th we stumbled into a very local event based on a mythological story about water and fire, folks from across the region were out on the beach after dark celebrating, it was wonderful.

Above: Scene from a local Atrani festival. Below: Atrani as seen from the interior passages.

A few tours for consideration:

• Amalfi Organic Lemon Tour & Tasting: Private or Group Tour
• Amalfi Coast: Boat and Snorkeling Tour with a Captain
• Amalfi Coast Sunset Small-Group Boat Tour
• Capri Island Boat Tour with Snorkeling & Drinks

Lost Between Oceans also has a nice guide to off-season experiences in Amalfi.

Where to eat in Amalfi

So fun fact, the latest Equalizer was filmed in Atrani and the cafe where he spends time is Ristorante Savò Quality Food (Website, Google). Their menu is simple yet delicious. Get the pasta, get the seafood, leave room for a lemon dessert; make a reservation on WhatsApp. Back in Amalfi, there is the beachside Marina Grande (listed in the Michelin Guide) with a dining room overlooking the sea (Website, Google, Instagram). Have a glass of sparkling wine and one of the local signature dishes garlic, lemon, and clam pasta. Pizzeria Donna Stella is another well-known casual spot up a few stairs located inside an enclosed lemon garden (Google, Instagram).

Amalfi Coast is famous for its lemon desserts, both cold, like gelato, and the infamous baked Lemon Delight. Pasticceria Savoia is located in the Amalfi public square, has coffee and wine, and is a great spot for people-watching (Website, Google, Instagram).

***

At this point, our journey through Italy comes to an end. Hope you enjoyed your adventures.

The post The Guide: Italy itinerary from Tuscany to Amalfi appeared first on Paths to Travel.

This article might contain affiliate links. Read the disclaimer about affiliate links & PR gifting here. 
The trip was hosted by the property, which did not review or approve the story.

The resort is conveniently located near the town of El Coco, a 20-minute drive from Liberia International Airport (Guanacaste). From the point of entry, El Mangroove is eye-catching. Its noticeably contemporary design is inspired by the environment in which the resort lives. Rooms and common areas decor embrace local materials and local talent. The menu, on the other hand, takes after local ingredients and traditions.

The guests have access to two restaurants, a bounty of pools and sunbeds, a beach, shared fitness facilities, and the spectacular Bearth Spa. El Mangrove Costa Rica creates an immersive experience through a wide range of guest offerings. However, at any point in time, you can easily leave the resort to explore El Coco and various National Parks nearby.

Hammock on the balcony looking out into the garden, and a very cool chair in the bedroom in the Habitat Superior suite.

The Vibe & Shared Spaces 

Overall energy across the resort strikes a fine balance between tasteful luxury and laidback relaxation. The entry point leads to the main restaurant, Makoko. The exterior areas (covered by a roof) look out to the pool through a shade of greenery. The interior part of the restaurant, on the other hand, is enclosed in glass. This space is cooler but still very much one with nature. The terrace gently spills on the sand and crosses over to Matiss, a casual beachfront restaurant open for lunch and occasionally dinner. Down near the beach is a small beach bar, El Shack, serving raw bar snacks and fresh cocktails during the day.

All of the different lounging areas by the pools. There is a great abandonment of greenery at the resort which I absolutely love.

The centrepiece of the resort is a 130-foot-long freshwater, black-tiled pool. Lined with cabanas and sun beds this pool is adults-only. A short walk down a shaded passage (or along the beach) will take you to the other side of the resort. This family-friendly half is dotted with mixed-size pools and also wrapped with cabanas. The pools are of different depths welcoming children of all ages while still offering the luxury of the cabana experience for adults. Here’s a quick areal video of the pools.

The said cabanas can be booked for the day ahead of time. Each one has a shaded sitting area, floor lamp, mini fridge, and a TV. The day rental is accompanied by a personal attendant, a selection of beverages, and a handful of delicious snacks. The cabanas on the kids-friendly side also have very lovely swim-up decks.

Areal view shows some of the pools, El Shack day bar, Matiss restaurant, and the start of the beach area lined with striped sunbeds.

On-site & Nearby activities 

The resort might be boutique but there is a lot one can do to occupy their time with. The guests have direct access to the beach. The water here is quite calm inviting you out for a swim, fishing adventures, paddle boarding, kayaking, or even jet-skiing. Many of these activities are complimentary. One of the mornings I met a hotel instructor for a paddle boarding session and it was absolutely worth the early alarm. With very few boats on the water and nearly no people on the beach, we paddled around the bay enjoying pure Costa Rican nature. This is what Pura Vida is all about.

A couple of other fun activities on the resort are cooking and mixology classes. For the cooking class, I met with one of the resort’s chefs, Marisol. She is a lovely woman with a wealth of experience who expertly walked me through her famous ceviche recipe. After our cooking session, I got to sit back at the bar and enjoy my ceviche with a glass of wine. The mixology class, on the other hand, is a demonstration, hosted by the resort’s lead bartender Eylincita Lopez or one of her proteges Marvin Alberto Porras Mora. During this session, you learn about the resort’s cocktail program, favourite ingredients and techniques, and of course, get to try the drinks.

Peninsula Papagayo is also a great place for a wide range of eco-adventures. Most of the experiences, when hosted by the hotel, support ecological and cultural sustainability efforts. Outside the resort, you can explore many activities from surfing and snorkelling to scuba diving, mountain biking, and paddling through mangroves. The hotel does have two private tour boats so all of these adventures can be arranged safely on-site. 

Not too far is Santa Rosa National Park and Área de Conservación Guanacaste (ACG) UNESCO World Heritage site. AGC is a single, uninterrupted biogeographic block of protected wildlife area covering 350,000+ acres of land and sea. Here you will be able to see an impressive selection of plant life, vertebrates, birds, and exquisite butterflies. 

Inside the Suite 

The hotel currently contains 85 suites but they are expanding and new suits will be added as soon as 2023. Each suit is equipped with a comfortable bed, spa-like bathroom, a balcony, or a terrace with a hammock. The decor is accented by natural wood elements and local artwork. Each suite has a large print of a mangrove tree close up and not one is the same. In addition, the basics like a TV, mini-fridge, safe, iron and hair drier, etc are also all available.

Given its location, most of the rooms look out into the garden, and a few face the pool. But there are two suits that have a partial ocean view: Canopy Grand and El Mangle Suite. El Mangle Suite, spread over 1,668 square feet of land, is the Presidential Suite. In addition to all the standard amenities, this room also has a separate dining area, full kitchen, private chef station, and a private plunge pool with a sun deck. The deck leads directly to the beach, which is where the partial ocean view comes in. 

Inside the Bark Suite

The standard room is called the Bark Suit. It is a lovely room with a separate King bedroom, open living room space, and a hammock terrace. The terrace window, shaded only by a screen protector, is meant to blur the boundary between your living space and nature. On arrival, all guests are greeted with a welcome basket packed with a few tasty goodies to kickstart your vacation.

Bark Suit hammock terrace and living space. The entrance to the terrace is just ahead of the coffee table.
On the coffee table is a welcome package from the hotel team.

Inside the Habitat Superior suite

I had the pleasure of staying in the Habitat Superior suite. This is a 1-bedroom King unit with a completely separate living space, and a private terrace. There are many features in this room that make the stay extra special. In terms of space, there is a well-sized walk-in closet, a working desk, a spacious bathroom, and a large two-person shower. The bedroom doors open onto the balcony but you can also access it from the shower, which I absolutely loved (here’s a quick video). My room was on the ground floor completely surrounded by a lush garden (video here). On the terrace are two spacious chairs, a coffee table, and a hanging egg-shaped hammock. I could spend hours out here, reading, listening to music, or simply looking out into nature.

The windows in all rooms are large creating a very nature-forward atmosphere. The cool air inside competes with the tropical humidity, drops of condensed air blurring out the windows. Waking up and immediately seeing nature through these windows is a truly fantastic way to start the day.

Inside the Habitat Superior suite, on the left, is the view into the terrace seen from the King bed.
On the right is just me relaxing in the rocking chair by a lovely picture window.

Habitat Superior suite bedroom with unique art.

Couch with wall art and a working desk in the Habitat Superior suite.

Living space with a picture window in the Habitat Superior suite.

Habitat Superior suite private balcony.

Habitat Superior suite corner of the bathroom vanity followed by the two-person shower that has direct balcony access.

Dining & Entertainment  

Both restaurants offer authentic Costa Rican cuisine skillfully crafted by executive Chef Isaac Madrigal. Each dish is built from local, seasonal ingredients with incredible attention to detail. Even the plates at Matiss are made by a local artist, Pez Cocinado. At Makoko the guests are taken on a flavour journey from contemporary Costa Rican to international cuisine. At Matiss you will be able to indulge in stunning, art-like seafood dishes. From mouthwatering ceviches and expertly grilled octopus to short ribs or salty patacones for breakfast, you will not want to skip a meal.

Octopus ceviche on the left and a for dessert home-made coconut flan with fresh berries and rehydrated walnuts, honeycomb cookie on top.

A refreshing non-alcoholic Piña cocktail followed by a table at Matiss. The infused olive oil is served at Matiss with fresh focaccia, absolutely delicious.

As a part of the expansion, El Mangroove is getting ready to open a new complex on the property which will include a third restaurant and a second-floor private event space. I’ve had the pleasure of tasting Chef Madrigal’s new menu creations, some of which are now on the menu at Mokoko while others are concepts for the new restaurant. All of the dishes, despite being still in the tasting phase, were absolutely delicious and I cannot wait to see what will be on the new menu.

El Mangroove offers a steady stream of programming shared with its umbrella organization Enjoy Group. Throughout the week there is live music, DJ-led ambient pool days, and occasionally very special tasting experiences. 

An all-inclusive plan is available, learn more about it here. 

Above and below are traditional breakfast dishes and patacones.

Makoko restaurant bar

Mixology menu

During my short stay, I made sure to try at least one cocktail per meal, and then of course there was the mixology class. The world of mixology is fairly new to Costa Rica but is one that is thriving. Only a few hotels have a mixology program so being a part of Enjoy Group really gives El Mangroove an upper hand. The restaurant properties have annual bartending competitions and each location encourages experimentation. The menu at the resort is driven by local, seasonal ingredients and every bartender has an opportunity to add something to the menu.

“Monkey” prepared by bartender Marvin Alberto Porras Mora and on the right is a Makoko restaurant cocktail called “Spicy P&P”
Below: On the left is the “Addictive Smokiness” cocktail, tequila and mezcal infusion base.
On the right is the Makoto signature cocktail, a vodka base with strawberries.

Wellness & Fitness 

Tucked away opposite the beach are The Bearth Spa and The Wyl Gym. I have already at length talked about the spa in this story so let’s pivot to the gym. 

The Wyl Gym is opened 24 hours and while it is quite small it is well equipped. The space, like most suites, looks out into the garden. At the forefront of it is a wooden yoga platform ready to accommodate 3-4 people. I had this space all to myself for a peaceful yoga practice. Silently flowing in the garden you become one with nature. By the end of my hour-long Nike training session, all of the little crabs came out of their hiding spaces allowing me to finally see what they look like up close.

The gym is also scheduled for renovation in the upcoming months, mostly to just make the entire thing larger. One of the current gym offerings is private and group yoga classes which at this time take place in the new building on the open events floor. I wasn’t always into yoga but in time it became an important practice for my overall body health so seeing that option at a hotel is always nice. I joined a small group of travellers for an early morning yoga session with guest instructor Manuel Guevara. It was a lovely flow session tailored to our group. Experiencing a natural environment through a meditative activity creates a new appreciation of the space so even if you are not into yoga, I would recommend giving it a go just to see the location through a new lens. And treat your travel-traumatized muscles of course. 

Sustainability Notes

Suitability is always in consideration, from menu builds to room services and overall development. But here, you are invited to participate by planning a tree. Working in collaboration with El Toledo farm El Mangroove Costa Rica invites its guest to help reforest the tropical forest by planting a tree. The program is called Leave Your LEAVES and it is a very spiritual experience, guided by hotel staff, and of course, accompanied by a refreshing cocktail. You get to name your tree and watch it grow virtually. So far, 150 trees have been planted. 

On the left, if the wall of the recently planted trees, they stay here briefly and then get relocated to the farm. In the center is my tree and on the right is the refreshing non-alcoholic cocktail I was given after the tree planting.

El Mangroove, Autograph Collection
Rooms starting at $264 USD/night for Bark King Suite, resort view
Gulf Of Papagayo, Guanacaste Province, Guanacaste, 50503, Costa Rica

You can combine your stay at El Mangroove with a stay at Punta Islita to maximize the range of your experience.

Book directly at elmangroove.net, via marriot.com or your favourite booking site for extra perks: booking.com | Expedia | Hotels.com | TripAdvisor | Make sure to collect your Marriot Bonvoy points during this stay.

Getting here

You will be flying to Costa Rica’s Liberia International Airport (LIB) and then can either get a taxi or arrange transport with the hotel ahead of time. There are direct flight options for LIB (WestJet, AirCanada) on certain days but many of them have a stopover. Prices fluctuate quite a lot from as low as $450 return to $1,200 for the same fair. You can check what your date options are with CheapOair.

A quick parting note: I would love to thank Iris Marchena and Arthur Viot for being such wonderful and gracious hosts.

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