Travel the world, seek and explore ……
If your looking for culture, something different and a a plethora of whiskey and scotch then go and travel to Scotland. I traveled to the United Kingdom, specifically Edinburgh Scotland, Glasgow and St. Andrews. At first I was a little apprehensive in going to the UK outside of London, because I thought it seemed more of a “Man’s” trip. With Scotland being the main destination, there is so much to do there and it’s definitely not just for a “Man’s trip” I was simply impressed and enchanted. Before any trip, I do my do diligence and research on the destination, i.e: where to go, what to see, where to eat etc.. I was definitely in for an adventure. Once I landed in Edinburgh, I soon learned that this trip would be one I’d absolutely love, enjoy and been in complete awe the entire time.
I landed in Edinburgh, breezed thru customs and was greeted by a car service to take me to my hotel. When I stepped outside of the airport, I was amazed by Edinburgh’s natural beauty. It was something out of a movie, that’s how beautiful this place was and this was just at the airport. So you could just imagine my surprise as I continued the journey. I was a like a kid in a toy story, wide-eyed and amazed. It was a complete snapchat and Instagram frenzy. I was flashing my camera and iPhone as we drove through the quaint streets of Edinburgh. Cobblestones, old historic buildings, and Harry potter like homes. I was just in complete awe as every turn the car made.
History on Edinburgh:
We arrived at our hotel, and the entire staff was so friendly and welcoming. Even our car service driver, she too was so nice and warm. We stayed at the Nira Caledonia located in Stockbridge a surround village just outside of the city center. Known as one of Edinburghs Best Luxury Hotels, this posh, chic and ever so stylish hotel was the perfect setting for any occasion. For me, this was a work/personal trip and I do hope to visit the country again and explore more of the magical place. I will admit I’m one who loves to indulge and enjoy all the amenities that many luxury hotels offer. Although Nira Caledonia luxe and quaint as it is, it has its own charm that I offers overall. The entire establishment offers so much even as a boutique luxe hotel. The Nira Caledonia is located in the village of Stockbridge, close to the city centre, about a 1.3 mile walk. It’s also a 4 minute walk from the Water of Leith river. Very close to many restaurants, shops and many tourist sights.The Nira Caledonia was once the home of renowned 19th century essayist, bon viveur and hedonist, Christopher North. Even to this day, they still carry on the traditions he set forth. It comes to no surprise that Nira Caledonia makes the Small Luxury Hotels of the World list.
I stayed in there spacious garden suite, that included a private terrace with the most amazing views of Edinburgh in the background. It was the perfect mix of zen and serenity all at the same time. Nira Caledonia offers different suites all with varying interior design and decor, but they offer spacious seating areas and bedrooms within the suite itself. The seating area was great to just sit and relax after a day of sightseeing. The perfect area to take photos, enjoy some afternoon tea, even some of our meals too. I loved the interior design of the Garden terrace suite that I couldn’t help but take photos and take in every moment. If you know me, I’m a sucker for personal greetings and details. When I arrived to the suite, they had champagne on ice with a welcome note and chocolates. A nice touch and greetings after the long flight. They really know how to give their guest the first class and red carpet service you deserve and that’s what I received from the moment I arrived and throughout the duration of my stay. I couldn’t ask for anything more, excellent accommodations and hospitality. No complaints whatsoever. From day 1 I absolutely loved the location as it was a breeze getting around the city and the area. I usually like to stay right in the center of the city, but the Nira was literally a few blocks from the centre. It was nice and refreshing to stay in the beautiful and quaint area of Stockbridge. Stockbridge village and the surrounding villages were the perfect places to take photos. So perfect that we could just walk outside and start snapping. Seriously guys, you’ll get your fair share and opportunity to take the perfect photos. If “your photo” spot is taken, don’t fret, you’ll soon find another spot to capture your next best photo. Every inch of the area and beyond is so instagrammable. Edinburgh and the country of Scotland is not only breathtaking but absolutely stunning.
I loved starting the day in the hotels main restaurant Blackwood Bar & Grill. Every morning they offered a wide variety of fresh, organic selections that made for a delicious breakfast. The fuel was much needed to get me through the days of sightseeing and exploration. And returning each night to enjoy a night cap at the bar to end the day. All in all, I truly enjoyed my stay at Nira Caledonia. A place I hope to visit again in the future. I’d like to thank the staff at Nira Caledonia for making my stay nothing short from fantastic.
Book your next stay at the Nira Caledonia
Where to Eat:
What’s great about Edinburgh, it literally has many cuisines from around the world. So you’ll have a a plethora of restaurants to try. Plenty of restaurants to choose from on just about every corner of the beautiful city. So, whatever you’re craving whether it be: Indian, Italian, Spanish, Latin, Seafood you name it they have it. But if your looking for more traditional Scottish fares here are a few place to try out.
The Doric: Address: 15-16 Market St, Edinburgh EH1 1DE, United Kingdom, the-doric.com
The Dorie is a local Scottish fares and 17th century feels. They offer a wide selection of Real Ales and Whiskies to taste. If your looking to try some Traditional and popular Scottish delights try there Haggis Bon Bons (popular dish all over Scotland), other dishes to try are their Homemade Shepard’s Pie and Lamb Shank, both delicious. On Tap, try their Deuchars, Stewart Hollyrood and Edinburgh Castle. As far as their whiskies they have a superb collection so you can choose whatever your heart desires.
Amber Restaurant: Address: 354 Castlehill, Edinburgh EH1 2NE, United Kingdom, scotchwhiskyexperience.co.uk
The Amber restaurant offers traditional Scottish cuisine, with tasting menus and a whiskey bar. The menu choice is run-of-the-mill Scottish fine dining so if you haven’t sampled this kind of cuisine before then you will love trying the Scottish selection on offer. With it being part of the whisky experience it means there is loads of whisky on offer, a favorite for my husband and I. If you like whisky you’ll love it. Would be nice to see them do some whisky matching with the food. Be sure to try their tasting menus they have to offer, you won’t be disappoint especially while you sit and enjoy some fine whiskey.
Take a stroll down to Dean Village there you’ll find a row of cute cafes, shops and restaurants with a variety of cuisines to offer. Our favorites were:
The Olive Branch: Address: 91 Broughton St, Edinburgh EH1 3RX, United Kingdom, theolivebranchscotland.co.uk
This restaurant offers simple European food in a smart modern spot with large windows, brick walls, wood floors and tables. Great for brunch and lunch.
Blackwoods Bar and Grill: Address: 6 Gloucester Pl, Edinburgh EH3 6EF, United Kingdom, niracaledonia.com
Excellent restaurant and it was right at our luxury boutique hotel. This is definitely a must try restaurant and I’m not just saying this because it was at our hotel, it’s because it was that good. Amazing food, exceptional service and a great, relaxed atmosphere. Blackwood’s has outstanding quality at very reasonable prices, no pretensions, just amazing food, excellent service in a small comfortable space. Only about a dozen tables, intimate and perfect for Dinner. Order their juicy steaks cooked to your desire and their lovely mussels as well as their Wild Boar Ravioli, all three are absolutely delicious. Make sure to leave room for dessert, because you’ll want to try their Sticky Toffee Pudding with Butterscotch sauce and Banana ice cream, restaurant favorite and simply to die for!
If you looking for more variety head on over to George Street. On George Street you’ll find some cute boutique shops and a plethora of restaurants to choose from. Some of our favorites were:
Cafe Andaluz: Address: 77B George St, Edinburgh EH2 3EE, United Kingdom, http://www.cafeandaluz.com
Elegant Andalucian decor and intimate ambience in a tapas joint with set menus and kids’ options. Amazing ambiance with food to match. Best tapas in all of Edinburgh. Be sure to order the Pollo Marinade, Gambas Pil Pil, Patatas Bravas, Paella Valencia, and the Bomba Picante. Great to share and oh so delicious!
The Printing Press Bar & Kitchen: Address: printingpressedinburgh.co.uk
Elegant, modern bar & bistro serving seasonally changing, locally sourced rustic Scottish cuisine. Fun, vibrant restaurant with great food and drinks. Great for dinner or even just some appetizers and cocktails after a day of sightseeing.
Be sure to bring your walking shoes, because you’ll want to explore anything and everything around Edinburgh. Walk the streets of Edinburgh and you’ll soon notice how the entire capital is comprised of small villages. To me, Edinburgh reminded me of Boston. A city that’s fun, vibrant, cultural and simply breathtaking. A quaint city that encompasses the big city life but not too big and over powering. You can literally explore and see all the villages and cover the entire city during a weekend visit, But we took our time and enjoyed every bit of this lovely city. If your anything like me, you’ll be flashing away. Because every inch of this magical place is photo worth. So get your camera and iPhone’s ready!!
It’s definitely more fun in the Bahamas, with great weather and fun in the sun, how could you go wrong! I mean, am I right?!
Last May, I enjoyed a little getaway to the Bahamas. A little fun in the sun and some good ol’ R&R. I’ve enjoyed visiting the Bahamas ever since my first visit back in High School. It was a nice way to free my mind and getaway from the hustle and bustle of the city . Whenever you get a chance it’s always nice to get away now and then, and I feel it’s important too. Great way to get refreshed, relaxed and feel restored and ready to get back to reality.
I stayed at none other than the Atlantis Resort & Casino on Paradise Island. I stayed at the newest, most modern and fashionably chic part of the resort: The Cove Atlantis.
Atlantis Paradise Island Resorts & Casino: Located at: One Casino Drive Paradise Island, Bahamas. It’s the Caribbean’s top vacation resort to visit. Discover all the fun and all it has to offer. The Resort has water parks the whole family can enjoy, fine dining, casino gaming and so much more. The resort has so much to offer you almost don’t need to go anywhere else. The Atlantis is such a gorgeous hotel and resort with so much to do for the whole family. I would highly recommend staying here when you visit the Bahamas. There are also many other hotels on Paradise Island and in downtown Nassau that are also notable. But this is one hotel that offers so much and has just about everything you’re looking for when your looking for relaxation, fun in the sun, and much more. Plus, it’s one of our favorites.
What Atlantis has to offer–What To See + What To Do:
Guest don’t just have to go to Rodeo drive or 5th Avenue for luxury shopping. Atlantis Resorts offers world-class shopping thats just steps away from your room. Visit the Crystal shops located in the The Royal Tower, more boutique shops in their Cove Tower, Marina Village and the Pro shop. Whatever you fancy Atlantis offers that and much more. If you want to venture off Paradise Island, head down to Bay Street located in downtown Nassau. There you’ll find many shops, outlets, boutiques and the local straw market. The Straw Market is one of my favorite place to visit. The straw market is a traditional open-air market, where local vendors sell handwoven straw crafts, Bahamian souvenirs & tourist trinkets. Definitely a great place to buy gifts for family and friends. Great for bargains as well.
Where To Eat:
The Atlantis has a variety of foods to offer, so you won’t go hungry thats for sure. If your looking for fine dining, dining al fresco or some quick eats Atlantis has it. Island life is the best life and its great for any setting for eating. enjoy eating at one of my favorite restaurants Nobu (Celebrity Chef Restaurant), if your looking for something more Island cuisine then you’ll enjoy 77 West. Here are some other restaurants at Atlantis that may tickle your fancy.
Fine Dining Options (Our Faves):
Casual Dining Al Fresco (Our Favorites):
Quick Eats:
And if your super hungry and looking for something with more variety check out Poseidon’s Table. This is Atlantis’s newest buffet dining restaurant that has so much to offer. With an eclectic cuisines for dinner and an array of your breakfast favorites.
There is so much to see and do at The Atlantis but the same goes for the entire island of the Bahamas. If you want to experience the island, here are some suggestion on what to see in the Bahamas.
If you’re anything like us, wherever we travel we like to check out where the locals hangout and eat. We love seeing and exploring the hot spots for the locals, especially for eating. So if your looking for something more local and authentic, take a little drive or walk down downtown Nassau to the Fish Fry. The Fish Fry, is where you’ll find real, authentic Bahamian dishes that will satisfy your tastebuds. The Fish Fry is a place I would highly recommend if your looking for local and real Bahamian cuisine.
During our trip, we enjoyed each day by the pool or beach, basically relaxed in paradise. Some days were spent, curled up reading a book or work in the Library lounge located in the Royal Tower. And of course we love taking photos. Honestly, every inch of this hotel and island was so Instagram friendly. It’s impossible to not find a more perfect place to take photos. If your favorite photo spot is occupied? Don’t fret, walk in any direction of the resort or even away from the hotel and you’ll find another perfect spot. This may seem like #bloggerproblems, but no fear the island is so beautiful, every inch is photo worthy. You’re in island paradise, so don’t worry you’ll be able to capture that perfect island photo shot, GUARANTEED! We enjoyed cocktails by the pool even tried our luck at the casino. Danced the night away at the Aura Nightclub and returned to the lobby bar for a nightcap.
The Island of the Bahamas and the Atlantis is so absolutely gorgeous with fun, relaxing and positive vibes. During you’re stay you’ll feel at ease and with so much to do you won’t ever have to worry about being bored. When you visit the Bahamas and stay at the Atlantis, you will surely have an amazing time as we did. Although the majority of our visit was spent at the resort, we also took time to explore the rest of the island. All in all, we enjoyed our stay in the Bahamas and at the Atlantis Resorts and Casino Paradise Island. We want to thank the entire staff at the Atlantis for making our stay such a fantastic experience. We also want to thank the Bahamas tourism board for the incredible tour of the beautiful island.
Have you traveled to Paradise?
Book your next vacation at The Atlantis
All about that Palm Tree Life !!
I hope you enjoyed my Travel guide+diary and photos. I hope this was helpful for you in planning your next vacation or visit to the Bahamas or the Atlantis. I love hearing from you. Comment below or even write to me. If you ever get the chance to visit the Bahamas and stay at the Atlantis, please do share your visit using the hashtags: #SFBTravelDiaries #AlwaysAmazing #TheCoveLife #ItsMoreFunintheBahamas #StayAtlantis
As always, thanks for reading, following along and supporting me in my journey.