Author Archive for Ala Osmond

Excelsior Terrace Dubrovnik

5 of the best hotels in Croatia and Montenegro

By on Nov 15, 2017 in Accommodation, Croatia, Eastern Europe, Europe, Hotels, Regions, Serbia and Montenegro

Croatia and Montenegro are seeing a renaissance in hotels – here are five of the best hotels in the region. Food, service and style have come along way in Croatia and Montenegro, even in the last 5 years, with standards and quality improving constantly. Hotel Excelsior, Dubrovnik 2017 saw the complete refurbishment of the Excelsior […]

alexander palace st-petersburg-russia-

8 essential Russian Revolution sights in St Petersburg

By on Oct 22, 2017 in Attractions, Eastern Europe, Europe, Going Out, Regions, Russia

Next month is the centenary of the Russian Revolution, an event that continues to shape the world we live in today. At that time the St Petersburg of today was named Petrograd and was the capital of Imperial Russia. Visit these key sights in St Petersburg today to travel in the footsteps of the Russian […]

6 excellent, independent restaurants in St Petersburg

6 excellent, independent restaurants in St Petersburg

By on Oct 17, 2017 in Eastern Europe, Europe, Food and Drink, Going Out, Regions, Restaurants, Russia, Travel Miscellany

Russia is experiencing a food revolution due to food sanctions that have been in place for the last three years. We have selected just six of our favourite independent restaurants in St Petersburg to showcase how creative and forward thinking the Russian food scene is today. EM Olesya Drobot is a rare find – a […]

Khiva - view of Ichan Kala

7 great reasons to travel to Uzbekistan

By on Aug 21, 2017 in Accommodation, Asia, Attractions, Going Out, Hotels, Regions, Uzbekistan

Why would anyone want to visit a landlocked country in the middle of the Central Asian desert? Uzbekistan answers this question many times over; against a backdrop of piercing blue skies its stunning architecture will amaze, fabulous shopping and cultural opportunities will excite and your hosts will be some of the most welcoming people you […]

5 of the best hotels in Arctic Europe

5 of the best hotels in Arctic Europe

By on Jul 12, 2017 in Accommodation, Arctic, Europe, Finland, Hotels, Norway, Regions, Sweden, Western Europe

The region of Arctic Europe includes Finnish Lapland, Northern Norway and Swedish Lapland, the most Northern parts of each of the three countries. This is a region of spectacular natural beauty, gourmet food, Northern Lights and White Nights. The Arctic Circle is the land of the midnight sun. The Summer solstice in June is a […]

Historical-Museum-Red-Square

10 reasons why everyone should travel to Russia at least once

By on Jun 15, 2017 in Eastern Europe, Europe, Regions, Russia

With a page turning history, incredible architecture, art and culture, not to mention, world-class restaurants and hotels, plus warm and welcoming people, the largest country in the world has so much to offer the luxury traveler. Moscow and St. Petersburg are the perfect places to start. Allow a minimum of one week if you are […]

hotel room key

10 great reasons to visit Croatia

By on May 11, 2017 in Accommodation, Attractions, Croatia, Eastern Europe, Europe, Food and Drink, Going Out, Hotels, Leisure Travel, Regions, Speciality Travel, Travel Miscellany

Croatia is one of the last unspoiled gems of the Northern Mediterranean. With breathtaking coastal vistas, hidden islands and incredible food and wine, it strikes the perfect balance between relaxation, culture and activity. If you’ve yet to visit Croatia, read on for inspiration on why to go! 1. History and culture Although Croatia is one […]