Food discoveries in Puente Romano resort in Marbella, Spain

Even though I don't consider myself a foodie I do love and appreciate food so when back in October I was invited to spend a few days in Puente Romano resort in Marbella to try out their famous restaurants I couldn't say no. An idea of spending a few days in the autumn sun, which felt more like summer in the UK, seemed very appealing too.

I was even more excited as I knew my Instagram friends Giulia, Jacintha and Millie are coming as well.

After checking in the hotel our first stop was El Chiringuito, located at the beginning of the beach area. I loved the sea views and the relaxed vibe of this restaurant.

The resort's most famous restaurant is probably Nobu. If you have ever been to any other Nobu locations, you know what I'm talking about. The restaurant is well-known for its classic Japanese dishes cooked with Peruvian flavours, and it didn't disappoint - wagyu beef and black cod with miso were excellent. Nobu is opening their own hotel within the resort too - expected to offer 81 rooms by 2019.

Next day we finally had time to see a bit of Marbella that seemed like a lovely Spanish town, during the day there were no traces of it being a party place.

In Marbella we popped into Doliva for olive oil tasting. We tried a few different olive oils and were surprised to find out that 55% of world's olive oil is produced in Spain. After learning this and trying out the best olive oil, we couldn't leave the shop without buying some oil to take home.

Back to Puente Romano just in time for paella making masterclass. Both rabbit and seafood options were absolutely delicious!

if you are looking for lighter and healthier options - the resort has them too. Try Rachel's Organic cafe by the pool (pictured below) or gluten-free cafe Celicioso.

I don't usually stay at huge resorts like this one but I was surprised by how many things you can do (it even has a tennis court) and how diverse all the dining options are. Thanks, Puente Romano for a wonderful stay!

Exploring hidden Barcelona with SEAT Arona

I have a never-ending love for Barcelona. It's amazing architecture, street art, vivid colours and delicious food make my heart beat a little faster. When SEAT got in touch to invite me to explore the city driving their new urban SUV, I couldn't say no. 

You may remember that I have already been to Barcelona earlier this year for the official press launch of SEAT Arona, the new SEAT crossover. This time we came back for a test drive and to attend Primavera Club, a music festival where new artists get discovered to further perform at Primavera Sound in summer next year. 

Taking advantage of the sun rising a little later this time of year we couldn't miss an opportunity to photograph the sunrise. Pictures below were taken from Park Mirador del Poble Sec.

Another amazing place I only discovered during this visit is Hospital de la Santa Creu i Sant Pau. The hospital was completed in 1930 to become the most important civil building of the Catalan Art Nouveau movement. In 1997, together with the Palau de la Música Catalana, the Hospital was declared a World Heritage site by UNESCO for its unique construction and artistic beauty. 

Tibidabo. One more place to add to your list. There's an amusement park and a beautiful church on top of the mountain that were, sadly, still closed when we got there early in the morning. It's not that I need a reason to go back! Just this view was well worth it.

Flax & Kale is a hipster cafe with beautiful interiors and healthy food suitable for almost any dietary requirements. 

Ugot is the cutest little cafe with a curated vintage interior and delicious food. I'll be back for that burrata with grilled peaches!

Street art. Barcelona has a lot of graffiti pretty much everywhere but my favourite spot was La Escocesa - street art around the area served as a perfect backdrop to photograph  the car.

Barcelona has always something new to discover, and with Casa Vicens, the first house Gaudi ever designed, opening to the public this month, I am ready to hop on a plane again soon.  

Exploring Barcelona with the new SEAT Arona

Barcelona is one of my favourite cities in Europe and I am always happy to come back. This time I was invited by SEAT to attend the launch of their new urban SUV SEAT Arona. It was my first time at a press launch of a car and I have to say that I really enjoyed it, being in sunny Barcelona obviously contributed to it a lot.

The event took place at The Italian Pavilion in Montjuic, and we had some time to explore the area too.

Next day we started early to explore Barcelona as SEAT is a car from Barcelona and is inspired by the city's art, architecture, colours and street art. First stop was a 55m wall at Primavera Sound music festival that was created by street artists as a collaboration between SEAT and TheCreativeNet.

It's always a pleasure to visit Barcelona and I'm really happy I had an opportunity to explore more of it's urban culture and street art.

Fun times in PortAventura

Last week I spent a few days in PortAventura, the most visited theme park in Spain. It is a perfect place for a family holiday or for a fun trip with a group of friends. Of course, kids are the ones having the most fun!                                                                                                    

The park consists of a few areas, each dedicated to a different part of the world: Mediterranea, Mexico, China, Polynesia, Far West, SesamoAventura and the newly opened Ferrari Land.

Mediterranea was the area I liked the most as it looks a coastal town in Catalonia with little fishing boats and lots of flowers everywhere.

SesamoAventura is themed to the Sesame Street characters and is aimed at the younger visitors of the park. It's so much fun to watch the little ones taking the rides with their parents or the more fearless ones doing it by themselves.

Polynesia area is the most green and great for having a break with an ice cream in the shadow.

Ferrari Land is a new addition to the park (opened in April 2017) with its main attraction - the highest and fastest roller coaster in Europe! After an overwhelming ride don't miss out Formula One racing simulators and an interactive gallery of Ferrari history.

After all the rainy days I really needed those few days to soak up the sun and enjoy relaxing evenings after days of active fun. Many thanks to PortAventura for having me!