Cannes is a cosmopolitan place full of glamour, fancy beach clubs, luxury restaurants and known for the film festival.

Île Sainte-Marguerite is an island that is just 15 minutes away by boat from Cannes. It offers a a quiet pine forest and crystal clear waters.

Villefranche-sur-Mer is a charming and quiet seaside village located at a beautiful bay with colorful alleyways and a sandy beach.

Monaco is known for its luxurious lifestyle, Monaco is home to the famous Casino de-Monte Carlo

Ezè is located on top of a hill, the medieval village Èze offers stunning panoramic views.

Cap d’Ail is a small residential town with a beautiful coastal path that leads to Plage Mala.

Nice is a vibrant city with lots of history and culture and home to the iconic “Promenade des Anglais”.

Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat is a picturesque small peninsula with luxurious properties and beautiful views. Must-sees include Villa Rothschild and Paloma beach.

Antibes is quieter place with an old town that is surrounded by its 16th century ramparts.

GET THE FRENCH RIVIERA TRAVEK GUIDE HERE!

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Welcome to the French Riviera – one of Europe’s most beautiful summer destinations.

The South of France, also called Côte d’Azur, is located in the southeast of France and stretches from Menton to Saint-Tropez. There is no denying, that the French Riviera is one of the most picturesque destinations in Europe thanks to its idyllic towns and breathtaking ocean views.

The French Riviera guide includes
– my exact itinerary
– how to get around
– costs for activities, food amd more
– where to stay
– things to do in all towns
& much more!

This digital guide is the ideal travel companion, as you can download it to your phone or tablet and take it anywhere with you.

GET THE FRENCH RIVIERA GUIDE HERE!

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The Ultimate Guide to the Amalfi Coast has all recommendations and tips in one place, so that you can experience the best that the Amalfi Coast has to offer.

Highlights include

• practical infos about the Amalfi Coast
• my exact itinerary
• guides of several towns
• costs of the Amalfi Coast
• hotel recommendation

This digital guide is the ideal travel companion, as you can download it to your phone and take it anywhere.

GET THE AMALFI CAOST GUIDE HERE!

The post The Ultimate Guide to the Amalfi Coast, Italy appeared first on Girl x Departure.

If you’ve ever seen those picturesque photos of pastel colored houses on cliffs surrounded by the shimmering blue ocean, then chances are high that you put the Amalfi coast on your bucket list. The Amalfi coast, an UNESCO World Heritage site, is a stretch of coastline with 13 beautiful seaside villages in Italy. There is no denying, that the Amalfi coast is one of the most scenic destinations in the world. Having five days to explore this outstanding place in Southern Italy, here is our itinerary:

DAY 1 – ARRIVE IN SORRENTO
The first thing that you will have to ask yourself is, where do you want to base yourself during your Amalfi coast trip? This will depend on numerous factors: how long are you staying, which places do you want to visit and of course, your budget. After researching the different villages and planning our itinerary, we decided to stay in Sorrento. Sorrento is a stunning coastal village and the entrance to the Amalfi coast. After arriving at the hotel, we explored the town and had drinks at Bellevue Syrene (big recommendation!).

DAY 2 – CAPRI
The island Capri can easily be reached either from Naples or the Amalfi coast. The small island is known for its natural wonders like the Blue Grotto and the rock formations Faraglioni as well as its glamorous vibe. We explored the town, visited the Gardens of Augustus, took a dip at Marina Piccola beach and sailed right through the stone archway of the Faraglioni. If you only have a day to visit Capri, I would arrive early to avoid the crowds.

DAY 3 – ATRANI & AMALFI
It’s just a 10 minutes walk from Amalfi to Atrani. So, it does make sense to visit both towns on the same day. While Amalfi is one of the popular towns on the coast, I actually preferred the small town of Atrani. We spend a few hours at the idyllic beach and grabbed a pizza from Le Arcate for lunch. In Amalfi we had lemon sorbet served in an actual lemon for dessert, visited the Duomo di Sant’Andrea and hiked to Belvedere Cimitero Monumentale for the best view.

DAY 4 – POSITANO
I was the most excited about visiting Positano. It’s probably the most popular spot on the Amalfi coast thanks to its uber picturesque cliffs and instagrammable views. Upon arrival, I was immediately in awe. So, what did we do on our day in Positano? We spent a lot of time on the beach (it was a very hot day), had lunch at Chez Black, enjoyed the views from Via Cristoforo Colombo and had drinks at Hotel Poseidon (another recommendation for stunning views!).

DAY 5 – SORRENTO
After being out and about, we had a very relaxing last day on the Amalfi coast. We booked sunbeds in a lido (an Italian beach club) and enjoyed that summer day to the fullest. Tanning, having an aperol, taking a dip and concluding the day with a date night with dinner at O’Parrucchiano and drinks at Bellevue Syrene. The best way to end a memorable trip to the Amalfi Coast.

The post 5 Days on the Amalfi Coast: My Amalfi Coast Itinerary appeared first on Girl x Departure.

Once in a while my husband and I like to have a luxurious staycation in our hometown Berlin. To treat ourselves or just experience the city from a different point of view. So, when our first wedding anniversary came around, we decided to celebrate it with a staycation at Hotel Zoo Berlin. Here is everything you need to know about Hotel Zoo Berlin:

Quick Overview
Hotel Zoo Berlin is a five-star boutique hotel in a prime location – right on Berlin’s prestigious Kurfürstendamm (or as we locals call it: Ku’damm). Upon entering, you will immediately notice the effortlessly chic and trendy ambience at Hotel Zoo Berlin. Luxurious furnishing, persevered historical design elements and elegant yet quirky decor pieces.

Besides being a popular accommodation, Hotel Zoo Berlin is home to two hotspots in the city: GRACE restaurant and GRACE bar.

The Grand Deluxe Room
We took the elevator (that will make you feel famous for a second) to the third floor and entered the Grand Deluxe Room – our home for the next two days. It’s a very spacious room with dark wood floors (which I adore) and  contemporary decor in a rather neutral color palette.

The Grand Deluxe Room at Hotel Zoo Berlin features a minibar, a working desk, Nespresso and tea making facilities, complimentary water, Wi-Fi, an umbrella and a king size bed, which felt huge and allowed for a perfect cozy Sunday morning. There was surely nothing missing here!

The bathroom’s interior matched the room with neutral colors and a sophisticated look. A chic vanity, a bathtub, several mirrors, floor heating, a hair dryer as well as complimentary luxury cosmetic products by April Aromatics were provided. To feel extra luxe, put on the bathrobe and slippers by Maison Martin Margiela.

Breakfast
First, let me say one thing about breakfast at Hotel Zoo Berlin: take your time to fully enjoy the vast selection of delicious goods. With that being said, breakfast was definitely a highlight during our weekend stay.

Breakfast is taking place at GRACE restaurant. A stylish restaurant with a contemporary vibe that will transport you into a chic New York townhouse. Breakfast is a combination of self-service buffet and dishes cooked to order like pancakes, porridge and eggs prepared to your preferences. The buffet offers fresh juices and fruits, a selection of breads and pastries, different kinds of cheese and meats, antipasti, sweets like cake and cookies and so much more. The yogurt station was my favorite, as it provided different yogurts that could be combined with fresh fruit purees and toppings like granola, nuts and dried fruits. So good!

Service & Facilities
As previously mentioned, the hotel’s restaurant and bar are both worth checking out. We went for celebratory drinks to GRACE bar and were amazed by the skilled staff and our great drinks. However, make sure to book a table as both places can get busy on the weekends.

During the summer months, guests are also able to visit the GRACE rooftop. In an elegant bar and lounge area, you can enjoy a panoramic view over Berlin.

Other facilities and services of Hotel Zoo Berlin include a complimentary and fully equipped gym, the Vaha Mirror (a digital and personal fitness coach), yoga sessions and a bike rental.

Whether you’re a first time visitor or a regular guest to the city, Hotel Zoo Berlin is a great place to base yourself in Berlin. Located centrally with an abundance of shopping and dining opportunities nearby. The super stylish interior throughout the property, the impressive breakfast and the prime location make this hotel an excellent choice in Berlin.

Thank you to Hotel Zoo Berlin for hosting me! The opinions expressed on this blog are always my own.

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If you’re traveling to Bali, then you probably heard of its neighboring island Nusa Penida. Nusa Penida is a relatively underdeveloped island, which offers breathtaking nature, beautiful white-sand beaches, lots of cliffs and incredible view points. Overall, a photogenic place full of adventure that is worth a visit. Here is everything you need to know, when visiting Nusa Penida.

HOW LONG SHOULD YOU STAY ON NUSA PENIDA
You basically have two options when planning to visit Nusa Penida: either doing a day trip or staying a couple of nights on the island. Depending on how much time you have, I would recommend staying for about two or three days to really experience and explore what the island has to offer. Most people decide on doing a day trip to Nusa Penida, so that the ‘popular’ places are always crowded during peak time. Therefore, staying on the island really has its advantages. We stayed three nights on the island and in my opinion that was the ideal duration.

HOW TO GET TO NUSA PENIDA
In order to reach Nusa Penida, you first need to head to Sanur Beach. Once you arrive at Sanur beach, you will see many open-air huts lined up directly at the beach. Each hut sells speedboat tickets to Nusa Penida. You can buy the tickets about 30 minutes prior departure or you can buy them online the day before.

THINGS TO DO IN NUSA PENIDA
If you decide to do a day tour, you will most likely need to decide between doing the west or east coast tour. As both sides are equally beautiful, I would (again) recommend to stay on the island and see it all. We booked a private driver for two days and explored each coast.

WEST COAST 

Hike down Kelingking Beach
There is no doubt that Kelingking is Nusa Penida’s most famous spot. Located in the southwest of the island, this spectacular viewpoint is shaped like a dinosaurs head. Take your time and hike down to the beach. There are no stairs and the rail is not stable, so be very careful. The hike becomes more steep, the close you get to the beach. It took us probably around 30-45 minutes to reach the beach.

Head to Angel’s Billabong & Broken Beach
These two spots are situated in walking distance from each other. Broken Beach in another incredible shaped location in Nusa Penida and a great Instagram photo spot. Angel’s Billabong is a beautiful natural infinity pool. Be aware of the rough waves, if you decide to take a dip in the clear water.

Snorkel at Manta Point
Nusa Penida is well-known for its manta population. Therefore, many visitors will snorkel or dive to see these incredible creatures. However, on a calm and clear day, you will be able to spot mantas from Manta Point.

Relax at Crystal Bay
A beach surrounded by beautiful palm trees perfect to relax and snorkel. We spent an evening at Crystal Bay: taking our last dip of the day, having dinner by the beach, grabbing a beer and enjoying the sunset. It’s a popular hangout spot during the whole day.

EAST COAST

Enjoy the view at Diamond beach
One of the most picturesque view points in Nusa Penida is without doubt Diamond beach. Thanks to its turquoise waters and unique rock formations. The stairway down to the beach is also a famous Instagram spot. Head there early in the morning or in the evening to avoid the crowds.

Take a dip at Atuh beach
Close to Diamond beach, you can find Atuh beach. Athu beach is usually more busy, as you can actually swim here. Along the beach are small restaurants, so that you can grab drinks and food.

Visit the treehouse & Thousand Island Viewpoint
The treehouse called Rumah Pohon has probably the best view in Nusa Penida. Located near both beaches, you can actually rent out this accommodation. Imagine waking up to this view! Just a couple of steps further, there is Thousand Island Viewpoint. When reaching the lookout, you can admire the beauty of the island and the blue waters.

Goa Giri Putri Temple
This sacred underground temple (also known as Karangsari Cave) is located inside an actual cave. You can reach the temple by first climbing up some steps, then you need to crawl through an opening in the cave. Exploring the cave temple is quite a unique experience. To enter, you need to wear a sarong, which you can rent at the entrance.

HOW TO GET AROUND IN NUSA PENIDA
The most affordable mode of transportation is renting a scooter, if you’re an experienced driver and are comfortable driving a motorbike by yourself. However, as the streets are not always properly paved, the roads in Nusa Penida are quite bumpy. Therefore, a scooter might not be the best idea. I would recommend to get a driver for the day. It’s convenient, still affordable and just very practical. We payed around 30-40€ per day.

WHERE TO STAY IN NUSA PENIDA
Nusa Penida is not as developed as Bali, but in recent years more and more accommodations have been built. We stayed at La Roja Bungalows and loved it. A beautiful property, friendly staff and good location. Overall, we enjoyed our stay and I would can recommend staying here.

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March 2021 – we are in the fifth month of lockdown in Berlin, but on the bright side: spring is finally here! I’m so ready for more sunshine, blooming flowers & longer days. Spring is my favorite season, so that makes me currently a very happy girl. Speaking of things that make me happy and excited, here you can find everything that I’m currently obsessing over:

BEAUTY & SKIN CARE
I am always on the lookout for new beauty and skin care products. Trying out different products and changing up my routine is fun and the best way to find products that will become a forever favorite. If I would need to narrow done my current top five items it would be:

CeraVe Hydrating Cleanser is part of my morning and night skin care routine. It’s a fragrance-free cleanser that keeps my skin hydrated and is perfect for dry and sensitive skin.

Kiehl’s Ultra Facial Cream SPF 30 is a lightweight moisturizer that leaves my skin feeling soft and hydrated. It’s great under make up, I love the light scent and it also protects my face from the sun.

The Ordinary Niacinamide 10% + Zinc 1% became a stable in my beauty cabinet. I use the serum a few times per week during my night time routine. The next morning, my skin looks brighter, more even and is clear.

It Cosmetic Your Skin But Better CC+ Cream is currently my go-to foundation. It has a natural finish, feels light on my skin and keeps it hydrated. Another benefit is without doubt the provided SPF 50+.

Charlotte Tilbury Airbrush Flawless Bronzer cannot be missed. Achieving a natural and sun-kissed look, this bronzer creates a smooth finish. I use the color Medium.

FASHION
As spring has sprung, my current favorite style items are of course spring-related. My go-to spring outfits usually include a blazer, some eye-catcher accessories and comfy shoes. Here are my favorite fashion picks:

Converse Hi Lift Platform black trainers are my current favored pair of shoes. I got them last summer and couldn’t wait to take them out again. Besides being very comfortable, they give every outfit a cool look.

H&M Oversized Blazer is being worn in the outfit above. I was looking for a simple, yet slightly oversized black blazer that I can throw over any outfit. I found this very affordable option and love it!

When it comes to jewelry, I cannot stop wearing BRUNA – a sustainable brand with the most beautiful jewels. My most treasured pieces include the Antibes choker, the Monterosso necklace and the Milos Mini Hoops.

OTHER THINGS

Starting with food, ManiLife Deep Roast Smooth Peanut Butter and Turtle Power Granola Nuts & Seeds are my current obsession. I use them as toppings for my açaí bowls. So good!

A few months ago, we got a De’Longhi Dedica EC 685 espresso machine. It’s ideal for beginners (like us) and easy to use. I usually make oat milk cappuccinos and matcha lattes. Such a game changer.

If you follow me on Instagram, you might have seen our latest interior addition: the Westwing Collection Coffee Table Benno. I’m in love with the shape and it matches our living room perfectly.

This post contains affiliate links, which earn me a small commission at no extra cost to you.

The post March Favorites 2021: Things I’m currently loving appeared first on Girl x Departure.

Dubrovnik might be tiny, but it is one of the prettiest and most charming places I’ve ever seen. Besides all the Game of Thrones locations (which are a must-see, if you’re into it!), the city has so much more to offer. If you’re planning a visit, then here are ten things to do in Dubrovnik.

1. Take a Game of Thrones tour 
Do you recognize these steps? If the answer is no, then that’s a real SHAME (sorry, I had to). Many scenes of Game of Thrones have been filmed in Dubrovnik and the neighboring island Lokrum. Taking a tour is a must and it was beyond interesting to get to know many facts and behind-the-scenes of the show.

2. Relax at Banje beach 
Banje beach is located right outside the city walls of the old town. It’s the ideal place to relax on a hot day without the need to drive far away. Locals and tourists alike enjoy this beach, take a dip in the fresh waters and work on their tan. There is also a restaurant, where you can order drinks and rent lounge chairs.

3. Explore the island of Lokrum 
If you want to escape the crowds in Dubrovnik, then get on a ferry and head to Lokrum. This car-free island is just a quick ten minutes ride away from the old town. Lokrum is full of free-roaming peacocks, has a botanical garden and also several Game of Thrones filming locations. Overall, a very peaceful and beautiful island.

4. Watch the sunset at Buza Bar
After a busy day of exploring Dubrovnik, head to Buza Bar to enjoy an incredible panoramic view of the sunset. The cliff bar is accessible through a hole in the city wall and a popular spot. Buza Bar is not only a bar, but also a great spot for cliff jumping, if you’re brave enough. Be quick, as the seats fill up quickly for golden hour.

5. Take a walk on the city wall
Walking the city wall was surprisingly one of my favorite things to do in Dubrovnik. You have an amazing view of the city while observing the old town from a different points of view. The walk takes about two hours to complete. The best time to go would be during golden hour, so right before sunset. The hot weather is much more bearable and Dubrovnik looks absolutely incredible in that light.

6. Enjoy the view from Mount Srd 
The mountain Srd rises just behind Dubrovnik and is the best place to enjoy a breathtaking view of the city and its surroundings as well as the Adriatic Sea. There are two ways to head to the top of Mount Srd. You either take the cable car or you hike to the top. We took the cable car to the top and hiked down, so we had the best of both worlds. Either way, you will be rewarded with amazing view. On top you will also find the Panorama Restaurant & Bar.

7. Have a drink at Beach Bar Dodo
One of the best places to have a sunset drink is without doubt Beach Bar Dodo. Tucked away behind some small alleys outside the city walls, you can find Beach Bar Dodo. Situated right in front of the ocean, it’s the ideal spot to take one last dip before watching the sunset with a cocktail in your hand. Pure bliss!

8. Have ice cream at Peppino’s 
Name a better duo than ice cream and European summer. Peppino’s is without doubt the best ice cream parlor in Dubrovnik with yummy and extraordinary creations. There are two shops, both located inside the city walls. Make a stop there after dinner and thank me later.

9. Stroll through the alleys of the old town 
One of my favorite things to do, no matter where I am, is just wandering around without a plan or a map. Dubrovnik is the perfect place to do just that. Keep walking and discovering the charming alleyways, there are so many hidden and beautiful corners in Dubrovnik.

10. Have dinner with a view 
As I spent my birthday in Dubrovnik, my husband made sure that we would have a romantic dinner with a view. Nothing beats date night in a foreign country. Head to Revelin or Dubravka 1836 for a dinner by the sea. Also, Taj Mahal offers great Bosnian food in Dubrovnik.

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If you’ve ever been to a 25hours hotel, then you know that its uniquely designed interior is always an eye-catcher. Inspired by Hamburg’s port and the sea, the maritim and urban design of 25hours Hotel Hafencity is no exception. Here is a full review of my stay:

Quick Overview
Located in the trendy neighborhood Hafencity, 25hours Hotel Hafencity is in walking distance to the famous Elbe Philharmonic Hall, the warehouse district Speicherstadt as well as the popular shopping promenade Jungfernstieg. It’s the ideal location for your first city trip to Hamburg.

Upon entering the hotel, you will quickly realize that this is not your ordinary lobby. Industrial-inspired interior combined with Hamburg-inspired pieces can be found here. Our checkin was quick and smooth, so that we took the elevator to check out our room.

The Room
My fiancé and I stayed in a Medium room at 25hours Hotel Hafencity. The interior and attention to detail match perfectly the design of the hotel. Different shades of blue, wooden elements and the continuous maritime-inspired pieces are present in the room. Besides the fun and colorful interior, the room features a very comfy bed, a mini bar with complimentary drinks and snacks and a working desk. For entertainment, guests have a TV, bluetooth speaker and complimentary Wi-Fi available.

The bathroom is just as bright and colorful as the room itself – a bright orange and shades of blue combined with contemporary design. It is perfectly outfitted with a rain shower, complimentary amenities and all other necessities you might need.

Breakfast
Due to Covid-19, breakfast was partly buffet-style and party served by the staff in order to minimize contact with other guests. We ordered cappuccinos, some orange juice and fruits, had a basket full of fresh bread and pastries and also had omelettes. Overall, we had a good breakfast and were fueled for the day. As it was quite warm and sunny, we were able to sit outside, which was a lovely way to start the day.

Service & Facilities
25hours Hotel Hafencity offers its guests a sauna to relax after a full day of exploring the city by bike or car, which you can rent directly in the hotel. Making your stay as convenient as possible! A little shop provides you with Hamburg souvenirs while the common area on the first floor is probably the coolest place to hang out at 25hours Hafencity. A room full of vinyl, stylish interior and even a photo booth can be found here. If you’re looking for a restaurant to have dinner at, then head to Heimat Restaurant, which pairs regional and seasonal dishes with selected wines.

Book a room at 25hours Hotel Hafencity, if you’re looking for a stylish design hotel in the heart of the city. This property offers unique and fun design features with comfortable rooms and friendly, helpful staff members. I would recommend a stay here for couples, friends as well as first-time and returning Hamburg visitors alike. We had a great weekend getaway at 25hours Hafencity and will certainly stay there another time when in Hamburg!

Thank you to 25hours Hotel Hafencity for hosting me! The opinions expressed on this blog are always my own.

The post Where to stay in Hamburg: 25hours Hotel Hafencity appeared first on Girl x Departure.