When looking for somewhere to stay for our trip to Amsterdam I really wanted to find somewhere that felt like, well... Amsterdam. 

And what is more Amsterdam than a loft style hotel? 

When I found the Dylan, I was immediately sold. Its just the most gorgeous hotel for a romantic weekend! Traditional but contemporary in style at the same time, I loved the fresh clean lines of the loft style suite we chose, while all of the communal areas were, cosy and utterly inviting.   

The Dylan has such a special feel, and really reminded me of another gorgeous hotel we stayed at in Copenhagen

I have to say, despite this being my first visit to Amsterdam I had a very hard time pulling myself away from the fireplace and the absolutely incredible bittenballen (an total must try if you've never had them) 

But pull ourselves away we did, we had a never city to Explore after all!!! 

My coat and blouse are both Zara, from a while ago but iv tried to find some alternatives for you below!

​​Have you ever visited Amsterdam before? Which is your favourite hotel?

Belle 
​Xx

So it seems that el hombre and I have started a new tradition with an annual date weekend to Barcelona. Its quite a nice little tradition. After all, its just an hours flight away and is one of the most beautiful city's in Europe

Its the perfect city for a date weekend as we know it so well now, we really feel like we can muse through the weekend and enjoy time together without having to make sure we "see" everything like you do with a new city.  There is something so luxurious knowing you can cherry pick your favourite bits. Plus, in my opinion you never really know a city until you've been a few times. Its only after the second or third trip that you start to discover the little gems. 

We stay at Soho House, something that has become another tradition for us (we have just booked for the third year in row). Repeating hotels is not something that we do that frequently as I love discovering new places but Soho House, Barcelona is so perfect for a fun and effortless stay in the city that no other hotel has managed to turn our head. 

Handbag is Chanel. Similar styles here and here 

Dress is from Zara, but now sold out so I found some alternatives and added them below. 

When every detail is perfect, why look for anything else? I wrote in more detail here from last years trip

After all, where else can you get the prefect English breakfast and pancakes delivered to your room? You can take the girl out of Britain...

Belle 
Xoxo

For more from Barcelona see here and here 

When we ex pats get bored of the beach and crave some cold weather we head to the Spanish mountains of Sierra Nevada. 

Id never even heard of Sierra Nevada before I moved to Spain, but apparently its a thing and our friends spend most of the early part of the year there. So naturally we had to get in on the action and its fast become a favorite

A favorite, massively due to the fact we have El Lodge... 

El lodge is so cool. The hotel interiors, the service, the apres ski, the food. The list is endless

The rooms are so stylish and cosy you don't want to leave them. Until you catch a glimpse of the heated pool right outside your door... that's really all the persuasion you need!

In Fact I love El Lodge so much, I turn our terrace at home into "Belle Lodge" ... an alpine inspired winter space totally inspired by El Lodge. Cute eh!?

The sundeck is the place to hang out when your not skiing. Chairs draped in the chicest blankets to keep you warm (there are heaters too) and watch the skiers fly against a backdrop of snow covered mountains while you enjoy the most delicious lunch (cheese features heavily on the menu) so I was in heaven

And in the evening head to the Grill 

Watch the sunset over the mountain as fireplace roars over a glass of wine. This place has a very special place in my heart. It was here that we decided on and toasted to our home which we affectionately call Provence in Espania  

Aren't we so lucky to have a ski resort so close to home?

If you're visiting Sierra Nevada, I highly recommend El Lodge, its simply the best place to stay

Belle
Xx