REVIEW: Hotel St. Petersbourg, Tallinn, Estonia

Hotel St Petersbourg Tallinn Review Billiards Art

Time to check out Hotel St. Petersbourg in Tallinn, Estonia!

“At what time would you like to visit our private sauna suite?”

When it comes to unique proposals at luxury hotels around the world, this is one of the best offers I’ve had. I checked into the very grand St Petersbourg Hotel in Tallinn (part of the Schlössle Hotel Group) after a whistle-stop tour of The Baltics and Scandinavia. Tallinn marked the end of my trip, and by this point I was exhausted and in need of good dose of relaxation and comfort.Wanderlust Chloe Hotel St Petersbourg Tallinn Review 23Wanderlust Chloe Hotel St Petersbourg Tallinn Review 01

It was the history of the hotel that first caught my attention. Opened in 1850, it is the oldest continuously functioning hotel in Tallinn, and one of the oldest in the whole of Estonia. After just a few hours in Tallinn, I was won over by the city’s medieval charm. It was like a fairytale – full of secret passages, romantic views and castle-like spires. Hotel St. Petersbourg is conveniently located in the heart of all of this – 30 seconds from the central square and the 13th Century Town Hall. Close by are several top restaurants, bars and museums. Thankfully it wasn’t bang in the heart of Tallinn’s famous nightlife (stag dos and all…!) so there was no need to worry about noise.Wanderlust Chloe Hotel St Petersbourg Tallinn Review 03

I stayed in a double room on the third floor. The colour scheme oozed luxury – with grey walls, a furry silver throw, maroon curtains and some quirky design features including a large monochrome photograph of a woman, and a cream armchair with funky pattern. I loved the parquet floor and antique mirror, and was pleased that while some of the décor was heavy, the room was flooded with Estonian sunshine!

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REVIEW: Divota Apartment Hotel, Split, Croatia

Divota Apartment Hotel Split

Time to check out Divota Apartment Hotel in Split.

As I got off the bus in Split, I was met by a handful of people flashing signs and pictures, trying to entice new tourists to their budget accommodations. There was something charming about seeing this old fashioned marketing technique still working. I, however, had somewhere to be…

On my first night in the city, I checked into Divota Apartment Hotel. I wandered through the characterful Veli Varoš neighbourhood – a labyrinth of tiny cobble stone streets once home to farm labourers. Just 5 minutes from Diocletian’s Palace and the promenade, but out of the tourist hustle and bustle, it seemed like the perfect location.

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After checking in, I was shown to my apartment. The area felt very ‘local’ – people were going about their daily business walking dogs, going to and from work, carrying shopping and hanging out their washing. Traditional green wooden shutters hung off the old stone houses. I couldn’t stop taking photos!

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REVIEW: An Unforgettable Week Sailing Around Croatia with MedSailors

MedSailors Boat Croatia

Time to reveal all about my week sailing around Croatia with MedSailors.

“This is Davide, your skipper for the week…” I was greeted by a tanned, smiley Italian, kitted out in a blue and yellow MedSailors uniform. 

*Update* I’ve just returned from an amazing week on MedSailors’ brand new route in Sicily. You can check out the video and blog review here!*

Just moments before, as I walked towards the Baotic Marina near Split, I was a bundle of nerves and excitement. All along the pier, groups of people were hanging around with their giant rucksacks and wheely bags. We were all playing the same game – eyeing up who we might be living in close confinement with, on a 47ft yacht for the next 7 days.

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I would be sharing a double room in the bow of the Espanola yacht (a Premier Plus yacht).  I was travelling with one of my best friends so the week was guaranteed to be fun, but as I sized up my 4 new shipmates, I couldn’t help but get a good feeling.

Over the next 7 days we would be sailing the Discovery Route – a loop starting just outside Split, and taking us around the picturesque islands of Solta, Vis, Korcula, Hvar and Brac. Each day we would have breakfast and lunch on board our yacht, a few swimming stops, and weather permitting, some sailing. In the afternoons and evenings we would be free to explore small Croatian towns, sample the local cuisine, and get to know our new boat buddies!

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Med Sailors Espanola

After a safety briefing, we set off towards our first stop – the island of Solta, where we would be mooring in Sesula Bay. Within minutes of departing, we opted to mix up some introductory cocktails rather than unpack.
As with many companies offering sailing tours in Croatia, MedSailors cater for the youth market (20-35). However, their approach is more sophisticated than most, with an emphasis on good food and company (they match people with similar interests on the boats). This is not to say there is no partying – it is still a holiday for young people… and we certainly enjoyed a few late, boozy nights!

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As I write this, I’m back home in the UK listening to the MedSailors playlist I played on the boat, and wishing I was back on board the Espanola. I could tell you minute by minute what we did (and make you very jealous!) but instead, here are a few of my favourite moments…


THE DAYS

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REVIEW: Vapor Restaurant, Hotel Bellevue, Dubrovnik

A very special dinner at Vapor Restaurant in the Hotel Bellevue, Dubrovnik.

“And here’s the elevator to the beach…”

Not something you hear every day… but then again, it’s not often you spend your day exploring Dubrovnik’s ancient city walls, and then pop for dinner at one of Croatia’s most exclusive restaurants.

Vapor RestaurantWanderlust Chloe Vapor Restaurant Dubrovnik05 is a part of Hotel Bellevue, one of the Adriatic Luxury Hotels, and is located just 15 minutes walk from the famous old town. Head chef Saša Računica’s spends his days reinventing traditional Croatian cuisine, adding exciting twists, and combining unexpected flavours.

Hotel Bellevue is a unique hotel, built right into the cliff edge. It was described as a small hotel, although with 91 rooms, it’s not on the boutique level of many of the small hotels within the old town such as The Pucic Palace.

Wanderlust Chloe Vapor Restaurant Dubrovnik01Before dinner I checked out both a deluxe and executive room. They did not disappoint – how could they when every room has THAT view? Yes…. The sea view, usually sought after when booking a room, but at this hotel, it comes as standard.

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REVIEW: The Pucic Palace, Dubrovnik, Croatia

Pucic Palace Dubrovnik Bedroom

Checking out The Pucic Palace in the ancient city of Dubrovnik, Croatia.

Awkward guest – that’s just not my style!

Oh… that was until I checked into The Pucic Palace in Dubrovnik in June 2015. I arrived just as an incredible electric storm struck the city. My arrival in Dubrovnik was already tinged with drama as my shuttle bus from the airport had broken down on a cliff edge and another bus had to come and rescue us. Once at The Pucic Palace, the hotel staff agreed to help me set up my Croatian SIM card, which was a small drama in itself as they searched the entire building for an unlocked phone!

It’s fair to say, they took all my mini dramas in their stride, and went above and beyond to make my stay a pleasant one.

The hotel has two sections: the 17th Century Baroque hotel building, and the annex apartments a minute away. I was staying in Defne Apartment in the annex – a stunning building right in the heart of the old town.

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