Funchal - Madeira's capital - has some fine restaurants but a "must" whenever we visit is the sublime Il Basilico. Owned by the successful PortoBay Hotels & Resorts, it's one of several eateries the group has in the city and, in our view, one of its finest. Situated on Funchal’s popular Lido promenade, this [...]
Heading to Jersey and Guernsey? Fancy visiting a decent eatery which dishes up fab pizzas? If so, here are some of our recommendations... JERSEY PizzaExpress Any visit to Jersey must include a visit to this wonderful restaurant – in fact, I’d eat here just to enjoy the sumptuous view, for which it scores 10/10! [...]
This fabulous boutique hotel on the outskirts of Woolacombe in North Devon has recently been crowned Best Waterside Hotel 2024 by Condé Nast Johansen’s. As soon as you experience an overnight stay here, you’ll understand why. Paula and I were lucky enough to check out this four-star hotel which enjoys one of the finest coastal [...]
If you’re ever in Funchal and fancy Italian cuisine, you’ll find no better restaurant than Mamma Mia. Owned by the Vidamar Resort Hotel - without question, one of the best (if not the best) hotels on the island - this contemporary designed restaurant edges the main road, just in front the hotel. I’ve had the [...]
One of the guarantees about visiting Madeira is that you’ll never be short of things to see and do. In fact, chances are a return will probably be on the cards to experience some of the attractions missed first time around. Here at Travellowdown, we recently enjoyed a five-day break on this beautiful sunny island. [...]
Here at Travellowdown, we’ve recently returned from one of our best family holidays. Our destination was sunny Madeira, a beautiful island I’ve got to know so well over the years. Its bright colours, abundance of greenery, pleasant people, spectacular mountain ranges and myriad other delights make it an ideal destination for all ages. When it [...]
Despite measuring just nine miles by five, Jersey is the largest of the Channel Islands as well as the archipelago’s southernmost isle. A self-governing dependency of the UK, it has much to offer visitors this autumn, whether you’re a daytripper or planning a week-long break. Known for, among others, its splendid beaches, rugged coastline, myriad [...]
The largest of the Channel Islands offers visitors myriad eateries, everything from shacks on the beach to top-end restaurants where deep pockets are recommended! Having just returned from yet another visit, here are some suggestions for anyone looking for somewhere to eat or drink… OCEAN RESTAURANT The Atlantic Hotel is, by far, my favourite hotel [...]
If you fancy a delicious vegan burger - or any kind, for that matter - I’d recommend heading to Hub Box. I had the pleasure of eating at the Exeter branch a few days ago and wasn’t disappointed. Sat outside watching the world go by while I munched through my tasty burger and scrummy fries [...]
Jersey, the largest and southernmost of the Channel Islands, boasts myriad cafés and restaurants catering for all kinds of dietary requirements. Here, I recommend just a handful which ticked all the right boxes when I experienced them on a recent trip to the island… GREAT FOR VEGAN FOOD... The Sinful Vegan This cosy café [...]
