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Hotels, Spain

A Tale of Two Innside Hotels in Mallorca

July 31, 2017 by cheriecity

For our summer holiday in Palma de Mallorca, we were excited to discover the Innside by Melia hotel brand for the first time. As a ‘next generation’ hotel concept, it has a cool approach to affordable luxury and lots of millennial-friendly touches.

The majority of our time was spent at the sleek, urban Innside Palma Center and then we had a change of scenery over at the brand new Innside Palma Bosque close to the port. Even on a relaxing city-beach break, we couldn’t help hotel hopping and it turned out to be a wise move, as the two hotels complemented each other perfectly.

Innside Palma Center

Innside Palma Center is a stylish boutique hotel in the north of the city, close to the main train station and the old quarter. It has a creative, relaxed feel with contemporary rooms and artworks from a local gallery throughout the hotel.

Our Innside corner room was spacious and pristine with a juliette balcony, plush bed with high quality linen, large LCDTV and best of all, a free minibar with soft drinks replenished each day.

The Swimming Pool

The jewel in the hotel’s crown is the fabulous rooftop, Garabato Sky Bar, complete with a mezzanine sun deck and the most heavenly pool. We spent some time there soaking up the sun with strawberry smoothies and grazing on tasty Mallorcan burgers and Katsu pork sandwiches. It’s also a chilled place to enjoy evening drinks at a very reasonable price – a large glass of Pedro Ximenez was just 3 Euros.

Breakfast

We hadn’t planned to have breakfast at the hotel every day, but we were offered a tempting MeliaRewards members deal at check-in. It was worth it, as we appreciated the luxury of rolling on down to the lovely Garabato Restaurant in the morning. The breakfast buffet was very good and we were able to start each day with eggs on toast with jamon Iberico or smoked salmon, mini pastries, muffins and proper coffee.

One of our favourite spaces in the hotel was the cosy ground-floor library filled with a well-curated selection of art and fashion books and magazines.

Most notable about Innside Palma Center was the friendly and efficient service. All of the staff were so friendly and helpful, from the charismatic front desk manager who welcomed us to the hard-working breakfast and pool bar team. Everything was so perfect that we were sad to leave.

Innside Palma Bosque

Our second home on the trip was the newly-renovated Innside Palma Bosque, which has just been relaunched as an Innside hotel. It’s one street behind the port and is convenient for taking a bus to the many sandy beaches along the coast.

While Innside Palma Center has an intimate feel, Innside Palma Bosque is sprawling and minimalist with an open-plan lobby, lounge with a DJ and restaurant on the ground floor. There are still a few telltale signs of the old hotel as the new property completes its transition, however we were impressed with our Innside Premium Swim Up Room on the edge of the magnificent outdoor swimming pool.

The Room

This superior room came with a large king-size bed, smart TV, free minibar, Nespresso machine and the most enormous free-standing bathtub in front of the patio window. If you love swimming and lounging on your own private terrace, it’s worth booking one of these rooms for that extra luxury.

Lunch at Syndeo Restaurant

The hotel’s Syndeo Restaurant with its open kitchen is also a real highlight, as the food, ambiance and staff are top notch. We enjoyed our lunch of sushi and stir-fry noodles so much that we had burgers there later in the evening before heading out to explore the port.

Unfortunately we found the local area uninspiring and this particular stretch of the port is a bit lairy and dated with endless strip bars, cheap boozers and unappealing restaurants. However, walking 20 minutes or so to the hip Santa Catalina neighbourhood will restore your faith in this part of Palma.

Our first experience with Innside Hotels was just wonderful and we would definitely seek them out when visiting other cities. In fact, we’re already considering a return to one of the Palma hotels… can you guess which one?

Planning a trip to Mallorca? Check out my guide on Where to Visit, Eat and Shop in Palma de Mallorca and Soller.

For more information and booking, visit: www.melia.com

All photos by Chérie City

Spain

The Best Places to Shop & Eat in Palma

July 19, 2017 by cheriecity

Palma de Mallorca is one of the hottest holiday destinations this summer and it’s easy to see why travellers are falling in love with the postcard perfect city.

It’s like having the best of both worlds – a stylish capital city with designer boutiques, cool restaurants and chic rooftop bars, as well as endless stretches of gorgeous beaches. We visited Palma for a short four-night break, but you could easily stay for a week and use the city as your base to explore the rest of the beautiful island.

Unlike the typical Chérie City whirlwind trip, our stay in Palma factored in plenty of chill time – mostly by the pool with the latest Margaret Atwood book and an icy strawberry smoothie in hand. I did feel a little guilty about not rushing around to see everything, but that didn’t last long when the rooftop sun terrace was calling. So, here are some top Palma addresses for the lazy sunseeker:

SHOPPING:

Rialto Living

Located on a side street just off the Passeig del Born, Rialto Living is a stylish concept store filled with covetable fashion, interiors and lifestyle products. Its grand, Baroque-style building was once an 18th century palacio and then the Rialto Cinema before a major refurb. The courtyard cafe is a hub for both locals and visitors, where you can enjoy light bites such as Gyoza, Caesar Salad or Tuna Tataki.

Bazaar

Bazaar is a little gem of a shop, dedicated to tasteful Mallorcan living with a mixture of artisanal textiles and high end designer wares. Find woven cotton table mats in a rainbow of colours, a quirky pineapple plate or a luxurious Astier de Villatte candle.

Mallorca Delicatessen Mateu Pons

The best of the island’s produce can be found at the bijou Mallorca Delicatessen Mateu Pons. You can graze on a platter of Sobrassada and Mahon cheese with a few glasses of Cava, or grab some fresh olives to go. The food products such as flavoured Mallorcan salt and artisanal oils are beautifully-packaged and make gorgeous gifts.

EATING:

Ziva To Go

Holidays don’t need to be a complete departure from healthiness, so if you don’t want to miss your vitamins, head to Ziva To Go. This chilled out cafe offers colourful super food salads, nut mylks and tempting healthy desserts. The smoothies and cold-pressed juices are pricey at 7-8.50 Euros, but all ingredients are organic and locally sourced.

Buscando El Norte

Buscando El Norte is the kind of buzzing neighbourhood restaurant that you’d want to have as your local at home. It’s fashionable but unpretentious and the menu is full of tantalising Mallorcan, Mediterranean and Asian dishes.

From the selection of pintxos and small plates, we both ordered the most incredibly moreish Mini black angus burger with cheese and quail egg served with haystack fries. Other hits were the fresh and Lobster toast with seaweed bread and the artfully presented Cod gratin on squid ink rice. We also couldn’t resist the all-round pleaser of tender Crunchy chicken with a fruity satay sauce.

Pizzeria 500 Grados

If you’re in the mood for pizza, look no further than Pizzeria 500 Grados, a tiny urban joint serving up proper Neapolitan pizza. However, you need to plan ahead and book a table, as walk-in availability is rare (but not impossible if you arrive early and plead a little). It is worth it, though, as the pizzas are some of the best I’ve ever tasted – even verging on the greatness that is the iconic Pizzeria Da Michele!

The Margherita is a solid choice with nicely blistered dough, juicy crushed tomato sauce, creamy mozzarella, fresh basil and a drizzle of virgin olive oil. If you’re after more intense flavours, try the Martina Franca topped with high quality cured pork loin, fresh rocket and Parmigiano.

The Kitchen

This is the place to see and be seen in the centre of Palma’s labyrinthine shopping streets. The cuisine is a sun-friendly mix of Mediterranean and Asian and the three-course lunch menu is a good bet at 19.50 Euros. You could easily start with sushi and bao buns and follow with indulgent Parmesan truffle ravioli and roast leg of lamb – there are no food rules when you’re on holiday!

Udon

Sushi is big in Palma and the city has an abundance of Japanese restaurants for all budgets. For a quick and tasty meal in a slick Japanese canteen, head to Udon, part of a small Spanish chain, in the cool Arxiduc neighbourhood. Bypass the noodles (just ok) and go straight for the yummy sushi rolls and pan-fried gyoza. They even have chocolate mochi for dessert and Japanese iced teas to cool down.

Looking for a stylish Mallorca hotel to take your holiday to the next level? I can personally recommend the boho-luxe Bikini Island and Mountain Hotel with stunning bayside views over Port de Soller or Innside Palma Center, a fabulous affordable design hotel in the heart of buzzing Palma.

Camping, France, Glamping, Spain

Yelloh! Village – the Finest Open-Air Hotels

April 15, 2015 by cheriecity

With the summer quickly approaching, it’s time to start thinking about where to spend the holidays. If you’re visiting a sunny European destination, why not make the most of the warm weather at a Yelloh! Village high-end campsite?

Yelloh! Village operates more than 65 destinations across France, Spain and Portugal and has been the benchmark in top-of-the-range camping for the last 15 years.

Pitch up with beautiful views of the ocean in The Algarve, stay in a stylish Catalonia chalet where you can cook your own tapas or indulge with a five star stay in a premium chalet complete with swimming pool in coastal Aquitaine.

Years ago, one of my close friends from uni arranged a girls’ weekend in Alghero, Sardinia, ahead of her wedding, staying in chalets in a boutique camping site. It was the perfect alternative to a regular hotel with its beach-side location, good facilities and plenty of space for al fresco dinner and plenty of wine under the stars.

Of course, the camping world has evolved since my last outdoor holiday – who could resist a campsite with heated outdoor pools, spa facilities, tennis courts, an on-site bakery and wifi?

My ideal Yelloh! Village stay would be in France’s Provence Alpes Cote d’Azur region at the fabulous Camping Les Tournels in St. Tropez. I would explore the French Riviera and stroll along the Promenade des Anglais in Nice, enjoy an aperitif at a seafront cafe in glitzy Monaco and retrace the lives of Picasso and Matisse in Saint-Paul de Vence.

I would also take some time to try out the campsite’s blissful balneotherapy centre, relax on the nearby Pampelonne beach and cook authentic southern French dishes with ingredients from the markets of Provence from the comfort of my kitchen.

Yelloh! Village continually listens to its guests and has made numerous improvements to site facilities, winning it various awards including ‘Best Camping’ in the Michelin Camping Guide.

Yelloh! Village’s qualified, multilingual staff are on hand to make you feel welcome and get you into the holiday spirit. The clear, concise website makes it easy to find your ideal accommodation and there are plenty of outdoor activities and sports to keep you and the family entertained.

Whether you’re wanting to camp France in style or reconnect with nature in the Balearics, make a Yelloh! Village high quality open-air hotel top of your travel wish list.

Have you ever stayed at a Yelloh! Village campsite? Are you tempted to try luxury camping this summer?

Art, Barcelona, Bars, Beach, Cafes, Cherie Soleil, Hotels, Hotels - Budget, Hotels - Design, Restaurants, Spain, Stores

Chérie City Guide To: Barcelona

September 3, 2012 by cheriecity

Barcelona is one of Spain’s most vibrant, exciting and constantly evolving cities. There are always plenty of new things to see and do, alongside traditional establishments that have endured throughout the years. It’s now easier than ever to find an affordable flight and spend a long weekend in one of Spain’s coolest cities.

Here are a few of my favourites places in Barcelona…

Market Hotel is a chic, affordable design hotel with decor inspired by the Far East. It’s located close to the San Antoni market in Eixample and nice touches include complimentary wifi, apples and bottles of mineral water to take away at reception.

The hotel’s pretty monochrome Market Restaurant is a buzzing yet relaxing place to enjoy authentic Catalan cuisine. Finish the evening with a cocktail on the terrace or in the stunning Asian-inspired Bar Rosso, designed in deep reds with Chinoiserie and tea lights (Passatge de Sant Antoni Abad 08015 Barcelona).

Pizza Ravalo is a cute neighbourhood pizzeria with a great terrace, tucked away in Upper Raval. The pizzas are huge and topped with authentic Italian ingredients – just leave enough room for dessert (Plaça d’Emili Vendrell, 1, 08001 Barcelona).

Bar Kasparo is a Raval institution with its laid-back atmosphere, cool location under the arches of Placa Vicenc Martorell, friendly Aussie staff and great food (Plaça de Vicenç Martorell, 4 08001 Barcelona).

Mercat de Santa Caterina is a foodie’s heaven with its fresh produce market and excellent fusion restaurant, Cuines Santa Caterina. Santa Caterina is a slicker affair than the touristy Boqueria Market and the Cuines Santa Caterina is an ultra-chic spot for lunch or dinner, with its open kitchen, light wood interiors and indoor trees. The Country Paella takes a long time to arrive, but it’s definitely worth ordering (Av Francesc Cambó, 16 08003 Barcelona).

Santa Eulalia – Referencing the patron saint of Barcelona, Santa Eulalia has been supplying the city with high end fashion since 1843. Today, the iconic store stocks brands such as Lanvin, Theyskens’ Theory, Celine and Balenciaga. It even has its own fashion cafe and terrace (Passeig de Gràcia, 93 08008 Barcelona).

Fundació Antoni Tàpies – The great Catalan artist Antoni Tàpies sadly passed away this year, but the foundation continues to show exhibitions by international contemporary artists, alongside a permanent collection of Tàpies’ work (Aragó 255, 08007 Barcelona).

MACBA is Barcelona’s best know and most exciting contemporary art museum. The building’s striking white curves and glass make it a focal point of Upper Raval. After exploring the museum, have a drink at one of the cool pavement cafes on the Plaça dels Àngels and watch the skateboarders. At night, the square becomes a low-key bohemian nightspot as people bring their own beers and music before hitting the bars of Joaquín Costa (Plaça dels Àngels, 1 08001 Barcelona).

Gardens of El Antic Hospital Santa Creu – Take a break from the busy streets in Raval hideaway, the El Antic Hospital Santa Creu gardens. Relax among the orange trees, admire the gothic architecture and spot the gargoyles above the stone arches. Enjoy a cervesa and tapas during the day at stylish al fresco tapas bar El Jardí gardens or visit at night when DJs play long into the evening (Carrer de l’Hospital, 56 08001 Barcelona).

Barceloneta – The city’s expansive marina and beaches are the best places to enjoy the sun. Stroll along the seafront and spot the interesting public art, or spend a lazy afternoon in one of the many seafood restaurants and tapas bars.

All photos by Chérie City

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Spain

The Best Destinations to Visit in Spain

April 4, 2012 by cheriecity

Spain holidays are the perfect escape in the summer, as there is a city or resort to interest all types of travellers. Whether your trip is a city break, culture tour or relaxing beach retreat, Spain has it all. Here is a guide to Chérie City’s favourite Spain holidays…

Barcelona

Barcelona is one of Spain’s most vibrant major cities with the added benefit of a beach, making it a perfect summer destination. Upper Ravel is known as the arty neighbourhood with the renowned museums MACBA and CCCB, El Born is the place for high end boutiques and fine dining while Gracia has a laid-back boho vibe.

Don’t miss the Antoni Tàpies Foundation, lunch at Santa Caterina Market and the twinkling outdoor terrace at the Fashion and Textiles Museum Cafe in the evening.

Valencia

Valencia is a city of huge contrasts – the picturesque old town with churches, fountains and historical monuments aplenty and the futuristic City of Arts and Science. Look for street art by graffiti artists such as Julieta in the rebellious Barrio El Carmen and stroll around the parks on the old river beds where you can pluck Valencian oranges straight from the trees.

The city is famous for its paella and of course, the freshly squeezed orange juice. Don’t forget to try horchata, the region’s traditional drink at Horchateria de Santa Catalina.

Alicante

It may not be an obvious choice for a beach holiday, but Alicante is full of hidden gems. Stay at the stunning Hospes Amerigo and let them guide you through the ‘art of sleep’, after a day of sunbathing on the private rooftop terrace and pool. Adjoining tapas bar Monastrell is an absolute must, especially for the insanely good chorizo in honey and crystal bread.

For the best beach experience, walk straight past the over-crowded beaches in the main town and take the air-conditioned tram just 20 minutes up the coastline. There you’ll find secluded pale sand beaches with crystal clear waters and tiki bars. Why not make use of Spain’s excellent railway and combine with a city break in Valencia.

Alhambra, Granada

Alhambra in Granada, Andalucia, is one of the most spectacular sights in Spain. An emblem of Moorish culture in Spain, Alhambra dates back to the ninth century and is made up of exquisite palaces, towers, patios and idyllic gardens. You could spend a whole day exploring the different areas and marvelling at the craftsmanship and Arabic patterns.

A visit to Alhambra can be coupled with a relaxing stay in nearby Malaga or summer hiking in the mountains of Sierra Nevada (also a sunny, enjoyable ski resort in the winter).

Benicassim

If you can’t bear the thought of your tent washing away on a tide of mud, go for the beach and sun festival experience at Benicàssim. The festival starts late in the evening, so the day is free for relaxing on the beach or enjoying a cold beer at a terrace bar in town.

Brave the heat and pitch up your tent or rent a room/apartment on the beach front or nearby town, Castellón. If you really want to be close to the bands, splurge on one of the cool beach hotels with a pool.

This year’s line-up includes The Stone Roses, Florence and the Machine, New Order, Bob Dylan and many more…

For my next Spanish adventures, I’m tempted by Madrid, Seville and the foodie delights of San Sebastian and Bilbao. Which is your favourite Spanish destination?

All photos by Cherie City

Valencia Photo Diary

July 20, 2010 by cheriecity

Valencia, 3.7.10 – 6.7.10

All photos Cherie City & Steven Marshall

Art, Spain, Valencia

Street Art in El Carmen, Valencia

July 19, 2010 by cheriecity

Wander off onto the side streets in Valencia’s old town and you’ll find a maze of incredible street art, from anarchist scrawlings to detailed fantasy murals in the most vibrant colours.

Barrio El Carmen is know for its bohemian bars and cafes, edgy boutiques and the IVAM (Valencian Institute of Modern Art), but like all up-and-coming areas, there’s more behind its popularity than just the leafy main street, Calle de Caballeros.

El Carmen is home to a number of creative, political squatters, who take over the disused stone buildings and bring their own outsider energy to the area, with graffiti art, their own set of rules and loud techno.

The back streets of El Carmen remind me of Ljubljana’s autonomous state, Metelkova, with its creative squat buildings, politically-charged atmosphere and fantastical artwork, albeit a much less radical version. To get an idea of this unique squat community, read about when Chérie City went to Metelkova.

After a few days, you’ll start to recognise the styles and tags of certain artists and find out just what their street art is all about. One of my favourites is a graffiti artist called Julieta (of the XLF crew), who produces the most whimsical, colourful Japanese-inspired public art.

Valencia has a long-standing history of street art and it has been often linked to the seasonal festival of Las Fallas. The urban landscape of the old town is a perfect canvas for graff art, with its crumbling stone walls, weathered buildings, narrow passages and alleyways.

The best resource for discovering more about the city’s graffiti scene is Textura: Valencia Street Art, by local Photographer Luz A. Martin, who has uncovered the best public artwork and most prominent artists.

I came across this stunning book in a side street graphic design and skateboard shop in El Carmen called Minor Media (Calle de Roteros, 13). It features images of Valencia’s best street artist and rare interviews with the city’s most prolific street artists such as Julieta, End, Escif, Graffilia, Nero, On_ly and Sam3.

Textura: Valencia Street Art also acts as a pattern book, allowing you to download photographs as royalty-free images via download from the MBP website (only if you’ve purchased the book).

El Carmen is a such an intriguing part of Valencia, you’ll wish that you’d found it right away, so put it top of your Valencia ‘must sees’ list.

All photos by Cherie City.

Alicante, Beach, Hotels, Hotels - Design, Hotels - Luxury, Spain

A Stay at Hospes Amerigo in Alicante

July 8, 2010 by cheriecity

A hidden gem that often gets overlooked, Alicante offers some of the best beaches in Spain, traditional architecture and a Mediterranean atmosphere.

Location

Tucked away just one block behind the promenade and two minutes from Postiguet beach, the five-star Hospes Amerigo is a luxury design hotel housed in a renovated 17th century Franciscan monastery, complete with arched windows.

The hotel is easily accessed from the airport, within around 20 minutes on the Alicante Airport bus, and stops on the Rambla de Mendez Nunez, just around the corner from the hotel.

The Room

On arrival we were greeted with an ice cold glass of aromatic home-made lemonade and were offered a complimentary upgrade to a Deluxe room (room 125).

The bedroom was absolutely stunning and included a king-size bed with sumptuous Egyptian cotton sheets, a mezzanine seating area with designer furniture (we have the same Eileen Gray side table at home), a cool digital screen print, an LCD TV and DVD player, a stylish writing bureau and a juliette balcony overlooking the atrium.

The Bathroom

Behind a Japanese-style door partition was the marble bathroom with the longest bath I’ve ever seen, a fantastic shower, separate toilet and Korres toiletries, including Guarana Exfoliating Body Soap, Rice Protein Shampoo and the most gorgeous Vanilla and Cinnamon Bath and Shower Gel.

The philosophy of the hotel is to provide the best possible sleep and on the coffee table, there were two hard-back books dedicated to the science of sleep. The beautiful, soft sheets, fluffy pillows, powerful air con, lack of noise and good food and wine also contributed to us drifting off easily (admittedly pretty late) every night.

If you’re really serious about tackling your sleep issues, the hotel can provide a full DIY programme and suggest methods of relaxation. However, not all guests were staying at the hotel for its soporific benefits and were dressed in their finest for a night out in the Old Town.

The hotel really pays attention to small details to make the stay more enjoyable, such as a complimentary DVD library, a laptop with free internet access in the lounge, realistic wardrobe hanging space and extra beach towels on request to use at the roof top terrace.

Rooftop

Each morning after a late breakfast, we went up to the rooftop solarium-terrace and baked under the sun on the chic wooden, cushioned sun loungers with a drink (two Coronas from the bar came to 8 Euros) and relaxed in the swimming pool.

While the pool was too shallow for a proper swim, at a depth of under one metre, it had excellent hydrotherapy facilities – three spa water jets and two jacuzzi sections. The only heating seemed to come from the sun, but once you acclimatise to the temperature, the pool is very refreshing and relaxing.

The rooftop terrace offers panoramic views over the city and the imposing 16th century Castillo de Santa Barbara, perched on the top of the Mount Benacantil.

Dinner at Monastrell

One the first night, we ate at Monastrell, the tapas bar and restaurant connected to the hotel and had a few plates of excellent tapas and chilled Spanish rose wine.

We didn’t have breakfast at the hotel, but we found a great cafe/ice cream parlour called Antiu Xixona, just a few steps away from the hotel on the promenade, where they served a breakfast menu for just 3.80 Euros. It consists of a coffee, freshly squeezed orange juice and a cake, pastry or a toasted baguette with a choice of toppings.

My magdalena cake came with a pot of melted dark chocolate and on the second day, the lovely waitress brought us a complimentary cup of melon ice cream.

It was an absolute delight to stay at the Hospes Amerigo and with such excellent facilities and well-designed room, it was much more than just a base for going to the beach or exploring the city.

The Hospes Amerigo offers affordable luxury, superior service and an unbeatable location, with rates from 100 Euros per night in the high season and depending on the room type.

We booked a Dreamers double room at Hospes Amerigo through a Private Sales on Tablet Hotels and got an excellent rate of just 250 Euros for three nights.

Alicante, Bars, Beach, Restaurants, Spain

Amazing Tapas at Monastrell in Alicante

July 7, 2010 by cheriecity

Arriving in Alicante in the early evening (a welcome change from those middle of the night flights), we were right on time for a typically Spanish late dinner and where better than literally two steps from our hotel!

Monastrell is one of Alicante’s most exclusive fine dining restaurants and tapas bars, where the quality of the food is matched only by the attentive service. Despite bearing a name clearly influenced by the origins of the adjoined Hospes Amerigo, Monastrell was previously in a different location and while it has a close relationship with the hotel, it is independently owned.

Top chef and owner, María José San Rámon has created a menu of Mediterranean and Catalan dishes that are made with the finest organic, local produce. The restaurant offers a range of menu options, including three courses for €55, but we decided to eat at Monastrell’s tapas bar, also in the stylish atrium.

We ordered four tapas and a bottle of rosé for just €11 (a happy accident, as I thought ‘tinto’ meant red) that came chilled in a Veuve Cliquot ice bucket. Before our meal, our waiter brought us a plate of deliciously dense home-made bread and a large portion of toasted almonds.

First to arrive at the table was the Croqueta Jamón Ibéricó (€5 for two portions), which was just like eating a cloud, with a light cheese and ham filling inside crisp, fine golden breadcrumbs. They were so good that we ordered another portion later.

Next up was the Jamón Ibéricó on toasted crystal bread (€5), so called because of the crunching sound it makes when you bite into it. The bread was quite unique and light and was rubbed with fresh tomato and topped off with slices of glistening cured Iberian ham.

The Tortilla with Onions (€6) was small but perfectly formed with a lightly browned outside, and had a slightly more runny texture that most tortillas I’ve tried before, which is a good thing, as sometimes tortilla can be too dry.

But the highlight of the meal was the Grilled Chorizo in Honey (€6), a combination I’ve never tried before but one that worked extremely well.

Monastrell is reasonably priced for a restaurant of such a high standard and reputation and while the dishes are on the small side, the focus is on the flavours and premium ingredients. Five dishes with bread and toasted almonds was more than enough for us and the chic ambiance of the restaurant and tapas bar makes it well worth a visit.

Monastrell, Rafael Altamira 7, 03002, Alicante.