Home & Away with Robert Walshe
Destination Hotspot Barceló Asia Gardens Costa Blanca Spain
The Costa Blanca is a 200 km stretch of beautiful coastline in the Spanish province of Alicante, and is an extremely popular travel destination due to the beauty of the location and, of course, the fantastic weather. While the region still ca-
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ters principally for families and the elderly, perceptions are changing with tourism promoters keen to attract sophisticated and independent travelers. The Barceló Asia Gardens hotel at Finstrat is perfect for couples looking for romance or families seeking a high end getaway. All 312 rooms are different, ensuring that each guest gets a personalised and unique experience.
Barcela Asia Gardens Costa Blanca Swimming Pool.
One of the best features of the rooms is the spacious washrooms. Make sure you ask for a suite that features a Jacuzzi. Their Thai Spa is a new concept among all 5-star hotels with spa in Spain and Europe where magic, tradition, wisdom and fantasy are the true stars of each of their treatments. Come here for traditional Thai massage, Balinese massage, 4-Hands massage and a total body hydration programme. The Asian touches in the rooms are particularly unique and beautiful. Take a walk through the gardens to reach the hotel’s large infinity pool, bordered by sun terraces. It is absolutely stunning, and you won’t want to get out of the water once you’re in it. In fact, the hotel has seven pools (three of which are heated) for guests to use. You’ll also find more than 60 varieties of plants, bonsais and flowers on the hotel’s grounds. Plant lovers will enjoy relaxing here, enjoying nature and the hotel’s serene atmosphere. The restaurants at Barceló Asia Gardens focus on an interesting Asian-Mediterranean fusion. Udaipur is the buffet restaurant, open at breakfast and dinner, which has pretty much everything you want – all the best Spanish cheeses, freshly-
Award winning gardens at Barcelo Asia Gardens Hotel & Thai Spa.
made omelettes and great juice at breakfast, fresh salads and fish dishes at dinner. The restaurant has a great aspect, looking out over the hotel pools, and is perfect for a long, leisurely breakfast. If you like Asian food, Koh Samui serves top Asian food, such as fresh summer rolls with prawn, Pad Thai and inspired cocktails. At night, take in a show at the Bonsai Bar, named for the 150-year-old Bonsai tree on the terrace. Nearby Benidorm offers endless possibilities: from taking a walk along the promenade a boat excursion to the island of Tabarca, or a wander through Benidorm’s historic quarter. Without doubt, the beaches are one of the city’s biggest attractions. A five-kilometre stretch of golden sand coastline, intermingled with secluded coves where visitors and locals can enjoy a refreshing swim, as well as engage
in water sports, like scuba diving, water skiing, windsurfing, sailing, and more. Then there are the local cultural festivals, beautiful cuisine and great shopping. There are also numerous championship golf courses offering a good challenge to serious and casual players. Benidorm is what you want it to be: full of fun, with a fantastic nightlife, but is also affords peace and tranquility. Barcelo Asia Gardens is one of the best hotels in Spain for kicking back and enjoying the sun. For best rates visit www.barcelo.com. Aer Lingus fly daily from Belfast City or Dublin to Alicante. For great fares visit www.aerlingus.com Robert Walshe is a travel broadcaster with Q Radio & Travel Editor for numerous print and online publications on the island of Ireland. www.robertwalshe.com