Hemingway - Five Visits During our stay at Hotel Majestic, Hemingway was our local bar always trendy and comfortable access from the hotel. Great quality cocktails, good service and its location, surrounded by lush green trees in the park, a favourite with tourists and locals. However, they make mighty fine-tasting negroni; however, the gin selection is minimal for a bar called Hemingway. The hotel breakfast was from Hemingway. It was a great selection with ample portion sizes. The only negative was that you needed to pay for the water (as tap water was undrinkable).

Ulcinj - Multiple visits Ulcinj, a picturesque town poised gracefully along the southern coast of Montenegro, is one of the Adriatic Sea's most ancient settlements. With its rich history dating back to the 5th century BC, Ulcinj is a haven for history enthusiasts and a vibrant cultural mosaic reflective of its predominantly Albanian population of 10,707 residents. As you meander through the narrow cobblestone streets of Ulcinj, you're transported across centuries, witnessing the tangible footprints left by various civilizations. The town's unique ambience is evident in its architecture, language, and daily life, making it a captivating destination for those looking to immerse themselves in a rich cultural tapestry. While Ulcinj boasts abundant natural beauty and historical wealth, it is not immune to the trials of modernity. The town currently faces challenges related to over-tourism, which has exacerbated issues such as plastic pollution and water safety. As travellers, we must approach Ulcinj with a sustainability mindset and respect for its natural and urban environments. Reducing plastic use, ensuring we leave no trace on beaches, and staying informed about water safety are significant ways to contribute positively to this beautiful locale.

Old Town Ulcinj Ulcinj's Old Town is one of the oldest urban architectural complexes on the Adriatic Sea. Ulcinj's Old Town is one of the oldest urban architectural complexes on the Adriatic Sea. The castle, which some believe resembles a stranded ship, and the surrounding areas have flourished for about 25 centuries. Today, we decided to explore our nearby town, Ulcinj, and enjoy a nice lazy lunch. It was beautiful strolling through the old town (although it felt like a ghost town as dining establishments can only open until 6 pm at present due to curfew from 7 pm -5 am). There are spectacular views and it is very peaceful; however, I could just imagine how crazy busy this place would be during summer. It was also calming to hear the call to prayer again after spending three months in Morocco earlier in the year.

Konoba Ada Bojana - One Visit Ada Bojana is an island in the Ulcinj Municipality in Montenegro. The name Ada means river island in Montenegro. The island is formed by a river delta of the Bojana River. Finally, a restaurant that served fish that I enjoyed. I'm not known as a big fish-eating person unless it's fried or crumbed. This place served the freshest fish I've eaten. It was grilled to perfection, with crispy skin, and the sea bass was not fishy. The owner was welcoming and not too pushy. We enjoyed our time at this well-decorated, clean restaurant, which is well worth a visit. There are many restaurants in this location. This one is close to the bridge leading to the island, on the mainland side (which also gets the sun).

Mare E Monti - One Month The perfect Airbnb for those wanting to get away from it all and soak up one of the immense views in Montenegro. We initially booked for seven nights and decided to extend a few more weeks. We were also very pleasantly surprised with a welcome bottle of red and white wine, felt like Armand knew The Schmidts were arriving. From the moment you drive down a small laneway in the middle of an olive grove you know, it's going to be a special place to stay. As soon as you enter the cottage (actually a sizeable two-bedroom home), you feel instantly relaxed and know you have chosen a perfect home to enjoy the surrounding nature and peacefulness. You will fall in love with the sunsets and sunrises from the beautiful balcony each day. The home is located at the top of a valley, your view is down into the Adriatic sea, with lush green olive trees and scrubs covering both sides of the valley. The home is very spacious, and the kitchen is perfect for cooking meals at home, with everything you need, if you need to shop you are only 5 minutes drive from Ulcinj. We do recommend having a car. The bathrooms are also spacious, with incredible views while showering with excellent water pressure and ample hot water. Armand is a fabulous host, an absolute pleasure to communicate with, and speaks perfect English. Thank you, Armend, for making our stay in Ulcinj an absolute delight. The only negatives are the small kitchen (a pity, as the house is so large) and the lack of a dishwasher (first-world issues, I know).

Valdanos Beach - Multiple Visits to Clean Unfortunately, this beach is heavily polluted; you drive down an access road through the rubbish to a beach covered in rubbish. The beach is located in a beautiful secluded cove and once would have been a tranquil spot with crystal clear waters and magical views. However, I suspect that due to current conditions, it has not been maintained and is no longer a beach of choice, nor one you would swim in based on the polluted waters from rubbish. An old abandoned resort is adjacent to the beach so that this derelict building will impact this beach. Once we are allowed to leave our Airbnb post-COVID-19, I'll keep trying to clean it up. No bins are a factor; the nearest bin is about a ten-minute drive. I genuinely hope everyone plays their part to help bring this beach back to its former glory.

Souk Hebdomadaire Samedi - Msemrir Sahara Atlas Tours M'Semrir is a commune in the Tinghir Province of the Drâa-Tafilalet administrative region of Morocco. Its population is just under 10,000. This souk is open on Saturdays. The journey through the pass is full of stunning scenery, switching between rugged mountains and beautiful valleys. Within the vast tapestry of Morocco's landscapes, the Market Souk Msemrir stands out as a vibrant testament to the country's rich cultural heritage and bustling daily life. Nestled amidst the scenic wonders of the Dades Gorges, this market is more than just a traditional souk; it's a journey into the heart and soul of Morocco itself. The drive to the souk on a dirt single-lane road (dual-lane) with a one-kilometre drop to the side was a highlight of our day. The Souk Msemrir awakens every sense. The air here carries the aroma of spices and local delicacies reminiscent of the culinary journeys in the markets of Oualidia. From rare spices that bring Moroccan cuisine to life to handmade textiles that tell tales of generation-old crafts, the market is a treasure trove to explore. Each stall and shop is a portal into the rich tapestry of Moroccan heritage, offering keepsakes and memories as unique as the souk itself. But perhaps the most enduring aspect of the Market Souk Msemrir is its people. The warmth and hospitality of the vendors, the stories that weave through their crafts and goods, and the shared moments of laughter. For those looking to immerse themselves in the authentic Moroccan experience, the Market Souk Msemrir is an unmissable destination. Every visit reveals new layers, stories, and treasures.

Riad d'Or - Seven Nights Riad d'Or is the most adorable Riad. It is spacious and has the most enormous terrace we have yet to experience in Morocco. It is the perfect spot to chill out, with 360-degree views designed for comfort and soaking in this beautiful country's everlasting sun (even a rooftop pool). Sunsets and sunrises are incredible, and listening to the call to prayer from the 28 nearby mosques is magical! The rooms are unique and spacious, and the beds are heavenly. The bathrooms have a nice hot shower and excellent water pressure. The team makes you feel at home. They are accommodating and friendly, and nothing is too much. You leave feeling like part of the family. Breakfast is an abundance of pastries, fruit, fresh orange juice and Moroccan omelette. Coffee is excellent, too! Dinners are delightful, and the food is delicious. The restaurant is a great space overlooking a beautiful courtyard. There are many hideouts throughout the Riad. To find some quiet time to chill out and relax over some local tea with a great book, you feel like you have booked the entire Riad. The location is perfect. Everything is a short walk away. You are in the Medina, so all conveniences are on your doorstep or a 6-dirham taxi ride away. This is a fantastic recommendation from their sister hotel in Dades Valley, Auberge Chez Pierre . Both run from the same family, and the quality of both is exceptional. The staff is consistent throughout both hotels, and the cleanliness is as good as any hospital. The staff is diligent in cleaning from top to bottom each day. Thank you so much for welcoming us into your Riad for one week; it has been the perfect place to spend our last week in Morocco after three months of travelling to your most beautiful country. We hope to see you all again someday soon.

Relais de Paris - Three visits This a beautiful recommendation from the team at Relais de Paris. It is a perfect restaurant to satisfy our appetites while enjoying fine local wines at affordable prices. The restaurant has a warm atmosphere with charming and welcoming staff. The food was a delight, and they also do excellent value set menus for only 149 Dirham. We enjoyed a great starter of soup followed by Entrecote Beef, which was both delicious. We couldn't help but try the desserts, and we're thankful we did. The Apple Pie was the best; think of apples surrounded by crepes; you can't go wrong! There is also a lounge club downstairs open late, should you wish to have an after-dinner drink and enjoy the music they offer. Thank you for having us, and we hope to be able to join you again one day soon. We came back the next night!

Zaki Suites Hotel & Spa - One Visit The bar and restaurant at Zaki Suites Hotel & Spa in Meknes offer a delightful dining experience in a sophisticated setting. The restaurant serves a fusion of Moroccan and international cuisines, with flavorful and beautifully presented dishes. The ambience is elegant yet relaxed, making it suitable for casual dining and special occasions. The bar offers a variety of cocktails and beverages, perfect for enjoying before or after your meal. The attentive and professional staff ensure excellent service throughout your dining experience. Spirits are expensive unless you do bottle service.