Stay: The Hacienda Na Xamena, Ibiza

Posted on June 24, 2012 by Chloe x

For our last night in Ibiza we treated ourselves to a night at the Hacienda Na Xamena, a white washed boutique hotel literally suspended at the top of the cliffs in the north of the island.

Our room had amazing views overlooking the cliff.

And even a hot tub by the balcony to enjoy the views from.

The “Cascadas Suspendidas” in the spa…

which was actually closed in the morning and didn’t allow kids but we sneaked them in anyway!

Iz in Mini Rodini Swimsuit.

Satch in No Added Sugar shorts.

Iz in Louie Louis dress and Havaianas.

Even having fun in the wardrobe!

And running through the corridors.

Kitty in No Added Sugar dress.

The pool was surrounded by waterways (slides so the kids thought)!

Satch in Mini Rodini swim shorts.

The pool was empty, I think most people preferred sitting by it drinking cocktails.

Stay: Disneyland Paris

Posted on May 3, 2012 by Chloe x

We briefly stopped at Disneyland Paris on our way back from Bardigues (actually a longer drive than we thought). I think we left aroungd 5 pm and arrived after midnight! It was well wroth it though and we managed to squeeze every ride into our one day, including Satch’s first time on tower of Terror. I was quite pleased to opt out and wait with Kitty!

Satch in Stella Mccartney Kids top, Elias and Grace blazer, No Added Sugar jeans and Pom D’Api trainers.

Iz in Granny knitted jumper, Stella McCartney kids jeans.

Kitty looking a bit traumatised in a vintage dress.

Iz in Miller at Elias and Grace dress.

Kitty was amazed by the parade.

We managed to fit in a lovely lunch at pirates of the Caribbean with some tasty cocktails, which kept the kids very amused (the flashing icecubes not the alcohol)!

Kitty’s favourite thing was picking up and hugging Mickey Mouses in every shop…

Iz’s worst thing was waiting round feeling cold and having me taking photos of her mood.

Stay: Bardigues, France

Posted on May 2, 2012 by Chloe x

We needed a last minute easter holiday and decided to get in the car and go over the ferry again. We ventured further south this time to the pretty village of Bardigues, around halfway between Bordeaux and Toulouse.

Stopping in Nantes on the way. After hours of driving round we found a travel hotel (note to self to look up route and possible stops next time), and caught a tram into the town for dinner.

Satch in No Added Sugar coat.

Iz in jeans from Elias and Grace, Stella McCarntey Kids trainers, No Added Sugar t-shirt and John Lewis jumper.

Satch in No Added Sugar coat, Tractor jeans and Pom D’Api trainers.

The kids loved Nantes which had an amazing collection of urban street art. The kids loved looking out for the mosaic space invaders by Invader and Where’s Wally graffiti.

We stayed here in Lavayssière, a boutique luxury 16th century upgraded Gascon manor, set in 30 acres of grounds, with two gites, indoor and outdoor swimming pool plus tennis courts.

Iz in Original Sister dress, No Added Sugar cardigan, Hunter wellies.

Kitty in Stella McCartney Kids dress.

The kids were so impressed with all the space complete with caravan and running deer.

There was one swing by the house.

And another down the path in the woods.

We attempted a spot of tennis.

And went pond fishing…

Iz in Original Sister dress.

Satch in Stella McCartney Kids jeans and Hunter wellies.

Had an extensive Easter hunt in the woods on Easter Sunday

Iz in Louie Louis dress and No Added Sugar cardigan.

Kitty in vintage dress.

Kitty in No Added Sugar dress and cardigan.

Satch in Stella McCartney Kids shirt.

Kitty in No Added Sugar dress.

Definitely the best bit was the indoor swimming pool and hot tub!

Kitty and Iz in Mini Rodini swimsuits.

We booked our stay at Lavayssière, through Owners Direct.

We stopped in Disneyland Paris on the way home. See post… here

Stay: La Brocanterie, Gouville sur Mer, France

Posted on July 2, 2011 by Chloe x

Desperate for a holiday but not wanting to travel too far with a 4 month old Kitty, we decided to hop on the ferry to France with the idea that we could take all our baby essentials in the boot of the car. The port is 10 minutes from our house so the start was nice and easy. Never having done the ferry crossing before we all had the onboard egg and bacon butty for breakfast which we hastily regretted as the boat started moving and everyone started throwing up! The sickness eased towards the middle of the two hour ferry though and we got off and had about a 45 minute drive down to our house La Brocanterie, on the outskirts of the pretty coastal village of Gouville sur Mer.

The old house was beautifully restored and modified by owners Debbie and James Mayhew, with a pool we were keeping our fingers crossed for the weather to enjoy…and our luck was in!