THEGAYUK WINTER 13 /14 Issue 1
TRAVEL
pleasure then I can only
recommend the 3 Michelin starred
Vuelve Carolina for some
sensational cuisine. The chef upon
hearing I was vegetarian, did not
scream obscenities at me and give
chase with a carving knife in one
hand and a leg of pancetta in the
other - but made a bespoke,
gorgeous plate of fresh sea
vegetables and fresh baked breads,
hummus and other tapas delights.
!
Don’t forget the Spanish tend to eat
late, so don’t expect the party to get
started until ten.
!
After dinner you might want to
experience a bit of the gay night life
in Valencia, well there are some
great little hotspots in town. The
majority of Valencia’s gay area is
centred around the old town in the
Barrio Del Carmen.
!
Valencia is said to be more liberal
than both Madrid and Barcelona.
There are plenty of bars, clubs,
saunas and accommodation options
in Valencia, find out more by
clicking here.
!
I stayed at the five-star Hotel
Santos Las Arenas, a beautiful,
plush hotel which boasts sea views
and is planted right on the beach
front.
!
The bedrooms are cool and
decorated in typical elegance, whilst
you can lavish and de-stress in your
room’s shower/bathroom, with
high end cleansing products.
!
I’ve never quite experienced a
shower like it, you’ll just have to
believe me when I say, even your
feet will thank you for the hydro
massage. The numerous spas, pools
and relaxation spaces will
invigorate as well as rejuvenate the
senses before you leave for a brisk
walk along the promenade taking in
the sights of beach life in Valencia.
Catch early morning joggers and
yoga practitioners as they shape up
for the day ahead. The staff are
trained to an exceptional level and
nothing is too much trouble and
many, if not all, are multi-lingual.
You can call the hotel directly at
+34 963 120 600.
!
Before you head off back home
make sure you visit the Modernist
Mercado Central, it’s one of
Europe’s largest indoor markets.
The vendors and stalls sell a
remarkable array of goods from
fresh fruits and vegetables to robust
wines and brawny cheeses, and in
the middle of it all you’ll find a
Tapas haven, perfect for a spot of
lunch before boarding the jet back
to Blighty. ∎
SwissAir, Iberia,
British Airways,
Ryanair and easyJet
all fly to Valencia
from various
airports around the
UK, from £48
return.
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