Reviews Archives - blackvoyageurs.com

The Perfect Hotel for Budget Travelers in The Maldives

Sherrell & Cory Primo — Fri, 25 May 2018 20:56:15 +0000

With just a mention of The Maldives, heads fill with dreamy visions of pristine coastlines, attractive overwater bungalows and images of incredible marine life that exist under the warm waters of the Indian Ocean. Itâ€s the type of place I daydreamed about escaping to when contemplating quitting my job. (Fun fact: I really did quit my job and travelled to The Maldives). So itâ€s no wonder why travelers alike, find this archipelago an obvious destination for the vacation of a lifetime. And despite popular belief, you donâ€t have to break the bank experiencing 5-star service in this South Asian treasure. My week-long stay at The Sunrise Huraa, proved just that!

(Owner, Sameer, posing in front of The Sunrise Huraa)

Located just 20 kilometers from Male City, my husband and I enjoyed affordable luxury service on the small island of Huraa. For $60 a night, we basked in rich local flavor, immaculate service, and ate delicious Maldivian cuisine at The Sunrise Huraa (my new favorite oasis). Oh and did we mention that complimentary breakfast is included? Because It is! Upon arrival, we were greeted with fresh coconut water still in its shell, a cooling towel and an orientation from the wonderfully polite owner, Abdulla Sameer. Upon entering the room, we saw plush bedding, Â fresh fruit (supplied daily, WOW!), and felt the cooling breeze of the A/C- all saying welcome. How thoughtful. We immediately felt comfortable and happy we chose to stay here.

(First hand 5-star service, receiving a cooling towel)

This less ostentatious and budget-friendly hotel runs circles around itâ€s competitors. Truth be told, most popular resorts lack local authenticity when servicing guests who care about local culture. Theyâ€re cultivated by foreigners for foreigners and often times, are isolated from real genuine experiences. However, at the Sunrise Huraa, itâ€s clear that authenticity and impeccable service are founding principles embedded in the very fiber of itâ€s walls. Here, we were family. Warm smiles and friendly banter from Sameer, and his staff started our day- followed by a delicious Maldivian breakfast (tuna mas huni, chapati, eggs and Maldivian pancakes). He then helped us plan our day by recommending excursions, all while juggling his duties as the owner and general manager. His attentiveness to us was refreshing and made us feel like VIPs in every sense. Sidebar, he offers a Dinner Under The Stars dining experience, so if youâ€re keen for an extra VIP experience, you wonâ€t be disappointed!

(Complimentary Maldivian breakfast)

(Romantic couples dinner on the beach)

Sameer even found time to give us a private walking tour of Huraa! He knows everyone and every quirky fact about the island- like drawing a circle around a fallen coconut marks ownership. We spent our days blending in with the locals- learning about the wooden art scene from an expert craftsman and watching native women prepare garudiya (fish stew). Sameer totally made this trip what it was for us, euphoric.

(Local woman preparing fish stew)

Which is no surprise since he received top-notch training from the best. Prior to opening The Sunrise Huraa, he climbed the ranks of the world-renowned Four Seasons Hotel. Destined for greatness, Sameer seized every opportunity for professional growth. He trained with top talent and serviced elite clientele. In his final years, as the restaurant manager, he won the â€˜Top 100 Restaurants in the Worldâ€ award 3-years in a row- recognizing 5-star quality and service. After 25 years, he resigned to open his own establishment- taking what he learned from the best and making it better.

(Delicious lunch from the on-site restaurant)

Here are just a few things included with your stay:

Endless complimentary water (none of that $5 a bottle crap like most other hotels)
Free Wi-fi
Breakfast Included (with freshly brewed coffee)
24/7 Concierge
Excursions including snorkeling, fishing, diving, and etc.
On-site Restaurant
A/C in each room
Flatscreen T.V in each room
Airport Shuttle Service *SUPER IMPORTANT*

Today, The Sunrise Huraa is a strong contender in the myriad of Hotels and Guest Houses populating The Maldives. Since officially opening its doors for business in January 2017, the Sunrise Huraa has already received a â€˜10/10 Guest Review Awardâ€ from Booking.com and numerous praise from All-Star reviews on TripAdvisor. Donâ€t believe me? See for yourself!

Written By: Sherrell Primo

Photography By: Cory Primo

Instagram: @vivalashory

The post The Perfect Hotel for Budget Travelers in The Maldives appeared first on blackvoyageurs.com.

Malta & its islands: the perfect getaway which won’t break the bank

Cecilia — Tue, 27 Feb 2018 15:08:05 +0000

If youâ€re looking for a relaxing holiday which wonâ€t break the bank, Malta is the place to be.

Dealing with the winter blues I was in search of an affordable holiday when I stumbled across Malta. To my pleasant surprise, the more I looked into this destination, the more excited I became about the trip. Malta, located in between Sicily and North Africa has umpteen options for relaxation, exploration and culture. And boyâ€¦ was I glad I went.

Malta is known for underground temples, walled cities, beautiful old towns with cobbled streets, coastal walks, islands a short ferry ride away, as well as food reflecting its Italian and north African influences. Need I say more?

Now letâ€s get straight to the meat â€“ here are the top 5 things to do in Malta

See 5000yrs old underground temples

Whether youâ€re a history buff or simply intrigued by mankindâ€s many creations, these should not be missed. To see the most popular of them all, head to the Hypogeum of Hal Saflieni – an underground temple and burial chamber built 5000 years ago. Due to its archaeological significance, it is very popular so you must pre-book and reserve tickets well in advance which you can do so here: Heritage Malta

The Grand Harbour and the city of Valetta

Valetta, the capital of Malta is a pleasure to explore on foot. Its cobbled and narrow streets make every corner picture perfect with many restaurants along the way to satisfy your taste buds. One of the highlights of Valetta are the pastel coloured buildings. You can explore this part of town in a few hours and enjoy great views of the sea along the Grand Harbour.Â Â Make sure to stop by the fort and take a brief tour of the Upper Baraka Gardens.

Mdina & Rabat

This ancient walled city will take you back in time as you get lost in streets that have kept their medieval charm. Behind the tall walls protecting the heart of this town you will find churches, palaces and restaurants, making it the perfect spot for exploration and reflection. You will also be graced with spectacular views of the town.

Sliema

The ideal place for some retail therapy whether it be fashion, supermarket stores or restaurants you are after. It is also lined with a promenade making it perfect for a leisurely stroll.

The island of Gozo

Your trip to Malta is not complete without stopping in Gozo which is worth you saving a full day for. You can get a ferry from Cirkewwa in Malta which will get you there in only 20 minutes.

Once you get there you will have multiple options whether it be to see the beach, countryside, museums or Azureâ€s Window. I opted for the latter and had a total sense of serenity walking around and relaxing by the natural rock formations. Whilst on the hop on and off tour you can also get great views of Ramlaâ€s Bay beach and also stop at Xlendiâ€s Bay with the tiniest beach ever but still worth wondering around the rocks and the sea.

Another popular day trip is the Comino Island and Blue grotto where you can stop by the blue lagoon and caves. The beautiful turquoise sea makes it look like heaven on earth. I sadly couldnâ€t go as it rained on the day Iâ€d reserved for it but should you have the time, it should probably be on your list.

Other hint & tips

Food: La Cucina Del Sole was my favourite by far as I went there 3 times. The walk there was scenic and they serve delicious oven baked pizzas, with fresh ingredients and affordable prices.

Accommodation:Â Â I stayed at a really spacious self-catered apartment with lots of shops nearby called Rocca Netunno Suites

Transport: Public transport is extremely cheap at 2â‚¬ a trip so this was my main mode of transport. Alternative as there is a lot to see in Malta, if you do want to explore you can also get taxis or hire a car

Gozo trip: You can get a ferry to Gozo for 5â‚¬ from Cirkewwa and once there, opt for a hop on hop off day pass around the whole island of Gozo for 20â‚¬

Â Â

The post Malta & its islands: the perfect getaway which won’t break the bank appeared first on blackvoyageurs.com.

Visit Peru for 5 experiences youâ€™ll never forget!

Cecilia — Fri, 26 Jan 2018 22:06:09 +0000

Peru, located in South America, is a must stop for those wanting 5 formidable experiences all in the same country.

From deserts to ancient ruins in mystical mountains, or again floating islands and deep canyons, Peru will have you tick off so many bucket list moments.

I was blessed to have visited this beautiful country which I rate as one of my best trips to date.

Here are 5 amazing things you should do in Peru to create lasting memories:

Sandboarding & riding the dunes in Huacachina

Huacachina is an extraordinary natural oasis. Yes, a small community of people living in the middle of a desert with beautiful dunes and infinite opportunities to enjoy this unique landscape.

It is a popular stop for those who have a sense of adventure or simply enjoy trying something different so make the most of it. Whilst there, take a desert tour on the buggies and make the sand dunes your roller coaster. A seasoned driver will take you to the desert and literally race up and down the sand dunes which I can assure you is an incredible amount of fun! After that you will stop in the middle of the desert and get the chance to sandboard down the dunes, which once again is an extremely fun activity even if you are a total beginner like me!

After all the frolics in the sun, be sure to stop for a mini photoshoot with the oasis in the distance, reminding you how awesome this location is. For a full immersion, spend the night there to experience life by an oasis.

Colca Canyon in Arequipa

Here you’ll be on set of the perfect scene for a national geographic feauture. Colca Canyon is one of the deepest canyons of the world where youâ€ll see eagles in their natural habitat, villages nestled in the mountains and beautiful valleys.

You can either book a bus tour or stop at incredible viewpoints to see the canyon and its wildlife, and if youâ€re hard-core, you can trek it. And yes, I did the 2 day trek! Though, in my humble opinion, you do need a decent level of fitness to do this – your girl was struggling a little! And to keep a long story short, I was advised to go back up on a mule for day twoâ€¦ That aside it was an emotionally charged yet beautiful experience. Youâ€ll also get the chance to stop by hot springs and relax in the beautiful surroundings.

The floating islands in Puno

You may have heard of Lake Titicaca, the highest navigable lake in the world but have you heard of the floating islands? In search for safety, a group of indigenous people decided to set base on the lake, building their own artificial islands out of reed. And incredibly, a little community started to form and today you can go to Lake Titicaca and see these for yourself. Admittedly, the first few youâ€ll see are said to be quite touristy as the â€˜islandersâ€ show off their handmade embroideries and knick-knacks for people to buy. However, you canâ€t help but be amazed at the sight of people living in reed huts on one of the largest lakes in the world – it is certainly an alternative way of life.

The Salkantay Trek in Cusco

We will soon discuss the jewel of Peru, Machu Picchu, but those planning a trip to Cusco often choose to complete a trek to get an atmospheric take on the sacred valleys of Cusco. This gives you the chance to see more incredible ruins and what life in the Andes mountains is like.

Personally, I did the Salkantay trek and would highly recommend it – expect to see amazing rivers, Peruvians who have made the mountains their home and youâ€ll also get the chance to sleep under the stars, once again, having an experience of a lifetime.

The incredible ruins of Machu Picchu

Now we reach the crescendo, the piece the resistance, the chef dâ€oeuvre, the mystical Machu Picchu.

If you’ve not heard of Machu Picchu yet then donâ€t worry, I gotcha. Machu Picchu is a UNESCO site and one of the ‘modern’ wonders of the world.

Imagine going up an extremely steep mountain range, far up beyond the trees and high into the skies â€“ where there is nothing left but wild vegetation to then discover the ruins of a whole town and ancient civilisation hidden in the heavens. Et voila â€“ there is Machu Picchu in all its glistening beauty.

Whilst it was built centuries ago, the skill and ingenuity it would have taken to build homes and temples, aligned with movements of the sun which includes natural stone-based cooling and heating systems, sun dials and impressive architectural feats is nothing short of a miracle.

Wow, I want to back! â€¦have I convinced you to go yet?

So â€“ onto the practical bit. Here are some musts before heading out there:

Make the most of your time in Peru by flying into Lima and traveling around Peru towards Cusco. This will give you the chance to visit all the places I mentioned
If visiting Machu Pichu, give yourself time to adapt to the altitude. Chances are, your body will not be used to the altitude so you will need to allow 3 days or more at a lower altitude before heading there or you could suffer from altitude sickness
If you do plan on doing the trek, do so with a tour group you trust as it will be around 3 days long and will include camping outdoors so make sure you are in good hands!
If you are from Europe or the US, no visas are required â€“ yay!
YOU MUST ABSOLUTELY TRY THE FOOD â€“ I had no idea of what to expect from the food out there and wrongly assumed it would be the refried beans and rice. My oh My â€“ was I wrong?! The food there was absolutely incredible, from Ceviche, to Llomo saltado, sweet potato crisps or quinoa pancakes. To be honest, Iâ€m yet to find a Peruvian restaurant in Europe that does their food justice as it is truly amazing!
Where to stay? It very much depends on what route you take, I mainly stuck to hostel which were affordable with a combination of hotels in Cusco and Arequipa

The post Visit Peru for 5 experiences youâ€™ll never forget! appeared first on blackvoyageurs.com.

Exploring Budapest: Soul Food, Castles and Baths

Nasir Fleming — Wed, 03 Jan 2018 16:34:32 +0000

This post was contributed by Guest Blogger Nasir Fleming – @nasirfleming

Exploring Budapest: Soul Food, Castles and Baths

I would love to give Budapest the grand introduction that it deserves, but if this city were a person, it would be humbly chic and would oppose unnecessary formalities.

It will suffice to say that Budapest puts off an enchanted and antique vibe while simultaneously being hip. This Eastern European gem is the hipster sister of the other European capitals.

Get A Bang For Your Buck:

Budapest is by far the cheapest European capital that I have visited; it is a destination where budgeting is manageable.

Here is a rough outline of pricing during my trip (in USD):

Accommodation: Maverick City Lodge ($40 a night for a private room for 2 guestsâ€¦ $20 each)

Average Meal at a Restaurant: $10

A Ticket for a Bus or Trolley: $1.50

A Beer at a Bar: $2

Budapest was actually reported to be the cheapest city for alcoholic drinks by The Telegraph.

Soul Food?:

After living in France for six months, I began to miss a few things from home â€“ especially the food. Although I am from Connecticut, my tummy belongs to Southern food. Out of desperation and curiosity, I did a Google search for â€œSouthern Food in Budapest.â€ Oddly enough, there was a â€œsoul foodâ€ joint right next to our hostel. We quickly modified our afternoon plans to check it out. I arrived without any expectations; I had no sense of how I should feel about a Southern cuisine spot in Eastern Europe, but I was open to trying it.

The food was quite awesome; it definitely served its purpose for me, so I will not complain too much. But, I will admit that labeling it as â€œsoul foodâ€ initially confused me because it was a hybrid of soul food, Cajun, and Caribbean food. I later found out that the restaurant markets itself as a Cajun and Creole hybrid and is owned by a European man.

If youâ€re ever in Budapest, stop by the restaurant and let me know what your thoughts are!

The Thermal Baths and Spas:

The baths are one of Budapestâ€s biggest attractions. Although there are plenty of options scattered throughout the city, one of the most renowned is SzÃ©chenyi Thermal Baths. This location offers more than a dozen pools and saunas. Beware of the mint sauna; although it was my favorite part of this excursion, mint and 90 degree steam can be overwhelming to many senses at once.

Buda Castle:

The creation of Budapest did not happen until 1873 when the two cities (Buda and Pest) were merged. On the western side of the now-jointed city lies Buda Castle, which overlooks a stunning river and the other side of the city. After taking in the beauty and the historical significance of this site, it makes for a wonderful backdrop for a photoshoot.

Overall, I felt comfortable in Budapest. I felt free.

Although there were not many people of color, my mind was at ease. For me, navigating through this rather homogenous city was less stressful than being in the multiethnic or multiracial cities in France. There were less microaggressions here than in France, where women would aggressively grab and hide their purses as they passed me on the street or where businessmen would clench their wallet inside of their pocket upon seeing my Black skin. I am sure that the people of color who live in Budapest probably deal with forms of prejudice, but they went over my head as a first time visitor.

P.S. If you have the chance, check out the ruin bars. Drinking $2 beers in buildings that were abandoned during World War II is an exciting experience.

This post was contributed by Guest Blogger Nasir Fleming – @nasirfleming

The post Exploring Budapest: Soul Food, Castles and Baths appeared first on blackvoyageurs.com.

Essential Travel apps roundup

Xavier — Mon, 24 Jul 2017 17:09:25 +0000

These days, we use our phones for a lot more than just communication. Itâ€s probably true for the majority of us that phone calls are probably the last reason we carry our devices. But our phones can do more for us than supply us with new memes and never-ending Instagram stories. Thereâ€s an ever-growing list of apps that are ideal for travelers, from the initial planning stages of your trip to wrapping up finances at the end of your journey.

Obviously youâ€ve heard of ultra-necessary apps like Hotels.com, Skyscanner and Google Maps. Weâ€ve rounded up a few more apps that you may not have downloaded yet that we have personally found to make our adventures run a little smoother.

Google Translate

We are definitely proponents for doing your best to communicate with locals in their native tongue, but not all of us are skilled linguists. After downloading your desired language packs, this app can help you with translating a wide range of languages, even without a data connection. Canâ€t read a sign or menu? Just open the camera feature and snap a pic â€“ the app will translate the text for you. Not sure how to pronounce something? Google Translate even has a sound option for those trickier translations.

Fancy Units

I know there are specific currency converter apps out there, but Fancy Units does a lot more than just currency. For those of us (Americans) who are still using miles and Fahrenheit, the length, speed and temperature conversion options are super handy while abroad. You can compare up to three currencies at a time, and the design is clean, color-coded and beautiful.

Splitwise

This is the ideal app for those instances when you are traveling with a friend or a group. When it comes to sharing expenses, traveling with friends can rack up a lot of IOUs, and itâ€s tricky when youâ€re dealing with one currency â€“ not to mention when youâ€re switching from USD to rupiah to baht and back. Enter Splitwise. You can keep track of each expense, and at the end of the trip, the app will do all the math for you. It saves timeâ€¦and quite possibly, your relationships.

Cool Cousin

Sure, we love TripAdvisor, but sometimes you have to sift through a lot of dirt to find a gem. Cool Cousin offers unexpected, hip spots recommended by savvy, trendsetting locals. If youâ€re looking to get away from the tourist track, check in with Cool Cousin.

Sidekix

This app in no ordinary route planner app. For those of us who like to get a little exercise and get to know a new place on foot, Sidekix helps you plan the best way to get somewhere, based on your interests and preferences. Headed to a nearby art gallery but want to grab a coffee first? Sidekix has curated suggestions from in-the-know locals, so you can get the most out of your wanderings.

Airbnb

We all know and love Airbnb for itâ€s ability to score us some of our favorite unique villas and hotels around the world. They have now launched their in-app Trips feature to offer specialized experiences. From cooking to art classes, the feature allows you to select experiences hosted by locals, giving you the opportunity to truly be a part of the community youâ€re visiting.
To know more visit our Airbnb Review.

Smooth travels, kids!

The post Essential Travel apps roundup appeared first on blackvoyageurs.com.

Rote Island Dream: Boâ€™a Vida Resort

Xavier — Thu, 15 Jun 2017 21:24:25 +0000

Imagine a secluded resort perched above the hills, overlookingÂ white sandy beaches, basking in the surrounding beauty of Pulau Roteâ€¦ Imagine a tree house, built with the warmest wood, and a room with no walls, open to the sunshine, the breeze and the stars.Â This is the captivating setting of Boa Vida resort in Rote island which I had the chance to call home for a few nightsâ€¦ Exploring Rote island with my partner Phil â€“ Read the story here â€“ we set off for a romantic time to the secluded hills of Boâ€a Vida, a luxury eco resort located on the West part of Rote island. Built entirely with local natural materials and running on solar panel energy, Boâ€a Vida has the irresistible charm of complementingÂ the beautiful nature surrounding it.

Arriving at Boâ€a was like stepping into a whole new part of our holiday. The very special light, the views, the nature surrounding us and the incredible beauty andÂ serenity of this place are hard to describe. With its red soil and natural and warm tones, the resort reminded me of Africa

The pathway to our treehouse

The Treehouse

Our nest for the next 3 nights was to be a gorgeous treehouse, overlooking the ocean. Although the resort is secluded, the level of comfort and the attention to details at Boâ€a is truly remarkable. This is a real luxury retreat: from the freshly scented towels in the bathroom to the delicious and healthy mealsÂ prepared daily by the Chef, the exquisiteÂ tropical decoration and the in-house masseuse.

Our sunny lounge

The dreamy bedroom

Moments of peace

The Natural Bathroom

View from the bedroomâ€s balcon

Boâ€a Vidaâ€s world class surf break

Stepping outside of Boâ€a, a stunning white sandy beach runs for miles, while Boaâ€s world class wave breaks right in front of the resort. We were stunned to discover that pro surfers Marlon Gerber and Asher pace were casually riding it during our stay and Phil happily joined in!

Casually sneaking outâ€¦

Boaâ€s famous break

A natural dream

While Phil was making waves, I went for a long walk along the stunning sandy beach. I also enjoyed a swim to the secret beach right below the resort, secret as itâ€s only revealed at low tide! Mother Natureâ€s beauty was all around, completely unspoiltâ€¦ Picking up seashells on my way back, I felt grateful for the simple joy of being here, surrounded by the incredible nature.

Secret Beach

My seashells harvest

As the sun was setting in Boâ€a Vida, we were just overwhelmed by the exceptional beauty and serenity of this place, feeling incredibly grateful to witness it.

Surf break Boa Vida

What makes Boâ€a Vida trulyÂ specialÂ however isÂ itsÂ timelessness: time here seemedÂ asÂ if suspended, while we felt a mix of peace, happiness and wonderÂ for having the chance to stay in such a magic place

A special place

Sunset Boâ€a

I hope you enjoyed this story. I certainly lovedÂ sharing it, as memories of this incredible placeÂ and our time there aroseâ€¦Boâ€a Vida isÂ simplyÂ unique andÂ unforgettable! xoxo â€“ The Tropical Nomad â€“

The post Rote Island Dream: Boâ€™a Vida Resort appeared first on blackvoyageurs.com.