Thursday, February 25, 2016

Winter Sun, Zero Jet Lag: Tenerife


I don't know what it's like in your part of the world right now, but in London, there's a point in February where I just can't take any more grey skies. Any more black opaque tights, pulled on for the billionth time in the dark. Any more cold.

So, we escaped to wherever John's British Airways points could take us, which happened to be Costa Adeje in Tenerife, where palm trees are a-plenty (my obsession) and the sun was guaranteed to smile down on us for more than just a skimpy hour or two per day.

We didn't want to sightsee; we weren't looking for "foodie" hotspots. We were just there to relax. And when I say, "relax", I mean - relax. 

There is something magical about not budging from your horizontal position on a Bali bed by one of six pools at the hotel, retreating from this position only to crawl into the bed of your hotel room that's approximately the size of your previously rented flat in London and leaving all the balcony doors open as you nap.

It's about recovery.

A fellow blogger asked if I had tickets to the top of the volcano. (Nope.)

Another asked for recommendations on my return. (None.)

Oh - but I did find second dream home, on my dream street:



And I had one of the best pina coladas of my life:


I returned to the UK with a feeling that can only be described as being roused from the deepest of savanas in a yoga class ... sleepy and mellow, but also re-energized and refreshed. I was so relaxed, I forgot every single thing I'd previously stressed out about: filling out my landing card before reaching Heathrow (oops), people bumping into me during rush hour on the tube ... I even partially forgot how to find my way to the tube in the morning on my usual commute.

Before we went to Tenerife, I'd forgotten what it was like to not have a routine. I'd missed feeling the heat of the sun on my skin; squinting into the sky while crossing my arms across my forehead for shade. I loved hearing nothing but the occasional, quiet chatter of sunbathers near us and the trickle of water flowing from the fountain into the pool nearby. I loved leaving our perch to take a sunset stroll along the beach with John, when the shoreline had emptied; sandcastles abandoned and the light casting a warm, pink glow on everything it touched.


Best of all, there was no jet lag to contend with. Our late mornings and afternoon naps were dictated by our desire to indulge, rather than by a necessity due to sleep deprivation.

It was bliss.

Have you ever been on a holiday or a vacation where you did absolutely nothing, simply because you needed it?
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31 comments

  1. I went to Turkey a few years ago and had a trip like this. I had just started work in London and was tired all the time. I literally slept for about 12 hours a day. In bed, by the pool, on the beach. It was exactly what I need and so much to switch off for a week. Now you have me craving sun, sea and sand. Looks amazing!
    Sophie
    x
    A Story of a Girl

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    1. That sounds idyllic, Sophie! I haven't visited Turkey yet, but it's definitely on my list. I think we all need those breaks to recharge - a change of scenery always helps (as does the sun!). x

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  2. Glad you have a lovely relaxing holiday, lovely. Sometimes it's just the thing isn't it?

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    1. Thank you so much, Angie - it was just what we needed! x

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  3. That sounds so relaxing! I could do with one of those pina coladas right now.

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    1. I feel like I could have one of those pina coladas every day! They're my go-to drink of choice when I'm on holiday.

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  4. Loved seeing all your photos on Insta too :) glad you had a well-deserved and truly relaxing holiday, I'm the sort of person who can't just lie-in and stay in one place so these kind of holidays would probably be wasted on me (I can probably do one/two days before getting bored). BUT - having said that, when I was younger, my parents and I took a week in New Zealand's Queenstown and we did NOTHING. Woke up late, ate, drove around lazily and casually... it was pretty relaxing but I have to say, I was bored at the end of it!

    I recently got back from Madrid with loads of city exploring but equally feel relaxed and ready to embrace the workload once more ha!

    Cherie x
    say hi at sinonym

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    1. Thank you, Cherie! I don't think I could have done it for more than 3 days (which was the length of our stay) but it was definitely necessary.

      I love Madrid - one of my favorite cities! It's such a great place to wander and the parks are BEAUTIFUL. I'm looking forward to catching up with your Brussels post as well ... another city that I love!

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  5. Ooh it sounds like such a dreamy holiday! Sometimes a trip to a sunny European island is just what's needed!

    C x | Lux Life

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    1. I must admit, I had my doubts before we went, but it was so lovely - quiet, peaceful and relaxing! x

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  6. Sometimes that is exactly what the body needs, a total relaxation! Looks like a lovely location.

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    1. Definitely! Thanks so much for stopping by to read and comment, Sara! x

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  7. Yes yes yes! We did Gran Canaria over Christmas and although we did do some bits, we were there for 2 weeks so there were so many days of just lounging, eating, relaxing and it was bliss!

    Jasmin Charlotte

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  8. This is awesome and I love that 1) you let yourself have it and 2) shared it with all of us! Now that I travel for a living it's hard to even imagine taking a trip to "do nothing" which is which are some of the days I used to cherish most on vacation, so this is a great reminder that it can still happen :).

    When I was in Kauai a couple of years back, I spent a whole day sitting at the pool where my maximum effort was moving my perch to a new poolside bali bed. It was fantastic (as was the 13 mile hike the next day). It's all about balance.

    www.california2catalonia.com

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    1. Thanks, Liz! It must be incredible to travel for a living. But you're right: it's all about balance. We have city-breaks and adventure holiday breaks where we're always exploring or doing different activities - sometimes it's nice to find that purposeful engagement with relaxation ... it's something we don't do very often!

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  9. Thank god for BA miles! What an idyllic break :) I recently posted about my happy place, Switzerland - it's where my family go to whenreve we need to relax and let loose without any major agenda! I'm so overdue another holiday along those lines... xxx

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    1. I need to catch up with your blog, Ayushi! Heading over there now ... it sounds like you had a wonderful time! xxx

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  10. This sounds like the perfect trip. I didn't realise that the weather in Tenerife would be so beautiful at this time of year! Definitely one to remember for when all the greyness gets too much. X

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    1. Me neither, Lily! I always think of SE Asia when I think of winter sun. This is a much closer (and cheaper!) alternative. x

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  11. Reading this totally mellowed me out! You transported me to a sun-kissed sandy beach with your words! This sounds like just the thing I need; some down time, where little brain power is needed haha. Love reading your posts Jamie, please write a book someday!!

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  12. We didn't even make it up the volcano, damn snow! More relaxation than planned!! Great time to get away and easy location - great minds!!

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  13. This pretty much sounds like absolute bliss and exactly what is needed during these dull winter days in London. I may just take a page out of your book and book a trip to Tenerife - this sounds exactly what I need right now - relaxation with no plans other than basking in the sun and drinking margaritas. Heaven!

    Gorgeous pics as well :)

    Colleen xo

    blondeacrossthepond.com

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    1. Thanks so much, Colleen! You should definitely consider it! For a short-haul flight, it has many surprising rewards ... like, sun!!! :) xo

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  14. Sometimes all you need to do is switch off (work, devices, everything!) and have a blissful bask in the sun with the one(s) you love. Looks like you managed to do that very well! Tenerife looks absolutely beautiful - such a great winter escape, and man, I could do with one of those piña coladas! xx

    Tamsin / A Certain Adventure

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    1. Absolutely, Tamsin! I could go back now - haha! It's too cold here! xx

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  15. AH this makes me even more excited for our trip next month! xx

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    1. Exciting, Leanne! I'm looking forward to seeing your photos! xx

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  16. I would love to visit. I look forward to living vicariously through you :) I get to through your lovely blog post today and photos! Thanks for sharing.

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