Spain - Goodtrippers

The ultimate guide to vegan tapas in Spain

If you ever needed an excuse to indulge in tasty Spanish tapas, then summer is it (and did you know, 16th June is World Tapas Day?)

Eating tapas is more than just the delicious morsels on your plate – it’s also about the atmosphere and company, a Spanish way of life. But if you are vegetarian, vegan or suffer from any food intolerances, choosing the right tapas dishes (particularly if Spanish is not your forte), can be a bit of a minefield.

Now rental specialist Spain-Holiday.com has created handy cut-out-and-carry food allergy transalation cards in Spanish for vegetarians and vegans, as well as those suffering from allergies to nuts, gluten, shellfish, dairy and egg.

Jannich Peterson, COO of Spain-Holiday.com, said, “Even though restaurants and bars in Spain are becoming more accommodating to dietary requirements such as offering gluten-free options for celiac sufferers, and Barcelona recently being named the first Veg-Friendly City, eating out with special dietary requirements can be stressful. [We have] created this Tasty Tapas Guide to help people suffering from food allergies enjoy the delights of tapas in Spain.”

Take a look at the guide – and enjoy your tapas!

World Tapas Day – Vegan

An infographic by the team at Spain-Holiday.com

Prepare to rejuvinate at new holistic yoga retreat, Mallorca

As we gear up for the season of excess, it might be a good idea to book in your New Year re-boot now…

The White Goddess Retreat, a new yoga start-up in Mallorca, Spain, promises to leave you rebalanced, refreshed and rejuvinated. Retreat organisers and the team behind The Yard (a lifestyle centre and cafe in Alderley Edge) have teamed up with yoga teacher Claire Farman (who’s clients include Gwenyth Paltrow and Sting) to create this brand new yoga experience.

Accommodation – scenery to inspire poetry

The retreat is set in the foothills of Deia, a pretty coastal village on the west coast of Mallorca, and gets its name from the well-known book penned by Robert Graves who was inspired by the surrounding countryside. Guests will stay in a stunning former 14th century monastery, Son Rullan, which boasts a tempting infinity pool with unbeatable views across the landscape.

Activities – yoga and mindfulness

Throughout the holiday, activites on offer include:

Daily 1.5-hour yoga and meditation class – healing Hatha yoga led by Claire Farman
1 hour massage session
1 hour personalised nutrition consultation
30-minute astro-gemstone reading
Transformational breathwork
Reflective “Mindfulness” workshop
A trip to the beach with a picnic
Dance play and poetry
Art trips visiting David Templeton, a Mansfield-born artist and singer who has lived and worked in Deia since the 60s

Full board, of a delicious organic menu, is provided over the six days.

Prices for this six-day yoga experience range from £860 – £925 based on two people sharing, with single supplements also available. Check for further retreats in the future, as plans are already underway to host these gatherings across multiple locations over the course of 2015/2016 including, Wales, the Lake District, Marrakesh and France.

For bookings or information on further dates please contact ask Alex or Sadie at The Yard on 01625 586962 or email sadie@theyardalderleyedge.com.

For more information visit www.theyardalderleyedge.com

Recommended for… Anyone tired, stressed or suffering from overindulgence during the festive period

Be aware that… Although not all activities are compulsory, alternative therapies are on offer to those with an open mind (possibly not one for the cynics! Although, if it’s good enough for Gwenyth…)

Discover art and wine in Spain’s Catalonia region

Guest blogger Elena reviews her experience of the food and culture of Catalonia, Spain with responsible travel specialists Go Barefoot…

[gdl_gallery title=”Catalonia” width=”120″ height=”110″ ]

I arrived at a romantic, luxury family farmhouse located in the heart of the Catalonian countryside, surrounded by green hills with a view of the outstanding Montserrat mountain range. I felt I was in an undiscovered fairytale far away from big city life, giving me the energy and inspiration that I was looking for.

I love the idea of family businesses and the beautiful farmhouse proved this to me once again – happiness is when you love what you do and when you are surrounded by such love. I really felt like part of the family when I arrived – welcomed by loving, happy, relaxed and charming people.

Accommodation

Go Barefoot partners with responsible tourism providers, and this trip includes accommodation (in my case the farmhouse) with double/twin occupancy. It feels like you have finally found a retreat on earth, offering high standards of service with the perfect touch of small details surrounded by tasteful decoration, candles, organic linen, wild flowers, and hand woven baskets, all which inspire you and put you in a relaxing and creative frame of mind.

Things to do

The ‘Grapes of Art’ trip is all about discovering Catalonia’s rich cultural heritage, including the work of Dali and Gaudi. I got busy writing and painting whilst tasting local wines and olive oil, exploring Costa Brava’s unspoilt beach coves, and visiting the quirky Dali museum.

Gastronomy is an incredibly important part of this region so this trip takes every opportunity to indulge in some of the best local cuisine. Several of the days include excursions to Catalonia’s vineyards and wine cellars with tours and tastings part of the experience. Sample some lovely cava (white Catalan sparking wine) or txacoli (Basque wine) with your tapas.

If you are a fan of the creative talents of Gaudi, you will love the time spent in Barcelona. Fans of the area can add a two day extension on to the overall trip and continue to enjoy the Barcelona region, its mountain ranges, beaches and vineyards.

You will spend much of the time exploring Catalonia’s medieval villages such as Peratallada, Besalu and Cadaques – full of cobbled streets, quaint houses and picturesque vistas. The trip also takes in the stunning city of Girona and monuments such as Pubol Castle, home of Dali’s wife and muse Gala.

This Catalonian experience offers pure rest and stimulation for your body and soul – you can absorb the silence of nature, taste organic local food produce, walk or go horse riding, enjoy art and creative writing, or indulge in a spa treatment and massage.

Like me, you will love it!

‘Grapes of Art’ trip duration/prices: 6 days (+ 2 extension). Year round departures. £895 per person (check latest prices online)

For a full itinerary, latest prices and booking, visit www.gobarefoot.travel

Recommended for… Lovers of art, wine and good food

Be aware that… The rural-based accommodation is geared towards peace and tranquility, so not for those looking for a party hot-spot!

‘Good’ credentials:

Go Barefoot partners with small-scale producers that preserve rural traditions and culinary techniques
They also partner with responsible tourism accommodation providers in the region
Go Barefoot supports the conservation of the Iberian Lynx in Andulucia