#vacation villa in spain

[dixt]

son rullan villa in majorca, spain ⋅ ph. gemma galán 

[villagalini]

Best Villa in Rhodes to Rent | Villa Galini

Escape to Villa Galini for a luxurious summer getaway in Rhodes, Greece. This exquisite rental features 3 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, a private pool, a garden, and a champagne lounge. With its BBQ area and al-fresco living, plus a prime location near Vlicha Bay, it's the perfect destination for a memorable holiday. to see more visit villainrhodes.com

[kushitokiku]

Phoenix Wine Cellar Inspiration for a mid-sized modern wine cellar remodel

[francinesoleil]

Phoenix Wine Cellar Inspiration for a mid-sized modern wine cellar remodel

[misswynters]

Holiday in Spain modern au

Cregan Stark x afab!reader x Jace Velaryon

[WARNING: mature/explicit (minors dni) 18+, kissing, touching, exhibitionism, oral (f receiving)

[note | pls don’t just like, but also reblog & give me feedback. i don’t want to get shadowbanned

The sun was beginning to set as the plane touched down in Málaga, casting a warm, golden hue over the Spanish coastline. You, Cregan, and Jace had been planning this holiday for months, eager to escape the daily grind and bask in the beauty of the Costa del Sol.

As the three of you stepped out of the airport, the balmy evening air greeted you, a pleasant change from the dreary weather back home. Cregan, ever the planner, had arranged for a rental car, and soon you were driving along the scenic coastal roads toward the villa you had rented.

“Look at that view,” you marveled, gazing out at the shimmering Mediterranean Sea. “It’s even more beautiful than I imagined.”

“Just wait until we get to the villa,” Jace said from the backseat, his excitement palpable. “The photos online looked incredible.”

When you arrived at the villa, it was everything you had hoped for and more. Nestled on a hillside, it offered stunning views of the ocean, with a spacious terrace, a private pool, and elegant, modern interiors. The three of you quickly settled in, eager to start your vacation.

That evening, after a delicious dinner of local tapas and a few glasses of wine, you retired to the terrace to watch the sunset. The sky was ablaze with colors, a breathtaking end to a perfect day.

Cregan leaned on the railing next to you, his eyes on the horizon. “This place is amazing,” he said softly. “I’m so glad we decided to come here.”

“Me too,” you agreed, turning to look at him. The setting sun cast a warm glow on his features, highlighting the lines of his strong jaw and the intensity of his eyes. You felt a flutter in your chest, a mix of excitement and nervousness.

Jace joined you on the other side, his presence adding to the comforting warmth. “It’s perfect,” he said, his voice soft. “Couldn’t have asked for better company either.”

As the last light faded, the atmosphere between the three of you shifted. The air grew thicker, charged with an unspoken tension. Cregan moved closer, his arm brushing against yours, sending a jolt of electricity through you. Jace’s hand gently touched your back, his fingers tracing small circles that sent shivers down your spine.

“I’ve been wanting to do this all day,” Cregan murmured, his voice low and husky.

You swallowed hard, your heart racing. “Do what?”

He turned to face you fully, his gaze locking onto yours. “This,” he said, leaning in slowly.

Your breath hitched as he drew closer, his face inches from yours. The world seemed to fade away, leaving only the three of you in the quiet night. You could feel the heat radiating from both of their bodies, the promise of something more lingering in the air.

Cregan's lips hovered just a whisper away from yours, his breath mingling with your own. Jace's hand slid from your back to your waist, pulling you closer to both of them. The intensity of the moment was almost too much to bear, every nerve in your body alive with anticipation.

Just as Cregan's lips were about to meet yours, Jace's voice broke the silence, his tone deep and filled with longing. “We’ve waited long enough,” he murmured, his lips brushing against your ear, sending a shiver down your spine.

The sudden sound of a door creaking open inside the villa shattered the moment. You all jumped back, the tension hanging in the air as the spell was broken. Cregan's eyes, still dark with desire, met yours, and then flicked to Jace's.

"We should probably check that out," Cregan said, his voice tinged with frustration.

You nodded, feeling a mix of disappointment and relief. "Yeah, we should."

The three of you headed inside, the charged atmosphere lingered, the promise of what could have been hanging in the air.

As you three looked for the source of the noise throughout the house, there was a small noise coming from the kitchen. Meow.

It was a cat, that was the source what scared the living crap out of you. You pointed with your finger at the small creature, looking over at cregan and jace.

“It was a cat” you said with a slight distaste. It had ruined the whole moment. And you didn’t know when it could come again. Stupid cat.

⠀⊹  ˑ  ִ  ֗   ִ  ۫   ˑ

It was a beautiful summer day in at the beach, the sun shining brightly over the golden sands of the beach. You, Cregan, and Jace had decided to enjoy the warm weather and the serene beauty of the Mediterranean coast. The sound of waves crashing against the shore filled the air, mingling with the laughter of children and the distant hum of conversations. Though surprisingly there was no one around.

You had chosen a particularly revealing swimsuit for the occasion, a sleek, form-fitting piece that left little to the imagination. As you emerged from your beach hut, adjusting the straps and smoothing the fabric over your curves, you could feel the eyes of your companions on you. Jace's gaze lingered over your body, and you noticed the way he subtly adjusted himself, trying to hide the growing bulge in his swim trunks. Cregan, standing beside him, chuckled softly at his friend's reaction, a mischievous glint in his eyes.

"Enjoying the view, Jace?" Cregan teased, nudging him with his elbow.

Jace blushed but didn't look away. "Can you blame me?" he muttered, his voice thick with admiration.

You walked over to them, a playful smile on your lips. "Are you two ready to hit the water?" you asked, your tone light and teasing.

Jace cleared his throat and nodded, his eyes still fixed on you. "Absolutely."

The three of you made your way down to the water's edge, the hot sand shifting beneath your feet. The cool, refreshing waves lapped at your ankles as you stepped into the sea, the water a welcome relief from the heat of the sun.

You waded in deeper, the water rising to your waist, then your chest, until you were fully submerged, only your head and shoulders visible above the surface.

Cregan and Jace joined you, splashing and laughing as they played in the water. The sun glinted off their wet skin, highlighting the strong, lean muscles of their bodies. You couldn't help but admire them, the way they moved with such confidence and ease. As you swam and played, you could feel their eyes on you, a constant, heated presence that sent shivers down your spine despite the warmth of the water.

After a while, you all made your way back to the beach, lying down on the soft towels you had spread out on the sand. The sun beat down on you, warming your skin as you relaxed, feeling the tension melt away from your muscles. Cregan lay beside you, his hand resting casually on your thigh, while Jace stretched out on your other side, his arm draped over his eyes to shield them from the sun.

"How about some dessert?" Cregan suggested after a while, propping himself up on one elbow. "There's an ice cream stand just up the beach."

You nodded eagerly. "That sounds perfect."

The three of you made your way to the ice cream stand, the tantalizing smell of sweet, creamy treats filling the air. You browsed the selection, your eyes lighting up when you spotted your favorite flavor. You ordered a cone, the rich, velvety ice cream swirled high and topped with a cherry.

As you walked back to your spot on the beach, you couldn't help but notice the way Cregan and Jace watched you, their eyes dark with desire. You took a slow, deliberate lick of your ice cream, savoring the taste. The action was innocent enough, but the way you did it, the way your tongue flicked over the creamy surface, made it seem almost provocative.

Cregan's eyes narrowed slightly as he watched you, a predatory gleam in his gaze. You glanced over at Jace, who was staring at you with an intensity that made your heart race. You could feel the tension building between the three of you, a palpable heat that had nothing to do with the sun.

Jace was the first to act, leaning in to press a soft kiss to your neck. His lips were warm and gentle, sending a shiver down your spine. You tilted your head to give him better access, your breath hitching as his kisses grew more passionate. His hands roamed over your body, caressing your skin with a reverence that made you ache for more.

Cregan moved closer, his eyes locked on yours as he knelt in front of you. He began to kiss your thighs, his lips trailing a path of fire over your sensitive skin. You gasped, your hand tangling in his hair as he lifted one of your legs to his shoulder, his mouth working its way higher and higher until he reached the edge of your

The sensation was driving you insane, a delicious blend of pleasure and anticipation that left you trembling.

Cregan's grip tightened on your thigh as he began to lap at your core through the thin fabric, his tongue flicking over your most sensitive spot with expert precision. He hummed in satisfaction, the sound vibrating against your skin and sending waves of pleasure through your body.

Meanwhile, Jace continued his assault on your neck, his teeth grazing your skin as he left love bites in his wake. His hands slid under your swimsuit, teasing and stroking your breasts until you were writhing between the two of them, lost in a sea of sensation.

Cregan's tongue worked its magic, his movements growing more urgent as he felt you getting closer to the edge. He sucked and licked with a ferocity that left you gasping for breath, your fingers digging into his shoulders as you tried to hold on.

The pleasure was overwhelming, a tidal wave that threatened to sweep you away completely.

Jace's kisses became more frantic, his hands roaming over your body with a possessive hunger. He nipped at your earlobe, his breath hot against your skin as he whispered, "Let go, love. We've got you."

And with that, you did. The orgasm hit you like a freight train, your body arching off the sand as waves of pleasure crashed over you. Cregan's tongue never stopped, drawing out every last bit of ecstasy until you were left trembling and spent.

As you came down from your high, Cregan and Jace held you close, their hands soothing and comforting as you caught your breath. The sun was beginning to set, casting a warm, golden glow over the beach.

The three of you lay there, tangled together in a blissful heap, the sound of the waves lulling you into a state of contentment.

Eventually, you sat up, feeling a bit dazed but incredibly happy. Cregan and Jace helped you to your feet, their hands gentle and protective. You glanced at them, a smile tugging at your lips.

"Best holiday ever," you said, your voice filled with genuine joy.

Cregan chuckled, pulling you into a tight embrace. "I'd have to agree."

Jace grinned, wrapping an arm around your shoulders. "Let's make sure we do this again."

And as the three of you walked back to your beach house, the sun dipping below the horizon, you were anticipating more.

taglist: @benjicotblckwood @thornsandtulips @travelingmypassion @shoxji

banner: @cafekitsune

© misswynters ‘24 - don’t modify or steal my writings

[ancientcharm]

Discoveries in the submerged Roman city of Baiae.

Marble mosaic flooring: Vestiges of the mosaic recently discovered in the submerged city of Baiae. Photo: Archaeological Park of the Phlegrean and Naumacos Fields.

Submerged statue:  An underwater archaeologist looks at one of the submerged statues that once graced a Roman villa in the coastal city of  Baiae . Photo: Antonio Busiello.

Rescued statue. Divers extract from the sea, in 1969, the statue of one of the companions of the hero Odysseus, who carries a wineskin with wine to get the Cyclops Polyphemus drunk. This piece was part of a sculptural group. Photo: Paul Fearn / Alamy / ACI.

The god Dionysus. Statue of the god of wine from the nymphaeum or monumental fountain of Baiae. Archaeological Museum of the Phlegrean Fields. Photo: DEA / Album.

Meticulous restoration: Specialists clean and restore one of the statues recovered from the underwater site. Photo: Jonathan Blair / Getty images. 

On the Gulf of Naples, near Pompeii, stood the city of Baiae , a seaside resort where the rich and powerful of Rome vacationed, drawn by its thermal springs and hedonistic lifestyle. Thus, Baiae ended up becoming one of the favorite vacation spots of the Roman aristocracy. Characters such as the immensely rich Marco Licinio Craso, Pompey the Great, and Julius Caesar, who built his villa in the highest part of the coast, stayed in its sumptuous villas. Much later, this luxurious holiday resort was looted during invasions by barbarian peoples and abandoned after an Arab attack in the 8th century. But, in addition, Baiae was located on a very active volcanic area and in the 16th century seismic activity increased which ended up sinking more than half of the city under the waters of little deep in the bay. In 2013, Baiae was the scene of other archaeological excavations. A marble statue depicting Apollo, the Greek god of the arts, has been discovered and restored by the Central Institute for Restoration in Rome. It is expected that the sculpture will return to  Baiae very soon, where it will be exhibited in the rooms of the Archaeological Museum of the Phlegrean Fields of the Aragonese Castle.

From an article by J. M. Sadurní, specialist in historical news.

National Geographic/Spain -April 13, 2023

[sgiandubh]

Vox populi

Marketing 101:

The customer is always right.

What do certain clients have to say about a certain villa on a certain island?

I have used Booking.com, my longtime trusted provider. And I am underwhelmed.

Picture just to make sure we're talking about the same thing, right?

For having used Booking since 2010, I can say with great confidence that commenters are globally chillax, but fair (and I am a reviewer: it simply helps people who often run a family business and it's always a good thing to do, costs nothing). And for having vacationed/lived and extensively used all sorts of very similar accommodations in Greece (I very rarely need a hotel in Spain and would not venture to propose anything of the sort), I can immediately see two things: a) very few reviews and b) a damn bad score. I mean, Good on Booking is, to be honest, borderline shite, but a polite & a bit sorry borderline shite.

Price is logically aligned on an out of season market. It's definitely not what would I expect from a ⭐ semi-incognito. He's been spotted in way better places and we ALL know it.

This?

This is... but let's see what people who stayed there in the same season have to say:

Oh, my! Broken aircon! Cockroaches! Dirty!

What the hell?

Something sounds very, very off about this whole story, but I still can't tell what, nor make sense of this 🤡.

PS: I stayed in very similar conditions on Symi Island in the Empty Summer of 2020 and left at 3 AM for the ferry leaving at 6, I think, in a powerless fit of rage and with a very grumpy, sleepy and sarcastic Someone in tow. I gave those people a 4, too. I understand the sentiment perfectly.

[theemporium]

I feel like Carlando are such different boyfriends because you mentioned being cold to lando and he’s like right the weather is horrible here he has an extra hoodie for you do you want to cuddle to warm up? meanwhile you mention being cold to Carlos and he comes back fifteen minutes later having bought you a house in Spain or a tropical vacation for you to go and be warm…preferably with them but whatever you want

PLEASE😭😭😭

lando is just as cold and whiny as you, so honestly he is all up for layering up and cuddling together because he loves having an excuse to be so close to you

but carlos just takes a look at you both and is like, "i know exactly what to do" and now yous are all tanning by your new villa😭

[louisisalarrie]

L. visited every public place at his holiday vacation and took selfies with all the residents and tourists. What surprises me a little is that no one else from the team was seen. Was he traveling alone? Actually Ch*s F. is always with him unnecessarily. Did he have a bodyguard with him? Do you know where H. is currently? By the way, the villa is a pretty expensive luxury thing. Good for a romtantic couple vacation..😉

He’s got 2 Spain festivals in a row, definitely doing some fan service to build the hype. I also would like to believe he’d have a bodyguard with him but he’s out of view, because louis could get mobbed pretty damn easy.

Harry, as far as we’re aware, was in London last week according to the most recent updates. conveniently placed. but yeah, no one’s seen him. I’d say louis is doing the rounds solo because there’s a chance H could be there. We’ve seen it all before.

But yes, love that he’s living it up!! As much as he loves touring and itches for it, glad that he’s on his way to the end of a massive run and will be able to relax a bit.

[believingispowerfulmagic]

A Royal Affair

Summary: Queen Regina of Mist Haven is slowly losing hope that she will ever be able to marry for love. Almost every aspect of her life is controlled, especially when it comes to her friends and possible love interests. It also doesn’t help that the media portrays her as an Evil Queen who only cares about herself, focused more on living lavishly than caring about her people. She finds the only men willing to date the Evil Queen are more interested in her crown than her. And then Robin Locksley becomes her new assistant and she believes in love at first sight, wondering if maybe her happy ending is possible after all.

Robin is grateful for his job at the palace even if it means working with the Evil Queen herself. His plan is to work as her assistant for a year to prove himself and then transfer to another department within the palace. But his worldview is shaken and he realizes that things aren’t always what they seem, especially when it comes to Queen Regina. As he starts to see her for who she really is, his feelings for her deepen into something dangerous.

Intrigue, romance and danger swirl around Robin and Regina as they fight for their happily ever after.

Chapter 1: FFN | AO3 | Wattpad

Chapter 3: Summer Arrives

FFN | AO3 | Wattpad

Excerpt:

Summer arrived in Mist Haven and everything seemed to slow down. Businesses started their rolling closures throughout the summer months so their staff could enjoy holidays and rest before everything picked up again when schools reopened in September. The government was no different except for Regina. Queens did not take holidays. Instead, they went on state trips and stole some moments here or there to relax.

"So, where do you want to go this summer?" Tink asked, joining Regina on her balcony overlooking the royal gardens. "France? Italy? Spain? The States?"

"You know I don't pick my state visits based on where I want to go," Regina reminded her chief of staff, pouring her some lemonade sent up by the kitchens. She handed the glass to Tink. "I go where I need to go and when I need to go."

Tink sighed. "No, you go where and when your advisors want you to go. It's your life, Regina, and you're allowed a holiday, no matter how much you don't think so."

"I know you worry about me, Tink, but I'm fine," Regina replied, sipping her lemonade. "I grew up doing these state trips."

"And you mean to tell me that your father never took you and your mother on vacation without any matters to also deal with?" Tink asked, raising an eyebrow.

Regina paused, recalling winters spent in their mountain chalet and summers spent in a seclude villa in Italy. They had a reduced staff there – and really only for her mother, who refused to do anything for herself since she was a queen – and they were almost like a regular family on holiday. She had enjoyed those escapes and her father always looked more relaxed when they were there.

Heavy is the head that wears the crown. That Shakespeare quote rose up unbidden to her mind yet again. It was always there, ready to remind her of the gravity of her responsibilities as Queen.

"That was different," Regina replied. "And maybe it will be different once I have a family."

If I ever have a family.

"Maybe," Tink said, looking unconvinced. "So, if you are able to go somewhere, where would you go?"

Regina shrugged. "Maybe I'd spend some time visiting towns in the country. I haven't done that since I was Crown Princess."

"True," Tink agreed. "It might get some positive press."

"Maybe," Regina replied. "But we both know the media will find some way to turn into a big scandal."

Tink sighed. "They are exhausting. I wish you would really start letting us push back against some of the claims. Or at least give us more control of your image in the press. The Windsors do."

Regina hummed. "The Windsors have their own issues."

"All royal families do."

"I suppose so," Regina replied with a shrug. "But really, the press here is harmless."

Tink frowned. "Your people think you're some evil queen who cares only about money and power and not them. In short, they think you're your mother."

Regina shifted in her chair, knowing that Tink had a point. "They aren't storming the castle demanding my removal."

"Yet," Tink replied. "I wouldn't be surprised if someone did manage to convince them to do that. And my money would be on Sidney Glass."

"That would probably be a good bet," she said, thinking of their short relationship. She had ended it when it was clear he desired power more than anything and had a vindictive nature that terrified her.

And she knew he had turned it toward her.

"You need to stop Sidney," Tink told Regina.

"I can't," Regina replied, feeling helpless. "If I attack the press, we could attract the wrong attention and could damage our chances at joining NATO. I can't risk that."

Tink sighed. "It's not censorship when the press is telling lies about you. Don't you care about that?"

"You know I do," Regina said, hurt that her friend would even ask that. Tink knew how much pain she felt when every good deed she tried to do was twisted into something nasty and malicious. It was draining and soul-crushing.

"Then stop it," Tink pleaded. "You can do it."

Regina shook her head. "We both know there's only one way to really stop it and I told you why I don't want to go that route. I have our communications department working to counter the negative stories as best we can."

"You let the narrative get away from you," Tink replied.

"Maybe," Regina agreed, "but control of the narrative doesn't belong to just me exclusively. We keep arguing about this and we always end up in the same place."

Tink nodded. "We do. I argue that you've ceded too much control of the narrative and you insist everything is fine. We agree to disagree and drop the subject for a few months before doing this all over again."

"Exactly," Regina said. "Maybe we can stop this cycle and not pick it up again ever?"

"I can't promise that. I will never stop trying to protect you, Regina," Tink insisted. "I only have your best interest at heart."

Regina reached out and took her hand. "I know."

Tink gave her hand a squeeze. "And that's why we all keep pushing this. We don't want to see you get hurt."

"I know," Regina replied, knowing who Tink meant by "we all." Several of her longtime staff members as well as the few friends she had been able to retain since becoming queen also often brought up how the media treated her. They all suggested ways she could counter it but Regina insisted everything was fine.

Though sometimes she did wonder if they were right and she should be doing more to take control of the narrative about her. But her advisors would then assure her that she was doing the right thing and not to worry.

She had to trust them.

"I guess this is the point where we agree to disagree?" Tink asked, giving her a small smile.

Regina nodded. "It is."

"Alright," Tink said. "Until next time."

"I hope there isn't one," Regina replied, hoping her friends finally stopped interfering and understood that the media coverage didn't really hurt her.

Tink nodded as someone appeared in the garden below. Regina leaned forward as her heart skipped a beat, recognizing Robin even from the back of his head. He took off the tan suit jacket he wore before rolling up the sleeves of his white shirt to his elbow. Draping the jacket over his arm, he began walking down a path toward the fountain. It seemed he was enjoying the beautiful weather on his lunch break just like her and Tink.

"You're ogling your assistant," Tink teased her.

Regina glanced over at her friend and chief of staff, seeing her smirk. Scowling, Regina said: "I'm not ogling. I'm just observing."

"Please, you're practically drooling," Tink teased her.

"I am still your boss," Regina warned her, though there was no real heat or threat in her words.

Tink smirked. "I'm off the clock right now. So I'm your friend, not your employee."

Regina sighed, turning her attention back to Robin as he admired some of the flowers near the fountain. "Then as my friend, can I tell you how handsome I think my assistant is?"

"You can," Tink replied. "Though I figured it out already."

"I've never been this attracted to anyone before," Regina admitted. "And it's a little scary but also exciting."

Tink chuckled. "Crushes usually are."

"I don't know," Regina said. "It feels more than a crush."

"Okay, infatuation then."

Regina frowned, not sure that was the right word. She shook her head. "This feels deeper, Tink."

"Deeper?" Tink frowned now. "Regina, he barely talks to you."

"I know." Regina covered her eyes as she groaned, leaning her elbows on the table. "I'm a mess."

Tink sighed. "You're not a mess."

Regina was about to protest when she noticed that Robin was walking back to the palace. Seeing a chance to talk with him, she stood and approached the railing. Looking down, she called out: "Out for a walk?"

He paused, looking up at her. Shielding his eyes, he answered: "Yes, Your Majesty. It's my lunch break."

"I'm glad you're enjoying the gardens," she said. "And getting a little fresh air. It always helps to get through the rest of the afternoon, right?"

"I suppose so," he said, shifting his arm and revealing some ink on his wrist.

That intrigued Regina and she leaned closer. "Do you have a tattoo?"

"Oh." He lowered his arm and looked at his wrist before rolling down his shirt. "I'm sorry. I usually keep it covered."

"That's okay," she replied, wanting to ask more about it. "I was just curious that's all."

He nodded. "Well, I promise you'll never see it again. I'll get back to work now."

Disappointment flooded her as he disappeared beneath the balcony before she could say anything else. Regina returned to her chair as she sighed. "Is it me?"

"What?" Tink asked.

"He is so clipped and abrupt whenever I try to have a casual conversation with him," Regina told her. "And he is always so eager to get away. It's me, isn't it?"

Tink sighed. "I think it's probably more the media coverage of you than you."

"How can I get him to see I'm so much more than the Evil Queen I'm portrayed as by the media if he won't even have a conversation with me?" Regina asked, wondering if it was best if she tried to get over her crush on him. Maybe then it would hurt less.

"I don't know," Tink replied. "Do you want me to ask for a new assistant for you? I'm sure we can find a good assignment for Robin within the palace."

Regina shook her head, her stomach twisting into a knot. "No, not yet. Letting him go would probably just reinforce all his negative beliefs about me. I think I just have to readjust my expectations."

"Alright," Tink said. "But if you change your mind, just let me know."

"I will," Regina replied. "And maybe you can find out what I'm doing wrong? See if there's any way to get through to him?"

Tink nodded. "I'll see. I can't promise anything."

"I know," Regina said, taking her friend's hand. "I appreciate it."

Checking her watch, Tink sighed. "I need to head back to work myself. I'll see you later."

[toomuchracket]

what do d!word girlie and matty do for vacations with the babies? do they go to a little seaside lodge and take mayhem and have a cosy little week away? or is it more of an abroad holiday, matty playing in the pool with the babies? I’m dreaming of their little family on an evening in Spain, girlie with a cocktail, baba asleep in her pushchair, maybe you and matty having a game of pool.

given that the kids come on tour with you even as babies, i think you and matty decide that - for the first little while, at least - staycations in the uk are kinda the move so it feels more like a holiday rather than work, if you get me. the seaside idea is genuinely adorable: a little cottage on the yorkshire coast somewhere, i think, at the beginning of june before the schools let out, so it's quieter but still summery. i see lyla being around eighteen months old, walking and talking-ish and being so good with her brother, who's maybe four months old at this point and giggles every time she talks to him; they spend a lot of their time in the cottage garden on a picnic blanket having little baby convos and generally just being heart-meltingly cute, mayhem lying beside them like he's babysitting lmao. you and matty start out taking turns keeping an eye on them and playing with them or reading a book and sunning yourself, but it quickly devolves into the four of you (and mayhem) all lying on the grass laughing and playing together. you go to the beach as well, which is really fun - lyla sticks one foot in the water and says it's too cold, so she and you go and explore the rock pools to look for starfish, while matty wades ankle-deep into the sea with alex in his arms and makes him laugh by kicking up the water (and he laughs even louder at mayhem splashing around).

you go to the beach in spain with them too, on their first holiday abroad, when alex is just over eighteen months old and lyla is almost three - she's still not too bothered about the sea (she does like that it's warmer though lol), but alex is a proper little water baby, toddling around in the shallows and smiling the whole time. the sea air and the 5 million sandcastles matty builds with them really do tire them out, so the rest of the day for the kids is just siesta, dinner, bed; they're so tired, though, that they fall asleep on matty in the restaurant after they've eaten, bless them, so as soon as you've finished your marg it's time to go back to the villa. which, honestly, could fit about twenty people - you let matty book it (a mistake, but he insisted) and when you saw it you were like "baby. this is a party villa. we're a family of four with two toddlers", and matty was like "and? we can have a party with them lol. and it's all on one floor, so it's easier to keep an eye on the kids". while the babies are asleep in their room, you and matty are in the games room across the hall, playing pool and air hockey (which matty was shocked by your prowess at lol) and table football (which you've both decided you're going to buy for the house back in london). it's a good laugh, and it actually feels a lot like one of your early dates; when you say that to matty, he smiles and says "you're right, sweetheart. it's nice. and it's nice to think back to our first date and compare it to now, the two of us married and on holiday with our kids, but still getting the same butterflies we did back then. don't think i'll ever stop getting butterflies from you, darling, and i don't want to" <3

[villagalini]

Best Villa to Rent In Rhodes Greece

Discover the epitome of luxury at Villa Galini, a stunning holiday villa for rent in Rhodes, Greece. Nestled in the historic and highly sought after tourist resort of Lindos, this exquisite villa boasts contemporary furnishings, three spacious bedrooms, two elegant bathrooms, and a private pool for ultimate relaxation. But the piece of resistance? A sunken champagne lounge offering breathtaking views over Vlycha Bay. Whether you seek adventure or relaxation, Villa Galini provides the perfect backdrop for an unforgettable getaway on the beautiful Greek Island of Rhodes. Continue Reading

[give-me-a-movie-camera]

I was watching I Love Lucy on Pluto TV last night and it completely slipped my mind that yesterday marked Desi Arnaz’s 106th birthday.

His was a classic Riches-to-Rags, Rags-to-Riches Cinderella tale. Desiderio Alberto ‘Desi’ Arnaz y de Acha III was born 2 March 1917 in Santiago de Cuba, Oriente Province, Cuba, the only son of wealthy landowner Desiderio Alberto Arnaz y de Alberni II (a prominent Cuban politician, who, to date, was the youngest mayor of Santiago de Cuba from 1923 to 1932) and his wife, Dolores ‘Lolita’ de Acha y de Socías (one of the most beautiful women in the Caribbean, the daughter of a businessman, one of three founders of Bacardi Rum Limited, the world's largest privately-owned spirits company). Desi was of the small but vastly privileged, upper-class y de Acha, the descendent of Cuban nobility of whose colonial ancestors originated from Santander, Provincia de Cantabria, Cantabria, Spain. (His grandfather, Dr Desiderio Alberto Arnaz y Alberni I, was assigned to the first United States volunteer cavalry in Cuba, the ‘Rough Riders’ under the leadership of ‘Hero of Cuba’ Theodore Roosevelt during the Spanish-American War on 1 July 1898. To legend, they sieged San Juan Hill on horseback, and though the forged conquest did not belong primarily to Roosevelt, for the conflict was an integrated effort between the white volunteer regiment and the 1,250 black Buffalo Soldiers, the famed battle gained Cuba her independence from Spain—a victory for the people, the Cuban people).

At the height of the Cuban Revolution of 1933, Desi and his family were forced to flee their Motherland, leaving their riches behind. Following a brief election, the government collapsed with the removal of President Gerardo Machado y Morales from office in August of 1933. The opposing anarchists seized all political leaders and stripped them of their power. Among them, Desi’s father, imprisoned by the regime, before his brother-in-law, Alberto de Acha, intervened on his behalf, thus making his escape to Miami, where he was to remain in exile. Having lost their holdings to the rebels who confiscated their property (their palatial home, a cattle ranch, two dairy farms, and a vacation villa on a private island in Santiago Bay), his father sent for Desi and his mother, who took refuge in Key West, Monroe, Florida in 1934. When Desi washed upon the shores of the Americas, his father had established an import-export company, where the family of three took up frugal lodgings in the company warehouse and dined on cans of cold beans. Desi came to live in New York City and Los Angeles for about one year, where he tightened his belt for survival and scrambled for employment as a struggling musician. Following an engagement as a guitar player for a Latin-American band at the Roney Plaza Hotel in Miami Beach, and a cursory stint with the Xavier Cugat Orchestra in 1937, he made his Broadway debut in the Rodgers and Hart musical Too Many Girls, where he reprised the role for RKO's major motion picture of the same name in 1940. During the course of filming, he fell head-over-heels for the Apricot Queen, Lucille Désirée Ball. The couple eloped on 30 November 1940 in Greenwich, Fairfield, Connecticut. By 1949, at the age of thirty-two, Desi established himself a renowned nightclub entertainer as conga-playing band leader for the travelling self-titled Cuban orchestra.

Most Hollywood buffs would do well to remember the Power Couple formed by Desilu Productions—a celluloid empire built on the backs of Lucy and Desi’s American Dreams, despite the public scandals and tumultuous marital woes. But at the crowning glory of their golden existence, there are those who neglect Desi's legacy and his reluctant resignation to his fate as the Man Behind the Curtain, to remain in Lucy’s shadow so long as he lived. Lucy, of whose celebrity distinction was of higher standing than her husband’s. Desi, though undoubtedly talented, who was not exempt from the unjust ostracization and societal prejudice that plagued him as a Cuban Spaniard immigrant in racially-charged Hollywood. For those who clutched their pearls at the prospect of Middle American households who might've dismissed acceptance of the world’s first interracial couple on television, Lucy and Desi defied those expectations and dissolved racial barriers in an era dominated by cultural strife. Audiences of all races, colour, and creed came together to shower the Ricardos with adoration and praise, because they came to understand the Ricardos epitomized the human experience, no matter that they didn't reflect the typical post-war domestic demographic. Against all odds, the world fell in love with the All-American Ricardos… white, Hispanic, or otherwise. Lucy and Desi, to be envied by all... America's Sweethearts.

On his 106th birthday, we remember Desi for the pioneer he was, as the Mastermind behind the nation’s most Beloved Redhead.

Behind every great woman lies a greater man.

Perhaps Desi speaks for us all when he declared his everlasting love, in his own words... ‘I Love Lucy was never just a title.’

💓 Happy Heavenly Birthday, Desi.  💓

       𓆩♡𓆪 · ・ 𓆩♡𓆪 · ・ 𓆩♡𓆪 · ・𓆩♡𓆪 · ・ 𓆩♡𓆪 · ・

[alexbkrieger13]

P followed that Magdalena Villa account in Spain so they’ll likely end up there at some point in the offseason.

I imagine Magda has already layed out the entire vacation since she’s a planner 😂

I mean she has had Plenty Of free time on her hand so no surprise

[caldominosworld-blog]

A day trip close to the French border

Fortresses and film sets

The stables at San Ferran

Aerial view of the Fort

It's well worth calling ahead (they speak English) to book a tour of the cisterns. In today's compensation culture there is a refereshing, although at the same time, slightly worrying lack of health and safety regulations in operation. They do give you hard-hats just in case you fall in the water and bang your head when you sink to the bottom of the cistern, but don't expect life jackets, harnesses or age / ability / mobility restrictions. There are a number of ladders to climb, confined spaces to crawl through and getting in and out of the boat requires a minimum level of dexterity to do so successfully whilst remaining dry. It is quite an adventure though and highly recommended...

Recently, the film "Perfume" with Dustin Hoffman, Ben Wishaw, Alan Rickman and John Hurt (to name a few) was partly made here. There are regular re-enactments and the castle is regularly used as location sets for period dramas.

Sant Pere de Rodes

Santa Helena

Cadaques

If you manage to do all of this in a day, I'll be impressed !

Spring Sale ! 20% off list price until mid June. Contact us for availability.

#SantPereDeRodes #SantaHelena #SantFerran #Cadaques #Catalonia #Spain #Travel #Explore #Culture #History #Architecture #Nature #Coastal #Mediterranean #Beach #Village #Heritage #Landmarks #Vacation #Wanderlust

[witchysethharper]

Maybe Seth's motives for joining Rhys on his trip were partially selfish in nature. When else could he fly on a private jet around Europe and technically skip out on his day-to-day work without taking vacation time? Not that it was a vacation by any means, absolutely not –– the two magic consultants conducted serious business with their investigations. Seth, however, was more than happy to let his boss take the lead while he observed and took notes where needed. He was nowhere near at the skill level in divination magic as Rhys so the younger witch was perfectly content with his duties.

Their first stop in Portugal provided way more than Seth even expected. The investigation turned up a lead into a potential suspect and a surprising twist into the murder execution. Damn good thing Rhys pushed for coming out here because it sure as hell seemed like no one else was this willing to get down to the truth.

It appeared things were pretty similar here in Spain except witnesses never mentioned or even described Roman Thomson stepping foot in the deceased councilman's home. Of course that didn't necessarily clear the familiar in Seth's mind –– perhaps he could have an accomplice? He and Rhys stood alone now in the foyer of the extravagant villa that once belonged to the Spanish councilman. They'd spoken to the staff of the house who all claimed they saw no one and nothing until it was far too late. Further divination magic on Rhys' end confirmed those stories as the events floated to the surfaces of their minds upon recollection. The ring too appeared untampered, which only solidified 100% that this was likely the same person –– or persons working together –– and they were absolutely connected.

"So, what now?" Seth asked his supervisor. "Do we still think this Roman might be involved? I don't think he could have changed his appearance that drastically that quickly, could he? Or maybe an accomplice?" He scratched at his head. "Are we even thinking he's guilty?"

@rhysdasior