Daniela Rifai, author of the blog Smell of Jasmine enjoyed a well-deserved break at our hotel in Lanzarote: THB Tropical Island.
Would you like to know what her thoughts were on the island and hotel and know more about her and her world?
Do not miss her exclusive interview for our blog:
Where do you live?
Mentally, it feels a bit like I was living at four continents at once. It´s because of the daily interaction with the people from all around the world, via my blog and social media – with my readers, followers, clients, family and friends. I usually watch the current time at different time zones in my mobile. However, physically I´m currently based in the Central Europe and I share most of my work time between Bratislava, Vienna and other central European cities. If I should say, where I feel like home, it would probably be at the South France and South European Mediterranean cities, generally. That is not as I´d spent majority of my life there, unfortunately not, but I feel connected most, to those parts of Europe.
Tell us a bit about yourself: your hobbies, your blog, etc.
I always wanted to do a creative job and share with people what I consider as interesting, important or simply beautiful. Though I´ve been trying to find the best way to do it and think this will continue to develop. I studied media and marketing and started to work in the field during my university studies. So far, I´ve been working for radio and television and later, for an economy and business magazine, for 3 years. Since I was at high school, I was interested in photography and started to educate myself a bit in that field, too. After I quit my daily job in the magazine and started as a freelancer, I finally got some time to start my blog Smell of Jasmine, in 2015. It was a logical step for me, because it´s the only form of medium that allows me to connect all my interests, which are quite broad.
Why did you decide to become a blogger?
The blog today is quite a different thing, for everyone. For me, it is definitely a new sort of art. In my editorials, I want to hand over a feeling, a mood of the moment and place to my readers, through my personal perception. Whether it´s with words or by the photography, sometimes even by the sound or short video, this is what I always keep in my mind. The boarders among the categories are blurred in my blog posts. I see it all connected – aesthetic, design, fashion style, art, different destinations or cultures. I can´t separate it. So, blog gives me the opportunity to express my vision freely, emphasizing the storytelling. That is why I find the blog to be the perfect medium for me. I don´t have to limit myself, in any way. It´s also a good way to get connected with similar minded people from all around the world. That is quite exciting about it, too.
How many trips do you go on a year? Why did you decide on Lanzarote?
I try to travel as much as possible. Sometimes I go for some long journeys, other time I make many short trips. But, in the last few years, I always escape from the Central European winter weather for at least some time. If the cold weather lasts too long, I got depressed and my energy is low. Sun immediately helps me to get back to my own skin. Also, this year I was searching for the right place to recharge my batteries and Canary Islands with its “eternal spring” seemed to be a great choice. I finally decided for Lanzarote, because, what I read about it sounded totally like a place I would adore. What I heard before was it´s an island with a unique nature, landscape and architecture.
What are the essentials you carry with you in your suitcase?
Few years ago, I was terrible in packing, because I wanted to take everything with me. You know, what if I need this or that. However, I never wore most of the cloths. But more frequent travelling, even for longer periods of time taught me to pack more wisely. Now I can pack really quickly even in a small suitcase, because I´ve learnt the most important is to take the clothes and essentials I like and wear the most. I make sure to take my favorite dresses that make me feel pretty. I make a plan of outfits I will wear and those outfits are often flexible, so I can dress it up or more casual, according to the situation. I can wear them with high heels for the evening, or, with comfortable sandals for the walk and sightseeing. In case of the colder weather, I just put on cardigan. Fortunately, I prefer warm destinations, which make things much easier. Summer dress takes almost no space, so I still can take some sports shoes, my cosmetic essentials, and my favorite jasmine oil too. I save space by choosing shoes and purses, that match most of my outfits and prefer to take those, that are not very big. I always board a plane with a hat on, because it would be a bit difficult, to pack a hat.
What do you think of the island? What part has impacted you the most?
From the very first moment, I was truly fascinated by Lanzarote. The color of soil, cactuses, pieces of the rigid lava, that all immediately caught my attention, before we even left the airport. The landscape and flora is so much different from everything I had seen before. Location and the volcanic activity made the island a magical place. I could watch the dramatic views to the ocean and the mountains, for hours. But I was just the same impressed by the work of an artist and architect César Manrique. I´m a big fan of beautiful architecture and art and what he had done at this island is absolutely exclusive and stunningly beautiful. Beside all that, we were lucky to see gorgeous rainbows several times, so we felt like in a real wonderland.
What places would you recommend visiting on the island?
I don´t know, where to start. I think everyone should enjoy the ocean view at El Golfo and its green lagoon. We were there during the sunset of the day, when ocean waves were wild and it was an unforgettable experience. You just fully understand how powerful the nature is. One should not miss the view at Mirador del Rio, too. We visited the Playa Famara beach several times, because it´s such a unique place. It looks a bit like a different planet with its rigid lava mixed with the sand dunes and ocean waves. Once we saw it in a sunlight with the rainbow, while the other day the sky was cloudy and wind was very strong. It was always astonishing.
The national park Timanfaya is also a must-see. I think every Lanzarote visitor should take the opportunity to see at least some of the places designed by César Manrique. My absolute favorite was Jameos del Agua and César Manrique´s house museum – Fundación César Manrique. I only wish he could design my own house, too. Plus, I admire how he also considered the environment and sustainability, when he developed tourism at Lanzarote. I enjoyed the walks in small fishing villages, having such a typical calm atmosphere.
Tell us about something that has happened to you on the island
We met a lot of nice and interesting people and also many beautiful cats. We were very happy with the level of service at the island. Especially at the hotel, but also in the restaurants we visited. When we took the bus to National Park Timanfaya, they played dramatic classical music, while the bus was driving through the impressive volcanic mountains. It really made this experience even more special.
What do you think of the typical food of the Canary Islands?
Just like an island itself, also food has its specifics. We tried few typical meals there and all tasted very different and really well. I like all kinds of potatoes and was excited to try a very special local delicacy, which consists of potatoes served with the tasty red and green sauce.
Is this your first time at THB Hotels? What do you think of it?
It was my first experience with THB Hotels, but hope not the last one. We really enjoyed the beautiful hotel with all its surroundings from the ocean to the grand mountains. Our room was spacious, well equipped and had a gorgeous view. But what is beyond price is that the people from THB were friendly, professional and helpful, they really made our holiday even more relaxing for we had nothing to care about, just enjoy our stay. We loved the hotel making different diner every day, serving food of the various national cuisines. So, besides the typical Canary Island cuisine, we could choose from lots of different delicious options. What is really great about this hotel is the fact, that you can enjoy both – socializing with other people, as well as the privacy in a Premium Zone. Hotel has so many swimming pools, that you really don´t have to be worry about the crowd. That was really important for us. Whether you are a family, group of friends or couple like us, hotel takes care about your comfort and fun.
Complete the following phrase: My favorite spot in Lanzarote is the Premium Zone of the THB Tropical Island. As much as I loved to explore the island, I always enjoyed getting back and relax in this piece of heaven.
