As I grow older and my travel experience broadens, one thing has become crystal clear.
I love luxury travel.
That might surprise some readers, especially after spending the last 18 months traveling light with little more than a backpack, staying in hostels and budget B&Bs. For much of that time it wasn’t a lifestyle choice so much as a financial necessity.
If money were no object, I would gladly stay in four- and five-star hotels around the world and treat myself to comfort and style—much like I did when I used to take only one or two holidays a year with a larger disposable income.
Every so often on this trip, when shared bathrooms and poor kitchen facilities wear thin, I persuade Scott to splurge on a place well beyond our usual budget for a few days so we can relax and enjoy a bit of luxury.
On our visit to Madrid, a Flipkey apartment let us do just that.
Amazing view from our private balcony? Tick.
A brand-new kitchen where I could prepare delicious breakfasts? Tick.
A rooftop pool and gym with locals working out and soaking up the sun? Tick.
Stylish, quirky furnishings that felt both modern and inviting? Tick.
I could go on—the apartment really had everything I love about a short luxury stay.
It suited my Pinterest-inspired tastes perfectly and felt exactly like the kind of home I’ve been dreaming about.
After surviving what I now call the Flight From Hell from Cancun to Madrid, sinking into a big, fluffy bed and sleeping without interruption was bliss.
Madrid was hot during our stay, so the air conditioning was a welcome luxury after living without it in Mexico. We often spent the day in the apartment during the hottest hours, sipping coffee, catching up on emails, and then heading out in the late afternoon to sightsee, enjoy glasses of sangria and sample tapas.
And maybe eat a churro. Or six.
One of the highlights for me was finally seeing a Dalí exhibit at the Reina Sofía. I had missed his shows in London and Barcelona in previous years, so it felt great to experience his surreal work here. The exhibit was exactly the kind of unusual, thought-provoking art that interests me.
What surprised me most, though, was how much I enjoyed Madrid itself. I had expected a large city with little character, but instead found a lively, buzzing atmosphere—something I usually associate with places like New York and London. The energy in the streets and squares made the city feel vibrant and welcoming.
I’m sure I’ll return to Madrid one day, and when I do I hope my accommodation is just as lovely.
Many thanks to Flipkey for hosting our stay in Madrid.