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Royal Palace of La Granja de San Ildefonso, Madrid, Spain

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The Royal Palace of La Granja de San Ildefonso is one of the residences of the Spanish royal family, in the Sierra de Guadarrama, 13 km from Segovia and 80 km from Madrid. The name comes from an old farm of Hieronymite monks who were nearby. Henry III built the first refuge and Henry IV built a shelter and a small chapel dedicated to Saint Ildefonso Bishop and the Catholic Monarchs in 1477 gave it to the monks who used the rural place to pray and to rest giving origin to the village taking the same name. It was Philip II who converted it into a sumptuous palace. In 1718, Felipe V, in love with the place, bought it from the monks and built a palace like Versailles and its gardens. The palace became the summer residence of the Spanish king and his court. Felipe V and his second wife are buried in the collegiate church. Several important episodes in Spanish history took place in the palace. The palace and its addictions are in U-shaped and in its gardens there are trees that are over 300 years. There are two terraces and a chapel (the Collegiate Church of the Holy Trinity). Inside, the palace is deeply baroque with beautiful frescoed ceilings and gold painted wood moldings with imposing glass lamps.

Tips

The palace is open to the public. It is advisable to wear comfortable shoes to visit the gardens because it is worth it not only for its plants and flowers but also for its fountains and monuments. From Thursday Saint they put the fountains on work at 17:30 on Wednesdays, Saturdays, Sundays and public holidays. The eight large fountains are operated alternately, but on May, 30th, July, 25th and August, 25th they work all at once. You have to pay an entrance fee, but on August 25 the admission is free.

Ao Nang, Thailand

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Ao Nang is located in the Andaman Sea, considered one of the best Thailand’s beach destination, predominately a family and sports destination. It’s not a place for people who wants to make the party or have a wild nightlife, there are only a few relaxed bars and two nightclubs. The southern half of the beach is not yet bordered by a road. Ao Nang is busy but hasn’t lost that laid back, friendly small-town feel; it is developed but still retains its original beauty and charm. You can find good italian restaurants, spas, beauty shops, where you can have massages for a good price. Thai food is abundant too and is available 24 hours a day. You can have all sort of accomodation, from traditional wooden bungalows to luxury 5 star spa resorts. You can also find lots of activities: snorkelling, kayaking, island-hopping, climbing, diving, fishing parks, elephant trekking, cooking classes, massage classes, temple visits and of course visit the other beaches and places by boat.

Tips

Railay, one of the best beaches, is only 15 minutes by boat from Ao Nang. Another good excursion is Koh Phi Phi.
If you like history and religion, you can also visit interesting temples.
Going to traditional Thai restaurants is also pleasant but you will have a lot of opportunities to eat Thai food in local markets or with street vendors.

Búzios, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil

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Armação dos Búzios or Búzios is a city of the State of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, located 169 km from the city of Rio de Janeiro; it is a peninsula of 8 km long, surrounded by islands, with more than 20 beaches. Búzios was a small fishing port but it became a very touristic place because there are beautiful beaches different from each other as Buzios receives sea currents from the equator and from the South Pole, so it brings tepid and cold waters. The best known beaches are Geribá, João Fernandes, Ferradura, Ossos, Olho de Boi (reserved for naturism) among others. On the main street, Ruas das Pedras, we find a statue of Brigitte Bardot cause she popularized this place in the 60. There is even a street named Orla Bardot. There are many artists workshops, boutique hotels, numerous shops, cafes and sophisticated restaurants. Buzios is also known as the St. Tropez of Brazil for the Brazilian jet set and tourists from worldwide who prefer it.

Tips

As it is a favorite place of tourists from across the world, you will find no problem with the languages because Spanish, French and English are quite common as of course the local language (Portuguese). There is a French colony and another Argentinian one who are regular residents in the city.
You can stay in small charming hotels ‘pousadas’ or rent an apartment or house according to your preference.