Rest and Relaxation at AVANI Seychelles

It is quite a change from going from "Backpacking" and always having to catch a ferry or bus to doing absolutely NOTHING and I loved it.  Today, we completely chilled out and slept most of the day.  I'm quite the anxious person, so it already takes me 3-4 days to get completely relaxed into vacation mode.

I spent part of my morning poolside, updating the blog.  It's actual peaceful and nice by the pool when no one is around. It is calming to hear the birds chirping and feel the ocean breeze while sitting by the pool in the cabana.  I don't feel like its a burden at all to blog.  To others, I probably look like a crazy woman working on vacation but I actually enjoy it.

Breakfast was quite the change from Savoy.  I loved the sliding glass doors for the onsite Element restaurant.  The Mo joked that it felt like we were on a reality cooking TV show.

AVANI Seychelles Barbarons Resort & Spa

The view from our balcony

AVANI Seychelles Barbarons Resort & Spa just opened its doors a couple months ago after a multi-million dollar makeover.  We took advantage of its grand opening rates and decided to spend the last leg of our vacation here.  Formerly known as Le Meridien Barbarons, the new hotel boasts a "contemporary tropical island vibe."

Goodbye Savoy Resort & Beau Vallon...

until next time...

(Disclaminer: All pics were taken with my Samsung Galaxy S5 not the DSLR, I wasn't going to lug around that shit all day)

Beau Vallon Beach

You can take the girl out of the hostel...

but you can't take the hostel out of the girl.

The price shock of Seychelles wasn't getting any easier.  We took it easy today and just laid out by the beach and pool, spending as little money as possible.

Beau Vallon Beaches & Mimosa Bar

Beau Vallon Beach
Mahe, Seychelles

1st night in Seychelles and we're still jet lagged.  We woke up around 3 AM, WIDE AWAKE with nothing to do. After unsuccessfully trying to go back to sleep, we put on our gym clothes and head to the brand new 24 hour gym.  Of course we were the only ones there.

We waited for 7 AM to come so we could indulge in the breakfast buffet that came with our room package.  The breakfast offerings was quite extensive.  There were pancakes and waffles bars, omelette station, fruit stand, FRESHLY BAKED artisan bread and pastries, a salad station with CHARCUTERIE staples, hot entrees and my absolute favorite, a MIMOSA BAR!

From Hostel to a 5-star hotel: Savoy Resort & Spa

Savoy Resort & Spa
Mahe, Seychelles

 The ride to Abu Dhabi airport was cheaper than what we paid the previous night. It only set us back 75 AED instead of the 100 AED.  Since we had some time, we did some duty free shopping and the Mo bought a bottle of Johnny Walker Platinum 18 Years and I scored a free carry on luggage.

Our flight was delayed by an hour and we finally herded onto the plane via a shuttle.  The 5 hour ride seemed like it took forever but I had some company sitting near me. I met a British girl that does vocals for Calvin Harris. She had some very interesting celebrity stories to share.

13 hour layover in Abu Dhabi via Etihad Airways

On Christmas morning, the Mo woke up to let the pups out while I was still in bed.  He ran up the stairs frantically and was like "Don't freak out but I just did something stupid."  I automatically assumed he left the door or gate open and the dogs ran away.  That wasn't it, he announced that he booked us flights for March to a destination that we didn't spend months discussing or planning as we do with our other vacations.

Still half asleep, I was like

A Peter Rabbit shower for Baby Shah

Baby Shah will be arriving any day now and we are all anxiously waiting to meet him.  Mrs. Hubbell, Melissa & Maureen hosted a Peter Rabbit shower for the expecting mom to be, Alice.

35 cents wings and comfort food at Stelio' s in Billerca

SOMETHING FOR EVERYBODY!

Anyone who drive's on 3A can easily recognize this Billerica landmark on Boston Road.

Stelios's Restaurant
via Stelio's website

The restaurant itself is not welcoming. It looks like a hole in the wall type of joint from the outside. The interior of the restaurant is a bit dated and the vibe is almost like a cult; warm and friendly for the regulars but cold and standoffish for the newcomers.

Lunch at Cheesecake Factory Burlington

$1.00 Oysters and wings special at 110 Grill in Chelmsford

It's been a EXACTLY a year since the Mo and I first walked into the newly opened 110 Grill in Chelmnsford.  Last week, I received an email promotion from the restaurant featuring their latest food specials.  Once I saw $1.00 oysters and .50 cent wings, I excitedly forwarded the email to the Mo with one sentence "Let's go Sunday!"

We wanted to get there early in fear of the oysters running out (because it does happen at Burton's in Nashua!).  The special for the $1.00 oysters and 50 cent wings only ran between 3- 6 PM Sunday through Thursday.  After 6 PM, the oysters are two bucks a shuck!