July 31, 2010

WILL I GET BUMPED BY MICHELLE?

First, a brief backstory. Significant birthdays/ anniversaries - in other words, high days and holidays - we often celebrate with a meal at the Hotel Villa Padierna, in the hills near Marbella. A significant birthday next weekend was going, we thought, to be no different. We’d already made a reservation at La Veranda restaurant when we read in the press that the US First Lady is to spend four days at the hotel with her daughter Sasha, 9. Mrs Obama has reportedly booked 40 rooms for family and friends for the stay between August 4-8.

Now, this hotel isn’t huge, nor is La Veranda. So we’re left wondering if, probably at the very last moment, we get bumped to accommodate Mrs Obama and party. The hotel has form – three days before an important reservation we’d made two weeks in advance (a few days’ notice is usually the norm here in Andalucia!), we were informed that La Veranda was “suddenly” exclusively booked for a wedding party! Wow! A wedding suddenly arranged with just three days’ notice? Incredible!

I can hear you saying: “Why bother then?” Well, the food is extremely good (no mean feat here in Andalucia) thanks to the executive chef, Martin Berasategui, owner of a 3-star Michelin restaurant in San Sebastian, Northern Spain. So, basically, we’re in a wait and see mode but we’re not holding our breath.

If you’re curious as to what Mrs Obama can expect, here are some shots of the hotel, its exterior, interior including La Veranda – plus sample menu (not ours!) and food - spa, and one of its suites. btw Rooms at the hotel, which resembles an Italian palace vary in price from €250 (£209) for a basic double to between €2,200 and €5,000 for a villa in the gardens. The hotel - a golf and spa resort - which has a private beach alongside, is said to be popular with celebrities, businessmen and Arab sheiks. Though we’re yet to come across any sheiks, who knows, maybe we’ll strike lucky with Mrs Obama! Watch this space!
HAVE YOU EVER BEEN BUMPED - APART, THAT IS, FROM FLIGHTS?!
Happy Six Word Saturday! Other posts @ Show My Face.
See you again for Ruby Tuesday!
Mwah!
XOXO LOLA:)

27 comments:

Jim said...

Oh, Nora. This can be your "brush with destiny!" I hope you don't get bumped because Michelle is beautiful and wonderful. AND our first lady.

That hotel is wonderful as well. Much more plush than the little one we stayed in up the road at Nerja. That was a fun day and night and morning. Especially the Saturday evening.
..

Jim said...

Nora, I left too soon! I meant to tell you that you might like to watch a video of Paul McCartney in his "Performance at the White House Concert" at PBS.org.
I haven't watched it there but was fortunate to see it live and then one re-run so far.

In it, you should get to see him sing Michelle, ma belle to Michelle. It wasn't his best rendition but he sang it well.

Last thing, no, I have never been bumped by anyone. Except by a lady in the Metro.
..

Mike said...

Totally agree with Jim above. Michelle is a beautiful lady - let's hope you get that "brush with destiny"!

Michelle said...

Word veri today = Michel! :-)

Holly said...

Gorgeous-looking hotel, spa and grounds - sure she'll have a great time (though don't know about young Sasha!)

Jan said...

Can't wait to see those shots of you with the First Lady! Here's hoping...

Pondside said...

That's quite a place! No wonder you you choose it for special occasions. I hope you're not bumped and that you get to celebrate the birthday. I've been bumped on flights, most famously by a troupe of boy scouts, but as long as I have a book I don't really care!

tania said...

A hotel fit for a First Lady! Sumptuous grounds, spa, golf course etc

PS does she play golf?!

JoyACookin' said...

Would that significant birthday be yours? I always suspected that you are a Leo. Anyway, hope the Leo has a great celebration despite the rowdy Americans.

I been never been bumped from a reservation, but I was gently run into by the Princess of York, Lady Sarah Ferguson, in the Palace Hotel in NYC. That was a most memorable public slight.

Betty W said...

I hope you get in. What a beautiful place to celebrate a birthday!

Anonymous said...

I've never been bumped, but I was once upgraded from a CT Scan to an MRI in 10 minutes. MRI's here have 3-6 month wait lists. I was supposed to get a CT scan but the staff had a hard time setting up an IV for imaging fluid and so they just said, "Oh well, let's just send you down the hall for an MRI right now. That will be easier." Two weeks later, I saw on the news that some guy had been hit by a car and was told he had to wait 9 months for an MRI. It didn't make any sense! - G

Hootin Anni said...

Let's all hope you won't be bumped and you can celebrate in style!!!

Oh and maybe get to be introduced and have a photo op with our first lady.

John (@bookdreamer) said...

Clearly having to rough it! my 6WS

NorCalMom said...

Hope you don't get bumped! Enjoy!!

laterg8r said...

wow, what an incredible hotel, hope you get to go :D

Kimmy said...

WOW...absolutely stunning. GORGEOUS!!! I also love going to fancy restaurants too however, my husband would take a look at that salad and without taking a bite, would say.."I'm still hungry!" lol

Happy SWS and thanks for stopping by!!!

Michelle said...

Wow that hotel is absolutely gorgeous!!! You would be so lucky if you saw Michelle Obama...I would envy you! I think she is just gorgeous! Good luck and hope you don't get bumped either. Lol! hugs to Lola baby.

Olivia said...

Yikes and wow! Looks like the perfect place to celebrate special occasions! I hope you don't get bumped!
Thanks for stopping by for Of Such is the Kingdom's big blog party!

Pamela Scott said...

I hope you get to see her and you don't get bumbed, that hotel is awesome..thansk for stopping by today, I just love your blog

Unknown said...

Daaaaahling, dont be silly, a georgeous Bichon such as you does not get bumped!
What a stunning place to have a celebratory meal. I wish I could join join you. You do eat at the most wonderful places.
*kisses* HH

bichonpawz said...

Sure do hope you have a terrific time and that you don't get bumped!! xoxoxo Chloe and LadyBug

Anonymous said...

All I can say after seeing those photographs is...WOW!

Anonymous said...

here comes your 15 miutes of fame...40 rooms seems a lot.
And who is paying is my next question, however it looks beautiful, lofe the pool.
and yes the food looks devine. Will Lola be attending? She might assist in your brush with famer after all are not doggies love by the Obamam girls not to mention their mother?
Walkies...
thanks for visiting my blog and for the best wishes
Jane from Life @ Number 8

Draffin Bears said...

Hi Nora and Lola,

That place is fabulous and what a wonderful venue to host a significant birthday.
I really hope that you can go and celebrate as planned.

Happy week
Hugs
Carolyn

Tiffany said...

Wow those are some pretty pictures! I haven't ever been bumped mainly because I haven't vacationed much. I hope your week goes well!

Thanks for stopping by Duct Tape Starbucks and Prozac!!! Hope to see you around again!

Berlin said...

Holy cow!! This place is so... so.. fascinating!!! I would love to roll around there xD

A bucket of stars,
Berlin

GardenOfDaisies said...

That looks like a lovely hotel! Hope you don't get bumped!