Meet @aleena_rzq

Profile PictureRosette

@aleena_rzq

I’m Aleena, part-time optometrist, part-time content creator and full-time wife and mummy. I’m in my 30s and used to be really spontaneous until we started a family and now, we definitely have to plan things! One thing I can recommend for other young families travelling is to check in as much luggage as you can – the less things to carry the better. Keep only the absolute essentials, but ALWAYS carry a change of clothes for you and your child. I learnt this the hard way when Ari threw up on me on the way to the Seychelles and he had lots of spare clothes, but I had none…

Silhouette Island in the Seychelles is still the most beautiful place I’ve visited, though. But my ultimate destination is definitely South Africa, the full shebang with safaris etc. When planning a family trip, the hotel is always the first thing I look for – food second.

Aleena’s perfect trip: 

  • Family friendly
  • Foodie finds
  • Wholesome escapes
  • Beach vibes
  • Family friendly
  • Foodie finds
  • Wholesome escapes
  • Beach vibes

Aleena’s picks

Check out where Aleena has been so far and her fave picks from when she was there, including hotels, experiences and local recs…  

The Algarve, Portugal

I’ve heard so many good things about Portugal for family holidays and the Algarve has so much going for it – beaches, beautiful scenery and easy flight times. I headed there for a short week with my hubby and little one, and here’s what we got up to… Read Aleena’s full itinerary.  

hotel
Tivoli Carvoeiro

Perfect for:

  • Sea views
  • Spa days
  • Family fun
  • Modern design
  • Sea views
  • Spa days
  • Family fun
  • Modern design
See best prices
local pick
Restaurante Casa Algarvia
This restaurant is rated the third best in the Algarve for traditional Portuguese food, so ofc we had to try it. The food was delicious and actually really reasonably priced, too.
Address:
Estrada do Farol N• 55, Carvoeiro, Lagoa
Follow their Insta
local pick
La Piazza
Head here for your pasteis de nata fix – it’s practically a requirement whenever you visit Portugal… They also do ice cream, iced coffees and milkshakes.
Address:
Largo da Praia, Carvoeiro Portugal
Check it out

Brussels, Belgium

We took our toddler, Ari, on his first city break to Brussels. The capital of Belgium is all about cool combos, like French and Dutch culture, and medieval architecture and modern art – plus, delicious food. If you think cities don’t work for family hols, think again… Here’s what we got up to on our five-day trip to Brussels… Read Aleena’s full itinerary. 

hotel
nhow Brussels Bloom

Perfect for:

  • Foodie stays
  • City views
  • Social vibes
  • Unique design
  • Foodie stays
  • City views
  • Social vibes
  • Unique design
See best prices
experience
Explore Brussels with a local

Includes:

  • Stop at Église Notre-Dame de
  • Browse the Royal Saint-Hubert
  • Local foodie recommendations
  • Tour with a guide
  • Stop at Église Notre-Dame de la Chapelle
  • Browse the Royal Saint-Hubert Galleries
  • Local foodie recommendations
  • Tour with a guide
Find out more
local pick
Tonton Garby
This viral sandwich shop is known for its rogue filling combos like strawberries and goat’s cheese. It was definitely worth the hype – it even has a ‘don’t like, don’t pay’ policy, so there’s no excuse not to be brave and try something a bit out-there.
Address:
Rue Duquesnoy 6, 1000 Brussels, Belgium
Check it out

Get some Insider inspo from Aleena’s full itineraries