Summer 2026 · Family Journey

Roy-Yangs in London & Spain

London · Dénia · Barcelona

July 28 — August 9, 2026
View from the villa doors overlooking the coastal town Casa Delfin terrace stairs overlooking the sea at sunset Terrace with balustrade overlooking coastal town and ocean
Ranjan Roy
Traveler
Siuwen Yang
Janie · Traveler
John Jay Roy-Yang
Age 7 · Traveler
Samaya Roy-Yang
Age 9 · Loving daughter
The Journey

Three Destinations

London Big Ben at sunset along the River Thames
Stop One

London

July 29 — August 2, 2026 · 4 nights
Park Plaza London Riverbank 18 Albert Embankment, SE1 7TJ
Deluxe Room, 1 King + Sofa Bed · 3 guests
Dénia coastal town on the Costa Blanca, Spain
Stop Two

Dénia

August 2 — 6, 2026 · 4 nights
Villa Casa Delfin (Airbnb) Carrer Eurídice 28, Dénia 03749
2 adults + 1 child · Pool, terrace, Wi-Fi
Aerial view of Barcelona skyline at sunset with Sagrada Família
Stop Three

Barcelona

August 6 — 9, 2026 · 3 nights
ME Barcelona (Fine Hotels + Resorts) Carrer de Casp 1-13, 08010
Superior ME City View · 3 guests
Day by Day

Trip Timeline

1
Tuesday · July 28
San Francisco → London
Travel
5:55 PM
Ranjan departs SFO
DL 5964 (Virgin Atlantic) · SFO → LHR · Seat 46K · 10h 20m overnight flight
Overnight flight to London
2
Wednesday · July 29
London
London
12:15 PM
Ranjan arrives London Heathrow
LHR Terminal 3 · Clear customs & immigration
3:00 PM
Check in — Park Plaza London Riverbank
18 Albert Embankment · Deluxe Room · Conf #0173869845
Afternoon & evening free — plan to fill in
3
Thursday · July 30
London — Family Arrives
London
8:35 PM
Janie & John Jay arrive London
CX407 (TPE→HKG 8:00 AM) + CX253 (HKG→LHR 1:25 PM → 8:35 PM) · Conf FFHGCV
Family reunited in London — plan to fill in
4
Friday · July 31
London
London
All day in London — plan to fill in
5
Saturday · August 1
London
London
All day in London — plan to fill in
6
Sunday · August 2
London → Valencia → Dénia
Travel Day
~4:30 AM
Leave London for Gatwick
Pre-booked minicab · ~45–60 min drive to Gatwick Airport
6:50 AM
Fly to Valencia
IB5117 (Iberia/Vueling) · LGW → VLC · 2h 20m · Conf HLQHK
10:30 AM
Rental car pick-up
Budget · Valencia Airport Terminal · VW Taigo, automatic
~11:00 AM
Drive Valencia Airport → Dénia
~1 hr 15 min · ~105 km on AP-7 motorway · Arrive ~12:15 PM
~12:30 PM
Lunch in Dénia
Explore old town & grab lunch before check-in
3:00 PM
Check in — Villa Casa Delfin
Dénia · 5br villa · Early check-in confirmed · Conf HMFYR3CPBR
Afternoon & Evening
Relax at the villa
Pool, terrace, sea views — unwind after the travel day
7
Monday · August 3
Dénia
Dénia
All day in Dénia — plan to fill in
8
Tuesday · August 4
Dénia
Dénia
All day in Dénia — plan to fill in
9
Wednesday · August 5
Dénia
Dénia
All day in Dénia — plan to fill in
10
Thursday · August 6
Dénia → Barcelona
Travel Day
10:00 AM
Check out — Villa Casa Delfin
Load up & depart Dénia
~10:30 AM
Drive Dénia → Barcelona
~4 hrs · ~440 km on AP-7 · Consider lunch stop in Peñíscola (~2 hrs in)
~4:00 PM
Car drop-off
Barcelona Centre Eixample · Budget rental return
~5:00 PM
Check in — ME Barcelona
Carrer de Casp 1-13 · Superior ME City View · Conf #9088817100516
Evening in Barcelona — plan to fill in
11
Friday · August 7
Barcelona
Barcelona
All day in Barcelona — plan to fill in
12
Saturday · August 8
Barcelona
Barcelona
All day in Barcelona — plan to fill in
13
Sunday · August 9
Barcelona → New York
Fly Home
Early Morning
Check out — ME Barcelona
4pm late check-out available via FHR if needed (not today — flight is morning)
~7:15 AM
Leave hotel for BCN airport
Taxi recommended (with luggage + 7-year-old) · ~25–30 min · ~€39 · Or Aerobus from Plaça Catalunya (~35 min, ~€7.75, runs every 5–10 min)
8:00 AM
Arrive at BCN airport
Terminal 1 · Check-in & security · US-bound flights allow extra screening time
10:55 AM
Fly home to New York
DL 0129 · BCN → JFK · 8h 41m nonstop · Airbus A330-300
1:36 PM
Arrive JFK — trip complete!
Clear customs & immigration · Welcome home 🎉
All Flights

Flight Details

Flight Date Route Time Passenger(s) Seat Conf #
DL 5964 Jul 28 SFO → LHR 5:55 PM → 12:15 PM+1 Ranjan 46K
CX 407 Jul 30 TPE → HKG 8:00 AM → 10:00 AM Janie & John Jay 45C / 45A FFHGCV
CX 253 Jul 30 HKG → LHR 1:25 PM → 8:35 PM Janie & John Jay 45H / 45J FFHGCV
IB 5117 Aug 2 LGW → VLC 6:50 AM → 10:10 AM All 3 HLQHK
DL 0129 Aug 9 BCN → JFK 10:55 AM → 1:36 PM Ranjan 32A (Comfort) HZHNUC
DL 0129 Aug 9 BCN → JFK 10:55 AM → 1:36 PM Janie & John Jay 46D / 46C (Main) JQAO3P
Where to Eat

Restaurant Wishlist

London

1 place
Dishoom
Carnaby (Soho)
Bombay-style café serving all-day Indian classics — breakfast naan, bacon naan roll, black daal. Family-friendly, vibrant atmosphere. Reservations recommended.
Gluten-free options
Add more London restaurants

Dénia

6 places
Dénia red prawns (gamba roja) — the city's iconic seafood specialty

Dénia is a UNESCO Creative City of Gastronomy, and these six restaurants showcase why — from the world-famous gamba roja de Dénia (red prawns) to perfectly executed arroz a banda and fideuà. Each was chosen for its commitment to local, Spanish seafood, its welcoming atmosphere for a family with a 7-year-old, and its quality across decades of family ownership. Book ahead for August peak season.

Restaurante Mena
Les Rotes (cliffside)
Family-run since 1959, perched on the Les Rotes promenade with spectacular sea views. Specializes in Dénia red prawns, arroz a banda, and fresh-caught seafood. The cliffside setting makes it feel special for the whole family, and the warm, multigenerational service means John Jay will be welcomed. Book at least a week ahead for August — it's always fully booked. Limit of 2 rice dishes per table.
Booking essential
Tasca Eulalia
Carrer del Marqués de Campo (city centre)
Three generations of the Vives family have run this bustling tapas institution since 1982, right on Dénia's main pedestrian street. Creamy monkfish-prawn rice, grilled squid with almond paste, gambas al ajillo — all sourced from the daily fish market. Explicitly family-friendly with a kids' menu and high chairs. Extraordinary value at €20–30 per person. No dinner reservations — arrive early for a table.
Kids' menu
Restaurante Estanyó
Les Marines (beachfront)
A beachfront family gem run by José and Mari since 1996, known for its signature Gallo San Pedro (John Dory, half-fried, half-grilled), lobster paella, and arroz del senyoret. The kids' menu and "perfect for family celebrations" reputation make it an ideal spot for a relaxed beachfront lunch with John Jay. Menu changes with the daily catch. Book online via their website for August.
Kids' menu
Restaurante Noguera
Les Marines Km 6 (seaside terrace)
Classic Mediterranean cuisine with no modernist gimmicks — just tradition, product, and love. The spacious terrace is a balcony overlooking the sea, perfect for a family meal with views. Dry rice, creamy rice, fideuà, and Dénia red prawns are the stars. Dedicated children's menu with hake, chicken, nuggets, and calamares. Order rice dishes in advance — limited paella pans, especially in summer.
Kids' menu
Casa Federico
Las Marinas beach (near town centre)
A Dénia institution since 1980, this is the closest beach restaurant to the town centre — just 600m from the castle. Famous for one of the best arroz a banda in Dénia, plus caldereta de pescados, black rice, and fresh gamba roja. Has a small outdoor playground, making it the most kid-friendly pick for John Jay. Reservations essential in summer — closed Tuesdays. Ask for the terrace.
Playground
Deniarrós
Les Marines beach road
The best-value arrocería in Dénia, blending traditional Mediterranean rice cookery with modern touches. Paella valenciana, arroz a banda, fideuà de pato/foie, and mariscada (seafood platter) are all excellent. The menú del día at ~€18–22 is remarkable value for the quality. Dedicated children's menu and ideal for families and groups. Open daily 1pm to midnight — book for dinner in peak season.
Kids' menu

Barcelona

0 places
Add Barcelona restaurants
What to See & Do

Things to Do Wishlist

London

0 activities
Add London activities

Dénia

4 activities
La Marineta Casiana beach in Las Rotas, Dénia — calm crystal-clear water perfect for family snorkeling

Dénia's southern coast (Las Rotas) and northern coast (Las Marinas) offer two very different experiences for a family with a 7-year-old. Las Rotas is a protected marine reserve with crystal-clear water over posidonia seagrass — the easiest snorkeling you'll find. Las Marinas has wide sandy beaches with shallow, calm water, playgrounds, and full services. The castle overlooking town adds a dash of history and jaw-dropping views. All of these are within 10 minutes of Villa Casa Delfin.

Snorkeling at La Marineta Casiana (Las Rotas)
Las Rotas — southern coast, near the marina
The easiest snorkeling spot in Dénia for a 7-year-old. This is the only sandy beach in the Las Rotas area, sitting inside a small protected bay with almost no waves and shallow water that deepens gradually. It's part of the Cap de Sant Antoni Marine Reserve — the posidonia seagrass meadows just offshore keep the water crystal-clear and attract fish, making it magical for kids with a mask and snorkel. Blue Flag, lifeguard, beach bar, showers, and a pleasant promenade. No booking needed — just bring swim shoes, a mask, and snorkel. Walk in from the sandy entry and the fish are right there.
Easiest for kids No booking needed
Les Bovetes Beach
Las Marinas — northern coast, ~3km from town
The best all-around family beach in Dénia. Wide golden sand, very calm waves, and shallow water that's easy for kids. Has a small children's playground and a large elastic climbing pyramid right on the beach — John Jay will love it. Crystal-clear water with good visibility makes it great for a casual snorkel too, with posidonia meadows about 30m offshore. Beach bars (chiringuitos), sun loungers, and umbrellas for rent. Far enough from town that it never feels crowded, even in August. Free parking nearby.
Playground on beach Calm & shallow
Punta del Raset Beach
Las Marinas — nearest beach to town centre & harbour
The shallowest beach in Dénia — you can walk several metres into the sea and still be at knee depth, which gives total peace of mind with a 7-year-old. Wide, soft sand, very family-friendly atmosphere, and the closest sandy beach to the town centre. Lifeguard, accessible facilities, and a welcoming vibe. Gets busy in summer so arrive early to grab a good spot near the northern breakwater. A great option for a relaxed morning swim before the beach bars open for lunch.
Shallowest water Closest to town
Dénia Castle (Castillo de Dénia)
Hilltop in the old town centre
An 11th-century Islamic fortress overlooking the town, port, and sea — kids love exploring the walls, towers, and cobblestone paths. The panoramic views from the top stretch across the Mediterranean, the harbour, Las Marinas beaches, and Montgó mountain. John Jay (age 7) gets in free; adults are just €3. Walk up from the old town in about 10 minutes. Best done early morning or late afternoon to avoid the midday heat. A perfect "off-beach" activity that mixes a little history with spectacular views and photo ops.
Free for kids under 8 Best at golden hour
Add more Dénia activities

Barcelona

0 activities
Add Barcelona activities
Where You'll Stay · London

Park Plaza London Riverbank

Park Plaza London Riverbank exterior on the south bank of the Thames
4-Star Riverfront Hotel · South Bank of the Thames

Park Plaza London Riverbank

18 Albert Embankment, Lambeth, London SE1 7TJ

Sitting proudly on the south bank of the River Thames, Park Plaza London Riverbank is your family's home base for four nights in London — directly across the river from Tate Britain and within easy walking distance of the London Eye, Houses of Parliament, and Big Ben. With an indoor pool for John Jay, river-view suites, and the award-winning Chino Latino restaurant on-site, it's the perfect launchpad for exploring the city together.

Indoor Pool & Spa Heated pool, sauna & steam room — perfect for a 7-year-old
River Thames Views Panoramic views from Battersea to the Houses of Parliament
Walk to Everything Tate Britain (across river), London Eye, Big Ben, Westminster
Chino Latino Restaurant Award-winning Pan-Asian dining with river views, on-site
Deluxe Room · King + Sofa Bed Comfortably fits 3 guests with 24-hour room service
Fitness Center TechnoGym equipment, free weights, stretching area
Hotel
Park Plaza London Riverbank (4-star, part of Radisson Hotel Group)
Address
18 Albert Embankment, Lambeth, London SE1 7TJ
Room Type
Deluxe Room — 1 King Bed + Sofa Bed (3 guests)
Check-in
Jul 29, 3:00 PM
Check-out
Aug 2, 12:00 PM (4 nights)
Confirmation
#0173869845
Phone
+44 20 7958 8000
Guest Rating
8.2/10 (Very Good) · 14,131 reviews · Location 9/10
Nearby
Tate Britain (across river), London Eye, Big Ben, Westminster, Waterloo Station (1 mile)
Amenities
Free WiFi, AC, flat-screen TV, mini-bar, 24-hour room service, tea/coffee maker
Where You'll Stay · Dénia

Villa Casa Delfin

Villa Casa Delfin exterior with sea and mountain views in Dénia
Private Retreat · Montgó Natural Park

Villa Casa Delfin

Carrer Eurídice 28, Dénia, Spain 03749

Nestled on the edge of Montgó Natural Park and surrounded by lush Mediterranean greenery, Casa Delfin offers stunning panoramic sea and mountain views from nearly every corner. Just 5–6 minutes from Dénia's beaches, restaurants, and old town.

320 m² Private Villa 5 bedrooms · 5 ensuite bathrooms · Up to 10 guests
10m Swimming Pool 200 m² pool & terrace area for sunbathing
Sea & Mountain Views Panoramic views from nearly every corner
Indoor & Outdoor Kitchens Fully equipped kitchen + BBQ outdoor kitchen
Montgó Natural Park On the edge of the park · 5–6 min to beaches
Full Amenities Wi-Fi (Starlink), AC, washing machines, dishwashers

Bedroom Configuration (by group size)

1–4 Guests
2 Bedrooms
Panorama Suite
5–6 Guests
3 Bedrooms
Panorama Suite + Mountain Apartment
7–8 Guests
4 Bedrooms
Panorama Suite + Mountain Apt + Seaview Suite
9–10 Guests
5 Bedrooms
All four units + Balcony Apartment
Property Type
320 m² private villa (1 suite + 3 apartments, all private entrances)
Location
Carrer Eurídice 28, Dénia 03749 — edge of Montgó Natural Park
Host
Rait · +358 405 287495
Local Contact
Arsen · WhatsApp +34 610 039 113
Check-in
Aug 2, 1:00 PM (early check-in confirmed, lockbox)
Check-out
Aug 6, 10:00 AM
Wi-Fi
Starlink · Password: @Denia2024
Confirmation
HMFYR3CPBR
Pool Maintenance
Technician visits weekly (usually Sat/Sun)
Parking
Street in front of house, space for up to 3 cars
Where You'll Stay · Barcelona

ME Barcelona

ME Barcelona rooftop pool with panoramic city views
5-Star Design Hotel · Fine Hotels + Resorts · Eixample

ME Barcelona

Carrer de Casp 1-13, Eixample, Barcelona 08010

A contemporary 5-star design hotel in the heart of Barcelona's Eixample district, ME Barcelona puts you steps from Plaça de Catalunya and the vibrant energy of the city. With a rooftop pool overlooking the skyline, sleek modern rooms, and the exclusivity of American Express Fine Hotels + Resorts, it's the perfect finale to your Spanish adventure — three nights of luxury before flying home.

Steps from Plaça Catalunya Heart of Barcelona · walk to Las Ramblas, Gothic Quarter, Passeig de Gràcia
Rooftop Pool & Lounge Panoramic city views from the rooftop terrace — sunset swims for the family
Fine Hotels + Resorts Benefits Room upgrade, daily breakfast for 2, $100 property credit, 4pm late check-out
Daily Breakfast Included Complimentary breakfast for 2 each morning through FHR program
Superior ME City View (2+1) King bed + extra bed for 3 guests, with city skyline views
5-Star Design Hotel Contemporary architecture, luxury amenities, ME+ exclusive services
Hotel
ME Barcelona (5-star, part of Meliá Hotels International)
Address
Carrer de Casp 1-13, Eixample, Barcelona 08010
Room Type
Superior ME City View (2+1) — 3 guests (Ranjan, Siuwen, John Jay)
Check-in
Aug 6, 3:00 PM (early noon check-in if available via FHR)
Check-out
Aug 9, 12:00 PM (guaranteed 4pm late check-out via FHR)
Confirmation
#9088817100516
Trip Number
ZO-AX1065-16306 (American Express Travel)
Phone
+34 932 77 94 18
FHR Benefits
Room upgrade (if available), daily breakfast for 2, $100 property credit, in-room Wi-Fi, 4pm late check-out
Nearby
Plaça de Catalunya, Las Ramblas, Gothic Quarter, Passeig de Gràcia, Casa Batlló, Sagrada Família
Where You'll Stay & Drive

Accommodation & Transport

Park Plaza London Riverbank

London · Jul 29 – Aug 2 · 4 nights
Address
18 Albert Embankment, SE1 7TJ
Phone
+44 20 7958 8000
Room
Deluxe, 1 King + Sofa Bed
Guests
3
Check-in
3:00 PM, Jul 29
Check-out
12:00 PM, Aug 2
Conf #0173869845

Villa Casa Delfin

Dénia (Airbnb) · Aug 2 – 6 · 4 nights
Address
Carrer Eurídice 28, 03749
Host
Rait · +358 405 287495
Local contact
Arsen · WhatsApp +34 610 039 113
Wi-Fi
Starlink / @Denia2024
Guests
2 adults + 1 child
Check-in
1:00 PM, Aug 2 (lockbox)
Check-out
10:00 AM, Aug 6
Conf HMFYR3CPBR

ME Barcelona

Barcelona · Aug 6 – 9 · 3 nights · Amex FHR
Address
Carrer de Casp 1-13, 08010
Phone
+34 932 77 94 18
Room
Superior ME City View (2+1)
Guests
3
Check-in
3:00 PM, Aug 6
Check-out
12:00 PM, Aug 9
Benefits
Breakfast for 2, $100 credit, late checkout
Conf #9088817100516 · Non-refundable

Budget Car Rental

Valencia → Barcelona · Aug 2 – 6 · 5 days
Vehicle
Volkswagen Taigo (or similar)
Transmission
Automatic · 5 seats · 4 doors
Pick-up
10:30 AM, Aug 2 — Valencia Airport
Drop-off
4:00 PM, Aug 6 — Barcelona Eixample
One-way fee
$0 (free)
Booking #
743383381
Cancel by
July 31, 2026 for full refund
Confirmed
Don't Forget

Key Reminders

4:30 AM departure from Park Plaza on Aug 2 for the 6:50 AM Gatwick flight — pre-book a minicab the night before
Cancel Europcar booking #725537787 if not already done — replaced by Budget booking ($132 cheaper)
Child seat for Budget rental — confirm booster included or bring own for John Jay (age 7)
Dénia day-by-day itinerary still to be planned — beaches, Cova Tallada, Montgó Natural Park
All flights confirmed · All hotels confirmed · Car rental confirmed