01 November 2020

During this uncertain time, our annual family holiday was not likely to be an item on the agenda. With this in mind, when an opportunity for a last minute break came up, we did not hesitate! Completely guided by the Foreign and Commonwealth Office, and Italy declared as a “safe” destination on the travel corridor, we were fortunate enough to escape for some September sunshine. Travelling during a pandemic understandably requires careful planning and additional precautions; there were various protocols implemented at every stage of the journey, with a hope to combat the spread of infection effectively. For those wanting to put their minds at rest, travel insurance covering COVID-19 is imperative and can protect against the significant expenditure that may be accumulated in unfortunate circumstances. Opting for a more private experience, a villa holiday to the Puglia region in Southern Italy was an enticing option. Summer is definitely the most popular time to visit Italy. The weather can be very hot and museums and other attractions are swarming. September is an opportune time to visit, with temperatures becoming significantly more manageable. There’s a reason why Puglia is a region of the moment: the excellent food, exuberant architecture dotted in the South and the breath taking coastline all make this a charming location to explore. The Puglia region is much bigger than one might expect, but you’ll get both a wonderful and varied Italian experience here. The Italian holidaymakers have been frequenting this region for a long time, but it is only the savviest foreign travellers who place this region as a must-visit for a more authentic taste of Italy without the crowds. As a visitor, this dazzling region of Italy could keep you entertained for weeks, if not months, with a seemingly never-ending list of things to do. It’s filled with gorgeous towns with chalk-white houses, gentle olive grove landscapes, windy streets strewn with Vespas and Fiat 500s, a vast array of fabulous good beaches, food that will caress your taste buds, and even some ancient Roman history that’s almost casually thrown into the mix. The roads linking Puglia’s main towns: Brindisi, Bari and Lecce, are good and renting a car for the trip gives one the freedom to explore the region at a leisurely pace and on a schedule that is tailored to you. Most visitors arrive in Puglia via one of its two international airports: Bari and Brindisi, and car hire from numerous international companies is available at both. Puglia offers something for everyone; it’s a case of hoping to fill your wish list on the first trip! Here is a list of must-visit places and top things to do to help plan your trip. Lecce, known as the Florence of the South, with its Baroque buildings that garnish the city, is a spot you’ll want to spend a whole day or even a night. One can enjoy your traditional Italian coffee here, with a particular focus on almond milk iced coffee; there are also plenty of cool bars for both coffee and cocktails, as well as an abundance of fantastic restaurants on little streets. Locorotondo is a charming little town. Admittedly parking does not come ease, however parking further afar and taking the short walk up the hill through to the old town will leave you presented with a magical maze of white streets, decorated with hanging flower baskets and outside restaurant tables. Alberobello is adorned as a UNESCO world heritage site; this town is famed for The Trulli houses with their conical roofs and white-washed exteriors, each with their own individual appeal. Alberobello has the highest concentration of Trulli in this region. Ostuni is known as the White City of Puglia. Ostuni gracefully emerges inland from the coast and the drive towards the white-washed exterior gives you some stunning viewpoints to admire it. Given the location of Ostuni and the number of things to do here, it would make quite an excellent base for exploring Puglia if staying on the coast is not for you. The historical centre is dreamy, a running theme in Puglia, and you’ll be blown away the second you step through an old medieval gate into the centre. A mix of Gothic, Byzantine and Roman elements are combined in the Cathedral, while the labyrinth of alleyways brings never-ending photo opportunities. The best way to explore this magical region is by wandering aimlessly. Each corner and new street bring fascinating views, not to mention the excellent gelaterias tucked away in the winding alleys that are sure to tempt you. I hope I’ve inspired you to head to this untouched region of Italy and explore the towns of Puglia. These are only some of the possibilities—pick a town at random and you’re likely to find fascinating history, beautiful architecture, friendly people, and delicious food!

26 July 2017

Planning on visiting Kefalonia in the future? The largest of the Ionian Islands, this mythical island is best known as the setting of Captain Corelli’s Mandolin and the birthplace of Odysseus. However, there is much to discover behind the abundance of postcard perfect images you have perhaps seen in travel brochures. Immerse yourself in the mythology and historical architecture of this unspoiled island, and you will feel like you are travelling back in time. Opportunities for cycling, walking, windsurfing, riding and caving will keep the active busy. But if you prefer to explore in a more leisurely manner then regular pleasure boats make the short ‘hop’ over to the mythical Island of Ithaca or go ‘island hopping’ taking in Lefkas, Meganissi and Skorpidi (owned by the Onassis family). If you get hooked by seafaring then you can hire a small boat and take off to discover your own beach. By car you can drive between pine clad hillsides where monasteries dot the countryside or along scenic coastal routes stopping at picturesque harbours where yachts gently bob at anchor and pastel tinted houses line the quaysides. Our recent summer holiday to this beautiful isle truly exceeded our expectation in many ways. The island is a natural wonderland; home to wild horses that roam the natural park on the slopes of Mount Aenos, its highest mountain, and nesting ground to loggerhead turtles that come to bury their eggs in the soft warm sand of its beaches. There are underground lakes and limestone caves and all along its 250 kms of coast where azure sea meets limestone cliffs or pine clad hills in a wash of turquoise at an abundance of small undeveloped bays. Many of the long sandy south and east coast beaches have grown into small and sophisticated beach resorts but with no building over 3 stories permitted, tourism has been contained, maintaining a pleasant laid back atmosphere. For those with an interest in the past, Kefalonia has a diverse history which can be explored in the Museum in Argostoli the capital and whilst there, the walk across the 900 m bridge to Drapano is a must or the short ferry ride across to the Lixouri peninsular from which you may be lucky enough to spot dolphins in the bay. Stop for a coffee or something more substantial at one of the tavernas on the elegant waterfront or amongst the palm tree lined streets. The Kefalonians themselves are known for their hospitality so wherever you go, you’ll be greeted by a hardly discernable nod of the head and a ‘yassou’ and very soon you’ll find yourself answering and relaxing into the Greek way of life. One of the treasured landmarks of this island is the fortress of Assos, owing to its scenic and raised position. The quaint fishing village of Assos itself enjoys a laid back atmosphere, where you could quite easily sit in the traditional tavernas and watch small fishing boats come and go in the tranquil harbour all day long. The village is joined to the fortress by way of a narrow passage of land which connects the coast, and this trip between the two, through a trail of woodland, is quite simply overwhelming. And if this all becomes too hot, you can take a dip at a nearby famed beach, which features in the best-selling Captain Corelli’s Mandolin. Undoubtedly a “must-see” in Kefalonia, it is the striking natural beauty of Myrtos Beach. Situated on the west coast of Kefalonia, and home to what can only be described as a kaleidoscope of colourful water, this beach also grants you the “must have” holiday photo. The beach itself is pebbled, offering inviting turquoise waters and endless views ahead across the Ionian Sea. But the best thing to do here is to view it from above, from the top of the cliffs and looking down towards the shimmering sea below. There is a windy road providing access to the bottom of the cliffs, and the beach itself, but do make sure you take appropriate footwear as the beach is made up of white marble pebbles. Fiskardo - This picturesque port village is located in the north west of Kefalonia and features several charming 18th century buildings for visitors to explore. The harbour at Fiskardo is particularly pretty and this is a great place to sample freshly caught fish cooked in the traditional Greek style in excellent quayside tavernas. Exploring the Caves makes a great day out from the sunbathing - visitors to Sami usually take the time to explore two local caves. Spili Melissani is situated just to the north of the town and can be reached by riding in a rowing boat on a partially exposed lake. The sun’s rays create a kaleidoscope of colours as they strike the water, giving the boat trip a magical feel. Follow the road leading from Sami along the eastern coast towards Argostoli and you will reach Drogarati Cave. This impressive cave is famous for its unusual collection of stalagmites and visitors are permitted to explore the cave alone. The main chamber of this cave is so large that it is often used to host special concerts! This ‘gem’ of an island genuinely captivated us; it is perfect for those who enjoy a relaxing environment with stunning vistas and lovely countryside!

28 April 2016

With its wide open highways and dramatic roadside backdrops, South Africa is the perfect country to get behind the wheel for a self-drive holiday to remember. Although little known, the Garden Route rate's as one of the best road trip adventures, stretching from Cape Town to Port Elizabeth or vice versa it is mile after mile of jaw-dropping scenery with plenty of opportunity to explore wildlife and fine wines along the way. In particular the coastline will entrance you as the road winds by the Outeniqua and Tsitsikamma Mountains. Every twist of road, every turn of corner will allow you to discover dreamlike forests, rugged coastline, white sandy beaches and roaring seas; all this with pretty villages tucked away beside remarkable wildlife reserves where animals of every description roam free upon the parkland. Here you’ll find the Big Five: leopard, lion, buffalo, elephant and rhino in the wonderful malaria free private Game Reserves - a perfect example of the wonders that lie in store along the Garden Route. You may have heard of Hermanus, the town on the coast along the edge of Walker Bay. It’s a world famous whale watching spot as southern right whales cruise by within metres of the shoreline from June to December. From your clifftop hotel you can spy them with your binoculars as they breach, lob-tail and spout plumes of water, and all the while the mournful songs of these endangered beasts haunt the waters along this stretch of the Garden Route. Small towns offer picturesque pit-stops for a self-drive holiday along the Garden Route. Be sure to pay a visit to Mossel Bay and try their internationally acclaimed mussels and oysters. Everyone loves a pretty beach, so why not don your flip-flops and head over to Plettenberg Bay for surf breaks and un-spoilt golden sands. From sweeping, golden beaches to rocky cliffs, emerald forests, and mystical lagoons, Plettenberg Bay is a feast for the eyes. The Tsitsikamma Forest is a region of spectacular otherworldly beauty with giant trees, a prehistoric landscape as though time itself had passed this country by. Bucolic valleys give way to dramatic mountains with trails for those wishing to explore the landscape by bicycle or on foot. Here, the five day Otter Trail will see you rise over coastal cliffs one moment and then plunge you into lush meadows bordering rivers teeming with fauna and flora. Our penultimate stop! Africa's chic culinary capital founded by French settlers, the Gallic flair for mouth-watering cuisine has definitely rubbed off on this pretty little town. Known as the gourmet capital of South Africa, foodies flock to Franschhoek for its award-winning restaurants. Cape Town has something for everyone – it really is one of the most cosmopolitan cities I have ever visited. From the moment you arrive, your shoulders seem to relax as you drink in the sunshine lapping the Cape. Take my word for it, in Cape Town you will be spoilt for choice of things to do; the cuisine is out of this world! More and more gourmet restaurants are popping up but the steak and seafood on offer cannot be beaten. The price you pay is amazing as well, almost a third of the price of the UK. Add in the backdrops of Table Mountain, the Twelve Apostles and the stunning beaches of Clifton, Bantry Bay and Camps Bay, you have world class scenery. Tours up Table Mountain, to the Cape of Good Hope and to see the penguins of Boulders Beach are a must-see for first-timers, while the shopping on the Waterfront is outstanding! And don’t get me started on the wine! Just a mere 45 minutes from Cape Town are the Cape Winelands where you are spoilt for choice with amazing qualities of wine, all set on stunning working vineyards – think the Cotswold’s with permanent sunshine. South Africa is a staggeringly beautiful country with fascinating cities and breathtaking landscapes. Wildlife adventures are everywhere you look while a shoreline hides secluded coves and dreamy bays in which to picnic and observe the beauty of nature. Of all the road trips that are possible in the world there is nothing quite like the Garden Route. Once you start your engine, you may never want to return home again!

25 June 2015

India, with its embarrassment of riches for tourists, presents a quandary for a visitor: where does one start in such a vast, diverse country? One of the ways to discover the myriad hues of incredible India in sheer luxury is luxury train travelling. The railway is the main form of transport in India, and traditional sleeper cars offer a range of options to the traveller, from air-conditioned first class to the crowded ‘seater class’. However, there is no need to sacrifice comfort and privacy for an authentic and in depth travel experience; a range of luxury sleeper trains operate throughout the country, providing decadent experiences coupled with an unrivalled insight to Indian life. Whether you’re journeying across these luscious landscapes seeking spiritual awakening or simply want to experience as much of the culture (and cuisine!) as possible, a voyage on a luxury sleeper train allows you to enjoy the very best of this intoxicating country. The journey aboard Deccan Odyssey offers a rare opportunity to explore the untouched terrains of the Deccan region; It is a fabulous way to experience the rich heritage of India. Our train journey on the Deccan Odyssey included an itinerary of organised sightseeing off-train, leavened with extraordinary personal attention. Deccan Odyssey comprises of 21 luxuriously appointed coaches, 12 of which are used to accommodate guests, making this an intimate and lavish experience. Offering several travel packages, guests can visit destination such as Goa, Jaipur and Mumbai in complete and utter comfort. Inspired by Imperial Maharajan tradition, each spacious guest coach features decadent touches such as sumptuous fittings, air conditioning and internet connection, the decor serving to reflect gorgeous views that speed by. Amenities include a beautiful on board dining room and bar, gym and even a ‘spa car’; complemented by excellent personal service, travelling on board Deccan Odyssey is a deluxe and unique experience of India. The journey covered over 8 days, and included: Sawai Madhopur for a wildlife safari in Ranthambore, Agra to visit the Taj Mahal (one of the Seven Modern Wonders of the World), Jaipur with its pink buildings and impregnable forts, the ‘blue city’ Jodhpur, Udaipur with its sparkling lakes and floating palaces, Vadodara, the city of the Gaekwads and finally concluded in the ‘city of dreams’: Mumbai. An array of insider experiences and cultural interactions ensured that we got a peek into the real essence of India along with its diversity. At each city, we were provided with guided sightseeing tours and transportation which is part of this luxury train travel package. Personal attendants met us with chilled towels and a fruit drink when we returned to the train each day after a day filled with sightseeing. They served us tea and biscuits every morning, and made sure we kept to our schedule for meals and sightseeing. I expected life on board a train to feel cramped and in-your-face social. Not so! On the Deccan Odyssey, guests sleep in the comfort and privacy of their own suites. There are just four suites to a train car, and the staff-to-guest ratio is just about one to one. India’s rail system is one of the world’s first long-haul networks, and sleeping on a rocking train sometimes proved challenging to those of us accustomed to the smooth glide of European trains. A full-sized bed and morning tea served in our cabins helped make up for this! Who Should Travel to India? Anyone with a love of history, culture and deep spirituality; anyone with a passion for beauty, whether natural or manmade, and anyone with the desire to meet some of the most open and welcoming people on earth. In short...just about everyone should experience India during their lifetime. Few visitors ever leave disappointed…

15 June 2015

There is a certain atmosphere about the city of New York…an atmosphere that you can’t quite experience anywhere else on the planet. It’s real, though; thoroughly palpable, right from the moment you step off the plane. Even JFK has that edge to it that lets you know that you are entering a new world where rules – both political and social – differ radically from anywhere else. “The city that never sleeps”, goes the saying. It’s not even a cliché, I have to say. The whole place just oozes life, and seems to breathe of its own accord. New York is one of those remarkable places that are literally bigger, glitzier and more cultural than you could possibly imagine. Everyone wants to see New York at some stage in their life, having seen this fascinating city on both the big and small screen. I decided to take my family for a 5 night whirlwind trip to the Big Apple in March 2009 and it truly seemed like stepping into a movie. Most people think of New York City consisting exclusively of Manhattan, and whilst it’s true that the city’s fame has heralded mostly from this borough, we have to remember that Queens, The Bronx, Staten Island, and Brooklyn all make up part of New York’s incredible heritage. Nevertheless, we stayed in midtown Manhattan, only two blocks from the Empire State Building, and discovered that there’s no time to get bored in this colossus of a city. It was highly convenient for the various sights of interest and easy access to the subway. Of the five boroughs of New York, Manhattan is the most densely populated, and home to most of the city's globally recognised sights, as well as the incredibly beautiful Central Park. The borough is also the financial centre of the city and contains the headquarters of many major worldwide corporations, the United Nations being but one example, as well as a number of leading universities. Also there to see are the many cultural attractions, including numerous museums, the infamous Broadway theatre district, Greenwich Village, and of course, Madison Square Garden. Manhattan is loosely divided into Lower, Midtown, and Uptown regions. Uptown Manhattan is divided by Central Park into the Upper East Side and the Upper West Side, and above the park is Harlem, a quite extraordinarily different area. Having visited the usual great sights of interest; Empire State, Rockerfeller, etc, we felt that there are almost too many world famous landmarks and neighbourhoods; partly reminiscent of London and Paris with their worldwide acclaim, but at times there was almost “pressure” to see everything this great city had to offer. We did everything that’s traditionally “New York”, all pre-planned so we didn’t waste a second! It was so totally different to “normal life” that the most accurate description would have to be magical; you truly feel that you’re in a fairy-tale world where everything is breathtaking and somewhat surreal all at the same time. Arguably the most stunning way to see New York was the Circle Line cruise around the Manhattan coastline, over to the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island. We were blessed by good weather on our days out, and that made the cruise a particularly special experience: New York in the cold, crisp spring sun is stunningly handsome from afar. We discovered the vibrancy of the city on our walks around; it’s so energetic that it almost becomes tangible - you can feel it, from the frenetic activity of Times Square and the bright lights of Broadway to the calm serenity of Central Park, an oasis of foliage and greenery that’s particularly pleasing amongst the skyscrapered chaos of the city. Lurking in the meretricious facade of the buildings is the architecture of New York to admire, perhaps not in the same way that one would admire a Parisian panorama, but in a more contemporary style, ranging from the gothic Grand Central Station to the art deco of the Chrysler Building, to the sheer ostentatiousness of the Empire State and Trump towers. I could sit here for days, describing all the wondrous aspects of New York. There are so many different varieties of people, nightlife, restaurants etc; this city buzzes and throbs like no other. All you need to do is stand on the sidewalk and watch the world go by, and that's entertainment enough! You really can’t go wrong here in Caput Mundi, and all that’s left to say is New York, New York!

01 October 2010

In many ways, mankind is a remarkable race. In our chequered history, we have managed to create, develop and reshape civilisation as we know it. The Giza Necropolis is one such example of what humans can do at their best. There are many impressive structures in the modern world, but I would argue, none, not one, can be compared to the majesty of the Pyramids at Giza. To stand in front of the Great Pyramid – the only remaining one of Seven Wonders of the Ancient World – and not be humbled by its size, its ingenious design, and the knowledge that it was built as a way of simultaneously preserving and celebrating the dead would be to not be able to appreciate anything. Add that it was built entirely by hand, by humans, 5000 years ago, and we could not help but simply stare, agape, marvelled by its magnificence. The same astounded expression sat on our faces when we visited the Egyptian Museum. To see the intricately detailed, hand-sculpted golden sarcophagi of Tutankhamen, or the humble shoes that a King of the Ancient World wore, still intact and preserved was indescribable. It’s one thing to read about these things, but to look at them in person is a totally different experience. The sentiment that lingered after visiting Cairo is that Egyptians are not only proud of their culture, but they genuinely want everyone else to love it as much as they do. The city has a certain character about it that can’t really be found anywhere else, be it from the unique smells and sounds of the bazaar (the infamous Khan-El-Khalili) to the local papyrus factory workers demonstrating how their ancestors introduced paper to the world, to their fantastic amalgamated past; a majestic Ottoman past mixed with Coptic Christianity, sprinkled with a good dash of Arabic passion. Perhaps most charming of all was the way that drivers ignored all of the government’s efforts to modernise the traffic system, and drove at least six cars abreast. They’ve even developed their own vehicular language, communicating by horn; a couple of friendly toots to say hi to a friend, or a long, angry blast to tell a fellow driver that they are in the wrong. One may think that the vibrant character of the city is lost to the Red Sea resorts and their paradisiacal nature, but actually, the desire to make foreigners feel welcome is echoed – if not amplified – by those in Sahl Hasheesh (near Hurghada). Egyptian hospitality is worth specifically mentioning; nowhere in the last decade of holidaying have we experienced such incredible warmth and generosity from the locals. They defied any stereotype of Arabs and treated us like royals for our entire trip. Of course, one of the primary reasons people visit the Red Sea is the reputation of its marine wildlife. Having been to plenty of beach resorts before this trip, notably the Maldives, my family approached the snorkelling with a touch of scepticism, ready to dismiss claims that Egypt offers some of the best oceanic experiences. I am delighted to say that we were proved wrong, in truly stunning fashion. Believe all the hype about the Red Sea – on our first day alone we were lucky enough to see an octopus and a lionfish! On almost daily snorkels, we encountered spectacularly coloured fish and coral, including huge, vibrant parrotfish, a menacing, solitary barracuda, and blue-spotted stingrays, right under our feet. Perhaps the highlight of the trip was being caught totally unawares as a rarely seen eagle ray glided straight under us as we floated on the surface; majestic, elegant, and totally breathtaking. We were speechless – even the kind beachboy who offered to guide us on our trips didn’t quite know what to say. It was utterly magical. In sum, both facets of this incredible country have proved to be as fascinating as each other, from the cultural heritage of Cairo to the serenity of the Red Sea. We can totally understand why people return again and again. I know we would…

09 August 2008

“A stunning world of beauty, serenity and wonder”, was a definition that I feel best described this tropical paradise. Our first family venture since our move to Berkshire, we were hoping simply for a good break away from the hectic world in which we live. But wow, it turned out to be so much more. It’s a destination that I recommend without a moment’s hesitation and one of the few places to which I could return over and over again and still be amazed every single time; it was undoubtedly the most unforgettable holiday we have had. The whole experience from start to finish has left memories that will last a lifetime. Truly the ultimate getaway, the Maldives are made up of a group of thousands of coral islands of which only a handful are inhabited. Often mistaken as being a highly exclusive destination, the Maldives offer everything from those seeking simple accommodation to those wanting the full, five star luxury treatment in amazing beach and water villas. The moment you step off the aircraft at Malé and you’re dazzled by the sun reflecting off what seems like nothing more than a landing strip built on the ocean itself, you feel like you’re in another world. The clincher, as I recall, is the transfer to the resort. We had the fortune of being escorted in a 10-seater twin propeller seaplane, and let me assure you, the view, once airborne, is simply breathtaking. Luscious jewels of Maldivian paradise scattered in the endless blue sea, the sun blazing in the sky above…incredible. An experience that was intensified by the arrival at our resort for the forthcoming fortnight: Hilton’s (re-branded Conrad Maldives) “Rangali island”. An often underestimated part of a good holiday is the hospitality of the staff where one stays. In regards to the Maldives, it’s simply incomparable. Warm, friendly and welcoming was the immediate feeling we got when checking in, and perhaps the best demonstration of this was the fabulous “no shoes, no news” policy; the resort was built in an “au-naturel” style, using the sand of the island as the flooring for the majority of the facilities (villas were the exception, we noted somewhat gratefully). Indeed, a very welcome change from the stuffy hustle and bustle of reality! The walk to our beach villa showcased the secluded nature of the island, with beach villas carefully interwoven with groaning, coconut-laden palm trees (between which swung hammocks; perfect for the avid reader), and a few paces from the gleaming white sand of Said beach. The water villas, connected by a small bridge to a separate island, offered even more exclusivity, boasting access to a glass-floored spa set over sparkling coral reefs, and steps straight from the villa into the truly crystal-clear ocean, which moved from the ankle-deep azure of the coastline waters to the deeper, royal blue of the snorkelling territory, teaming with rich sea life from the beach itself. Indeed, one of the highlights was the incredible opportunity to watch giant manta-rays feed on phosphorescent plankton at night, an experience that can rarely be had. The very culture of the islands centres on the respect for the inhabitants of the sea, and with sea turtles, dolphins, and surprisingly friendly reef-tip sharks at your doorstep, it is clear to see the logic. Quite simply, it is a place of dreams. A place to truly escape from the worries of the world and just let yourself wind down to extremes I never would have thought possible, and it’s easy to understand why this destination very frequently features at the top of wish-lists. Paradisiacal to the very letter, the Maldivian experience is one never to be forgotten, and one to be revisited over and over again. Here, heaven truly is a place on earth!