11 September 2019

The past few months have been crazy busy for us all so as soon as the children finished school for the summer holidays we hopped on a plane to Majorca. We have been once before and stayed in Puerto Pollensa so this time we decided to give Santa Ponsa a try. After lots of research I booked an apartment for us on a relatively small complex within walking distance of the beach and resort centre. We like the space of an apartment as well as the flexibility and choice of eating out and we weren’t disappointed. The balcony overlooked the swimming pool and the apartment had been recently modernised with a new kitchen, bathroom and lick of paint – a perfect base for us to explore. The children loved the pool based activities on offer – Splash Bingo, Water Volleyball etc – so we spent a couple of mornings by the pool but the rest of the time we were on the gorgeous white sand beach or in one of the small private coves that we discovered. Sun Loungers and Parasols were 4.50 Euros each to hire for the day on the Beach which I didn’t think was too bad and were definitely a welcome shelter from temperatures in the high 30’s. We hired pedalos with slides off them straight into the sea and kitted ourselves up with masks and snorkels to take advantage of the crystal clear water. Santa Ponsa itself is a real mix of shops, bars, restaurants and nightclubs with a strong Irish influence in parts. Our favourite restaurant overlooked the sea and was called Empathea, closely followed by Jackie’s. Both offered varied menus at reasonable prices in friendly surroundings. There is a real street café culture and modern feel to Santa Ponsa that I wasn’t expecting. With the added bonus of a beautiful beach and lots of choices of where to stay, I wouldn’t hesitate in recommending this resort to Families, Couples and Groups of Friends. I’m almost certain we will be back!

08 October 2015

The promise of a "relaxed intimate atmosphere, calm moods and a fresh approach to service" is what initially attracted us to this 4* Boutique Hotel on the shores of Lake Windermere - the Waterhead and we were certainly in for a treat. Unusually warm temperatures for October was the icing on the cake for a great weekend. The Waterhead is located steps away from the lake and around a ten minute walk into the centre of Ambleside. It is a perfect base for exploring the area and in 3 days we visited Windermere, Keswick, Coniston, Newby Bridge and Bowness. Having previously stayed at a number of other hotels in the area we now have a firm favourite here. We couldn't fail to be impressed with the attention to detail and attentiveness shown by all of the staff - from the fact that all of the rooms are named after waterfalls rather than just a number through to the turn down service and delivery of fresh milk to our room just in time for the morning cuppa! We dined at the hotel on one of the evenings too and it was clear that the same amount of thought and detail had been put into creating the meals - fabulous! If you are looking to escape for a couple of nights I couldn't recommend this hotel more - give me a call to check prices and availability. Claire x

10 March 2014

I have sent so many of my customers to Menorca over the years and have always heard such good reports about how family friendly it is that we decided it was time to try it out for ourselves. We opted for the Paradise Club & Spa in Cala’n Bosch due to its extensive family offering. There were activities on offer all day and well into the evening for children of all ages if they wanted or alternatively plenty of space to chill out if not. With two small children the 1 Bedroom Apartment was perfect - very modern and clean and just so handy to have a small kitchen area, especially a fridge. The hotel has a theme song (and accompanying dance!) - ‘Shine On’ - which I guarantee you will come back humming! The property does offer an All Inclusive Option but we decided to go Self Catering this time as were keen to experience as much of the resort as possible. The hotel is practically at the heart of the resort and is a five minute walk away from the sprinkling of shops, bars and restaurants that line the marina. There was plenty of choice for our 7 night stay and all of the restaurants were extremely family friendly. The beautiful sandy beach sits beyond the marina and is a maximum of a ten minute walk away from the Paradise Club. Other beautiful beaches, coves and inlets are also within walking distance if you fancy a change of scenery. Whilst this was our first trip to Menorca it certainly won’t be our last. We loved how pretty, friendly and relaxed it was plus the two hour flight for small children makes it even more appealing! If you are interested in booking a holiday to Menorca or a similar Family Resort then please give me a call today and I will be happy to help. Claire x

10 March 2014

This Spring Bank Holiday we decided to try one of the Haven Holiday Resorts in Dorset. We opted for Littlesea due to its proximity to the beautiful beach at Weymouth and all that is on offer in the surrounding area. We found the Haven Park to be very modern and clean and the facilities on offer for the children were endless. My two particularly enjoyed the evening entertainment and the indoor and outdoor swimming pool complex. For a small fee my Daughter was also able to try her hand at Archery and Fencing, run in small groups by professional coaches, which she loved and was particularly proud of her certificates at the end! We opted for a Superior Caravan which was relatively basic but clean and well equipped and a great place to use as a base to explore the area. Within half an hours drive from the park is The Tank Museum and the picturesque Lulworth Cove - we had great days out at both. The highlight of my son’s holiday was a trip to Peppa Pig World at Paulton Parks near Southampton. It was about an hour’s drive away from Littlesea but well worth the trip and a must for all Peppa Pig Fans! If you are interested in booking a holiday, short break or overnight in the UK then please give me a call today and I will be happy to help. Claire x

10 March 2014

This was our second trip to Canada to visit dear friends who live in Whitby, Ontario. We love it there so much that I am confident it won’t be our last visit! This year we travelled from Whitby through to Niagara Falls via Toronto and Hamilton. Whilst in Toronto we took a trip to the top of the CN Tower and had fun looking at the miniature world below us from the glass floor! We also spent a full day at Toronto Zoo as well as taking the ferry across to Toronto Island - a green haven in the middle of the city. There is a great amusement park in the centre of the island perfect for under 8’s. Niagara Falls has to be one of the most breath-taking sights I have ever seen. Not only did we get to experience the falls from above but also got absolutely soaked on the Maid of the Mist Boat Trip that takes you right up close to them. An experience that I would definitely recommend! A trip to Canada wouldn’t be complete without visiting Tim Horton’s Coffee Shop and Dairy Queen Ice Cream Parlour - both of which we did too many times to mention! If you are interested in booking a trip to Canada, whether it be a single or multi centre, on a Tour, on-board one of the famous trains through the Rockies or skiing then please give me a call today and I will be happy to help. Claire x