30 July 2021

Kos it’s been a while! The holiday that I had been waiting for over 2 years, me and my family booked a special trip to the Ikos Aria in Kos for my 30th and my mums 60th. We had to postpone the trip due to Covid and with working throughout the pandemic looking after people’s holiday postponing and cancelling holidays I was so ready for this trip. WOW what a trip it was, Ikos didn’t disappoint once again. Firstly, I was a little nervous travelling in Covid times, I have to say from the moment we arrived at the airport the whole experience was amazing. Very well organised everyone just had to show their forms including test results at check in and then all went smooth. We flew with British airways who were great, on the plane we had to wear masks and pre order drinks and food. On arrival into Crete everything went smoothly, and we got into our private transfer that took us to the beautiful Ikos Aria, when we arrived, we had a lovely warm welcome that’s when I knew that our holiday had started. The moment I walked into the entrance of the hotel we were taken to the lovely sofas to relax with our welcome drinks, Karina head of guest relations made sure we knew everything we needed to know before we set off on our way. All I can say is one of the best if not the best five star all-inclusive premium in Europe and here’s why… We were taken to our first rooms of the holiday which was the Superior Seaview Rooms which were lovely, spacious and modern. The all inclusive really does mean all inclusive, in the rooms you have unlimited mini bar included, 24 hour room service and you can even ring room service to make sure your favourite tipple is in the room on your return after your day in the sun. it’s the personal touches that make the Ikos special, they have a watts app service so you can message instead of going back to the room whilst laying by the poolside of beach. We had to pre book at least 3 of the dinners before we arrived to ensure we got our time slots and the rest once we arrived, the Ikos had all a la carte dining with the option of dining in the buffet restaurant too. Our favourite was the two Greek restaurants Ouzo and Kos, I loved the Ouzo restaurant as it had the beautiful view of the sea and church on the island spectacular. The restaurants have a choice of over 300 wines to choose from I would highly recommend the wine tasting I also did this and really enjoyed it. I travelled with my 5-year-old and the Ikos catered so well, in the restaurants they made sure they had kids menus and can always tailor the meal to the child’s needs, kids cups, cutlery, drinks very well catered to little ones. They even have a infant menu including puree food as well as room service including milk for the babies/toddlers. Nothing was too much trouble and that’s how I felt, the aria still kept its 5-star service throughout for all ages but still catering so well to children that it makes you feel so comfortable and relaxed. It was a great selection of cuisine which I love at Ikos Spanish, French, Greek, Italian really catering to all food types. They have a great splash pad for the little ones and an ice cream parlour which the kids love. The kids club is also fantastic very professional and has ofsted, my daughter went there for one morning and had a great time. Around the pool you also have waiter service for food and drinks which is superb, some days we didn’t want to go in the restaurants for lunch so it was really nice be round the pool to have snacks. Drinks service also available on the beach. We were lucky a few days in to be upgraded the deluxe junior suite pool view villas, so we really did experience the extras you get with upgrading to the deluxe section. The rooms were lovely bigger, much bigger bathroom which included a bathtub and shower so ideal if there is a few of you trying to get ready for dinner as a family of 3 like us. We had the private garden too so great extra space if you have little ones perfect for getting them out the shade too playing while keeping an eye on them. Perfect for a family with young children that have afternoon naps, and the parents want to sit on the balcony and enjoy a drink, food and some sun. You get an upgraded food menu, drinks menu and private concierge which can take care of everything for you. There are a few other extras too but the main one that stands out is the exclusive pool area you have access too as well as beach area, so it feels a little bit more VIP. I must point out the service is the same throughout the resort no matter what room type you are booked into, the Ikos make sure that this service is consistent throughout which is what I love. The hotel was very clean and looked after, especially travelling now there was protocols in place to make your stay safe but still enjoyable. Masks didn’t have to be worn throughout the resort, however at the buffet you had to wear gloves and there was always sanitise stations in place. The staff were so friendly and welcoming always willing to help you in anyway and make sure your stay was enjoyable, the bar man even made up a special cocktail for me. I hope this has given you an insight into my stay, I have also stayed at the Ikos Dassia and can honestly say they were both amazing and I enjoyed my time at both. If you are thinking of staying at an Ikos resort whether you are a couple, family, friends it’s a must they cater to everyone!

22 March 2021

When I was 22, I took the plunge, quit my job, booked my travelling trip and had the most amazing time of my life! I wanted to share with you how I started to plan my trip and some tips for one of the biggest trips of your life! Its never too early to start planning your gap year, career break or summer travel trip. In fact, the earlier you start planning and saving the better. I started off by writing down where I wanted to travel and one of my main dreams was to travel around Europe to all the major sites but to cover as much as possible. When looking into things I saw options of interrailing, buying a one-way ticket and I just felt this was not the safest and best way of seeing as much as possible for a solo traveller like myself. I then come across a great tour company that caters to 18–35-year-olds planned out trip, all the destinations and lots of the costs covered before you travel - food, excursions what a result! This also makes you feel better knowing that all you would have to take is your spending money for extra excursions and for yourself, your family at home will know which destination you are at as they can have a copy of the itinerary and plus going as a single travel you will meet fellow travellers who are seeking adventure. If you do not choose a tour for your travelling trip, I would certainly recommend maybe a part tour trip. Book your flights, accommodations through a trusted travel agent if you do not want to have something completely booked starting off with a tour would be great to ease you in especially if you are travelling on your own. I loved the idea of having destinations pre booked and know how much I needed, it helped me budget for it well. I managed to cover 33 cities in just under 2 months and I know I would not have done that if I booked a one-way flight and hoped for the best. Perks of booking part tour and through a trusted travel expert; - 1. You will meet a bunch of curious like-minded travellers, solo travellers and if you need local tips the trip leaders are the experts and can guide you, so you know that you are making the most places you are travelling to. 2. Everything is taken care of no booking confirmations needed, ferry timetables etc its all taken care of even the food throughout the trip. 3. Your itinerary will indicate some of the best sights and excursions and you will also be advised of the ‘off the beaten track’ options too. 4. No hidden costs and all you need is your extra spending money for excursions you want to add on and nightlife drinks etc. We were taken to lots of travel bars around the cities too so everything was extra cheap. Dining in the most exciting of places which will be different every day. If you choose to not do a tour and just want to book a trip and stay in number of places, I would highly recommend getting your flights book up for where you know you 100% want to travel to. Budget yourself with accommodation and food in each country over the weeks and months. Make a journal and fill in all the places that are on your check list. To give you another example I had clients that wanted to book a trip to Australia but 100% wanted to cover the gold coast. I booked them the Australia flights – Contiki Gold Coast tour where they met fellow travellers and then they made their own way around from there with return flights booked, they needed to amend the date coming back which was easily done. My Top Tips • Write down and plan where you want to go – what is on your bucket list – brainstorming is the best and it can take you to some amazing destinations. • Budget how much you want to spend on the trip and how much to take with you, that is why if you can plan a year in advance its perfect as you have time to get your cash, pay off and make your trip even more memorable • Include various options – Tours – Mini Tours – pre booked flights • My Travelling essentials include a travelling backpack of course it goes without saying, I would recommend going into the shop and trying it on make sure it fits right and comfortable as you might be walking a long while with it on your back. Roll away towel, adapters a multi one is perfect, phone and phone charger (if you can get a sim for the destination even better) cash card, camera. • Check that your passport is in date SO IMPORTANT make sure it has at least 6 months on your return journey • Sun Cream • Take lots of photos as much as you can because the memories you will be looking back on for years to come • Travel Insurance • Booking through a trusted travel agent, you have someone at the end of the phone 24/7 to help with any part of your trip whether you are away for 6 weeks or a year. • Take a travel journey I was gifted one from my old job before I went and it was perfect I wrote in it everyday I have lots of tours, suggested itineraries available and even better deposits starting from £60 per person fully flexible and amendable. Please get in touch today if you want to talk all things travelling and let’s get planning ?? Thanks G x

16 January 2021

How to Make A Bucket List…? You can call this whatever you like, I say bucket list, but you can call it a dream list, my life to do list? Meaningful goals list? The choice is yours…. it’s never too early or too late to make one. Find somewhere to store your list, recording your list and keeping it safe is key. It represents a sincere commitment, turning them into goals. Make sure they are all achievable to work to instead of wishful thinking. I will explain this a little later how we can break it all down. I have created one myself, now it is a little notebook in my office draw. Whenever I take out my working bits for the day, I see it, it reminds me of all the exciting things I have included. By it being called a ‘Bucket list’ this does not have to mean a list of destinations around the world you want to travel to. It is a list for things that are personal to you, that YOU want to make sure you complete. This can include 1. Making sure at weekends I go somewhere new for a walk or run 2. Drinking 2L of water a day 3. Visiting new parks in my area 4. Health goals – taking part in the Marathon 5. Saving monthly for a trip I have planned 6. Visiting a restaurant, you have seen on social media you want to go to This then makes your bucket list journal unique to you in every way. This will help the length of your list. There is no minimum or maximum the list must be. Starting off with the things above everyday life, which is achievable will help for your monthly list and lifelong journeys. You can add new ideas whenever you want. If you see short term goals being achieved, it gives you motivation for the bigger lifelong ones. You can also break it up into months, years whichever suits you. I also recommended creating a mini list. • This year’s bucket list that covers 12 months • Seasonal bucket list (that you can only do in certain months weather permitted) • Before I am 30, 40, 50 etc Once you have made the decision to make a bucket list, you need to start finding ideas. You will probably find that you have lots of places in your mind already, you can jot these down straight away. I still add to my list, if I see something on a television programme, recommendation from a friend, brochure I add it to my list. 2020 was a difficult year for us all and 2021 has not been the best start, that is why now more than ever is the best time to start making your list. I don’t know about you, but It has made me think so much about what I am going to do differently, the things I will not take for granted anymore. Life is so precious making memories whether its going for a walk around your favourite parks, meeting up with friends at your favourite restaurants & coffee shops brings so much happiness and joy, taking the family out to a theme park. Here is a way to help get your list started, start brainstorming these categories: - • Travel • Family & Kids • Personal Growth • Nature & Wildlife • Career & Finances • Local Experiences • Fun • Entertainment & Events • Adventures Here are some of my suggestions but you can make your own if you prefer. Do not feel like you must fill this all-in-one go, do it at your own pace. Even if it takes weeks, months whenever you feel ready to make one. When you have some time to yourself whilst having a cuppa perfect! Check out Etsy they have some amazing bucket list pads or you can create your own. Remember there is no wrong or right bucket list, this is personal to you and no one else. Now have fun making your Bucket List, Georgina If you like the look of the Bucket List Journal I have and in my photos please check out the website https://theclassyplanner.co.uk/products/pre-sale-bucket-list-journal-dark-pink

22 August 2020

As I have been a Honeymoon Specialist for over 14 years now, I thought it would be great if I can give you a little insight in what clients expect when booking with me. I will make sure that I speak to the clients directly over the phone for the initial chat, I always think that unless it’s a surprise for your partner speaking to both of you really helps to make sure that the Honeymoon is perfect for both of you. I get you to share with me both your interests on holiday and what would make your honeymoon extra special individually and together. Even though sometimes you might both want different things I always find ways to combine your ideas together. A popular choice for my clients is a twin centre, this helps if you both have different destinations in mind and makes your honeymoon unique. When putting ideas together for your honeymoon thinking of a destination or places that you wouldn’t normally do or be able to go to again is something I always suggest focusing on. It needs to be memorable, personal and special to you. Not anyone else but both of YOU! Weather dependent is also the next thing and very important, I can’t guarantee the weather in places I don’t think anyone can. We can go by the guidance of the best and worst time to travel to destinations, rainfall etc. You will be surprised how many couples delay their honeymoon for better timing. I often find that if you want to go to a destination but after the wedding the country isn’t great weather, you can delay your honeymoon to the time when its better. You could even have a minimoon in this country or somewhere closer to home, this is a real popular choice. Once I have spoken to you both, got all the information I require I investigate your proposals and put together some fantastic itineraries. I can change and amend anything as you wish to make sure it’s perfect, I often find arranging a follow up call helps to discuss the final options and help pick the perfect choice. I have extensive knowledge of destinations around the world especially for honeymoons Maldives, South Africa, Thailand, Antigua, USA the list goes on…. Your honeymoon has to be the best bit of planning a wedding, this is what everyone says to me. After all those months of planning the big day, arranging seating plans, picking the colour theme, food ohhh the list goes on. Your honeymoon should offer some much-needed relaxation and quality time together and may be one of the biggest trips you've taken together so far. Here are my top tips on how to plan the perfect honeymoon: - 1. Start thinking about your honeymoon Early, the ideal time would be 12-8 months prior to your travel dates. This enables you to get full availability, choice & better priced options especially on flights. I find myself booking appointments in with couples 14 months before to discuss options so were ready for when prices are released. 2. Plan your honeymoon ‘Together’ while dividing over wedding plans can sometimes mean working together can be stressful. When it comes to planning your honeymoon, you should both put your own ideas, so we can merge them together to tailor-make for you both. Otherwise your honeymoon might end up with being just one of your dreams. Honeymoon planning should be a joint effort. 3. It can be so tempting to copy another couples honeymoon itinerary, but every couple is different, and they would have catered to what suits them, so you must do the same. Some people like all inclusive, some like adventurous it’s all about you two. Its fine to get advice from other friends, parents, friends of friends but remember this is your honeymoon after all and should be tailored to your interests. 4. Never rely on online research or online systems, its not the same as having first-hand knowledge and experience from a trusted travel agent. Booking through a trusted agent will give you a stress free, financial protection, expertise advise that you wouldn’t receive anywhere else. This is one of the most special trips you will make in your whole life lets make sure its explored and booked the right way. I have insider knowledge on deals and discounts plus the best relationships with hoteliers, which can sometimes mean rooms are available if they show unavailable elsewhere. My job starts from the initial contact with my clients and doesn’t end until my clients come home. I am available 24/7 on hand whenever you need me. 5. Set up your very own ‘Honeymoon Gift list’ with myself. Many couples already live together so tend to have everything they need from kettles to cutlery. Why not get your guests to contribute to your honeymoon or excursions? This is a real popular choice with my clients and it makes it so much easier for the guests to know what to get you as a wedding gift. Contact me for more info! I hope this information has helped, I looked forward to putting your amazing honeymoon together for you in the near future!

26 May 2020

Touring & Exploring on your own…JUST DO IT! When I was 22 I took the plunge and went on my first Group Tour and it was amazing with Topdeck, an 18-35 travel company. I wanted to make sure that I was covering a lot in my 6 weeks trip, I visited 33 cities in 23 countries and saw so much I wouldn’t have if it wasn’t planned. Europe is full of so much history and I was lucky enough to see so much of it, most meals were paid for and we stayed in a mixture of style accommodation from hostels, hotels, camp sites and even stayed on a sailing boat. There are many different size trips to choose from starting at 7 nights. When I first arrived at the meet up in London, I was very nervous travelling on my own and not knowing the people I would meet. Everyone was so friendly and there were lots of single people like myself on the tour, having the freedom to also do what you like was a great experience for travelling as a single person. I would recommend a tour for all ages, if you are younger then it really is a safer way of travelling. I saw and explored so much in a short amount of time, on the road visiting historical sites, restaurants, bars being amongst the different culture. We had many theme nights and our coach Journeys were so much fun. Tours are great for single travellers, couples and groups of friends I use many different companies and can put together a trip that suits you. I met many friends that will be friends for life. If I could do it again I would take different things in my rucksack that’s for sure, more practical clothes, camera as I only took my phone as a camera, comfier shoes. The one thing I am glad I took was a Journey that someone bought for me as a gift and every day I would write on the coach journey where I went to and what I did, I still have it now to read and look back at the amazing memories. Highlights of my tour included the train to Jungfrau which is known as the top of Europe as it’s the highest spot in Europe in beautiful Switzerland. Sailing the Greek islands, eating Pizza and Pasta in Italy, walking down the beautiful cobbled streets in Dubrovnik and walking around the famous historical walls. Eastern Europe was a hidden Gem also, Bosnia has the most stunning scenery and delicious homemade stew. If you want to see the wonders of some beautiful countries and make the most of your days a tour is a perfect idea. Please get in touch with me or if you know anyone who would be interested too, or maybe you have a son and daughter that wants to travel and do a trip the safest way. I look forward to hearing from you.

11 June 2019

Amazing Thailand well there really is so much I can say about this stunning place, which is now one of my favourites places to have visit and I want to go back for more! I started my trip to Thailand flying with Thai airways which were superb and couldn’t do enough for you, the service and food was excellent which of course makes the journey even better. First stop was to Bangkok, some people chose to do Bangkok on the way back rather than the way there to break up the journey a little. I think both ways are great whichever you chose to do. There is so much on offer in Bangkok for everyone of all ages and different tastes. You can visit the grand palace, take a trip to the floating markets, eat a Scorpio on the famous street of Koh San Road or sip cocktails on one of the rooftop hotel bars for the most fabulous views of the city. I stayed at the Rembrandt hotel which was lovely good location, staying in Bangkok I got to see a few hotels with the Royal Orchid Sheraton being my most favourite which is right on the river all rooms have views so if you’re looking for something extra special this could be the one. I also have great hotel options with the most fantastic rooftop bars, so you don’t have to go to the Banyan Tree known for the most amazing views. Not only did I love the shopping at the amazing mall but taking a little tuk tuk ride here really made the experience which is a must do! After my lovely trip to Bangkok it was time for my short internal flight to Krabi which a little speedboat trip and grand jetty entrance to the beautiful Centara Grand Resort. What I loved about this hotel was that the location of how central and easy it was to get into Krabi town easily by boat or taxi and still have that private relaxing feel. You also have the option of going to the public beach next door which has a lot more going on if you want that. The rooms options are also great from ocean view rooms, ocean view spa rooms and private pool rooms with views available. You can of course go into Krabi town where they have lots of bars, restaurants and local entertainment on offer but if you wish to stay in the hotel the restaurants are lovely. I was able to visit a few of the other hotels including the Ritz where the famous hangover 3 was filmed so private and adult appeal which was great, the Amari another lovely hotel if you want to stay closer to the town you can and still stay in a lovely hotel. If you want to discuss some options, I can recommend what would be best for the kind of thing you are looking for. There are lots of excursions available on Krabi my favourite being the Phi Phi island visit which is a must! Hopping onto a boat and making my way to Koh Lanta which is an island just off Krabi, stunning and so remote and beautiful. I stayed at the Layana resort while I was here which is an adult only beach front hotel with only a small number of garden/beach pavilions perfect for couples/honeymooners looking for that special getaway. If this is a little too quiet for you then the Pimilai Resort & Spa could be perfect for you with a wide selection of room types, activities, service and on the most stunning beach. I have included pictures so you can have a little browse, the town of Koh Lanta was so lovely and cute you wouldn’t think looking at the little hut restaurants could produce the most amazing stunning food for less than £10. I hope that I have given you a little taster into Thailand please feel free to contact me about the destination more as I know about the whole place extensively and the best hotels excursions to go on!

19 November 2018

In September 2014 I was lucky enough to go on an amazing trip to South Africa which included Cape Town, the Garden Route and a safari. We started off our trip by flying British Airways Business class which was amazing - the service, food and standard of the planes was spot on. Before going on the trip I was a little reluctant if I would like South Africa especially Cape Town only by what you hear and read, but I completely loved the place. I stayed in the Victoria and Alfred Hotel in Cape Town which was right on the waterfront. There are a few different areas to stay in Cape Town - the waterfront, centre of town and also Camps Bay. I would say that all the locations are great in their own way as nothing’s that far from each other. I would recommend staying in Camps Bay when the weather is better so you can really enjoy the beachfront location. I had the opportunity to visit a lot of the hotels in the different areas my firm favourites were the Taj, One & Only and The Bay Hotel Camps Bay. There are some fab trips that I did when staying in Cape Town which included Table Mountain, Cape Point and the Cape Peninsula tour all I would highly recommend as you see some amazing scenery, penguins and beautiful views. After my visit to Cape Town, I then went on to the vineyards staying in both Stellenbosch and Franschhoek, both different but lovely. Stellenbosch is a university town so has a lot more going on bustling with shops, restaurants and pubs. Franschhoek reminded me of a little French town as it had a lovely market and a few beautiful, little houses. The hotels you stay in are like little bed and breakfasts some with pools some are too small to have them, but the main reason you are here is mainly for the vineyards and amazing wine tasting (which by the way was superb). We then started our way down the Garden Route which is a lovely easy drive with of course the most amazing views. You can drive the Garden Route in a day if you like with nice little stop-offs or choose to stay over a few nights over the length of time, which we chose to do. My first stop was in Knysna which is in the heart of the garden route with a lovely little town and beautiful beach scenery, we drove through quite a few of the towns without actually staying the night as it was so easy to do. Finishing off our stay in the amazing Eastern Cape where I was lucky enough to stay in two lodges the Kariega Game Reserve as well as Shamwari Private Game Reserve. Both were so special in their own way if you want the more intimate honeymoon feel then with Kariega you can't go wrong – it has 24 log chalets, five of which have a private pool. All drinks and food are included here, plus the two game drives a day morning and afternoon. Shamwari is very well known not only in Africa but around the world for its stunning surroundings and five-star accommodation, this was fabulous for big groups and families wanting that little bit extra luxury. Again the drink and food is included along with the two game drives a day. From my safari experience I can honestly say it was one of the most amazing times in my life, being lucky enough to see the big 5. I must also say that the early morning viewing along with the afternoon safari can be very tiring and I do believe that 4-5 nights is enough to really enjoy it unless you are travelling around and not in one lodge. You will not be disappointed if you choose South Africa for a holiday, honeymoon or special holiday - this place is a trip of a lifetime. Be sure to contact me and I can explore all options to make sure I book you the trip you have been waiting for!

27 October 2018

In March this year I was lucky enough to travel to the amazing Disneyland Paris with my daughter, my mum and dad. It really was a trip to remember forever and so much more magical than I ever could have imagined! My little one was only 2 and half at the time so we were a bit reluctant to take her, but she is obsessed with Minnie and Mickey we couldn't resist. Plus, there was a free night offer available. We got the Eurostar from Ebbsfleet which was so ideal for us as we could drive and park the car literally next to the station. We also chose to upgrade the seats on the train to first class as they also have an offer on, which I thought was well worth doing with a toddler, so you get a bit of extra comfort. We arrived at the station very excited, we could have gone straight into the park but chose to go back to the hotel, sort ourselves out then go back. Again, this is something we chose to do because we had a little one with us, but a lot of people went straight in the park and their luggage was sent straight to the hotels they were staying on the magical express. We stayed at Disney's Newport Bay which I must stay was lovely. We chose to upgrade to the compass room as you get extra little benefits that were worthwhile. I can discuss all the room options with you. The rooms were spacious, clean and was big enough for the 4 of us. You could choose to eat in the hotel, any other hotels and around the park so there was such a wide choice. We also took my little one swimming one afternoon to break it up a little which she loved because the pool was great. I was really impressed with the free magical shuttle service in and out of the Disney parks. The Disney parks were fab for all ages. If the queues were too long there was always something going on to excite the children, my daughter loved the parades seeing all of her favourite Disney Characters and princesses. We did our best to get on the rides early as possible in the mornings during Disney magical hours so that we could enjoy the rest of the day at leisure meeting characters or watching the parades! Disneyland Paris really was so magical to me and my family, there are so many hints and tips to tell you all so feel free to get in touch!

27 October 2018

Well firstly all I can say about the Ikos Dassia in Corfu is wow! This hotel really blew me and my family away. I have stayed in many all-inclusive hotels in Europe but the Ikos has to be the best. From the moment we walked into the lobby after our private transfer we were warmly greeted by the friendly Ikos staff with smiles and a bottle of fizz! The grand entrance and smiling faces made this such a warm welcome. Taking children on holiday you always want things to go smoothly and nothing was ever too much trouble. We arrived late in the evening so for the staff to be so assertive, informative and lovely at that time of night after a day travelling was amazing. When we arrived a member of the reception staff sat down with us and went through information on the restaurants, the times, pool info, entertainment etc. I was able to stay in a few rooms at the Ikos so was able to sample the different types. The superior room was lovely and spacious and big enough for two adults and a child. The balcony was a lovely size and the super king size bed was amazing. The second room we stayed in was the junior suite with pool. Again, the size was lovely, and the pool was perfect for a small family. All the rooms at the Ikos include a daily changed mini bar and you can make any special requests for preferred drinks you require in the mini bar. Also, this was perfect with little ones including babies if you want to come back to the room, room service for food and drink is also included. I ordered milk for my little one and they had this delivered in 10 minutes. The food also didn't take too long either. Nothing was ever too much trouble and the hotel would always try and fulfil yours and your children's needs. The choice of restaurants was also great and catered for families and couples. From Greek to Italian to Asian the choice was amazing. All the restaurants had such a wide choice on offer and one even had a wine cellar with a massive choice of different wines from around the world. Even though this hotel catered for families they also catered fantastically for couples with separate areas for adults, an adult’s pools, romantic beach dinners and of course a great deal of pools and room types. They have a fab water park area for the children as well as an ice cream stop where you are able to have nonstop ice cream all day if you want it. The waiter service around the pool was very good too, my waitress always remembered our favourite drinks and always recommended as well for my little one, you really are made to feel special. One of the days we jumped on the free shuttle bus service from the Ikos to Corfu town to really sample the county and so pleased we did as we bought some lovely gifts! Overall my time at the Ikos Dassia was a real memorable holiday for me and my family and would certainly go back to the Ikos Dassia and really would love to try the other Ikos hotels in Greece because the service and standard really was 10/10!

27 October 2018

The beautiful Maldives must be one of my favourite places in the world. I have been lucky enough in the last 10 years to have stayed at three different stunning islands! From the moment you get off your international flight and arrive in Male and step foot outside you can already feel the warm air of paradise. Flying over all the Maldives Atolls by seaplane with the amazing views or gliding through the sea on a speedboat, entering Maldives islands are both unforgettable experiences. I have travelled to the Maldives in July and August which are not known as peak season for the best weather, so it was always a bit of a risk, however I was lucky enough to have lovely weather with a few hours of rain before it cleared every time. The peak months to travel to the Maldives are between January and April, with the worst months September to November but this is of course never guaranteed. Both the Kuredu and Kuramathi island are bigger islands that have lots of facilities, room types and options available for people who feel like they want somewhere that still has lots to do even though they are on a small island in the Indian Ocean. I loved both islands but Kuramathi stood out for me mainly because of the a la carte all-inclusive and big choice in restaurants, pools and the amazing reef they have which is known for being one of the best in the Maldives. They have also recently renovated Kuramathi to make it modern, the rooms are very spacious, and they have the most stunning sand bank to take beautiful pictures. I stayed at a jacuzzi beach villa in Kuredu which was lovely a real rustic style villa. In Kuramathi I stayed in a superior beach front villa which was in a fantastic location right near the sand bank and steps away from the sea. My favourite island I have stayed at would have to be the Diamonds Thudufushi, mainly because of how small and intimate it was when arriving from the seaplane it really did blow me away. I was lucky enough to stay in a water villa here and the villas were amazing - so big and spacious with washed white interior. You have a walk-in shower, double four poster bed, iPod docking system, 2 double sun loungers and the room is very modern. When staying in the water villas you are entitled to extra benefits such as dining in the over water restaurant, free unlimited mini bar in the room and you are also able to call reception and get anything else you need. The island didn't have a pool, but this wasn't important to me as having the water villa which has steps that go down to the sea was all I needed. I loved how the island included snorkelling hire and two trips around the island to see the beautiful reef with guidance by the hotel team. My overall experiences of the Maldives are amazing, and I have lots of inside tips I share with my clients. I also have lots of knowledge on the different Maldives islands to cater to all my clients and honeymooners. I finish off by saying Maldives is my wow destination!