16 March 2018

Venice may tire you out, but you can never tire of Venice... Within this labyrinth of twisting canals linked by narrow bridges is a living, breathing city. The famous Grand Canal lined with Renaissance and Gothic palaces, is also home to tired facades of once grand buildings. All leading down to the famous San Marco Square, where you will find the Palazzo Ducale and Basilica. It is a true feast for the eyes! Explore (and get lost like us) in the maze of streets, full of Venetian architecture, with neighbourhood churches, that sit quietly in pretty squares. Enjoy all the small local shops. Perhaps purchase a Venetian mask. Make the most of an endless array of restaurants selling the most amazing pasta or fish, brought in fresh to the Rialto Bridge, by local fisherman that morning. Visit a traditional cafe full of Venetians drinking coffee or try a wonderful gelato. So many flavours to choose from! Once you’ve had enough exploring the narrow streets, take a short ferry ride to San Giorgio Maggiore. Climb (or take a lift) up the church bell tower and take in the whole of Venice island, in all its glory. Take a ride on a Gondola. Or one of our favourite parts of the trip…a ferry ride to visit Murano, famous for its glassware and then onwards to the beautiful island of Burano, with its colourful array of fisherman’s houses. Whilst there, purchase a piece of famous lace and try the delicious local bussolai buranei cookie. A visit to the Basilica and Palazzo Ducale has to be on the top of your must do list and for a more authentic feel to Venice life seen by the locals take a trip to the Jewish quarter. OUR HOTEL SATURNIA & INTERNATIONAL HOTEL A gorgeous hotel, once part of a 14th century palace. Family owned since 1908. Friendly and efficient staff, spectacular restaurant, great breakfast (of which my daughter enjoyed the waffle machine!) and a small but lively bar, where we enjoyed a cocktail every evening. Perfectly positioned, only five-minutes from St Mark’s Square. Recommended hotels - Baraco Campielto Del Remer (House of Casanova) and Paradeso Peruto EATING & DRINKING OUT Avoid expensive restaurants around St Mark’s Square and watch out for cover charges. Do some research on eateries before your visit. Try a Bacaro used by the locals. Sit at the bar and choose from a variety of small appetizers and enjoy with a glass of wine or Spritz…a Venetian aperitif. A mix of white wine, Aperol or Campari with sparkling water. HOT TIPs. 1. Get up early one morning (not Sunday or Monday) and watch the fisherman bring in the catch of the day at Rialto Bridge. 2. Buy a water bus pass for the duration of your stay. Allowing a cheap and easy way to explore the Venetian Lagoon. 3. The water bus is a cheap, convenient and easy way to get from the airport to the hotel. 4. Don’t take too much luggage, travel light. It can prove challenging pulling suitcases along cobbled street and over small bridges to your chosen hotel

27 March 2017

I was a young teenager when I last visited the Algarve. My memories were therefore very vague and I had no expectations. I just needed a short break away after a very busy couple of months at work. It had to be hassle free and Portugal ticked the boxes, with a short flight from a local airport. It was February, but I wasn’t concerned about the weather. I wanted to relax in a nice hotel, eat some good local food and explore the surrounding area. I made the perfect choice. On arrival at Faro airport, we collected our vehicle and drove to the hotel. After only 45 minutes on extremely quiet and easy to drive roads we arrived at our chosen property - The Vila Vita Parc Resort & Spa, a member of the Leading Hotels of the World. We knew to expect a luxurious stay, but it far exceeded all our expectations. I have stayed in many luxury hotels during my working career, but this one really does offer something very special. The Vila Vita Parc Resort & Spa is set in over 22 hectares of lush landscaped, sub-tropical gardens, set around beautiful lakes and fountains with pretty pathways that meander through the grounds and over small foot bridges, down to the Atlantic Ocean. The main hotel is of traditional Portuguese style, with many Moorish features. All the beautifully decorated rooms, suites and villas spread across the grounds in separate blocks and although it is fairly large resort, you would be forgiven to think you were staying in a small hotel. It really does provide a very intimate atmosphere. Many of the works of art, ornaments and décor are authentic to the region, which the owners are very proud of. The facilities at the hotel are extensive, catering for families and couples. Perhaps you are a keen golfer or enjoy being on the water. Water skiing, surfing, paddle boarding, diving - the list goes on. The hotel even has its own super yacht! On land you can enjoy such pursuits as tennis, pitch and put or you could try the most amazing Spa. Probably one of the best I have ever experienced!! There is an Adult Only section of the hotel and for families there is a fantastic kid’s programme, with a crèche that will look after babies from 6 months old. The hotel boasts 8 restaurants. From its very own two star Michelin restaurant to the rustic Portuguese adega and the chic beachside Arte Nautica, all of which are incredible inviting and unpretentious. There are 6 bars and even a wine cellar. You will be encouraged to try the delicious wine produced on the hotels very own farm, which you can visit during your stay. For me, one of the major factors that made this hotel so special was its staff. They were all extremely friendly, without compromising on the impeccable service. Everyone from the management, down to the cleaners were so courteous and nothing ever seemed like too much trouble. We felt very special throughout our stay. During our time in the Algarve, we managed to see the sunshine and although the weather cannot be guaranteed during the winter months, it does prove that you don’t always have to travel far to enjoy a spot of sun and warmth, during our cold winter months in the UK. If you are happy to stay open minded, then you can be pleasantly surprised. We enjoyed the Algarve. It is an extremely pretty region, if you are prepared to explore. I would definitely recommend a car. I was surprised at how built up some of the coastal resorts and towns are, which did disappoint me. However, the region is steeped in history and it doesn’t take much to find somewhere authentic and steeped in history. Lagos was one of my favourite places to visit, with the old walled city and we especially enjoyed driving inland up into the mountains. I would definitely recommend Silves - the coastline is absolutely stunning with beautiful beaches. We spent a day walking along one of the coastal paths, which was stunning. Overall, I would recommend the Algarve for anyone, of any generation during both the summer and winter months. Hire a car and enjoy the empty roads, find a traditional town or a beautiful beach. Go inland and explore the mountains, with its rural villages or just go and enjoy a beautiful hotel stay. But always make sure you put the Vila Vita Parc Resort & Spa at the top of your list. You surely will not be disappointed. I am looking forward to booking my next stay there!

12 December 2016

Before my first ever visit to Barbados, more than ten years ago, my mind’s eye had images of picture post card, white powder beaches, stretching for miles, fringed by turquoise blue seas and tall swaying palm trees. The reality did not disappoint! When I first landed on what I consider the most beautiful island in the Caribbean, my breath was almost taken away, by the beauty of the place. Barbados in my opinion, is an island of contrast. Suited to anyone and to any budget. My first visit was very different to the recent one, staying in low cost apartments, on the lovely south coast. Days were spent lazing on the public beaches mixing with locals, sharing bottles of rum with chickens running around our feet, outside ramshackle homes and wonderful loud Afro Caribbean music, blaring out beats from large speakers. My recent trip was a completely different experience - Barbados has a flip side. It is also one of the most luxurious destinations in the Caribbean and caters extremely well for the more discerning clientele. Myself and twenty five fellow Travel Counsellors enjoyed an action packed five nights on the island, hosted by Elegant Resort hotels. We stayed in beautiful properties and inspected some of the most stunning hotels on the island, many of which are frequented by film stars and celebrities. Barbados is not just about lazing on stunning beaches or sitting around exclusive pools, drinking cocktails. There is a host of things to do during a holiday there. Why not hire a car and explore the island from tip to toe, not excluding the rugged Atlantic east coast. Visit a Rum distillery, for example, the famous Mount Gay or my favourite, a visit to St Nicholas Abbey; once a sugar plantation. The house is one of only three genuine Jacobean Mansions in the western hemisphere and now a museum and family run rum distillery. Or Harrison’s Cave - a magnificent attraction. A massive underground cave stream system, with caverns and breath-taking formations. For the sporty traveller, there is an endless amount of activities, both on the water and on dry land. How about a round of golf, on one of the most exclusive courses in the world or snorkelling around coral reefs and wrecks. A good opportunity to see wonderful sea life. Perhaps even swim with turtles or meet the famous Nemo. How about a Catamaran cruise at sunset or go deep down onto the ocean bed in a submarine - these are just a few of the experiences I enjoyed during my time there. Barbados does provide all-inclusive resort hotels. But unlike other Caribbean islands, many hotels only provide bed and breakfast or half board. This in my opinion, is by far the best option. Barbados is ready to be explored. Eating out offers an exciting array of swanky upmarket restaurants, serving international cuisine or intimate hideaways, dining under the stars, by the water’s edge. For the more adventurous who wishes to delve into the local cuisine, why not try the little shacks, owned by the locals. Serving bowls of local jerk chicken, rice and fresh fish caught only that day, by the local fisherman. A must has to be the famous Fish Friday at Olsten's Bay. Look it up and make it your mission to go! A rustic experience, enjoyed by locals and tourists alike. The local Bajan community are both warm and friendly. Always providing a happy and genuine smile. It is a safe place to visit, with a very low crime rate. Barbados is as authentic and raw as it is elegant and discerning. I would return within a heartbeat!

28 June 2015

Our wonderful family trip to South Africa involved an extra element; an onward flight to Mauritius for a five night stay, compliments of Beachcomber hotels. I have booked many clients to the island over the years and I had knowledge of the place but was I was looking forward to experiencing it first-hand. Mauritius is everything I envisaged and more. A volcanic island, 65 km long and 45 km wide, situated in the Indian Ocean. Famous for its beaches, lagoons and coral reefs this beautiful island also offers mountainous regions, rain forests and waterfalls. Mauritius has a multi-ethnic culture with Hinduism being the predominant religion. The island is fortunate to have lovely weather all year round with coastal areas varying between 22 degres in winter and 34 degrees in summer. The western and northern regions are warmer and relatively drier than the east and the south. We arrived on the island after a direct four hour flight from Johannesburg and transferred to our first night stay at the Shandrani Resort & Spa, only 15 minutes from the airport on the South East of the island. A 4 star deluxe hotel, situated on a gorgeous peninsular, bordered by three beautiful beaches. It was surrounded by a unique marine park making it one of the best places for diving and snorkelling. We were lucky enough to be taken out on a boat to snorkel amongst the reefs and the sea life was stunning. This hotel is fantastic for families, sport enthusiasts and nature lovers. It also has the added benefit of offering an All Inclusive package. After the wonderful hospitality of our first night stay, we were taken to our second hotel for two nights at the Dinarobin Hotel Golf & Spa. A 5 star deluxe hotel with an air of sophistication and elegance. During our stay we were lucky enough to experience a one hour body massage in the world acclaimed Spa. Dinarobin is situated right next to the 5 star Paradis Hotel. The facilities at both hotels are interchangeable! I loved the Paradis Hotel! Having just undergone an extensive renovation, it has a fantastic vibe. With its plentiful activities both on land and sea. This amazing hotel is situated on a private 150 hectare peninsula, with the famous Le Morne Mountain as a back drop. Golfers would be in heaven at both of these hotels, with the world class 18 hole Golf course, set within the grounds of the hotels, spread along the most spectacular peninsular. On day four of our visit, it was time to travel to the north of the island, visiting places of interest on route. We drove through many villages and towns, most of which had a wonderful Hindu feel, locals seem to live a very simply but happy existence. We stopped off to see the Charmanel Waterfall that cascades into a beautiful gorge followed by a quick stop at Seven Coloured Earth Reserve, a geological phenomenon. As we travelled further north we visited the Grand Bassin Lake. The lake lies in the crater of an extinct volcano and apparently the water communicates with the waters of the Holy Ganges. I entered the little temple that sat alongside the lake, where I was blessed with a third eye. Our day ended at the Le Victoria Hotel, situated between the tourist town of Grand Baie and the capital Port Louis. Our one night stay here was very enjoyable. A 4 star hotel offering an All Inclusive package with an extremely lively atmosphere both day and night. I would certainly recommend this property to families with children of all ages. The next day was filled with hotel inspections. The first on our list was the Le Mauricia. This hotel is situated right in the middle of the lively tourist town, Grand Baie. It has a very casual atmosphere, lacking the sophistication of all the other Beachcomber properties, but ideal for anyone looking for a base close to a resort centre. The staff were very friendly and hospitable and it seemed very popular with repeat guests. The second half of our day involved lunch (a spectacular extravaganza!) and a site inspection at the Le Canonnier Hotel. It lies on a stunning peninsular, with super little sandy coves. The extensive grounds are extremely pretty, lying amongst historical landmarks, bearing testimony to the island’s colonial past. The Wellness Centre is built amongst the branches of an ancient Banyan Tree and the kids club is based in an old light house. This hotel was a real surprise for me. Although it is not presented as the most luxurious hotel within the Beachcombers group, I thought it was wonderful and would certainly return there for my own holiday! Our last site inspection was at the 6 star Royal Palm, a member of the Leading Hotels of the World. A beautiful boutique hotel, with an intimate and luxurious atmosphere, designed for the more discerning guests. Although I must say; the food at Le Canonnier far excided even the standard of this hotel! Our final stay was at the stunning Trou Aux Biches. Another 5 star luxury hotel and although it was there as one of the top hotels, it still had a wonderful relaxed feel. Situated on one of the most beautiful beaches of Mauritius, the best really was left to last. I loved it here and did not want to leave! We were given the keys to the most stunning bedrooms, with our very own plunge pool, we were told to meet on the beach. I ended our last night floating in the Indian Ocean with a glass of Champagne, witnessing the most wonderful sunset. What a memorable way to end our stay! I will return to this most magical of islands!

21 June 2015

I have many fond memories as a child, spending long and happy days at our local zoo with my parents and then when I grew up, I relived those memories with my own daughter. But nothing could prepare me for the experience of actually taking a safari and seeing all the wild animals in their natural surroundings. I don’t know how I can give full justice to this amazing experience, but all I can suggest is that it must go to the top of everyone’s Bucket List. Awe inspiring, exciting, thrilling… .there is so many adjectives I could use to express this once in a life time experience. I was one of seven Travel Counsellors that were lucky enough to be invited to join Brad from African Collection on this fantastic Fam trip. We met at Heathrow for our Virgin Atlantic flight to Johannesburg. After a comfortable night flight, which took 10.5 hours we arrived in South Africa and taken to our very own chartered light aircraft, that took us on an hour flight direct to Madkiwe Game Reserve. We landed onto a small airstrip, with elephants and giraffes grazing alongside the small out post and our Rangers were sat waiting in their 4x4 vehicles, ready to transport us to our lodge for our first of three nights on Safari. Madkiwe Game Reserve is situated on the Botswana border. Covering 75 000 hectares of vast open plains of grasslands, rocky outcrops and mountains. It is a malaria free zone and offers good game viewing all year round. The park is a single unit Conservation area, which means there are no migrations. Not only is it home to the Big Five; Lion, Elephant, Buffalo, Leopard and Rhino, but you can also find a wealth of other creatures including the rare Wild Dog. In fact there are 66 large mammals and approximately 300 bird species, ensuring an exceptional Safari experience. Our highly qualified Game Rangers took us out in 4x4 open air vehicles, creating such excitement within us, as we traversed over the plains, learning about the wild life and getting up close to the animals. We managed to see all of the Big Five, but the highlights for me were seeing two lions (brothers) lying together under a tree, a small pack of rare wild dogs and on our final night, a leopard that was found in a tree with its kill. It felt such a privilege to see these animals in their natural habitat and so close up. Each game drive presented something different. Three punctured tyres (one in the dark) and spending a quick penny behind a bush could also been seen as an added thrill or perhaps just madness! But it all added to the experience! MADIKWE HILLS PRIVATE GAME LODGE A stunning Lodge, set on a hilltop amongst huge boulders and age old Tamboti trees. The main building houses a lounge, library, bar and dining room. Elegantly decorated in African style. The Lodge has ten ultra-luxurious glass fronted suites complete with their own verandah and private plunge pools. All overlooking the waterhole! This property is perfect for couples and honeymoons. The Spa is also a great place to relax and rejuvenate. TUNINGI SAFARI LODGE Another stunning Lodge, set in the rolling hills. The main Lodge is spacious and luxurious, with indoor and outdoor lounges and a pool overlooking a waterhole. Walkways lead to the 16 guest suites, all tastefully decorated with gas fireplaces, double baths, an outdoor shower and private deck area. This was my personal favourite; it had a lovely warm atmosphere, due to the extremely friendly staff. THAKADU RIVER CAMP This camp is community owned and run, situated along the Marico River. It comprises of 12 tented suites, each with their own viewing deck overlooking the river. You can sit here and enjoy seeing the monkeys swing from the treetops or perhaps see a hippo lazing on the river bank. Although this camp is not as refined or elegant as the lodges above, I think it has to be experienced. Patience was our Ranger. She is native to the area, so her knowledge is exceptional. We all loved her approach and warmth! FOOD, DRINK & HOSPITALITY I was very impressed by the standard of cuisine at all three properties. The two private lodges presented high standards of service and fine cuisine, with a very good selection of food. Even the fussiest of guests would be catered for! There is also a good selection of wines and spirits. Apparently, the local beer ‘Castle’ is very good. Alcohol is very cheap. A bottle of wine starts at approximately £7 and a beer is about £2/3. WHAT’S INCLUDED Each lodge is based on a Full Board basis and includes two game drives a day. Refreshments are also provided on each game drive. CHILDREN Children are welcome at most properties with stimulating children’s programme. JOHANNESBURG An interesting four hour road transfer took us back to Johannesburg. We stopped off for lunch at the De Hoek Country House, situated just 40 minutes outside Johannesburg. Not unlike an English Country House, it is a great option for anyone looking to spend a few days relaxing outside of the city. Balloon rides can be arranged from here. On arrival in Johannesburg we checked into The Fire & Ice Hotel in Melrose Arch, for a two night stay. Melrose Arch is a unique city within a city, which boasts a variety of trendy retail, gourmet restaurants and leisure amenities. THE FIRE & ICE HOTEL A trendy and vibrant hotel, with a Hollywood theme. Luxury decor inspired with quirky pieces of furniture. A boisterous hotel with friendly staff, keen to make the whole experience a very unique one! Before I went on this trip, everyone was keen to advise me how dangerous Johannesburg is, but my whole experience was contrary to these comments. I would recommend a visit to the city, without any hesitation. Our full day of activities started with a trip to the Apartheid Museum. A sobering account of segregation between the blacks and whites. It presents a balanced account of 20th century South Africa. Next was Soweto, for a cycle ride through the township. Jazz, a very cool dude took us through this vibrant and energised community, on old and rickety bikes. Visiting Nelson Mandala and Desmond Tutu’s homes - I absolutely loved this experience! The day ended with a short walking tour of the inner city. Jo our guide, provided a passionate and knowledgeable insight into the city. Highlighting Graffiti Art and major rejuvenation projects taking place. Lunch was provided at the Westcliff Hotel. I would certainly recommend this 5* star property, if someone is looking for a more refined alternative to the Fire & Ice Hotel. Our trip to South Africa ended in Johannesburg and next we were off to Mauritius, shown on a separate Blog. ‘WHEN YOU TOUCH THE SOIL OF OUR LAND, YOU FEEL A SENSE OF PERSONAL RENEWAL’ Nelson Mandela during his Inauguration Speech 1994

28 January 2014

I was so excited when I learned I had won a trip for me and my daughter to Lapland, courtesy of Simply Sweden. But nothing could have prepared us for perhaps one of the best experiences of our lives. It felt like we had been placed literally on top of the world. With outstretched arms, I felt I could almost touch the stars above me! The scenery is not like anywhere else I have experienced. The sun peeks above the horizon, creating a wonderful pink sky above pure white landscape. The area is flat, with snow covered forests and lakes. Everything felt pure and fresh. There was a stillness that filled the air, creating an unusual atmosphere. Temperatures normally drop on average to -20 but during our visit it went as low as -40! Thank goodness for the warm snow suits and boots provided. The coldness hits you as soon as you go outside. Ice forms on every exposed bit of hair, icicles form inside your nostrils and the ice cold air captures at the back of your throat. Your body acclimatises to the coldness and it is soon forgotten (well almost!) The highlight of our trip was the stay in the original IceHotel. It is like entering a huge igloo. The entrance is a long room with ice carvings on the walls, ice chandeliers hang from the ceilings and at the end of the room is a life size ice carving of a unicorn. Each suite has an individual theme. All have their wow factor. Seeing is truly believing! A trip to the IceHotel is not complete without a visit to the Ice bar, where you can try one of the vodkas, served up in a glass made of ice. We checked in at the warm quarters of the IceHotel and were given a small room, where we could keep our luggage etc. At bedtime we changed into our thermals and warm pyjamas, put on our warm hat and gloves, collected our special thermal sleeping bags and retired to our ice room. Our beds were made of ice with a mattress covered with reindeer skin. Our room reached -5 through the night. I thought we would be freezing, but it was surprisingly warm. In the morning a girl woke us with a glass of hot berry juice. Our first day was spent on a Husky sleigh ride. The Huskies were like a bunch of noisy teenagers, eager and excited to be on their way. We sat on the sleigh, whilst they raced through pretty forests and over iced lakes. I let out a few laughs and screams, it was so much fun. During our experience, our guide lit a fire in a small tepee, where we enjoyed delicious homemade soup. Later that day, we embarked on our next adventure. A snowmobile trip to Wilderness Lodge. Our two hour night journey took us across the ice lakes and forests. I was brave enough to drive one myself. I was a little nervous to start with, but it didn’t take long to master the skill and I was soon enjoying the whole experience. We had a sweet little lodge, with its own log burner and sauna. A hearty meal was serviced in the main lodge, cooked by the proprietors. It was a unique experience with a homestead feel. The journey on our snow mobiles the next morning was magical, made special by the appearance of a wild reindeer which ran across our path. Our last evening was spent back at the IceHotel and this time we stayed in a lovely warm room, with under floor heating. Food during our stay was hearty and rustic, with ingredients used from the surrounding forests and waters. Reindeer and moose is also on the menu and must be tried. The IceHotel a la carte restaurant is expensive, but exquisite and worth every penny. Otherwise a 15 minute walk to the Old Homestead, is a less expensive alternative. Overall, the trip was an amazing adventure and experience. With more time there, you can try ice fishing, ice driving or ice sculpting. Take a wildlife experience or try snow shoe walking, have a reindeer sleigh ride and Sami experience or even take a trip to the Aurora Sky Station! One of the highlights of this trip is the chance of seeing the Aurora Borealis. We were not lucky enough to see the Northern lights. But perhaps it is a good enough excuse to go back again!

08 November 2013

I was thrilled when head office contacted me to confirm I had been invited on a four night cruise with Voyages to Antiquity. I have been on many cruise ships over the years, but this experience was going to be unlike any other! We took a flight from Heathrow to Athens with British Airways and were met on arrival by the local rep, who swiftly escorted us to our ship, the MV Aegean Odyssey. Before long I was on board, enjoying the facilities. A cocktail on deck, to be more precise! My cabin was not massive but it was perfectly formed and very well decorated in bright and contemporary style. There was plenty of wardrobe space (and coat hangers – hooray!), a desk and a comfortable easy chair. The picture window was small but adequate. Overall I was very impressed. I was keen to explore the ship and it did not take long to find my way around. The Aegean Odyssey is small, with a personal feel. She is classically elegant, without appearing stuffy or pretentious. The crew on board were very friendly and obliging. It was not unusual to see the captain mixing with passengers and enjoying an after dinner drink in the Charleston Lounge. Food is always one of my favourite experiences when cruising and Aegean Odyssey certainly did not let me down. It was of Mediterranean style, with fresh local produce, cooked in a simple but delicious and healthy style. During the day we ate from the Terrace Cafe; a circular work station is positioned in the restaurant where staff cook and serve the food in front of you. The ship also houses its own pizza oven and there is always a speciality dish being cooked and served on the outside terrace. In the evenings we tended to eat in the Marc Polo restaurant. An open-seating policy is in place, so you can choose when and where to eat. The added bonus to the cruise is the unlimited high quality wines and beers that are served in all the restaurants, during evening dinner. If you are feeling peckish there are the late night snacks that come around by trolley in the Charleston lounge and of course, I have to mention my favourite, the fantastic afternoon tea! Evening entertainment is very low key. The Odyssey Trio Elvis, Petru and Karen may provide an evening of jazz in the Charleston Lounge or you might like to enjoy a classical concert in the Ambassador Lounge. More modern music is played late into the evening, but only a few hard core passengers stay up late! The Aegean Odyssey is aimed at travellers wishing to learn about the places they visit. The itineraries are carefully chosen by noted historians. Passengers are taken on a voyage through time, visiting ancient sites and civilisations. The guest speakers will teach you the history, art, myths and architecture of the places visited. But it is not all about visiting ancient sites; the cruise will also appeal to anyone looking to avoid crowds, wander around beautiful islands, cruise remote inlets and visit charming villages. One of the biggest advantages to this ship, is the fact that it can cruise into stunning harbours and bays, which big ships cannot reach. All the excursions are included in the price of the cruise. Our itinerary included Delos, an uninhabited island, full of Greek mythology. Mykonos, with its winding, narrow white washed street with colourful balconies and the famous windmills. Lemos, an unspoilt Greek island, full of charm and Izmir, where we visited the famous site of Ephesus. Aegean Odyssey is an older style ship with just seven decks and a ship tonnage of 11,563. She carries on average only 350 passengers. The amenities on board include two restaurants plus outdoor dining terrace, three lounges, four bars, a lecture theatre, library, shop, internet centre, outdoor pool, health spa and beauty salon. I thoroughly enjoyed the unique experience Voyages to Antiquity provide. It was wonderful sailing to unusual ports of call and learning about the history of the places. I loved waking up and finding myself in beautiful bays and harbours. Exploring gorgeous little towns and villages, with their little side streets and perhaps enjoying a local drink in one of the traditional cafes. It was fun bartering for local goods and fake brands in the busy Bazaars. Ending each day sailing along pretty coastlines, whilst experience the facilities on board. It is an experience I will never forget. I just hope I can return!

10 July 2013

When head office invited me to spend a couple of nights on-board Carnival Sunshine, off the coast of Italy, I happily accepted! In all the years I have been in the travel industry I have never booked a Carnival cruise, so was very unsure what to expect. Carnival Sunshine is the fleets newest Fun Ship and is one of their most exciting ships to date, after her $155 million dollar transformation. She weighs 102,853 tons, with 14 passenger decks and accommodates just over 3000 passengers. There are 11 dining venues, 9 bars, 2 entertainment venues, 5 outdoor/recreation areas including a private relaxation area for adults only, spa and gym, casino, coffee house, internet cafe, a fantastic water park area with flumes and slides as well as an outdoor cinema complex. On arrival at Pisa airport we were transferred to the ship, for our two night stay. Check-in and immigration was dealt with very quickly and efficiently. Before I knew it I was in the cabin which was a very spacious outside two berth with plenty of room to move around. There was plenty of storage space with a good size dressing table. The bathroom with shower was of an adequate size. The style was modern and fresh. Time to explore; the ship was vast, but it did not take long to find my way. The public areas were modern and contemporary, with a fresh look. The outside area around the main pool was tiered with plenty of sun loungers. This was the main focal point to the ship, it was very busy and sometimes noisy, especially with the cinema screen blasting out music all day and films in the evening. I was grateful to relax in the adult only area. There are plenty of areas to escape if you want to. The first night we ate in Cucina Del Capitno, an Italian restaurant and on the second night we ate in the Fahrenheit 555 Steakhouse. I was extremely impressed with the food on both occasions and the staff were very accommodating. The buffet restaurant served up a vast choice for breakfast and lunch. Drinks were a similar price to here in the UK. There was always plenty of entertainment in the daytime and evenings, although it is fair to say it is mainly geared up for the American market. I would say 80% of the passengers were from the USA. I would definitely recommend the Sunshine ship, if you are looking for a good standard 4* cruise ship. It is suitable for multi generation families, from young children, teenagers, parents and grandparents. It is a fun and lively ship with a very informal feel. Dress code is smart casual every night, so need to take smart suits and dresses. Carnival are pulling all their ships out of the Med in 2014, but they will be providing some very exciting itineraries from the USA and Caribbean. I would recommend a cruise combined with ground arrangement in the USA, perhaps a week in Orlando to see Disney World or a trip to New Orleans, for the Jazz. The choice is endless! A one week Caribbean Cruise starts at just over £300.00 per person, based on a twin share!!

10 October 2012

I travelled to Cancun with Virgin Atlantic and I would definitely recommend upgrading to the extra leg room seats for an extra £30 each way (especially if you’re tall!) On arrival in Cancun we were transferred to the Dreams Riviera Cancun Resort & Spa, about 40 minutes from Cancun. There are four brands in total: Dreams and Now who cater for all ages including families and Zoetry and Secrects who cater for adults only. The Dreams Riviera Cancun is a fabulous 5* hotel with an impressive reception area and a lovely decked promenade leading down to the pool and beach area. There are plenty of facilities for all ages. The bedrooms have a very Caribbean feel. They don't have separate bathrooms but wonderful wooden shutters divide the bed from the bath and the sinks (his and hers) and only a thin glass door separates the toilet and walk in shower. The Jacuzzi on the balcony was definitely worth a try, especially with a Pina Colada in your hand! We then moved to the Secrets Maroma Beach hotel, a luxurious, 5*, adult only property which is fabulous for couples and honeymooners. The hotel is all-inclusive, even down to the mini bar in your room. Our bedroom was lovely with tasteful furnishing and it was wonderful waking up in the morning, lying in bed, able to look out over the tropical gardens and watch the sun rise. The beach area at this hotel is lovely; you can just lie on your sunbed and let your waiter serve you drinks and food all day. One interesting experience at this hotel is feeding the Angel fish that come into the shallow shores each day! For those who enjoy true relaxation, the spa facilities are second to none. Cancun is the main tourist area of Mexico, where you will find great shopping, restaurants, bars and nightlife. Our hotels were situated just down the coast on the Riviera Maya. The idea is that you enjoy the all-inclusive facilities but can also then take excursions out, which can be arranged before or whilst you are away. Mexico is full of interesting sites and isn’t just for people looking for a relaxing beach holiday. We visited the ancient ruins of Tulum, the only archaeological site on the Caribbean coast. It’s definitely worth a visit, but I wouldn’t advise visiting on a very hot day as there isn’t much shade to escape the sun. We also visited XCaret Nature Reserve, a nature park with fun for all the family. We had the opportunity to swim through a meandering natural river that took us through caves and mangroves and we had such great fun! However, the most memorable experience was having the chance to swim with dolphins which lived within the hotel grounds. One of the trips I would definitely recommend during a stay in Mexico is a visit to the ancient pyramids and ruins of Chichen-Itza and Uxmal. Mexico is also famous for having the second largest coral reefs in the world, and so is extremely popular for divers. I loved Mexico as it has so much to offer for everybody. The resort hotels situated on the beautiful Caribbean coast offer sanctuary and relaxation, whilst you have the added benefit of so many places to visit and so many new things to experience. The people here are friendly and very keen to make sure a stay here is a memorable one! My top tip would be to take some body spray oil: great for keeping the mosquitos away!

26 October 2012

I have recently returned from a three night voyage on Royal Caribbean’s Independence of the Seas. We departed on 2nd May 2012 from Southampton to Le Havre and return, with the option of spending a day in Paris. On arrival at the Docks, I was surprised at how long the queues were for check in, but it did not take long to board the ship. Check in was very swift and organised. Unfortunately we were unable to go into our cabins until after 2pm. However a fabulous buffet lunch was provided, with a huge selection of hot and cold food. I then went to the top deck and enjoyed a glass of wine in the Olive & Twist bar. It is an adult only bar, with floor to ceiling windows, providing fabulous unobstructed views out to sea. At approximately 2pm an announcement was made, with confirmation that my cabin was now ready. I was assigned an inside stateroom on deck 2. This grade of cabin is quite small and although it could accommodate 4 passengers, it would be a very tight squeeze and not something I would recommend unless you are on a tight budget! Unfortunately the ship was full, so I was unable to visit other cabin grades, to compare. The ship is 160,000 tons and takes up to 3,634 passengers. She is huge, with a fantastic array of facilities, to suit all ages. Children are well catered for, with the H20 waterpark, flow rider, climbing wall, ice skating, swimming pools and cinema. There are also kids clubs for all ages, from toddlers to teenagers. For adults there is the Spa & Beauty centre, fitness room, golf simulator and some lovely sedate lounges, if you want to get away from the crowds. The main focal point to the ship, is the amazing Royal Promenade. It lies in the heart of the ship and is 4 decks high. A bustling boulevard lined with a selection of fantastic dining, shopping and entertainment opportunities. Every day, a cruise newsletter is left in your cabin, listing a huge selection of daytime and evening activities. You can be as busy or relaxed as you want, there is something for everyone. In the evening you can enjoy a wonderful meal in the 3 tier dining room, alternatively you can eat in the casual Johnny Rockets American diner or the sophisticated Chops Grille or Portofino Italian restaurant. There is a wide variety of bars and pubs, the Mezzanine night club and the Casino Royale. The 3 tier theatre is fantastic, showing Broadway style shows and musicals. The ice shows are also not to be missed. Independence of the Seas with Royal Caribbean is a fantastic alternative to an All Inclusive in the Med, especially since you can now obtain drinks packages on board. You also have the added benefit of visiting a different port each day, with a great choice of shore excursion to choose from. I was blown away by the ship and the facilities. The staff on board are very friendly and nothing is too much trouble. She caters for all ages and is suited to passengers looking for a fun filled, lively holiday. It is ideal for families.