22 December 2022

A belated big birthday celebration and third time rebooked, and what an amazing trip this was! We started off with a few nights in beautiful Vancouver, the city is the gateway to the natural beauty of British Columbia – staying here you get to see the best of both worlds, a cosmopolitan busy city plus a host of exploring to do too! If you can incorporate visits to the following - these would be my must see; Capilano Suspension bridge - 140 ft bridge within breath taking scenery/rainforest easily done in a few hours. I would combine this with a visit to Grouse Mountain - which has spectacular views on a clear day of the city, it is also home to two orphaned Grizzly Bears Coola and Grinda! Hire a bike and Cycle around Stanley Park - it’s a brilliant way to see the sights with over 27km of forest trails and cycle the stunning sea wall. Depending on the time of year - Whale Watching trips is another must do, usually morning and afternoon trips, we were lucky to see humpback on our trip! From Vancouver some will go onto a Cruise to Alaska - we opted for the iconic rail journey of Rocky Mountaineer - Journey Through The Clouds, just one word AMAZING!! Early early start from Vancouver Rocky Mountaineer station - I had opted for Gold Leaf, which is the upper deck of the carriage and highly recommend this, we travelled through scenic valleys, along the mighty Fraser River, through Hell's Gate, past Pyramid Falls, Mount Robson which is the highest peak in the Canadian Rockies, included a stop in Kamloops overnight, up again early for our second day onto Jasper, again spectacular scenery with fantastic views from the upper deck. A quick overnight stop in the pretty town of Jasper, then headed down to our next stop Banff which stopping en route through Icefields Parkway, which is listed as one of the spectacular drives - it is a 232km stretch of double lane winding along the Continental Divide, through the Rocky Mountains, peaks and icefields. The abundance of wildlife along this drive is incredible and I was lucky to see bears! Make sure you stop off at the Columbia Icefield - these glaciers or fields of ice straddle Banff and Jasper National Park and the largest south of the Artic Circle. Alongside the Icefields is the Glacier Sky Walk, a glass floor observation platform 918 feet over Sunwapta Valley - breath taking unless you don't like heights! Sunwapta Falls and Athabasca Falls are amongst the most breath taking and powerful falls I have seen and well worth visiting on this route. Next stop Banff – my favourite town in Alberta! Quaint shopping and restaurants – it has a lovely vibe about the town, which you can safely cycle or walk around. Take the bus up to the Banff Gondola for the cable car up to Sulphur Mountain, where you can see scenes of six mountain ranges on a clear day, make sure you book in advance a time slot as it can be busy at times! There’s a wonderful restaurant you can enjoy lunch at the top with spectacular views – Northern Lights, amazing food! Our final part of our Canadian Adventure was a flight over to the East Coast and stayed in Toronto for a few nights, I loved the city – very vibrant and a great way seeing the city is on Hop On Hop Off Bus tour, plus we also took full day trip over to Niagara Falls, another breath taking view of the Falls we experienced on a helicopter and well worth!! An amazing itinerary and I absolutely love Canada – so if you are thinking of getting away and need my help, do get in touch!

02 December 2019

In June this year, I had an incredible experience visiting 5 different Caribbean islands and staying in a selection of truly exquisite hotels over 8 nights. My first stay was spent in East Winds, St Lucia. From the moment I arrived at the hotel, I felt totally relaxed. The gardens were huge and beautiful, lots of species of birds was a delight. The whole experience of staying here is one of total relaxation in an elegant informal surrounding. The staff were so friendly and attentive. I really enjoyed the Yoga held in the outside pavilion and the teacher is fantastic! Spa treatments were amazing too. Their set menus are perfect and huge choice and I loved the open-air restaurant positioned by the beach. Beautiful location and very, very friendly staff. I loved the reception held in the lounge plus rum tasting too where guests meet each other and hotel owner Judith too. My next stay was a short flight over to St Vincent and staying at Young Island in St Vincent & The Grenadines, a short crossing was a great experience to start a holiday. I was lucky to be allocated Duvernette Suite, this two-bedroom hillside cottage features king-size beds, spacious separate living and dining areas and air-conditioning. The cottage is perched at the top of Young Island with incredible views of the sea, Fort Duvernette, St. Vincent and Bequia. Breakfast was amazing and enjoyed trying the homemade bread which was INCREDIBLE! Pirates of the Caribbean was filmed on St Vincent and you can take a Pirates of the Caribbean tour to the set, which we did, and it was fabulous! From St Vincent – we took a ferry crossing over to Bequia, this stunning Island in the Grenadines, which has yet to be spoilt with mass tourism and my own personal favourite. The Bequia Beach hotel remains unique as far as experiences go. All rooms were spacious and most had great sea views. A real jewel of the Caribbean that would not disappoint anyone. Food fabulous at Bagatelle and Jacks bar/location was unbeatable – all staff at the hotel were fantastic and so were locals too, a place I would love to return back too! Next stop was a short flight over to Barbados and a stay at Good Little Harbour, a scattering of whitewashed coral-stone cottages, the seaside hotel smacks of unpretentious luxury – the perfect in-the-know hidey-hole for Caribbean beach-bunnies. The Fish Pot restaurant was a truly memorable experience and one of the most celebrated spots on Barbados. The food we experienced was exceptional, which I am sure is why so many people, not just guests, visit on a regular basis. Graham & his team were very accommodating and friendly. Lastly was another flight over to Antigua and stay at the stunning Curtain Bluff – a beautiful premier all inclusive resort. The Sea Grape and Tamarind restaurant served the most varied and interesting cuisine. The spa is incredible, and they really give you the best experience from before sitting up on the terrace & after with refreshments and nibbles! Entertainment was really good on both nights we stayed and I would also recommend the Cellar tour (with wine tasting too!) There’s two beaches which were fantastic. I really loved the snorkelling trip and that staff came into the sea with us to ensure we felt safe whatever level of swimmer you are. The spa area is right on the waterfront and is beautiful, the relaxation area, which is 5,000 square feet, overlooks the Caribbean Sea and it is really peaceful and tranquil – if you are looking for something truly special, I would recommend Curtain Bluff.

25 July 2019

Wow...what a truly beautiful destination the Dubrovnik Riviera is and I can see why many of my clients return here, I’ve loved spending a week in this beautiful part of Croatia, I stayed in a quiet town of Slano around 40 minutes north of Dubrovnik - which has a stunning bay of crystal clear waters and scattering of authentic restaurants, perfect for relaxation, it's an easy bus ride to famous city of Dubrovnik or you can visit the stunning Elephiti Islands - just off the coast, these are a cluster of beautiful islands and perfect for relaxation and some are car free too. Described by George Bernard Shaw as heaven on earth, it is encircled by ancient city walls, Dubrovnik’s stunning Old Town with its cobbled streets and narrow stepped alleyways boasts an 18th century Cathedral, a 14th century Dominican Monastery and the handsome Gothic Renaissance Rector’s Palace, housing the Cultural Historical Museum...Dubrovnik is a fantastic destination. It's also perfect for any Game Of Thrones fans - there are many excursions that will incorporate the places used for filming! In Dubrovnik, there are lots of markets and boutique shops, plus a myriad of dining and nightlife opportunities around the pedestrianized Placa promenade or Stradun. The Mount Srd cable car offers great views over this city known as The Pearl of the Adriatic, also during July and August, the Summer Festival boasts a fantastic music and theatre programme. It’s a perfect destination as just a city break or if you are looking to combine with another area of Croatia. Please get in touch if you want to hear more about it for your own #TCexperience in #croatia

25 July 2019

In May this year I was lucky to have been selected as one of the few travel agents to take a first look at a brand new cruise ship, Celebrity Cruises introduced Celebrity Edge as their first visionary vessel in their Edge Class line, showcasing unrivalled innovation designed to leave the future behind. Whilst on board for 2 nights - I saw many different cabin categories and experienced the different dining areas and on board activities too! This fantastic ship changes in the way you experience the world. Indulge the senses in a transformative atmosphere within the multi-faceted Eden experience available on board, reflecting a natural environment like no other available on a cruise liner. Representing an ever-evolving stimulation of the senses, three distinct levels explorable from dusk until dawn include chillful, playful, and sinful as Celebrity Edge lures you into a new state of mind. Celebrity Edge certainly has the edge when it comes to jaw-dropping venues, with the extraordinary Magic Carpet reflective of an outward-facing design vision ensuring you feel fully immersed in your natural surroundings during your cruise. The first cantilevered floating platform to be installed on a luxury cruise liner is crafted with comfortable seating as you enjoy drinks from a fully-stocked bar to the sound of live music performances as a starboard located destination-within-a-destination. An alluring urban playscape and aquatic haven, The Resort Deck on Celebrity Edge encompasses the main pool area, the new Rooftop Garden, the jogging track, and the adults-only Solarium as a superb location in which to connect with the best of nature. Dramatically oversized art installations include treetop sculptures, private cabanas, and two-storey hot tubs competing with the best in resort-style settings, while the new garden space contains a movie hub and spectacular dining at the Rooftop Garden Grill What to know more about Celebrity Edge and available itineraries, please do get in touch with me!

24 April 2019

Did you know that Hurtigruten have brought travellers to the heart of Norway for the past 125 years? Also offering explorer cruises around the world to Antarctica, Alaska and the Arctic islands. Whether you are sailing with Hurtigruten along the Norwegian coast or to other remote destinations around the world, you will always be accompanied by an expert Expedition Team. They are your hosts on board and ashore, and will provide lectures in subjects such as geography, history, wildlife and much more! Sailing with Hurtigruten, you are on an expedition with likeminded adventurers who value personal growth and exploring over luxury. You won't find waterslides, casinos or any sort of dress code. However, you will find a casual and relaxed atmosphere, great food, and all the quality equipment you need to explore new destinations. As they operate in some of the world’s most pristine and vulnerable natural landscapes, Hurtigruten take this responsibility very seriously, which is why guests on board are educated on how to reduce their environmental footprint. Guarantee 100%. That’s how sure Hurtigruten are that the spectacular Northern Lights will make an appearance on your 12-day Hurtigruten voyage. If they do not appear on your voyage, you will be given another 6 or 7-day Classic Voyage free of charge, so your Hurtigruten experience will be one with zero regrets. If you want to learn more about Hurtigruten and why you should explore the world with them - contact me today!

23 April 2019

I was very lucky to travel to one of my bucket list destinations South Africa in Sept 2018 and it did not disappoint! Cape Town is one of the most picturesque cities in the world and I’m glad that we had our first view of the city from Table Mountain. If you go – aim to do this in your first/second day as the cable car trip up the mountain is weather dependant. The view of the coastline, with white sand beaches and many hues of blue sea, Robben island and the city itself were stunning. Cape Town is a great base as, from here, there is a huge amount of wildlife viewing experiences available – from African penguins at Boulders Beach, to whale (July – Nov) and dolphin spotting from the shore, and even diving with great white sharks. If you are not driving, there are trips to the Winelands also available. We stayed at the Table Bay hotel, the largest hotel in Cape Town, and situated in the compact Waterfront area, connected to the V&A Waterfront mall. It is very easy to get about the centre of the city with plenty of restaurants, outdoor entertainment, shops and markets for the whole family to enjoy and has a great atmosphere. The rooms in the hotel have either a view of the mountain or the ocean, and the breakfast buffet is very extensive, with sparkling wine, oysters, fresh fruit and hot options. Dinner in the Cape Grace hotel, the oldest hotel in the city, was a real treat, served in the Signal restaurant with the knowledgeable sommelier on hand to pair each dish with a superb glass of wine – our first taste of South African wine! Each hotel guest can choose a bottle of wine from the hotel’s cellar upon check in, which is a lovely and unique touch! Cape and Peninsula Tour - We left the hotel at 8.30am for our full day tour of the Cape and Peninsula Tour, passing through Camps Bay and Clifton areas before travelling along the spectacular coastal route and then through the Cape Point Nature Reserve (photo stop at Cape of Good Hope compulsory) where we had our first view of baboons. Lunch at “Seaforth” in Simonstown was a great place to stop – you must try the fish. We could walk from there to the African penguin colony at Boulders Beach. It was amazing to see these funny creatures, which are an endangered species, enjoying running into the surf. They are threatened by commercial fishing practices and are preyed on by seals and sharks at sea, whilst their eggs and chicks are targeted by mongooses and seabirds on land. The final stop on the tour was the tranquil Kirstenbosch Botanical Gardens, a popular spot for picnics set against the Eastern slopes of Table Mountain, with a fabulous canopy walkway through the treetops. Our next hotel for the night was the Leading Hotels of the World “The Twelve Apostles” – overlooking the Atlantic Ocean. The terrace of the Azure restaurant is a perfect viewpoint for sunset and the African tradition of “sundowners”. The hotel has a modern, bright feel, with each room individually decorated – this hotel is very proud of their impeccable service and generous hospitality, as well as being very family friendly. I loved the concept of “tiny noticeable touches” where the staff will go out of their way to look after guests in as personal a way as possible. There is a lovely spa built into the hillside, which makes the spa experience very atmospheric! There is a complimentary shuttle service to the Waterfront area as well as Camps Bay, giving easy access to the attractions and restaurants in these areas. From Cape Town we then went on to stay at Franschhoek which is quieter than the neighbouring Stellenbosch. We visited Boschendal Wine Estate where generations of families have worked. We took a cycle tour of the land and a spot of wine tasting too! Alternatively, there’s a famous tram service takes you along several local estates where you pay a small fee at each to sample an array of wines, with about an hour at each estate. Then you simply hop back on and head to the next one! Onwards along the Garden route, we next stopped at the unique town of Hermanus famous for whale watching and stayed overnight at my personal favourite Grootbos. This luxury eco reserve is tucked between mountains, forest and the sea, with 2500 hectares of wilderness and a huge array of plant species. From here we experienced the best whale watching along the coast, a truly magical experience! Our next stop was Knysna and then onto the beautiful Lairds Lodge Country Estate in Plet Bay, which is a Cape Dutch style homestead set on a 24-acre estate and delivers first class hospitality. Food and wine at Lairds offer exceptional and delicious choice…just watch out for monkeys! A visit to Elephant Sanctuary just across the road is worth a visit, where you can feed and touch these great animals too. Another option would be also to stay at Tsala Tree lodge which again is another unique stop along the Garden Route. Our final stop was at the amazing Shamwari Game Reserve whose name means “my friend.” There are 6 lodges here plus 1 explorer camp, each provides a distinct experience. I stayed at Long Lee Manor which overlooks the magnificent plains for 2 nights, I also visited Eagles Crag, Riverdene, Bayathe whilst there too. Included are 2 game drives per day, either first thing at 6am or afternoon (around 4pm). Vehicles are comfortable and open which gives you a truly panoramic view of seeing the Big 5. The rangers and guides are passionate about wildlife and very knowledgeable, enabling you to have an unforgettable experience…which I certainly did! Another must visit at Shamwari, is their Born Free Big Cat Rescue, in partnership with Shamwari Private Game Reserve, which operates two sanctuaries within the Private Game Reserve, for lions and leopards rescued from zoos, circuses and other captive facilities. The bush enclosures at Shamwari give the lions and leopards the space and privacy they so desperately need and is a truly moving experience.

11 March 2019

This March, I was very lucky to be invited to the launch weekend of the new MSC Bellissima in Southampton - the ship exceeded my expectations completely and loved being on board and seeing so much of the "Beauty At Sea". Having not been on board any of their ships before, I really loved their atrium, which has a real wow factor. Here you find the famous Swarovski crystal staircases, which has a stunning 640 crystals per step...these are breath-taking! Another wow factor for me was their LED screen ceiling above the promenade - which is the longest LED screen at sea. The screen changes images every 30 seconds and in the evening turns into a light and sound show. The promenade incorporates speciality restaurants, shops and lounges. As well as the main buffet restaurant which has a really good choice of food options, you have a variety of different food/snack options...speciality restaurants such as Teppanyaki as well as a steak restaurant – The Butchers Cut and Hola, Tapas Bar and a sushi bar, as well as a macaroon shop and an ice cream parlour and creperie. My favourite was the amazing chocolate factory – The Jean-Phillipe Chocolat and Café. Here you can watch chocolatiers make their chocolate - I was in Chocolate Heaven. For families, on the top deck is the Arizona Waterpark which has three different waterslides. Located close to the children’s clubs. There is a Baby Club, Junior Club and Teen Club all are well equipped to keep children occupied and happy. Also, a fantastic Sports Zone where there was an indoor basketball court, as well as a full-size bowling alley and two Formula 1 simulators. There is also a 4D theatre and virtual reality games. For those looking for some relaxation, there is the Aurea Spa which offers everything from treatments to facials, alongside a hair salon, nail spa and for any fitness enthusiasts a large gym area. If you are looking for something a little bit special, then I would highly recommend the MSC Yacht Club could be for you. It has the feel of a private club area with exclusive cabins with private facilities and butler service. There is also an exclusive Yacht Club bar and restaurant which has stunning views out to sea. In summary, I had an exceptional stay on board MSC Bellissima and if you are thinking of cruising with MSC, please do get in touch!

01 June 2018

On Friday 25th May 2018 I had the real pleasure of experiencing one of my bucket list trips - a luxury rail adventure with Belmond on board the British Pullman. The trip was called "The Golden Age of Travel" and started at 11am and finished at 4pm, travelling through the stunning Kent countryside and coast over 170 miles. The Belmond British Pullman (sister train of the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express), is the stateliest of trains. Over a century ago, George Mortimer Pullman issued orders to the finest craftsmen of the day to construct in his words "Palaces on Wheels". His instructions were honoured in every respect - she is truly a stunning train. Your steward will show you to your reserved seat in one of eleven carriages, each an original masterpiece from the 1920's or 1930's with their own name and unique personality. The service, like your journey, will be elegant, calm and unruffled. Settle back into your deeply comfortable seat and be transported into another age while Britain's glorious countryside unfolds past your window! Your table is set with perfect white cloths, shining silver and glittering glass. The five-course cuisine we had was perfect and was accompanied by wines chosen to complement the fine food or you can pay to upgrade for something else to drink (champagne/other wines/drinks if you prefer) It was a fantastic day out and one I will never forget - perfect for a special birthday, anniversary or for any lovers of unique train journeys!

21 December 2017

Universal Studios has absolutely something for everyone. If you like to sit at the top of a high rollercoaster and plummet at speed to the ground before being whisked back up into the sky whilst screaming your head off or maybe getting soaked on a water ride, there are plenty of these rides to keep you entertained! There are ever evolving rides and additions each year. Currently there’s Shrek, Minions, Spider Man, Transformers, Jurassic Park, Kong, Jimmy Fallon race through New York and the old favourite “ET” which was my favourite. Not forgetting all you Harry Potter Fans out there - the Wizardly World of Harry Potter is simply amazing. Walk through Diagon Alley, pop into Ollivander’s to purchase your interactive wand where you can undertake magic spells around the Alley. If you are brave enough, go into Gringott’s bank and ride the indoor rollercoaster, then run through the wall at King’s Cross Station Platform 9 ¾ and take the Hogwarts express over to Islands of Adventure before arriving at Hosgmeade for more rides, thrills and a Butter Beer (or ice cream!) Both Islands of Adventure and Universal Studios have kid’s zones (Seuss Landing and Woody Woodpecker) for smaller children. Don’t forget the shows, fantastic parades and the opportunity to meet your favourite Marvel Character or Minion around the parks too. I also visited Volcano Bay, which is the new waterpark that opened in June this year, with many thrill rides. My own favourite is the lazy river but watch out - you will get wet! The parks are open in the evening too, these times depend on the time of year and each day there will be a notice of the opening times. I would recommend the Cinematic show at Universal Studios, showcasing 100 years of Universal films with water show and fireworks, and a top tip is to eat at Lombardo’s in the park who offer a set two course meal followed by sweet treat buffet while watching the show on their seated veranda - a great view. City Walk is open until 2am every day with a huge choice of different restaurants and bars, my favourite was The Toothsome Chocolate Emporium – amazing unique food! If you are staying on site, the water taxis run until 2am to take you back to your onsite hotel. I would recommend staying onsite even if it just for maybe a few days during your stay in Orlando. All the onsite hotels are walking distance to the entrance, it is much easier to use the shuttle bus or water taxi. Three of the hotels, Lowes Portofino Bay, Lowes Royal Pacific and Hard Rock also include express passes, so a 1-night stay at either of these hotels will include a two day express pass each. With express passes costing from $99 per person per day (on top of the normal ticket price) a stay in one of these hotels will pay for itself, especially in busy school holiday and peak times when queues are long. There is much more to say about Universal Orlando Resort, please get in touch for some more hints and advice on this fantastic destination.

06 October 2016

In September, I visited the spectacular and beautiful island of Turks and Caicos and stayed at the luxury Beaches all-inclusive resort. This island is blessed with heavenly uncrowded beaches with bone white sand, crystal clear water and coral reefs that offer spectacular snorkelling and diving opportunities. The most amazing I have seen in the Caribbean! Most visitors stay on the island of Providenciales (Provo) which is home to the 12 mile Grace Bay beach, which is frequently named as one of the world’s best beaches. If you want to escape this beach, there's also flamingo sanctuary on North Caicos, the world's only Conch farm in Provo. My favourite visit was to Iguana Island which is inhabited only by these unique reptiles. All of them have a name and age! Humpback whales can be spotted around Grand Turk and Salt Cay from late January to early April. We saw wild dolphins on our trip out to the islands - which was such a fantastic sight! Beaches Resort is a fantastic all-inclusive resort offering many facilities and activities for all ages. The resort has four themed villages so there’s somewhere to please everyone: the new Key West Village, the Italian village, the French village and the authentic Caribbean village. For the adults there is a fantastic Red Lane® Spa offering rejuvenating treatments and a variety of land and non-motorised water sports. For young guests, this resort is heavenly – the fun starts with the huge Pirates Island Waterpark and continues with the Kids’ Camp, Xbox Play Lounge and the opportunity to meet their favourite Sesame Street characters. As part of your luxury all-inclusive package you can dine at any of the 21 restaurants, a few of which are just for adults while most feature full children’s menus. The 15 bars range from chic and sophisticated to casual pub style. My favourite was the Sky Bar rooftop restaurant which also had a fantastic view at sunset! There is so much to do here at Beaches or if you simply want to sit back, relax and enjoy the views, you can! I'm already planning a return visit, as to date it has been one of my favourite Caribbean island visits.

01 March 2016

At the end of January, I took a flight up (2 hours 30 minutes) up to Reykjavík in Iceland...to experience this beautiful country known as the land of Fire & Ice, that everyone has been talking about. With routes from Birmingham, Manchester and London - there are a range a dates and durations possible. Transfer to the city is just a short ride either by coach or taxi of around 45 minutes/1 hour. Reykjavík offers a good choice of hotels, from budget to five-star - along with Self Catering options too It may be one of the smallest capital cities in Europe, however it seems there's a multitude of various events all year round - most visitors tend to go between November until March in the hope of seeing Aurora Borealis (or Northern Lights). We had packed our weekend with a variety of excursions, which I'd recommend is the best way to see everything in a short amount of time. A trip to the Blue Lagoon, some 40 minutes out of the city - it is renowned for its health benefits and mineral-rich, geothermal seawater, which have made it one of the most visited locations in Iceland....it is definitely worth a few hours of your day! It is an outdoor spa is located simply in a lava field in Grindavík on the Reykjanes Peninsula, so don't forget your swimsuit! We were also hoping to see the Northern Lights - the glowing patterns of light that twist and turn restlessly in the sky are created by electrically-charged particles that make the thin air shine...and we were very lucky, we did see them on our last night! For this we took our excursion with Superjeep - where we were taken to the coldest/highest point, I would highly recommend this - as they can go to many off road destinations unlike standard coach excursions could. We also pre booked The Golden Circle excursion which again is another popular tourist route from Reykjavik. This trip covers about 300 km distance from Reykjavik to central Iceland and back. The three main stops on the route are the national park Thingvellir, the waterfall Gullfoss (Golden Falls) - absolutely stunning and spectacular waterfall that is a must see. The geothermal active valley of Haukadalur, which contains the geysers Geysir and Strokkur - these are also very interesting to watch too! I really loved my visit to Iceland - it was very different and unique to any other city I've been to and the Icelanders are also considered to be the friendliest nation in the world, so why not try a visit there yourself!

28 May 2015

In October, along with a small group of travel agents, I was very fortunate enough to experience the fantastic sights of Perth, Scarborough and Broome in Western Australia. I flew out from Heathrow on Qantas' fantastic A380 aircraft onto Dubai and then connecting flight to Perth operated by their airline partner Emirates. Perth makes the perfect base for a very unique Western Australian experience. It is bustling with new bars, restaurants and shopping. Situated beside the Swan River, the best views of all of the city are from Kings Park and Botanic Garden - one of the biggest inner-city parks in the world. Larger than New York's Central Park, there are so many ways to enjoy its 400-plus hectares of sculpted gardens. Perth is also the sunniest state capital, averaging 3,000 hours of sunshine per year and boasting a string of 19 beautifully clean and uncrowded beaches, from iconic Cottesloe to the surf hotspot of Scarborough. After an interesting walking tour around the maritime historical town of Fremantle, we caught a ferry over to the car free paradise island of Rottnest, with no cars on the roads, riding is the best way to get around, with bicycle hire available at the ferry terminals and on the island. On its shores, there are 63 stunning beaches, 20 beautiful bays and many coral reefs and wrecks invite you to enjoy some of Australia's finest swimming spots, snorkel trails and surf breaks. You'll also get to meet the cutest mini marsupial, found only in Western Australia, the world famous quokka. We then flew up to Broome (which is around 2 hours), the gateway of the Kimberley, to experience the rich pearling industry that this small town is famous for. The colourful sunsets here at Cable beach over pure white sands are a must - also a sunset camel ride! At certain times of the year, you can also witness the Staircase to the Moon, this natural phenomenon is when the full moon rises over the sea at extremely low tide and creates a beautiful optical illusion of stairs reaching to the moon! Located on the tip of the Dampier Peninsular, we took the road from Broome up to Cape Leveque which is all part of the adventure, following the four wheel drive track - a guided tour for the three and a half hours. A quicker scenic route is available by air - at Cape Leveque you can see some of the Kimberley's most stunning coastal wilderness - a stunning contrast of pristine white sands and red rocks. If you want to venture a little further north (by air) you can also have a bird's eye view of the world's only horizontal waterfalls. From seeing a humpback whale as we travelled to Rottnest Island, to the incredible colours of the sunsets at Cable Beach - for me it was my first ever visit to Australia and it most definitely exceeded all my expectations!

02 December 2014

On this amazing trip - I was very fortunate to be have been picked to be part of a travel group called "Mission Possible" where I had the opportunity to see as much of this wonderful city of Dubai as I could in 5 days! Our first two nights, we stayed at the stunning The One & Only Royal Mirage which is located on Jumeirah beach and close to the Dubai Marina. The best way to describe this luxurious (and also one of my favourite hotels) is a peaceful and enchanting oasis in the midst of a busy and hectic city. From the beach we then took a Catamaran excursion which sailed around the Palm for most of the day – an excellent opportunity to take in the beautiful views of the Burj al Arab and Atlantis The Palm. After experiencing the wonders of the Palm by boat, it was time to head back and see the sights of Downtown Dubai. The Address Downtown Dubai is another amazing hotel, it’s located right in the heart of the Dubai shopping Mall area and perfect also for sightseeing the Burj Khalifa and fountains which at around 6pm are synchronized with lights and music - a definite must visit on your trip! My next 2 night stay was at Atlantis The Palm, this huge and incredible hotel is iconic for Dubai – one of the other factors is the world-famous Atlantis Aquaventure Water Park & Lost Chambers, which is a must for those who want to experience those fast water rides (or maybe like me - you prefer the lazy river!!) You also have the opportunity to pre book a swim with dolphins too, again perfect for adults and children! At Atlantis there are numerous choices of restaurants and bars, so there's really no need to leave the hotel! Another highlight was our Desert Jeep Safari - taken out just before sunset, this involved driving around in 4x4 jeeps on an incredible safari route, complete with a barbecue dinner under the stars. On this trip, I was able to experience so much more of Dubai - beach, sightseeing, markets! There is so much to see and do in this inspiring and ever growing city - from swimming with dolphins to sky diving, beaches/sunbathing to shopping, Dubai most definitely has it all!

31 July 2013

Mexico boasts some of Central America's finest white sandy beaches with brilliant blue turquoise seas, luxurious resorts and excellent tourist facilities, along with a spectacular historical heritage. From the UK, the flight time is approx. 9 hours and there are many resorts along the Yucatan Peninsula from Cancun where it is a 24 hour resort - so you can party as much as you like! There’s also the laid back European-influenced town of Playa del Carmen which is a great base for exploring of the nearby ruins of Tulum and Coba and is also a good destination for diving tours. Mexico is well suited for everyone - from singles, couples to also families with children. There are many adult only hotels for those looking to celebrate a special occasion or honeymoon. The best time to travel is from November until May for maximum sunshine, as hurricane season usually runs from June until October time. We stayed in Dreams Puerto Aventuras which is situated approx. 60 minutes from Cancun. The hotel is one of the smaller resorts and is a perfect family getaway. There's a host of activities and water sports available and you can also swim with the dolphins and manatees at the nearby dolphinarium. In the local area there is a golf course and a small market with shops full of surprises. I found it to be very safe to walk around the resort if you wanted to leave your sunbed. The highlight of our trip was most definitely our excursions – one to the Ancient ruins of Chichen Itza. This historical site means “at the mouth of the well of Itza” and is the 2nd most visited archaeological site of Mexico today. The Kukulkan Pyramid in Chichen-Itza which is known as “El Castillo” (the castle), is one of the new seven wonders of the world. Make sure you take plenty of water and comfortable walking shoes as there’s very little shade and it is extremely hot - yet it is definitely worth the journey! Our other excursion was to the Xplor! Adventure Park which is an eco-friendly park where there’s fun for everyone from zip lines (I do suffer from heights and to my amazement did all of them!) 4x4 vehicle driving, rafting, cave swimming to riding a zip line into the water! It is worth the time to investigate this park but make sure you plan to have the whole day. It's huge and there's so much to do - a great adventure and fun for all your family. With incredible adventure activities, activity-packed eco-parks, world-class diving, spectacular archaeological sites, as well as great shopping and a lively nightlife, Mexico offers a host of captivating combinations and I would highly recommend a visit!

26 June 2013

I was lucky enough to visit this wonderful Caribbean island in September. It is the third-largest island and is also one of the most colourful. Just as I imagined there are white sandy beaches, turquoise bays. It has an authentic feel but the proud, unique heritage makes it a place like no other island I have visited in the Caribbean. It is also well known for many other things such as Blue Mountain Coffee, good food (Jerk chicken being popular and a must if you like spicy food!) and of course the music – reggae in particular. I stayed at the fantastic Sandals Grande Ocho Rios – an ultra All Inclusive luxury hotel which is two distinctive resorts in one. You can either choose to stay on the mountainside or beachside. Wherever you choose, you can still use all 11 restaurants, 5 bars and 7 pools meaning you are simply spoilt for choice. All the staff I found at Ocho Rios will do everything to ensure you have a wonderful time. The resort itself is beautifully nestled in the centre of Jamaica’s north coast and is a busy bustling town. It has lots to offer whether you simply want to shop or sightsee. It is very close to the famous Dunns River Falls where you can all join hands and form a human chain through this 600 ft waterfall! I also visited Sandals Royal Plantation which caters for those who appreciate refined elegance with an authentic island experience. Known to all as Mo' Bay, the lively Montego Bay has a reputation as a party town, but is also a paradise for shoppers too. I stayed in Sandals Montego Bay, a complete resort that offers everything - unlimited dining and drinking at 7 restaurants and 5 bars. You also have the advantage of ‘stay at 1 and play at 3’ where you can use all the facilities of the nearby Sandals Royal Plantation and Sandals Carlyle. In simple terms this means you have the full use of up to 17 restaurants and 12 bars. Where else in the Caribbean would you find this?! There are also lots of other things to see and do in Jamaica. To name a few there are: catamaran cruises, jungle-river tubing, swimming with dolphins and also the Jamaica Bobsled Tranopy, which is not for the fainthearted. If you want to combine great beaches with plenty of things to see and do then Jamaica is just the place for you! I have plenty of tips and advice so just contact me to find out more.

01 July 2011

This is my favourite place on earth!! I was very lucky to visit 12 of these beautiful islands in May on a business trip. Utterly peaceful, beautiful and exotic, the Maldives' will leave even the most discerning travellers awe-struck! The Maldives are situated 400 miles southwest of the southern tip of India and approximately 300 miles from Sri Lanka in the Indian Ocean - there are a chain of 26 coral atolls consisting of over 1000 islands - only around 100 of the islands are for visitors. They all boast the most stunning lagoons you will ever see, beautiful white sand beaches and dazzling underwater coral gardens with an array of different coloured fish, sting rays and even baby sharks, the islands are home to three quarters of the world's reef fish and is the ultimate destination for snorkelling and scuba diving. There are direct flights from London which take around 10 and a half hours to Male, then depending on your island - onward transfers are either by speedboat or sea plane. The sea planes will offer the best views of the coral atolls and are the perfect way to start and end your holiday - just remember they only operate during daylight hours. The Maldives are the perfect romantic retreat and are a very popular honeymoon destination - if you're after quiet, secluded beaches or maybe just want to laze around your private beach bungalow/water villa watching the endless turquoise waters and then finish the day with your dinner under the stars, you will love this destination. They are also popular with families and couples wanting an idyllic, relaxing, get away from it all holiday. Each are very different - all of which are islands in their own right, from small romantic hideaways to the larger resorts with a full range of facilities - it will depend upon what you want from your own holiday which I'm more than happy to discuss with you in further detail, as an alternative you can also combine the islands with other destinations such as Sri Lanka, Singapore and Dubai. The Maldives is a truly fantastic destination and I would highly recommend a visit!

18 November 2009

The Bahamas are made up of around 700 islands offering the clearest of blue waters. The islands are situated from just off the East coast of Florida and are sheltered by the second largest barrier reef in the world so perfect for snorkelling and scuba diving. I stayed at the Sandals Royal Bahamian Spa Resort which is an adult only, luxury, all inclusive resort. It is situated on the crystal waters of Cable Beach on New Providence Island and is an idyllic setting for honeymoons and weddings or if you purely wanted a luxury adult only resort. In its original form this resort was once called the famed "Balmoral Club" and a favourite escape for many famous Monarchs. Within the resort, the architecture portrays this feeling of an "old British colonial charm" and there are even roman columns and a large 25 foot statuary guard at the entrance. The are 9 dining options available to choose from; elegant dining in Baccarat to having fish and chips in The Cricketer's Pub - my favourite was the Crystal Room. There is also "Gordon's on The Pier". There are many bars to choose from plus nightly entertainment ranging from piano melodies to themed livelier parties - the choice is entirely yours. During the day, I'd highly recommend escaping to the Sandals private offshore island - Sandals Cay which offers secluded beaches and shaded hammocks, perfect for the ultimate hideaway. If you wanted something a little more energetic than relaxing around the pool areas, there is a wealth of daytime sports activities included - volleyball, windsurfing, tennis, aqua fit to name a few plus the fitness centre. The Royal Bahamian is just 20 minutes from Downtown Nassau which has superb duty free shopping, designer stores, jewellers, crystal shops plus much more for you shopaholics. It is easily accessible either by taxi or local bus from the Royal Bahamian. There is also an abundance of excursions to see and do whist in the Bahamas; Swimming with Dolphins (and also sharks too!), Ferries to the Outer Islands, Deep Sea Fishing, Nature Tours plus there are many excellent Golf Courses to choose from. Without a doubt, Sandals Royal Bahamian it is most definitely my favourite Caribbean luxury all inclusive resort and I look forward to returning there very soon.

11 May 2009

Cuba is one of my favourite holiday destinations and so this was my second visit to the island. Cuba is the largest Caribbean island, on the North and East Coast is the Atlantic Sea and the South is the Caribbean - flying time is roughly 9/10 hours depending where you fly into. The main tourist resorts are situated on the Cayos, Varadero, Guadalavaca and Playa Pesquero, the latter being where we stayed. The first thing you will notice when driving from the airport are all the amazing old style American cars and friendly smiling faces of the local Cubans - which is a great welcome to this beautiful island. We stayed at the hotel Playa Pesquero which is situated on a idyllic white sandy beach, if you don't want to just sit on the beach with crystal clear blue waters, there is an abundance of non motorised watersports here for you to try, pedalos, kayaks, windsurfing - we went the Hobbie Cats on a windy day, which was amazing (and a little scary too!). Away from the beach, the huge free form swimming pool is very child friendly which has not really any deep parts so don't dive in! If sunning by the pool or beach makes you feel a little restless, the hotel has a comprehensive daytime programme from volleyball, football, spanish lessons to even salsa dancing! As well as all the above you now have to decide on where to eat!! There are endless eating options to choose from, breakfast is usually served in the main buffet restaurant and lunch can be taken in one of many areas. Evening meals can be taken in the main buffet or a choice of A la Carte restaurants, these of which need to be booked on arrival, our favourite was the Romantica. The bar/reception area at night is a hive of activity before and after dinner - you must try one of the many cocktails! Although there is so much going on at the hotel, you must get out and see the "Real Cuba" - a trip to Havana is a must do - either a day trip or overnight visit, there are also many other excursions such as a visit to a cigar factory in Holguin, Guardalavaca, Swim with Dolphins, Catamaran trips plus others to chose from. Another fantastic holiday and I can't wait to return to Cuba again!

30 April 2009

I travelled to Disneyland Paris in November 2008 with another family (as well as my own!). We travelled by Eurostar from Ashford which is a great alternative to flying and also I found a lot less hassle. The quick and direct train took us virtually to the park gates and so on arrival we jumped on one of the courtesy shuttle services which took us to our hotel - New York. The theme throughout was very much of the "Big Apple" and rooms were clean and spacious for two adults and two children, we were very lucky that the Christmas lights and decorations were up and also much to the childrens' delight a huge skating rink outside! The following day we started up early (which is recommended if you want to see it all!) and decided on the Disneyland Park, these are split into five magical lands, all with rides and shows for both adults and children alike. Again the theme inside was of Christmas so very magical. Make sure you get a map at the gates which will give you information on timings for shows and where the characters will be for those all important autograph books. Allow plenty of time to get a good position to watch the Main Parade as this does get very busy! Our second day, we had a Character Breakfast for my daughters birthday and much to her delight Mickey and friends sang Happy Birthday to her, then went onto Walt Disney Studios which is next door to the Disneyland Park. The theme here is of cinema and television with 4 "lots", showing behind the scenes of films and how they are made. As well as this there are shows, rides and the Disney characters - again get a map at the gates and plan your day. Our personal favourites here were the Tower Of Terror and Crush's Coaster. Overall it was a really magical three day break and good fun for all the family.

30 April 2009

In September 2008 I was lucky enough to travel to the beautiful island of Mauritius which is situated in the Indian Ocean off the coast of south east Africa. It is a tropical island surrounded with coral reefs and turquoise lagoons and is a pure luxury destination. I was visiting Mauritius on a business trip and during my week visited 14 hotels. They were situated in different parts of the island and uniquely offered something totally different and catered for all. From a relaxing spa break, golf packages, family holidays to a relaxing honeymoon or wedding holiday – Mauritius has it all. If you can be tempted away from the fantastic white sandy beaches, golfing is well catered for on Mauritius, with many courses including championship courses and those for beginners. There are also plenty of water sports available from most hotels. You can also snorkel or take a glass bottom boat out to see the amazing varieties of fish and coral. The island is covered in sugar cane plants and is responsible for much of the world’s sugar production. Tea is also very popular and comes in different varieties such as vanilla, green, tropical as well as many others; if you are a tea lover like me you must try them. There are many excursions available, I visited Pamplemouses botanical gardens – they are the third oldest botanical gardens in the world and have many different, rare trees and exotic plants including some amazing giant lilies. Whilst here I also had time to sample the souvenir shopping at Port Louis’ - a bustling Central Market where you can haggle a price for your gifts, or nearby there is the craft market at The Caudan Waterfront which has also restaurants overlooking the sea. In Port Louis, I particularly enjoyed the fine architecture such as the Government House and no trip is complete without a visit to Blue Penny Museum which has some of the world rarest stamps. This island is one of those perfect places to get married on, have a fantastic honeymoon, to celebrate that special birthday/anniversary or maybe just a holiday somewhere a bit special! You will come away from Mauritius feeling you have experienced a very special destination! I did! Having seen so many fantastic hotels on my visit I would be happy to recommend one to suit your needs. With so much choice, it is so very important that especially for this kind of holiday that you make the right choice. I would love to visit Mauritius again!

12 June 2008

As soon as I arrived in Anitgua, I felt in the Caribbean way of life immediately - very relaxed and easy going. They had just encountered an unusual amount of rainfall but we had two weeks of glorious sunshine!! I stayed at the Jolly Beach Resort with my family and I feel this hotel represents excellent value for money on an all inclusive basis. Our chosen hotel had plenty to offer by way of activities and entertainment - we found we could do as little or as much as we wanted. The sea was blue crystal clear and had a long stretch of fine white sandy beach with pedalos and jet skis on offer. There are a friendly bunch of local market traders set up on Jolly Beach selling usual souvenirs, t-shirts, jewellery which you can usually negotiate a reasonable price with them. There are 6 different room types at the Jolly Beach from small Supersaver rooms to the new superb Beachfront Cottages – they were also building a health and beauty spa which I believe is now open. There are plenty of things to see and do whilst in Antigua. One day, from Jolly Beach we took a catamaran trip all around the island stopping off to snorkel at various places; this was a great way to see all the beautiful beaches on offer - they say there are 365! We also booked a private minibus and local driver who took us all around the island, it was a great way to see everything and our driver was very knowledgable about Antigua and it's history. We first stopped in St Johns which was great for souvenir shopping and duty free, then onto Betty’s Hope - Antigua’s first sugar cane plantation. Further up the coastline, Devil’s Bridge is a natural rock arch produced by the erosion of the sea – watch out here as you may get wet!! We stopped off for lunch at Nelson's Dockyard which is now the only restored working Georgian dockyard in the world. The drive up to Shirley Heights had spectacular views over English Harbour. Many people go here on a Sunday night to party with steel bands and reggae music. Driving back to Jolly Beach we came through the lush rainforests (where you can embark on zip wiring if you want!) with banana plantations - a fantastic day out! In summary, we all agreed Antigua was a fantastic island and nothing was too much trouble for the staff at Jolly Beach and I hope to visit their beautiful island again very soon.