24 September 2015

Despite being the oldest British Overseas Territory, Bermuda is often not a destination requested by many UK holiday-makers. Having been invited to experience what this tiny cluster of islands has to offer by the Bermuda Tourist Board, I was keen to see if there was any reason for it being overlooked? I also wanted to see if the rumours were true that Bermudian men only wear shorts!!? With a flight time of just under 7 hours from the UK, Bermuda lies in the North Atlantic Ocean. It’s just a short hop from New York and the East Coast of the USA, so it lends itself perfectly to a twin-centre holiday. If you are able to stay longer, then you won’t be disappointed, there are countless, stunning, powder soft beaches (all with a subtle pink glow), the sea is plenty warm enough to swim in and beautiful to look at. With water the lightest shade of turquoise imaginable in the sunshine. The climate here is very mild all year round (with high season between May & September), and unlike other popular hot-spots located further South in the Caribbean Sea, the humidity is not as high here, which results in a very pleasant temperature for getting out and about on land and water without working up too much of a sweat! On arrival we transferred to our home for the next 4 nights, The Fairmont Southampton - a large luxury property with a traditional feel. It’s located around an hour from the airport and has magnificent views plus a private beach club just below the property. We enjoyed dinner "tapas style" and drinks down at the Dock on arrival with a live band performing for our enjoyment. Our first day began with a tasty breakfast at the only all-inclusive property on the island - Grotto Bay. The staff here are amazing - guest satisfaction is definitely high on the agenda. Despite the rooms being quite basic, the property has a lovely relaxed feel, and some pretty unique features. Namely the spa, located in a real underground cave (a magical setting for a massage). The neighbouring cave has been opened up for swimming, and it really was a very cool spot indeed. We took a water taxi from here across the bay to nearby St Georges, a small town with a lovely traditional town square. Every day there is a live re-enactment of the ducking stool – so if you are female and like a good gossip then watch out! You may get more than you bargained for! Next we were off to Tobacco Bay, this is a truly idyllic spot, with a sheltered cove & beach ideal for chilling out and snorkelling. A local band were playing whist we enjoyed our lunch and sipped the frozen version of the islands signature cocktail “Dark & Stormy” – a delicious blend of Goslings Black Rum and ginger beer (highly recommended!) Then it was back to St Georges for a jet skiing tour - a fabulous way to see some of the coastline from a different perspective! The day was topped off with dinner at The Reefs, and a chance to sample the local fish chowder with added Rum & Sherry Pepper for an extra kick! The next morning I was in heaven! A gourmet breakfast of Eggs Benedict at Rosewood Tuckers Point. The property itself is fairly small in terms of room numbers, but is set in vast grounds rolling down to a stunning pink sand beach giving the feeling of a large country estate. After breakfast we paid a quick visit to “Masterworks Gallery” where they have a large collection of art connected with the island, including some fabulous old Pan Am posters. All in all today was shaping up to be a real foodie day … after a look around the Hamilton Princess Hotel (which has undergone extensive refurbishment recently) we enjoyed an amazing lunch at 1609 overlooking the docks & marina. Warm home-made bread, spicy prawns and Fish tacos to die for! Our final stop of the day was just across the water by boat to Newstead Belmont Hills, which is a good option for anyone looking for accommodation close to Hamilton with in-room kitchen facilities. The property also scores highly if you fancy trying your arm at a couple of rounds of golf. This is offered free of charge for hotel guests at Belmont’s nearby golf club. Dinner this evening was “family style” with lots of different dishes to share down at Elbow Beach. This hotel would be especially good for families due to its fantastic shoreline and also for couples who enjoy a lively atmosphere. A sharp shower of rain on our final full day meant that a cycling tour which was planned was unfortunately cancelled (although secretly I was relieved after falling off a push bike quite badly on another trip!) None-the-less, cycling is a great way to see the island and there are guided tours available following the old railway trail. After the rain had blown away we headed off by minibus to visit Somerset Bridge (the smallest drawbridge in the world), and continued from there to enjoy the views from the top of Gibbs Hill. I also climbed to the top of the lighthouse here, around 180 steps in total. I couldn’t quite bring myself to step outside at the top though, you definitely need a head for heights to do that!! After a drive through Hamilton City we were treated to a wonderful lunch at Cambridge Beaches, a resort where time seems to stand still. There were tasty salads, all manner of cocktails and Bermudian Fish Sandwiches on offer (although the best of the latter are from Woody’s so I’m told!) This location is very special, with a series of secluded coves and beaches, definitely a place for pure escapism and peace and quiet. We ended the day with a glass bottom boat trip and a wander around Dockyards – a great spot for a whole host of water-based excursions and also a wide range of shopping housed in the old buildings there. Our final evening was spent enjoying yet more delicious food at the Fairmont’s fish restaurant Ocean Club. Waking up on the final morning to find it’s a Sunny Sunday can only mean one thing – it’s time for some time off! So after enjoying a tasty brunch with the management of some of the smaller properties on the island, it was definitely beach o’clock!! A dip in the turquoise ocean, followed by some lazing on a sunbed and finally a short walk to nearby Horseshoe Bay (probably the most famous and photographed beach in Bermuda) = Pure bliss!! One final pit-stop to make on the way back to the airport … the famous “Swizzle Inn” the oldest pub in Bermuda and home to the best (and most lethal) “Swizzle” cocktails of the whole trip! This was a fleeting visit and I left wishing I could have stayed longer … not only am I a “Bermuda Triangle Survivor” but I am also a “Bermuda Island Convert” and hope I can return one day to stay a little longer in paradise!

31 March 2014

Holidays to South East Asia are certainly growing in popularity, so I was thrilled to have the opportunity to visit Vietnam and discover a small slice of what this amazing country has to offer. Our journey began with Emirates Airlines on their A380 from Heathrow, with a welcome upgrade to Business Class on the connection to Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon). It was great to stretch out on flat bed seats and enjoy fabulous food and service on board. We spent two nights in Saigon staying at The Grand and The Majestic hotels - both of a high standard and located close to the riverbank. This area is surprisingly up-market with designer shops, and a great choice of bars, restaurants and nightlife right on the doorstep. You need to watch your step when crossing the road though; mopeds and motorbikes rule, so cross slowly and carefully and let them weave around you! On our first morning we visited the Cu Chi Tunnels, a top attraction for visitors to the South of Vietnam and within easy reach of Saigon. Here you can learn about how a series of tunnels were used as a revolutionary base to front the enemy during the war, you can even climb through one if you are feeling brave enough! The remainder of the day was spent city sightseeing, the buildings and gardens in the heart of the city are beautifully kept, with a strong French influence. It felt a very safe place to wander around, and I would have had no qualms exploring on my own in this friendly city. The day was rounded off with bartering for clothes and handbags at Ben Thanh market, plenty of bargains to be had for “genuine” designer goods here! Next morning it was time to say “Goodbye Saigon” and head to Ben Tre in the Mekong Delta. It is a fair distance by bus but well worth the effort. The Mekong is simply beautiful, and it soon became clear that the river is the lifeblood of this part of Vietnam with so much activity and commerce taking place on its banks. We boarded a traditional boat (with a pair of beady eyes painted on the bow to keep watch for crocodiles!) and made our way up river to visit a local brick kiln and coconut workshop. It was really interesting to see how local families’ work together using natural resources to produce items by hand. Everywhere we went we were greeted with welcoming smiles. Later in the day we visited a mat weaving house – I had a flashback to my youth, lazing on the beach on top of a roll up woven mat, not knowing at the time that it would have been pain-staking made by hand! Next on the agenda was a slightly hair-raising trip via motorised rickshaw to sample local cuisine for our lunch - Elephant ear fish (scales and all!) and river shrimp, all washed down with cold tiger beer! Our day of boarding boats was not quite over yet, next on the list was a traditional wooden canoe which took us deeper into jungle territory along narrow canals. We arrived later that evening at the Mekong Riverside Resort. Sitting in a stunning location overlooking the river, and only accessible by boat. This property has a back to nature feel and offers a high standard of food and service. Our next day was a very interesting one for me personally. Having set off by boat to travel further into the Delta we embarked on a cycling tour along the small lanes which run alongside the river and criss-cross via bridges over 100’s of small canals. Clearly it has been too long since I was let loose on two wheels, I misjudged a narrow section of pathway and managed to fall off! Cue my local superhero with his moped – I was issued with a helmet and with a rev of the engine all was well again! Later that day we arrived in Can Tho, and after dinner at a local restaurant we ventured out to see what nightlife was on offer. It seems that every night in Can Tho can be a Karaoke night! It took a few attempts to find an establishment with a Western Song Book, but once we did there was no stopping us – great value for money, topped off with a souvenir CD of our efforts (which is best kept forever under-wraps I think!) To be continued…

27 March 2014

Continued from Part one: Our final day in the Mekong started early - at 6am to be precise! It was time to immerse ourselves in the atmosphere of Can Tho Floating market. Here we witnessed the local community going about their daily business, shopping and haggling for fruit, vegetables and other essential supplies. I am glad we set off so early actually as there were lots more tourist boats around as we headed back into dock. It was a special glimpse into the lives of the residents of the Mekong Delta. After lunch and visiting a boutique hotel in this area, it was time for the long drive back to Saigon and our flight to Hue in the Central Region. A quick pit-stop on the way, where I found a whole host of gifts and local crafts to take back home. It has to be the best stocked service station I have ever seen! We arrived at the airport just in the nick of time, after a brief encounter with rush hour traffic. Not sure what the official term is for a large collection of mopeds? Mopedi perhaps? Rush hour certainly means a constant stream of mopeds heading in every possible direction! It was a sight to behold. After our flight with Vietnam Airlines, we were soon at our next destination, the Pilgrimage Village. Wow! What a fabulous hotel. The rooms here were huge, very modern and stunningly decorated and furnished. A luxury property with a jungle retreat style atmosphere. Our first day in this area was spent exploring the Imperial City of Hue, a UNESCO world heritage site where you can wander through the vast citadel and imagine the King in residence with his 100’s of wives and children! Hue is known as the city of Pagodas; we stopped off to visit the most famous one and caught a glimpse of the young monks studying the ways of Buddhism there. Lunch today was my personal favourite of the trip, in a converted garden house called “Ancient Hue” – the red snapper in tamarind sauce is highly recommended. Our day was rounded off with a fabulous spa treatment. A full body massage is incredible value for money at approximately £30 for one hour. In the morning the time had come for cycling tour number two (and it seems our guide did not want to risk me taking another tumble, so a driver and motorbike had already been pre-booked for me!) This time the scenery was a total contrast to the Mekong Delta. A peaceful landscape of vegetable patches and rice fields. After a brief stop to see how incense is produced, we were off to our final location - Da Nang beach. Our home for the remaining two nights was the 5* Furama, a very comfortable hotel with a stunning beachfront location. From Da Nang it is only a short bus ride into Hoi An where we decided to spend the evening. I am so pleased that we visited the town at night, it is totally magical. A very traditional atmosphere with coloured lanterns hanging everywhere, it was just like fairyland. Then it was time for the last day’s activities. We visited Tra Que - Vegetable Village, all worked by hand and laid out like a huge green patchwork quilt. We walked through the plots sampling aromatic herbs along the way. Before sitting down to enjoy lunch we received a relaxing foot massage and also a short cookery lesson in the art of making Vietnamese style crispy pancakes (definitely an improvement on Findus!). Then it was back into Hoi An by day to see the sights including the Chinese temple, a traditional trading-house, the Japanese Bridge and finally some all-important shopping! Personally I had lost the will to haggle or be measured at the tailors for a silk shirt so I opted for a comfy seat on the balcony of a local bar to enjoy the view and an Appletini or two! With one full day left before jetting back to the UK, what better way to spend it than relaxing at the beach and around the pool. A perfect end to a fabulous trip, and time to reflect on all we had seen and done. Vietnam has certainly left a lasting impression with me, from the stunning scenery to the delicious food and the wonderfully warm and welcoming people. I hope it is not too long before I can wake up and say “Good Morning Vietnam” again!

24 November 2013

This year we opted to spend our two weeks in the sunshine at Dreams Riviera Cancun Resort near Puerto Morelos. It proved to be a great choice for all inclusive family fun. We flew with British Airways non-stop from London Gatwick and as Jon had celebrated a special birthday earlier this year we treated ourselves to seats in Premium Economy Class. It’s definitely a more comfortable option and well worth the extra cost to stretch out a little more than usual in-flight. On arrival, the transfer was fairly short (always a bonus after a long journey!) and we were soon checked into our room. We were allocated a "preferred club room with private plunge pool" and it was very comfortable indeed. Stylish and modern with all the usual creature comforts you would expect from a 5* star Caribbean resort. We spent lots of time relaxing around the pool area this year (just my kind of holiday!) There was never a fight for a sun lounger and our favourite spot was lazing on the comfy cushions of the sofa style loungers close to the beach bar and wedding gazebo. We enjoyed very attentive service from the staff who brought us a never ending supply of drinks all day long! Personally I have really enjoyed a bit of pampering in the spa on all our recent holidays and this year was no exception. The Dreams Spa is beautifully tranquil and well-appointed with a great hydro circuit and a range of treatments available. I opted for a calming facial (so good in fact, that I went back again for the same treatment before departure!) Kira enjoyed a papaya facial for the first time, and also had her hair braided. It was really lovely to spend some quality mum and daughter time together. The kids club was excellent, but at 12 years old now, Kira was definitely at the top end of the age range they catered for here. She joined in with some of the activities, but I would say that most of what is offered is really aimed at younger children. The resort overall is a friendly and safe environment, so as parents we felt comfortable giving her total freedom this year - she made some great new friends amongst the other guests and staff alike! I had actually visited this hotel once before (on an agents trip last September). During my last visit the beach was looking beautiful - white sand, turquoise sea and flat clam. However whilst we were there due to some recent storm activity the sea was quite rough so we didn't swim too often but took long walks up and down the shore line each day instead. You can walk quite a distance in both directions - a good way to work off all the delicious food we were eating! The choice of restaurants and standard of food is certainly a big selling point for this property in my opinion, we were spoilt for choice and thoroughly enjoyed all the restaurants. Personal favourites have to be the Seaside Grill (for its Chateaux Briand) and Himitsu, the Asian Restaurant for the Prawn Sambal. I would stay here again in a flash just for the quality of the food alone! After dinner there were shows to enjoy most evenings, they were quite entertaining and suitable for all the family. After the show, the staff in the lobby bar worked really hard to ensure everyone was having a fabulous time. When in Mexico it's a must to sample the tequila! I recommend ditching the idea of a slammer and instead just sip your tequila slowly like the locals do with a shot of Sangria on the side (far more civilised!) During our stay we enjoyed an interesting day trip to the Mayan Cities of Coba and Tulum - our guide was excellent, very informative and we learnt a lot about this ancient culture. We also had the chance to climb up the temple at Coba - over 100 steps and stiff legs for three days after that! Well worth it for the views though. At Tulum, after walking around the remains of the city we had a dip in the sea to cool down - it's a magical setting, swimming beneath high cliffs with a view up towards the temples located closest to the edge. All in all a wonderful holiday spent in a lively resort with fabulous service and food, and I would return without hesitation...

17 June 2013

I have travelled extensively throughout the Caribbean within the past seven years both for work and pleasure, but The Cayman Islands was a first and it exceeded my expectations as a fabulous alternative to the more well-known islands. Lying just south of Cuba, the islands of Grand Cayman, Little Cayman and Cayman Brac benefit from tropical weather, accommodation suiting all budgets, plus a wide choice of excellent restaurants. Add to this some interesting local attractions and excursions plus some of the most outstanding snorkelling and diving in the world and you have all the makings of a paradise holiday destination! We were hosted by the Department of Tourism for five nights at the Sunshine Suites (close to Seven Mile Beach). Our accommodation was clean, comfortable, well equipped and central to the heart of Grand Cayman. We visited a large range of hotels during our stay - from more basic budget options to 5 star luxury resorts, and we also checked out some smaller boutique style properties, plus specialist dive hotels too. I am now very well placed to give detailed personal advice on where is best to stay. After a delicious breakfast at Icoa Fine Foods, our first morning was spent at Pedro Castle with a multi-media presentation giving an overview of the islands history along with some time spent exploring the grounds and the castle itself. Later that afternoon we enjoyed a dip in the sea and a cocktail at Rum Point, a great spot to chill out and enjoy the sunshine. We set off early the following day for Little Cayman, this turned out to be one of the highlights of the trip – a short 30 minute flight afforded us amazing views of the reef system below and on arrival we were touched by the serene atmosphere which prevails across this sleepy little island. After gaining an overview of the accommodation options (condo/villa/beach house style is the norm here) we drove to the tip of Little Cayman, called “Point of Sand”. I have never seen such beautiful shades of turquoise blue in the ocean, it was simply stunning. I would have loved to settle down on the beach with a picnic, I can imagine how blissful it would be to while away an afternoon surrounded by sea, sky, peace and quiet. We enjoyed a tasty lunch at the Hungry Iguana and headed back to the airport shortly after that. With Bob Marley playing on the radio, airport check in suddenly became quite a unique experience. The music was turned up full power and a little dancing on the tarmac followed whilst waiting for our plane to arrive. Memories that will stay with me forever (I don’t think there are many places in the world where it would be possible to do this!) Over the coming days we enjoyed several popular excursions, diving 104 feet into the blue on the Atlantis submarine, enduring temperatures close to 192 degrees on the Seven Fathoms Rum Tour and walking up the observation tower followed by designer shopping at Camana Bay. We enjoyed delicious meals at a number of local restaurants including, Cayman Cabana, Tikki Beach, The Wharf, Ortanique, Cimboco and Casanovas. I would definitely recommend room only or B&B basis as the food available locally is too good to miss! We were lucky enough to sample the most popular daytrip here too - Stingray City with added snorkelling to explore the reef and coral gardens. What can I say, the stingrays are amazing (you have to be brave to stand in the midst of them) braver still if you fancy kissing one for seven years good luck! But the highlight of this trip for me personally was snorkelling in such crystal clear waters. The reef system is simply pristine with a huge abundance of fish. I could have spent hours here just watching the underwater world go by. Our final day included a visit to Hell and lunch at the Cracked Conch where we sampled conch fritters (a local delicacy) all washed down with a “painkiller cocktail”! Prior to visiting these beautiful islands, my perception was of a high-rise commercialised holiday playground. I was very wrong indeed, the American influence prevails to a certain degree (mostly in the size of the portions served in restaurants!) but the beach front is certainly not over-developed, and the warmth and friendliness of the Cayman people gives the whole place a laid back Caribbean vibe. I hope I can visit this slice of paradise again soon.

19 December 2011

My husband Jon has had a long standing desire to try and see the Northern Lights. In early December of 2011 that wish finally came true! We flew to Reykjavik for a three night break in the cold and snow (at this time of year dawn breaks at 10.30am and the sun sets at 4pm) so it was a little like being in the twilight zone! We stayed at the Reykjavik Centrum hotel, right in the heart of the downtown area. It was a comfortable base in an excellent location with a selection of bars, restaurants and shops right on the doorstep. Reykjavik is a compact city, more of a large town really – everything is within an easy walk and there are plenty of museums and shops to browse round. You will need ample funds to shop until you drop though, as prices are higher here than in the UK. Save receipts if you buy gifts in a tax free store as you can claim the tax back at the airport. It is also worth picking up some duty free at the airport if you like a drink or two; alcohol is expensive to buy due to a high level of tax (this is set at 25.5% currently). We spent our first day exploring the city and visiting the 871 + /- 2 exhibition, this was actually situated underneath our hotel. It is a museum and interactive exhibition about the early settlers. Its centrepiece is the remains of a Viking Long House (the oldest evidence of human settlement found in Iceland to date). It is a really interesting display and well worth a visit. That evening we had booked an excursion to try and see the Northern Lights (this was the main aim of the trip after all!) We were picked up by Iceland Excursions, who offer a no-quibble second tour if you are not blessed with seeing the lights on the first attempt. This was very fortunate for us, as our first trip away from the city proved to be a fruitless one! However, the next evening (having re-booked to try again), we were treated to a fantastic all-natural show in the skies up above! We headed out to a different location this time - a National Park full of snow-capped lava fields and mountains. After some time spent standing around in the freezing cold, (staring at the sky like a couple of lunatics!) we were finally rewarded with a wonderful display. It was quite an emotional experience watching the lights creep into view like a grey halo at first, then morphing into lime green fingers that moved across the sky like brush strokes on canvas. A real “hairs on the back of your neck” type moment and one we will treasure for a long time to come. I would highly recommend this excursion, although sightings are not guaranteed. What I would say, is not to be put off even if the weather in the city is bad. On the night we saw them it was snowing in Reykjavik and the sky was anything but clear – fortunately, there was a break in the clouds at just the right time. Seeing the Northern Lights was certainly going to take some beating in terms of an experience...until we arrived at the Blue Lagoon! This is probably the most surreal thing we have done to date! Jon and I stripped off (in minus temperatures) to our swimwear, and ran screaming across the snow to enter the lagoons milky blue waters! Once we were submerged in the geothermal pool (heated in parts up to 104f) we were suddenly blissfully unaware of the cold that surrounded us. To top it all it started to snow! We ordered ourselves a cold beer from the swim up bar and bobbed around for about an hour or so. We had teamed the Blue Lagoon with a departure transfer back to the airport - a great feel-good factor to prepare for the flight home in my opinion. We thoroughly enjoyed Iceland, and will definitely visit again in the future... maybe even as soon as next year. The Northern Lights are affected by the Solar Cycle and this is currently at its peak, so chances of sightings are much improved. The next best time to try again will be in 11 years from now and I don’t think we can wait that long!

28 November 2011

As the weather in the UK changed from autumn to winter it was high time for a family holiday in the sunshine! We have become real Caribbean Junkies over recent years – the warm weather, relaxed atmosphere and of course, the rum punch, are all big selling points! This year we opted to stay at Buccament Bay Resort on the island of St Vincent. The resort opened during summer 2010 and is now fully operational, but with more facilities due to be added over the coming months. It is located in a beautiful valley, flanked by high cliffs and tropical vegetation on either side. Buccament Bay offers very slick, contemporary style accommodation; we stayed in a two bedroom villa which was extremely spacious and comfortable. Our daughter was thrilled to have her own bedroom, bathroom and even a walk-in wardrobe! There are currently three restaurants open at the resort, a Caribbean Buffet/Italian A La Carte, an Indian A La Carte and a Steak/Seafood A La Carte (plus a coffee shop and take-away sushi bar). The food was excellent quality and always served with a smile. I think the selection of food on offer will be even better in the very near future once the remainder of the restaurants are completed. There is a Dive Centre at the resort offering a full range of equipment and excursions to enjoy both snorkelling and diving. This is alongside all the normal water sports activities such as Kayaks, Hobbie Cats etc. My daughter enjoyed a taster session in the pool with an aqualung and got on very well, so I can sense an expensive hobby in the making there! If you feel the need to be sporty, then you can work out in the Gym, or join the Liverpool Football Club Soccer School or Pat Cash Tennis Academy to brush up your skills. For any budding singers and actors there is a Performing Arts Academy where you can be coached by West End Stars. I was feeling very lazy indeed, so opted to do none of the above! Instead, I treated myself to a pedicure in the ESPA Spa – being pampered for an hour or so is my idea of heaven! There are enough things to do on the island if you want to get out and about and explore. You can take a day trip to Tobago Cays for snorkelling, or head into Kingstown for shopping and nightlife. We took advantage of a complimentary Sunset Cruise (not once but twice actually!) This was a lovely trip along the coast and out to sea chasing the sun, looking for the elusive green flash and keeping our eyes peeled for pods of dolphins. I highly recommend it. We also arranged a day trip to nearby Mustique. This little island has played host to both royalty and the celebrity jet-set over the years. It is also home to the Cotton House, a “Leading Hotel of the World”, and the only hotel on the island. Perfect, in my opinion, for honeymooners seeking an exclusive get-away. The island is simply stunning, from its palm trees and white sand beaches to its manicured lawns and gardens. But bear in mind you will be sharing your paradise with the local residents…there are land turtles (tortoises) literally everywhere! Another excursion we thoroughly enjoyed was a full day trip to Dark View Falls. The journey took us by boat up the leeward coast of the island, as far as Soufriere Volcano in the North. We stopped off en-route at Wallilabou Bay (made famous as a film location for The Pirates of the Caribbean), then onwards to a black sand beach where we took a short bus ride to the Falls. After a gentle hike through the rainforest we cooled off under natures own power shower – this was great fun (even if it did nearly knock us off our feet!!) I have to say that we all absolutely fell in love with this resort due to the totally chilled out ambience it offered, along with the friendliest and most genuinely caring staff we have encountered to date. It is truly a destination to enjoy just switching off from life for a while and immersing yourself in doing nothing very much in particular – pure bliss in my opinion!

07 July 2011

I am finding myself being asked regularly these days to recommend slightly more unusual city break destinations. Many people have already visited European cities located closer to home, and are looking for something new and more exotic. So when I was given the chance to experience Marrakech for myself I was keen to find out what this Moroccan city had to offer. We stayed at Club Med La Palmeraie, located twenty minutes from the airport, just outside the city centre. La Palmeraie is a four star all inclusive property; low rise and traditional in style, with extensive well-kept gardens and comfortable rooms, most of which interconnect. It offers an excellent standard of service, with a very high staff to guest ratio, plus an extensive choice of quality food, both in the main buffet and Moroccan style speciality restaurants. The all inclusive board covers meals, drinks and a host of activities, including sports such as tennis, golf and even a flying trapeze! There is a kids club and a regular entertainment programme during the day and evening for those who wish to join in. Within the resort there is a five star section called Le Riad. This area has a distinctly adult feel and guests who stay here benefit from all the facilities of the main resort, whilst having a more exclusive area to escape to. There is a spa on-site, and I would highly recommend a full body massage - 50 minutes of pure relaxing bliss, especially good for aching limbs after a quad biking excursion! Also accessible from here are the Atlas Mountains and the coastal resort of Essaouira, so there is plenty to do if you get tired of lounging around in the sunshine! We were also entitled to use the facilities of the sister property Club Med La Medina, which is served by a regular complimentary shuttle bus and located just a stone’s throw from the souk and main square of Jemaa El Fna, right in the heart of the city. This meant we had the best of both worlds, easy access to the hubbub of the medina for shopping and exploring the real flavour of Marrakech, coupled with peace and quiet and lively poolside atmosphere available at the main hotel. We took a horse & cart ride through the square and winding streets of the souk area to the other side of the medina walls and then walked back with a guide on foot – stopping off to take a glance at the local workshops where many handcrafted items are made. Leather slippers, handbags, intricate metal lanterns, ceramic plates and tagines are all available for sale in the labyrinth of shops within the souk – and there are real bargains to be had if you are prepared to barter hard! The square is manic mayhem at night, so I would recommend that you have your wits about you; be on the lookout for mopeds and bicycles weaving through the crowds! I also found it necessary to adopt a firm approach with the hundreds of traders wanting to entice me to eat at their stall or buy something from their shop! It was very atmospheric though, I loved the hustle and bustle, the sounds and smells; I have never been anywhere quite like it before. When we had had enough of the square, we took a short walk back to Club Med La Medina where we climbed the steps to the rooftop terrace, which looks directly over the square – the view from here at night was totally hypnotic! One thing which did surprise me is that Marrakech has some really great nightlife; there are some very exclusive bars and clubs for the night owls amongst you – live bands, chill out lounges and dancing - all in very stylish surroundings too! There is clear evidence of more up-market development coming to the city, so Marrakech is one to watch for the future! For now, it remains a city that can cater for everyone’s pocket and taste. I will certainly be visiting again; I thoroughly enjoyed my four night stay here. It is a fabulous destination, reached by a fairly short flight but with a real far flung, exotic feel.

15 December 2009

My journey started with a non-stop flight from Gatwick to Antigua, then an internal flight with LIAT (nicknamed “Leave Island Any Time”) which made a couple of stops en-route to Tortola. Finally, a 40 minute ferry transfer to the island of Virgin Gorda. Make no mistake - these islands are not easy to reach. But although the journey was long, it added to the anticipation that I was going somewhere special and on arrival I was not disappointed. My first stop was Bitter End Yacht Club where accommodation is rustic in style and the setting is just magnificent. My room was positioned on a hillside making the most of the gentle trade winds. I remember waking up and watching a perfect sunrise from the comfort of my own private veranda complete with hammock! As with many resorts in the BVI’s, room keys are not necessary here as there are no issues with crime. During my stay at Bitter End, I enjoyed a catamaran & snorkelling trip and a sunset cruise. The resort itself has plenty of activities available and would suit couples or families who enjoy water sports and a lively atmosphere. The food was plentiful and I must say - this is THE place to sample the best key lime pie in the world! From here, I continued to Biras Creek, a Relais & Chateaux property, which has a relaxed but refined atmosphere. The restaurant is outstanding, and has a well deserved reputation as one of the best places to enjoy a meal in the North Sound area. It is a popular haunt for non-residents who have moored their super-yachts nearby. The location of this resort is simply stunning, affording views of both the Caribbean and Atlantic coastlines from the ridge at the top. There are trails all over the resort, which give guests an opportunity to walk or cycle around, experiencing breathtaking scenery at every turn. I was given the opportunity to use a Boston Whaler here – these are small self-drive motor boats which guests can use to explore the local area, they are easy to captain and a lot of fun! My next night was spent on Guana Island, a private island hideaway which is completely unique. The emphasis here is on personalised service - a place where every whim can be indulged. I spent a totally surreal evening here, as it was full moon that night. The island had an almost un-earthly atmosphere, the sort that gives you goosebumps! This is a true escapist’s paradise, only accessible by boat. A place where you can lose yourself and relax in total privacy. On leaving the island I was invited to throw a hibiscus flower from the boat, the legend is "if the flower reaches the shore, you are destined to return one day" - I’m certainly hoping this is true! En-route to the last hotel on my itinerary, I enjoyed a tour of the North Sound area and a visit to “The Baths”. This is a must see when visiting the BVI’s – an area of Virgin Gorda’s coastline dominated by enormous granite boulders, similar to those found in the Seychelles. It was great fun squeezing through the smallest of gaps on the pathway through these giant rocks. I arrived later that day at Peter Island, fairly large by BVI standards, although the resort itself, gives guests plenty of personal space. It is an up-market, but very relaxed property, with a choice of several gorgeous beaches to relax on. There is a wonderful spa here, and a choice of excellent restaurants. The island opposite the main beach called “Dead Chest”, reputedly got its name when notorious Blackbeard put 15 men ashore here after a mutiny with only a bottle of rum … and hence the song “15 men on a dead man’s chest, yo ho ho and a bottle of rum!” Although I have travelled to the Caribbean before, I must say the BVI’s surpassed all my expectations. This little collection of islands is extremely lush and green, and the people are some of the most welcoming I have ever encountered. If you have visited the larger Caribbean islands and want to experience something different, then the BVI’s could be just what you are looking for. You have to like water, as this will play a major part in any trip to the islands. In my opinion – the BVI’s represent a slice of un-touched paradise and I feel fortunate to have had the opportunity to stay here.

31 October 2008

St Lucia was a great choice of destination for my family, as the island had something to offer for all of us. I love going somewhere hot in the winter, my husband Jon likes to get out and about and explore, and our daughter Kira is a bit of a waterbabe, so a decent swimming pool is all she asks for! St Lucia delivered all of our wishes and more besides; we had a wonderful holiday here and found it very easy to slip into the laid-back Caribbean pace of life. We stayed on an All Inclusive basis at the Almond Smugglers Cove in the far North of the island. The guest accommodation was comfortable, clean, and perfectly adequate for our needs. The property is set in a small cove with direct access from the pool area to the beach. This was great, as there was always a lovely gentle breeze coming in off the sea to take the intensity out of the heat and it was easy to keep an eye on our daughter whether she decided to splash in the pool or the ocean. It was the first time we had tried an All Inclusive property and it worked really well for us. The food was good quality, and with 4 different restaurants to choose from we didn’t tire of eating from the same menu every night. Our firm favourite was the “Waterside Grill”, partly due to the menu, as we all enjoy eating fresh fish (the Red Snapper was to die for!), but mostly because of the setting, it’s on a decked area looking back across the cove towards the hotel and was magical when lit up with candles in the evening. As well as lounging around the pool, we took some time to explore the island. The landscape is truly stunning - it’s mostly rainforest and there are plenty of places to stop by the roadside and admire breathtaking views. The view from the top of Marigot Bay was one of our favourite spots - plus you can buy some fantastic spiced rum here (allegedly the local Viagra!) We saw the famous Pitons (the twin peaks of St Lucia), the botanical gardens, and, a must-see on any tourist itinerary to the island - the worlds only “drive-through volcano” – the Sulphur Springs at Soufriere. I think the best excursion we booked was a 4WD Jeep Safari which took us off road through countless banana plantations, including a short rainforest hike and some fruity refreshments supplied by a local farmer (see photo gallery “Bongo & his Machete!”). This was a brilliant family day out. We stood up in the back of the jeep to get the best views. It was a bit of a rollercoaster ride at times as the roads undulated to the top of hills and down into steep valleys with plenty of hairpin bends thrown in for good measure! I can still hear Kira screaming “go faster, go faster!!!” with great delight as we reached the top of a steep hill and started our descent. We finished the trip with a couple of refreshing Piton Beers (the local brew) in the village of Anse La Raye, home to the Fish Friday Festival. One other trip, which I would personally recommend, especially for families, is to venture out to sea on the “Brig Unicorn”. Used in the filming of The Pirates of the Caribbean, this ship runs several daytime and evening excursions. We opted for a sunset cruise … which, with plentiful rum punch, a steel band playing, canons at the ready, and a friendly pirate crew … was a perfect end to a hot sunny day. Overall we thoroughly enjoyed our holiday to St Lucia. We had fabulous weather, saw some beautiful tropical scenery and had a really relaxing time. But I think what makes St Lucia particularly special are the people, who are so warm and genuine. I would not hesitate to return to the island again one day.