07 January 2016

I have visited Orlando over 10 times the last being six years ago so to go back this year to celebrate a couple of special birthdays I saw quite some changes from previous visits but still as fantastic as ever. I would go every year if the budget would allow! There really is no need in my opinion now to have car hire unless you choose to stay in a villa. I much prefer personally to stay on International Drive as you can walk out and about to some attractions but definitely to bars and restaurants. There are a selection of I Drive Hotels which offer complimentary transfers to all theme parks and these are definitely worth considering. We had a three hotel trip firstly staying at Doubletree by Hilton which is literally within walking distance of some of the parks. This hotel has many facilities such as restaurants, bars, three pools, spa and gym. The atmosphere here was always vibrant the pools are open quite late until around 10pm and the bar around the pool also stays open so it is lovely to head there after a day on your feet to ease the pain with the pool water and have a drink to relax. The hotel lobby is quite grand, giving a great first impression, the rooms have everything you could possibly require and were clean and comfortable and of a good size. We than headed to Royal Pacific Resort in Universal which as on site Universal means you can fast pass all rides in Universal and Islands of Adventure with your room key - major plus. Be aware that the Universal Hotels are far higher priced than the I Drive Hotels but certainly worth it, and to be within the City Walk area on an evening is my favourite thing ever. City Walk has bars, restaurants and quite often outdoor entertainment and is the best atmosphere ever by night, I love this area. This hotel is being refurbished at present we stayed in a executive lounge access room which though dated still had everything required and lounge access is fabulous. The pool areas are large and exceptional here with movies on an evening and games during the day again a vibrant atmosphere most of the time. There are also various restaurants within the hotel and always exceptionally good service. You can fast pass from check in until close on your last day so even if you only stayed for three nights you would receive three days access to fast pass. Lastly we stayed as Sonesta Es Suites on I Drive which is in an area which is being completely overhauled at present to much improvement, straight opposite you have I360 which is home to the Orlando Eye and also various stunning restaurants for all tastes as well as some bars and lovely shops. You are in a prime location here overall. The Sonesta Suites is a small and friendly place home from home, they offer daily complimentary breakfast which is handy, they have a small shop, a pool area, gym and a bar which opened late afternoon for a few hours so not for those looking for large with lots of facilities on site. The suites are huge with amazing facilities and are spotlessly clean and well managed, we had a two bedroom with two bathrooms, living area and kitchen. It really does have everything you could possibly need in the suite itself and makes for a relaxing stay for sure in comparison to the other two hotels, but with the convenience for sure on location. This was refurbished just a couple of years ago so rooms are fresh and modern. Orlando really has so much to offer you could visit 20 times and still not cover everything. The atmosphere is so pleasant and friendly it does make you want to stay. I am always glad I have been here before as makes getting out and about so much easier, some of the theme parks are huge. It seems to have changed slightly in that there is more nightlife here now so I think attracts more couples than ever. The shopping is the best you will ever experience with designer shops at amazing prices - addictive! I could talk about Orlando forever and ever as there is so much to tell, it has to be top of my list and my family agree!

01 December 2014

In June this year I visited a new hotel in Portugal, Epic Sana opened March 2013 and is stunning, fresh and luxurious. The hotel blew me away from entering the reception. It is funky and modern, very spacious and has everything expected from a 5 star hotel within stunning well kept gardens. Beautiful spa, several pools - one being adult only - all with comfortable sunbeds and seating provided. The sun loungers are wonderful, with huge comfy cushions and large towels readily available. There's a buffet restaurant offering show cooking and outdoor and indoor seating area, an a la carte restaurant open several times a week, a trendy bar area with indoor and outdoor seating and also children's facilities. There are apartments in the grounds of the hotel which cater more for the family market, with their own pool, play area and snack bar. Apartments are actually of the same furnishings and décor as the hotel rooms and are ultra modern and a great size. This is the type of hotel to visit for complete relaxation and "chill" time. There is a small shopping centre outside of the hotel with a few restaurants, or you can taxi into Vilamoura or Albufeira - both vibrant resorts within 15 minutes if you would like a little more to do on an evening. The atmosphere is very calm and quiet and the entertainment is low key really so overall the hotel aim is to send you home totally relaxed. There is a beach but please be warned there are many steps down to it. This can be accessed through the hotel grounds, fine going down but hard work back up, though it does keep you fit! There is also a large conference centre attached to the hotel. The rooms are huge and again ultra modern with everything you could possibly need including coffee machine and mini bar, safe, air conditioning, separate shower and lots of wardrobe space - important for us ladies! This hotel gives you that unique seclusion within the grounds and the beauty of pool, beach or garden views and sunbathing areas so you never feel overcrowded. The seating area to the front of the hotel is amazing with huge comfy sofas perfect for sitting and reading a good book. I can highly recommend this beautiful hotel and will be returning next year for sure.

21 November 2013

What a fantastic experience. Azamara offers small and intimate cruising which, in my opinion is very special. As Quest only holds 694 passengers the atmosphere is small and friendly but with an air of elegance and also with the added benefit that they can reach small ports which the larger ships cannot. Hence there are some very interesting itineraries and also some overnight stays in port which gave longer days to visit destinations and the possibility of visiting places by night also. The staff are tremendous, caring, and attentive and ensure your stay on board is perfect. They all seem very happy in their roles. There are four restaurants; one buffet, one formal and two speciality with a small cover charge. All are fantastic. I loved to dine in the buffet restaurant on an evening where you could order fresh pasta cooked to your liking. Nothing is too much trouble and the choice is vast. There is also a speciality brunch one day on board which you must not miss with wonderful food stations all with fresh cooking and every possibility of dish. It’s one of those "must do’s" you should experience in life! There is also an intimate coffee lounge serving fresh cakes and sandwiches all included in the cost and also a poolside grill during the day. The main restaurant is also open dining so no need to book onto a set time which gives you the flexibility to dine whenever you are ready - perfect. As of March this year Azamara included all drinks in their cruise cost which is a huge saving. The quality of the drinks included is premium brand with fine wines and well known beers. If you do want to upgrade to an even higher level for a nominal daily charge you could, which would include for example speciality brandies, Tia Maria, Baileys etc. I didn’t feel there was any need to upgrade as the included drinks suit every taste. Gratuities are also included in your cruise price so other than optional excursions you really do not need to take any spending money. The cabins are of a good size and very well maintained. I never know how you can disappear for 10 minutes, come back and your room has been cleaned again. The fresh towels twice a day and necessary Elemis bathroom products provided and constantly replenished all add to the overall 5 star experience. The sun loungers are wonderful with huge comfy cushions and large towels readily available and also blankets for those chilly evenings outdoors...they do think of everything. There are a couple of evenings organised outside around the pool area; the "white night" was magical with beautiful decorations around the pool, entertainment on the outdoor stage area and an open buffet. It was very special and most enjoyable. The entertainment overall is varied and there is something to suit everyone with Azamara's own entertainment tea , shows every evening if required or a piano bar singer and a nightclub with a group or solo artist early evening into a nightclub for those wanting to play out late! Also they include the AZAmazing evening in one of the ports of call where you can experience a complimentary excursion to a local venue most interesting and again a must do! I would highly recommend Azamara Cruises and personally cannot wait to be on board again!