09 November 2016

The magical Mexican dream started at London Gatwick, meeting my fellow travellers (a collection of Travel Counsellors and representatives of AM Resorts) for our seven nights in Cancun, Mexico overlooking the Caribbean Sea. We took a nine hour morning flight with Virgin Atlantic, thankfully in Premium Economy, to Cancun. This gave space and comfort for the journey, well worth the difference in cost especially on the overnight return flight. We arrived in Cancun Airport and transferred to the first of the six all-inclusive resorts in a superb, modern, clean, air-conditioned vehicle. As we were throughout the week. All the resorts were very different but all are on the Cancun beachfront. They all differed in style from hacienda style to ultra-chic and adult only resorts, a resort to suit party animals and a resort to suit families and others looking for the healthy lifestyle haven. A theme which certainly runs through them all is a consistent high quality of food and beverages, with a wide choice to choose from. It was a real treat to know there were at least seven or eight unique restaurants. Whether you were dining in any restaurant in one of the resorts, the interior decor would be unique to the restaurant! You really feel you are dining somewhere special. Each of the many bars and cafes also have their own style. Each resort has many swimming pools, so you could choose a quiet spot to enjoy a good read or enjoy an active area. The beach areas are patrolled and clean. All the resort staff I met were pleasant and attentive, from the front of house to the maintenance staff. The humour of the Mexicans shone throughout each and every day. It was excellent to see a wide range of entertainments and activities on offer each day. Experiencing a refreshing hydrotherapy circuit at one of the spas, a fun cookery lesson making ceviche with raw fish, limes, veggies and herbs and an excellent session tasting the difference between Tequilas and Mescal. I also greatly enjoyed professional fire shows on the beach and various types of music including a superb guitarist. My favourite evening was a Cirque du Soleil type show with a Beatles theme, gymnasts and circus acts - an amazing magical mystery tour! It is worth booking a preferred club room just to gain access to private pool areas, lounges and other privileges such as the spa hydrotherapy unit. The spa area has a range of treatments to suit all guests. I was really impressed by the quality and beauty of the resorts I visited. There is a sip, savour and see programme where guests at one resort can visit other resorts and experience the other styles in the resort group. All the groups’ resorts have wedding facilities ranging from a simple blessing on the beach to a traditional church wedding in a chapel at the Zoetry resort.

27 June 2012

Travelled with Virgin Atlantic from London Gatwick. Easy check in and an enjoyable flight with a good choice of flight entertainment. Indulged with an ice cream cone which was a treat! Smooth transfer provided by St James to our Hotel the TAMARIND. It is set on one of the most beautiful stretches of beach front in Barbados.Through the archway in the reception area I could see a stunning view of the glistening sea beyond wow! There was champagne in the room and a refreshing rum punch awaiting downstairs for us. Later enjoyed a wonderful tasty buffet whilst entertained by a talented saxophonist. A wonderful time was had by us all. The next day a visit was made to the restored COLONY CLUB. This had a very relaxing spacious lounge area. Four lagoon style swimming pools led down to a narrow beach front beyond, Watched a local with the leaves of the Aloe plant making a soothing application. Joined a yoga class later. The buffet breakfasts at the Tamarind were very enjoyable with a good selection of freshly prepared hot and cold dishes. Ready to please all palates. I really appreciated the fresh tropical fruits each day. The Tamarind had several pools to have cooling dips in. Treated to a luxurious back massage in the Hotel Spa which was divine. Over the weekend experienced the CATAMARAN CRUISE 'Shallow Draught' with a hearty Captain and crew who made it a fun experience. Hot sun here with breeze - fair skinned beware!. Do take care and keep up with the sun block. Lots of cooling drinks available. Saw turtles from the side of the vessel who were lovely to see. Went into Holetown and had an Italian meal followed by a visit to a lively piano bar. Brilliant pianist who kept us entertained.One of the many highlights of my visit was an Island safari in a 4x4 land rover. It was a terrific day out. Had a professional but fun guide to entertain us explaining the Islands history and much more. Off the beaten track I saw some spectacular scenery. It was a day of adventure and great fun for us all. Visited CRYSTAL COVE HOTEL on the West coast. This is a premium all inclusive tropical beach resort. It has an unusual setting with a lot of steps. What I liked about it was the bar set within a cave - cool indeed! Another visit was to the TURTLE BEACH RESORT.This one had an impressive Kids Club for children's programs, activities and available babysitting. Experienced divers and beginners can explore the barrier reefs located within two miles of the shore from the HILTON HOTEL.. Went to the Silver sands a wonderful spot for beginners and professionals alike to wind and kite surf. Spent happy hours at 'De Action' a superb water sport centre. Met the legend Brian Talma the ultimate waterman and artist who knows just how to blow the conch shell! Enjoyed a delicious lunch here of fresh fish cooked in the 'shack' A great place to chill out. Lots of inspirational words written by the artist to ponder on whilst allowing your mind to truly relax. Very cooling in more ways than one. Visited THE HOUSE. I thought this was a stunning place to stay. Perfect for a Honeymoon or that special celebration. An intimate retreat. This was sophisticated sanctuary yet I felt it had a warm spirit that you could truly relax in. My last evening was spent having dinner at DAPHNE'S restaurant. This is within the House. This was a celebratory meal of TEAM JAPAN who I was a part of. I was very lucky to be in the company of this winning group of Travel Counsellors who became friends. I had the opportunity to experience the many delights of this charming Island in the sun. If you wish to know about Barbados for a possible visit in the future please do not hesitate to send me a message.

08 January 2010

My visit to Andalucía was not my first but renewed my love of its dramatic scenery and its powerful history. I parked at Birmingham airport and used the meet and greet service of meteor. This was easy to locate and a great start to the adventure. On arrival I was treated to a panoramic view of Malaga and we enjoyed excellent tapas and wine at bodegas el pimi restaurant. This was a wonderful introduction to real Spain – it is warm, friendly and inviting in an old world setting. I stayed at the Molina Lario - chic modern and very stylish city break hotel for the tourist or business traveller. It is a short walk from the front and very close to the AC Malaga Palacio. This had a wonderful outdoor area on a higher floor to enjoy a relaxing drink in the early evening. Later on we visited the Fiesta Costa del Sol, La Carihuela and Torremolinos. We enjoyed a great decorated street party where entertainment, tapas, live music, flamenco and dance were enjoyed. I enjoyed a visit to the Parador de Golf and tried mountain biking and orienteering in the hillside. It was surprisingly hot here. The evening was spent at the Hacienda la Biznaga where a dinner and show were enjoyed. Horses performed in a ring and flamenco dancers entertained us. I travelled from Malaga to Ubeda sited in the Jaen Provence which was declared a world heritage city with many different examples of cultures of Romanic to Baroc. The architecture was absolutely stunning here. We then had a short drive to Baeza for stay at the Hotel Campos de Baeza, which is situated in a privileged location surrounded by centenary olive groves. I enjoyed a very pleasant stroll into the heart of Baeza and had a coffee in the beautiful square whilst families caught the last of the day. This is a great place to wander around and feel safe. My next visit was to Cazorla Nature Park for a tour taken in a 4x4. This is a great spot for bird watching and I saw an eagle, young Egyptian vultures in a nest (through a telescope!), and viewed goats on the hillside. Again there was absolutely stunning landscapes of olive trees as far as the eye could see. Spring flowers and orchids were seen on the hillside too. Lunch was taken at the Hotel Cota del Valle, where wild boar roamed around the drive way here. A stop was made at the dramatic Guadalquivir River. We trekked though millenary 'tejos' forest and saw the yew tree - the most ancient of Europe with over 25 centuries age. My last evening meal was taken at the delightful restaurant la pintada at Hotel Puerta de la Luna. Built into a magnificent 17th century palace with a beautiful indoor courtyard, this was a wonderful setting to end our visit to this magical place.