01 July 2013

I recently visited Oman. On arrival into Muscat after our 7 hour flight from London, we were escorted to the relaxing cool lounge while they processed our visas and offered us drinks and refreshments. In no time at all, we were on our way to the fabulous 5 star Shangri-La Resort. The Resort offers a choice of 3 Hotels which cater for all tastes and budgets. We were allocated our rooms in Al Husn – the most luxurious of the three! Rooms are very large with a king sized bed. The bathrooms were full of L’Occitaine products which was a real highlight! The balcony overlooked the sea with a free mini bar offering soft drinks and beer. We quickly headed to the beautiful infinity pool overlooking the Sea of Oman. The sunbeds are sumptuous and the complimentary cool boxes with soft drinks as well as Evian spray to cool you down were very welcomed! The Hotel offers a daily afternoon tea in the lobby and then the Manager’s Cocktail party every evening on the balcony - all included. In addition staff are very attentive without being overbearing. The following morning after one of the best breakfast buffets ever, we were whisked off in a convoy of to the Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque – a must see highlight of the City. Respectful to their faith, we covered up our arms and heads. The absolutely stunning 8 ton Swarovski crystal chandelier dominated the room and it is also home to the 2nd largest carpet in the world! We stopped briefly in Nizwa to visit the Fort and the souks and then we were off to Wadi Al Madeen for lunch. Wadis are large pools that are formed from the water coming off the mountains. Driving into the mountains, a 4x4 is compulsory and you can see why as we climbed higher to 2004 ft above sea level. We checked in to Sahab Hotel which has the most magnificent views of the Al Hajjar mountains. The following day we were back in the jeeps to the desert to do some ‘dune bashing’. The 3 jeeps competed with each other to see which one could get over the dunes in one could go. The dunes are a spectacular orange colour and so much higher than ones I have seen in likes of Dubai. As we arrive at our base for the night – Arabian Oryx Camp – a sandstorm hit and it started to rain! Luckily, the weather settled down so we could go back up the dunes to witness the beautiful sunset. Back at the camp, we settled round a campfire under the stars. The ‘tents’ were basic but still have en-suites and AC. En route back to Muscat, we visited a traditional Bedouin home. We stopped at another Wadi, before going to a lovely beach to cool off. We arrived back at Muscat to the comforts of the 5 star luxury Al Husn. We had time to explore the resort and see the other 2 properties Al Waha & Al Bandar which were more geared towards families and those on a tighter budget. The Resort offers a great choice for all – plenty of activities for all ages, great choice of bars, restaurants & shops . I recommend that you do take the time to leave the resort and see the delights that this wonderful country has to offer. It is really diverse and in contrast to Dubai, it gives you so much more than just a beach. The Omanis are truly so friendly and it is so safe – it’s clean, no litter, graffiti and the buildings are all low rise. The climate is ideal for a winter break and its culture, nature and choice of activities will appeal to many looking for something a bit different.

13 July 2012

I began my trip to Barbados in the beautiful Colony Club Hotel. The rooms were bright and spacious with large marble bathrooms and the resort itself was spread out with a lovely relaxing atmosphere. The food here was a sumptuous breakfast buffet and there is an a la carte menu for lunch and dinner, made even more special when dining on the deck beneath the stars, with the sea gently lapping a few feet away. Their beach is stunning with gorgeous fine white sand and plush comfortable sun loungers. Plenty of daily activities, including water sports, are available to make your day as lazy or active as you wish. Barbados has such a wide and diverse range of accommodations, from families on a budget to affordable luxury to the most extravagant budget blowing properties! One example of this is the world famous Sandy Lane with its elegant and luxurious rooms (complete with all mod cons), stunning spa and sensational dining experiences. One of the best hotels that we visited, Ocean Two, is a brand new hotel with a modern and contemporary look, which is very good value for money. Their suites can take up to 5 people and come with fully equipped kitchens with large American style fridges and granite worktops, making them ideal for families and small groups. For adults only, they have a roof top patio and plunge pool which is a little haven away from the main pool and beach area, and the gentle breeze 8 floors up offers a respite from the heat. I would normally advise opting for all-inclusive if you want to cover yourself against unexpected extras. Turtle Beach combines this board option with a fabulous beach and extensive facilities, offering a livelier atmosphere. Their choice of restaurants and evening entertainment also make this a good choice. Because all of the rooms are suites, it is ideal for families wanting a bit more space than a standard room category. No visit to Barbados would be complete without a trip to Oistins Friday Night Fish Fry, a great hangout for locals and tourists. There is a great party atmosphere and they serve up all kinds of fish dishes locally caught that day. We also experiences a jeep safari treasure hunt. Setting off from the Hilton in Bridgetown, you follow the clues around the wonderful old historic town of Bridgetown before heading off into the countryside and stopping to chat with locals in order to help with the clues. Driving is easy in Barbados and recommended for getting out and about to explore the rest of the island! The highlight of the trip was the Carnival! Dressing up in brightly coloured t-shirts and sparkly headdresses, you can take to the streets with a mobile DJ and street dancers and parade along to the delight of other holiday makers and hotel staff. The costumes are fantastic and there is an amazing atmosphere; everyone joins in! We also climbed aboard the ‘Jolly Roger’, a fun filled party pirate ship where you can dance, drink and dine while sailing along the coast! Barbados is a fun island, suitable for everyone with its stunning beaches, beautiful hotels, golf courses, spas, water sports and of course, wonderful friendly people. I would definitely recommend it and hope to return myself for a longer stay!

20 October 2011

I was totally shocked but delighted to recently win a place on the California 'superfam' in conjunction with the California Tourist Board (CTB) & BA. Four groups of agents with four separate itineraries - I get Southern California! The schedule looked hectic, but this trip was all about experiencing what this wonderful destination has to offer. Our group of 14 all met at T5 Heathrow for the 11 hour flight to Los Angeles (aka LAX). We were then all spoilt with an upgrade - half in WTP and the rest including me to Club World! What a great start! The flight was very enjoyable - comfortable seat/flat bed, great service and hours of nonstop entertainment - it was a shame on arrival that the US immigration queues took forever! Eventually, we meet our LA host, Tamy from CTB and head to our hotel. We check in for two nights at the Sheraton Downtown, great hotel and location for downtown. No rest for us - first stop, we head to LA Live (a 27 acres sports & entertainment district and home to the Emmy's) and the Grammy Museum which was a short walk away. My first thought was a Museum? But music fans will love this - an exciting and interactive look at every era and genre of music with some fantastic exhibits. The following day, we set off for the Getty Museum - another one? But I have to say I was impressed. Our guide took us for a quick tour around the art collections (including the $45 million Turner masterpiece!), sculptures and finely manicured gardens...we only had a brief time here so to fully experience this wonderful attraction, take your time - entry is free. Now, no trip to LAX would be complete without a visit to Hollywood! We start just outside Grauman's Chinese Theatre on the Walk of Fame. While we wait for our 2 hour guided tour, we watch as everyone is checking out the 'stars' and the cement prints of their favourite actors and stars...and of course the lookalikes attracting the tourists to get their photo taken for a $1 a time! The tour is a great way to see the sights and various movie locations as you can 'hop on - hop off' along the route. Our route takes us through Hollywood, Sunset Boulevard and Beverly Hills. We 'hop off' at Rodeo Drive for a quick look at where all the celebrities shop and we are not disappointed - we run into paparazzi outside a store and wonder who it is. It's Bernie Ecclestone's (F1) daughter Tamara, I then see Donald Sutherland driving a very nice Merc, and then back on the bus - we spot Michael Clarke Duncan (Green Mile) having a coffee! Unfortunately, it's a dull day and the 'HOLLYWOOD' sign on the hills is barely visible. After the tour, we walk one block to the newly opened Redbury Hotel for a small drinks reception and then check out their wonderful suites - not only is this hotel in a great location, it's has a lovely boutique feel with a warm and friendly atmosphere and the suites are very spacious with fully equipped kitchens and dining space - perfect for any long stays - check it out at www.redbury.com. On the move again, this time it is the Farmer's Market - a historic LA landmark from 1934, but now an area with over 100 restaurants, food stalls and shops. It's a Friday evening and is a popular place especially for 'foodies' with its speciality food stalls. Next morning, it's our 3rd and last day in LAX before we head south for Palm Springs. Just before we do, we visit Eaglerider. When I saw this on the itinerary, I wasn't convinced... anyway, their location is close to LAX. This company specialises in Harley Davidson rentals - either on self-drive or guided tours - they cover the world famous Route 66 - so if this is on your 'bucket list' then ask me for more details! We had a quick look around their operation, a few drinks, BBQ and live music and finally the sun came out! But the real highlight has to be a ride down to the beach on the back of a Harley - I was petrified and hanging on for my life, but what an experience! Here, Brian also from CTB takes over from Tamy on the 2 hour drive to Palm Springs... check out my journals for the rest of the trip!

03 March 2011

Rio de Janeiro – the ‘Marvellous City’ will not disappoint! The open-arms of Christ the Redeemer that overlooks the city welcomes you as do the Cariocas, the residents of Rio, who are so friendly and add to the wonderful vibrant atmosphere of the city. I was very fortunate to spend a week there, splitting the time between Rio and the glitzy resort of Buzios. We flew there with TAP Portugal and with only 2 hours time difference, it really was easy to adapt on arrival. The minute we land, we are made very welcome and whisked off to our hotel for caipirinhas – Brazil’s national cocktail that’s made with cachaca, sugar and lime – not for the faint hearted! However, the highlight of the trip for me was the excursion to Corcovado Mountain and to the statue of Christ the Redeemer. We take the tram up the mountain to this iconic sight high above the city - the steep but short ride through the Tijuca National Park to the sound of samba drums and cheering passengers gradually brings you to the top of the mountain and Jesus's feet and to the most spectacular 360-degree views of Rio. We were lucky to have clear blue skies, so visibility was great. It is crowded as tourists try to get their photos of one of the 7 modern wonders of the world, but at the rear there is a small chapel for those wanting a few moments contemplation. What makes this even more remarkable is that it was built in the 1920’s over 9 years before modern technology. Sugarloaf Mountain is Rio’s other iconic attraction. You take the glass-panelled cable car to the 1st peak and move on the higher peak. From the top, you have views to Copacabana and Ipanema beaches, but it was a overcast the day we went, so save the trip for a better clearer day to get the full benefit of this attraction. I wouldn't’t worry if you don’t have a head for heights, the cable car is large enough to avoid standing around the edge and seeing the sheer drop beneath your feet! Along the beaches of Copacabana and Ipanema, people walk, jog, cycle, & skate along the promenade and it’s fascinating to just stop and watch. Get rid of the pre-conception that Rio’s beaches are filled with hunky men and gorgeous girls in dental floss bikinis, here you see all ages, sizes and shapes and no one bats an eyelid! Rio is a capital that likes to party and to experience the nightlife, we head to the famous Rio Scenarium bar and nightclub. It's popular and the queue is literally a mile long and it feels good to skip it and walk in! Inside, the venue is a labyrinth of several rooms over 3 floors. It used to be an antiques show and is decorated with curious collections and nick-nacks. As the caipirinhas start to flow, the live band has everyone on their feet and dancing to the samba beat. After a few busy days in Rio, we head to the Brazilian version of St Tropez – Buzios. Buzios became famous in the 60’s when it was visited by Brigitte Bardot and there's a bronze version of the actress on the main street. We stay at the Breezes Buzios, a new 5 star all-inclusive resort with an amazing undeveloped beach and a lazy river pool. This hotel is slightly outside the town and personally, I would have preferred to stay in the town. There’s very much a European feel to the resort with loads of shops, bars and restaurants on your doorstep and the hotels are small and intimate, if you want the peace and quiet. No trip to Brazil would be complete without a visit to a Havaianas shop! I couldn't believe the choice for something as simple as a flip-flop! Rows and rows of colourful footwear that come in all sizes, styles and you can even customise your own! You will not be able to resist! Brazil is a very diverse destination and well worth a visit, with a wide range of activities to choose from, and with a great choice of properties to suit all budgets, you are spoilt for choice. Any footie fans out there will not be disappointed when Brazil hosts the 2014 World Cup, and will love the extraordinary passion Brazilians have for the game – it will be an experience of a lifetime and one big party!

25 October 2010

Last time I visited Dubai, it was not much more than desert...not any more! A destination now so dynamic, diverse and literally never dull! I was amazed by the difference. We flew into Abu Dhabi with Etihad, and the 7 hour flight passed in no time, with the excellent in-flight entertainment system and hospitality. Short transfer later, we arrived at the brand new Pullman Mall of the Emirates Hotel. The room was fabulous...spacious, really bright and airy with a feature glass bathroom wall. Breakfast was buffet style - fantastic choice - and it was wonderful to be able to sit on the terrace and enjoy it. Over the next few days, we visited several of the beach and city hotels. Honestly, just when you think you have a favourite, you visit the next one and then can't decide! They are all just the most stunning properties - luxurious accommodations, unspoilt beaches, indulgent spa facilities, Zwarovski crystal chandeliers, rose petal fountains.. they all provide a perfect setting... with wonderful contrasts between the Arabian influences and modern day living! Madinat Jumeriah was a favourite - it's a huge resort with 3 properties within, but its low rise by Dubai standards and despite its overall size, you didn't feel 'crowded'. I particularly liked the fact, it's all linked by waterways and you get about by using the abras, which are little water taxis that take you around. From here, you have fantastic views of the Burj al Arab - if you have a reservation, you can dine here or in Jumeraih Beach Hotel, but having over 28 restaurants/cafes, means that you are spoilt for choice, and in the heat of the day, you can take refuge in the coolness of the Souk Madinat for some shopping or a even a caffeine fix at Starbucks! However, Downtown Dubai for me was the best location. Highlight of the trip has to be the ascent to the 124th floor of the World's highest tower! The Burj Khalifa Tower. It took an unbelievable 60 seconds to reach the observation terrace! I was barely aware of the lift moving! Once At the Top, you can experience 360 degree panoramic views of Dubai and beyond. I thought the technology of the high powered telescopes were amazing, allowing you to zoom in on landmarks miles away, but more interestingly for me, was that they allowed you to see historic views of the city, when it really was nothing more than a desert! Although I hate heights, this wasn't scary at all, so please don't miss out, it's all very safe even on the outside deck. Right next to Burj Khalifa, is the World's largest shopping Mall. Dubai Mall is an experience. This is some serious retail therapy. The size of 200 football pitches, it has 1,200 stores..including the Gold Souk...but the great thing is there's so much more to do than shopping! It's for the whole family - an ice rink, aquarium, SEGA Republic indoor theme park, cinema and I would have loved a peek at KidZania - an imaginary kids world where they can role-play adult experiences like flying a plane, being a surgeon, chef, DJ - over 70 professions to choose from... which will amuse them while the parents shop. Downtown just seems to have everything on your doorstep, where you can walk around and in the evenings, wine and dine alfresco whilst witnessing another Dubai extravaganza - the Dubai Fountain. The spectacular show is the World's largest and the sprays dance and soar to heights of over 150 metres. Not to be missed. The other Hotel we stayed was the Desert Palm - an oasis about 20 minutes from Dubai - this is a property for total R&R... the rooms were just stunning, overlooking the polo fields. They must be some of the largest in Dubai with amazing bathrooms, stand alone tubs, walk in showers. A total chillout zone, if you want to escape the city, this is perfect... it's so relaxing, but not too far if you want if something a bit livelier from time to time. Dubai is truly a wonderful destination - something for everyone and with brilliant weather, you will love it! Great access from UK for any length of stay or a stopover en route to further afield. Can't wait to go back!