13 June 2019

Did you know? When you book your holiday with me, you get the following: - 18 years of experience in the industry - Widely travelled and inside knowledge of destinations as well as hotels. - Peace of mind, I always have my customer's back! So important especially these days! It counts for a lot that my customers will always speak to me, I know their booking so they don't need to explain who they are. - I am available 24/7. Can you call/text/email your travel agent late at night and get a prompt reply? - I pass passport information where possible onto the airlines, allocate your seats for you where possible and check you in coming home where possible (Coming home saves you from having to go online to sort it yourself). Does your travel agent do this for you? - I personally contact hotels to let them know if it is a special occasion rather than just putting a note in the booking, upgrades and special extras are never guaranteed but I always try, it is then down to the hotel, but I have a lot of customers who have had upgrades and special extras in the room due to me trying for them. Does your agent personally contact the hotel you are staying in? - I am not owned by a Tour Operator so I have the flexibility to shop around for you for the best deal/best option to meet requirements. - When I search for holidays for my customers I take time to research the hotels I am looking at and check out reviews so that when my customers receive the details from me they can be assured that I have looked into if it would meet their requirements. - I use my own experiences to enhance your holiday where I can - Using my extensive knowledge from my experience in the Travel Industry to ensure I offer you the right thing! - I am happy to meet to discuss your holiday requirements over coffee - my treat! - If something was to change with the holiday like the airline cancelling a flight, changing it, hotel issues etc. I am the one to personally help you and sort it out, not you waiting on the phone trying to sort it yourself. Again I will always have my customers' best interests at heart. - All customers have access to their own 'MyTC' app which enables them to see all their holiday details on their phone on the app and allows payments to be made this way too. - Customers can pay a deposit, and pay the holiday off as and when as long as it is all paid by the balance due date. - Everything you book with me is financially protected no if's no but's! Your holiday is also ATOL bonded. - I generally care about every booking and it means a lot that my customers choose to continually book with me and refer me to others. I haven't needed to pay to advertise because my customers are doing this for me and I am so thankful to now have customers all over the UK and it's a big thanks to everyone supporting me. Does your travel agent appreciate your business as much as I value my customers' business? It would be a pleasure to help arrange your next holiday.

31 May 2019

Many of my new clients ask me what makes me different and how do I work. I work differently to the internet and high street agents. Firstly, I like to talk to you about what you really want from your holiday as everyone's needs differ. I put a lot of time and effort into finding what's right for you and all of this is done at no charge, yes that's right I don't charge a fee for my service, I get paid when a client makes a booking. So, it's helpful if my clients can keep me up to date on their enquiry. I take great pride in what I am booking for my clients and assure you that what I offer is from my own experiences or extensive knowledge I have from my time in travel. I assure you that I only offer what I feel is best suited to you. Travel is my passion, I love creating itineraries for my clients, and I also love hearing about them when you return. With us your holiday is fully protected under ATOL and our unique Trust Fund, you don’t have to worry, please ask me for more details. I have access to 1000's of suppliers and this enables me to offer competitive prices, direct contracts with hotels as well as 24-hour personal contact for you. Whether you are looking for your next family holiday, cruise, city break, honeymoons, weddings abroad, UK escape or a more exotic celebration trip I can make a personal recommendation for you. I may sometimes be more than online prices, but this is not a like for like holiday, I put my own knowledge, care, security, time and industry contacts into every enquiry, plus you have the personal service of me 24/7 even when you are away. It is only ever me who you will speak to. This is also my very own small business and every booking I make is supporting myself and my family in my dream. So, if you would like a friendly professional service for your holiday from someone who is also available outside of conventional working hours and a small business owner please do get in touch. Be sure to make your next holiday the best it can be.

26 September 2018

Planning your honeymoon? I am an expert in this area and creating inspirational itineraries to leave you with memories forever! Weddings can be challenging to plan. From picking the perfect venue, more importantly the perfect dress! to what to say in the speeches and the some say the hardest part, the seating plan. Traditionally, the happy couple would ask their families and friends to buy them items for their new home, however in modern times, most couples already have plenty of pots, pans, towels, a toaster and maybe even a spiralizer! Instead, why not let your wedding guests contribute towards an unforgettable honeymoon! I understand that no two clients are the same and of course, no two honeymoons and weddings are the same either. As your personal Travel Counsellor, I’ll tailor your experience to your wants and dreams, creating your own unique experience. Our network of local overseas experts across the globe helps you to not only visit a destination but experience it too. We’ll provide you with a fabulous online website and secure payments portal especially for you, where guests are greeted with a personalised message from you and details of your amazing honeymoon plans! We can also provide stylish guest cards that you can send out with your invitations to let everyone know you would prefer a contribution towards your dream honeymoon. All honeymoon contributions from your family and friends will be deposited into one account. After your wedding, you can either put your guest’s generous contributions towards the cost of your honeymoon or if you’ve already paid, you can use your honeymoon fund towards excursions, upgrades or even another holiday. This works well as lots of couples are now doing a "mini-moon" and then go on a bigger trip some months later. I love planning honeymoons and have done lots of exciting trips for clients including a cruise around Cuba then taking in San Francisco, LA & Hawaii, a tailormade itinerary around Thailand taking in culture, beach and elephant hills, a trip to Sri Lanka where you can experience culture and wildlife , and then pop over to the Maldives for the luxury and relaxation , plus the popular Mauritius, Bali , Bora Bora & the Caribbean to name just a few. So get in touch today and let’s get planning the most amazing trip of your lives all with the added bonus of a fund to build to help you realise that dream honeymoon!

24 September 2018

I love Dubai and there is so much more to it than glitzy hotels! Having been twice now, I certainly will be going again as I have only just scratched the surface with what you can do there! On both occasions I have stayed at the same hotel. I have simply fallen in love with it and despite both my trips being five years apart, it didn't disappoint me on my recent trip in September this year! The Jumeirah Zabeel Saray is located on the Palm, a 40-minute journey from the airport. From the moment you arrive you are blown away by the decadence of the hotel, a breath-taking lobby area which is the stem of the hotel with fountains, stunning ceilings and an array of shops, restaurants and a magnificent spa. The rooms here are spacious and include either palm views or sea views, with all the top-class amenities you could ask for. I can honestly say you wouldn't be disappointed. The pool and beach service include butlers with fresh fruit, ice lollies and face towels to keep you comfortable in the heat. Located directly on the beach with views to one side of the Dubai city skyline and the Arabian sea the other there is plenty to enjoy. On my first visit I enjoyed a sunrise trip to the Burj Khalifa which still stands as the tallest building in the world. On my recent trip I decided to take the trip at night to experience the night time views. This was certainly my favourite time; the views are spectacular. You do need to pre-book this and the whole experience lasts around two hours. At the same time, I highly recommend a visit to the famous Dubai Fountains, created by the same designers as the famous Bellagio fountains in Vegas with an Arabian twist! The fountain display starts most evenings at 6pm lasting five minutes on the hour and half hour right through the night. For a perfect experience dining at one of the fountain view restaurants and you will be entertained all night long. As a totally different experience we booked ourselves a Dune Buggy trip in the Dubai Desert. This was totally worth the money and such a fantastic experience! With a private return transfer, you are whisked off to the desert where you are met by your guide and driver, a short safety talk and off you go! The two-hour experience took us right across the desert to within 30 minutes from Oman, the dunes were incredible and as the sun set they changed and became even more beautiful! We were lucky enough to see wild antelope and camels roaming across the desert towards us. For those who love thrills and adventure this is a great trip that I highly recommend. I still haven't finished with Dubai which for me is good as a short break destination or stop over it makes for a perfect choice! I can’t wait for my next trip! For your own personal itinerary please do get in touch and I will help you create your own Arabian Adventure.

24 September 2018

There’s plenty to savour in Barbados: dreamy beaches, swaying palms, idyllic hotels, beautiful blue seas. There’s also the food. Barbados styles itself as the culinary capital of the Caribbean, with an unparalleled choice of places to eat: fine dining restaurants, beachside cafes, local rum shops. And, whether your food is framed by soft candlelight and pristine, starched white tablecloths, or engaging Bajan banter and domino tables, you’ll be delighted by what you eat, especially as 2018 has been designated Barbados’ year of culinary experiences. If you’ve not visited Barbados yet, here’s five good reasons why you should visit now…. Famed for its pretty much perfect beaches of fine powdery sand framed by recumbent palms beside brilliant turquoise sea, there is perhaps more variety than you might think. The west coast has narrow, pretty beaches lapped by calm water. The south has wide beaches with a strong surf, and the east coast’s Atlantic breakers have made sure the coast remains tranquil and unspoiled. The island’s interior of gentle low-slung limestone hills offers absorbing sights; plantation houses, botanic gardens blessed with some of the world’s finest growing conditions, caves nestled among the sugar cane fields, wonderful museums and landmark buildings which speak of the island’s engrossing history and the Garrison area of Bridgetown, the capital, a UNESCO World Heritage Centre. From family-run small and intimate boutique style properties to the most prestigious luxury resorts, the choice is yours. Most of our featured hotels are located on the west side, with its platinum coast and calm waters, or on the lively south coast close to vibrant St Lawrence Gap and Oistins. Luxury villas, with butler and chef service, are perfect for families, groups of friends and celebratory holidays. Barbados offers golf, which many former Test cricketers seem to turn to, on some of the purest, most rewarding courses anywhere in the world. And polo. There’s the Atlantis submarine, snorkelling, diving and fishing. There are National Trust properties, museums, historic houses, gardens, island safaris, rum tours, zip line aerial tours, and designer shops. There’s lots of activities to choose from, whatever your travel style. With over 3,000 hours of sunshine each year and average year-round temperatures in the high 20’s Barbados’ reputation of beautiful weather certainly delivers. Although rainfall is not unusual year-round it is usually quick downpours which pass quickly and add to the beautiful greenery of the island. For your own personal trip please feel free to get in touch with me.

24 September 2018

For some reason I had never been drawn to Cyprus, but this year I took a trip for a week with my husband and we loved it! We stayed near to Paphos at the Athena Beach adults only hotel. They have a sister property next door for families. Located directly on the sea front, the location was perfect. Along the front of the hotel you could take the coastal path into Paphos harbour where there is an abundance of restaurants and bars to enjoy. As we had already enjoyed what I call a fly and flop holiday in Dominican Republic in May we decided this was to be a more adventurous holiday. So for four days we hired a jeep and got out to explore the island in more detail. We were not disappointed, there is so much to see and do, with some hidden gems along the way! The Troodos Mountains can be reached within just over an hour from Paphos and the scenery here is spectacular. During the summer months it is very pretty, and I am told that in the winter you can ski here! This is the largest mountain range in Cyprus, with the highest peak just short of 2000 metres. We accidently came across a beautiful waterfall, the Caledonia Waterfall is a short 5km walk and just stunning and very refreshing too! We also enjoyed an afternoon at Sterna Winery located in Kathikas Village, a charming family owned winery with a small museum showing you their history. You experience a personal wine tasting and of course the opportunity to purchase some amazing wine at a great price! Don't miss out on the village on the way back - it is stunning! The Sea Caves are well known in Cyprus for their unique beauty of characteristic formations, you won’t be disappointed! We went slightly off the beaten track to explore the quieter ones, and we were the only people there. It is said that if you cover yourself in the chalk and let it dry off in the sun, this is the best spa treatment you will ever have! We are both foodies and love to seek out unique places to eat. We certainly managed that on this trip! If you are like me then I highly recommend the Last Castle at Viklari, the views and venue are incredible. You can only dine here at lunchtime and there is a set menu which is made up of barbeque, salad and the most incredible homemade chips ever! The journey, whilst a bit bumpy, is absolutely worth it! Our second recommendation for a cute bit of lunch and chill out is the Sea You Beach Bar along the coastal road near to Coral Bay. This funky place has an extensive menu for food and drinks, with a beautiful beach location. We took a wander down after our lunch and had it to ourselves! My third and final recommendation if you like a bit of cool music and Japanese food is the Notios Restaurant at the Almyra Hotel. Check their listings but these sunset sessions are fairly regular and allow you to enjoy the most amazing sunset and fabulous food with a cool vibe! I can’t wait to go back! I can’t wait to go back and do some more exploring. For your own personal itinerary please feel free to get in touch!

19 June 2018

It is amazing to think what you can achieve with the right planning, and certainly that is what I did with Singapore! A bewitching blend of east and west, and a melting pot of Malay, European and Chinese cultures, Singapore is a popular holiday destination and a fantastic city for you to discover. Renowned for its shopping malls and street markets, explore exquisite restaurants serving up a world of culinary adventures, charming colonial attractions, outstanding natural beauty and a full calendar of exhilarating and colourful events to enthral and enchant. A multi-cultural city with Chines, Malaysian, Indian and Western inhabitants, you will be sure to discover something from them all! Take a trip to China town and discover the live food stands, the beautiful decorations and of course the perfect place to pick up your cheap souvenirs! Little India is stepping back in time with narrow streets, lively markets and once again some amazing food delights for you to indulge in! I took a trip to the gardens by the bay and the famous Super trees, the best time to do this is in the evening, where they perform a sound and light show. They are so pretty when they are all lit up! If you are brave enough (I was) you can take a trip to the top and walk along the rope bridges between them. This is also a perfect place to get some amazing views across the Marina Bay. No trip to Singapore should miss the incredible Botanical Gardens, a UNESCO - World Heritage site, the unique Bonsai Garden and Orchid garden will simply blow you away. The smells are also something to take in! I would certainly recommend including in your trip a 10-minute boat ride to the older part of Singapore Pulau Ubin, where you can hire a bike and explore this island, escaping the Singapore as we know it now with skyscrapers and magnificent hotels! The famous Raffles hotel is the perfect spot to taste the world-famous Singapore Sling. This iconic hotel is one of the worlds most loved hotels, if a cocktail isn't what you are looking for then afternoon tea is also a top pick here! If you are looking for a spot of nightlife and an amazing viewing spot then I highly recommend a trip to Altitude, the world’s highest al fresco bar! With 360' views, trendy music and a cocktail list to die for, you won’t be disappointed! If you are planning a holiday that can incorporate Singapore I wouldn't hesitate to include it, you will be sure not to be disappointed! For your next adventure and my personal recommendations please get in touch and before you know it you too could be enjoying your own Singapore Adventure!

19 June 2018

Mauritius an Indian Ocean nation known for its beaches, lagoons and reefs. It has amazing mountainous interior which includes Black River Gorges, National Parks with rainforests, waterfalls, hiking trails and wildlife! When I arrived in Mauritius in the southern part of the island I wasn't sure what to expect but soon I discovered what everyone talked about, the island was beautiful, so lush, easy to get around and some incredible hotels too! I travelled in early April for one week. We stayed on the North West coastline which takes about an hour from the airport. To drive from top to bottom only takes about an hour and a half, it is an easy island to hire a car on and the roads are very good, well signposted and easy to navigate. The west coast is shielded from the cross winds and makes it a warmer coast to stay on. We had fantastic weather for our holiday, only spotting a bit of rain in the evenings, which the island often has, it has to keep its lushness somehow! My stay at Ravenala Hotel by Attitude was amazing from start to finish! A beachfront property with a huge choice of dining options, some of which were adult only and really quite unique, they have a floating restaurant! Every person who works in the Attitude hotels is a partner so whether you meet the gardener or the manager they are all keen to ensure you have a wonderful stay, this is absolutely reflected in the service! I was amazed on my first morning that they knew my name and had a table waiting for me! We spent lazy days on the beach, whilst taking advantage of the included water sports! You can take a free snorkelling trip directly from the hotel daily, walk along to the waterfalls, discover local castle ruins and enjoy the beautiful views. As the sun sets which were just superb and some of the best I have seen anywhere in the world, you can enjoy a bottle of South African wine relaxing on the sofas along the beachfront, ending the day in a perfect way. We treated ourselves to a day out on a catamaran which departed from the southern side of the island and sales around the beautiful sea, where you will be lucky and see wild dolphin, turtles hatching and even an island where the giant tortoise live. This is also a trip, but you have to pay a significant amount to do this. Stopping off at one of the uninhabited islands where a disused lighthouse remains today, a perfect spot to take in the stunning landscape on the main island. From here we visited waterfalls and spotted monkeys residing along the river banks, before heading back for some lunch, a lovely trip and well worth the time out and money. My top tips for a couple visiting the Ravenala are to book the adult only couple suite where you also get the beachfront sushi restaurant included. Reserve a table at the floating restaurant and enjoy a trip to the spa as the massage was amazing! For families equally the hotel is fantastic, with lots to do and the family suites were huge! For your own personalised trip to Mauritius please get in touch.

19 June 2018

Many couples like the appeal of leaving all the fuss of a big UK wedding behind and heading off to marry somewhere small and intimate on their own or with just a small group of close friends and family. One of the attractions of getting married abroad is that it doesn't need to cost what a more traditional wedding in the UK might cost. And you won't need to blow your budget if you choose to marry abroad. I have a selection of hotels that offer free wedding packages and they are perfect if you have a simple ceremony in mind, without too much fuss. Mention weddings abroad and most people imagine a beautifully tropical beach wedding, but did you know there is so much more choice than this! For a truly unique wedding location you could choose the unique and iconic backdrop of the world famous Maasai Mara for your wedding where you'll stay in a luxury tented camp and enjoy a fabulous game drive at the end of your big day. Places such as Fiji, the Caribbean, Bali, Mauritius and Italy feature highly in some of the best locations for a wedding abroad. And for LGBT couples there are destinations where I know all the details on the legalities and regulations for a fully legal ceremony and we have some amazing venues in the USA, Canada, Portugal and Greece. In some destinations, although you cannot legally marry, you can arrange for a blessing ceremony which can mean you get the best of both worlds, a legal wedding in the UK without missing out on the ceremony abroad that you've dreamed of. I can arrange blessing ceremonies for LGBT couples in Mauritius, Thailand and Cyprus. Blessings abroad are a hassle-free way to celebrate with a wedding-like ceremony whether you've recently married legally in the UK or you've dreamed of renewing your vows in a beautiful setting. Blessing ceremonies are particularly popular in the Maldives where it's not possible to arrange legally-recognised weddings. Whether you are looking at a luxurious wedding which for those who want all those little extras like Champagne, breakfast in bed and spa treatments – all in a truly spectacular setting with an unforgettable wedding at a breath-taking venue, it is possible to personally tailor something for you. For more information on a wedding abroad please get in touch with me. I can arrange appointments suitable at a time that is convenient for you and take you step by step through your perfect plans.

19 June 2018

What is a renewal of vows? A wedding vow renewal ceremony is where a married couple renew or reaffirm their wedding vows. The ceremonies have been popular in Italy for decades, and have existed in United States since the 1950s, but only became popular there after the 1970s. Most take place in churches and are seen as a way for a married couple to renew their commitment to each other and demonstrate that the vows they took are still considered sacred. To some couples the ceremony offers the chance to celebrate the wedding they never had. Renewal ceremonies often take on the characteristics of the Western "lavish wedding", with couples often setting out guest books, buying new weddings bands, and hiring photographers. Some of the reasons couples mention for holding a vow renewal include having passed through a difficult time in their relationship, celebrating a significant anniversary, or to have a religious ceremony if their original wedding had not been one. I was lucky enough to recently arrange and attend a renewal of vows in Dominican Republic. It was simply stunning, located along the beachfront overlooking the sea! Following the ceremony my clients chose to have champagne and canapés before heading off to an a la carte restaurant for their meal! Many hotels across the world now offer these for free when you have so many guests staying, for more information on hotels offering these types of packages please get in touch.

19 June 2018

No trip to South Africa would be complete without a visit to the diverse and vibrant city of Cape Town and her beautiful surrounds. Whether you’re going with a partner, friends, children or grandparents you’ll find something for everyone in the Cape, and if you’re a wine aficionado you will never want to leave! When visiting Cape Town city, it’s advisable to stay near the V&A Waterfront to be in the most central location for a lot of the sights and the Waterfront itself. The City Lodge V&A Waterfront is a great standard option with modern comfortable rooms and some harbour views. For the more discerning client just up the hill from the waterfront is the Mandela Rhodes Place hotel – and for a good budget hotel The Fountains is located around 7km away. For beaches head to Strand or Sea Point, and for night life Camps Bay is where it’s all happening. Renting a car to get around is a great way to see the City but uber or taxis are a very common sight on the streets of Cape Town and very easy and safe to use. An absolute must do is the cable cars to the top of Table Mountain – but for the very fit and adventurous or those not wanting to stand in the lines, you can hike to the top of the mountain. Be prepared to spend at least a day when opting for the hike. Boulders beach for the kids is a gorgeous little side trip. Boulders is known well for the massive penguin colony that calls this beach home, the penguins are protected, and people are stopped from walking on the beach but can navigate the colony via a series of board walks. If you feel your nerves can stand it, head to Hout Bay and hop on a shark cage diving boat. Seal Island, just off the coast of Cape Town is known around the world for their huge Great White Sharks and you are guaranteed to see one. From the Ratanga Junction theme Park, world class aquarium and multiple museums Cape Town is a wonderful family vacation. Heading out towards Somerset West – around 35 minutes’ drive from Cape Town and onwards up to Franschoek, Stellenbosh and Paarl, you will find yourself heading straight into wine country. 5-star dining and world class wines are the order of the day here. Take the Wine Tram day tour to put a little old-world charm in your trip, while drinking and travelling safely on the wine farm tour. Spier wine farm in Stellenbosch deserves a day all of its own to experience farming the old way. Considered its own little Hamlet Spier boasts Eight restaurant, a farm to table dining experience of absolute taste and quality. Picnics and Segway tours are both very popular on the farm as well as the Eagle encounter and spa. There’s not enough blog to be able to rave about Cape Town enough. Contact me today to get your next African adventure planned!

19 June 2018

We were going to get use of our express passes - and go on all the fun rides in Universal we so far hadn't tried. I was with the brave gang of 5 who went off to do the exhilarating rides. We decided that we wanted to do all the big rides and max out our passes, the Hollywood Ride (that's the big one), the Hulk (again not for the faint hearted), Jurassic Park, Despicable Me, and Kong. You get the picture. They are all great rides and took me back to being a big kid again, who doesn't have this side of them when in a theme park? The technology on these rides is amazing and the queues can get long. With the express pass you are still waiting for 15 minutes which is hard work when it is so hot, I would say triple it if you are on normal passes. On a normal holiday I wouldn't do so many rides on the same day, I would pace it out and enjoy the ambience as there is so much going on. The rides still go on later so if you are staying on site wait until later when it is cooler and sample the rides as by then the crowds will have gone. The water rides do not operate when it rains, and the pools close too which is a bit of an odd one so it’s good to check the weather forecast. I have to say on the night we did the rides it was amazing as you get to see the surroundings all lit up! In the evenings we enjoyed different restaurants and venues on the city walk which is just outside the park. Pat O'Briens, with its duelling pianos, took a few casualties the following day with its potent hurricane cocktails. We ate at a few interesting locations like Toothsom chocolate factory. A replica restaurant to the one in Jaws, replica of Mo's Bar from The Simpsons for lunch. My favourite night spot was Rising Star the karaoke bar which if unlike me - you are a singer you can get on stage and sing your song with a live band and your very own backing singers! It was a crazy few days fitting everything in including shopping at the mall before we got on the plane. The malls are excellent by the way so leave some room in your suitcase.

08 June 2018

Many people travel to the Dominican Republic every year and for me this wasn't the first time, I wanted to share with you a little history and the reasons why we have had yet again another fantastic holiday! Over 500 years after the island of Hispaniola was declared by Columbus to be ‘the fairest land under heaven’, the Dominican Republic continues to wow visitors with its incredible natural beauty. With over 1,000 miles of idyllic white beaches caressed by crystal-clear turquoise waters, untouched tropical rainforest, the Caribbean’s highest mountains, stunning national parks and secret underground rivers that lie within deep caves, the Dominican Republic offers the perfect natural playground for both adventure and relaxation. If you can tear yourself away from the endless sand that graces the island’s shores, then you will be sure to find gorgeous scenery and colourful tropical birds. Jeep safaris are a great way to explore the island’s pristine rainforest (read on to find out about our excursion), lush vegetation, towering mountains and tumbling waterfalls. Venture further afield to discover some culture and visit Santo Domingo, the capital, which is also the cultural heart of the island. This vibrant city is the oldest European settlement in the western hemisphere and boasts beautiful botanical gardens, fascinating museums and historic sites, elegant restaurants and lively bars including the unique Guácara Taína which lies deep within a huge cave. Whether you are eager to explore the island canyoning, zip-lining, kite-surfing and reef diving or are happiest sinking into soft white sand whilst sipping cocktails under the shade of a coconut tree, then the Dominican Republic is the ideal exotic Caribbean destination. There is so many hotels to choose from and with everyone having their own needs you will certainly find the right one for you! We stayed in the Dreams La Romana. This wasn't our first experience of Dreams as we have stayed with them before, but this is their most luxurious hotel on the island. Located in La Romana around 45 minutes from the airport in a private transfer, it lies along the Caribbean side of the island, and you certainly won't be disappointed by the beach or sea - a beautiful turquoise blue! We upgraded to Preferred Club rooms, you receive additional benefits for this such as different locations for breakfast, amenities, additional swimming pools etc. The rooms were beautiful, very spacious and lovely views across the resort as well as the sea. We spent 12 nights in total at the resort and managed to dine in every one of the 8 restaurants. There really is a great choice here with Italian to French as well as an excellent fish restaurant Oceana! There is no reservation required for dining which makes it very easy to take life slowly and enjoy your holiday, you are also not limited to the amount of times in each restaurant. The one thing to note is that they each close once per week so good to check if you are planning a special night! This staff at this resort were wonderful, nothing was too much to ask for. We did tip the various staff who looked after us which is recommended, they also love a mention! Ariel was our bar man, Miguel looked after our sun bed requirements, Mr Picasso kept the children up to date with the activities on daily from pottery to foam beach parties! Eduardo and Freddy who were waiters at the Grill - our favourite place for lunch overlooking the sea were fantastic and always gave us a great table with lovely views! And finally, we used the water sports almost daily, you can take out the pedalo, stand up paddle boards, canoes and catamaran daily for free. Alberto who ran the centre was amazing and very helpful. We also took advantage of the locally payable water sports which were very reasonable. In addition to using the hotel facilities we also booked 2 excursions, one to Saona Island and the other was the Side by Side Polaris trip which included the natural springs in the National Park as well as 4x4 buggy fun! I highly recommend these, this is the second time we have done the Side by Side trip and it is so much fun, especially if a larger group. Big thanks to Daniel who took us! Saona Island is beautiful and well worth the trip - speedboat there and catamaran back! These can both be booked in the hotel. Overall I can highly recommend this resort and the Island of Dominican Republic , my family had a wonderful time, and we would certainly return again!

14 September 2017

When I first arrived in the Maldives , I had no idea what to expect, but what I did know was it was a dream about to come true! The noise of the speed boats and sea planes buzzing around filled me with excitement of the islands I was about to discover! Taking a speed boat on to the first island was like being wrapped up in a scene of James Bond! As we arrived at Baros I could see in the distance this beautiful island like a drop in the ocean I had only imagined until now. On arrival we were greeted by staff with a cool fresh towel and a signature Baros cocktail , what a perfect start to island life. What I hadn't been prepared for was how quiet and peaceful an island that was at full capacity would be, but at night it is when it really comes to life. Our villa was the most incredible place I have had ever stayed in with stunning outdoor bathrooms, if only we had the weather in England for something like this! Beautifully designed with a private decking area and stunning views across the Indian Ocean with nothing to distract you in view. I was lucky enough to swim with black tipped sharks, turtles and the most vibrant beautiful fish ever. You don't need to dive in the Maldives to see this, the ocean is alive with delights. Strolling along the beaches and looking over the ocean gives you a sense of time standing still, I had to pinch myself to really believe I was there, something I will never forget. If you looking to celebrate a special occasion or make a really special moment I can highly recommend beach front dining, it is truly magical with your own butler and the sand beneath your feet sipping on cocktails and the sound of the gentle waves, it is incredible. From Baros we took a speed boat back to Male and then hopped onto a Sea Plane, what an experience this was! The pilot rocks up with flip flops, shorts and shades and gathers you all to climb on board, I felt like I was waiting for Christmas all over again as a child having heard how incredible the planes were. The views from these are just amazing and there is no other way to experience the beautiful views of the islands you see in magazines then by a Sea Plane! We arrived at Maafushivaru, and wow the tiniest island with total barefoot luxury! This island takes about 10 minutes to walk around and they have no motorised water sports here so the tranquillity is perfect. Again at full capacity but you wouldn't have a clue, until the evening when everyone gathers round for cocktails and music, they even have movies on the beach under the stars! The other magical thing about Maafushivaru is that it is the only island to have its very own private island which you can hire to yourself, incredible, take a pack lunch over for the day to truly live island life! I was incredibly lucky to have been to these islands and more, if you would like to experience the Maldives and the beauty they have please get in touch with me and I can help bring these dreams come true.