01 November 2018

Two weeks prior to my departure I received my itinerary from A&K Villas. The presentation and details were completely on point. I flew to Pisa from Stansted Airport on the 20/10/2019 on a two-hour flight. We arrived in resort and passed customs within 15 minutes - extremely fast and efficient. We then collected our luggage and signed for our car hire pick up with Alamo on-site at the airport. Driving in Tuscany is right-hand drive with narrow roads and road signs are not as clear so sat navigation is highly recommended. We drove for two hours in a beautiful village called Gaiole in Chianti in Tuscany, villa Casetta nel Chianti greeted on arrival by our villa host Liz and Manager Maja for A&K Villas. Maja had explained all the details we needed to know and showed us around the villa. Every detail was covered including emergency numbers, local cabs, local villages and health and safety. Upon arrival I was mesmerised with the beauty tucked away in the vineyards with breathtaking views of Tuscany. Our villa was surrounded by trees and hills and grapes that you can pick and eat freshly. We were tucked away in a very secluded part of Tuscany. It was a total escape from everything. The locals were really friendly and hospitable with their local charms and tractors as they pass you by. The villa was fully equipped with everything we would need for the week ahead. On arrival Liz had shopped for us so we had basic essentials such as bread, milk, eggs fruit, juice, margarine, and even the local wine. Logs of wood had been freshly cut in case we wished to light a fire in the evening. The kitchen was fully equipped, and the laundry room had everything we needed. The barbeque was cleaned and ready to use. The villa had four bedrooms all en-suite with a swimming pool and an extra outhouse en-suite bedroom as an additional. My extended family had joined me on this trip and there were eight of us. The character and charm that the villa had is hard to describe - it was beautiful. Liz visited every day to ensure a smooth stay. The day we arrived, Siena (a village close by) was hosting the Palio which is a traditional horse racing event. Siena had cobbled streets with designer shops and Italian restaurants and Gelato everywhere, the atmosphere was once again very pretty. We drove to a village 20 minutes down called Montevarchi and got a train to Florence. The drive would have taken us just over an hour, but we chose to take the train to experience the atmosphere. Upon arrival in Florence we visited Dome Cathedral, Piazzale Del Duomo and Piazzale Michelangelo, it was certainly a city of romance and culture that’s bustling with atmosphere, designer shops, horse carts, markets and a small canal that runs through the city. The Cathedrals looked like a picture postcard almost surreal, museums and statues were incredibly detailed and ornate. We also visited Venice for a day which once again we took the train from Montevarchi station and parked our car at the car park for free all day. On our last day we dropped our car off at the Airport and took a shuttle into Pisa. It took us 20 minutes; we paid to leave our luggage at the airport storage and off we went to see the Leaning Tower of Pisa. We went to the top of the tower which cost 38 Euros and the walk up was tiresome but worth it. We then had some light lunch and Gelato to end our stay that had been incredible in Tuscany. Tuscany was incredibly beautiful and recently has become home to many celebrities who wish to tie the knot especially amongst the Bollywood industry. Tuscany is a very romantic place to visit, the cost of living was very good, and it’s very easy to commute to. The vineyards are very well looked after by the locals and June is a great time to visit as the olive trees, and grape picking is amazing. I would highly recommend Tuscany and the villa was amazing as it gave us the independence to enjoy at our own pace. We also hired bikes out and rode the bikes through the valleys and vineyards inhaling the fresh air, it was an experience of its own kind.

24 March 2015

We travelled in style with Cathay Pacific and Langham hotels from Manchester on a 11 hour flight that felt like a 5 hour journey. The inflight entertainment was amazing. I don't generally eat on a flight the food was actually really a surprise. We arrived in Hong Kong with a group of 12 other agents not knowing what to expect, and an itinerary full for the next few days. At Hong Kong airport I was amazed at the size of the airport and the efficiency of passport control. Outside we were greeted by Hong Kong tourism whom were our secondary sponsors. It took us almost a hour to arrive at Mongkok Langham Place Hotel where we were greeted by some exceptional staff and welcome drinks. Mongkok was not what I expected at first. I felt I was in Mumbai all over again..... the next few days where the most amazing days that took me through a journey of real Hong Kong I LOVED EVERY MINUTE OF MY JOURNEY! We stayed in Mongkok at the Langham Place for me I love being central and this hotel was perfect. It was minutes form the metro station and adjacent to a shopping mall, three bars within the hotel, and 3 Michelin-starred restarant The Flower Market was a five minute walk, but the Ladies market was a shoppers haven and a mere10 minute walk. I love shopping and the ladies market was excellent, the smell and aroma of local cuisine, the locals shouting and haggling the streets full of locals and shoppers, the hustle and bustle, an experience that will stay with me for a lifetime. The following day we visited Hong Kong island and the financial district, now this is what I had seen in the pictures and imagined it to be like but I preferred Mongkok it had grown on me. The new Disney theme park is very easily accessible. The cable cars and Grand Harbour was amazing - the harbour view is a must. Day 4 we visited Macau a man made Chinese copy of Las Vegas. We travelled by ferry and took us two hours passport control once again was very easy. Macau was a true experience. Visiting the colonial Portugese streets full of temples and buddas, Portugese way of life once again I was exceptionally shocked at the shoppers haven, I loved it... Then Las Vegas the MGM, Excalibar, Luxor shopping malls and gambling what a buzz On the last day we travelled at leisure to explore the island of Hong Kong by MRT trains at our own leisure. I always get lost wherever I go however the trains were so easy to use, efficient and extremely cheap. I returned without getting lost with no money and lots of goodies! The day ended with a relaxing rooftop spa treatment and a swim. What an amazing experience - combine Hong Kong with a beach destination you will not be disappointed! And be sure to visit Macau whilst you're there. My expectations were exceeded, I am sure you will be blown away too. HONG KONG I'LL BE BACK

12 November 2008

Dubai, amazing from the moment we flew out until the moment we returned...... We flew with Virgin airlines, and checked in on-line which was hassle free. On boarding the aircraft it was great that the stewardess came round with a childrens funpack, and took photo's of the children for their memories of flying with Virgin. It was a six hour flight, the food was great, the children did not complain either as they had their own entertainment and children's meals. When the aircraft doors opened I felt I was walking into an oven.... the heat was great. We decided upon a multi-centre holiday as I love shopping, and my children love the beach! We stayed at the Madinat Mina Salem Hotel in Jumeirah for five nights. The hotel was impeccable. The service was outstanding and the food quality was above my expectations.... I hardly saw my girls during the day as they would go to the kiddies club. Great for me as I could enjoy my day and relax enjoying the many facilities. The hotel is made up of three seperate hotels; Mina Salaam, Al Qasr, and Daral Marsyf. They have little 'hamra's' that take you around the hotel. The Mina Salem gave us free access to the Wadi Wadi Aquapark next to the hotel so we saved alot of money. We also had a free entry to view the 7* Burj al Arab hotel. We were right on the beach which was perfect and it also had it's own shopping centre. Outside the hotel we got a cab to the Emirates shopping mall which was not far, just a 5 minute drive from the hotel. Within the mall is the largest indoor ski slope in the world. The shopping centre had Mustang's, Mercedes, Lamborghini's, and Porsches parked outside. Basically we found that all the local Arab's shop here, as all the designer boutiques are under one roof. So if your looking for a designer handbag, this is the place to be. Our second centre was the Grand Hyatt hotel in the city, I was distraught as I thought, 'my god', I do not want to leave our first hotel...upon arrival we entered the reception... it was GRAND!! The hotel was just as nice as the previous. I thought the breakfast at the Mina Salaam was nice, this was better!!! They again had spa treatments and club's available for the children. They also had aqua slides in the swimming pool which kept my children entertained for hours. The hotel was a five minute drive to the local Bur Dubai, and fifteen minutes to the gold souk which was perfect. Do not forget to experience the safari desert excursion, truly amazing! Dubai is a safe country, I was out with my friends alone most times and it was fine. Overall the holiday itself was outstanding.....people are very friendly and the food was great! I would definitely go back!

04 November 2008

We flew to Malaysia, via Dubai, with Emirates airlines. This was my fourth time I was visiting Malaysia, but I find each time I visit, I love it even more. I stayed at the Mandarin Oriental hotel in Kuala Lumpur for 6 nights then we went onto Penang. The Mandarin Oriental is a 5* property adjacent to the famous Suria KLCC shopping centre, with an amazing view of the twin towers. The city is bustling with excitement, and amazing for the shopaholics....you pay a fraction of the price that you would back in the UK, so you can imagine you end up with another two suitcases on your return. Designer shoes, handbags, and electrical goods are vastly available. Kuala lumpur is full of historical sights, and adventures. They have a very big aqua park half an hour from the city, very easily accessible, with a 14 storey shopping centre above the theme park, and a manmade beach for the beach lovers. Food is not a problem - there is a variety of oriental cuisines, as well as the usual fast food outlets such as Subway, Mcdonalds, Burger King and KFC. Hotels in Malaysia are of a high standard. Taxi's are quite reasonable as well. Whilst here we visited the famous China town and Little India. I love Malaysia, and cannot wait to visit KL again. Penang was a lot more quiet, beaches were nice but you do have to be careful of the starfish, and jelly fish. We stayed at the Rasa Sayang on Ferranghi Beach; it was great! I did not see the children all day as the Kids Club here was amazing, and they had an indoor games arcade, with lot's to do. The hotel had 2 large swimming pools, and we were right on the beach. From the beach there was many extensive watersports available for us. In the evening we would dine out in the neighbouring restaurants, and then we would go to the night market right outside our hotel. The weather was brilliant in Penang which made our stay perfect as we could spend all our time on the beach. Then we flew home via Dubai, for 3 days just to break up the thirteen hour flight. The holiday was great and I would definitely go back.........

10 September 2008

We were in two mind's whether or not to visit Egypt as we had heard such mixed reports, but my oly advice is go for it! We left home that morning and all I can remember was the rain! We got to the airport and boarded the flight. The best thing about this holiday was that I did not have to worry that I would be sitting on that flight for too long. When we got to Egypt, the aircraft doors opened and all I remember is the heat - it was great. My children were well excited that they had some sun and left all their friends behind in the rain. We chose to stay at the Jaz Mirabel Beach Hotel. It was brilliant - a perfect choice. We had a family room but they had interconnecting doors so me and my partner had some privacy too. The hotel had it's own children's club, we were right on the beach and it was all inclusive - just perfect! The children would go to the club at 10am after breakfast and would do some activities, return for lunch and go back to the club. The rep's would then take them in the afternoon to the Aquapark at the sister hotel next door and swim with them. After 4pm they would then bring them back and take them for some pizza, or burgers and ice-cream. It was great, they loved it and so did we. The fantastic children's club allowed for me and my partner to enjoy some quality time together so we would then go swimming, or the gym, quad biking from the beach, and on one occasion we even hired a moped and explored the surrounding hotels. We visited Cairo for the day which we booked locally, and they even arranged our visa's for us as we did not get them when we arrived. In the evenings we would visit Naama bay, to try some Shisha and Arabian tea. There are many clubs in Naama Bay too so if you fancy some nightlife it's great. The beaches are great - the water is crystal clear blue, and corals are amazing. We went to see the dolphins, and if you have ever dreamed of swimming with one then you can in Egypt and it's not that expensive. I could not get myself to stroke one, let alone swim with one... I was too petrified. I would definitely go back especially for some Winter sun .