18 October 2023

Pompeii and the Amalfi Coast has been on my wish list for a long time, so we finally managed to have a few days on this beautiful coastline of Italy. We based our stay at the lovely 4* Hotel Caravel, located in the resort of Sant Agnello, a short distance from Sorrento centre. The hotel has a traditional feel but they have managed to keep the public areas and rooms fresh and modern. Our superior room had a good size balcony and overlooked the outdoor pool area. We could also see Mount Vesuvious to the distance. They also have sea view rooms located on the 3rd and 4th floors. The room was a good size with modern features with tea/coffee making facilities and mini bar. We were based on Bed & Breakfast basis, which was served in the main dining room with lots of options to suit all tastes and requirements. There is a bar/open seating area, outside terrace and pool. We managed to have a couple of hours by the pool, but didn't venture in it, although it did look inviting on a hot day. We had two lunches at the hotel, returning after our tours and sitting on the shaded outside terrace which was welcome after a busy morning. The hotel operates a bookable shuttle service by mini bus to Sorrento centre. You do have to decide when you want to go in and return but it only takes about 5/10 minutes. You could walk, but I think it would take about 20/25 mins. A few minutes walk from the hotel there are some restaurant options and right on the cliff front there is a nice bar with amazing views along the coast and the Bay of Naples. The staff at the Caravel are very friendly and helpful and always had a cheery Hello. The hotel organised two excursions for us, a half day escorted trip to Pompeii and a full day boat trip to Amafi and Positano, but they also have lots of other options. Pompeii did not dissapoint and was very interesting, well worth a visit. Amalfi and Positano were very pretty with shops and restaurants to explore. Sorrento is a lovely town with a mixture of history, bars/eating places. One end is modern shops and then other more independent traders which offered crafts, clothes and much more. The views from the viewing areas by the cliff side were amazing and you can get a lift down to the sea level, where there are bathing platforms and sea access. We will go again and spend a bit longer next time exploring this stunning coastline that has much more to offer!

07 June 2023

The Loch Lomond area of Scotland has always been on my list of places to visit and we recently enjoyed a short stay in this region. We decided to drive, with an overnight stop on the way in the Lake District town of Kendal. We have been to the Lake District before, and I have to say, there are prettier towns and villages, but it is situated close to the motorway. Our base for the next four nights was the Drimsymie Holiday Village, Lochgoilhead, booked via Hoseasons. We stayed in a three bedroom Pond View Lodge, which had views over the estate, mountains and had a peek of the Loch. The drive to Lochgoilhead from the main road is single track with passing places, and is a good 15 minutes drive to get to, but so worth it once you arrive in this stunning rurual location. An ideal spot to relax, go for walks or explore the area. If, like us, you are planning on getting out every day, you may want to be a bit closer, perhaps one of their sites on Loch Lomond, but we did not mind the extra time. The site has great facilities, kids indoor and outdoor play areas, indoor pool and activities and a really nice restaurant with great views over Lochgoilhead village. We ate there one night and the food was good + their sister pub/hotel in the village, which is a nice 10/15 mins stroll. The site has a handy shop, that sells everything you may need for your stay. Our Pond view Lodge was spacious for two people, maybe four, but might be a squeeze for 6. All the mod cons and a nice lounge area and outside decking. We didn't have a hot tub, but other lodges do, + there are other types of accommodation, including A frame wooden cabins. Our day trips included Oban, which is well worth the drive, Inverary, Lochgilphead and of course Loch Lomond itself did not dissapoint. We booked a cruise on it while we were there and the scenery is truly beautiful. So many lovely drives through ancient forests, mountains and so many Lochs in this area to enjoy including Loch Fyne, Loch Goil and Loch Awe! On the return we decided to make the drive in one day, we left very early and it took us 8 1/2 hours. (to Surrey!) I would recommend, staying overnight half way going and coming back or fly into Glasgow and pick up a car hire as it is an easy drive and much closer. If you would like to have more information on this break or would like to make a booking for the Drimsymie Holiday Village, please get in touch.

07 December 2022

I recently enjoyed a girlie weekend break at the Cheddar Woods Resort & Spa, in Somerset, UK. We stayed in an Axbridge Lodge which was very spacious, nicely decorated and had modern features. We had three bedrooms, two doubles and a twin which all had plenty of wardrobe space and TV's. One double also benefitted from having an en suite with walk in shower. There was a separate bathroom with bath and overhead shower, wc and washbasins. The kitchen, lounge and dining areas were all open plan with a fully fitted modern kitchen that had everything you could need, dining table and three good size sofas, TV and ample additional storage space. The Lodge is surrounded by decking and we had fantastic far reaching views, situated in an elevated position on the resort, through a second set of security gates. The public areas of the resort had reception area, indoor pool, spa, bar area and restaurant. There were also a couple of bowling alleys and a children’s small soft play area. I understand that there are also some outdoor activity areas, but we did not use them. The resort is in an ideal position to enjoy the village of Cheddar and close to the gorge, we used it as a base to visit the Bath Christmas market which was only a 50 mins drive and much quieter than staying in the centre of Bath. We ate in the resort’s restaurant the first night, where the food was reasonable and had a good choice. The second night after we had been to Bath, we ate at the Bath Arms Hotel which is situated in Cheddar Village which offered a nice cosy bar area and dining room. A good choice of food and nicely decorated for Christmas. The Cheddar Woods Resort & Spa is ideal for any time of year for any type of break, with or without children, as a base or just to chill.

07 December 2022

A weeks stay at the adult only TRS Turquesa was appreciated to escape the Winter chill. With temperatures around 29c during the day and a comfortable 24c at night with a few short sharp showers and then the sun soon comes back out! We flew direct from London Gatwick with British Airways into Punta Cana which had a flying time of approx 8 1/2 hrs, we enjoyed having a short transfer on arrival of around 25 mins. A warm welcome, cool drink and we were taken to our "Romantic Suite" situated in a separate building, courtyard style, a short distance to the reception and facilities. If allocated in a building a little further away then there is regular, on demand, golf buggies transporting guests around the resort. Our suite had a pool view, and the gardens surrounded all the rooms were immaculate and well-tended. Our suite was huge and had a four-poster bed (with TV), massive jacuzzi bath (in the room), bathroom with large walk-in shower, and double washbasins. A lounge area with another TV and ample storage. A safe, mini bar, coffee maker, steamer (for clothes). Each building has their own butler service who can make restaurant reservations and is on hand to assist with anything you may need. They also have pools with beds and bar, and we found this area to be quieter than the main pool (nice background music) and plenty of space. The "main" pool had more of the activities and did appear busier and there was also another pool option to choose from. The TRS Turquesa is part of the Grand Palladium group which has four hotels on the resort, The adult only TRS and then the Grand Palladium Palace, Punta Cana and Bavaro Suites. The TRS facilities are only available to guests of that hotel, plus you can use any of the options at the other hotels. We tended to have breakfast at Caprichos (TRS) and lunch at Helios (TRS) which was a mixture of buffet or a la carte. Our butler made the dinner reservations for us at a different restaurant for each night of out stay (7 nights) which included Italian, Indian and Mexican situated throughout the resort, either hopping on a buggy or enjoying a walk. There is also a theatre and pub on the resort, with plenty of bars and entertainment areas. We particularly enjoyed the lobby bar of the TRS for a G & T (premium) to watch the world go by or enjoy some music. I also "dragged" my husband to the silent disco one night, which was fun. There is also a host of daytime events to join in or pass on, it is up to you + an extensive sports centre. We managed to drag ourselves to the mini golf! A water sports centre on the beach had a host of options (at extra charge). The beach has lovely white sand, but unfortunately, they do have an issue with seaweed. The resort is trying to manage this by taking the seaweed away from the beach regularly. It did not bother us at all, but just so you are aware. If you are looking for a good value "Latin feel" Caribbean resort then I would recommend the TRS Turquesa if adult only, with lots of facilities on hand and choice of entertainment and eating, shopping and things to do, if you want them. If travelling with children or on a slightly lower budget, then any of the other hotel options on the resort would also work. Our direct flight back from Punta Cana was around 7 1/2 hours, back to the chill of the UK in November!

26 September 2022

The opportunity arose to have a weeks stay at the 5* Les Orangers Garden Villas & Bungalows, Hammamet, Tunisia. So we decided to have a family break, consisting of 4 adults and 2 kids aged nearly 4 and 21 months. (So not a relaxing break!!) the first week of September. It has been a while since I have visited Tunisia and I was reminded how warm and welcoming the people are and how keen they are to have more visitors from the UK. We flew into Enfidha Airport with Easyjet, which is a pretty modern airport, given that it is only a local one, and then had a private transfer of around 35/40 mins. The hotel is situated right next to a stunning soft sandy beach with lovely well tended gardens to enjoy. We had two ground flooor rooms with terrace which were modern and spacious. If your budget allows then it would be nice to have a sea view and they also offer bungalows if you fancy some extra room. The hotel has three pools. The main pool is right next to beach and has plenty of beds and parasols. No childrens section but there are steps down into it that our kids played on. The second pool is near the spa and does have a childrens section and there is also a nice indoor pool too. The spa offers a range a of treatments and we all enjoyed a 30 mins massage, which was lovely. The beach is soft sand and again there are plenty of beds and shade, which was a must in the 36c temperatures we were experiencing. The ocean was clear and inviting and there are a couple of watersports operators nearby with a range of activities on offer (at extra cost), plus camels going up and down the beach for anyone who fancied a ride. A beach bar offering waiter service or get your own that also did burgers/pizza at selected times. We found that tipping the pool/beach waiting staff a few dinar every day or so gave us better service as they were very busy and by the last few days we had them bringing us buckets of drinks as soon as we sat by the pool! The hotel has lots of indoor and outdoor seating areas and there are two nice bars, one on the roof and the other inside with a terrace option too. As the hotel offers all inclusive, we ate in the main restaurant which had a good selection of food with chefs cooking fresh options like grilled meats, pasta and stir fry. We ate in the outside terrace set menu waiter service area one night but I felt it lacked atmposphere and the food was not as good as in the buffet. In the Winter months they have an inside a la carte restaurant that perhaps offers a better proposition. Unfortunately there was no after dinner entertainment which I found was the only negative, but you could visit the sister hotel next door that did have more going on. There was a kids club too but we did not use this facility. Overall we had a lovely family break, I would recommend this hotel for a relaxing break or time with kids where you do not need lots going on. I would definitley visit again.

27 June 2022

After a two year wait we finally managed to take our trip to Canada in May 2022. We started our journey with a short stop in Toronto as we both wanted to see Niagara Falls. Basing our stay in Toronto at the lovely Fairmont Royal York hotel, we enjoyed a full day trip to the Falls, with stops at the pretty Niagara on the Lake and a vineyard. As you would expect the Falls are epic and yes, we did get wet on our cruise, but great fun! We then headed across to the West coast and Vancouver where we had a short stay before we were to board the iconic Rocky Mountaineer train. We just had time to have a wander around Vancouver to get our bearings and took the ferry across the false creek to Granville Island. A bright and early start for our trip on the train and as you board to the sound of bagpipes, it really does send a shiver down your spine in anticipation of what you are going to see! It really does not dissapoint. Two days (with overnight hotel stay in Kamloops) from Vancouver to Jasper, journey through the clouds. We treated ourselves to Gold Leaf service. Lovely food, friendly, knowledgable, attentive staff and of course stunning scenery. We saw Eagles, Egrets, long horned sheep, elks and yes - BEARS! Our home for a couple of days in Jasper was the Bear Hill Lodge where we stayed in a cute cottage. A great location and ideal experience of staying in a lodge/cottage without being in the middle of nowhere. Jasper's mountain backdrop offers a more natural and "wild" feel and is a great location to explore this area. After collecting our car hire we joined the Icefields Parkway. Wow! what a drive, the views just got better and better. We stoped at Sunwapta Falls on the way to the Icefields Adventure Centre, where we had booked a trip on to the glacier (by special vehicle) and Skywalk. As you drive on to the glacier and get out and walk on it, it is truly amazing that it has been there for 1,000 of years, but may not be there in another 50 years. Now I do not like heights and as part if the excursion had the Skywalk to contend with! A glass bottom walkway off the edge of the cliff. Just walking to the entrance was a challenge, but I really pushed myself and I did it! Definitely worth the experience. We then got back in our car to travel the remainder of the parkway down to Banff. Our base in Banff was the lovely Moose Hotel & Suites. A great location, makes you feel like you are in a mountain resort. We had a superior one bedroom suite which was really nice and great to have extra space, with balcony and mountain view. We popped back up to Lake Louise to find it was still frozen. It may not have been what we were expecting in terms of a blue lake, but to actually say that we have walked on it, is different!. We even popped in to the gorgeous Chateau Lake Louise for a coffee and look around. The next day was another challenge for me, the Banff Gondola, 7,486 feet up the Sulphur Mountain. I had been on a high gondola before (Lake Tahoe), so knew I could do it and the views are stunning! Mountain ranges, Banff and the lakes - not to be missed. We did have a cruise on Lake Minnewanka booked but it was also still frozen in places, so the boats were cancelled, but we decided to take the short drive to see it anyway. A lovely natural calm, serene, beautiful location. Banff is a lovely town with lots of good shops and restaurants, a more vibrant experience, with lots to see and do. After Banff we drove to Calgary and our short flight back to Vancouver for the last leg of our trip. Our base in Vancouver was the Hilton Downtown. It's location is ideal for everything you will want to see. Great staff, nice restaurant and good facilities, just what you need. We had a two room suite, we appreciated the extra space to chill in between excursions. Our first experience was an epic four hour electric bike tour. As it has been years since we have been on bikes, we really, really, appreciated the "boost" button! A great different way to see the city, including Stanley Park, with great guides, makes a change from bus or walking tours. The next day was another heights challenge - Capilano Suspension Bridge. We took the free shuttle (if you have tickets) from the city centre up to Capilano. A great set up with eating places and shop, very well organised and enjoyable. The bridge is suspended 230 feet above a gorge and raging river!. Of course the bridge moves when you walk on it, but I forced myself and was rewarded with a lovely rain forest the other side . A great adventure, I even did the treetops walk, I must be getting brave! Our last full day was whale watching. A bit rough going out but we were rewarded with spotting humpback whales! Very well organised and a great trip. Nest time I would like to see Orca's. Vancouver is a great city to visit. With water surrounding it and moutains in the distant, easy to get around and lots to see and do. If you fancy some retail therapy, there are some good shops too. An amazing, stunning trip to Canada, we really enjoyed it and it surpassed our hopes and expectations. Limited space here to mention everything, so get it touch if you want to hear more or see more photos! And yes, I am still afraid of heights!! Get in touch and I can organise your Canada Adventure.

24 March 2020

Although I have been to California a couple of times before, I hadn't been to the Winelands or further North, so I was looking forward to this work familiarisation trip. After a long flight via Chicago (I would never recommend an indirect flight, when there is a direct one!), we arrived in San Francisco late afternoon and collected our hire cars. Good job we had sat nav as we drove out of San Fran and over the Bay Bridge it started to get dark! Our first stop was Bodega Bay on the Sonoma Coast where we had a night's stay. As it was dark, we couldn't see much so had the opportunity the next morning of having some breakfast and a quick look around. Our hotel the Inn at the Tides is a lovely comfortable hotel just across from the food market, fishery and restaurant, all owned by the hotel. This area is where Alfred Hitchcock's The Birds was filmed! It is a gorgeous pretty bay and whilst we were looking around we were visited by a sea lion who was hoping for a scrap from one of the fishermen! After checking out we headed further North via a lovely little café in Jenner for a coffee break to the Redwoods State National Reserve. Wow, the trees are very high and there are some great walks and trails to follow. We then travelled on to Gary Farrell Winery where we had a lovely tasting with magnificent views from the elevated position. On to Healdsburg for lunch which was a lovely little town and somewhere I would love to have explored for longer but we had to make tracks for the long drive up to Lake Tahoe. We arrived into Lake Tahoe late and again in the dark so headed straight to dinner with our host. Our base for a few days was the Lake Tahoe Resort hotel which is situated right next to the state line with Nevada. On one side of the street is California and the other is Nevada with its large casino resorts, very strange! The hotel is in a great position on the main street with restaurants and shops nearby and only a few minutes walk to the gondola. Most of the group headed off for a day's skiing the next day but as I have a back issue I decided to have an explore and then braved the gondola, which takes you to 10,000 feet to meet them for lunch! Amazing views so it was worth my shaky legs!! This area is classed as South Lake Tahoe and has the benefit of skiing and winter sport activities and then during the other months you have water activities on the pretty lake and hiking, biking etc a real outdoor resort with lots to offer. We said goodbye to Lake Tahoe and headed back down to Napa, staying at the River Terrace Inn. A lovely peaceful hotel, situated near the Oxbow Public Market and Wine Train with lots of eating options and only a 10/15 mins walk to the centre of Napa. We visited two very different wineries a short drive from Napa. The Tudal Winery has been family run for over 40 years and set in about 6 acres so small, quirky and traditional. A tasting is very personal here and I would highly recommend for a more authentic experience. Our second visit was the Robert Mondavi Winery, which is a very different operation with over 400 acres. In a beautiful setting it was a very sleek tasting experience and an alternative option. We then said goodbye to Napa and headed back for San Fran for our last few days. I have been to San Fran before but enjoyed re-discovering this vibrant city. With a food tour around one of the ferry buildings that has lots of artisan food suppliers, yummy! A private cable car tour of the city, visit to Alcatraz (again) and a sunset boat cruise under the Golden Gate bridge. After a busy week it was time to head home, this time via Phoenix (never again!) A great combination of city, coast, countryside, lakes and mountains! If you are interested in this trip or I can tailor make your own perfect trip, please get in touch.

11 November 2019

We recently had a long weekend (Friday to Tuesday) trip to Dubrovnik, Croatia which has been on our wish list for some time! We stayed at the lovely Hotel More, in the Laplad area. Situated on a cliff overlooking a pretty bay the hotel has two restaurants, pool area and sea level bar area/sea swimming with a cave bar. We had a lovely sea view room with large balcony with amazing views. The hotel is a 10 minute walk down to the main area of Lapad that has a beach (pebbles), a few shops and restaurants. It is a further 5 minutes to the bus stop where you can catch the frequent buses into the old town, although they do get quite busy. The hotel staff were very attentive and friendly and breakfast had lots of choice served out on the terrace to enjoy the morning sunshine. The hotel does have lots of steps and although there are lifts (three in fact to access different areas of the hotel) I personally do not think the hotel is suitable for anyone with walking difficulties. We were on B&B but did have one meal in the hotel which was very nice. Dubrovnik old town is very pretty but does get very busy, particularly in the morning when the cruise passengers are there. the afternoon is a bit better. we went mid October and it was busier than I expected, but still ok. The temperature was around 24/25c so perfect! We booked a walking tour to give us our bearings and learn a little of the history. We also did the wall walk around the old town but I have to say as someone that doesn't like heights it was a bit scary at times but I am glad I did it! I didn't want to miss out on the views so also braved the cable car ride and we visited the Homeland Museum at the top. A gentle boat trip to Cavtat around 30/40 mins away down the coast, with a wander around and some lunch. Cavtat is a lovely alternative option if you just want to do a day trip to Dubrovnik and have more of a holiday break than city stay. We jumped on the bus back which took about 30 minutes. Staying in the Lapad area did mean we had to keep getting the bus and it may have been nice to stay closer or in the centre but then it was nice to come out and stay nearby but in a quieter more relaxing location. Dubrovnik lived up to our expectations and we even had time for a nice relax around the hotel pool a couple of times! Get in touch if you fancy a break to Dubrovnik.

03 June 2019

It has been about four years since we have been to Orlando and this time was a little different as we were attending a family wedding at Disney's Grand Floridian Hotel. We couldn't fit a beach stay in this time so it was all about getting the most out of our time there, doing as many of the parks as we could manage! Planning, planning, planning is the key when it comes to a holiday to Orlando. To take advantage of the ability to use fast pass (you have to have a pass for the parks, which I can help with) you really have to sit down and work out which parks you want to visit and which rides appeal to you. That way, if you are staying at a Disney Hotel you can pre-book your favourite rides (maximum three per day, subject to availability) from 60 days before you go. If not staying in a Disney Hotel you can still take advantage of this 30 days before. We did Animal Kingdom which despite going to Disney many times, we have never done before and was well worth the visit. Magic Kingdom for two days, Epcot and Typhoon Lagoon. We did not have time to do the other Disney Parks this time or Universal Resorts, but I have been before if you need any help with these. We stayed in a lovely villa with private pool about a 15/20 mins drive to the parks, with some great eating options nearby. My ideal itinerary would be staying in a Universal Resort Hotel for about four nights and then a Disney hotel for about 5/6 nights (or longer if you can manage it) and then a stay on the beach to relax after! The wedding day was beautiful, held at the Wedding Pavilion of the Grand Floridian Hotel which was stunning, with views across the lake to the castle beyond. Magical! Just time to stop at the Premium Outlets at Vineland Avenue for some bargains before heading home. Next time - more time to include Universal and definitely a beach stay, feel like a need another holiday now! Get in touch if I can help with your Orlando holiday.

26 March 2019

My husband and I fancied a little break away. We hadn't been to Bournemouth for a while and as it is only a couple of hours drive away we booked a 1 night stay last weekend (22nd March 2019). After a drizzly murky drive down we arrived at the Balmoral Hotel. Situated a few minutes walk to the front and town (ok down but back up heart attack hill!) the hotel is in an ideal situation and offered free parking which makes a nice change. We had a large bedroom with huge bed, lovely sea view and the staff were very welcoming. It has been a while since we have been to Bournemouth and a great entertainment/eating complex has been built overlooking the gardens. With a large Odeon Cinema, there are a good choice of restaurants like Miller & Carter, Las Iguanas, The Handmade Burger Co etc. What I love about Bournemouth is that it has something to offer everyone. Pretty gardens, good shopping, entertainment, amazing sandy beach and great walks. Plus you have the New Forest, Poole, Swanage and Lulworth Cove on your doorstep. The weather cheered up on the Sunday and we walked along the front to Sandbanks and back (approx. 8.4km) and rewarded ourselves with a ice cream! If you fancy a break in Bournemouth or the surrounding areas, get in touch.

11 March 2019

I recently spent the night on board MSC’s brand new ship Bellissima. It was only in Southampton for the launch, but it still gave me an opportunity to have a look around, sample the food and watch the entertainment from Craig David! She is huge! She can hold 5,686 guests, over 2,217 cabins in 15 different categories including the exclusive MSC Yacht Club. MSC for Me app is great to get all the information, advice and inspiration Zoe - in cabin Virtual Personal Cruise assistant (like Alexa!) 10 Restaurants 15 Bar/Lounges 5 Outdoor bars 6 Entertainment Lounges Spa Sports & Fitness - Classes, sport plex for football/basketball etc 5 Pools Kids Club and entertainment Activity complex I think this ship is great for families with children including multi-generational families, as there is something to offer all ages groups. It would also work well for groups of friends, as it would be great fun, with lots to see and do. If you would like to know more and get a quote (there are some great deals), get in touch.

30 October 2018

We spent a lovely week in Puerto Pollensa on the island of Mallorca in early September. We decided to stay in a villa as we like to have our own space so chose a pretty traditional two-bedroom villa with private pool and garden about a 15/20 minute walk to the beach and Marina area of Puerto Pollensa. It has been a few years since I have been to Mallorca/Majorca, but I had never been to this area before. What a pretty place with lovely bay and mountain views. It has managed to retain a Spanish feel but still cater for the needs of tourists with some very nice restaurants and shops to potter around. Although we stay in a villa, believe me we eat out most nights. I have not gone on holiday to cook and after dinner at one of the restaurants along the front we enjoyed walking along the promenade that stretches around the bay. We had an enjoyable day relaxing on the beach where you can hire a parasol and two beds for around 15 Euros. There are water sports available including kayaking. From the marina there are various boat trips to choose from too so plenty to see and do if you feel like exploring more. Pollensa town is only a 10/15-minute drive from Puerto Pollensa (bus or taxis available if you don't have a hire car) and is very pretty with lots of restaurants and independent shops to look around. The Sunday market it worth a visit too and is spread around the town but go early as it does get very busy. With a couple of good supermarkets, Puerto Pollensa is ideal if you want to cater for yourselves or like us get a few breakfast bits, a baguette for lunch and some ice for your G&T! If you prefer a hotel there are some good small independent options on the front to have the choice of eating places on your door step or there a couple of nice family options too if you fancy a few more kids’ facilities. We liked Puerto Pollensa so much we are going again next year (2019) with our daughter, son in law and granddaughter! Get in touch if you fancy a trip to Mallorca and Puerto Pollensa!

24 April 2018

My daughter and I were looking for a few days relaxing in the sun in luxury surroundings and service to spoil ourselves. That is exactly what we found at the Four Seasons Hotel, Limassol. I can see why this hotel has so many repeat guests and is a firm favourite with families, couples, groups and singles alike! The pull for this area of Cyprus is undoubtedly the hotel and it's staff. Situated about a 15-minute taxi from Limassol Town, the hotel is on the beach front with a sandy beach. I'm not a fan of sand that is any other colour than golden, but this is a light greyish colour which was very nice too! There are plenty of sun beds on the beach, garden and pool area with towel stations and staff on hand to take your drink or food order. The hotel is immaculate, as are the staff who are professional, attentive, friendly and willing to do all they can to make your stay special. They are a credit to the hotel. In terms of eating options, if you are on B&B or half board then you eat in the Tropical Restaurant that has inside and outside tables. There are also upgraded dining options where you can choose the Vivaldi or Seasons Oriental and even more options in high season including a Seafood Bar. We had breakfast every morning at the Tropical overlooking the tropical fish and had dinner here one night too. A lovely birthday (mine) treat at the Seasons Oriental (the portions are large here so be warned) and lunch in Colors Café and the Beach Bar too. There are plenty of relaxing areas to enjoy a pre or post dinner drink and premium nightly entertainment. Children are well looked after with kid’s clubs in school holidays and I can guarantee interconnecting rooms (subject to availability) as we have a direct contract at this hotel too. There are daytime activities for adults but they are very subtle and non-intrusive. There is an onsite dive centre and water sports are available on the beach. A gym, spa and indoor pool complete the picture. There are too many room types to list here, so get in touch with your party size and any children and I will investigate the best and most suitable options for you. We were allocated a land view room which did not have a balcony, that overlooked the road and buildings with some hills. I would highly recommend going for a garden or sea view room instead. If you are looking for somewhere to fly and flop with luxury surroundings, good dining options and attentive first-class service then the Four Seasons Hotel, Limassol is for you. Get in touch and I can make all the arrangements.

09 April 2018

My husband and I spent a lovely few days in Benalmadena recently. We have stayed in Marbella area of the Costa de Sol before but wanted an alternative base that we could use that offered facilities to walk to in the evening and chose the Mac Puerto Benalmadena Marina. We picked up a car at the airport and it was only a 20-minute drive to Benalmadena. Situated between Torremolinos and Fuengirola, I have to be honest I wasn't too sure if I would like this area as it can be a bit "touristy" but it was ideal for our needs. The hotel has an underground car park, so we left the car and checked into our room. A very spacious superior room on the 4th floor (top floor) with large secluded balcony overlooking the pool and promenade to the marina and beach. The staff at the hotel are very welcoming and on hand should we need them for information or help. The hotel could not be in a better position, a few steps from the promenade to take you to Torremolinos one way and then passed the Marina to Benalmadena Costa the other way. The hotel has a buffet restaurant, we were on B&B so only had breakfast, which had lots of choice to suit all needs. A bar area where they have entertainment like tribute singers but is not tacky. The restaurant and bar open out onto a very pretty courtyard where I am sure there is a great atmosphere in the Summer months with people having a drink before or after dinner or after being out for the day. A large pool and children's pool with sunbeds and pool bar, with a raised decking area that overlooks the sea and beach area. The hotel also has a hairdresser. There are lots of restaurant options on the door step which were very good. we opted for Metro Italian overlooking the Marina, an American Diner called Jacks and another Italian Da Fano near the marina. Plenty of nice bars to choose from too and some shops to browse around, this is an ideal area whether you are looking for a base, like us, or just to chill out. The beach is very nice, and you can hire beds and parasols from about €5 for the day. During our stay we drove down to Estepona as we had not been there before. We found a nice central car park which only cost €1 for the day! We had a wander along the front which had a nice beach and we could see Gibraltar in the distance. With some nice shops and pretty cobbled lanes that have different colored plant pots, this is ideal for a visit or event to stay a few days. We also wanted to see Mijas Pueblo and Costa. Mijas Pueblo is only a short drive from the coast and has amazing views of the Costa De Sol. I was expecting a pretty white washed mountain village and was not disappointed. With donkeys and horse and carts offering tours we decided to pick up a map from the tourist office and do a walking tour, following their map. It took up past pretty craft shops and lovely village houses with again lots of restaurants. We chose a café overlooking the main square to watch the world go by whilst we had out lunch. After a look around a street market we headed back to the car park which was again only €1! to drive down to Mijas Costa. A more typical Spanish resort with some shops/restaurants and a nice beach, we had a stroll around and then headed back to Benalmadena. The Mac Puerto Marina is ideal if you are looking for a base like us for a break in the sun, to do some exploring, a family trip or just to chill out.

19 October 2017

Dublin is a great place to visit, whether you are a couple, family trip or a group of friends. My trip was with a group of friends and we had a great time. I always choose a hotel with a good location as often if you are too far out you spend time walking in, then walking around which can be tiring or having to use the bus service, which is fine but much nicer to have a stroll. The Harding Hotel is situated in Fishamble Street, just on the edge of Temple Bar overlooking the Christchurch Cathedral. A former brothel (don't worry it was a long time ago) the staff at this hotel are very welcoming and do all they can to make your stay a great experience. The hotel has a bistro adjoining where breakfast is served and the Darkey Kelly pub, named after the lady of the house who was thought to be a witch, although now they just think she may have been a murderer instead of a witch! Darkey Kelly has loads of atmosphere and plays live music every night, and is THE place the locals go too. Food was pretty good and reasonable. Rooms are comfortable and bathrooms basic but perfectly fine for a few days. We did the Viking tour on the old duck buses that go in the water which was great fun. Tours of Whisky houses, Guinness, hop on/off bus tours, shopping or just sit in a bar and enjoy the music - Dublin has lots to offer!

04 October 2017

We wanted a break in the sun after a busy year and this all-inclusive hotel offered a nice stay. It has recently re-opened after a refurbishment but there are still ongoing plans to improve the facilities. We had a lovely modern. bright room with a balcony and sea views on the third floor. The area around the hotel is not the most attractive so although the other rooms are "mountain view" I would recommend going for sea view. The reception area is bright and airy and the staff are very helpful. The hotel has a cocktail bar area with seating inside and out and is a nice place to have a pre- or post-dinner drink. The staff here are good fun to sit with at the bar and watch or you can sit outside and enjoy the sea views. The is also a bar area by the pool that is open all day until late if you want to sit outside and there are two additional swim-up bars at either end of the pools with additional seating overlooking the beach area. The beach is a mix of grey shingle and pebbles so bring your water shoes and be careful going into the sea as it drops away quite quickly. There are plenty of beds on the beach and around the pool area, although they do get full up by the pool by 0900/0930. There is a bar on the beach which currently does not serve food but I believe this is in the planning. There is a water sports centre on the beach with all sorts of activities for an extra charge. The buffet restaurant has a good choice of food to cater to all needs, if lacking a bit of atmosphere in the evening. The a la carte restaurants can be visited once during your stay but only offer a set menu with a choice of three options, so a bit limited but made a nice change to be waiter service. To get out of the hotel for a bit we did have a meal locally and there are a handful of options within walking distance. If you want to go into Faliraki or Rhodes Town, there is bus stop outside the hotel or the boat docks on the beach to pick you up too. We didn't venture out as we have been to Rhodes Town before (which is very nice) and Faliraki did not really interest us as we were chilling! There is a great water park with water slides at the front of the hotel which looked great fun for kids and adults and has a bar which serves toasted sandwiches and burgers. The hotel has an entertainment team that offer activities around the pool during the day, which can get a bit noisy but if you like joining in, there is plenty on offer. If you want to get away from it, you can always go to the beach. There is an amphitheatre for evening entertainment too and the hotel also had a kid’s club. Overall this is a good all-inclusive hotel for all the family. If you are looking for somewhere quiet then there are other places I would recommend but if you like something going on and the value of all-inclusive with great weather then this is the hotel for you!

20 June 2017

We were lucky to enjoy a few days at the Jardines de Navaria Hotel in Costa Adeje, Tenerife. We had stayed at this hotel before, but not for a few years, so it was a great chance to re-visit and see the improvements that had been made since. When we first visited there wasn't that much around the hotel, but like a lot of places it has grown, so was a bit more built up than we were expecting, but the Jardines De Navaria is a little oasis. From the stunning entrance with the beautiful stained glass dome, to the lounge area, bar, restaurants and outside terrace and pool area, this hotel is an ideal option. There were a mixture of ages at the hotel but as we went in June it was mostly 50-plus or family groups or friends with baby/toddlers, but really it would be suitable for all due to the location. Breakfast is served in the Solandra restaurant, buffet style with every imaginable breakfast desire on offer! Guests on Half Board can also have dinner here. La Cascada is situated next to the pools, and since our last visit they have added an extra level with a bar area and comfy seats to enjoy a drink with sea views. We had lunch here a few times, which was very nice, and had snack options as well as other culinary delights. Again, if you are on a half-board package you can eat dinner here. La Cupula is now situated at the very top of the hotel, with amazing views and an a la carte dining option. Its ceiling is also painted with the solar system, which looks amazing. We didn't have time to eat here but it had a good menu which was more than reasonable. There was also a lovely bar area with outside terraces and entertainment and the best Hendricks Gin we had experienced all holiday! We were allocated a sea view room with balcony. There are a number of different rooms on offer housed in different buildings but none more than a few minutes from the main building. There are two om-site swimming pools, one heated sea water and one freshwater, which we were not brave enough to try, but I am sure would be refreshing on a hot day! There was also lots of sun bathing terraces next to the pool overlooking the sea. They have just opened a new Aequor Spa and hairdressers which offered lots of treatment options, and is an added bonus, while golf is available at all the nearby courses. There is a private gated entrance to the promenade that runs along the back of the hotel. At the front there are some nice restaurant options, while walking right will take you to the Plaza del Duque shopping centre. Turn left and there is more budget options including a nice Chinese that we went to, but this area is a bit more commercial. There is a long stretch of beach in front of the hotel and there are watersports on offer too. With a warm welcome and friendly staff this hotel will suit all, and is an ideal base to enjoy the Costa Adeje area.

20 June 2017

My husband and I were lucky enough to experience a few days stay in the magnificent Ritz Carlton Abama in Tenerife. This resort is surrounded by banana plantations, resting a short distance from the village of Playa San Juan and about 20 mins drive from Costa Adeje. Set within beautiful, well-tended tropical gardens, this Moorish-style hotel is set on its own, so is ideal if you either want a relaxing hotel with many facilities to suit all, or a base to drive out to other areas of the island. The resort is large, but this means that it retains an aura of peace and space. The hotel has a mini train that runs up and down the resort, all the way from the beach and up to the golf club. We walked the hill most days, but I admit we did jump on the train and call a buggy to pick us up a couple of times as my legs were aching! For selected room types you get your own use of a buggy. The resort is set up with the main building (citadel) housing the main reception, spa, kids club bars and most of the restaurants, alongside the main pool and family only pool. There are other pools and restaurants spread around the resort. Slightly further down the hill you have the villa style rooms, each sharing their own exclusive pool for the guests staying in each area. We were lucky enough to be allocated a garden view (although we could see the sea through the palm trees) deluxe room in the villas. It was an amazing room, with the biggest bed I have ever seen, which could easily fit 4 people in! A lovely pool area with staff on hand catered to our needs. There are many types of rooms on offer and depending on your party, I will recommend the best area on offer and I can offer competitive rates and can guarantee interconnecting rooms. Activities include the Annabel Croft Tennis Academy, an 18-hole, 72 par golf-course, kids club and spa. The hotel also run a daily programme of events that you can participate in if you wish. There are twelve eating options, including the Sports Bar, Lobby Bar and the a la carte options, alongside two Michelin starred M.B and Michelin starred Kabuki. We ate in the lovely Italian restaurant called Verona, The Beach Club and the Sports Bar. The prices are quite high but relative of staying in a 5* hotel, with excellent chefs and more dining experiences than just traditional eating out. I can pre-book your restaurant choices before you go. There is a lovely little sandy beach that has beds for use of hotel guests, a restaurant and bar service. It is private except for a few locals who are in the know! You reach the beach either by the train or the funicular, so lots of fun! Lastly, I must mention of the staff. From the check-in to check-out, we were made to feel very welcome and valued. All the staff were friendly and offered excellent service. I would have no hesitation in recommending this hotel for golf breaks, family holidays, honeymoons and groups - it has something to offer all.

20 June 2017

On a visit to The Jardines De Navaria Hotel, Costa Adeje, Tenerife, I was given the opportunity to visit their sister hotel - The Colon Guanahani, situated just opposite. I visited this hotel many years ago and wasn't initially overly impressed, but boy did I need to eat my words after having a look around. They have made many improvements and the hotel represents a good alternative to the Jardines de Navaria. It's a good four-star and reflects a different price level. It does only accept guests over 16-years-old, so if you are looking for somewhere without toddlers or baby's but is still close to all the amenities, then this is the hotel for you. Rooms have been updated and they now have an extra sun bathing terrace with sea views and additional pool area. The hotel is only a two minute walk down to the promenade., beach, local restaurants and shops, so the hotel is in a great location. With a buffet and a la carte dining options, a little spa area and bar, you have everything you need for a great holiday. I did not stay here so cannot comment on the staff or experience but I am confident that as part of the family run Adrian Hotels this hotel will not disappoint.

12 July 2017

I recently contributed to an article on being culturally aware when travelling abroad. Please see an extract below and a link to the full article for your interest. Be wary of your gestures and manners Another thing to be aware of when traveling abroad are common gestures and manners. For example, although something as simple as making the “OK” sign with your hand is completely normal in the UK, this same gesture would cause offense in Brazil as it has a vulgar meaning. Other gestures that convey different meanings from country to country include giving the thumbs up sign, as well as nodding and shaking your head. Similarly, while finishing the food on your plate is commonly done in the UK, in China this would cause great offence to your host by implying you’re still hungry and haven’t been provided with enough food to eat. However, in Japan it’s considered rude to leave food on your plate. Dress codes (and what is considered acceptable dress) also varies wildly from country to country. As an example, men are not allowed to wear shorts when out in public in Saudi Arabia, while women are required to wear an abaya over their clothes. In Thailand, women should cover their cleavage, though skirts and shorts are generally acceptable. Suzanne Robinson, a Travel Consultant at Travel Counsellors.co.uk says: “Being culturally aware when travelling is just about being prepared and doing some research on your chosen destination. Having knowledge of local customs before you arrive will save you the embarrassment of upsetting your host country and make for a much more enjoyable trip.” “Some countries are more used to dealing with tourists and corporate clients from other parts of the world, and often when staying in a hotel, there can be a more relaxed approach to local customs.” “Dressing appropriately is one of my clients’ main queries, and with a little research this can be easily planned for. Some destinations have local standards of dress including the covering of shoulders, legs, and heads. These rules do often apply to women instead of men, and whilst we may not be used to these restrictions on what women wear, ensuring they are adhered to can avoid unwanted attention or upset.” “Gestures that we may be used to can often have completely different meanings in other parts of the world. For example, beckoning someone by crooking your finger at them can be an insult in Asia and The Middle East. This all may appear to be a mine field of dos and don’ts, but it should not put you off travelling and seeing different cultures. There are some amazing places to visit.” https://www.alchemyglobal.co.uk/culturally-aware-working-abroad/

08 March 2017

When we were planning a long weekend to New York, we wanted to stay somewhere special and "traditional", so we chose the Waldorf Astoria Hotel. Situated on Park Avenue, it is a lovely iconic hotel. Whilst we were there, then President Barrack Obama was attending an event and there were secret service people everywhere. We didn't see him as he arrived in a special service elevator but it was still very exciting! There are many hotels and apartments on offer in New York for different budgets so let me know and I will find the perfect accommodation for your next New York break. I would also recommend pre-booking as you can save time queuing for tickets, and you’ll never be at a loss over what to do next. It does not have to be a regimented itinerary, as you can still have time to sit in the park or just soak up the atmosphere, but it allows you to relax knowing some trips have been paid for before you arrive. We pre-purchased tickets for the hop on/off bus, which is a great way of getting to know the city. If it’s your first time to New York or even if you have been before, I highly recommend the hop on/off buses as it makes it simple to discover all that the city has to offer. We also pre-booked tickets for The Empire State Building and The Top of the Rock (even though I don't like heights!). This way we knew what time slot we had and then did not have to get in long queues. If you have time I would recommend doing both as you get a different angle and views from them. Another trip we pre-booked in the UK was a boat trip to The Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island. We really enjoyed the trip and you really do not take in the size of the Statue of Liberty until you are standing underneath it! Ellis Island was very moving too. If you only want a view of The Statue of Liberty you can get this from the Staten Island ferry too, although not as close up! We pre-booked a helicopter trip over Manhattan and The Statue of Liberty for my husband (I had done this before on a previous trip) which he said was an amazing experience. If you like your shopping then of course New York has great iconic shops like Macys and Bloomingdales, but we also booked on a trip to the outlets at Woodbury Common which had some great brand offers. Walks in Central Park, the lights and buzz of Times Square, the bohemian feel of Greenwich Village, great eating places in Soho - New York has a lot to offer any time of year. Book a long weekend or visit as part of a multi centre holiday with Boston and Washington DC, or even get out of the city to see the grand "Summer Houses" of the Hamptons. Contact me for more information and to discuss your New York Holiday.

07 December 2016

We have been fortunate to have been to California twice, it is such a vast area with so much to see and do! The first time we went we concentrated on San Fransisco, Los Angeles and Las Vegas. We flew into San Fransisco, which I loved, trips included hiring bikes and cycling across the Golden Gate Bridge, catching the ferry back from Sausilito, stopping along the way wherever looked interesting and for a bite to eat. The trolley hop on hop off tour took in iconic sites like Fisherman’s Wharf, Union Square and China Town, to name a few. You really cannot visit San Fransisco without taking a trip out to Alcatraz Island. The weather that day decided to add to the atmosphere and it was misty and raining - very spooky but not to be missed! We then collected a hire car and drove down to Los Angeles. We walked down the Hollywood Boulevard spotting our favourite actors stars, The Chinese Theatre, Rodeo Drive and of course the iconic Hollywood sign. Santa Monica was next with a walk on the lovely beach and pier and an ice cream! We based our stay in Anaheim and took in Disneyland but there are plenty of accommodation options available. Dropping the car at the airport we then flew to Las Vegas, seeing the "strip" for the first time, Las Vegas is a really fun place to be with amazing themed hotels (we stayed in the New York New York), great shops, shows and non-stop action! We had pre booked a trip out to the Grand Canyon so were picked up from our hotel early one morning and taken to the airfield. An amazing flight over the Hoover Dam, landing at the rim of the Grand Canyon before transferring to a helicopter, flying over the Grand Canyon before landing at the bottom, moving on to a boat down the river and then back to the helicopter to do the return trip. A truly amazing experience we will never forget. The second time we went to California we flew into Las Vegas (Arizona), collecting a car at the airport we stayed a few days at the Monte Carlo Hotel. We then drove through Death Valley. To be honest I was a little nervous, wondering if my husband was trying to get rid of me! With temperatures of 100+, you have to keep turning off your air conditioning so the car does not overheat. The scenery is amazing with vast desert. Some people stay overnight but we decided to drive through in a day and head for our overnight stay in Mammoth Lakes. We were pretty tired but thought it was funny when we looked out of our bedroom window to see a couple of real cowboys tether their horses to a post in the car park, go in the trading post, buy some beers and get back on their horses and ride off. A lovely mountain resort with stunning scenery. After our overnight stay we continued on to Yosemite. Unfortunately our visit coincided with the Forest Fires so the route we were going to take was closed, after a long detour we arrived at our hotel. We had pre-booked a valley floor tour learning about the area and seeing El Capitan and The Half Dome, a truly stunning area. Next stop was the coast and Monterey, with an overnight stop and to do a spot of outlet shopping (I love a bargain). Monterey is a lovely town with Cannery Row area (old sardine packing) buildings converted into shops and restaurants. We had pre-booked a whale watching trip from here and were not disappointed! Apparently the bay area is one of the best places to see whales quite close to shore. Carmel is just down the road and has a really pretty village atmosphere with unique shops and tree lined avenues, with pretty Inns and an amazing white sand beach. We wished we had longer here so will have to go back! The a drove down the "Big Sur" all the way to San Diego with an overnight stop to rest. Really lovely coastline and we spotted something in a field on the side of the road we had not expected to see on the way (ask me if you want to know!) San Diego is another great place to visit with lots to see and do, on and off the water. This was a chance for us to have a rest but we still managed to hire some bikes and cycle around the Mission Bay area, Sea World and The Old Town. There is much more on offer so we will have to add it to the list to go back one day! If I am honest on the second trip we tried to cram too much in, the distances are vast so it was a bit too much driving. I would recommend working out what your highlights are and then I can work out and itinerary for you, spending enough time in each place to see it fully. You will just have to keep going again and again!

07 December 2016

We have been to Florida quite a few times and I have to say it is one of my favourite places. I guess this is because it has a mixture of things to do and see, great beaches, nice people, great shopping and just ticks all my boxes! If you are not in to theme parks, there is still so much to offer. Orlando is great for visiting the Theme parks, with so much accommodation to choose from. From resort themed hotels on the sites of the parks, apartments, condos to houses with private pools. We have stayed in lots of different places but last time we rented a house with a private pool about a 15/20 minute drive from Disney. This was great for spending a few hours relaxing by the pool before visiting the parks or coming back and flopping on the sofa after a busy day and relaxing with a glass of wine. The great thing about the theme parks is that they are always adding something new. Last time (2015) Harry Potter Land was new and we spent a great day looking around and experiencing some of the rides and magic! If it is your first visit to Orlando, I would suggest making a list of what you would like to visit and then depending on how long you are staying, we can work out an itinerary. This sounds a bit regimented but it’s really the best way to use you stay affectively. I can then work out the best passes for you and get these before you go to save queuing. Highlights for me over the years are Typhoon Lagoon, Magic Kingdom, Epcot, Universal Islands of Adventure and Universal Resort and Sea World but there is lots and lots more on offer. We also went to Kennedy Space Centre one year which was very interesting. You could spend your whole time at Orlando but if you prefer to spend some time on the coast then we have been to Fort Lauderdale, Siesta Key, St Petersburg and Anna Maria Island. We even combined with a stay in The Bahamas one year. Last time was Anna Maria Island near Sarasota which was great. We stopped at Busch Gardens on the way down, near Tampa. Anna Maria or AMI as the locals say is very pretty with an amazing white sand beach, lovely waterways and is not too far from St Armand's Circle which has more shops and restaurants. Whilst walking along the beach one morning on our way back from having breakfast at a beach café we spotted dolphins and a manatee - amazing! As you can probably tell I am a huge fan of Florida as it has everything on my tick list, great weather, lovely beaches, lots to do and see and shops! Next time The Florida Keys are on my list.

14 December 2016

Wonderful memories of family holidays as a child spent on The Isle Of Wight, drew us back for a little short break between Christmas and New Year 2015. We based ourselves in a B&B near Cowes but there are many options from hotels, apartments, lodges or caravan parks. Taking your car on the ferry from Portsmouth or Southampton makes you feel like you are going overseas but if you are not taking a car, you can travel as foot passengers and can get the catamaran from Portsmouth to Ryde and there is a very good bus service on the Island. We enjoyed whistle-stop visits to childhood haunts like Alum Bay and The Needles, Freshwater Bay, Ventnor, Shanklin, and Sandown. Also a brisk walk along the front in Ryde before a visit to the cinema and a hot chocolate. Whenever you decide to go, for a Summer Holiday to a Winter break and all in between, The Isle of Wight is a lovely place to go.

14 December 2016

We often like to take what we call a "cheeky little week" in September. It is often quieter and the weather is still good in most places. In 2015 we decided on Menorca. We had not been for a few years and it is a great place to go to with children too as it is not too far to travel, not too commercial and has lovely safe beaches. It was just the two of us this time and we wanted to re-charge our batteries so opted for a villa with pool in Son Bou. A walk to restaurants, bars and cafes and a bit further to a nice beach - it had all we needed. Days were spent relaxing by the pool reading a book, or exploring and re-acquainting ourselves with Menorca. There is one road from Ciutadella to Mahon (the capital) with roads off so it’s hard to get lost. Ciutdadella is a lovely old town with cobbled alleyways and pretty harbour. In Mahon we had a bite to eat and watched the world go by before taking a boat trip around the harbour. A lovely little island.

07 December 2016

I had a brief stay in Boston many years ago before travelling up to the mountains of Vermont, which incidentally is stunning, but I really wanted to go back and explore properly and also visit the area of Cape Cod. We flew into Boston with Virgin Atlantic, out in Economy with extra leg room and back Premium Economy, which were both very good. After picking up our car and negotiating the Boston traffic (which is very busy) we made our way through the tunnels under the water to head South to Cape Cod. We decided to split our stay so we could concentrate on different areas of Cape Cod. We spent our first few nights in Sandwich in a charming Victorian B&B. This is a pretty little village with a few shops and restaurants and has a lovely residential feel with beautiful old buildings and we enjoyed walking around and seeing them. We also decided to walk down to the boardwalk and beach which is a stunning natural beach where kids jump from the boardwalk into the water. Not for us but fun to watch (the water was cold)! Sandwich was also a great base and we booked as foot passengers onto the ferry to Martha’s Vineyard. We jumped on the bus and stopped at pretty little towns like Oak Bluffs and Edgartown with views across to Chappaquiddick Island and the multimillion dollar "summer houses". We also spent a lovely day in Hyannis Port where we had booked a train excursion through the Cranberry Bogs and then back in time to look around the many shops and have a lovely lunch. The second part of our trip was based in Chatham, which is a really pretty, up-market coastal town with some stunning houses and a good choice of shops and restaurants. There’s even an old fashioned cinema house. A walk through the town takes you to the Chatham Lighthouse. The amazing true story of the lifeboat and crew in a massive storm was turned into a film called The Finest Hours, well worth seeing. The odd thing is we had seen the film on the plane on the flight out but didn't know it was about the Chatham Lifeboat until we visited the lighthouse! The beach access is just opposite where there are miles of sandy beach to have a stroll, sit and have a rest or soak up some sun. From Chatham it is also an easy drive up to Provincetown which is a very bohemian town with lots of art and craft shops. There are also a good selection of boat trips from here including whale watching. After out stay in Cape Cod we headed back up to Boston where we dropped the car back and took a taxi to our base, the Taj Boston, situated opposite the Public Garden in a great position. Boston is a great city on the water and very easy to walk around. We pre-booked a Duck Tour (I can get tickets for you) which was great fun. I had never been on one before but it is an experience, driving on the streets around the main sites and then driving into the water of Charles River (seasonal tour), whilst you quack at people, great fun! Visit the Freedom Trail, Faneuil Hall, Boston Harbour, Museums and Beacon Hill, not forgetting the great shopping! Boston has lots to offer, either as a break on its own or with a visit to the mountains or Cape Cod, it is one of my favourite cities. For more information or if you have any questions, please do get in touch.

07 December 2016

Venice has been on my wish list for a number of years and I am not really sure why we have not been before now, so I was very excited to finally have a short break there in March, just before Easter. Venice is such a pretty city and is easily recognisable from the many movies that are made there. We caught the water bus from the airport which did take a long time as it has many drop offs. If you can stretch to it I would recommend a private water taxi (which I can pre-book). We stayed in a charming little hotel not far from the Piazza San Marco but Venice has many hotel or apartment options either in the centre, on the Grand Canal or on one of the little islands. As Venice is a walking city you are never that far out and there is a good water bus or water taxi service if required. We were really struck by the beauty of the buildings in Venice and I really could not get my head around the fact they were "sitting" in water (not very technical I know!) I would recommend a guided walking tour (can be pre booked) as this gives you a guide to tell you all about the buildings that you are looking at. We also loved walking down a busy little alleyway, turning a few corners and then coming out into another little Piazza with a café for a Latte (or something stronger) to soak up the atmosphere. With lots of lovely unique shops and check tablecloth covered restaurants, walking across the many little bridges across the waterways and canals, Venice is truly a beautiful city. Don't miss Saint Mark’s Basilica, Bridge of Sighs, Doges Palace, Scala Contarini del Boulou, and The Rialto Bridge. You cannot visit Venice without an iconic gondola ride - all these can be pre-booked before you go to make sure you don't miss anything. If staying a little longer we would have visited Morano glassblowing or taken a water bus to Venice Lido and explored. We will have to go back.

06 December 2016

I have always wanted to go to Rome and was delighted when my daughter and husband surprised me with a short break trip for a special birthday (not easy when you work in travel!) We actually stayed outside the city centre and travelled in and out but I would recommend paying a little extra and being as central as your budget allows to save time. This is also ideal as you can then go back to the hotel for a rest in between attractions! Rome is really one big museum with artefacts just on the side of a road or really up close to allow you to really feel and appreciate them on a personal level. It's very easy to get around with a good bus and taxi service. There is also a Metro service, although this does not go through the historical centre with only two lines. When we were there they were building another line. Of course the best way to get around is by walking and as many attractions are fairly near to each other, it’s a great way to really immerse yourself in Rome. On our hit list were The Spanish Steps, The Pantheon (tip - look up and then at the floor), The Roman Forum, The Colosseum, The Vatican including St Peters Basilica and The Sistine Chapel. I have to say that none of these iconic sites disappointed, they were all amazing. We pre-booked all our attractions and did a part walking/part coach tour which was very good and included the Piazza's and The Pantheon. We also pre-booked tickets to The Vatican and The Colosseum - this is much better than queuing and means that your days are organised and utilising your time best whilst you are there. I can pre book all sites if required. There are many lovely restaurants in Rome and we found that if you explored down an alleyway of one of the Piazza's then you could usually find something a bit more reasonable. With a good selection of small budget or grand hotels to choose from, there is something to offer all. Rome really did not disappoint and I would highly recommend for a short break or as part of an Italian multi centre holiday. For more information or if you have any questions, please do get in touch.

06 December 2016

My husband, Gary and I have just returned from our fourth visit to Kalkan in Turkey for a cheeky September break, although we have not been for a few years. A few more villas and apartments have been built since our last visit but Kalkan has retained everything that we like about it. One of the main things that strikes you when you come around the corner is the amazing view of the town, harbour and the beautiful bay with the two uninhabited islands in the distance. The other is how quickly Kalkan absorbs you and relaxes you. It usually takes me a good few days to unwind but even the first time we visited, I soon felt the stress and strain ease away. There are many types of accommodation in Kalkan, this time we opted for an apartment with its own private pool which was lovely and allowed us to really relax and chill. There are also some very good small hotels, villas or slightly larger hotels to suit all needs. One thing to take into account is that Kalkan is very hilly. It was about a 15 minute walk down into town which gave our calf muscles a good work out! Everyone that is staying a bit further out always get taxis back that are very reasonable and are readily available. They are even outside the supermarkets to help you cart your groceries back. Kalkan is a hive of boutique gift shops, handbags, clothes and some very good jewellers. In fact my husband bought me an eternity ring last time we were there to celebrate our 25th wedding anniversary that is lovely and very good value, which helps the budget too! There are over 100 restaurants in Kalkan so you most definitely will not be spoilt for somewhere to eat. Ranging from the roof top terraces, street side and those overlooking the harbour. Food is very good and I am quite fussy and always find something tempting on their menus. With plenty of drinking places and cocktail bars to sit and people watch too. There are many beach club options, those that you can walk to near the harbour or get on a little boat and spend the day relaxing, having a bite of lunch or taking part in the many water sports on offer. If you like venturing out and about there are a host of different places to visit nearby from historical sites to jeep safaris, kayaking or perhaps a boat trip. There is plenty to see and do in and around Kalkan. We have many friends and family who go to Kalkan too and when you mention you are going to Kalkan they always say - we love it there. We do too and I am sure you will not be disappointed so contact me for more information if you are interested in making Kalkan your next holiday destination.