Soneva Fushi Maldives

Soneva Fushi Maldives is the original desert island hideaway situated on Kunfunadhoo Island in Baa Atoll.  It is the ultimate castaway experience,with the motto of “No News No Shoes”, no pretensions either.

From the moment you arrive by seaplane you feel at home, particularly with the impeccable, intuitive service provided by Mr./Ms. Friday butlers who know what you want before you want it.

There are Fifty-five vast villas (with from 1 to 4 bedrooms) including a limited number of private residences, hidden among dense foliage within touching distance of a Biosphere UNESCO protected pristine coral reef.  Vast, sigh-inducing beds induce the sweetest of dreams with intoxicating tropical aromas pervading every bathroom.

Why not try out the Soneva Fushi Villa Suite and Pool with Tree House or the Jungle Reserve, accommodation with an initiative difference.

Many guests stay ‘home’ in their villa, enjoying unrivalled peace and privacy with the best ‘takeaway’ food in the Indian Ocean. Others head out to explore the nine different dining options. To breakfast at Mihiree Mitha, the social hub of the island, or dine in Fresh In The Garden, a restaurant cooled by breezes above the heady scents of the famous organic herb (delicious rocket) and vegetable garden. Try By The Beach, a Japanese Korean restaurant right on the beach or Nine a restaurant that serves dishes aimed at sharing.  The trick is to leave a little extra room to grow into your clothes, the food is so mouth watering it is impossible to resist.

Every visit makes you feel young again. Cycling round the island, never knowing when you might have to swerve to avoid bunny rabbits or lizards. Watching movies in Cinema Paradiso with only the starlit sky above. Counting Saturn’s rings in the Observatory. Deciding between sixty flavours of ice cream. Eleven types of pillow which could have coverings like those from silk pillowcase UK. Five hundred different wines. Or which chocolate to have from the 24/7 chocolate room. The Spa is also a great temptation and a definite must.

Opportunities to venture beyond the island include cruises, picnics on the island’s own private sandbank or three deserted islands, breathtaking diving such as watching the majestic rays feed at Manta Point, or fascinating cultural visits to nearby islands. Soneva Fushi is the ultimate pioneer of memory-making experiences.

Soneva Fushi is committed to the Soneva Group’s SLOW LIFE philosophy; Sustainable-Local-Organic-Wellness Learning-Inspiring-Fun-Experiences.  So why not join in the Slow Life.

For more information or to make a booking please call 07577362392 or email angeleenn@travel-pa.com

Years ago when I lived in Morocco I spent a fascinating ten days in Marrakech working at Hotel La Mamounia – which is still there and still fabulous.

Back then Marrakech was a colourful, lively, pink-tinged town with wide roads, horse-drawn carriages and a view of the snow-tipped Atlas Mountains in the distance. The central point was Djemm-el-Fna square where stalls selling all kinds of under-priced hand-crafted clothes and artefacts lined one side of the square and jugglers and entertainers performed in the middle. The entrance to the main souk was at the far end and snack tents served kefta and harira on the side nearest to the road and cafes.

What’s changed? Nothing! It’s as vibrant and exciting as it was in the 70s. The only difference that I could see was in the accommodation. Riads didn’t exist then. Now we have delightful small refuges, opulently furnished, in the heart of the medina so that you step out into narrow, cool, shady streets lit sporadically by the occasional shafts of sunshine that find their way in. There are also some breathtakingly fabulous new luxury hotels outside Marrakech such as Beachcomber’s Royal Palm Resort.

Prices vary wildly according to the deals we can get on flights so as with most destinations booking early can save you a lot of money. I can do a quick sweep for you to see when would be the best time to go. As always, just give me a call. No obligation.

Royal Caribbean Cruises offer

Quite often, the region of Central America is overlooked on the maps but is, in fact, an important part of the North American continent. Many wars have been waged, and fortunes made and lost, of their valuable, natural resources. Fruits, sugar and coffee, have always been the real treasures, but the conquistadors were looking for gold and gems.

I have spent a lot of time in Guatemala, Honduras and El Salvador and hope, one day, to visit the other countries. The attractions range from climbing volcanoes to great surfing, and there is an abundance of lovely beaches for those just looking to chill. I think one of the biggest attractions is the fact that it is very easy to immerse yourself in the local way of life and, by doing so, live very economically for a longer holiday.

For those who are used to the finer things in life, there are high-end hotels and private excursions and guides can be arranged. A lot of travellers may prefer an organised group coach trip, and these can be arranged to suit most budgets by reputable companies based here in the UK.

The first thing that you will need to do is decide what it is you’d like to see and how much time you can spend. While a 2-week trip will give you a very good taste of the region, a full month or more will get you stuck in.

You may want to have a go at some Spanish classes, as well. Antigua, Guatemala is famous for its plentiful Spanish schools, and many attend them to master the language. The huge advantage to learning in Guatemala is that the locals speak more slowly and concisely, so it makes it more pleasant for the beginner to converse. Also, the schools are very flexible and inexpensive, and tuition is, usually, one on one.

Central America is very easy to travel through as local buses and coaches will take you to even the most remote destinations. Don’t be surprised to see any form of farm items, from goats to chickens and huge baskets of fruit, as locals make their way to or from the local markets. These markets are the backbone of rural communities, and practically everyone attends. This is a great place to pick up some deals on whatever trinkets you may want but be aware that negotiation will be necessary.

Adventure is almost a given here, and the opportunities to explore are endless. Visits to local homes and communities are pleasant, but many opt for climbing volcanoes or rustic trips in canoes up the rivers of the Mosquito Coast. The Islands of Honduras are exceptional places to learn to dive as marine life (including whale sharks) is abundant, and the prices are incredibly low. Archaeological sites, also, are plentiful, and great Mayan ruins and World Heritage sites are easily accessible.

Central America is a nature lover’s paradise, and bird watchers will have a field day. Parrots, toucans and sea birds are always on the lists and don’t forget the Quetzal, Guatemala’s national bird and very illusive.

Water sports and beaches are, also, a huge attraction and the region, once again, offers everything from star luxury to a basic hut on the beach..if you opt for the latter then be sure to shake out your shoes before putting them on. Surfing, diving and fishing are very popular, and the waters are warm for swimming, all year round.

Cuba’s Vibrant Culture and Beautiful Beaches – Free Havana City Tour!

Direct Flights with Virgin Atlantic

3 nights staying at 4 Star Havana Roc Presidente Hotel including Breakfast

Plus 7 nights at Be Live Turquesa Varadero Hotel – All Inclusive

All Airport Taxes.

Free UK Add ons with Virgin Little Red from Manchester, Edinburgh & Aberdeen.

Conditions apply.

ROC Presidente is located in El Vedado, in the centre of Havana on the Avenida de los Presidentes. The hotel is located 200 m from the famous pier of Havana (el Malecón).

Be Live Turquesa enjoys an excellent situation directly on the wonderful white sandy beach of Varadero. It is an ideal choice for couples or families with children. The international airport is 35 km away.

Free Havana City Tour After breakfast go for sightseeing the metropolitan and modern areas of the city from 0830am to 1230pm.

Thirteen islands make up this popular archipelago with over 12 million people visiting each year. The main attraction is the warm climate for those wanting some winter sun but the 4 main islands draw tourists all year round. Gran Canaria, Tenerife, Fuerteventura and Lanzarote are the most popular destinations and have an abundance of hotels from pure luxury to the most basic.

While the climate is the major draw, accessibility from most regions of the UK makes a huge contribution to the popularity. Flights are available to all 4 islands almost daily from Gatwick and varying days from other regional airports. The Canaries have a notorious reputation for being budget party locations but there are many high end family resorts as well.

Other than the obvious beach and pool options, the islands offer many opportunities for excursion from quad biking to star watching. In fact, there are 2 major observatories on Tenerife and La Palma perched on high mountains and benefit from the dark night skies.

If you’re after a good value holiday, and an opportunity to flex your Spanish, then these islands may be for you. Please get in touch for further information and, also, I’d be happy to provide brochures if needed…I look forward to speaking with you soon.

Sentido Port Royal has everything that you could want from a holiday; beautiful surroundings, a choice of fantastic bars and restaurants and the crystal blue ocean just seconds away.

The hotel is situated right on Kloymbia’s blue flag, sand and pebble beach and it’s only 25km away from Rhodes Town. This 5* hotel is in the ideal location for a peaceful and relaxing get away.

Please note; Persons under the age of 16 are not permitted at this hotel

Rooms

Sentido Port Royals offers rooms for 2-3 people, which all include either a double bed or a twin set of singles. The rooms are also all equipped with a standard sized sofa bed. You can choose from a sea, land or pool view. All rooms include air conditioning, a flat-screen TV, mini fridge, tea/coffee making facilities, safety deposit box, bathrobes, slippers, hairdryer and a balcony or terrace.

There are also rooms or standard or presidential suites available for up to 4 people with sea views. Some include a private pool.

Features 

Sentido Port Royal offers a wide range of entertainment from live music to a Greek Folklore night. If you’re feeling like getting involved there are regular dance classes and themed nights. The hotel also offers professional cooking lessons, teaching you how to cook some of the fantastic Greek cuisine.

The hotel also offers plenty of sports/leisure activities and facilities. These include an ethereal SPA with heated pool, fitness centre, aerobics classes, a floodlight tennis court, mini golf, mini football, table tennis and much more.

The idyllic beach of Kolympia is situated right in front of the hotel. It has many activities to offer from beach volleyball to jet skiing. If this doesn’t take your fancy you can always rent a boat and equipment and try deep sea fishing. Port Royal also offers deckchairs, umbrellas and towels to rent for free.

Why not relax in the heated outdoor lagoon and Jacuzzi while enjoying the fantastic and colourful optic fibre light show? Or if that’s not for you then pick from one of our heated indoor and outdoor pools.

The hotel offers a 24 hours reception service to attend to your every need throughout your stay. There is also an internet access point and selected wifi locations.

Restaurants and Bars

The hotel offers a wide variety of Greek and international cuisine freshly prepared every day. The main restaurant also has a terrace, so you can enjoy the breathtaking sea views whilst dining. You will truly experience Greek culture as there will be live music and singing in the restaurants.

“Royal Blue” – Main Restaurant
Breakfast, and Dinner are served as buffet
Breakfast 07:00 – 10:00
Dinner 18:30 – 21:00

“Gourmet” – A la Carte Restaurant
Located at the pool area and offers Lunch and Dinner on à la carte basis
Opening hours 11:00 – 17:00 & 19:00-23:00

“Mediterranean ” – Main Lounge Bar
Operating 24 hours

“Kalithea” – Pool Bar
Opening hours 10:00 – 18:00

· Room Service 24 hours

A luxurious traditional Turkish gulet with a total of 9 cabins, it has been built using the best teak and mahogany materials available. The large decks have been designed with space, comfort and relaxation in mind. Ideal for luxury gulet holidays.

Ideal for luxury gulet cruise holidays in Turkey, this luxurious traditional Turkish gulet has a total of 9 cabins and has been built using the best teak and mahogany materials available. The large decks have been designed with space, comfort and relaxation in mind.

Please note: The Semercioglu IV does not accept children under 15 years old, unless the whole gulet is taken as a private hire.

Operates from May-October

Routes are: Marmaris-Datca and Fethiye-Marmaris and reverse

A 7 night price onboard Semercioglu IV gulet, including flights from Gatwick departing on the 5th May, with airport transfers and full board basis and soft drinks,

starts from £688 per person based on 2 people sharing a cabin.

Call me for more information.
020 8672 9229 / 07984 450 633
danyk@travel-pa.com

I thought that would grab you!

The Shandrani is on a private peninsula in Mauritius and is the absolute last word in sophisticated All inclusive resorts with its three private beaches, six fine dining restaurants and yes – from 6pm you can have a glass of champagne any time you like! Very unusual in Mauritius where the import taxes on french wines mean they’re tough to find.

It’s not just eating and drinking. There are, naturally, any number of activities included in the plan from sports (golf, cycling, tennis and any number of water sports), to the complimentary massage each guests receives.

The position of the Shandrani means that it never feels crowded. It feels as if it’s on its own little island and there are always parts of the beach or grounds where you can have some seclusion.

Mauritius itself is a beautiful lush island where you can hire a car and explore in safety; you’ll come across waterfalls, lakes and fabulous scenery. Or take a trip to the Pamplemousse botanical gardens and for the more adventurous go zip-wiring or quad-biking. It’s a paradise in the Indian Ocean where there’s a charming hotel to suit every budget and it’s out speciality; our holding company, Sunset Travel, started off arranging holidays to Mauritius and our ties are strong.