Relax at the Kata Thani, Phuket Beach Resort, Thailand

A haven of relaxation with fantastic facilities

Intercontinental Mauritius

I have some great offers to the Intercontinental Mauritius holidays. I am going to give some information here.  However, instead of me writing it, I thought I’d get the hotel’s sales manager to put a few words together.

This is from Shane Jameson: Intercontinental Mauritius Holidays

“I think that convenience is a major aspect when choosing a holiday destination. I don’t want to get into barefoot luxury, but you’d be suprised how many people come to Mauritius looking for holidays such as island getaway, that ‘Robinson Crusoe’/’Castaway’ experience and then once it’s on their plate…well, they don’t want it any more. Enter the InterContinental Mauritius Resort Balaclava Fort. In a nutshell, you feel like you are miles away but, in actual fact, are 25 minutes from all the amenities that can cause anxiety when you’re on vacation. Hospitals – that’s plural, shopping malls (also plural) are all a stones throw away so we tick the location box quite well.

For Intercontinental Mauritius Holidays, we’ve got pretty much two of everything in what is a relatively symmetrical resort. Two pools (one heated), two breakfast restaurants (one a la carte), to distinct sides (wings) and last but not least, two nights of the week we have fabulous outdoor dinners that are included on the Half Board, Full Board or All Inclusive packages we have. If it’s wanting to ‘get lost’ then we can show you places you’ll never be found. Alternatively if morning aqua-arobics, a gym workout and a ‘kiki’ by the pool bar are your thing, then that door is also wide open.

Variety is the spice of life, on all the three different meal basis’ we have full dine around in 5 restaurants an three bars. If you don’t like our 14 day rotational menus, then we can apply food and beverage credits against an a la carte menu. All water sports both motorised and non motorised are free with the exception of the Catamaran and the dive centre. We have free wireless internet in all the restaurants, the lobby and the beach – so, if desired, you can update your status, instagram or tweet as often as you want. 120 Deluxe Ocean Facing Rooms, 40 Two-Bedroom Family Rooms, 20 Jacuzzi Suites and 10 Presidential Suites…we love round numbers. Convenience, space, mod-con’s, luxury all in a stunning resort.”

Beautiful Denis Island, Seychelles

Denis Island is picture-postcard perfect. It’s just a short 35 minute flight from Mahe airport.

Denis is a privately owned island. The Mason family who own it have got it spot-on. It’s one of the most beautiful outer islands.

The decor throughout is stunning. Mrs Mason has a fantastic eye for detail, it’s like you have stepped into the Conde Nast Traveller magazine. The furnishings & decor are stylish yet relaxed, chic yet comfortable, luxurious and rustic. It’s a look that is hard to pull off but Mrs M does it with aplomb ! Perfect barefoot luxury.

I was incredibly lucky to stay in the pool villa. WOW. I cannot recommend this room highly enough although I did get to see other room types and they were all very beautiful. My pool was a good size and just steps from the most amazing beach. All of the rooms at Denis have outside bathrooms with large bath, rainfall shower and small enclosed garden. Each room comes complete with a rechargeable torch; when the sun sets it’s dark – very dark. You will see the most incredible stars. My villa was the furthest from the reception and restaurant but I could easily walk it in around 7 minutes. There are golf buggies available if you prefer not to walk.

This is an all-inclusive island with an excellent choice of wines, none of your house wine here ! Evening entertainment is low-key & relaxed. The food was divine and of an incredibly high standard. Breakfast, lunch and dinner were all superb.

There is no spa however the spa staff will come out to your cottage or villa for treatments.

Snorkelling was excellent with crystal clear waters. I didn’t see any Turtles but am told they are often around. The island has many tortoises including 1 that is over 150 years old. You can walk around the whole island in under two hours, they even have their own farm – almost all of the food that you eat here is from the farm. The fish are caught just a few miles away.

Bird lovers will be in for a treat, you may spot a Paradise Flycatcher or a Seychelles Warbler.

This has got to be one of the most romantic places to visit. It would be perfect for a honeymoon, wedding or to celebrate an anniversary. Denis is an incredibly special place that will capture your heart – it certainly has mine !

We have some excellent rates at this property. I’d highly recommend combining this island with another or even a stop-over in Abu Dhabi or Dubai.

Must visit to Kempinski Emirates Palace, Abu Dhabi

Just a 30 minute drive from Abu Dhabi airport, this is a real ‘one-of-a-kind’ hotel. It is huge, over 1,000,000 sqm but only has 394 rooms so you get a real sense of space. The hotel is set within 100 hectares of landscaped grounds. The attention to detail is incredible, the gardens, beach & pool area are spotless.

The building is a mix of Arabian opulence and contemporary design. I was welcomed with a cool, refreshing towel along with a fruit juice. Service here is fantastic, I expected it to be rather stuffy but actually the staff got it spot on. Everyone was incredibly friendly.

Each room comes with it’s own butler service – very handy when you are craving chocolate at 1 a.m. The rooms are beautiful and very comfortable, unless you are staying in a suite, the rooms are 55 sqm and come complete with huge bathroom with swimming pool-sized bath (ok not that big but very large). Everything is controlled from a pad (touch screen multi-media system) by your bedside, it took me a while to work out how to turn the t.v on & to pull the curtains. My top tip is to let the butler show you how the room works instead of pretending (like me) that you know everything !

There are 2 pool areas; 1 quiet pool (East Wing) and 1 family pool complete with lazy river and waterslides (West Wing) You can call a golf buggy to take you between pools as they are a 10 minute walk from each other but if it’s not too hot, it’s nice stroll along the beach. The beach is beautiful & private. It’s over 1.2 km’s long with ample loungers and a bar service.

The dining options are superb including the michelin-starred Hakkasan restaurant.

This hotel is really great for families. The kids are well looked after, there is a daily activities programme to keep them entertained as well as the waterpark, camels on the beach, a playground which may have been revamped with a Wetpour Surface, and much more. The hotel thinks of everything – if you are travelling with children, they will even provide child-sized bathrobes and slippers, special children’s shampoo and a nightly bedtime milk drink plus cookies.

Abu Dhabi is more laid back than Dubai although if you fancy a daytrip  – why not try Ferrari World with the world’s fastest roller coaster (I’ll give that one a miss) or Yas Waterworld with over 40 rides and slides. For some culture, visit the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque – it stands over 107 metres tall and has 82 domes.

I can highly recommend Abu Dhabi & the Emirates Palace as a stand alone holiday or part of a twin-centre combo.

Don’t delay – book today !

Beautiful Kempinski Seychelles

I have just returned from this beautiful hotel. The Seychelles is not as far as you think ! We flew via Abu Dhabi (6hrs 40 mins) & then onwards to Mahe (4hrs) with Eithad Airways.

From Mahe airport the transfer to the Kempinski Seychelles took around 3o minutes. It’s a great drive with fab views of stunning coves and rock formations, if a little twisty however you can always upgrade to a helicopter transfer if you prefer.

The Kempinski is set on the famous Baie Lazare. The grounds of the hotel are huge & have an untouched, natural feel. The gardens are full of coconut trees and pretty flowers. The reception area of the hotel has a real wow factor, it is open to the elements – you can hear the waves breaking on the shore & the birds singing. It feels tranquil and tropical.

My room was only a 2 minute walk from the reception area however I was feeling lazy so took the golf buggy instead of walking (would love one of these back in the UK) The rooms are generally all the same except for some slight changes in decor and views. I had a sea view room. I must say, I was very impressed by the hotel rooms – very comfortable and well thought-out. Rooms vary from 42-46 sqm. Each room has a large, incredibly comfortable double bed and a sunken lounge area with sofa, chair & table as well as a spacious, separate dressing room with ample hanging space and drawers. There are plug points next to the mirrors (all the girls out there will know how important this is) as well as a hairdryer. They provide tea & coffee making facilities in the room. The mini-bar upon arrival is free of charge (until you need a refill then you pay as normal), I thought this was a lovely touch, there was a good choice of soft drinks and even a few beers !

The sea views are wonderful, the supplement to upgrade to a seaview is not much so well worth considering expecially if it’s for a special occasion. The balcony area is a decent size with table & chairs – perfect for a sundowner.

Dining was very good, I ate in both restaurants & found the options excellent as well as delicious. I particularly enjoyed the L’Indochine restaurant which offers fusion food from the Indian Ocean rim. Make sure you try a lemongrass martini when you are there – yum ! Prices for food & drink were not as high as I expected, similar to London prices so didn’t once feel ripped-off. There is a lovely beach bar that really comes into its own of an evening – tranquil and romantic.

This hotel has a very relaxed, laid-back, stylish feel but if you do want more action, there is plenty to keep you entertained such as the spa, tennis courts, dive centre, kayaking, bike hire – personally I was happy watching the waves, drinking lemongrass martini’s and chilling……my idea of heaven.

The Kempinski spa is set within the hotel grounds and is a haven for relaxation and indulgence. Try to book at least a few days ahead as it is very popular.

The Seychelles will really capture your heart.

We have negotiated some cracking offers at this resort including some massive honeymoon discounts. Call or email now for prices…..

Preskil Beach Resort – dive into a dream

Built in typical Creole architecture and situated on a private peninsula, the Preskil is a true haven of peace, with an idyllic white sand beach and beautiful tropical gardens the resort offers panoramic views over the Lion mountain and outer islands. The culinary delights from three refined restaurants will tempt your taste buds and the Ylang Spa will help you relax in true Mauritian style…………………

Ultimate Holiday Destination – Sandals La Source Grenada – opening December 2013

This ultimate new Sandals destination of Grenada is opening in December 2013, but don’t worry bookings can be made now for December and into 2014. Located on the beautiful Pink Gin Beach, Sandals La Source Grenada offers you the ‘luxury included’ amenities and exceptional service that is associated with a Sandals Resort experience. 4 bars, 3 swimming, pools plus 2 river pools ensures that you will have plenty of space to relax and enjoy the Sandals experience…………….

Hard Rock Hotel & Casino, Punta Cana – an All Inclusive Experience

The Hard Rock Hotel & Casino in Punta Cana is in a word ‘incredible’. Sitting within 121 acres and fronting the Caribbean Sea the hotel has one of the most breathtaking beaches you could imagine. With 15 pools, 3 swim-up bars, 9 fabulous restaurants and 15 bars you will truly be spoilt for choice. And don’t forget the relaxing Rock Spa, Jack Nicklaus designed golf course and of course the one of the largest Vegas style casinos in the Caribbean, its a prefect place to find your inner Rock Star …….

Immerse in Luxury at Grand Lucayan, Bahamas

Situated on the breathtaking beach on the east side of Grand Bahama and close to the capital of Freeport, the Grand Lucayan offers a wealth of activities. Relax and enjoy the ocean views around one of the 3 superb swimming pools or tee-off at their superb 18 hole, par 72 golf course that caters for players of all levels. With so much for all the family, the Grand Lucaya will allow you to immerse yourself in luxury …….

Dazzling La Palmeraie, Ile Maurice

With it’s dazzling stretch of sandy white beach and the sound of the gentle breeze blowing through the palm fronds, your relaxation starts the moment you reach La Palmeraie. Designed with Moorish domes and beautiful arches, this luxurious and charming intimate retreat evokes the charm or Mauritius………….

Must Visit to 20 Degres Sud, The luxurious hotel

Hotel 20 Degres Sud is perfectly situated in the northwest of the beautiful island of Mauritius. The smallest luxurious hotel on the island offers charm and intimacy in a refined and tranquil setting, The rooms are uniquely designed and everything individually chosen down to the finest detail, giving a ‘just like home’ feel to this charming resort.

Hard Rock Hotel Vallarta- takes you to extremes

The Hard Rock Hotel Vallarta is in the heart of Riviera Nayrit and takes everything to extremes. 348 stylish and chic quest rooms have unsurpassed views of the Pacific Ocean. There is always something to do for all the family with a 7 hole pitch and putt, kids club and nightly entertainment, it’s all here and all yours……..

Hard Rock Hotel Cancun – ‘right in the middle of it’

The Hard Rock Hotel Cancun is ‘right in the middle of it’ and means never being far from the action of Cancun. This 12 story All Inclusive hotel offers fantastic dining options from a superb International Buffet in ‘The Market’ to Italian Fine Dining at Ciao. Stylish rooms and Rock Star suites combined with panoramic views will make this a waterfront experience which is second to none…….

Discover Italy

Fresh pasta, pizzas and good wine are the first things that come to mind when someone says Italy but, then again, I’m partial to really nice food. To others, Italy will be about heritage, culture and customs that date back to before the Romans…I think neither is wrong.
In a nutshell, everyone could find a reason to go to Italy as it has so many things to offer, and for every budget as well.

Getting there

The easiest way from the UK is by air and numerous scheduled and charter services offer a multitude of flights into a wide selection of Italian airports.For most of the holiday options I have explored, flights to Italy are the least part of the price whereas accommodation and transfers are quite expensive.

For those with more time on their hands, train travel may be an option but will be more expensive than flights. A coach trip, as with rail, would give you a lot more sight-seeing opportunities but, once again, takes substantially longer and wouldn’t save any money. One last option may appeal to a lot of people…what about a cruise? There are many cruise options from various ports and this can get you in to see other countries as well.

What to see

A huge draw to Italy is the architecture; fantastic Roman ruins and amazing basilicas abound from Milan in the North to Sicily in the South. The cities of Naples and Venice, on the West and East coasts provide a great opportunity for a twin centre break to see the ruins of Pompeii and then the amazing architecture of the Venetians. Flights are available between most Italian cities but I would suggest a train to get the most out of the landscape.

Italy also has some amazing beach resorts but you won’t find your typical all-inclusive holidays…they just don’t do them. Getting out and about seems to be the Italian way and local dining options always abound, and for all budgets as well. Keep an eye out for where the locals congregate in the evenings…this is usually a good way to get the best food at the best value.

Where to go

Italy isn’t just about beautiful cities and beaches; the fashion outlets of Milan, Lake Garda near Verona or Mount Etna in Sicily are other attractions to be considered. Villa holidays are quite popular and a self catering option gives you the opportunity to get the most from the local produce and to meet the locals at the markets.

Arctic Highlights with Hurtigruten Cruises

With a choice of direct flights from London Gatwick, Manchester and Belfast to Tromsø, it is even easier to access the wonders of Northern Norway and go in search of the elusive, magnificent Northern Lights.
Tromsø – Kirkenes – Tromsø

Day 1 Tromsø
Fly from the UK to Tromsø, the Gateway to the Arctic, and perhaps enjoy the sights of the this famous, compact city before boarding the ship and departing late in the afternoon.
Day 2 Honningsvåg and the North Cape
Following the scenic sailing through Magerøysund and after an early stop in Hammerfest, you arrive in Honningsvåg.
Day 3 Kirkenes, the voyage turning point The last port on the Voyage North is Kirkenes, and at longitude 30°E you are
actually further east than Istanbul and St. Petersburg.
Day 4 Hammerfest and Tromsø
Your first major stop of the day is Hammerfest. Here, you can enjoy an optional excursion including a visit to Hammerfest’s UNESCO
World Heritage site. Transfer to your hotel for an overnight stay.

Day 5
After breakfast in your hotel this morning, a choice of winter excursions is available before you are transferred to Tromsø airport for your direct flight back to the UK.

To book Call 0114 3273436