Coco Palm Dhuni Kolhu

Set on the private island of Dhuni Kolhu in the Baa Atoll Coco Palm Dhuni Kolhu is an intimate hideaway, which is abound with Maldivian charm.

I have visited the island on many occasions, yet everytime I step foot on the island, the calm and tranquility engulf’s me.

The island has lush tropical vegetation and is fringed with white sandy beaches and an idyllic crystal lagoon.

The island is comprised of 98 villa’s with the Beach Villa’s and Deluxe Villa’s being located around the island and the Lagoon Villa’s and Sunset Lagoon Villa’s being located on stilts over the lagoon.

There are 2 relaxed bars and dining options of inside the main restaurant or under Banyan Trees in the Cornus Restaurant.  In villa dining is also available as is private dining on the beach for those special moments alone.

Whilst the Sunset Lagoon Villa’s are the only villa’s to have TV’s do not worry there is plenty to see and do that you will not miss having a TV.

There is an incredible house reef to discover as well as some incredible diving spots in the BAA atoll, the PADI diving centre Dive Ocean will take care of all your diving needs.

There is also a tennis court, fitness centre, Jacuzzi, water sports centre, Coco Spa and a weekly cinema on the beach.

With Uniquely Coco Experiences whether shared or private you are sure to have a memorable experience, be it a night fishing trip or an overnight stay on a desert island.  My ultimate favourite has to be spending a day with a local family in their own home.

Coco Palm Dhuni Kolhu is Green Globe certified Silver and is committed to maintaining the island according to Eco Tourism principles.

The resort is perfect for diver’s, honeymooners and couples.

Transfers to and from the hotel are operated by seaplane, which is an incredible way to transfer, do not worry if you see the seaplane pilots flying without shoes.

The resort has many offers including Early Booking Discounts, Free Nights, Room Upgrade Offer and Honeymoon discounts and honeymoon complimentary services.

For more information and prices please contact me on 01327 702717 or 07577362392.

Abama Golf & Spa Resort Tenerife

Operated and managed by Ritz Carlton this 5 * Luxury resort is idyllically located on the west coast of Tenerife, with stunning panoramic views over the Atlantic Ocean and the island of La Gomera. Set amidst acres of glorious lush vegetation featuring an exclusive beach.

Offering a variety of accommodation in the Citadel or for those wanting more privacy the Tagor Villa’s are the perfect choice and are exclusively for adults.

The resort is ideal for all seasons and will suit all; couples, families, groups of friends, golfer’s, single’s or honeymooners. There is something for everybody allowing you to be as active or as relaxed as you like. Golf simulator projectors like BenQ may help those who would like to analyze and improve their swings. BirdieBall offers a wide range of golf products and golf-related articles that may help improve your skills.

Facilities include an 18 hole championship golf course, secluded golden sandy beach, 7 pools, Spa and wellness centre, Tennis centre and academy.  For those looking to elevate their game, Back 9 Botanicals for Golfing offer a natural boost in focus and energy.

There’s even something for the kids – Club Abami Kids club is open daily from 10am to midnight for children aged 4 to 12 inclusive, which is complimentary for guests staying at the resort.  Babysitting is also available at an additional charge.

If wining and dining is your passion then Abama is for you, there are 3 bars and 10 restaurants including M.B the only Michelin star restaurant in the canary Islands, whose menu is designed by Martín Berasategui a 3 star Michelin Chef.

It’s a sumptuous setting for Weddings which are arranged by the Abama expert events team.

Abama Golf & Spa Resort have some great offers starting from 6^th January and running through to 31^st October 2013, including 15% Early Bird Offers, Complimentary Nights, Family Offer, Added Value, Honeymoon Offer, Single Parent Offer.

For more information give me a call 01327 702717 or 07577362392

It’s Vegas, baby!

A great place to start a road trip

Here we are on the West Coast trip but where do we start?  At the beginning, of course.  Having just arrived in Vegas by air, you’ll need to get to your hotel and those in the know will agree that the best way is just to get a taxi.

If you want to show up in style, I can arrange a private car or limo at an extra charge but I never include the transfers in Vegas.  If you’re coming in by road from Los Angeles, try to time it so you’re hitting Vegas at sundown and into the twilight. If you plan to drive around or go on a road trip, be sure that your car is good condition. Those who need to replace their old vehicles may consider purchasing used cars in glendale.

As you get closer to the city, every little hill in the road will provide you a closer and brighter view and a thrill that I can’t really describe…it has to be experienced.

Get checked in and then get out there

Having gotten yourself to the hotel, and checked in, it’s time to experience everything that Vegas is about…glitz and excess!  Many go to Vegas for the gambling but the city has changed itself in the last decade or so; this is now a place to take your family and relax or catch some world class entertainment.  The old Las Vegas is still there in spirit and all-night drinking, gambling at the best online casinos in usa and cavorting in ยูฟ่าสล็อต are the attractions for a good portion of visitors but the old images of gangsters and corruption are (at least visibly) a thing of the past. To get a chance of winning big prizes, you may try your luck at these online situs slot gacor games. You may also check out daftar mpo888 if you’re looking for exciting rewards.

There is more to Vegas than just ‘the strip’; if you want to get away from the high rollers and noise, there are some nice bars and restaurants in the suburbs where you’ll find the ‘locals’.  Most residents are relative newcomers and the city continues to grow;  I like the East end as it has a suburban feel to it and lacks the pretence of downtown.  My favourite casino is Sam’s Town on Boulder Highway (easy to get to by taxi or bus); here you can go elbow to elbow with the diehard bingo players (blue hair included) for just a few dollars, or while away the hours at the penny slot machines.  Sam’s, definitely, isn’t the Bellagio or Venetian but it does have an appeal and it won’t break the bank. If you prefer online casinos, you can also try your luck and ลุ้นรางวัลใหญ่กับ UFA.

The best shows anywhere

Entertainment in Vegas is big business and it is here that you will see the best of the best.  People fly from all over the world to watch a title fight at the MGM Grand or, on the other end of the spectrum, to see the likes of Celine Dion…you haven’t made it until you’ve played the strip!  The shows that are put on by the hotels are fantastical spectacles that cost them millions to produce and some are free…you’ll have to do some research .

There are few ‘Must Do’ things for your time in Vegas :

-See the Grand Canyon (pop me over an e-mail for info on how to do this)

-See the light show on Fremont Street (free)

-The fountains at the Bellagio are amazing

-Buffet, buffet and more buffet (you can get these for free, sometimes) but if you only try one, make it a champagne brunch on the weekend…usually in the range of USD35-40.

-Play golf if you’re a golfer or attend a sporting event, such as baseball

I could go on and on but don’t want to be long-winded so, if you do want more on Vegas, get in touch and we’ll have a chat.

Western fly drive

Many of my friends and clients have experienced the classic West Coast fly drive but most tend to overlook my absolute favourite San Diego. I always recommend taking as much time as possible to see as much as you can and, when possible, include Las Vegas, San Francisco and Los Angeles. I’ll get to more about the individual locations on separate blogs but let’s just get the itinerary for now.

The glitz of Vegas is always worth a look for at least four nights and, also, to allow for a trip out to the Grand Canyon. Die hard gamblers will want to stretch this out a bit but there is always enough to see as not to move on right away. Exotic shows and bright lights are the normal attractions, but golfers will be spoilt for choice, as well.

San Francisco is the next stop, and you can get there either by road or by air…I’d suggest just getting there by plane and picking up your car on the other end as the 9 hour drive may be too much for some or, alternatively, stopping along the way but this is a wasted night. After about 4 nights in ‘Frisco’, it’s down the coast to Los Angeles and this time it is worth a stop in the Pismo Beach area just to enjoy the scenery.

Los Angeles has a love-hate relationship with tourists; it’s big and smoggy, but there’s a ton of stuff to do, as well. It’s important to consider exactly what appeals to you so a decision can be made as to the length of stay.If you want to explore you’ll need a week but if there are just a couple of points of interest then 3 days will be sufficient.

A short drive down I-5 brings you to San Diego and, arguably, one of the best climates in the world. It’s a busy city with a lot to see but, at the same time, San Diego invites you just to relax. I always recommend at least 4 days but would gladly stay for weeks. Your time constraints may limit you to a couple of days, but at least you’ll get a taste.

In between these major centres, there are other popular options for side trips or stays. The coastline itself has many towns and events to visit, and there are more out of the way choices such as Yosemite, Lake Tahoe and the giant redwoods in northern California. The more adventurous could consider travelling into Oregon and Washington to explore the Pacific Northwest, but you will need to allow more time.

There are numerous other considerations to be had; available time, school holidays when travelling as a family, budget and, ultimately, what you want to see. As I mentioned, I’ll put more detail into individual blogs but this will get you thinking about where to start planning.

If you’d like to discuss a fly drive (or any other holiday), or have these details e-mailed to you, please feel free to contact me at any time.

Best All inclusive hotel in Mauritius

Preskil Beach Resort

Is a beautiful resort set on the most picturesque corner of Mauritius. The hotel is situated on a private peninsula on the south east coast of Mauritius.    All around the hotel, you can see unspoilt clear blue sea, white sandy beaches, mountains.   Further afield, there are small pirogues passing by other several inhabited islets among which is also the natural reserve of Ile aux Aigrettes.   Preskil Beach Resort is a magical place to stay at and is one of my favourites on the island.

After 12 hour flight from London, we were pleased to travel only a short distance, approx 15 minutes drive from the airport to the hotel. I have stayed at the four star Preskil Beach Resort on several occasions with the family, children and adults and on every occasion, the service from every member of staff has exceeded our expectations by far. This hotel offers unbelievable 5* service at unbeatable 4* prices.

All rooms are situated on either first or second floors. There are no high rise buildings which is a big bonus. I particularly do not find high rise buildings relaxing at all. On different occasions, we stayed in the Prestige Cottage located on the ground floor of the individual cottages. Each individual cottage has 2 Prestige Cottages  on the ground floor and a Deluxe Penthouse on the 1st floor.  Both room types offer bath and shower with the most amazing seaviews in the quietest area of the property. Lagoon rooms are the lead-in rooms with shower only are spread out harmoniously across the island with sea views.   The rooms are clean, spacious and cosy. For an exceptional vacation on Koh Samui, you should definitely consider staying in one of the luxury villas koh samui.

Food and Drinks

The hotel offers 3 restaurants and bars. The main restaurant “Spices” offers an array of most delicious buffet style foods at breakfast, lunch and dinner. We had the most amazing Mauritian lentil soup and rice made from the best spices on the island and the Chef kindly gave me her recipe which I have tried and treasured for years now. Whilst you are there, you must try “Charka Steakhouse & Bar” which has also been our favourite steak restaurant for years with its fresh meat directly imported from South Africa. You can also enjoy nice Mediterranean cuisine in shades of “Tapas Grill & Beach Bar”  with your feet tucked in the hot sand.  Another must try is the Indigo Bar.   This lively meeting-place offers an international selection of exotic cocktails as well as light meals during the day.   In the evening, the bar is an ideal setting to enjoy a warm, relaxing atmosphere with either live or background music.

All locally bottled drinks are included in your All-inclusive basis together with imported drinks shown by an asterisk on the menu making it really good value for money. In addition, the same is available from your mini-bar menu which makes it so wonderful to be able to sit in your balcony or terrace with a nice cold beer.

What makes this property even better value for money is that your All-inclusive finishes at 3 pm on check-out day rather than at 11 am which applies for most hotels.  If you have an evening flight, this is just a perfect added value to your prefect holidays.

Weddings

I have arranged many many weddings at this hotel in the past and every time, guests have been overwhelmed by the attention and the service that they have received from staff, especially from the wedding co-ordinator. The wedding locations are just breathtaking and you feel so privileged and pampered. For couples dreaming of getting married abroad, you’ll be glad to know that you can Get a Federal Apostille Quickly to make the process even smoother.

I can highly recommend this hotel for honeymooners, couples, families.  They will love this property as much as we adore it.

Bequia Beach hotel

Bequia Beach hotel is situated on the island of Bequia in the Grenadine Islands. I had the pleasure of visiting this island in December 2011. This is a very laid back hotel in my opinion suitable for couples who need minimum entertainment. I would recommend this hotel as a twin centre with St Vincent. Please call or email for more information.

I have been to Buccament Bay

Buccament Bay is a luxury all inclusive on the beautiful island of St Vincent. I visited this fantastic resort in December 2011 and it certainly has the wow factor. I would recommend this property if you would like your holiday to be filled with peace and tranqulity but at the same wanting lots of activities on offer. It would suit couples and families alike. For more information about this exciting resort please do not hesitate to call or email me.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8Rn6klpbEEs

Wynn Las Vegas

Wow what a hotel….

When we arrived, the lobby area was very busy but the check-in took less than 20 minutes. For me the hotel reception is a little on the gaudy side with lots of bright colours however the facilities at this resort more than make up for that & past the reception area it is much calmer & more relaxed.

Our deluxe room was huge with floor to ceiling windows overlooking the strip. The bathtub was like a mini swimming pool ! Unlike the reception, the rooms are tasteful with muted tones.

The shopping is superb although bring the plastic as the outlets here are all designer. Dining was an absolute delight. Our fave dining experience was at the Lakeside seafood restaurant. We were lucky enough to be seated right by the lake so had a great view of the funny light show that took place every hour complete with it’s dancing frog! Make sure you try some of the hotels restaurants & bars. I have a long list of restaurants that we tried – if you want some recommendations just let me know.

You can walk from the Wynn straight into the sister hotel the Encore. You are also just a 5 minute walk from the Palazzo & Venetian.

Of course a holiday to Las Vegas in not complete without a side trip to the Grand Canyon. We have some great special offers for day excursions by plane, helicopter or bus – just ask for details.

Don’t delay booking for Las Vegas…the earlier you book, the better deal you will get.

Las Vegas is my number selling destination & I have negotiated some superb rates.

Maldives My Second Home

I first visited the Maldives back in 1999 flying on Emirates with a stopover in Dubai, before the airport was renovated, on route to Male for a year’s work placement for my university course on Makunudu Island, a quaint Maldivian resort set on a small island of 6 acres.  I did not know what to expect, the Maldives was relatively unheard of in the UK at the time.

I was met at the airport and taken on a speedboat and whisked away speeding through the ocean with the sea whooshing past with the wind in my hair and the sun shining down with the warmth engulfing me.  An incredibly awe inspiring transfer where a smile was stuck on my face the whole way through, I was not thinking of what was awaiting me on the island I was too busy looking around at the islands that we kept passing and the incredible view.

Upon arrival to the island I was greeted with the warmth of the people, who cannot do enough for you, whether you are a member of staff or a guest, this was to be my home for a year after which I had to return to the UK to finish my studies.  Although studying in Newcastle where the temperature reached minus 13 one day, I sat looking at a Maldives poster which was on my wall and pledged that after I finished my course I would return.

And so I did and I never looked back, I returned to Makunudu Island where my then boyfriend was working, now my husband.  I spent a further 1 and half years on Makunudu Island until I moved on to Male working from the Head Office as a Reservations Manager and then a Sales Manager for Sunland Hotels – Makunudu Island and Biyadoo Island and Coco Collection – Coco Palm Dhuni Kolhu and Coco Palm Bodu Hithi. Connecting me to a global network of tour operators and clients and giving me the opportunity to travel to destinations such as Cannes, Singapore and London.

Throughout my time in the Maldives I enjoyed some wonderful experiences of….

Desert island picnic’s / sunset cocktails / beach parties / night fishing / sand bank picnic’s and snorkeling / full moon picnic’s on the beach / parasailing / morning fishing / afternoon fishing / scenic photo flights via seaplane / snorkelling / sailing on a safari boat / luxury spa treatments / butler services and surfing in the maldives.

I had the opportunity to visit a number of other resort islands – Thulaghari, Kanahura, Soneva Fushi and Soneva Gili, Biyadoo Island, Makunudu Island, Coco Palm Dhuni Kolhu, Coco Palm Bodu Hithi, Cocoa, Herathra, Kurumba, Banyan Tree, Taj Exotica, Baros, Anantara Dhigu, Summer Island, Fihalhoahi, Four Seasons Kuda Huraa to name but a few.

I also visited many local islands to experience and understand the Maldivian way of life.  The basic needs of the people and the way in which they live is very different from what you expect, but there is one thing that shines through their smile, their happiness and the lack of materialism.

I even managed to venture over the equator to visit Addhu Atoll where my in laws live, it was a great visit to see a different area of the Maldives and to see where my husband had been brought up.

I also arranged and took part in guests Wedding Ceremonies, an experience which I was honoured to be part of every time.  Whilst the Wedding Ceremony in the Maldives is not legally binding it is a truly romantic and beautiful way of vowing your Love for that someone special.  Not to mention being an amazing backdrop for wedding photos.

The scenery above the water is amazing, although the scenery under the water is another spectacular world to be discovered.  The highlight for me so far was swimming with the Dolphin’s, swimming with the Manta Ray’s and swimming with a Whale Shark, to say incredible is an understatement.  With some of the most amazing reefs, fauna and flora it is no wonder that it is a diver’s paradise.  I too took the plunge and passed my PADI diving course (beats doing it in a quarry in the UK).

The Maldives is a true paradise where many ‘magical’ moments and experiences await all guests.  The islands and the people embrace you with their incredible hospitality, service and genuine passion for sharing their country with you.

The Maldives prides itself on Personal Service Excellence and experiences, holidays are no longer about the room, board basis, transfers and facilities, it is now about the experiences that can be had whether staying in a 3 Star resort, a Luxury resort or to one of those Maldives family resorts.

So to discover the experiences that await you book your holiday now.

For EXPERT advise on the Maldives call 01327 702717 or 07577362392 or email angeleenn@travel-pa.com

It will be my pleasure to assist you in booking your holiday and to sharing the Sunny Side of Life with you.

Anassa Hotel

I first visited the Anassa Hotel four years ago & have since been back. It’s a stunning property in a secluded, peaceful location perfect for recharging those batteries!

Service is impeccable yet discreet. The food although pricey was excellent. I can highly recommend dinner at the signature restaurant Basiliko, it is set in a stone cavern & of an evening is lit by candles which creates a lovely ambiance. The resort feels like a village & even has it’s own town square.

Hire a car or jump in a taxi to nearby Latchi – only 5 minutes away. In Latchi there are a handful of shops along with restaurants that line the small quay.

The beach here is long & mainly fine shingle. We hired a boat for the day from Latchi harbour & headed out to the peninsula.

As well as early booking discounts, we also have some family offers.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SnsrFXRCzd4

Now Jade Riviera Resort & Spa

I’ve booked my family to go here next summer.

We have some superb early booking offers with massive savings. They are booking fast. This resort offers everything that a family could wish for: 2 large pools, a children’s pool, children’s club, spa, tennis, gym, cycling, entertainment, 7 restaurants, 6 bars, a fabulous beach……..I could go on & on.

I can’t wait….

Tongsai Bay

From the moment we landed in Koh Samui, we knew that we were in for a treat. The airport at Samui is delightful & feels very exotic.

After we had collected our bags & passed through passport control, we met our driver for the short 10 minute taxi ride to the Tongsai Bay.

We arrived at the hotel around 6pm so it was dark & the weather balmy. The check-in was speedy & friendly. We were then transported by golf buggy to our cottage suite. We could easily have walked but the buggy was much more fun!

In my opinion the Tongsai Bay has got it right, it’s a wonderful relaxed, rustic 5* property offering exceptional service. Our room was wonderful, split over two levels with a large private terrace with two sun loungers and an outside bath. It was incredibly romantic to have a bath on your terrace whilst enjoying a glass of bubbly. The views during daylight were fabulous. The rooms are nestled amongst tropical gardens and coconut trees so the terraces are very private.

For me, a holiday revolves around the food. It was the dining that made the Tongsai Bay so special. The menus were superb & everything that we eat was fabulous. After dinner each evening we would walk down to the Po-Lad beach bar for a cocktail and listen to the waves. I would highly recommend venturing out for a few nights, there are a lot of very good restaurants nearby & of course are much cheaper than eating at the hotel.

Mark & I both did a Thai cookery course which was great. You get to visit the hotel gardens to pick ingredients first. Afterwards you all sit down to eat what you have made with the chef.

Koh Samui is easy to get around & the hotel will book a car for you.

If you are looking for a swanky 5* resort with marble everywhere & tv’s in every room then the Tongsai Bay is not for you however if you appreciate great service, lovely views & more natural surroundings then consider this wonderful hotel. We are planning to return & will try a pool villa next time.

Wind Surf – 180 degrees from Ordinary

I recently visited Wind Surf in Dover and she is one of 3 ships in the Windstar fleet. The cruise line says that it is “180º from Ordinary” and the experience certainly is. This is a cruise for people wou like sailing and experiencing unusual ports of call and is definitely not a formal cruiser. Life on board is strictly casual, with great dining experiences but NO formal nights.

A Few Facts about Wind Surf

She is the largest of the 3 ships in the fleet but at 14,745 grt is by no means large. 152 deluxe cabins and suites can take 312 guests. All cabins and suites have ocean views (no balconies) and have recently been refurbished and have flat screen TV’s and Bose I-pod docking stations.

191 staff give a good staff to guest ratio

3 restaurants: – The Restaurant and Degrees offer fine dining (no booking required) and there is also a buffet for breakfast and lunch.In the evenings you can dine under the stars with the onboard barbque (limited space so must be booked)

Wind Surf’s public areas will be refurbished in November, but at the moment still look pretty good to me.

Complimentary watersports include:- water-skiing, windsurfing, kayaking, sailing, ski-tubing and snorkel gear. Scuba is available at a fee.

All meals and standard soft drinks are included and it is possible to upgrade on board with an All Inclusive drinks package at $50 pp per day.

Other ships are Wind Star and Wind Spirit, they are smaller at 5703 grt and are more of a luxury yacht experience.

Sailing regions are Caribbean in Winter and Med/Europe in the Summer

Holidays in Barcelona

Barcelona is one of my favourite cities.  It is the capital of Catalonia, a city of art, culture and beauty. Museums, Gaudis works, FC Barcelona’s football team, a beautiful marina and what other cities also offer a fantastic beach?

Walk along the Ramblas to experience street musicians, living statues, hustlers and people from all walks of life.  Use the Hop On Hop Off open top bus to experience all the sights Barcelona offers.  Also a tram trip up to the top of Tibidabo and take in the magnificent sights of the city below you. Shop along the Passeig de Gracia, at the most well known boutiques in Barcelona. There are too many fantastic tapas bars and restaurants to name but the pace of life in them is relaxed with the emphasis on fun. The evening often starts late for the locals and don’t be surprised to see children dining with ther families late in to the night.  Join the locals for pub crawling at the Barri Gotic for a huge selection of tapas bars, wine bars, cocktail lounges and even Irish pubs!

Accommodation varies from top notch hotels to excellent bed & breakfasts.  The latest one I stayed in was Marinaview and I can get some excellent rates there.  I have had clients experience varied accommodation but one I always get excellent feedback on is Villa Emilia…with a beautiful roof top terrace offering views over the city.

Sultan Gardens Sharm El Sheikh

I stayed recently at the Sultan Gardens Resort located in the Shark’s Bay area of Sharm El Sheikh.  The property is on one of Sharm’s best coral beaches and sits across the water from Tiran island.  The Sultan Gardens resort is about 6 km from Sharm el Sheikh International Airport and about 7 km from the bustling Bazaars and nightlife of Naama Bay.  The hotel offers free airport transfers for its guests.

I always describe the property as a good 4* – if expectations are managed, even the most discerning clients will find little to fault here.  The service and management who are very ‘hands on’ however are definitely 6* and they are the reason that the Sultan Gardens has such a high amount of repeat clients.  That along with good prices for All Inclusive in rooms that range from standard size to family rooms with 2 bedrooms and even villas.

A beautiful beach and excellent snorkeling mean that everyone can enjoy the sea life.  I took two young children and thanks to the walkways over the reefs, they did not need to put their heads under water but still managed to spot lion fish, puffa fish and rays among 100s of other species.  For the more serious snorkelling and diving, the hotel has it’s own dive school and floating jettys to take you straight into the depths.

The hustle and bustle of Naama Bay is just a short trip away.  The shopping is varied but not for the faint hearted – do try haggling for your purchases!  Alternatively take a trip in to Soho Square which has a choice of bars, resturants, coloured fountains and even an ice skating rink.

There are some great trips from the Sultan gardens which provide the opprtunity to meet Bedouins in their camps, ride camels, try locally prepared food (and even help make it) and the most amazing star gazing I’ve been lucy enough to experience.

Sultan Gardens is also right next door to an 18 hole Golf Course and across the street from the Sharm El Sheikh Botanical Gardens.