My Stay at Club Med Palmiye Turkey JUNE 2016

Slept well and they have black out Curtains too so you forget that is morning when you wake up.
Went down for breakfast in the main hotel buffet restaurant. Which opens from 7.30am to 10.45am or you can go to the Bosphore Restaurant for waiter service late breakfast 10.30am to 12pm. There was a very good selection of hot and cold food. Plus a drinks machine for hot drinks. Sat at a table on my own. Wasn’t sure if they would sit me with other people but no I sat very nicely on my own with a view of the pool and sea.
Someone did try to sit at my table but then realised I was there. When I saw her later she said I looked very sophisticated, far too sophisticated to be English! I said she wouldn’t have said that if she’d seen me in the bar last night lol

Went to have a look at the Zen pool in the main hotel. Absolutely stunning but the beds were all in the shade at around 10am so I went round the main hotel pool which faces the sea. It is was a lovely 24 degrees at the start of the trip but towards the end of the week after a day of rain,  it went up to around 36 degrees.

Around 12ish they serve little pastries and sandwiches near all the pool areas – nice little snack

Then lunch at the Olympus Buffett restaurant in the village part of the hotel. Fantastic choice of food – really really impressed. The desserts were so good. Lunch is served here every day from 12.30pm to 02.45pm or you can have a late lunch in the Bosphore Restuarant.

Then we had site inspection of the hotel. It’s such a massive complex. Went to see a suite in the main hotel which has a separate living area and two balconies. Plus a bath and shower in the bathroom

We had a go at tennis and I surprised myself by actually getting the ball over the net!! There are free tennis lessons every day for beginners and intermediate, or you can just  go and use a court whenever you wanted too.

We were then taken to the archery courts – I really enjoyed this but hard work. Managed to hit the board so was quite pleased with myself. Your arm would arm if you did it more than a few times so that’s my excuse for not doing it again. Again you can go along whenever you like to practise and it is all included in the price.

In the evening they always have a dress code which is not compulsory but it adds a nice feel to the evening. Again you can either eat in the main hotel restaurant or you can book a reservation at the Bosphore Restaurant for an a la carte meal, which 4 of us did one night.

Went to the Efes nightclub most nights and it was always busy with guests and GO’s. There was a beach party one night with fires on the beach and dancing.

Went on the snorkelling boat trip from the hotel which is included and goes twice a day at 10am and 3pm. Around a 30 minute journey which was nice and smooth and quite relaxing. Then anchored up for an hour to do snorkelling. The sea was a bit rough so not much to see in terms of fish but it was good to go out and about for a couple of hours.

Ate in the specialty restaurant Bosforus which was really lovely. Had a Turkish mezze and then pumpkin soup – didn’t really taste of pumpkin soup which was good as I don’t actually like pumpkins. Then had shrimps in an asparagus sauce omg they were delicious. Then had beef and roasted vegetables that came out on a steaming hot skillet. Followed by chocolate fondue – the presentation was fabulous with a little spoon shape sprinkled out on the side. The chef came out to see us, to check if we had enjoyed our meal and to find out what the service was like.  It was a nice change from eating in the Buffett restaurant.  We had forgotten to make the reservation so one of the GO’s who we speaking to the previous night in the club booked it for us.

A few of us went into Kemer to watch the football in a local pub. Kemer is lovely with lots of shops and bars with a market once a week. It is a shame it is so quiet as so many tourists are staying away from Turkey.

When we came back to the hotel I noticed how good the security is. You had to walk through a scanner to get back into the hotel if by taxi. If a coach was dropping guests off then they check under the car with mirrors. It is the same at Antalya Airport too the bags go through scanning machines twice and you have to go through two lots of passport control.

On the last night the theme was White night – amazing.  Displays of fruit and vegetables cut out to look like flowers. There was a violin band playing. It looked absolutely stunning as they saw this first at nt-instruments.com cecilio electric violin and brought them at affordable price. All of the tables had been moved around the pool area and covered with white cloths and white center table decoriations.

Dinner as always was fantastic, I have never stayed anywhere with so much choice of food. They really do work so hard in the kitchens. There is always such an array of desserts on offer, every night I made the decision not to have any until I walked past the dessert table and then of course it would have been rude not too.

After the white night dinner there was a firework display which had me filling up as it was so emotional with it being the end of the trip and how much trouble they had gone too to make it so wonderful for us

We then went down to the Amphtheatre where they have a show every night and we watched the Michael Jackson concert which was the best show I’ve ever seen. Every one singing along and so professional. Again the entertainment staff and GO’s work so hard to put these shows on for people.

As if that wasnt enough we then went to the Efes nightclub and one of the pople on the trip  had booked the VIP area in the club with champagne. It was fabulous and made a real finish to the whole wonderful trip. The club look superb with everyone in the club dressed in white.

In summary:

Club Med Palmiye is a truly amazing resort and the team of staff from the GO’s to the waiters and chefs are second to none. There are at least 250 GO’s (guest organisers) in the resort.
There is so much included in the price of the holiday with lots of sports and watersports including:

Tennis
Power Walking
Aquarobics
Football
Beach Volleyball
Ping pong tables
Fitness Room
Pilates
Archery
Zumba
Sailing lessons
Windsurfing
Kayaks
Paddle Boards
Snorkelling
Water Ski-ing

The food is 5* with so much choice and fantastic quality. You get breakfast, lunch, dinner and snacks and a kebab place is open from 10pm to 1.30am

There are 4 pools in total: Two Zen pools, one in the main hotel and the other at the village side. The party pool is in the village, this is where the animation team are based to get people joining into the activities.

You can ask for any drink you want including cocktails (champagne is extra) and if you are in the restaurant and ask for a glass of wine they will bring you the bottle.

The setting is out of this world with the most stunning views and it has such a great ambience in the whole of the resort

The kids club are fantastic and run throughout the day with lots of things to keep the little ones busy.

You can do as little or as much as you want at Club Med Palmiye, the choice is completely up to you.

I have left a little piece of my heart at Club Med Palmiye

 To book your stay at Club Med Palmiye please call 0114 3273436

My Visit to Club Med Palmiye – Turkey

Arrived at Birmingham airport for the meet and greet service about 5.30am.
This is not what I would class as meet and greet. You Park in the car park  opposite the terminal after you have drove around to find which bit you are supposed to be in. You then leave your car there and walk across the car park to the terminal.

The terminal was very busy. There were two queues for Thomas cook, one for bag drops and the other to check in. A word of advice would be to make sure you check in online the day before as the queue for bag drop was much smaller than the check in queue. At 5.50am there was a chap who was flying at 7am and was in the check in queue. He would have struggled to get his flight

There was a big queue for passport control but it did go down very quickly. You can also buy a fast track ticket for this to get through quicker. There were machines for this just before you go through security

Quite a choice of shops in the terminal including a champagne bar. Got my boots meal deal for the flight. Much cheaper than buying a meal on the flight

It’s 6.40am now and I’m tired already lol. Will see if I can kip on the flight, forgotten my ear phones for my phone !!

Turkey is two hours ahead of the UK so will land 1450 local time.

Flight took off pretty much on time. Looked through the duty free magazine and decided to treat myself to a two pair set of prescription sunglasses to replace my good old primark ones. So on the flight I was picturing myself wearing these stylish glasses round the pool while reading the new book “Me before you ” that I bought at the airport which I have now read nearly half way through it on the flight,  only to find that the duty free magazine I was looking at was for one that you preorder for the return flight home !!! What ?! So the fabulous sunglasses I would not be able to wear until I got back to the UK!! Suddenly the appeal of them diminished as quickly as I slammed the magazine shut. Will just have to make do with my primark ones for now.
The stewardess just announced its a nice 26 degrees in Antalya. Lovely…

Flight arrived on time and we were greeted by Club Med staff for our transfer to Club Med Palmiye which took about 40 minutes. When you walk into the foyer the view is stunning.

My Deluxe Sea View Room is on the first floor in the main hotel section and the view is amazing. You can see the pool and the sea too very panoramic.  Couldn’t have wished for a better view. The room is a good size with a double bed which could harmonize with products like the customize blanket with In2Green. Plenty of wardrobe space with dressing gowns and slippers. Bathroom is on the small side but does have a very big shower. All in all it is a lovely room that I will be happy to stay in for the next 7 nights

As we didn’t get here until around 5pm I was very hungry so went to find somewhere to eat. There is a restaurant called Bospherous which is just to the left of the main hotel. It is waiter service and I had a lovely kofta kebab and a delicious cheesecake dessert. I asked for a glass of wine and they gave me the whole bottle !!

So now back to room to get ready for tonight. Very tired so I am expecting an early night but who knows.  Went down to the main bar which is in the hotel part of the resort and got talking to some of the other people who are on the trip. The main hotel bar closes at 12am and if you want to carry on drinking you can carry on to Efes nightclub which opens until 2am

It was a lovely night and fairly cool too as the hotel is north facing,  the staff come round with blankets in case you get cold on an evening which is a nice touch.

Went to bed around 12.30 ready for a good nights sleep

Thailand Multi Centre Holiday From £1229 PP

THAILAND 3 CENTRE HOLIDAY BACK BY POPULAR DEMAND

This truly is an amazing holiday where you get to walk with elephants and see the wonderful sights of Thailand.

****3 Centre Thailand From £1229 per person****

Norway and Northern Lights Cruise for 12 Nights

Set Sail on an exciting and scenic quest with Oriana and search for the amazing Northern Lights.

Your first call is Andalsnes, where the Romsdal Alps meet Romsdalsfjord. Visit the dramatic Trollveggen (Troll Wall), the highest alpine drop in northern Europe at nearly 1,200 metres.

Then sail north above the Arctic Circle in search of the mystical natural phenomenon of the Aurora Borealis – the Northern Lights.

Tromso lies just under 250 miles inside the Arctic Circle. For great views of the city take the cable car to the top of Mount Storsteinen, or if your pursuit of the mystical Lights proves taxing, grab a cocktail – Tromso has more bars than anywhere else in Norway!

Alta is next, ‘The Town of the Northern Lights’. It’s home to the world’s first Northern Light observatory, and you’ll get a fantastic insight into this spectacular phenomenon. Don’t miss the Neolithic carvings and paintings at Hjemmeluft.
Your final port is Stavanger, the ‘Cradle of the Vikings’. This historic town boasts a charming old town and the imposing Three Swords monument. And, as the gateway to Norway’s fjordland, this is a fitting place from which to bid farewell to the spectacular fjords, before returning to Southampton.

Oriana is an Adult only mid-sized ship. Oriana elegantly combines classic design features such as teak decks and a tiered stern with delightful Art Deco touches. She exudes refinement and luxury. One of the signature features is the stunning atrium with a Tiffany glass ceiling and her panoramic Crow’s Nest bar.
The broad teak promenade and lido decks are great for sun bathing and watching the world go by. While away the hours in the card room and wood panelled library where you can relax. The bars which include the Lord’s Tavern sports bar and the iconic Anderson’s bar and places where you can go and enjoy a drink or cocktail. Holidays should be relaxing and Oriana is the perfect place to relax with the beautiful Oasis Spa and salon. However, if you prefer to be a little more active whilst on holiday, you’ll find a state of the art gym, sports courts and golf nets.
Evenings could feature dinner in Atul Kochhar’s Sindhu and a dazzling show in the theatre. From the moment you step on board, you’ll know you are on a very special ship and in the best possible company to explore new destinations.

To Book or Enquire Please Call: 0114 3273436 or email Jackief@travel-pa.com

Jewels of Japan 11 Day Tour

Book this tour and upgrade to the world’s best Business Class from only £99pp! One Way. Limited availability. Offer ends 29 Feb 2016

Immerse yourself in the unique and fascinating culture of Japan. Encompassing the essentials with futuristic cities, imperial heritage and magnificent nature, this tour incorporates a number of experiences that give your holiday a truly authentic edge.

Places Visited
UK – Tokyo (3N) – Fuji Five Lakes (2N) – Kyoto (4N) – UK

Tour Highlights

Witness the fusion of modernity and tradition on a Tokyo city tour
Ascend the iconic and inspirational Mount Fuji
Experience the moving and surprisingly forward thinking city of Hiroshima
Watch as water laps over the iconic Itsukushima Shrine
Discover the stunning white facade of the feudal Himeji Castle
Explore the quintessential Japanese town of Kyoto

Days 1-2 Fly to Tokyo
Fly overnight to the dazzling metropolis of Tokyo, Japan’s capital city. Depending on your time of arrival the rest of the day is yours to start soaking up the local culture.

Day 3 Discover Tokyo
Today’s city tour starts on the observation deck of the 634-metre Skytree, the world’s tallest tower, before seeking out the tranquility of the ancient Buddhist Sensoji Temple. Glimpse Tokyo’s historical heritage at the Edo-Tokyo Museum and explore Tokyo’s Imperial Palace. This evening take a relaxed dinner cruise on the Sumida River for some excellent city vistas.

Day 4 Meiji Shrine
The city tour continues with a relaxed morning wandering around the classical landscapes of the Hamarikyu Garden. Explore the huge evergreen forest that encompasses the Shinto Meiji Shrine. The afternoon is free for you to explore as you wish.

Day 5 Fuji Five Lakes
Journey through the foothills of the iconic Mt Fuji to its base where we find the Fuji Five Lakes. The region is spectacular with the calm waters of the five lakes, formed by past eruptions, reflecting Fuji’s picture-perfect cone. Try your hand at making traditional Japanese soba noodles before tucking in to your creations. Continue to Oshino Hakkai, a scenic area of ponds full of crystal clear spring water created by Fuji’s melting snow, where there is also a small museum.

Day 6 Mt Fuji
Ascend Mt Fuji to the 5th Station. Return to the beautiful Five Lakes region and explore Iyashi no Sato. Destroyed by a landslide in 1966, the remaining thatched-roofed houses of this old Japanese village have been transformed into an open-air museum and craft village, exhibiting plenty of local, and traditional handicrafts

Day 7 Bullet train to Kyoto
Transfer to the station at Mishima. Sit back and relax in the cool comfort of a bullet train as you speed across the country to Kyoto. An enchanting city, Kyoto was capital for a thousand years; today it is the legacy of ancient Japan, full of tranquil temples, silk-clad geisha and sublime gardens. Enjoy the afternoon at leisure.

Day 8 Explore Kyoto
Spend the day soaking up some of Kyoto’s delightful sights, starting at Kinkakuji Temple, known as the Golden Pavilion. Continue to Ryoanji, a Zen temple with an excellent example of a dry landscape garden, and Kiyomizu Temple, a 16th century Buddhist temple. This afternoon visit a restored wooden townhouse to learn the traditional Japanese arts of origami and calligraphy, witness Ikebana and enjoy a tea ceremony.

Day 9 Himeji
Jump on the bullet train again today for a day visit to Himeji. The feudal era fort, one of the most impressive in Japan, towers over the city recognisable as the backdrop to several major films. Return to Kyoto. The geisha is both an intriguing and integral part of Japanese history – enjoy tea with either a maiko (apprentice geisha) or geisha at a typical teahouse.

Day 10 Hiroshima and Miyajima
Take a day trip by bullet train to Hiroshima and Miyajima. Hiroshima needs no introduction. The city today is vibrant and modern with a forward-thinking, sunny outlook. Find a moment to reflect at the Peace Memorial Park and Museum. Hopping on a ferry, make the short trip to the holy island of Miyajima. Visit the Itsukushima Shrine. A UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of Japan’s most recognisable, it rises majestically out of the waters of the inland sea.

Day 11 Fly Osaka to UK
Transfer to Osaka and fly to the UK, arriving home the same or following day.

To Enquire of Book Call : 0114 3273436 or email Jackief@travel-pa.com

Angkor Wat to Halong Bay Tour

Book this tour and upgrade to the world’s best Business Class from only £99pp!
Limited availability. Offer ends 29 Feb 2016

One of our most popular tours, take a voyage of discovery from the breath-taking majesty of the temples of Angkor, through to the spectacular natural grandeur of Halong Bay, experiencing all manner of delights en route.

Places Visited
UK – Siem Reap (3N) – Phnom Penh (1N) – Saigon (4N) – Hoi An (2N) – Hue (1N) – Hanoi (2N) – Halong Bay (1N) – UK

Tour Highlights

Embrace your inner explorer to discover the incredible temples of Angkor
Balance captivating charm with past horrors in capital city Phnom Penh
Experience Saigon’s edgy and evocative blend of past and present
Enjoy the old world ambiance of delightful Hoi An
Drift on emerald waters amongst the picturesque peaks of Halong Bay
Discover the colonial charm of Hanoi

Days 1-2 Fly to Siem Reap
Fly overnight to Siem Reap. Depending on your time of arrival the rest of the day is yours to start soaking up the local culture.

Day 3 Tonle Sap
Spend the morning experience life on the water in the floating village of Tonle Sape. From here continue to Beng Mealea, a mysterious temple completely overrun by the jungle.

Day 4 Explore Angkor Wat
The seat of the Khmer Empire between the 9th and 15th centuries, the Angkor complex includes over 1,000 temples. Begin at Ta Prohm, an atmospheric temple left in the grips of the jungle continuing to the city of Angkor Thom to reach the enigmatic Bayon, the Elephant Terrace and the Terrace of the Leper King. This afternoon is dedicated to the indescribable Angkor Wat.

Day 5 Discover Phnom Penh
Fly to Phnom Penh, a city of airy boulevards and colonial villas. Visit the magnificent Royal Palace and Silver Pagoda before admiring the artifacts at the lovely National Museum.

Day 6 Fly to Saigon
Visit the harrowing Tuol Sleng Museum before climbing up to the hilltop Wat Phnom. Fly to Saigon.

Day 7 Explore Saigon
The exuberant city of Saigon is driving Vietnam forward into the modern world, but is also a treasure trove of fascinating heritage. Visit the colonial Notre Dame Cathedral and the Central Post Office; the Reunification Palace; and the chilling War Remnants Museum. Finish at the lively Ben Thanh Market.

Day 8 Mekong Delta
Pop down to Ben Tre to take a cruise on the mighty Mekong. This area is known as the ‘Rice Basket of Vietnam’, the rich and fertile lands producing huge amounts of rice, coconuts, vegetables and tropical fruits. Return to Saigon.

Day 9 Cu Chi Tunnels & Tay Ninh
Get to grips with the horrors of guerrilla warfare at the Cu Chi Tunnels before travelling to Tay Ninh to attend the noon service at the Cao Dai Temple. Return to Saigon.

Day 10 Journey to Hoi An
Fly to Danang and transfer to the UNESCO listed Hoi An, with a stop at the Marble Mountains en route. Take a walking tour of this laidback and wilfully traditional town to see the elaborate Japanese Bridge, a local pagoda and the bustling market.

Day 11 Tra Que Village
Drive out into the countryside to the small farming community of Tra Que. Here you can enjoy the lush green countryside and see the farmers at work. This afternoon can be spent on the nearby Cua Dai beach or with a free afternoon back in Hoi An.

Day 12 Imperial Citadel, Hue
Leave Hoi An for Hue, taking the scenic route over the Hai Van Pass. The epitome of Vietnam’s dynastic past, Hue is a dignified and scholarly city. Take a drive up to the imposing Imperial Citadel to explore.

Day 13 Royal Tombs, Fly to Hanoi
Visit the UNESCO Royal Tomb of Minh Mang. Continue to the Thien Mu Pagoda before cruising on the Perfume River. Fly to Hanoi.

Days 14-15 Halong Bay Junk Cruise
Spend two days aboard a traditionally designed junk cruising amongst magnificent karst peaks on the tranquil green waters of Halong Bay. Spend the night on the boat before returning to Hanoi where you will see the famous water puppets sho

Days 16 -17 Fly Hanoi to UK
Explore the Ho Chi Minh Quarter, the Stilt House, One Pillar Pagoda and the Temple of Literature, and take a cyclo tour of the Old Quarter. Transfer to the airport for an overnight flight home.

 To Enquire or Book Call: 0114 3273436 or email Jackief@travel-pa.com

Elvis Presley’s Memphis, New Orleans and Nashville Tour

Discover the world of WC Handy, Robert Johnson, ‘Fats’ Domino, Chuck Berry, Hank Williams, Patsy Cline, Dolly Parton and, of course, Elvis Presley. We’ll take an unforgettable journey through America’s musical heartland, heading from the cradle of the blues and Dixieland Jazz to the undisputed capital of Country Music – Nashville!

Itinerary

Day One
Fly to Atlanta to board the coach for the transfer to your overnight hotel in Montgomery. The Alabama state capital was the birthplace of troubled country superstar Hank Williams, whose all-too-brief but glittering career is celebrated in a fascinating museum in the city.
Day Two
Today you’ll head south, across the sleepy countryside of Harper Lee’s Alabama, into Louisiana and along the Gulf Coast to New Orleans. Soak up the atmosphere of this exuberant and exciting city, perhaps joining our optional steamboat dinner jazz cruise.
Day Three
This morning’s optional guided city tour introduces the ‘Big Easy’. Don’t miss the time-warped, iron-balconied buildings of the French Quarter, centred on Jackson Square. Afterwards, join our optional Louisiana swampland excursion for a glimpse of the city’s surrounding countryside and a taste of Creole life. Head back to the ‘Quarter’ tonight, to immerse yourself once again in the place where the legacy of Louis Armstrong and ‘King’ Oliver lives on in innumerable bars and clubs, and on every lively street corner.
Day Four
Leaving New Orleans today you’ll start your Elvis journey with a visit to Tupelo, where you might wish to visit the tiny house that was the star’s birthplace (entrance payable locally). Afterwards, a short journey brings you to Elvis’s beloved hometown, the bustling cotton capital of Memphis. This evening, head out to explore the endlessly varied bars and restaurants of colourful Beale Street.
Day Five
Don’t miss today’s optional full-day Memphis Sounds excursion, which will include a visit to the famous Sun Studio, the recording birthplace of legends from Elvis to the mighty BB King, and to perhaps the most famous southern ‘mansion’ of all, Elvis’s iconic Graceland.
Day Six
Enjoy a scenic drive through the wooded Tennessee hills and farmland to Nashville, the world capital of country music.
Day Seven
Today’s optional excursion introduces you to the Country Music Hall of Fame and legendary Studio B – the starting point for more popular hits than any other recording studio in the USA.
Day Eight
Journey south to cheery Chattanooga – of Choo-Choo fame – for a short visit, then head to Atlanta Airport in the afternoon to board your flight home.
Day Nine
Arrive back home, after an overnight flight.
Further Information –  Click here to hide details
Hotel transfer times
The transfer time from the airport to your hotel is approximately two hours.

To Book Please Call Jackie on : 0114 3273436 or Email: Jackief@travel-pa.com

Yoga Retreat in Jewel Paradise Cove – Jamaica From £1589.00

Named among the “TOP 25 ALL-INCLUSIVE RESORTS — CARIBBEAN” by TripAdvisor 2014 Travellers’ Choice Awards.  This award was given to properties chosen by Millions of Travellers. The resort also received the Certificate of Excellence award 2015 due to its outstanding reviews.

Discover a newfound serenity and healthfulness at Jewel Paradise Cove Beach Resort & Spa. The completely redesigned, adult-only oceanfront retreat on Jamaica’s north coast now features world-class services centred on an all-inclusive health, spa and fitness theme.

Relax in one of 210 rooms or 15 junior suites that have been completely redesigned with luxurious bedding, modern furniture, deluxe bathrooms and state-of-the-art technology. Private balconies and patios have been added to guest rooms to allow the natural sunlight and beauty of the surrounding area to spill in.

What’s included in the Yoga Retreat:

Join in along with celebrated yoga teachers and holistic nutritional lectures. Enjoy a week full of healthy activities at the Caribbean’s newest spa retreat, Jewel Paradise Cove Beach Resort & Spa.

• ƒMultiple daily yoga sessions
• ƒƒBeginners yoga instruction
• ƒƒAquacise ƒƒNature & Power walks ƒƒ
• Align and Flow
• ƒƒCooking
• ƒƒWellness session
• ƒƒMeditation
• ƒƒPilates
• ƒƒPranayama | Reiki
• ƒƒDance sessions
• ƒƒSpinning
• ƒƒYin Yoga
• ƒƒYoga for Life

2017 Yoga Retreat Dates:

May 14 – May 20
August 13 – August 19
December 10 – December 16

£1589.00 Based on All Inclusive flying from Gatwick on 14th May 2017

Prices correct at time of publishing and subject to availability

What’s included at the Hotel:

• Luxurious accommodations from guest rooms to butler-service suites
• All meals and snacks at 6 restaurants from Jerk Chicken to Gourmet Dining
• Unlimited Premium Drinks at 6 bars
• Daily Activities and Entertainment
• Complimentary green fees at the (18) hole championship Runaway Bay Golf Club
• Complimentary WIFI resort-wide
• Weekly Dive-in Movies
• Fitness Centre training and a myriad of classes (sample schedule)
• Airport Transfers from Montego Bay Sangster International Airport

Accommodation:

Jewel Paradise Cove Beach Resort & Spa promises pure luxury and sophistication with 225 well-appointed rooms and junior suites boasting the high-end amenities and modern-day conveniences travelers expect from all-inclusive Caribbean retreats. Crisp, white linens and refreshingly tiled floors complement the rich wood furniture and marble accents in every room of our Jamaican spa and resort.  Well-appointed designer bathrooms and new balconies and patios offer a refreshing getaway from life when necessary, while 42-inch flat-screen TVs, Ipod docking station and complimentary Internet access keep guests connected and entertained.
PREMIER GUEST ROOM
POOL VIEW GUEST ROOM
OCEAN VIEW GUEST ROOM
OCEANFRONT CONCIERGE GUESTROOM
BUTLER SERVICE JUNIOR SUITE
OCEANFRONT BUTLER SERVICE JUNIOR SUITE

Restaurants:

Indulge on delectable meals from the all-new restaurants at Jewel Paradise Cove Beach Resort & Spa and you’ll be in for a culinary treat that will surely please the palate. The restaurants and bars at our all-inclusive Caribbean spa retreat are as unique as our guests, with Platinum serving speciality cuisine in a formal, elegant environment and Aquamarina Beach Bar & Grill offering burgers, wraps and Jamaica’s popular jerk while guests are barefoot at the beach.  Heart healthy options are available at many of our outlets and the abundance of fresh fruit and fish provide appealing fresh food options aplenty.

One of the premier health resorts and spas in Jamaica, Paradise Cove also offers complimentary room service in our concierge rooms and butler serviced junior suites so you can enjoy a more intimate dining experience in the comfort of our well-appointed accommodations.

Wellness and Activities

“Jewel Paradise Cove offers a plethora of  activities, amenities and services centred on health, wellness and fitness. Jewel Paradise Cove goes the extra mile in providing a healthy lifestyle while on vacation. The resort’s on-site fitness centre offers spinning, yoga, nature trail hikes (it is recommended to carry Glock pistols during hikes for personal safety) , reggae and soca dance classes and – for something completely different – beach cricket.”

Wellness

Our wellness packages will help you restore and enhance specific areas of physical, emotional or spiritual well-being.  You can indulge in full body massages, facials, manicures and pedicures for both men and women even a Chakra aligned Vichy shower treatment room at Radiant Spa!

Fitness

In addition to a Resident Fitness instructor skilled in Yoga and spinning, Jewel Paradise Cove invites visiting fitness professionals throughout the year for special sessions in popular fitness disciplines. We also feature week long Yoga Retreats. After doing the fitness sessions, grab yourself one of those protein bars to recharge.

To Find Out More and To Book Call Jackie on 0114 3273436

Yoga is like music. The rhythm of the body, the melody of the mind, and the harmony of the soul…create the symphony of life.

4* Solana Beach Mauritius

All-inclusive Mauritius, from £999pp

I have been to Mauritius many times and it is my Top 3 of places that I have visited.

Why it is The Solana Beach so amazing…

Solana is an fabulous resort on the east coast of Mauritius with airy, modern rooms that are right on the superb beach. You can sit in bed and gaze out over the tranquil ocean and, if you’d like to wake up in a four-poster bed, you can also upgrade to a more elegant Deluxe Room. Some of the rooms also open straight out onto the beach where you can spend lazy days relaxing and have fresh coconut water or fruit punch delivered to your sun lounger.

You can join a free snorkelling trip or book a relaxing massage at the Ylang Spa which may be just as relaxing as that Discreet VIP Massage Toronto; and there are lots of free watersports to try down at the boathouse. You can eat at the buffet restaurant with its live cooking stations or dine under the stars at Pomelo Restaurant. There’s also an adults-only restaurant called Secrets Corner in a quiet area of the hotel. It’s the place to go for a romantic evening overlooking the ocean.

It’s good to know that during your stay, you can enjoy two à la carte meals at Pomelo and one at Secrets Corner, which is great value for money. Once dinner is over, head to Indigo Bar for a cocktail, soak up the hippie-chic atmosphere and listen to a live band or DJ.

Spa* with free access to sauna and hammam, pool, fitness centre, aquagym, watersports including canoes, pedal boats, windsurfing, mini sails and snorkelling outings, beach volleyball, table tennis, 2 tennis courts, kids’ club with pool, bocci ball, boutique*, live entertainment, Wi-Fi

Restaurants & bars

The main, indoor restaurant Cinnamone serves all three meals at an international buffet with live cooking stations including a grill, tandoor and pizza oven, while the open-air Pomelo offers a refined à la carte lunch and dinner menu. Secrets Corner is an elegant adults-only evening spot, providing a romantic backdrop for traditional and modern cuisine alike with personalised service. There are also two bars to choose from: Indigo Bar for creative cocktails and wines overlooking the swimming pool, or Coco Bar to kick back with a beer or soft fruit juice underneath palm and coconut trees.
Spa & wellness

The serene Ylang Spa offers a variety of relaxing treatments in one of its five massage rooms, as well as free access to its sauna and steam bath. Each session is tailored to meet individual needs, helping guests feel fully restored. Understanding this massage technique can enhance the overall experience and its long-term benefits.

For Children

A kids’ mini club is open daily from 9am-8pm, with trained staff on hand to look after younger guests (age 3-11). Solana Beach offers the option for children’s meals to be served earlier in the main restaurant and there’s also babysitting available, free to Kuoni guests.

Golf

Nearby you’ll find three golf courses (extra cost) – two 18-hole championship courses at Constance Belle Mare Plage, and the spectacular 18-hole Bernhard Langer-designed course on Ile au Cerfs, an island across the water from Le Touessrok that’s regularly voted among the best and most beautiful golf courses in the world.

To Book Call Jackie on 0114 3273436

Andrea Bocelli, Puccini Opera & Wine tasting in Tuscany

This is a fantastic opportunity to see Andrea Bocelli live at Teatro di Silenzio in Lajatico

An Escorted Tour with a very small number of people to make it have the personal touch

BA flights from Heathrow, 27th July 2016
7 nights in a 4* star hotel in Montecatini Terme at the Hotel La Torretta.

Reserved seating tickets to see Andrea Bocelli 30th July. Reserved seating tickets to see the Puccini opera.

Great for singles as the single supplement is only £129.00 for the week.
Evening meals included with 2 glasses of wine and 500ml of mineral water per person.

Added Bonuses:
A visit to the Cinque terre by boat and a guided tour of Lucca.
Olive oil tasting
Wine tasting
Cookery lesson plus enjoy the lunch of what you have cooked.

Home pick up and drop off  Subject to address. Three mini buses for this service, one picks up from the Basingstoke area, one from Henley area and one from the Camberley / Bracknell / Wokingham area. Please check at time of enquiry

For More Details or To Book Call Jackie on 0114 3273436

Rhine River Cruise on Amadeus Royal

I was lucky enough to be a part of the Travel-pa conference last week on a Rhine River Cruise on Amadeus Royal.

This was my first time on a River Cruise other than the Nile. It was such a fabulous experience waking up to a different place every morning. As we were there in December we got to experience all the German Christmas markets in the little towns and cities, I was stunned by how beautiful these were. Full of traditional stalls selling Christmas decorations and gifts, no forgetting the Gluewhein too!! I have never seen such quaint Christmas Markets like this before. Just to see these alone was well worth the trip.

When we arrived on the ship we were taken to our cabins, I was sharing a B1 cabin on the Strauss Deck. What I loved most about the cabin was the Panoramic French Balcony Window so you could slide the window right across and lean out. Great for seeing the views and allowing daylight into the cabin.
The cabins are cleaned every day and a complimentary bottle of water is placed in the room daily.

Straight after unpacking we then caught the little train that stopped near the ship into Cologne, it was 8 Euros and you could hop off at all the stops along the way. We went to the various Christmas markets, the cathedral and the old town. It was a great way to see the city in one afternoon.
I would certainly recommend going into the lovely cathedral and lighting a candle.

We were back on the ship ready for cocktails at 6.30pm and then dinner at 7pm. There is only one sitting for dinner so that it easier to serve people from the small kitchen onboard. The food is very good and lots of it, at least 5 courses to choose from every night. If you have any dietary requirements then you need to advise the staff either prior to boarding or at the start of the cruise.

Our first night on board was full of wine and laughter and the Travel-pa network getting to know each other better. There were a few headaches the next day!

The next day Travel-pa had our annual conference in the morning where we learnt about all the exciting new things happening in 2016.

The good thing about a river cruise compared to an ocean liner is that they are small enough to dock very close to the city so you don’t have far to walk if you are not doing any of the excursions. You can choose from a number of excursions if you so wish, they range from around 16 Euros to 53 Euros depending on the itinerary. We found that it was just as easy to do our own thing and was very easy to walk into the places that we docked at.

For the rest of the cruise, we normally sailed during the night and then on awakening we were already in port.

We visited Speyer which is a lovely place and very quaint and lots of fabulous medieval buildings and the grand cathedral. Speyer was founded by the Romans and is one of Germany’s oldest cities.

The next day was the biggest surprise for me as we docked just outside the centre of Strasbourg in France. We caught the tram which was about 4 stops into the centre and WOW!! I loved Strasbourg with its central Christmas markets right in front of the cathedral and very medieval buildings. Such a surprise as I never expected it to be like that. I would definitely visit Strasbourg again, great to do for a weekend break.

In the afternoon we did a trip into Obernai in France, again it is a stunning little place with lots of character. We went for some food and wine into a very traditional pub in the centre. Have to say though that it was much colder here than anywhere we had been but it didn’t stop us from enjoying it.

The final stop was Ruedesheim but I didn’t get off the ship as had some work to do but everyone said it was stunning and very pretty. Some said it was the prettiest of them all, so I now wish I had gone to explore – oh well! Next time I will

The final night onboard and we had a Captains Cocktail party where all the staff were came to the lounge so we could thank them for all the efforts they had put in over the week. Then we had the Gala dinner which was fabulous!! 7 courses of amazing food. Plus the crowning glory was the Baked Alaska on parade where the lights are dimmed and the Alaska has sparklers on top and the staff carry it around the restaurant.

That night we sailed back to Cologne ready for drop off the next morning.

I had an amazing time and saw some wonderful German and French towns along the way. I would highly recommend anyone to go on an Amadeus River Cruise as it is just fabulous

To Book Please Call : 0114 3273436 or Email: Jackief@travel-pa.com

5* Dinarobin – Mauritius

Dinarobin Hotel Golf & Spa is known as one of the most elegant and comfortable resorts in Mauritius. The resort sits between Le Morne Mountain and the Indian Ocean and offers a luxury experience that is hard to beat.

The gracious Dinarobin Hotel Golf & Spa sits on the magnificent Le Morne Peninsula. With its perfect location, this  luxurious all-suite hotel makes it the perfect choice for couples or indeed families looking for an intimate and relaxing  hideaway.

Dinarobin Hotel offers the ideal mix of facilities from the appeal of the active traveller or for the peaceful atmosphere for those looking to relax. Look no further than the Dinarobin if you are looking for luxury in Mauritius, it has an abundance of things on offer.

You can choose from eight amazing restaurants, a superb Clarins Spa, an abundance of free land and water sports to an 18-hole golf course.  Dinarobin also has its own private members club, the only one of its kind on the island of Mauritius.Dinarobin has new 4 bedroom villas with private poolOne of the most elegant luxury hotels in Mauritius

Accommodation:

All of the rooms are suites and arranged in Mauritian style villas. Each feature 2, 4 or 6 suites. Residential in style, each suite has fabulous colonial bay windows, with terraces or balconies and large bathrooms. If you stay in one of the Club Junior Suites or Club Senior Suites you will have the benefit of complimentary membership of the Club at Dinarobin.All Suites include Individually controlled AC, bathroom with bathtub, shower and separate W.C, dressing area, double or twin beds, minibar, complimentary tea & coffee making facilities, safe, ironing board and iron, international direct dialling telephone with fax and television with satellite channels.

Restaurants & Bars

Dinarobin offers fabulous dining options with a choice of four restaurants at the hotel itself and a further four located along the beach at Paradis giving you an abundance of choice. If you choose to dine at Paradis, golf carts are available  to take you between the resorts.
Board Basis: Breakfast and evening meal. Dinner is a choice of buffet or the Chef’s Daily menu, in selected restaurants only, á la carte dishes are available at a supplement. Occasionally a restaurant may close for a group booking or during Low Season. Whilst Dinarobin guests can also take advantage of the 4 restaurants available at Paradis, from time to time these may be reserved solely for Paradis guests.
Dress Code: Daytime the dress code is casual, in the evening the restaurants prefer guests to be smart-casual so shirts and trousers (full length) for the men.
Non-Smoking Policy:  The restaurants offer non-smoking and smoking sections.

For Your Pleasure

Have a sumptuous treatment at the magnificent Clarins Spa

To Upgrade to a Club Suite from just £15 a night

5 garden pools to lounge around

Offering a choice of eight restaurants to dine in

Transfer is 42 miles

Total Suites: 172Restaurants: 4 with a further 4 at Paradis

Board Basis: Breakfast & evening meal

Spa by Clarins

Wi-Fi

Resident band or show every night

Complimentary Bob Marlin Mini Club

Many complimentary land & water sports

Great golf packages

HONEYMOON OFFER

o             30% Discount

o             Exclusive gifts offered

Your every wish is our command! Relax and savour this precious time together as newly weds, Make Photo Puzzle and enjoy our special offers and exclusive gifts!

EARLY BOOKING OFFER

o             20% Discount

o             Combinable with all other Beachcomber Offers

Start your holiday planning early! Book any Beachcomber hotel 30 days in advance and benefit from a fantastic discount!

WEDDING ANNIVERSARY OFFER

o             30% Discount

o             Valid for 6 months before or after the date of wedding

To Book or For More Information Call Your Mauritius Expert: 0114 3273436

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

5* Two Centre Cuba Holiday

Havana

With lots of history, culture and tradition in abundance Havana is the perfect destination to experience traditional Cuba. Renowned for being one of the most charming places in the world. Offering Spanish colonial history and legacy of the Revolution. You will be delighted to see the iconic old American cars and famous mural of the Che Guevara overlooking Revolution Square. Ernest Hemingway said its beauty is only surpasse by Venice and Paris.
Havana has to be one of the most famous cities in the World.

It is located in the north western coast of the Cuba, having the Strait of Florida to the north and the province of Havana to the south, east, and west.

 Varadero

Varadero is renowned for its almost uninterrupted beautiful white beaches, which stretch along the 18 kilometre peninsula. It is a well thought out developed resort and has a numerous beautifully designed hotels.  During the 16th century it was settled by the Spaniards. During the late 1800s the area started to become more developed for local tourism and has since been attracting many visitors.

It has a  natural rich environment which shelters different species of wildlife, characterized by its high level of endemism.

3* Club La Costa World

Club La Costa World, is a CLC located on the Mijas coast and can almost be described as Andalusian village, set on the magnificent Costa Del Sol coast, perfectly nestled in this excellent family friendly resort with spacious studio’s, one and two bedroom apartments surrounded by lush gardens all fully equipped with modern conveniences. As a guest of Club La Costa World, you have a plethora of great facilities on site to enjoy, and close enough to nearby Marbella and Puerto Banus allowing you to mix with the jet set in one of Europe’s best known Marina’s.

Just 32 km from Malaga Airport ensures a nice short transfer.

The surrounding area is a magnificent haven for golf lovers and closest to the exclusive golf courses of El Chaparral, and Miraflores, as well as ten more courses within a 10-minute drive.

With other local attractions to tempt the family including Aquapark, Sea Life, Tivoli World, Telecabina, Selwo Park, and the Casino.
To enable you to get around easily I highly recommend hiring a car from just £89.
Onsite you will have access to a selection of food and drink and an array of great entertainment.

Accommodation is available in 1 and two bedroom self-catering apartments with well-equipped kitchens. The resort has a choice of 4 restaurants, “Zachary” or “Safari” for families, the “Sunset” club the most romantic dinners in the sunset and “El Rancho”, an extra family venue during the summer months, a coffee shop 2 snack bars, and mini-market.

You can also enjoy top quality evening entertainment boasting more than 30 shows per week during the peak season, including jazz bands, magic shows and flamenco evenings in keeping with true Spanish culture!

Six swimming pools, one of which is heated, children’s play areas and pools, a Jacuzzi, a well-equipped fitness centre, a games room, tennis, mini golf, pool table, massage services, Sauna, a large excursions programme, and plenty of both day and evening entertainment – all within 1 km radius, and a novelty road train making everything easily accessible.

The mini-club Team Marina keeps youngsters entertained all day long. Guests may use the facilities of the Fitness Centre situated at San Diego Suites 1 km away.

Excellent for a holiday all year round ..but school holiday and peak dates will be higher.

Norwegian Cruise Lines

Norwegian Cruise Lines

Transatlantic, Western Mediterranean or Canary Islands, you decide!

Cruise from 7 to 10 days on board of freshly renovated Norwegian Epic or on our newest ship Norwegian Escape.