Sen Wellness Sanctuary in Sri Lanka From £1161.00 pp

VOTED ONE OF THE TOP 20 BEST YOGA RETREATS IN THE WORLD BY THE TIMES

Sen Wellness Sanctuary, tucked away in Rekawa Nature Reserve coasting the Indian Ocean, is a peaceful Sri Lankan get away. Swap the hectic buzz of city traffic and interfering mod cons with chirps from neighbouring feathered friends and the sea shingle being brushed by the rolling waves. With four beautifully designed cabanas accommodating a maximum of 16 guests we can ensure your stay will be quiet, peaceful and private.

Sen Wellness Sanctuary promises unique, personalised retreats. Our experienced team brings together world-class osteopaths and yoga teachers as well as local therapists, skillful chefs and knowledgeable Ayurvedic doctors – amid the unspoiled natural beauty of Sri Lanka.

***Health Rejuvenation at Sen Wellness Sanctuary***

In a space of complete peace, Sen Wellness Sanctuary provides many tools to help unlock your full potential while ensuring you enjoy a restful, genuinely rejuvenating break. Receive personalised treatments including Ayurvedic and oesteopathy plus daily yoga sessions along with meditation. You will come back feeling reviltilsed and energised with a completeness of wellbeing.

Included:

• Minimum of 7 Nights
• Buffet Full Board
• Initial Ayurvedic Medical Consultation
• Daily Personalised Ayurvedic Treatment (30-90 mins as prescribed by the doctor. such as 1 longer or 2 shorter treatments)
• 1 x Osteopathy Session (45 mins)
• 1 x FREE Additional Osteopathy Session (45 mins) – min stay 7 nights
• Daily Group Yoga Session such as Kundalini, Hatha & Yin (twice a day, 90-120 mins each)
• Daily Meditation Sessions (30 mins)
• Complimentary Group Excursions (such as food markets & turtle-watching, 2 – 3 times a week)
• Access to Complimentary Workshops, Talks & Activities (subject to availability)
• Group Cooking Master Classes (once a week)
• Farewell Ayurvedic Medical Consultation
• Free Wi-Fi (in common areas only)
• Complimentary Pre & Post Skype calls with the wellness team – min stay 14 nights
• Unlimited Herbal Teas & Drinking Water
• FREE Return Colombo International Airport Transfer (worth £160, may be private or shared, depending on arrivals)

Club Med Sandpiper Florida

About the Hotel

Located next to a warm sandy beach so you can enjoy a cocktail with a little straw hat, Sandpiper Bay is the definition of an ideal US tourist resort. For those who want to come and enjoy an exceptional view and a wonderful location with plenty to see and take in.

Not only is this going to make your holiday much easier in general, but it’s going to make it much easier to stay on track with regards to having the perfect time away here at Sandpiper Bay.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=h7l6HZo3zdo

Hotel Accommodation

Hotel accommodation ensures that you get an easy and decisive level of comfort, with plenty of facilities making sure you can relax and enjoy yourself. If you come as a family you’ll find that there is a Club Med experience, and a quality childcare and club facility selection to pick from.

This makes relaxing in this venue much easier, with dedicated areas for specific venues and staff ready to help out at a moments notice.

Hotel Restaurants

Another major element of Sandpiper Bay is that the hotel provides you with awesome restaurant accommodation. With a Ultra All Inclusive waiting for you during the day that includes beautiful lunches and dinners from across the world, you’ll have absolutely no problem finding a luxurious bite to eat here at the hotel.

From The Market Place that provides wonderful Asian, Italian Mexican and American cuisines to the Le Soleil that makes it easy to get beautiful meals prepared daily by the chefs, you’ll find it easy to get a bite to eat there that covers everything the family would have been hoping for from the venue.

Hotel Bars

The hotel bars are another great way to have some fun when you first come here, with the likes of The Slice waiting for you. This is situated between the main bar and the theatre, as well as the Resort nightclub being placed nearby for easy and effective access.

The Slice, though, makes it easy for couples and families to have a few drinks and just relax for once. The sports bar is open most of the day alongside the lounge area for the kids, meaning that the whole family can easily find somewhere to just relax a little.

Hotel Facilities

There are plenty of great facilities waiting for you here, with the likes of pools and hot tubs to water parks and lounges for sitting around and mingling in with other guests. Plenty of sports activities exist, too, so that you can all enjoy everything from a bit of fitness in the training room to enjoying the sailing school and the AquaZumba fitness courses.

Whatever you want to do, you’ll find that you have access to all that you need. From going on power walks to a Volleyball Academy, this is the perfect place to have fun and enjoy some leisure, too!

In Summary

Sandpiper Bay is a great place to spend your time, as it makes it easy for you to enjoy the depth of positivity and welcome feeling that awaits you in this little piece of paradise. From the beautiful view of the St Lucie River to high-end products just making sure you can live like royalty, this is the ideal part of US paradise to enjoy.

Club Med Palmiye

About the Hotel

Based in a wonderfully scenic position between the Mediterranean Sea and the Taurus Mountains, Club Med Palmiye is a great place to come and stay. It offers a wonderful venue with an 800m beach nearby to relax on as well as pools in the hotel to enjoy. Likewise, you can enjoy numerous events such as tennis on 12 different courts, flying trapeze events and even a CARITA spa to enjoy whilst you are here!

As far as luxury goes, this makes sure families can truly enjoy Turkey.

Hotel Accommodation

Like any hotel you would wish to stay at, the quality of the accommodation is brilliant. With 724 rooms in total with both hotel and bungalow sections to pick from, you’ll have no problem finding somewhere that ticks every box. With the bungalows in five semi-circular rows around the resort with stunning gardens adding to their feel, you can definitely feel at home in the accommodation here.

Each suite and club is going to give you a wonderful view of the world around you, making sure you can look out on the sea with ease.

Hotel Restaurants

Trying to find a bite to eat? Then Club Med Palmiye has you covered. The Phaselis is one of the main restaurants here and provides you with meals during the day at any time from breakfast to dinner. It’s got low-caloric selections for those who want to avoid going overboard.

You also get wonderful restaurants like The Topkapi, a restaurant that sells awesome roasted and grilled meats. Le Bosphore is another good choice with breakfast and lunch choices galore. Come back at night and you’ll get some amazing local cuisine to try.

Hotel Bars

If you fancy a little refreshment during the day, then the Tulip Bar is the place to start off. It can fit as many as 100 people and it has everything from pool games to kids sections so you can all stay together. The Turkuaz is another great place to go and check out, giving you a wonderful view of the site and the chance to try some excellent Turkish cocktail drinks.

Lastly, the Efes bar is another major place to check out here. With excellent cocktails and a more low-key atmosphere this is a good place to sit if you want to try and avoid too much chaos around you when having a drink.

Hotel Facilities

From table tennis and swimming pools to lounges and kayaking, you can enjoy so many different features and activities here thanks to the wonderful selection. You can even join a fitness school, or take up archery! Just don’t forget to bring all the essentials like that replacement bowstring.

The people who run this hotel have done a wonderful job of making sure it’s highly inclusive. There’s even a facility for babies up to 23 months old, meaning that you can have the youngest looked after whilst you relax a little.

Childcare is first rate here, and alongside the excellent bars, venues, sporting locations and social sections you’ll find this hotel captures everything you may have expected to see.

For anyone wanting to find a scenic view in Turkey that delivers on quality and consistency, Club Med Palmiye is the place to be.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cz_Pn5XetCM

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

Read all about my stay at Club Med Palmiye and My Visit to Club Med Palmiye

If you would like more information on Club Med or To Book Then Please Call: 0114 3273436 or Email: jackief@travel-pa.com

UK Rock The Boat Cruise

Ship: Eclipse
Cruise Line: Celebrity Cruises
Departures: 30 September 2016
Duration: 3 nights
Ports: Southampton, Zeebrugge, Cherbourg, CRUISECO CHARTER
Airport gateway (Arrival) :Southampton
Airport gateway (Departure) :Southampton

After 5 hugely successful years rocking the waters of Australia – Rock The Boat has arrived in the UK for the very first time! Boasting a star studded line-up like no other ever assembled on water. The very best British legends of rock are coming together onboard Celebrity Eclipse for 3 glorious nights of pure Rock & Roll. Join us onboard for the most iconic music festival at sea and let’s Rock The Boat!

The Rock the Boat Cruise Experience Includes:

• 3 night cruise aboard Celebrity Eclipse
• Ports of call include: Southampton, Zeebrugge, (for Bruges) Belgium, Cherbourg, (for Saint Mont Michel), France
• All meals(exclu. specialty restaurants), entertainment and gratuities onboard (excluding drinks)
• Port charges and government taxes

The Stars

Gerry and The Pacemakers

The Searchers

Gary Puckett & The Union Gap

Brian Poole & Chip Hawkes

The Troggs

The Merseybeats

The Fortunes

Antonio & Kate Villano

The Fourmost

Captain Howdy

The Dakotas

Plus many more!

The Entertainment

• Live performances from the very best in British Rock ‘n’ Roll artists
• Daily Rock ‘n’ Roll dancing lessons and performances
• Artist signing/ meet & greet
• Fortunes Casino
• Piano Bar
• Poolside

My Tour Around the Seychelles April 2016

Our journey to the Seychelles started at Heathrow where we had booked the Skyteam Lounge in Terminal 4. Very impressed with the lounge which is on two levels. There was a hot and cold buffet on offer along with alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages which you can just help yourself too.

We then flew on Ethiad Airways to Abu Dhabi which is around a 7-hour flight. This was on the new A380 Airbus so a huge aircraft with bigger than average seats. We went for a look in business class with the full flat bed seats and then into First Class which has compartment seating and looked so comfortable and expensive ! There is also a Residence onboard which is catered for two people at around £18000 return – very nice

We had around a two-hour connection in Abu Dhabi which was just long enough to look around the Duty-Free and then onboard for the flight to Mahe. This flight was around 4 hours 45 minutes, it is amazing how quick the flights seemed to be, I think the break in journey helped a lot

On arrival at Mahe we were met by the Rep from Masons Travel and transferred to our first hotel of our five night stay.

Banyan Tree on Praslin – We were taken straight to our Beachfront Pool villa. Wow! what a beautiful villa in a beautiful setting. You walk in through the front door where there is a massive double bed which looks straight out onto the private pool. To ensure that the double bed is soft, options from the Bear Mattress Reviews may have been chosen. The bathroom is at the back of the villa with a separate shower cubicle and a walk in wardrobe. Slippers and bathrobes are provided for your comfort. The villa feels very spacious with a seat on one side and dressing table and chair on the other side.

Outside there is the private pool which is a great size for two people with a covered seating area with sofa and table just to the left of it. There is alos an outside Jacuzzi and outside shower if you want to try al fresco washing.

There are two sun loungers in the garden and the best bit is that you can walk right onto the beach from the garden. The beach is absolutely stunning with crystal clear water and perfect white sand. There was an absence of sun loungers on the beach but we found out later that the law in the Seychelles prevents hoteliers from having them on the beach due to the high tides and to preserve the ambiance of a beautiful beach.

We spent a couple of hours on the beach and in the sea although the sea was very rough and you couldn’t swim in it. There was a storm in Madagascar which was causing some very high waves and rough sea in the Seychelles.

In the evening, we had a hosted dinner in the Saffron restaurant  which is Thai Cuisine in a very Asian-inspired setting. We were served a three-course Thai menu with a mixture of different dishes which went went down very well with everyone, some were a little hotter than others and I had to gulp some water down a few times during the night. The wine glasses were huge!!
After dinner we went to the hotel bar for a night cap before bed. The average price for a glass of wine was around 230 Rupees which works out to around £10 and a cocktail was around 300 Rupees which is approx. £15

 Banyan Tree Opinion –

First impressions was that the Banyan Tree is really for people who want to get away from it all and to do absolutely nothing. According to the manager of the hotel a lot of people choose to stay in their accommodations rather than venture out.

To get around the resort as quite spread out,there are little golf buggies to take you and there is a variety of accommodation to choose from.

There are a few dining options here together with in villa dining options. After dinner we sat in an area overlooking the fabulous beach whereby you could have a good variety of drinks to choose from whether hot or cold. After having visited some other hotels after the Banyan we did pick up that it is more expensive drink wise at this hotel.

There is also a dive centre nearby if you wish to go on boat trips, snorkel or dive.

The Banyan Tree is only recommended for people who want an extremely quiet hotel and would recommend it for a few nights combined with another hotel. They confirmed that most customers stay on average 3 to 5 nights.

We transferred over to the Four Seasons Hotel for a site inspection. This is a very impressive hotel and fairly large.

Four Seasons – Mahe

First impressions were that this resort is very spread out with the accommodation dotted around on the hillside. At the top the views are stunning with total greenery and the turquoise blue sea lifting the colours of the land and a white sandy beach. The only way to get around is the golf buggies as it is extremely hilly. There are all types of villa and suite accommodation all very spacious and some with infinity pools. The views from the rooms will not disappoint.
The beach offers snorkelling, surfing and stand up paddle boarding these are just some of things available. Not forgetting families as the hotel caters well for children and there are programmes for children aged 4 to 12 and also aged from 9 to 15 years. The area is also great for walkers and joggers .
There are a couple of restaurants here offering fine dining/ international cuisine and cocktails.
The spa offers all sort of treatments even a night spa is possible . It’s location overlooks all the greenery.
To conclude this hotel is very much all about the views. We did not stay here but it looked like it had more going on than Banyan Tree.

We left the Four Seasons resort and hit quite a downpour of rain, when it rains in the Seychelles it rains!

Then we went for lunch on Eden Island to the Bravo Restaurant. This sits on the edge of the marina with fabulous views across the bridge and the island of Mahe.

The restaurant is very casual and has a great lunch menu. The portion sizes were huge and very reasonably priced too.

Then we had a tour around Victoria the Capital city and went to look at the local market where they sell fish and spices and fruit and veg. Not as big as I was expecting – nothing like the markets back home.

H Resort Hotel

Our room was a Junior Suite with views of the garden. It had a large balcony with big table and chairs and a sofa. Twin four poster beds with drapes. Lovely sized bathroom with his and her sinks, large shower and bath tub.

We had drinks in the garden of the H Resort before having dinner in the buffet restaurant. There was so much to choose from including freshly cooked pizza. The small portion size little desserts were lovely.
After dinner we went to Traders Restaurant which is on site of the hotel and had drinks and listened to the live Cuban band. Great place to have drinks and a boogie.

The H Resort Conclusion

Situated about 10 min’s drive from Victoria, and situated just off the main road, the entrance to the hotel is over a wooded walk way to the main reception area, which is a large open area, which also has the lobby bar, and walk out to the pool & beach area.
The rooms are spacious and comfortable, but please remember the bathroom in not enclosed the toilet & shower have glass semi frosted doors, and the bath tub is open, although a French shutter style blind can be used between the bath tub & beds.
The balcony has table & chairs and a large day bed to lounge on
Jnr Suite Rooms are situated in block and offer garden view rooms, although sea facing none are advertised with sea view due to trees obstructing view. Villas are more to the beach and have their own pool, but not private.
All rooms have Tea & Coffee facilities which are complimentary, Mini Bar payable
There are lots of choices of restaurants& Bars (7 in total) offering a mixture of cuisines, even to private dining where the Chef cooks what you want to eat !
Mainly booked on Bed-Breakfast with an HB upgrade, HB can be used in A la Carte restaurants, where you will get a credit towards meals (drinks not included)
Trader Vic’s opens until 1am and becomes a music bar (Cuban ) if you want a little entertainment and a late cocktail
Children Club & Spa available at hotel This hotel is would be great for families or couples which still like a little something happening in the evening, it is reasonably priced and the bar prices are similar to London prices in my opinion

To Enquire or Book Your Trip To The Seychelles Call: 0114 3273436

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.

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