Top Hotels for Luxury Trips to Grenada...

Planning a visit to Grenada is certainly not for the cash-strapped, and a visit to the picturesque and bustling country is sure to be an unforgettable experience.  Experience exotic sites, tastes and smells during luxurious Grenada holidays and stay in one of the many highly rated resorts on the islands for posh amenities and upscale service.   This nutmeg and spice scented untouched paradise has a few resorts in a class of their own.  One excellent option for luxury tourists to Grenada is the Calabash Hotel.

A solid 5 star resort offering a relaxed and intimate ambiance and exclusive elegance, this resort caters to every whim and desire.  Offering private relaxation and intimacy, service and attention, guests can greet sunrise and relax on their private terraces eating gourmet-cooked breakfasts prepared by their personal maid.   Lounge in a private en-suite Whirlpool bath in one of the 30 designer suites that face towards opulent surroundings – either the warm and inviting sea or intricately manicured gardens.

The Heaven & Earth Spa is appropriately titled; guests here are surrounded by the lush and earthy greenery of the surrounding hilltop whilst being transported to heaven inside through one of the impressively decadent spa menu.  Treatments and therapies here holistically link body, spirit and mind and encourage a healthy and active lifestyle.

The tiny paradise of Grenada itself leaves much to be discovered and there is no better time to do this than while staying at the Calabash Hotel.   Tours and treks of volcanic crater lakes, hot springs, waterfalls and trekking trails are ready to be explored.  Natural activities meet manmade entertainment in the number of bars, restaurants and eateries that compliment and surround the exotic landscape.

Onsite dining possibilities at the Calabash Hotel include sumptuous choices and dedicated personalised service.   A personal breakfast is served en-suite, along with a mid-morning refresher or fruit plate served personally at guests’ private beach perch.  The Calabash serves lunch at its beach restaurant and late afternoon canapés en-suite, as an appetite tickler for dinner.   Guests enjoy dinner in the beautiful paradise-like gardens of Rhodes restaurants, along with refreshing cocktails.

The Angsana Spa and Resort, Bangalore...

Nestled amidst the lap of nature, on the outskirts of Bangalore, the Angsana Spa and Resort is the perfect getaway to rejuvenate and pamper a tired and stressed mind, body and soul.  The spacious grounds of the resort houses an array of beautifully equipped suites and rooms resplendent in their cheering and refreshing essence.

The recreational facilities available at the spa are diverse in and have something to suit everyone’s tastes. Be it the fitness centre, outdoor swimming pool, Jacuzzi or the rejuvenation of the holistic ayurvedic therapies, every aspect of the resort has been developed with the absolute well-being and comfort of the guests in mind.

The spa sessions at the Angana have a therapeutic quality that has a calming effect on the senses; as a result an individual feels calm, serene and at peace with the world.  The exotic oils chosen for the massages derive their fragrance from flowers like frangipani, jasmine and rosemary amongst others. As expert hands deftly knead the tension away from the muscles, one actually experiences a higher level of bliss, relaxation and tranquillity. The resort has a daily buffet for both lunch and dinner. The menu is carefully chosen and each dish prepared with the best of local and imported ingredients.

The Angsana Spa and Resort is conveniently located and therefore easily accessible.  The Bangalore Airport is just 45 kilometres away and the shopping district is a mere 24 kilometres away.  Therefore, its location is such that one is away from the hustle and bustle of the city, yet not completely cut off.  Hence, the guests get to enjoy the finer points of both city life and the countryside at this sprawling spa and resort complex.

A stay at the Angsana Spa and Resort in Bangalore is a charming and delightful experience indeed, one that will leave you feeling restored in body, mind and spirit.

A Beijing Break...

A holiday to the Chinese capital, Beijing, offers a fascinating insight into the history of this ancient country, as well as supplying all the comforts of a large modern city.

A number of operators run direct flights from London, which takes around 11 hours to reach Beijing.  Once there, an excellent bus service runs regularly into the city itself.  Alternatively, take a taxi, remembering to ask the driver to use the meter.

Top of many people’s must see list will be the Forbidden City, the ancient Chinese Imperial Palace, which lies at the heart of Beijing.  Built mainly in the 15th century, the complex of 980 buildings surrounded by a high wall offers an unparalleled view into the life of the Chinese Royal Dynasties until the early 20th Century.  Very close by is  BeiHai Park, one of the oldest and best preserved Imperial Gardens, parts of which date back 1,000 years.

Beijing cuisine often features a number of small dishes, such as rice balls and spare ribs, with a local speciality being Beijing Duck, which is slow roasted and served with pancakes.  The dish remains popular with locals and tourists alike; QuanJude, the largest roast duck restaurant in Beijing, can feed 5,000 people a day.

Accommodation is plentiful and varied, with all the major hotel chains present as well as short-term apartments and budget options such as youth hostels.  Tourists will need to arrange a visa to enter China before they travel, but these are easily obtainable.

Beach Holidays in Goa...

Many fans of holidays in Goa will describe the destination using words like ‘exotic’ and ‘mesmerising’.  Initially a hippy retreat, Goa is a great place for parties, long days on the beach, captivating sights and heady scents, particularly in the rather hedonistic northern area, where beaches such as Arpora or Baga are popular with party people.  Travelling to the south parts of Goa you will find much quieter beaches to while away your holiday, such as Arossim, Cavelossim and Sinquerim, where things go at a much slower pace.

Situated by the Arabian Sea with stretches of white sand, temperatures in Goa can climb up to 30 degrees Celcius, but a cooling breeze and plenty of shaded areas under palm trees will make sure you do not overheat.  There are also plenty of things to do away from the beaches, with lively flea markets to purchase souvenirs and other memorabilia from your holiday and plenty of places to see such as churches, temples, wildlife sanctuaries, forests and paddy fields.  Old Goa, the old capital, is full of Portuguese influences and beautiful architecture and is well worth a visit if you grow tired of lying on the beach all day.

Destinations in Goa are suitable for free-spirited travellers as much as those who prefer to make things up as they go along.  There are beach huts for rental for a few pounds in resorts such as Anjuna, or hostels where you can holiday on the cheap side.  For those who want a bit of luxury in the peaceful surroundings, five-star resorts in Varca Beach or Bogmallo Beach can offer you all the comfort and pampering you need.

Simple Advice for Cruising on a Budget...

Cruises have the reputation of being extravagant and expensive, but this does not have to be the case.  Finding cheap cruises does not have to be a difficult task; the secret is to know where to look to find good deals.  By looking in the right places it is perfectly possible to find an affordable cruise.

One of the best ways to get a good deal is to search for budget cruise lines.  Choosing a cheaper ship may mean that you have fewer amenities and slightly less luxurious surroundings, but it is still possible to have an excellent holiday on one of these vessels.  You may also find that opting for an older ship from one of the more expensive lines gets you a better deal.  Remember to keep an eye out for special offers and promotions from cruise lines and travel agents.

Another way to save money is to go away for a shorter period of time.  A two week cruise on a luxury cruise line might be out of your budget, but you may well be able to afford a shorter voyage for a week or five nights. This is a great way to get the experience of sailing on a luxury cruise liner without breaking the bank.

Finally, consider travelling out of peak season as this can be a really good way to find cheap cruises.  Sailing around the Caribbean in the autumn, for example, will be considerably cheaper than doing so in the middle of spring or summer, and winter is a great time to get a good deal in the Mediterranean.

Luxury Grenada Holidays – a great romantic holid...

A typically Caribbean island, Grenada is a peaceful, easy-going, tropical destination, perfect for couples, families or the single traveller seeking luxury holidays. Labelled “the Isle of Spice”, Grenada is a most charming island, producing cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg and mace, along with arguably the world’s finest cocoa and bananas. Grenada offers the visitor superb hospitality and fine cuisine, including excellent seafood. Situated in the eastern Caribbean, Grenada has some of the most stunning natural beauty, white sandy beaches and isolated coves to explore.    

Grenada holidays offer more than relaxing beach holidays, the island’s capital St George’s has a busy market, grand colonial buildings and boasts one of the most picturesque harbours in the region. The interior provides a strikingly alternative scene with rainforests, mountains, lakes and waterfalls, creating a stunning backdrop for cycling and hiking excursions.

Often overlooked, Grenada offers a choice of exclusive beachfront hotels and resorts; a destination of choice for weddings and honeymoons, family, spa and pampering breaks, and luxury holidays.

Grenada Holiday Choices

Grenada holidays will appeal to discerning travellers; the island boasts world-class diving, along with sailing on the clear, turquoise waters.  Grenada is the place to relax, whether on one of the island’s pristine beaches or by the hotel pool, soaking up the sun with a traditional rum cocktail.
 
Leisure Activities Include:

•    Golf.
•    Tennis.
•    Sailing.
•    Deep-sea fishing.
•    Whale and dolphin watching.

Grenada Features:

•    Grand Etang National Park.
•    St George’s.
•    Spice farms.
•    Plantation houses.

Ancient Civilizations, Modern Cruises...

Mediterranean cruises offer a diverse sampling of the world’s oldest civilizations from Roman ruins, ancient Greek sites and Turkish landmarks celebrating the Holy Land to World Heritage Sites and medieval fortifications.

Many of the Mediterranean cruises begin at the Port of Civitavecchia in Rome. Almost all major cruise lines operate out of Rome or Venice for Mediterranean cruises. Since cruise line companies recommend arrival in the port city a day or two before departure, this is a lovely time to discover the rich history and culture of Italy.

Here are some of the most enchanting destinations in the Mediterranean region:

Athens, Greece: The seat of Greek history and philosophical debate, Athens is home to the ancient site of the Acropolis and Hadrian’s Arch.

Barcelona, Spain: Enjoy the age-old traditions of Spanish culture set amidst the bustle of the modern world.

Dubrovnik, Croatia: A World Heritage site with a land tour of the city and its ancient medieval walls.

Istanbul, Turkey: Discover the beauty of the Sultan’s Topkapi Palace and marvel at the incredible Blue Mosque.

Seville, Cadiz, Spain: Southern Spain’s cultural centre must be visited for archaeological treasures and historical landmarks.

For a more intimate cruise, board one of Windstar Cruises’ tall-masted sailing vessels and explore the many wonders of unspoiled beauty and Mediterranean sea breezes throughout the Greek Islands.

Most cruise lines offer Mediterranean Sea cruises, including Carnival, Celebrity, Crystal, Cunard, Holland America, Princess Cruises and Royal Caribbean.

Wasaga Beach: The World’s Longest Freshwater Bea...

Approximately an hour’s drive from the city of Toronto sits Wasaga Beach, one of Ontario’s best-known resort towns.  While the name alone gives the impression of a summer town only, Wasaga actually has an active tourist life all year round.  Tourists can enjoy swimming, hiking, bike riding and souvenir shopping on the main beach and in the numerous parks in the area.

The Beach Areas

Wasaga Beach sits on the banks of Nottawasaga Bay in the waters of Georgian Bay, which is part of Lake Huron, one of Ontario’s Great Lakes.  Wasaga Beach boasts the world’s longest freshwater beach, sectioned off into six beach and park areas.  All parks and beach areas in the town are run and maintained by the Provincial government, and visitors must pay to park here, although it is free to visit the parks.

Entertainment

Wasaga Beach has a wide variety of entertainment available, from nightclubs, patios, bars and restaurants to go-carts, hiking, fishing, mini golf and biking.  Winter activities in Wasaga Beach include cross-country skiing, snowmobiling and snowshoeing.  Visitors can also attend various events scheduled for most weekends in the summer, and a few seasonal events the entire year round.  For those interested in downhill skiing, there are several alpine hills within 20km of the town, like Horseshoe Valley, Blue Mountain, Snow Valley and Mt. St. Louis Moonstone.

Special Events

Wasaga Beach offers some special events during the year, such as Corvette Cruise, Jazz in the Park, Wasaga Beachfest, fireworks displays, Art by the Pond and a marketplace.

Taking a Cruise with Kids: What to Expect...

Many families decide to take a cruise during their holidays. This is a very convenient way to see several locations. There is no need to worry about finding hotels, and guests have easy access to meals. However, there are some considerations to keep in mind when travelling with kids.

First, it is important to find both a cruise and an itinerary that are kid-friendly. Larger vessels that travel on ocean cruises are better suited to children. Smaller vessels used for river cruises typically do not have any children’s’ facilities. Caribbean, Alaskan, and Mexican cruises generally offer the most activities and programmes for children.

One option is to consider a suite or connecting rooms when booking a cruise. This is an ideal option for older children who may appreciate some privacy. Most cabins have additional berths that can comfortably accommodate younger children. Parents may also wish to find out if a crib may be placed in the cabin.

Larger ships will have dedicated areas where children’s’ activities take place. Usually, the kids are divided up into different age groups to allow for more age-appropriate activities. These typically include crafts, games, and musical activities. Teenagers may have dedicated clubhouses of their own with video games, computers, and possibly discos. There are often special, supervised shore excursions available for kids.

An advantage to having access to children’s’ programmes is that some run until late at night, which is helpful if adults plan to attend a show. Group child minding for a small fee per child is also standard on most ships. This is often treated as a slumber party to make the experience more fun for the kids.

Holidays in Moscow...

Moscow, as one of the major world capitals, has a lot to offer should you choose to holiday here.  It is popular among tourists wanting a city break or a longer stay.  Moscow contains a wide range of the hotels from the very reasonably priced to the expensive and luxurious.

There are flights to Moscow from the United Kingdom’s major airports.  A check on the internet will allow you to see which bargain flights are on offer.  There are also packages available which will allow you to reach the Russian capital by rail.  This trip involves the first leg of the journey being taken by Eurostar from London to Brussels.  A connection is taken to Berlin for an overnight stay.  The journey continues through Poland and Belarus and reaches Moscow by the evening of the second day.

When in Moscow there is much to see and do.  At the heart of the city is the famous Red Square.  To the south of the square is St Basil’s Cathedral with its unique beautifully coloured domes, and close by to the Cathedral is the Kremlin, the centre of Russian government.  The Red Square is also home to Lenin’s Mausoleum where visitors can see the preserved body of one of the major figures of Russian history.

For those interested in shopping, a trip to the GUM store should be on the itinerary.  While for the more culturally minded, the city contains some excellent museums and galleries.