20 February 2022

If there is one thing that Covid has made us realise, it’s what’s on our own doorstop. From walking within a couple of miles of our homes to exploring the remotest part of Scotland, we can offer a UK break that’s right for you. I’ve always loved the UK, from my memorable holidays as a child to making sure my own children experienced a truly British break, buckets and spades and the stripy windbreak! Wouldn’t go to a British beach without it!! We are so lucky to have the Lake District, the Yorkshire Dales and the Peak District all within an hour of the North West but don’t forget our beautiful quintessentially Cotswold villages, our University cities of Oxford and Cambridge, the fantastic wildlife of Norfolk, our Jurassic heritage in Dorset and the stunning coastlines of Devon, Cornwall and Northumberland to name just a few. As well as our love for overseas travel, we always try to mange a couple of UK breaks, most recently we have travelled to the west coast of Scotland, Dorset, Devon and Cornwall and unlike when we travel overseas when we always like to experience somewhere new, we love going back to the same places in the UK. It’s so difficult to pick a favourite but the place I’ll never tire of going to is the Salcombe estuary and I’m going back again this year. Most recently I booked the Scottish North Coast itinerary for some special clients, they loved it and I’m hoping to recommend the same trip to further clients. From Camping to Castles and boating to hiking holidays, an itinerary is never too bespoke for us. From fish n chips to haute cuisine, we can also recommend good quality restaurants. Let’s not forget our four legged friends, many properties are now pet friendly so no need to leave them at home. If you would like to have a chat and hear my recommendations, please don’t hesitate to get in touch. Let’s keep our British flag flying high…….From quirkiness to hipster, we’ve got you covered. P.S. Don’t forget to pack your mac!

07 June 2020

From the captivating diversity of St Lucia to the laid-back charm of Antigua: The Caribbean, 13 sovereign states and 17 dependant territories and who knew there were so many languages spoken here. Every island offers its own unique heritage and every island is as special as the next. After a slightly delayed arrival at Hewanorra Airport in Southern St Lucia, there was no time to waste as we did not want to miss the much talked about Friday Night Jump Up Street Party at Gros Islet in the north of the island. After a beautiful and scenic drive, it was clear that we had almost arrived from the nearing sound of beating drums to the mouth-watering smell of freshly caught barbecued fish. It is renowned for its famous party spirit and local food. A fantastic atmosphere and not too crowded, it was a great start to our holiday. Plenty of rum on hand too! We were staying at The Landings Resort and Spa, situated in the North West of the island, home to one of the most beautiful beaches on the island. A two bed-roomed villa suite with jacuzzi overlooking the marina gave us plenty of space to relax. A lovely resort with three restaurants, two bars and spa facilities, what’s not to enjoy. Suitable for couples and families alike, the service here was excellent. A busy few days ahead exploring the island, we don’t like to sit around too much as there is so much to experience. A Sunday visit to two very different properties, the elegant Calabash Cove and the vibrant Sandals Grande St Lucien, both not too far away from Rodney Bay. Calabash Cove is a beautiful bespoke boutique hotel set on the hillside with stunning views over the Bonaire Bay, a perfect choice for the discerning traveller wanting to experience first class traditional St Lucian hospitality; a perfecting setting for your wedding, honeymoon or for that romantic retreat. You won’t be disappointed. Sandals is a 5* all-inclusive larger resort in a quiet location on its own peninsula, appealing to every type of client. It offers world class cuisine with a diverse range of luxury accommodation from beach view and swim up rooms to the spectacular over the water bungalows which really are impressive. What a contrast between two resorts, I could happily stay at either and not be disappointed. A perfect ending to a busy day, a quiet dinner on the beach back at The Landings to savour the delights of wonderful Caribbean food. The weather was a little temperamental the following day so a perfect excuse for a road trip. You drive on the left in St Lucia so it’s easy to navigate, the roads are not the best but this all adds to the authenticity of the Island. Do be tempted to drive off the beaten track to encounter the real culture of St Lucia. You will be captivated by the eclectic mix of colourful and extraordinary architecture and plantations. Marigot Bay is one of the most picturesque bays in St Lucia and no wonder it is permanent feature on Instagram. It really was a bit of a hair-raising drive to get there as we experienced some of the heaviest tropical rain that we had ever seen. However, as quick as the rain had diminished the sun re-appeared and with it came the exceptional views of secluded Marigot Bay. Another luxury resort in a truly idyllic setting. This spa resort offers an abundance of activities and you will be spoilt for choice with the array of superb restaurants. oupled with its unrivalled setting, you really are in for a treat. Further down the coast, don’t miss the delights of local towns and villages such as L’Anse La Raye and Canaries, two distinctive St Lucian areas that portray the real St Lucia and showcase several examples of French and English colonial architecture. Castries, the capital is also worth a visit for its busy market, take time to enjoy a cool drink whilst watching the cruise ships come and go. Our 20th wedding anniversary and we had saved the best day until last! Soufriere, Boucan by Hotel Chocolat and the Pitons, what a wonderful day and it couldn’t have started off any better than having drinks at the Viceroy Sugar Beach Hotel which is situated within more than 100 acres of pristine rain-forest on the site of an 18th-century sugar plantation and within a short distance of the UNESCO World Heritage site of the Pitons; Gros Piton and Petit Piton, the iconic landmarks of St Lucia. A truly extraordinary hotel offering the epitome of luxury with a glittering beach and offering stunning surroundings. If you are looking for an unforgettable experience, Sugar Beach is the place to stay. The accommodation ranges from luxury guestrooms to three-bedroom beach residences, you are spoilt for choice. Boucan by Hotel Chocolat is less than a 15-minute drive away, it is a working cocoa plantation and offers breath-taking views of the Pitons and surrounding area. A lovely relaxing lunch and more rain enhanced the views even further. Highlights of St Lucia: Friday Night Jump Up Street Party Gros Islet Hiking on Pigeon Island, it''s very close to The Landings and Sandals Grande St Lucian Trip to Soufriere and The Pitons Visit a plantation Lunch at Boucan by Hotel Chocolat Take a boat trip around the island If you hire car, make sure you escape off the main roads Other hotels to consider are The Body Holiday, Cap Maison and Rendezvous amongst many others.

07 June 2020

A short domestic flight between George F.L. Charles Airport and V.C. Bird Airport and we arrived in Antigua, quite a contrast from St Lucia. Where there is a raw and tropical element to St Lucia, Antigua enjoys a more charming feel but is every bit as beautiful. You are immediately drawn into the less frantic way of life here. We stayed at the Cocobay Resort, an adult only all-inclusive resort and it really did offer barefoot laid-back luxury. The resort consists of colourful cottages set amidst the hillside, rustically decorated to characterise the ambience of the resort and island. From yoga on the beach (managed to talk my husband into it and he loved it) to kayaking, this resort had me hooked from day one. The resort also houses the well-known Sheer Rocks restaurant which is definitely worth a visit. Whilst I am normally not a fan of all inclusive, this is a more upmarket version offering a choice of courses for lunch and dinner. No complaints from us! Whilst St Lucia offers you the more dramatic sheer beauty from the mountainous landscape, Antigua offers you 365 stunning beaches. After travelling around the island and visiting several beaches, my favourite is Half Moon Bay as it reminds me of South Africa. There is also a very reasonably priced beach hut selling freshly caught cooked fish, fantastic food and the staff are very friendly. The roads are not great in Antigua either but I would recommend hiring a car to see the island. We drove along Fig Tree Drive to the south of the island, a beautiful drive where banana and mango trees line the roads. If you are staying along the west of the island, you will travel along this road to reach English Harbour, which is a stunning natural harbour based in the south of the island. Nelson’s Dockyard steeped in British history a UNESCO World Heritage site is also based here and is definitely worth a visit. Nearby, the quintessentially Inn at English Harbour Hotel is located with only 28 rooms on 19 acres of land; this is a 5* property offering a true colonial experience. It comprises of the main building at the top of the hillside and the guest rooms are located closer to the beach. A very elegant resort and they have the same clients returning year after year. We visited Shirley Heights on a Saturday evening away from the madding crowds of Sunday night and the views are incredible and the sunset spectacular. A wonderful few days relaxing in Antigua and suddenly our holiday is at end and it’s time to return home and catch up on my Christmas shopping. Highlights: Shirley Heights Sunday night party but also visit on an alternative day and watch the sunset without the crowds. English Harbour and Nelsons Dockyard. Half Moon Bay Fig Tree Drive Devil’s Bridge Day trip to Eco Montserrat Explore Antigua by sailboat or catamaran Alternative accommodation to consider: Blue Waters Resort & Spa Carlisle Bay Hodges Bay Resort and Spa Sandals St James's Club and Villas We travelled to St Lucia and Antigua at the end of November 2019 and prices are considerably cheaper than travelling in January to March which is peak season. I would avoid travelling through the hurricane season between June and mid November. If you have a special occasion to celebrate, please don’t hesitate to get in touch as the Caribbean is perfect and I’ll know just where to recommend to you!

16 September 2018

My third trip to New York, in 26 years; it never fails to surprise and exceeded my expectations on a grandeur level. Having been to New York twice before, this time was a first with my two daughters! With Gossip Girl, Shopaholic and Friends at the forefront of our minds and photography on my husband’s, could we keep everyone happy? New York comprises of five boroughs’, Manhattan, Brooklyn, Queens, Staten Island and The Bronx. With over 8.5 million people living in New York, over 800 languages are spoken and it’s home to some of the most iconic buildings in the world. After an enjoyable flight with Virgin Atlantic, we arrived at JFK. No queues and an easy transfer to our hotel, The Lexington Hotel, situated in midtown within easy walking distance of Times Square, Grand Central, 5th Avenue and Central Park. A historical hotel dating back to 1929 which has seen its fair share of famous people staying there including Joe DiMaggio and Marilyn Monroe who lived in a suite during the 50’s. This is depicted amongst the Art Deco features of the hotel including a wonderful lobby and bar area decorated with contemporary art and the lucid sounds of jazz. Luck was on our side with regards to the weather, sunny days in the mid 80’s; it made perfect sense to head up to Central Park on our first full day. Walking via 5th Avenue taking in sights such as St Patrick’s Cathedral, Trump Tower and of course a quick peak inside the Plaza Hotel. Wow, Central Park is amazing in the winter but in the summer, its outstanding beauty shines through with those incredible tall buildings hovering in the background. After a lovely walk embracing the views, it was time for Sunday brunch at the Boathouse. What could be better than sunshine, jazz and a New York Burger!? After the girls enjoyed an hour on the boat lake, we headed up to the Metropolitan Museum of Art or more commonly known as “The Met”. Don’t forget there are amazing views from the rooftop terrace, open from May through to the Autumn. After perusing the art galleries and amazing fashion exhibition and purchasing gifts from the shop; it was onward to the Guggenheim. Again, another great museum. We completed the perfect day with dinner at dazzling Times Square with its neon lights. Lots of photo opportunities today especially for scenes from Gossip Girl, ticks off the girls lists! Day two was all about lower Manhattan. Taking the subway, we headed down to Battery Park to take the complimentary Staten Island Ferry, followed by a trip to Liberty Island. We then ventured to the most prominent area of lower Manhattan, the 9/11 North and South Memorial Pools and One World Trade Center. Such a poignant and tranquil area, a place of remembrance which holds a special place in all our hearts. My only regret is that we didn’t visit the museum. The Oculus station building protrudes from this restful area, an imposing piece of modern architecture. It is the state-of-the-art World Trade Centre Transportation hub which also offers shopping and dining. A trip to lower Manhattan isn’t complete without a trip to Wall St, just as the 5pm siren sounded for close of business and 100’s of city workers exited the NYC Stock Exchange. Later, a meal in China Town and walk through Little Italy would end our second day. A quieter day for day three, a chance to explore Grand Central and then the Sky Line which is an elevated walk built on a historic freight rail track which offers a laid-back green space in which to take in views of the Hudson and gives a different perspective of New York. A chance to also take in some alternative architecture and impressive photo opportunities. Look out for The Vessel and Hudson Yards, a promising piece of stunning architecture which opens in 2019, it will house the highest outdoor observation deck in the western hemisphere. Did I say quieter day on day three, I take that back! It was the hottest day and possibly record breaking in terms of temperature for June in the Big Apple. Time for lunch in the calmness of Greenwich Village and then the subway to York St on the opposite side of the river for the views of Manhattan and Brooklyn Bridges with breath-taking views of the New York Skyline. After all that walking, it was time for New York Cheesecake at Juniors with monstrous portions but tasted delicious. We then head to the Top of the Rock Observation Deck for sunset. A 360-degree view of the Manhattan skyline. I would recommend booking in advance, we only booked 24hrs before, but it was worth paying a little extra to see the collaboration of the sunset and spellbinding night skyline in one viewing. Our fourth day was all about re-visiting what we loved most, so with lots of shopping on 5th and the girls buying up Sephora, it was back to Central Park and those views. You can’t beat cycling in Central Park, with the wind blowing through your hair, beats any film! Unfortunately, after four fun filled days, our adventure came to an end. We decided to take to take public transport back to Newark via a taxi and train from Penn Street all the way to the terminal. An easy transition! As Kylie sang, “I just can’t get you out of my head” so New York, I will be back. Overview and recommendations: Eating out in New York, where do you start? From pizza to pretzel and steak to cheesecake, there are loads of fancy restaurants to choose from but for this trip, it was all about eating local and enjoying the ambience and culture of the original New York diner. Chinatown is interesting but for me Little Italy certainly has the edge on a beautiful balmy evening. Never travel anywhere without doing your research. New York is easy to navigate so plan your itinerary ahead, so you don’t waste a minute. Book main attractions, in advance. Walk everywhere that you can, it’s worth going that extra mile. Enjoy local food and embrace the culture. Last word from Ellie……. My favourite part about New York had to be Central Park. One thing that surprised me about it was its size! The vast number of trees carried on for miles, luckily for us it became a shelter from the hot American sun. The contrast between the sky-high buildings and the dense nature the park had to offer amazed me as it showed just how diverse and unique New York really is. Rowing across the lake was a fun yet peaceful activity. I especially enjoyed cycling through the park too and not forgetting the amazing food!

28 September 2017

Cuba is the Caribbean island with a twist, a history of communist struggle (although I would say the locals are pretty good with capitalism) and you have the captivating time capsule that is Cuba! From political challenges and revolutions to music and dance, this country has it all. Who doesn’t love a city by the sea? Havana is mesmerising; from the allure of music to an eclectic mix of colonial buildings and 50’s cars that roam the bustling streets to the pulsating sounds of salsa. Throw in a few mojitos and you have the perfect city, one of the best I’ve ever been to. Hotels are expensive in Havana but we wanted to experience a true flavour so we chose to stay at the Hotel Florida, a former home which was built in 1836. Located in the old town, it is a small hotel with elegant architecture and is well known for its piano bar. The rooms are traditional with very high ceilings with a true Cuban influence. It was nothing fancy, but a pleasure to stay there. If you can afford a little more luxury, I would recommend the Saratoga Hotel. Another authentic hotel with a stunning roof top bar. Once we stepped out in to Le Habana Vieja (old town), you could feel the beat of the city and we didn’t stop! We visited everywhere from art galleries and palaces to the famous Hotel Nacional and from crumbling buildings to the beautiful Art Deco Bacardi Building. The Cuban people are very friendly and love to photo bomb but be prepared to then tip them for doing so. It’s all harmless fun and makes for some great snaps. A visit to Havana would not be complete without a drive through the city and the Malecon, in one of the stunningly beautiful and amazing classic cars. We paid about CUP60.00 which is equivalent to approx. £45.00 for an hour and it was money well spent. Our driver gave us a fabulous tour along the Malecon to Castillo De Los Tres Reyes Del Morro. We had amazing views looking back over the city and port. He also drove us around the Vedado area including the Plaza de la Revolucian, where you can view the iconic image of Che Guevara. Sadly, our stay in Havana came to an all too soon halt and we travelled to Varedaro by bus. We usually hire a car everywhere we go but we tried months in advance and they were all sold out; hire cars are very limited in Cuba. On the positive side, it worked like clockwork and only cost USD12.00 to travel between Havana and Varadero; a beautiful drive and it made us feel young travelling with all the back packers. I would recommend Viazul as a form of cost effective transport in Cuba and they offer an inclusive list of destinations. However, be prepared for the driver to stop off en-route to see his family and friends. It all adds to the charm of this laid-back lifestyle that the Cubans have created for themselves. Alternatively, we can arrange for private transfers and bespoke tours through our specialist destination management company based in Cuba. We stayed at the Sanctuary at Grand Memories in Varadero which is an Adults Only element of the Grand Memories Hotel. The suite was large and well stocked with spirits as an all-inclusive hotel. My only recommendation would be to try and book your meals in advance in the A La carte restaurants as they limit the sittings to a number of covers and it can be difficult to make a reservation at short notice. I would recommend staying at the Royalton Hicacos Varadero Resort & Spa which was just a little further down the beach. After a day relaxing on the beautiful white sands of Varadero, it was time to take to the road again. After an early wake up call, our driver and guide arrived on time to take us to Trinidad and Cienfuegos. It was a beautiful drive through the quiet countryside and we managed to witness a stunning sunrise accompanied by a few Cuban coffees, not cigars! Did I mention the Cuban coffee, strong and full bodied and a most welcome boost to kick start the day ahead, very addictive just like the mojitos! It was almost a four-hour drive by the time we reached the UNESCO World Heritage site of Trinidad. A stunning colonial but quaint town full of colourful historical buildings. It’s like stepping back in time to a whole different era, with the shadow of the pretty Sierra del Escambray Mountains looming in the background. From cobbled streets to ageing donkeys, Trinidad depicts the charm of the Cuba of years ago and yet you will still glimpse of the pre-revolutionary cars even here in Trinidad reminding us of our current time. Although, it was very busy when we arrived, Trinidad carries a tranquil air about it but I believe this changes when it hits nightfall and it comes alive with the seductive music which Cuba is so well known for. If you want to stay overnight in Trinidad, I would recommend the Iberostar Grand Hotel. Make sure you visit the Iglesia y Convento de San Francisco which is former convent and is home to a famous bell tower and offers attractive views of Trinidad and the surrounding area. Enjoy a walk around the Plaza Mayor and appraise the Neo Classical and Baroque architecture that dominates Trinidad’s old town. After an enchanting few hours here, it was time to return to Varadero via Cienfuegos. Cienfuegos is quite a contrast to Trinidad, almost quite modern in comparison with its grand buildings and polished piazzas and squares. It’s the only city in Cuba that was founded by the French. It has much wider streets and the architecture is neoclassical in style, it resembles New Orleans in some areas. Buildings of interest include the Palacio de Valle which is now a restaurant and The Statue of the Sleeping Beauty in La Reina cemetery. After another couple of days on the beach, it was time to head back to Havana and unfortunately the Airport. We returned via the bus and with an added bonus of driving through Havana again. Still as captivating as a few days ago! Cuba is as complicated as it is chaotic, a truly beguiling and seductive country. It is contemporary whilst it is vintage, it offers a heady mix of intrigue and curiosity. Prepare to be bewitched! Top Tips: Know your history before you travel, it adds to the intrigue of this amazing country. It’s noisy in Havana, it lives and breathes exuberance, music is its heartbeat. Be prepared to be a little exploited but go with it and smile, it’s all part of the experience. Varadero is great for a few days relaxation but it doesn’t portray the real Cuba, Havana is a must see! Make sure you spend all your Pesos before you leave, as the Airport said they had no Euros or Dollars to give back to us. I have a hunch this was not strictly true! Love life, love Cuba!

10 July 2017

Our holiday to Corsica came about as my husband is a fan of Le Tour de France, a yearly occurrence that I endure the delights of every July. It’s usually a squabble over Le Tour or Wimbledon. I mean, how many hours of highlights do you need to watch! However, on this occasion he came up trumps and decided our next European holiday would be to Corsica. Not somewhere that was on my bucket list but I was pleasantly surprised. We booked direct flights between Manchester and Bastia with Easyjet and sourced our own villa. On arrival in Corsica, artist Henry Matisse once remarked that he was amazed at the clarity of the Mediterranean light, he later declared that this was where his passion for colour began. We arrived early and as we were staying in the South of the Island, we decide to spend the day pursuing the delights of the North. First stop, the old town of Bastia with its crumbling buildings, narrow and ancient architecture. It has a very charming appeal. The old harbour has an array of bars, restaurants and appealing architecture if you love crumbling, rustic old buildings like I do! We then drove to St Florent, a beautiful town, situated within a dramatic mountainous backdrop. The town is peppered with beautiful bars, restaurants and boutiques with some very expensive yachts in the harbour. The St Tropez of Corsica. We had a lovely day here and would love to have spent more time exploring the area including a visit to the nearby vineyards of Nebbiu and Patrimonio. We then drove South for a couple of hours and headed to Porto Vecchio, our stay for the next seven nights. The area being known for its beautiful beaches. Our villa was right across from Palombaggia Beach (voted in the top ten of Europe) and not far from Santa Giulia. Both very beautiful but extremely busy, understandably so at it was high season. I also recommend an early morning visit before the day trippers arrive to take in the serenity of the surrounding beauty and to take a swim in the crystal clear mesmerizing sea. The older part of Porto Vecchio has some beautiful buildings and is very attractive and has a cluster of restaurants along the front and in the old town. Also, conveniently situated near the Alta Rocca mountain region where you'll find some traditional Corsican hidden villages. Our holiday wouldn’t have been complete without a trip to medieval Bonifacio steeped in history and perched on the steep limestone cliffs. A stunning location and well worth a visit for some breath-taking walks and views. It also has a lovely port and it is a bit of a walk up to the town so try not to do in the midday heat. Although, there is a tourist train that can take some of the pain away. You can also take a day trip to Sardinia but unfortunately, we ran out of time; too busy relaxing on the beautiful beaches. Corsica is a great place to visit in all seasons as the Island is so diverse. Similar to Provence but with an encircling coastline! An island rich in culture, saturated in ancient history, Michelin star restaurants, beautiful beaches, stunning scenery and watersports! What more can you want in a European holiday. With direct flights from Manchester with Easyjet and an abundance of beautiful properties to stay, it is worth discovering if you want something a little bit different. I predict another trip back to discover the West Coast!

26 October 2016

Bustling Bangkok, an exhilarating metropolis of approximately seven and a half million people. It is indeed The Land of Smiles, the Thai people are very warm and welcoming. Our hotel for the next three nights was the Millennium Hilton and did not disappoint. Staff were attentive and everything you would expect from this well-known chain. Rising up from the banks of the Chao Phraya River, the hotel offered breathtaking views and it was fantastic to be situated by the river and make use of the complimentary shuttle boats. Attractions were within easy reach and I would recommend buying an all-day River Pass so that you can hop on and off and make the most of all the places of interest. Highlights not to be missed included the Grand Palace, What Pho, Dusit Park, China Town, The Flower Markets and afternoon tea at the Mandarin Oriental. The Tuk Tuk’s are reasonable in price and are a fun way to get around although occasionally go a little too fast but my daughter didn’t seem to mind; it was only me hanging on for dear life! A lovely day out of town is Ayutthaya, an old ancient capital. You can travel from the main rail station in Bangkok Hualamphong. The journey takes between 1hr20min and 2hr30min depending on the train that you take. It’s quite an experience to take in some of the local culture out of the city. Ayutthaya is well worth the day trip if you are in to ancient ruins and photography, we had a fabulous Tuk Tuk driver who gave us a very in depth tour of town. He also waited patiently with us for our return departure and most flamboyantly got us across the rail track when we nearly missed the train. Next stop, the Floating Markets and Kanachanaburi. One of my favourite days, the Floating Markets were hectic, colourful and full of bartering. To be honest, I didn’t feel they were “touristy”, I thought they seemed quite authentic, although prices were a little higher than Bangkok. You need to leave early to embrace the essence of the markets but the smells are divine and it’s a fantastic photo opportunity. We had a hire car, so it was a nice drive out of Bangkok and easy to park up. After a frenetic but enjoyable morning it was time for a calm and relaxing drive to Kanchanaburi, a place I had wanted to visit for many years. Kanchanaburi was quite a bit bigger than I thought but had some hidden gems. Lots of photo opportunities on the Bridge over The River Kwai and an interesting trip to the cemetery and museum, it’s certainly a place to remember all our war heroes. We stayed out of town in a small hotel, the Oriental Kwai Resort. It was right on the river and it was very authentic and had a very tranquil feel to it. We only stayed one night but could have stayed longer. The surrounding areas near the river and Erewan National Park were very beautiful and quite different from the landscape near Bangkok. Unfortunately, we didn’t get chance to travel on The Death Railway, we have saved this for another time. We spent a day with the elephants at Elephants World, just outside Kanchanaburi. It was truly a magical day spending time with the elders and baby elephants called Spy and Hong Tong, they were hilarious. We cooked food for them, fed them and bathed with them. A long but memorable day! Back to Bangkok and right in to the thick of Songkran, Thai New Year and Water Festival. Driving was busy to say the least but we enjoyed all the water being sprayed at us in a truly carnival atmosphere. We then took a flight between Bangkok and Phuket. We stayed at the Hilton Phuket Arcadia Resort and Spa hotel, right on Karon Beach. It was quite a sprawling hotel and I felt in need of some modernisation but offering all services from a spa break to conference facilities. Phuket Old Town had some very interesting and beautiful architecture dating back over 100 years, definitely worth a visit. There are some lovely old authentic restaurants also not to be missed. Some of the beautiful outlying islands are easily accessible from Phuket. After a couple of nights in Phuket we commenced our journey to Krabi via the extraordinary Phang Nga Bay. It’s well known for the limestone outcrops that rise of the ocean and it’s famous for being featured in the James Bond movie, The Man with the Golden Gun. It didn’t disappoint. After haggling with a local Thai lady, probably a millionaire; we struck up a bargain and hired a private long-tail boat to journey through the mangroves, you can share if there are other participants around at the same time as you or you can pre-book a tour. One of the highlights was a visit to Ko Panyi, a village build on stilts. A very relaxing day with hidden surprises and if you prefer to be more energetic, you can kayak around these islands. Well worth a day trip! And now for the relaxing bit. On Krabi and the islands we stayed at the lovely Amari Vogue Beach Hotel; a small and intimate boutique hotel on Tubkaek Beach. It had a lovely calm and tranquil atmosphere offering spa facilities. The service and food was excellent. We visited Krabi, Hong Island, Kho Phi Phi Islands, Railay Beach and drove to Ko Lanta. Hong Island was reachable by private long-tail boat from our hotel, truly beautiful beach. Railay Beach and Kho Phi Phi (The Beach) were reached by boat from Ao Nang. My husband did the walk at Railay (see his amazing photo) and arrived back five minutes before the last ferry back to Ao Nang looking slight dishevelled to say the least! We drove to Ko Lanta, I would say Ko Lanta was my least favourite island as the beaches were not as beautiful as some of the others although some of the drive there was spectacular. This island caters more for the backpacker. A highlight after our trip to Kho Phi Phi was that by coincidence our hotel was showing The Beach on our beach so after a fantastic day trip to the islands it was pizza and The Beach on the beach. So easy to make a teenage daughter happy! Phew, what a holiday! I would describe Thailand as a cocktail with a little bit of everything thrown in; culture, authenticity, 5* service, true friendliness, stunning beach and island locations. We hired a car throughout our holiday but if you prefer it’s easy to arrange tours and transfers. An alternative to Elephants World is the amazing Elephant Hills, situated one hour from Surat Thani Airport or a couple of hours from Phuket Airport and situated in the beautiful National Park of Khao Sok. You really will enjoy the amazing beauty and culture that Thailand has to offer and I hope you enjoy the photos.