09 May 2023

When booking online, remember it’s a transaction and nothing more! Great if it all goes to plan and no help at all is needed! However, the moment you need any kind of help or guidance, is when you are left feeling alone! A personal travel agent does so much more than any online booking supplier…We care! We genuinely care! A computer can’t do that!! A computer doesn’t appreciate your hard earned money you spend with it! A personal travel agent does! When spending a large amount on something, it’s nice to feel it’s appreciated, nice to feel excited! I get excited about the bookings I arrange and my customers know that! I’m just going to leave this comparison table here to show what is included in booking with a personal agent to booking online! And that’s not all..I just couldn’t fit the rest on ?? If I’m being completely honest the only main supplier I’ll be more money than online is TUI, but that’s all agents not just me! People still choose to book Tui holidays with me as they want the peace of mind and instant help if needed. That’s just one supplier out of hundreds...So don’t assume I’m a lot more money than anyone else, I’m not! And at the end of the day, if I am more, I’m worth it! I work incredibly hard to personally look after all my customers bookings and do the extras that others don’t, not to mention the worry I take on and stress that is involved and worry for my customers. A computer doesn’t stress or worry..But a guarantee those booking it themselves do, if there’s something to worry about ????????? So why would I be the same price as online! I value my worth! It’s taken years to get to this stage of thinking “You know what, I am good at what I do” If I think someone should book elsewhere that I think doesn’t value what I do then it’s a better option for them to book elsewhere, but no computer or booking direct will ever care like I do…We should all Value ourselves regardless whatever job we are doing!

09 December 2019

Well this really is one of the best trips I have been on, Beachcomber Resorts & Hotels looked after us in style! My hotel for a few days was the gorgeous Trou Aux Biches Beachcomber Beach Golf Resort & Spa which sits on a beautiful beach northwest of the island. This is the first eco-friendly resort in Mauritius and the accommodation is housed in lavish chalet-style suites built in crescents, tucked away among the lush tropical gardens. On arrival we were welcomed on the beach where a huge 'GOLD' sign was sitting to showcase our success which was lovely. Champagne on ice before having a lovely lunch at Oasis and we could then use the facilities and relax by the pool. In the evening we had a welcome aperitif at Crescent 6 before heading to an exclusive dinner at Caravelle and ll Corallo. On the Saturday we had our Gold Conference (well you have to do some work!) after this we headed off and spent a brilliant day on the east coast to enjoy the party ambience of a speed boat trip. We departed from Point Jerome to Blue Marine Park where we visited sites such as the impressive waterfall and Gran River South East. We then had lunch on the beach which was lovely. A long day but worth every second. Other options were Sea Kayaking, swimming with the dolphins, the Wild South West tour which is a scenic drive along the west corner of Mauritius or you could go to the races. In the evening we dressed up for our Indian themed night and was transferred to the sister hotel Victoria Beachcomber Resort & Spa. Later we went to Grand Baie Bar & Vous and mixed with the locals. The following day was our Gold Fest and what an amazing experience and really gave me an insight into just how the incentive groups work within a hotel. Crescent 2 had been privatised just for Travel Counsellors and was transformed into a magical festival for the day, well away from any of the other guests. There was lunch, dinner and drinks provided along with plenty of surprises and entertainment throughout. It was absolutely amazing, so relaxed and the weather was fantastic. A great way for colleagues to introduce themselves to others in the company. The following day I visited Royal Palm which is one of the best hotels in Mauritius, definitely worth a visit for me to update my knowledge. For our last evening at Trou Aux Biches we had a Gala dinner right on the beach. Wow, the theme was 'Barefoot Chic'. A beautiful fishing boat with it's lit up sail came to the beach delivering our fresh Tuna and our company sign was lit up in the ocean which was just amazing. The evening was faultless and in my opinion should be on every distinguished company's bucket list for celebrating their success with their employees. The only negative part of this trip was returning home too soon but what an experience and certainly sets me up for organising any company event going forward. A great choice as well for couples or families as they even offer amazing villas to give families that privacy but still allowing them to use the hotel facilities.

06 June 2019

Anna Maria Paradise – My little gem in Halkidiki! As many of my clients know I only suggest the best hotels, and this includes 3-star properties. I need to know that although some clients are not spending as much on these hotels it still must be spotlessly clean and offer them a great experience. I have sold Anna Maria for a few years now and all my clients return saying how lovely this gorgeous family run hotel is. Thomas and Maria and all the staff really do make you feel like part of their family. We had an amazing welcome by Thomas and his lovely wife Maria, and it didn’t take long to see how well they got on with their lovely staff as well as guests. There were lots of repeat guests which speak volumes. Some on their 4th visit. From the hotel you can walk to the beach, restaurant and bars (approximately 20 minutes depending on walking route). The rooms were very nice and spotlessly clean, and it is beyond me how this is just a 3 star, it is more of a 4 star in my view. Since last year they have done so much work improving the hotel and they have plans in winter 2019 to improve it yet again, adding another pool. We will be back! Although we were on bed & breakfast, we ate quite a few times at Anna Maria and the food was fantastic, they have a great chef. Breakfast offers you lots of choice and is buffet style. We had some lovely lunches and I celebrated my birthday whilst staying here. I arrived back to the hotel with everyone at the bar singing Happy Birthday and they had put balloons everywhere. We had an amazing meal in the evening and the steak was incredible (and I am hard to please, trust me!) A birthday I will not forget. Although you can walk out, I would suggest a car and Thomas can help you with this locally. You can visit the beautiful village called Afytos. There are so many lovely restaurants to choose from in Pefkohori, we had amazing meals out. One of my favourites was Tsapari Ouzo House which was very authentic and offered the most amazing Seabass. Alternatively, you can visit Hanioti which is a 30-minute walk where there is a fantastic Pizza place called Capari. For more information on this wonderful property call me on 01625 839390.

30 May 2019

What a journey this was, a combination of South African bushveld and the magic of the White Pearl beaches in one unforgettable trip. We travelled from Manchester to Durban with Emirates. A long way around but I just love the A380 aircraft and knowing that on your return journey once you depart Dubai you will arrive in Manchester Airport which is just 20 minutes from my home. We did look at flying direct from London with British Airways but the dates didn’t quite work for us. Emirates upgraded us to business class on the way out which was fantastic. I would recommend upgrading if budget allows as it really made our journey go so quickly. On arrival into Durban we stayed one night at Oyster Box which is part of the Red Carnation Group of hotels. A lovely stunning hotel overlooking the Indian Ocean and the iconic lighthouse. The ultimate in colonial charm and style. This is also part of Leading Hotels of the world and you can see why. The service was just fantastic. If you are lucky you can see dolphins from the Ocean Terrace and Oyster Bar. It has a 24-seater cinema as well as an award-winning spa. My only tip would be to upgrade your room as the lovely rooms are on the small side however, nobody seems to mind this as it is all about the service here. We then moved on to Thanda Safari Camp (around a 3-hour drive), Thanda actually collected us and I would highly recommend this as the driver and vehicle were amazing. We also learnt so much about the reserve by the time we arrived. Thanda Safari Lodge was our home for 3 nights and I will never forget it. The tented camp was brilliant as I was with a friend and it was lovely to meet other guests in the main public areas. For those who want to be very private or more luxurious accommodation then stay in the Thanda Safari Lodge. The game viewing was incredible and I would say if you are adding this to your journey stay for a minimum of 2 nights to get the benefit of the game drives. The tents are lovely, very spacious but basic in design. There is a proper toilet and shower and very comfortable beds. I did notice it was quite dark in the evening but this is understandable. The main area of the camp is lovely. They have a firepit surrounded by a circular seating area. Your restaurant is at one side and then the bar area is at the other. This camp does attract groups but we enjoyed this as due to the numbers increasing we were able to have a Boma experience on one of the nights which was just brilliant. Food was faultless here, great chef! After 3 nights here our Thanda chauffeur driver took us to the Kosi Bay Boarder of Mozambique which was about a 2 ½ hour drive but in the comfort of our lovely vehicle and the fact you have to driver through part of Phinda Game Reserve this meant we had the opportunity to see even more animals. On arrival at the boarder our driver made sure we visited the South Africa Kiosk to get our Passports stamped and then took us to the Mozambique Kiosk where our passports were stamped again and here we met our White Pearl driver. A seamless handover and we just felt so comfortable. We had pre-arranged our visa before we left the UK so there were no delays. The journey from Kosi Bay to White Pearl took approximately 1 hour. Personally, I am glad we took the private hotel transfer due to the sand dumes you have to go over to reach the hotel. If driving yourself, which some people do, I suggest hiring a 4x4. We eventually arrived into Paradise and wow what a view of the beautiful, magnificent stretch of coastline, tucked behind Casuarina trees. It is believed to be the absolute best in Mozambique. For our stay, we had a spectacular pool suite which like all the rest are ocean facing with panoramic ocean views, private plunge pool, air conditioning, private deck and outdoor shower. You are assigned a butler who you can use as much or as little as you want. Our trip was only for a couple of days but we took advantage of the private fitness trainer on the beach and we then joined the water sports team for a boat trip to see the dolphins and snorkel. Food at lunchtime was lovely. On one of the days our butler set up a table on the beach for me and my friend so we could enjoy a tapa style meal which was just wonderful. This resort is all about comfort, relaxation and beachside romance and experiencing the signature cocktails in the glamorous Ibiza-style beach bar is a must. All good things must come to an end so after our stay, we transferred to Maputo Airport (3-hour drive) here we flew to Maputo Airport for our flight to Johannesburg. Our last 2 nights were spent at the Michaelangelo Hotel which is located on Nelson Madela Square, Sandton. At first, I wasn’t sure it was my kind of property however, how wrong I was. You have to stay here to acknowledge what it offers, the food was amazing and the location was great, as I was travelling with my friend we felt very safe. The hotel is also connected to the shopping mall so very convenient. It is part of Leading Hotels of the World which is no surprise. There is a wonderful circular bar in the main area with a fish pond. The bar area was great and the staff were great. Or you can enjoy the lovely pool area or the spa. We arranged a private guide and driver with Concierge to see where Mandella lived. We visited the Apartheid Museum. We drove through Soweto which was so diverse. Houses ranged from small shacks to affluent mansions. Whilst in Johannesburg I also visited the Saxon hotel which I have stayed at before. I love it now as much as I did then and this suits guests who like to be very private and prefer boutique style properties. Our trip had come to an end and we flew back from Johannesburg via Dubai to Manchester in economy and I have to say the seats were very spacious compared to some airlines. This was an adventure I will never forget!

10 March 2019

On Saturday 2nd March we flew with Aer Lingus from Manchester to Dublin for our action-packed weekend to celebrate my Gold status as a Travel Counsellor. Only the top 10% of the company are Gold and this is something I am very proud of. We stayed at the Powercourt Hotel in Wicklow which is part of the Autograph Collection. It is located approximately 50 minutes from Dublin Airport. Wiclow is known as the Hollywood of Europe! Films such as PS: I love you (2007), Braveheart (1994) and Excalibur (1981) to name just a few. The rooms are lovely, very spacious and you can choose from the lovely classic deluxe to the presidential suite with lots of choice in-between. At 1pm we met the Directors for lunch in the Silka restaurant and the buffet lunch was wonderful, lots of choice. Following this we had some free time, so we decided to get a lift into the closest village to appreciate the charm of the surrounding area. It was a lovely afternoon spending time with some lovely likeminded people. That evening we met at the drink’s reception before our Gala Dinner. Our wonderful guest speaker was Chanelle, Lady McCoy who is also married to the famous Sir Anthony McCoy (AP), the 20 times champion jump jockey. After our meal we then went on to the Irish Bar which was a great ending to our Gala night. In the morning we checked out and as our flight wasn’t until the evening we decided to go into Dublin. We were dropped off at the Westin Hotel which is located right in the centre of Dublin and they very kindly offered to keep our bags whilst we had a look around. This is definitely an excellent hotel to stay at if you want to be close to all the action but want some peace and tranquillity once back in your hotel surroundings. This 5-star hotel overlooks Trinity College and is in the centre of the main shopping and entertainment area. Off we went looking for the famous bakery Bewley's Oriental Cafes Ltd where we enjoyed a coffee as well as a few treats. Later we had lunch at a lively Irish bar with live entertainment before we ended the day at the Westin bar enjoying cocktails. Our return flight was interesting as it began to snow as we checked in at Dublin airport and we were warned about the 70km winds in Manchester. Our Aer Lingus flight was one of the only evening flights to go. Ryanair and Flybe were all cancelled. Aer Lingus would always be my first choice great crew and pilots who really knew how to keep you informed. A very enjoyable weekend and reignited my love for Ireland.

08 October 2018

For Travel Counsellors Gold Trip this year we were taken to the beautiful Anantara in Vilamoura where our itinerary began. Usually I wouldn’t opt for a hotel located on a golf course, but I absolutely loved it. The views were just stunning, and you are close to the Vilamoura’s beaches, marina and nightlife, including Puro beach Vilamoura. Just go to reception and request the complimentary shuttle service which is around a 10-minute drive. We took a taxi back late one night and it was just €9 back to the hotel which we thought was cheap. They also have a couple of Anantara Tuc Tuc rides which are great fun! Things to do close by would be Golf at the Victoria Golf Course, Cliff Richards Vineyard, Aqua Show Park, Catamaran Boat Tour or Adventure Golf as well as visiting the Marina area or just enjoy a wonderful spa treatment at Anantara. The hotel was lovely, I thought the rooms were spacious and well designed with a lovely balcony and day bed. The bathroom was huge with sliding glass doors and all the amenities you could ask for. The walk-in wardrobe was disguised into the wall which was a clever idea. Staff were just lovely, so friendly all through our stay. There is an adult only pool and area which is great, however, I did notice this pool wasn’t heated whereas the main pool was. The main pool was stunning and plenty of very comfortable loungers awaited. The food at breakfast and lunch was stunning with lots of choice. For a livelier evening head down to the Marina. As the Anantara is also linked with the Tivoli hotel you can go down to the Marina and use the sunbeds at the Tivoli. You also get a discount off in their restaurants. You can also park here free if you have a hire car. The Anantara has a very relaxed and peaceful hotel and I wouldn’t hesitate to recommend it. On the Friday night we transferred to the Tivoli Hotel for drinks before heading to Puro Beach Club where we had dinner and entertainment for the evening. The Tivoli hotel is in a perfect position for those guests who like to walk out from the hotel onto the marina. I didn’t see the rooms only the main areas, but I thought it was a lovely hotel. On Saturday we headed to the Albufeira marina to join a catamaran cruise and once finished we enjoyed a lovely lunch at a local Irish Pub before returning to our hotel. In the evening we ate at the ll Lamparo at the Vilamoura Marina which was lovely. On the Sunday a few of my colleagues headed out to the Conrad for brunch which they thoroughly enjoyed. I believe there is a little more going on at the Conrad than the Anantara, so it seems in Vilamoura there is something for everyone’s taste. In the evening we headed out for our Gala Dinner which was held at the stunning Pine Cliffs Hotel. Wow I just loved this property and for me this is in such a stunning location. So, this was my first visit to this area of Portugal and I will be back. For me I would choose a hotel which is positioned away from the marina, so you get the best of both worlds.

15 June 2018

In May 2018 during an educational to Barbados I spent 36 hours learning about the Elegant Hotels properties on the island. Choose your favourite from my thoughts below. The itinerary began when we checked into the adults only Treasure Beach located in Payne’s Bay, the newest addition to the group and what a delight it was. This lovely oceanfront boutique resort is U shaped and offers Garden, Pool and Ocean View One Bedroom Suites. The restaurant and bar are positioned in the centre of the resort, an ideal meeting place should you want to meet other guests. Bed and breakfast is great here as you can visit lots of great local restaurants such as Tides, Lone Star, Scarlet, IL Tempio and Cariba which is opposite the cliff. The BBQ night was great at the hotel. We had heard how amazing their young chef was and he didn’t disappoint! There was a part of the beach that had been damaged slightly in the storm, but I was reassured this would be sorted as soon as possible. What I took from this resort is how friendly all the couples were, and it is a little gem! During my stay here, we took our first water taxi from Treasure Beach to Colony Club to have a look around. I stayed here a few years ago and it was still the same lovely property with an elegant feel with it’s beautiful pool which flows through the lovely gardens. I have sold this hotel a lot and guests just go back many times. The location is great as you can just walk into Holetown where you are welcomed by many bars and restaurants. We enjoyed a lovely lunch in the restaurant by the beach before we took our next water taxi! Next, we headed to the all-inclusive Crystal Cove. This is always very popular and after spending a couple of hours here I could see why. When I first arrived, I wasn’t sure the pastel coloured buildings appealed to me, but I felt it had a very casual feel which a lot of people liked. The great camaraderie between the guests and the staff was clear to see and I would feel very relaxed staying here with my family. So many water sports are available at all the hotels, even free water skiing lessons! The beach was small but very nice. It has a charm of a seaside Caribbean village with lush tropical scenery in a picturesque cliff side setting. They even have a cave bar and a waterfall! We then left Crystal to head over to the all-inclusive Waves which I was excited to see as I had quite a few delighted customers visiting earlier this year. I was very pleased to see this property and I really feel it is perfect for adults only. The reason is the hotel is split in two, the hotel is on the beach which offers interconnecting rooms for families and offers lovely ocean view rooms and suites. You then walk across the road at the back of the hotel to the adult spa area which is lovely and quiet and has the most amazing spa pool with luxury sun beds. With certain rooms at this hotel you get complimentary treatments. For example, for an Ocean Junior Suite you will receive four spa treatments per stay which is great. Families cannot use the spa pool area, but you do have a smaller pool on the beach side, I am just not sure it is big enough if you like pools over the beach. The public areas in this hotel are just fantastic and to be honest this is probably my favourite property out of the Elegant hotels. I loved it and would be very happy staying here. Waves Shiso (Asian restaurant) has a great reputation so I would reserve a table straight away! The day was going very fast so now we made are way back to Treasure Beach for a quick change. We then went for a site inspection and sundowners at the adults only House which took just three minutes along the beach. I just loved it and it is certainly another favourite of mine for those couples who want an amazing hideaway with the best service. Champagne breakfast, afternoon tea, it is all the little things at this property. Whilst enjoying our drinks, a couple came down for a drink at the bar to be greeted by their very own dressed up table on the beach as the staff found out about their anniversary. If it is personal service you are looking for, look no further! That was enough for one day, so we went back to Treasure Beach for the evening and then in the morning after breakfast we headed over to Tamarind which is perfect for families and offers great activities for all ages. It has a contemporary feel and I really liked it. They have a lovely large beach and it is perfect for families. It doesn’t offer all inclusive, but half board and full board are available. You can choose to eat at the many restaurants close by, the hotel restaurants and Daphne’s which is also owned by the Elegant group and is positioned in between Tamarind and The House. A great option to enjoy Barbados! We were now coming to the end of our stay in Barbados and we headed south to visit the all-inclusive Turtle Beach before flying home. This hotel offers great value for money and the room I saw was spacious, but I just think I was spoilt by all the other properties. I am always honest, so I will keep this brief. This was not my favourite hotel and It will need a refurbishment before I can confidently recommend it. There was a storm a few weeks before our visit and it has washed all the seaweed up onto the beach which didn’t help. I hope you enjoyed my feedback and I can honestly say booking an Elegant Hotel gives you great value for money. You can dine around at most of the other hotels which is great, so you will never get board of the same restaurants. As well as the dine around you can use all the facilities at the other hotels including the amazing water sports! You are spoilt for choice in Barbados with Elegant Hotels.

25 November 2017

I felt very privileged to be invited into Dean Valley Primary School to talk to the year 6 children about my career from the time I left School to now, running my own business as a Travel Counsellor. The children were amazing, asking so many questions including do I have my own private jet! The children were also asked to create a North America brochure, each child was given a State and they had to make their page look interesting, informative, using creative writing and most of all stand out from the rest. I returned a couple of weeks later to judge and announce the winner. I sat in the class room for a while and it soon became clear that there was no chance of choosing a winner so quickly. The results just blew me away. These children are only 10 years old and their work was just extraordinary. Because of this I decided to take it home and read through each and every one of them carefully as well as asking a few of my family and friends to choose their top three. I felt this was the fairest way considering hours of work was put into each and every page. After lots of consideration we have chosen our top three! 1st Place - Mississippi by Olive Meggitt 2nd Place - Iowa by Luke Earl 3rd Place - Pennsylvania by Sam Grimes Introduction page created by Beth Hadley & Lily Seldon Well done Dean Valley Primary School, it was a pleasure spending time with you all x

17 November 2017

I have flown into Palma Airport so many times and never thought to spend time in Palma City however, whilst on a work trip in October this year I spent a full day in the city and it is definitely a place I will return to. Palma is in my opinion such a stunning and incredible city to explore and such an undersold destination, it’s like a miniature Barcelona! The easiest way to see Palma in a day is by the number 50 hop on hop off city sightseeing bus. This runs on average every 20 minutes throughout the day and takes in all the major sights of the city. It costs around €15 and takes around 1 hour and 20 minutes. Or why not take the eco-friendly ways to explore the city by joining a guided cycling tour offered each day by Nano Bicycles, all led by a team of expert professional guides at approximately €25 per person for 3 hours. The other option is to just hire a bike and go off by yourself, the streets are designed so well for bicycles. I personally took a city tour by foot and we all wore audio equipment which was brilliant when you are in a group. The guide was so knowledgeable and it was great exercise as well! When it was time for refreshments our guide took us to a local coffee shop on one of the back streets called Horchateria Y chocolateria Ca’N Joain De S’Aigo which was a great find. We had to go for the famous hot chocolate with cream and the pastry tart to go with it, all for just less than €2.50 per person. In the evening we had a great dining experience at Mercat1930, Palma’s Gastronomic Market where local gastronomy meets the latest foodie trends. Cooking becomes a show in its 16 stands; more than a half a dozen different options where the best products reigns. Choose roasted meat, Italian specials, Burgers, Omelette, Sushi, Thai innovative, Tapas, Andalusian specialties and much more. http://www.mercat1930.com/en/ Although Palma city does not have its own beach these can be found just minutes away in a taxi. For a day out why not take the vintage train to Soller. This is a great experience if you are staying longer than just a few days. There are hotels to suit every budget however, if you are looking for a luxury option then I would recommend the Hotel Sant Francesc (Small luxury hotel) or on a lower budget the Costa Azul.

12 September 2017

We opted for a two-week beach holiday and due to recommendations, we decided to travel to Parga in Greece. It is located on the North West of the mainland and just over an hour transfer from Preveza Airport. We set off to Terminal 2 at Manchester Airport and we checked in. There was no queue and a very quick service. After a very expensive breakfast we headed to gate 300 where we waited and then headed off to take our bus to the aircraft. We boarded our yellow ASL Boeing 737-700 aircraft which was quite small with a configuration of 3 & 3 with 26 rows. We opted to have group seating which does guarantee you are sat together however, if you do want to sit in certain seats you can pay extra for this. They offered food and drink on board if you wanted it. The flight took 3 hours and once we arrived in Preveza it was a quick exit from the airport and then we took a coach which took 1 hour 10 minutes. I would suggest that clients buy a bottle of water when arriving to Preveza for the journey, especially in the summer months. We checked in and headed to our two bedroom apartment (number A2). This was a fantastic position; the views are fantastic and you look over the pool area. You must pay for air conditioning locally at around €50 per room per week and then they gave us the security box complimentary. It didn’t take long before my 13-year-old son was in the pool, and we could watch him from our balcony. Our apartment in Eleni was basic but spotlessly clean with two large double bedrooms, bathroom and kitchen and dining room. You get one key and the air conditioning only works when the key is in the electric socket. There is a bar and you can order basic food during the day like Greek salad, pizza and toasties. The swimming pool was lovely and spotless, there were plenty of sunbeds and no getting up early to secure one which is a refreshing change. The location of Eleni is on a hill so it isn’t ideal for those with walking difficulties however, saying that I have back problems and at the time I couldn’t walk up hill too much so we walked down in to Parga each evening and then got a taxi back for €5. A good thing to point out is that you can also use the facilities at Alea Resort (Nostros restaurant) which is across the road as long as you are buying drinks or food. They have very comfortable sun beds and a larger pool. You can also use their shuttle bus which goes into Parga Town and Valtos beach. You pay €10 euros each week for your pass. The first night we made our way down to Parga Town which is all downhill. The views at every level were amazing and this is the most beautiful place. It isn’t commercial which I love and to be honest if you ask anyone if they have heard of Parga they either say no or yes, I have been many times. For our first night, we ate at Kyma Restaurant on the front which was a lovely authentic Greek restaurant serving lovely food. We found the restaurants lovely on the way down or in town. My favourite was Hellenikon which is off the town centre and up a side street and Sakis which has the most amazing views and worth booking for the festival. The Parga festival is usually on the 15th August for one night. It gets so busy on this date so it is ideal to pre book a table here so you can see all the fireworks and boats. Places we went to eat and had a great meal: Stephano Fish Restaurant, Filomila, Hotel Salvatore (Greek night), Oscars, Hellenikon, Sakis, Helena, Kasta One day we took a boat trip to Paxos and Anti Paxos which was a great day out. You have at least two opportunities to swim from the boat and one of the stops you can swim in the caves. You get around 3 hours in Paxos so you can get some lunch. I would recommend going to the bakery on the way down and take some breakfast on the boat for when you get hungry. We took the Gaios boat as it was lower and goes into the caves which is great. One day we went to Valtos Beach which was lovely and it took 20 minutes downhill to walk it. If you walk along the beach you come to Tango Beach Club. This is a great location where you can pay for a sun bed which was €8 for an umbrella and two sun beds. Alternatively, you can sunbathe by the pool where you can get food and drink throughout the day whilst music is playing. There are lots of water sports to be enjoyed here. When we left Valtos Beach we took the express boat to Parga Town to get some supplies before our taxi ride back up to Eleni. On another day, we went down to the town beach which is much pebblier and the children swam to the island which was fun but I personally preferred Valtos. You can arrange many trips with your representative Steve who meets you at the apartments. Even if you are not booking a trip I would go to the meeting on Friday morning as you learn so much about the area. Conclusion: The Eleni is a fantastic choice for a family or couples as they offer two bedroom apartments and studios. The studios are understandably a little more basic and offer a put-up bed for the third person so this is only suitable for 2 adults and 1 child really. You can request that two studios are next door to each other as the balcony is shared which is a lovely touch. We met a lovely family in the next two-bedroom apartment and sat many nights with them on the balcony. Maria Studios are adjoining the Eleni and have their own swimming pool but you can use this if you wish. We will definitely return to Parga, we had one of our best holidays and it was so reasonable.

13 July 2017

20th – 23rd October 2016 My first ever river cruise experience! As a Gold Travel Counsellor we get to the opportunity to be taken away by head office each year. This particular year one of the choices was a river cruise from Budapest to Vienna on the lovely Scenic River Cruise, the Scenic Jewel. I would never choose to book a river cruise so it was my very first experience and being honest I didn’t think I would enjoy it. We had three days discovering the history and romance of the River Danube. On either end of our cruise, we spent time in two truly exceptional cities in Budapest and Vienna. The ship was luxuriously comfortable, with the finest furnishings on which to relax and watch Europe float by your window. With Table La Rive’s degustation menus, and on-board spa and fitness facilities, I had an amazing massage! You will want for nothing on this magnificent five-star cruise. I stayed in one of the lead in suites which I wouldn't suggest to my clients as it did feel small, but it is a great option if someone is travelling on their own although you do have a window. I took a look at the other suites and they were lovely, especially the balcony cabins and suites. This is a great way to see different cities as well as getting that home away from home feel when you return to the river cruise. You can either take an arranged excursion or go it alone. Would I go again? Absolutely and I would recommend it to everyone!

27 June 2017

I was fortunate enough to stay here for two nights whilst on an educational and I just loved this hotel. We arrived to a quirky hotel with immaculate gardens and such an amazing beach, it definitely had the wow factor. You could twin center with Barbados or St Lucia as there are private and shared charters available. In fact the owner of Bequia, Bengt Mortstedt also owns a private 9 seater plane (One Caribbean) which was just amazing, a great flight. I had a beachfront suite which I would highly recommend. The family villas were also great however I felt these were slightly more rustic in style than the other suites. The Penthouse suite with Jacuzzi or the Estate Villa is the choice for the more affluent guest. This can be combined with a 3 night luxury yacht charter for that ideal experience and the perfect way to experience the Grenadine Islands. There is a 2 star Michelin chef joining them for the up and coming season which will be great. The hotel has a modern Colonial style reminiscent of the 50's. Built from scratch by the owner with ideas from the very best experiences from his extensive worldwide travels. he staff have the utmost respect for him and that was clear to see as he has done so much for this island. This is a hidden gem and not on many tourists radar so one to definitely recommend. The owner also owns Jacks bar on the other side of the island which was gorgeous. They will be putting on shuttle buses soon. I really want to go back!

28 March 2017

Saturday March 18th 2017 On arrival in Tenerife I took a taxi to my hotel which was approximately a 20 minutes’ drive costing €42. When I arrived at the hotel I was taken straight to my Tagor Villas (131) where I checked in and unpacked before driving my own personal buggy to the El Mirador restaurant for a light lunch. We relaxed around the pool in the afternoon and then met at Cubanika Terrace for a cocktail before we ate dinner at the 20/20 steak restaurant (a la carte). What fantastic food and this is all included with half board. Sunday March 19th 2017 After breakfast at the El Mirador restaurant I had a site inspection of the hotel and rooms which was great. There is so much choice from the large spacious citadel rooms ( 50sqm) to Junior Suites, One Bedroom Suites to the Imperial and Royal Suites as well as club rooms and suites. For me, the best was the villas, four rows of amazing villas enjoying a shared pool on each level and the best being the Tagor Villas coming with your very own buggy. I stayed in villa 131 where you could just walk out of your rooms straight to the pool. We took a transfer up to the Annabel Croft Tennis Academy for a group tennis lesson. Mario had the patience of a saint with the group and this is definitely worth trying for any guest. We ate lunch at the Casa Club located overlooking the golf club with the most amazing views and then continued to look round the hotel. In the afternoon, I made my way up to the spa to enjoy a massage and the treatment was fantastic. In the evening, we enjoyed cocktails before eating dinner at Txoko the a la carte restaurant serving Spanish tapas. This restaurant had a wonderful vibe and was fantastic for families and couples alike. Monday – March 20th 2017 After breakfast we took a transfer to Puerto Colon where we boarded a boat to go whale and dolphin watching. Due to a couple of very large whales being close to land we didn’t see dolphins but we spotted plenty of whales. After a few hours we returned to the hotel for lunch at the beach club which is a fantastic spot. The beach area, although small, is lovely and lots of sunbeds were available. It is reached by a lift for all guests however the beach is public so you do get the occasional visitor however, they have to walk down and up around 140 steps which puts a lot of people off! Later in the day, we had a group wine tasting event which was a great way to taste the fantastic wines on offer. It costs €30 upwards depending on which you choose. Our final evening was at El Mirador a la carte restaurant, which was wonderful. I had the salt crusted sea bass which was amazing and I would recommend it to anyone who likes fish. What a fabulous weekend and I would certainly recommend this property, especially considering the micro climate (the hotel was built on a banana plantation and when it can be raining in other areas of Tenerife it can be glorious here). There is a fishing village just 3 minutes away in a taxi with a local market every Wednesday. You can take a complimentary trip to the Del Duque Mall, you can hike in the Masca Region, visit a traditional Spanish Town called Garachico with its wonderful cobbled streets, visit Mount Teide, whale watching by boat, or visit Costa Adeje. For anyone looking for luxury, great food, and a resort to suit couples and families this has to be on your travel wish list. It is no wonder it is one of the bestselling properties in Tenerife and I would definitely return!

27 June 2017

I was asked if I would donate £250 towards the purchase of a defibrillator machine to be installed at the local football grounds where many young children train and play, including my son Thomas. The keys to Jasmine Park were handed over to the community on 30th December 2015 and for many people it is a superb facility for all ages and because of this they felt it was important to protect the community with a life saving device. A defibrillator was installed at Jasmine Park, Macclesfield on 13th September 2016. I feel very proud to be able to help in this worthwhile cause.

27 June 2017

East Cheshire Barn Bash Sponsor 2016! In business I feel it is important to support my local community because at the end of the day the people of Macclesfield and the surrounding areas support me. I sponsored the Prosecco Bar at the East Cheshire Barn Bash in 2016. It is also a great way of marketing my business. I arranged for some posters to be made and in addition to this I put my business cards, inside a clear luggage label and wrapped it around each prosecco bottle. A great idea I first thought but I am not quite sure who was sober enough to take them home! I helped, with many others to raise £18,500 for the East Cheshire Hospice in Macclesfield through many generous donations, the bar, raffle, auctions as well as all the sponsors. What a worthwhile cause x

20 February 2017

Tenuta Casteani, Tuscany for a friend’s wedding Thursday 28th April 2016 – Day One We flew from Manchester Airport to Pisa Airport. On arrival at Pisa Airport, we went to collect our car hire. There are no car hire companies located in the airport, but the collection depot is located 450 meters away. There is a shuttle bus but it is quicker to walk. We collected our car and drove with friends to Pisa, where we enjoyed a walk around the city, visiting the leaning tower of Pisa. We then went for lunch at the Ristorante Duomo pizzeria – 1 large pizza each, wine, beer and water for €25 per couple, which was very reasonable considering our popular location. We arrived at Tenuta Casteani where we met all the other wedding guests and enjoyed the local Prosecco (€12 a bottle) before we were shown to our room. We were asked if we wanted to eat dinner with the other guests in the evening, and agreed to a four-course meal for €35 per person. The food was delicious and worth staying in for! You do have to pre-book for this, though. Our room was rustic but really nice. I like a comfy bed, good lighting, a long mirror with a socket very close by and a good shower - and it had everything we needed, which was great! We stayed in the most basic rooms, however the main house offers larger rooms and suites. Friday 29th April 2016 – Day Two We drove for 15 minutes to a charming town called Massa Marittima. We had a drink in the square, climbed the tower and walked on the wall, and visited the church. After a good walk around we headed off to visit the seaside which was a 30-minute drive. We arrived at Follonica beach, we parked up and walked along the beach to a local restaurant for fresh pasta. On the way back, we noticed a water park which would be great for families. At night, all of the wedding party were taken on a 45-minute drive to the beach club Enchanto White. It's a great location for a private party on an amazing beach. The food was wonderful and predominantly fish but I am sure you could give them whatever preference you have. It’s definitely worth a visit to have a cocktail or two! And this is a great way to meet all the wedding guests before the big day. Saturday 30th April 2016 – Day Three – The Wedding Day In the morning, a few of us decided to go for a walk. The direction maps from reception weren't all that clear so we didn’t go too far and after a while we returned to Tenuta to relax in the gardens with a glass of wine! The wedding was at the hotel next door and what a hotel Conti di san Bonifacio is! We arrived at 3pm and we were led to our seating position awaiting the gorgeous bride. The service was lovely and once completed we headed through to the pool area of the hotel where canapes and champagne were served. Later, we were led back outside where two beautiful long tables were on display in the garden. We ate two courses and the rain drops started falling. Not a problem for the hotel as all guests were led inside to tables all laid out (there’s always a Plan B!). It was actually better as you experienced it both ways. Another two courses inside and then the speeches - the atmosphere was wonderful! An authentic Italian wedding cake was made in front of the guests to follow tradition. Later on, the live band started playing and my dancing feet couldn't resist! Sunday 1st May 2016 – Our last day We enjoyed a relaxing morning and then all the guests staying at both properties met at our property, Tenuta Casteani, for a BBQ. A bar company was brought in to serve every guest. Personally, I loved Tenuta Casteani and they let all guests keep their room on after the cehck-out time so we could enjoy our last day. They purposely do not take reservations for the following day when there is a wedding party staying which I thought was great. The Tenuta Casteani is ideal for any couple or even wedding couple wanting to hire the whole property, and it was one unforgettable journey for me.

20 February 2017

I agreed to organise a hen party for my sister and seventeen friends, including me! We wanted fun but it was important to be located in a nice upmarket area. Portals Nous was the perfect place! Given the budget I had no choice, everyone wanted the cheapest carrier, Ryanair. I wasn’t expecting much and it lived up to expectations, not great if I’m honest but on time. We arrived at the Salles Marina Portals and as there were so many of us we had quite a few rooms and I noticed some were very different to others. I always request certain rooms for my clients. What a great four star hotel and the service everywhere was excellent. The spa is lovely and it is perfect for groups, couples, singles and families. If you go out I would suggest Moods restaurant and beach club for a group or couples. We had a three course meal for €36pp and it lasted all afternoon. For €7pp extra you could have as much wine as you liked. You can then relax by the pool. I can imagine this would get very busy at peak times but the atmosphere was amazing. Roxy’s bar on the beach is a great choice with a very cool atmosphere. We ate at a brilliant steak house right opposite the hotel and a few of the group ate at the chip shop very close to the hotel which was so cheap but excellent quality. There were some really nice cocktail bars and if you preferred a more lively night there is always Magaluf which is only 10 minutes away in a taxi. Because of this it is a great area for anyone wanting the night life but wanting to return to the more civilized bubble. Palma is also within very easy reach (10 minutes). A great destination for a short or long duration.