From its ancient name, Serendib, comes our word “serendipity” meaning “happy and unexpected discovery”, and there’s no better way to describe it. With mystical ancient cities, fascinating temples, thick jungle, amazing wildlife, miles of palm-fringed beaches, lush green hillsides, a unique culture and warm, friendly people, Sri Lanka makes a wonderful holiday destination.

Broads Travel’s consultant, Katherine Goodwin, visited Sri Lanka in September 2011 when she experienced a number of hotels and attractions and gained a true sense of what the island can offer as a holiday destination.

Read her report to find out more or call 01543 412768 or 0121 250 2211 or to book your holiday to Sri Lanka.

Katherine’s report

“We flew with Sri Lankan Airlines from Terminal 4, London Heathrow. The 10 hour flight departed on time and was comfortable with a free bar and 3 course meal service, although the key selling point for me was the 30kg luggage allowance!

The Ramada Colombo Hotel
There is a 5hr 30+-time difference between the UK and Sri Lanka, and so we arrived in Colombo at 01.55 local time. We were met and transferred to the Ramada Colombo hotel, which is centrally located with large comfortable rooms and spacious bathrooms – much appreciated after such a long flight! Colombo, like many capital cities in developing countries, is fast changing its appearance. Almost overnight, skyscrapers seem to arise from where old buildings once stood, yet in some parts the old world charm is retained; if you get a chance to explore, look out for the 100-year-old clock tower -  there are also several beautiful British built colonial style buildings.

The Mermaid Hotel & Club, Kalutara
Our first destination was Kalutara where we visited the 3 star Mermaid Hotel, which is nestled within tranquil gardens and coconut groves, along a stretch of golden sandy beach. If you stay here I would recommend upgrading to a deluxe room as these rooms have a free standing bath and sea views. At the hotel there is an adjoining Sports Club with a range of sports and recreational facilities.

Avani Kalutara Resort
We then made our way to the Avani Kalutara Resort (formally the Kani Lanka) where we received a very warm welcome from traditional Sri Lankan dancers, armed with fresh flowers and cool refreshing towels which were much appreciated as it was very warm, albeit off season! This unique hotel is set among coconut groves on golden sand and it enjoys a spectacular setting, at the point where the Kulu Ganga River meets the Indian Ocean. Our 2 night stay allowed us to fully appreciate the hotel’s relaxing atmosphere, which is helped by the spa facilities -  it is truly an island paradise, with the advantage of being only 10 minutes away from the town of Kalutara and around 40km from the culture and colonial charm of Colombo.

The Blue Water, The Tangerine Beach and Royal Palms
The Blue Water is a contemporary 4* hotel on Wadduwa beachfront with spectacular views of the Indian Ocean. The hotel has a bright open feel with excellent Spa facilities and tropical gardens, ponds and swimming pools fed by cascading waterfalls which weave through the resort, adding to its tranquil atmosphere. The Tangerine Beach and Royal Palms are adjacent and share a more limited spa facility. All the rooms at the Royal Palms are currently undergoing refurbishment and the hotel has the feel of a resort, with a swim up bar and many activities, including a children’s play area.

The Heritance Ahungalla
We enjoyed lunch at the five star Heritance Ahungalla, a spacious and contemporary hotel set on the white sands of one of Sri Lanka’s finest beaches. The hotel was designed by the legendary architect Geoffrey Bawa and has a fabulous infinity pool.

The Vivata by Taj Bentota
We also visited The Vivata by Taj Bentota (previously Taj Exotica) which is set on a headland with beautiful views of the superb Bentota Beach and close to its historic sites. This fantastic waterfront hotel upholds the high standards of service for which Taj Hotels are renowned.

Kitugala
After a lovely evening at the Avani Resort which is 10 minutes from Kalutara, the next morning we set off early for a scenic drive to Kitugala, the main filming location for the Oscar winning movie “Bridge Over The River Kwai”. The journey to our final destination for the day, Nuwara Eliya, took us through tea plantations and past spectacular waterfalls. During the afternoon we enjoyed a pot of tea and a delicious slice of chocolate cake for less than £1.60, which included waiter service and a fabulous view!

St Andrews Hotel
We stayed for 1 night at the St Andrews Hotel in Nuwara Eliya, a colonial country house retreat surrounded by beautiful manicured gardens and centrally located for exploring the town. On arrival we were greeted with a teacup of homemade vegetable soup and a roaring log fire – very welcome, as being 1900 meters above sea level, the temperature was somewhat cooler here. Hot chocolate and hot water bottles were also available!

Kandy
The next day we set off on a scenic drive to Kandy, visiting a Tea Plantation en route. The tea factory is where the best tea in the world is produced, and having witnessed the process of tea making, I have vowed never to take a tea bag for granted again! We had a superb lunch at the Earls Regency Hotel where we were lucky enough to bump into the Australian and Sri Lankan cricket teams enjoying a meal before preparing for in the ICC World Twenty20 tournament. Kandy is one of Sri Lanka’s most scenic cities – it is a World Heritage Site renowned for its cultural richness as a Royal Medieval Kingdom from 1469-1815. Whilst in Kandy we enjoyed a drive around the spectacular man made lake which was built by the last Sinhala King Sri Wickrama in 1798, and in the afternoon we visited the sacred Temple of the Tooth Relic which is around a 10 minute drive away.  According to legend, the tooth was taken from Buddha as he lay on his funeral pyre and the tooth is kept in a two storey inner shrine fronted by two large elephant tusks. It’s worth mentioning that the traffic can be very slow through the cities in Sri Lanka due to the amount of traffic and the poor infrastructure. All roads are single track, as are the railways, where cows often wander along the tracks in front of the trains! Probably the quickest and cheapest way to get around in the cities is via tuk tuk, but you should be aware that there are no seat belts and very often safety does not seem to be the drivers’ highest priority!

Chaaya Citadel Hotel
We stayed over night at the Chaaya Citadel Hotel which is beautifully situated on a lagoon and sea inlet – however, be warned, insect repellent is definitely required! All rooms had very luxurious bathrooms. The next morning, we had a very early start and the hotel provided us with breakfast boxes as we headed off to climb Sigiriya Rock, one of Sri Lanka’s major tourist attractions. It is a must to climb the 5th century rock fortress which is a world heritage site built by King Kasyapa (477-495 AD). The Lion Rock is a citadel of unusual beauty rising 200m from the scrub jungle, but I only managed to climb to the halfway point as my phobia of heights seriously kicked in! However, the views from this point were still amazing.

Pinnawela Elephant Orphanage
After recovering from the morning’s climb we visited the Pinnawela Elephant Orphanage which was established in 1975 with 7 orphans and is regarded as the biggest herd of captive elephants in the world. Some of the original orphans are still there, and have been able to see their grandchildren born in the same location. The original objective of the orphanage was to encourage tourism to the area, but since then the focus has turned to conservation and education. The orphanage is a must see for any visit to Sri Lanka. We saw a zebra crossing packed with elephants as they crossed from bathing in the river and I was lucky enough to give a baby elephant a bottle of milk which was the size of a wine bottle!

The Club Dolphin
After our visit to the orphanage we drove to Waikkal where we stayed for 2 nights at the Club Dolphin which has the largest swimming pool in Sri Lanka. I would recommend an upgrade to the newly refurbished cottages here, as they all have sea views. The Club Dolphin Negombo has fabulous facilities for all the family but is also an ideal resort for the independent traveller as the beach area is within easy walking distance of the town, which has a lively traditional heart and many bars and restaurants. Another feature of the town is Little Amsterdam, a canal network built by the Dutch Settlers. The Paradise Beach is another good central 3*hotel; very clean and friendly and a good base for exploring. The Jetwing Beach 4* also offers fantastic facilities, and here an upgrade to a suite room would make a memorable honeymoon without breaking the bank.

Early Sunday morning we left for Colombo Airport for our flight home via the Maldives, which looked stunning as we flew over. Unfortunately, we only stopped on the tarmac at Male, and it rained! This made it a little easier to leave…and return home.

Summary and Top Travel Tips
In the words of our guide if we had taken a piece of Sri Lanka home in our hearts he had done his job well… and I certainly have.

The weather throughout my stay was very pleasant for September, so I would be happy to visit again at this time of year, although most people choose to visit between December and March to escape the cold winter months of the UK.

Overall, I was very pleasantly surprised by the quality and choice of food – all the hotels offered a full buffet in the restaurants with soups, salads, main courses including many curries, desserts plus tea and coffee. Breakfasts were also buffet style so all tastes are well catered for.

If you have the opportunity whilst in Sri Lanka, make sure you enjoy a massage or a spa treatment as they are of the highest quality, and so cheap compared to the UK.

However, I would say that from a Mum’s perspective I am not sure I would want to take my 10 and 7 year old to Sri Lanka due to the long flight times – there is also the heat to consider, and the fact that the food is generally quite spicy, so fussy eaters may struggle!

The Sri Lankan people are so welcoming and hospitable, always smiling and nothing is too much trouble, and in summary, it would almost be impossible to not enjoy a holiday in Sri Lanka!”

A selection of Katherine’s lovely photos!

Travel
Whilst this was not my first visit to Disneyland Paris, it was my first experience of flying and using the shuttle bus from Charles de Gaulle airport to get there. For anyone living in the Midlands, the option of flying is perhaps more appealing than one of the alternative ways of getting to Disneyland Paris, (such as by Eurostar) but both offer different benefits for different travellers.

There are daily flights from Birmingham and Manchester to Paris, but families may find that the wait at the airport and the long walk from the aircraft to the baggage collection area and then to the coach too much. The shuttle bus runs regularly from Charles de Gaulle airport to the main Disney hotels and it is a reasonably short journey (which is very important when you have excited children in your party!) – the cost is approximately £17, although some operators will include this in your package price. There are also shuttles from Orly and Beaulis Airports, although these are less frequent.

In comparison, Eurostar from Ashford in Kent offers a service directly into Disneyland – the station is just two minutes walk from the Disneyland entrance gates and shuttle buses to the hotels. If you book a Eurostar package with Disney they offer extra services which include gift packs for the children on the train and express baggage drop off at the station, this is a fantastic time saving service as it gives you the option to go straight to the parks on the day of your arrival. Later that day when you check-in at your hotel your luggage will be waiting at the hotel for you!

All of the Disney hotels adhere to strict check-in times, but if you arrive early, you can use the baggage storage area at the Disney hotels after collecting your park passes from the check-in desk.

Accommodation
I would recommend a minimum of 2 nights/3 day stay in Disneyland Paris, although at peak times (school holidays), 3 nights is advisable. There are some key benefits if you choose to stay at one of the 7 Disney hotels – obviously you’re closer to the parks and Disney Village but you can also enjoy extra ‘magic hours’ which means you can enter the park up to 2 hours earlier than the general public – a real bonus.

The Disney hotels offer meet and greets with Disney characters and a free Disney shopping service, where you can shop at all the outlets throughout the parks and charge the cost to your room – your shopping bags will be delivered directly to your hotel to save you carrying them around. Adults who stay in a Disney hotel also benefit from free entry into Hurricanes nightclub in Disney Village.

On your departure, several of the hotels offer the express luggage transfer if travelling by Eurostar (a fee may apply if you are not using the full Disney package) and again the bags will be dropped straight to the Eurostar Terminal so you can enjoy the last day in the park and go straight to the station to collect your bags and board the Eurostar.

The 2 star Disney Hotel Cheyenne and Disney Santa Fe are both around a 20 minute walk to the parks but offer fun themed accommodation for families at a reasonable price. Upgraded Rio Grande rooms are available for a supplement – these are located nearest to the park and offer views of the river.

Self catering accommodation is available at Davy Crockett Ranch. Shuttles do not run from this accommodation but it is still ideal if you are travelling by car. Davy Crockett Ranch has an indoor pool as well as a tree top adventure trail, so is great for children.

Sequoia Lodge is a 3* hotel and is located around the lake, only a 15 minute walk away from the main entrance. This hotel is a personal favourite of mine as it offers a relaxed family orientated setting – it is great in summer as it has a lovely outside decking area overlooking the lake and it is also welcoming in winter as it has a central log fire. The hotel also has a pool area along with indoor and outdoor play areas.

The 3* nautical themed Newport Bay Club also offers a lakeside setting. Whilst the hotel offers larger, better styled bedrooms (especially on the admiral floors for which a premium applies), the hotel is slightly more formal than its other 3* hotels as it is one of the main conference hotels in the resort. It is also one of the busiest which is reflected in the prices of drinks and meals as they are slightly more expensive than Sequoia lodge. The evening buffet is certainly worth experiencing at this hotel.

4* Hotel New York is styled in 1930s art deco style and set beside the lake next to Disney Village, only a short walk from the parks. The hotel has an indoor pool and outdoor ice skating rink during the winter season. It is ideal for couples and friends but also has plenty of amenities for children.

The 4* luxurious Disneyland Hotel is a magical hotel located right at the entrance to Disney. The hotel has a luxurious spa and pool area and the Castle Club Suites have a private reception, exclusive lounge bar and VIP Fast pass.

Just a short, free shuttle bus ride away from the main park entrance are the Disney partner hotels which offer alternative accommodation to suit a range of needs.

The 2* Kyriad offers comfortable and affordable accommodation just a short walk from the Disney Parks.

The Thomas Cook’s Explorers Hotel offers rooms for larger families and a large indoor adventure play area which is great if you are visiting during the winter season and wish to keep the children entertained after the parks close.

Eating Out
There is a wide range of restaurants to choose from which are all located within the hotels, parks and Disney Village. I would advise all visitors to pre-purchase the half board meal plans which offer savings of up to 15% and offer different options depending on choice.

The restaurants get very busy at peak times so I would suggest pre-booking to avoid long waits. The character breakfast at Café Mickey was a wonderful experience (this can be included in the Premium meal package). To watch the children’s faces light up when Tigger or Mickey Mouse tapped them on the shoulder or sat next to them whilst they were eating breakfast was worth every penny.

The Parks
The best time of year to go to Disneyland Paris is outside of the main UK and French holidays. Although the park is open later in the summer, you will still queue for a long time to get on some rides and I found that I managed to experience more rides in the winter despite the earlier closing times.

During the winter season there are some fantastic themed events at Disneyland Paris: during October half term there are Halloween Celebrations and from 8th November, Winter Wonderland begins, where snow falls along Main Street and the children can visit Santa – perfect for getting the whole family in the Christmas spirit. Early booking is recommended if you plan to visit during these events.

Some tips for your visit to the park:

• Upon arrival at the park make sure you collect your schedule so that you do not miss the spectacular parades and shows which are all part of the Disney experience.
• Don’t forget to pack your children’s Disney character outfits with you, it’s great for the children to dress up while they are watching the parades.
• Head towards the main rides first and use your fast pass (virtual queuing system) to save queuing at the more popular rides. The sooner you use the Fast Pass the quicker you can re-use it for your next ride!
• Walk in an anti clockwise direction to the rides to beat some of the queues as most people go in a clockwise direction around the parks.
• Ensure you all wear comfortable shoes as it can be quite hard on the legs and feet walking around the parks all day.
• If you need to take a rucksack for a comfort change or drinks/snacks etc then it is worth paying for a locker at the entrance to the park to save you carrying it around all day.

Summary

Disneyland Paris is a great fun packed break for all the family. There is a good selection of accommodation on and off site to suit all budgets and the range of rides, parades, shows and activities available will keep even the most energetic entertained until bedtime.

The next morning I departed for a two hour journey to the Camelback Mountains in Scottsdale, a popular resort for hiking and rock climbing. I stayed at the luxurious Phoenician Hotel situated at the base of the mountain which boasts 250 acres of golf courses, restaurants, lounges, sparkling pools, shops, art collections, tennis courts and lush landscaping. I would recommend this hotel to those wanting to stay for a short, relaxing and comfortable stay in stunning scenery.

During the afternoon I experienced a Desert Wolf Tour, a unique experience which involves driving through the rough terrain, visiting Indian ruins, ghost towns and mines, crossings rivers and admiring the beautiful views. The 4×4 vehicles, called Tomcars, comprise of a steering wheel, accelerator and if you are lucky, a brake! They are fast, furious and great fun!

Looking very dirty after my afternoon in the desert I checked in to the Hyatt Regency in Scotsdale for a night of luxury. The hotel is close to the airport, golf courses, spa centres and some superb restaurants.

The next day I departed to Flagstaff where the famous Route 66 passes through. The town is the ideal base for exploring northern Arizona and is surrounded by natural wonders like the Grand Canyon. Life in Flagstaff is quaint and proceeds at a slow rate of knots – you wouldn’t be surprised to see a cowboy riding down the street, holster at the ready! I wouldn’t bother normally to tell you about what I ate for lunch, but have you ever had sweet potato chips sprinkled with cinnamon and sugar? Well that’s the US of A for you!
After this delicacy, I hopped back on the bus and headed for Tusayan, a village situated on the outskirts of the Grand Canyon on the Arizona side. After checking in to my hotel I headed out to experience the Grand Canyon by sunset, which was the highlight of my trip. It was so incredible to see the light bouncing off the rocks as the sun set. There is a Grand Canyon museum, which by chance opened on the day I visited, and it is well worth a look as it tells the history of not only the Canyon, but also Buffalo Bill, famous for his Wild West shows.

The next day I took a private flight over the Grand Canyon to Las Vegas. It took about an hour and a half and was a bit bumpy for those of a delicate disposition, but I must have the constitution of an ox! Approaching Las Vegas by air means you really appreciate not only the Strip but also the massive area surrounding it which is made up of residential districts and shopping malls where day to day life goes on.

I spent two nights in Las Vegas and toured many amazing hotels. One hotel worth mentioning is the new luxurious Cosmopolitan hotel, due to open in December 2010, as it will feature balcony rooms, something which is unheard of in Las Vegas. From there I took a short flight to Reno and stayed overnight at the Silver Legacy Resort and Casino. This is where gambling reportedly started in Nevada and although the hotel has grown in size, it has retained its character. After an early breakfast, I enjoyed a walking tour of Reno, taking in the endless casinos, baseball stadiums and divorce and wedding chapels. If you aren’t a gambler, I am not sure what there is to do!

I then visited Lake Tahoe in California, which is breathtaking – the air is so clean and fresh. I went on the gondola up the side of the mountain – it is used all year round, for walkers in the summer and skiers in the winter. Tahoe borders Nevada and California and the views from the top are amazing – you can see the diverse styles of buildings from Nevada’s high and plain style to California’s characterful low rise. Tahoe lake is the second deepest in the United States and the locals tell tales not dissimilar to Nessie on Loch Ness. There is a paddle steamer that sails on the lake called the MS Dixie which has a running commentary informing you of interesting facts and fiction about the area. This is a gorgeous place to visit and I could certainly live there as the quality of outdoor life must be wonderful.

I stayed overnight in Lake Tahoe and after dinner I visited a local bar and listened to a singer and guitarist. It was refreshing to relax for a while but at the pace I was travelling, it was straight to bed for me that night!

The next morning I boarded a steam train at the V&T Railroad depot in Carson City to visit the historic Virginia City in Nevada. The railway track winds up through the arid mountains and the journey takes about one and a half hours. Virginia City is amazing and was once the wealthiest gold and mining area in the rush. When you walk along the boardwalks, which have been lovingly restored to their former glory, you get a real feeling of what life was like in a 19th century mining town. The saloons remain open and there are museums which take you back to a bygone era. Many of the local people still dress up in period costumes and I was invited to enjoy coffee and homemade cakes in a B&B. I would recommend staying in a B&B if you visit this area as they are full of charm and character.

The next morning I visited the National Automobile Museum in Reno – it was really interesting as it houses an astounding collection of over 200 cars and carriages including cars once owned by the rich and famous.

In the afternoon I went to Reno Air Races which was a terrific show. I watched small propeller planes racing round the mountains with what seemed few restrictions and the Canadian Snowbirds, the equivalent of our Red Arrows, did a fantastic air performance in the very windy conditions. There was a crash, but thankfully the pilot walked away – although his plane was destroyed!

I spent my last night at the Atlantis Hotel in Reno before transferring to the airport for my long flight home.

My trip to Arizona was a truly wonderful experience. I loved the diverse scenery, from deserts full of cacti to the huge metropolis that is Vegas and I saw such a lot in a relative short time. In summary, I would not have missed this trip for the world!”

Flight
I caught an early morning flight to Guernsey from Birmingham Terminal 2 with Flybe Airlines. The check in was quick and straightforward and I just needed my passport for photo identification. The flight flew via Jersey where some passengers disembarked and other passengers boarded, but this only took about 15 minutes. On arrival at Guernsey, luggage collection was quick and I had a comfortable coach transfer to the hotel.

Hotels
I stayed at the 4* St Pierre Park, which is set in 45 acres of landscaped gardens on the outskirts of St Peter Port. The hotel has 131 rooms and offers family rooms and junior suites at a supplement. It is very modern with excellent leisure facilities including a golf course, three tennis courts, an indoor swimming pool and spa and snooker room. I would recommend this hotel to families, golfers and business travellers as it has good conference facilities. However, I would not recommend this hotel to anyone who prefers to be in the centre of town as it is a 10 minute car journey into St Peter Port.

After unpacking I enjoyed a drink on the lovely sun terrace and then went to view the nearby 4* Fermain Valley Hotel. Nestled in a woodland valley, this recently refurbished elegant hotel has 45 bedrooms located on two sites within the grounds which are split into silver, gold and platinum categories. I looked at all room types and could see that all the rooms were furnished to a very high standard. The hotel has a lovely terrace area overlooking woodland and the sea and it has two restaurants, a library, conference facilities and its own cinema. I would recommend this hotel for business travellers and couples, but not really for families.

In the evening I visited the 3* Hotel Hougue Du Pommier for a meal. This hotel is an old farmhouse dating back to 1712 and it now has 41 bedrooms, a restaurant, a good sized outdoor pool area and extensive gardens and it is well known for its medieval banquet themed evenings. It has a very friendly and homely atmosphere, although I felt it did need some TLC and refurbishment (the hotel had started some renovation work, so when this is complete it would be a good option for families and couples).

Herm Island
Early the next morning I caught the early ferry from St Peter Port to Herm Island. The catamaran ferry goes frequently and the three mile journey only takes 20 minutes. The cost is £9.75 per adult and £4.75 per child. Herm Island is just a mile and a half long by a mile wide and is the perfect place to get away from it all as it has beautiful beaches and a clean pollution free environment with no cars and no stress!

The one hotel on the island is the 3* White House Hotel which is right on the water’s edge and is a perfect place to unwind in style. There are no televisions, no clocks on the wall and no telephones in the bedrooms so you can set your own pace and escape from the twenty-first century for a while. The AA Rosette restaurant is a popular venue offering an excellent table d’hôte menu that changes daily.

One of the most authentic ways to experience Herm Island is to live in one of the fully equipped holiday cottages, apartments or pine log cabins. Alternatively, camping is a wonderful way to enjoy the tranquillity and unspoilt beauty of Herm. Seagull Campsite sits on the top of the island and has a total of 80 pitches and a modern toilet, shower facilities, a small laundry, communal barbeques and a dedicated warden to ensure that your holiday is as enjoyable and carefree as possible. You can either hire a spacious equipped tent or pitch your own – but remember to book early for school holiday time, as camping is a very popular option for families.

On Herm there is a small grocery shop which stocks all the basics, however, if you want to eat out there is the White House Hotel, The Ship or The Mermaid pub and restaurants and the beach cafés all serving a fabulous range of food, from à la carte feasts to the humble bacon sarnie.

Walking Tour of St Peter Port (Guernsey)
St Peter Port is a historic town nestled against a hillside, sweeping down to one of the world’s most beautiful harbours with elegant yachts and working fishing boats. The town is a collection of narrow lanes and alleyways leading uphill from the sea to a skyline of church steeples and red painted roof tops.

On returning to Guernsey in the afternoon I met a local historian at the Town Hall who conducts walking tours of St Peter Port. She was dressed in Victorian costume and her tour included all the sights of the town so it was extremely interesting.

Other places of interest to visit in Guernsey are Castle Cornet (Guernsey’s ancient harbour fortress), the Royal Court House, Candie Gardens (an award winning green oasis set in the heart of St Peter Port), the Guernsey Museum and Art Gallery, Hauteville House (Victor Hugo’s home), the German Underground Hospital, the Little Chapel, Saumarez Manor and the Fort Grey Maritime Museum.

After the tour I visited Best Western Moores Hotel which is an elegant granite townhouse situated in the heart of St Peter Port. All the public areas have recently been refurbished, including a conservatory restaurant and a patisserie. The refurbished bedrooms were also very nice but I would definitely recommend asking for a refurbished room as the other rooms are quite shabby.

I have saved the best until last, as for lunch I visited The Old Government House Hotel & Spa. The hotel is part of the luxury Red Carnation Hotel Collection group which is renowned for the highest standards – it has 60 deluxe guest rooms and suites all of which are superbly decorated. This was by far the best hotel I visited – the restaurants and breakfast room were immaculate and the new spa was stunning. I would definitely recommend this hotel and it would be most suited to couples.

On my last evening I ate at the Crow’s Nest Brasserie, a contemporary restaurant in St Peter Port overlooking the harbour. The food was absolutely delicious and there was a very varied menu. I would recommend this restaurant to anyone visiting Guernsey.

I checked out of my hotel the following morning and took a minibus transfer to the airport. As on the way out, the airport check in was extremely quick and straightforward and although Guernsey airport is small, it has a good duty free shop and a restaurant to get a drink and snack if required.

Summary
My visit to Guernsey changed my opinion of the island. It is definitely a destination for all age groups and also a place that is great for a short break as well as a one or two week summer holiday.

Flight
My flight to St Lucia departed in the early morning from Gatwick Airport, so I caught the airport bus from Birmingham International at 1am. The journey was good, on time, very comfortable and is ideal for those who don’t have their own transport or don’t like to leave their car at the airport.

I checked in for my flight at 6am and took advantage of Virgin’s airport lounge, which had a fantastic range of facilities including full English breakfast and a hairdressers! I flew to St Lucia in Economy seating which was comfortable. On arrival in St Lucia, I was met with big smiles and transferred to Cotton Bay which took about 90 minutes.

Cotton Bay Village
Cotton Bay Village is situated on St Lucia’s northeast coast about an hour and a half from the main airport (Hewanorra). It is set on a lovely sandy bay with warm shallow waters. The resort offers 31 suites, 27 townhouses with one, two and three bedroom apartments and 16 villas all beautifully furnished. I stayed for two nights in a three bedroom villa which featured airy, vaulted ceilings, ensuite bathrooms and its own outdoor swimming pool, making it ideal for families. Some villas also offer a dedicated butler service. I would recommend this resort to those looking for a quiet holiday with superb dining and spa facilities.

The resort may also appeal to golfers and those who enjoy outdoor sports as an 18 hole championship golf course is adjacent to the resort and kite boarding, wind surfing and horse riding can be enjoyed in the bay.

The BodyHoliday at LeSport
This fabulous all inclusive spa resort is perched on the Cariblue beach and comprises of a range of colonial-style rooms and suites, some with large balconies. Guests can enjoy nightly entertainment and a fine dining restaurant, however, the resort’s true focus is spa treatments and therapies and massages are supplemented by complimentary holistic activities such as yoga, Pilates and meditation. There are numerous water and land sports, such as shore dives for certified divers, water-skiing, windsurfing, tennis, cycling tours and golf at St Lucia Golf Club, which are all included in the price. Please note that this hotel does not allow under 12s in the summer and no under 16s in the winter – making it ideal for couples wanting to escape during the school holidays.

Windjammer Landing
This exclusive hillside village overlooks a golden sand beach on the northwest coast of St Lucia. Its accommodation was designed with honeymooners, families or friends in mind, whilst its extensive facilities, including supervised activities for four to twelve year-olds, programmes for teenagers and live nightly entertainment mean boredom is never a consideration. Guests can choose between rooms with ocean views and a selection of one to four bedroom villas or estate houses, many with their own private plunge pools. Room features include air conditioning, TVs, minifridges and private terraces, whilst villas boast lounges, full kitchens and ocean views. Dining choices vary between the Mediterranean cuisine of Papa Don’s, the Caribbean-Asian fusion specialities of Dragonfly, a lighter snack menu at the Upper Deck and casual dining at Jammer’s Beach Bar.

Complimentary recreational facilities include tennis, windsurfing, sunfish sailing and snorkelling, as well as the use of four swimming pools, including two for children, and a fitness centre. Health and beauty treatments may be arranged at the Serenity Spa, whilst scuba diving and nearby golf are available at local charges.

Jade Mountain
This stylish hotel offers a glorious view of the famous Pitons and would be ideal for honeymooners or those looking for a romantic getaway. The rooms have sumptuous baths for two, four poster beds and a private pool and sun terraces, plus sensational views from the bed as there are only three walls to the room!. However, it is a long walk down to the beach, so if you are feeling lazy, I would send for a buggy.

Anse Chastanet
Situated lower down the mountain than Jade Mountain, this hotel also offers breathtaking views of the Pitons. It is ideal for honeymooners, as the romantic hideaway tree house style rooms lead down to a secluded beach and the deliberate absence of radios and TVs ensure the outside world is kept at bay. The hotel has two restaurants – one half way down the hillside, the other on the beach. The bay is protected which makes it perfect for snorkelling and diving and there is another beach that is within easy access via complimentary a water taxi. The hotel’s spa is ideal for those wanting to relax and for the more active there is tennis, hiking and mountain biking.

Ladera
This resort certainly has a WOW factor! The 27 villas and suites each have a plunge pool or swimming pool, and one wall is open to the island breezes, boasting some truly amazing views of the bay below and of the Pitons. The award winning restaurant attracts customers from all over the island. As this resort is so secluded, I would recommend this resort for a few nights before moving to somewhere more lively.

East Winds Inn
Set amidst twelve acres of flower-filled gardens leading down to its own sandy beach on La Brelotte Bay, this charming boutique hotel is stylishly furnished throughout. The cottage style accommodation is spread out amongst the gardens and facilities include a pool with swim-up bar, pedalos, kayaks, snorkelling and nearby golf course. The cabins are semi-detached which makes them ideal for those with a large family wanting connecting rooms. The open plan restaurant by the beach offers international favourites accompanied by a choice of fine wines.

Although the bay is smaller than other beaches, it is the right size for the thirty rooms making the hotel ideal for those seeking a quiet relaxing holiday.

Royal
This contemporary resort boasts a magnificent beach, a wide range of recreational activities, superb dining opportunities and sea view suites. The hotel is adjacent to its sister property, St Lucian Hotel in Rodney Bay, and guests can use facilities at both hotels. The St Lucian Hotel is more suitable for families as it has a children’s club and more facilities. Both hotels are within easy walking distance of shops and bars making them an ideal base for those looking for a more active holiday.

Discovery at Marigot Bay
This fabulous hotel is situated in its own picturesque bay and is built on the hillside above the marina. The rooms resemble Robinson Family style huts from the outside, but are lavishly furnished on the inside with dark wood furniture and state-of-the-art sound and entertainment systems. The spa offers a range of relaxing treatments and for those who prefer more action there are complimentary non-motorised watersports at the small beach area opposite the resort. The Guests can also take advantage of the ferry that sails across the bay to the hotel’s restaurant.

Grenadines – Raffles Resort Canouan Island
I took a short flight to The Grenadines and visited Raffles Resort which is located on Canouan Island in the heart of the Grenadines. The resort is set on 300 acres of a 1200 acre private estate featuring three secluded, white sand beaches.

Built on a hillside, this hotel has three white beaches and a range of stylish rooms and spacious suites. The rooms are spacious with large lounges, American style kitchenettes, dressing rooms, large bathrooms and a private garden with views of the bay.

The resort is large so all villas have buggies to travel around in and for those who don’t drive; simply pick up the phone and someone will fetch you promptly. Various recreational activities are available including spa treatments, scuba diving, windsurfing and an 18 hole golf course, which I am told is very challenging. There are four dining options including an Italian restaurant and Jambu’s beach bar, which has been named on Conde Nast Traveller as one of the most romantic restaurants in the Caribbean. The Trump Golf Club, located at the top of a hill offers unparallel views of the bay and stretches 60 acres along the sea front. You can travel to Canouan Island from St Lucia by private jet or via the main airport. This hotel is ideal for those wanting a two centre holiday.

Summary
All too quickly it was time for me to go home. My experience in St Lucia was fabulous. The hotels offer luxurious holidays suitable for everyone.

Flight
There is a direct flight from Birmingham to Dalaman which is very convenient.

Akyaka
My first stop was Akyaka, an idyllic beach resort with a relaxed, authentic atmosphere, nestling in deep pine forests and eucalyptus woods. The long sand beach of Akyaka is in a sheltered bay with shallow waters making it ideal for children. The main appeal of a holiday in Akyaka is that it allows you to discover authentic Turkey, where a traditional way of life continues.

The first hotel we stayed at was the 4* Yucelen Hotel in Akyaka which was a warm and friendly hotel in a beachfront location. It is designed in the local Mugla style and has extensive gardens and a backdrop of pine-clad mountains. Its facilities include three swimming pools and it is only a short walk into town.

Dalyan
After two nights in Akyaka we drove along the coast to Dalyan, a charming small town which is very pretty and has a river running through it – it is an ideal location for a relaxing holiday. We stayed at the 4* Tezcan Hotel, – although it appeared to be in the middle of nowhere it was only a minute away from Daylan’s shops and bars for entertainment. This brand new hotel overlooks the river and historic rock tombs and is perfect for those who want everything on their doorstep.

Ölü Deniz
Next we drove on to the Ocakköy in Ölü Deniz which is an eco friendly property in a beautiful natural setting. It does feel like you are in the middle of nowhere and I would recommend you hire a car if you stay for a longer period. I found this property to be very basic, but it does have a restaurant on site and two swimming pools – one for the families and a quiet pool. It is a ten minute walk down a rough road to get to the main road, so watch your heels! The resort of Ölü Deniz is a perfect family resort for a laid back beach holiday and life revolves around the numerous lively bars, restaurants and shops alongside the seafront promenade. However, the countryside too is stunning and is a rambler’s paradise. It is a very friendly place and well worth staying there for its lovely beaches with clear blue waters.

Kalkan
My final stop was at the 4* Rhapsody Hotel in Kalkan. This boutique hotel is about 8 minutes out of town and is very nice and well furnished. It has stunning views over Kalkan and is perfect for couples seeking comfort and relaxation in a stylish setting. Kalkan itself is a enchanting harbour town with steep cobbled streets, boutique shops, restaurants, cafes and bars. It is a lovely spot to shop, eat and meander. Beaches are few and far between in this area and if you wanted to stay in a beach hotel then I would recommend the 4* Kalamar Hotel which is on a hill above a small beach or the 4* Hotel Meri in Ölü Deniz which is an All Inclusive hotel right on the blue lagoon of Ölü Deniz.

Fethiye
I also visited the traditional market town of Fethiye which nestles in a natural harbour protected by the small islands off the shore. Again, this resort is the right size for a nice holiday.

Summary
I would definitely go back to Turkey for a holiday as I found it friendly, clean and very welcoming.