Next stop was the British Virgin Islands.  For me, the best place to enjoy a cold beer is on the back of a speedboat zipping your way across to Peter Island. There’s something very ‘James Bond’ about arriving to a private island on a speedboat. The transfer from Tortola across to this island is about 20-25 minutes and the crew on board offer refreshments for this amazing journey. During the day you can see lots of islands just dotted around and beautiful boats heading out for a day’s sailing. Arriving by night is a completely different experience – all the boats have their mast lights on and seeing them all at different heights and distances is very much like looking up at the stars in the night sky.

I guess what I’m trying to say is that there is something for everyone in the Caribbean – whether you want to simply get away from it all and lock yourself away on a Robinson Crusoe island, go off sailing around inhabited islands, or if you want somewhere with a bit more going on – bit of hustle and bustle, I can guarantee you that there will be one island out there with your name on it.

Beers of the Caribbean is a post from Turquoise Holidays, experts in luxury holidays and honeymoons.

We all enjoyed Bangkok, our first night we went at the night market and there was so much going on he didn’t know where to look .  He loved all the different sights and smells on the market stalls and the tuk tuk ride back to the Banyan Tree where we stayed was the definite highlight.  Grinning from ear to ear I knew he was going to throw himself into the whole experience, including the mocktail at the Moon Bar on the Roof top of the Banyan Tree, the 2nd tallest building in the city.  No visit to Bangkok would be complete without seeing the Grand Palace, it was a lot to take in but the snakes with 5 heads caught his attention!

Next stop Chiang Mai and the Tamarind Village which is perfectly located within the old town.  The 3 nights gave us time to visit the temples, local markets, relax at the hotel pool and also learn to be a Mahout.  It’s such an easy city to get around, walking is the best way to explore the city but there are plenty of tuks tuks for when those little legs are aching.  The elephant experience was the highlight of the trip and something for the whole family to enjoy and be involved in.  About an hours drive from Chiang Mai into the hills we reached our camp and were presented with our Mahout clothing, vanity goes completely out of the window.  You are taught the commands so you can mount the elephant and also make it steer in the right direction.  With a 1 year old baby Dodo around there was no end of fun as she tried to steal the bananas with her floppy trunk.  You are all encouraged to mount the elephant using her leg as a ladder and sitting right behind the neck, you move your feet and bottom to command and steer. Despite being gentle giants I felt a bit unsteady at first but they are very gentle in their movements, even when they lift you up with their trunks to give them a hug.  If the children prefer they can ride on a seat but you all finish in the same place – in the river having an elephant shower!

The final stop was Koh Samui, just over a 1 hour flight from Chiang Mai within an hour of landing you are relaxing at your hotel.  There is plenty to do on Samui but some relaxation was in order and Rohan had a date with the swimming pool.  It was the prefect way to end the holiday just soaking up the sun and splashing around together.  We were spoilt at the Six Senses Samui with our private pool villa, ocean view and a butler on hand.  They thought of everything, even a lilo ready and waiting for Rohan and something chilled with bubbles in the fridge for me!

All of the hotels were family friendly, some even offering spa treatments for children, but all are perfect for families that want to share a once in a lifetime experiences and spend some valuable time together.  I would recommend it to anyone, the domestic flights are short and so worth it for what you will see and with our ground agents there to meet you every step of the way you don’t have to think about anything.

Family Trip to Thailand is a post from Turquoise Holidays, experts in luxury holidays and honeymoons.

April to October is surfing season in the Maldives and with Six Senses being the only resort in this southern atoll, it’s a surfers paradise as they are able to enjoy the break to themselves.  The biggest waves occur between June and September, for the non-surfing guests these impressive waves can also be easily viewed from your sun lounger!  Six Senses organises daily morning and afternoon trips to the Yin Yang, an eight-foot right hander which breaks on the local island Hithadhoo.  International Surfing Day on the 20 June and is an unofficial holiday celebrating surfing, the surfing lifestyle and the sustainability of the ocean and its resources.  Six Senses has organised a surf competition with the children of Mamendhoo School followed by a delicious lobster barbeque.  Guests are also encouraged to get involved with reef conservation, arranged by Six Senses.

Turtle nesting and hatching season takes place between May and October on the local island of Olhuveli, a short boat trip from Laamu, and is a nesting ground for both Green and Hawksbill Turtles.  Six Senses resident marine biologist Rachel Lambert will be checking the beaches for turtles nests and tracks and guests are more than welcome to join her, you might even be lucky enough to watch the hatchlings make a dash to the sea! For guests who want to learn more Rachel will be conducting a series of presentations and courses throughout the season, all complimentary for Six Senses guests.

Last but certainly not least, Six Senses are keen for its guests to discover the lifestyle and culture of the Maldivians.  From June to October Six Senses is offering its guests the Jaafai Experience, originally meaning ‘feast for the kings’.  Take a visit to the local island of Hithadhoo where you will join a local family in their home.  Listen to local stories about the past and learn about the ingredients that the Maldivians use in their kitchen, all the while accompanied by the sounds of Boduberu, the local music introduced to the Maldives by sailors from East and South-West Africa in the 11th century AD.  July also sees ‘Maldivian by the Sea’ where Chef Nicholas Loubser brings Maldivian flavours to Longitude, Six Senses over water open air dining space, where guests are invited to taste the delicious food that is on offer.

Aqua Season at Six Senses Laamu! is a post from Turquoise Holidays, experts in luxury holidays and honeymoons.

Please see below our top three all-inclusive properties in the Maldives, handpicked by our team with you in mind;

4 star barefoot luxury: Coco Palm Dhuni Kolhu – 7 nights in a Beach Villa on all inclusive £1140 per person (inclusive of seaplane transfer)

5 star quirky chic: Constance Moofushi – 7 nights in a Beach Villa on all inclusive £2028 per person (inclusive of seaplane transfer)

5 star ultimate luxury: Park Hyatt Hadahaa – 7 nights in a Park Villa on all inclusive £2348 per person (inclusive of domestic flight + speed boat transfer)

Please note these packages are based on departure in September 2013 EXCLUDING international flights.
To find out more and speak to one of our Maldives experts today – 01494 678400 – enquiries@turquoiseholidays.co.uk

All Inclusive Holidays in The Maldives is a post from Turquoise Holidays, experts in luxury holidays and honeymoons.

With it being nearly June but it feeling like the middle of February, there really is no better time to escape the wet and windy weather here in the UK and replace it with sun, sea and sand.  The Turquoise Team have compiled their top last minute luxury holidays, with some great offers on business class flights and boutique hotels.

Country: Saint Lucia

Resort: Ti Kaye, a family run hotel perched on a cliff overlooking the beautiful Anse Cochon Bay.

Duration: 7 Nights

Room Type: Ocean View Room.  Featuring stunning views of the Caribbean Sea and a spacious veranda balcony with rocking chairs and a double hammock.

Included: International Flights with BA and return transfers

Price: from £999 per person

Country: The Maldives

Resort: Six Senses Laamu, the only resort in the Laamu Atoll.

Duration: 7 Nights

Room Type: Lagoon Water Villa.  Featuring an outdoor relaxing platform with day beds, sun lounges and over water netting, panoramic upper dining deck and viewing platform with day beds, aquarium dining deck with glass table, sunken ocean view all glass bathtub and private water gardens.

Included: Daily breakfast and dinner, return domestic and international flights with Emirates and speedboat transfers

Price: from £2090 per person

Country: Zanzibar

Resort: The Residence.  Located on a mile long sandy beach with 80 acres of palm tree forests and extensive gardens also the only hotel in Tanzania with membership to ‘The Leading Hotels of the World’.

Duration: 7 Nights

Room Type: Luxury Garden Pool Villa, featuring an outside deck and private swimming pool, wicker chairs, day beds and bicycles to explore the hotels gardens and local area.

Included: Daily breakfast and dinner, return transfers by private vehicle and international flights with Kenya Airways

Price: from £2095 per person

Country: Malaysia

Resort: Pangkor Laut Resort, located on its own private island 3 miles off the west coast of Malaysia along the straits of Malacca.

Duration: 7 Nights

Room Type: Beach Villa, featuring a private balcony, outdoor bath and breath taking views of the sea.

Included: Daily breakfast, international flights with Malaysia Airways and speedboat transfers

Price: from £1489 per person

Take a look at our website or call one of our specialists today on 01494 678400 to take a look at our other holidays offers.

Escape the Bank Holiday Blues with these Last Minute Offers is a post from Turquoise Holidays, experts in luxury holidays and honeymoons.

Jamaica is arguably one of the most naturally beautiful, diverse and picturesque islands of the Caribbean.  With long stretches of soft sand, blue sea, 120 natural rivers, steep cliffs, dramatic coasts and lush mountains with the highest peak of 7,402 feet (2,256 meters) above sea level, Jamaica has something for everyone.    The third-largest island in the Caribbean is steeped in rich culture; this is where reggae, dancehall and club originated and where Bob Marley, Grace Jones and Sean Paul began.  Let’s also not forgot Levi Roots who brought Jamaica’s Jerk spice to the world.  With a near constant background of Reggae music, colourful dresses and rum filled parties, Jamaica is much more than a sun-and-sand destination.

Jamaica Inn is a privately owned hotel which has been in the Morrow family for over 50 years.  Being consistently ranked as one of the top luxury hotels in Jamaica and the Caribbean since 1950, coupled with its wonderfully attentive, friendly staff and its award winning breakfasts, the Jamaica Inn is the perfect hotel to enjoy everything Jamaica has to offer.  Located in Ocho Rios, one of Jamaica’s premier private beaches, and where it is believed Christopher Columbus first set foot on land, all of its 52 suits and cottages free from disruptions such as TV’s, clocks and radios.  It is the perfect time to relax on your own private balcony and soak up the gorgeous views of the Caribbean Sea that every room boasts.  You can also indulge in the KiYara Ocean spa, nestled on the edge of a cliff overlooking the Caribbean Sea, offering a range of holistic and indulgent treatments using the finest local ingredients.  The hotel also has a swimming pool and exercise suite and croquet, snorkelling, kayaking and sunfish sailing are all complementary.  There is little to disturb the tranquillity that surrounds your stay at the Jamaica Inn.

Turquoise Holidays has an amazing offer for travel to Jamaica with Jamaica Inn with 7 nights for the price of 5.  Included is the all-inclusive package, with dine around with 3 Ocho Rios Restaurants and $30 food and drink credit per room per day.  Additionally, if you stay in either September or October you receive a free room upgrade from a Balcony Suite to a Deluxe Verandah Suite.  Prices from £2,885 per person including British Airways Business Class Flights, saving you over £900 per couple! For travel to the 19th December, book by 27th May to take advantage of this incredible offer.

Click here to view all details.

Jamming Jamaica – Amazing Business Class Offer is a post from Turquoise Holidays, experts in luxury holidays and honeymoons.

The food here is just spectacular; the island’s favourite dish of conch is a must have.  If you have time I would recommend driving to Middle Caicos and visiting Daniel’s Café located on the beach at Conch Bar Village.  The tranquil café oozes Caribbean charm, serving a range of freshly caught fish, cracked conch and cold drinks; the location is excellent and the service is impeccable.  However if you’re wanting to stay on Providenciales, da Conch Shack also offers fantastic food teemed with charming Caribbean vibes.  With tables on the beach and a live band every Thursday night, you can watch as your dinner is caught right off the beach in front of you!

Out and About in the Turks and Caicos Islands is a post from Turquoise Holidays, experts in luxury holidays and honeymoons.

For a variety of historical reasons Maputo has become one of the key African nexus capitals, attracting visitors anddelegates from across the continent and the world, supporting a diverse and multicultural atmosphere. Unlike many African capitals, Maputo offers a kaleidoscope of cultural activities stemming from its multi ethical heritage, providing a big attraction to visitors, especially to the many festivals and events that are held almost weekly. There is never a dull weekend to visit Maputo!

Architectural walking tours are a popular way to experience the city by foot, particularly for the first time visitor to get their baring’s on the city’s main attractions. Enjoy a gentle stroll between invitingly sleepy cafes while taking in preserved treasures from the Victorian, Deco, Nouveau era’s and the city’s own Pancho Guedes Gaudi-esque “Tropicale Moderne”. The city is recognised as one of the contemporary musical capitals of Africa, boasting its very own musical genres of Marrabenta, Passada and Kwasa Kwasa. We encourage all visitors to make it to a live concert if possible to experience Mozambique night life at its best! The country’s only English language radio station, LM radio, is hugely popular and regularly heard coming from the café’s playing retro classics from The 50s, 60s and 70s.

Food lovers are stunned by the variety and quality of the offerings in the many high class restaurants and local eateries. The local seafood is a speciality not to be missed combined with locally grown fruits and vegetables, traditional African techniques and influences from around the world to create combinations and flavours unlike anywhere else in Africa. There is a great deal more to Maputo than just grilled prawns and piri-piri chicken! Far from being an unwanted stop-over on an African safari: beach itinerary, Maputo is a multi-faceted, safe and friendly city that offers a rich variety of culture and activities for guests of all ages.

We highly recommend combining your visit at Maputo with one of the stunning properties in the southern coast of Mozambique, such as White Pearl….take a look at our ideas and itineraries by clicking here or contact one of our specialists today on 01494 678400.

Maputo… explore the gateway to Mozambique is a post from Turquoise Holidays, experts in luxury holidays and honeymoons.

Six Senses Zighy Bay’s S.L.O.W. (Sustainable, local, organic, wellness) philosophy is executed faultlessly and our brief to Turquoise to have a complete R&R holiday was totally fulfilled.

One and a half hours drive from Dubai you leave the town of Dibba and soon begin to ascend the rutted road through the Hajar Mountains.  At nearly 1000ft from sea level, at the top of a windy, bumpy road we stopped and saw the view of the resort.  The hotel is located at one end of the bay, snugly camouflaged by palm trees and the Zighy Bay fishing village at the other – Breath-taking.

We were welcomed by the manager and several other members of staff with cold towels, cold drinks, hot drinks, andintroduced to our butler who took us to our villa.  Two minutes from the beach but glad not to be directly on the beach front, as where we were definitely felt more private and peaceful.  Fabulous, extremely spacious room with the biggest bath I have ever seen an inside shower and an outside shower, an inside sitting area and masses of space outside including our own small pool.  Bright orange, lemon, green, pink, purple cushions scattered around adding a vibrant touch to the sand and stone of all the buildings and the natural colours of the mountain rocks.

We had bikes to cycle round the hotel which had the feel of a very sleepy small village with sandy lanes leading to the spa, the restaurants, the beach, the pools and the souk.  It felt like siesta time all the time – very quiet and calm.  We had packed a suitcase full of books and beachwear and little else.  We didn’t need anything; the peaceful atmosphere meant we could totally switch off and relax choosing to lie by the pool in the villa, on the beach or beside one of the two hotel pools.  Wherever we were the staff looked after us attentively but never intrusively.

We had chosen half board so enjoyed a late breakfast with a huge choice of food including delicious Arabic flatbreads, made to order, and served with the local choice of cream cheese and honey.  We skipped lunch despite a mouth-watering choice of beach snacks on offer (or lunch in the restaurant) and looked forward to dinner either inside in the Arabic restaurant or outside where the menu had more of an eclectic choice of cuisine.  Every meal we ate was so good, we particularly enjoyed the simplicity of the fresh local fish catch of the day often served with fresh herbs from the beautifully manicured hotel organic garden.

One night we treated ourselves to the 5 course dinner at the top of the mountain.  Although we couldn’t sit outside and appreciate the view or the stars because it was extremely windy, we had fantastic food.

We booked a couple of Spa treatments each, a blissfully relaxing ambience in the spa reception followed by excellent massages, finished off with a period in the relaxing area with fantastic ginger tea and a plate of dates.  We actually cancelled our final appointments towards the end of the holiday, because by then we felt so relaxed anyway we didn’t think we needed them – a great compliment to the general atmosphere of the hotel.  Lying on a sun lounger listening to the warm sea lapping at our feet with a piercing blue sky and no hustle and bustle anywhere on the beach was enough. 

We could enjoy a half hour walk along the beach past the fishing village and towards the marina which was lovely first thing in the morning or at the end of the day.  Other than that we practised a bit of yoga, had the occasional burst of energy in the gym and then returned to our sun loungers and books – the most incredible January tonic to be highly recommended.

To find out more about this Zighy Bay please click here or call 01494 678400 to speak to a specialist today.

Real Life Holidays – Six Senses Zighy Bay is a post from Turquoise Holidays, experts in luxury holidays and honeymoons.

Libby, Managing Editor of You and Your Wedding and her new hubbie, recently honeymooned in the Magical Maldives, testing the very best Per AQUUM hotels…Huvafen Fushi, Tom Cruise’s honeymoon spot and NIYAMA, the ultra-cool new kid on the block which everyone is raving about!

We couldn’t resist but get in touch to find out the gossip when she got back!

• NIYAMA and Huvafen are both beautiful hotels, did you find it difficult moving from one to the other?

Not at all. Although sad to leave our beautiful beach bungalow and stunning stretch of sand at Niyama, we were excited to experience the elegance of Huvafen Fushi. And efficient transfers made crossing the archipelago a breeze.

• Did you have a favourite?

It’s impossible to choose. Both properties complemented each other – the effortless, laid-back beauty of Niyama coupled with Huvafen Fushi’s hidden day beds on private corners of the island.

• NIYAMA is 2013’s hotspot for honeymoons, complete with floating restaurant and underwater bar.  What did you think?

The whole experience is A-list, from the white-leather-seated speedboat arrival, to sipping chilli mojitos in the open-sided bar and watching manta rays glide past as you dance into the night. Once-in-a-lifetime wow.

• Some clients may worry that because of the ‘club’ the island is very young and ‘happening’ in terms of atmosphere, are there plenty of chill out areas?

The island is one big chill-out. The club is small and sophisticated, but it’s also completely self-contained – being 500m off-shore – and does not impinge on island life at all. The pace at Niyama is so laid-back, we barely left our sun loungers.

• Spill the gossip on the overwater bungalows…

The lagoon bungalows at Huvafen Fushi  are perfectly private – think champagne toasts on wooden steps that lead into the sea. Inside, they are beautifully luxurious – the bed is enormous and the bath overlooks the ocean. And the shallow waters surrounding them are teaming with amazing sealife – sharks and sting rays cruise beneath you!

• What did you think of the food and drink? Were the prices reasonable?

All the buffet options and signature restaurants served interesting, colourful, flavoursome cuisine from Africa, Arabia, India and even the Mediterranean. It’s obviously not cheap – but you’re dining in paradise! And it more than delivers on taste. The half-board package is good value.

• Service in the Maldives is so important and of such a high standard, was it the same at the Per AQUUM hotels?

The service at Niyama and Huvafen Fushi is exceptional. Not too intrusive and one hundred percent accommodating. All the staff we met were absolutely charming.

• We certainly hope you managed to get to the underwater Spa at Huvafen, would you recommend it to friends?

Yes! During the treatment, the therapists place a mirror on the floor which reflects the marine life as it glides by. Imagine a massage in a giant (exotic!) goldfish bowl. Super soothing.

• Did you get to do any excursions at either resort that you would recommend to our honeymooners?

The blissful evening cruise at Niyama. We lay on giant mattresses atop an old Maldivian dhoni sipping chilled champagne as the sun set…

• Finally, what would your biggest piece of advice be for future honeymoon couples looking to go to the Maldives?

Just go!

For more inforamtion on either of these beautiful properties, please contact our team today on 01494 678400 or visit our dedicated Per AQUUM hotels page

NIYAMA or Huvafen Fushi….why not both? is a post from Turquoise Holidays, experts in luxury holidays and honeymoons.