Azura at Quilalea, Mozambique…The Ultimate Escape

 Nestled deep within the crystal clear waters of the Quirimbas Archipelago lies one of 2012’s hottest destinations…Azura at Quilalea Private Island. Thirty five acres of uninhabited paradise fringed with pristine white sandy beaches, provides a home for the Azura group’s newest venture. Their trademark African chic style has been infused into the Island both in design and atmosphere, providing guests with the subtle sophistication of a five star retreat alongside the ultimate Robinson Crusoe island experience.

With just nine villas on the island, Azura at Quilalea is a destination for those looking to escape the hustle and bustle of everyday life. All the villas are sea facing and have been designed with the upmost care and consideration for the environment. Guests can monitor and control their energy consumption throughout their stay, a new and innovative concept created to maintain natural beauty and support local conservation. There are four sunset and four sunrise villas with stunning views, spacious bathrooms and private hammocks. The ninth villa on the Island, Villa Quilalea, is set above the others in the rock face complete with private pool, large terrace, outside dining area and an open air bathroom, not to mention the breath taking views over the Indian Ocean…and when you can’t resist the sparkling turquoise expanse any more, there is a ladder directly from the terrace to the water.

Despite the remoteness of Quilalea…for those looking for more than sun, sea and serenity there is no lack of things to keep you occupied. Each guest is given their own mask, snorkel and flippers on arrival to explore the surrounding reefs of the marine sanctuary, as well as unlimited use of the island’s kayaks. Local guides run daily trips to nearby islands, to explore the mangroves and local wildlife often running into schools of dolphins. There is also a PADI gold certified dive school with access to some of the world’s best dive spots, including a 20m drop off wall, populated with a multitude of tropical fish, turtles and reef sharks. Ibo Island is a popular day trip for those in search of a taste of local Mozambique culture and for honeymooners a day on the local sand spit seems to be a favourite, just the two of you and a gourmet picnic, the ultimate romantic escape…

Azura at Quilalea, Mozambique…The Ultimate Escape is a post from Turquoise Holidays, experts in luxury holidays and honeymoons.

Amanyara, Turks & Caicos

The beautiful coastline of the secluded western shore of Providenciales in the Turks and Caicos islands is home to the stunning Amanyara. The name, which means peaceful place, sums up this luxurious resort entirely. Having already visited the Caribbean, the first thing that struck us about the resort was that it had quite an Asian feel, typical of Aman properties rather than West Indian. With Indonesian teak wood, rattan furniture and Southeast Asian silks as décor, we felt a world away from anywhere. The remoteness of the setting and the eclectic mix of perfect white-sand coves, stunningly clear water, limestone rocks, coconut palms, scrub and bougainvillea gave the landscape a variety of textures, adding to the other-world feel. Our accommodation was the beautiful timber-shingled Pavilion 115 with an ocean view, elevated some 20 feet above the water, with direct access to a sandy beach cove. Other such pavilions have pathways to the rocky shoreline. All pavilions are open-plan, combining the bedroom with the living area, and feature a decorative wooden screen separating the spacious bathroom. The front of our pavilion opened right out to allow the sea breezes in and had enough shade from the wide-rimmed roof to make sitting outside a pleasure. The wonderfully inviting water proved too much of a temptation and, as the Turks and Caicos are renowned for their excellent diving, we headed off to the resort’s dive centre, operated by the eco-friendly divers Big Blue Unlimited. A day spent exploring the fascinating underwater world of the stunning offshore reefs will stay with us forever. We explored the Coral Stairway site, a 30-foot wall of one stunning coral formation after another. All this marine exploration left us ready for a well-deserved sampling of the sumptuous spa, before enjoying some truly delicious fresh seafood at The Restaurant. We opted to eat out on the al fresco terrace with views of the slowly setting Caribbean sun sinking softly into the ocean on the horizon.

Best for stylish coastal living, Amanyara, Turks & Caicos is a post from Turquoise Holidays, experts in luxury holidays and honeymoons.

New Zealand voted the worlds third best place to live by Telegraph readers 

Over the past year the Telegraph has been gathering reader votes for the top ten places to live across the globe. I was very excited to read this morning that New Zealand’s North Island came in third. Out of the North island,Waiheke Island and Whakatane was mentioned. Whakatane is where I grew up and my favourite place to stay near Auckland is Waiheke Island! New Zealand is a stunning destination for travellers of any age looking to explore the great outdoors, enjoy great food and wine as well as stunning scenery and boutique accommodation.  We are very proud of our portfolio of stunning properties available to our clients here at Turquoise.

The Island of Waiheke is a very popular destination for holiday makers and honeymooners alike seeking some winter sun and refuge from the cold dark days back home. One of our favourite properties here is The Boatshed just a 35 minute ferry ride across the beautiful Hauraki Gulf fromAuckland. The Boatshed enjoys an elevated position overlooking Oneroa Bay and is only a few minutes from the beach, whilst the cafés and shops in nearby Oneroa village are only a ten minute walk away. Choose between the three traditional Boatshed Suites which boast magnificent views over the bay, the unique three-storey Lighthouse Suite which enjoys pride of place with panoramic views (complete with telescope) from the top floor lounge and first floor bedroom – or ‘The Bridge’ – located above the main building with extra privacy and wonderful elevated views across the bay. October 2009 sees the addition of two spacious Boatshed Bungalows and a Spa to the retreat’s stable. Dining at the Boatshed is a ‘must’. You will enjoy excellent cuisine served with fineNew Zealandwine in a relaxed setting. The menu showcases the local fresh, organic produce – with a special emphasis on succulent seafood. A picnic lunch for the beach can also be arranged.

For a slightly different experience we absolutely love sending couples to The Loft at Cyprus Ridge. An intimate hideaway for two, The Loft at Cypress Ridge provides all you need for that relaxing island escape – an indulgent outdoor bath, home grown fruits to accompany your breakfast, fresh herbs and salad greens for the barbecue from the vegetable garden, an award-winning winery restaurant next door (just wander there and back through the olive groves) – and one of the island’s prettiest beaches only a short, but steep 700 metre amble downhill! With big cosy sofas to sink into after a day exploring the island, an open fire to enjoy a wine in front of should the evening bring a soft coastal breeze, and a secluded patio to enjoy the fine views from as the sun sets – this designer studio pad encourages you to relax and unwind.

For more information on any of our New Zealand properties please drop me an email at petra.stringfellow@turquoiseholidays.co.uk or call one of my colleagues on 01494 678400.

New Zealand, The Worlds Third Best Place To Live is a post from Turquoise Holidays, experts in luxury holidays and honeymoons.

Pangkor Laut Resort, Malaysia

We were greeted warmly by Pangkor Laut’s staff in Lumut, three and a half hours’ drive from Kuala Lumpur, and only had to wait a short time before speeding off in the slick speed boat to transfer over to the island. Even from a distance, we could see the silhouettes of the stilted overwater villas that jut out in a fan from the mainland. Pangkor Laut is the original blueprint for the one-island-one-resort concept – a private jungle-covered isle. We really wanted to stay in an over-water villa and had the choice between the Sea Villas, a stone’s throw from the main heart of the resort, or the Spa Villas, attached to the Spa Village of the resort. It was a tough choice but we opted for a Spa Villa on the promise of no television and no children in the swimming pool, which is for the exclusive use of Spa Villa residents (guests of the main resort can enjoy the lovely oceanfront pool). Happily ensconced in our beautifully decorated and spacious villa, we enjoyed the sound of the waves as they splashed into the stilts we were perched on. The bathrooms were equally inviting, with an oversized tub-with-a-view. Staying a short distance from the main resort creates a sense of remoteness without being too cut off: exactly what we were looking for. Getting around was easy enough on the island shuttle system: a sort of quaint country bus service, collecting guests from stops or picking them up en route. Reaching the lovely swimming beach, Emerald Bay, on the other side of the island, was an easy five-minute drive. Days were spent lounging at the beach followed by lazy evenings in our villa relaxing on the deck with the satisfying sound of the sea and the sultry breeze. Frequent visits to the Spa Village itself were unavoidable, as it was so close to our villa. But they were treats not to be missed, particularly the indulgent Couple’s Spa Experience – a series of treatments based on ancient Malay wedding preparation traditions. Dining at one of the seven wonderful restaurants never ceased to be a delight. And one evening, one of our neighbours alerted us to a sighting of six sea otters – an added bonus to an unforgettable stay.

Pure Paradise at Pankgor Laut Resort, Malaysia is a post from Turquoise Holidays, experts in luxury holidays and honeymoons.

Calling all brides with iPhones!

Here at Turquoise we are very excited to announce the launch of the Conde Nast Brides wedding planner iPhone app sponsored exclusively by Turquoise!

The app covers all aspects of your wedding and acts as the perfect companion throughout the planning process! Once you have chosen your dress, shoes, and venue…turn to Turquoise the ultimate honeymoon specialists to plan your honeymoon too!

The App has a honeymoon finder where you can search both by destination and the time of year you will be travelling. Your favourites will be saved so you can re visit them at any time as well as having the option to share your ideas with friends. There is also a honeymoon quiz to test your knowledge of all things honeymoon and give you some top tips not to forget before you travel!

Make sure you also visit the Turquoise microsite, packed with information about our gorgeous destinations and our favourite honeymoon itineraries.

The app is FREE to download from the iTunes store http://itunes.apple.com/gb/app/brides-wedding-planner/id482617006?mt=8

We look forward to hearing from you soon!

Turquoise sponsors Conde Nast Brides wedding iPhone app! is a post from Turquoise Holidays, experts in luxury holidays and honeymoons.

Turquoise is going green…

One of our new year’s resolutions here at Turquoise is to address and improve our sustainable tourism policy. We realise that creating a sustainable future for travel and tourism is vital to the protection and enrichment of the environment worldwide.  Although sustainability has always been an element of what we do here at Turquoise, this year for the first time we will be creating a specific selection of ‘green’ honeymoon and holiday itineraries. We have found that more and more of our clients are taking an interest in more sustainable ways to travel and what we as a company are doing to help.

So…in order to help us achieve our goal we have enlisted the help of the very best… The Travel Foundation! As an independent UK charity founded in 2003, the Travel Foundation has taken on the challenge to help the travel industry both understand and implement sustainable tourism.  We are very much looking forward to working together in 2012!

For more information about the travel foundation visit http://www.thetravelfoundation.org.uk/

Turquoise Goes Green! is a post from Turquoise Holidays, experts in luxury holidays and honeymoons.

Best Pool Villa, Sri Panwa, Phuket

The luxurious Sri Panwa takes its name from the lush hilly peninsula of south-eastern Phuket, upon which it proudly perches. We had the choice of either a sunrise or sunset villa and, after some deliberation, we opted to enjoy what we hoped would be glorious sunsets, made all the more fabulous with an ice-cold sundowner cocktail in hand. We were expecting a golf buggy transfer on arrival but instead found ourselves in a quirky customised tuk-tuk, which trundled along to our villa. The first thing that hit us was the stunning panoramic view over the aquamarine Andaman Sea, stretching to the horizon. You’re guaranteed this view from every aspect, as the outward-facing walls of the villa are made up of floor to ceiling glass windows. We were surrounded by our very own private infinity pool: should the urge have taken us, we could have rolled out of bed and straight into the water. Even the outdoor bathing area has its own sunset pavilion. Villas are beautifully appointed and make the most of natural woods, warm fabrics and clever lighting in a style coined as Tropical Contemporary, all with subtle state-of-the-art entertainment factored in for a real sense of luxury. After what turned out to be an impressive all-singing-all-dancing sunset, which we toasted with drinks in-hand, we decided to investigate the Baba Pool club. This is the pulsing hub of the resort, which has a huge swimming pool, bar, restaurant and a fully sound-proofed basement nightclub. Having been offered a selection of seating options including beanbags on a deck and sunken sun chairs surrounded by water, we settled into huge black-and-white-striped chairs and chilled with our aperitifs to unobtrusive music, watching the resort come alive. Venturing into the stunning Baba Phuket Restaurant we were once again surprised and impressed by the stylish surroundings, beautifully lit and superbly designed using Sino-Portuguese motifs. Sitting in lovely wooden rocking chairs, we feasted on a Thai-style menu that delivered a delicious array of exquisitely presented dishes. Contentment indeed.

Turquoise’s Best Pool Villa, Sri Panwa, Phuket is a post from Turquoise Holidays, experts in luxury holidays and honeymoons.

Tanzania… Zanzibar, Mnemba & Pemba

Tanzania is an incredibly diverse country – the largest in East Africa –boasting a constellation of natural draws.
Its evocative names say it all: the extensive Serengeti (meaning endless plains), majestic Kilimanjaro (the highest mountain on the continent), exotic Zanzibar, Lake Victoria (Africa’s largest lake), and the inimitable Ngorongoro Crater and, of course, the Great Migration, the world’s most enthralling game viewing spectacle. It was formed as recently as 1964, when Zanzibar’s population overthrew the sultan and their Arab landlords in a bloody massacre. The subsequent union of Tanganyika (the mainland) and Zanzibar formed today’s Tanzania, considered by many to be the ultimate honeymoon safari and beach partnership. It seems only natural that once your safari dust has settled, you should head to the relaxing soft white sands of the romantic Swahili coast or the spice islands of Pemba and Zanzibar, whose very names conjure the whispered promise of something exotic.

Just 22 miles offshore from Tanzania and six degrees south of the equator, Zanzibar has an intoxicating mix of tradition, culture, history and natural beauty. It’s a small island that’s become legendary for its beaches and crystal-clear waters, with a colourful history of seafarers and explorers, made rich under Omani rule. Its original settlers were Bantu-speaking Africans, Persians arrived in the 10th century, and it was of such importance to the Omanis that they moved their capital from Muscat to Zanzibar, which became an independent sultanate. Its archipelago comprises the islands of Zanzibar and Pemba and several small islets. Zanzibar’s capital, Stone Town, is shabby-chic in a ramshackle yesteryear way, characterised by bustling bazaars, the heady scent of spices, winding alleyways and carved doors overhung by ornate balconies. Ancient forts, churches and museums are testament to its Afro-Arabic and European past. Mix this with the unique Swahili culture and the fusion of myth and magic, spicy cuisine and architecture, and you’ll soon understand why it’s one of a kind.

Destination Diary…Totally Tanzania is a post from Turquoise Holidays, experts in luxury holidays and honeymoons.

Round Hill, Jamaica

Just a 25-minute drive from Montego Bay, undeniably Caribbean in style, Round Hill is the grandfather of all boutique resorts in Jamaica. Once the haven of the likes of Sir Noel Coward, Oscar Hammerstein, Paul Newman, Grace Kelly and Adele Astaire, the roll call is as long as the history of this charming yet elegant getaway. The resort comprises 27 two to six-bedroom villas (most with their own pools) and The Pineapple House, home to 36 stylish oceanfront rooms with sunset views, where the name-dropping continues as they were redesigned by Ralph Lauren. Set on the edge of the beach, we loved how fresh these rooms were: crisp white with contrasting bright accents in magenta and royal blue. Cool stone floors and a four-poster, softened with romantic muslin drapes, provided a modern-chic twist on the traditional, yet remained true to the essence of Jamaica. If you’re on the ground f loor, you can sit out on your terrace and take in the dreamy panoramic views over the Caribbean Sea. Relaxing by the main infinity pool, we had our first experience of the congenial hospitality that became par for the course. Refreshing rum punches and banana smoothies were delivered to our sunbeds with smiles as warm as the drinks were cold. The staff greeted us by name each time we saw them, making the whole atmosphere homely and welcoming. Dining held a choice between The Restaurant, the new Grill or the seaside terrace overlooking Round Hill Bay. We opted for the terrace every time, as, apart from the mouth-watering smell of the food and the balmy sea breezes, the occasional wafts of jasmine and frangipani from the gardens were irresistible. We feasted on fresh seafood and the juiciest fruits imaginable, followed by an indulgent coconut and banana cream pie. A visit to the spa was a treat on many fronts. The wonderful Elemis products and unique location, in a beautifully restored 18th century plantation house, evoked images of the rich and famous in years gone by, strolling past to their villas for an afternoon nap…

Best For Authentic Island Charm, Round Hill, Jamaica is a post from Turquoise Holidays, experts in luxury holidays and honeymoons.

1 Decide if you want to travel in your new married name or not and stick to your decision: airlines charge heavily for name changes. We suggest travelling under your maiden name – you’ll have enough to think about without passport changes.

2 Think about a realistic budget. There’s nothing worse than staying in an expensive hotel and not being able to buy a drink. Much better to have the best room in a less expensive hotel and live like a king and queen.

3 Tell people it’s your honeymoon. Although airlines are unlikely to upgrade you these days, do tell them at check-in – at the very least you might get a glass of champagne. Airline staff dislike clients expecting upgrades, so the trick is to dress smartly and ask politely.

4 Wherever you go and whoever you book with, ask to talk to someone who has actually been to the property where you intend to stay. First-hand knowledge is vital.

5 Don’t do too much. Nothing kills romance like packing and unpacking a suitcase.

6 If you’d like to go on safari but are hesitant about taking malaria tablets, South Africa has some wonderful malaria free safari lodges and these combine perfectly with a beach resort in Mauritius.

7 Remember, even scheduled airlines can impose f light changes. Our advice is to try to avoid f lying the night of your wedding and wait at least a day.

8 Do buy a going away outfit. There’s something very decadent about travelling in new clothes. Good luggage also makes you feel a million dollars.

9 Plan and book your honeymoon early. Not only do the best rooms in the most popular hotels get booked up early, but your honeymoon should not be done at the last moment – you’ll have other things to worry about.
10 Weather. In this ever-changing world nothing is certain, but do seek good advice. Particularly in the tropics, the hottest season can be accompanied by high humidity.

11 Try to take some photos from the wedding with you on a digital camera, or you’ll be dying to get home.

12 Many airlines now offer mid-class as well as business class cabins, so ask about the cost of upgrading – it may well be worth the money.

13 Private transfers are quite inexpensive and a lovely luxury. The same goes for a taxi to and from the airport at home.

14 If you can go to see your tour operator when you book. At Turquoise we love to see people face-to face and you’ll be assured of the best service.

15  We advise our clients to buy a bottle of their favourite tipple and mixers in duty free as this can reduce your bar bill dramatically.

16 Don’t get up for breakfast for at least one morning of your honeymoon.

17 Have breakfast or dinner in your room at least once – you can even have it delivered by canoe in Tahiti.

18 Don’t take a mobile phone or even think about checking your emails.

19 Look after each other and enjoy your once-in-a-lifetime experience. Remember, paradise is who you’re with, not where you are.

19 Golden Honeymoon Rules From Turquoise is a post from Turquoise Holidays, experts in luxury holidays and honeymoons.