Turquoise Holidays Blog

Beers of the Caribbean

Caroline Waite — Tue, 18 Jun 2013 11:21:17 +0000

What’s better than being somewhere hot and sunny with a bottle of chilled beer in your hand?! Nothing! Having just returned from a tour around some of the most luxurious islands of the Caribbean: Antigua and the British Virgin Islands, I have discovered that there is no better place to relax and enjoy a cool beverage. Starting our tour in Antigua for the start of Sailing Week, one of the world’s most premier sailing events and cited as one of the top regattas in the world, no trip would have been complete without a stroll around Nelsons Dockyard. Attracting an average of 150-200 yachts, 1500 participants and 5000 spectators annually, combined with the beautiful colonial buildings as your backdrop and the gorgeous yachts this really is a must! There are a few little restaurants and quirky shops but Hamilton’s Wine Bar and Bistro, right on the water’s edge, is great for really soaking up the atmosphere and people watching.

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.

Family Trip to Thailand

Karen Martin — Thu, 13 Jun 2013 10:31:57 +0000

A lot of people thought I was mad to take my 8 year old son to Thailand, too hot and humid, and too many domestic flights. How wrong they were! I have always been lucky with my son, he is an easy going traveller and the 12 hour flight didn’t phase him at all. On board Thai Airways I was very jealous of his snack box he was given after take off full of goodies to snack on through the flight. Combined with the on board entertainment the problem was trying to get him to sleep!

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.

Aqua Season at Six Senses Laamu!

Emily Ballard — Thu, 06 Jun 2013 12:46:33 +0000

Six Senses Laamu is celebrating Aqua Season! A raft of activities, some water based and some celebrating Maldivian culture, incorporating International Surfing Day held on the 20 June, Turtle nesting and hatching season from May through until October, ‘Maldivian by the Sea’ which showcases local cuisine in July at the Longitude Restaurant and finally Jaafai Dinner hosted at local islands! In order to celebrate this season Six Senses is offering a selection of complimentary benefits including ‘No Rush Hour’ with resident DJ Garry Tee, savings at Six Senses Spa, open air cinema on the beach plus delicious home-made ice-cream is on the house! This is an experience that should not be missed!

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.

All Inclusive Holidays in The Maldives

Lizzie Heeley — Tue, 28 May 2013 11:12:49 +0000

The trend in premium all inclusive holidays is on the rise, and the island resorts of the Maldives, like many other far flung destinations, are increasingly recognising this demand. Apart from the odd excursion, spa treatment or bottle of vintage wine, once your holiday is booked… step off the seaplane and into paradise leaving your wallet and worries behind. The most important development in all inclusive luxury properties has been getting the balance just right…without jeopardising quality for quantity, and recognising the importance of maintaining standard and service throughout the resort.

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.

Escape the Bank Holiday Blues with these Last Minute Offers

Emily Ballard — Fri, 24 May 2013 16:32:13 +0000

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.

You & Your Wedding Honeymoon Reader Offer

Lizzie Heeley — Tue, 21 May 2013 09:25:07 +0000

You & Your Wedding readers who book their honeymoon with Turquoise before 30th June 2013, quoting ‘you&yourwedding1’ at the time of booking will receive a free Heidi Klein bikini or swimsuit!

http://www.heidiklein.com/

T&C’s

Prize voucher must be used within 1 year of date received. Postage & Packaging not included. Only valid for own brand swimwear

You & Your Wedding Honeymoon Reader Offer is a post from Turquoise Holidays, experts in luxury holidays and honeymoons.

Jamming Jamaica – Amazing Business Class Offer

Emily Ballard — Thu, 16 May 2013 12:56:47 +0000

Savings of over £900 per person with British Airways Business Class and Jamaica Inn.

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.

Out and About in the Turks and Caicos Islands

Emily Ballard — Fri, 10 May 2013 16:28:22 +0000

The Turks and Caicos are a unique group of islands with turquoise waters, stunning white sandy beaches and an average of 350 days of sunshine a year. Providenciales, the most popular of the islands, boasts the world renowned Grace Bay; a 5 mile long stretch of white sand of which many of the islands hotels, spas and restaurants are built. The Turks and Caicos are renowned for their excellent diving, with abundant sea life ranging from clown fish to sea turtles and if you’re lucky you may even meet JoJo, the islands friendly dolphin. I would definitely recommend renting a car, this way you have the freedom to explore the islands at ease, taking in the many private keys and the different personalities of each island. Chalk Sound has the most stunning turquoise waters, whilst Coral Gardens Reef is well known as one of the best snorkelling spots on Providenciales. However, it’s not just the amazing snorkelling and idyllic beaches that the Turks and Caicos Islands have to offer.

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.

Exclusive All Inclusive’s

Lizzie Heeley — Mon, 29 Apr 2013 15:25:22 +0000

Gone are the days where all inclusive holidays comprised of on tap slush puppies and deep fried buffets, screaming children and sun burnt Brits…we are now welcoming the dawn of a new ‘luxury’ all inclusive, where quality is no longer jeopardised by quantity.

Although the price tag is seemingly scary at first, the beauty of a five star all inclusive holiday is that from the moment you arrive till the moment you leave, you are truly at liberty to relax without the nagging worry of the final bill and whether you might need to leave the children behind to do the washing up for a few months, in order to cover the costs of the last weeks dinner and activities.

Honeymooners and couples love the flexibility of what time happy hour starts (…and finishes), and not needing to worry about the cost of drinking bubbly, on tap, for the duration of their stay. Premium all inclusive packages usually also include a range of activities and extras, day trips and in some cases spa treatments – these vary between properties so please do ask your consultant exactly what is included, as value for money in many cases is truly superb.

In particular for families, premium all inclusive packages are of great appeal and relieve the stress of forking out for ice creams every ten minutes because the last one was dropped on the floor…Mum and Dad can also have a holiday, not needing to worry about the cost of food and drink or day to day activities or the quality of what the kids are consuming. Each resort in our all-inclusive portfolio ensures quality brands and products alongside five star service, atmosphere and standards.

Turquoise’s Top ten All Inclusive’s

1. Constance Moofushi Resort – The Maldives – £1840pp View Hotel
2. Fundu Lagoon - Pemba Island – Zanzibar – from £1395pp View Hotel
3. The Body Holiday- St. Lucia – from £1325pp View Hotel
4. Baraza Resort & Spa – Zanzibar – from £1359pp View Hotel
5. Makanyane Safari Lodge – South Africa – from £1435pp (4 nights) View Hotel
6. Ol Donyo Lodge – Kenya – from £3150pp View Hotel
7. Denis Island – The Seychelles – from £2910pp View Hotel
8. Song Saa Private Island – Cambodia – £2848pp View Hotel
9. Aranui Cruise – French Polynesia – £4450pp (14 nights) View More Information
10. BVI Sailing – British Virgin Islands – £2349pp (based on a family of 4) View More Information

* Prices quoted are per person for seven nights (unless stated otherwise), inclusive of drinks, meals, activities and some domestic transfers. They do not include international flights unless stated. Please contact the Turquoise team today for further information and all inclusions.

Exclusive All Inclusive’s is a post from Turquoise Holidays, experts in luxury holidays and honeymoons.

Close your eyes and imagine…

Lizzie Heeley — Wed, 17 Apr 2013 15:11:41 +0000

That first morning out in the sun…clear blue skies & not a worry in the world…apart from protecting the pearly white English winter skin, but thoroughly excited at the prospect of that healthy holiday glow and warm bones