For a trip that is this important, planning ahead is crucial – the earlier you get everything organised, the more enjoyable the whole experience will be.

First things first, what do you want from this trip? Are you after some time down in the South Pacific, sunbathing and snorkelling? Or are you looking for more of a culture hit, elephant trekking or the bustling night markets of Thailand? Sit down with a glass of wine and really think about what you’d love to see in the world

Now that you have a bit more of an idea about what you’re after, time to start narrowing down on the destinations. Before you set your heart on any given destination, you must check that it’s the right time of year to visit that country – monsoon season could really detract from the relaxing fortnight of cocktails and beach time you had in mind!

You now know what it is that you want to do, you’ve got the destination picked out….now time do a little more in depth research. The majority of long haul destinations either require a visa and/or vaccinations. Visas often take weeks if not months so make sure that you get this done in plenty of time. It’s also probably worth printing a page of passport photos so that you don’t need to keep on popping to the local chemist and using the photo booth when you’re applying for visas!

Seeing your GP a couple of months before you travel will make sure that you have all the right vaccinations. Some countries require proof of your injections so do keep hold of your vaccine card that the doctor will give you afterwards. In some cases you need to take malaria tablets a few weeks before you go but getting advice ahead of time will ensure you are well prepared.

Obviously this is entirely up to the individual but I find guide books can be very helpful. It’s not necessarily advisable to take every word that’s written in them as gospel because things such as restaurant reviews are completely subjective and can quickly become outdated. That said, they often give plenty of interesting historical, cultural and political background to the country you’re visiting – information which is obviously won’t become obsolete so quickly.

Everything is pretty much organised – visas, passports and you know all about the destination. From personal experience, when spending a long time in one country, it’s really nice to read a book that is based there. Reading novels ‘in context’ will not only will it give you a completely different insight into the country; you will feel like you’re right there with the characters, travelling alongside them.

The Big Trip…a guide to planning perfection! is a post from Turquoise Holidays, experts in luxury holidays and honeymoons.

Since 2005 the famous chocolatier company, known for their deliciously mouth watering and innovative chocolates have been refurbishing the 14 acre Rabot Estate in St.Lucia, which dates back to 1975. I was particularly keen to write this blog as the estate was previously owned by the grandparents of our very own Bruce Rose, who has worked at Turquoise for seven years and alongside Brian our MD, for 25 years!

‘Bruce’s memories and stories of the Rabot Estate…’

Nearly 100 years ago my grandmother’s brother was diagnosed (falsely as it late turned out) with TB so decided to move to warmer climes. He purchased 100 acres of lush jungle in St Lucia and set about turning it into a banana & coconut plantation. It just so happened that the 00 acres he brought was set between The Pitons – the World Heritage site for which St Lucia is rightly famous for. When he died my grandmother, who was born in St Lucia, returned with her husband and took over the running of the Estate – now known as Rabot Estate. Their main produce was bananas and cocounts, however after various hurricanes had destroyed most of the trees, they concentrated on cocoa.

As a child, my sister and I had wonderful holidays visiting Rabot, eating whole bunches of bananas, picking mangoes from the trees and dehusking coconuts with the “workers”, climbing the Pitons and exploring the famous Sulphur hot springs, which happened to back onto the estate. However – do NOT pick fresh red chillies – then rub your eyes!!!

Rabot was a great place to visit with an old rundown house, rickerty verandas, the sound of the jungle loud in the air – especially at night – and the fireflies lighting up the tracks through the bush;  and listening to Exodus by Bob Marley & The Wailers with the local Rastafarians was a 17 year old “punk rocker’s” dream.

The local workers seemed to really enjoy working there looking after the trees and harvesting the crops. When my grandparents became too old to continue running the estate, they retired to the UK and my aunt and uncle moved out to St Lucia to take over. They continued running Rabot for another 20 years before they too retired. It had been Madeleine’s (my grandmother) wish that Rabot continue as a working plantation employing the local people from Soufriere and the surrounding communities so when Angus from Hotel Chocolat was looking for a working plantation to grow their own chocolate – they discovered Rabot and Madeleine’s wish came true. Rabot today – although revamped and developed – is still (almost) as it was all those years ago, the locals still work there and whilst “tourists” can visit and stay – it is still a working plantation – long may it continue.

Since the refurbishment programme started seven years ago, 13,000 Cacao trees have been planted on the Rabot Estate. Hotel Chocolat have also invested a huge amount of time and money into re training local farmers, in order to restore the agricultural roots of cacao farming which thrived prior to the mid 20th century industrialisation. Due to the industrial and technological advancements which took place in the Caribbean at this time, prices were driven down and the cacao farming industry became both non profitable and non existent.

Everything about this boutique 14 bedroom lodge looks and feels delicious. You will stay in a Cocoa Pod, drink Cacao Bellini’s, eat Cacao cuisine and enjoy CocoaJuvenate, the hotel spa where all the products are made on the estate using local produce and of course, all have a cocoa base. Despite the running chocolate theme throughout this hotel that could be perceived as a little too indulgent, we can assure you there is no need to worry. It has been designed with the upmost subtlety and sophistication.

However, do not fear, there is ample opportunity to indulge, for those that wish! Daily plantation tours are led by the in house agricultural consultant Stan, where guests can explore the cacao orchards and learn how the farmers nurture the blossoms each year to create cacao pods and eventually chocolate! Learning then turns to action as all guests are invited to join the hotel chef and create their very own chocolate bars from the Hotel Chocolat orchard Cacao beans. A perfect memento for anyone back home or a delicious poolside treat!

For more information about Hotel Chocolat please contact the Turquoise chocoholics now on 01494 687400 or email us at enquiries@turquoiseholidays.co.uk

Sweet Sensations in St. Lucia…the first Hotel Chocolat Hotel! is a post from Turquoise Holidays, experts in luxury holidays and honeymoons.

Greetings from Thailand! We are currently celebrating Songkran, probably Thailand’s most vibrant…and crazy in nice way…festival. And without doubt Chiang Mai is the best place to celebrate this festival and where better than Rachamankha located as it is within the old city. The festival is celebrated for at least 3days in a unique style of splashing water on your fellow man…and woman…the symbology being one of cleansing oneself or others of the previous 12months bad luck or sins in readiness for a new year. The old city is roughly a square mile and is enclosed by a moat, the perimeter road of which is lined for the 3 days by people throwing water or squirting water with water pistols at each other the essence of which is a blessing; always in good spirits and the typical Thai sense of ‘sanuk’ (fun) underlined with the tradition of merit making. A quite unique, fun, incredible experience. and a very wet one too!

With love from the Rachamanka!

A message from Thailand…Happy New Year! is a post from Turquoise Holidays, experts in luxury holidays and honeymoons.

In many parts of Australia, wildlife has suffered massive decline. However, because of their isolation, many of Tasmania’s species remain in robust fettle.

You can’t throw a possum in Tasmania without hitting a wallaby. It is an island where you can see the devil in the flesh (or maybe something else’s flesh) and spot the spotted-tailed quoll. As far as wildlife goes, there is nowhere on the planet like Tasmania.

Before moving to London I managed Bonorong Wildlife Sanctuary, an animal rescue and wildlife tourism facility near the state capital Hobart. Working there helped me realise just how precious Tasmania is.

Nothing at Bonorong would delight me more than the joy on the faces of guests when they came face-to-face with their first kangaroo. Similarly, I loved the awestruck silence as visitors to the Sanctuary watched a Tasmanian devil, a creature with one of the most bone-crushing jaws on Earth, crawl into a keeper’s lap and commence sucking their thumb.

Most Tasmanians wouldn’t think twice about a wombat taking her evening stroll. But I bet you would.

The reaction of the guests impressed upon me (a life-long Tasmanian) that there was something special about the animals I had grown up with.

I will never forget that lesson.

In Tasmania nowadays many tourism operators are conducting tours based around a sensitive and extraordinary interaction with Tasmania’s wild country and animals.

Here are a few very honourable mentions:

Bonorong Wildlife Sanctuary (www.bonorong.com.au) – Call me biased but I don’t care. Bonorong is a true wildlife sanctuary. In the past two years, 28-year-old Director Greg Irons has established Tasmania’s only 24hr wildlife rescue service. They responded to in excess of 4000 calls for help in the past 12 months. Animals are rescued, rehabilitated and released. The experiences they offer – from day-time feeding tours to fully private night time explorations – will take you closer to wildlife than you will get anywhere else.

Rob Pennicott Wilderness Journeys (http://www.brunycruises.com.au) – I can’t say anything about Rob’s boat trips that hasn’t been said before. They are award-winning, exhilarating adventures around one of the most spectacular coastlines on the planet crowded with seals, dolphins, whales and eagles. Plus Rob just devoted three months of his life to sailing around Australia in order to raise $275,000 to cure polio – what a bloke.
Tarkine Trails (www.tarkinetrails.com.au) – The Tarkine is Australia’s real undiscovered jewel. Covering half a million hectares, the sheer enormity of this remote wilderness is daunting. Tarkine Trails will take you right into its heart. And you’ll do it in style, luxury guided walks through one of the world’s great ancient rainforests. Tarkine Trails is an absolutely hot tip for those who want to do something a little off the beaten track. They are also help to save the Tasmanian devil via the Save the Tasmanian Devil Project.

This is a little taster of the huge range of eco-tourism experiences Tasmania has to offer. They are generally exceptional. However, there is one thing they all have in common – passion.

And I’m sure they would tell you the same thing I will tell you. It is the look on the faces of our guests that keeps us going.

It is you guys that remind us how special our island is and you guys that help us to keep it just the way it is.

So, on behalf of all Tasmanians,

Thanks for coming.

Karl

‘You can’t throw a Possum in Tasmania without hitting a wallaby’ is a post from Turquoise Holidays, experts in luxury holidays and honeymoons.

We have a delightful turtle story that we like to share with you. After a year in Landaa Giraavaru’s Turtle Rehabilitation Centre recovering from a nasty head injury, Olivia the Olive Ridley turtle was finally released back into the wild in February 2012, equipped with a satellite-tracking device mounted on her carapace.

She’s loving her second lease of life, having covered a staggering 510 kilometres in her first month alone, and travelled into the middle of the Indian Ocean! But there’s much more to our monitoring than just seeing how far Olivia has swum. With so little research into Olive Ridley turtles, Olivia is a pioneer for her species, contributing to valuable research into the movements of the world’s smallest sea turtles.

Landaa’s Turtle Rehabilitation Centre is part of the Maldivian Sea Turtle Conservation Programme, a series of projects initiated by Four Seasons Resorts Maldives to protect, monitor, relocate, release, rear and rehabilitate Maldivian sea turtles.

Since 2010, the Rehabilitation Centre has nurtured and cared for nine severely injured turtles, seven of which have been successfully released back to the wild. Its current patients include Sally, a young female Olive Ridley found suffering from multiple lacerations and buoyancy problems, and Clover, a young male Olive Ridley with deep lacerations around his neck.

Olivia was the Centre’s longest-staying resident to date. Now – thanks to her tagging device – she’s set to become its most famous! Watch the video of her emotional released here:  http://youtu.be/r-V258pQ7ls after 12 months in our care, then follow her whereabouts via our regularly updated
‘Olivia-link’: http://g.co/maps/5z2uy .In addition, we’ll be sure to keep you notified of any interesting developments in her epic journey of discovery.

Currently, there are two other turtles, Sally and Clover, that are been nursed in our Turtle Rehab Centre. We’ve just received fantastic news that another of our kind-hearted guest has offered to sponsor a satellite tag for either one of them. We are looking forward to expanding our team of turtle marine researchers in the very near future!’

A lovely story about a turtle named Olivia… is a post from Turquoise Holidays, experts in luxury holidays and honeymoons.

 Lizzie, I spent much of the eighties (how old do I sound!) travelling in and around South East Asia but at that time, both Vietnam and Cambodia were pretty much off limits, so I jumped at the chance to finally get to see what I knew were really fascinating countries. And it was genuinely exciting for me.

On arrival in Vietnam you stayed in Da Nang, one of Vietnam’s major Port cities, just 100 Kilometres from several UNESCO world heritage sites. Did you manage to travel and see any of them? I hear Hoi An is a cultural gem with gorgeous beaches.

 I don’t want to appear disrespectful to either city but Da Nang reminded me slightly of Birmingham. It has a very ambitious mayor who recognised the enormous tourism potential of the surrounding area, if not necessarily the city itself! I explored both Hoi An (by bike – the only way to do it!) and Hue, which is the old imperial capital with many beautiful landmarks but still a vibrant working city. Hoi An on the other hand is a delightful old cultural relic with many original buildings and many streets that have been completely pedestrianized to give you a more authentic  feel  of what things were once like.

How easy was the connection between Vietnam and Cambodia? Would you recommend the two countries as a multi-centre holiday idea?

There are a number of direct flights between both countries with Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City having the bulk of connections into Cambodia. I actually flew directly from Da Nang straight into Siem Reap which took just under an hour. Definitely a great twin centre combination because both countries and their people are hugely welcoming and yet quite different.

Cambodia is world famous for its temples in Angkor near Siem Reap; did you visit them? Have you got any advice for people of when to go?

I imagine they can get very overcrowded which may ruin the experience. Yes, an absolute must; one of the great archaeological sites of the world. Of course they do get crowded but our guides in Cambodia really appreciate that swarms of tourists from all over the world can seriously hamper your enjoyment. Their whole approach to your visit is about crowd avoidance. This means a very early start and careful planning of which temples to visit (there are over 100 of them) and more importantly, at what time of the day. Their help will prove invaluable.

Rumour has it you stayed at Cambodia’s hottest new retreat…Song Saa Private Island. Does it live up to everyone’s expectations?

It looks stunning in the photos! Ah Song Saa. The whole ambitiousness of the project is quite breath-taking. Rory and Mel Hunter, the founders and owners, have just about thought of everything to try and create the little piece of paradise. They have a really strong desire to promote the conservation aspect of the venture with a small army of full time conservationists whilst simultaneously trying to create a unique luxury experience, the likes of which Cambodia has not previously seen. Of course there have been teething problems in the early stages but there is a huge will (and pretty deep pockets) to overcome all of these issues to ensure this will be a huge success. Get in early and be some of their first guests!

I have to ask about the food! Did you try any local delicacies?!

How about the local tree frog curry on Song Saa, created by their head chef Neil Wager, formerly head chef at North Island in the Seychelles, where you-know-who had their honeymoon (Will & Kate!!). Come to think of it, it doesn’t sound very conservationally minded but I am assuming there were plenty of frogs to go around! Actually I was really, really impressed with the food in Vietnam – so many unusual tastes, delicious salads and food that felt really light and healthy but very satisfying. I couldn’t recommend it highly enough.

Finally, where next Brian?

Actually, shortly off with the whole family (wife and three teenagers) to Borneo for a bit of orangutan action. We have seen a surge of interest in Borneo recently and especially from families. It seems only right to do my own bit of research, doesn’t it? I’ll keep you posted, Lizzie!

Asian Adventures…An interview with Brian! is a post from Turquoise Holidays, experts in luxury holidays and honeymoons.

This fabulous honeymoon idea combines 4 nights at one of the pioneer safari camps in the heart of Botswana’s Okavango Delta – Xakanaxa Camp – with 5 nights at the newest coastal beach retreat to grace the pristine shores of Mozambique – White Pearl Resorts. A night in Johannesburg at the boutique Peech Hotel is required between the two. The itinerary provides the perfect blend of phenomenal game viewing and coastal activities such as snorkelling, swimming with dolphins, horse riding, turtle nesting walks in season, picnics on the beach, fishing and kayaking with pure relaxation and spa indulgence! Both properties are open year round.

Day 1

Your Okavango Delta experience begins as you arrive at Maun Airport in Botswana where you will be met and escorted to your awaiting light aircraft for the scenic flight to Xakanaxa, a luxurious tented bush camp in the heart of Moremi Game Reserve. Xakanaxa enjoys a prime location on the banks of the Khwai River on the Xakanaxa Lagoon and offers a year round Okavango Delta land and water safari experience. The camp oozes warmth and charm. Accommodation is in twelve luxury ensuite tents set on wooden platforms near to the water. The stylish main buildings extend over the Khwai River and they are also set on raised platforms so as to maximize the views over the surrounding lagoons and islands.

Days 2 – 4

Your days will be spent exploring the Moremi Game Reserve on boating safaris and game drives and naturally, you will also enjoy traditional mokoro (dug-out canoe) excursions.
The reserve and the greater Okavango Delta is a pristine wilderness area. Towering riverine forests, open savannah, seasonal floodplains, permanent lagoons, rivers and the intricate channels of the Okavango Delta surround the camp and this varied habitat ensures abundant game year-round. Be on the lookout for hippo, elephant and buffalo, all of which regularly congregate on the river banks.
In the evenings, you will enjoy superb cuisine on the camp’s outdoor dining deck.

Day 5

Take the afternoon Air Botswana flight from Maun to Johannesburg where you will be met and transferred to The Peech Hotel for your overnight stay.

Day 6

Transfer back to Johannesburg airport this morning to board the morning flight to Maputo in Mozambique. Here, you will be met by your helicopter pilot who will fly you out across the Maputo Elephant National Park (with flamingos, elephant, hippo and crocodile below) and after 25 exhilarating minutes, you will land at White Pearl in time for lunch at the Beach Bar.

White Pearl is one of the newest contemporary coastal retreats to open in Mozambique and it enjoys a truly stunning setting on an untouched stretch of coastline. The resort’s contemporary design encompasses the essence of beach living, with simple clean interiors and views out to the Indian Ocean. Each of the22 beach suites has a wrap-around deck – and each has a private plunge pool. Modern amenities include a mini bar, i-pod docking station, outdoor shower, indoor bath and a living area with uninterrupted ocean views. Beach chic is the only way to describe the main bar, lounge and dining areas which are in keeping with the suites. The superb food reflects the coastal setting – you will enjoy the finest seafood Mozambique has to offer, complete with the warmest of Mozambican hospitality. During the day, after a refreshing afternoon swim, there’s nothing better than rustic tapas served with chilled wine at the Beach Bar.

Days 7 – 10

Honeymooners at White Pearl can do as much or as little as they please! Wake up each morning to a magnificent breakfast and then spend your morning paddling a kayak along the pristine waters inhabited by leatherback turtles and playful dolphins or explore the magical coral reefs. The more adventurous can go horse riding along one of the stunning coastal trails and reward yourself afterwards with a fresh seafood lunch. Then soak up some rays on the beach or indulge in a pampering spa treatment. In the evenings, enjoy sundowners on a secluded beach and complete your day with a romantic dinner on your private deck.

Day 11

Rise early for a morning beach stroll or a final swim in the ocean before boarding your return helicopter flight back to Maputo where you will check-in for your onward international flight back to the UK.

Sensational Safari Beach Honeymoon…Okavango Delta and Mozambique is a post from Turquoise Holidays, experts in luxury holidays and honeymoons.

No trip to Hong Kong would be complete without a journey across the Victoria Harbour on a Star Ferry, a trip
National Geographic named one of the top 50 of a lifetime. Catch one from the Star Ferry Pier in Central, and drink in the fabulous view: flashy high-rises, cranes, old tenement blocks and soaring silver skyscrapers all jostle for position. Land at Kowloon, opposite the harbour and you’ve arrived in shopping heaven, from Nathan Road, with its giant malls, markets and restaurants, to Granville Road, lined with outlet stores and a jumble of neon signs.

When to go?

Hong Kong has a sub-tropical climate: October, November and December tend to be warm and clear; January and February cloudy but dry; March to May warm but humid and drizzly; and June to August is hot, humid and rainy. September can see typhoons.

Hong Kong a Honeymoon Hot Spot? is a post from Turquoise Holidays, experts in luxury holidays and honeymoons.

About 30 minutes’ drive up the southwest coast is the holy temple of Tanah Lot: built on a rocky outcrop, it’s only connected to the mainland at low tide and is the perfect place to view the sunset. On the south coast you’ll find Jimbaran Puri Bali, a dreamy resort that feels like a traditional Balinese village with walled gardens and thatched roofs, but with a huge injection of modern f lair. When you walk into the lobby you’re met by smiling faces and a great sense of calm. If you can stretch your budget, opt for a deluxe pool villa nestled behind and outdoor thatched dining pavilion perfect for intimate candlelit dinners. We slipped into f lower and sunshine filled days spent f loating in our pool or reading on our outside bale, only breaking the sanctuary for daily lunches and afternoon tea. One of our best discoveries was that some of the island’s top (and cheapest) seafood shacks are just a five-minute walk along the beach, where you can enjoy the catch of the day, rice, fresh pineapple and a cool beer with your feet in the sand.

Incredible Indonesia…Beautiful Bali, a Honeymoon Haven is a post from Turquoise Holidays, experts in luxury holidays and honeymoons.

Sitting within the private nature sanctuary of Anahita on the east coast of Mauritius, Four Seasons Resort at Anahita is our favourite contemporary all-villa resort in Mauritius. It spans not only its stunning mainland setting, but also its own 11-acre private island, where some of the Pool Villas and the Presidential Suite are located. Spectacular water features around the resort create a calming and romantic ambience: a perfect set-up for your honeymoon. All Villas and Residences embrace outdoor living and boast a private terrace with a plunge pool, an open-air bathroom with a fabulous deep soaking tub and a refreshing outdoor shower. Dark wood and volcanic stones create a sense of sophistication along with panoramic views of the lagoon, natural mangrove formation and landscaped gardens. Hi-tech comforts have not been overlooked and a plasma TV, DVD player, iPod docking station and WiFi are key features in each Villa and Residence. Designed by Ernie Els, Four Seasons’ 18-hole championship golf course at Anahita was undoubtedly one of our best-ever golfing experiences. Six of the holes are directly on the ocean front, offering magnificent views and a fabulous way to end a round. Those looking for pure pampering can retreat to the over-water spa, where ocean breezes and gentle waves lull you into peaceful relaxation while you enjoy regionally inspired treatments.

There are three beautiful swimming pools including a semi-Olympic-sized lap pool, which is perfect for those early morning workout sessions. The fitness centre is so cool that it’s tempting to give it a go even on holiday. Fitted with Techno gym equipment, Power plate, spinning and rowing machines, it also offers various fitness activities, from water aerobics and stretching to a top-class tennis match on the two Astro Wimbledon synthetic grass tennis courts. There’s a wide range of water sports including water skiing, windsurfing and kayaking. We took a catamaran sailing lesson in the morning and managed a couple of hours in the afternoon: we highly recommend sailing in the resort’s beautiful, quiet lagoon.

Looking for more than sun, sea and sand on your honeymoon? is a post from Turquoise Holidays, experts in luxury holidays and honeymoons.