09 December 2024

When it comes to luxury cruising, Silversea Cruises stands out as one of the finest names in the industry. Known for its exceptional service, elegant ships, and personalized experiences, Silversea offers travellers the opportunity to explore the world’s most beautiful and remote destinations in unparalleled comfort and style. Whether you’re a seasoned traveller or a first-time cruiser, Silversea promises an unforgettable voyage. The intimate size of the ships allows for a personalised experience, with no more than 728 guests onboard, ensuring that you’re treated like royalty from the moment you step aboard. The decor on the ships is tasteful and refined, with a blend of contemporary luxury and timeless elegance. Each suite is a sanctuary, offering spacious living areas, floor-to-ceiling windows, and private verandas, making your time on board just as luxurious as the destinations you’ll visit. Silversea’s all-inclusive offering is what truly sets it apart. From gourmet dining at Michelin-level restaurants to complimentary beverages, excursions, gratuities, and even flights and transfers, everything is taken care of so you can simply relax and enjoy the journey. With a crew-to-guest ratio of almost one-to-one, personalised service is at the heart of the experience, whether you’re lounging by the pool, savouring a fine wine, or exploring a remote corner of the world. One of the most exciting aspects of cruising with Silversea is its wide-ranging itineraries, which cover over 900 destinations in more than 100 countries. From the Arctic to the Antarctic, the Mediterranean to the Far East, Silversea offers a diverse range of expeditions, allowing guests to visit remote islands, vibrant cities, and historical landmarks. Food and wellness are at the forefront of the Silversea experience. The dining aboard Silversea is extraordinary, with a range of international cuisine available at gourmet restaurants. Whether you prefer French, Italian, Asian, or American fare, the culinary team delivers exceptional dishes using the freshest ingredients. The dining options are complemented by a wide selection of fine wines and premium spirits, which are all included in the fare. For those seeking relaxation, the onboard spa offers a tranquil retreat where you can unwind with indulgent treatments inspired by global wellness traditions. The fitness centre, yoga classes, and wellness programs cater to a range of interests, ensuring that your mind and body stay invigorated throughout your journey. A Silversea luxury cruise is not just a vacation; it’s an experience of a lifetime. From the attentive service and luxurious accommodations to the incredible destinations and exclusive excursions, Silversea offers an exceptional level of luxury that leaves a lasting impression. Whether you’re cruising through the Mediterranean’s sun-kissed shores or navigating the icy waters of Antarctica, Silversea allows you to explore the world in ultimate comfort and style! My experience on Silversea’s newest ship, Silver Ray, was exceptional! I thoroughly enjoyed the whole experience, from the dining to the entertainment and the destinations! The staff onboard, including our very own butler, simply couldn’t do enough to make our trip amazing! If you seek luxury, gourmet food, and interesting destinations Silversea is definitely for you!

09 December 2024

Universal Orlando Resort, one of Florida’s top attractions, is more than just a theme park—it's a world of adventure, entertainment, and visual thrills that attracts millions of visitors each year and I was lucky enough to be one! In May 2024 I was whisked away, with a group of fellow Travel Counsellors, courtesy of Aer Lingus and Universal Orlando Resort! Whether you're a fan of heart-pounding rides, immersive lands based on your favourite films, or excellent dining and shopping, Universal Orlando has something for everyone. Home to two major theme parks: Universal Studios Florida and Islands of Adventure, each park offers its own unique set of experiences, with attractions based on some of the biggest blockbusters in cinema. Universal Studios Florida brings movies to life, featuring attractions that dive into beloved franchises like Harry Potter, Transformers, The Simpsons, and Men in Black. One of the standout experiences is the Harry Potter and the Escape from Gringotts ride, which combines thrilling roller coaster elements with 3D film sequences, transporting guests to the wizarding world. The Revenge of the Mummy ride is another adrenaline-pumping favourite, where visitors race through dark tombs and face mummies and terrifying special effects. Islands of Adventure is home to some of the most iconic rides in the park, with areas dedicated to Marvel superheroes, Jurassic Park, and more. The Incredible Hulk Coaster is a high-speed ride that twists and loops at incredible speeds, while Jurassic Park River Adventure gives guests a dino-themed boat ride with a drop that will have your heart racing (from first-hand experience!). The Wizarding World of Harry Potter - Hogsmeade offers visitors the chance to explore the enchanting village, sip butterbeer, and hop aboard the Flight of the Hippogriff coaster. The Hogwarts express links Islands of Adventure and Universal Studios taking you from Kings Cross to Hogsmeade Station, complete with platform 9 and ¾. A highlight for any Harry Potter fan! Volcano Bay, the third park completing the trio of Universal Orlando Resort, is a tropical paradise with waterslides, a lazy river, and the massive Krakatau Volcano at the centre. This waterpark offers something for everyone, from thrilling rides like the Ko’okiri Body Plunge to relaxing cabanas for those who just want to unwind in the sun! On arrival at Volcano Bay you will be given a TapuTapu to wear on your wrist. This is your key to making the most of your day allowing you to schedule your rides so you can avoid queueing! The Resort has its very own App which allows you to access the parks maps, see the latest wait times for the rides, order ahead from select restaurants when you’re in the parks and at CityWalk (a complex of dining, shopping, and entertainment), and create a ‘favourites list’ to make the most of your trip! Plus, it's easy to stay connected while you're there with free WiFi throughout the parks and Universal CityWalk! The Universal Orlando 3 park Explorer ticket is the best value ticket to purchase in advance. This gives you access to Universal Studio’s, Islands of Adventure and Volcano Bay, including the Hogwarts express! Plus, no queuing to collect your tickets on your first day at the parks! We stayed in Universal’s Cabana Bay Beach Resort, a vibrant, retro-style resort inspired by classic Florida beach resorts of the 1950s and 60s! A great family option! This resort is right next to Volcano Bay so you can walk through the grounds to the waterpark in 5 minutes. One main advantage of staying in a Universal Orlando Resort Hotel is the 1 hour early admission to the Universal theme parks as well as the shuttle service, either by bus or water taxi depending on the resort, which easily connects guests to the parks and Universal City Walk. Three of the signature collection hotels, Loews Portofino Bay, the Hard Rock Hotel, and Loews Royal Pacific have the added benefits of Universal Express passes included which gives fast track access to the rides. Universal’s newest park, Universal Epic Universe is opening May 22, 2025 and offers different worlds for everyone. Step through amazing portals transporting you to the excitement of The Wizarding World of Harry Potter – Ministry of Magic, Super Nintendo World, How to Train Your Dragon – Isle of Berk, Dark Universe and Celestial Park! Having visited all of the Universal Resort hotels I can advise you on the best option for you! This is a holiday of a lifetime with something for everyone to enjoy, whether you're traveling with family, friends, or as a solo adventurer, the resort promises an unforgettable experience! If you would like to discuss your bucket list trip to Universal Orlando and Orlando in general, please don’t hesitate to get in touch!

06 December 2024

I was delighted to be given the opportunity to visit Abu Dhabi. I had only ever passed through the airport transiting to another destination and hadn’t previously planned a visit to explore this destination. I jumped at the opportunity to experience two very different parts of Abu Dhabi – Sir Bani Yas Island, one of the UAE's largest natural islands, and Liwa Desert, one of the world’s largest sand deserts, also known as the ‘Empty Quarter’. Etihad Airways flew me direct from Dublin to Abu Dhabi, taking approximately 7 hours. Etihad are a fantastic airline offering great food and service. I was lucky enough to experience their Business Class on the Outbound journey, with fully flat beds and gourmet ‘anytime dining’, which was an amazing experience! I was also fortunate to experience the East Lounge in Terminal 1 which is a lovely relaxed lounge offering complimentary refreshments. What a way to start the trip! The first part of our trip was to experience the 5 Star Anantara Sir Bani Yas Island, an idyllic luxury resort offering a perfect blend of relaxation, adventure, and nature! Our road transfer from the airport to the port was approximately 3 hours before a short luxury yacht transferred us to the island. The island is a haven for nature lovers as it is home to the Sir Bani Yas Island Wildlife Reserve with over 13,000 animals, including Arabian oryx, giraffe, gazelles, and cheetahs. Our chosen activity, naturally, was to experience a safari tour which was great fun and the absolute highlight was to get up close and personal with the giraffes! Being able to walk alongside them was a very unique experience! It is also possible to enjoy activities like kayaking, snorkelling, and diving. The resort offers a range of accommodations across three properties each offering something different. I stayed in the Desert Island Resort & Spa, in a Premier Sea View room which was huge with a beautiful balcony and breathtaking views of the Arabian Sea. The Al Yamm Resort offers luxury castaway accommodation in beach villas reminiscent of Bedouin dwellings, and the Al Sahel resort offers Safari-style villas dotted across lush savannah, with indoor-outdoor living making the most of stunning surrounds. From the setting, to the spa, to the pools, and the stargazing, this is a beautiful resort and whether you're looking for an adventurous getaway or a peaceful escape, Anantara Sir Bani Yas Island offers a truly unforgettable experience. Next stop, the ‘Empty Quarter’ and the 5 Star Anantara Qasr Al Sarab! This area of Abu Dhabi and this hotel in particular had always intrigued me and driving across miles and miles of desert brought a certain amount of anticipation! The approach and entrance to this hotel is like something from a movie. Just WOW! The resort's architecture is inspired by traditional Arabian forts, blending seamlessly with the stunning desert surroundings! This really is a special place and I was blown away. The beautiful One Bedroom Pool Villa I had all to myself had ample luxurious space inside and amazing outside space including dinning area, sun loungers, day bed and outside shower. The panoramic views across the vast golden dunes was picture perfect! We opted to rise early an enjoy a camel trek across the dunes which was quite something. Adventure enthusiasts can also enjoy activities such as dune bashing and archery. The resort also offers cultural experiences like desert safaris and stargazing! Whether you're seeking relaxation, adventure, or a bit of both, Qasr Al Sarab Desert Resort offers a truly unique desert retreat. With its tranquil atmosphere and opulent facilities, it promises an unforgettable experience in one of the most stunning desert landscapes on earth! We had a quick Dinner stop and hotel inspection at the W Abu Dhabi – Yas Island, the only hotel on top of a racetrack! Yas Island is home to four theme parks - Ferrari World, Warner Bros, Seaworld Yas Island, and Yas Waterworld, not to mention numerous top class hotels. Abu Dhabi as a fantastic destination in itself, or as a stopover combined with other destinations, truly has something to over everyone! If you are interested in this vast destination and all it has to offer please get in touch.

14 January 2020

My expectation of the Maldives was an ultimate paradise and it didn’t disappoint. Arriving into the Maldives really wets the appetite for what lies ahead. A window seat is a must to catch the first glimpse of the tiny atolls below that make up this picture postcard paradise destination. I was lucky to spend three weeks experiencing what the Maldives has to offer. Our first destination was the Amari Havodda - so far south and secluded that it took a domestic flight and speedboat to get to, but it was well worth it. I easily took 50 photographs on the way. This little island, that you could walk round in less than 20 minutes, felt untouched and a million miles from anywhere. It was impossible not to be in awe of the beautiful surroundings. We stayed in a beach villa and felt like the whole beach was ours alone. The sand was so white and the crystal-clear sea so enticing that we didn’t even dip a toe into the beautiful infinity edge pool. I never wanted to leave. Our next atoll was almost as far south as the last and couldn’t be more different, who knew! The Six Senses Laamu is barefoot luxury – literally, and I fully embraced the ‘no shoes’ concept for the 5 days that we spent here. This atoll was much larger than the last and the way to get around – bicycle! This place felt like a jungle paradise and the many beaches surrounding it wild and exotic. The overwater villa we stayed in was amazing, from the glass bath in the outdoor bathroom to the upstairs sun deck and main sun terrace it was complete understated luxury. The snorkelling here was fantastic – our first venture out was in search of turtles in the seagrass that grows between two of the water villa jetties. We only saw the turtle, but it was huge! Our second snorkelling adventure was with the marine biologist on the house reef, our expectations where exceeded when she pointed out a family of four Manta rays gracefully circling below us where, to our delight, they happily stayed and so did we. Onwards to the Huvafen Fushi, a luxury resort on an island much smaller in size but just as beautiful. The absolute highlight of my stay here was seeing the Stingrays every evening as they came close to shore for feeding by the marine biologist. A surreal and once in a lifetime experience to wade in the water surrounded by these beautiful, tame and graceful creatures. The fantastic house reef here also attracts reef sharks which makes for an exciting snorkel or dive trip! I have never seen so many shades of blue or so many amazing sunsets, this truly is a place of paradise and a destination that everyone should visit at least once in their lifetime! If the Maldives appeals to you and you would like more information, please get in touch!

18 December 2019

I was lucky enough recently to be invited to Portugal to visit the Martinhal hotels & Resorts on the Algarve, Lisbon and Cascais. They pride themselves on providing luxury family holidays with each hotel designed with families in mind. The first two nights where spent at the Martinhal Sagres located within a protected natural park set back from a long stretch of beach – the setting is truly stunning with beautiful sunsets. This is not like any family resort I have been to before, oozing in elegance but the children love it! There is a huge variety of accommodation across the resort to suit every size of family, from hotel rooms to apartments to villas, there is something for everyone. The facilities here are great for families of all ages and you don’t need to leave the resort at all – if you don’t want to. There is a great play park, multiple swimming pools heated in the cooler seasons as well as a covered pool. There is even a supermarket onsite and they have all the boxes ticked for your every requirement. I loved how even the menu in the restaurants is split into categories and designed for children of all ages in mind. This resort is luxurious, the food and service here is excellent, and the children, and parents, are smiling – what more could you ask for! Next stop was a visit to the Martinhal Quinta Do Lago located in the famous Quinta Do Lago region of the Algarve. Very different from the last resort, this is an all villa resort, smaller in size, but in keeping with their ethos. The villas are all well equipped to provide a home from home each with a private swimming pool but there is a resort pool as well bustling with activity. Again, there is a fantastic supermarket on site and excellent kids club. Safety is a huge aspect across all properties with screens around the private pools and stair gates in the villas to name but a few. Onwards to Martinhal Chiado in Lisbon and this was a surprising property. An elegant city-centre family hotel with a supervised Kids Club open until late, this hotel makes city breaks with children so simple. The apartments are beautiful and very luxurious, I would love to go back with a group of friends, even though it’s designed with families in mind. They even have buggies available so that families don’t have to travel with their own, again they have thought of everything. The location was great, right in the heart of Lisbon, I couldn’t recommend it highly enough. Last, but not least, was a stay at the Martinhal Cascais 5 Star hotel and what a beautiful property it is. Very much a hotel but also with a selection of Villas, aiming to accommodate all families. The rooms are beautifully appointed with many rooms accommodating a family of 4 with pull-down beds for the children. Every little detail is thought of, with little robes and slippers for the kids so that everyone is included. There is a fantastic kids club at the resort and a huge beautiful swimming pool as well as a Spa and heated pool which allows children also. Like the other resorts there are on-site restaurants and the quality of the food is exceptional. All 4 properties are fantastic and I cannot recommend them enough for a luxury family hotel in Portugal. If you would like any further information or are interested in booking one of these hotels please feel free to get in touch.

13 December 2018

I never had a huge inclination to visit Alaska let alone go on a cruise holiday probably because I feel the cold more than the average person and I don’t have great sea legs! Once I realised, I might see all sorts of sea life, never mind a glacier, I was sold! Our cruise departed from Seattle, a surprisingly amazing city, where it is well worth spending a few days exploring. From the iconic Space Needle, offering incredible views of the city and coastline below, to Chihuly Gardens, Pike Place Market and the many museums there really is something for everybody! Once we hit the Alaskan coast I was blown away by the incredible scenery and blue skies… this was not what I had pictured but I hadn’t really known what to expect. Our first port of call was Juneau, a pretty little port with quirky shops and bars and quite a significant craft beer scene. We embarked on a bicycle trip to Mendenhall Glacier, Juneau’s grandest attraction at about 13 miles long located in the Mendenhall Valley, a real visual treat! After such an adventurous afternoon it would have been rude not to sample some of the local brew. Most Alaska cruises will have a scenic sailing day, our sailing took us to the well-known ‘Glacier Bay’ in the southeast of the Inside passage. I can’t begin to describe the excitement buzzing through the ship as we entered the bay. The water was eerily still as the ship navigated through the huge chunks of floating ice to get close to the largest glacier, Margerie, which looks like a huge river of ice pouring down from the valley above. The captain opened the bow of the ship so that we could get closer and slowly rotated the ship. We stayed there for hours simply looking and listening, every so often you could hear the crunch of ice separate from the glacier and thunder into the water below. It was simply amazing! Although I wasn’t lucky enough to see any it is not uncommon to spot humpback whales in Glacier Bay. Along with Glacier Bay, my highlight of the trip was an ocean raft trip to explore the rugged volcanic coastline from Sitka. This was a real eco-adventure. Within half an hour we were spotting playful sea otters, sea lions, puffins and Bald-headed eagles – I was in wildlife heaven! Having already felt like my trip was complete, to top it all off, we had the company of humpback whales as we headed back to shore. To be so close to such massive amazing mammals was just surreal and I was completely overwhelmed. Top tip – book any trip like this for the morning when wildlife is at its most active. To experience the beautiful scenery of Alaska from the water and on land was quite a trip. The stunning surroundings along with the high level of comfort offered on a cruise, with fantastic food and entertainment, was quite an adventure. One that I would recommend to anyone. If you fancy making a trip like this a reality please get in touch, I would be delighted to hear from you.

13 December 2018

I’ve always loved Indian food and I always wanted to see the Taj mahal. That was enough to make me want to travel to India, but obviously, there is so much more to this amazing and colourful country. Arriving in Delhi is mad! It is quite a culture shock but doesn’t take long to realise that the locals have such friendly and warm personalities and suddenly the city doesn’t seem so daunting. I loved Delhi! For me, the most exciting part of the day was travelling on a rickshaw in Old Delhi through the narrow winding streets with hundreds of electrical cables hanging down above, like nothing I had ever seen. The funniest experience – being approached by locals asking for a photograph, of me, with them. Agra, home to the Taj Mahal, was next. Even the drive to reach Agra was interesting. How the locals travel with 20 odd people to one vehicle was amusing and the waves and beaming smiles received along the way was heart-warming. Everyone will have seen photographs of the Taj Mahal but seeing it in person is truly something special. It is just the most amazing and beautiful thing created by man to stand in front of and I was in awe! I was lucky enough to visit the Taj Mahal at both sunset and sunrise and would recommend anyone visiting the Taj Mahal to do the same. It was only after being approached by family after family for photographs that I learnt from my guide that I’d be hanging on walls all over India in no time. Next, and last, stop of the ‘Golden Triangle’ was Jaipur, the capital and largest city of Rajasthan. We stopped at Amer Fort just outside Jaipur, another amazing fort set high on a hill, surrounded on one side by a lake and mountains on the other. The setting, and scenery, is amazing! I wouldn’t say I am a history fanatic, but India’s history is fascinating. Jaipur is also known as the Pink City because of the colour of the Palace of Winds and what a beautiful palace it is. The next part of my trip I was most excited about from the start. The famous Toy Train to Shimla in the Northern Himalayas! The Toy Train is a narrow-gauge train that travels at a leisurely pace (approximately 11 miles per hour) and it is like travelling back in time. I took the Toy train from Kalka to Shimla however it is better to board the train in Chandigarh to cut out some of the journey without missing out on the dramatic views of the hills and surrounding villages or the many tunnels and bridges along the route. It is truly amazing to experience the gradual climb as the train crawls uphill into the Himalayas leaving Delhi far behind. If you are interested in India for your next adventure, I’d be delighted to hear from you!