Caribtours is a privately owned and managed holiday company specialising in tailor-made holidays to the Caribbean, Mexico, USA, Indian Ocean and Arabia. We have well-established relationships with some of the best hotels in the world and offer the highest levels of personal service, an intimate knowledge of every resort featured and a true love for luxury travel. Copyright @Caribtours http://www.caribtours.ie/blog/rss Wed, 09 March 2022 13:26:42 Wed, 09 March 2022 13:26:42 http://www.caribtours.ie/blog/rss/blog/2022/march/09/family-fun/ Round up the whole clan and escape to a destination that promises a mixture of adventure, relaxation, and fun for everyone. From travelling with toddlers or teenagers, to multi-generational getaways, we understand that planning a luxury family holiday is all about striking the perfect balance for every generation. Here is a selection of our family favourites... Windjammer Landing, Saint Lucia If you value your independence but still want all the benefits of a beach resort, Windjammer Landing could be just what you’re after. Most of the suites and villas are set into the hillside overlooking the bay, giving you a real sense of peace and privacy. The resort has a lovely relaxed atmosphere and is very child friendly, but it’s also ideal if you’re on honeymoon and looking to enjoy the romance of your own villa and private pool.  Young children can take advantage of the Jacquot Fun Club which offers a diverse array of activities to keep them entertained throughout their entire stay. From sports and tennis lessons to performances, arts, and crafts. Teens can opt for the variety of land and sea activities, as well as themed on-site and off-site events in the evenings.  Spacious family villas provide the perfect getaway. Choose between two, three or four bedrooms, and enjoy your own kitchen, dining area, living room and private plunge pool.   Sun Siyam Olhubeli Resort, The Maldives This enchanting resort is a wonderful place to witness the sublime natural beauty of the Maldives and boasts one of the best house reefs we’ve seen. Children flourish in the safe and carefree outdoor environment, while parents can appreciate its peace, tranquillity and picture-postcard beauty. The resort is set across two separate islands – one focusing on couples and the other for families so you can relax being in an environment dedicated to your family needs. Set on the Northern Noonu Atoll, and a 45-minute seaplane flight from Malé, this majestic resort caters for all, and in considerable style.  Whether it’s a kids club for young adults, a games room for teenagers or a babysitting service for the very little ones, they’re all on hand whenever you want to do your own thing. Couples wanting some immersive child-free time, for instance, can take advantage of the island’s adult-only infinity pool and restaurant areas. Children stay and eat complementary when sharing a villa with 2 adults. St Peter’s Bay Luxury Resort & Residences, Barbados Situated on a tranquil stretch of beach on the island’s northwest coast, the beautiful beachfront residences at Saint Peter’s Bay offer a stylish and contemporary home from home, alongside mesmerising Caribbean Sea views. With a choice of one, two, three or five bedrooms, with modern finishes, spacious living areas and generous terraces with breathtaking views, families will have plenty of space to spread out. The resort’s dedicated concierge team will thoroughly pamper and spoil you during your stay, and you’ll enjoy world-class amenities including a 160ft lagoon-style pool, generous range of watersports, and kids’ activity centre.  St Peters Bay is designed to be a place where families can get away and come together. From arts and crafts to indoor and outdoor parks, or even to sea turtle education, there’s always something going on to engage the children’s minds, bodies and souls. Offering adult supervision and leadership, the various kids play centres allow the whole family to engage in their favourite activities before coming together to share their stories of adventure.   Sea Breeze Beach House, Barbados Enjoy lazy days in the sun at this beautiful All-Inclusive beach resort, situated on a stunning 1,000-foot stretch of pristine south coast sand. Couples will find peace and tranquillity sinking into a memory foam lounger beside the adult-only pool, but there’s plenty for families too, including a great kids’ club, teen lounge, family pool and complimentary non-motorised watersports. With its fresh new beach house feel, this luxury, All-Inclusive, family-run boutique hotel will be sure to impress.  From family and kid friendly dining in six different dining destinations to specially designed Family Areas throughout the resort, Sea Breeze Beach House is renowned for making families feel at home. Children can take advtange of the Kids’c Club and Teen Lounge or enjoy family activities together from the sea, beach cricket and family wildlife tour.  Spacious rooms and suites all come with private balconies or terraces and make perfect family accommodations including spacious suites from Two to Four Bedrooms, offering uninterrupted panoramic ocean views.   Sugar Beach Mauritius The well-manicured gardens, elegant manor house and gently swaying palms lend Sugar Beach a tropical plantation ambience, setting the scene for this very special resort. With a gorgeous stretch of sandy beach, central lagoon pool perfect for families and a quieter pool favoured by couples, plus a good choice of food and beverage options, it is a fantastic all-rounder and attracts many repeat guests. A perfect choice for families, children under 12 yrs stay and eat free when sharing their parents’ room. Additionally, there’s a plethora of unique activities ensuring kids and teens have plenty to avail themselves with. Activities include paddle boarding, windsurfing classes and even a day excursions to marvel at the dolphons. There’s also fishing for crabs or partaking in the resorts ‘Olympic Games’. Like parents, ‘Sun Kids’ can also enjoy grown up activities such as spa treatments, golfing and movies on the beach. Dreams Corfu, Greece A brand-new opening for July 2022 and the first Dreams resort in Greece is sure to make a splash, with stylish accommodation, fantastic family facilities and a characteristically generous all-inclusive offering. The seafront location is perfect for beach lovers, with the charming town of Gouvia just along the bay, and the short airport transfer is another big plus for those travelling with kids. The resort has plenty to offer couples too, with a dedicated adults only pool and romantic swim-out suites.  Travelling with little ones in tow as never been simpler. They will love the Explorer’s Club, where they can enjoy hours of games and activities organised by the entertainment team. Teens, meanwhile, will be kept busy at the Core Zone Club, where they’ll find PlayStations and activities geared towards their age group.  There’s an array of accommodation geared to families from the Family Garden and Sea View rooms which can comfortable sleep 4 pers to the Preferred Club Two Bedroom Suite which can accommodate up to 6 pers and comes with additional benefits including personalised check-in and out, exclusive concierge services, tablet in the room, minibar with water, soft drinks and beer and accommodation situated in the hottest spots of the hotel.  Ikos Dassia, Corfu, Greece Award-wining Ikos Dassia is famed for its re-invented all-inclusive programme with Michelin-starred menus, 24-hour room service and many more benefits which attracts families year after year whilst still being a popular couple’s resort, the Ikos brand have cleverly combined amenities making it an effortless holiday for all. With 25 acres of verdant space adjacent to the breathtaking Ionian coast, a white-sand beach to call its own, and a great setting just 15 minutes away from Corfu Town, you can’t beat this resort’s location.  A whole world of fun awaits youngsters of all ages; there’s Heroes Crèche for smaller guests, while Heroes Kids Club and Just4Teens provide a programme of organised events, sports and learning morning and afternoon. All of the clubs are operated by childcare experts, operating in line with UK Ofsted standards. And when you’re on the beach and would like a little time to yourselves, the beachside childcare service lets you enjoy a short break free of charge. In addition to the clubs, there’s an array of activities to enjoy as a family from crafts, sports, cooking, water spots, swimming, games and spa and not to mention the 600m long exclusive beach.  There are many room options to choose from the Junior Suites comfortable accommodating 2 adults and a child to the Family Rooms with private balcony and space for up to 4 pers. multi-generational families will love the villas with beachfront location, private pools, high level of privacy and can accommodate up to 7 pers.  Mandarin Oriental Canouan, St Vincent & The Grenadines Escape from the rest of the world at the ultra-exclusive Mandarin Oriental Canouan, which has quickly put the little-known island of Canouan firmly on the map. You would struggle to find a more perfect location anywhere in the Caribbean, with a jaw-dropping white-sand beach alongside a brilliant turquoise lagoon. Add the opulent suites, superb restaurants and extensive facilities into the mix and you’ll discover one of the most luxurious holidays that money can buy.  A heap of fun and games await at the Canouan Kids Club offering fully equippted facilities to both Kids’ and Teens. There’s beach Olympics, cricket and yoga to keep them active as well arts and crafts for creative minds. Babysitting is available on request and any items you may need in your suite such as baby cots can be booked in advance.  The resort has a truly spectacular location which must be enjoyed by all the family. There’s an array of day trips to explore including a trip to neighbouring island Mustique, Sea Turtle and Reef Snorkelling at Tobago Cays, Yoga classes and historical tours of the area. http://www.caribtours.ie/blog/rss/blog/2022/march/09/family-fun/ http://www.caribtours.ie/blog/rss/blog/2022/march/09/family-fun/ Wed, 09 March 2022 13:26:42 http://www.caribtours.ie/blog/rss/blog/2020/dreaming-of-multi-generational-family-holidays/ Claire, our Head of Marketing, is dreaming of her multi-generational family holiday and shares her recommendations from the team…   As I write this blog, I should have been away on holiday with my family including husband and two girls ages 10 and seven, along with my mum, my twin sister and her family with two girls of similar ages as well as her two older stepchildren. Although I appreciate we are in a fortunate position to be well, at home together, able to still work safely from home, and carry on as best as possible, I can’t help feel disappointed that we aren’t all seeing each other and enjoying many of the things we have been looking forward to. Although again I appreciate it’s not a big sacrifice in the grand scheme of things right now, we will still be missing out on planned holidays that we have spent weeks, or even months, counting down the days to. So, to get us through the disappointment, we have been enjoying many FaceTime group chats and talking about our future holidays together. I find myself looking through our collection of amazing destinations and hotels, not just from a marketing perspective, but also to consider where we could go as an extended family, with three generations to cater for. Discussing with our expert Travel Advisors and Product team, we came up with a selection of suitable destinations and hotels, including resorts with varied room options, activities for all, and somewhere to simply sit back and relax. For the Caribbean , a top recommendation was Sea Breeze Beach House by Ocean Hotels in Barbados which has a contemporary fresh new beach house feel following an extensive renovation. This luxury, All-Inclusive, family-run boutique hotel has a stunning 1,000-foot stretch beachfront location and is only 15 mins from the airport. The adults would be content just sinking into the memory foam loungers, cocktails in hands, but there’s actually plenty for youngsters too, including a great kids’ club, teen lounge, family pool and plenty of complimentary non-motorised watersports to enjoy as well as additional arranged beach games. My sister and I would really benefit from the Caribbean Beach Fit classes, and I know my mum would enjoy a resort walk to Oistins, and we could all do the Kayak Snorkelling Tour.   One of our most popular hotels, Blue Waters , Antigua is perfect for families, as they have a variety of room types to suit different budgets. The Cove Suites or one of the Villas come personally recommended by our expert team, as they have plenty of space but with all the benefits of staying in a hotel. Pelican House consists of two stylish three-bedroom villas with a shared pool or, booked in its entirety, a generous six-bedroom villa, which would allow us to all stay together. The other major attractions for families are the stunning sheltered cove beaches, ideal for snorkelling, and the dining options. Dinnertime with the family can sometimes be a meal in itself; Blue Waters' early dining option, special children’s buffet (available on a seasonal basis) and dedicated menu, is designed with a younger audience in mind, aiming to make family mealtimes more manageable. Thinking of my mum, she would be in her element amongst the acres of stunning tropical gardens. So there really is something for everyone.   Our Product Manager for Indian Ocean recommended I also looked into a holiday to Mauritius and a stay at Long Beach . The family rooms there are just brilliant; they even offer two kids up to 11 years old to stay free of charge in the Junior Suite. They also have fantastic Family Suites, which are spacious enough to fit two adults and three kids or two adults and two teens. The Family Suites offer excellent added value for adults including a 30-minute massage and a complimentary babysitter service during the massage. This luxurious resort offers a great balance of relaxation and activity with the spa and activities on offer. With a weekly sports programme including aqua gym, badminton, yoga and Zumba, and classes as diverse as painting and pastry making, we will all be kept occupied, even mum who loves painting and baking. Plus the kids will make the most of the climbing wall and just about every watersport on offer. Our team also love the sociable central piazza which has a real buzz in the evenings and a great place to mix and mingle with fellow holidaymakers. Looking at European family holiday destinations Pine Cliffs in Portugal is widely recognized as one of the most luxurious resorts in Europe with its many awards including Best Family Resort, and is also a favourite amongst our team. Beautifully poised on a clifftop above a golden-sand beach, it offers stunning views with the beach can be accessed via a scenic walkway and panoramic elevator leading to a private area reserved for resort guests. It’s a great choice in terms of space, as they offer up to three-bedroom Residences and four-bedroom Townhouses. For family’s keen to explore their holiday destination like ours, Pine Cliffs offer a programme of tailored local experiences to guide you through the heritage, cuisine, and landscape of Portugal. They also run the Annabel Croft Tennis Academy which is perfect for tennis lovers and those looking to perfect their skills. IKOS Dassia in Corfu is a great option too with their stunning three-bedroom Villas each with a private pool and is also fantastic value for families, with it being on an All-Inclusive basis. It is well located on a beautiful white-sand beach flanked by olive and pine trees, just 15 minutes away from picturesque Corfu Town and only 20 mins from the airport. The All-Inclusive offering is fabulous, with menus crafted by Michelin-star chefs and fine dining to please all palates. Our team recommend booking a table at Ouzo for a truly Greek experience and for even more options, using the shuttle bus to travel into the old town and dine out at one of the restaurants included in the All-Inclusive plan. There is a range of activities on land and water, including tennis, aqua aerobics, yoga, water polo, canoeing and beach volleyball. One of the amazing extras for us is the evening entertainment on offer, with musicals, movies, children’s shows and live music, which I am sure will entertain us all! My kids aren’t too keen on sunbathing so would prefer a holiday with an abundance of kids’ activities like what’s on offer at LUX* Grand Gaube in Mauritius . The kids’ club offers daily programmes for those aged three to 11 with expert supervision and more than enough to keep young minds inspired. From Cake Boss decorating to Junk Art Gallery classes and even an outdoor Cinema Paradiso for movies under the stars. Although our kids don’t fit into the older category yet, teens aged between 12 and 17 also have their own dedicated activities including bike rides to explore the neighbourhood and immerse themselves in island life.  I love the family accommodation offering at Saint Peter's Bay Luxury Resort & Residences in Barbados and have been lucky enough to stay there myself; the luxurious beachfront apartments here are adorned with spacious terraces each with hot tub. I loved coming back to the room at the end of the day and enjoying a drink taking in the fantastic views. The staff are so friendly and helpful too. It’s a great base for an independent family looking to explore the island, enjoy local restaurants and have plenty of space, as the rooms provide fully equipped kitchens and other amenities. My kids would love the lagoon-style swimming pools, complimentary non-motorised watersports and snorkelling with turtles in the crystal-clear waters. Not only has a stunning sandy beach but it’s also home to nesting green turtles. During the months of mid-May to late-October, you’ll likely have the privilege of witnessing the adorable young take their first uncertain steps towards the sea. You can also benefit from the use of the resort’s complimentary water taxi to visit historic Speightstown which would keep my mum happy, plus visit the sister resort Port Ferdinand and surrounding attractions and restaurants.   Another Caribbean option I would love to take the family to is Windjammer Landing Villa Beach Resort in Saint Lucia ; Windjammer is great for extended families with villas that will accommodate up to 12 people. It provides the best of both worlds with the privacy and comfort of your own villa, along with all the benefits of a luxury resort which has all the beauty and charm of a picturesque Mediterranean village. The resort is situated on a lovely beach and has all the facilities you could want and more, including four swimming pools, two children’s pools, two floodlit tennis courts, a fully-equipped gym, yoga deck, games room, mini-mart and complimentary watersports, even tube rides! There’s a lovely spa for the grown-ups and a fun kids club for younger guests. The All-Inclusive options are recommended to take advantage of the five restaurants and four bars which offer a wide variety of cuisine and ambience.     These are the destinations I’m dreaming of and looking forward to visiting when this is all over. I take comfort in the fact we are all in this together; we will get through this and come out stronger the other side, but for now, it’s time to dream. If you'd like to find out more about any of these hotels or to make a holiday enquiry, give our friendly Travel Advisers a call on 01 431 9700 . http://www.caribtours.ie/blog/rss/blog/2020/dreaming-of-multi-generational-family-holidays/ http://www.caribtours.ie/blog/rss/blog/2020/dreaming-of-multi-generational-family-holidays/ Fri, 17 April 2020 12:22:39 http://www.caribtours.ie/blog/rss/blog/2020/april/07/dreaming-of-the-maldives/ Fiona, our Private Sales Manager and Mandy, our Senior Travel Adviser both love the Maldives  and want to tell us about their amazing time there, and why they’re dreaming about returning one day… Upon arriving in Malé, the capital of the Maldives, we loved the hustle and bustle but it’s safe to say that it had changed a lot in the last 20 years since our last visit, when it was much smaller and so quiet! Each hotel offers its own unique atmosphere and we truly loved every minute of our idyllic escape. One of the highlights from the offset were the individual Courtesy Rooms most hotels have for you at Mal é airport, that you can use to wait for your onward transfer to each island, it makes some of the waiting more comfortable and you can relax before you set off. Transferring to each island either by seaplane or speedboat is an adventure and both great ways to arrive at your chosen island, you could even split a stay by staying at one hotel that has a seaplane transfer and then one that offers a speedboat transfer, so you get to experience both options. LUX* South Ari Atoll Our first impressions of LUX* South Ari Atoll were fantastic, it seemed to be the epitome of barefoot island luxury; LUX* South Ari Atoll is the larger Maldivian island out of the two properties here in the Maldives with a lovely contemporary twist. What made our stay here so special were all the little additional LUX* touches, such as a message in a bottle they hide on the island for the guests to seek and find, the Magic Tree of Wishes, Phone Home telephone boxes that are dotted around the island and many more added luxuries to discover while you are there! The rooms were modern in style, they contained everything you required to have a comfortable stay and perched directly on the beach; you literally woke up and rolled out of bed onto the beach, talk about paradise! Breakfast at the amazing over-water restaurant, East Market, was a beautiful start to the day, with its vast selection of breakfast options. This is one resort that has something for everyone: families and multi-generation families, couples as well as groups of friends. They offer a wealth of activities including the PLAY kids’ club (3-11 yrs), Studio 17 teens’ club (12-17 yrs), windsurfing, wakeboarding, hoverboarding and flyboarding! The more adventurous types can even take the plunge and do a PADI diving course. We opted for the more gentile option of a leisurely bike ride around the island to take in the beauty. TAKE ME THERE> Huvafen Fushi We then travelled over to Huvafen Fushi, which is a smaller, stylish island that provides a more intimate vibe, making it the perfect destination for couples. The resort simply exudes romance; from the wonderful under-water spa offering couples’ treatments, to the unique, underground wine cellar providing an intimate dining experience. We also particularly enjoyed the natural ambience of the fantastic outdoor cinema!   The rooms were fabulous, all with their very own private pool. Our rooms were situated on the beach and had partially open bathrooms for that added touch of barefoot luxury, with its own pool in the bathroom! We enjoyed the spectacular sea views that accompanied our mealtimes; lunch at Forno sat under the trees, eating and sharing delicious Italian style cuisine was a particularly memorable experience. TAKE ME THERE> Kanuhura Next on our Maldivian adventure, we arrived at Kanuhura, a larger island than most with lots at wonderful white-sand beaches, which were pure bliss to sink our toes into and walk for miles. One of the delightful features at this resort is another island called Jehunuhura, which you can access by boat. It is part of the resort used for just relaxing and finding that quiet space to read a good book and make the most of total peace. We recommend a light lunch at Drift restaurant on the beach, it is truly stunning. Kanuhura’s unique selling points were the eclectic mix of restaurants available – eight in total – serving everything from Mediterranean and Asian fusion dishes, to Italian and local and international cuisine, as well as the option for personalised gourmet menus at the Chef's Herb Garden. It’s also an ideal resort for families, boasting a great Kids’ Club and an abundance of watersports. We stayed in one of the luxurious two-bedroom beach bungalows, complete with private pool. There was even the option of having a third room as a satellite from the main room, which would be a perfect addition for families. We enjoyed getting out and about on bikes to explore the beautiful island further. TAKE ME THERE> Joali Joali was the icing on the cake of our amazing holiday; providing the ‘wow’ factor straight away as we pulled up to the stingray arrival jetty, we were met by our own “Jadugar” butler, he looked after us from start to the end of our stay, he even anticipated what we liked and wanted before we did, it was amazing! Joali is another resort that offers something for everyone, from couples to multi-generation families; its a quieter island, so a wonderful place to spend some great quality time with each other. We loved the art work that is dotted all over the island, it was exciting to discover something new around every corner. Everything here was just sensational, from the awe-inspiring views from our high-ceilinged, supremely spacious over-water villa (with a private infinity pool and stunning outdoor shower), to the delightful Joali spa treatments, all by ESPA in a beautiful, relaxing setting. Each room has their own his and hers bikes allocated for the duration of your stay, for that added touch of romance and adventure. Dining at Joali was out of this world; we dined at the Japanese restaurant Saoke, which is set in an amazing building designed by Noriyoshi Muramatsu, perched on the water, it was simply sublime; we had the most amazing Japanese meal paired with sake for each course. There is a private dining area for couples seeking a more intimate dining experience and also for those seeking Teppanyaki/Kotatsu seating options. We dined outside one evening at Bellini's, with our feet in the sand experiencing Italian “nonna approved” fine dining dishes, they were delicious! We were very sad to leave this little island of paradise. If you'd like to find out more about the Maldives or to make a holiday enquiry, give us a call on 020 7751 0660 . http://www.caribtours.ie/blog/rss/blog/2020/april/07/dreaming-of-the-maldives/ http://www.caribtours.ie/blog/rss/blog/2020/april/07/dreaming-of-the-maldives/ Tue, 07 April 2020 13:01:22 http://www.caribtours.ie/blog/rss/blog/2020/march/31/spotlight-on-baros-maldives/ Petya Stoyanova, Destination Manager at Caribtours, is dreaming of a romantic getaway to the bedazzling Baros Island in the Maldives . Every island in the Maldives has a different atmosphere that makes them unique; some of them are busier, more family-focused, like Olhuveli and others are more for honeymooners that seek disconnection from the world, like Baros. Baros Island is intimate and outstandingly beautiful, with sparkling turquoise waters and soft white sand. It’s a natural paradise and one of the most romantic places in the world, and is renowned for its impeccable service; the resort’s professional and friendly team are always ready and waiting to greet guests upon arrival. It’s also very conveniently located, with only a 25 min speed boat ride from the airport. The accommodation can only be described as idyllic, including everything you'll need and more. The luxurious Water Villas, in particular, come complete with a private pool and beautiful sunset views. All Beach/Water Villas are very spacious with a contemporary design, surrounded by nature and exotic marine life. Guests are encouraged to make the most of the abundance of activities on offer, with highlights including the pampering spa, private dolphin cruise where, Champagne in hand, you can witness jovial dolphins taking to the waves. There is also a variety of watersports available, with the sensational snorkelling deserving of a special mention. The evening entertainment is also a highlight at this fantastic resort. A delicious seafood supper at The Lighthouse restaurant, set over the lagoon and under a blanket of stars, will undoubtedly set the scene for the most romantic meal you'll ever experience. The Maldivian culture is electric, and coupled with the amazing food and welcoming locals will make a stay here truly unforgettable. If you'd like to find out more about this hotel or to make a holiday enquiry, give me a call on 020 7751 0660 . http://www.caribtours.ie/blog/rss/blog/2020/march/31/spotlight-on-baros-maldives/ http://www.caribtours.ie/blog/rss/blog/2020/march/31/spotlight-on-baros-maldives/ Tue, 31 March 2020 12:15:04 http://www.caribtours.ie/blog/rss/blog/2020/march/30/something-to-look-forward-to/ In light of these uncertain times we are living in, we need to remember that we are all in this together. We too share the dream of a time when we can travel again and spend quality time with our loved ones and friends; as we keep saying, Our Beautiful World will still be beautiful when this is all over. Looking to the future our dreams of travel remain steadfast, and when the time is right, we’ll be looking for that all-important escapism, that something to look forward to. Our mission, which is now more important than ever, is to provide inspiration for adventures to come. Our experts have chosen their favourite destinations that inspire their future trips, and will hopefully inspire yours too. So, here’s to looking forward, and eventually making those travel dreams come true. Time To Dream... Rebecca, our Head of Sales is looking forward to escaping to  Barbados  when this is all over... "A stay at Sandy Lane, Barbados is my version of paradise! I can picture it now; rum punch in hand, toes in the sand, lounging next to the azure waters listening to the soulful beat of the Calypso band, not to mention the impeccable service and delicious food, lulling me into holiday mode. I can't wait to go back!" READ MORE> Rebecca Recommends... Fairmont Royal Pavilion, Barbados    "I just love this exquisite resort. Rich in atmosphere and authentically Bajan, I think the Fairmont Royal Pavilion is the perfect place to just relax and unwind. The views are stunning and the setting is so peaceful, if you’re looking for a tranquil Caribbean getaway with a true sense of style and good taste, then you’ll be delighted with a stay here." TAKE ME THERE >   Natalia our Destination Manager is dreaming of the Canary Islands in Spain , and reflects on her time in Tenerife...  “Tenerife is the perfect place for a family holiday; I stayed at Bahia del Duque with my husband and little boy, and we thoroughly enjoyed the beautiful beaches, friendly locals, delicious food and abundance of activities! M y son was won over by the chocolate fountain, kids’ cocktails and funky disco held at the fun-packed Kid’s Club.  I look forward to returning.” READ MORE> Natalia Recommends... The Ritz-Carlton, Abama, Tenerife "This spectacular resort is a haven of contemporary style and indulgent luxury, with breathtaking views across the Atlantic towards the island of La Gomera. I recommend The Ritz- Carlton, Abama as a fabulous choice for families, including Michelin-starred dining, a world-class golf course, a sumptuous spa and fantastic Kids' Club." TAKE ME THERE> Petya our Destination Manager is dreaming of a visit to Baros in the marvellous Maldives ...   “ Baros  in the Maldives is one of the most romantic destinations in the world, and I dream of going. Baros is intimate and incredibly beautiful – with its sparkling turquoise seas and soft white sands. From romantic overwater Water Villas, sunset cruises to sensational snorkelling, it’s the perfect place for couples to disconnect from the world and enjoy some alone time together.” READ MORE > Petya Recommends... Olhuveli Beach and Spa, Maldives   "Being set over two islands, Olhuveli has plenty of space for couples to have that all-important alone time. At low tide, a sandbank emerges out of the lagoon in front of the Sunset Jacuzzi Water Villas and stretches for miles, a unique feature of this resort where I suggest taking a romantic stroll with a loved one." TAKE ME THERE> If you'd like to find out more about any of these hotels or to make a holiday enquiry, give our friendly Travel Advisers a call on 01 431 9700 . http://www.caribtours.ie/blog/rss/blog/2020/march/30/something-to-look-forward-to/ http://www.caribtours.ie/blog/rss/blog/2020/march/30/something-to-look-forward-to/ Mon, 30 March 2020 15:06:42 http://www.caribtours.ie/blog/rss/blog/2020/karen-visits-antigua/ Karen , our Trade Sales Manager, enjoyed a trip to the picturesque Antigua last year, she fills us in on what she got up to. We were lucky enough to be granted access to the exclusive Virgin Atlantic Clubhouse at London Gatwick which was a very luxurious start to our trip. The lounge was just stunning and we were really well looked after with a great choice of food and drink – there’s even a spa area so you can treat yourself to a pampering massage before you jet off! The group and I flew Premium Economy both ways, and I must say I was really impressed. The catering onboard was some of the best I have experienced (especially the welcome glass of fizz!) and the Cabin crew and aircraft were both great. When we landed in Antigua , we were greeted by representatives from our ground agents, St. James Travel & Tours and handed a cold towel and fresh bottle of water to sip during the journey to Carlisle Bay . The beach at Carlisle Bay was just stunning and I was extra glad I’d be able to soak up the views from my beautiful Beach Suite. These suites are perfect for families as they’ve got a separate twin bedroom for the kids and, if you’re on the ground floor, you can step right out onto the sand. The resort is actually split into two sections – one for adults and one for families, so even if you’re travelling as a couple, you’ll still be able to enjoy the adult-only aspect of the resort. We dined at Indigo and the food was lovely; we had a tasting menu which included lots of delicious fresh fish and shellfish. We also had breakfast here the next day which was amazing and a great beachfront setting to start the day, with the relaxing sounds of crashing waves as you sip your coffee. TAKE ME THERE> Our next resort was the exceptional Jumby Bay , and all I can say is ‘wow!’ We were treated like royalty from start to finish and I didn’t want to leave. Jumby Bay is set on its own 300-acre private island and really is a five-star deluxe resort; the rooms are so stunning and everything is of such a high standard. We were allocated Pool Suites with a nice bottle of fizz on arrival. There was a generous amount of living space in the suites, and vaulted ceilings further enhanced the sense of space. My suite had a private garden with an outdoor rain shower and soaking tub, plus a private pool and beautiful sea views. TAKE ME THERE> In the afternoon, we went for a bike ride around the island which was great fun. A group of homeowners own Jumby Bay Island and they ensure the ecology is protected and sustainable, so it’s easy to spot wildlife and appreciate the nurtured natural environment here. On the beach, you’re well looked after with homemade ice cream, smoothies and fresh fruit, and there are a seemingly unlimited amount of watersports to take part in, and you can even learn how to sail with a complimentary beginners’ sailing clinic. My favourite part of the stay was the renowned ‘White Night’ beach party; a fabulous gathering of guests and staff where everyone dresses in white, and enjoys a beach barbecue to the tunes of a live band and singer. The next day we enjoyed a gorgeous lunch at  Galley Bay . The hotel was looking really lovely, particularly the bedazzling beachfront Gaugain Cottages, which are newly refurbished and look fabulous. Since my last visit, they have added little stations like “light bites” and a rum shack within the grounds which were charmingly quaint little touches. The lunch here was so much fun, the staff were all so friendly and hospitable; the food was outstanding and truly some of the best we had while we were on the island.   TAKE ME THERE> We then travelled to the beautiful  Hammock Cove , which gave off a wonderfully contemporary vibe. All suites are spacious, all-inclusive and for adults only, with their own private plunge pools and a swinging chair, which is a fun addition.    TAKE ME THERE> Positioned as the newest boutique hotel on the island, the resort boasts three pillars are gastronomy, personalized service and uninterrupted luxury. The views here were stunning; perched adjacent to the majestic  Devil’s Bridge National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site,  it's undoubtedly going to be dubbed the new “hotspot” in Antigua.  We especially loved the Lighthouse Restaurant, which serves exquisite Caribbean fusion cuisine. TAKE ME THERE> Our trip concluded with two nights at The Inn at English Harbour, and it was a truly wonderful stay.   We all had sumptuous Deluxe Suites and were lucky enough to eat at both The Reef Restaurant and The Terrace. The food at the Inn was simply out of this world; the staff were fantastic, delivering impeccable service. I spent an evening dining with  the friendly  general manager, Fabio Giorgi and his wife, sampling  their delightful taster menu. For those looking for some adventure on their holiday, I would highly recommend the Jeep Safari, followed by a swim at “Stingray City”, perfect for active families seeking a fun day out.  If you'd like to find out more about Antigua, or to make a holiday enquiry, give me a call on 01 431 9700 . http://www.caribtours.ie/blog/rss/blog/2020/karen-visits-antigua/ http://www.caribtours.ie/blog/rss/blog/2020/karen-visits-antigua/ Mon, 09 March 2020 17:26:02 http://www.caribtours.ie/blog/rss/blog/2020/march/09/karen-visits-antigua/ Karen, our Trade Sales Manager, enjoyed a trip to the picturesque Antigua last year, she fills us in on what she got up to. We were lucky enough to be granted access to the exclusive Virgin Atlantic Clubhouse at London Gatwick which was a very luxurious start to our trip. The lounge was just stunning and we were really well looked after with a great choice of food and drink – there’s even a spa area so you can treat yourself to a pampering massage before you jet off! The group and I flew Premium Economy both ways, and I must say I was really impressed. The catering onboard was some of the best I have experienced (especially the welcome glass of fizz!) and the Cabin crew and aircraft were both great. When we landed in Antigua , we were greeted by representatives from our ground agents, St. James Travel & Tours and handed a cold towel and fresh bottle of water to sip during the journey to Carlisle Bay. The beach at Carlisle Bay was just stunning and I was extra glad I’d be able to soak up the views from my beautiful Beach Suite. These suites are perfect for families as they’ve got a separate twin bedroom for the kids and, if you’re on the ground floor, you can step right out onto the sand. The resort is actually split into two sections – one for adults and one for families, so even if you’re travelling as a couple, you’ll still be able to enjoy the adult-only aspect of the resort. We dined at Indigo and the food was lovely; we had a tasting menu which included lots of delicious fresh fish and shellfish. We also had breakfast here the next day which was amazing and a great beachfront setting to start the day, with the relaxing sounds of crashing waves as you sip your coffee. TAKE ME THERE> Our next resort was the exceptional Jumby Bay , and all I can say is ‘wow!’ We were treated like royalty from start to finish and I didn’t want to leave. Jumby Bay is set on its own 300-acre private island and really is a five-star deluxe resort; the rooms are so stunning and everything is of such a high standard. We were allocated Pool Suites with a nice bottle of fizz on arrival. There was a generous amount of living space in the suites, and vaulted ceilings further enhanced the sense of space. My suite had a private garden with an outdoor rain shower and soaking tub, plus a private pool and beautiful sea views. TAKE ME THERE> In the afternoon, we went for a bike ride around the island which was great fun. A group of homeowners own Jumby Bay Island and they ensure the ecology is protected and sustainable, so it’s easy to spot wildlife and appreciate the nurtured natural environment here. On the beach, you’re well looked after with homemade ice cream, smoothies and fresh fruit, and there are a seemingly unlimited amount of watersports to take part in, and you can even learn how to sail with a complimentary beginners’ sailing clinic. My favourite part of the stay was the renowned ‘White Night’ beach party; a fabulous gathering of guests and staff where everyone dresses in white, and enjoys a beach barbecue to the tunes of a live band and singer. The next day we enjoyed a gorgeous lunch at  Galley Bay . The hotel was looking really lovely, particularly the bedazzling beachfront Gaugain Cottages, which are newly refurbished and look fabulous. Since my last visit, they have added little stations like “light bites” and a rum shack within the grounds which were charmingly quaint little touches. The lunch here was so much fun, the staff were all so friendly and hospitable; the food was outstanding and truly some of the best we had while we were on the island.   TAKE ME THERE> We then travelled to the beautiful  Hammock Cove , which gave off a wonderfully contemporary vibe. All suites are spacious, all-inclusive and for adults only, with their own private plunge pools and a swinging chair, which is a fun addition.    TAKE ME THERE> Positioned as the newest boutique hotel on the island, the resort boasts three pillars are gastronomy, personalized service and uninterrupted luxury. The views here were stunning; perched adjacent to the majestic  Devil’s Bridge National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site,  it's undoubtedly going to be dubbed the new “hotspot” in Antigua.  We especially loved the Lighthouse Restaurant, which serves exquisite Caribbean fusion cuisine. TAKE ME THERE> Our trip concluded with two nights at The Inn at English Harbour , and it was a truly wonderful stay.   We all had sumptuous Deluxe Suites and were lucky enough to eat at both The Reef Restaurant and The Terrace. The food at the Inn was simply out of this world; the staff were fantastic, delivering impeccable service. I spent an evening dining with  the friendly  general manager, Fabio Giorgi and his wife, sampling  their delightful taster menu. For those looking for some adventure on their holiday, I would highly recommend the Jeep Safari, followed by a swim at “Stingray City”, perfect for active families seeking a fun day out.  If you'd like to find out more about Antigua, or to make a holiday enquiry, give me a call on 020 7751 0660 or fill out the form below. var contourDateFormat = "dd/mm/yy"; var contourFieldValuesae32a616f139416d816cc4209acbce0e; (function ($) { $(function () { $("#contour_form_OnlineContactform .contourPage input").change(function() { PopulateFieldValuesae32a616f139416d816cc4209acbce0e(); CheckRulesae32a616f139416d816cc4209acbce0e(); }); $("#contour_form_OnlineContactform .contourPage select").change(function () { PopulateFieldValuesae32a616f139416d816cc4209acbce0e(); CheckRulesae32a616f139416d816cc4209acbce0e(); }); PopulateFieldValuesae32a616f139416d816cc4209acbce0e(); CheckRulesae32a616f139416d816cc4209acbce0e(); }); } (jQuery)); function PopulateFieldValuesae32a616f139416d816cc4209acbce0e() { //fill field values //contourFieldValues = new Array(); PopulateRecordValuesae32a616f139416d816cc4209acbce0e(); $("#contour_form_OnlineContactform .contourPage select").each(function() { contourFieldValuesae32a616f139416d816cc4209acbce0e[$(this).attr("id")] = $("option[value='" + $(this).val() + "']", $(this)).text(); }); $("#contour_form_OnlineContactform .contourPage input").each(function() { if($(this).attr('type') == "text"){ contourFieldValuesae32a616f139416d816cc4209acbce0e[$(this).attr("id")] = $(this).val(); } if($(this).attr('type') == "radio"){ if($(this).is(':checked')) { contourFieldValuesae32a616f139416d816cc4209acbce0e[$(this).attr("name")] = $(this).val(); } } if($(this).attr('type') == "checkbox"){ if($(this).attr('id') != $(this).attr('name')) { if($(this).is(':checked')) { if(contourFieldValuesae32a616f139416d816cc4209acbce0e[$(this).attr("name")] == null) { contourFieldValuesae32a616f139416d816cc4209acbce0e[$(this).attr("name")] = $(this).val(); } else { contourFieldValuesae32a616f139416d816cc4209acbce0e[$(this).attr("name")] += "," + $(this).val(); } } } else { contourFieldValuesae32a616f139416d816cc4209acbce0e[$(this).attr("name")] = $(this).is(':checked').toString(); } } }); } function PopulateRecordValuesae32a616f139416d816cc4209acbce0e() { contourFieldValuesae32a616f139416d816cc4209acbce0e = new Array(); } function CheckRulesae32a616f139416d816cc4209acbce0e() { } Online Contact Form Firstname Surname Email address Telephone Number Preferred date of travel Number of nights Number of people Age of Children Travelling (If Any) Holiday Destination Preferred Class of Travel Economy Premium Economy Business Class First Class Private Jet Preferred Hotel (If Known) Preferred Room Type (If Known) Preferred Meal Plan Approximate budget Any Additional Information Where did you hear about us? Google Newspaper or Magazine Advert Social Media Other Already on Database Would you like to hear about exclusive holiday offers and updates from Caribtours via email? Yes please . Message http://www.caribtours.ie/blog/rss/blog/2020/march/09/karen-visits-antigua/ http://www.caribtours.ie/blog/rss/blog/2020/march/09/karen-visits-antigua/ Mon, 09 March 2020 17:26:02 http://www.caribtours.ie/blog/rss/blog/2020/february/01/just-back-from-sandy-lane-barbados/ Rebecca Bryson, Head of Sales at Caribtours, just returned from a sensational trip to the iconic Sandy Lane , Barbados … When you stay at Sandy Lane , the experience begins before you even arrive at the hotel. Each guest is treated to a VIP airport service in Barbados, where you’re whisked through immigration by staff in pink suits, and driven to the hotel in a plush air-conditioned Mercedes.   Upon arrival, I was handed a refreshing rum punch and taken to my suite where the check-in takes place in complete calm and privacy. The soulful music of Etta James rang through my ears as I was shown how all the gadgets in my suite worked.     My group and I made our way to the oceanfront Bajan Blue restaurant for dinner that evening, where we were overwhelmed by a phenomenal amount of choice. It was a buffet spread like I’d never seen before, with over 100 food stations, and that was before dessert!     The evening ended with drinks and dancing to a live band before I made my way to my suite, where a chocolate truffle on my pillow was accompanied by an Irish proverb card reading, “A good laugh and a long sleep are the best cures in the doctor’s book.” TAKE ME THERE> If you'd like to find out more about this hotel or to make a holiday enquiry, give me a call on 020 7751 0660 . http://www.caribtours.ie/blog/rss/blog/2020/february/01/just-back-from-sandy-lane-barbados/ http://www.caribtours.ie/blog/rss/blog/2020/february/01/just-back-from-sandy-lane-barbados/ Sat, 01 February 2020 14:00:32 http://www.caribtours.ie/blog/rss/blog/2019/december/27/just-back-from/ At Caribtours we all share a passion for our stunning destinations – throughout the year our dedicated team travel across the globe to keep an eye on our beloved resorts and a lookout for even more luxurious gems for your next dream getaway. BAHIA DEL DUQUE, TENERIFE, SPAIN Natalia, Destination Manager I went to Bahia del Duque for a relaxing family holiday with my husband and little boy, and what really stood out from the beginning was the amazing service from the staff , who went above and beyond to make us feel at home. The resort really had the ‘wow factor’, with its stunning architecture designed to look like an authentic Spanish village, and it was just a stone’s throw from the beautiful sandy beach. Our spacious oceanview suite off ered spectacular views of Tenerife, which lit up the landscape at night. The breakfast provided was out of this world, as was our decadent dinner at the La Brassier restaurant which is overseen by two-Michelin-star chef, Pierre Resimont. And my son was won over by the chocolate fountain, kids’ cocktails and funky disco held at the fun-packed Kid’s Club. TAKE ME THERE >   CORAL REEF CLUB, BARBADOS   Fiona, Private Sales Manager Upon arrival, as I ambled through the luscious garden, the headiest aroma from the casuarina and frangipani trees floated through the air, adding to the warm welcome of the O’Hara family who have lovingly tended to the resort for over 60 years. The Coral Reef Club flawlessly captures the unique sights, sounds and tastes of the Caribbean whilst serving the finest in luxury accommodation. Our spacious Luxury Garden Cottage with private plunge pool stepped out onto the 12 acres of gorgeous garden, and was just a stone’s throw from the powder-soft beach. The highlight had to be the famous Thursday night barbecue which was followed by a fantastic fire-eating show and limbo dancing. TAKE ME THERE >   THE SANDPIPER, BARBADOS   Fiona, Private Sales Manager As sister resort of Coral Reef Club, I had high expectations for this elegant hotel and it did not disappoint. The Sandpiper is perched on a stunning sandy beach on the West Coast, softly caressed by sapphire seas and surrounded by tantalising tropical gardens. The hospitable Bajan ambience is palpable and echoes the warm family vibe of its sister hotel. Our Two Bedroom Suite was very spacious and included a luxurious king size bed and beautiful balcony overlooking the seven acres of garden. Their award-winning restaurant, sat adjacent to torch-lit tropical gardens and surrounded by serene koi ponds, serves eclectic food with Caribbean flair. The superb chili-marinated roast Caribbean shrimp dish deserves a special mention. TAKE ME THERE >   SPICE ISLAND BEACH RESORT, GRENADA   Jill, Destination Manager This trip marked my sixth visit to the sensational all-inclusive Spice Island. Positioned at the heart of Grand Anse Beach, it’s a resort that has earned a special place in my heart. The welcoming west-coast views across the tranquil sea immediately drew me in, as the friendly and dedicated staff escorted my husband and I to our Sea Grape Beach Suite, complete with panoramic ocean views and double hammock perched on the terrace. Mojito in hand, it’s the prime location to view those spectacular Grenada sunsets. The family-owned hotel prides itself on its contemporary aesthetic, but still maintains its traditional core values, hosting intimate manager’s cocktail parties to honour guests and staff alike. The food is second to none, but the sublime fresh lobster roti deserves a special mention. TAKE ME THERE > THE LANDINGS BY ELEGANT HOTELS, SAINT LUCIA   Helen, Senior Travel Adviser Imagine waking up in your lavish four poster bed and stepping out of your elegant Beachfront Villa Suite, straight onto the warm white sands surrounding the shimmering Rodney Bay; at the Landings Resort & Spa this dream is your beautiful reality. Upon arrival the luxurious feel is immediately apparent, with the resort’s private yacht marina stretching out into the sapphire blue sea. My friendly on-call personal butler wasted no time in showing me to my villa with its own private plunge pool, designer kitchen and opulent marble bathroom. I was encouraged to dine at the Callaloo beach restaurant and it did not disappoint - from goat curry to fresh Saint Lucian conch salad, the gourmet food was the cherry on top of my sensational stay. TAKE ME THERE >   LONG BEACH, MAURITIUS   Amy, Travel Adviser From the offset, this ravishing resort oozes style and contemporariness. Perched in pride of place on the silky soft white-sand beach, it delivers a fresh take on luxury. What stood out to me most was the large variety of activities available, from luxurious spa treatments for those holidaying at a more leisurely pace, to glass-bottom boat trips for avid explorers. Children will delight at the kids’ club which really does go the extra mile to keep the little ones entertained. From pizza-making to archery lessons, they’ll be spoilt for choice with the activities on offer. Families will also love the enthralling nature walks, which offer the chance to take in native plants, animals and insects. TAKE ME THERE >   If you'd like to find out more about any of our luxury hotels and resorts, or to make an enquiry, give one of our expert travel advisers a call on 01 431 9700 . http://www.caribtours.ie/blog/rss/blog/2019/december/27/just-back-from/ http://www.caribtours.ie/blog/rss/blog/2019/december/27/just-back-from/ Fri, 27 December 2019 10:12:06 http://www.caribtours.ie/blog/rss/blog/2019/december/17/beyond-the-spa/ As much as we all love being pampered, it’s nice to have the option to work on your wellness in other ways besides indulging in massages and facials. These resorts and destinations all offer activities in abundance to complement their sensational spas. PINE CLIFFS, A LUXURY COLLECTION RESORT, ALGARVE, PORTUGAL   The Algarve is a place to soothe the body and soul, with fresh sea air, healthy cuisine and 300 sunny days a year. The magnificent Pine Cliff s builds on this with a host of high-end wellness facilities, including Serenity – The Art of Well Being, an award-winning 1,100-square-metre spa and health club with facilities including the latest fitness equipment, an indoor pool, sauna, steam room and Jacuzzi. The hotel offers a selection of packages to help you on your way to optimum wellness, including Detox, Yoga, Weight Management and Fitness Journey. The resident nutritionist will design a personalised dietary plan for you to follow, and the Zest restaurant specialises in fresh, organic and raw food. Daily activities include yoga, Pilates, Tabata and beach boot camps, and there's also an Annabel Croft Tennis Academy, seven outdoor pools and various watersports down on the beach. TAKE ME THERE > UNICO 20° 87° HOTEL RIVIERA MAYA, MEXICO   This stylish adults-only all-inclusive resort is a recent addition to our portfolio, and it’s a smart choice for a wellness-focused break on the Riviera Maya. Gym bunnies will feel very at home, with a state-of-the-art fitness centre and classes including Pilates, yoga and spinning. The beachfront location means there’s plenty to do in the water, with Hobie cat sailing, kayaking and stand-up paddleboarding all covered by the generous all-inclusive programme. You can also enjoy golf, scuba diving and spa treatments for only a 25% service charge, and the wellness facilities are superb, with 26 treatment cabins, a steam room, sauna, Hammam and plunge pool. TAKE ME THERE >   BODYHOLIDAY, SAINT LUCIA   In 2020 all eyes will be on Tokyo as the city hosts the Olympic and Paralympic games, and no doubt many viewers will be inspired to dust off their running shoes and renew that gym membership. At Saint Lucia’s ever-popular BodyHoliday the party starts early, with a host of Olympians past and present taking part in a programme of themed fitness and wellness months throughout the year. Learn the ropes from Olympic sailors Nick Thompson and Hannah Diamond with Spring Sail in March, or book yourself in for the intensive Wellfit training programme in April with Olympic boxer, Natasha Jonas, and sprinter, Donna Fraser. During July and August the Wellfit Families programme gets teenagers involved, with appearances from stars including Martin Offiah and Sally Gunnell, while November sees Olympic swimmers Keri-Anne Payne and David Carry take to the water for Swimfit. And if you want to be in shape for the festive season, why not check in for a Pre-Christmas Restorative Break with Colin Jackson and Jamie Baulch. There are eight themed months in all, with other options including dance-based exercise during Jive June, the perennially-popular September Solos for sociable singles, and Octoba Yoga, where guests of all skill levels will enjoy yoga and meditation classes led by experts. And all of this against the backdrop of a beautiful Caribbean beach, with plenty of time for relaxation, and a daily complimentary spa treatment for each full day of your stay. TAKE ME THERE >   APHRODITE HILLS, CYPRUS   There’s little prospect of the kids being bored at Aphrodite Hills, with its luxury villas and apartments and some of the best facilities of any family resort in Europe. Youngsters can polish their skills and make new friends, with a tennis academy, horse riding school and a football academy with UEFA-accredited coaches. Meanwhile, parents can perfect their swing at the award-winning PGA golf course, tone up at the gym or take a treatment at the spa, which includes outdoor massage pavilions, a beauty and hair salon, and an infinity pool overlooking the Mediterranean. Evenings are all about coming together at the Village Square, the bustling heart of the resort, where you’ll find restaurants, bars and an oh-so-tempting ice cream parlour. TAKE ME THERE >   If you'd like to find out more about any of our luxury hotels and resorts, or to make an enquiry, give one of our expert travel advisers a call on 01 431 9700  . http://www.caribtours.ie/blog/rss/blog/2019/december/17/beyond-the-spa/ http://www.caribtours.ie/blog/rss/blog/2019/december/17/beyond-the-spa/ Tue, 17 December 2019 14:48:06 http://www.caribtours.ie/blog/rss/blog/2019/december/13/hopeless-romantics/ Enjoy some alone time with your loved one at a resort that delivers romance and luxury on a grand scale. Magnificent views, intimate lodgings, indulgent spa treatments for two, and sensational sunsets all make for the perfect couple’s retreat. RENDEZVOUS, SAINT LUCIA   Rendezvous isn’t just a resort; it’s a warm, fuzzy feeling that envelopes you as soon as you arrive. This hopelessly romantic resort started life as the family home of our good friends the Barnards, and over the years, it’s evolved into a much-loved couples’ retreat with an incredible repeat guest rate. The wonderful staff will be your friends by the end of your stay, and they delight in creating ‘stolen moments’ for their guests. Snuggle up on the beach with a glass of Champagne as the sun sets, enjoy movie nights under the stars, and dine with your feet in the sand at the Malabar Beach Club. There are just 100 rooms and suites, some of which open straight onto the beach, and the generous all-inclusive programme includes bubbles by the glass, along with an impressive selection of land and watersports including a scuba diving programme. Rendezvous is sister hotel to BodyHoliday, and so wellness is an important part of your stay here too, with an irresistible menu of treatments at the Spa in the Water Garden and holistic experiences including couples Tai chi and yoga. This is also a great option for a destination wedding, as you can choose to exchange vows anywhere on the property, and the wedding package is complimentary for couples staying seven nights or more. TAKE ME THERE >   SERENITY AT COCONUT BAY, SAINT LUCIA   Serenity at Coconut Bay boasts the shortest airport transfer in Saint Lucia, just a few minutes from airside to poolside, and it only gets better from there. This couples-only all-inclusive resort launched in 2017, one of the most exciting recent openings on the island. Wake up to breakfast in bed, enjoy decadent days in your private plunge pool, and dine at the romantic Greathouse restaurant or in the comfort of your suite with waitered service. Or, for added privacy, your dinner can be delivered via your private Meal Box. You’ll be pampered around the clock with 24-hour butler service, and the fabulous spa includes six treatment rooms and three beachfront cabanas, with the option to book a massage in the privacy of your suite if you prefer. TAKE ME THERE >   HAVEN RIVIERA CANCÚN, MEXICO   Haven Riviera Cancún is a beautiful paradox, an all-suite all-inclusive with the feel of a secluded hideaway. The resort is set on a sugary-white beach just 15 minutes from Cancún, but a world away from the excesses of the Zona Hotelera. All accommodation includes a balcony with an outdoor Jacuzzi, except for ground-level suites which have swim-out access to a shared pool. It’s a strictly adults-only affair, geared towards romantic relaxation, and is centred around a striking circular pool. There are five restaurants and nine bars, plus a host of engaging activities to give you a flavour of Mexico, including cookery classes, Spanish lessons and shopping tours of quirky Playa del Carmen. TAKE ME THERE >   ONE&ONLY LE SAINT GÉRAN, MAURITIUS   This iconic resort has been entertaining guests since the 1970s, but you wouldn’t guess it following a multi-million- dollar facelift in 2017. South African designer, Janine Mijne, has freshened up the interiors with a plantation-inspired aesthetic, and luxurious touches include marble bathrooms with egg-shaped baths. Le Saint Géran has always enjoyed one of the most romantic settings in Mauritius, on a peninsula bordered by fine white sand, and couples can enjoy extraordinary private dining experiences such as Champagne breakfast on a speedboat or dinner on a jetty lined with flickering lanterns. The service on which the resort’s reputation was built remains impeccable, and some of the staff have been here for decades. TAKE ME THERE >   ZOËTRY AGUA PUNTA CANA, DOMINICAN REPUBLIC   Nothing says romance like the idyllic setting of the cane-thatched all-suite accommodations adjacent to a beautiful beachfront backdrop here. Zoëtry Agua Punta Cana is charmingly complemented by its natural setting, with its lagoon-style pool lazily weaving through the resort and encouraging you to lose yourself amongst stunning surroundings. Marvel at the magnificent seafront infinity pool with its own swim-up bar, and dine on a decadent dinner at one of four restaurants. You and your partner can enjoy The Endless Privileges® plan here which includes hydrotherapy access, daily afternoon tea and a 45-minute horse ride. TAKE ME THERE >   If you'd like to find out more about any of our luxury hotels and resorts, or to make an enquiry, give one of our expert travel advisers a call on 01 431 9700 http://www.caribtours.ie/blog/rss/blog/2019/december/13/hopeless-romantics/ http://www.caribtours.ie/blog/rss/blog/2019/december/13/hopeless-romantics/ Fri, 13 December 2019 16:29:15 http://www.caribtours.ie/blog/rss/blog/2019/affordable-luxury/ These resorts promise an indulgent experience and fantastic inclusions together with great value for money. A luxury holiday doesn’t have to cost the earth; we’ve hand-picked the best places that truly deliver on exceptional experiences at friendly prices. PARADISUS PLAYA DEL CARMEN - LA ESMERALDA, MEXICO   La Esmeralda gets a resounding thumbs-up from younger travellers, with a wonderful array of activities for kids and thoughtful family-friendly touches. The hotel is in a great location on the Riviera Maya, close to attractions such as the popular Xcaret eco-park, with its underground rivers and wildlife including flamingos, spider monkeys and tapirs. The spacious suites are perfect for families, with both one- and two-bedroom options, and there’s a special turndown service for kids, with milk and cookies. Upgrade to a Family Concierge Suite and you’ll enjoy extra benefits including access to a dedicated lounge, restaurant, private pool and beach area, plus a kids’ bathroom pack and beach kit in your suite. Kids will be thrilled by the new Splash waterpark, and there's more water-based fun to be had in the family swimming pool. There’s loads for the little ones to do at the Kids’ Zone too, including board games, mini Olympics, pizza workshops, talent competitions and hands-on arts and crafts sessions, where they can make their own piñatas, kites and masks. On top of this, there are eight different restaurants to choose from, offering everything from buffet to gourmet. With so much going on, it’s easy for parents to sneak off to the revitalising 20,000-square-foot YHI Spa at La Perla next door and fit in some much-needed pampering. TAKE ME THERE >   PARADISUS PLAYA DEL CARMEN - LA PERLA, MEXICO   There’s no need to feel jealous of the kids at La Esmeralda, as there’s plenty going on for grown-ups at adults-only La Perla. You can enjoy classes in tequila tasting, learn to dance the tango and sample fine wines, and there’s also a weekly ‘eco-class’ on the beach where you can find out about the hotel’s various conservation projects. The all-inclusive programme here offers fantastic value, with six restaurants serving up flavours ranging from Latin fusion to pan-Asian. It’s well worth paying the additional supplement to dine at the superb Passion by Martín Berasategui, a renowned seven-Michelin-star chef from the Basque Country. La Perla is a buzzy, sociable sort of resort, and the Red Lounge is the place to be after dark, with live DJs and expertly-blended cocktails. You’re also within easy walking distance of Playa del Carmen’s many buzzing bars and restaurants. The suites are impressively spacious, and you can upgrade to a Royal Service Suite for additional perks including butler service and an exclusive restaurant, lounge and swimming pool. Other facilities include the excellent YHI Spa, a large pool with Balinese beds, complimentary non-motorised watersports, scuba diving and classes in yoga and Pilates. TAKE ME THERE >   COCO PALM DHUNI KOLHU, MALDIVES   Coco Palm Dhuni Kolhu promises that ‘happiness is found in every moment’ when you holiday here. We’ve put their promise to the test - yes, it’s a tough job! - and this beautiful private island resort really does deliver. Feel the sand between your toes on one of the fi nest beaches in the Maldives, snorkel and dive amongst manta rays and whale sharks in a UNESCO World Biosphere Reserve, and visit local communities for a fascinating insight into Maldivian culture. There are no TVs in the villas here, so you really can escape the outside world, and facilities include two restaurants, watersports galore and a spa with treatments inspired by ancient Thai, Indonesian and Indian Ayurvedic techniques. The all-inclusive package off ers particularly good value. TAKE ME THERE >   COCONUT BAY BEACH RESORT, SAINT LUCIA   Coconut Bay skilfully bridges the divide between couple’s hideaway and family-friendly resort, with two separate wings catering to different needs. Harmony is the adults-only wing, where the gardens are scattered with hammocks and cabanas. Here you’ll find a quiet kids-free pool, and you can take a revitalising treatment at the oceanfront spa. The family-friendly Splash wing is home to Saint Lucia’s largest waterpark, complete with slides, waterfalls and a lazy river, plus the Caribbean’s only paintballing venue and a fantastic kids’ club. Both halves of the resort off er outstanding all-inclusive value, with nine restaurants, seven bars, and activities including tennis, volleyball, football and yoga. TAKE ME THERE >   If you'd like to find out more about any of our luxury hotels and resorts, or to make an enquiry, give one of our expert travel advisers a call on 01 431 9700  or fill out the form below. Error loading MacroEngine script (file: MvcRenderContourForm.cshtml) http://www.caribtours.ie/blog/rss/blog/2019/affordable-luxury/ http://www.caribtours.ie/blog/rss/blog/2019/affordable-luxury/ Fri, 13 December 2019 15:40:43 http://www.caribtours.ie/blog/rss/blog/2019/december/barbados-the-gem-of-the-caribbean/ Barbados is the jewel in the crown when it comes to Caribbean Isles; with its 70 miles of ethereal white sand and crystal clear waters, it’s the island that really does have it all, offering the perfect balance of mind-body experiences. Whether your holiday mantra is meditative or you prefer a more active break, the Gem of the Caribbean has you covered. In addition to its exquisite beauty, Barbados offers the opportunity to explore its vibrant wildlife-inhabited surroundings, home to an interesting array of wonderful animals. Inquisitive ‘green monkeys’ can be seen all across the island, and lucky travellers may also catch a glimpse of the two native hummingbirds, the Antillean Crested and the Green-Throated Carib, which can often be seen hunting for nectar in the many tropical gardens across the island. If adventure lights your fire, you may want to take to the seas and paddleboard around the island, taking in the views of the distinctive rock formations and unique caves. Be sure you’ve got your snorkels at the ready and head to Carlisle Bay to dive into the wonderful world beneath the waves, where curious leatherback turtles and an array of marine life welcome you to their watery domain. The natural wonders can also be appreciated from the shores for those who prefer to kick back with a rum in the sun. As a spirit that has coursed through the veins of the island for over 300 years, it’s a drink that’s best enjoyed toe-deep in powdery sand under the shade of a coconut palm. As the sun sets in paradise, Barbados’ bright and lively culture comes to life, as Bajans and tourists alike head for the electric bar scene of St Lawrence Gap, where the rum punch is flowing and the infectious beat of steel drums can be heard long into the night. The Friday night Oistins Fish Fry is a must-visit for seafood fans; it’s where locals can be found grilling and frying fresh swordfish, mahi-mahi, snapper and flying fish. If you'd like to find out more about Barbados , or to make an enquiry, give one of our expert travel advisers a call on 01 431 9700 . http://www.caribtours.ie/blog/rss/blog/2019/december/barbados-the-gem-of-the-caribbean/ http://www.caribtours.ie/blog/rss/blog/2019/december/barbados-the-gem-of-the-caribbean/ Wed, 11 December 2019 15:17:55 http://www.caribtours.ie/blog/rss/blog/2019/discover-sandy-lane-barbados/ It was 1961 when Sandy Lane opened its doors for the first time, and, since then, it continues to appeal to those looking for a romantic break or relaxing family holiday accompanied by attentive service, first-rate facilities and the warmest hospitality. We couldn’t recommend this iconic resort highly enough, and all Caribtours guests at Sandy Lane benefit from a complimentary VIP arrival service at Barbados airport to ensure you feel pampered from the very moment you arrive. Between 18 April and 31 October, Sandy Lane offers its guests a selection of themed packages which offer incredible added value, and which are guaranteed to make your stay extra special. SPA AND WELLNESS The 47,000-square-foot Spa at Sandy Lane begins with a stunning marble reception and sweeping staircases leading to the lavishly-appointed treatment suites. Facilities are state-of-the-art and each treatment suite features its own private landscaped garden or hydrotherapy pool. The Sandy Lane spa and wellness package includes a 60-minute full body massage and Bajan scrub per person, lunch for two at The Spa Café, and a full fitness assessment. The assessment will measure your heart rate, lung function, flexibility, strength, endurance and body composition, allowing you to identify your individual needs before being presented with a customised plan by a qualified fitness instructor. GOLF Sandy Lane offers some of the best golf in the world. Three golf courses include The Old Nine, The Country Club and the world-renowned 7,343-yard Green Monkey, which is carved from a dramatic limestone quarry and is exclusive to Sandy Lane guests. The Clubhouse is luxuriously classic and offers comfortable locker rooms, plus shoe and club rental if desired. The golf carts are fitted with a GPS system which can also be used to order light refreshments. Sandy Lane’s golf package includes passes for The Country Club varying in lengths of three to seven days, depending on length of stay, one round of golf daily per person at The Old Nine, and a lunch for two at The Country Club or Spa Café. ROMANCE An outstanding setting on the silken sands of the Platinum Coast, atmospheric restaurants and attentive staff ready to cater to your every need make Sandy Lane an ideal location for a romantic Caribbean break, whether you’re on your honeymoon or just spending some quality time with a loved one. Make your stay for two special with a romance package designed to make lasting memories. Upon arrival, you’ll be presented with a bottle of Champagne and chocolate-dipped strawberries, and you’ll enjoy a candlelit dinner, 60-minute couple’s massage, 60-minute full body massage per person, a lunch and afternoon tea, turtle trip and Sandy Lane gift per person. FAMILY Sandy Lane is especially popular with families, particularly during the summer holidays. The Treehouse Club features a playground area and daily activities, and teenagers have their own area, The Den, featuring a lounge with two large-screen TVs and a games room. With Sandy Lane’s family package, up to three children aged 16 yrs and under can share a second room at half the adult cost, they have unlimited use of The Treehouse Club, a gift on arrival, and complimentary dinner for ages 3–12 yrs. In the summer, Sandy Lane runs sports camps for children aged 7–16 yrs, where they can take part in complimentary lessons in golf, waterskiing, tennis, football, and swimming. TAKE ME THERE>   If you'd like to find out more about any of our luxury hotels and resorts, or to make an enquiry, give one of our expert travel advisers a call on 01 431 9700 . http://www.caribtours.ie/blog/rss/blog/2019/discover-sandy-lane-barbados/ http://www.caribtours.ie/blog/rss/blog/2019/discover-sandy-lane-barbados/ Wed, 11 December 2019 14:39:57 http://www.caribtours.ie/blog/rss/blog/2019/december/11/caribtours-celebrates-40th-anniversary-in-barbados/ To celebrate our 40th anniversary, we celebrated in style last weekend, with boss Paul Cleary taking the whole company to Barbados for the weekend! We travelled with British Airways , and stayed at the luxury five-star resort, Saint Peter’s Bay Luxury Resort & Residences . At a glittering Beach Party on Saturday evening, Paul thanked our assembled hoteliers and business partners for their contribution to Caribtours' success. As well as celebrating our 40-year milestone, individuals from the Caribtours team were recognised for the years, and even decades, they’ve spent with us. In all, nine individual Caribtours staff members were awarded; four received the Ten Year Award; three received the Fifteen Year Award and two received the Twenty Year Award. On Sunday, we enjoyed cruising along the coast on a catamaran and snorkelling with turtles, before enjoying the last of the sunshine and hopping on a flight back to London. Paul said, “I am incredibly proud of what we have achieved in the last four decades and I am especially proud of our team who have made it happen. We are grateful to Barbados tourist office, British Airways and Saint Peter's Bay for hosting us so beautifully and giving us a weekend to remember." If you want to speak to our Travel Advisers about Barbados , call us on  020 7751 0660 or fill out the form below. var contourDateFormat = "dd/mm/yy"; var contourFieldValuesae32a616f139416d816cc4209acbce0e; (function ($) { $(function () { $("#contour_form_OnlineContactform .contourPage input").change(function() { PopulateFieldValuesae32a616f139416d816cc4209acbce0e(); CheckRulesae32a616f139416d816cc4209acbce0e(); }); $("#contour_form_OnlineContactform .contourPage select").change(function () { PopulateFieldValuesae32a616f139416d816cc4209acbce0e(); CheckRulesae32a616f139416d816cc4209acbce0e(); }); PopulateFieldValuesae32a616f139416d816cc4209acbce0e(); CheckRulesae32a616f139416d816cc4209acbce0e(); }); } (jQuery)); function PopulateFieldValuesae32a616f139416d816cc4209acbce0e() { //fill field values //contourFieldValues = new Array(); PopulateRecordValuesae32a616f139416d816cc4209acbce0e(); $("#contour_form_OnlineContactform .contourPage select").each(function() { contourFieldValuesae32a616f139416d816cc4209acbce0e[$(this).attr("id")] = $("option[value='" + $(this).val() + "']", $(this)).text(); }); $("#contour_form_OnlineContactform .contourPage input").each(function() { if($(this).attr('type') == "text"){ contourFieldValuesae32a616f139416d816cc4209acbce0e[$(this).attr("id")] = $(this).val(); } if($(this).attr('type') == "radio"){ if($(this).is(':checked')) { contourFieldValuesae32a616f139416d816cc4209acbce0e[$(this).attr("name")] = $(this).val(); } } if($(this).attr('type') == "checkbox"){ if($(this).attr('id') != $(this).attr('name')) { if($(this).is(':checked')) { if(contourFieldValuesae32a616f139416d816cc4209acbce0e[$(this).attr("name")] == null) { contourFieldValuesae32a616f139416d816cc4209acbce0e[$(this).attr("name")] = $(this).val(); } else { contourFieldValuesae32a616f139416d816cc4209acbce0e[$(this).attr("name")] += "," + $(this).val(); } } } else { contourFieldValuesae32a616f139416d816cc4209acbce0e[$(this).attr("name")] = $(this).is(':checked').toString(); } } }); } function PopulateRecordValuesae32a616f139416d816cc4209acbce0e() { contourFieldValuesae32a616f139416d816cc4209acbce0e = new Array(); } function CheckRulesae32a616f139416d816cc4209acbce0e() { } Online Contact Form Firstname Surname Email address Telephone Number Preferred date of travel Number of nights Number of people Age of Children Travelling (If Any) Holiday Destination Preferred Class of Travel Economy Premium Economy Business Class First Class Private Jet Preferred Hotel (If Known) Preferred Room Type (If Known) Preferred Meal Plan Approximate budget Any Additional Information Where did you hear about us? Google Newspaper or Magazine Advert Social Media Other Already on Database Would you like to hear about exclusive holiday offers and updates from Caribtours via email? Yes please . Message http://www.caribtours.ie/blog/rss/blog/2019/december/11/caribtours-celebrates-40th-anniversary-in-barbados/ http://www.caribtours.ie/blog/rss/blog/2019/december/11/caribtours-celebrates-40th-anniversary-in-barbados/ Wed, 11 December 2019 11:35:55 http://www.caribtours.ie/blog/rss/blog/2019/november/14/top-spots-for-romance/ Take some time for two at a resort that delivers romance on a grand scale. Intimate accommodations, breathtaking views, pampering couple’s spa treatments and spectacular sunsets are the perfect recipe for a dream couple’s holiday. BAROS, MALDIVES Baros was named ‘best luxury hotel in the world’ by the TripAdvisor 2018 Travellers’ Choice awards, and it’s long been a favourite of high-end honeymooners. We love the beautifully-designed accommodation, full of Maldivian charm, and it’s well worth splashing out on a villa with a private pool. This is a fantastic destination for divers, with a great house reef and some 30 major dive sites nearby. But you don’t have to take the plunge to see the resort’s remarkable marine life, with reef sharks and rays visible in the lagoon below the fantastic over-water Lighthouse restaurant. For something extra special, take a private cruise on Nooma, the resort’s Maldivian dhoni boat, or book a romantic dinner on a sandbank in the middle of the lagoon. COCO PALM DHUNI KOLHU, MALDIVES Coco Palm Dhuni Kolhu goes the extra mile for lovedup couples, with a host of special treats to make your stay truly unforgettable. Kick things off with a Champagne breakfast, spend your days unwinding in the spa or snorkelling in the crystal-clear waters, then break out the bubbles again on a sunset cruise. After dark, you can enjoy a private dinner on the beach or a sizzling barbecue at your villa, before snuggling up under the stars at the Coco Cinema. For the ultimate romantic escape, take the 15-minute boat ride across to Embudhoo, a private desert island where you can play castaway and spend the night in a rustic hut. ATMOSPHERE KANIFUSHI, MALDIVES Couples can bring their desert island dreams to life at Atmosphere Kanifushi. This is no castaway experience though, with some of the largest entry-level beach villas in the Maldives, an innovative culinary offering including Sri Lankan street food and the Maldives’ first 100% vegetarian restaurant, and a sublime spa featuring 12 treatment rooms, a sauna, steam room, Jacuzzi and salon. ZOËTRY AGUA PUNTA CANA, DOMINICAN REPUBLIC Lose yourself in the peace and tranquillity of your surroundings at this soothing beachfront oasis of cane-thatched suites and villas wound through by a meandering lagoon pool. The Endless Privileges® plan enhances your stay with extras including a welcome bottle of rum, 24-hour private in-suite dining, a complimentary 20-minute wellness experience and 45-minute horse ride along the pristine beach. VICEROY RIVIERA MAYA, MEXICO If you’re searching for an intimate and romantic Mexican luxury resort then look no further: Viceroy Riviera Maya ticks all the boxes. Each of the 41 villas has its own butler service, plunge pool, outdoor shower, daybed and thatched palapa, set amongst lush jungle for added privacy. There are no kids allowed and the resort is on a quiet stretch of beach, perfect for rest and relaxation, with facilities including two fabulous restaurants, a beachfront swimming pool and an inviting Mayan-inspired spa. ONE&ONLY ROYAL MIRAGE, DUBAI Discover the best of Dubai at this opulent Arabian oasis, bringing together three distinct resort concepts. The Palace dazzles with its ornate arches and sumptuous decor, and the lively Kasbar nightclub is popular with younger couples. Arabian Court’s pretty courtyards and fountains create a wonderfully romantic ambience, with three excellent restaurants and a chilled-out rooftop bar. For a really special stay, splash out on the ultra-exclusive Residence & Spa, with just 49 lavish rooms and suites, a private restaurant and the wonderful Spa and Oriental Hammam. JADE MOUNTAIN, SAINT LUCIA Jade Mountain’s owner, Nick Troubetzkoy, is an architect by trade, and this remarkable hotel is precision-engineered for romantic luxury. Each individually-designed ‘Sanctuary’ has one wall open to the elements, providing panoramic views of the Piton mountains and the Caribbean Sea. Once you pick your jaw up off the ground you’ll notice the delightful little touches that make this place so special, like the shimmering, iridescent tiles of your private infinity pool. You may find it hard to leave your suite, but it’s worth venturing out for the superb snorkelling, sublime treatments at the Kai en Ciel Spa and the mouthwatering Chocolate Laboratory, where you can make your own chocolate using cocoa grown on Jade Mountain’s organic farm. MOUNT CINNAMON, GRENADA Perched on a hillside overlooking Grand Anse, Grenada’s most glorious white-sand beach, Mount Cinnamon is one of our favourite boutique hotels in the Caribbean. The architecture evokes the Mediterranean, with dazzling whitewashed walls and terracotta roofs, but the chic interiors are tropically inspired. Honeymooners will love the new Cinnamon Suites, which open onto private balconies with magnificent views of Grand Anse beach and St George’s in the distance. During the day, most guests make a beeline for Savvy’s, where you’ll find a lounge bar, croquet lawn, yoga platform and watersports toys, though the Cinnamon Spa may just tempt you away from the beach for a couple of hours. If you'd like to find out more, or to book your next luxury holiday, give one of our expert travel advisers a call on 01 431 9700 . Welcome To Our Beautiful World. http://www.caribtours.ie/blog/rss/blog/2019/november/14/top-spots-for-romance/ http://www.caribtours.ie/blog/rss/blog/2019/november/14/top-spots-for-romance/ Thu, 14 November 2019 09:56:58 http://www.caribtours.ie/blog/rss/blog/2019/november/14/islands-of-the-indian-ocean-a-guide/ The Indian Ocean is home to some of the most idyllic holiday destinations on the planet. If you're considering booking a luxury holiday to the Maldives , Mauritius or the Seychelles , we've rounded up some key facts and recommendations for you. The Maldives The Maldives encompasses over 1,200 islands spread across 26 atolls. Holidays here are of the kind dreams are made of; overwater villas perch atop crystal-clear lagoons, white sands melt into emerald island interiors, and private island resorts offer up every luxury imaginable, from world-class spas to exquisite dining options. What to do The Maldives is often seen as a ‘fly and flop’ destination, but actually, there’s a magnitude of things to do at the luxury resorts based on idyllic private islands. Some resorts offer the chance to gain your PADI dive certification, and some even have marine biologists on site that guide diving excursions that get you up close to wildlife such as reef sharks and all manner of colourful fish. Swimming pools, tennis courts, fitness classes, kids’ clubs and excursions off-island will keep you busy between relaxing on white sands, pampering yourself in the spa or enjoying sunset cocktails. Where to stay Coco Palm Dhuni Kolhu Set in a designated UNESCO biosphere reserve, this haven of tropical tranquillity is also a great value all-inclusive option. Villas are tucked into the jungle-like foliage on the island, or out above the lagoon and house reefs. Look out for manta rays, turtles and a mind-boggling amount of fish of all shapes and sizes swimming in the crystalline lagoon. Kanuhura Kanuhura’s private and secluded Beach Villas and Bungalows open right onto the powdery sand, and Water Villas bring you right into the endless turquoise seascape of the Indian Ocean. There are no less than eight restaurants to choose from here, serving everything from Italian to Asian fusion. And the resort’s not just for foodies – there’s a PADI 5 Gold Palm certified dive centre, comprehensive spa and plenty of entertainment and experiences to enjoy. Mauritius Mauritius is a multicultural melting pot incorporating influences from Africa, India and Europe, and displaying a rich and varied volcanic landscape where sharp mountain peaks contrast with soft-sand beaches dotted with palm trees. What to do If you’re into watersports, you’ll be spoilt for choice here; trade winds create excellent conditions for parasailing, windsurfing and kite surfing, while large parts of the island are surrounded by unbroken coral reef, drawing divers keen on discovering the sheer beauty of the underwater world. Inland, there are biodiverse forests and national parks to explore, which harbour rare birds, wildlife and flowers. There are mountain trails with the promise of majestic views, and golf courses including the Bernhard Langer designed 18-hole Île aux Cerfs, set on its very own island. Where to stay Shangri-La’s Le Touessrok Resort & Spa The legendary service of Shangri-La combines with a simply stunning setting, with a choice of six beaches ensuring plenty of space, at this luxurious hideaway. The rooms and suites all benefit from ocean views, and there’s a wide range of facilities including two swimming pools, four floodlit tennis courts, a spa and fitness centre, and complimentary kids’ club. Don’t miss enjoying a day on the resort’s private island, Ilot Mangénie, and book your very own secluded beach cabana with a private butler. The Seychelles Instantly-recognisable beaches, ancient tropical forests and fascinating wildlife including whale sharks and giant tortoises characterise the Seychelles. These 115 isolated islands are a vision of natural beauty and romance. Mahé and Praslin are the two main islands, and they’re draped in lush jungle and lined with sugar-white sands. What to do Explore beyond your resort and discover the unique charms of each island, whether you choose to hire a yacht and go island hopping, spend a few blissful days on each, or the whole holiday based on the same one, with easy access to others for daytrips. La Digue Island is famous for its breathtaking beaches, including Anse Source d'Argent, the most photographed beach in the world. Mahé has glorious beaches of its own, but take a walk into its rugged interior, and you’ll be spellbound by the unspoilt splendour of Morne Seychellois National Park. Where to stay Raffles Seychelles The villas here are scattered across the hillside and all include a private deck with outdoor living area, plunge pool and loungers. They also all benefit from a full or partial ocean view so you’ll spend plenty of time there relaxing and taking in the beauty of your surroundings. The soothing Raffles Spa features 12 treatment pavilions, and down on the beach, you’ll be indulged with attentive beach service and be able to take part in all manner of watersports. If you'd like to find out more about The Indian Ocean , or to make an enquiry, give one of our expert travel advisers a call on 01 341 9700 . Welcome To Our Beautiful World. http://www.caribtours.ie/blog/rss/blog/2019/november/14/islands-of-the-indian-ocean-a-guide/ http://www.caribtours.ie/blog/rss/blog/2019/november/14/islands-of-the-indian-ocean-a-guide/ Thu, 14 November 2019 09:40:59 http://www.caribtours.ie/blog/rss/blog/2019/october/30/louise-visits-the-turkish-riviera/ Travel Adviser, Louise , has just returned from Turkey where she stayed at the stunning  D Resort Göcek - she fills us in on the best of this beautiful spot on the Turquoise Coast. Having just returned from my first ever visit to Turkey it certainly exceeded my expectations. The Turkish Riviera is stunning with lush green mountain scenery both inland and out to sea with something to suit everyone’s taste whether for foodies, spa lovers or sports enthusiasts! I flew into Dalaman, ready for my stay at the beautiful D Resort Göcek . The resort is a member of Small Luxury Hotels of the World so I was expecting big things, and it certainly didn’t disappoint. It felt like I was walking through a quaint village as the rooms are housed in low rise buildings scattered around the grounds which are filled with pools, lots of beautiful flowers and trees, and there’s even a little river that runs through the property. It had a very unpretentious and relaxing atmosphere, and there were quite a few families with smaller children, as well as couples. Rooms and suites are decorated in a nautical style, with crisp white bed linens adding a very luxurious feel. I particularly liked the Premier Suites Pool Access for a swim up option; the pool used is exclusive to this room category. There are also suites with their own private pools for those that want to splurge and enjoy extra privacy. There are 14 different room categories and just 103 rooms, so although the hotel isn’t particularly large in size, there’s a great selection of accommodation options. If you’re unsure which room would suit you best, talk to me and I’ll recommend the most suitable option. The dining was superb here, I really couldn’t fault a thing and I’m picky! Breakfast was an amazing spread at the Olive Tree Restaurant with raw honeycomb and a chocolate fountain, which was a first! Lunch at The Breeze Restaurant, which is located at the beach club on its own private beach, was fresh salads, mezze and local delights (cheeky kebab with all the trimmings please!). Many tables are right on the water’s edge so you can watch the yachts passing by while sipping your favourite Turkish beer or wine – I was in heaven! There was also the trendy Q Lounge which I just loved! It’s sister restaurant to the famous Zuma, and has a gorgeous hillside setting, atmospheric lighting, DJ on occasional evenings, amazing cocktail list and incredible Japanese food – you’re in for a treat! The D-Spa was also lovely; it was in the basement and had all the wellness facilities you could think of, including a Hamman, saunas, steam room and ice fountain, along with an excellent fully-equipped gym. They also do morning yoga/stretching classes three times per week. I loved the location here as it was in Göcek which is a small village popular with locals and tourists alike. It’s only a few minutes bike or buggy ride away from the beautiful beach club and marina. Shops and local restaurants are literally on your doorstep, and there’s the opportunity to go on yacht cruises which I couldn’t recommend enough. I went on one and had bubbles on board, fruit and nut platters, beach house music and incredibly romantic views at sunset. My top tip: Take sterling to change into Turkish Lira on arrival. Euros are also accepted, though I found most places were priced in local currency so Turkish Lira will be much better value. If you'd like to find out more about Turkey, or to make a holiday enquiry, give me a call on 01 431 9700 . http://www.caribtours.ie/blog/rss/blog/2019/october/30/louise-visits-the-turkish-riviera/ http://www.caribtours.ie/blog/rss/blog/2019/october/30/louise-visits-the-turkish-riviera/ Wed, 30 October 2019 09:59:13 http://www.caribtours.ie/blog/rss/blog/2019/october/21/best-of-barbados/ Whether you travel there for the beautiful beaches, wildly-luxurious hotels, warm and friendly Bajan people, or mouthwatering cuisine, you can be guaranteed a good time in Barbados . Activities to please everyone From world-class golf courses to serene spas, and beaches perfect for sunbathing or surfing, you’ll find it easy enough to fill your day with things to do in Barbados. If you’re travelling with kids, take them on the Atlantis Submarine to discover an enthralling underwater world of fish and coral. Or visit the awe-inspiring Harrison’s Cave for a thrilling tram tour past stalactites, stalagmites, streams and waterfalls. If you’d rather stay above ground, buckle up for the popular Island Safari off-road adventure! Hotel hotspots The white sands of the west coast are lined with luxury hotels to please all; whether the intimate adults-only environment of The House by Elegant Hotels ignites your interest, or the luxury apartment-style living of Saint Peter’s Bay Resort & Residences is more your scene, you’re sure to find a Platinum Coast hotel to suit your style. Down on the lively south coast, there are family-friendly hotels like Sea Breeze Beach House , or romantic enclaves such as Little Arches Boutique Hotel, all located within close proximity to the lively St Lawrence Gap as well as an abundance of beautiful beaches offering watersports of all kinds. Party with the locals Whichever day or night of the week it is, you can be sure there’s a party going on somewhere in Barbados! On Friday and Saturday nights, you can enjoy succulent local seafood alongside live music at Oistin’s Fish Fry, while the lively St Lawrence Gap is full of bars, restaurants, shops and nightclubs. Festivals are a big part of Bajan life too; reggae, Celtic, jazz, food and rum, and the famous Crop Over are just some of the festivals you can enjoy throughout the year. Delectable dining Some of the most esteemed dining spots in the Caribbean can be found on Barbados; one of our favourite Bajan restaurants is Daphne’s. This fine dining establishment is a west-coast institution, with its contemporary Italian dishes and scenic waterfront setting. The Cliff is another dining highlight; even if it weren't for the mouthwatering cuisine, its location alone is enough to impress, with views that will take your breath away. And within the hotels themselves you'll find restaurants worthy of abundant accolades - visit Cobblers Cove ' s exquisite restaurant, or Treasure Beach by Elegant Hotel 's Tapestry Restaurant which is headed up by award-winning chefs. Wellness and soft adventure 2019 is the year of Wellness and Soft Adventure in Barbados. Explore the caves, hiking trails and coral reefs of this beautiful island, relax into spa treatments, go horse riding on the beach, unwind with yoga and Pilates, or let go with an adrenaline-inducing surfing session or microlight flight. If you'd like to find out more about Barbados , or to make an enquiry, give one of our expert travel advisers a call on 01 431 9700. http://www.caribtours.ie/blog/rss/blog/2019/october/21/best-of-barbados/ http://www.caribtours.ie/blog/rss/blog/2019/october/21/best-of-barbados/ Mon, 21 October 2019 17:01:21 http://www.caribtours.ie/blog/rss/blog/2019/just-back-from-necker-island-british-virgin-islands/ Necker Island is the world’s most famous private island. Every luxury imaginable and the most breathtaking natural scenery awaits guests at this enchanting paradise... even so, Travel Adviser, Abi , just had to visit for herself to road-test it for our clients. Having worked for Caribtours for 10 years, I’ve been fortunate enough to have visited some of the most luxurious resorts on the planet. Even so, I was awe-struck when I was invited to the world’s most famous private island, a place of unparalleled luxury and jaw-dropping natural beauty. Surely nothing could ever top this! I left early in the morning to catch my flight to Antigua with Virgin Atlantic. From there, it was only a short flight on a small eight-seater plane to Tortola, the capital of the British Virgin Islands. When you land in Tortola it’s walking distance to the dock (but they also provide a car) to get the 30-minute private boat over to Necker Island – they pop the Champagne as soon as you’re on board! We arrived at the famous Red Dock which is painted to look like a red carpet, just to add that extra bit of glamour to your arrival! The staff were really sociable and friendly; they’re mostly expats from around the world, including Europe , the USA and South Africa . It’s a fun atmosphere and you can invite them to join you for drinks and parties. There are 120 of them to look after you and they’re really good at knowing what you want before you even know yourself. Island Life We were told to treat the island as our home, help ourselves to drinks behind the bar and plug our phones in to the stereos to play our own music. It felt like much more than a hotel, more an exclusive retreat reserved just for us. Absolutely everything is tailor-made to your requirements, and the event planners like to find out as much information as possible before a stay. They told me some guests want to skydive onto the beach this year, so they’re busy planning that at the moment! It may be a small island, at just 74 acres, but you’re never short of things to do. Every watersport imaginable is on offer – kite surfing, kayaking, snorkelling, you name it – and if you’re unsure about anything, that’s no problem at all, as instructors are always on hand to give you tuition at no additional charge. One of Richard Branson’s hobbies is tennis, and there is a real emphasis on this at Necker Island, with a pro on hand at all times for lessons and tournaments. Richard plays every morning when he’s there. It’s also a really fun place for families or team bonding; the staff love organising beach Olympics, boat races and games, and there’s a personal trainer who can arrange challenging bootcamps! If you're an active type, you'll be spoilt for choice with all the many activities to take part in and trainers on hand, although there are plenty of hammocks dotted around for chilling out and, of course, the beaches are irresistible. Eating Experiences Dinner was something to look forward to each evening, as there was always a different theme – not only would the cuisine change, but there would be different décor every night to accompany it! On Moroccan night, they turned the Beach House into a riad and on casino night, the Great House was transformed into a glittering Vegas-style casino! Guests renting the island exclusively can choose whichever theme nights they want, and the staff will even source fancy dress outfits for them if they want to get really into it! Meals are served in a different location around the island each day so you never get bored of dining in the same place. And if you want some privacy or romance, private dining away from the rest of the group can be arranged, too. One of my dining highlights was feasting on a colourful array of handmade sushi which was served in a kayak floating in a giant hot tub! Slumber In Style There’s capacity for up to 30 guests on island, and the rooms are mostly located the Great House. The Master Suite is incredible; it has a hot tub, outdoor bath and shower, and three balconies taking in the most breathtaking panoramic views. Definitely a perfect hideout for the head of the group! There’s also a bunk room in the Great House which is really cute. It can sleep six children and a lot of people also use it for nannies, make-up artists, etc. There are a few more rooms outside of the Great House, and I really loved the Bali Lo Complex which consists of three large rooms which are further away from the main complex so great for those looking for some extra privacy.  Necker Island was unlike anywhere I’ve been before – the level of personalised service, the beauty of the rooms and the way you feel so spoilt from the moment you set foot off the plane makes every moment feel special. This is a holiday for special occasions, celebrations and getting together with friends to spend time in your own little world where anything’s possible. If you'd like to find out more about  Necker Island , or to make an enquiry, give one of our expert travel advisers a call on 01 431 9700 or fill out the form below. Welcome To Our Beautiful World. http://www.caribtours.ie/blog/rss/blog/2019/just-back-from-necker-island-british-virgin-islands/ http://www.caribtours.ie/blog/rss/blog/2019/just-back-from-necker-island-british-virgin-islands/ Fri, 03 May 2019 15:26:48 http://www.caribtours.ie/blog/rss/blog/2019/january/18/fun-for-all-the-family/ Get the whole family together and escape to a destination that promises adventure and relaxation in equal measure. On family holidays, it’s important to choose carefully, so grown ups can enjoy some time to themselves with spa treatments, gourmet dining or a sporting activity while kids and teens are kept busy making friends at supervised clubs. Time spent together is equally important, so we’ve picked out some of our favourite places for family fun. Saint Peter's Bay Resort & Port Ferdinand Luxury Marina & Residences, Barbados For holidays with all the family, it’s often practical to have living areas and kitchen facilities but this often means compromising on all the luxury services and amenities of a typical resort holiday. A concierge, kids’ club, restaurants within easy reach and daily housekeeping are all conveniences we appreciate while trying to relax and switch off from day-to-day routines. That’s why families appreciate Port Ferdinand and Saint Peter’s Bay which offer palatial villa-style living with the benefit of all the comforts and luxuries you’d expect from a first-rate hotel. There’s a complimentary water taxi between each resort so you can enjoy the facilities of both, including the three wonderful restaurants and Port Ferdinand’s tranquil spa. SAINT PETER'S BAY The glamorous beachfront homes at Saint Peter’s Bay are each adorned with terraces and spa pools. Children will love the lagoon-style swimming pool, complimentary non-motorised watersports and fun-filled children’s zone for ages five and up (under-fives are welcome with an adult). One of the highlights of Saint Peter’s Bay is the turtle conservation programme where guests can snorkel with, and help with the release of, turtles. 7 nights from €2,719  per adult and € 1,079 per child sharing a Two Bedroom Beachfront Suite including breakfast. OFFER: Save 35% STAY: 01 May - 14 Dec 2019 TAKE ME THERE > PORT FERDINAND Port Ferdinand is based on its own glitzy marina, and each of the villas is meticulously decorated, with a marble finish and coral stone walls adding to the grandeur. Each villa features its own individual yacht berth and the resort even features an on-site yacht concierge service. While kids and teens are having fun doing their own thing, adults can vanish to the Sandbox Tree Spa or the newly-opened Nikki Beach club located on property. 7 nights from €2,985  per adult and €1,299  per child sharing a Two Bedroom Luxury Harbourside Villa including breakfast. OFFER: Save 35% STAY: 01 May - 14 Dec 2019 TAKE ME THERE > BLUE WATERS RESORT & SPA, ANTIGUA There are suites and villas of varying sizes at the beautiful Blue Waters, a vision of bougainvillea and hibiscus-draped Caribbean paradise set on the secluded Soldier’s Bay. You can opt to stay up on the hillside or nearer the beach, but the spacious beachfront villas are our top recommendation for multi-generational families. Each features an infinity pool, private patio, luxury bathrooms and king-sized beds. Within the wider resort, there are two sandy beaches to explore, complimentary watersports and a fabulous spa. For the little ones, there’s also a fantastic kids’ club and crèche with a range of supervised activities, from arts and crafts to team games. 7 nights from €1,989  per adult and €855  per child sharing a Superior Hillside Room including breakfast. OFFER: Save up to 40% + first child stays & eats free STAY: 21 Apr - 19 Dec 2019 TAKE ME THERE > GRAND VELAS RIVIERA MAYA, MEXICO With more than enough to keep all age groups occupied, the incredible Grand Velas Riviera Maya is a firm favourite with families. Suites start at an impressive 1,100 square foot; all feature a private terrace or balcony, and many have a private plunge pool too. The Ambassador Suites are situated near the kids' and teens' clubs and are perfect for younger families, while the tranquil Zen Grand Suites are located inland, bordering the exotic greenery of the jungle, and are more suited to older families with teens. The facilities here are more than impressive; Grand Velas is home to a highly-acclaimed spa as well as an amazing eight restaurants, five of which are fine dining. And, as for activities, the resort has plenty to keep families entertained, including land and watersports, beach games and guided ecological tours around the property. 7 nights from €3,325  per adult and €729  per child sharing a Zen Grand Suite Jungle View on All-Inclusive. OFFER: Save up to 40% + kids stay free + complimentary return private transfers + US$50 spa credit per adult STAY: Now - 18 Dec 2019 TAKE ME THERE > ST NICOLAS BAY, CRETE, GREECE Stylish and sought after, the wonderful St. Nicolas Bay occupies a tranquil spot on Mirabello Bay. The sandy beach is set in a protected cove and has been awarded the EU Blue Flag for its quality. In the calm, shallow waters, families can take out pedalos and canoes, or, for the more adventurous, have a go at waterskiing or windsurfing. For little ones, there’s a seawater paddling pool right by the sea. There’s a myriad of different villa and suite options, many with private pools and jaw-dropping ocean views. The spacious Family Suites have up to three bedrooms and feature a separate lounge with dining table and a private verandah. 7 nights from €1,585  per adult and €925 per child sharing a Classic Double Room Side Sea View on Half Board. EXCLUSIVE OFFER: Save up to 35% + complimentary Half Board and one signature cocktail and lunch per person STAY: 12 Apr - 26 Oct 2019 TAKE ME THERE > CONSTANCE BELLE MARE PLAGE, MAURITIUS Belle Mare Plage is a firm favourite with families, with the wide selection of activities available here encompassing virtually every kind of watersport alongside mini golf, tennis and a complimentary kids’ club for ages 4 to 11. Adults will be more than satisfied too, with two championship golf courses and an extensive wellness complex. 7 nights from €1,955  per adult and €955 per child sharing a Prestige Room on Half Board. OFFER: Save up to 40% + one child stays free STAY: 29 Apr - 29 Sep 2019 TAKE ME THERE > BAHIA DEL DUQUE, TENERIFE, SPAIN With pointed turrets and grand arched windows, Bahia Del Duque looks like it’s been etched from the pages of a fairy tale. Children will have fun at Duqui Club, teens will be kept busy at the Teen Lounge and parents will fall in love with the enormous wellness retreat – which even offers a mother-daughter Teen Spa Experience. 7 nights from €1,525  per adult and €419  per child sharing a Double Room Garden View including breakfast. OFFER: Save up to 20% STAY: 01 Jan - 31 Oct 2019 TAKE ME THERE > SUGAR BEACH, A VICEROY RESORT, SAINT LUCIA The pure drama of the scenery you’re faced with at Sugar Beach is enough to enchant the whole family; it’s set between the UNESCO-listed Piton mountains in amongst over 100 acres of rainforest, and cradled into the only white-sand bay in the Soufriére area. The rooms, cottages and villas are tucked away in the lush green hillside, and the resort’s collection of Residences are perfect for families, with up to four bedrooms, private pools and a lovely sense of privacy and tranquillity. At The Sugar Club, children ages 4 to 12 can have fun with football games, arts and crafts, glass-bottom boat rides and evening cinema on the lawn. 7 nights from €2,999 per adult and €2,239 per child sharing a Superior Luxury Sugar Mill Room including breakfast. OFFER: Save up to 25% + daily complimentary breakfast for two STAY: 06 Jan - 25 Dec 2019 TAKE ME THERE > DAIOS COVE, CRETE, GREECE Fantastic for a stress-free family getaway, the staff at Daios Cove go out of their way to ensure all ages are well cared for. No doubt children will be impressed by the expansive infinity pool which spans the size of a football pitch and provides incredible views of the private cove. Down on the beach, sun beds, umbrellas and towels are provided, and the beach bar serves delicious drinks and snacks. Rooms and suites are open-plan and contemporary, and the 39 private villas provide extra space and privacy. Family villas have private pools and up to three bedrooms, plus they offer additional facilities for babies and toddlers. 7 nights from €1,525  per adult and €449  per child sharing a Deluxe Sea View Room with Individual Pool on Half Board. OFFER: Save up to 35% + complimentary room upgrade STAY: 12 Apr - 03 Nov 2019 TAKE ME THERE > PRINCESA YAIZA, LANZAROTE, SPAIN Standing resplendent in the sun with its gleaming white-washed architecture, Princesa Yaiza is jam-packed with pools, bars, restaurants, leisure and wellness facilities, creating the ideal environment for a family holiday. The standout feature is the incredible Kikoland, a 10,000-square-metre activity complex with entertainers, pools and sports facilities. We love how child-friendly the resort is overall, from the range of restaurants to please all palates, to the supervised activities for youngsters of all ages. Family Suites are reached via a walkway running through six tropical fish aquariums, making every morning and evening magical for children as they spot the many colourful creatures on their way to and from their rooms. 7 nights from €1,215  per adult and €355  per child sharing a Junior Suite Sea View including breakfast. OFFER: Save up to 25% STAY: 06 Jan - 03 Oct 2019 TAKE ME THERE > MOUNT CINNAMON, GRENADA Spilling down the hillside and overlooking Grand Anse, the best beach in Grenada, the Mediterranean-style suites and villas of Mount Cinnamon offer sensational views. Cheerful pops of colour brighten up the interiors and the fully-fitted kitchens make them ideal for guests wishing to self-cater. That’s not to say you’ll have to do all the cooking here – you can order in a pizza from the hotel’s kitchen, or wander down to Savvy’s to savour farm-to- table cuisine. Families can have fun with beach volleyball, watersports and giant garden chess, whilst there’s always the Cinnamon Spa, yoga classes and tennis for grown-ups. 7 nights from €2,275  per adult and €919  per child sharing a Hacienda Suite including breakfast. OFFER: Save up to 35% STAY: 01 May - 30 Nov 2019 TAKE ME THERE > SEA BREEZE BEACH HOUSE, BARBADOS With over 1,000 feet of white-sand beach, one of three pools dedicated to families, complimentary kids’ and teens’ clubs, and even a floating sundeck, the whole family will have a whale of a time at Sea Breeze. The resort recently unveiled its brand new oceanfront suites which range from spacious, open-plan junior suites to three- or four-bedroom suites that are perfect for families. Homemade Bajan pastries and sweet treats are always a winner with kids at the Rum Shop Café, while mealtimes can be taken at four fabulous restaurants including Mahogany Lounge with its island-inspired interiors. Sea Breeze boasts a fantastic south coast location, too. The famous Oistins Fish Market is just a short stroll away, pulsing with reggae music and mouthwatering street food. 7 nights from €2,259  per adult and €855  per child sharing a Classic Standard Room on All-Inclusive. OFFER: Save up to 50% + up to two children stay & eat free + two complimentary 45-minute spa treatments per room STAY: 06 Jan 2019 - 05 Jan 2020 TAKE ME THERE > OCEAN TWO RESORT & RESIDENCES, BARBADOS Overlooking a tranquil bay with clear turquoise waters, and close by to lively St. Lawrence Gap, Ocean Two sets the perfect scene for a fuss-free family holiday. The luxurious suites all have fully-equipped kitchens, but there’s always the option to dine at the acclaimed Taste restaurant where awardwinning chefs whip up creative Caribbean cuisine. The beach is ideal for snorkelling and swimming, and has giant Jenga for family fun, and a coconut station for thirst-quenching refreshments. Head off on adventures in the form of catamaran cruises or jeep safaris, and for some ‘me-time’ while the kids are splashing about in the pool, sink into one of the luxurious sun loungers while cocktails are delivered to you. 7 nights from €1,785  per adult and €855  per child sharing a One Bedroom Oceanfront including breakfast. OFFER: Save up to 50% + up to two children stay & eat free + up to US$125 resort credit per room STAY: 06 Jan 2019 - 05 Jan 2020 TAKE ME THERE > JUMEIRAH ZABEEL SARAY, DUBAI Occupying a magnificent stretch of beach and modelled on an imperial Ottoman palace, Jumeirah Zabeel Saray is an opulent sanctuary on the western crescent of Dubai’s famous Palm Jumeirah. The resort boasts a stunning 59-metre infinity pool, private 29-seat cinema and an award-winning spa. All guests receive complimentary access to Wild Wadi Waterpark™, a spectacle of rides and attractions the whole family will enjoy. Back at the resort, kids can be kept entertained with the complimentary Sinbad’s Kids’ Club which features a mini waterpark, climbing wall and playground alongside supervised activities. 5 nights from €1,309  per adult and €609  per child sharing a Superior King Room on Half Board. OFFER: Save up to 59% + unlimited Wild Wadi Waterpark access STAY: Now - 12 Oct 2019 TAKE ME THERE > ATMOSPHERE KANIFUSHI, MALDIVES Boasting some of the largest entry-level villas in the Maldives, Atmosphere Kanifushi offers suites just footsteps from the beach, separated by lush tropical vegetation and towering coconut palms. Sunset Family Villas have interconnecting doors and a large amount of indoor and outdoor space, plus they’re located closer to the kids’ club, main restaurant and sports complex. Children have their own daily schedule here, with talent shows, cooking classes, beach games and movie nights just the start. And it’s not just youngsters that have all the fun – adults have an activity programme too, including yoga, diving and volleyball. 7 nights from €3,469  per adult and €1,355  per child sharing a Sunset Junior Suite on All-Inclusive. OFFER: Stay 7 Pay 5 + save 20% + upgrade to Sunset Junior Suite + children stay free STAY: 29 Apr - 31 Oct 2019 TAKE ME THERE > CARLISLE BAY, ANTIGUA Perched on the crescent of a natural harbour surrounded by verdant rainforest, Carlisle Bay offers a completely idyllic setting. Half of the 500-metre beach is designed purely for families; Beach Balcony and Terrace Suites are based here and feature studio-style master bedrooms with direct views of the beach and separate twin rooms. Plus, when staying in these suites, two children receive complimentary All-Inclusive. Towards the end of the bay lie beautiful mangroves which are ideal for gentle kayaking trips, and older children in particular will enjoy the fun activities organised by the resort such as zip lining and raft building. 7 nights from €2,899  per adult and €799  per child sharing a Garden Suite including breakfast. OFFER: Save up to 40% STAY: 23 Apr - 30 Nov 2019 TAKE ME THERE > PINE CLIFFS RESORT, ALGARVE, PORTUGAL Perched on a clifftop above a golden-sand beach, Pine Cliffs is one of the Algarve’s most desirable destinations. The Pine Cliffs Residence offers two- and three-bedroom suites which are ideal for families, while the Pine Cliffs Village has townhouses and villas for even more variety. The facilities for children here are some of the best we’ve come across, such as Porto Pirata, the resort’s 7,000-square-metre children’s village for children aged up to eight. With a bouncy castle, two life-size wooden pirate ships, mini golf and a playground, you’ll have a hard time persuading the kids to leave! 7 nights from €1,199 per adult and €219  per child sharing a Two Bedroom Residence Comfort on Room Only. EXCLUSIVE OFFER: Save up to 15% + €100 food & beverage credit STAY: 08 Apr - 25 Oct 2019 TAKE ME THERE > All prices include return scheduled flights from Dublin and private transfers. Book by 08 February 2019. If you'd like to find out more about these offers or to book your next luxury tailor-made holiday, give our expert travel advisers a call on 01 431 9700 . http://www.caribtours.ie/blog/rss/blog/2019/january/18/fun-for-all-the-family/ http://www.caribtours.ie/blog/rss/blog/2019/january/18/fun-for-all-the-family/ Fri, 18 January 2019 14:32:41 http://www.caribtours.ie/blog/rss/blog/2019/january/03/experiential-escapes/ It’s often the memories we make that are the most valuable part of life. The awe-inspiring moment you first catch sight of an elephant in the wild, witnessing the joy on your child’s face as they whizz down a waterslide, and feeling exhilarated by an unforgettable excursion are the moments that truly make a holiday. ATLANTIS, THE PALM, DUBAI Inspired by myths of the legendary lost city, and the focal point of the Palm Jumeirah, everything about this Dubai landmark is exceptional. It’s a firm family favourite, offering activities in abundance, the most famous of which has to be the amazing Aquaventure waterpark. Amongst this fiesta of slides, chutes, rapids and rivers, kids, teens and even adults will have hours of fun. Overlooking Aquaventure, and set to open soon, the Wavehouse will feature a Waverider machine, adult-only bar, family restaurant, bowling alley, arcade and live entertainment. For something educational, The Lost Chambers Aquarium is an endlessly-fascinating parade of over 65,000 marine creatures including sharks and stingrays. 5 nights from €1,595 per person sharing an Ocean King Room on Half Board. OFFER: Save up to 45% + complimentary dinner with drinks + unlimited Aquaventure waterpark access STAY: 06 Jan - 21 Dec 2019 TAKE ME THERE > HILTON SEYCHELLES LABRIZ RESORT & SPA SILHOUETTE ISLAND SEYCHELLES Silhouette, the Seychelles’ third-largest island, is an absolutely magical place to behold. It’s here, set amongst tropical forests and mountains, on a soft swathe of beach in a national marine park, that you’ll find Hilton Seychelles Labriz. The romantic villas and outstanding dining here are worthy of a visit in themselves, yet it’s the jungle trails, giant tortoises and stunning beaches that will leave you spellbound. 7 nights from €2,215 per person sharing a King Garden Villa including breakfast. OFFER: Save up to 25% STAY: 01 Feb - 31 Oct 2019 TAKE ME THERE > HALF MOON, JAMAICA With two miles of beachfront and 400 acres of tropical gardens to call its own, Half Moon makes the most of its unspoilt location. At the equestrian centre, guests can take part in a variety of activities on horseback, the most thrilling of which has to be the ‘Turf and Surf’ experience where riders go for a swim in the sea with their horses! 7 nights from €2,519  per person sharing a Prestige Ocean Room including breakfast. OFFER : Stay 6 Pay 5 + one complimentary round of golf + spa treatment STAY : 03 Jan - 21 Dec 2019 TAKE ME THERE > DAIOS COVE CRETE, GREECE Daios Cove is a truly stunning resort, with its elegant stone-clad architecture nestled into a hillside and overlooking a secluded bay. The dazzling private beach steals the show, replete with soft sand and shallow waters. Rooms, suites and villas each offer striking views over the ocean from spacious balconies, many of which have private seawater pools. Adventurous souls, look no further than Daios Cove’s Land Rover Experience which takes you on a journey through the scenic island of Crete in these powerful four-wheel drives. You’ll be accompanied by an experienced Land Rover instructor and the thrilling routes and stirring landscapes of Crete are yours to discover as you wish. 7 nights from €2,249  per person sharing a Junior Suite with Private Pool on All-Inclusive. EXCLUSIVE OFFER : Save up to 35% + complimentary return transfers STAY : 12 Apr - 03 Nov 2019 TAKE ME THERE > ANANTARA VILAMOURA ALGARVE RESORT, PORTUGAL There’s something for everyone at the exceptional Anantara Vilamoura, with its wonderful spa, comprehensive kids’ club, varied bars and restaurants, and relaxed beach club. You’ll find that stays here cater to a range of interests. If you’re travelling with children, they can join the resort’s football and dance academies, while adults can engage themselves in cooking classes, wine tasting sessions and private or group classes in yoga and Tai chi. Keen golfers will also be kept busy on the Arnold Palmer-designed Victoria Golf Course with access to the resort’s Golf Guru who can offer suggestions and advice. 7 nights from €1,069  per person sharing a Deluxe Room on Half Board. EXCLUSIVE OFFER : Save 25% + complimentary Half Board + unlimited access to Anantara Spa Vitality Pool STAY : 01 Apr - 31 Oct 2019 TAKE ME THERE > THE RITZ-CARLTON, ABAMA TENERIFE, SPAIN Known for many things, including its world-class golf course, expansive spa and two Michelin-starred restaurants, The Ritz-Carlton, Abama offers its guests a plethora of opportunities for fun and relaxation in equal measure. For keen tennis players, or even beginners, the Annabel Croft Tennis Academy runs courses throughout the year, and golfers will be happy with the resort’s 18-hole championship golf course, offering superb ocean views. There are plenty of opportunities for adventure on the island of Tenerife itself, and the hotel is the perfect base for this, being set above a golden sandy beach and near to the mighty Mount Teide, Spain’s highest peak. 7 nights from €1,345  per person sharing a Citadel Deluxe Room Resort View including breakfast. OFFER : Save up to 25% STAY: 01 Jan - 31 Oct 2019 TAKE ME THERE > SILVERSEA Silversea’s fleet call at over 900 destinations around the globe, on all seven continents. No extravagance is out of the question on board these small luxury ships; one crew member to almost every guest means you’ll experience the most impeccable personalised service. You’ll stay in some of the largest suites at sea, each one providing ocean views and equipped with a range of luxury amenities. Guests can enjoy dining of the highest calibre in a selection of dining venues. Plus, the comprehensive all-inclusive plan allows you to enjoy the gourmet cuisine and free-flowing wines and spirits with no hidden costs. Call our Travel Advisers to discuss your perfect cruise itinerary. FAIRMONT ROYAL PAVILION, BARBADOS The old-style splendour of the Caribbean comes to life at the remarkable Fairmont Royal Pavilion. Its grand architecture and design reflect the hotel’s rich heritage, and a choice of refined dining venues and luxurious accommodations cater beautifully to even the most discerning of traveller. Even as you arrive, you’re treated to first-class service as you’re greeted with a VIP arrival service at Barbados airport with fast-track through security. One of the highlights of a stay at the Fairmont Royal Pavilion has to be the chance to swim with turtles. The hotel is the only one in Barbados to be positioned right on the beach, and so you’re never far from these fascinating creatures. There’s a wide range of activities to enjoy here beside that, too – get on the water with windsurfing, snorkelling and kayaking and burn off some energy on the tennis courts. In-room spa treatments are another extra indulgence you’ll likely wish to partake in. Hot stone therapy, mineral salt scrubs, reflexology and facials can all be enjoyed in the peace and privacy of your own room or suite. 7 nights from €2,759  per person sharing a Luxury Oceanfront Room including breakfast. OFFER : Save up to 40% + complimentary VIP Fast Track + up to US$150 resort credit STAY : 06 Jan 2019 - 12 Apr 2020 TAKE ME THERE > " SOUTH AFRICA ’S BEAUTY AND APPEAL IS ALMOST INDESCRIBABLE..." A melting pot of cultures meet here, along with a staggering diversity of wildlife and a land so impossibly vast and varied you can hardly imagine how it’s all encompassed in just one country. A stirring blend of landscapes in the form of arid deserts, grassy plains, jagged mountains, miles of beaches and dramatic coastlines are interspersed with glittering cities, small towns and sprawling wildlife reserves. All this is overlaid with a poignant history and a thriving modern culture harbouring a rich arts and dining scene. Towered over by the colossal Table Mountain and caressed by the waves of the wild Atlantic sits Cape Town, one of the world’s most diverse and fascinating cities and a perfect starting point for driving tours of the scenic Garden Route. On the coast, you’ll see whales and sharks, seals and penguins, whilst inland you’ll be able to spot the mighty Big Five – lion, leopard, rhino, buffalo and elephant. The grand adventure of a safari will never lose its wonderment and people from around the world journey to the savannah for their chance to catch a glimpse of big game. With such a luxurious collection of lodges, hotels and resorts scattered around this country, whether in the city, the bushveld or the winelands, your perfect South African holiday is well within reach. We can create a bespoke South Africa touring itinerary; are you a passionate foodie, nature enthusiast or keen photographer? Our Travel Advisers will craft the perfect holiday to suit your interests. 9-night private tour from €6,445  per person. STAY: 10 Jan - 15 Dec 2019. TAKE ME THERE > All prices include return scheduled flights, private transfers and the use of a UK airport lounge (where available). Some holidays require an overnight stopover in London for your connecting onward flight; accommodation for this overnight stopover is not included in the prices quoted here but can be pre-booked with your Travel Adviser. If you'd like to find out more about these offers or to book your next luxury tailor-made holiday, give our expert travel advisers a call on 01 431 9700 . http://www.caribtours.ie/blog/rss/blog/2019/january/03/experiential-escapes/ http://www.caribtours.ie/blog/rss/blog/2019/january/03/experiential-escapes/ Thu, 03 January 2019 15:18:24 http://www.caribtours.ie/blog/rss/blog/2019/january/03/a-world-of-wellness/ From bootcamp-style retreats to tranquil sunrise yoga sessions, mindful eating to indulgent all-inclusives, and luxury spa resorts to rustic rainforest cabins, wellness holidays mean different things to different people. FEEL THE SPIRIT OF BARBADOS To revive and restore your mind, body and soul, head to Barbados , where the horizons are blessed with coral-coloured sunrises and sunsets. The island encompasses the depth and breadth of transformative experiences, both physically and spiritually. 2019 is the year of Wellness and Soft Adventure with festivals and events running throughout the year. Reap the rewards of overcoming a new challenge, try caving in the awe-inspiring Harrison’s Cave or experience the Run Barbados marathon, routed through the beautiful capital of Bridgetown. For an exhilarating activity, take to the seas and go surfing in the waters off the sleepy village of Bathsheba or, for something more relaxing, the calm Caribbean Sea is a sailor’s dream. Drop anchor in a quiet bay for a swim in the crystal-clear waters or try deep-sea fishing, a soothing and calming pastime. Escape to a secluded location only accessible by foot and feel at peace surrounded by the tranquillity of nature. Trek through vast sugar cane plantations, past tropical thickets teaming with island fauna, and take in the majesty of the wide-open vistas of the island’s more rugged heartland. The sweeping Atlantic side of the island is a hidden treasure with refreshing sea breezes and postcard views. This beautiful island has the second highest number of centenarians per capita in the world, proof perhaps that the sunny isle has a spirit that’s good for your wellbeing. REFOCUS AND REBALANCE WITH ELEGANT HOTELS It’s the start of a new year, and there’s no better time to refocus on your health and wellness. Many of us want to begin new fitness regimes, manage stress and eat well, but sometimes we need an extra push to really kick start our new year programmes. What could be better than refocusing at one of the Elegant Hotels with a little help from the attentive staff and comprehensive amenities? HODGES BAY, ANTIGUA The boutique spa, tennis courts and state-of- the-art fitness centre make Hodges Bay, a new contemporary resort in Antigua, the ideal location to keep active and feel pampered. The adult-only areas have been carefully designed to encourage guests to relax and unwind, and the innovative dining options mean there’s always a variety of healthy meal choices. 7 nights from €2,029 per person sharing a Pool/ Garden View Junior Suite including breakfast. OFFER: Save 50%. STAY: 05 Jan 2019 - 04 Jan 2020. TAKE ME THERE > THE HOUSE, BARBADOS Start your holiday with a complimentary Jet Lag Revival massage at adult-only resort, The House. Aromatherapy on towels and pillows is standard, and the extensive range of amenities, including a brand new boutique spa and weekly yoga in the garden, are all designed to improve and maintain your best body and soul. Indulgence is also available in the form of daily Champagne breakfasts. 7 nights from €3,119 per person sharing a Garden View Junior Suite including breakfast. OFFER: Save up to 40% STAY: 05 Jan 2019 - 04 Jan 2020 TAKE ME THERE > COLONY CLUB, BARBADOS Peace and tranquillity perfectly describe the relaxed ambience of Colony Club. The meandering lagoon pools and seven acres of beautifully manicured gardens make this resort the perfect spot to press the ‘pause’ button. There are even weekly tours of the hotel’s organic vegetable garden followed by a ‘garden-to-plate’ cooking demonstration. 7 nights from €1,985 per person sharing a Pool/Garden View Room including breakfast. OFFER: Save up to 40% STAY: 05 Jan 2019 - 04 Jan 2020 TAKE ME THERE > TREASURE BEACH, BARBADOS Get away from the hustle and bustle of everyday life at this secluded resort. The adult-only Treasure Beach reopened last year with a focus on culinary and the arts. Rediscover your creative side, meet talented local artisans, join the weekly Treasure Art Crawl or sample the cuisine of the award-winning chef at the Tapestry Restaurant with a complimentary Chef’s Dinner for two. 7 nights from €1,849 per person sharing a Garden View One Bedroom Suite including breakfast. OFFER: Save up to 45% STAY: 05 Jan 2019 - 04 Jan 2020 TAKE ME THERE > BODYHOLIDAY, SAINT LUCIA BodyHoliday has the most comprehensive wellness centre in the Caribbean; spa treatments, fitness classes and sports on land and water are all included as part of your stay. This recently-refurbished all-inclusive health and wellbeing resort is ideal for solo breaks to refresh and recharge, fun all-girls holidays or even romantic couples’ escapes. The daily programme of activities ranges from yoga to beach boot camp, alongside a thrilling adventure programme that includes mountain biking, river trekking and even gorge jumping! Although you don’t have to partake in high-octane adventure here if you don’t want to. Many guests simply come for the opportunity to rest and recharge with spa treatments, enjoy delicious cuisine at five excellent restaurants, and relax on the beautiful sandy beach or with nature walks through the spectacular surrounding scenery. The wellness centre was voted one of the world’s best spas by Condé Nast Traveler, and your daily complimentary treatment could include an Elemis facial, Saint Lucian lime and ginger scrub or even an infrared sauna - a top-of-the-line treatment option which increases blood circulation and improves joint mobility. Whether you want to work on your fitness or pamper yourself, BodyHoliday is the ideal tried-and-tested option for a sun-drenched Caribbean wellness holiday. 7 nights from €3,075 per person sharing a Luxury Garden View Room on All-Inclusive. OFFER: Save up to 40% STAY: 03 Jan 2019 - 05 Jan 2020 TAKE ME THERE > RENDEZVOUS, SAINT LUCIA Wellness doesn’t have to be a solo mission. Rendezvous is a couples-only resort that focuses on spending precious time with your significant other in order to reconnect and rejuvenate. At this tranquil couples’ haven, set on a two-mile stretch of beach, you can slow down and relax under secluded beach-side cabanas, tuck yourselves away in a secret spot shaded in the water garden, and treat yourselves to a couple’s massage at the spa. Dining opportunities present themselves as intimate dinners for two at the candlelit Trysting Place, oceanfront á la carte meals with your toes in the sand at Malabar Beach Club, or even private dining experiences at a location of your choice. And the all-inclusive offering is nothing less than exceptional – premium-branded drinks, wine by the bottle at dinner, all land and watersports, and nightly entertainment are all included. Being exclusively for couples, Rendezvous have a team of Stolen Time Specialists whose job it is to ensure your time together is as special as possible. Wake up to a leisurely breakfast in bed, feel the wind in your hair on a Champagne cruise, take a couples yoga or Tai Chi class, enjoy a wine tasting session, and learn to massage each other. There are plenty of opportunities to acquire new skills to take home, form precious memories and simply relax into each other’s presence at Rendezvous. 7 nights from €2,285 per person sharing a Premium Garden View Room on All-Inclusive. OFFER: Save up to 45% STAY: 14 Apr - 21 Dec 2019 TAKE ME THERE > COTTON HOUSE MUSTIQUE, ST VINCENT & THE GRENADINES Still the mind and indulge the senses at Mustique’s only hotel, Cotton House. There are deserted white-sand beaches caressed by crystal-clear seas here and, as if the location weren’t enough alone to ease you into blissful relaxation, the impressive spa at Cotton House certainly will. Bespoke treatments incorporate elements of the island’s natural wonders including ylgang ylgang, jasmine and frangipani, each with regenerative and revitalising properties. The spa has also recently launched a new partnership with award-winning organic skincare range, ila. Classes in yoga and meditation, as well as personal training, really round off the wellness experience at this haven of style and exclusivity. 7 nights from €3,119 per person sharing a Garden Cottage including breakfast. EXCLUSIVE OFFER: Stay 7 Pay 5 + save 50% on inter-island flights + island picnic STAY: 01 Mar - 31 Aug 2019 TAKE ME THERE > FAIRMONT MAYAKOBA, MEXICO The natural world is on your doorstep at the luxurious Fairmont Mayakoba on Mexico’s scintillating Riviera Maya. A stunning 47 acres of mangroves and crystal-clear canals sit alongside a beautiful stretch of beach here. To maintain the ecological balance, the only modes of transport allowed are bicycles and golf carts on land, and traditional Mexican boats to float you through the scenic network of natural waterways that weave their way throughout the resort. Luxuriate in the stillness of the Willow Stream Spa and relax into treatments influenced by ancient Mayan culture with soothing and revitalising local herbs, extracts and oils. 7 nights from €2,279 per person sharing a Fairmont View Room including breakfast. EXCLUSIVE OFFER: Save up to 20% + complimentary room upgrade + 25% off spa treatments STAY: 04 Jan - 22 Dec 2019 TAKE ME THERE > THE CHEDI MUSCAT, OMAN Flanked by the dramatic Al Hajar Mountains and facing out to the beach-fringed Gulf of Oman, The Chedi Muscat is just 20 minutes from the atmospheric old Muscat but feels blissfully closed off from the rest of the world. Arabian grandeur meets Asian tranquillity at this oasis of splendour and comfort. As soon as you step into the tented reception area, you’ll be soothed into tranquillity by the impeccable service and minimalist, Asian-inspired interiors. The grounds themselves evoke a sense of calm with their gently-swaying date palms, glistening ponds and manicured lawns. It’s the calm-inducing setting, facing out onto the endless blue horizon of the Arabian Gulf, and the Oriental rituals, Balinese therapies and Indian Ayurvedic treatments that make an experience at the 1,500-square-metre spa and health club such a memorable one. Spa suites feature whirlpool baths with body jets, and private steam showers which can also be utilised for romantic bathing rituals for couples to enjoy together before or after treatments. 5 nights from €1,525 per person sharing a Serai Room including breakfast. OFFER: Save up to 35% STAY: 10 Jan 2019 - 05 Jan 2020 TAKE ME THERE > JA MANAFARU, MALDIVES Peace and tranquillity are easy to come by at JA Manafaru, an oasis of white sand, azure ocean and lush green forest. And with the resort set to begin running wellness retreats this year, guests can further enhance their state of zen on this utopic island. The week-long retreats will include one group yoga and one beach bootcamp session per day, as well as activities, classes and workshops including meditation and watersports. Delicious organic vegetarian and vegan cuisine will be available alongside health-boosting juices and smoothies to rejuvenate the body from the inside out. 7 nights from €2,985 per person sharing a Water Villa including breakfast. OFFER: Save 50% + complimentary seaplane transfers + villa upgrade STAY: 11 Jan - 23 Dec 2019 TAKE ME THERE > CORAL REEF CLUB, BARBADOS An elegant gem on Barbados’ Platinum Coast, Coral Reef Club is renowned for its fine dining, high standards of personalised service, and outstanding spa. The colonial-style buildings exude elegance and the picturesque grounds are resplendent with mahogany and frangipani trees, fragrant bougainvillea and flowering shrubs bursting with colour. Spend some time in the Thermal Spa Garden, a soothing enclave amongst tropical foliage, where shaded cabanas and a glistening hydropool provide a serene and soothing ambiance to relax in before or after your spa treatments. Wind down at the day’s end by absorbing the melodies of live steel bands with a refreshing cocktail before dining at the wonderful oceanside restaurant. 7 nights from €2,359 per person sharing a Garden Room/Cottage including breakfast. OFFER: Stay 7 Pay 6 + complimentary 30-minute foot ritual STAY: 08 May - 01 Nov 2019 TAKE ME THERE > Book by 08 February 2019. All prices include return scheduled flights, private transfers and the use of a UK airport lounge (where available). Some holidays require an overnight stopover in London for your connecting onward flight; accommodation for this overnight stopover is not included in the prices quoted here but can be pre-booked with your Travel Adviser. If you'd like to find out more about these offers or to book your next luxury tailor-made holiday, give our expert travel advisers a call on 01 431 9700 . http://www.caribtours.ie/blog/rss/blog/2019/january/03/a-world-of-wellness/ http://www.caribtours.ie/blog/rss/blog/2019/january/03/a-world-of-wellness/ Thu, 03 January 2019 14:28:36 http://www.caribtours.ie/blog/rss/blog/2018/design-dreams/ We’ve sought out some of the jaw-dropping architecture, stylish furnishings and amazing interiors that transcend the average hotel and are guaranteed to induce envy on Instagram. Eden Roc Cap Cana, Dominican Republic With tastefully-designed interiors, a velvety beach studded with palm trees, and an atmosphere of exclusive luxury, Eden Roc Cap Cana brings the glamour and style of the French Riviera to the Caribbean. Suites and villas are evocative of the Mediterranean, with vaulted ceilings, opulent marble-tiled bathrooms, and cool colours punctuated with pops of Caribbean colour and flair. The light and airy Beachfront Suites are more contemporary in style and feature natural woods and handmade art to complement the breathtaking ocean views. 7 nights from €3,319 per person sharing a Luxury Pool Junior Suite including breakfast. OFFER: Stay 7 Pay 6 + complimentary transfers TAKE ME THERE > Jade Mountain, Saint Lucia For something truly unique and spectacular, look no further than the iconic Jade Mountain in Saint Lucia. Here, the grandeur of the Piton mountains and glistening ocean are revealed to you in an endless panorama of beauty, as suites are each missing their fourth wall to accommodate the staggering views. Private infinity pools lap over horizons of endless green and blue, and suites are separated by tiered stone walkways, ensuring seclusion and quietude. 7 nights from €4,349 per person sharing a Sky Jacuzzi Suite on All-Inclusive. OFFER: Stay 5 Pay 4 + complimentary All-Inclusive TAKE ME THERE > Myconian Kyma, Mykonos, Greece Our Assistant Trade Sales Manager, Lauren, recently stayed at the super-stylish Myconian Kyma resort in Mykonos. “The first thing that struck me when I walked into the reception of Myconian Kyma was the sense of space and how chic the interior design was. I loved the bright white marble floors, lighting features and the contemporary furniture. The rooms include a unique waved ocean-like feature wall – the word Kyma means wave in Greek so this was the design concept. The hotel has a relaxed and Ibizan feel to it throughout – it’s exactly what you’d expect from a hotel on such a fashionable island.” TAKE ME THERE > LUX* Grand Gaube, Mauritius Celebrated interior designer and Dragon’s Den star Kelly Hoppen had a hand in making LUX* Grand Gaube the marvel of interior design we see today. Reopened at the end of last year after an extensive renovation, the resort boasts fresh and inspiring interiors that wouldn’t look out of place between the pages of Vogue Magazine. The rooms, suites and villas are styled with modern, eclectic décor, and each offers sweeping views of the Indian Ocean. 7 nights from €1,569 per person sharing a Superior Room including breakfast. EXCLUSIVE OFFER: Save up to 45% + one free dinner at INTI restaurant TAKE ME THERE > Round Hill Hotel & Villas, Jamaica Round Hill is a Jamaican icon – everyone from Grace Kelly to Bing Crosby has stayed here. The hotel was built as a haven for the rich and famous in the 1960s and is still as beloved and stylish today as it was then, with some guestrooms designed by no other than fashion guru, Ralph Lauren. 7 nights from €1,879 per person sharing an Oceanfront View Room including breakfast. OFFER: Save 10% + Stay 7 Pay 5 + complimentary breakfast TAKE ME THERE > One&Only Resorts A world of luxury awaits at One&Only Resorts; not only do these iconic properties reside in some of the world’s most spectacular locations, but they’ll wow you with their exceptional design and exquisite furnishings. One&Only Le Saint Géran, Mauritius Le Saint Géran occupies an unparalleled location on its own private peninsula, gleaming white sands dotted with lush palm fronds facing out to the brilliance of the Indian Ocean. There’s no doubt the hotel, which is in its fourth decade, dazzles with its location alone, yet last year a nine-month multi-million dollar renovation took this Mauritian icon to the next level. The colonial-style architecture has been carefully preserved whilst a new beach inspired aesthetic weaves its way through the resort alongside traditional thatching and Mauritian sourced stone. 7 nights from €2,569 per person sharing a Lagoon Room on Half Board. OFFER: Save up to 30% + complimentary Half Board TAKE ME THERE > One&Only Cape Town, South Africa Contemporary artwork and dark African woods adorn One&Only Cape Town’s interior, whilst rooms and suites are some of the most spacious in the city. As sleek and inviting as the interiors are, it’s hard not to mention the sweeping panoramic views of Table Mountain you’re greeted with almost everywhere; and the best of the views can be seen from the luxuriously-appointed Table Mountain Suite which features a sumptuous oversized bath you can soak up the views from. 5 nights from €1,889 per person sharing a Marina Harbour Room including breakfast. OFFER: Save up to 25% TAKE ME THERE > One&Only Reethi Rah, Maldives For all its trimmings – over 800 staff, seven restaurants, 12 beaches – you’d expect Reethi Rah to feel crowded, but that couldn’t be further from the truth. The villas are enormously private, sheltered by lush tropical greenery, and the island is so large it’s not hard to find a deserted patch of beach. The villas incorporate Balinese, Chinese and Maldivian-inspired design and trendy touches like wraparound hammocks over the water and two-person cabana beds on the spacious decks. 7 nights from €4,725 per person sharing a Beach Villa on Half Board. OFFER: Save up to 45% + complimentary Half Board and boat transfers TAKE ME THERE > One&Only The Palm, Dubai With only 90 rooms and suites, and four villas, One&Only The Palm is one of the few boutique options in Dubai. From its setting on the famous Palm Jumeirah, the hotel stands out with its magnificent blend of Moorish and Andalusian architecture. 5 nights from €2,099 per person sharing a Manor House Premier Room on Half Board. OFFER: Save up to 35% + complimentary Half Board + Aquaventure waterpark pass TAKE ME THERE > One&Only Royal Mirage, Dubai This lavish resort is actually comprised of three separate hotels – Arabian Court, The Palace and Residence & Spa. Set amongst landscaped gardens replete with courtyards, arches and water fountains, the hotels evoke the romance of old Arabia. 5 nights from €1,629 per person sharing an Arabian Deluxe Room on Half Board. OFFER: Save up to 40% + complimentary Half Board + Aquaventure waterpark pass TAKE ME THERE > If you’d like to find out more, give one of our expert travel advisers a call on 01 431 9700 . http://www.caribtours.ie/blog/rss/blog/2018/design-dreams/ http://www.caribtours.ie/blog/rss/blog/2018/design-dreams/ Fri, 05 October 2018 17:28:12 http://www.caribtours.ie/blog/rss/blog/2018/love-by-caribtours/ LOVE Perfect Proposals These resorts all present the perfect atmosphere and opportunity to pop the question... JA Manafaru, Maldives True romance and luxury awaits at JA Manafaru, an island escape so hypnotic it seems woven from fantasy. The seaplane journey to reach the resort is as much a part of the experience as anything else; you’ll fly over a patchwork of coral reef and a myriad of islands dotted amongst the Indian Ocean like jewels. Accommodation options range from secluded bungalows tucked away on the beach, to overwater villas offering views of the sunrise or sunset. Floor-to-ceiling windows reveal the mesmerising seascape, and private decks and swimming pools provide a sanctuary where long hours can be spent in languor taking in the views of an ocean so vividly aquamarine it seems to glow in the sunshine. Meals can be taken in six different restaurants, with a range of international delicacies to choose from; White Orchid is perched over the lagoon and serves Asian fusion dishes, whilst Ocean Grill is set on the sand right at the water’s edge. Dive into the ocean and explore the house reef which is teeming with a cornucopia of sea life including turtles and stingrays, before immersing yourselves in the tranquillity of the spa with a blissful couples’ massage. End the day by taking a cruise on a traditional dhoni sailboat, spotting dolphins and sipping Champagne as the sun sets… the scene will well and truly be set for asking that important question. 7 nights from €2,895 per person sharing a Water Villa including breakfast. EXCLUSIVE OFFER: Save 50% + complimentary room upgrade and seaplane transfers TAKE ME THERE > Eden Roc Cap Cana, Dominican Republic Designed to evoke the glamour of the Côte d’Azur’s 1960s heyday, the exclusive Eden Roc at Cap Cana invites you to live out your dreams in sophisticated surroundings. Privacy and seclusion are paramount here, and this is achieved with suites that have their own private pool and gazebo, as well as an outdoor rain shower, coral stone bath with marble Jacuzzi, and personal spa area. At the centre of the property, you’ll find a natural grotto, named The Garden of Eden, which gives its name to the resort. In this magical environment, you can savour a romantic meal for two, shrouded by the lush foliage of the tropical gardens. This intimate scene is ideal for proposing to that special someone. 7 nights from €3,319 per person sharing a Luxury Pool Junior Suite including breakfast. OFFER: Stay 7 Pay 6 + complimentary transfers TAKE ME THERE > Proposal in Petit St. Vincent , St. Vincent & The Grenadines Travel Adviser, Abi, received a romantic proposal from her partner Matt in Petit St. Vincent last year. She tells us how it all unfolded… “The arrival into Petit St. Vincent was lovely as we were picked up by boat at Union Island and sailed to the dock where we were whisked to our room on a Mini Moke. The cottages are all really private as they’re scattered around the island, and there are no TVs or WiFi inside, meaning you can totally switch off and relax. "We were told to post a red flag outside for privacy and a yellow flag for service which was a lovely touch. What I didn’t know at that point was that Matt had secretly been in touch with Petit St. Vincent’s General Manager Matthew prior to us arriving, and they’d chatted about different proposal options. Matt decided on a private beach barbecue for our second night. "We went to a lovely part of the beach just before sunset and there were lanterns leading up to a private table just steps from the ocean. We sat down and were served Champagne and canapés – that’s when he popped the question!” LOVE Weddings and Vow Renewals Whether you’re tying the knot or reaffirming your love for one another, what could be better than doing so in the comfort and luxury of a world-class resort? Weddings at AMResorts AMResorts’ portfolio encompasses a range of all-inclusive resorts across several brands, including Zoëtry Wellness & Spa Resorts as well as Secrets, Dreams and Now Resorts & Spas. Located in some of the world’s most striking locations including Mexico and the Dominican Republic, across blankets of breathtaking beach adjacent to the most mesmerising oceanscapes, you’ll have no trouble finding a location to say your vows in beauteous surroundings. Whichever resort you choose, wedding packages include a personal wedding coordinator who’ll take care of all the details, from the location to the reception, and right down to the photographer, makeup artist and music. Choose from a range of settings, from weddings set right on a white-sand beach, to ceremonies held under an elaborate gazebo. Adults-only and family-friendly resorts allow you to choose whether you’d like to keep things small and intimate, or big and multi-generational. 7 nights from €2,509 per person sharing a Junior Suite Swim-Out on All-Inclusive. OFFER: Save 30% TAKE ME THERE > Baros, Maldives To say Baros is romantic simply doesn’t cut it; melodramatic sunsets, panoramic views of an ocean that shimmers a thousand shades of turquoise, and a house reef flourishing with brilliant marine life are just some of the hallmarks of this patch of Maldivian paradise. It makes sense to spend an occasion as special as the renewal of wedding vows somewhere this obscenely beautiful. Baros offers the option to renew your vows in the seclusion of a private sandbank, or on the jungle-fringed shores of the island, toes in the sand and the traditional singing and drumming of a Maldivian Bodu Beru procession accompanying you down the aisle. Afterwards, you can plant a memorial palm tree, fixing a part of yourselves on the island forever. 7 nights from €2,759 per person sharing a Deluxe Villa including breakfast. OFFER: Save up to 45% TAKE ME THERE > LOVE Honeymoons Move away from the mundane on your honeymoon and treat yourselves to a hotel experience that’s out of this world, from overwater villas perched atop oceans that glisten like diamonds, to dining experiences that will forever outshine your usual date nights. Huvafen Fushi, Maldives On an island dusted with white sand and embraced by turquoise ocean sits Huvafen Fushi, a resort reserved exclusively for adults. In this slightly surreal resort, there are just 44 contemporary bungalows and pavilions, one of the most extraordinary being the Ocean Bungalow with Pool where a glass floor in the living room invites you to watch as tropical fish swim below, and a three-tiered deck is home to your own fibre-optic-lit infinity pool, dining area and daybed. There are four enticing dining venues on the island but, for something extra special, we recommend booking a private dining experience on a secluded sandbank or in intimate wine cellar, Vinum, set eight metres below ground. Your accommodation experience can also be heightened by reserving a night or so on the dhoni, a 65-foot traditional boat with below-deck living spaces, 24-hour crew and an on-board chef, allowing you to glide over reefs, through crystalline seascapes on an adventure to treasure. 7 nights from €3,889 per person sharing a Beach Bungalow with Plunge Pool on Half Board. EXCLUSIVE OFFER: Save up to 45% + complimentary Half Board TAKE ME THERE > COMO Parrot Cay, Turks & Caicos The 40 islands of Turks and Caicos are home to some of the most jaw-droppingly-gorgeous beaches and spectacular diving on the planet. Imagine being here on a private island, white sands melting into azure ocean and 1,000 acres yours to explore. That’s what you’ll get at COMO Parrot Cay, a destination resort that A-listers flock to for their fix of tranquillity, and honeymooners seek out for its seclusion and serenity. Though the pace of life is unhurried here, it’s an adventure playground for those that want to play. Snorkel beneath crystalline waters to spot tropical fish, pick your way through banana and coconut plantations, bike through tropical forests, and charter a boat to explore the waters surrounding the island. 7 nights from €3,149 per person sharing a Garden View Room including breakfast. OFFER: Stay 7 Pay 5 TAKE ME THERE > Bahia del Duque, Tenerife, Spain Honeymoons call for something extra special, which is why the recently-renovated Casas Ducales section of Bahia del Duque is the perfect environment for that special holiday for two. Tuck yourselves away in an exclusive area of the resort where you’ll enjoy special amenities, a private lounge and solarium, courtesy bar, evening drinks and canapés, daily high tea, and butler service, amongst other benefits. Rooms and suites are elegantly furnished, with hints of the hotel’s colonial style appearing throughout, inspired by the architectural styles of eminent Tenerife mansions. 7 nights from €2,655 per person sharing a Double Room in Casas Ducales including breakfast. TAKE ME THERE > Juliet's Top Pick - Jamaica Inn, Jamaica Our Marketing Assistant Juliet recently returned from the romantic Jamaica Inn where she stayed with her partner. “As soon as we arrived at Jamaica Inn, we instantly relaxed into the resort’s laid-back ambience. Our room had a huge verandah that overlooked the sparkling ocean - so clear you could see all the tropical fish underneath you! Most people opt to have a private dinner on these spacious verandahs, as the views are simply breathtaking. There was no doubt that this boutique gem of a hotel was perfectly located and beautiful, but it really was the attentive, charming and friendly staff here that truly made our stay unforgettable.” 7 nights from £1,689 per person sharing a Superior Balcony Suite on Room Only. OFFER: Save 25%. TAKE ME THERE > If you’d like to find out more, give one of our expert travel advisers a call on 01 431 9700 or fill out the form below. var contourDateFormat = "dd/mm/yy"; var contourFieldValuesae32a616f139416d816cc4209acbce0e; (function ($) { $(function () { $("#contour_form_OnlineContactform .contourPage input").change(function() { PopulateFieldValuesae32a616f139416d816cc4209acbce0e(); CheckRulesae32a616f139416d816cc4209acbce0e(); }); $("#contour_form_OnlineContactform .contourPage select").change(function () { PopulateFieldValuesae32a616f139416d816cc4209acbce0e(); CheckRulesae32a616f139416d816cc4209acbce0e(); }); PopulateFieldValuesae32a616f139416d816cc4209acbce0e(); CheckRulesae32a616f139416d816cc4209acbce0e(); }); } (jQuery)); function PopulateFieldValuesae32a616f139416d816cc4209acbce0e() { //fill field values //contourFieldValues = new Array(); PopulateRecordValuesae32a616f139416d816cc4209acbce0e(); $("#contour_form_OnlineContactform .contourPage select").each(function() { contourFieldValuesae32a616f139416d816cc4209acbce0e[$(this).attr("id")] = $("option[value='" + $(this).val() + "']", $(this)).text(); }); $("#contour_form_OnlineContactform .contourPage input").each(function() { if($(this).attr('type') == "text"){ contourFieldValuesae32a616f139416d816cc4209acbce0e[$(this).attr("id")] = $(this).val(); } if($(this).attr('type') == "radio"){ if($(this).is(':checked')) { contourFieldValuesae32a616f139416d816cc4209acbce0e[$(this).attr("name")] = $(this).val(); } } if($(this).attr('type') == "checkbox"){ if($(this).attr('id') != $(this).attr('name')) { if($(this).is(':checked')) { if(contourFieldValuesae32a616f139416d816cc4209acbce0e[$(this).attr("name")] == null) { contourFieldValuesae32a616f139416d816cc4209acbce0e[$(this).attr("name")] = $(this).val(); } else { contourFieldValuesae32a616f139416d816cc4209acbce0e[$(this).attr("name")] += "," + $(this).val(); } } } else { contourFieldValuesae32a616f139416d816cc4209acbce0e[$(this).attr("name")] = $(this).is(':checked').toString(); } } }); } function PopulateRecordValuesae32a616f139416d816cc4209acbce0e() { contourFieldValuesae32a616f139416d816cc4209acbce0e = new Array(); } function CheckRulesae32a616f139416d816cc4209acbce0e() { } Online Contact Form Firstname Surname Email address Telephone Number Preferred date of travel Number of nights Number of people Age of Children Travelling (If Any) Holiday Destination Preferred Class of Travel Economy Premium Economy Business Class First Class Private Jet Preferred Hotel (If Known) Preferred Room Type (If Known) Preferred Meal Plan Approximate budget Any Additional Information Where did you hear about us? Google Newspaper or Magazine Advert Social Media Other Already on Database Would you like to hear about exclusive holiday offers and updates from Caribtours via email? Yes please . Message http://www.caribtours.ie/blog/rss/blog/2018/love-by-caribtours/ http://www.caribtours.ie/blog/rss/blog/2018/love-by-caribtours/ Fri, 05 October 2018 16:03:53 http://www.caribtours.ie/blog/rss/blog/2018/totally-tropical/ The enthralling melody of islands in the Caribbean each sing to the tune of their own song, yet each enchant with their dazzling diversity, sun-bleached beaches, hip-swinging reggae rhythms, and cornucopia of coral reefs. No two islands are the same, so we beckon you to explore and discover this tropical wonder of a region for yourself. Saint Lucia Let Her Inspire You Leave the traffic, train delays and bustling crowds far behind and head to Saint Lucia , an inspiring island oasis, full of lush rainforests, majestic mountains, vibrant tropical flowers and relaxing retreats. The mango-shaped Caribbean island of Saint Lucia is a natural wonder, with over 19,000 acres of untouched verdant landscapes, covered in giant ferns, wild orchids, bamboo and sun-kissed rainforest canopies. Glistening waterfalls are scattered within the dense forest, just waiting to be discovered by passers-by in need of a refreshing shower. Take a scenic walk with a guide through the winding forest pathways. Let your senses be awakened by the fragrant smells of frangipani, eucalyptus and citrus fruit, and the sound of sweet birdsong. The strikingly beautiful and elusive Saint Lucia Parrot came close to extinction, but numbers are now on the up. The parrots can only be found in the island’s rainforests, and seeing one is a rare and special treat. The jaw-dropping views from the top of the Grand Piton mountain is another unique experience. If you can manage the four-hour climb, you will be rewarded with panoramic views that stretch from north to south, and on a clear day you may even catch a glimpse of Martinique or St. Vincent. If you want magnificent views of the iconic mountains from the comfort of your room, then the three-walled sanctuaries at the award-winning Jade Mountain are the perfect spot. The resort is in the Marine National Park and has some of the best snorkelling and diving on the island, so you can also discover Saint Lucia’s natural world under water. For those that just want to enjoy the relaxing properties of the tropical surroundings, you’ll love the carefully-crafted gardens at East Winds and the tranquillity of the Pigeon Island National Landmark, which is just a stone’s throw away from The Landings Resort & Spa by Elegant Hotels . The BodyHoliday is the place for rejuvenation, with a selection of tropical treatments that will make you feel totally at one with nature. Anse Chastanet, Saint Lucia The emphasis at this environmentally-conscious resort is on enjoying the breathtaking surroundings, with no televisions to disturb the peace, and the natural melody of the rainforest to lull you into tranquillity. Architect owner Nick Troubetzkoy is fiercely passionate about nature and his vision can be seen throughout the whole resort. A birdwatcher’s paradise, there are species of bird here that are found nowhere else on earth, and below the water’s surface lurks yet more of Saint Lucia’s wildlife in the form of coral reefs and a dizzying array of tropical fish in one of the best diving spots in the Caribbean. 7 nights from €2,059 per person sharing a Garden View Room including breakfast. OFFER: Stay 5 Pay 4 TAKE ME THERE > Windjammer Landing Villa Beach Resort, Saint Lucia Spilling down a lush hillside on the crescent of a sandy beach, Windjammer Landing is an all-villa and suite resort that’s just perfect for an action-packed family getaway. Families can keep their independence with villas and private pools, but still delight in all the luxury facilities of the resort, offering the best of both worlds. Complimentary watersports include windsurfing, snorkelling and kayaking, but you could be forgiven for simply lounging in one of the hammocks that are slung over the ocean. Why not get out and explore the island too? Go on a jeep or sailboat tour, zipline through the rainforest or go dolphin and whale watching. 7 nights from €1,819 per person sharing an Ocean View Guest Room on Room Only. OFFER: Save 25% + $50 resort credit per adult TAKE ME THERE > East Winds, Saint Lucia The cottage-style accommodations at East Winds are tucked away into 12 acres of tropical gardens, with flowering plants, shrubs and trees frequented by colourful birds in a tranquil environment that allows you to truly switch off and unwind. You’ll feel truly spoilt from the moment you arrive, with a complimentary bottle of Champagne and chocolates to indulge in which will whet your appetite for the exquisite four-course dining menus. 7 nights from €2,599 per person sharing a Superior Cottage on All-Inclusive. OFFER: Save 25% TAKE ME THERE > Bequia Beach Hotel, St. Vincent & The Grenadines Bequia is one of the lesser developed Grenadines islands and life here is much the same as it was in decades past. It’s here that you’ll find the boutique Bequia Beach hotel, set over 10 acres of grounds resplendent with palm and almond trees. Laid back like the island itself, this is a luxurious and stylish enclave that will allow you to truly slip into the pace of island life. Kicking back at beachfront restaurant, Bagatelle’s, with a rum cocktail and grilled catch of the day for a leisurely lunch is a favourite pastime among guests here. 7 nights from €1,889 per person sharing a Junior Plantation Suite including breakfast. OFFER: Save 15% TAKE ME THERE > Cotton House, Mustique, St. Vincent & The Grenadines The island of Mustique was once the secluded home-away- from-home of Princess Margaret, and, in its history, has attracted a flurry of rock stars including the likes of David Bowie and Mick Jagger. Beyond this veil of glamour, however, lies an oasis of untouched beauty where many roads remain unpaved. Cotton House is the only hotel on Mustique, and locals and visitors alike gather here on Tuesday evenings for Champagne parties. There are just 15 rooms, a fabulous spa, and beautiful drinking and dining spaces. 7 nights from €2,749 per person sharing a Garden Cottage including breakfast. OFFER: Stay 7 Pay 5 + complimentary transfers TAKE ME THERE > If you’d like to find out more, give one of our expert travel advisers a call on 01 431 9700 . http://www.caribtours.ie/blog/rss/blog/2018/totally-tropical/ http://www.caribtours.ie/blog/rss/blog/2018/totally-tropical/ Fri, 05 October 2018 14:47:30 http://www.caribtours.ie/blog/rss/blog/2018/family-fun/ It’s not always easy finding a resort that appeals to everyone, especially if you’re travelling with fussy children, demanding teens and even critical grandparents. There’s a lot to consider, from making sure the kids are kept occupied at the children’s clubs and the teenagers don’t get bored, to ensuring adults have their own spaces to retreat, such as a stress-busting spa or peaceful adults-only pool where the risk of getting splashed by overenthusiastic youngsters is non-existent. If you’re planning a getaway with the whole brood, fear not, as we’ve rounded up a few of our favourite family resorts, offering everything you’d need for a holiday that keeps everyone happy. Blue Waters Resort & Spa, Antigua Blue Waters is a firm favourite with families, not only for its broad offering of entertainment at the fantastic kids’ club, including football, tennis, arts and crafts, but also for its interconnecting family rooms, large villas and wide-ranging facilities. The secluded beaches offer watersports in abundance including snorkelling, windsurfing and kayaking, and four fabulous dining venues ensure plenty of choice. All restaurants feature a dedicated children’s menu and, knowing that younger guests sometimes like to eat outside of normal service hours, Blue Waters open their eateries slightly earlier for families. For something extra special, why not book into the Cove Suites; set apart from the main resort, these stylish suites and penthouses have one or three bedrooms, full kitchens and a large living/dining area. 7 nights from €1,715 per person sharing a Superior Hillside Room including breakfast. OFFER: Save up to 35% + first child stays free TAKE ME THERE > Long Beach, Mauritius The kids club at Long Beach goes above and beyond when it comes to making sure their youngest guests are happy. Activities abound with archery lessons, pizza-making classes and even yoga sessions. And the fun continues beyond the resort with a range of excursions – glass bottom boat rides introduce children to the wonders of the Indian Ocean, and nature walks take in the plants, animals and insects native to the region, so young minds are educated as well as entertained. Plus, at Long Beach, children under 12 stay and eat free on the same meal plan as their parents year-round. 7 nights from €1,645 per adult and €675 per child sharing a Junior Suite on Half Board. OFFER: Save 46% + kids stay free + special savings on All-Inclusive Expert View - Nicola, Destination Manager: “For me, Long Beach is a great all-rounder, with a huge main pool, over 1.3 kilometres of beautiful beach and an impressive selection of complimentary activities for children and adults, including Zumba, a climbing wall, windsurfing and snorkelling. The atmosphere is elegantly relaxed, with four out of five restaurants set around a central piazza, where there’s a great buzz in the evenings, and I would definitely recommend upgrading to All-Inclusive, as the supplement is great value and even includes beer, soft drinks and juices from your mini bar.” TAKE ME THERE > Grand Velas Riviera Maya, Mexico The Riviera Maya entrances with its ancient archaeological sites, postcard-perfect beaches and exotic jungle environs. Plan a stay at Grand Velas Riviera Maya though, and you’ll find you might be tempted to never leave the resort, even for the nearby Mayan pyramids of Tulum. Coexisting beautifully with its natural environment, Grand Velas’ 200 acres encompass wild jungle scenery and a 1,700-foot stretch of private, white-sand beach. And it’s not just the natural wonders of Mexico that so delight families, here. It’s the bewildering choice of facilities, restaurants, activities and entertainment. The expansive spa is heavenly and features a series of holistic treatments and a blissful hydrotherapy experience; there are eight restaurants to take your pick from, including fine dining options; and activities range from snorkelling to ecological tours around the property taking in the flora, fauna and even cenotes on site. 7 nights from €3,269 per person sharing a Zen Grand Suite Jungle View on All-Inclusive. OFFER: Save 34% + $50 spa credit TAKE ME THERE > Bahia del Duque, Tenerife, Spain The setting of Bahia del Duque will delight and enchant children; the buildings look as though they’ve been etched from the pages of a fairy tale with their pointed turrets and vibrant colours. The staff are adorned in traditional Canaries costume, and bridges and pathways weave between a medley of lagoon pools and exotic gardens, the whole scene being more reminiscent of a Spanish colonial-style village than a resort. It’s not just the fantasy-style design that gives this resort its sought-after status; it’s located right on the palm-studded Playa del Duque beach with its crystal-clear water and soft golden sands. There are ice cream parlours and restaurants galore along the beach, but you’ll want to sample as many of Bahia del Duque’s eight restaurants as you can. From Mexican tacos to Japanese sushi, you’ll find there’s enough to satisfy all palates here. 7 nights from €1,475 per person sharing a Double Room Garden View including breakfast. OFFER: Save 20% TAKE ME THERE > Carlisle Bay, Antigua We all remember family holidays spent on the beach with a bucket and spade, dipping our toes into the ocean and marvelling at starfish lurking below the waters. Beach holidays provide the best of memories, so what could be better than basing yourself right on one of the very best beaches in Antigua, an island renowned for its awe-inspiring swathes of sand? Carlisle Bay occupies a simply remarkable setting right on the cashmere-soft sands of a natural harbour, flanked by the vivid green hues of the rainforest. As well as offering a fantastic kids’ club, Carlisle Bay’s plentiful facilities include a cinema screening room, nine tennis courts and an abundance of watersports. Aspiring marine explorers of 8 years and over will no doubt want to take the PADI Bubblemaker course which introduces them to the fundamentals of diving. 7 nights from €2,349 per person sharing a Garden Suite including breakfast. OFFER: Save up to 30% TAKE ME THERE > Atmosphere Kanifushi, Maldives Resorts in the Maldives, with their castaway island setting, need little help when it comes to impressing the whole family, yet Atmosphere Kanifushi delights with more than just its spectacular natural scenery. Boasting some of the largest entry-level villas in the Maldives, this all-inclusive resort offers suites just footsteps from the beach, separated by lush tropical vegetation and towering coconut palms. Sunset Family Villas have interconnecting doors and a large amount of indoor and outdoor space, plus they’re located closer to the kids’ club, main restaurant and sports complex. 7 nights from €3,415 per adult and €1,195 per child sharing a Sunset Junior Suite on All-Inclusive. OFFER: Save up to 30% + complimentary room upgrade + kids stay & eat free TAKE ME THERE > Shangri-La Barr Al Jissah Resort & Spa, Oman Shangri-La Barr Al Jissah - Al Waha is Oman’s first dedicated family hotel, and along with its next-door sister hotel, Al Bandar, provides the perfect environment for a holiday filled to the brim with adventures and amenities. The resort is absolutely bursting with things for families to do; kids can get soaked with jets and mists in the Splashpad aquatic play area, float along the Lazy River, and play air hockey or video games in playroom, ‘GameZ’. The whole family can compete against each other in mini golf, or enjoy a meal together at one of nine main restaurants. 5 nights from €1,479 per adult and €809 per child sharing an Al Waha Superior Sea View Room including breakfast. EXCLUSIVE OFFER: Save 30% + complimentary room upgrade + 20% off spa & watersports TAKE ME THERE > Saint Peter's Bay Resort & Port Ferdinand Luxury Marina & Residences, Barbados Villa and apartment-style holidays are a great option for those who like to keep their independence while on holiday. However, sometimes this means compromising on service, without the benefit of a dedicated concierge, supervised children’s clubs and daily housekeeping. Not the case at sister resorts Saint Peter’s Bay and Port Ferdinand in Barbados. These two resorts, based close by to each other on the island’s northwest coast, offer palatial villa-style living with the benefit of all the comforts and luxuries you’d expect from a first-rate hotel. There’s a complimentary water taxi between each resort so you can enjoy the facilities of both, including the three wonderful restaurants and Port Ferdinand’s tranquil spa. Saint Peter's Bay Saint Peter’s Bay is set along a sun-kissed stretch of beach with the glamorous beachfront villas each adorned with terraces with spa pools. Children will love the lagoon-style swimming pool, complimentary watersports and fun-filled children’s zone for ages five and up. One of the highlights of Port Ferdinand is the resort’s turtle conservation programme where children can snorkel with, and help with the release of, turtles. 7 nights from €2,219 per person sharing a One Bedroom Beachfront Room on Room Only. OFFER: Save 35% TAKE ME THERE > Port Ferdinand Port Ferdinand is based on its own glitzy marina, and each of the villas are meticulously decorated, with a marble finish and coral stone walls adding to the grandeur. Each villa features its own individual yacht berth and the resort even features an on-site yacht concierge service. While the kids and teens are having fun doing their own thing, adults can vanish to the Sandbox Tree Spa or the newly-opened Nikki Beach club located on property. 7 nights from €2,329 per person sharing a One Bedroom Luxury Harbourside Villa on Room Only. OFFER: Save 35% TAKE ME THERE > If you’d like to find out more, give one of our expert travel advisers a call on 01 431 9700 . http://www.caribtours.ie/blog/rss/blog/2018/family-fun/ http://www.caribtours.ie/blog/rss/blog/2018/family-fun/ Fri, 05 October 2018 13:30:22 http://www.caribtours.ie/blog/rss/blog/2018/twin-centres/ Double up on your holiday with a twin centre, allowing you to visit two different destinations on one fabulous trip.  City to Beach - Dubai & The Maldives It's hard to believe that just a few decades ago, neither Dubai nor the Maldives would have featured on the average holiday itinerary - today, they stand out as two of the world's most desirable destinations. And with just a four-hour flight between them, pairing them makes perfect sense. Jumeirah Zabeel Saray, Dubai Larger than life and wildly futuristic, Dubai dazzles with its intoxicating blend of the ancient and modern, bustling souks and soaring skyscrapers, blazing deserts and sleek shopping malls. The iconic Palm Jumeirah fans out into the Arabian Gulf, and on the western edge of this man-made marvel sits the palatial Jumeirah Zabeel Saray. This opulent hotel is replete with gilded columns, mosaics and murals, evoking the splendour of an Ottoman palace. Nine restaurants, a 59-metre infinity pool, a cinema and a shopping avenue lined with 14 boutiques are enough to keep anyone busy, yet it’s the spa that steals the show here. The multiple-award winning Talise Ottoman Spa is one of the largest and most luxuriant spas in the world, with its accolades including Best Turkish Hammam Treatment at the Cosmopolitan Middle East Beauty Awards 2017. Kanuhura, Maldives The 1,200 islands of the Maldives are scattered across the Indian Ocean like glimmering stars in the night sky, enticing travellers to their white-sand dusted, palm-fringed shores with a promise of paradise. You’ll fly over the islands by seaplane to reach Kanuhura, a resort characterised by its castaway chic vibe, part bohemian, part unabashed luxury. It’s all about getting back to nature here; dive to some of the Maldives’ most spectacular dive sites, take a speedboat cruise to spot dolphins and manta rays, visit deserted islands, and take part in sunrise yoga if you’re an early bird. The villas’ and bungalows’ semi open-air bathrooms are stunning, with pebblestones and paved slabs surrounding large soaking tubs and, in some accommodations, an overwater hammock. 10 nights from €3,655 per person, staying 3 nights at Jumeirah Zabeel Saray in a Superior King Room on Half Board, followed by 7 nights at Kanuhura in a Beach Bungalow on Full Board. OFFER: Save up to 50% + complimentary meal upgrade. Island to Island - Nevis & St. Kitts Caribtours’ Marketing Executive Amy recently travelled to Nevis & St. Kitts. She tells us why these two tiny Caribbean islands make the perfect pair. The best thing about combining Nevis and St. Kitts is that they’re so different but so close together. Within just 15 minutes, you can reach one from the other by boat, and you’re greeted with an entirely different vibe on each island. Nevis is very tranquil and it’s stayed close to its roots and traditions. Nothing is built taller than a palm tree and you won’t find mass tourism or overcrowded beaches here. It’s the ideal location for simply relaxing and taking in all the breathtaking beauty of the region, with the lush green hues of Nevis Peak and the untouched golden sands of the beaches. One of the things that struck me about Nevis was how much character each hotel has – from the historic splendour of Nisbet Plantation to the present-day finery of the Four Seasons , there’s something to suit all personalities. For such a small island, the quality of the hotels and the gastronomy is just outstanding; great news for me as good food is always on my radar. At the beautifully-boutique Montpelier Plantation , chefs produce some of the finest cuisine imaginable. We banqueted on a seven-course tasting menu in the hotel’s atmospheric 300-year-old stone sugar mill which is the only restaurant of its kind in the world. The dishes presented to us were out-of-this-world exceptional – rich lobster bisque, fresh tuna tartare and desserts that could have been framed as artwork. Dining in the sugar mill is ideal for special occasions – I wasn’t surprised to find out that lots of people propose to their significant other in there – but Montpelier is a Relais & Châteaux hotel so, of course, the culinary adventures don’t stop there. There are two main restaurants, Restaurant 750 for gourmet creations, and Indigo for casual poolside dining. Cooking classes and demonstrations, plus wine and rum tasting, are also available here so you can really let your inner culinary connoisseur loose. St. Kitts didn’t let me down on the food side either, with the Reggae Beach Bar being our first stop here, for spicy shrimp and rum punch, before we had a go at glass-bottom kayaking in the crystal-clear ocean just adjacent to the bar. There are adventures galore on the island; for the bold and the brave, there’s zip lining through the rainforest, or, for something less adrenaline-inducing, drive up to the UNESCO-listed Brimstone Hill Fortress which dates back to the 17th Century. Down at sea level, the colourful capital Basseterre has markets and shops thronging with people; it’s a great place to pick up some souvenirs and eye the colossal cruise ships docked in port. With the recent opening of Park Hyatt St. Kitts , the island welcomes a luxury resort set right on the beach with suites and restaurants to impress, as well as a 37,000-square-foot spa which is the first Miraval Life in Balance Spa in the Caribbean. 7 nights from €2,229 staying 3 nights at Park Hyatt St. Kitts in a Park King Double Room on Room Only and 4 nights at Montpelier Plantation in a Premier Room including breakfast. If you’d like to find out more, give one of our expert travel advisers a call on 01 431 9700 . http://www.caribtours.ie/blog/rss/blog/2018/twin-centres/ http://www.caribtours.ie/blog/rss/blog/2018/twin-centres/ Tue, 02 October 2018 14:27:56 http://www.caribtours.ie/blog/rss/blog/2018/highlights-of-south-africa/ Travel Adviser, Fiona, recently returned from an extensive trip around South Africa , where she got to explore the vibrant Cape Town, tour Robben Island, see elephants up close on safari and go whale watching. Cape Town is saturated in history and surrounded by natural beauty, with great shopping and dining adding to the appeal. On day one of our South Africa trip, first thing in the morning, we were up for a tour of the city’s most iconic sight: Table Mountain. We got to skip the queues that had already formed because we were with a tour guide, although I’d definitely recommend going as early as possible to avoid the crowds. The views of the city from the mountain’s 3,563-foot peak were phenomenal and, from there, we got the cable car back down for a tour of the city by bicycle. We cycled through Bo-Kaap which was one of the most colourful neighbourhoods I’ve ever seen; we saw the statues of Desmond Tutu and Nelson Mandela in Nobel Square; and we cycled along the boardwalk of the Victoria & Alfred Waterfront, along the coast and right up to the Cape Town Stadium where the World Cup was held in 2010. It was a wonderful way to take in the city. One of the highlights of my stay in Cape Town was the trip to Robben Island, where we were given a poignant tour by a former inmate who’d been incarcerated there for 20 years and now lives on the island in the old staff quarters. It was haunting to see where Nelson Mandela had spent 18 years of his life in a single cell. As well as taking in all the most popular tourist spots of Cape Town, we also did a tour of one of the city’s oldest townships, Khayelitsha, where we were able to get involved with street art by helping to paint a rhino on the wall, and had lunch at the most amazing restaurant, 4Roomed eKasi Culture, which is run by South African MasterChef finalist, Abigail Mbalo. From Cape Town, we moved on to the winelands, where we visited Paarl, one of South Africa’s oldest settlements, which has beautiful Georgian and Edwardian architecture and stunning views of the surrounding mountains. Of course, we sampled the world-class wines the region is known for, and then continued our journey along the Garden Route, stopping at Knysna which sits on the edge of a beautiful lagoon leading out to sea. We took a boat trip on the lagoon while feasting on the delicious oysters that the town is known for and sipping wine as we watched the setting sun turn the sky a thousand shades of pink and amber. Our journey then took us into Addo Elephant National Park, home to the densest population of African elephants on earth. It was fascinating to see herds of these magnificent creatures up close, but despite the robust populations in the park, the species is actually vulnerable to extinction; they used to roam the entire continent. That evening, we had dinner and sundowners in the bush with the sounds of nature enfolding us which was completely magical. From elephants to whales – the next day, we drove to Port Elizabeth and set off into the Atlantic on a whale-watching cruise. We went with Raggy Charters, who are incredibly passionate about sustainability, and plant a tree for every cruise they do to set off their carbon footprint. We saw penguins diving into the ocean and even spotted a whale breaking through the waves in the distance! I was staggered by just how much there is to see and do in South Africa. One day I found myself exploring the townships of Cape Town and taking in the amazing art and culinary scene of the city, then the next I’d be gazing in awe at the mountains and vineyards of the Cape Winelands. The wildlife is nothing but spectacular, whether you’re observing giraffe and elephants in the bush, or penguins waddling on the beach. I’d return in a heartbeat to this gripping country of contrasts. CARIBTOURS RECOMMENDS... Mont Rochelle, Franschhoek, South Africa Sprawled over 100 acres of staggering scenery, Richard Branson’s hotel and vineyard is less than an hour from Cape Town and just a 20-minute walk from the charming town of Franschhoek, South Africa’s oldest settlement and often-called culinary capital. There are just 26 rooms and suites here, plus a four-bedroom villa, and as a working vineyard, the hotel delights in offering its guests free-flowing wine from its own reserves. Wine tasting can be arranged at a variety of locations around the estate, and why not make your way through the mountain scenery, ambling through sun-dappled valleys and vineyards on Franschhoek’s hop-on-hop off wine tram. South Africa City, Winelands and Safari Experience Follow in Fiona’s footsteps and embark on your own South African adventure with three nights at One&Only Cape Town , including a full-day city and Table Mountain tour, two nights at Mont Rochelle in the Cape Winelands with a complimentary wine tasting session, two nights at Kanonkop House in Knysna where you’ll go on a sunset yacht cruise; two nights at Gorah Elephant Camp in Addo Elephant National Park, which includes game drives; and one night at No5byMantis in Port Elizabeth, with a whale-watching cruise. 10 nights from €3,969 per person, including return scheduled flights, car hire, 10 nights’ accommodation, daily breakfast, Full Board and activities at Gorah Elephant Camp, and sightseeing. EXCLUSIVE OFFER: Complimentary room upgrade at Mont Rochelle If you’d like to find out more, give one of our expert travel advisers a call on 01 431 9700  . http://www.caribtours.ie/blog/rss/blog/2018/highlights-of-south-africa/ http://www.caribtours.ie/blog/rss/blog/2018/highlights-of-south-africa/ Tue, 02 October 2018 12:30:46 http://www.caribtours.ie/blog/rss/blog/2018/a-world-of-wellness/ With wellness a growing trend, there’s no shortage of hotels and resorts that offer a comprehensive range of spa and fitness facilities, as well as restaurants serving fresh and healthy cuisine. Holidaying is becoming less about hedonism and more about health, with people trading sun loungers for yoga mats, and decadence for detoxing. Here, we take a look at where to go when wellness facilities are at the forefront of your holiday wish list.   Spas In Great Places   Sugar Beach, A Viceroy Resort, Saint Lucia Welcome to the jungle... Thatched-roof treehouses high up on stilts, in amongst the untamed foliage and melodic sounds of the jungle, comprise the spa at Sugar Beach, A Viceroy Resort. At The Rainforest Spa, you can tune into the natural brook that flows between the treehouses, and the harmonies of tropical birds as you relax into a bamboo massage, hot rock therapy or chocolate scrub. Further unwind post treatment by dipping into a waterfall-fed natural plunge pool. Treatments are free from chemicals, applying beauty secrets Saint Lucians have sworn by for centuries. Facial treatments utilise products by multi-award-winning skincare brand, Natura Bisse, which was recently named the very first Official Skincare Brand of the discerning Forbes Travel Guide. 7 nights from €2,439 per person sharing a Superior Luxury Sugar Mill Room on Room Only. TAKE ME THERE > Zemi Beach House Hotel & Spa, Anguilla Centuries-old splendour... A 300-year-old Thai house is the setting for the awardwinning spa at Zemi Beach. Painstakingly transported over from Thailand a few decades ago, today, the building acts as the soothing setting for calm-inducing and healing rituals and treatments. The spa complex itself comprises 15,000 feet, and influences from the East are woven throughout, including an oriental meditation garden lined with orchids. The Caribbean’s ancient Taino people have also had an influence, and guests are encouraged to visit for a treatment and linger for the whole day in order to experience the purifying Taino bathing ritual where herbs and ointments are applied to the body before guests relax in the sun on the Bohique Mud Deck, dry off and then wash everything away. 7 nights from €2,699 per person sharing a Superior Room including breakfast. OFFER: Stay 7 Pay 5 TAKE ME THERE >     Mindful Dining BodyHoliday, Saint Lucia Eating for inner balance... BodyHoliday offers the most comprehensive wellness centre in the Caribbean and its status as a beacon of health and vitality is clear. An extensive programme of fitness classes, sports and activities, along with daily spa treatments and experts on hand to help you towards achieving your goals, all come as standard as part of the broad all-inclusive plan. It should be stressed though that despite being a world-leading wellness resort, BodyHoliday is all about balance and choice, not restraint and restriction. There are five excellent restaurants, including pan-Asian fine dining, a casual Italian grill, fresh juice bar and tempting sushi and sashimi station. One day, you could be learning about organic gardening, picking your own herbs and creating a vegan feast with the Rastafarian chef at I-tal, and the next, clay-oven-fresh pizza washed down with white wine at the Pavilion Grill. If you’d like, you can even receive a fully-personalised meal plan before arrival by submitting your goals and any dietary restrictions through the online portal. Chefs will then tailor each meal for you individually. 7 nights from €2,699 per person sharing a Luxury Room on All-Inclusive. OFFER: Save up to 40% TAKE ME THERE >   Yoga Beyond The Usual Domes of Elounda, Crete, Greece Aqua yoga While some variations on yoga are slightly too off-piste for most of us (anyone for a spot of ‘doga’? Remember to bring your dog), one style we’d definitely recommend to hesitant yoga traditionalists is aqua yoga. Head to Domes of Elounda in Crete and you can practise your asanas in a low-impact way. It’s especially good for those who find traditional practise difficult because of joint or mobility problems. Once you’ve finished, you can relax with a treatment at the spa, with complimentary areas including a sauna, hammam, steam bath and Jacuzzi. 7 nights from €1,249 per person sharing a Premium One Bedroom Garden View Suite with Outdoor Jacuzzi on Half Board. OFFER: Save up to 25% TAKE ME THERE > Curtain Bluff, Antigua Yoga and tennis Yoga is good for both body and mind, but have you considered pairing a yoga holiday with another sport, such as tennis? At Curtain Bluff this November, British tennis star Annabel Croft will be combining her love of yoga, Pilates and tennis with a week of wellness at Curtain Bluff Resort in Antigua. Guests will be able to join her for tennis training and drills, yoga, Pilates and, of course, all the fabulous facilities of one of the most exclusive all inclusives in the Caribbean. During downtime, go snorkelling, relax on one of two fully-serviced beaches or unwind at the spa. Even if you can’t make it to The Perfect Match week in November, you can enjoy all the resort’s fabulous facilities, including tennis courts and yoga classes, year-round. 7 nights from €3,599 per person sharing a Bluff Room on All-Inclusive. OFFER: Save 20%. TAKE ME THERE > Spice Island Beach Resort, Grenada Swap the yoga studio for a beachside pavilion and let the sounds of the waves and warmth of the sunshine join you as you move through your warrior, downward dog and Chaturanga. On the famous Grand Anse Beach at Spice Island Beach Resort, you can practice a variety of styles including hatha, vinyasa flow and even couples yoga. The resort also offers yoga therapy which focuses on postural alignment, Ayurveda and somatics which is said to reconnect the mind with the body, helping to relieve chronic pain and stiffness. 7 nights from €3,369 per person sharing an Oleander Oceanview Suite on All-Inclusive. OFFER: Stay 7 Pay 6 TAKE ME THERE >     Our Travel Adviser and resident yoga expert Helen knows yoga and luxury travel like no one else: “I’ve been practising yoga now for well over 20 years and could not imagine life without it. I’ve been on several yoga retreats and have even been to India a few times to practice with some of the best teachers in the world! In my role as Travel Adviser, I’m lucky enough to travel to the most luxurious and exotic locations on the planet, but you can rest assured I always look out for a yoga mat and studio; there’s nothing better than practising yoga outside in natural surroundings to the sound of the ocean.”     If you’d like to find out more, give one of our expert travel advisers a call on 01 431 9700 http://www.caribtours.ie/blog/rss/blog/2018/a-world-of-wellness/ http://www.caribtours.ie/blog/rss/blog/2018/a-world-of-wellness/ Tue, 02 October 2018 12:02:23 http://www.caribtours.ie/blog/rss/blog/2018/active-breaks/ Don't let the fitness routine go astray on holiday - pick a resort that's perfect for keeping active. Here are a few of our top picks: The Annabel Croft Tennis Academy was founded in 2009 in the UK and has since expanded to two prestigious resorts in the Mediterranean including The Ritz-Carlton, Abama in Spain, and Pine Cliffs Resort in Portugal. The Ritz-Carlton Abama, Tenerife, Spain The Ritz-Carlton, Abama is renowned for many things, from its excellent golf course to its expansive spa and stunning beach, as well as the Annabel Croft Tennis Academy with seven tennis courts. The resort is perhaps most famous, though, for its gastronomic delights including two wonderful Michelin-star restaurants. 7 nights from €1,819 per person sharing a Citadel Deluxe Room Resort View including breakfast and a 4-day tennis package. OFFER : Save up to 35%. TAKE ME THERE > Pine Cliffs Resort, Portugal For many, Pine Cliffs Resort is the Algarve’s best-kept secret, yet a recent multi million pound renovation has put it firmly on the map. Tucked away within 700 acres of pine trees, the resort overlooks a glorious sandy beach and is home to an Annabel Croft Tennis Academy with five floodlit courts. 7 nights from €1,599 per person sharing a Deluxe Room Resort View including breakfast and a 4-day tennis package. OFFER: Save 15%. TAKE ME THERE > Domes Miramare, Corfu, Greece Yoga classes held in a grove full of centuries-old olive trees, personal training sessions designed to help you achieve your goals, and fitness classes utilising kettle bells, TRX ropes and resistance bands are just some of the reasons to choose Domes Miramare if sticking to your fitness routine is an essential part of any holiday. The sumptuous Soma Spa brings the wellness experience to full circle, with relaxing massages and treatments utilising products from Elemis and Codage Paris. After all that hard work, you deserve some pampering, too! 7 nights from €1,765 per person sharing an Emerald Retreat including breakfast. OFFER : Save up to 30%. TAKE ME THERE > If you’d like to find out more, give one of our expert travel advisers a call on 01 431 9700 or fill out the form below. http://www.caribtours.ie/blog/rss/blog/2018/active-breaks/ http://www.caribtours.ie/blog/rss/blog/2018/active-breaks/ Tue, 02 October 2018 10:24:22 http://www.caribtours.ie/blog/rss/blog/2018/tobago-where-nature-reigns/ The unspoilt island of Tobago is the island for you if you find the natural world endlessly fascinating, you’d rather palm trees dominated the landscape than high-rise resorts, and you’re looking for a slower pace of life, where you can put down the iPhone and pick up a delicious rum punch. Tobago is thriving with wildlife, both on land and in the waters that frame the island like a cerulean halo. Hundreds of species of bird inhabit the trees and skies, whilst the protected virgin rainforest is home to armadillos, ant-eaters, howler monkeys, porcupines, ocelots and cane toads. It may be small, but Tobago certainly measures up to some of the most wildlife-rich places on the planet. It’s also home to the famous Little Tobago, a small island off the coast, where Sir David Attenborough filmed rare birds. There are plenty of reefs to take advantage of here, so whether you’re a first-time diver or an experienced professional, you can explore the numerous crevices and caves and the creatures that lurk within, including groupers, lobsters and moray eels, not to mention the humongous turtles! Most resorts have their own diving centre and there are excellent diving centres around the island, too, that will offer complimentary pickups and drop offs at your chosen hotel. If you’re looking to get away from it all and experience an island that lingers, lost in time, not changing with the rest of the world, then Tobago is for you. If you’d like to find out more, give one of our expert travel advisers a call on 01 431 9700 . http://www.caribtours.ie/blog/rss/blog/2018/tobago-where-nature-reigns/ http://www.caribtours.ie/blog/rss/blog/2018/tobago-where-nature-reigns/ Tue, 02 October 2018 09:36:28 http://www.caribtours.ie/blog/rss/blog/2018/affordable-luxury/ These resorts promise a luxury experience and fantastic inclusions together with exceptional value for money. Coco Palm Dhuni Kolhu, Maldives Few resorts in the world can go as far as to say they’ve literally changed time – but that’s exactly what Coco Palm Dhuni Kolhu has done, and it’s all to allow for more time to sip sunset cocktails. The island operates one hour ahead of the capital Malé in order to soak up some extra sunshine as the day draws to a close. Not that you’ll be watching the clock here. It may be a remote island surrounded by cerulean seas, but you’ll find time passes by too quickly on this vibrant utopia, despite the relaxed pace of life. There are 98 thatched-roof villas, many shaded by tropical vegetation at the water’s edge, and some perched on stilts, presiding over the shimmering azure of the lagoon with direct access to the balmy waters. You won’t find any TVs inside the villas, and they’re all set back from the main resort and restaurants, ensuring peace, privacy and tranquillity. The dining here is superb; live cooking stations delight at Cowrie Restaurant, Cornus Restaurant serves exotic dishes and barbecued fish and meats, and the Conch Bar is the place to be for creative cocktails and casual snacks. 7 nights from €2,225 per person sharing an Ocean Front Villa on All-Inclusive. EXCLUSIVE OFFER: Save up to 40% + complimentary All-Inclusive. TAKE ME THERE > Palace Resorts Not only do kids and teens 17 years and under stay and eat free at Palace Resorts, but as part of your all-inclusive plan, you get up to $2,500 of resort credit to spend on things like spa treatments, golf, gastronomic experiences and jungle tours. Enjoy world-class dining, 24-hour room service, and luxuriouslyfurnished rooms with cutting-edge technology, mini bars stocked with top-shelf spirits, bathrooms with double whirlpool tubs and indulgent bathroom amenities all included. Non-motorised watersports are also part of the plan, or try your hand at riding the FlowRider® wave simulator, playing mini-golf or cycling around the grounds. Moon Palace Cancún, Mexico Fringed by a blanket of powdery white-sand beach, this larger-than-life resort has all you could want from a fun-packed holiday, and is particularly popular with families for its wide choice of activities. 7 nights from €2,099 per person sharing a Deluxe Resort View Room on All-Inclusive. OFFER: Save up to 15% + kids stay free. TAKE ME THERE > Playacar Palace, Mexico Located just minutes from the centre of Playa del Carmen on a perfect stretch of white sand, this resort enjoys more than an excellent location on the Riviera Maya; it’s ideal for romantic getaways. 7 nights from €2,165 per person sharing a Deluxe Resort View Room on All-Inclusive. OFFER: Save up to 15% + kids stay free TAKE ME THERE > If you’d like to find out more, give one of our expert travel advisers a call on 01 431 9700  or fill out the form below. http://www.caribtours.ie/blog/rss/blog/2018/affordable-luxury/ http://www.caribtours.ie/blog/rss/blog/2018/affordable-luxury/ Mon, 01 October 2018 17:17:20 http://www.caribtours.ie/blog/rss/blog/2018/the-beauty-of-barbados/ Our Head of Marketing Atlyn recently returned from a week-long break in Barbados . She tells us why the island is so special to her. Barbados is truly beautiful; the island has the most incredible beaches, a selection of resorts to suit every preference, and more activities and attractions than you could ever fit into one holiday. If you’ve had the pleasure of visiting Barbados before, you’ll already know why it has such a strong appeal, and why so many visitors return year after year. And if you haven’t visited the shores of this exquisite island, push it to the top of your bucket list – you won’t be disappointed! Barbados offers opportunities in abundance to lie back on a glorious white-sand beach and soak up some sunshine. The hotels along the famed Platinum Coast have direct access to long stretches of sugar-soft sand, including the elegant Fairmont Royal Pavilion , the star-studded Sandy Lane and chic wellness escape, Waves Hotel & Spa by Elegant Hotels . Sandy Lane Fairmont Royal Pavilion One of my top picks on the island is Tamarind by Elegant Hotels . The beach was absolutely stunning and I really enjoyed the open-air dining at the beachfront. I’d definitely return with my two daughters as it offers excellent facilities for families, too. The culinary offering on island is outstanding, from first-class restaurants located within the hotels themselves, to independent establishments which can be found along the coast. Daphne’s is a popular choice for fine dining, and the Champagne afternoon tea at The House by Elegant Hotels is an indulgent treat that I absolutely loved. For dining out, Lone Star and Cin Cin come highly recommended, but remember to book them in advance. For those who want to let their hair down and party like a local, try Harbour Lights in Bridgetown or the One Love street bar in Holetown. And for the real party animals, a trip to Barbados during Crop Over (early August) is a must. Party from dusk ‘til dawn at ‘fetes’, and hit the streets for ‘Foreday Morning’ and ‘Kadooment Day’, but be warned – you’ll have an unforgettable experience, but you may need another holiday to recover! FAIRMONT ROYAL PAVILION BARBADOS The Fairmont Royal Pavilion occupies a striking natural setting, right on the sands of a simply jaw-dropping beach. Last year, the resort underwent a multi-million dollar renovation, during which time guest rooms were updated and enhanced, and it’s looking more fabulous than ever. From the new upper level rooms, many of which offer interconnecting options for families, it’s possible to spot turtles swimming directly below you in the sea! One thing we love about this hotel is the VIP fast-track arrival service guests receive upon arrival into Barbados airport. It also sets the scene for the first-class service you’ll receive throughout your entire stay at this Barbados icon. 7 nights from €2,855 per person sharing a Luxury Oceanfront Room including breakfast. OFFER: Save up to 30% TAKE ME THERE > If you’d like to find out more, give one of our expert travel advisers a call on 01 431 9700 . http://www.caribtours.ie/blog/rss/blog/2018/the-beauty-of-barbados/ http://www.caribtours.ie/blog/rss/blog/2018/the-beauty-of-barbados/ Mon, 01 October 2018 14:52:15 http://www.caribtours.ie/blog/rss/blog/2018/culinary-adventures/ If exceptional cuisine is high on your list of priorities, the following hotels and resorts all excel at tempting the taste buds. Domes Noruz Chania, Crete, Greece Wine connoisseurs will soon find something to love about this classy oceanfront resort which is reserved exclusively for adults. Over 160 wines are on offer at Zeen, the majority of which are sourced from small-scale local wineries. These are paired with inspired cuisine, which showcases a Cretan twist on classic dishes. If you’re in the mood for a cocktail, let the skilled mixologists at The Raw Bar know what you fancy, and they’ll create something bespoke to you, alongside mouthwatering sushi and poké bowls if you’re feeling peckish. 7 nights from €1,315 per person sharing an Upbeat Retreat Pool View Room with Plunge Pool including breakfast. OFFER: Save 25% TAKE ME THERE > Rendezvous, Saint Lucia Celebrated as the first boutique all-inclusive couples’ resort in the Caribbean, you’d be forgiven for thinking Rendezvous is all about romance. We’re here to tell you it’s about more than starry eyes and sunsets here, though, and foodies will appreciate the resort just as much as newlyweds. From sumptuous breakfasts to languorous lunches to multi-course dinners, Rendezvous encourages guests to appreciate the art of cuisine as well as each other. Don’t let the words ‘all inclusive’ put you off – wine is served by the bottle, there are three exceptional dining venues to choose from, and talented chefs produce delicious meals ranging from fine French fare at the candlelit Trysting Place to light Caribbean dishes at toes-in-the-sand Malabar Beach Club. 7 nights from €2,185 per person sharing a Premium Garden View Room on All-Inclusive. OFFER: Save up to 45% TAKE ME THERE > Calabash Luxury Boutique Hotel, Grenada Gourmands will be in heaven at Calabash, a boutique all-suite hotel that delivers some of the finest cuisine on the entire island. Their signature Rhodes Restaurant is headed up by none other than celebrity chef, Gary Rhodes, and for a week in January the man himself will be in-resort cooking and sharing his knowledge with staff and guests. Cuisine served here is of the highest standard, with menus to please all palates. You must try the Calabash signature dish, shrimp and callaloo tartlet – it’s a Calabash classic and has been on the menu for over 12 years! Other highlights include the twice-baked lobster soufflé and beef tenderloin with a caramelised onion tart. 7 nights from €2,765 per person sharing a Junior Suite on Half Board. OFFER: Complimentary Half Board TAKE ME THERE > Cobblers Cove, Barbados Country House charm meets Caribbean Cool. This beachfront hotel fuses the elegance of an English country home with the tropical beauty of Barbados; white sands, turquoise sea, wall-to-wall sunshine, rum punch and reggae. This is complemented by an exceptional dining venue in The Camelot Restaurant which was formerly the Barbados Hotel & Tourism Association’s ‘Restaurant of the Year’. You can expect the cuisine to be of the highest calibre here; each day, freshly-caught fish is delivered, and fruit and vegetables are sourced from local organic farms. Head Chef Jason Joseph’s been at Cobblers Cove for 10 years and will create bespoke menus for private dining experiences, or take guests on a tour of the local markets to pick out ingredients. 7 nights from €2,175 per person sharing a Cobblers Garden Suite including breakfast. OFFER: Stay 7 Pay 5 TAKE ME THERE > Ozen by Atmosphere, Maldives The words ‘all inclusive’ rarely bring to mind images of fine dining, expertly-mixed cocktails and chilled Champagne served throughout the day. But at OZEN by Atmosphere in the Maldives, that’s exactly what you’ll get, and more. Wake up to a spectacular breakfast spread accompanied by a glass of bubbles, and delight in the cuisine of six different restaurants, serving everything from colourful sushi platters at RAW, to fragrant Far Eastern cuisine at Peking. The jewel in OZEN’s crown, however, is the magnificent M6M, an underwater restaurant showcasing majestic marine views alongside immaculately prepared and presented seafood dishes. 7 nights from €4,169 per person sharing an Earth Villa on All-Inclusive. OFFER: Save 10% + Stay 7 Pay 5 TAKE ME THERE > Cap Maison, Saint Lucia Home to one of the very best restaurants in Saint Lucia, foodies will be in their element at this Hispanic-style boutique hotel. The acclaimed Cliff at Cap restaurant serves Caribbean-French fusion cuisine from its magnificent setting atop a bluff overlooking the ocean and out to Martinique. It’s headed up by Welsh-born Executive Chef Craig Jones, who was awarded Caribbean Chef of the Year in 2016. Wine buffs have something to rejoice about here too, with a befuddling 239 different wines to choose from. A second restaurant, The Naked Fisherman, is located down by the beach, offers a laid back Caribbean vibe, and serves up mouthwatering seafood stews, lobster rolls, steaks and salads. 7 nights from €2,079 per person sharing a Gardenview Room including breakfast. OFFER: Save 30% TAKE ME THERE > Elegant Hotels, Barbados With Elegant Hotels’ Taste of Elegance Dine Around Programme, you have access to almost 20 different restaurants and bars at sister resorts along the west coast of the island. That means you could be sampling Asian fusion cuisine at Waves one night, followed by high-end creations at Treasure Beach the next.* Each day is a new epicurean adventure with Elegant Hotels, and there’s a complimentary daytime water taxi to whisk you from one to the next, to enjoy both the dining venues and facilities of each, whenever you please. Here are some of our top picks you can’t miss if you’re planning a stay at one of these stylish west-coast resorts. Tapestry Restaurant, Treasure Beach Beautifully-presented dishes crafted by an award-winning chef have made Tapestry Restaurant one of the most exciting places to dine in Barbados. From tasty tapas plates to the innovative Chef’s Palette menu featuring colourful and creative dishes, there’s plenty to delight the taste buds here. 7 nights from €1,719 per person sharing a Garden View One Bedroom Suite including breakfast. OFFER: Save up to 40% TAKE ME THERE > Shisho, Waves Hotel & Spa For flavoursome sushi, noodles and curries, look no further than Shisho at wellness-focused Waves Hotel & Spa. Inspired by the dishes of the Far East, Shisho delivers on exceptional and authentic cuisine in an elegant adults-only setting. 7 nights from €1,999 per person sharing a Standard Guest Room on All-Inclusive. OFFER: Save up to 35% + kids stay free TAKE ME THERE > The Cave Bar, Crystal Cove Named one of the best swim-up bars in the world, Crystal Cove’s Cave Bar is tucked away behind a waterfall and carved into the rocks that line the lagoon-style pool. A refreshing shower followed by a cold rum punch – the perfect remedy for those balmy Caribbean days! 7 nights from €2,099 per person sharing a Pool or Garden View Room on All-Inclusive. OFFER: Save up to 35% TAKE ME THERE > Asagio's, Turtle Beach Dress to impress at this Italian fine dining restaurant which is open for dinner-only five times a week. Reservations are most certainly required and you can expect to be served the most exquisite dishes accompanied by exceptional service. 7 nights from €1,959 per person sharing a Junior Suite on All-Inclusive. OFFER: Save up to 40% TAKE ME THERE > Sunset Deck Restaurant, Colony Club This all-day dining restaurant offers sweeping views of the ocean and features an extensive offering, with everything from local flying fish which is a Barbados staple, to crisp Mediterranean salads. Award-winning theme nights including Lobster & Jazz evening and Sunday Brunch are held here throughout the week. 7 nights from €1,759 per person sharing a Pool or Garden View Room including breakfast. OFFER: Save up to 40% TAKE ME THERE > Things not to miss... The below options aren't included in the Taste of Elegance programme, but we recommend giving them a try during your stay in Barbados nonetheless. The House & Daphne's Stay at The House and you can look forward to an indulgent Champagne breakfast to begin each day, plus lunch and dinner from adjacent restaurant, Daphne’s. A west-coast institution, Daphne’s attracts holidaymakers and locals alike with its contemporary Italian cuisine and romantic waterfront setting. Barbados native, Rihanna, even named it as one of her favourite places to dine on the island. Guests of Elegant Hotels receive a complimentary watermelon martini. 7 nights from €2,889 per person sharing a Garden View One Bedroom Suite including breakfast. OFFER: Save up to 40% + complimentary room upgrade TAKE ME THERE > If you’d like to find out more, give one of our expert travel advisers a call on 01 431 9700 . http://www.caribtours.ie/blog/rss/blog/2018/culinary-adventures/ http://www.caribtours.ie/blog/rss/blog/2018/culinary-adventures/ Mon, 01 October 2018 12:11:29 http://www.caribtours.ie/blog/rss/blog/2018/festive-fun/ Swap the scarf for a sarong this year and head to a resort that's bathed in sunshine and serving up Christmas with a twist. Spice Island Beach Resort, Grenada Guests are treated like dear friends at the family owned and run Spice Island, and the warmth and goodwill of the Christmas period only heightens the sense of home from home you’ll feel when setting foot in this idyllic paradise. Christmas here is always a grand affair, with entertainment including live musicians and performers, from steel pan bands to soulful choirs. Wake up to a glass of bubbly and bountiful breakfast, savour sumptuous Caribbean buffets and join the owners, Sir Royston and Lady Hopkin, for cocktails in the courtyard. Christmas dinner is taken at the oceanfront Oliver’s Restaurant and you can expect it to be traditional-style with all the trimmings. New Year’s Eve is just as big an event, with music and dancing followed by fireworks lighting up the sky at midnight. 7 nights from €3,369 per person sharing an Oleander Oceanview Suite on All-Inclusive. OFFER: Stay 7 Pay 6 TAKE ME THERE > Colony Club by Elegant Hotels, Barbados Meandering lagoon pools, acres of well-tended tropical gardens and exceptional cuisine are hallmarks of Colony Club. At Christmas the resort puts on a very special programme of events, entertainment and activities, blending the traditional with the modern to create a Christmas to please everyone. Last year’s jam-packed Christmas itinerary included sandcastle competitions, beach cricket, á la carte meals with live entertainment, and a charity fashion show – we can’t wait to find out what’s in store this December! One thing’s for sure – the sumptuous Gala Christmas dinner in the open-air Laguna restaurant will be just as irresistible as it was last year. 7 nights from €1,759 per person sharing a Pool or Garden View Room including breakfast. OFFER: Save up to 40% TAKE ME THERE > Paradisus Playa del Carmen La Perla, Mexico Escape from the usual this year and head to a resort that’s brimming with so many restaurants, bars and facilities that you can enjoy Christmas however you please, whether that’s by spending December 25th snorkelling and feasting on Mexican food, or treating yourself to some festive pampering at the spa and being served margaritas poolside. The adults-only Paradisus Playa del Carmen La Perla is crammed with an impressive 14 restaurants and 16 bars along with next-door sister resort, the more family friendly La Esmeralda, so you can be assured of a Christmas that’s full of variety. 7 nights from €2,065 per person sharing a Paradisus Junior Suite on All-Inclusive. OFFER: Save 40% + $200 air credit + up to $1,500 resort credit TAKE ME THERE > If you’d like to find out more, give one of our expert travel advisers a call on 01 431 9700 or fill out the form below. Error loading MacroEngine script (file: MvcRenderContourForm.cshtml) http://www.caribtours.ie/blog/rss/blog/2018/festive-fun/ http://www.caribtours.ie/blog/rss/blog/2018/festive-fun/ Mon, 01 October 2018 12:05:37 http://www.caribtours.ie/blog/rss/blog/2018/just-back-from-viceroy-riviera-maya-mexico/ Karen , our Trade Sales Manager, visited the beautiful Viceroy Riviera Maya in Mexico last year, she fills us in on what she got up to and why she loved this incredible boutique hotel. After the most unique check in I have experienced, which included a blessing as part of an ancient Mayan ritual by the resort's resident Shaman, we were shown to our rooms by our private butlers. We were then offered our own personal locally produced handmade soaps, that our butlers hand-cut for us. I knew from then, it would be a very special experience staying here. Small touches in the room were beautiful - our welcome gifts included a mini bottle of tequila with a lovely hand painted artisanal shot glass alongside fresh lime and salt! This hotel has won numerous awards - one being the 'Best Hotel Greeting' in the world, and it was clear to see why. This is certainly a perfect hotel for those looking to escape and visit somewhere offering truly authentic Mayan experiences. Unlike any other resort I’ve stayed at in Mexico, Viceroy Riviera Maya only has 41 villas, creating a lovely boutique atmosphere. Because of this, they’re excellent at the little things that really make a difference to your stay, such as tequila-tasting sessions, traditional Mayan spa treatments and the opportunity to have candle-lit dinners on the beach.   My Luxury Villa was absolutely beautiful and had a gorgeous bathroom with a free-standing bathtub, rain shower and outdoor shower area. The villas each have their own private plunge pools and I loved sunbathing in the hammock next to it. My garden felt so private and secluded like I was in the Maldives rather than Mexico. Viceroy Riviera Maya is all about being relaxed – lunch was taken at Coral Grill & Bar, a long and lazy affair that made me never want to leave. For dinner, La Marea restaurant really hits the right note for romantic cuisine, perfect for couples and honeymooners. TAKE ME THERE > If you'd like to find out more about this hotel or any others in our collection, call our expert luxury travel advisers on 01 431 9700 or fill out the contact form below. var contourDateFormat = "dd/mm/yy"; var contourFieldValuesae32a616f139416d816cc4209acbce0e; (function ($) { $(function () { $("#contour_form_OnlineContactform .contourPage input").change(function() { PopulateFieldValuesae32a616f139416d816cc4209acbce0e(); CheckRulesae32a616f139416d816cc4209acbce0e(); }); $("#contour_form_OnlineContactform .contourPage select").change(function () { PopulateFieldValuesae32a616f139416d816cc4209acbce0e(); CheckRulesae32a616f139416d816cc4209acbce0e(); }); PopulateFieldValuesae32a616f139416d816cc4209acbce0e(); CheckRulesae32a616f139416d816cc4209acbce0e(); }); } (jQuery)); function PopulateFieldValuesae32a616f139416d816cc4209acbce0e() { //fill field values //contourFieldValues = new Array(); PopulateRecordValuesae32a616f139416d816cc4209acbce0e(); $("#contour_form_OnlineContactform .contourPage select").each(function() { contourFieldValuesae32a616f139416d816cc4209acbce0e[$(this).attr("id")] = $("option[value='" + $(this).val() + "']", $(this)).text(); }); $("#contour_form_OnlineContactform .contourPage input").each(function() { if($(this).attr('type') == "text"){ contourFieldValuesae32a616f139416d816cc4209acbce0e[$(this).attr("id")] = $(this).val(); } if($(this).attr('type') == "radio"){ if($(this).is(':checked')) { contourFieldValuesae32a616f139416d816cc4209acbce0e[$(this).attr("name")] = $(this).val(); } } if($(this).attr('type') == "checkbox"){ if($(this).attr('id') != $(this).attr('name')) { if($(this).is(':checked')) { if(contourFieldValuesae32a616f139416d816cc4209acbce0e[$(this).attr("name")] == null) { contourFieldValuesae32a616f139416d816cc4209acbce0e[$(this).attr("name")] = $(this).val(); } else { contourFieldValuesae32a616f139416d816cc4209acbce0e[$(this).attr("name")] += "," + $(this).val(); } } } else { contourFieldValuesae32a616f139416d816cc4209acbce0e[$(this).attr("name")] = $(this).is(':checked').toString(); } } }); } function PopulateRecordValuesae32a616f139416d816cc4209acbce0e() { contourFieldValuesae32a616f139416d816cc4209acbce0e = new Array(); } function CheckRulesae32a616f139416d816cc4209acbce0e() { } Online Contact Form Firstname Surname Email address Telephone Number Preferred date of travel Number of nights Number of people Age of Children Travelling (If Any) Holiday Destination Preferred Class of Travel Economy Premium Economy Business Class First Class Private Jet Preferred Hotel (If Known) Preferred Room Type (If Known) Preferred Meal Plan Approximate budget Any Additional Information Where did you hear about us? Google Newspaper or Magazine Advert Social Media Other Already on Database Would you like to hear about exclusive holiday offers and updates from Caribtours via email? Yes please . Message http://www.caribtours.ie/blog/rss/blog/2018/just-back-from-viceroy-riviera-maya-mexico/ http://www.caribtours.ie/blog/rss/blog/2018/just-back-from-viceroy-riviera-maya-mexico/ Tue, 07 August 2018 14:25:42 http://www.caribtours.ie/blog/rss/blog/2018/june/28/the-benefits-of-solo-wellness-holidays/ The trend for solo wellness holidays has been steadily growing - and with good reason. It's important to take time out for ourselves, and travel is an act of wellness in itself. Exploring new places, trying new foods, relaxing in the sunshine and embarking on adventure are all good for mind, body and soul.  With so many destinations to choose from, it can be mind boggling to know where to start, but if the golden beaches, coconut palms, balmy turquoise waters and feel-good atmosphere of the Caribbean appeal, look into September Solos at BodyHoliday, Saint Lucia. This rejuvenating retreat is ideal for those who are new to solo travel, with its social, friendly and welcoming atmosphere drawing many back year after year. You can do as much or as little as you like at September Solos. Each day, you'll enjoy a complimentary spa treatment, plus you'll have your very own tailored schedule of fitness classes, excursions and social activities. Some days you might find yourself waking up early for a hike into the rainforest - others, you might decide to focus on relaxing on the beach and taking a gentle yoga class. September Solos gives you the chance to pamper yourself from head to toe, whether that be with soothing spa treatments, mindful eating, fine dining, working on your fitness, or the chance to break out of your comfort zone with an adventurous activity such as rock climbing or mountain biking. There's a social and supportive atmosphere at September Solos so you'll soon make friends. One of the best places to mingle is The Clubhouse where everyone congregates to socialise over afternoon tea, evening cocktails or music and dancing. The group fitness classes are also a fun way to meet new people whilst getting fit! So give it a go and you might find that solo wellness travel is a trend you're glad you cottoned on to! What's Included at September Solos? Breakfast, lunch, dinner and afternoon tea daily Unlimited premium brand drinks, selected wines and Champagne Personalised schedule of daily spa treatments All watersports and land sports including tuition as well as holistic and exercise classes Hosted cocktail party at Cariblue Pool, weekly hosted dinner in Cariblue & weekly hosted dinner in TAO Fun sports tournaments Group fitness & Pilates classes Weekly sunset cruise Our Exclusive Offer 7 nights from €2,599 based on single occupancy of a Standard Garden View Room on All-Inclusive with no single supplement. Price includes flights, private transfers and the use of a UK airport lounge. Spaces fill up fast for this unmissable September wellness escape - to find out more, or to book your place, call one of our travel advisers on 01 431 9700. Find out more about September Solos here. http://www.caribtours.ie/blog/rss/blog/2018/june/28/the-benefits-of-solo-wellness-holidays/ http://www.caribtours.ie/blog/rss/blog/2018/june/28/the-benefits-of-solo-wellness-holidays/ Thu, 28 June 2018 12:10:14 http://www.caribtours.ie/blog/rss/blog/2018/why-you-should-experience-yoga-at-bodyholiday/ BODY YOGA During the month of September at BodyHoliday , Saint Lucia, you will be treating yourself to some 'Wellness for One'. At September Solos at BodyHoliday, you will not only spend time meeting new people, enjoying daily spa treatments, watersports, group fitness classes and cocktail parties, but you'll be treated to a Yoga program specifically designed by nutrition and wellness experts. BodyYoga at BodyHoliday is based on pursuing optimal wellness and relaxation whilst strengthening your core muscles and fitness. BodyYoga combines the spiritual aspect of Yoga with the science behind Ayurveda, a healing discipline, to provide you with the perfect combination of physical and mental benefits.  YOGA FOR BODY Yoga lengthens and tones all muscle groups, it is particularly beneficial if you're looking to strengthen your core. It's also an effective way to stretch tense areas and alleviate aches and pains. Did you know that Yoga releases serotonin, the neurotransmitter that makes us feel good! YOGA FOR MIND While moving through all the poses and postures, no matter how easy or difficult you find them, it is a great way to calm the mind. Focus, concentration and patience are all improved through BodyYoga. YOGA FOR DIET Practicing Yoga increases our awareness of our body and is said to keep us more 'in-tune' with our body's needs. You'll notice with BodyHoliday's tailor-made nutritional meals, you'll soon feel more energised, healthy and stress-free. BodyYoga is tailor-made to meet the guests needs at BodyHoliday in Saint Lucia, no matter what your skill level. At September Solos , you can try out many different types of yoga from all over the world. From Hatha which is a slower, gentle style to Ashtanga which is more fast paced and sequential.  Why not extend your summer and spend September on the beautiful island of Saint Lucia whilst relaxing your body, mind and soul. Demand is high for September Solos and Standard Garden View and Oceanfront Rooms are filling up fast. Book exclusively with Caribtours to guarantee a relaxing, stress-free Caribbean wellness escape.  If you’d like to find out more, give one of our expert travel advisers a call on 01 431 9700   or email escape@caribtours.ie http://www.caribtours.ie/blog/rss/blog/2018/why-you-should-experience-yoga-at-bodyholiday/ http://www.caribtours.ie/blog/rss/blog/2018/why-you-should-experience-yoga-at-bodyholiday/ Tue, 19 June 2018 14:06:45 http://www.caribtours.ie/blog/rss/blog/2018/a-whirlwind-tour-of-crete/ Our Reservations Manager, Sally, recently returned from a trip to Crete where she got to see and stay at some of our most popular hotels - Blue Palace Resort & Spa , Domes of Elounda, Daios Cove Luxury Resort & Villas , Elounda Peninsula All Suite Hotel , Porto Elounda Golf & Spa Resort and Elounda Mare Hotel Relais & Chateaux. We touched down in Crete in the evening and, during our trip to Blue Palace, were struck by how breathtaking the scenery was. Rugged hills and stone-clad towns passed us by as we got closer to the hotel which fit in perfectly with the drama of its surroundings, perched on a hill and with gardens dotted with olive trees. It was only the beginning, but I wasn’t sure if anything could top the dining experience we had at the Blue Door restaurant that first evening. It felt like you’d left Blue Palace and gone to one of the local taverns, with amazing Greek food and a really special atmosphere with views right over the beach and sea. We were also pleased to find out that Lady Gaga had hired out this restaurant when she stayed at the hotel! After dinner, we took a 10-minute walk over to Plaka, a peaceful local village just 10 minutes’ walk away from Blue Palace, for after-dinner drinks. The next day we all enjoyed a spa treatment each at The Elounda Spa. It was so serene and relaxing, and we got to make use of the thalasso pools, sauna, Jacuzzi and hamman before lunch at Isola Restaurant by the pool, overlooking the sea and the island of Spinalonga. The day was rounded off with a sunset cruise where we sipped free-flowing Champagne and snacked on delicious canapés prepared by the resort’s talented chefs. On our way to the next hotel, we stopped off at the impressive Domes of Elounda for lunch at Topos 1910 Beachfront Restaurant – the views from here were absolutely sensational as it’s set on a wooden pier over the sea looking out to Spinalonga island. The island was once used as a military stronghold, and a medieval citadel still stands there today which you can see from the hotel. In 1903, a leper colony was established on the island to keep people affected with the contagious Hansen’s Disease away from the population on the mainland. Spinalonga remained a leper colony until 1957, when the last of the patients were moved to Athens and the island was abandoned. The next stop on our trip was the gorgeous Daios Cove which is set on a hillside overlooking a breathtaking bay. The infinity pool here is the length of a football pitch! Another highlight was the spa which has two pools (one with floor-to-ceiling windows for amazing views), a Finnish sauna and heavenly hydro-massage facilities. The views here really were stunning and we had cocktails at their trendy clifftop bar with great music. We had dinner at Ocean Restaurant which has been voted one of the top restaurants in Greece; the head chef, Dimos Balopoulos, was trained by Heston Blumenthal. I stayed in a Deluxe Seaview Room with Private Pool. There was a beautiful marble-lined bathroom and a private balcony with my very own pool which I could sit in and gaze out over stunning views of the peninsula. We then made our way to Elounda Peninsula All Suite Hotel. The Elounda SA Hotels & Resorts Collection is comprised of Porto Elounda Golf & Spa Resort, Elounda Mare and Elounda Peninsula All Suite Hotel. We checked into our villas and suites and I was in a Peninsula Grand Villa which had its own private garden, swimming pool and outdoor dining area. I was in luxury with an Airbath tub, steam shower and seawater pool with direct access to the beach. I could happily have stayed for a couple of weeks! We had an afternoon at leisure, where we were free to enjoy all the wonderful facilities of the hotel, including the watersports centre – we had great fun on the ‘sofa’ being pulled around the sea! We headed over to Porto Elounda Golf & Spa Resort the next morning for a tour of the children’s facilities. Kids Ark caters for children of all ages, from babies to toddlers, and has numerous play areas, a children’s water park, ball games court and playground. For the adults, there’s the amazing Six Senses spa with indoor/outdoor pool, sauna, steam room, luxurious relaxation areas and blissful treatments. The treatment I had here was my favourite out of the three I had on the trip. That afternoon, we had the chance to visit the tennis courts at the Porto Elounda Golf & Spa Resort and have a session with their tennis instructor. I’d highly recommend each and every one of the hotels we stayed at and wouldn’t hesitate to go back with the family in tow! If you’d like to find out more about any of the hotels mentioned above, give me a call on 01 431 9700 or email escape@caribtours.ie http://www.caribtours.ie/blog/rss/blog/2018/a-whirlwind-tour-of-crete/ http://www.caribtours.ie/blog/rss/blog/2018/a-whirlwind-tour-of-crete/ Mon, 11 June 2018 15:06:45 http://www.caribtours.ie/blog/rss/blog/2018/caribtours-foodie-guide-to-grenada/ Grenada  is known as the Isle of Spice for a reason, we have put together a guide with our favourite foodie destinations and experiences for you to relish on this beautiful island. From exploring the hidden cocoa farms, to dancing the night away at a Fish Friday Festival, we have something for everyone to enjoy.   Gouyave Nutmeg Processing Station Grenada is famous for its aromatic and delicious nutmeg! The Gouyave Nutmeg processing station is one of the largest and most traditional on island, where you can see behind the scenes of the initial picking, grading, and packaging of the nutmegs. This station is located in Gouyave, a bustling fishing village on the West Coast. At the end of the tour visit the shop for fascinating items to buy, and is the perfect place to pick up some delicious spices to take home and to bring a little bit of Grenada home with you. Street Food Wednesday’s at Dodgy Dock, True Blue Bay  True Blue Bay wanted their guests to experience the true taste of Grenadian cuisine without the hassle of having to leave the resort, and so, Street Food Wednesday was born .  Every week True Blue Bay welcome local vendors to Dodgy Dock, giving them the opportunity to showcase some of the finest local street food (and at street food prices)! From your perch overlooking the harbour enjoy the freshest fried snapper with breadfruit and sample the national dish, Oil Down; an eclectic mix of salted meats, pumpkin and cooking bananas among many spices and herbs. The Grenada Chocolate Fest This festival celebrates Grenada’s ethically produced, organic cocoa and chocolate. It is a perfect experience for all those chocolate lovers out there! The festival has been running for 3 years now, and is a roaring success. It’s a real ‘Tree to bar’ experience, from learning how this delicious chocolate is created; to discovering the cocoa farms hidden in the glorious rainforest. After a long day of exploring, you can treat yourself to a unique dining experience, with cuisine inspired by the delectable cocoa plant.  Belmont Estate Belmont Estate is an authentic 17 th century plantation; they hold a variety of tours, one being around their cocoa processing facilities. You are guided around the beautiful estate seeing the process of how the chocolate is created; the story of cocoa is really brought to life. They show you both the traditional, and modern way of how the beans are picked, dried and fermented until they reach the final product, this tour is extremely insightful and illustrative.    Savor The Spice is the original Grenadian culinary food tour. Grenada has an abundance of aromatic spices growing throughout the island — including nutmeg, cinnamon, mace, ginger, clove, lemongrass, bay leaf, thyme, and turmeric to name a few. The food in Grenada offers a mélange of cuisines by blending these aromatic spices, herbs and flavors influenced by the French, West African, Arawak, Kalinago, British, and Indian cultures. Culinary tours offer a wide variety of bold and savory tastes. The freshest local ingredients are always used that are either organic or bio-dynamically grown. Eat, drink, and indulge in Grenada's “Spices of Life.” If you would like to experience the culinary delights of this vibrant and colourful island please contact us on 01 431 9700 or email escape@caribtours.ie http://www.caribtours.ie/blog/rss/blog/2018/caribtours-foodie-guide-to-grenada/ http://www.caribtours.ie/blog/rss/blog/2018/caribtours-foodie-guide-to-grenada/ Mon, 11 June 2018 10:15:48 http://www.caribtours.ie/blog/rss/blog/2018/just-back-from-bequia-st-vincent-the-grenadines/ Our Travel Adviser, Helen , recently returned from a trip to the gorgeous island of Bequia in The Grenadines. "From the minute I landed on the tiny airstrip by private jet, I fell in love with this little gem of an island. We were greeted with friendly smiles at the airport and straight away we felt so welcome. A local taxi and open air truck took us along a wonderful picturesque coastal road to Bequia Plantation Hotel where we were to stay for the next three nights. This hotel has one of the best locations on the island, with breathtaking views overlooking Admiralty Bay full of boats, yachts and super yachts. The hotel is within walking distance of an array of charming local bars and restaurants and the fun little port of Port Elizabeth. It's great to get out and about, mixing with the local people.  I enjoyed an early morning walk on the Princess Margaret Trail to Princess Margaret Beach and the very well known ‘Jack's’ Beach Bar which attracts a lot of the yachting crowd and is a fabulous place to hang out and swim in the crystal clear water. After visiting the new luxury hotel ‘The Liming’ due to open in November this year and sure to be one of the most stunning properties on Bequia, we took a private flight down over The Grenadine islands with just stunning views of Mustique, Canouan,Tobago Cays Petit St Vincent to name just a few! I took this picture below of the stunning Tobago Cays, with its azure waters and luscuious greenery. The following day was a speedboat trip to the amazing Tobago Cays and the island where ‘Pirates of the Caribbean' was filmed followed with a lazy afternoon at Mayreau, the smallest inhabited island in The Grenadines and the perfect spot to relax in a hammock on the deserted beach. A full island tour with a visit to Hamilton Fort, the Turtle Sanctuary and a picnic at Spring Top was the end of my short but very memorable trip to beautiful Bequia. Having now returned to my desk I have already planned a return visit to Bequia for later on this year!” If you'd like to find out more about Bequia and our other Hotels on this island, give our team of expert travel advisers a call on 01 431 9700 or email escape@caribtours.ie http://www.caribtours.ie/blog/rss/blog/2018/just-back-from-bequia-st-vincent-the-grenadines/ http://www.caribtours.ie/blog/rss/blog/2018/just-back-from-bequia-st-vincent-the-grenadines/ Mon, 26 March 2018 13:42:14 http://www.caribtours.ie/blog/rss/blog/2017/december/dining-at-bodyholiday-saint-lucia/ At BodyHoliday in Saint Lucia , their ethos is that good food is the key ingredient to good living. Their philosophy of well-being is built on Excersise, Relaxation and Rejuvenation, therefore delicious, nutritious food is all part of making that philosophy work. At Bodyholiday, there is no distinction between gourmet food and healthy food, all their dishes feature fresh, locally-sourced ingredients including produce from the resort’s own organic garden. With five restaurants, there is something for every individual taste and personalised menus each night means your body’s in for a treat. A fresh new eating concept at BodyHoliday... I-Tal Conscious Eating This is a brand new dining option for BodyHoliday, a culinary experience to create incredible vegan dishes. Indulging in delicious food and wine is often part of travelling, but many guests are looking to eat more cleanly and to make thoughtful food choices based on their individual needs. Conscious eating is less about declaring certain foods as bad and more about being mindful of where food comes from, how it’s produced, how your body will respond to it, and whether you’re making the best choices for you. Recapture the essence of garden to table cuisine, inspired by their on-site organic garden. Share a guided experience with their eco-leader and I-Tal chefs, while spending time harvesting produce. Assist chefs as they produce a spectacular vegan feast, right in front of you. With honest and wholesome ingredients, enjoy an unforgettable dining experience with sweeping West Indian views. TAO TAO is the jewel in the crown of Bodyholiday’s gastronomy, engaging the senses with a balance of an unexpected combination of flavours. This restaurant is the definition of fine dining, guests are offered an exceptional culinary experience. It is renowned for its Fusion Cuisine and its menu of Eastern and Western flavours, set on an open-air balcony overlooking the Cariblue beach and the Caribbean Sea, it is an ideal setting for a memorable evening. Cariblue Cariblue restaurant offers a cornicopia of international cuisine supplemented by special menus for Yoga and other themed options. Overlooking the sand and sea, the breezy atmosphere makes it perfect for casual dining. At night, Cariblue’s buffet area is transformed into Windows – a chic evening-only eatery where chefs showcase their talents with imaginative tasting menus and wine pairings. The informal dinner lets you choose whether you watch as each dish is designed at the chef’s station or enjoy your tasting at window tables overlooking tropical gardens. Pavilion Set on the seaside boardwalk along Cariblue beach, the Pavilion offers an entire menu of posibilities. Laid-back and unhurried, its list of choices (from the buffet grill and pizza oven) include calzones, flatbreads, grilled fish and every imaginable barbecue favourite. Afternoon tea here is just divine, complete with finger sandwiches, cakes and scones. If you'd like to find out more about BodyHoliday , or to book your holiday there, give our team of expert travel advisers a call on 01431 9700 or fill in the form below. var contourDateFormat = "dd/mm/yy"; var contourFieldValuesae32a616f139416d816cc4209acbce0e; (function ($) { $(function () { $("#contour_form_OnlineContactform .contourPage input").change(function() { PopulateFieldValuesae32a616f139416d816cc4209acbce0e(); CheckRulesae32a616f139416d816cc4209acbce0e(); }); $("#contour_form_OnlineContactform .contourPage select").change(function () { PopulateFieldValuesae32a616f139416d816cc4209acbce0e(); CheckRulesae32a616f139416d816cc4209acbce0e(); }); PopulateFieldValuesae32a616f139416d816cc4209acbce0e(); CheckRulesae32a616f139416d816cc4209acbce0e(); }); } (jQuery)); function PopulateFieldValuesae32a616f139416d816cc4209acbce0e() { //fill field values //contourFieldValues = new Array(); PopulateRecordValuesae32a616f139416d816cc4209acbce0e(); $("#contour_form_OnlineContactform .contourPage select").each(function() { contourFieldValuesae32a616f139416d816cc4209acbce0e[$(this).attr("id")] = $("option[value='" + $(this).val() + "']", $(this)).text(); }); $("#contour_form_OnlineContactform .contourPage input").each(function() { if($(this).attr('type') == "text"){ contourFieldValuesae32a616f139416d816cc4209acbce0e[$(this).attr("id")] = $(this).val(); } if($(this).attr('type') == "radio"){ if($(this).is(':checked')) { contourFieldValuesae32a616f139416d816cc4209acbce0e[$(this).attr("name")] = $(this).val(); } } if($(this).attr('type') == "checkbox"){ if($(this).attr('id') != $(this).attr('name')) { if($(this).is(':checked')) { if(contourFieldValuesae32a616f139416d816cc4209acbce0e[$(this).attr("name")] == null) { contourFieldValuesae32a616f139416d816cc4209acbce0e[$(this).attr("name")] = $(this).val(); } else { contourFieldValuesae32a616f139416d816cc4209acbce0e[$(this).attr("name")] += "," + $(this).val(); } } } else { contourFieldValuesae32a616f139416d816cc4209acbce0e[$(this).attr("name")] = $(this).is(':checked').toString(); } } }); } function PopulateRecordValuesae32a616f139416d816cc4209acbce0e() { contourFieldValuesae32a616f139416d816cc4209acbce0e = new Array(); } function CheckRulesae32a616f139416d816cc4209acbce0e() { } Online Contact Form Firstname Surname Email address Telephone Number Preferred date of travel Number of nights Number of people Age of Children Travelling (If Any) Holiday Destination Preferred Class of Travel Economy Premium Economy Business Class First Class Private Jet Preferred Hotel (If Known) Preferred Room Type (If Known) Preferred Meal Plan Approximate budget Any Additional Information Where did you hear about us? Google Newspaper or Magazine Advert Social Media Other Already on Database Would you like to hear about exclusive holiday offers and updates from Caribtours via email? Yes please . Message http://www.caribtours.ie/blog/rss/blog/2017/december/dining-at-bodyholiday-saint-lucia/ http://www.caribtours.ie/blog/rss/blog/2017/december/dining-at-bodyholiday-saint-lucia/ Tue, 12 December 2017 14:55:27 http://www.caribtours.ie/blog/rss/blog/2017/december/01/five-reasons-to-travel-to-tobago/ Brydie Boulton, Product Manager I recently travelled to the island of Tobago for the first time and wanted to highlight just what makes this unique island so special. Nature There’s no doubt that Tobago is thriving with wildlife and sea life and a big part of that is because the island is so unspoilt. I met many people living in Tobago that told me that the island barely changes as the decades pass and this is what makes it so beautiful and protected. Home to many wildlife reserves and the famous ‘Bird Island’ where Sir David Attenborough filmed rare birds, Tobago is rustic and natural. My favourite area of the island was Castara, a small seaside village on the leeward coast. The scenery is simply breathtaking and all of the homes and hotels are blended into the dramatic mountains ensuring they don’t intrude on the landscape. The beaches are spotless and quiet, making it the perfect destination for couples to wander and enjoy a relaxing afternoon with not a person in sight. Beaches The waters on each side of the island vary from the calm still waters of the Caribbean side to the breezy currents of the Atlantic side. For me personally, the beaches on the South West side are the most impressive and Store Bay beach in particular is a great spot. It is the most popular beach on the island and it’s easy to see why; there are plenty of things to enjoy, from Miss Jean’s curry crab and dumpling, to the ladies selling local snacks like red mango and benet sticks, to the departure spot for boat tours to Buccoo Reef. The waves average at around 30 centimetres in height, making it perfect for swimming for all of the family. Switching off Tobago is incredibly laid back in many ways. You won’t find many dress codes here and often you will find locals and visitors dining barefoot, or simply relaxing with a Carib watching the world go by, locally known as ‘Liming’. There are so many spots both within your chosen resort, and around the island where you can sit down and breathe in the fresh air. iPhones and tablets are put away and replaced with a cold rum punch instead. If you’re looking to get away from it all and experience an island that simply doesn’t change with the rest of the world, then Tobago is the island for you. Getting out and about The island of Tobago is easy to get around and I would highly recommend you do so. There are many gorgeous spots to enjoy from the cocoa plantation to the Argyle waters and many areas to explore from the island’s capital, Scarborough, to small sea villages. For the evening, there are excellent fine dining options including the Sea Horse Inn where you can enjoy scallops and listen to the sounds of the ocean nearby. For blending with the locals, Crown Point is a popular spot with a choice of many bars and restaurants; it becomes particularly popular on a Sunday evening, after Sunday School, which is the island’s outdoor party, where steel bands and entertainers bring locals and visitors together. Whether you want to retreat to your resort by 10pm or party the night through, there are options. Diving The island of Tobago is well known for its excellent diving. With so many reefs to take advantage of, it makes the perfect destination for both experienced professionals and beginners that are looking to give it a go for the first time. The waters are crystal clear and filled with numerous crevices and caves where you can spot moray eels, lobsters, rays, groupers and the largest turtles I have ever come across in the Caribbean. Almost every resort has its own diving centre and there are excellent diving centres around the island that will offer complimentary pickups and drop offs at your chosen hotel. If you'd like to find out more about  Tobago , or to book your holiday there, give our team of expert travel advisers a call on 01431 9700 or fill in the form below. var contourDateFormat = "dd/mm/yy"; var contourFieldValuesae32a616f139416d816cc4209acbce0e; (function ($) { $(function () { $("#contour_form_OnlineContactform .contourPage input").change(function() { PopulateFieldValuesae32a616f139416d816cc4209acbce0e(); CheckRulesae32a616f139416d816cc4209acbce0e(); }); $("#contour_form_OnlineContactform .contourPage select").change(function () { PopulateFieldValuesae32a616f139416d816cc4209acbce0e(); CheckRulesae32a616f139416d816cc4209acbce0e(); }); PopulateFieldValuesae32a616f139416d816cc4209acbce0e(); CheckRulesae32a616f139416d816cc4209acbce0e(); }); } (jQuery)); function PopulateFieldValuesae32a616f139416d816cc4209acbce0e() { //fill field values //contourFieldValues = new Array(); PopulateRecordValuesae32a616f139416d816cc4209acbce0e(); $("#contour_form_OnlineContactform .contourPage select").each(function() { contourFieldValuesae32a616f139416d816cc4209acbce0e[$(this).attr("id")] = $("option[value='" + $(this).val() + "']", $(this)).text(); }); $("#contour_form_OnlineContactform .contourPage input").each(function() { if($(this).attr('type') == "text"){ contourFieldValuesae32a616f139416d816cc4209acbce0e[$(this).attr("id")] = $(this).val(); } if($(this).attr('type') == "radio"){ if($(this).is(':checked')) { contourFieldValuesae32a616f139416d816cc4209acbce0e[$(this).attr("name")] = $(this).val(); } } if($(this).attr('type') == "checkbox"){ if($(this).attr('id') != $(this).attr('name')) { if($(this).is(':checked')) { if(contourFieldValuesae32a616f139416d816cc4209acbce0e[$(this).attr("name")] == null) { contourFieldValuesae32a616f139416d816cc4209acbce0e[$(this).attr("name")] = $(this).val(); } else { contourFieldValuesae32a616f139416d816cc4209acbce0e[$(this).attr("name")] += "," + $(this).val(); } } } else { contourFieldValuesae32a616f139416d816cc4209acbce0e[$(this).attr("name")] = $(this).is(':checked').toString(); } } }); } function PopulateRecordValuesae32a616f139416d816cc4209acbce0e() { contourFieldValuesae32a616f139416d816cc4209acbce0e = new Array(); } function CheckRulesae32a616f139416d816cc4209acbce0e() { } Online Contact Form Firstname Surname Email address Telephone Number Preferred date of travel Number of nights Number of people Age of Children Travelling (If Any) Holiday Destination Preferred Class of Travel Economy Premium Economy Business Class First Class Private Jet Preferred Hotel (If Known) Preferred Room Type (If Known) Preferred Meal Plan Approximate budget Any Additional Information Where did you hear about us? Google Newspaper or Magazine Advert Social Media Other Already on Database Would you like to hear about exclusive holiday offers and updates from Caribtours via email? Yes please . Message http://www.caribtours.ie/blog/rss/blog/2017/december/01/five-reasons-to-travel-to-tobago/ http://www.caribtours.ie/blog/rss/blog/2017/december/01/five-reasons-to-travel-to-tobago/ Fri, 01 December 2017 10:12:05 http://www.caribtours.ie/blog/rss/blog/2017/the-colours-of-nevis/ The small island of Nevis covers just 36 square miles, yet manages to encapsulate what a perfect Caribbean holiday should be all about - relaxing on white-sand beaches, diving into colourful coral reefs, long hikes into the rainforest and sinking into that deliciously laid-back pace of life. Wildlife Lusciously green, this tranquil island is towered over by the 3,232-foot Nevis Peak and fringed by tempting beaches with less of the crowds of other Caribbean destinations. Much of the island is still relatively untouched and opportunities for mountain-biking, horse riding and hiking through the sun-dappled rainforest are plentiful. Keep an eye out for wildlife - you'll probably spot a troop of monkeys barrelling through the trees or the delicate flicker of a hummingbird as it dashes between fluorescent flowers.  History It was in Nevis that the Caribbean's very first hotel opened in 1778. And that's not all this enthralling island can claim: its tiny capital, Charlestown, is host to some of the very best remaining examples of colonial-era architecture in the Caribbean. Exploring the island, you'll also find crumbling old sugar mills and grand old plantation homes - some of which have been converted into hotels, and some of which have been slowly weathered and consumed by the rainforest. Cuisine There has been a renaissance in the dining and restaurant scene in Nevis, you are spoilt for choice. Some of our favourites include Sunshine's Beach Bar & Grill, a world-famous beach shack serving excellent local food and drinks, as well as the super-stylish Gin Trap serving every blend of gin you could ever imagine! Another excellent place is the Nisbet Plantation with their superb first-class beach restaurant. There's an old-fashioned charm about this intriguing island and as you're feasting on barbecue shrimp, gaping at the sight of a sea turtle gliding beneath crystal-clear waves, or delighting in the heady scent of mango drifting in on the warm tropical breeze as you sip rum punch on your terrace, you'll be glad you chose this special island for your Caribbean hideaway. If you'd like to find out more about Nevis , or to book your holiday there, give our team of expert travel advisers a call on 01431 9700 or fill in the form below. var contourDateFormat = "dd/mm/yy"; var contourFieldValuesae32a616f139416d816cc4209acbce0e; (function ($) { $(function () { $("#contour_form_OnlineContactform .contourPage input").change(function() { PopulateFieldValuesae32a616f139416d816cc4209acbce0e(); CheckRulesae32a616f139416d816cc4209acbce0e(); }); $("#contour_form_OnlineContactform .contourPage select").change(function () { PopulateFieldValuesae32a616f139416d816cc4209acbce0e(); CheckRulesae32a616f139416d816cc4209acbce0e(); }); PopulateFieldValuesae32a616f139416d816cc4209acbce0e(); CheckRulesae32a616f139416d816cc4209acbce0e(); }); } (jQuery)); function PopulateFieldValuesae32a616f139416d816cc4209acbce0e() { //fill field values //contourFieldValues = new Array(); PopulateRecordValuesae32a616f139416d816cc4209acbce0e(); $("#contour_form_OnlineContactform .contourPage select").each(function() { contourFieldValuesae32a616f139416d816cc4209acbce0e[$(this).attr("id")] = $("option[value='" + $(this).val() + "']", $(this)).text(); }); $("#contour_form_OnlineContactform .contourPage input").each(function() { if($(this).attr('type') == "text"){ contourFieldValuesae32a616f139416d816cc4209acbce0e[$(this).attr("id")] = $(this).val(); } if($(this).attr('type') == "radio"){ if($(this).is(':checked')) { contourFieldValuesae32a616f139416d816cc4209acbce0e[$(this).attr("name")] = $(this).val(); } } if($(this).attr('type') == "checkbox"){ if($(this).attr('id') != $(this).attr('name')) { if($(this).is(':checked')) { if(contourFieldValuesae32a616f139416d816cc4209acbce0e[$(this).attr("name")] == null) { contourFieldValuesae32a616f139416d816cc4209acbce0e[$(this).attr("name")] = $(this).val(); } else { contourFieldValuesae32a616f139416d816cc4209acbce0e[$(this).attr("name")] += "," + $(this).val(); } } } else { contourFieldValuesae32a616f139416d816cc4209acbce0e[$(this).attr("name")] = $(this).is(':checked').toString(); } } }); } function PopulateRecordValuesae32a616f139416d816cc4209acbce0e() { contourFieldValuesae32a616f139416d816cc4209acbce0e = new Array(); } function CheckRulesae32a616f139416d816cc4209acbce0e() { } Online Contact Form Firstname Surname Email address Telephone Number Preferred date of travel Number of nights Number of people Age of Children Travelling (If Any) Holiday Destination Preferred Class of Travel Economy Premium Economy Business Class First Class Private Jet Preferred Hotel (If Known) Preferred Room Type (If Known) Preferred Meal Plan Approximate budget Any Additional Information Where did you hear about us? Google Newspaper or Magazine Advert Social Media Other Already on Database Would you like to hear about exclusive holiday offers and updates from Caribtours via email? Yes please . Message http://www.caribtours.ie/blog/rss/blog/2017/the-colours-of-nevis/ http://www.caribtours.ie/blog/rss/blog/2017/the-colours-of-nevis/ Wed, 29 November 2017 09:47:00 http://www.caribtours.ie/blog/rss/blog/2017/our-guide-to-grenada/ The unspoilt island of Grenada is a tranquil oasis of virgin rainforest and immaculate beaches encircled by the calming crystalline waters of the Caribbean. It’s easy to meet the fun and friendly locals here as there’s always a festival going on, always a market to browse and always a smiling face ready to welcome you. Romance Grenada is one of the quieter and more authentic destinations in the Caribbean which is why many couples choose this peaceful island for their honeymoon. Whether you want to trek to secluded waterfalls together, snorkel beneath the crystal clear waves, enjoy fine dining under the stars, or simply find an untouched beach to sunbathe on, this jewel of an island offers it all. Exploring Opportunities to explore abound in Grenada. Why not hike to the Seven Sisters Falls, a cascading wonder hidden in the rainforest. You’ll be spoilt for choice with 45 beaches to choose from – Grand Anse has the prestige of being named the most beautiful beach in the Caribbean. Or, for something a little different, visit the volcanic Black Bay beach with its intriguing black sand. Diving Grenada is nicknamed the ‘Wreck Dive Capital of the Caribbean’ with a number of extraordinary dive sites to choose from. One of 15 Grenada shipwrecks, the Bianca C Wreck is an enormous cruise liner that sank in 1961 and now looms eerily in the gloom, 50 metres below the surface. Then there’s the world’s first underwater sculpture park where British artist Jason deCaires Taylor’s series of haunting cement and steel sculptures lie at the bottom of a shallow marine park, tropical shoals of fish meandering between them. Culture Grenada has a magnitude of captivating historic sites including the 18th-century Fort George which you’ll find in St George’s, the island’s riveting capital. Exploring further, you can also take a guided tour of the River Antoine Rum Distillery which is the oldest functioning water-propelled distillery in the Caribbean – make sure you buy a bottle of rum to go! And chocolate lovers must visit Belmond Estate, a 17th-century plantation that’s still fully-functional today with cocoa processing, an organic farm and a heritage museum. Food Foodies will delight in the mouth-watering amount of delectable cuisine there is to sample in Grenada. Head to St George’s for market mornings filled with local spices and street food. At Street Food Wednesdays at Dodgy Dock you can try Grenada’s national dish, Oil Down; an eclectic mix of salted meats, pumpkin and cooking bananas with spices and herbs. Don’t miss Gouyave Fish Friday, a weekly fish festival booming with flavour and fun where music and dancing accompany the chance to feast on fresh fish and seafood. Nature Tropical flowers, flourishing birdlife and even armadillos, opossums and mona monkeys can be spotted in Grenada. You’ll be spellbound by the kaleidoscopic treasure trove of marine species inhabiting the waters too – reef sharks, manta rays, dolphins and Great Barracuda are regularly spotted. Birdwatching enthusiasts should visit the breathtaking Lake Antoine; formed in an extinct volcano, this shimmering lake attracts a flurry of bird species. Grand Étang Forest Reserve is also perfect for spotting wildlife - rambunctious monkeys and chirruping frogs reside here amongst four of the island’s tallest peaks and the iridescent Grand Étang Lake. If you'd like to find out more about Grenada , or to book your holiday there, give our team of expert travel advisers a call on 01431 9700 or fill in the form below. var contourDateFormat = "dd/mm/yy"; var contourFieldValuesae32a616f139416d816cc4209acbce0e; (function ($) { $(function () { $("#contour_form_OnlineContactform .contourPage input").change(function() { PopulateFieldValuesae32a616f139416d816cc4209acbce0e(); CheckRulesae32a616f139416d816cc4209acbce0e(); }); $("#contour_form_OnlineContactform .contourPage select").change(function () { PopulateFieldValuesae32a616f139416d816cc4209acbce0e(); CheckRulesae32a616f139416d816cc4209acbce0e(); }); PopulateFieldValuesae32a616f139416d816cc4209acbce0e(); CheckRulesae32a616f139416d816cc4209acbce0e(); }); } (jQuery)); function PopulateFieldValuesae32a616f139416d816cc4209acbce0e() { //fill field values //contourFieldValues = new Array(); PopulateRecordValuesae32a616f139416d816cc4209acbce0e(); $("#contour_form_OnlineContactform .contourPage select").each(function() { contourFieldValuesae32a616f139416d816cc4209acbce0e[$(this).attr("id")] = $("option[value='" + $(this).val() + "']", $(this)).text(); }); $("#contour_form_OnlineContactform .contourPage input").each(function() { if($(this).attr('type') == "text"){ contourFieldValuesae32a616f139416d816cc4209acbce0e[$(this).attr("id")] = $(this).val(); } if($(this).attr('type') == "radio"){ if($(this).is(':checked')) { contourFieldValuesae32a616f139416d816cc4209acbce0e[$(this).attr("name")] = $(this).val(); } } if($(this).attr('type') == "checkbox"){ if($(this).attr('id') != $(this).attr('name')) { if($(this).is(':checked')) { if(contourFieldValuesae32a616f139416d816cc4209acbce0e[$(this).attr("name")] == null) { contourFieldValuesae32a616f139416d816cc4209acbce0e[$(this).attr("name")] = $(this).val(); } else { contourFieldValuesae32a616f139416d816cc4209acbce0e[$(this).attr("name")] += "," + $(this).val(); } } } else { contourFieldValuesae32a616f139416d816cc4209acbce0e[$(this).attr("name")] = $(this).is(':checked').toString(); } } }); } function PopulateRecordValuesae32a616f139416d816cc4209acbce0e() { contourFieldValuesae32a616f139416d816cc4209acbce0e = new Array(); } function CheckRulesae32a616f139416d816cc4209acbce0e() { } Online Contact Form Firstname Surname Email address Telephone Number Preferred date of travel Number of nights Number of people Age of Children Travelling (If Any) Holiday Destination Preferred Class of Travel Economy Premium Economy Business Class First Class Private Jet Preferred Hotel (If Known) Preferred Room Type (If Known) Preferred Meal Plan Approximate budget Any Additional Information Where did you hear about us? Google Newspaper or Magazine Advert Social Media Other Already on Database Would you like to hear about exclusive holiday offers and updates from Caribtours via email? Yes please . Message http://www.caribtours.ie/blog/rss/blog/2017/our-guide-to-grenada/ http://www.caribtours.ie/blog/rss/blog/2017/our-guide-to-grenada/ Mon, 13 November 2017 14:11:18 http://www.caribtours.ie/blog/rss/blog/2017/just-back-from-sandy-lane-barbados/ Peter Eastaugh from Traveller’s World recently returned from a trip to the iconic Sandy Lane in Barbados .  “It had been several years since our last visit to Barbados and my wife Julie and I were so pleased that we returned to find the island pretty unchanged. The west coast is so well established that the hotels have secured prime locations overlooking the wonderful blue sea. Perfect for us as the purpose of this visit was to simply relax and enjoy the beautiful warm waters and powder-white sands. The second reason for our holiday was that it was Julie’s birthday and so as a special treat we stayed at the world-renowned Sandy Lane hotel for a few nights. Nothing quite prepared us for the welcome we received as we glided to a stop outside the impressive entrance. Seven members of management and staff were waiting with a welcoming smile, hands outstretched, and two glasses of chilled Champagne - we truly felt like royalty. The reference to Julie’s birthday continued throughout our stay with gifts of cake, chocolates and more chilled bubbly. The beach, restaurants and rooms are absolutely amazing and the understated professionalism of the staff is one of their biggest assets. Sandy Lane is obviously expensive but do I think it’s worth it? Yes it is and I would return in a flash! Thank you Caribtours for making the magic happen.” If you'd like to find out more about Sandy Lane , or to book your holiday there, give our team of expert travel advisers a call on 01431 9700 or fill in the form below. var contourDateFormat = "dd/mm/yy"; var contourFieldValuesae32a616f139416d816cc4209acbce0e; (function ($) { $(function () { $("#contour_form_OnlineContactform .contourPage input").change(function() { PopulateFieldValuesae32a616f139416d816cc4209acbce0e(); CheckRulesae32a616f139416d816cc4209acbce0e(); }); $("#contour_form_OnlineContactform .contourPage select").change(function () { PopulateFieldValuesae32a616f139416d816cc4209acbce0e(); CheckRulesae32a616f139416d816cc4209acbce0e(); }); PopulateFieldValuesae32a616f139416d816cc4209acbce0e(); CheckRulesae32a616f139416d816cc4209acbce0e(); }); } (jQuery)); function PopulateFieldValuesae32a616f139416d816cc4209acbce0e() { //fill field values //contourFieldValues = new Array(); PopulateRecordValuesae32a616f139416d816cc4209acbce0e(); $("#contour_form_OnlineContactform .contourPage select").each(function() { contourFieldValuesae32a616f139416d816cc4209acbce0e[$(this).attr("id")] = $("option[value='" + $(this).val() + "']", $(this)).text(); }); $("#contour_form_OnlineContactform .contourPage input").each(function() { if($(this).attr('type') == "text"){ contourFieldValuesae32a616f139416d816cc4209acbce0e[$(this).attr("id")] = $(this).val(); } if($(this).attr('type') == "radio"){ if($(this).is(':checked')) { contourFieldValuesae32a616f139416d816cc4209acbce0e[$(this).attr("name")] = $(this).val(); } } if($(this).attr('type') == "checkbox"){ if($(this).attr('id') != $(this).attr('name')) { if($(this).is(':checked')) { if(contourFieldValuesae32a616f139416d816cc4209acbce0e[$(this).attr("name")] == null) { contourFieldValuesae32a616f139416d816cc4209acbce0e[$(this).attr("name")] = $(this).val(); } else { contourFieldValuesae32a616f139416d816cc4209acbce0e[$(this).attr("name")] += "," + $(this).val(); } } } else { contourFieldValuesae32a616f139416d816cc4209acbce0e[$(this).attr("name")] = $(this).is(':checked').toString(); } } }); } function PopulateRecordValuesae32a616f139416d816cc4209acbce0e() { contourFieldValuesae32a616f139416d816cc4209acbce0e = new Array(); } function CheckRulesae32a616f139416d816cc4209acbce0e() { } Online Contact Form Firstname Surname Email address Telephone Number Preferred date of travel Number of nights Number of people Age of Children Travelling (If Any) Holiday Destination Preferred Class of Travel Economy Premium Economy Business Class First Class Private Jet Preferred Hotel (If Known) Preferred Room Type (If Known) Preferred Meal Plan Approximate budget Any Additional Information Where did you hear about us? Google Newspaper or Magazine Advert Social Media Other Already on Database Would you like to hear about exclusive holiday offers and updates from Caribtours via email? Yes please . Message http://www.caribtours.ie/blog/rss/blog/2017/just-back-from-sandy-lane-barbados/ http://www.caribtours.ie/blog/rss/blog/2017/just-back-from-sandy-lane-barbados/ Fri, 10 November 2017 10:13:00 http://www.caribtours.ie/blog/rss/blog/2017/just-back-from-sugar-beach-a-viceroy-resort-saint-lucia/ Edward Light, Head of Commercial at Caribtours, gives us the lowdown on his recent family holiday to Sugar Beach, A Viceroy Resort , Saint Lucia . “My family and I had a magical stay at Sugar Beach this summer – it was our first time staying there and we were so impressed by so many things. The resort’s wow factor is of course its amazing setting, tucked into a cove between the two famous Piton Mountains which rise up imposingly on either side. It’s amazingly set on over 100 acres of rainforest – there are no other resorts next door so, apart from a few visiting snorkelling boats, the entire bay is pretty much exclusively for resort guests. Snorkelling is also a big attraction – the protected marine park on the right hand side of the bay ensures an incredible selection of coral and tropical fish to swim amongst. Our kids could easily have spent all day there floating about in lovely warm waters marvelling at the sea life. We also tried stand up paddleboarding and kayaking, and would have taken out a Hobie Cat had there been any wind! All this ensured a healthy appetite, and there was lovely mix of fresh smoothies and eggs cooked to order at breakfast, casual snacks and tapas on the beach at lunchtime and superb à la carte evening dinners – either right on the beach with tiki lights and candles, or up in the magnificent Great Room with views over the estate. Whilst our children aren’t usually avid Kids Club goers, the team at the Sugar Club and the activities laid on were such fun that they were often gone for hours on end – football games and evening cinemas on the lawn, shell painting, coconut bowls, water balloon games… they absolutely loved it. Plus Alice (9) was treated by mum to a special children’s chocolate massage in the jungle spa which she still talks about now, along with the tuk tuk rides to get around the resort! Most impressive to us though was the standard of accommodation and the butler service that came with it. We were up on the hillside in a Grand Luxury Villa with private plunge pool overlooking the jungle and Pitons - think solid wood floors, four-poster beds, clean white linens, all the latest technology, a daily allowance of complimentary beers and soft drinks in the minibar, an indoor and outdoor shower, and the most amazing service from Mackenzie, our butler – complete with a dedicated mobile phone to reach him at any time of day. Sugar Beach is equally suitable for couples/honeymooners or families – there are enough quiet corners to escape to whilst we never felt self-conscious with the kids in tow. It is simply one of those premier resorts where everything is just slick, pristine, and of the highest quality.” If you'd like to find out more about Sugar Beach, A Viceroy Resort , or to book your holiday there, give our team of expert travel advisers a call on 0207751 0660 or fill in the form below. var contourDateFormat = "dd/mm/yy"; var contourFieldValuesae32a616f139416d816cc4209acbce0e; (function ($) { $(function () { $("#contour_form_OnlineContactform .contourPage input").change(function() { PopulateFieldValuesae32a616f139416d816cc4209acbce0e(); CheckRulesae32a616f139416d816cc4209acbce0e(); }); $("#contour_form_OnlineContactform .contourPage select").change(function () { PopulateFieldValuesae32a616f139416d816cc4209acbce0e(); CheckRulesae32a616f139416d816cc4209acbce0e(); }); PopulateFieldValuesae32a616f139416d816cc4209acbce0e(); CheckRulesae32a616f139416d816cc4209acbce0e(); }); } (jQuery)); function PopulateFieldValuesae32a616f139416d816cc4209acbce0e() { //fill field values //contourFieldValues = new Array(); PopulateRecordValuesae32a616f139416d816cc4209acbce0e(); $("#contour_form_OnlineContactform .contourPage select").each(function() { contourFieldValuesae32a616f139416d816cc4209acbce0e[$(this).attr("id")] = $("option[value='" + $(this).val() + "']", $(this)).text(); }); $("#contour_form_OnlineContactform .contourPage input").each(function() { if($(this).attr('type') == "text"){ contourFieldValuesae32a616f139416d816cc4209acbce0e[$(this).attr("id")] = $(this).val(); } if($(this).attr('type') == "radio"){ if($(this).is(':checked')) { contourFieldValuesae32a616f139416d816cc4209acbce0e[$(this).attr("name")] = $(this).val(); } } if($(this).attr('type') == "checkbox"){ if($(this).attr('id') != $(this).attr('name')) { if($(this).is(':checked')) { if(contourFieldValuesae32a616f139416d816cc4209acbce0e[$(this).attr("name")] == null) { contourFieldValuesae32a616f139416d816cc4209acbce0e[$(this).attr("name")] = $(this).val(); } else { contourFieldValuesae32a616f139416d816cc4209acbce0e[$(this).attr("name")] += "," + $(this).val(); } } } else { contourFieldValuesae32a616f139416d816cc4209acbce0e[$(this).attr("name")] = $(this).is(':checked').toString(); } } }); } function PopulateRecordValuesae32a616f139416d816cc4209acbce0e() { contourFieldValuesae32a616f139416d816cc4209acbce0e = new Array(); } function CheckRulesae32a616f139416d816cc4209acbce0e() { } Online Contact Form Firstname Surname Email address Telephone Number Preferred date of travel Number of nights Number of people Age of Children Travelling (If Any) Holiday Destination Preferred Class of Travel Economy Premium Economy Business Class First Class Private Jet Preferred Hotel (If Known) Preferred Room Type (If Known) Preferred Meal Plan Approximate budget Any Additional Information Where did you hear about us? Google Newspaper or Magazine Advert Social Media Other Already on Database Would you like to hear about exclusive holiday offers and updates from Caribtours via email? Yes please . Message http://www.caribtours.ie/blog/rss/blog/2017/just-back-from-sugar-beach-a-viceroy-resort-saint-lucia/ http://www.caribtours.ie/blog/rss/blog/2017/just-back-from-sugar-beach-a-viceroy-resort-saint-lucia/ Wed, 08 November 2017 12:09:55 http://www.caribtours.ie/blog/rss/blog/2017/just-back-from-jade-mountain-saint-lucia/ Our Marketing Manager, Amberley Shermon-Jones, and her husband spent  their  honeymoon  at Jade Mountain in Saint Lucia . She lets us in on the highlights of her luxury holiday to this stunning resort : “For our honeymoon we wanted something memorable, something with a real ‘wow factor’ and Jade Mountain certainly didn’t disappoint. From the moment we arrived we knew we were in for a treat. Our Major Domo (butler) whisked us off to our Star Sanctuary and as soon as we unlocked the door we were greeted by the most mesmerising views of the Pitons, Caribbean Sea and our very own infinity pool gently lapping over the edge of our open-plan room. This was paradise. We spent the first afternoon relaxing, taking in the unparalleled views, and enjoying the sunset with a cocktail. We wanted to do something the next day but it was so hard to choose what! There were plantation walks, paddle boarding, snorkelling, kayaking, jungle biking, interactive cooking classes… the list goes on but we finally settled on a visit to the estate’s organic chocolate laboratory to make our own chocolate which was a fascinating experience and great for chocolate lovers! Dining at the Jade Mountain Club was one of the highlights of our stay. The fresh ingredients we’d seen growing in the organic gardens were presented on our plates like masterpieces, complemented by an extensive wine list and accompanied by a soundtrack of live jazz. Each night, we sat on the Celestial Terrace spotting shooting stars. It was completely unforgettable and felt like our very own slice of paradise.” If you'd like to find out more about Jade Mountain , or to book your holiday there, give our team of expert travel advisers a call on 01431 9700 or fill in the form below. var contourDateFormat = "dd/mm/yy"; var contourFieldValuesae32a616f139416d816cc4209acbce0e; (function ($) { $(function () { $("#contour_form_OnlineContactform .contourPage input").change(function() { PopulateFieldValuesae32a616f139416d816cc4209acbce0e(); CheckRulesae32a616f139416d816cc4209acbce0e(); }); $("#contour_form_OnlineContactform .contourPage select").change(function () { PopulateFieldValuesae32a616f139416d816cc4209acbce0e(); CheckRulesae32a616f139416d816cc4209acbce0e(); }); PopulateFieldValuesae32a616f139416d816cc4209acbce0e(); CheckRulesae32a616f139416d816cc4209acbce0e(); }); } (jQuery)); function PopulateFieldValuesae32a616f139416d816cc4209acbce0e() { //fill field values //contourFieldValues = new Array(); PopulateRecordValuesae32a616f139416d816cc4209acbce0e(); $("#contour_form_OnlineContactform .contourPage select").each(function() { contourFieldValuesae32a616f139416d816cc4209acbce0e[$(this).attr("id")] = $("option[value='" + $(this).val() + "']", $(this)).text(); }); $("#contour_form_OnlineContactform .contourPage input").each(function() { if($(this).attr('type') == "text"){ contourFieldValuesae32a616f139416d816cc4209acbce0e[$(this).attr("id")] = $(this).val(); } if($(this).attr('type') == "radio"){ if($(this).is(':checked')) { contourFieldValuesae32a616f139416d816cc4209acbce0e[$(this).attr("name")] = $(this).val(); } } if($(this).attr('type') == "checkbox"){ if($(this).attr('id') != $(this).attr('name')) { if($(this).is(':checked')) { if(contourFieldValuesae32a616f139416d816cc4209acbce0e[$(this).attr("name")] == null) { contourFieldValuesae32a616f139416d816cc4209acbce0e[$(this).attr("name")] = $(this).val(); } else { contourFieldValuesae32a616f139416d816cc4209acbce0e[$(this).attr("name")] += "," + $(this).val(); } } } else { contourFieldValuesae32a616f139416d816cc4209acbce0e[$(this).attr("name")] = $(this).is(':checked').toString(); } } }); } function PopulateRecordValuesae32a616f139416d816cc4209acbce0e() { contourFieldValuesae32a616f139416d816cc4209acbce0e = new Array(); } function CheckRulesae32a616f139416d816cc4209acbce0e() { } Online Contact Form Firstname Surname Email address Telephone Number Preferred date of travel Number of nights Number of people Age of Children Travelling (If Any) Holiday Destination Preferred Class of Travel Economy Premium Economy Business Class First Class Private Jet Preferred Hotel (If Known) Preferred Room Type (If Known) Preferred Meal Plan Approximate budget Any Additional Information Where did you hear about us? Google Newspaper or Magazine Advert Social Media Other Already on Database Would you like to hear about exclusive holiday offers and updates from Caribtours via email? Yes please . Message http://www.caribtours.ie/blog/rss/blog/2017/just-back-from-jade-mountain-saint-lucia/ http://www.caribtours.ie/blog/rss/blog/2017/just-back-from-jade-mountain-saint-lucia/ Tue, 07 November 2017 11:52:34 http://www.caribtours.ie/blog/rss/blog/2017/top-antigua-experiences/ There's so much to see and do on the beautiful island of Antigua from snorkelling to sunbathing, hiking to history. We've picked out our top three unmissable Antigua experiences - make sure you plan your next holiday with these in mind! Beach Bar Trail Be sure to ask your hotel reception about the Beach Bar Trail. This map highlights the best beach bars Antigua has to offer, as well as some hidden gems you might otherwise miss. The map features the island’s best hotels, too, so you can easily pick out your starting point. Winding your way around the island, you can sip fresh coconut water and feast on ‘fungi and conch’, watch the sun set with a glass of English Harbour rum in hand, party the night away with a mango daiquiri – this ingenious trail doesn’t miss anything out! Sailing Antigua is the perfect destination for all things sailing. The renowned Antigua Sailing Week happens every year around April – May time and attracts people from around the world. During the event, the island comes alive with parties and celebrations so whether you’re a sailing enthusiast or just a passing observer, it’s a fantastic time to visit and soak up the festive atmosphere. Aside from this, there are over 20 sailing events lined up for 2018 as well as sailing lessons for those that want to get more involved. Shirley Heights Shirley Heights is definitely a must-do while in Antigua. Drive or walk to the top of this restored military lookout for picture-perfect views of English and Falmouth Harbours from a 490-foot vantage point. The views are particularly striking at sunset when the skies are glowing and the bay begins to sparkle. Every Sunday for the past three decades, Shirley Heights has been host to evening barbecue parties where visitors and locals come together to eat and listen to local bands.   To find out more please call our expert Travel Advisers on 01431 9700 or email us at escapes@caribtours.co.uk    var contourDateFormat = "dd/mm/yy"; var contourFieldValuesae32a616f139416d816cc4209acbce0e; (function ($) { $(function () { $("#contour_form_OnlineContactform .contourPage input").change(function() { PopulateFieldValuesae32a616f139416d816cc4209acbce0e(); CheckRulesae32a616f139416d816cc4209acbce0e(); }); $("#contour_form_OnlineContactform .contourPage select").change(function () { PopulateFieldValuesae32a616f139416d816cc4209acbce0e(); CheckRulesae32a616f139416d816cc4209acbce0e(); }); PopulateFieldValuesae32a616f139416d816cc4209acbce0e(); CheckRulesae32a616f139416d816cc4209acbce0e(); }); } (jQuery)); function PopulateFieldValuesae32a616f139416d816cc4209acbce0e() { //fill field values //contourFieldValues = new Array(); PopulateRecordValuesae32a616f139416d816cc4209acbce0e(); $("#contour_form_OnlineContactform .contourPage select").each(function() { contourFieldValuesae32a616f139416d816cc4209acbce0e[$(this).attr("id")] = $("option[value='" + $(this).val() + "']", $(this)).text(); }); $("#contour_form_OnlineContactform .contourPage input").each(function() { if($(this).attr('type') == "text"){ contourFieldValuesae32a616f139416d816cc4209acbce0e[$(this).attr("id")] = $(this).val(); } if($(this).attr('type') == "radio"){ if($(this).is(':checked')) { contourFieldValuesae32a616f139416d816cc4209acbce0e[$(this).attr("name")] = $(this).val(); } } if($(this).attr('type') == "checkbox"){ if($(this).attr('id') != $(this).attr('name')) { if($(this).is(':checked')) { if(contourFieldValuesae32a616f139416d816cc4209acbce0e[$(this).attr("name")] == null) { contourFieldValuesae32a616f139416d816cc4209acbce0e[$(this).attr("name")] = $(this).val(); } else { contourFieldValuesae32a616f139416d816cc4209acbce0e[$(this).attr("name")] += "," + $(this).val(); } } } else { contourFieldValuesae32a616f139416d816cc4209acbce0e[$(this).attr("name")] = $(this).is(':checked').toString(); } } }); } function PopulateRecordValuesae32a616f139416d816cc4209acbce0e() { contourFieldValuesae32a616f139416d816cc4209acbce0e = new Array(); } function CheckRulesae32a616f139416d816cc4209acbce0e() { } Online Contact Form Firstname Surname Email address Telephone Number Preferred date of travel Number of nights Number of people Age of Children Travelling (If Any) Holiday Destination Preferred Class of Travel Economy Premium Economy Business Class First Class Private Jet Preferred Hotel (If Known) Preferred Room Type (If Known) Preferred Meal Plan Approximate budget Any Additional Information Where did you hear about us? Google Newspaper or Magazine Advert Social Media Other Already on Database Would you like to hear about exclusive holiday offers and updates from Caribtours via email? Yes please . Message http://www.caribtours.ie/blog/rss/blog/2017/top-antigua-experiences/ http://www.caribtours.ie/blog/rss/blog/2017/top-antigua-experiences/ Mon, 06 November 2017 11:31:57 http://www.caribtours.ie/blog/rss/blog/2017/march/05/soggy-dollar-bars-pussers-painkiller-cocktail-recipe/ Soggy Dollar Bar located on White Bay, Jost Van Dyke in the British Virgin Islands is where the Painkiller cocktail originated in the 1970's. Anchored just off the beach, you'll have to swim to the bar - but go easy on the Painkillers as you'll also have to swim back to shore!  T his smooth, full flavored rum cocktail has become the essence of Caribbean imbibing. We wanted to share with you recipe for this unique and flavorsome cocktail so that you can have a little flavour of the British Virgin Island's at home. As well as being the home to the Painkiller Coaktail the Soggy Dollar Bar is also home to the legendary Soggy Dollar Ring Game - the aim of the game, get the ring on the hook with the sun setting behind you and gentle lapping waves - the prize... a painkiller of course.   Pusser's Painkiller Cocktail Recipe 2oz. Pusser's rum 4 oz. Pineapple juice Orange juice Cream of coconut Grated Grenadian nutmeg Pineapple wedge Serve ice cold, preferably on the beach. If you want to try a painkiller on the white sands of the British Virgin Islands please contact us on 01431 9700. http://www.caribtours.ie/blog/rss/blog/2017/march/05/soggy-dollar-bars-pussers-painkiller-cocktail-recipe/ http://www.caribtours.ie/blog/rss/blog/2017/march/05/soggy-dollar-bars-pussers-painkiller-cocktail-recipe/ Sun, 05 March 2017 14:46:58 http://www.caribtours.ie/blog/rss/blog/2017/february/top-8-maldivian-experiences/ This week we are shining the spotlight on the dazzling region of the Maldives, host to an array of beautiful private island hotels and resorts. Choose from luxurious over water havens to secluded beach villa hideaways, whist indulging in fabulous cuisine, activities and spa treatments. We have curated a list of our favourite Maldivian Experiences - these really are ones not to be missed!  1. Scuba diving in the Lhaviyani Atoll at Kanuhura  Kanuhura offers luxury in a laid-back setting, the vibe here is castaway chic, and you'll sense it as soon as you step off your seaplane and onto the island. The scuba diving here is fabulous, and the surrounding ocean here is heaven for divers: Lhaviyani Atoll provides endless opportunities for marine exploration, from scuba diving excursions and PADI certification courses to guided snorkeling trips.  2. Indulge in a couples massage in the underwater treatment room at Lime Spa, Per Aquum Huvafen Fushi  Indulge in something truly unique and out of this world at the Lime Spa, Per Aquum Huvafen Fushi. The underwater treatment room is a tranquil spot for a range of avant-garde treatments; our favourite being the Soul to Sole treatment - it is truly magnificent.  3. Excursion to the local fishing village at Lily Beach Resort & Spa  Immerse yourself in local Maldivian culture with a trip to the local fishing village, Dangethi - it's a wonderful way to spend an afternoon and its a fun activity all the family can enjoy! 4. Private Coco Cinema at Coco Bodu Hithi   Watch the big screen on a tiny island at Coco Bodu Hithi, where the big screen is set up on a picture perfect beach. Feel the sand in-between your toes while you watch your favorite films under the stars. This experience is perfect for a romantic evening, the hotel will make sure that you are being refilled with their scrumptious home-made ice cream, and a selection of tasty hampers from one of the resorts restaurants.  5. Seaplane Surfing Safari at Four Seasons Resort Kuda Huraa   You’ll be on top of the world when you drop into a wave during your own customized surfing safari in the Indian Ocean. Board a seaplane with a team of expert guides to begin this exclusive Tropicsurf experience, available only at Four Seasons Resort Maldives at Kuda Huraa. Together, you’ll take flight and launch an epic quest to find your ultimate surfing destination. 6. Whale Shark Adventure at One&Only Reethi Rah   Swim with the biggest fish in the world; a friendly and majestic Whale Shark. The shallow waters off South Ari Atoll are a favourite spot to snorkel or dive alongside these mesmerizing   creatures.  7. Enjoy sunset cocktails on the Piano deck in the middle of the ocean at Baros   A wooden deck shaped like a Grand Piano just off the coast of Baros Maldives – far enough for total privacy but close enough for a view of the lush tropical island during the day, or for witnessing the spectacular Maldivian sunset. Enjoy your breakfast, lunch or dinner in this unique setting accompanied by the sound of gently splashing waves in an ambience of pure privacy. 8. Dine in the underwater restaurant at Per Aquum Huvafen Niyama   Reach Subsix by speedboat and descend a dramatic three-tier staircase. Italian abstract chandeliers illuminate the descent like shining coral. Whilst you dine, parrotfish swim past shoals of Moorish Idols. Moray eels slide through the lagoon. Groupers make goliath appearances amidst the rainbow of butterflyfish and damselfish, while the resident Hawksbill turtle glides in for a visit. It truly is a once in a lifetime experience, which we urge you to try! If you would like to hear more about these fabulous experiences, or to book a holiday to the Maldives -  please contact us on 01431 9700 . http://www.caribtours.ie/blog/rss/blog/2017/february/top-8-maldivian-experiences/ http://www.caribtours.ie/blog/rss/blog/2017/february/top-8-maldivian-experiences/ Fri, 24 February 2017 12:49:54 http://www.caribtours.ie/blog/rss/blog/2017/february/meet-the-2017-hosts-for-wellfit-families-at-bodyholiday-saint-lucia/ From 2 July – 26 August 2017, BodyHoliday opens its doors to children aged 12 and over, creating the ultimate destination for an action-packed family holiday. OLYMPIC HOSTS This year’s Wellfit Families programme will be hosted by:  Marlon Devonish, Olympic Sprinter — July 2nd to 16th, 2017   10 0m and 200m Olympic sprinter, Marlon Devonish had a successful career in athletics that spanned over sixteen years where he represented Great Britain at every major Championships, including three Olympic Games. As one of the most decorated  British athletes, he is most well remembered for winning Olympic Gold in Athens in 2004 as part of the 4x100m sprint relay quartet. This notable achievement was later recognised by Her Majesty the Queen and Marlon was awarded an MBE for his contribution to the sport. Randy Moss, NFL Wide Receiver — July 16th to 22nd, 2017   Randy Moss is a former American football wide receiver who played 14 seasons in the National Football League (NFL). He holds the NFL single-season touchdown reception record (23 in 2007), the NFL single-season touchdown reception record for a rookie (17 in 1998), and is second on the NFL all-time regular season touchdown reception list with 156. He is widely considered among the greatest wide receivers of all time. Jamie Baulch, Olympic Sprinter — July 23rd to August 6th, 2017 Jamie enjoyed a career spanning 15 years at the top of world class athletics. Since retiring in 2005, he has starred in several reality TV shows and directed several business ventures including the Jamie Baulch Academy and WRU Memorabilia, a range of Welsh rugby memorabilia. Michael Jamieson, Olympic Swimmer — August 6th to 20th, 2017 Michael has been at the pinnacle of elite sport for years, winning medals at European, Commonwealth, World & Olympic level. Performances from 2010-2016 saw Michael ranked consistently in the top 3 swimmers in the World, competing at a home Olympic Games & home city Commonwealth Games in Glasgow in 2014. Jamieson’s lifetime best 200m Breaststroke time of 2.07:34 remains the third fastest time in history. Steve Williams, Olympic Rower — August 10th to 27th, 2017   Steve Williams OBE is a double Olympic Gold medalist from the British coxless fours in Athens and Beijing and four times World Champion. In 2011, Steve skied to the Geographic North Pole and submitted Mount Everest in two ‘back-to-back’ expeditions. 7 nights from € 2,999 per person based on 2 adults sharing a Luxury Ocean View Room on All-Inclusive, including return flights, private transfers and the use of an airport lounge. For more information call our experts on 01431 9700 or fill in the online form below.  var contourDateFormat = "dd/mm/yy"; var contourFieldValuesae32a616f139416d816cc4209acbce0e; (function ($) { $(function () { $("#contour_form_OnlineContactform .contourPage input").change(function() { PopulateFieldValuesae32a616f139416d816cc4209acbce0e(); CheckRulesae32a616f139416d816cc4209acbce0e(); }); $("#contour_form_OnlineContactform .contourPage select").change(function () { PopulateFieldValuesae32a616f139416d816cc4209acbce0e(); CheckRulesae32a616f139416d816cc4209acbce0e(); }); PopulateFieldValuesae32a616f139416d816cc4209acbce0e(); CheckRulesae32a616f139416d816cc4209acbce0e(); }); } (jQuery)); function PopulateFieldValuesae32a616f139416d816cc4209acbce0e() { //fill field values //contourFieldValues = new Array(); PopulateRecordValuesae32a616f139416d816cc4209acbce0e(); $("#contour_form_OnlineContactform .contourPage select").each(function() { contourFieldValuesae32a616f139416d816cc4209acbce0e[$(this).attr("id")] = $("option[value='" + $(this).val() + "']", $(this)).text(); }); $("#contour_form_OnlineContactform .contourPage input").each(function() { if($(this).attr('type') == "text"){ contourFieldValuesae32a616f139416d816cc4209acbce0e[$(this).attr("id")] = $(this).val(); } if($(this).attr('type') == "radio"){ if($(this).is(':checked')) { contourFieldValuesae32a616f139416d816cc4209acbce0e[$(this).attr("name")] = $(this).val(); } } if($(this).attr('type') == "checkbox"){ if($(this).attr('id') != $(this).attr('name')) { if($(this).is(':checked')) { if(contourFieldValuesae32a616f139416d816cc4209acbce0e[$(this).attr("name")] == null) { contourFieldValuesae32a616f139416d816cc4209acbce0e[$(this).attr("name")] = $(this).val(); } else { contourFieldValuesae32a616f139416d816cc4209acbce0e[$(this).attr("name")] += "," + $(this).val(); } } } else { contourFieldValuesae32a616f139416d816cc4209acbce0e[$(this).attr("name")] = $(this).is(':checked').toString(); } } }); } function PopulateRecordValuesae32a616f139416d816cc4209acbce0e() { contourFieldValuesae32a616f139416d816cc4209acbce0e = new Array(); } function CheckRulesae32a616f139416d816cc4209acbce0e() { } Online Contact Form Firstname Surname Email address Telephone Number Preferred date of travel Number of nights Number of people Age of Children Travelling (If Any) Holiday Destination Preferred Class of Travel Economy Premium Economy Business Class First Class Private Jet Preferred Hotel (If Known) Preferred Room Type (If Known) Preferred Meal Plan Approximate budget Any Additional Information Where did you hear about us? Google Newspaper or Magazine Advert Social Media Other Already on Database Would you like to hear about exclusive holiday offers and updates from Caribtours via email? Yes please . Message http://www.caribtours.ie/blog/rss/blog/2017/february/meet-the-2017-hosts-for-wellfit-families-at-bodyholiday-saint-lucia/ http://www.caribtours.ie/blog/rss/blog/2017/february/meet-the-2017-hosts-for-wellfit-families-at-bodyholiday-saint-lucia/ Tue, 21 February 2017 14:15:53 http://www.caribtours.ie/blog/rss/blog/2017/february/5-highlights-of-lily-beach-resort-spa/ If you’re looking for an all-inclusive resort, but don’t want to compromise on any of the luxury, look no further than Lily Beach in the beautiful region of the Maldives. Offering a great value premium all-inclusive concept, together with world-renowned diving and an abundance of watersports, this resort is a great all-rounder. We thought we would share with you some of our highlights from this dazzling resort: 1. Aqva Bar With picture perfect sunsets, the Aqva Bar is our favourite place on the island to really unwind. Sit back, sip a cool cocktail and really immerse yourself in these stunning surroundings.   2. Penguin Sub - Marine See the magical delights of the ocean without getting wet! This semi submerged submarine has a glass hull so that you can view the wonders of the ocean, glass of champagne in hand.   3. Tamara Spa Embark on a holistic journey at this stunning open-air spa. Relax with the gentle sea breeze whilst enjoying the perfect treatment and peer through the glass floor at the marine life below. 4. Trip to the Local Fishing Village Immerse yourself in local Maldivian culture with a trip to the local fishing village, Dangethi - it's a wonderful way to spend an afternoon and its a fun activity all the family can enjoy! 5. Scuba Diving Lily Beach is famed for spectacular diving, with an abundance of manta rays and sea turtles as well as schools of stunning fish -  the ocean will offer you a dazzling show you will never forget!   If you want to hear more about Lily Beach or to book a holiday please contact us on 01431 9700. http://www.caribtours.ie/blog/rss/blog/2017/february/5-highlights-of-lily-beach-resort-spa/ http://www.caribtours.ie/blog/rss/blog/2017/february/5-highlights-of-lily-beach-resort-spa/ Fri, 17 February 2017 09:37:12 http://www.caribtours.ie/blog/rss/blog/2017/february/top-things-to-do-at-necker-island-british-virgin-islands/ Undoubtedly the most famous private island in the world; Necker Island in the British Virgin Islands is lush and unspoilt and surrounded by beautiful turquoise waters, coral reefs and spectacular sandy beaches. Now with Celebration Weeks it's even easier to indulge in the private island lifestyle and escape to paradise. We thought we would share with you our top 5 highlights from this idyllic island. 1. Beach Olympics  We particularly love the beach Olympics with one sport being 'Champagne Diving' where you jump into the pool to find all the hidden champagne bottles. 2. Themed Nights For the party animals, there is always a party brewing at Necker Island, with different themed nights including casino night and Moroccan night. 3. Subwinging Subwinging allows you to experience the ocean in a whole new way, towed behind a boat you can use the fibre wing to dive down into the ocean. 4. Ziplining For a thrilling way to get down to the dazzling Turtle Beach take the zip-line, stretching from The Great House to the far end of the beach it only takes seconds, and the staff at Necker Island can arrange to have champagne and lunch ready on the beach in time for your arrival.   5. Get Back To Nature You will see a stunning array of wildlife on Necker Island during your stay, from lemurs to flamingos to giant tortoises and you can even get involved with feeding them!   If you want to hear more about this unique island experience or to book a holiday please contact us on 01431 9700. http://www.caribtours.ie/blog/rss/blog/2017/february/top-things-to-do-at-necker-island-british-virgin-islands/ http://www.caribtours.ie/blog/rss/blog/2017/february/top-things-to-do-at-necker-island-british-virgin-islands/ Thu, 16 February 2017 10:31:38 http://www.caribtours.ie/blog/rss/blog/2017/february/14/caribtours-family-packing-essentials/ Packing your bag no longer needs to be a bore, fill it with exciting new and innovative items ready for your exclusive holiday experience. Here is a curated list of some ideas we have, for things to pack for a variety of destinations, all chosen by us, here at Caribtours. 1. We love these paisley men's swimming shorts by Etro, they are perfect for any beach escape - particularly Kanuhura, Maldives. Available from Net-A-Porter . 2. This Girls 'White Boho Dress' from Sunuva is absolutely gorgeous! It is a must have for a family holiday as its lightweight and great to wear over swimwear; the perfect item for an escape to St Peter's Bay, Barbados. Available from Sunuva .  3. This white dress is a staple for any holiday, perfect for city breaks, or evening cocktails on the beach at Bahia Del Duque, Tenerife. Available from Chinti & Parker . 4. When on holiday with all the family it is important that you have a bag that fits everything in! From sun-cream to children's hats along with your own things, that is why we love Sophie Anderson's beautiful range of handbags, our favourite is the Lilla crocheted handbag. Perfect for a trip with all the family to Fairmont Mayakoba, Mexico. Available from Sophie Anderson .  5. For a splash of colour on the beach we love Anjuna's Viky beaded printed cotton dress, Anjuna's bohemian designs are perfect for a sunny getaway to Verdura Golf & Spa Resort, Sicily. Available from Net-A-Porter .  6. These 'Little Lobster Swimshorts' are perfect for a trip to JA Palm Tree Court, Dubai - they are quick dry and perfect for those little ones always on the move! Available from Trotters . 7. Don't forget to pack some 'Ultrasun' sun-cream on your holiday, it's fast-absorbing and non-greasy which is great for the kids! They also have a glimmer range which offers beautiful shimmering protection from the sun. Available from Ultrasun .  8. We think these Pom D'api girls sandals are a must have for any holiday, they are the perfect blend of comfort and style - available from AlexandAlexa . Please contact us on: 020 7751 0660 to find out more about these fabulous destinations discussed in this article. http://www.caribtours.ie/blog/rss/blog/2017/february/14/caribtours-family-packing-essentials/ http://www.caribtours.ie/blog/rss/blog/2017/february/14/caribtours-family-packing-essentials/ Tue, 14 February 2017 14:16:48 http://www.caribtours.ie/blog/rss/blog/2017/february/14/5-reasons-to-take-your-family-on-holiday-this-easter/ 1 - Learn A New Hobby Together In The British Virgin Islands Family holidays are the perfect chance to reconnect, and spending quality time together whilst learning a new hobby is a great way to bond with the kids. The British Virgin Islands is a stunning destination, totally unspoilt and with crystal clear ocean, and famed for its sailing opportunities for all levels and agest. We can organise sailing lessons for the whole family to enjoy for your holiday and one of the most exhilarating and fun watersports imaginable. Learn a new skill together and create memories that will last for ever. Explore The British Virgin Islands > 2 - Mother and Daughter Pampering in Antigua What better than spending your day with your daughter having treatments, swapping beauty tips and enjoying each other’s company. The perfect activity for a lazy girls day on holiday. At Jumby Bay , the most exclusive resort in Antigua, they have the perfect way to do just this - with their Junior Spa Menu mothers and daughters can indulge in special pampering treatments from facials, pedicures, manicures and aromatherapy sessions. Explore Antigua > 3 - Father and Son Fishing Trip in Barbados Barbados makes an excellent family-friendly destination, with miles of beautiful beaches lapped by the calm, crystalline waters of the Caribbean sea, friendly locals and some brilliant family hotels. We think this is one of the most beautiful settings in the world to set out on a father and son’s fishing day trip, where you can take some time out to be together, put the world to rights, and hopefully catch a whopper to boast about when you’re back on shore! At Saint Peter’s Bay we can arrange exciting private charters so together you can try your hand at line fishing, and tackle rentals are also available for those keen for some shore fishing. Make your family holiday extra special this Easter. Explore Barbados > 4 - Family Picnic on a Deserted Island in The Maldives Getting your family holiday right is so important - the experiences you share bring you all together and form memories that will last forever. This Easter, experience something new and exciting by jetting off to the extraordinarily beautiful islands of the Maldives with the whole family. A stay at Per Aquum Niyama promises a wealth of special and personalised experiences, but one of our favourites is ‘Destination Dining’, where your family will be whisked away to a deserted island for a gourmet picnic lunch surrounded by nothing but the dazzling Indian Ocean, with nobody else in sight. Share this amazing experience with your family this Easter for the holiday of a lifetime. Explore The Maldives > 5 - Family Fun at the Theme Parks in Dubai The metropolis of Dubai is an adventure playground in itself, with jaw-dropping skyscrapers housing quirky shops, funky restaurants, eye-boggling attractions and fun activities to try out at every turn. There’s endless entertainment in store on a trip to this famous Emirate, but for families, there is now even more reason to choose Dubai for an Easter holiday full of excitement, with the recent opening of three theme parks offering amazing day trips. There’s the world’s largest indoor theme park, IMG Worlds of Adventure, where you can enjoy thrilling roller coasters rides or more gentle family-friendly rides for the little ones. There’s also a family-friendly Smurfs Village at Motiongate, and there’s even a Legoland waterpark with over 20 slides – your family won’t ever want to leave! Explore Dubai >   Explore Our Family Easter Holiday Offers > Call one of our friendly Travel Advisers on 020 7751 0660  to book that family holiday you've all been dreaming of. http://www.caribtours.ie/blog/rss/blog/2017/february/14/5-reasons-to-take-your-family-on-holiday-this-easter/ http://www.caribtours.ie/blog/rss/blog/2017/february/14/5-reasons-to-take-your-family-on-holiday-this-easter/ Tue, 14 February 2017 14:08:32 http://www.caribtours.ie/blog/rss/blog/2017/january/06/an-exploration-of-sicily-by-europe-expert-sally-stileman/ This summer I got to experience Sicily in total luxury whilst staying at two of the best properties on the island, one at the beach and one in town, which both offered very different experiences. The elegant Belmond Grand Hotel Timeo is a beautiful hotel located centrally in the cobbled-street town of Taormina, built on the hillside with stunning views over the sea, gardens and magnificent Mount Etna, as well as the amphitheatre behind the hotel. Timeo has an air of 50’s glamour about it – the likes of Sophia Loren and Liz Taylor have stayed there - and it’s certainly a place to be seen. This is wonderfully located for exploring the local town and being close to great restaurants. I then stayed at Timeo’s sister hotel on the beachfront, Villa Sant’Andrea, a former private villa that has been restored & extended so it’s really spacious and modern. Sant’Andrea has a stunning private beach with new Cabanas to hire, and the atmosphere here is noticeably more relaxed and family-friendly than Timeo, with a well-rated children’s club. One evening an absolute must is the traditional Sicilian dinner at Sant’Andrea – a 12-course feast sampling lots of delicious foods such as Granita and Cannoli. Although the beach location is fabulous, going into town for dinner by cable car can be a bit of an effort, particularly for younger families. The real benefit to these hotels is that guests can use facilities of both, offering an even more varied experience of the area. I would highly recommend an Island tour to visit Noto, Raguso and Modica – amazing cities where you can learn about their rich cultural history. The town of Taormina is certainly worth exploring by foot with a wealth of great shops, restaurants and an impressive amphitheatre. I would love to go back to Sicily to explore further as the region has a really great climate (the best time to go is April – November), and there is so much to explore and see: fantastic wine tours, explorations of Etna, and a visit to the underground city that was buried after the Etna eruption in 1693. The excursions here are fascinating; are all on my list for next time. If you want to hear more about these beautiful properties please contact us on 01431 9700 http://www.caribtours.ie/blog/rss/blog/2017/january/06/an-exploration-of-sicily-by-europe-expert-sally-stileman/ http://www.caribtours.ie/blog/rss/blog/2017/january/06/an-exploration-of-sicily-by-europe-expert-sally-stileman/ Fri, 06 January 2017 15:08:44 http://www.caribtours.ie/blog/rss/blog/2017/january/06/one-island-two-perspectives/ We often extoll the virtues of island hopping in destinations such as the Caribbean and Indian Ocean. Trading one sun-kissed tropical paradise for another, what could be better than two completely different island experiences in one holiday? Whilst island hopping will always be one of our favourite past times, some destinations offer such diverse experiences that a twin centre stay on the same island can be just as rewarding and can offer just as much variety, without the hassle or the expense of an internal flight. To give you some food for thought, here are some of our favourite islands, looked at from two perspectives. Round Hill Hotel & Villas, Jamaica + Jamaica Inn, Jamaica   Jamaica needs little introduction; we love the cool vibe of the island, its effervescent culture and overpowering natural beauty. Start your trip at Montego Bay’s stunning Round Hill Hotel and Villas, which we couldn’t recommend more highly as one of the best hotels for a wellness retreat in the Caribbean. Indulge in the ultimate experience of blissful R&R with a professional coach to guide you and recharge your batteries in their tranquil Elemis spa. We love morning yoga at the secluded pavilion and for some peace and quiet, the adult-only swimming pool and sun terrace are perfect for looking out over the ocean. With delicious fresh food from the hotel’s organic vegetable garden, complimentary non-motorised watersports and a fantastic complimentary kids club taking care of the little ones, guests have everything they could possibly wish for. Then, when you are ready to start exploring, we suggest moving over to the gorgeous Jamaica Inn at Ocho Rios, where the array of exciting activities include kayaking, sunfish sailing, paddle boarding and snorkelling. The hotel can arrange a number of adventures for you to explore the island further, such as cycling the plantations of Blue Mountain, shopping in a local farmer’s market with executive chef, Maurice, and turtle watching from August to October. Jamaica Inn will charm you with its elegance and style. Set on a private white sand cove, all the suites are stunning, with unique open air furnished balconies or verandahs and spectacular views. It’s all about chilling out here, with a fabulous Ocean Spa and enviably peaceful atmosphere, and the fantastic staff will ensure you experience the holiday of a lifetime.   Sugar Beach Golf & Spa Resort, Mauritius + Long Beach Golf & Spa Resort, Mauritius     Mauritius is bigger than you think, and because of that we would recommend staying at two resorts on different sides of the island so you can really get under the skin of this fantastic destination which has so much to offer. Sugar Beach is on the west coast of the island, where you will be totally spoilt by the most beautiful sunsets, and you can’t help but fall in love with its spectacular beach. The underwater adventures to be enjoyed on this side of the island are outstanding; amazing diving and snorkelling sites are reason enough to stay at Sugar Beach. For something extra special, spend a morning swimming with dolphins, followed by a delicious BBQ lunch on the beach. Foodies have to taste the speciality wood-fire pizzas at Citronella restaurant, and a Hammam treatment at Aura Spa is the ultimate indulgence. Then, traverse up to the north east, where the perfect white sand beaches stretch on for miles. Long Beach is a spacious luxury resort with an exclusive feel, and there are lots of beautiful secluded coves to explore nearby. Whilst you can have a fantastic time out on the water, with complimentary kayaking, glass-bottom boat trips and windsurfing, this area is also perfect for those looking to be active on land. There’s archery, a climbing wall and it’s a golfer’s paradise with three amazing courses nearby. If you’re in search of adventure, look no further.   Cap Maison, Saint Lucia + Anse Chastanet, Saint Lucia  Start your Saint Lucia adventure at the foodies’ paradise of Cap Maison, situated in the north of the island. This boutique, Spanish-style hacienda resort is a tranquil paradise, with epic views across to Pigeon Island, spacious suites and attentive staff - the perfect place to really relax. They love good food and wine at Cap Maison so guests can look forward to creative menus, exciting dining options and fine wines from the resort’s extensive wine cellar. Dinner at the Cliff at Cap Restaurant features a delicious, daily changing à la carte menu, The Naked Fisherman on the secluded beach serves the tastiest seafood and salads, and then there are other exciting options, such as private dining at the base of the cliff at Rock Maison, wine paring dinners in Cellar Maison, or join-in cooking classes with the resident chef, Craig Jones. One thing is for sure, you will never go hungry and the choice is often too difficult to make! Then, when it’s time to sink your feet into the sand, head down to the south of the island to Anse Chastanet, renowned for its secluded location, wonderful views and pristine reef just off shore. People come from all over the world to experience the marine life here, but if you just want to relax, the beach team will look after your every need. Anse Chastanet is built into the hillside overlooking the bay, and many of the rooms have the fourth wall missing, allowing you to immerse yourself in the stunning view of the Pitons as soon as you wake. All the beautiful rooms have been individually designed with original works of art by local and international artists, and you will be spoilt for space as you relax into your luxury home away from home. The dining here is exceptional, with fresh seafood in abundance. There are also so many excursions nearby from climbing the Pitons, to visiting the volcano, or hiking up to breathtaking waterfalls. There is so much to do here; you won’t know what to do first.     Fort Young, Dominica + Secret Bay, Dominica     The little known island of Dominica has a unique landscape and is totally incomparable with other islands in the Caribbean. With nine dormant volcanoes, numerous fresh water lakes, vast tracts of pristine rainforest, spectacular views, incredible bird watching and abundant marine life, Dominica really is all about exploring. To really get a feel for this amazing island we would recommend staying at two of our favourite hotels which offer two very different experiences. We would suggest starting your trip with a stay at Fort Young, a historic hotel located on the waterfront in the heart of the island’s capital, Roseau. Perfectly located to explore the colourful, bustling town, you must visit the local market where the islanders meet to swap fresh food and locally made goods and catch up on what’s going on. For those who want to explore a little further, there’s a whole host of excursions you can enjoy, from hikes through the rainforest to secluded waterfalls, to ocean kayaking, bird watching and scuba diving. And during whale watching season, with Fort Young’s superb oceanfront location, you’ve got a great chance of spotting sperm whales right in front of the hotel. When you’ve had your fill of exploration, head north to the tranquillity and seclusion of Secret Bay, an award-winning boutique hotel, which is just perfect for a few days of complete relaxation. Immersed in the rainforest, Secret Bay consists of just eight sustainable luxury villas and bungalows, all of which are supremely private with plenty of outdoor space where you can just relax, unwind and take in the views. It’s impossible not to just melt into your surroundings at Secret Bay, but if you’re struggling to de-stress, the resort’s excellent yoga and meditation classes should do the trick. And if, after all this relaxation, you can still summon up the energy for some gentle exercise, guests have access to two gorgeous beaches with a range of watersports at your disposal – all non-motorised, of course, to maintain the perfect peace of this secluded setting.     If you would like to hear more about any of these One Island Two Perspective experiences or to book a holiday, call us on 01431 9700 . http://www.caribtours.ie/blog/rss/blog/2017/january/06/one-island-two-perspectives/ http://www.caribtours.ie/blog/rss/blog/2017/january/06/one-island-two-perspectives/ Fri, 06 January 2017 14:28:18 http://www.caribtours.ie/blog/rss/blog/2017/january/06/meet-keri-anne-payne-olympic-medallist/ Keri-anne Payne is a British Swimmer who specialises in marathon open water swimming. A two-time World 10km open water champion and an Olympic silver medalist, she is no stranger to success.   How did you get into open water swimming? I've done open water swimming almost my whole life, starting from about the age of 8, but it was always a bit of fun and not until 1 was 17 that it became an Olympic reality when my coach put me forward for an event. The rest is history. What is your greatest achievement and your most challenging swim?  My greatest achievement is winning an Olympic silver medal in Beijing, in terms of a reward, but my proudest moment was walking out to my Olympic final in London 2012 to 30,000 people cheering for me. My most challenging swim was in January this year in Perth, Australia - I had to swim through hundreds of jellyfish; I still have scars. You recently hosted 'WellFit' November at BodyHoliday, which is the most fantastic resort for health and wellness in the Caribbean - what did you do during your time there? My husband and I hosted the SwimFit programme as part of the WellFit month. We hosted a swimming programme where 16 guests joined us; one woman had a chronic fear of water, but by Monday she did her first length with her face in the water, and by the end she was open water swimming. We also ran a 'One Mile Swim Event' where 40 people got involved, some locals and guests of the hotel. They were all smiling at the end. Why do you think BodyHoliday is such a great place for Health and Wellness? What was the general atmosphere around the resort? There is such a great mix of exercise. You can do as much or as little as you want and this is combined with amazing views, wonderful food and relaxing on the beach. A huge amount of effort goes into the All-Inclusive programme at BodyHoliday and it is such a friendly atmosphere, which reminded me of the Olympic Village, a real 'Team Feel' which I haven't felt at another resort before. There is such a relaxed atmosphere and no one is forced to do anything. In the evening s there is a fun, party atmosphere with steel drum bands and nightly activities. What is a must for guests at BodyHoliday?  My BodyHoliday must do, would be the Sunset Cruise! You get a completely different perspective of the hotel from the water. For the more active I would definitely recommend the Quadrathlon where you bike, run, swim and kayak past Pigeon Island. Oh, and the 'Swoosh' smoothie, made with peanut butter and banana - delicious! What would you suggest for people who want to get into open water swimming? Be brave enough to give it a go. It's completely different from swimming in a pool. Being in the water and taking off your goggles, looking back at the land you came from - it gives you a wonderfully unique perspective. Do you have any pre-holiday or on holiday fitness tips for our readers?  Its all about consistency - going to the gym solidly for two weeks before your holiday won't work, do something once a week. Try to be consistent with it, it makes a massive difference and is easier to maintain.  www.triscape.me http://www.caribtours.ie/blog/rss/blog/2017/january/06/meet-keri-anne-payne-olympic-medallist/ http://www.caribtours.ie/blog/rss/blog/2017/january/06/meet-keri-anne-payne-olympic-medallist/ Fri, 06 January 2017 12:47:23 http://www.caribtours.ie/blog/rss/blog/2016/december/22/jive-june-at-bodyholiday-saint-lucia/ If the final of Strictly Come Dancing has given you dancing fever, then Jive June at  BodyHoliday might be the perfect escape for you. Throughout the year, BodyHoliday features special themed months, devoting time to specific tastes and subjects, helping you explore your health in a more in-depth way.  Set on the beautiful island of Saint Lucia from the 4 June – 1 July 2017 you can spend your days learning a dazzling array of dance styles and techniques; from Zumba and Aqua Dance, to Salsa and Hip Hop. In the evenings you can enjoy Latin dancing and club nights led by professional dancers, the whole month of June is dedicated to movement and dance. The instructors for 2017 are renowned dancers Mila Lazar, Robin Windsor and Jennifer Benavidez. All of the programmes include a full weekly schedule of an array of activities and events, as well as classes to ensure you enjoy a memorable stay. Whether you want to perfect your Foxtrot or master the Tango, Jive June is the perfect place to do it. If you want to hear more about Jive June or any other themed months at BodyHoliday , please call us on 01431 9700  or fill out the form below.  var contourDateFormat = "dd/mm/yy"; var contourFieldValuesae32a616f139416d816cc4209acbce0e; (function ($) { $(function () { $("#contour_form_OnlineContactform .contourPage input").change(function() { PopulateFieldValuesae32a616f139416d816cc4209acbce0e(); CheckRulesae32a616f139416d816cc4209acbce0e(); }); $("#contour_form_OnlineContactform .contourPage select").change(function () { PopulateFieldValuesae32a616f139416d816cc4209acbce0e(); CheckRulesae32a616f139416d816cc4209acbce0e(); }); PopulateFieldValuesae32a616f139416d816cc4209acbce0e(); CheckRulesae32a616f139416d816cc4209acbce0e(); }); } (jQuery)); function PopulateFieldValuesae32a616f139416d816cc4209acbce0e() { //fill field values //contourFieldValues = new Array(); PopulateRecordValuesae32a616f139416d816cc4209acbce0e(); $("#contour_form_OnlineContactform .contourPage select").each(function() { contourFieldValuesae32a616f139416d816cc4209acbce0e[$(this).attr("id")] = $("option[value='" + $(this).val() + "']", $(this)).text(); }); $("#contour_form_OnlineContactform .contourPage input").each(function() { if($(this).attr('type') == "text"){ contourFieldValuesae32a616f139416d816cc4209acbce0e[$(this).attr("id")] = $(this).val(); } if($(this).attr('type') == "radio"){ if($(this).is(':checked')) { contourFieldValuesae32a616f139416d816cc4209acbce0e[$(this).attr("name")] = $(this).val(); } } if($(this).attr('type') == "checkbox"){ if($(this).attr('id') != $(this).attr('name')) { if($(this).is(':checked')) { if(contourFieldValuesae32a616f139416d816cc4209acbce0e[$(this).attr("name")] == null) { contourFieldValuesae32a616f139416d816cc4209acbce0e[$(this).attr("name")] = $(this).val(); } else { contourFieldValuesae32a616f139416d816cc4209acbce0e[$(this).attr("name")] += "," + $(this).val(); } } } else { contourFieldValuesae32a616f139416d816cc4209acbce0e[$(this).attr("name")] = $(this).is(':checked').toString(); } } }); } function PopulateRecordValuesae32a616f139416d816cc4209acbce0e() { contourFieldValuesae32a616f139416d816cc4209acbce0e = new Array(); } function CheckRulesae32a616f139416d816cc4209acbce0e() { } Online Contact Form Firstname Surname Email address Telephone Number Preferred date of travel Number of nights Number of people Age of Children Travelling (If Any) Holiday Destination Preferred Class of Travel Economy Premium Economy Business Class First Class Private Jet Preferred Hotel (If Known) Preferred Room Type (If Known) Preferred Meal Plan Approximate budget Any Additional Information Where did you hear about us? Google Newspaper or Magazine Advert Social Media Other Already on Database Would you like to hear about exclusive holiday offers and updates from Caribtours via email? Yes please . Message http://www.caribtours.ie/blog/rss/blog/2016/december/22/jive-june-at-bodyholiday-saint-lucia/ http://www.caribtours.ie/blog/rss/blog/2016/december/22/jive-june-at-bodyholiday-saint-lucia/ Thu, 22 December 2016 09:39:39 http://www.caribtours.ie/blog/rss/blog/2016/december/14/helen-s-trip-to-the-british-virgin-islands/ Our wonderful expert travel advisor, Helen has recently returned from a trip from the British Virgin Islands . We want to share with you her highlights, and nuggets of advice which might come in handy if you're travelling to that destination. Or if you are just looking for some holiday inspiration, look no further...  1. What would you say is a ‘Must Pack’ when travelling to the British Virgin Islands? Sea legs and a good Camera to capture the gorgeous surroundings.  2. What was your culinary highlight from your trip? We had a truly delicious 10 course meal at the Falcons Nest Villa at Peter Island , prepared by Chef Todd Howard who worked and trained in the kitchens of Heston Blumenthal and Gordon Ramsay.   3. Did you see anything that was weird and wonderful on your trip? The geological wonder of the Baths National Park which are comprised of huge granite boulders which form sheltered sea pools on the beach, it was amazing to spend the day exploring them, it is a must do when travelling to the British Virgin Islands.  4. What were your holiday highlights? Visiting Cynthia at her local restaurant, eating flying fish and Johnny cakes! Also sailing the Boston whalers at Bitter End Yacht Club and just taking in the breath taking beauty of Guana Island.   5. Do you have a Traveller’s Tip to share? You definitely have to have the BVI iconic rum cocktail ‘ The Painkiller ‘ at the Soggy Dollar Bar, White Bay - an experience not to be missed. 6. Who is the BVI perfect for? Families, honeymooners and couples -  anyone who loves the water and stunning scenery.   If you would like to hear more about The British Virgin Islands or to book a holiday contact us on  01431 9700 http://www.caribtours.ie/blog/rss/blog/2016/december/14/helen-s-trip-to-the-british-virgin-islands/ http://www.caribtours.ie/blog/rss/blog/2016/december/14/helen-s-trip-to-the-british-virgin-islands/ Wed, 14 December 2016 17:05:02 http://www.caribtours.ie/blog/rss/blog/2016/november/escape-the-cold-with-our-caribbean-hot-chocolate-recipe/ Caribtours Caribbean Hot Chocolate Seeing as it is so cold at the moment, we thought we would share with you our Caribtours Caribbean Hot Chocolate recipe so that you can bring a touch of the Caribbean to your home. Drawing inspiration from all the Caribbean islands this hot chocolate is a must try this winter, and when you can’t handle the cold anymore  - we are here for you to book a holiday of a lifetime to this beautiful region. Serves Two 400ml full-fat milk 100ml Fresh double cream 125g chocolate 2 tbsp Molasses sugar ½ vanilla pod 1 cinnamon stick ¼ tsp freshly grated nutmeg 4 tbsp dark rum For sprinkling on the Top 100ml Whipped Cream 1 tsp of freshly grated dark chocolate 2 tsp grated milk chocolate Heat up the milk in a saucepan on a low heat, add the chocolate, cream and sugar and make sure that you keep stirring. De-seed the vanilla pod, and then add the seeds and the pod, cinnamon stick and grated nutmeg into the saucepan. Remove from the heat and allow to sit for 15 minutes. After 15 minutes reheat the milk and remove the cinnamon stick and vanilla pod – add the dark rum, decant into mugs and add the ingredients for sprinkling! If you want to experience the wonders of the Caribbean call us on 01431 9700  today. http://www.caribtours.ie/blog/rss/blog/2016/november/escape-the-cold-with-our-caribbean-hot-chocolate-recipe/ http://www.caribtours.ie/blog/rss/blog/2016/november/escape-the-cold-with-our-caribbean-hot-chocolate-recipe/ Wed, 30 November 2016 11:40:03 http://www.caribtours.ie/blog/rss/blog/2016/november/09/3-fun-ways-to-explore-st-vincent-the-grenadines/ Privately Charter a Luxury Yacht Discover the beauty of this idyllic archipelago on a private yacht charter, cruising from island to island, taking in the dazzling beaches and marvelling at the peaceful environment. Each little island is unique and there is a rich tradition of seafaring here making the experience even more exciting, as you learn about the history of the region. Island hopping allows you to find hidden little coves and secluded beaches for the ultimate barefoot luxury holiday. The gorgeous Bequia Beach Hotel exudes luxury, elegance and charm and is perfectly located for exploring nearby islands. Setting sail from here puts you immediately on the doorstep of the Grenadines. Hike the Hills of St Vincent The beauty of St Vincent’s lush green hills inland is often unsung, as the dazzling beaches take centre stage. Hiking the mountainous terrain to come across spectacular hidden waterfalls or an active volcano is an incredible and intrepid experience. Not only is the nature here extraordinary to behold, but the history and cultural heritage is fascinating to learn about to really get under the skin of this destination. Young Island is a private island just a short boat ride from the main land, where the best hiking opportunities can be found. This delightful resort offers a luxurious and relaxing base from which you can explore the wonders of St Vincent & The Grenadines . Explore the Extensive Reefs The hundreds of superb diving spots in the crystal clear waters that St Vincent & The Grenadines are famed for are calling out to be explored. The reef life is alluringly abundant and an extraordinary variety of critters and tropical reef fish create an ever-moving patchwork of vibrant colours - an underwater haven to be explored. Grab a mask and snorkel or get into your diving gear to discover the beauty of life under the water. Petit St Vincent is a stunning private island boasting an excellent Jean-Michel Cousteau Dive Centre. This is a fabulous setting to begin your underwater adventures. If you would like to hear more about this beautiful destination, please contact us on 020 7751 0660 or fill out the form below. var contourDateFormat = "dd/mm/yy"; var contourFieldValuesae32a616f139416d816cc4209acbce0e; (function ($) { $(function () { $("#contour_form_OnlineContactform .contourPage input").change(function() { PopulateFieldValuesae32a616f139416d816cc4209acbce0e(); CheckRulesae32a616f139416d816cc4209acbce0e(); }); $("#contour_form_OnlineContactform .contourPage select").change(function () { PopulateFieldValuesae32a616f139416d816cc4209acbce0e(); CheckRulesae32a616f139416d816cc4209acbce0e(); }); PopulateFieldValuesae32a616f139416d816cc4209acbce0e(); CheckRulesae32a616f139416d816cc4209acbce0e(); }); } (jQuery)); function PopulateFieldValuesae32a616f139416d816cc4209acbce0e() { //fill field values //contourFieldValues = new Array(); PopulateRecordValuesae32a616f139416d816cc4209acbce0e(); $("#contour_form_OnlineContactform .contourPage select").each(function() { contourFieldValuesae32a616f139416d816cc4209acbce0e[$(this).attr("id")] = $("option[value='" + $(this).val() + "']", $(this)).text(); }); $("#contour_form_OnlineContactform .contourPage input").each(function() { if($(this).attr('type') == "text"){ contourFieldValuesae32a616f139416d816cc4209acbce0e[$(this).attr("id")] = $(this).val(); } if($(this).attr('type') == "radio"){ if($(this).is(':checked')) { contourFieldValuesae32a616f139416d816cc4209acbce0e[$(this).attr("name")] = $(this).val(); } } if($(this).attr('type') == "checkbox"){ if($(this).attr('id') != $(this).attr('name')) { if($(this).is(':checked')) { if(contourFieldValuesae32a616f139416d816cc4209acbce0e[$(this).attr("name")] == null) { contourFieldValuesae32a616f139416d816cc4209acbce0e[$(this).attr("name")] = $(this).val(); } else { contourFieldValuesae32a616f139416d816cc4209acbce0e[$(this).attr("name")] += "," + $(this).val(); } } } else { contourFieldValuesae32a616f139416d816cc4209acbce0e[$(this).attr("name")] = $(this).is(':checked').toString(); } } }); } function PopulateRecordValuesae32a616f139416d816cc4209acbce0e() { contourFieldValuesae32a616f139416d816cc4209acbce0e = new Array(); } function CheckRulesae32a616f139416d816cc4209acbce0e() { } Online Contact Form Firstname Surname Email address Telephone Number Preferred date of travel Number of nights Number of people Age of Children Travelling (If Any) Holiday Destination Preferred Class of Travel Economy Premium Economy Business Class First Class Private Jet Preferred Hotel (If Known) Preferred Room Type (If Known) Preferred Meal Plan Approximate budget Any Additional Information Where did you hear about us? Google Newspaper or Magazine Advert Social Media Other Already on Database Would you like to hear about exclusive holiday offers and updates from Caribtours via email? Yes please . Message http://www.caribtours.ie/blog/rss/blog/2016/november/09/3-fun-ways-to-explore-st-vincent-the-grenadines/ http://www.caribtours.ie/blog/rss/blog/2016/november/09/3-fun-ways-to-explore-st-vincent-the-grenadines/ Wed, 09 November 2016 11:48:04 http://www.caribtours.ie/blog/rss/blog/2016/october/3-exclusive-experiences-in-europe/ Elounda SA Hotels & Resorts, Crete have the only Relais & Ch â teaux yacht in the world, a gorgeous boat that you can take out exclusively for a sunset sail along the stunning coast of Greece .     During your stay in Venice , we can arrange an exclusive, after-hours private tour of the Palazzo Ducale—the Doge’s Palace, which is the political, cultural and artistic centre of Venice. On this rare and special experience you can explore the incredible art here in complete privacy, marvelling at the works by Veronese, Titian and Tintoretto, among others, to learn about the wonderful history of Venice in depth.       On your trip to Italy  visit one of Florence’s most important art restoration laboratories. Go behind the scenes with a private art conservationist as your guide and learn about the techniques and ethics of art conservation, watching experts at work in restoring paintings and sculptures on this VIP experience.       To start planning your trip to Europe, please contact us on 01431 9700 . http://www.caribtours.ie/blog/rss/blog/2016/october/3-exclusive-experiences-in-europe/ http://www.caribtours.ie/blog/rss/blog/2016/october/3-exclusive-experiences-in-europe/ Fri, 28 October 2016 15:48:54 http://www.caribtours.ie/blog/rss/blog/2016/october/3-fabulous-experiences-for-foodies-in-europe/ At the supremely stylish Verdura Resort in Sicily , you can enjoy fantastic private cooking classes using local ingredients to learn about the flavours of authentic Sicilian cuisine. With a beautiful organic garden at the resort, they also arrange private mixology lessons to create personalised cocktails using ingredients such as fresh basil from the garden.       We would highly recommend staying at the beautiful Belmond Villa San Michele, Florence , where you can sign up to their wonderful cookery lessons with fantastic executive chef, Attilio di Fabrizio, who teaches the secrets of Tuscan cuisine to take a taste of Italy home with you. This is a real highlight on a trip to Europe .       For guests staying at the glamourous Marbella Club in Spain , we arrange Tapas tours and Flamenco Shows, which are a fabulous way to explore the local area, taking in the buzzing atmosphere in the warm evenings and ensuring guests indulge in the delicious culinary scene that Spain is famed for, with excellent entertainment to make the experience even more memorable.     To start planning your trip to Europe, please contact us on 01431 9700. http://www.caribtours.ie/blog/rss/blog/2016/october/3-fabulous-experiences-for-foodies-in-europe/ http://www.caribtours.ie/blog/rss/blog/2016/october/3-fabulous-experiences-for-foodies-in-europe/ Fri, 28 October 2016 12:46:37 http://www.caribtours.ie/blog/rss/blog/2016/october/3-under-the-skin-art-experiences-in-europe/ The Vasari Corridor - Florence, Italy Exploring The Vasari Corridor in Florence is an absolute must for any art lovers. The Vasari Corridor is an elevated, enclosed passageway that connects the Palazzo Vecchio with the Palazzo Pitti, and it holds over 1000 amazing paintings, some of which date from the 17th & 18th centuries. You can only go by appointment, and a private visit is so worth it to wander along this spectacular exhibition with the opportunity to really take it all in.       The Uffizi Gallery - Florence, Italy The “Galleria degli Uffizi” in the heart of Florence is one of the most famous museums in the world and a stunning place to see a wealth of unique artworks and masterpieces, the majority from the Renaissance period, by great Italian artists such as Botticelli, Giotto, Cimabue, Michelangelo, Leonardo da Vinci and Raffaello, to name a few. Its large collection has works from all centuries and should be at the top of your list for an incredible art experience in Europe .       Glass Making - Murano Island, Italy A magical experience when staying in Venice is to take a private boat to the island of Murano for a privately guided visit to an exclusive glass factory, normally closed to the public. Here you will watch a real master in the art of glass-making demonstrate their skills in creating exquisite pieces of ethereal glass. This will prove an unforgettable and unique experience.     To start planning your trip to Europe, please contact us on 01431 9700 . http://www.caribtours.ie/blog/rss/blog/2016/october/3-under-the-skin-art-experiences-in-europe/ http://www.caribtours.ie/blog/rss/blog/2016/october/3-under-the-skin-art-experiences-in-europe/ Fri, 28 October 2016 11:12:00 http://www.caribtours.ie/blog/rss/blog/2016/october/pink-sands-club-11-highlights/ Pink Sands Club Opens its Doors We are thrilled that Pink Sands Club , one of the most eagerly anticipated luxury hotel openings in years, has finally opened its doors. It brings a new level of class and sophistication to the little-known Caribbean hideaway of Canouan Island, located in the beautiful Grenadines and offering an incredibly exclusive atmosphere. Pink Sands Club is set on a stretch of white sand beach alongside a sparkling turquoise lagoon and is the perfect destination for an ultra-luxury holiday in blissful comfort. With breath-taking views and seamless service, you will feel completely pampered here and will never want to leave.       Old Colonial Style Meets Modern Design The paradisiacal setting of the Pink Sands Club, against the backdrop of Canouan Island’s lush hills and looking out to clear-blue waters and unspoilt beaches, is the real allure of this stunning new luxury hotel. The hotel’s design is a cleverly mastered blend of old school class and elegance, with a modern style and sophistication, wonderfully complimented by its gorgeous Caribbean surroundings. A boutique hotel with only 26 Suites & 6 Villas all offering sublime ocean views, Pink Sands Club oozes exclusivity and glamour; lavishly decorated with dark wood furniture, cream fabrics and marble bathrooms, complimented by state of the art features and cutting edge technology. There is also a wealth of things to do here with an incredible spa, infinity pool, golf course, tennis court and non-motorised watersports to keep you busy in between relaxing on the soft white sand beach. Pink Sands really has something for everyone and as a wonderful new luxury option in the Caribbean , we can’t wait to send you there.     Pink Sands Club - 11 Highlights 1. Every bed boasts a breath-taking view of the beautiful blue ocean.   2. The incredible  spa  has unique over-water, glass-floored palapas, which are only accessible by boat. Indulge in a relaxing treatment whilst watching the fish explore the lagoon below.   3. Enjoy escorted jeep tours or guided hikes up Mount Royal for stunning views across the Grenadines.   4. Sample fresh lobster at beach house-style Lagoon Café.   5. There is a veritable flotilla of luxury yachts and powerboats that can be commandeered to explore further afield to the beautiful Tobago Cays or the exclusive island of Mustique.     6. 18 hole Jim Fazio-designed championship  golf  course has spectacular views to the Caribbean Sea beyond.   7. Infinity-edge swimming pool with 3-tier tanning deck.   8. Wonderful gourmet cuisine at refined dining restaurant Juliet – sit out on the terrace for fabulous sunset views.   9. Go diving or snorkelling at the spectacular coral reef off the coast - a wonderful spot to see colourful fish in crystal clear waters. Non-motorised water sports are included at the hotel.   10. Take complete control of your own space for a personalised in-room atmosphere - use your in room touch-screen tablet to set your room temperature, request room, spa and golf services and control your television (hidden inside a mirror), or your sliding door to reveal the breath-taking lagoon in the distance.   11. The Pirates Kids’ Club and Teenagers’ Club for 3 to 18 year-olds has an amazing array of facilities to keep younger guests entertained, making this an excellent destination for a family holiday .   To find out more about Pink Sands Club, please contact us on 01431 9700   to start planning your holiday. http://www.caribtours.ie/blog/rss/blog/2016/october/pink-sands-club-11-highlights/ http://www.caribtours.ie/blog/rss/blog/2016/october/pink-sands-club-11-highlights/ Thu, 27 October 2016 11:12:48 http://www.caribtours.ie/blog/rss/blog/2016/october/10-festivals-you-should-experience-in-jamaica-in-2017/ Culture Calendar for Jamaica 2017 When it comes to reasons to travel to Jamaica , few people need any persuasion. Our experts know the intriguing island inside out and can curate a trip to take you deep into the heart and soul of the place; from exploring its highlights to enjoying the hidden little restaurants and knowing the best bars to watch local reggae bands. However, what time of year to go to Jamaica can be a tough decision, so we hope this exciting selection of the top 10 festivals & events you should experience in 2017 provides some food for thought: 1. Accompong Maroon Festival Venture off the beaten track for an important annual festival in this rural town, ‘a nation within a nation’, with a fascinating history. Celebrating over 200 years since the signing of the peace treaty between the Maroon slaves and the British, the sleepy town of Accompong comes alive every January, when its annual party is the place to be on the island. This is a little known festival that gives a real insight into local life with singing, dancing, storytelling and that fiery home cooking that we just love Jamaica for. Dates: 6 January     2. Bob Marley’s Birthday Bash Jamaica’s musical heart beats to double time as it becomes the life and soul of the Caribbean during one of the most important celebrations of the year, in honour of the island’s adored musical legend, Bob Marley, on his birthday. Rastafarian flags colour the streets and sweet reggae sounds rumble the crowds, drawing in fans from near and far in remembrance of the Jamaican icon. The revelry involves incredible artists’ performances all across the island with shows, art exhibitions and live music concerts - all in heartfelt tribute to the wildly influential local boy who preached ‘One Love’. Dates: 1-6 February     3. Saint Ann Kite Festival The skies over Saint Ann’s beach will be awash with colour at this family friendly festival. Spend the day on the sand, enjoying the display of kites of all shapes and sizes soaring through the air amidst magnificent colours. With a lively music concert to bring the day to a close, this promises to be an excellent occasion for the whole family to enjoy on holiday in Jamaica. Dates: 28 March   4. Jamaica’s Carnival (Bacchanal) Jamaica’s annual carnival is a spectacle of shimmering sequin costumes, vivacious dancers and delectable Soca sounds, culminating in the most friendly and vibrant festival of the year. This is an amazing way to experience the fiery flavour of a Caribbean fiesta, where locals and travellers join together in celebration as the technicoloured processions sweep through the streets to the charge of pounding steel drums. Carnival has become a world renowned phenomenon, teasing countries from across the globe with its exuberance, soul and sense of freedom – the atmosphere is euphoric and the rhythm infectious. This is an absolute must for anyone in search of a true Caribbean experience where you’ll be jamin’ ‘til the sun comes up. Dates: 15 -23 April     5. Montego Bay Yacht Club Easter Regatta Whether you’re a keen sailor or simply enjoy peacefully watching the white sails glide by from a comfy spot on the shore, the famous Easter Regatta brings a buzzing atmosphere to the beautiful Montego Bay, one of our favourite places to stay on the island, with several races taking place along the North coast over 4 days. Visitors are encouraged to take part in this exciting event along with locals from the yacht club. Dates: March/April   6. Ocho Rios Jazz Festival Ocho Rios is a distinguished international festival celebrating Caribbean jazz musicians and promoting ‘Classical Black Music and America’s First Art Form’. Stunning performances from some of the greatest artists in the Caribbean are well worth booking in advance for your holiday, and in such a fabulous setting, the smooth sounds will leave you wanting to stay in Jamaica forever. Dates: 28 May – 4 June   7. Reggae Sumfest Reggae Sumfest is a musical sensation taking place in Montego Bay in Jamaica. Coined as ‘The greatest reggae show on Earth’ – we couldn’t agree more, and what a beautiful setting for it to take place. Each evening the tremendous parties take on a different theme and the event hosts some of the best reggae stars from far and wide, making the line-up world-class. This is a fantastic and intrinsically Jamaican experience with an amazing energy that any music lovers and visitors to the island will revel in. Dates: 16-22 July   8. Independence weekend – Dream weekend A wonderful weekend to see the very best of Jamaica ; locals come together over their Independence holidays to showcase their spectacular musical talent from local artists, delicious food and fiery liquor, all enjoyed on the stunning white sand beaches of Negril. Sponsored by Jamaica’s revered Appleton Rum, this promises to be a weekend of serious fun. Dates: 28 July – 1 August     9. New Year’s Eve Harbour Fest and Fireworks on the Waterfront There is no cooler place to toast in a New Year than on the soft sandy shores of Jamaica with an Appleton Rum cocktail in hand and some good old school reggae as your soundtrack. Celebrate alongside the islanders at midnight as the harbour puts on a fantastic display of New Year’s Eve fireworks to really get the party started. Dates: 31 December   10. Calabash International Literary Festival (2018 – but worth noting in the diary already!) One of the most respected cultural event in the Jamaican calendar (biennially); Calabash rivals the likes of Cheltenham and Bath literary festivals, and is hugely attractive for its spectacular exotic location, held in the village of Treasure Beach. This promises to be a magical experience for culture lovers to indulge in the numerous fantastic talks from novelists to poets, all celebrating the English language and its great masters. Dates: May 2018   If you would like to experience the very best of Jamaica please contact us on   01431 9700 http://www.caribtours.ie/blog/rss/blog/2016/october/10-festivals-you-should-experience-in-jamaica-in-2017/ http://www.caribtours.ie/blog/rss/blog/2016/october/10-festivals-you-should-experience-in-jamaica-in-2017/ Fri, 21 October 2016 10:51:43 http://www.caribtours.ie/blog/rss/blog/2016/october/where-in-the-world-competition/ To celebrate Virgin Atlantic month we are hosting a series of competitions and quizzes. This week you could win £150 in Compliments Vouchers in our 'Where in the World' competition. We have chosen the image below from one of Virgin Atlantic's destinations and all you have to do is guess where it is. Fill out the form below with your answer to be in with a chance to win. Our voucher incentive is still running through October where you can receive up to £65 in Compliments Vouchers for each booking with Virgin Atlantic flights. http://www.caribtours.ie/blog/rss/blog/2016/october/where-in-the-world-competition/ http://www.caribtours.ie/blog/rss/blog/2016/october/where-in-the-world-competition/ Tue, 18 October 2016 17:08:39 http://www.caribtours.ie/blog/rss/blog/2016/october/06/a-sense-of-taste-at-jumby-bay-antigua/ At Jumby Bay, A Rosewood Resort, Antigua , they have carefully handpicked a number of experiences for guests to indulge in. From exploring the sea and nearby islands, whilst trying out a variety of unique and local flavours, to a sugar mill dining experience.  Castaway Experience  Have your own castaway experience as you sail on Jumby Bay's private yacht, with a dedicated crew and captain ready to whisk you off into the Caribbean sea. On board you will find custom teak finishes, luxurious seating, full private washroom and a large deck for sun searching guests. On board there is an array of snorkelling gear and life jackets. When you reach your destination, relax on the pristine white sand beach, and revel in a private morning or afternoon at leisure. You will also be able to enjoy a private made-to-order castaway picnic, including delicious gourmet sandwiches, delectable desserts and chilled wine. Sea To Table  Jumby Bay’s special Sea-To-Table Dinner experience offers guests the chance to enjoy a private sport fishing charter to catch their own entrée of the day. Guests can troll for Mahi Mahi, Wahoo, Marlin, Tuna and King Fish with a professional crew while enjoying cooled beverages and a freshly prepared lunch. That evening, the resort’s talented culinary team prepares the day’s catch according to guests’ preferences and serves at a private Chef’s Table. Insider Rum Experience Putting a distinctly Caribbean twist on traditional wine tasting, this unique experience offers an interesting way to explore the history of the sugar trade that once dominated the island of Antigua . Discover the different styles and how to appreciate rum in all its guises. Rum is a versatile spirit of lore and legend with a global history and range of delicious uses such as shaken, stirred, poured or punched. Taste five types of rum representing different regions in the Caribbean while savoring delicious culinary bites. Private Beach Dinner  During this culinary experience, guests meet with the Executive Chef to create a special five-course tasting menu complete with starter, seafood and shellfish course, meat course and a delicious dessert. After a private cocktail reception, guests are escorted to a secluded table on the beach. The five-course tasting menu showcases the expert preparation and flavor combinations created from the best ingredients the Caribbean has to offer – all served under a star-lit sky. Sugar Mill Dinner Jumby Bay's sugar mill welcomes guests seeking an unforgettable experience under the stars. Guests are greeted with cocktails at sunset at the top of the historic sugar mill ruin. They will be able to admire 360-degree views of Jumby Bay Island before sitting down to enjoy a delectable personally tailored menu prepared by the executive chef.   If you would like to hear more about this beautiful property or to book a holiday and enjoy these experiences for yourself please contact us on 020 7751 0660 http://www.caribtours.ie/blog/rss/blog/2016/october/06/a-sense-of-taste-at-jumby-bay-antigua/ http://www.caribtours.ie/blog/rss/blog/2016/october/06/a-sense-of-taste-at-jumby-bay-antigua/ Thu, 06 October 2016 15:34:43 http://www.caribtours.ie/blog/rss/blog/2016/september/our-favourites-for/ Whether you're active or a foodie, prefer to be immersed in nature, or pampered in the spa, or even if you like it all; we have something to suit you for your next holiday. Which will be your paradise? A hotel for ROMANCE GoldenEye, Jamaica   A resort for GLAMOUR  Pink Sands Club, St Vincent & The Grenadines    A retreat for LOCAL CULTURE  Castara Retreats, Tobago    A resort for ACTIVE HOLIDAYS Four Seasons Resort, Anguilla    A hotel for FAMILIES  Le Guanahani, St Barths      A resort for NATURE LOVERS Secret Bay, Dominica    A resort for EXCELLENT VALUE Windjammer Landing Villa Beach Resort, Saint Lucia       A hotel for FOODIES Cobblers Cove, Barbados      A resort for PEACE & QUIET Peter Island, British Virgin Islands     Our pick for ISLAND HOPPING  Anguilla & St. Martin - Malliouhana, Anguilla and Belmond La Samanna, St Martin   If you would like to hear more about any of there stunning destinations please contact us on  014319700 http://www.caribtours.ie/blog/rss/blog/2016/september/our-favourites-for/ http://www.caribtours.ie/blog/rss/blog/2016/september/our-favourites-for/ Fri, 30 September 2016 14:49:20 http://www.caribtours.ie/blog/rss/blog/2016/september/caribtours-foodie-guide-to-grenada/ Grenada is known as the Isle of Spice for a reason, we have put together a guide with our favourite foodie destinations and experiences for you to relish on this beautiful island. From exploring the hidden cocoa farms, to dancing the night away at a Fish Friday Festival, we have something for everyone to enjoy.     Gouyave Nutmeg Processing Station Grenada is famous for its delicious nutmeg! The Gouyave Nutmeg processing station is one of the largest on island, where you can see behind the scenes of the initial picking, grading, and packaging of the nutmegs. This station is located in Gouyave, a bustling fishing village on the West Coast. ‘Nutmeg World’ is located at the end of the tour and is the perfect place to pick up some delicious spices to take home and to bring a little bit of Grenada home with you.   Street Food Wednesday’s at Dodgy Dock, True Blue Bay True Blue Bay wanted their guests to experience the true taste of Grenadian cuisine without the hassle of having to leave the resort, and so, Street Food Wednesday was born .  Every week True Blue Bay welcome local vendors to Dodgy Dock, giving them the opportunity to showcase some of the finest local street food (and at street food prices)! From your perch overlooking the harbour enjoy the freshest fried snapper with breadfruit and sample the national dish, Oil Down; an eclectic mix of salted meats, pumpkin and cooking bananas among many spices and herbs.     The Grenada Chocolate Fest This festival celebrates Grenada ’s ethically produced, organic cocoa and chocolate. It is a perfect experience for all those chocolate lovers out there! The festival has been running for 3 years now, and is a roaring success. It’s a real ‘bean to bar’ experience, from learning how this delicious chocolate is created; to discovering the cocoa farms hidden in the glorious rainforest.  After a long day of exploring, you can treat yourself to a unique dining experience, with cuisine inspired by the delectable cocoa plant.     Belmont Estate Belmont Estate is an authentic 17 th century plantation; they hold a variety of tours, one being around their cocoa processing facilities. You are guided around the beautiful estate seeing the process of how the chocolate is created; the story of cocoa is really brought to life. They show you both the traditional, and modern way of how the beans are picked, dried and fermented until they reach the final product, this tour is extremely insightful and illustrative.     ‘Gouyave Fish Friday’, weekly Gouyave Fish Festival Gouyave Fish Friday is a weekly fish festival booming with flavour and fun, and most importantly delicious fish. Seeing as Gouyave is a fishing village it is a very appropriate place for this weekly festival to take place. The streets of Gouyave are shut down and brought to life with music, dancing, fun and food; it is an experience we would definitely recommend.   If you would like to experience the culinary delights of this vibrant and colourful island please contact us on  01431 9700 http://www.caribtours.ie/blog/rss/blog/2016/september/caribtours-foodie-guide-to-grenada/ http://www.caribtours.ie/blog/rss/blog/2016/september/caribtours-foodie-guide-to-grenada/ Thu, 29 September 2016 10:15:48 http://www.caribtours.ie/blog/rss/blog/2016/september/exploring-st-barths-luxury-holidays-in-the-caribbean/ By Isabelle - Marketing Assistant  I recently returned from a trip from the beautiful island of St Barths , an overseas collectivity of France; where I stayed at Le Sereno , Eden Rock and Cheval Blanc St-Barth Isle de France . All of these hotels have a unique personality, each suiting a different type of client. From glamorous and playful Eden Rock to the boutique hideaway of Le Sereno and the chic and relaxing Cheval Blanc St-Barth Isle de France . Seen and be seen on this exclusive island, brimming with the same luxurious shops you would expect to see on the Champs-Élysées in Paris; from Louis Vuitton and Hermes, to island boutiques stocking upcoming international designer brands.     I started my island experience at the centrally located Eden Rock . From the minute you arrive here you notice the attention to detail, impeccable service and the strong identity of the property. The main part of the hotel is located on a rocky promontory surrounded by wonderful coral and white sand. I would recommend staying in Villa Nina, it is perfectly located with stunning views out to the Caribbean ocean, as well as open living spaces decorated with an eclectic collection of art. That was something that really struck me about Eden Rock , the art collection that this property boasts is truly wonderful, from the owners children’s framed drawings, to Stephanie Kossmann’s black and white celebrity portraits; creativity is not constrained by boundaries at this beautifully playful hotel. Dining at Eden Rock really is something not to be missed. With two dining options: ‘The Sandbar’ on the beach and Jean George’s ‘On The Rocks’ which is located up on the main rock, boasting an unforgettable view over St Jean Bay. At the Sandbar I would recommend trying the black truffle & fontina cheese pizza, it was truly delicious. On The Rocks offers a fine dining experience with an exotic flavour, which I would suggest trying for at least one night during your stay.   The next stop on my trip was Cheval Blanc St-Barth Isle de France , an oasis of calm; this hotel offers a stylish hideaway experience, set upon a secluded white sand beach. I really loved the stunning interiors at this hotel; everywhere you look there are pops of the signature Cheval Blanc pink, from exclusively created art pieces to wine glasses. The hotel has a team of ‘Alchemists’ on hand to arrange unforgettable experiences such as a deserted beach picnic or a shopping trip to Gustavia.  I stayed in a tropical suite with a private pool; tucked away from it all, and surrounded by lush vegetation. This really is perfect for couples and honeymooners as it is secluded and offers a private and stylish retreat.   The final stop on my St Barths trip was Le Sereno , an intimate, boutique, beachfront hotel, with only 36 rooms. This hotel is the epitome of simplistic luxury, which encapsulates the spirit of the island. The attention to detail here is outstanding and struck me straight away, every aspect of the design and service was taken into consideration. The restaurant serves delicious Mediterranean cuisine with a taste of the Caribbean; a favourite was the green gnocchi with crab and zucchini, simply divine!   We would love to talk to you in more detail about a holiday or honeymoon to St Barths , please give one of our Travel Advisors a call on 01431 9700 to discuss. http://www.caribtours.ie/blog/rss/blog/2016/september/exploring-st-barths-luxury-holidays-in-the-caribbean/ http://www.caribtours.ie/blog/rss/blog/2016/september/exploring-st-barths-luxury-holidays-in-the-caribbean/ Wed, 28 September 2016 16:59:58 http://www.caribtours.ie/blog/rss/blog/2016/september/15/windjammer-landing-saint-lucia-photo-gallery/ Here at Caribtours, we believe a picture tells a thousand words, and with Windjammer Landing 's recent renovation we thought we would share with you some of the new images from this stunning property, located on the beautiful island of Saint Lucia.        7 nights from £1,069  per person on Room Only, including return international flights, private transfers and the use of a UK airport lounge. Offer:  Exclusive to Caribtours - Save 50% on 2017 holidays. If you would like to hear more about this beautiful property or to book a holiday please contact us on 020 7751 0660 http://www.caribtours.ie/blog/rss/blog/2016/september/15/windjammer-landing-saint-lucia-photo-gallery/ http://www.caribtours.ie/blog/rss/blog/2016/september/15/windjammer-landing-saint-lucia-photo-gallery/ Thu, 15 September 2016 10:32:14 http://www.caribtours.ie/blog/rss/blog/2016/august/september-solos-at-the-bodyholiday-gallery/ At Caribtours we believe a picture tells a thousand words, so we thought we would share with you an image gallery containing images from this exclusive retreat, on the stunning island of Saint Lucia . So that you can see for yourself all the wonderful activities, classes, lush surroundings and facilities at The BodyHoliday .                                          If you would like to find out more, or book your holiday to this relaxing and rejuvenating destination, call one of our travel advisers on 01431 9700  or fill in the form below.     var contourDateFormat = "dd/mm/yy"; var contourFieldValues795869bedb9f4ee6abfab82d98a7ef6a; (function ($) { $(function () { $("#contour_form_SeptemberSolos .contourPage input").change(function() { PopulateFieldValues795869bedb9f4ee6abfab82d98a7ef6a(); CheckRules795869bedb9f4ee6abfab82d98a7ef6a(); }); $("#contour_form_SeptemberSolos .contourPage select").change(function () { PopulateFieldValues795869bedb9f4ee6abfab82d98a7ef6a(); CheckRules795869bedb9f4ee6abfab82d98a7ef6a(); }); PopulateFieldValues795869bedb9f4ee6abfab82d98a7ef6a(); CheckRules795869bedb9f4ee6abfab82d98a7ef6a(); }); } (jQuery)); function PopulateFieldValues795869bedb9f4ee6abfab82d98a7ef6a() { //fill field values //contourFieldValues = new Array(); PopulateRecordValues795869bedb9f4ee6abfab82d98a7ef6a(); $("#contour_form_SeptemberSolos .contourPage select").each(function() { contourFieldValues795869bedb9f4ee6abfab82d98a7ef6a[$(this).attr("id")] = $("option[value='" + $(this).val() + "']", $(this)).text(); }); $("#contour_form_SeptemberSolos .contourPage input").each(function() { if($(this).attr('type') == "text"){ contourFieldValues795869bedb9f4ee6abfab82d98a7ef6a[$(this).attr("id")] = $(this).val(); } if($(this).attr('type') == "radio"){ if($(this).is(':checked')) { contourFieldValues795869bedb9f4ee6abfab82d98a7ef6a[$(this).attr("name")] = $(this).val(); } } if($(this).attr('type') == "checkbox"){ if($(this).attr('id') != $(this).attr('name')) { if($(this).is(':checked')) { if(contourFieldValues795869bedb9f4ee6abfab82d98a7ef6a[$(this).attr("name")] == null) { contourFieldValues795869bedb9f4ee6abfab82d98a7ef6a[$(this).attr("name")] = $(this).val(); } else { contourFieldValues795869bedb9f4ee6abfab82d98a7ef6a[$(this).attr("name")] += "," + $(this).val(); } } } else { contourFieldValues795869bedb9f4ee6abfab82d98a7ef6a[$(this).attr("name")] = $(this).is(':checked').toString(); } } }); } function PopulateRecordValues795869bedb9f4ee6abfab82d98a7ef6a() { contourFieldValues795869bedb9f4ee6abfab82d98a7ef6a = new Array(); } function CheckRules795869bedb9f4ee6abfab82d98a7ef6a() { } Contact Contact Name Email Telephone number Preferred date of travel Number of nights Number of adults travelling 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 Room category (if known) Single Garden View Room Luxury Room Luxury Ocean View Luxury Ocean Front Any additional information Message http://www.caribtours.ie/blog/rss/blog/2016/august/september-solos-at-the-bodyholiday-gallery/ http://www.caribtours.ie/blog/rss/blog/2016/august/september-solos-at-the-bodyholiday-gallery/ Mon, 08 August 2016 11:23:54 http://www.caribtours.ie/blog/rss/blog/2016/august/louises-trip-to-antigua/ Our wonderful expert travel advisor, Louise has recently returned from a trip to Antigua . We want to share with you her highlights, and nuggets of advice which might come in handy if you're travelling to that destination. Or if you are just looking for some holiday inspiration, look no further...  1. What was your culinary highlight from the trip? It was the very first night a Blue Waters , The Palm restaurant where there was a special Indonesian menu – I had a lobster spring rolls & Beef Rendang Curry it was delicious (I am a curry connoisseur!) it turns out the chef was from Indonesia. A close 2 nd was the fresh lobster lunch we had in Barbuda.   2. Weird and Wonderful (something at the hotel or during trip that was unique!) Visiting one of nature’s wonders of the world – The Frigate Bird sanctuary in Barbuda. It is the  2 nd largest in the world to Galapagos.  In 1995 it was completely destroyed by hurricane Luis, but luckily it grew back. It has as many as 7000 mating birds at its peak, a definite must see for nature lovers!   3. What was your favorite Spa treatment? Carlisle Bay Blue Spa – I had the dreamiest head, face, neck and shoulder massage!   4. What was your holiday highlight? I love a bit of Island hopping so a day trip to Barbuda was definitely the highlight- seeing the stunning beaches and wildlife here was a delight. It is surrounded by over 150 ship wrecks so perfect for dive enthusiasts.   5. What would you give as a 'Traveller Tip' or nugget of wisdom you can pass on about the destination? Get out and about to see some local life.  Fryes beach is a great local hotspot -   Located at Fryes point on the west coast, it features powder white sand and great views of Montserrat on exceptionally clear days. It is also ideal for snorkelling. Also home to Dennis restaurant and cocktail bar, think more curried goat than rack of lamb or alternatively a lovely cocktail or three at sunset maybe… 6. Perfect for…   In Antigua the hotels are all very different -  there really is something for everyone.  Honeymooners, families, water babes and beach bunnies!   If you want to hear more, or book your holiday to this stunning destination, please contact on of our expert travel advisors on 01431 9700 . http://www.caribtours.ie/blog/rss/blog/2016/august/louises-trip-to-antigua/ http://www.caribtours.ie/blog/rss/blog/2016/august/louises-trip-to-antigua/ Fri, 05 August 2016 16:51:07 http://www.caribtours.ie/blog/rss/blog/2016/august/01/the-most-popular-juice-at-the-bodyholiday/ The Liquid Plumber is one of the most popular, healthy drinks served at the Deli at The BodyHoliday . Packed full of super-foods and great for healthy digestion. this juice is simple to make at home. To really feel the benefits of this tasty juice, it is recommended that you drink it at least 3 times as week. To make your own Liquid Plumber at home, here is the recipe for one serving:   Ingredients: 2 Spinach Leaves 1/3 Cucumber 1/4 Celery Stick 1/3 Zucchini Lemon Juice   Blend all ingredients and serve with ice.     Facts about the ingredients: Spinach is very low in fat and cholesterol. Its leaves hold a large amount of soluble dietary fibre and is one of the most recommended nutrients for cholesterol controlling by dietitians. Cucumber is low in calories and contains no saturated fats or cholesterol. The cucumber peel is a good source of dietary fiber and offers protection against colon cancers by removing toxic compounds from the gut. Lemon Juice helps digestion by removing waste more quickly from your body. Celery contains “good salts”. The salt is organic, very healthy and natural and is essential for one’s health. Zucchini is high in fiber and aids in lowering cholesterol. It contains high levels of vitamin A and C and rids the body of excess toxins.    If you would like to visit T he BodyHoliday to start your detox or just for a relaxing holiday, give us a call on 020 7751 0660 or fill in the form below var contourDateFormat = "dd/mm/yy"; var contourFieldValues795869bedb9f4ee6abfab82d98a7ef6a; (function ($) { $(function () { $("#contour_form_SeptemberSolos .contourPage input").change(function() { PopulateFieldValues795869bedb9f4ee6abfab82d98a7ef6a(); CheckRules795869bedb9f4ee6abfab82d98a7ef6a(); }); $("#contour_form_SeptemberSolos .contourPage select").change(function () { PopulateFieldValues795869bedb9f4ee6abfab82d98a7ef6a(); CheckRules795869bedb9f4ee6abfab82d98a7ef6a(); }); PopulateFieldValues795869bedb9f4ee6abfab82d98a7ef6a(); CheckRules795869bedb9f4ee6abfab82d98a7ef6a(); }); } (jQuery)); function PopulateFieldValues795869bedb9f4ee6abfab82d98a7ef6a() { //fill field values //contourFieldValues = new Array(); PopulateRecordValues795869bedb9f4ee6abfab82d98a7ef6a(); $("#contour_form_SeptemberSolos .contourPage select").each(function() { contourFieldValues795869bedb9f4ee6abfab82d98a7ef6a[$(this).attr("id")] = $("option[value='" + $(this).val() + "']", $(this)).text(); }); $("#contour_form_SeptemberSolos .contourPage input").each(function() { if($(this).attr('type') == "text"){ contourFieldValues795869bedb9f4ee6abfab82d98a7ef6a[$(this).attr("id")] = $(this).val(); } if($(this).attr('type') == "radio"){ if($(this).is(':checked')) { contourFieldValues795869bedb9f4ee6abfab82d98a7ef6a[$(this).attr("name")] = $(this).val(); } } if($(this).attr('type') == "checkbox"){ if($(this).attr('id') != $(this).attr('name')) { if($(this).is(':checked')) { if(contourFieldValues795869bedb9f4ee6abfab82d98a7ef6a[$(this).attr("name")] == null) { contourFieldValues795869bedb9f4ee6abfab82d98a7ef6a[$(this).attr("name")] = $(this).val(); } else { contourFieldValues795869bedb9f4ee6abfab82d98a7ef6a[$(this).attr("name")] += "," + $(this).val(); } } } else { contourFieldValues795869bedb9f4ee6abfab82d98a7ef6a[$(this).attr("name")] = $(this).is(':checked').toString(); } } }); } function PopulateRecordValues795869bedb9f4ee6abfab82d98a7ef6a() { contourFieldValues795869bedb9f4ee6abfab82d98a7ef6a = new Array(); } function CheckRules795869bedb9f4ee6abfab82d98a7ef6a() { } Contact Contact Name Email Telephone number Preferred date of travel Number of nights Number of adults travelling 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 Room category (if known) Single Garden View Room Luxury Room Luxury Ocean View Luxury Ocean Front Any additional information Message http://www.caribtours.ie/blog/rss/blog/2016/august/01/the-most-popular-juice-at-the-bodyholiday/ http://www.caribtours.ie/blog/rss/blog/2016/august/01/the-most-popular-juice-at-the-bodyholiday/ Mon, 01 August 2016 15:04:42 http://www.caribtours.ie/blog/rss/blog/2016/august/your-daily-treatments-at-the-bodyholiday/ At the BodyHoliday, being pampered is an everyday experience. Here, you are treated to a spa treatment at the Wellness Centre each day of your stay. Upon arrival, you will receive a schedule tailored for you with daily complimentary 50-minute sessions that include massage, body wrap, hydrotherapy and facial. Before you stay we would highly recommend that you choose your treatments by logging in to the online booking system. This will guarantee that you receive the treatments you want, when you want. Of course, if your plans do change when you are in resort re-booking is available. Below are just some of our favourite treatments that you can include during your stay. Heaven and Earth This is an amazing combination of scalp, hand and foot massage using Ayurvedic techniques. This soothing massage will help you unwind and feel entirely relaxed. Lucian Lime and Ginger Scrub Exfoliation ritual to invigorate and bring vitality to the body. After a light body brushing, warm oil is drizzled sparingly over the body and then lime and ginger is used to cleanse and polish the skin. Thalgo Oxygen Facial This facial is an anti-pollution treatment for dull, polluted and asphyxiated skin. The Oxygen range will let the skin breathe, detox and protect against free radicals. An Oxygen 3 Defense Cream will be used to hydrate and protect, and a Cryodetox Mask to detox the skin. Far Infrared Treatment This infrared sauna, is The BodyHoliday’s newest top-of-the-line treatment option. By letting your body absorb infrared rays, this treatment will elevate internal body temperature, increase blood circulation, improve joint mobility and boost your immune system. You will feel deeply relaxed during this 20-minute session. A great post-massage treatment.   If you would like to try some of these treatments yourself or would like more information please contact us on 01431 9700  or fill in the form below   var contourDateFormat = "dd/mm/yy"; var contourFieldValues795869bedb9f4ee6abfab82d98a7ef6a; (function ($) { $(function () { $("#contour_form_SeptemberSolos .contourPage input").change(function() { PopulateFieldValues795869bedb9f4ee6abfab82d98a7ef6a(); CheckRules795869bedb9f4ee6abfab82d98a7ef6a(); }); $("#contour_form_SeptemberSolos .contourPage select").change(function () { PopulateFieldValues795869bedb9f4ee6abfab82d98a7ef6a(); CheckRules795869bedb9f4ee6abfab82d98a7ef6a(); }); PopulateFieldValues795869bedb9f4ee6abfab82d98a7ef6a(); CheckRules795869bedb9f4ee6abfab82d98a7ef6a(); }); } (jQuery)); function PopulateFieldValues795869bedb9f4ee6abfab82d98a7ef6a() { //fill field values //contourFieldValues = new Array(); PopulateRecordValues795869bedb9f4ee6abfab82d98a7ef6a(); $("#contour_form_SeptemberSolos .contourPage select").each(function() { contourFieldValues795869bedb9f4ee6abfab82d98a7ef6a[$(this).attr("id")] = $("option[value='" + $(this).val() + "']", $(this)).text(); }); $("#contour_form_SeptemberSolos .contourPage input").each(function() { if($(this).attr('type') == "text"){ contourFieldValues795869bedb9f4ee6abfab82d98a7ef6a[$(this).attr("id")] = $(this).val(); } if($(this).attr('type') == "radio"){ if($(this).is(':checked')) { contourFieldValues795869bedb9f4ee6abfab82d98a7ef6a[$(this).attr("name")] = $(this).val(); } } if($(this).attr('type') == "checkbox"){ if($(this).attr('id') != $(this).attr('name')) { if($(this).is(':checked')) { if(contourFieldValues795869bedb9f4ee6abfab82d98a7ef6a[$(this).attr("name")] == null) { contourFieldValues795869bedb9f4ee6abfab82d98a7ef6a[$(this).attr("name")] = $(this).val(); } else { contourFieldValues795869bedb9f4ee6abfab82d98a7ef6a[$(this).attr("name")] += "," + $(this).val(); } } } else { contourFieldValues795869bedb9f4ee6abfab82d98a7ef6a[$(this).attr("name")] = $(this).is(':checked').toString(); } } }); } function PopulateRecordValues795869bedb9f4ee6abfab82d98a7ef6a() { contourFieldValues795869bedb9f4ee6abfab82d98a7ef6a = new Array(); } function CheckRules795869bedb9f4ee6abfab82d98a7ef6a() { } Contact Contact Name Email Telephone number Preferred date of travel Number of nights Number of adults travelling 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 Room category (if known) Single Garden View Room Luxury Room Luxury Ocean View Luxury Ocean Front Any additional information Message http://www.caribtours.ie/blog/rss/blog/2016/august/your-daily-treatments-at-the-bodyholiday/ http://www.caribtours.ie/blog/rss/blog/2016/august/your-daily-treatments-at-the-bodyholiday/ Mon, 01 August 2016 14:26:31 http://www.caribtours.ie/blog/rss/blog/2016/july/a-z-of-the-caribbean/ We have put together an A-Z of the Caribbean for you, sharing our favourite insider tips and insightful information, to inspire and excite you when planning a trip to your own personal paradise.   is for… Antigua . This island has the perfect fusion of West Indian Spice and British colonial charm. With an abundance of luxury hotels and boutique hideaways, there is something special for everyone.    is for…   Barbados . This versatile and lively island is jam packed with activities; hosted on stunning white sandy beaches. From a UNESCO world heritage site, to golfing at the stunning Sandy Lane resort, the list is endless!     is for… Cuba . A one of a kind, vibrant, and colourful destination bursting with character. Explore the bustling backstreets of Old Havana, or relax with a mojito in hand on the stunning beaches which hug the coastline.     is for… Dominica . Experience one of the Caribbean’s most spectacular natural environments on this island blanketed in rainforests and volcanos. This virtually untouched gem is perfect for eco-lovers, walkers, twitchers, and people who want to get off the beaten track.    is for… Eating . The Caribbean is host to a wonderful selection of exotic cuisine, food, festivals, street food and fantastic restaurants. We thought we would share a couple of our favourite restaurants from the islands; the first being ‘On the Rocks’ at Eden Rock Hotel St. Barths, a luxurious haven on the lively and exclusive island. Scilly Cay Island in Anguilla, the perfect lunch spot for freshly grilled lobster, and The Cliff in Barbados, the most romantic spot on the island.    is for…   Families . The Caribbean is a wonderful destination for families as it is full of activities and culture for kids and teens to enjoy. There is an extensive array of water sports on offer at the hotels, as well as a variety of kids clubs to choose from. At the Calabash Hotel , Grenada they have recently appointed a Kid’s Concierge to advise children of all the fun activities taking place in the hotel and on island.    is for… Grenada . This stunning island is for all the foodies out there! With an abundance of delicious spices this fragrant island is the perfect place to relax and unwind, while sampling all of the culinary delights this island has to offer.    is for… Honeymoons. The white sand beaches, cerulean sea, vibrant culture, delicious cuisine, what more could you want from a Honeymoon destination? For a peaceful and private getaway look no further than this blissful destination.    is for… Island Hopping. Perfect for the explorers out there! If you want to experience a variety of islands in a short space of time, then the Caribbean is the perfect destination for you. There are around 7,000 islands in the Caribbean , so plenty for you to choose from, and no guidebook for what order or way, we can help you create an itinerary which encompasses all your wants and needs; to get the most out of your wonderful holiday.    is for… Jamaica . This vibrant and fun island is full of vitality. From the lush Blue Mountains to the buzzing streets of Kingston; this island has so much to explore. We particularly love the iconic GoldenEye Hotel , where Ian Fleming wrote all 14 of the James Bond Novels!    is for…   St Kitts . Volcanic peaks surrounded by bright blue sea make the paradise which is St. Kitts . We would recommend a trip to Pump Bay, the perfect spot for snorkeling or diving with an abundance of stunning marine life.    is for… Luxury experiences. While on your holiday, why not indulge in a luxurious experience, such as a helicopter ride or hiring a butler service. Our experts are here to help you organise your trip with additions such as these, to make it that extra bit special.    is for… Mexico . A destination to tantalise all the senses! The smells and vibrant colour is ever-present in the bustling streets and local villages. The country has an abundance of lush rainforest which runs all the way up to the gorgeous beaches which hug the coastline. We particularly love Belmond Maroma Resort & Spa which was formerly a coconut plantation, and private hacienda.    is for… Nevis . A paradise of bleached beaches, but beyond the lush sands and clear water there is so much to explore on this mountainous island. Weathered sugar mills are dotted around the island, waiting to be explored; as well as the colonial town of Charlestown, where afternoons can be lost wandering around the backstreets, exploring the local life on island.    is for…Ocean Experience. What better place to learn to Scuba Dive than the beautiful clear waters of the Caribbean . With some of the best diving spots in the world, and perfect visibility it’s a wonderful environment to learn in. We would recommend the Open Water Diver certification, as it gives you a comprehensive understanding of diving, while allowing you to explore the coral reefs at your own pace.    is for… Private Islands. If you’re looking for a more exclusive experience look no further. We have a range of private islands all completely unique. From Richard Branson’s decadent Necker Island , to the more intimate Private Island Paradise of Jumby Bay . Completely secluded these private islands are a haven from the hustle and bustle of everyday life.    is for… Queue Avoiding . With our VIP airport experience you will be offered a personal meet & greet on arrival, escort through the terminal, and fast track check-in and passport control. We also offer lounge passes with every booking, meaning you can wait for your flight in the comfort of a luxurious lounge.    is for… Retreats. Relax, unwind and rejuvenate at The BodyHoliday , Saint Lucia . An all-inclusive retreat, with a huge range of activities such as yoga, archery and Zumba for you to choose from. You can indulge in daily included spa treatments and culinary delights, with health in mind. Come back from your trip a different person, fully rested and relaxed.    is for… Saint Lucia . An impossibly picturesque island; home to the stunning pitons. It is no wonder this island is a favourite amongst honeymooners.  From boutique rainforest retreats, to luxurious beach resorts, Saint Lucia has it all. We would recommend Whale watching as the island acts as a marvellous backdrop to these majestic creatures.                                                                                                       is for… Tobago . This multifaceted island has not only pristine white beaches but also dark volcanic sand beaches too! A sleepy and wistful island located in the southernmost point of the Caribbean Islands is also home to a serious carnival; where thousands of people take to the streets and dance to steel pans!    is for… Underwater Adventures. The Caribbean ’s oceans are full of gorgeous marine life, from colourful parrot fish to iridescent coral. It is also home to some more unusual things, such as the world’s first underwater sculpture park, just off the island of Grenada .  British artist Jason deCaires Taylor, created a haunting cement ring of children holding hands which sits just off Molinere Bay; it is an experience not to be missed!    is for… Virgin Islands . The British Virgin Islands are made up of a cluster of around 60 islands, and boasts a glorious selection of stunning luxury hotels. The ocean surrounding these islands is home to the best sailing in the world, which makes it a popular area to charter a yacht, and explore all the beautiful and unique islands.    is for…  Weddings. Imagine getting married on a pristine white beach…many hotels in the Caribbean offer a wedding service, our favourite is at Rendezvous , Saint Lucia . There is a team of wedding planners on site to help personalise your perfect day. What is even better is that the’ Rendezvous Romance wedding’ is complimentary with your stay.     is for… ‘X Marks the Spot’. Find your inner explorer! There is an abundance of unique and interesting points across the Caribbean which can explored by foot, car or boat. Why not rent a boat for the day and explore an uninhabited island. Our favourite is ‘Prickly Pear’ in the British Virgin Islands , an island completely uninhabited apart from a bar. It is the perfect way to spend an afternoon, exploring the island and finishing with a cold rum punch on the beach.    is for… Yacht. The perfect excuse for a luxurious day out. Explore the islands for the day in the height of luxury; it’s the perfect activity for all the family! We would recommend this especially if you are travelling in the Grenadines, as the great sailing conditions, make for an exciting day trip.    is for… Zipline (with a twist). At Cap Maison in Saint Lucia ; there is a ‘proposal concierge’ who will help you create an unforgettable proposal moment, with the ring arriving by zipline at the end of your romantic private dinner! If you want to hear more about any of these experiences or to book a trip to one of these gorgeous destinations; call us on  01431 9700. http://www.caribtours.ie/blog/rss/blog/2016/july/a-z-of-the-caribbean/ http://www.caribtours.ie/blog/rss/blog/2016/july/a-z-of-the-caribbean/ Wed, 27 July 2016 16:50:44 http://www.caribtours.ie/blog/rss/blog/2016/july/5-instagram-hotspots-in-grenada/ Inject some colour, history and natural beauty into your Instagram feed and delight your followers with some of Grenada's most stunning and fascinating locations. If you think there's somewhere we've missed, let us know! 1. Seven Sister Falls At the heart of Grenada is a lush rainforest, bursting with tropical flowers, trees, ready and waiting for a filter-free photo. Take a rewarding hike to the Seven Sisters Falls, set high in Grenada’s Central Mountain Range, and enjoy a refreshing swim in the natural pools at the base of the falls. Seven Sister Falls, Grenada (Instagram johnpeltierphoto ) 2. Belmont Estate Grenada is the island of spice. A huge array of spices and cocoa including nutmeg, turmeric, mace, ginger, cloves and cinnamon are grown here so grabbing some shots of where they come from and how they’re traditionally processed is a must. Belmont Estate is a co-operative of organic farmers that offer guides explaining and demonstrating the traditional and modern methods of fermenting, drying and processing the cocoa and spices - a treat for all the senses! Cacao fermentation at Belmont Estate, Grenada (Instagram hazel_choc ) 3. Grand Anse Beach Grand Anse Beach, is one of the most beautiful in the world. Lying on the western side and perfectly sheltered from high waves and strong winds, Grand Anse Beach will be the perfect backdrop for those desert island beach snaps. While away your days on this beautiful sun-soaked beach and be the envy of all your Instagram followers. Grand Anse Beach, Granada (Instagram truebluebayresort ) 4. St George’s From Fort George and Fort Frederick take in the panoramic view of St George’s, the capital of Grenada. Possibly the most beautiful harbour in the Caribbean, the horse-shoe shaped St George’s is speckled with Georgian buildings that over look the water spotted with colourful fishing boats. A picturesque setting to compliment your beach photographs. St George's, Grenada (Instagram Caribtours ) 5. Moiliner Underwater Sculpture Park You’ll need your underwater camera for this one…located in Moiliner Bay, just north of St George’s, is a sculpture park listed as one of the Top 25 Wonders of the World by National Geographic. The worlds first underwater sculpture park was created in 2006 by British Artist and Sculptor Jason deCaires Taylor. Now, 10 years later Taylor’s work has brought new marine life to the waters that had suffered considerable damage from storms. “Taylor’s art is like no other, a paradox of creation, constructed to be assimilated by the ocean and transformed from inert objects into living breathing coral reefs, portraying human intervention as both positive and life-encouraging." Underwater Sculpture Park, Grenada (Instagram truebluebayresort ) Want to hear more insider tips about Grenada from our expert team? Then call us today on 014319700  or fill in the form below and one of our team will get back to you. var contourDateFormat = "dd/mm/yy"; var contourFieldValuesae32a616f139416d816cc4209acbce0e; (function ($) { $(function () { $("#contour_form_OnlineContactform .contourPage input").change(function() { PopulateFieldValuesae32a616f139416d816cc4209acbce0e(); CheckRulesae32a616f139416d816cc4209acbce0e(); }); $("#contour_form_OnlineContactform .contourPage select").change(function () { PopulateFieldValuesae32a616f139416d816cc4209acbce0e(); CheckRulesae32a616f139416d816cc4209acbce0e(); }); PopulateFieldValuesae32a616f139416d816cc4209acbce0e(); CheckRulesae32a616f139416d816cc4209acbce0e(); }); } (jQuery)); function PopulateFieldValuesae32a616f139416d816cc4209acbce0e() { //fill field values //contourFieldValues = new Array(); PopulateRecordValuesae32a616f139416d816cc4209acbce0e(); $("#contour_form_OnlineContactform .contourPage select").each(function() { contourFieldValuesae32a616f139416d816cc4209acbce0e[$(this).attr("id")] = $("option[value='" + $(this).val() + "']", $(this)).text(); }); $("#contour_form_OnlineContactform .contourPage input").each(function() { if($(this).attr('type') == "text"){ contourFieldValuesae32a616f139416d816cc4209acbce0e[$(this).attr("id")] = $(this).val(); } if($(this).attr('type') == "radio"){ if($(this).is(':checked')) { contourFieldValuesae32a616f139416d816cc4209acbce0e[$(this).attr("name")] = $(this).val(); } } if($(this).attr('type') == "checkbox"){ if($(this).attr('id') != $(this).attr('name')) { if($(this).is(':checked')) { if(contourFieldValuesae32a616f139416d816cc4209acbce0e[$(this).attr("name")] == null) { contourFieldValuesae32a616f139416d816cc4209acbce0e[$(this).attr("name")] = $(this).val(); } else { contourFieldValuesae32a616f139416d816cc4209acbce0e[$(this).attr("name")] += "," + $(this).val(); } } } else { contourFieldValuesae32a616f139416d816cc4209acbce0e[$(this).attr("name")] = $(this).is(':checked').toString(); } } }); } function PopulateRecordValuesae32a616f139416d816cc4209acbce0e() { contourFieldValuesae32a616f139416d816cc4209acbce0e = new Array(); } function CheckRulesae32a616f139416d816cc4209acbce0e() { } Online Contact Form Firstname Surname Email address Telephone Number Preferred date of travel Number of nights Number of people Age of Children Travelling (If Any) Holiday Destination Preferred Class of Travel Economy Premium Economy Business Class First Class Private Jet Preferred Hotel (If Known) Preferred Room Type (If Known) Preferred Meal Plan Approximate budget Any Additional Information Where did you hear about us? Google Newspaper or Magazine Advert Social Media Other Already on Database Would you like to hear about exclusive holiday offers and updates from Caribtours via email? Yes please . Message http://www.caribtours.ie/blog/rss/blog/2016/july/5-instagram-hotspots-in-grenada/ http://www.caribtours.ie/blog/rss/blog/2016/july/5-instagram-hotspots-in-grenada/ Mon, 18 July 2016 14:00:16 http://www.caribtours.ie/blog/rss/blog/2016/july/08/top-8-sights-in-santo-domingo/ Santo Domingo in the Dominican Republic is a beautiful place to explore, it is bursting with cultural sights; from a boutique selling ‘Cohibas’ (hand rolled tobacos) to the Catedral Primada de America; where the first stone was set in 1514. Whatever your interest you are bound to find something to satisfy your curiosity in Santo Domingo. We have created a short list of what we think are the ‘must sees’ in this wonderful destination.  Catedral Primada de America The Catedral Primada de America is in the colonial city of Santo Domingo; famed as being the oldest cathedral in America, it was constructed in 1512. It is an architecturally stunning sight, packed with history. The cathedral housed the remains of Christopher Columbus for a period of time, built entirely from limestone, this stunning sight could have you lost for hours. Boutique del Fumador   The Boutique del Fumador is a small shop located in the centre of Santo Domingo. Selling local Cohibas, (a box of hand rolled tobacos). They also sell organic handmade chocolates and rum; a very indulgent shop! The staff are all extremely friendly and explain the process of crafting these intricate cigars and tobacos, you can also take a tour around the workshop so that you can see for yourself how they are made. Museo Alcazar de Colon The Museo Alcazar de Colon is the oldest viceregal residence in the whole of America. This beautiful building houses a gorgeous array of renaissance and late medieval works of art, alongside 15 th to 17 th century tapestry collections. We would recommend taking a walk through the beautiful gardens and courtyards of the palace, as well as making use of the informative audio guide to make the most out of this spectacular historical site. Jardin Botanico Nacional   The Jardin Botanico Nacional is a haven of 2 square km in the centre of Santo Domingo, these lush gardens have a beautiful variety of orchids, aquatic plants, and Japanese gardens among many other rare and wonderful species. These is a museum on the site of the garden which is extremely informative, enriching the experience. We think it is a wonderful thing to do as a family or with children as the gardens host a variety of events including a bonsai tree event and an orchid exhibition to get everyone involved in this beautiful space! Los Tres Ojos   Los Tres Ojos, is an open air limestone cave, with a series of three lakes. These lakes are inhabited with turtles among many other wildlife species. This natural phenomenon was created by tectonic fractures collapsing caves and leaving hollow bowls behind, these hollow bowls filled up and became, Los Tres Ojos. We would recommend going early in the morning to see this site, as it can get quite busy as the day goes on. We would also recommend getting a guide, that way you can make the most of a wonderful family outing. Panteon Nacional   The Panteon Nacional was originally a Jesuit church, the church was built in a neoclassic-renaissance style. This beautiful building now acts as a signifier for the Dominican Republic, and is the final resting place of many honourable citizens. We would recommend visiting this wonderful historical site, as it really is such a moving experience. We would advise to cover up a little, shorts are discouraged. Museo de Arte Moderno   This museum’s permanent collection showcases Dominican Republic’s modernist and post-modern artists; whereas the temporary exhibitions tend to be more installation based. This combination provides an interesting contrast for viewers.  Our favourite internationally acclaimed artist housed in this museum is, Cándido Bidó. The museum is lucky enough to house 6 of his pieces, including the stunning ‘El Paseo a las 10am’. We would recommend going to view all of his pieces, because they are not only beautifully crafted images, but also a representation of Dominican Republic history and heritage. Amber World Museum   This museum is home to an extensive variety of Amber from all over the world. There is engaging educational information which explains the use of Amber throughout the ages, as well as the process of mining this precious stone in the Dominican Republic. Amber is actually tree-sap which has been hardened for millions of years, often capturing fossils of plants or insects. There is a wonderful gift shop here which sells beautiful Amber jewellery! If you would like to hear more about this culturally rich destination, please contact us on 020 7751 0660 to hear more.   var contourDateFormat = "dd/mm/yy"; var contourFieldValuesae32a616f139416d816cc4209acbce0e; (function ($) { $(function () { $("#contour_form_OnlineContactform .contourPage input").change(function() { PopulateFieldValuesae32a616f139416d816cc4209acbce0e(); CheckRulesae32a616f139416d816cc4209acbce0e(); }); $("#contour_form_OnlineContactform .contourPage select").change(function () { PopulateFieldValuesae32a616f139416d816cc4209acbce0e(); CheckRulesae32a616f139416d816cc4209acbce0e(); }); PopulateFieldValuesae32a616f139416d816cc4209acbce0e(); CheckRulesae32a616f139416d816cc4209acbce0e(); }); } (jQuery)); function PopulateFieldValuesae32a616f139416d816cc4209acbce0e() { //fill field values //contourFieldValues = new Array(); PopulateRecordValuesae32a616f139416d816cc4209acbce0e(); $("#contour_form_OnlineContactform .contourPage select").each(function() { contourFieldValuesae32a616f139416d816cc4209acbce0e[$(this).attr("id")] = $("option[value='" + $(this).val() + "']", $(this)).text(); }); $("#contour_form_OnlineContactform .contourPage input").each(function() { if($(this).attr('type') == "text"){ contourFieldValuesae32a616f139416d816cc4209acbce0e[$(this).attr("id")] = $(this).val(); } if($(this).attr('type') == "radio"){ if($(this).is(':checked')) { contourFieldValuesae32a616f139416d816cc4209acbce0e[$(this).attr("name")] = $(this).val(); } } if($(this).attr('type') == "checkbox"){ if($(this).attr('id') != $(this).attr('name')) { if($(this).is(':checked')) { if(contourFieldValuesae32a616f139416d816cc4209acbce0e[$(this).attr("name")] == null) { contourFieldValuesae32a616f139416d816cc4209acbce0e[$(this).attr("name")] = $(this).val(); } else { contourFieldValuesae32a616f139416d816cc4209acbce0e[$(this).attr("name")] += "," + $(this).val(); } } } else { contourFieldValuesae32a616f139416d816cc4209acbce0e[$(this).attr("name")] = $(this).is(':checked').toString(); } } }); } function PopulateRecordValuesae32a616f139416d816cc4209acbce0e() { contourFieldValuesae32a616f139416d816cc4209acbce0e = new Array(); } function CheckRulesae32a616f139416d816cc4209acbce0e() { } Online Contact Form Firstname Surname Email address Telephone Number Preferred date of travel Number of nights Number of people Age of Children Travelling (If Any) Holiday Destination Preferred Class of Travel Economy Premium Economy Business Class First Class Private Jet Preferred Hotel (If Known) Preferred Room Type (If Known) Preferred Meal Plan Approximate budget Any Additional Information Where did you hear about us? Google Newspaper or Magazine Advert Social Media Other Already on Database Would you like to hear about exclusive holiday offers and updates from Caribtours via email? Yes please . Message http://www.caribtours.ie/blog/rss/blog/2016/july/08/top-8-sights-in-santo-domingo/ http://www.caribtours.ie/blog/rss/blog/2016/july/08/top-8-sights-in-santo-domingo/ Fri, 08 July 2016 16:14:43 http://www.caribtours.ie/blog/rss/blog/2016/july/07/discover-the-jewels-of-cuba-on-a-luxury-cruise-with-silversea/ Cuba is such a unique and vibrant destination which everyone is desperately trying to experience; this is displayed in the limited availability at the hotels for tourists; everybody is trying to get a piece. However at the moment, Silversea is offering a carefully curated, exclusive all-inclusive 11 day Cuban voyage. This allows you to experience the highlights of not only Cuba , but also Panama and Colombia, from the luxury of the Silver Explorer.       The Journey   You embark the ship at Nassau, Bahamas and from there you start your journey, the expedition ship can carry only 130 guests. The benefit of this beautifully crafted ship is that due to its smaller size, it can reach much more remote areas, there is also a fleet of Zodiac boats which allow guests to go even further off the beaten track; guided by members of the expedition team, such as marine biologists and ornithologists. Guests can enjoy a variety of activities throughout the voyage such as, diving, hiking and snorkelling, as well and immersing yourself in Cuban culture with the carefully created guest itinerary. Whether you want to explore Havana, being driven around in a vintage car, or admire the marine life and coral reefs that surround Cuba , this cruise will have something for you.       One of the expedition highlights which here at Caribtours we would definitely recommend, is the day trip to Punta Frances, Isle of Youth. This beautiful island was discovered by Columbus in 1494; you are guided round the island by the on-board marine biologist. They will also take you on a snorkelling tour, where there is the chance to see turtles and parrot fish, among many other species. There is also the opportunity to explore the island on foot, we would recommend to do this as well as the snorkelling tour, as it’s a great place for iguana spotting!    Below is an itinerary showing the dates and the ports you will be arriving into on the voyage:   Itinerary   6 Oct 17 Nassau, Bahamas   7 Oct 17 Day at Sea  8 Oct 17 Havana, Cuba   9 Oct 17 Havana, Cuba 10 Oct 17 Punta Frances, Isle of Youth, Cuba 11 Oct 17 Cienfuegos, Cuba 12 Oct 17 Day at Sea 13 Oct 17 Santiago de Cuba, Cuba 14 Oct 17 Day at Sea 15 Oct 17 Cartagena, Colombia 16 Oct 17 San Blas Islands, Panama 17 Oct 17 Colon, Panama   The Luxury Ship   Silversea has an exclusive partnership with the luxury hotel brand Relais & Chateaux, who have a restaurant on some of the Silversea ships, offering an exclusive menu. On board there are two dining venues, The Grill and The Restaurant as well as public spaces for guests to explore, such as the observation lounge and the panorama lounge. What we love about this voyage is how you get to experience so much; from the bustling streets of Havana to the tranquil islands on San Blas, you can experience it all and in the height of luxury, the silver explorer has the largest expedition suites at sea; all with ocean views, and most with verandas.               The beauty of Silversea is that with every voyage you get an exclusive all-inclusive experience, including exquisite food, unlimited premium drinks, excursions, personal mini bar, as well as almost all of your discretionary on-board expenses included. All of the suites come with a personalised service, including a butler, to make your trip that extra bit special.   Please contact us on 01431 9700  to find out more about this once in a lifetime trip.          var contourDateFormat = "dd/mm/yy"; var contourFieldValuesae32a616f139416d816cc4209acbce0e; (function ($) { $(function () { $("#contour_form_OnlineContactform .contourPage input").change(function() { PopulateFieldValuesae32a616f139416d816cc4209acbce0e(); CheckRulesae32a616f139416d816cc4209acbce0e(); }); $("#contour_form_OnlineContactform .contourPage select").change(function () { PopulateFieldValuesae32a616f139416d816cc4209acbce0e(); CheckRulesae32a616f139416d816cc4209acbce0e(); }); PopulateFieldValuesae32a616f139416d816cc4209acbce0e(); CheckRulesae32a616f139416d816cc4209acbce0e(); }); } (jQuery)); function PopulateFieldValuesae32a616f139416d816cc4209acbce0e() { //fill field values //contourFieldValues = new Array(); PopulateRecordValuesae32a616f139416d816cc4209acbce0e(); $("#contour_form_OnlineContactform .contourPage select").each(function() { contourFieldValuesae32a616f139416d816cc4209acbce0e[$(this).attr("id")] = $("option[value='" + $(this).val() + "']", $(this)).text(); }); $("#contour_form_OnlineContactform .contourPage input").each(function() { if($(this).attr('type') == "text"){ contourFieldValuesae32a616f139416d816cc4209acbce0e[$(this).attr("id")] = $(this).val(); } if($(this).attr('type') == "radio"){ if($(this).is(':checked')) { contourFieldValuesae32a616f139416d816cc4209acbce0e[$(this).attr("name")] = $(this).val(); } } if($(this).attr('type') == "checkbox"){ if($(this).attr('id') != $(this).attr('name')) { if($(this).is(':checked')) { if(contourFieldValuesae32a616f139416d816cc4209acbce0e[$(this).attr("name")] == null) { contourFieldValuesae32a616f139416d816cc4209acbce0e[$(this).attr("name")] = $(this).val(); } else { contourFieldValuesae32a616f139416d816cc4209acbce0e[$(this).attr("name")] += "," + $(this).val(); } } } else { contourFieldValuesae32a616f139416d816cc4209acbce0e[$(this).attr("name")] = $(this).is(':checked').toString(); } } }); } function PopulateRecordValuesae32a616f139416d816cc4209acbce0e() { contourFieldValuesae32a616f139416d816cc4209acbce0e = new Array(); } function CheckRulesae32a616f139416d816cc4209acbce0e() { } Online Contact Form Firstname Surname Email address Telephone Number Preferred date of travel Number of nights Number of people Age of Children Travelling (If Any) Holiday Destination Preferred Class of Travel Economy Premium Economy Business Class First Class Private Jet Preferred Hotel (If Known) Preferred Room Type (If Known) Preferred Meal Plan Approximate budget Any Additional Information Where did you hear about us? Google Newspaper or Magazine Advert Social Media Other Already on Database Would you like to hear about exclusive holiday offers and updates from Caribtours via email? Yes please . Message http://www.caribtours.ie/blog/rss/blog/2016/july/07/discover-the-jewels-of-cuba-on-a-luxury-cruise-with-silversea/ http://www.caribtours.ie/blog/rss/blog/2016/july/07/discover-the-jewels-of-cuba-on-a-luxury-cruise-with-silversea/ Thu, 07 July 2016 16:21:02 http://www.caribtours.ie/blog/rss/blog/2016/july/06/the-other-side-of-the-island-los-haitiese-national-park/ Unlike it's neighbouring Caribbean Islands, the Dominican Republic has a varied and fertile topography. Not only does that mean almost all of the islands food is local, but the lush landscape also offers exquisite diversity for the traveller. From the silky white sands of Bávaro beach to the rich, dense wilderness of Los Haitiese National Park, the Dominican Republic has it all. Located on the north east coast, across from Samana Peninsula, is Los Haitiese National Park (Haitises meaning "highlands" or "mountain range" in the Taino Indian language). This oasis of mangrove swamps with giant mangrove trees and watery trails leading to the historic Taino caves, is a must for all travellers. Only a portion of the 2000km park is open to the public, so booking a tour will allow you best access. We suggest taking a catamaran tour from Samana. Weave through the winding waterways of the parks lush and majestic forest. Catch glimpses of the hundreds of species of birds, fish, reptiles and crustaceans that call Los Haitises National Park their home. Tour the waterfront Tanio caves, where the islands first inhabitants lived. And discover the early drawings and paintings that offer a fascinating glimpse into indigenous life on the island before the arrival of Christopher Columbus. As one of the largest islands in the Caribbean, we’d recommend staying on the north east coast, near the park for either your whole trip or just a few days to best appreciate Los Haitises National Park. Our dreamy recommendation is Sublime Samana , nestled between the palm tress and beach on the Samana Peninsular. Here you can indulge in wonderful coconut treatments or if you're travelling between January and March, maybe catch a glimpse at the newly born whale babies. http://www.caribtours.ie/blog/rss/blog/2016/july/06/the-other-side-of-the-island-los-haitiese-national-park/ http://www.caribtours.ie/blog/rss/blog/2016/july/06/the-other-side-of-the-island-los-haitiese-national-park/ Wed, 06 July 2016 15:36:22 http://www.caribtours.ie/blog/rss/blog/2016/july/05/embrace-the-rhythm-of-dominican-republic-merengue-caribbean-rhythms-festival/ In the Dominican Republic , the air pulses with energetic beats, tunes blasting from open car windows and drifting into the streets from neighbourhood bars. Even public plazas serve as convenient dance floors: people glide across the pavement as buskers play slow, romantic melodies or local radios bump with the newest hits. The birthplace of  merengue  and  bachata  and an active champion of other popular genres such as salsa and  reggaetón , this small country moves to a rhythm all its own. From the 29 - 30 August you can fully embrace the rhythm of Dominican Republic at the Merengue & Caribbean Rhythms Festival. A tradition starting back in 1967, Santo Domingo’s annual ,  is a blow-out celebration of the country’s national dance, offering one of the best opportunities to learn about Dominican music history and see it in action. The party takes place on the city’s   malecón , an esplanade that backs up to the Caribbean sea, but it often carries into the neighboring streets of the Zona Colonial and the bars and clubs of central Santo Domingo. The event is normally scheduled in August or September and is quite popular; be sure to book your hotel in advance. If you miss your chance to try out your moves in Santo Domingo, the Dominican Republic also hosts a sister festival in Puerto Plata. To feel totally immersed in this vibrant Caribbean celebration we would recommend staying at our favourite boutique hotel in Santo Domingo, Casas Del XVI – a collection of stunning 16 th  century homes or ‘casas’ in the centre of the Colonial City. Making these homes your own really adds to your experience of being here, giving you the freedom to explore on your own but still with the luxury of a hotel environment including your own private butler to make sure you are fully looked after from the minute you arrive until the moment you sadly leave.  For more information, speak to one of our expert team on 01431 9700 or find out more about this wonderful island. http://www.caribtours.ie/blog/rss/blog/2016/july/05/embrace-the-rhythm-of-dominican-republic-merengue-caribbean-rhythms-festival/ http://www.caribtours.ie/blog/rss/blog/2016/july/05/embrace-the-rhythm-of-dominican-republic-merengue-caribbean-rhythms-festival/ Tue, 05 July 2016 13:14:32 http://www.caribtours.ie/blog/rss/blog/2016/june/new-kids-concierge-at-calabash-grenada/ Originally from Essential Detail Calabash loves it when families stay with them - after all, they are a family-run hotel!. And because children and teens have their own personal likes and dislikes, the Calabash' Kids' Concierge service is there to take care of everything. They understand that when the kids are happy, the grown-ups can relax too. If there's anything you need at all, you just need to ask Activities. Their team are here to make holidays fun. They put together bespoke supervised itineraries for children staying at the hotel. Activities include: Kids cookery class Hobie Cat sailing lessons Hobie Cat sailing regatta Kayaking Stand Up Paddle Boarding Football matches Tennis lessons Cricket matches Movie nights Campfires and roasted marshmallows Arts & crafts The little touches and the little extras to make your little guests feel like Calabash is a home away from home. From specially designed Children’s menus, to milk and cookies at bedtime and DVD’s with popcorn. Plus a few extra surprises in suite on arrival! If you would like to find out more or book a holiday at the stunning Calabash then please contact us on 01431 9700 http://www.caribtours.ie/blog/rss/blog/2016/june/new-kids-concierge-at-calabash-grenada/ http://www.caribtours.ie/blog/rss/blog/2016/june/new-kids-concierge-at-calabash-grenada/ Tue, 28 June 2016 14:18:10 http://www.caribtours.ie/blog/rss/blog/2016/june/jamaica-inns-smoked-salmon-eggs-benedict-recipe/ Originally from Essential Detail Jamaica Inn asked Executive Sous Chef Derrick to give a recipe from one of the most popular and delicious breakfasts, Smoked Salmon Eggs Benedict! Many guests love this dish at Jamaica Inn as it is a twist on the classic Eggs Benedict with the addition of the smoked salmon, but the Hollandaise sauce is served on the side, so you control how much sauce if any you want to add – this is a brilliant way to serve up this lovely and classic breakfast dish! Chef also highlighted that the brioche is home-made each day at the hotel. Recipe for A Classic Smoked Salmon Eggs Benedict (serves one) Two Poached Eggs Slices of Smoked Salmon (you can also use Smoked Marlin!) Home-Made Jamaica Inn Brioche (you can use a Classic English Muffin for same effect) Hollandaise Sauce or A Subtle Herb Sour Cream Sauce (which is what Chef uses for this dish.) – To Poach an egg perfectly, bring a large pot of water to the point that the water is simmering, not boiling. – Add 1/4 cup of White Vinegar – Crack each egg gently into the water, or one egg at a time, for three minutes – then transfer to a dish with a paper towel until ready to assemble. – Chef also served this dish with a wonderful herb sour cream sauce – simply made. Use fresh chopped herbs that you have on hand and sauté in pan for a few minutes with olive oil. Add slowly a half a cup of heavy cream to the herb mixture as well as salt and pepper. Cook on low heat until the mixture reduces, this is enough for one serving. Assemble starting with two pieces of Brioche or toasted English Muffins – smoked salmon – poached eggs and sauce drizzled over or on side, can also add a few capers, chopped chives or onions! Enjoy! If you would like to hear more about this beautiful hotel or to book a holiday, please contact us on 01431 9700. http://www.caribtours.ie/blog/rss/blog/2016/june/jamaica-inns-smoked-salmon-eggs-benedict-recipe/ http://www.caribtours.ie/blog/rss/blog/2016/june/jamaica-inns-smoked-salmon-eggs-benedict-recipe/ Tue, 28 June 2016 12:50:48 http://www.caribtours.ie/blog/rss/blog/2016/june/anyone-for-tennis/ Originally from Essential Detail  With the Tennis season already kicking off, we thought now would be a great time to remind you of the fantastic tennis facilities available at the 5-star, luxury Curtain Bluff hotel on the beautiful island of Antigua . Very few resorts can claim the quality and beauty of the courts, the tennis program, pros, equipment and events that you find at Curtain Bluff . Curtain Bluff's Tennis Center has four championship hard courts centered around a Pro Tennis shop an easy lob shot from the sea. All are in impeccable condition and lit for night play. Their three resident pros — Rennie, Nigel and Dillo — are trained in the U.S. to teach aptitudes right up to 5.5 (nearly a pro) and ready at 7:00 AM to take a guest’s challenge, pair guests together for a game, or work on that backhand. Private lessons cost $US 70 per hour. Their enthusiasm and gentle manner is one of the reasons that many of our guests call our tennis program the best in the region. Tennis Events Among the many tennis events hosted by the resort, the best known is Antigua Tennis Week, held each spring. Started in 1975 as an island-wide professional tournament, it has evolved over the last 35 years into an international pro-am tennis festival that attracts many of the biggest names in tennis. Their other big annual event is Tennis Challenge Week, held at the hotel each November. Guests join former Davis Cup player, Dick Stockton, for a fun-filled week of tennis, relaxation and parties. Curtain Bluff Tennis Challenge 5th - 12th November 2016 World-famous tennis pros team up with Curtain Bluff’ s own tennis pros to provide a week of clinics, guest doubles, pro-am play and social fun for players of all levels. If you would like to hear more about this beautiful destination please contact us on 01431 9700 . http://www.caribtours.ie/blog/rss/blog/2016/june/anyone-for-tennis/ http://www.caribtours.ie/blog/rss/blog/2016/june/anyone-for-tennis/ Tue, 28 June 2016 11:41:23 http://www.caribtours.ie/blog/rss/blog/2016/june/our-7-favourite-jamaican-restaurants-in-london/ There are so many Caribbean restaurants to choose from in London, so we thought we would share our favourites with you. From Jamaican inspired burgers at Boom Burger, to Soursop juice at the Jamaica Patty Co. we have it covered! With our Jamaica fortnight happening now, it’s the perfect time to get excited about this beautiful and vibrant destination. Jamaica Patty Co. The Jamaica Patty Co. was a response to the lack of high quality Jamaican food in the UK. The founder Theresa Roberts decided to launch the Jamaica Patty Co. so that Londoners can enjoy the fresh and authentic flavours of Jamaica here in the UK. All the patties are baked freshly in store, our favourite is the Ackee and Saltfish, with a delicious slice of Tortuga Rum Cake to finish. It is also one of the only places in the UK which sells fresh Soursop juice, a widely enjoyed Jamaican drink. This particular juice is renowned for having a variety of health benefits, as well as being truly delicious! Dub Jam Dub Jam is a small Caribbean restaurant and rum shack. A hidden gem tucked away from the hustle and bustle of Leicester Square. The interior is a fun mixture of bold colours, with Bob Marley blasting from the speakers, and a fresh and vibrant menu; what more would you want! Our favourite pick from the menu is the plantain chips and the Jamaican jerk skewers.   Fish Wings + Tings Fish Wings + Tings is located in Brixton Market. It is famous for serving the lesser known delicacies of the Caribbean. For example they serve Shark and Bake, which is made from small pieces of shark fillet in a fried dough ball. They also give a whole new face to beer batter using Red Stripe! Rudies Rudies serves authentic Jamaican food with a contemporary twist. The team have spent a long time on the ground in Jamaica sampling Jamaican cuisine, and now have perfected the perfect jerk process, from the way you cut the meat, to the different spices used. Rudie’s has a small but carefully curated menu, our favourite picks are the jerk calamari with coriander & lime dip and the real jerk chicken with hot papaya sauce. Boom Burger The owner of Boom Burger, Josh, spent much of his childhood in Montego Bay; now he is combining these vibrant and exciting flavours with delicious British beef, and bringing them straight to Portobello road. The perfectly spiced patties adorn the menu, from ‘Fish Boom’, pan fried red snapper with rocket and jerk mayo, to a more classic ‘boom burger’ which is served with bacon jam! Ma Petit Jamaica Ma Petit Jamaica is London’s first Caribbean diner, located in the heart of Camden town. There is a delicious selection on the menu, our favourite pick is the Spiced Rum & coconut chicken with wild mushrooms and basmati rice, and to finish coconut & jam sponge cake with vanilla ice cream. Ma petit Jamaica is very laid back, the perfect place to relax and unwind while enjoying delicious hearty food. The Rum Kitchen The Rum Kitchen, offers a contemporary twist on traditional Caribbean food. With two locations one in Notting Hill, the other in Soho. It is the perfect place to enjoy a delightfully innovative style of Caribbean cuisine. Our favourite pick from the menu is the jerk halloumi burger with smashed avocado. We suggest trying the slightly unusual but delicious ‘La Isla Bonita’ cocktail infused with spiced yam and sweet potato puree. If all of these restaurant ideas got you excited for the real thing, please contact us on 01431 9700  to discuss the destination further. http://www.caribtours.ie/blog/rss/blog/2016/june/our-7-favourite-jamaican-restaurants-in-london/ http://www.caribtours.ie/blog/rss/blog/2016/june/our-7-favourite-jamaican-restaurants-in-london/ Mon, 27 June 2016 16:17:59 http://www.caribtours.ie/blog/rss/blog/2016/june/top-10-activities-for-teens-to-enjoy-in-jamaica/ Jamaica is jam-packed with fun activities and adventures for all the family to enjoy whilst on island. We have selected our favourite activities which we, here at Caribtours think every teen would love!       1. GoldenEye   For all the James Bond fans out there, why not go for lunch at Ian Fleming’s GoldenEye  Hotel. Fleming, the author of James Bond came to the island in WWII and bought the property. It was here that Fleming dreamed up James Bond, an infamous character, renowned worldwide. As well as the Hotel's connection to Bond, it is host to fantastic restaurants, with specialities including: delicious jerk chicken and Jamaican style Ackee.         2. Rick's Cafe   For the daredevils out there, cliff jumping by Rick’s Cafe is the perfect way to get an adrenaline kick! It is also a fun spectator’s sport, if you prefer to relax at the café and watch. The food at Rick’s café is truly delicious, our favourite is the ‘Dog Bowl Reggae Sundae’ which is perfect if you have a sweet tooth. It is a combination of Oreos, chocolate chip cookies, nuts, cream, and caramel, among many other ingredients.             3. Dunns River Falls    This is a great activity all of the family can enjoy. A climb up a waterfall at Dunns River Falls takes about an hour; but the experience is worth it. Dunns River Falls was also featured in the James Bond film ‘Dr. No’.         4. The Luminous Lagoon   The lagoon is home to millions of dinoflagellates, so at night the lagoon shimmers and sparkles with the glow of these organisms. It is a once in a lifetime experience to see this phenomenon for yourself. Take a tour around the lagoon, and at the end you can jump into the lagoon, to surround yourself by a magical, surreal, luminous green glow.         5. Visit Rocklands Bird Sanctuary   At Rocklands Bird Sanctuary you will have the opportunity to feed a hummingbird out of your hand! This rustic and relaxing bird sanctuary is the perfect way to spend an afternoon, the sanctuary is home to thousands of birds; meaning you could be lost for hours exploring.         6. Reggae Sumfest   Reggae Sumfest spreads across Montego Bay in Jamaica , it has been coined ‘The greatest reggae show on Earth’. Each night of the event is themed differently with a colourful array of parties in different locations, all close to Montego Bay. The event is prolific for having only the best reggae stars, and is the largest concert festival in the whole of Jamaica . The event takes place from July 17 – 23 2016.     7. Visit Bob Marley's Birthplace    Ninemile, which is not only the birthplace, but also the final resting place of Bob Marley. The surrounding village is where Marley drew inspiration for many of his songs. See Marley’s infamous ‘Rock Pillow’ which is where he used to meditate, and stop nearby to visit the mausoleum, which is where Bob Marley is buried.         8. River Tubing   Tubing on the White River is an exhilarating yet relaxing way to spend an afternoon. Lay in a tube ring and relax while you float along this tropical paradise. Surrounded by beautiful mountains and sounds of nature, your guide will take you on a journey through crystal clear water, a perfect day out for all the family.         9. A Ghost Tour of Rose Hall   Discover the legend of the White Witch, guided only by candle light around the apparently haunted house, whilst listening to captivating and chilling stories. At the end of the guided tour you can visit the dungeon, which has been converted into a tavern; Annee’s pub. Where you can indulge in a glass of ‘witches brew’.          10. Visit the Grotto Caves, and enjoy a journey into the underworld   The caves are filled naturally with pristine water, and surrounded by lush vegetation.  These caves are bursting with history, during the 17 th century when the English invaded, the Spaniards used the caves to hide in. Throughout the tour you are guided in and out of the caves, so you can really experience this wonderful natural phenomenon. This subterranean lake is showered with light holes from above, it is a beautiful sight, and one that we would recommend for all the family.     If you would like to hear more about this beautiful and vibrant destination please contact us on , 01431 9700           var contourDateFormat = "dd/mm/yy"; var contourFieldValuesae32a616f139416d816cc4209acbce0e; (function ($) { $(function () { $("#contour_form_OnlineContactform .contourPage input").change(function() { PopulateFieldValuesae32a616f139416d816cc4209acbce0e(); CheckRulesae32a616f139416d816cc4209acbce0e(); }); $("#contour_form_OnlineContactform .contourPage select").change(function () { PopulateFieldValuesae32a616f139416d816cc4209acbce0e(); CheckRulesae32a616f139416d816cc4209acbce0e(); }); PopulateFieldValuesae32a616f139416d816cc4209acbce0e(); CheckRulesae32a616f139416d816cc4209acbce0e(); }); } (jQuery)); function PopulateFieldValuesae32a616f139416d816cc4209acbce0e() { //fill field values //contourFieldValues = new Array(); PopulateRecordValuesae32a616f139416d816cc4209acbce0e(); $("#contour_form_OnlineContactform .contourPage select").each(function() { contourFieldValuesae32a616f139416d816cc4209acbce0e[$(this).attr("id")] = $("option[value='" + $(this).val() + "']", $(this)).text(); }); $("#contour_form_OnlineContactform .contourPage input").each(function() { if($(this).attr('type') == "text"){ contourFieldValuesae32a616f139416d816cc4209acbce0e[$(this).attr("id")] = $(this).val(); } if($(this).attr('type') == "radio"){ if($(this).is(':checked')) { contourFieldValuesae32a616f139416d816cc4209acbce0e[$(this).attr("name")] = $(this).val(); } } if($(this).attr('type') == "checkbox"){ if($(this).attr('id') != $(this).attr('name')) { if($(this).is(':checked')) { if(contourFieldValuesae32a616f139416d816cc4209acbce0e[$(this).attr("name")] == null) { contourFieldValuesae32a616f139416d816cc4209acbce0e[$(this).attr("name")] = $(this).val(); } else { contourFieldValuesae32a616f139416d816cc4209acbce0e[$(this).attr("name")] += "," + $(this).val(); } } } else { contourFieldValuesae32a616f139416d816cc4209acbce0e[$(this).attr("name")] = $(this).is(':checked').toString(); } } }); } function PopulateRecordValuesae32a616f139416d816cc4209acbce0e() { contourFieldValuesae32a616f139416d816cc4209acbce0e = new Array(); } function CheckRulesae32a616f139416d816cc4209acbce0e() { } Online Contact Form Firstname Surname Email address Telephone Number Preferred date of travel Number of nights Number of people Age of Children Travelling (If Any) Holiday Destination Preferred Class of Travel Economy Premium Economy Business Class First Class Private Jet Preferred Hotel (If Known) Preferred Room Type (If Known) Preferred Meal Plan Approximate budget Any Additional Information Where did you hear about us? Google Newspaper or Magazine Advert Social Media Other Already on Database Would you like to hear about exclusive holiday offers and updates from Caribtours via email? Yes please . Message http://www.caribtours.ie/blog/rss/blog/2016/june/top-10-activities-for-teens-to-enjoy-in-jamaica/ http://www.caribtours.ie/blog/rss/blog/2016/june/top-10-activities-for-teens-to-enjoy-in-jamaica/ Mon, 20 June 2016 15:49:28 http://www.caribtours.ie/blog/rss/blog/2016/june/what-to-expect-at-the-bodyholiday-saint-lucia/ We all need a holiday… we all need to relax and take a breath… The beauty of September Solos at The BodyHoliday , Saint Lucia , is that you can do as little or as much as you like. The staff are on hand to create a personalised itinerary, which you can fill with as many activities and pampering treatments as you like. With daily spa treatments, and an exhaustive list of exercises classes and activities, you will be guaranteed to come home feeling like a whole new person. Below is a sample of how you could fill a whole week: Monday Morning class – Well Fit Aerobics Spa treatment - Elemis All Skin Type Facial Exercise class - Yoga in the Pavilion   Tuesday Morning Class – Aqua Fit Spa treatment - Lucian Lime & Ginger Scrub Enjoy - A Tennis lesson Hosted Cocktail Party hosted at Cariblue Pool   Wednesday Morning Class – Beach Fit Enjoy - The Complimentary Water Sports on Offer Spa treatment - Hand & Foot Zone Therapy Hosted Dinner Party at TAO   Thursday Morning Class – Zumba on the beach Enjoy – Archery in the range Spa Treatment - Aloe Yoghurt Body Wrap   Friday Morning Class – Spinning Spa Treatment - Deluxe Coconut and Spice Combo Invigorating Massage Enjoy – Water Volleyball with fellow travellers   Saturday Morning Class – Aqua fit Spa Treatment - Heaven & Earth  Ayurvedic Massage Exercise Class – Tai Chi Hosted Dinner Party at Cariblue   Sunday Morning Class – Beach fit Spa Treatment - Full Body Massage Enjoy – A round of golf with a PGA professional to help you improve your game A sunset cruise on your final evening in paradise   This is just a sample of some of the things you can enjoy or take part in, whilst at The BodyHoliday . Everything can be changed as much as your like, and tailor made to you.  If you would like to hear more about this exciting and unique getaway, please contact us on 01431 9700  or have a look at our dedicated Facebook page for more information. http://www.caribtours.ie/blog/rss/blog/2016/june/what-to-expect-at-the-bodyholiday-saint-lucia/ http://www.caribtours.ie/blog/rss/blog/2016/june/what-to-expect-at-the-bodyholiday-saint-lucia/ Thu, 16 June 2016 11:05:58 http://www.caribtours.ie/blog/rss/blog/2016/june/09/london-s-best-mexican-restaurants/ Why not start your Mexican holiday early with some of London’s best spots to sample Mexican cuisine. Over the past two years, the number of Mexican restaurants across UK has risen by 71% overtaking burger joints.  Wahaca, the Mexican chain started this exciting and innovative trend, but we have been researching some more of the hidden Mexican gems across the capital. Get a taste of these delicious flavours and ingredients and then why not book a luxury holiday to experience the real thing. We are always on hand to give you our expert advice on where to go and when… Café Pacifico Café Pacifico proclaimed to be ‘London’s first Mexican Cantina’ is tucked away off the bustling Long Acre; right by Covent Garden tube station. It has a busy and colourful interior and the same applies to the menu. It is bursting with choice, from Char-grilled aubergine & sun blushed tomato enchiladas to tempura seabass and king prawn tacos. They are infamous for their delicious margaritas; which they serve by the pitcher! La Bodega Negra   La Bodega Negra is located in the heart of Soho, with its sister restaurant in the West Village, New York. The restaurant itself is disguised as a Sex Shop; the exterior of the shop is adorned with neon lights, the restaurant is located down in a hacienda style cellar. It is a unique response to Mexican food, with experimental mixtures of flavours.  Our favourite dishes on the menu are, the beetroot & radish ceviche and the habanero soft shell crab; the whole menu is truly delicious! Tonteria   Tonteria is a multifaceted Mexican experience, in the early evening it is a tapas lounge, which serves delicious Mexican tapas and cocktails. As the evening draws closer, it turns into a Mexican nightspot, with a DJ and delicious cocktails. The tapas is inspired by tradition, and references many locations in Mexico. Our favourite picks are the fried Padron peppers, and the ‘Mexican Mudbath’. It is a selection of mini churros, marshmallows and strawberries to dip in the melted chocolate Mudbath! Crazy Homies Crazy Homies is located on Westbourne Park Road. It is home to an extensive list of over 30 types of tequila! The restaurant itself is intimate, with a crazy interior, the walls plastered with day of the dead imagery and bright floral patterns, it really is an homage to Mexico. We particularly like the Yucatan Ceviche which is made from Mahi Mahi marinated in lime juice served on salad leaves and topped off with an exotic fruit salsa! DF Mexico DF Mexico is a modern Mexican diner; the cuisine is a fusion of Mexican and New York Diner. Quick, relaxed and delicious are the words that come to mind when eating here. It is an informal venue to enjoy and experiment with Mexican cuisine. We particularly love the ‘Tortas’ a Mexican sandwich served new York style, the chicken and smashed avocado one is particularly good! Azteca Azteca is located on The Kings Road, an intimate Mexican cantina with a lot of charm. With over 120 types of tequila on offer, you will be spoilt for choice! Azteca often acts as a host to live bands, it has a very fun atmosphere which is enhanced by the delicious menu. Our favourite pick from the menu is the beef tacos and the freshly made salsa, which has a real kick to it! If you would like to hear more about Mexico or any of our other destinations, please contact us on 020 7751 0660 http://www.caribtours.ie/blog/rss/blog/2016/june/09/london-s-best-mexican-restaurants/ http://www.caribtours.ie/blog/rss/blog/2016/june/09/london-s-best-mexican-restaurants/ Thu, 09 June 2016 16:30:33 http://www.caribtours.ie/blog/rss/blog/2016/june/09/our-top-5-hotel-interiors/ Here at Caribtours, we love looking at all the different ways in which hotels and resorts experiment with interiors; so we have put together a shortlist of our favourite picks for you: Malliouhana Hotel & Spa , Anguilla Malliouhana has recently been refurbished to a phenomenal standard, and the result is beautifully fresh and fun. Loud prints and rich textures, which when mixed with subtle marble and light textured wallpaper, blend to make a wonderful combination. A contemporary Caribbean aesthetic. All the rooms now include brand new, state of the art technology; including a mirror which doubles as a television.  The interiors are an eclectic mixture, the designer drawing inspiration globally, and from different time eras. There is a strong reference to the 50s and 60s in the design. Our favourite piece is the vibrant fruit print material wardrobe curtains. Prices from £2,099 per person for 7 nights, including continental breakfast based on 2 adults sharing a Garden View Deluxe Room, including return flights, private transfers and use of a lounge at Gatwick. Eden Rock , St. Barths Eden Rock is a legendary hotel; the first hotel to be built on the island of St. Barths . Our favourite part of the hotel is Villa Nina due to its exceptional interior. As you walk in, you are greeted by a collection of art which could rival any gallery. The living spaces are large, boasting views out to the beautiful ocean. It is fun to explore and wander around the hotel as there is an extensive art collection, with many contemporary and upcoming artists represented along with drawings from the owners son from when we was a child. The hotel has a home from home feel (although extremely luxurious). Each room has its own personality, each filled with beautiful objects collected throughout the Caribbean and beyond. Eden Rock has put a lot of thought into their design, and really offers something to suit every guest’s tastes. Prices from £3,099 per person for 7 nights, based on 2 adults sharing a Garden Cottage, including breakfast, return flights, private transfers and use of a lounge at Gatwick. Six Senses Laamu , Maldives The interiors at Six Senses Laamu are stunning. The rooms are made with a pale wood resulting in a muted and calm interior, with a pop of colour from the cushions on the day bed; which are a jovial mix of bold colours. We are in love with the unique sinks here, each set into a travelling chest. The bathrooms are mostly outside, with a bath and a shower open to the elements so you can enjoy the sound of nature, if you prefer your own soundtrack they have Bose speakers hooked up to speakers outside! Prices from £2,799 per person for 7 nights, including breakfast, based on 2 adults sharing a Lagoon Water Villa, including return flights, inter-island flights, speedboat transfers and use of a lounge at Heathrow. Parrot Cay by COMO , Turks & Caicos The interiors at Parrot Cay by COMO are exceptionally calming and serene. We particularly love the two-bedroom Beach Houses. A contemporary haven nestled between the sand dunes. With huge sliding glass doors you can see straight out to your very own large decking area with private pool. From your room you have uninterrupted views of the ocean, we particularly love the outdoor sofas here, the perfect spot to enjoy a sun-downer. Prices from £1,889 per person for 7 nights, based on 2 adults sharing a Terrace Room, including breakfast, return flights, transfers and use of an airport lounge. Four Seasons Resort Mauritius at Anahita The interior design of the Sanctuary Beach Pool Villa at the Four Seasons Resort Mauritius at Anahita is contemporary yet extremely comfortable. The natural shades of white and blue mirror the ocean and the sand, which is only a few steps in front of your villa. We particularly love the daybed which is perfect spot for relaxing, there is also a romantic private area which can be used for al fresco dining. Prices from £2,625 per person for 7 nights, based on 2 adults sharing a Garden Pool Villa on half board, including return flights, private transfers and use of a lounge at Gatwick. If you would like to hear more about these beautiful destinations please contact us on, 020 7751 0660 http://www.caribtours.ie/blog/rss/blog/2016/june/09/our-top-5-hotel-interiors/ http://www.caribtours.ie/blog/rss/blog/2016/june/09/our-top-5-hotel-interiors/ Thu, 09 June 2016 09:30:39 http://www.caribtours.ie/blog/rss/blog/2016/may/mauritius-101/ Thinking of a luxury holiday to Mauritius? Our expert team have put together everything you need to know about this idyllic paradise from how to get there to activities to enjoy whilst you are there.     The Statistics Local Currency : Mauritian Rupee Capital City : Port Louis Weather : 17  - 30 degrees  Language : English, French and Creole (a variation of French) Time Difference : GMT + 4 hours   The Flight Flight-time : 12 hours (overnight), we suggest flying British Airways who run 3 direct flights per week from London Gatwick to Mauritius, book before 15 June and save 38% Where to Stay Whether you’re looking to travel across the island staying in multiple hotels, or looking for just one; we have picked you our top 6 offers , which includes the beautiful  One&Only Le Saint Géran . What to Do Mauritius is a true year-round destination and has a wealth of attractions to tempt you away from the poolside. Let our blog of our experts’ top 10 sights and activities inspire you to discover this versatile island filled with Botanical gardens, nature reserves with thrilling zip lines, scuba diving and horse racing to name just a few. If you would like to hear more about this destination, contact us on 01431 9700 http://www.caribtours.ie/blog/rss/blog/2016/may/mauritius-101/ http://www.caribtours.ie/blog/rss/blog/2016/may/mauritius-101/ Fri, 27 May 2016 16:48:22 http://www.caribtours.ie/blog/rss/blog/2016/may/meet-the-september-solos-trainers-at-the-bodyholiday/ September Solos at The BodyHoliday , St. Lucia , is host to a variety of outstanding trainers. The first, Dean Hodgkin, is an ambassador of health and fitness. Hodgkin was voted Best International Fitness presenter at the ‘1 Body 1 World’ awards in New York, and has received the lifetime achievement award at the international Fitness showcase. At The BodyHoliday , Hodgkin hosts master classes, seminars, talks, and takes exciting workouts which cover a vast array of themes.  Hodgkin has written features for many publications including: The Times, GQ, and Men’s Health, among many others. He has had a star studded past, winning three times world, and two times European karate champion. He has also had experience coaching: basketball: soccer, cricket and American Football. Stephanie Mansour is another trainer at The BodyHoliday , she is the CEO of ‘Step It Up With Steph’, her main goal is to help people lose weight fast and ensure that the result lasts through holistic approaches. Her emphasis is on gaining confidence in yourself in order to create your own personal goal of a perfect body. Her four pronged approach: nutritional, emotional, physical and spiritual create a holistic transformation. No stranger to success, Mansour has a string of certificates, for physical training, yoga and professional life coaching, among others. At September Solos you will have the once in a lifetime opportunity to work directly with these trainers in order to achieve your goals. There is also a large team which are in house all year round. Ranging from a nutritionist to an osteopath. If you would like to hear more about the trainers and September Solos at The BodyHoliday then please contact us on 01431 9700 . http://www.caribtours.ie/blog/rss/blog/2016/may/meet-the-september-solos-trainers-at-the-bodyholiday/ http://www.caribtours.ie/blog/rss/blog/2016/may/meet-the-september-solos-trainers-at-the-bodyholiday/ Wed, 11 May 2016 15:29:21 http://www.caribtours.ie/blog/rss/blog/2016/may/september-solos-at-the-bodyholiday/ The September Solos retreat at The BodyHoliday , St. Lucia is the perfect opportunity to have fun, improve your fitness and meet new people. This retreat is host to a wonderful array of activities, spa treatments, yoga, Pilates, sport on land or sea. Whether you are travelling alone, with friends, or even a large group, you will be able to mingle at the range of activities exclusively created for September Solo guests. These activities range from group yoga, zip-line tours and sports tournaments; and in the evening, sunset cruises, group dinners and themed evening receptions.  At The Body Holiday you will receive a personalised schedule comprised of spa treatments, fitness classes and group activities.  There is an extensive range of included amenities, such as breakfast, lunch, afternoon tea and dinner; unlimited premium brand drinks, wine, champagne, personalised schedule of daily spa treatments,  all watersports and land sport, including tuition, and all holistic exercise classes, among a huge range of other activities. The September Solos retreat at The BodyHoliday is situated in a perfect location to promote wellbeing and holistic discovery, with white sand beaches and surrounded by greenery.  There are fitness instructors and coaches on site to encourage wellbeing though a range of activities. One being Steph Mansour, a weight loss and lifestyle coach who has featured on over fifty television shows. At The BodyHoliday you will have the pleasure of staying in wonderful accommodation, the Standard Garden View Room is perfect for a solo traveller, this opportunity is only available to book through Caribtours. Not only do we offer this, we also have exclusive savings which you won’t find anywhere else. If you would like to hear more about this amazing retreat and exclusive savings please contact us on 01431 9700 . http://www.caribtours.ie/blog/rss/blog/2016/may/september-solos-at-the-bodyholiday/ http://www.caribtours.ie/blog/rss/blog/2016/may/september-solos-at-the-bodyholiday/ Wed, 11 May 2016 11:00:44 http://www.caribtours.ie/blog/rss/blog/2016/april/9-fun-things-to-do-in-anguilla/ 1.  Get a drink at Elvis’ Beach Bar & Burger at the Pumphouse Take a walk along the Sandy Ground area of Anguilla and end up at Elvis’ beach bar for a rum punch. Elvis’ is a truly unique bar, the bar itself is inside a boat with the bar stools hugging the perimeter. The owner, Elvis has recently expanded with a small restaurant next door to the bar, it is infamous for its delicious fish tacos. Opposite Elvis’ is the Pump House, a local, laid back hangout and home to the most delicious burgers on island. Every Thursday and Tuesday evening it is the perfect spot to enjoy live reggae music and have a dance. Not only is it a spot to indulge and have fun, but also it is a historical building, it was used for many years as a mill for refining salt from the Road Bay Salt Pond.       2.  Cruise to St. Barths Feeling like a day trip? With regular boats from Anguilla to neighbouring islands it couldn’t be easier to experience another island for the day. St. Barths is a beautiful island located only 43.4km from Anguilla . It is a luxurious island, and a favourite among celebrities. The main shopping can be found in Gustavia with outlets of all the high end European brands you would expect to find in Paris and Milan. If you feel like a spot of lunch on the island why not head to the infamous Eden Rock Hotel to enjoy some lunch at the Sand Bar, a restaurant by Jean-Georges. Our particular favourite is the black truffle pizza with Fontina cheese.        3.  Swim at Shoal Bay & Elodia’s Beach Bar For an idyllic beach with powder white sand head to Shoal Bay. While you are there make sure to stop off at Elodia’s beach bar. It is a great spot to hang out whilst enjoying the bay and the view. They have Sunday jam sessions where you can relax and unwind on the beach whilst enjoying the music. We would also recommend renting some snorkels as it is a wonderful spot to see turtles.       4 . Little Bay Little Bay is a small bay which can only be accessed by boat, or by a thin rope hanging down the cliff. The rope sounds scary but in reality is very manageable; there are some foot holes which have been made by previous people climbing up and down.  It is well worth the boat trip or climb, the bay is a tranquil sanctuary of calm. Completely secluded, an absolutely romantic escape! There is an abundance of turtles in the water, so be sure to bring your snorkelling gear. Or if you are more of an adrenaline junkie there is a giant rock on the right side which you can climb up (again assisted with a rope) and dive off into the deep sea.       5.  Scilly Cay Scilly Cay is a tiny coral based island very close to the Island Harbour of Anguilla . Guests are taken across in a tint boat to the island, which houses the restaurant, owned by Eudoxie & Sandra. It is the perfect spot for lunch with a simple but delicious menu. There are only four choices on the menu, or you can choose to have a combo of any, chicken, lobster crayfish and fish. We would recommend the lobster, it’s truly delicious!        6.  Horseback riding on the Beach Seaside Stables Anguilla offers a unique experience, whether it’s riding on a secluded beach or swimming on horseback in the warm Caribbean Sea. There is something for first time riders as they have a small but select group of kind natured horses, and for the more advanced they even have an ex- racehorse!        7.  Anguilla Boat Race The Anguillan boat race is a wonderful annual tradition. The boats themselves and the rules are unique to the island. If you are on island during the period of the boat race, (held over various times in the spring and summer), be sure to pay a visit to Sandy Ground to get a good view! The boat race is a wonderful event where you can experience island life and the jovial competitive spirit which comes with it.       8. Take a look at the Irie Life Shop Irie Life is an exceptional shop like no other!  It is a boutique housed in a century old West Indian cottage that has been lovingly preserved and maintained throughout the decades. It is filled with Anguilla’s finest selection of t-shirts, swimwear, magnets, and other trinkets which are the perfect souvenir or present. They have recently opened a second shop in Sandy Ground, making it even easier to do your holiday shopping.       9. Bankie Banx’s Dune Preserve Beach Bar Bankie Banx’s Dune Preserve Beach bar is located on Rendezvous Bay. It is not to be missed! A large beach complex comprised of treasures of the sea such as drift wood and shells. With many nooks and crannies to sit and enjoy a rum punch in. The Dune is also host to Bankie Banx’s Moonsplash festival, a superb weekend music event which has taken place since the 90s! If you would like to hear more or visit this amazing destination, please contact us on  01431 9700. http://www.caribtours.ie/blog/rss/blog/2016/april/9-fun-things-to-do-in-anguilla/ http://www.caribtours.ie/blog/rss/blog/2016/april/9-fun-things-to-do-in-anguilla/ Tue, 26 April 2016 10:04:55 http://www.caribtours.ie/blog/rss/blog/2016/april/19/shangri-la-s-le-touessrok-resort-spa-restaurant-guide/ Shangri-La have reopened the already renowned Le Touessrok last year to bring their signature style and service to the shores of Mauritius for the first time. The resort offers world class accommodation, an amazing array of activities and its own private islet, but who are we kidding, we all know what really matters when you’re on holiday... and that’s the food. So here is our quick guide on where to eat at Shangri-La’s Le Touessrok . Sega Bar is a rum and Tiki bar located near the main pool and we think this is the perfect spot for pre dinner drinks. Their signature smoked rum is a must, local rum is infused with smokey flavours giving a taste sensation like no other. With brilliant live entertainment including African and cultural dances before live bands and jazz artists take to the stage. At Safran you are welcomed to embark on a sensory journey to India with a Mauritian twist on the authentic Indian dishes. The brain child of internationally acclaimed Chef Ramesh Bundi, Safran mixes an array of popular flavours and spices and the finest local ingredients, all prepared with continental methods. Try dishes such as the Tandoori lobster infused with dried ginger, broccoli & black dal, sweet & sour rasam broth and crunchy chat chips. In addition to the a la carte menu, the restaurant offers set menus, including vegetarian options and a premium menu. Overlooking the lagoon and Ilot Mangenie, Kushi is a specialized Japanese restaurant, with a master sushi chef and sushi bar, kobe and wagyu menus and an amazing selection of sake and cocktails. There is a built in grill at each table so guests can experience yakiniku which is a ‘Japanese BBQ’ cooked right on your table. If neither of these takes your fancy then there’s the traditional Omakase set menu offering chef’s specials that change daily depending on the fresh fish arrivals. Kuish is a great spot for lunch or dinner. Republik on Frangipani islet, is a super cool Beach Club & Grill. The restaurant serves Mediterranean cuisine and charcoal fired barbecue grills. Everything about this restaurant is trendy from the live music to the themed nights, they even collaborated with local artists to design the menus bringing unique Art & Food concept to the island. On Thursday and Friday nights they have fire dancers and other live entertainment including local artists and international DJs and once a month they have a Saturday night BBQ spit roast on the beach with a brilliant party atmosphere that is fun for all of the family. Keep your eyes peeled for Sunday Bruch at Ilot Mangenie coming soon which promises to be a brunch experience like no other. If you would like to visit this amazing property and try this amazing culinary experience, please contact us on 020 7751 0660 http://www.caribtours.ie/blog/rss/blog/2016/april/19/shangri-la-s-le-touessrok-resort-spa-restaurant-guide/ http://www.caribtours.ie/blog/rss/blog/2016/april/19/shangri-la-s-le-touessrok-resort-spa-restaurant-guide/ Tue, 19 April 2016 17:24:36 http://www.caribtours.ie/blog/rss/blog/2016/april/01/our-guide-to-eating-out-in-barbados/ Food in Barbados is as vibrant as the island itself. There is an abundance of fine restaurants on the island, offering every kind of cuisine imaginable, and thanks to the wide range of dining options, there is something to suit every taste and budget. A number of chic restaurants in the idyllic seaside settings command a lavish budget, however there are plenty of mid-range and cheaper options that are excellent value. From waterside tavernas to top spots for lunch and the best seafood restaurants, read on for our guide to the best restaurants in Barbados. The West Coast The Fish Pot is an old fort and serves up catches that come into the neighbouring fishing community at Six Men’s Bay. The chef cleverly brings out the natural flavours and the setting is beautiful. There is more seafood at the rustic, homely Fisherman’s Pub in the quaint town of Speightstown, whilst nearby Juma’s combines Caribbean, French and Thai cuisine, and offers an inviting three course menu that includes flying fish paté,Thai green curry and rum and raisin cheesecake. Heading down to Holetown you are spoilt for choice. Sea Cat does British-style fish and chips, but if you are looking to try some local cuisine, go for the amberjack, grouper or barracuda, and if you can’t decide, ask for one of their amazing platters. A little further south and you enter the zone of glamorous waterside restaurants, popular with celebrities. If you are looking for something really special, book in at The Cliff . It is a little pricey, so make the most of your evening by arriving early to watch the sunset with a cocktail on the wooden terrace overlooking a beautiful little cove, before taking a seat for dinner. The South Coast The perennial hotspot Champers serves generous portions of quality meat, fish and divine desserts. A beautiful setting for that special occasion, your meal can be enjoyed on the terrace overlooking the waves. Blakey’s on the Boardwalk is famous for its gourmet burgers and grilled fish, while for lighter fare visitors are raving about the waffles and panini’s at Bliss Cafe . Harlequin is a St Lawrence Gap favourite, with tables out on the deck, jazzy background music and a menu that features meaty king fish, tangy pork chops and pasta dishes. For particular Bajan fair, the fish fry at Oistins is a must. Choose from a variety of Bajan seasoned fish and have it fried or grilled, as you take in the local entertainment and music. There’s also lots of local rum and beer to be enjoyed at the bars while you dance the night away. The East Cast The wild east coast inevitably has less choice, but the settings can be magical. The Round House , a historic inn looks down on the palm-fringed shore of Bathsheba and has been going for more than a century. The coconut shrimp and the vodka-lime sauce is recommended, as are the grilled fish sandwiches. If you are looking for something a bit more low-key, casual Dina’s Bar and Cafe is lovely and combines a relaxed atmosphere with friendly service. For more things to do on the beautiful island of Barbados, read our guide . http://www.caribtours.ie/blog/rss/blog/2016/april/01/our-guide-to-eating-out-in-barbados/ http://www.caribtours.ie/blog/rss/blog/2016/april/01/our-guide-to-eating-out-in-barbados/ Fri, 01 April 2016 13:08:00 http://www.caribtours.ie/blog/rss/blog/2016/march/15/travel-in-style-with-virgin-atlantic/ Along with our Antigua fortnight we have released some very special Virgin Premium Economy and Upper Class fares. Save with Virgin and arrive in style. We promise a dream holiday, with a dream service from start to finish. Premium Economy makes flying even more enjoyable. Enjoy dedicated check-in, priority boarding, and a pre-flight glass of bubbly. There’s more space to relax, as your purple leather seat is one of the biggest in its class. For dinner, choose from three delicious meals, all served on china, with stainless steel cutlery and linen. Once you’ve landed, you’re one of the first off the aircraft, and so are your bags, so you can get to the beach as soon as possible. Flying Upper Class means guests can enjoy exclusive use of the Virgin Atlantic Clubhouse, a luxurious mix of cocktail bar, boutique hotel and private members’ club. Once on board, stretch your legs at the onboard bar. Then when it’s time to sleep, lie back on one of the longest, most comfortable fully flat beds. With exceptional privacy, comfort and service, you’ll arrive in Antigua refreshed and ready for whatever you holiday has in store. Find out more about the beautiful island of Antigua http://www.caribtours.ie/blog/rss/blog/2016/march/15/travel-in-style-with-virgin-atlantic/ http://www.caribtours.ie/blog/rss/blog/2016/march/15/travel-in-style-with-virgin-atlantic/ Tue, 15 March 2016 12:11:29 http://www.caribtours.ie/blog/rss/blog/2016/march/09/the-best-view-in-antigua/ The beauty in Antigua is endless. From the 365 sweeping beaches to the historic Nelson’s Dockyard, this idyllic island paradise is what dreams are made of. But for the best view on the island, here’s our little tip. Make your way up to Shirley Heights via the nature trail through the forest which starts at English Harbour. When you reach the top you will experience that wow moment and make sure you take your camera, this is one moment you will want to capture. As if amazing views wasn’t enough, for some real fun in the sun, you have to join the party at Shirley Heights. Every Sunday afternoon this restored 18th century garrison, with its magnificent panoramic views of English Harbour, Montserrat and Guadeloupe, comes alive with the island’s biggest barbecue and steel band concert. Enjoy good food, great music and a brilliant party atmosphere, all whilst on top of the world. Find out more about the best things to do in Antigua http://www.caribtours.ie/blog/rss/blog/2016/march/09/the-best-view-in-antigua/ http://www.caribtours.ie/blog/rss/blog/2016/march/09/the-best-view-in-antigua/ Wed, 09 March 2016 11:48:18 http://www.caribtours.ie/blog/rss/blog/2016/march/09/5-of-the-best-child-friendly-hotels-in-antigua/ Taking that well deserved family break is on the top of every family's ‘to do’ list, so we thought we would help narrow your options down with the top 5 family friendly resorts, making sure that everyone goes home with everlasting memories. Jumby Bay, A Rosewood Resort Perfect for children of all ages, this hotel embraces fun and adventure, with endless possibilities to explore the unique wildlife around the island and below the waters. Kids can experience something like never before with Jumby Bay’s Hawksbill Turtle Programme, where they can take part in the island's conservation efforts and see first-hand turtle nesting and help release the hatchlings in to the sea. Blue Waters As a family owned and run resort, Blue Waters prides itself on understanding families’ needs. With a crèche and kids club for ages 18 months – 12 years offering arts and crafts, sports and team challenges, the kids will be kept well and truly entertained. There is also the ‘secret garden’ with various other activities for them to enjoy. Curtain Bluff Family holidays to Curtain Bluff soon turn into family traditions, as guests return every year for their all-inclusive laid back luxury break. This is a great choice for a family holiday, especially if you have teenagers in tow. They can enjoy their independence and all the sports facilities on offer, while you make the most of the peace and quiet. The excellent CeeBee Kids’ Camp offers a complimentary programme of activities 5 days a week for children aged 3-10; a great way for kids to make friends and experience the resort on their own terms. The Verandah Resort & Spa The spacious suites make this perfect for families. Kids will love the Verandah’s cool crazy golf course- it’s the only one that we’ve come across in the Caribbean, and a great fun way to spend an hour away from the beach. With two different beaches and three different pools, you can do something different every day of your holiday at this resort. St James's Club Resort & Villas Families love this famous resort, with fire-eating to limbo dancing, steel band performances and crab racing, there’s never a dull moment here. There is also an open air Teen Club on the beach at Mamora Bay, and with the 60th annual Antigua Carnival this year, the fun never ends at this all-inclusive resort. Take the kids snorkelling at the amazing Coco Beach or try the complimentary water sports in the calm waters of Mamora Bay. Find out more about the beautiful island of Antigua http://www.caribtours.ie/blog/rss/blog/2016/march/09/5-of-the-best-child-friendly-hotels-in-antigua/ http://www.caribtours.ie/blog/rss/blog/2016/march/09/5-of-the-best-child-friendly-hotels-in-antigua/ Wed, 09 March 2016 09:45:45 http://www.caribtours.ie/blog/rss/blog/2016/march/01/something-different-in-saint-lucia/ There’s no wrong way to experience Saint Lucia, whether you take to the skies on a scenic helicopter tour or head out to sea for whale and dolphin watching. There’s so much to do on this amazing island that you could never get bored. But if you are looking for something different, try these exciting new tours that are available to visitors of this enticing island. Antillia Brewery The only craft brewery in the region has been open for just over a year and offers guests the perfect pit stop to refresh with an ice cold beer, some brilliant food and a few good tunes. Take a personal tour and learn about the art of creating beer with a few cheeky samples in the brewery’s taproom. The brewery produces three main styles of ale which are Golden Wheat, Pale Ale and Stout and also experiment in barrel aging and infusing island fruits. Beers on tap that you must try are their delicious Passionfruit Wheat, the hoppy and balanced Pale Ale, Caribbean Champ Golden Ale and Chocolate Stout. The brewery have released a very special seasonal ale to join their speciality series, the bold Bois Bande Aphrodisiac Stout which is stout, barrel aged with Bois Bande, cacao and cinnamon. Delicious. Dive Saint Lucia Dive Saint Lucia, is one of the premier scuba diving centres in the Eastern Caribbean featuring state of the art facilities at the complex just south of the Rodney Bay Marina. If you are a beginner diver or more experienced Dive Saint Lucia can cater for you, with state of the art classroom facilities and knowledge of the best diving areas. With the brilliant staff, its own pool facility and high-tech boats and equipment second to none, for diving in Saint Lucia you can’t find a better team.   Greenwood Terrace Experience the essence and flavours of Saint Lucia in the new Greenwood Terrace tour, guests can stroll through sloping grounds bursting with fruit trees, flowers and tropical plants, getting a real taste of the Saint Lucia flora and fauna. You will have the chance to taste unusual fruits and smell the scents of exotic flowers. There is even a medical herb garden where you can discover the ingredients and scents used long ago by the island’s original inhabitants, the Antillean Arawak, in medicine and cuisine. Stroll around the wonderful gardens, taste fruits, rum and island delicacies, and learn which traditions have survived over time. Find out more about what the island of Saint Lucia has to offer http://www.caribtours.ie/blog/rss/blog/2016/march/01/something-different-in-saint-lucia/ http://www.caribtours.ie/blog/rss/blog/2016/march/01/something-different-in-saint-lucia/ Tue, 01 March 2016 10:40:06 http://www.caribtours.ie/blog/rss/blog/2016/february/29/saint-lucia-wins-the-coveted-title-of-best-honeymoon-island-in-the-world/ We all know that Saint Lucia is a popular choice amongst honeymooners, for its romantic settings, world class hotels, delicious cuisine and spirited atmosphere. And their title as ‘Best Honeymoon Island in the World’ has been firmly cemented after winning the vote in the Conde Nast Traveller 2015 Readers' Choice Awards. Beating other popular islands like Bermuda, Jamaica and Maui, Saint Lucia certainly deserves its place at the top. The destination was praised for its "beautiful beaches and mountainous views," with a UNESCO World Heritage Site, lush rainforest and palm-fringed beaches we couldn’t agree more. The romantic scenery and magical resorts make this the definitive honeymoon destination. Sugar Beach, A Viceroy Resort is one of the best honeymoon hotels on the island, and a firm favourite for our honeymoon clients. Set on a beautiful bay and tucked between the magnificent Pitons, there couldn’t be a more spectacular location to start your married life. Relax on the powder white sand with all day poolside and beachside service or see the island from another perspective on a romantic sunset cruise on board the resorts' Hans Christian sailing yacht. With luxurious accommodation, superb restaurants and a fabulous spa, you’ll enjoy the very best of everything at this outstanding resort. With outstanding service, stunning views and a totally luxurious experience, Jade Mountain offers the ultimate honeymoon. Upgrade to arrive at the resort by helicopter before escaping to your Sanctuary Suite where you will feel that you are on top of the world, as Jade Mountain is set above the private estate of Anse Chastanet with magnificent panoramic views. Staying at Jade Mountain can give you the best of both worlds. Relax in luxury or enjoy many of the activities available in resort or on the island, from ocean kayaking to deep sea fishing, snorkelling and scuba diving and even jungle biking. Jade Mountain is the place for a truly unique and unforgettable honeymoon. Find out more about the magnificent island of Saint Lucia http://www.caribtours.ie/blog/rss/blog/2016/february/29/saint-lucia-wins-the-coveted-title-of-best-honeymoon-island-in-the-world/ http://www.caribtours.ie/blog/rss/blog/2016/february/29/saint-lucia-wins-the-coveted-title-of-best-honeymoon-island-in-the-world/ Mon, 29 February 2016 16:51:17 http://www.caribtours.ie/blog/rss/blog/2016/february/22/christmas-on-the-beach/ What really matters over the festive period is spending time with your family and friends. To maximise the good times and eliminate the stress, get away from it all and spend Christmas 2016 on a beach and leave the Christmas preparations in the hands of the very experienced staff. Here are our top picks of amazing places to stay at over the festive period. Sandy Lane, Barbados Star treatment comes as standard from Sandy Lane’s wonderful staff and being treated like royalty, especially at Christmas, is always an essential in our opinion. This prestigious resort certainly deserves its place as one of the world’s most luxurious and elegant hotels, the gourmet dining at Sandy Lane is always a treat and the beachside brunch at Bajan Blue is an absolute must. Instead of watching repeats of Only Fools and Horses on Boxing Day, why not swap it for a day in the world class spa, or play a round of golf on the award-winning golf course, which overlooks Barbados’ platinum coastline. PER AQUUM Huvafen Fushi, Maldives Spending Christmas at Huvafen Fushi will be one to remember. This resort is a luxury playground waiting to be explored. Spend Christmas day playing with the hotel’s watersports toys, including paddleboards, catamarans, kayaks, jet skis or their high performance Seabobs. And when you’ve had enough of making a splash in the ocean, take some time to relax and hire your own private boat and set sail to watch the sunset on what will be the end of 2016. Viceroy Riviera Maya, Mexico Escape Christmas tradition at this adult only hideaway in the heart of the Riviera Maya. The jungle and seaside setting and intimate and eco conscious atmosphere make this a truly unique retreat. Relax on the beach and enjoy an afternoon picnic of savoury bites and tropical cocktails, or explore the Mayan ruins of Tulum which is just a short drive up the coast. The Viceroy has everything you need to create a Christmas which is far from the norm. Shangri-La’s Le Touessrok Resort & Spa, Mauritius For an unrivalled standard of personal service, Shangri-La’s Le Touessrok offers a new level of luxury for its guests in Mauritius and the resort prides itself on customising its service to meet every guest’s individual needs. What is really nice about the resort is the history and legacy that is still very apparent in the unique layout. Immerse yourself in culture with a huge variety of entertainment on offer, from traditional Mauritian/African dancers at Sega Bar to the enthralling fire dancers at Republik. Thanks to Shangri-La, luxury doesn’t have to cost the earth, and with offers such as kids stay and eat free year round, you can enjoy a Christmas family break for a reasonable price. The BodyHoliday, Saint Lucia If a Christmas where you can work off the mince pies before you’ve even eaten them sounds like your idea of heaven, then we highly recommend choosing The BodyHoliday in Saint Lucia. With a whole host of activities, sports and fitness classes to get you motivated and energised, this resort offers the best of both worlds; amazing food and unlimited drinks, plus the ability to burn it off again. Enjoy all this paired with daily spa treatments, outstanding service and a wealth of island exploring. One&Only The Palm, Dubai If you don’t want to travel too far but still want Christmas in the sun, then Dubai is the perfect solution. With a flight time of around 6 hours, you will be beach bound in no time and One&Only The Palm is our pick for its laid-back luxury. This boutique resort with an exclusive marina is a great choice for a relaxed break and offers service second to none. It is also in an ideal location, rimmed with a stunning secluded beach and enjoying impressive views of Dubai’s skyline. There is always something exciting taking place over the festive period, and if you decide to stay in Dubai to welcome in the New Year, the fireworks on the Palm are out of this world. http://www.caribtours.ie/blog/rss/blog/2016/february/22/christmas-on-the-beach/ http://www.caribtours.ie/blog/rss/blog/2016/february/22/christmas-on-the-beach/ Mon, 22 February 2016 14:59:10 http://www.caribtours.ie/blog/rss/blog/2016/february/01/new-garden-view-rooms-at-the-bodyholiday/ New for 2016, the Garden View Rooms at The Bodyholiday have all recently been renovated. With complete refurbishment, these rooms now have the latest technology and sleek modern interiors. Furnished with king-size beds, and include noise-cancellation walls for tranquility as well as built-in Bluetooth sound systems that offer music for every taste.           So for those who are returning this year for September Solos you are in for a real treat. And those of you who are yet to book, you will love these fresh new rooms which are perfect for single guests as they carry no single supplement. 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When it comes to Christmas it really pays to book in advance, as flights sell out very early and the best suites will disappear quicker than mince pies in December. So, if you fancy spending Christmas in the sun this year, we urge you to call us now or fill in this form to discuss your options. 2) Get your very own butler Yes this may seem extravagant if you were to have one for the whole year, but why not treat yourselves to your own personal butler on holiday this year. Many of our favourite luxury resorts now provide this service. They are guaranteed to be make your holiday one to remember, from mixing your favourite cocktail to unpacking your suitcase. Jade Mountain in Saint Lucia is not only home to breath taking views but every suite benefits from a personal butler called a Major Domo, at hand for all your needs 24 hours a day. 3) Go Island Hopping Why not combine two or three islands in the Caribbean to create a unique and memorable holiday experience – combine Antigua with British Virgin Islands and maybe even visit Dominica before you leave for home. With daily departures to Antigua , getting there is easier than ever. Panoramic cliff top views, luxurious spas, sparkling pools, laid back beach dining and romantic sun-drenched terraces only add to the paradisiacal vibe. For your second destination, pick the British Virgin Islands and explore a few with a private hire catamaran, giving you the freedom to sail the ocean at your own pace. All of the islands in this cluster are a kaleidoscope of aquamarine waters, sun-soaked harbours, and white-sand beaches – perfect for a few days of pure relaxation. Then make your way to the island of Dominica - an eco-lover’s dream and a diver’s best friend. Drenched in virgin rainforest, home to scorching hot springs, charcoal black beaches and a mountainous centre. You’re best to dig out your hiking boots to explore this wondrous place. 4) Enjoy dinner on your very own private island You don’t need to be Sir Richard Branson to do this – we can organise a picnic or a sundowner on a private island from many of our favourite resorts in the Indian Ocean . PER AQUUM Huvafen Fushi sits on its own private lagoon and is considered as one of the most stylish resorts in the Maldives, it truly is a luxury playground in an awe-inspiring setting. This resort is all about personalised experiences and can offer inspiration for any occasion, whether you are celebrating a special anniversary or looking to pop the question. For something to remember take to the water in a luxury dhoni for a romantic moonlit escape to a deserted island. 5) Go on holiday on your own The thought of taking the plunge and travelling solo can be slightly overwhelming but, we have made it easier than ever for you to enjoy a holiday on your own, and still give you the chance to meet new friends. The BodyHoliday in Saint Lucia is the ultimate wellness retreat and the whole month of September is dedicated to the solo traveller. So whether you’re travelling alone, with a friend or as part of a larger group you can enjoy sunset cruises, group activities, fitness programmes and most importantly a daily spa treatment to energise, soothe and revitalise your body and soul.   If you would like to make any of these your resolutions for 2016, give our experts a call today. http://www.caribtours.ie/blog/rss/blog/2016/january/15/new-year-travel-resolutions/ http://www.caribtours.ie/blog/rss/blog/2016/january/15/new-year-travel-resolutions/ Fri, 15 January 2016 12:53:59 http://www.caribtours.ie/blog/rss/blog/2015/december/21/our-travel-predictions-for-2016/ Grenada The Caribbean has long been a firm favourite of the rich and famous, adventure addicts and sun seekers. Welcoming over 25 million tourists a year, it has seen a growth rate that has surpassed many other parts of the world. One of the most popular Caribbean islands for 2016 is Grenada. With travellers actively seeking out undiscovered destinations, Grenada is likely to be at the top of their Caribbean lists. Less developed than other Caribbean islands and understatedly beautiful. With low rise boutique hotels, laid-back living and lush rainforest set against white beaches and the indigo waters of the Atlantic Ocean and the Caribbean Sea, in Grenada you can experience authentic island life. It is home to hot springs, vividly scented markets, spice plantations, volcanic crater lakes and the striking Seven Sister Falls. With all this on offer it is clear why this will be ‘the’ place to visit in 2016. Grenada isn’t known as the island of spice for no reason; the sweet cinnamon scented air is something to experience in itself. Spice island Beach Resort perfectly captures the delights of Grenada. Set on the glorious Grand Anse beach, this all-suite resort offers great character and charm but above all else gracious hospitality and the best afternoon tea in the Caribbean. Mauritius Another up and coming trendy destination that will be on anybody who’s anybody’s wish list is Mauritius.  This volcanic island packs a big punch when it comes to spectacular beaches, luxurious hotels and underwater adventure.  Already extremely popular with honeymooners, the stunning natural landscapes, mix of cultures and variety of activities on offer mean that the islands are now becoming a brilliant destination for an experiential family holiday. Surrounded by the world’s third largest coral reef, Mauritius is a destination that has it all. Miles of white, sandy beaches, lush tropical forests, emerald waters with beautiful lagoons and plenty of national reserves, not to mention the mountainous landscape. If you’re looking for activities galore then most resorts offer a whole variety of activities and include non motorised water sports free of charge. Jet skiing, snorkelling, tennis courts and golf courses. Or explore the rest of Mauritius; take a catamaran cruise to see the stunning east coast, experience the spectacular waterfalls at Black River Gorges National Park or the adventurous type can seek out thrills by river trekking and zip lining. Mauritius is the perfect family beach holiday destination. Sunny, safe and with an apparently never-ending list of activities, it caters for every member of the family. Resorts such as Shangri-La’s Le Touessrok Resort & Spa offers a complimentary professional kids' clubs to take care of and entertain the kids so parents can have a holiday too. If you are celebrating romance then you can expect ocean-edge dinners, beautiful accommodation, pampering spas and personalised service and few hotels do romance quite so well as The Oberoi . Anguilla Sales to Anguilla are up over 60% this year and there is no doubt that this is due to the pristine beaches and stunning island life. Anguilla is a mix of celebrity and traveller, of world class spa and haute cuisine. The ideal place to experience the intimate Caribbean. After a multi-million dollar overhaul, Malliouhana Hotel & Spa has reopened and is without doubt Anguilla’s most luxurious hotel. Anguilla is a culinary wonderland with over 100 restaurants offering exquisite fine dining, casual beach barbeques and everything in between. The new national heritage site, the Amerindian Fountain Cavern at Shoal Bay East, is an incredible underground cave the oldest known and longest used ceremonial cave site in the entire Caribbean and now there is a visitor and interpretation centre, showcasing artifacts and providing information on the historic site, to make the most out of any visit. Anguilla is now one of the world’s hottest destinations for kite surfing, so if you tire of relaxing in between your delicious meals you can always take to the waters for some adventure. Dubai 2016 will be full of exciting events. Forget the World Cup in Rio, 2016 is set to be all about Dubai. Opulence and extravagance are synonymous with this part of the world, but there is much more that Dubai has to offer. It is very family friendly, ahead of its time and leading the way in development, technological and tourism advancements. As if LEGOLAND Dubai, LEGOLAND Water Park and Bollywood Parks Dubai weren’t enough, there are two more incredible theme parks on their way for 2016. IMG Worlds of Adventure is the world’s largest indoor theme park and will be opening its doors in 2016. Take your pick of celebrity chef’s restaurants. The newest to open is Gordon Ramsay’s Bread Street Kitchen & Bar at Atlantis the Palm .• There is always a cool new hangout opening in Dubai. The nightlife is always on top of its game and 2016 is no exception, new nightspot Vii Club will open just in time for the festive period. And it is set to rival some of the biggest night clubs in the city. With dramatic scenery from the rolling dunes to the skyscrapers overlooking the beautiful sea and a huge array of activities, shopping and sightseeing, Dubai is becoming a really popular choice for a getaway to please all. Become a dedicated follower of the sun and add these trends to your list for 2016. http://www.caribtours.ie/blog/rss/blog/2015/december/21/our-travel-predictions-for-2016/ http://www.caribtours.ie/blog/rss/blog/2015/december/21/our-travel-predictions-for-2016/ Mon, 21 December 2015 16:42:35 http://www.caribtours.ie/blog/rss/blog/2015/december/15/the-top-5-dive-sites-in-antigua/ Antigua is almost completely surrounded by well-preserved coral reef, walls and shipwrecks making it a brilliant diving destination. Whether you are a beginner or more advanced, Antigua’s waters will provide you with the perfect dive. Antigua is set on a shallow bank and the southern and eastern coasts are surrounded by shelfs, providing excellent conditions for spectacular shallow diving and snorkeling. With little to no current in most places, good visibility and an array of tropical marine life, you are guaranteed to make friends with schools of sergeant majors, nurse sharks, turtles or even a giant lobster whilst you are there. One of Antigua's best-known offshore sites is Cades Reef , which is a 7 mile stretch of reef partly contained in a designated underwater park. Another popular destination is the Wreck of the Andes , and the beauty of this shipwreck is that you don’t need any scuba gear to access it as it sits in less than 30 feet of water. Destined for Chile with a cargo hold of tar, this three-masted merchant ship sank in 1905 after catching fire, and now rests in Deep Bay waiting to be explored. If you are new to diving, then the Pillars of Hercules is perfect. It is so called due to the unique rock formations above the site and offers one of the greatest examples of diversity of reef life in the Caribbean. A true gem. Jettias Wreck , an old French steam powered freighter sunk in 1817 and sits at a depth of 25 metres.. The wreck is broken up into mainly the bow, the boiler, the engine and the stern. There is coral growth and lots of small fish surrounding it, including parrot fish, grunts, trumpet fish, blue tangs and Spanish hogfish. Occasionally a large barracuda puts in an appearance along with a large dog snapper. For more advanced divers, the ledge of Sunken Rock on the south coast is a popular site for both day and night dives. The huge boulders start at just 1m below the surface and drop to around 35m. Rock formations have created trails and valleys. After the drop off of the boulders, it becomes a mostly vertical dive, with gorgonian seafans, barrel sponges, red soft coral and bushy black coral. Parrot fish and angel fish swim around the colourful surroundings and barracuda, sting rays and occasionally turtles and dolphins can also be spotted. With hundreds of wrecks and brilliant conditions, Antigua has lots to offer every diver out there. Read more about what activities Antigua has to offer http://www.caribtours.ie/blog/rss/blog/2015/december/15/the-top-5-dive-sites-in-antigua/ http://www.caribtours.ie/blog/rss/blog/2015/december/15/the-top-5-dive-sites-in-antigua/ Tue, 15 December 2015 12:56:48 http://www.caribtours.ie/blog/rss/blog/2015/november/27/pure-fun-in-grenada/ The fun never stops in Grenada with exciting events taking place year round, there is always something different to do when you visit the island. Here are two unmissable events in 2016... Grenada Sailing week When: 28 January - 2 February 2016 The up and coming Grenada sailing week is an event that offers something for all levels, with classes ranging from the very serious to the more relaxed; You don’t have to be a seasoned sailor to take part and you don’t even have to race to enjoy the atmosphere and parties. The stunning Grand Anse beach will be turned into the celebration hub during the event. As well as international sailing, there is also a race between the local boats and an array of great food and music throughout. The work boat regatta is stooped in history dating back decades; this is the only event on the calendar where fishermen and their boat builders can take their friendly rivalry out to sea and compete to win title of the fastest and the best. Chocolate festival When: 13 - 22 May 2016 The chocolate festival is perfect for chocoholics. Indulge yourself at The Grenada Chocolate Festival suitable for even the most qualified chocolate connoisseurs. Tickle your taste buds with delicious Grenadian organic and sustainable cocoa and chocolate. Learn the health benefits of cocoa on 14 May or experience the transformation from ‘tree to bar’ at Belmont Estate on 16 May. There will be pop up restaurants and fashion shows, plus plenty of chocolate delights and spa treatments. Our advice would be to eat as much as you can while you are there to get your chocolate fix. Take a look at our Grenada destination guide to find out more about this vibrant little island. http://www.caribtours.ie/blog/rss/blog/2015/november/27/pure-fun-in-grenada/ http://www.caribtours.ie/blog/rss/blog/2015/november/27/pure-fun-in-grenada/ Fri, 27 November 2015 10:07:01 http://www.caribtours.ie/blog/rss/blog/2015/november/17/pure-grenada-music-festival/ Soothe your soul at the inaugural Pure Grenada Music Festival. Running from 5-10 April 2016, the festival will feature a mix of international hit makers as well as showcasing home grown talents. The six day extravaganza will see the likes of soul singer Joss Stone , Grammy award winner Estelle , jazz & soul singer-songwriter Zara MacFarlane and many more taking to the stage. This festival is to inspire and promote local talent, while letting them share the stage with a few international mega stars. It is an event for all music lovers to enjoy, so get ready to bring your soul and groove to the dance floors at the four individually unique locations. To highlight the diverse beauty of the island there will be multiple venues around the country, including a main stage in Port Louis, a floating stage in the waters of St. George’s harbor and on the spectacular, private island of Calivigny on Grenada’s south coast. The festival is dedicated to staying green and making sure that the event has no environmental impact on the beautiful island, so there will be various green initiatives running throughout the whole of the festival. What better way to discover the island of spice and party with some extraordinary musical talent. The full line up is as follows:   Tuesday 5th April Port Louis Netherlands Insurance Presents: Voices Of The World ANGELIQUE KIDJO ESTELLE HENDRIX ACKLE & THE GOSPEL ALLSTAR SINGERS Wednesday 6th April Calivigny Island Jazz Night ZARA MC FARLANE ANDY NARELL & BAND EDDIE BULLEN Wednesday 6th April Mobile Concert in Gouyave SURPRISE ARTISTES Thursday 7th April Carenage Rock De Boat (floating concert) MADISON VIOLET ERIK PEDURAND THE PHOENIX Thursday 7th April Mobile Concert in Grenville SURPRISE ARTISTES Friday 8th April Port Louis Westerhall Rum presents: Reggae Night STEEL PULSE ETANA JESSE ROYAL SPICE ROCK Saturday 9th April Port Louis Rhythm & Soul Night JOSS STONE THE BRITISH COLLECTIVE ANDY NARELL & PAN ALLSTARS JOMO & GYLFI Sunday 10th April Port Louis Grenada Night PURE VIBES with AJAMU, MR. KILLA, BOYZIE, SCHOLAR, ROOTSMAN KELLY, SHORTPREE, VALENE NEDD, BLACK WIZARD, KETURAH GEORGE and more ... http://www.caribtours.ie/blog/rss/blog/2015/november/17/pure-grenada-music-festival/ http://www.caribtours.ie/blog/rss/blog/2015/november/17/pure-grenada-music-festival/ Tue, 17 November 2015 17:35:26 http://www.caribtours.ie/blog/rss/blog/2015/november/13/top-5-nightspots-in-dubai/ It’s not only the beaches and shopping that Dubai has to boast about; the night scene is just as superb and with the hottest trends hitting the Gulf, it is the place to be and be seen. So if you are visiting the glamorous Emirate, here are our top 5 hotspots... 360 Located at the end of Jumeirah Beach Hotel’s Marina walkway, 360 is the perfect place to escape the city buzz. With panoramic views out to sea and across Dubai’s famous skyline, this luxury lounge is effortlessly chic with a location that’s hard to beat. Zero Gravity Known as a day to night oasis, this club has it all. The exclusive beach club, bar and restaurant is located on the pristine private beach right next to the drop zone of Skydive Dubai. Perfect for lunch, dinner or cocktails on the beach, Zero Gravity is making waves in the sparkling city of Dubai. Catch Dubai A brilliant spot for cocktail o’clock, Catch Dubai, straight from NYC’S meatpacking district, is the best upscale and fashionable seafood restaurant in Dubai. Taking the dining experience to the next level with great food, cinematic atmosphere and contemporary music. Okku If you’re looking for a five star treat Okku is the place to go. Sophistication and style at its finest located in the iconic One Sheik Zayed Road, Okku has a unique menu of divine Japanese delicacies created by celebrity super chefs. It is the cutting edge in dining and late night lounge. Cle Dubai Cle Dubai welcomes you to unlock your senses through Middle Eastern cuisine designed by Michelin-starred chef and author Greg Malouf. The stylish restaurant also has an alfresco terrace overlooking the Burj Khalifa. Mixing traditional dishes with a contemporary twist, this modern Arabic dining experience should be on everyone’s to do list. http://www.caribtours.ie/blog/rss/blog/2015/november/13/top-5-nightspots-in-dubai/ http://www.caribtours.ie/blog/rss/blog/2015/november/13/top-5-nightspots-in-dubai/ Fri, 13 November 2015 13:25:02 http://www.caribtours.ie/blog/rss/blog/2015/november/03/separating-fact-from-fiction-in-the-uae/ The UAE is an exciting place where everything is bigger and better, a place where concepts become reality and where the cutting edge meets world class. But there are still some misconceptions about the country, so we have done the myth busting for you… The myth: It’s really strict The truth: Probably one of the UAE’s most common misconceptions. Generally the UAE is a very tolerant place and whilst you should always be respectful of local customs, holding hands or a kiss on the cheek will not land you in prison. The myth: It’s too hot to go outside The truth: Although the summer months (June, July and August) can reach high temperatures- everywhere is brilliantly air-conditioned (even the bus stops) and a dip in the pool will always cool you down. For the rest of the year the weather is beautiful and the winter months (November to February) are similar to a Mediterranean summer day. And there’s no need to worry about rain…they hardly get any. The myth: The waters are no good for snorkelling or diving The truth: Some areas have no natural reefs to harbour large numbers of fish, but offshore, there are wrecks and reefs that are bustling with life- two of the best are Zainab and MV Ludwig . With its mostly warm waters the UAE is a great place for beginner divers, those looking to get certified or just get acquainted with diving. The myth: There’s no culture The truth: It’s easy for people to be blinded by the glitz and glamour of the region but if you dig a little deeper you will find a wealth of culture and history. Head to the old Bastakia Quarter’s labyrinth of winding streets, dotted with 13th century architecture, museums and galleries, have fun bartering at the Deira Gold Souk or ride the traditional abra along Deira Creek. The myth: It’s unbelievably flash, with gold-dispensing ATMs, fleets of police supercars, and jaw-dropping buildings everywhere. The truth: This one is totally true. Dubai has the tallest building in the world, Abu Dhabi is home to the fastest roller coaster in the world at Ferrari World, and between them, probably the highest number of custom-made supercars in the world. It certainly makes for a memorable holiday. For more information on holidays to Dubai contact us on 01431 9700 or fill in our form http://www.caribtours.ie/blog/rss/blog/2015/november/03/separating-fact-from-fiction-in-the-uae/ http://www.caribtours.ie/blog/rss/blog/2015/november/03/separating-fact-from-fiction-in-the-uae/ Tue, 03 November 2015 00:00:00 http://www.caribtours.ie/blog/rss/blog/2015/october/20/how-much-do-you-know-about-jamaica/ We all think we know a thing or two about the island nation of Jamaica. Famed for its beaches and as the birthplace of Reggae, but how much do you really know? Try our little quiz to test your knowledge... 1. What is the national drink? 2. We have all seen the film ‘Cool Runnings’, but what year did the Jamaican team who inspired the film first enter the Winter Olympics? 3. What did Christopher Columbus originally call Jamaica? 4. What are the colours of the Jamaican Flag? Hint it’s the only flag in the world to not share any of the colours of the Union Jack. 5. Which James Bond film features the villain trying to destroy the US space programme from his private island off the coast of Jamaica? 6. Everyone knows that Bob Marley was Jamaican, but in which famous neighbourhood of Kingston did he live. Hint - the name is featured in one of his songs.  7. Jamaican sprinter, Usain Bolt, is the fastest man on the planet but what is his world record time for the 100 metres? 8. For what delicacy are Jamaica’s Blue Mountains famous? 9. When did Jamaica become independent? 10. When did Jamaica construct its railway? Hint it was before America and only 18 years after the UK.         Answers  1. Rum  2. 1988  3. Santiago  4. Green, yellow and black  5. Dr No  6. Trench Town  7. 9.58 seconds  8. Coffee  9. 6 August 1962 10.1845 http://www.caribtours.ie/blog/rss/blog/2015/october/20/how-much-do-you-know-about-jamaica/ http://www.caribtours.ie/blog/rss/blog/2015/october/20/how-much-do-you-know-about-jamaica/ Tue, 20 October 2015 11:33:00 http://www.caribtours.ie/blog/rss/blog/2015/october/15/top-5-family-resorts-in-saint-lucia/ It’s always hard to know why to pick one resort over another for families and with so much to choose from in Saint Lucia, we thought we would give you our top 5 resorts for families to help make the decision process a little bit easier. Windjammer Landing Villa Beach Resort With 4 swimming pools, 2 children’s pools, flood lit tennis courts, games room, and complimentary watersports like kayaking and tube rides, Windjammer is the perfect resort to keep the children busy in Saint Lucia. The Jacquot Fun Club provides daily activities for children aged 4-12 as well as a Teen club for older children and babysitting services for infants. Coconut Bay Beach Resort & Spa This resort is home to the islands largest waterpark featuring slides, waterfalls and a lazy river – perfect for keeping the children happy during the day. Here the Kidz Klub caters for all ages and offers daily supervised activities, a mini-zip line, water playground, mini rock climbing wall and the coco Corral petting zoo.  And if this isn’t enough – let the children loose in ‘The Zone’ the Caribbean’s only paintballing venue.   St James Club Morgan Bay Children absolutely love this resort as there are endless activities on offer. From arts and crafts, crab hunting and cooking classes to movies to pool games. Evening entertainment is also available if the parents would like a bit of downtime at dinner.  We can’t also forget to mention the 4 swimming pools and complimentary watersports. The BodyHoliday This one might surprise you, however during the Summer holidays The BodyHoliday turns into the perfect resort for children aged 12+. During 3 July and 28 August 2016 the resorts hosts WellFit Families, a holiday dedicated to fitness for all the family focused around the beach. You can expect to; develop your physical fitness, strength and stamina with unique Beach Boot Camps instructed by visiting Olympians as well as taking part in healthy cooking classes and still enjoying the daily spa treatments which are all included. Bay Gardens Beach Resort Sitting on one of the most stunning beaches in Saint Lucia this boutique resort is just a few steps from the beach and a few steps from Rodney Bay Village giving you the chance to explore more of the country’s capital. This resort allows your family to fulfil a life time dream of wanting to be a contestant on the TV program ‘It’s a knockout’ – Bay Gardens Beach resort is home to Saint Lucia’s newest attraction of a floating obstacle course proving fun for the whole family.   There are many more other activities and facilities not included in the list above, but the best way to know exactly which resort suits your needs for your family holiday to Saint Lucia will be to give a call to discuss the options. http://www.caribtours.ie/blog/rss/blog/2015/october/15/top-5-family-resorts-in-saint-lucia/ http://www.caribtours.ie/blog/rss/blog/2015/october/15/top-5-family-resorts-in-saint-lucia/ Thu, 15 October 2015 17:13:38 http://www.caribtours.ie/blog/rss/blog/2015/october/07/arriving-in-style/ So you have just flown 9 hours to get here and now you have to get into a car and drive to your hotel – well that could be the case but you also have another option when visiting Saint Lucia . When you land in Saint Lucia, why not be whisked off to the heliport, where you could climb aboard and take your transfer by helicopter. This is the perfect way to really get a sense of the island, the stunning landscapes and lie of the land as well as shortening your transfer time to your hotel. This unforgettable arrival experience will be one you will remember forever. http://www.caribtours.ie/blog/rss/blog/2015/october/07/arriving-in-style/ http://www.caribtours.ie/blog/rss/blog/2015/october/07/arriving-in-style/ Wed, 07 October 2015 17:00:14 http://www.caribtours.ie/blog/rss/blog/2015/october/06/10-facts-about-st-vincent-the-grenadines/ When it comes to St Vincent and the Grenadines, there is more than meets the eye to these magical Caribbean islands... 1. There are over 32 stunning islands and cays that make up St Vincent & The Grenadines. Of these 9 are inhabited. 2. The capital of St Vincent & The Grenadines is Kingstown which is often referred to as “The City of Arches” due to there being 400 arches in the capital. 3. There is an active volcano on St Vincent which last erupted in 1979. 4. St Vincent & The Grenadines is home to the oldest Botanical Gardens in the Western Hemisphere and was founded in 1765. 5. The national bird is The Amazona Guildingii. 6. Fried Jackfish and Roasted Breadfruit is the National Dish of the country, both are equally delicious. 7. There are gold, black and white sand beaches in St Vincent & The Grenadines. 8. The King’s Hill Reserve is one of the oldest forest reserves in the Western Hemisphere. Established in 1791 and with an elevation of 600 feet, it provides a habitat for protected wildlife and a home for more than 26 identified species of tropical trees and shrubs. 9. Pirates of the Caribbean I, II and III were all filmed here. 10. The Prime Minister of St Vincent & The Grenadines is Dr Ralph Gonsalves. The country is governed under the Westminster political system. Find out more about what we have to offer in St Vincent & The Grenadines... http://www.caribtours.ie/blog/rss/blog/2015/october/06/10-facts-about-st-vincent-the-grenadines/ http://www.caribtours.ie/blog/rss/blog/2015/october/06/10-facts-about-st-vincent-the-grenadines/ Tue, 06 October 2015 09:40:00 http://www.caribtours.ie/blog/rss/blog/2015/august/25/considering-a-splurge/ The jet set crowd has long had a love affair with the understated beauty and chic French flavour of St Barths. One of the region’s most expensive islands, if you’re looking to push the boat out and really indulge then you have chosen the right place. Considered by many to be the Caribbean's most beautiful island, effortlessly opulent and undeniably stylish, at just eight square miles the island packs a serious punch with dozens of white sand beaches, crystal clear waters and a green, hilly landscape punctuated by numerous lagoons. The cuisine ranks among the best in the Caribbean and everything is undeniably stylish from the capital's designer boutiques to the sophisticated private red-roofed villas. St. Barths is definitely a firm favourite with the rich and famous, stay at the glamorous hideaway Eden Rock to really feel like a rock star. Spend the morning on a stunning beach, and then watch the sunset over the yacht-filled harbour. The celebration of life never ends on St. Barths, so pop the cork and fill your glass to the brim with champagne. And with Pippa Middleton currently sunning herself on the island, who knows who you may meet at the bar…. Find out more about luxury holidays in St Barths http://www.caribtours.ie/blog/rss/blog/2015/august/25/considering-a-splurge/ http://www.caribtours.ie/blog/rss/blog/2015/august/25/considering-a-splurge/ Tue, 25 August 2015 15:07:00 http://www.caribtours.ie/blog/rss/blog/2015/august/18/the-other-side-of-the-island/ The colonial city of Santo Domingo is the Dominican Republic’s vibrant capital and one of the Caribbean’s oldest cities. Also a UNESCO world heritage site, it enjoys the perfect mix of old world charm and modern Latin flair. The energetic nightlife, brilliant shopping and love of baseball keep it is as cosmopolitan as any modern city, but it’s the allure of the medieval fortresses and beautiful 16th century architecture which really makes it spectacular. “Zona Colonial” is home to the first cathedral built in the New World and is a must see. Explore the historical cobbled streets and absorb the culture, heritage and unique customs of the Dominican Republic, and as the sun sets you can salsa the night away at the popular merengue and bachata clubs. The Malecón is the capitals famous oceanfront promenade and on Sunday’s it becomes a pedestrian-only thoroughfare, where locals and tourists alike join together to dance, drink rum and relax. Go and Explore… We can organise private tours that suit your interests. From architecture and history, to art and traditional cooking techniques, whatever it is that you would like to learn about we can find you someone with firsthand knowledge and expertise. The Dominican Republic has fantastic beaches, but it is the labyrinth of cobbled streets of Santo Domingo which tells the stories and unlocks the history that allows you to really get under the skin of this fascinating part of the Dominican Republic. Find out more about luxury holidays in the Dominican Republic... http://www.caribtours.ie/blog/rss/blog/2015/august/18/the-other-side-of-the-island/ http://www.caribtours.ie/blog/rss/blog/2015/august/18/the-other-side-of-the-island/ Tue, 18 August 2015 17:01:00 http://www.caribtours.ie/blog/rss/blog/2015/august/11/tobago-rugby-7s/ The Tobago International Rugby 7s Tournament 2015 will be held this year on the weekend of 5 and 6 December. Whether you are a rugby enthusiast or just want to go along to check out the hive of activity, the Rugby 7s is a great weekend which all the family can enjoy. With carol singing and goat racing, competitions and plenty of food options, there is something for everyone. With great prizes up for grabs, there will be tough competition alongside the fun and games. There is a $5,000 cash prize for the winners of the Men’s Division, and $10,000 plus trophies and other special prizes for the winners of the Women’s Division. With teams from USA, UK, Canada, The Netherlands and Trinidad participating, and several internationally-renowned referees, it is sure to be an action packed tournament. The tournament will come to a close with an all-day beach party at the spectacular Store Bay, one of Tobago’s most popular beaches. The food, Carib beer and music are all free to participating teams and their supporters.

 It is simply too good a tournament to miss. See you in Tobago! http://www.caribtours.ie/blog/rss/blog/2015/august/11/tobago-rugby-7s/ http://www.caribtours.ie/blog/rss/blog/2015/august/11/tobago-rugby-7s/ Tue, 11 August 2015 11:18:00 http://www.caribtours.ie/blog/rss/blog/2015/august/11/save-the-date-tobago-jazz-experience-2016/ Every April Tobago plays host to some of the most soulful people on the planet with some amazing performers, international artists and home grown talent descending on the island for the annual Tobago Jazz Experience, set your soul to stunned and get ready for a feast of live entertainment. The sounds of jazz and world music light up the island every year to celebrate music both past and present, and to highlight the Caribbean music culture that influences the chart toppers of today. Last year there was amazing live music from the incredible Jennifer Hudson, Grammy Award winner Miguel and Kool and the Gang. This years acts are yet to be announced. Running from 16th - 24th April 2016, music lovers can enjoy 8 days of jazz, world beat, salsa, latin, R&B, soca, reggae and much more. April is the perfect time to visit Tobago, the weather is at its best and you can make the most of your trip and plan it around this amazing event. Just don’t forget your dancing shoes. http://www.caribtours.ie/blog/rss/blog/2015/august/11/save-the-date-tobago-jazz-experience-2016/ http://www.caribtours.ie/blog/rss/blog/2015/august/11/save-the-date-tobago-jazz-experience-2016/ Tue, 11 August 2015 10:19:00 http://www.caribtours.ie/blog/rss/blog/2015/august/06/go-coco-crazy-in-saint-lucia/ During August Saint Lucia is celebrating its chocolate legacy in honour of the island’s rich history of cocoa production. The month long celebration will satisfy even the sweetest of tooth’s, as 'sun downers' will be swapped for ‘Choc-tails’ and massages for chocolate-infused spa treatments. The French introduced cacao trees to Saint Lucia in the 1700’s, knowing that they would flourish in the island's rich volcanic, rainforest-shaded soil. An explosion in demand brought about a thriving industry for Saint Lucia cocoa, which still produces some of the world’s most sought-after chocolate to date. Hotels and resorts are welcoming chocoholics to embrace Saint Lucia’s rich heritage by making all things chocolate for the next four weeks. An array of inventive chocolate services and hands-on experiences are on offer for all visitors. Many of Saint Lucia’s top restaurants and resort spa’s use native cocoa to create inspired sweet and savoury dishes and spa treatments that are both indulgent and healthy. We love the chocolate spa wrap at Windjammer Landing , and highly recommend the chocolate facial and caramel kiss pedicure from Capella Marigot Bay . The entire island will be involved with cocoa delights ranging from cocoa plantation tours, specialty tasting menus and chocolate inspired spa treatments. The bean to bar experience is a must at Boucan by Hotel Chocolat , where you can learn the process that changes the bean into chocolate and even create your own. Did you know… Dark chocolate has a number of wellness benefits attributed to it, from a healthier heart to sharper focus and lower anxiety. It also boosts blood circulation to the fine capillaries, enabling skin to draw oxygen and nutrients that protect skin against dehydration, making cocoa an ideal spa infusion, as well as a perfect treat.  So there’s no reason to feel guilty after indulging yourself. If you want to book a last minute trip to chocolate wonderland, then Caribtours can organise your every need. http://www.caribtours.ie/blog/rss/blog/2015/august/06/go-coco-crazy-in-saint-lucia/ http://www.caribtours.ie/blog/rss/blog/2015/august/06/go-coco-crazy-in-saint-lucia/ Thu, 06 August 2015 15:39:00 http://www.caribtours.ie/blog/rss/blog/2015/august/04/welcome-to-tobago/ Tobago is an island of intoxicatingly laid back culture and majestic beauty. Home to the oldest protected rainforest in the Western Hemisphere lined with swaying coconut palms, golden beaches and sapphire waters. Charming villages, secluded waterfalls and plenty of hidden coves are the charms of this sun soaked island. Tobago Highlights Take a sailing trip on Island Girl If you’re after a relaxing day at sea, you won’t be disappointed on this catamaran trip. Swim, snorkel or sunbathe and even spot a few dolphins along the way. Everything it taken care of so all you have to bring is your swimming attire and sunscreen. Scarborough market The picturesque town of Scarborough is also home to a bustling market and is the perfect way to dip your toes in the culture of Tobago. Situated just across the road from the harbour, the market is most lively on Fridays and Saturdays, selling a wide variety of crafts, fruit and vegetables. Bird watching on Little Tobago Just off the north east coast, the tiny island of Little Tobago is an important breeding site for numerous species of tropical seabirds. Take a glass bottom boat over to the island and see some incredible coral formations, including one of the largest brain corals in the world. Tobago is an unspoilt jewel of the Caribbean and offers something for everyone. Read more on our luxury holidays to Tobago http://www.caribtours.ie/blog/rss/blog/2015/august/04/welcome-to-tobago/ http://www.caribtours.ie/blog/rss/blog/2015/august/04/welcome-to-tobago/ Tue, 04 August 2015 14:49:00 http://www.caribtours.ie/blog/rss/blog/2015/august/04/tobago-heritage-festival-2015/ Tobagonians are very proud of their heritage, so it is fitting that they celebrate this year round with the Tobago Heritage Festival that celebrates the very essence of their culture and history. Created to preserve the unique cultural traditions of Tobago, the Festival has grown from year to year attracting thousands as they celebrate as communities and welcome new guests. Villagers from different communities come out in their glory to perform folk singing, dancing and feasting. Traditional costumes are worn to depict village life from the early 1900’s. During the entire Festival, returning Tobagonians and visitors alike are able to visit the many quaint and friendly villages to experience their way of life, language and various old traditions. Each village hosts a different event ranging from dancing, ole time mas, limbo and jig stick fighting and of course, an array of culinary delights. Our top picks… The Tobago Blue Food Festival Held in the coastal village of Bloody Bay during October, the festival offers a unique chance to experience dasheen with a twist. Also known as Taro, this low in sodium and gluten-free root crop becomes the main attraction of the festival with 25 cooks creating dynamic, tantalizing dishes using dasheen, that are not only tasty, but healthy as well. Come and sample the innovative entrees, inventive appetizers, creative desserts and wash them down with a nice cold drink.Eat and dance the day away as there will be live entertainment to keep you amused. There is even a crayfish catching competition in the nearby Bloody Bay Main River. Folk Fiesta Taking place in October, the Folk Fiesta is The Heritage Festival’s very own version of the X-factor, where performers showcase their artistry and talents in Folk music, dance and drumming. Enjoy the day taking part in traditional Tobago dance and Folk singing before settling down for the main competition. The Fiesta is a brilliant day that the whole family can enjoy. We just hope the judges aren’t as mean as Simon! Experience Tobago like never before and immerse yourself in their amazing culture in this one of a kind Heritage festival. Read more on our luxury holidays to Tobago http://www.caribtours.ie/blog/rss/blog/2015/august/04/tobago-heritage-festival-2015/ http://www.caribtours.ie/blog/rss/blog/2015/august/04/tobago-heritage-festival-2015/ Tue, 04 August 2015 11:30:00 http://www.caribtours.ie/blog/rss/blog/2015/july/29/postcard-from-paradise/ Four Seasons Resort Seychelles is home to breathtaking landscapes like nothing else on Earth. Petite Anse bay rises up from the beach to the mountains to create a natural amphitheatre. The huge boulders, undulating jungle-clad hills and coral-lined coast builds up this dramatic scenery that captures all that is beautiful about the Seychelles; the oldest granitic islands in the world. Beauty is in the eye of the beholder when you look out from every part of the 172-acre resort, but for something extraordinary, you can be taken to new heights. Capture a moment of your holiday without using your camera and book yourself on to this exclusive art class.             The class will first take you on a gentle 20-minute hike up the mountainside, through coconut groves and cinnamon trees, to a granite plateau high above the resort. The spot where the art class takes place is unique, in that it is the only place to view the whole of Petite Anse bay; known to be a microcosm of the Seychelles with its azure waters, white sandy beach, dramatic granite rocks and jungle-clad hillside. When you reach this perfect spot you will be met by Nigel Henri, your teacher for the day,a local artist who grew up amongst this diverse landscape, and whose work reflects the wondrous natural surroundings. Nigel will guide you through the steps of sketching you own impression of the landscape as you create your own version of this picture postcard setting.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    Spend the afternoon with him, learning new techniques, or perfecting your own style, before taking in a spectacular sunset. Afterwards, opt to keep your work as it is, or allow Nigel to complete the work for you. Your work of art will be scanned to create your own personalised postcards. What better way to remember the holiday of a lifetime, than to have a reminder hanging on your wall for all to see? A bit about the artist Nigel Henri was born 1967. Completing his school years in the Seychelles he moved back to the UK for his degree in art and graphic design at the University of Sussex. After graduating with honours, he briefly taught graphic design at the Seychelles National College of the Arts and worked subsequently as a graphic designer in the Seychelles Ministry of Culture and Information. Nigel is recognised as one of the pillars of the Seychelles art community. He is the founder of the Association for Visual Arts (AVA) and co-founder of CENAC, which are both NGO’s set to promote art in the Seychelles. TAKE ME THERE> http://www.caribtours.ie/blog/rss/blog/2015/july/29/postcard-from-paradise/ http://www.caribtours.ie/blog/rss/blog/2015/july/29/postcard-from-paradise/ Wed, 29 July 2015 16:02:00 http://www.caribtours.ie/blog/rss/blog/2015/july/08/nutrition-tips-for-staying-healthy-on-an-all-inclusive-holiday/ When faced with endless array of delicious food options on an all-inclusive holiday, there is so much temptation to over-indulge! Lomax Personal Trainer and Nutrition Consultant, Krystina Reimer, shares her top tips for making healthier decisions at the buffet table. 1. Start your day off with a healthy balanced breakfast. Always go for protein first such as an omelette or poached eggs on toast. If you’re not a fan of eggs, try having plain yoghurt and fruit. 2. Use a smaller plate and avoid over piling it, have smaller portions, you can always go back for more if you are still hungry but let your body have time to register when it's full. 3. Go for lean sources of protein, if you are at a seaside destination enjoy fresh seafood. Eat lots of coloured vegetables. Don't go crazy at the dessert bar, yes you are on holiday and there to enjoy yourself, BUT you do also need to be feeling great in a bikini the next day. Nothing tastes as good as feeling good does. 4. Keep hydrated (with water not cocktails). Drinking an extra litre or two of water each day on holiday well help prevent dehydration especially if you have been sitting out in the sunshine. Remember alcohol dehydrates your body too, so balance it out with lots of water. 5. Cocktails contain a lot of hidden sugars, so if you are going to have a few drinks stick to spirits and low sugar/calorie mixes. My go to is a G&T with slimline tonic which has less than 60kcal a serving.   Krystina Reimer is a Personal Trainer and Nutrition Consultant at Lomax. Email thelomaxway@lomaxpt.com or call 08715 120 770 to book an appointment with Krystina.   A healthy hub in the heart of Chelsea,  Lomax  offers the latest in tailored pay-as-you-go fitness, nutrition, and wellbeing. Taking an all encompassing approach to health and fitness, Lomax provides a complete range of services that are both luxurious and affordable. Featuring 12 fitness pods (or mini gyms), a performance-based clinic, Grill Market café, sunlit reformer Pilates studio and basement indoor cycling studio under one roof, everything is available on a pay-as-you-go basis with no membership or joining fees! http://www.caribtours.ie/blog/rss/blog/2015/july/08/nutrition-tips-for-staying-healthy-on-an-all-inclusive-holiday/ http://www.caribtours.ie/blog/rss/blog/2015/july/08/nutrition-tips-for-staying-healthy-on-an-all-inclusive-holiday/ Wed, 08 July 2015 15:00:00 http://www.caribtours.ie/blog/rss/blog/2015/july/03/top-five-miami-experiences/ Gourmet Miami : Miami's restaurant scene has exploded in the past few years, with dozens of great new restaurants springing up left and right. The melting pot of residents and visitors has brought an array of sophisticated, tasty cuisine ranging from Michelin Stars to authentic local cuisine. To get a real insight into Miami’s food revolution take a guided tour with a local guide, from Little Havana’s Cuban fare through to contemporary bites at the Art Installation Wynward Walls your taste buds will be bursting! Miami Beach: The American Riviera, Hollywood of the East, Sobe, or the Art Deco District - whatever you call it, Miami's South Beach is hot year-round and rated as one of the world’s top 10 beaches. The long wide beach stretches up the Atlantic for miles and is perfect for early morning runs, family days in the sun and the ultimate hang out for watching the world, and its people pass you by. The beach is also about the best spot to view the iconic city lights at night. Wildlife: More than 1.5 million acres of South Florida's 4.3 million acres of subtropical, watery wilderness were given national-park status and protection in 1947 with the creation of Everglades National Park. It’s one of the country's largest national parks and is recognized by the world community as a Wetland of International Importance, an International Biosphere Reserve, and a World Heritage Site. Come here if you want to spend the day biking, hiking, or boating in deep raw wilderness with lots of wildlife. Arts and Culture: Miami is home to a dynamic cultural and arts scene, supported by performers, artists and creative types from across the world it commands attention. From the street art of the Wynward Walls to the galleries and boutiques of the Design District Miami the contemporary arts scene takes its inspirations from Miami’s immigrant ancestry. The multi-cultural vibe can also be felt in Miami’s music presence with performances ranging from the New World Symphony to local reggae groups and Afro-Cuban bands. Adventure: Both on and off the water Miami has adventurous pursuits to challenge even the most dedicated adrenalin junkies. Beyond the high speed boat rides of the Everglades Miami has all the lastest attractions - from water jet packing and fly boarding off the beach to deep sea fishing and sailing far out at sea. Beneath the water the excitement continues with great snorkelling safaris and world class diving. http://www.caribtours.ie/blog/rss/blog/2015/july/03/top-five-miami-experiences/ http://www.caribtours.ie/blog/rss/blog/2015/july/03/top-five-miami-experiences/ Fri, 03 July 2015 13:09:00 http://www.caribtours.ie/blog/rss/blog/2015/june/24/top-tips-for-traveling-pain-free/ For those of you jetting off on holidays or those who fly a lot for business, Osteopath at Lomax, Kate Smith, addresses ways to prevent any aches and pains incurred before, during and after traveling. Before the Flight : Lugging your luggage Despite most luggage having wheels these days, it can still cause shoulder problems when dragging it behind you. To avoid this, try not to extend your arm too far back. Hold the suitcase closer to your body with your elbow bent to take pressure off the shoulder. Stay hydrated Hydration is extremely important, especially before the flight. Try to drink 2 litres of water within 12 hours prior to traveling. Air conditioning can make you very dehydrated which decreases drainage and can prevent muscles from properly contracting, therefore reducing muscle tone. Increasing water intake before and during your flight will help prevent muscles cramping, improve the strength of muscle contractions and quicken muscle response which will help you to feel less stiff after a long flight. During the Flight: Sensible snoozing Sleeping on a plane is absolutely fine but you must take care of your neck. To make sure you don’t look like a nodding dog (which I'm sure many of us have achieved!), ensure your neck is supported with a U-shaped travel pillow. Keep moving During any flight there generally isn't much room to move so our bodies become sedentary. When this happens your blood can’t flow through your body and back to your heart the way it needs to and could possibly cause a dangerous blood clot. To prevent this, make an effort to keep your body moving whether it's in your seat or while waiting for the bathroom – a prime time to stretch and move!  After Traveling: Collecting luggage Lifting luggage can also cause problems, especially when retrieving it from the conveyor belts. Waiting at the baggage carousel is a time when many people seem to become anxious. Has my luggage traveled on the right flight? What happens if I don't recognise it? This might just be my own experience, but collecting luggage usually ends up in an awkward situation that involves swinging a suitcase off the conveyor belt and into someone, endlessly apologising whilst running after a trolley that seems to be rolling off somewhere, only to realise a few moments later that it's not the right case! The aim is to remain calm. Find enough space (if possible) to bend your knees and lift. Make sure the trolley isn't going anywhere and do things slowly. Back pain can arise from this activity, including irritating your disc or straining a ligament. Please be aware of your body!   Kate Smith is the in-house Osteopath at Lomax. Email thelomaxway@lomaxpt.com or call 08715 120 770 to book an appointment with Kate. A healthy hub in the heart of Chelsea, Lomax offers the latest in tailored pay-as-you-go fitness, nutrition, and wellbeing. Taking an all encompassing approach to health and fitness, Lomax provides a complete range of services that are both luxurious and affordable. Featuring 12 fitness pods (or mini gyms), a performance-based clinic, Grill Market café, sunlit reformer Pilates studio and basement indoor cycling studio under one roof, everything is available on a pay-as-you-go basis with no membership or joining fees! http://www.caribtours.ie/blog/rss/blog/2015/june/24/top-tips-for-traveling-pain-free/ http://www.caribtours.ie/blog/rss/blog/2015/june/24/top-tips-for-traveling-pain-free/ Wed, 24 June 2015 00:00:00 http://www.caribtours.ie/blog/rss/blog/2015/june/04/california-dreamin/ Our resident USA expert, Patrick, shares his passion and love for the great state of California in a series of short films. Covering what he considers to be the must-sees and hidden gems, these are his top tips for getting the most out of this amazing region. 1. San Francisco (0:55) Patrick explains why this is one of his favourite cities... 2. Santa Monica (0:51) It's a haven of laid-back cool and celeb culture. It's Santa Monica... 3. Pacific Coast Highway (1:15) Revelations abound whilst travelling Highway 1 in a Mustang... 4. Wine Tasting Introducing the Nappa and Sonoma Valleys, home of the Californian wine industry... 5. Off the beaten track Eascape the tourist traps with these hidden gems... 6. And finally... (1:39) In the final part of his letter from America, Patrick offers his advice on who will love California and the best time to go. http://www.caribtours.ie/blog/rss/blog/2015/june/04/california-dreamin/ http://www.caribtours.ie/blog/rss/blog/2015/june/04/california-dreamin/ Thu, 04 June 2015 15:32:00 http://www.caribtours.ie/blog/rss/blog/2015/june/02/five-things-to-do-in-the-yucatan/ Mexico isn’t all about the beach. With its rich culture, fascinating history and unique wildlife there is so much more to explore, making it the perfect destination for those who like to be a bit more active.   Whatever you prefer to do on your holidays, Mexico has something to suit everyone. Here are a few suggestions of some of the activities and trips you can take when staying in the Riviera Maya.  1. Swim in ancient natural pools The southern part of Mexico is full of naturally formed cenotes. These centuries old, mineral-rich swimming pools that are hidden deep in the landscape have a fascinating history and make for some great fun. Jumping off limestone cliffs, snorkelling and feeling like a true jungle adventurer makes for a great day escaping the sun and getting to know your surroundings. 2. Explore Sian Ka’an This 1.3 million acre biosphere reserve is a UNESCO World Heritage site and covers over 62 miles of the Caribbean coast making it one of Mexico’s largest protected areas. This exceptional stretch of protected coastline houses many endangered species and is a spectacular place for bird watching, mangrove touring, fishing, and kayaking. 3. The historic ruins of Tulum You’ve probably seen the pictures, the ancient Mayan ruin, balancing precariously on top of a limestone cliff. But nothing can prepare you for its size and the awe you will feel when you first encounter this majestic Mayan site. Tulum has a significant place in Mayan history as one of the only cities never conquered by the Spanish. With its spectacular clifftop location, the stunning contrast between the ancient stones of the Mayan ruins and the crystal waters of the Caribbean Sea has to be seen to be fully experienced. 4. Chichén Itzá The most well-known of the Mayan sites, Chichén Itzá is spectacular to behold and a must-see for any visitor to the Yucatán. The ancient architecture is incredible and gives a fascinating insight into how the Mayans perceived the universe. You will travel a bit of a distance from the Riviera Maya, but it is definitely worth the journey, and if you combine this trip with the nearby cenote, it will be a trip you will never forget. We highly recommend visiting this very early in the morning to escape the crowds. 5. Río Secreto The mystical caves of Río Secreto offers an adventure like no other, and is perfect for the whole family. This system of caves was formed centuries ago by an underground river and is still being discovered today. With your guide and instructor you will navigate the tunnels and caves, see ancient stalagmites and stalactites and swim through huge underground spaces. http://www.caribtours.ie/blog/rss/blog/2015/june/02/five-things-to-do-in-the-yucatan/ http://www.caribtours.ie/blog/rss/blog/2015/june/02/five-things-to-do-in-the-yucatan/ Tue, 02 June 2015 16:18:00 http://www.caribtours.ie/blog/rss/blog/2015/june/02/visit-mexico-this-summer/ Mexico is traditionally thought of as a winter sun destination, but there are plenty of reasons why you should travel in the summer – especially for families. With low season rates, exciting wildlife opportunities, colourful festivals and less people, Mexico is still a great place to travel in the Summer… Wildlife Encounters From May to September whale sharks can be found off the coast of Cancún, these gentle giants can grow up to 11ft long and can weigh in at around 40 tons. Swimming alongside these beautiful creatures can make for a memory never to be forgotten. The summer is also the turtle nesting season, with many of the hotels along the coast starting up turtle conservation programs, protecting the eggs and nurturing the newly hatched turtles until they are strong enough to survive the wild. Celebrations Mexico celebrates its independence on September 15 and 16; wherever you are in Mexico streets are lined with decorations in the national colours of red, green and white. Street parties happen everywhere with dancing, music and fireworks to be enjoyed by all. Special Offers Compared to some of the peak months like Christmas and Easter, ‘summer is considerably cheaper’. We have collected a few of our favourite hotels that have special savings for your next trip. Value for Money Due to the increasing performance of the pound, you will now get even more Mexican Pesos for your money. Meaning your money will stretch further so you can enjoy more fine dining, more sunset cocktails, more shopping and more adventures on your next holiday to Mexico. http://www.caribtours.ie/blog/rss/blog/2015/june/02/visit-mexico-this-summer/ http://www.caribtours.ie/blog/rss/blog/2015/june/02/visit-mexico-this-summer/ Tue, 02 June 2015 15:31:00 http://www.caribtours.ie/blog/rss/blog/2015/may/21/5-other-reasons-to-visit-the-maldives/ We know the Maldives has some of the most stunning beaches in the world, with crystal clear waters, spectacular villas in decadent resorts, and year-round sunshine. But for those who want to do a little more than sunbathe and swim, what else can you do when you get there? Wine tasting under the ocean Wine tasting is normally reserved for the vineyards of Italy, South Africa and France – but that is far too ordinary. For an extraordinary experience you can now taste some exquisite wines eight metres under the ocean in the middle of Huvafen Fushi island. This unique cellar has over 6,000 wines, including rare vintages and hidden gems. Expeditions with a marine biologist With resident marine biologists in many of our resorts in the Maldives, you can really get to know what's living beneath the surface. The marine biologist will point out the different species and talk you through how they are protecting and preserving the ocean life – but don’t panic, this is no dry classroom session, offering a truly hands-on experience. Diving We know you can go diving in most of our destinations, but in the Maldives you will have an experience like nowhere else. With the inviting warm water, astonishing clarity and a phenomenal variety of marine life, you will want to stay under the water for hours. Spot species that cannot be found anywhere else in the world, explore the reefs, hidden caves and shipwrecks, and encounter jackfish, lionfish, manta rays, reef sharks and many more. Be part of the Energy Movement The Residence Maldives encourages you to take care of your mind, body and soul on your next trip to the Maldives, and join the Energy Movement. Take part in the wide range of body and mind, yoga and meditation activities, or trade the holistic healing for something more intense with personal training sessions in the gym, or the interval boot camp. Whatever you chose to do, you're sure to condition your soul. Private dinner on a sandbank Hop on to a traditional sail-powered dhoni to reach your own private sandbank. Just you and a loved one with a crisp, cold wine in hand. Watch the sun sink into the ocean whilst the waves lap against the shore. Eat delicious food prepared especially for you under a sky full of twinkling stars. Sounds idyllic doesn’t it? So what are you waiting for...? http://www.caribtours.ie/blog/rss/blog/2015/may/21/5-other-reasons-to-visit-the-maldives/ http://www.caribtours.ie/blog/rss/blog/2015/may/21/5-other-reasons-to-visit-the-maldives/ Thu, 21 May 2015 14:25:00 http://www.caribtours.ie/blog/rss/blog/2015/may/21/nicola-reports-back-from-the-maldives/ Here at Caribtours we are continually scouring our destinations to find hidden gems and bring you the best resorts that each region has to offer. It’s one of the things we pride ourselves on, and our knowledge can give you the reassurance that we know each of our hand-picked resorts intimately.  Nicola Sweeney, Product Manager for the Indian Ocean and Arabia, recently returned from the Maldives and has picked out two of her favourites from her trip... NIYAMA NIYAMA  is a great all-rounder 5* resort, with two islands, CHILL and PLAY, each attuned to the needs of the couple or family. The contemporary feel and first class service make it the perfect place for the ultimate holiday in the Maldives. One thing that really stood out for me was the food, and in particular the in-resort restaurant Tribal. It has an intimate atmosphere and picturesque setting, and I really enjoyed the Latin American and African fusion flavours. The experience starts with  daw , an African drink of lime, honey and vodka, followed by edamame beans with garlic and pumpkin bread. I then had the black cod with stir fried vegetables, which was simply divine. To make the experience even more luxurious, we had our own Thakuru (butler) to attend to our every need at any time of the day, as well as helping to familiarise us with the resort, booking dinner reservations in any of the five different dining venues and anything else we required.   Olhuveli Beach & Spa Resort Olhuveli is a perfect option for couples or honeymooners. Part of our C by Caribtours programme, it offers Half Board as standard, making it a great value option for the Maldives. Staying in one of the Sunset Jacuzzi Water Villas, I had the benefit of stepping straight down into the water from our villa, and at low tide a sand bank rose out of the lagoon which stretched as far as the eye could see and made the perfect spot for a romantic morning stroll. At the end of the resort’s illuminated jetty, there is a lagoon where you can get up close and personal with a huge variety of the marine life endemic to the Maldives, but Oluhuveli also has two very special guests. Most evenings two majestic manta rays would appear and we spent many evenings watching these gentle and graceful creatures as they glided by. http://www.caribtours.ie/blog/rss/blog/2015/may/21/nicola-reports-back-from-the-maldives/ http://www.caribtours.ie/blog/rss/blog/2015/may/21/nicola-reports-back-from-the-maldives/ Thu, 21 May 2015 09:45:00 http://www.caribtours.ie/blog/rss/blog/2015/april/23/going-it-alone/ More people than ever are choosing to go solo when it comes to their holidays. According to a recent study by 101holidays, up to 38% of holidays booked in 2015 will be for people travelling on their own. It’s easy to see the attraction. Travelling alone can be a fantastic way of seeing the world, allowing you to set your own agenda and enjoy your holiday on your own terms. You can be as uncompromising as you like with your itinerary, doing as much or as little as you fancy, and single travellers are far easier to approach than couples or families, making it a great way of meeting fellow travellers or just chatting with the locals. However, it’s not just singletons that are travelling solo. There is a growing trend for wives or husbands to leave their partner at home to tick off that item on their personal bucket list, or enjoy a self indulgent treat. Holidays where groups of friends travel together are also on the rise. It wasn’t always like this though. For many years, singles holidays were perhaps viewed as having a slight whiff of the lonely hearts club about them. If this was ever true, it is certainly no longer the case, with many solos holidays now catering to clients more interested in self-development and personal fulfilment, offering comprehensive wellness packages including yoga, Pilates, spa and fitness programmes hosted in luxury surroundings. Heading off on your own can be a daunting experience though, with many first-time solo travellers worrying about the stigma of eating alone, or failing to meet like minded people. Small-group tours are one solution, but they sacrifice the flexibility and independence of solo travel. There is, however, another way. This September, Caribtours is offering a whole month dedicated to the solo traveller at the picture-perfect wellness retreat of The BodyHoliday in Saint Lucia. The September Solos event is the perfect compromise between the freedom to be yourself and do as much or as little as you want, with the opportunity to try new activities, meet new people and make new friends. September Solos offers plenty of things to do, with group fitness and Pilates classes, hosted dinners, cocktail parties and sunset cruises under the twinkling Caribbean sky. All this is on top of the already generous All-Inclusive package at The BodyHoldiay which includes fantastic dining at the hotel’s five restaurants, premium branded drinks, an extensive list of activities and watersports, as well as a daily 50-minute spa treatment at one of the finest spas in the Caribbean. Despite this, you’re also completely free to just relax by the pool or sip a cocktail on the beach, socialise with the other guests or just bury your head in the latest bestseller. You can dine with your fellow travellers, with one of the resort’s excellent ‘Bodyguards’, or on your own if you prefer; it’s completely flexible. The BodyHoliday is also free of the dreaded single supplement, so solo travellers can indulge themselves completely in the resort’s luxurious accommodation, complete with four-poster beds, without the nagging doubt that you’re paying extra because you are travelling on your own. http://www.caribtours.ie/blog/rss/blog/2015/april/23/going-it-alone/ http://www.caribtours.ie/blog/rss/blog/2015/april/23/going-it-alone/ Thu, 23 April 2015 13:29:00 http://www.caribtours.ie/blog/rss/blog/2015/march/16/antigua-the-perfect-family-holiday/ If you’re looking for a family holiday that offers amazing hotels; sun-kissed, white-sand beaches; calm, crystal clear waters; plenty of family-friendly activities and a swashbuckling sense of history then Antigua could be just the ticket. It’s a well known and oft repeated fact that Antigua has 365 beaches, one for every day of the year, but don’t be mistaken for thinking that this is a case of quantity over quality. They might be numerous, but they’re also sugar-sand, washing-ad white affairs straight out of your desert island dreams. There is however, so much more to Antigua than just the beaches. Take an eco tour exploring the pristine reefs just offshore, accompanied by former Olympian Eli Fuller. Discover quaint local villages by Segway, get a unique view of the island’s lush rain forests by zip wire or delve into the island’s piratical past with a visit to Nelson’s Dockyard. When it comes to choosing where to stay you’ll also be spoiled for choice as Antigua is home to some of the finest luxury hotels in the Caribbean, offering impeccable service, incomparable luxury and style aplenty. What might surprise you though is how many of them are also great for kids. Jumby Bay, A Rosewood Resort has its Rose Buds programme for children aged 3-11, which offers a huge variety of complimentary water sports and activities such as Little Chefs, Wildlife and Ocean Adventures, Discover Science, Pirates of the Caribbean, Dance and Sing, and Day at the Beach. Carlisle Bay has its Cool Kids Club, which is suitable for ages 6 months to 6 years, and has entertainments such as lizard hunting, treasure hunts and arts and crafts, whilst Crew Blue (7-12 yrs) and Crush (13-18 yrs) offer a brilliant array of activities for older children. Curtain Bluff has just launched it’s new CEEBEE kids club, featuring a shaded base camp located on the child-friendly beach. It’s completely free and offers everything from chocolate making to crab races, mocktail lessons at the bar to designing wind chimes. For older kids there’s lots of different water sports, tennis and a superbly equipped games room. Blue Waters has also just launched a kids club based around an exciting ‘secret garden’ for ages 4-11 yrs, which offers everything from arts & crafts, football, tennis and cricket to jewellry design, ice cream trips and team challenges. A crèche is also available for younger guests. But there’s more to a family holiday than just the kids club and these resorts offer some truly exciting options. Jumby Bay gives children the opportunity to become involved in the marine conservation work at the hotel through their Hawksbill Turtle programme. Under the supervision of expert researchers, kids can watch a turtle nesting on the beach and participate in the release of the hatchlings into the sea. They also have the opportunity to adopt a turtle and follow it’s progress via the hotel’s Facebook page. For a change of pace how about the Rose Buds Junior Spa Menu also at Jumby? The open-air spa, located steps from the beach, welcomes guests ages 4-16 with treatments including Beach Bliss Mani and Pedi, Mini Massage, Mini Facial, and Chillax aromatherapy. On a more practical note Curtain Bluff serves early dinners to their youngest guests outside on the terrace at 6.00pm. Babysitters can then look after children back in the room, freeing up parents for leisurely dinners and dancing.   With convenient direct flights from the UK, short hotel transfers, and wonderfully welcoming locals, Antigua really is the perfect place for a stress-free escape that will be perfect for parents and children alike. For more information about taking your family to Antigua, call our friendly team on 01431 9700 http://www.caribtours.ie/blog/rss/blog/2015/march/16/antigua-the-perfect-family-holiday/ http://www.caribtours.ie/blog/rss/blog/2015/march/16/antigua-the-perfect-family-holiday/ Mon, 16 March 2015 00:00:00 http://www.caribtours.ie/blog/rss/blog/2015/march/05/and-relax/ If sitting by the pool with cocktail in hand isn’t relaxing enough for you, then we know just what you need. Each of the resorts featured in our  Saint Lucia Fortnight  boast amazing spas. Whether it’s a full body massage to get rid of the strains and knots from everyday life, or if you just want to indulge yourself with a relaxing treatment ,then these hotels have you covered. For something a little different,  Sugar Beach  houses a treehouse Rainforest Spa hidden amongst the tropical foliage. We think that while you are on holiday it is important to restore your mind, body and soul. So while the beautiful scenery, amazing weather and delicious dining can take care of your soul, most Saint Lucian resorts also offer great wellbeing and fitness classes complimentary with your stay.  Rendezvous  is a perfect example of this, with complimentary watersports, yoga and Pilates classes for all guests. Practise your sun salutation in complete serenity or burn some calories with a more intense aerobics class.  The BodyHoliday  offers great sports facilities as well as an Oasis with exercise studios, treatment rooms and a yoga pavilion and receive a 50 minute spa treatment everyday of your stay as part of your package. Whatever it is that you are looking for, you are sure to find.  Saint Lucia offers the ultimate combination of sun, spa and relaxation. http://www.caribtours.ie/blog/rss/blog/2015/march/05/and-relax/ http://www.caribtours.ie/blog/rss/blog/2015/march/05/and-relax/ Thu, 05 March 2015 14:30:00 http://www.caribtours.ie/blog/rss/blog/2015/january/27/how-to-choose-your-maldives-holiday/ Ed Light, Caribtours Head of Commercial, gives his tips on how to choose your Maldives holiday… Transfers are key Depending on the island chosen the method of getting there after arriving in Malé can vary massively both in terms of experience and cost. The islands closest to Malé tend to be the most established resorts, as they were developed first, and will have relatively short speedboat transfers – ideal for those with younger kids after a long flight or those on a budget. Seaplane transfers are the norm for those medium range islands, and whilst more expensive are an incredible experience, whilst the newer islands tend to be further from Malé with a domestic flight followed by a boat transfer. This adds to the journey time but the pristine Robinson Crusoe feeling on arrival more than makes up for it. Overwater choices Like the South Pacific, the Maldives is famous for its overwater villas. The sound of waves lapping underneath and the opportunity to snorkel straight from your room is a big lure and particularly popular with honeymooners. Do you like waking to the rising sun with a nice coffee in hand on the outdoor deck, or viewing the setting sun in the evening with a cool glass of something? This will determine which island and which room category to choose depending on which way the villas face. Make it a twin thing The Maldives makes a brilliant twin centre destination either after a cultural tour of Sri Lanka, or a city break in Dubai or Abu Dhabi. Most would choose to end in the Maldives for complete rest and relaxation to finish their holiday, especially after a Sri Lanka tour, but the Arabian cities are very easy to do en route home too with the numerous daily flights. In the low season summer months these routes are the only way of getting to the Maldives from the UK on scheduled flights so why not take advantage of that. http://www.caribtours.ie/blog/rss/blog/2015/january/27/how-to-choose-your-maldives-holiday/ http://www.caribtours.ie/blog/rss/blog/2015/january/27/how-to-choose-your-maldives-holiday/ Tue, 27 January 2015 10:51:00 http://www.caribtours.ie/blog/rss/blog/2014/november/07/highlights-of-dubai-and-abu-dhabi/ Dubai city tour My adventure in the Emirates began with an early morning arrival into Dubai . An early check-in at the lovely Fairmont The Palm afforded us an opportunity to freshen up, before embarking on a guided tour of the city. We explored the atmospheric souks, from the enticing aromas of the spice market to shop windows bulging with bling, and craned our necks to take in the iconic skyline, including the Burj Khalifa, the world’s tallest building, and the Burj Al Arab , the self-styled world’s first ‘seven star’ hotel. We also stopped off at the downtown Dubai Museum, where we learnt about the origins of this sparkling city on the Persian Gulf. Dubai Mall and the Burj Khalifa The Dubai Mall is a shopaholic’s dream, with every outlet you could possibly want. From the Mall we then took the lift to the top of the Burj Khalifa, which takes just 54 seconds, and once the doors open you are presented with the most breathtaking views of Dubai. You can see the whole of The Palm Jumeirah, as well as ‘The World’ islands out in the ocean, which are yet to be developed. The day ended with a seat at one of the Mall’s restaurants to enjoy the Fountain Show, where the fountains dance around to dramatic music, a beautiful sight and definitely not to be missed. Overnight we stayed at the beautiful One&Only Royal Mirage – Arabian Court , an elegant retreat that provided a real haven away from the bustle of the city. The Palm Jumeirah We also had the opportunity to visit Atlantis, The Palm , a fun filled hotel that you will just love no matter what age you are. With its aquarium and water park, and a whole host of restaurants, you wouldn’t even need to leave the hotel during your stay if you didn’t want to. Also on The Palm is the tranquil oasis of One&Only the Palm , where the elegant cabanas on the powdery white sand are the perfect place to spend a very chilled day. The hotel also has easy access by boat to One&Only Royal Mirage just across the water. Islands of Abu Dhabi After three nights in Dubai it was time for the short drive to Abu Dhabi , which took about an hour. Abu Dhabi is quite different from Dubai, and I hadn’t realised that the city is made up of many small islands, which are connected together by bridges. I was also surprised to find that the majority of the landscape we passed through on the drive from Dubai was reclaimed marshland - I had assumed it would just be desert, desert and more desert!   Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque The Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque is a huge building, capable of holding 40,000 people at a time, and the architecture is just stunning: the chandeliers alone are worth an estimated £25 million, and they are simply jaw dropping. We also got to enjoy stunning views of the mosque when we stayed at The Ritz Carlton Abu Dhabi, Grand Canal , which is located just a 20 minute walk away. The hotel boasts a very grand entrance, a great range of dining facilities and a good beach, although personally I spent more time around their pool as it is just huge. Yas Island Yas Island brought an altogether different experience in the shape of Ferrari World, an indoor theme park that is home to the world’s fastest roller coaster, the white knuckle Formula Rossa. There is also a water park on the island, and the Formula One race track that plays host to the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix. Emirates Palace and the Corniche Last but not least, a real highlight of my time in Abu Dhabi was our visit to the Emirates Palace hotel. The high ceilings and opulent furnishings really give it the feel of a sheikh’s palace, and it’s also a fantastic choice for families, with a great adventure pool with a lazy river and water slide, as well as bikes that kids can ride around on. I can also recommend the nearby Corniche, a lovely beachfront promenade with a European feel to it, which has some nice areas where children can play during the day. http://www.caribtours.ie/blog/rss/blog/2014/november/07/highlights-of-dubai-and-abu-dhabi/ http://www.caribtours.ie/blog/rss/blog/2014/november/07/highlights-of-dubai-and-abu-dhabi/ Fri, 07 November 2014 13:41:00 http://www.caribtours.ie/blog/rss/blog/2014/october/13/the-holiday-brochure-is-dead/ Or so much of the travel industry would have you believe. Hard-nosed Managing Directors pen worthy articles in the travel trade press, and smooth talking marketing types in trendy glasses and black polo necks nod sagely and agree that printed brochures are old hat, passé, expensive and ineffective. The future is all about augmented-reality mobile apps, or choosing your holiday based on the recommendations of your Facebook friends and then booking them via your Google glasses. Well, as Mark Twain might have said “reports of the death of the travel brochure have been greatly exaggerated”. Here at Caribtours we think that a well produced brochure still has its place. Not that we doubt the efficacy of websites, social media and recommendations from friends et al. It’s just that, in the same way that there are times when only a good old fashioned book will do, we believe that many of our customers still prefer the heft of a traditional brochure when browsing for their fortnight in the sun. And whilst recommendations from friends (even Facebook ones) and the dubious pleasures of TripAdvisor are now undeniably part of the holiday buying process, we firmly believe that it is our job as a travel company to inspire you about places and experiences you (or your Facebook friends) might not be aware of. Call us Luddites or iconoclasts, but shouldn’t researching your holiday be one of life’s little pleasures? How much enjoyment is to be found comparing scores and reading badly written polemics on TripAdvisor (not that we have anything to fear, check out the TripAdvisor scores of our hotels on our website)? If you’ve ever wondered what goes into the making of a travel brochure (we’re not sure why you would, but indulge us), at Caribtours the process usually starts in April with a meeting between the great and good of the company to decide how last year’s editions can be improved, honed and generally made better. The Creative team then go off to produce design concepts, whilst our Product team fly off on seemingly interminable trips to the Caribbean, Indian Ocean and Arabia searching for the newest and most exciting hotels and resorts. Based on their findings we decide upon the pagination before embarking on a two month whirlwind of contracting hotels, writing copy, choosing images and putting the pages together. By September, after many rewrites, late nights, creative disagreements and more packets of Custard Creams than would be considered healthy, the files are ready to go to the printer. We try to reduce the environmental impact of the brochures as far as possible. They are printed on FSC accredited paper, which means that it comes from sustainably managed forests, in a plant that generates 40,000 kWh of solar power every year, recycles 97% of all of its waste and has 24% of the building’s heating recovered from the print presses. So after six months hard work, our new collections finally launch on 17 October and, in our opinion, are our best yet, with 22 of the hottest new properties in the Caribbean and Mexico, and 27 fantastic new properties in the Indian Ocean and Arabia.  We have also introduced the Indian Ocean and Arabia into our affordable luxury C by Caribtours collection, bringing you the best value the region has to offer, with the benefit and security of our legendary service, knowledge and enthusiasm.  Please click here for more information about what's hot for 2015, or to order your complimentary copies. We then recommend curling up on the sofa with a glass of wine and immersing yourself in some of the finest travel experiences on the planet… before going online to check their TripAdvisor ratings. http://www.caribtours.ie/blog/rss/blog/2014/october/13/the-holiday-brochure-is-dead/ http://www.caribtours.ie/blog/rss/blog/2014/october/13/the-holiday-brochure-is-dead/ Mon, 13 October 2014 13:35:00 http://www.caribtours.ie/blog/rss/blog/2014/october/06/ed-reviews-long-beach-mauritius/ We’ve recently returned from a fabulous week at Long Beach . This was my third time to the resort, the first being a business trip during the hotel's construction, and the second being two years ago with the family, but this was the best stay yet. Why? The rooms haven’t changed, the food is still great, the beach still amazing, but, because our kids are now nearly 6 and 4, they could really enjoy the activities and facilities fully this time. Seeing them playing in the pool, building sandcastles, going on the glass bottom boat trips, even parasailing, were what family holidays are all about, and the memories generated will last a long time.  Not to mention the superb staff at the kids' club and the fun activities organised there – more than once we had to drag the kids out!   I would highly recommend the connecting Superior Beachfront Rooms in the 500s block -  spacious, right on the beach, but still close to the pool area, and perfect for a family.  After a busy day’s playing, our little ones were exhausted so were in bed asleep by 7pm – we therefore arranged for a member of the kids' club to babysit for a couple of hours each evening.  This was great as my wife and I could then enjoy some quality time together – not easy back home with the typically busy lives of two working parents. Recounting the day’s adventures over one of the cocktails at the Shores bar, followed by some fabulous meals, was priceless. The main buffet restaurant, plus the à la carte Mediterranean, Chinese and Italian restaurants (all included), offered a brilliant choice of dining, and there is the amazing Japanese restaurant where we enjoyed a very special meal on our wedding anniversary. It’s well worth upgrading to the All-Inclusive package as it's great value, and there is a really good choice of included meals, cocktails and wines, including the mini bar. Long Beach is very contemporary in style and architecture, and is a large resort but with traditional Mauritian hospitality, and set on one of the most amazing beaches on the island. Yes it is windy during winter months, but not overly so and this makes it brilliant for sailing and windsurfing.  We also had some beautifully calm days at 26 degrees – perfect for us. Thank you to all the team at the resort, we can’t wait to return again soon. http://www.caribtours.ie/blog/rss/blog/2014/october/06/ed-reviews-long-beach-mauritius/ http://www.caribtours.ie/blog/rss/blog/2014/october/06/ed-reviews-long-beach-mauritius/ Mon, 06 October 2014 14:20:00 http://www.caribtours.ie/blog/rss/blog/2014/october/03/mauritius-on-my-mind/ Here at Caribtours we’re all dyed-in-the-wool travel fanatics, united in our passion for travel and love of the culture and the landscapes of the regions we feature. For some of us though, the bond to these places runs much deeper. Keshma, from our finance team, was born and grew up in Mauritius. We had a chat to her about what she misses, how the island has changed since her childhood and the joys of fish curry… How long did you live in Mauritius? I was born and brought up in Mauritius. I left when I was 20 and eventually settled in the UK. What are the best things about growing up in Mauritius? There are so many. Living with an extended family, whereby all uncles, aunties and cousins live in the same yard or even under the same roof was great. I was lucky to live amongst all of my relatives until I was 11. We still have the brotherly/sisterly bond even now; that togetherness in all family functions is really amazing! When I was a child, I also used to have swimming lessons at the seaside. I could literally see the stunning beaches from the window of my classroom. All of the exotic fruits we had were fantastic, especially the mangoes and lychees that were available during the summer holidays. We used to pick them and then eat them under the shade of a tree. Not bad for a summer holiday task! What do you miss now that you live in the UK? Without a second thought, the weather! It’s never too cold in Mauritius. Then of course I miss the beautiful sandy beaches; the food; socialising on the beach with a light breeze, rather than the Friday pub. We also definitely have more bank holidays. Mauritius is multi-cultural, and we have public holidays on festive days for all religious beliefs. Last but not least, barbecue for Christmas dinner, with a perfect temperature of 28 – 30 degrees Celsius! How does life differ in Mauritius compared to the UK? Local people in Mauritius are so much more laid back compared to the UK. I’m also always surprised by the difference in the way people commute on public transport in both countries. Compared to the total silence on a packed train in the UK, everyone seems to know each other in Mauritius… on a bus it can get very noisy at times. Also, in Mauritius, friends and relatives would just pop into your house randomly. They’ll invite themselves in and it’s just something very normal to be hospitable to guests.  It’s just normal to expect people anytime and Mauritians love that!  Has the island changed much since you were a child?  I would say dramatically. There are lots more modern houses, shopping malls, department stores and restaurants now. The country’s economy has done really well over the last few years, so there are many new offices around and more jobs for people.  Most families are able to spend weekends or even a week in a hotel and enjoy all the facilities which wasn’t the case before. Any advice for the first time visitor to the island? When you’re packing for your holiday make sure you put in plenty of sleeveless tops, shorts or miniskirts and light clothes etc.  No matter if it’s summer or winter in Mauritius, a sun tan is definitely on the cards.  If you like to party, Grand Baie (in the north of the country) is the place. What do you think are the must see places for visitors, or are there any hidden gems you can share? I think for any visitor the must see places are Chamarel, Black River Gorges National Park and the Sir Seewoosagur Ramgoolam Botanical Garden.  My favourite locations are Le Morne Beach and Maconde in the south west which have breathtaking views. The drive from Grand Bassin (a lake with huge statues of Hindu gods and goddesses) to Le Morne is just stunning. Chamarel and Black River Gorges are on the way as well so this can be done in day. A hidden gem for me is ‘La Roche qui Pleure’ near Gris Gris, in Souillac in the south of the country. It has outstanding views of the ocean and resembles a crying man – it’s an amazing natural feature.   Can you recommend any traditionally Mauritian food or drink that you think the world should know about?  It has to be Alouda which is similar to milkshake but has ice cream on top to cool you down even more. I also think Dhol Puri - very fine roti with yellow peas filling and some mild curries - at Bazaar Port Louis is a must.  It’s one of the most famous markets in the country’s main city.  You should also try Poisson Masala Bringelle as well. A fresh fish curry with Mauritian spices and aubergine – Yummy! http://www.caribtours.ie/blog/rss/blog/2014/october/03/mauritius-on-my-mind/ http://www.caribtours.ie/blog/rss/blog/2014/october/03/mauritius-on-my-mind/ Fri, 03 October 2014 14:00:00 http://www.caribtours.ie/blog/rss/blog/2014/september/29/mauritius-top-three/ Louise, from our reservations team, recently journeyed to Mauritius to experience the vibrant culture, cerulean seas and verdant interior of this fascinating island for the very first time. On a trip packed with highlights, here are three that really stood out… Casela Nature Reserve   Casela Nature Reserve offers the adrenalin-rush experience of walking with lions. We were up close and personal with these stately creatures, watching them climb the tree trunks and play fight with each other while learning more about the valuable conservation programme.  This was one of the most thrilling things I have ever done and something I will never forget; a once in a lifetime experience I definitely recommend. Zip Wire at Casela   For someone like myself, having vertigo, I never thought I could ever go through with this, but after much coaxing I finally plucked up the courage and wow it was amazing! If you are brave enough to open your eyes the views are breathtaking. I have seen lots of different zip wire experiences in other countries, but the location and the sheer height of this one will satisfy the most adventurous of adrenalin junkies! Quad Biking at Frédérica Nature Reserve . Set in a beautiful and extensive natural park with the ruins of a traditional sugar estate factory, we embarked on an adventurous quad bike ride all the way to the very top of the reserve, riding through sugar cane fields accompanied by a very friendly guide and rewarded with the most stunning views at the finish. It was such a memorable experience and I would recommend it to anyone visiting the island and looking for a bit of adventure! I simply loved Mauritius and everything it has to offer; the beautiful landscape with amazing beaches; the array of stunning hotels to suit all tastes; the warm and welcoming people who never stop smiling and the multi-cultural cuisine which is some of the best I have ever experienced. Especially the mouthwatering fresh curries and the party spirit on the island with the colourful Sega dancers, and not forgetting my favourite tipple, the Chamarel Premium Gold Rum! http://www.caribtours.ie/blog/rss/blog/2014/september/29/mauritius-top-three/ http://www.caribtours.ie/blog/rss/blog/2014/september/29/mauritius-top-three/ Mon, 29 September 2014 10:30:00 http://www.caribtours.ie/blog/rss/blog/2014/september/19/afternoon-tea-in-the-caribbean/ Afternoon tea, that most quintessentially British of traditions, dates back to the 1840s, when it was created by Anna Maria Russell, Duchess of Bedford.  She found that a light meal of tea, sandwiches and cake was the perfect way to stave off mid-afternoon hunger pangs and soon started inviting her friends to join her. Nowadays afternoon tea is enjoyed all over the world, and we have teamed up with the UK's foremost experts on a good cuppa,  Tea Palace ,  to bring you a guide to the best places for afternoon tea in the Caribbean... At  Carlisle Bay, Antigua , afternoon tea is served wherever you want. Whether you’re on the beach or on your balcony, if you don’t feel like leaving your sun lounger, it’s no problem. Or perhaps you might like to escape the afternoon sun and enjoy it in the cinema whilst watching their daily showing of a children’s film? Either way, a delightful little rectangular plate of three treats will be delivered to you. After a jam-packed day full of activities and spa treatments at  The BodyHoliday, Saint Lucia , you’ll be rewarded with a well-deserved afternoon tea on the beachfront Clubhouse Deck, whilst listening to live music. Caribtours Travel Adviser Louise says she’s enjoyed a lot of amazing afternoon teas, but if she had to choose, this is her favourite. Barbados is sometimes referred to as the “England of the tropics” and Cobblers Cove, with its quaint English country house style, is the perfect place to enjoy this very English tradition. Served daily in their pink and white Great House Pavilion, guests can enjoy a charming and memorable afternoon tea. Another Bajan hotel with an excellent afternoon tea is the legendary  Sandy Lane . Never one to do things by halves, they offer a choice of not one, but four different menus: Royal, Classic, Light and A La Carte. Our vote goes for the Royal Tea, which includes a glass of Laurent Perrier Champagne. The Ritz Carlton, Grand Cayman , offers one of the most sumptuous Caribbean afternoon teas we’ve come across, including savoury gourmet delights such as mango and lobster salad, prosciutto & parmesan mille feuille and egg and watercress sandwiches with caviar. There’s even a Ritz Kids Tea, to keep the little ones happy. Nisbet Plantation, Nevis  has been honouring the tradition since the hotel opened in the 1950s, serving an extensive tea selection on the historic Great House Terrace. Along with delicious sandwiches, cakes and pastries, there is also the chance to try a local ‘bush’ tea made with fresh local ingredients. The  Cotton House  is the only hotel on the privately-owned island of Mustique, in the beautiful Grenadines, and its Great Room is a gathering point for afternoon tea. And it's not just hotel guests: the international clientele who own villas on the island like to drop by for their daily dose of sandwiches and cakes. The luxurious afternoon tea at  Spice Island Beach Resort, Grenada , is the favourite of Caribtours Product Manager Katherine. She spends more time in the Caribbean than she does in the office, so her recommendations are worth listening to! At  Round Hill, Jamaica , afternoon tea is served in the Cocktail Bar, where designer Ralph Lauren uses vintage pictures of guests (including some famous faces, such as Grace Kelly and Noel Coward ) to add some old world glamour. It’s not just our hotels where you can indulge –  Silversea ’s fleet of luxury small ships offer afternoon tea, which guests can enjoy whilst listening to the soothing sounds of the piano and swapping stories with fellow guests about their day.    Exclusive 10% saving... Caribtours clients receive an  exclusive 10% saving  on all purchases made on the  Tea Palace  website - simply enter the code CARIB10  at the check-out. This saving cannot be used in conjunction with any offer or on sale items, and is valid until 19 August 2015. http://www.caribtours.ie/blog/rss/blog/2014/september/19/afternoon-tea-in-the-caribbean/ http://www.caribtours.ie/blog/rss/blog/2014/september/19/afternoon-tea-in-the-caribbean/ Fri, 19 September 2014 16:31:00 http://www.caribtours.ie/blog/rss/blog/2014/august/29/mesmerising-mauritius/ Rich in heritage, culturally diverse and ecologically varied, this  small land mass, just east of Madagascar and sitting atop the Indian Ocean, has many distractions apart from the ubiquitous turquoise waters and white sand beaches. Here are our top reasons to venture beyond the beach and explore. Be beguiled… by the bustling city of Port Louis, a cauldron for  every race and creed, encircled by the ocean and an impressive mountain range. On the one hand it has a laid back air that is so reminiscent of the Caribbean, on the other it has a frenetic charge which is an assault on the senses and entirely engaging. Be adventurous… with a drive along the south coast and get  acquainted with a piece of Mauritius that is not so readily trodden. More rugged, mountainous and rich in vegetation than the rest of the island, with crystal clear, shallow lagoons and a wildness that is palpable. Be dazzled… and island hop to Ile aux Aigrettes, a small  floating ebony rich-forest, sitting jewel-like in the Indian Ocean. Filled to bursting with indigenous flora and fauna, this small nature reserve boasts the nesting site of the dodo’s cousin, the pink pigeon. Sadly not a dodo in sight! Be amazed… by the coloured sands at Chamerel where a  geological peculiarity has created a legion of bright colours, from saffron yellows to red ochres, marigold oranges to purples. Volcanic ash never looked so good. Be seduced… by the Ylang Ylang flower, small but with a huge  personality. Its heady and hypnotic scent pervades the plantations where it grows. Powerful and mythical, it is distilled for perfumes, sprinkled on newly weds' beds and has attained a reputation as a dexterous cural. Be brave… and haggle with panache at the Flacq Market – the  biggest bazaar on the east of the island, selling a plethora of items, from food to indigenous artifacts. Feel the buzz and vibrancy of Mauritius at its most active as tourists and locals mingle. Be a winner… at the races. Somewhat curiously introduced in  the 19th century to gain French co-operation, horse racing is extremely popular on the island and produces the most electrifying atmosphere as thoroughbreds compete to pip each other to the post. Be curious… and trek through the Black River Gorge National  Park, bursting with thick forests of dodo and black ebony trees, wild guavas and over 300 native flowering plants – a truly spectacular sight to behold. Be enticed… by the diversity of cuisine. Mauritius is an island  that creates food that assails the taste buds at every level. The fusion of Indian, Chinese, Creole and European flavours means that, whether fine dining or sampling local fare, it’s unlikely you will be disappointed, and it will encourage the explorer in you. Be romanced…  by the beat of Mauritian Séga music – often improvised  and utterly emotional, it is music that has an accentuated rhythm and a beat that touches your heart. Nightlife is as rich as the daytime scenery and it’s worth venturing to some of the bars where musical talents often convene. Sun, sea, sand and so very much more – this is an island that  appears on the surface unassuming and reluctant to shout about itself, but venture beyond the resorts and hotels and you’ll find a land that is beguiling, attentive and accomplished. This is not just picture book paradise, this is Eden with an edge and one that allows you to just be. Discover more about Mauritius ... http://www.caribtours.ie/blog/rss/blog/2014/august/29/mesmerising-mauritius/ http://www.caribtours.ie/blog/rss/blog/2014/august/29/mesmerising-mauritius/ Fri, 29 August 2014 09:56:00 http://www.caribtours.ie/blog/rss/blog/2014/august/28/sri-lanka-the-inside-track/ I was recently lucky enough to visit Sri Lanka for the first time, and never in my wildest dreams was I expecting such an amazing country with such breathtaking scenery, steeped in such rich culture and with such friendly, welcoming people. From the minute I touched down in Colombo I found myself fascinated by this island. I was to spend the next 11 nights travelling around with a private tour guide who was to escort and educate me and very proudly show me his country. I even ended up having dinner with his wife and children at his home on my last night! I started my trip with an overnight stay at The Wallawwa, a luxurious, boutique colonial property nestled in lush tropical gardens, just 20 minutes from Colombo airport. After an early morning Ayurvedic massage, followed by a traditional Sri Lankan breakfast (the first of many curries to come!) I reluctantly had to leave this serene oasis and start my adventure! After visiting the elephant orphanage at Pinnawala (a must for everyone visiting Sri Lanka for the first time), I headed to the cultural centre of Sri Lanka, driving through paddy fields and lush vegetation. I spent the next two nights at Jetwing Vil Uyana, an eco-luxury hotel and nature reserve, built around a man-made lake in the shadow of the historic rock fortress of Sigiriya. My private dwelling was rural simplicity, but with all the lavish comforts of a five star hotel, and the perfect place to come back to after a busy day visiting the cultural sights. I especially loved the outdoor oversized bath tub! This hotel is a must for nature lovers, and the crocodile in the lake makes an appearance most mornings, entertaining the guests whilst they are enjoying their lavish breakfast. I would have been quite happy to have just spent days in this hotel, enjoying the peaceful surroundings, taking walks, relaxing and just watching and listening to the sounds of all the wildlife. A 15 minute drive from Jetwing Vil Uyana is Sigiriya, a UNESCO World Heritage Site dating back 5,000 years, and one of Sri Lanka’s major attractions, also known as the Lion Rock. It is a challenging climb, and advisable to do early or late in the day to avoid the strong sun, but memorable to say the least, and a must for anyone staying in this area. The climb is worth every bit of sweat because when you arrive at the top of the rock, the views are stunning. After two really fascinating days visiting local temples and the ruins of Polonnaruwa, I headed over to the east coast of Sri Lanka to Passekudah, a very up-and-coming beach destination. Passekudah has some of the best beaches in Sri Lanka, with pristine white sand and turquoise blue waters. Heading inland again, I visited the magical city of Kandy, the last capital of the Sri Lankan kings and a World Heritage Site, where Sri Lankan legends, traditions and folklore are still lovingly kept alive. The town is full of bazaars, arts and crafts, and an abundance of gem stores, so it's a great place for shopping.   I stayed overnight at The Kandy House, a 200-year-old manor house which was the most delightful residence. There are just a handful of rooms here, all named after butterflies indigenous to Sri Lanka. With a personal butler assigned to my room, I enjoyed breakfast on my verandah before heading down to the stunning gardens and having a quick dip in the large swimming pool. I was really sorry to have to leave this special place and promised myself I would return to this hotel one day for a longer stay. After a few hours of winding roads, climbing higher and higher through miles of lush tea plantations, I was lucky enough to experience two nights of outstanding butler service and delicious gourmet meals at Ceylon Tea Trails, Sri Lanka’s first Relais & Châteaux resort, comprising of four luxurious colonial era tea planter’s bungalows, connected by stunning walkways. This was a real highlight of my trip and I would recommend that you make sure it is part of your own itinerary. Next I took the train through mountains and waterfalls, taking in the breathtaking surroundings. I found it hard to believe that in a couple of hours I would be on safari spotting leopards in Yala National Park! After a very early wake-up call and the chance to see some amazing wildlife, I had to hit the road for the final leg of my journey. I was looking forward to soaking up some rays on the south coast, where you'll find pretty palm fringed bays that are much more secluded than the busier west coast. I visited the charming old town of Galle and its fortifications, another UNESCO World Heritage Site, and spent a couple of hours wandering around the cobbled streets, savouring the European feel and making the most of the delightful boutiques and shops. I picked up some lovely gifts to take home to remember this most beautiful country. I still can’t believe that in 12 days I visited an elephant orphanage, climbed Sigiriya, saw all the temples in the cultural centre, experienced the stunning east coast, went back inland to the tea plantations, then on safari and finally back to the west coast  – an unbelievable trip! http://www.caribtours.ie/blog/rss/blog/2014/august/28/sri-lanka-the-inside-track/ http://www.caribtours.ie/blog/rss/blog/2014/august/28/sri-lanka-the-inside-track/ Thu, 28 August 2014 17:23:00 http://www.caribtours.ie/blog/rss/blog/2014/august/27/top-6-ways-to-arrive-in-style/ Caribtours offer private transfers on most of our holidays as standard but for something a little more special, read on…     Rolls Royce Sandy Lane , Barbados, is one of the world’s most luxurious and elegant hotels so it’s only natural that you would want to arrive in one of the world’s most luxurious and elegant cars - a Rolls Royce Phantom. Be the envy of other guests as you glide up to the Sandy Lane entrance in style, ready to kick back and enjoy your holiday.     Seaplane Seaplanes in the Maldives are more like air taxis and travelling to your island this way is a fun start to your holiday, giving you a great feel for the destination. You’ll be taken to the seaplane lounge to relax whilst waiting for your plane, then it’s up, up and away as you soar over azure waters and tropical islands of white sand and palm trees.     Helicopter A helicopter transfer gives you a truly unique experience, a bird’s eye view of the island you’re visiting from the minute you arrive, and also cuts your transfer time! Helicopter transfers are available in a number of Caribtours destinations including the British Virgin Islands , Saint Lucia , Jamaica , Mauritius and the Seychelles .     Private luxury yacht Start your holiday to One&Only Reethi Rah , Maldives in true luxury with a private luxury yacht transfer. On arrival at the airport you will be escorted to the exclusive One&Only yacht and welcomed on board with a drink and fresh towel. During the 70 minute journey sink into the comfy sofas and relax while taking in the spectacular views of the Indian Ocean.   Private jet Not strictly a transfer but who wouldn’t want to arrive by private jet? Bypass the queues and chaos of the airport, take off at a time that suits you and dine on delicious meals accompanied by fine wines. Take a short nap or relax and watch one of the films you pre-selected, and arrive for your Caribtours holiday as fresh as a daisy.   Paraglider For the ultimate in adventure transfers, why not paraglide in to Six Senses Zighy Bay , Oman. You will be a passenger on a flight with Zighy Bay’s resident paragliding professional and launch off from Zighy Mountain. Take in the spectacular scenery from heights of up to 300 metres before gliding into the bay below and gently landing on the sandy beach. http://www.caribtours.ie/blog/rss/blog/2014/august/27/top-6-ways-to-arrive-in-style/ http://www.caribtours.ie/blog/rss/blog/2014/august/27/top-6-ways-to-arrive-in-style/ Wed, 27 August 2014 10:49:00 http://www.caribtours.ie/blog/rss/blog/2014/august/15/magnificent-mustique/ When I was offered the opportunity recently to travel to St Vincent and the Grenadines, I jumped at the chance to revisit one of my favourite parts of the Caribbean. My first stop was the idyllic island of Mustique, the chosen holiday destination for royalty, rock stars and, more recently, Cheryl Cole, who chose the island for her nuptials. As you touch down at Mustique airport you have a real feeling of going back in time, and relaxation instantly washes over you.  The island is tiny - just 3 miles long by 1.5 miles wide - and the accommodation consists predominantly of private villas (Mick Jagger, Tommy Hilfiger and the Cartier family all have residences here), along with the famous Cotton House , the only luxury hotel on the island and my home for the next few nights. After a short plane ride from Barbados, we whizzed through tiny Mustique airport upon arrival, and took the island’s preferred method of transport to our accommodation: the Moscow Mule, which is a large motorised golf cart that's great fun to drive around the sleepy roads of Mustique. We were greeted at the Cotton House with a refreshing cocktail and a cold towel before being shown to our rooms. The hotel was once an 18 th  century stone and coral warehouse, and the 17 luxurious, individually decorated and designed rooms are scattered across the extensive gardens, each offering something different to suit every taste. After a quick dip in my private plunge pool, it was time to join the resident sommelier for a spot of wine tasting up at the Residence, the hotel's beautiful two bedroom villa with a private pool. This was fantastic fun, and confirmed that I am definitely an ABC (Anything But Chardonnay) girl. Dinner was a relaxed affair in the Great Room with a large choice of delicious options, but we were particularly tempted by the fresh lobster – a must when you're in this part of the world. Following a blissful night's sleep, aided by the hotel’s scented candles and extensive pillow menu, it was time to explore the island, so we jumped back in our Mules and headed into the tiny 'town', which consists of the Sweetie Pie Bakery, the Pink Shop, the Purple Shop, which sells gorgeous high end beachwear and souvenirs, and the infamous Basil’s Bar, the only bar on the island and a hive of activity in the evenings, a place where tourists, yachties, villa owners and locals all congregate to drink, party and share stories. We then whizzed by the cricket grounds, equestrian school (horseback riding on the beach is amazing!), and the church, where the congregation was singing gospel songs that were so touching that a couple of people in our group shed a tear. We ended our tour at the now famous Macaroni Beach, the rumoured wedding location for the new Mrs Fernandez Versini and quite possible the best beach on the whole of the island. Here we whiled away a few hours enjoying the sun and surf, before the staff at Cotton House arrived with a scrumptious picnic of sandwiches, salads and fizz.  We then returned to the hotel for a relaxing afternoon of sailing and kayaking before a heavenly massage at the hotel's impressive ESPA spa, and enjoyed one last night on this lovely island before we sadly had to depart. One thing's for sure though, I'll be back! http://www.caribtours.ie/blog/rss/blog/2014/august/15/magnificent-mustique/ http://www.caribtours.ie/blog/rss/blog/2014/august/15/magnificent-mustique/ Fri, 15 August 2014 12:48:00 http://www.caribtours.ie/blog/rss/blog/2014/august/08/petit-st-vincent-small-but-perfectly-formed/ I was recently lucky enough to stay for four nights at Petit St Vincent , a gorgeous private island in the Grenadines. To reach the resort you fly into Barbados airport, then take a quick flight on to Union Island, and the final leg of the journey is by boat, so you feel like the holiday has started before you even reach the hotel. PSV, as it is known locally, is the ultimate in unpretentious, rustic luxury. This isn’t a hotel for those looking for glitz and bling, but those looking to enjoy privacy and exclusivity on their very own private island. The hotel is made up of just 22 luxurious detached cottages, mostly one bedroom, with a few two bedrooms, and each one is individually designed. This is very much an island where people keep themselves to themselves – with your own hammock, day bed and even your own little stretch of beach, you don’t need to venture far. The hotel operates a unique flag system, where you write a note of what you’d like on a little scroll, hoist it up on a yellow flag and your attentive butler will deliver it to you. Should you choose to leave the comfort of your cottage, the hotel provides bikes for exploring the island and there are tennis courts, but I was far too busy relaxing to make use of these. I did however make it to the beautiful hillside spa, and enjoyed one of the best massages I’ve ever had thanks to the Balinese masseuse. There’s also a lovely yoga pavilion facing the sea, which I was delighted about, being such a yoga addict. The class added even more to the relaxation and feeling of wellbeing. It quickly became apparent that we would have no choice but to completely switch off from the outside world, as there are no TVs and limited WiFi. At first this scared me, but by the end of the holiday I realised I wouldn’t want it any other way. My enforced ‘digital detox’ did me a world of good. Dinner is a low key affair, and my heels were not required. It’s barefoot dining in the sand and the sound of the ocean. One of the highlights is the hotel's lobster pool – a large circular tank, almost like a well, where you choose your lobster and the chef cooks it to perfection for you. A lot of hotels would charge a supplement for lobster, but at Petit St Vincent during lobster season you could eat it all day, every day for no extra charge. After dinner one evening we were treated to an outdoor screening of an Audrey Hepburn film, but the other nights just involved a quiet nightcap at the bar. Something that shouldn’t be overlooked on a holiday to Petit St Vincent is a day trip to the Tobago Cays. We boarded the hotel's old fashioned sailing boat, Beauty, and sailed past islands such as Canouan, Palm Island and Union Island en route. Once there we snorkelled, swam with turtles and then indulged in a barbecue lunch back on board. Petit St Vincent is a simply a wonderful resort, and I honestly couldn’t think of a better place to go for some much needed rest and relaxation. http://www.caribtours.ie/blog/rss/blog/2014/august/08/petit-st-vincent-small-but-perfectly-formed/ http://www.caribtours.ie/blog/rss/blog/2014/august/08/petit-st-vincent-small-but-perfectly-formed/ Fri, 08 August 2014 15:51:00 http://www.caribtours.ie/blog/rss/blog/2014/july/30/the-little-man-in-the-moon/ A short but sweet review of Moon Palace Golf & Spa Resort in Mexico, as seen through the eyes of 4 year old Ollie, son of our Creative & Digital Manager, David... http://www.caribtours.ie/blog/rss/blog/2014/july/30/the-little-man-in-the-moon/ http://www.caribtours.ie/blog/rss/blog/2014/july/30/the-little-man-in-the-moon/ Wed, 30 July 2014 14:06:00 http://www.caribtours.ie/blog/rss/blog/2014/july/28/a-quite-interesting-guide-to-the-dominican-republic/ If you thought the Dominican Republic was just about sun, sea and sand, have a look at our quite interesting infographic. It's full of things you probably didn't know about the Caribbean's most popular destination... http://www.caribtours.ie/blog/rss/blog/2014/july/28/a-quite-interesting-guide-to-the-dominican-republic/ http://www.caribtours.ie/blog/rss/blog/2014/july/28/a-quite-interesting-guide-to-the-dominican-republic/ Mon, 28 July 2014 15:15:00 http://www.caribtours.ie/blog/rss/blog/2014/july/22/dominican-republic-the-inside-track/ The Dominican Republic is one of those countries that just seems to go out of its way to give visitors a warm welcome, from the moment you step off the plane. Seasoned travellers to tropical countries will be pleasantly surprised on arriving at Punta Cana airport, with its open walled design, thatched palapa-style roof and huge, cooling fans suspended from the ceiling of the arrivals hall. Rarely have I felt so instantly relaxed, so swiftly immersed in the calming rhythms of island life. It soon becomes apparent that the Dominican Republic is different to her neighbours in many other ways. For a start, the country is huge by Caribbean standards. Hispaniola, the island on which the Dominican Republic sits, is second only to Cuba in its size. Unlike many of the smaller islands, the country's varied and fertile topography is able to sustain all manner of crops and livestock, meaning that the majority of the food you eat here has been produced on the island rather than expensively imported, and this is one of the reasons why the all-inclusive resorts are able to offer such great value. The size of the country also means you would be hard pressed to see everything in just one trip, which is why the focus of my first visit was the island's beautiful eastern shore. Punta Cana itself is a small village close to the airport, but the wider coastal region which takes its name stretches northwards from Cap Cana, taking in the stunning white sands of Bávaro, home to the majority of Punta Cana's resorts, via pretty little coves such as Playa Macao, all the way up to the golden beaches of Úvero Alto. It's true that this coast is home to some very large hotels, and this has given rise to a perception that the Dominican Republic is solely a mass market destination, somehow lacking in authenticity, but I found this to be rather wide of the mark. The biggest hotel I stayed at was Now Larimar Punta Cana , situated in a prime spot on Bávaro beach. With 822 rooms, you would perhaps expect the hotel to feel crowded and overbearing, but I found it to be remarkably laid back and tranquil for its size. The accommodation blocks are laid out neatly around beautifully maintained gardens, with fountains and plenty of shade to keep you cool as you wander around. It's a perfect resort for families, with several pools, an exhaustive range of sports and activities, and great kids' and teens' clubs. However it's also well suited to couples; the Preferred Club rooms here come with various additional benefits, perhaps the most indulgent of which is your own outdoor Jacuzzi. If you do go for one of these I would definitely recommend one of the upper floor rooms, for a little bit more privacy while you're enjoying a glass of bubbly on your balcony. Just next door to Now Larimar is sister resort Secrets Royal Beach Punta Cana , a serene, adults only sanctuary with a more exclusive, intimate feel than her larger neighbour. The spacious suites are stylish and contemporary, decorated in bright, zesty colours that give the resort a really individual character, arranged around a large freeform pool criss-crossed by little bridges. You don't have to spend too long here to see why it's such a favourite for couples, and it's a great choice for a honeymoon. Guests at Secrets also enjoy access to all of the facilities at Now Larimar (but not vice versa), so you're truly spoilt for choice when it comes to dining and entertainment options, with 10 restaurants and 14 bars on offer. There are plenty more accommodation options in the Bávaro area offering a level of sophistication to challenge those negative perceptions, such as the beautiful Paradisus Punta Cana Resort , which, like Now and Secrets, offers both a child friendly area and an exclusive, adults only section. However, in my opinion, to focus solely on the hotels is to miss the point somewhat, as it's only when you leave your resort that you really get a feel for what it is that makes the Dominican Republic so special. The allure of Punta Cana's beaches is well known, and well deserved, but head inland and you'll find an equally beautiful landscape of gently rising mountains, verdant tropical forest and brightly coloured houses. We took a tour of the countryside around Punta Cana and visited a small plantation where we saw first hand how coffee beans are harvested, before enjoying what must be the freshest cup of coffee I've ever tasted. We also watched cigars being hand rolled, another important industry for the local economy, and learnt how cocoa is transformed from a milky white bean to a delicious bar of chocolate. Another great excursion is a catamaran cruise across to Saona, an idyllic island off the south coast. During the leisurely crossing the crew will keep you entertained with music, dancing and plenty of rum, a tipple that's just as popular here as in the rest of the Caribbean. I definitely recommend trying the local version of the Cuba Libre, known as a 'Santo Libre' and mixed with lemonade rather than cola - simple, but very refreshing over ice and dangerously drinkable! Another one to watch out for is the ubiquitous mamajuana , a native concoction of rum, wine, honey, tree bark and herbs, which the locals insist has aphrodisiac qualities - something of an acquired taste, it has to be said. On Saona Island itself you can relax under the palms on the beautiful beach, or if you're feeling a bit more energetic you can play beach volleyball, go for a swim in the impossibly clear waters, or try your hand at merengue dancing. In fact it seems that wherever you are in this country, you're never far from someone who wants to teach you how to merengue … Perhaps the most pleasantly surprising aspect of the Dominican Republic is just how culturally rich the place is, with a history and an identity every bit as distinct as her Latin neighbours. While it has that unmistakable island feel, this is definitely more of a Latin country than a Caribbean one. When I asked our guide, Carlos, whether he thought of himself as Caribbean or as Latin American, he didn't even have to think before answering. He, like many of the Dominicans we met, had a real passion for his country, and for recounting tales from its history, from the days of the indigenous inhabitants, the Tainos, right the way up to some of the more bizarre idiosyncrasies of modern Dominican culture, such as Punta Cana's 'carwash bars', which are exactly as they sound - carwash by day, pumping bar by night. Indeed the lively nightlife is another big draw here, and many of the resorts have their own nightclubs. One of the best is Mangú, at the Occidental Grand Punta Cana, where hotel guests and local Dominicans dance the night away to DJs playing everything from hip hop to house to, of course, merengue , in the kind of glitzy, laser-lit setting that you might expect to find in Ibiza, but certainly not in the sleepy Caribbean. It's just another example of the Dominican Republic's constant capacity to surprise and delight you, to confound your expectations and challenge your preconceptions. Spend a week or two in this captivating country and you will find that, if you're willing to spend a little time exploring beyond the confines of your resort, this is not just an affordable Caribbean destination, but one that is truly worth every penny. http://www.caribtours.ie/blog/rss/blog/2014/july/22/dominican-republic-the-inside-track/ http://www.caribtours.ie/blog/rss/blog/2014/july/22/dominican-republic-the-inside-track/ Tue, 22 July 2014 10:05:00 http://www.caribtours.ie/blog/rss/blog/2014/july/18/read-any-good-books-lately/ Many of us use our holiday to catch up on the books we’ve been meaning to read but haven't gotten around to. So load up your e-reader or weigh down your suitcase with the Caribtours team's pick of the best books for your next holiday. Now where’s that sun lounger… 'The Hundred Year Old Man Who Climbed Out of the Window and Disappeared' by Jonas Jonasson “I was surprised at how funny I found this story about a one hundred year old man who dodges his own birthday party and goes on an adventure, making friends and enemies along the way. The ending is so sweet!”  Ellen, Marketing 'The Husband’s Secret' by Liane Moriarty “This book was really thought provoking and I kept trying to work out what I would do if I were in the same situation as the main character. Definitely a page turner.” Abi, Marketing 'The Martian' by Andy Weir “A gripping story about a man left behind after a failed mission to Mars. His fellow astronauts think he is dead until NASA discover evidence that he has survived. His chances of making it are slim but he uses resources left from previous missions and even tries to grow potatoes. Mark is a very likeable character and you really want him to make it.” Anna, Finance 'Cloud Atlas' by David Mitchell “This book is remarkable for the way the author manages to knit together six different stories, moving from the distant past into a post-apocalyptic future and then back again. It took me a while to get into it, and to get my head round what on earth was going on, but once it all clicked into place I couldn’t put it down until I finished it!” Tom, Creative 'Cleopatra’s Daughter' by Michelle Moran “Bringing to life the story of an Egyptian princess who, following the death of her mother Cleopatra, finds herself headed to Rome for a life that she did not choose, her fate in the hands of Augustus, who went on to become the first Roman Emperor.” Nicola, Product 'The Man Who Forgot His Wife' by John O’Farrell “A hilarious and heart-warming story about life and marriage, with an insight into the mind of a man going through a mid-life crisis. Perfect for light summer reading.” Natasha, Aviation 'Roy Jenkins' by John Campbell “A really engaging story, tracing the life and career of one of Britain’s most colourful politicians at a time when politics was actually interesting. Jenkins was both historically important and something of a paradox. A stalwart of the labour movement, from a working class, South Wales mining area, yet a gourmand with a taste for good claret, long lunches with a string of high society mistresses. He was a committed Europhile, the most liberal Home Secretary of the modern era and envisioned New Labour 20 years early.” David, Creative 'The Help' by Kathryn Stockett “I really loved this book as, although it’s a novel, I felt like I was learning something about the history of the African-American maids in Mississippi in the early 1960s. The film is also really good.” Abi, Marketing 'The Goldfinch' by Donna Tartt “This feels like quite a dark book but it’s really well written and I connected with the characters really quickly. You can feel Theo’s anxiety throughout the book and his relationship with his Ukrainian best friend, Boris, is one of the highlights.” Ellen, Marketing 'The Way of the World' by Nicolas Bouvier “This book is the travel diary of two Swiss guys who went on a road trip from Serbia to Afghanistan in the ‘50s via Turkey and Iran. Apparently it’s quite well known in the French-speaking world, but the English translation not so much. It’s a little bit like a Francophone version of Kerouac's ‘On the road’.” Tom, Creative http://www.caribtours.ie/blog/rss/blog/2014/july/18/read-any-good-books-lately/ http://www.caribtours.ie/blog/rss/blog/2014/july/18/read-any-good-books-lately/ Fri, 18 July 2014 14:13:00 http://www.caribtours.ie/blog/rss/blog/2014/july/09/antigua-fever/ When most people think of Antigua , I’m sure you'll agree, they think of golden sandy beaches with swaying palms and crystalline turquoise tropical waters. And why not, this is certainly true, with its 365 beaches... a different beach to venture to every day of the year! It's no surprise that you would think this way. But when I had the fortune to visit the island a couple of weeks ago as part of a fantastic, fun-loving group, I got to see why Antigua is not just a 'fly and flop' destination, but also an island full of fun and frolics. With a full week on the island we knew we would get the opportunity to experience a few activities, as well as, of course, the obligatory beach time… Quite simply, Shirley Heights is a must. People travel from all over the island to join the party atmosphere at this restored garrison every Sunday afternoon. We arrived early to watch the sunset over a rum cocktail (or two), amidst an already buzzing atmosphere. The gentle rhythms of steel pan music were in full swing and the enticing smells of barbecued pork, along with spectacular views over the bay at English Harbour, provided a perfect backdrop for a selfie (or three). With a hop, skip and jump back to our hotel,  The Inn at English Harbour , at the end of the night, we all left wanting more. The Inn, with its classic colonial charm, is also the perfect base to explore Nelson’s Dockyard . We took the hotel’s water taxi a few minutes around the bay and were able to wander around this beautifully preserved historic site. You can just imagine Admiral Nelson and his men roaming the yard, preparing for their next expedition. Now you can find little cafes and restaurants dotted around the harbour, as you watch the yachting enthusiasts. Geronimo on day 5! The thrill factor was definitely in effect as we got harnessed up for our zip lining adventure through the rainforest at Fig Tree Drive , on the south west tip of the island. The group's feeling were a mixture of anxiety and excitement, as we stood in anticipation, about to set off on a 13-line course through the scenic canopy. We started early in the day when the air was cooler, avoiding the queues at this increasingly popular attraction. A highlight for sure, but watch out for the 'screamer'… I’ll say no more. I had tried wine tasting and even whisky tasting before, but rum tasting was a first. We were lucky enough to stay at the gorgeous Carlisle Bay , where they had arranged a Master Rum Tasting Class for us with Devon. He talked us through the history of rum, how it was produced, and more importantly the subtle, yet noticeable differences between the differently aged rums. We felt like we were on an episode of Food & Drink, but in a truly tropical location! Suffice to say that, after the class, we merrily tottered back along the beachfront to our Ocean Suites, enjoying the quiet night and crystal clear starry skies. Before we arrived on the sunny shores of Antigua, everyone had told me that you couldn’t leave Antigua without experiencing the island from the water. It's almost like a rite of passage, to be able to say that you have properly seen, lived and breathed the island. A trip to Barbuda, Antigua’s smaller sister island, with its pristine 17 mile pink sandy beach, or a tour around the whole of Antigua, are the perfect day excursions. We were no exceptions to this rule, hitting the idyllic waters ourselves. Carlisle Bay offers a daily snorkelling tour to Cades Reef, so we decided to join the trip. Being slightly nervous of open water myself, I was really reassured by the care and attention of the staff. Even the speedboat ride out to the reef is a pleasure, as you look back at the palms fringing the beach, but the underwater life is truly breathtaking. Sunsets are so special, especially on holiday. I always find that I can remember every place I’ve been at that moment when the sun takes over the skies, creating that picture postcard scene, and a sunset viewed from the water is even more stunning. Many of the hotels organise sunset cruises , and on our last night, at Rosewood Jumby Bay , we boarded the resort’s private yacht for a gentle cruise, mingling with other guests over cocktails and canapés, watching the sun dip beyond the horizon. A perfect end to a perfect trip. I discovered that Antigua has so much to offer, with every resort presenting something different and special. Each resort has its own personality, and there is something for everyone. I always say that the way to tell how memorable and enjoyable a place is, is whether it leaves you wanting more. Antigua? More please… http://www.caribtours.ie/blog/rss/blog/2014/july/09/antigua-fever/ http://www.caribtours.ie/blog/rss/blog/2014/july/09/antigua-fever/ Wed, 09 July 2014 16:58:00 http://www.caribtours.ie/blog/rss/blog/2014/june/27/antigua-plus/ Although Antigua is a great destination in its own right (who could complain with 365 beaches?), it also happens to be the island that you need to fly to in order to reach some of the smaller Caribbean islands. A twin centre trip means you’ll have a much more varied holiday, as each of the islands in the Caribbean has its own personality. So why not extend your holiday and discover two islands instead of one? Just a short hop on a LIAT flight and you can be in sailor's paradise the British Virgin Islands, sleepy laid-back Nevis, nature lovers' favourite Dominica or gourmet heaven Anguilla. We’ve put together a selection of our favourite Antigua twin centre holidays to inspire you...   Antigua + Nevis Spend a wonderful week at laid back Blue Waters, Antigua , then add on a few nights at Nisbet Plantation, Nevis , where you’ll experience the Caribbean as it was 20 years ago. Untouched, unspoilt and off the beaten track, you’ll feel instantly calm and relaxed here. You could even go one better and add on a third island – Nevis’s sister, St Kitts, is just a short boat trip away and easily doable as a day trip.   Antigua + Anguilla At Hermitage Bay, Antigua , food is a real focus (our team raves about their Kobe beef burgers), so try twinning it with Cap Juluca, Anguilla . There are over 100 restaurants to choose from on Anguilla and two of the best are at Cap Juluca. When venturing out try Blanchards, Veja or Jacala for an unforgettable Anguillan dining experience.   Antigua + British Virgin Islands Honeymooners looking to get away from it all should consider a stay at adults only Galley Bay, Antigua , in one of their very private Gaugin Cottages with plunge pool. Then hop over to Peter Island , a private island in the British Virgin Islands, with not one but five beautiful beaches.   Antigua + Dominica For an activity filled holiday, combine watersports at Curtain Bluff, Antigua with land-based activities such as waterfall hikes and nature walks at Jungle Bay, Dominica . Both hotels include a vast number of activities in their all-inclusive plan, so you won’t have to worry about forking out for this whilst you’re there.   Antigua + St Barths Last but not least, the celebrity-filled island of St Barths is accessible by private or shared charter flights from Antigua. Combine stylish and contemporary Carlisle Bay, Antigua , a firm favourite amongst our team, with Eden Rock, St Barths , a glamorous hideaway popular with the rich and famous. http://www.caribtours.ie/blog/rss/blog/2014/june/27/antigua-plus/ http://www.caribtours.ie/blog/rss/blog/2014/june/27/antigua-plus/ Fri, 27 June 2014 14:06:00 http://www.caribtours.ie/blog/rss/blog/2014/june/23/out-of-the-mouths-of-babes/ It's easy enough to get an adult's view of a particular hotel... read online reviews, visit TripAdvisor or speak to one of our team; our website is also full of lucid well informed opinions about what makes each of our featured properties tick. But, for a family holiday that's only half the story. We thought we'd see what two of our younger clients really thought about Coconut Bay Beach Resort & Spa, Saint Lucia ; a property we think is ideal for kids. So here it is, the truth according to Alice (age 5) and Harry (age 3), unvarnished, (mostly) unedited and out of the mouths of babes... Our thanks go to Ed Light, Head of Commercial at Caribtours for letting his children take part and of course to Alice and Harry for disproving the old adage about working with children. http://www.caribtours.ie/blog/rss/blog/2014/june/23/out-of-the-mouths-of-babes/ http://www.caribtours.ie/blog/rss/blog/2014/june/23/out-of-the-mouths-of-babes/ Mon, 23 June 2014 17:21:00 http://www.caribtours.ie/blog/rss/blog/2014/june/16/moon-landing/ The first thing to hit you when you arrive at Moon Palace is the sheer size of the place - it's absolutely vast. Stretching along 2km of prime beach front and including (deep breath) a 27 hole golf course, 13 restaurants, 12 bars including an English-style pub, a nightclub, an events arena, a Dolphinarium, a Flowrider and more pools than you can shake a big stick at (should, for reasons best known to yourself, you wish to try), it definitely offers plenty to keep you entertained. It was however the very scale of the place that had me worried before we arrived as it went contrary to my usual preference for smaller, more intimate hotels - were we about to trade personality and ambiance for a big kids’ club and the kind of slick, corporate welcome that would make a Disney Store greeter look sincere? It turns out I had nothing to worry about. Yes it's undeniably big and bold, but it has genuine warmth, charm and charisma. Being split into three distinct resorts definitely helps as it makes the experience more manageable and stops you feeling overwhelmed by everything on offer. Each of the sections has its own distinct personality as well – Sunrise, where we were staying, is the biggest and most lively of the three, with a fantastic kids' pool complete with pirate castle, water slides and fibre-glass crocodiles; Nizuc, slightly smaller with a quieter atmosphere, feels more sophisticated, ideal for older couples yet still being perfect for young families (my son loved the water slide there as well) and then there is the Golf Resort which I will confess we didn't visit (not least because I am officially the world's most inept golfer). Chatting to fellow guests who had, they raved about the excellence of the restaurants and the quality of the course. Guests staying in that section are also issued with golf carts to whizz around the resort. For the rest of us there is a regular shuttle to ferry you between the different lobbies. The resort is also resolutely low rise and low density. The accommodation buildings are all only three stories high and are spaced out in beautifully landscaped enclaves angled to catch the breeze blowing in off the sea. The result of all this space is that the resort can effortlessly swallow a huge amount of people; it was apparently fairly busy when we visited but it never felt crowded – there was no unseemly fight for sun loungers, the pools, restaurants and bars were quiet (without being deserted) and whilst some parts were lively and buzzing it was easy to find areas in the grounds where your sole companions will be curious birds and possibly one of the hotel’s native population of iguanas basking in the heat. The other great advantage of such a substantial resort is the sheer number of things to do and places to eat. We originally chose Moon Palace because we wanted plenty to keep our 4 year old son entertained and we were certainly not disappointed. The kids’ club has everything: from a vintage style amusement arcade, a fairground carousel, a spa and beauty parlour including a catwalk, a miniature race track, an Xbox zone, huge soft play and outside play areas as well as activities, craft sessions and its own snack bar and is staffed by a team of unfailingly cheerful young ladies. There is also a really impressive, and appealingly brash, Teens Zone which we managed to sneak into, and whose brazen charms proved a real head turner for a wide eyed 4 year old (and his 36 year old dad). Other ways to pass the day included an overly competitive round of mini-golf, the aforementioned Flowrider, loads of watersports, bicycle hire and nature walks and entertainment every night including discos specially for kids. Despite all this, for Ollie, the real pull was the pool and the beach... you can't beat a classic after all. Given the chance he would have spent all day splashing about and who can blame him? Comprising a series of interlinked lagoons that wind sinuously through the resort, there are areas suited to kids with slides and water fountains or gently shelving ramps entering shallow areas (this is a benefit of the whole resort having been designed to be wheelchair accessible), lively areas with games of water volleyball and poolside comperes as well as hidden oases of calm where you can feel almost alone in a secluded Jacuzzi plunge pool. I even heard rumour of an adults only infinity pool but for obvious reasons never quite got that far. Add in regular refreshing of your cocktail from the ever amenable poolside staff, made-to-order pizza baked in wood-fired ovens as well as a dazzling array of ice cream made fresh every morning at the hotel, and you can see why we found it a challenge to venture far from our sun loungers. When we did endeavour to drag ourselves past the pool and get to the beach it was definitely worth the effort. I always thought powder soft white sand was something of a marketing cliché but here it is exactly what you get... acres of the stuff – soft, fine and shimmering in the sun and, while we were there, for the most part completely deserted. The sea is pretty special too, ultramarine, inviting and temperature-wise not unlike having a bath. For restaurants you're spoiled for choice. In our week we only scratched the surface of the many and varied cuisines on offer, but the baroque grandeur of La Gondola with its high, breath taking, Tiffany-glass ceiling and menu of Italian classics was a highlight. As was Momo, the Teppanyaki restaurant, where the hotplates were little islands of light amongst the otherwise sepulchral gloom and chefs performed improbable yet dazzling theatrics to produce mouth watering Asian delicacies. I also loved Barracuda where you can enjoy delicious steaks in a thatched palapa whilst the sun slides below the horizon and you're fanned by a gentle breeze blowing off the sea... ah bliss. Our room was also full of unexpected surprises including a “we've got to get one of these” rainfall shower, in room spa bath (the perfect tonic after a 10-hour flight), hammock on the balcony and the all-inclusive mini-bar and room service (why don’t more hotels do this?… it’s genius). Ultimately, whilst there are probably many All-Inclusive hotels offering great food and lots of activities in an amazing setting, what really set Moon Palace apart for me was the staff. They managed to offer impeccable and rigorously drilled service with a warmth and personality that put you completely at ease... quite a special trick. This dichotomy can be best summed up by the experience of enjoying an amuse bouche in the glittering and glamorous surrounding of a fine dining restaurant, but feeling completely comfortable to do it with our 4 year old son. It's a liberating experience and not one I find everywhere and, for me, this summed up Moon Palace's ability to offer luxury and pampering in a manner that is completely unbuttoned; which has to be the ideal basis for any holiday. http://www.caribtours.ie/blog/rss/blog/2014/june/16/moon-landing/ http://www.caribtours.ie/blog/rss/blog/2014/june/16/moon-landing/ Mon, 16 June 2014 10:41:00 http://www.caribtours.ie/blog/rss/blog/2014/june/10/best-travel-gadgets-of-2014/ Here at Caribtours we love a gadget, but with so many new innovations vying for your hard earned cash it can be tricky to separate the wheat from the chaff (metal detecting sandals anyone?). Therefore we've done the leg work for you to bring you our six favourite travel tech toys of 2014...   Micro 3in1 Luggage Scooter If you thought the evolution of luggage had reached its zenith with the wheelie suitcase then feast your eyes on this beauty. Combining kickboard, suitcase and trolley in one you can now glide serenely to your gate, safe in a cocoon of your own self satisfaction. The luggage scooter is sized to fit in overhead lockers and is accepted as hand luggage by most airlines. £249.95 www.micro-scooters.co.uk LaCie FUEL Whilst tablets are undoubtedly a massive boon for the keen traveller, allowing quick and convenient access to films, TV programmes, books, magazines, apps and music in a small slab of technological wizardry, their very flexibility can often be their curse... it's amazing how fast your average iPad can fill up when trying to find enough entertainment for a whole family on a 10 hour flight. The sandwich-sized LaCie FUEL removes any tricky dilemmas about what to exclude by offering 1TB of wireless storage, enough for 500+ movies or thousands of photos, songs, and documents, which can be streamed wirelessly to up to 5 different devices. £139.90 www.lacie.com/uk The Mu Folding Smartphone Charger Like warm beer, driving on the left and an over developed sense of irony, the three pronged plug is a British icon... reassuringly sturdy, with a pleasing weight, it is however not very travel friendly. Enter the folding plug which takes up far less space, is available with European and US adaptors and is ideal for recharging your gadgets when you're off on your travels. £9.99 www.maplin.co.uk     Stealth Tablet  Envelope Tablets have become the de rigueur travel accessory of the modern age. However taking one on holiday isn't without its dangers. Not only are they fragile and allergic to sand and water, they can be a magnet to the unscrupulous. The Stealth Tablet Envelope solves these issues, protecting your pricey equipment from bumps and scratches whilst allowing you to fly under the radar by making £400 of cutting edge tech like a tatty old manila envelope. Made from a tear and water proof fabric with a faux silk PU padded interior it can also be customised with your own message.... just add stamps for ultimate realism. Just remember not to post it. £14.99 www.firebox.com   CGear Sand-Free Tote Beaches are great. This is a scientifically proven fact. What isn't great is that they insist on getting into all of you belongings meaning you're still finding sand in your things long after you've come home. Well no more; the day of the sand free beach bag has arrived. Using patented technology developed for the military (which all the best technology is) this bag features a material that allows sand through one way but crucially doesn't let it back in again. Isn't technology great! £19.99 www.out-right.co.uk   Liquid Image Wide Angle Scuba Series HD 1080P Underwater Video Mask What is better than an underwater camera? An underwater camera mounted on a diving mask... that records full HD video... with crosshairs on the lenses. Short of an Aston Martin fitted with an ejector seat it's hard to think of a better James Bond gadget. Yes it can record video in full 1080p HD and yes it can take 12 megapixel still photos, but did I mention it's got crosshairs on the lenses? What else do you need to know?  £329.99 www.amazon.co.uk http://www.caribtours.ie/blog/rss/blog/2014/june/10/best-travel-gadgets-of-2014/ http://www.caribtours.ie/blog/rss/blog/2014/june/10/best-travel-gadgets-of-2014/ Tue, 10 June 2014 17:22:00 http://www.caribtours.ie/blog/rss/blog/2014/june/06/bob-marley-and-beyond/ There came a point during my university days where I swore that if I heard someone strike up the opening chords to Bob Marley’s ‘Redemption Song’ one more time around a campfire, I’d grab their guitar off them and put my foot through it. Not that I have anything against Jamaica’s most famous son, it was just one of those songs that got over-played to the point where I never wanted to hear it again, and it was symptomatic of the fact that most students have a reggae collection that comprises of just one CD, The Best of Bob Marley and The Wailers . Like I said, there’s nothing wrong with Bob Marley, and that album is packed full of brilliant songs, but it would be a shame just to limit yourself to Bob, since reggae is an incredibly rich and varied genre, one that can trace its roots all the way back to Africa and one that has influenced everyone from The Beatles to Snoop Dogg. Reggae is of course synonymous with the island of Jamaica , though my own love for Jamaican music developed in those same student days living in Bristol, a city with a prominent Caribbean heritage that is reflected in the local music scene. Bristol was, of course, a major transit point for the slave trade, and it was those slave ships that carried the culture and traditions of the west coast of Africa across the ocean to the islands of the Caribbean. The first distinctively Jamaican sound that developed was mento, a type of folk music that drew on African influences and became popular outside of Jamaica in the 1950s. Mento is often confused with calypso, which originated in Trinidad, and many of the popular ‘calypso’ songs of the era are really closer to the Jamaican mento style. One of the biggest hits of the time was ‘Day-O (The Banana Boat Song)’ by Harry Belafonte, a New Yorker of Jamaican origin, which you might well recognise: Later in the ‘50s, a new sound, ska, began to develop. Ska drew on both mento and American rhythm and blues, and was characterised by offbeat rhythms that give the music an unmistakeable bounce. The tempo is a little faster than reggae, but you can clearly hear the beginnings of the reggae style in much of the music from this era. Ska enjoyed a revival in the UK in the 1970s, when bands like The Specials and Madness came to the fore, but for a good example of the earlier Jamaican sound, listen to Dandy Livingstone’s original (and in my opinion superior) version of ‘Rudy, A Message To You’, later made famous in this country by The Specials: Mid-way through the 1960s, ska evolved into a slower, smoother style called rocksteady, influenced by American soul music. Rocksteady was a short-lived phenomenon, lasting only a couple of years, and the songs were mostly love songs, although the political and religious themes that became so prevalent in reggae did start to make an appearance. Desmond Dekker’s hit ‘Beautiful and Dangerous’ is a classic example of the genre: It was only in the late 1960s that reggae emerged as a style in its own right, with the signature shuffling rhythm owing much to rocksteady. The music became increasingly dominated by the bassline, pianos were replaced by electric organs, and the focus of the lyrics shifted from love to themes of politics, protest and black identity. Another huge influence on reggae was Rastafari, a spiritual movement that arose in the 1930s in Jamaica. Rastas worship the former emperor of Ethiopia, Haile Selassie, and the faith draws on both Christian and Jewish traditions, with a single god, Jah, forming part of a Holy Trinity. The Rastafari movement is centred on Africa, where it is believed that paradise, or Zion, will be created, and you will hear references to Rastafari beliefs frequently in reggae music. Indeed, it’s perhaps not often appreciated that a lot of reggae is really a form of religious music. One of my favourite tracks in this mould is Linval Thompson’s ‘Jah Jah is the Conqueror’, which talks about Jah as ‘the conquering lion of Judah’: The world’s most famous Rastafari is, of course, that man Bob Marley, who was a follower for many years before converting to Christianity shortly before his untimely death at the age of 36. I’m sure you don’t need me to tell you about the impact Marley had on the history of reggae, bringing the music to a huge global audience with a string of hit songs that transcended the genre. Many of his songs were fiercely political, railing against injustice, though over time some of that edge has perhaps been lost in the popular perception of the man. Reggae has spawned many sub-genres over the years, such as the softer ‘lovers rock’ that developed in London as a counterpoint to the Rastafari-dominated Jamaican scene, and the harder-edged dancehall and ragga styles, where the lyrics are typically delivered in a style more akin to rap. You can also hear the influence of reggae on popular music throughout the last 60 years, from The Beatles’ ‘Ob-La-Di, Ob-La-Da’ to Rihanna’s ‘Man Down’ via The Clash’s seminal ‘London Calling’. This has been but a brief introduction to the genre, and I would urge any music lover to dig a little deeper into Jamaica’s musical history, because there’s so much variety. For me, reggae is the perfect music to relax to, no more so than when the sun is out, so it’s no surprise that it endures as the soundtrack to life in the Caribbean. It’s music that has the capacity to make you think, it’s music that tells the story of the people and the places that produced it, and more than anything, it’s music that puts a smile on your face. And to prove it, I will leave you with probably my favourite Bob Marley song, ‘Could You Be Loved’. http://www.caribtours.ie/blog/rss/blog/2014/june/06/bob-marley-and-beyond/ http://www.caribtours.ie/blog/rss/blog/2014/june/06/bob-marley-and-beyond/ Fri, 06 June 2014 09:11:00 http://www.caribtours.ie/blog/rss/blog/2014/june/02/boutique-mexico/ For many people, a beach holiday in Mexico means vast, sprawling all-inclusive resorts, but that’s not all that the Riviera Maya has to offer. I recently visited three of our boutique hotels and couldn’t have been more impressed. I already knew that Mexico is generally better value than the Caribbean, but this trip confirmed it – you can stay in a large suite with a plunge pool on the Riviera Maya for the same price as a standard room at an equivalent hotel in the likes of Barbados. I stayed at Maroma Resort & Spa , part of the Belmond group (previously known as Orient-Express), Viceroy Riviera Maya and Esencia , all of which are situated between Cancún and Tulum, with a stretch of stunning white sand to one side and tropical jungle to the other. The hotels all make the most of their natural habitat, rather than chopping it down, which really gives you a sense of place. Maroma is a former coconut plantation and private hacienda, Viceroy is a collection of jungle villas and Esencia was originally the home of an Italian Duchess, so there are certainly no towering blocks of homogenous purpose-built rooms here! In fact, on the Riviera Maya, no building is allowed to exceed four floors in height, to preserve the serene feel of the area. At Maroma and Esencia, having both begun life as homes not hotels, every single room is different. That’s where our travel advisers come in handy, to advise you not just which room category to go for, but which room number too. At Maroma, relax on a hammock under your thatched-roof terrace, where rooms come complete with kaftans and nightly aromatherapy turndown service. At Esencia you’ll either get an ocean view or a private plunge pool and simplicity is the key word; lots of white, with splashes of colour and the occasional dream catcher for decoration. At Viceroy the Luxury, Royal, Signature and Premium Villas are completely private and perfect for honeymooners, whereas the Ocean View and Beachfront Villas boast beautiful views but are less private. Their Luxury Villas are one of the most incredible lead-in categories I’ve ever seen, anywhere. Each one of the 41 villas boasts a plunge pool and an outdoor shower. Two things I always judge a hotel by are their bathrooms and their sun loungers – Viceroy passed my test with flying colours.  Maroma and Viceroy are located within an easy taxi journey of Playa del Carmen, and the exclusive Mayakoba complex (home to the Fairmont, Rosewood and Banyan Tree hotels), so dining out is effortless. Esencia is a little more out of the way, but I guess that’s the price you pay for being on such a tranquil stretch of beach.     Service levels on the Riviera Maya are very high, but at these hotels they really go the extra mile to ensure that your stay is perfect. At Viceroy, hats are provided by the pool, and Pepe will bring you chilled fruit skewers and even clean your sunglasses for you. At breakfast on our final day we were even presented with a plate of biscuits wishing us a nice trip. At Maroma and Esencia you’ll have fresh tea or coffee delivered to your door each morning at the time of your choice to get your day off to a good start, and maybe a margarita by the pool later in the day! If you’re looking for a child-free zone, then Viceroy is the one for you, whereas Maroma and Esencia welcome children (but without the all-singing, all-dancing kids' club type vibe). I could happily write a whole article on the food I ate in Mexico, but I’ll try to keep it brief. Each of the hotels has a fine dining restaurant, but they’ve also added more relaxed dining experiences too, such as the 'Antojería' evening at Viceroy’s beachfront Coral Grill on a Tuesday evening, where guests can sample traditional Mexican street food. Maroma has adopted an 'eat wherever you like' concept, which further enhances the feeling of being a guest in someone’s home. So if you feel like eating ceviche and sushi from Freddy’s Bar, by the pool, you can. They also have La Cantina, a bar boasting a very extensive selection of tequilas, which can be accompanied by botanas, the Mexican equivalent of tapas. Sombrero wearing is optional! The food at Esencia was exquisite, and I can honestly say it’s some of the best I’ve ever eaten. I’m still dreaming of their sea bass, salmon and tuna tostada, and having withdrawal symptoms from my daily dose of guacamole... I hope the above encourages you to visit the Riviera Maya, because it truly is a special place! http://www.caribtours.ie/blog/rss/blog/2014/june/02/boutique-mexico/ http://www.caribtours.ie/blog/rss/blog/2014/june/02/boutique-mexico/ Mon, 02 June 2014 13:53:00 http://www.caribtours.ie/blog/rss/blog/2014/may/28/how-to-beat-jet-lag/ It's the scourge of all long haul travellers. Disrupted sleep, banging headaches and feeling like you’re on another planet is never fun, so we’ve put together some tips to help avoid the dreaded jet lag… Before the flight... Sleep! Plenty of sleep before you travel will help. If you’re tired before you leave the jet lag is going to be even worse, so make sure you get your eight hours in the run up to your holiday. Change your sleep routine It can be tricky but, if you’re able to, changing your sleep pattern a few days before you travel can also go a long way to avoiding jet lag. Get up and go to bed earlier (if you're travelling east) or later (if you're travelling west). Include a stopover Including a stopover in your flight will make it easier to adjust to the time change, and you'll be less tired when you arrive and more able to start your holiday straight away. During the flight... Say no to alcohol and caffeine Even though it’s tempting to have a few drinks in the airport lounge or on the plane to get into the holiday spirit, you’re better off refraining as it’s just going to make your jet lag worse. Buy a few bottles of water to drink on the plane and stay hydrated. Preparing for sleep During your flight, try to create the right conditions when preparing for sleep. Try using an eye mask and earplugs and take a set of comfortable clothes to change into on the plane. Don’t medicate The NHS advises againt sleeping medication, as it doesn't help your body to adjust naturally to a new sleeping pattern. Once you’re there... Sleeping Try to stay awake until it’s night time. If you really can’t manage it have a power nap, but no longer than 45 minutes. Eating Once you arrive at your destination avoid heavy meals as your body is adjusting. A light snack is okay. Try and eat a protein-rich breakfast the next day as this will help you feel more awake. Natural light The cycle of light and dark is one of the most important factors in setting the body’s internal clock. If you’ve travelled east avoid bright light in the morning and if you’ve travelled west avoid sunlight a few hours before dark for the first few days. http://www.caribtours.ie/blog/rss/blog/2014/may/28/how-to-beat-jet-lag/ http://www.caribtours.ie/blog/rss/blog/2014/may/28/how-to-beat-jet-lag/ Wed, 28 May 2014 13:40:00 http://www.caribtours.ie/blog/rss/blog/2014/may/22/flying-long-haul-with-children-part-2/ In part 1 of this article we looked at coping strategies for travelling long haul with young children. Well, we're back from our fantastic family holiday to Mexico having spent around 24 hours either getting to and being at the airport or in the air, so how did we get on? Well for those of you hoping for tales of tantrums at 35,000 feet, I'm going to have to disappoint. It is with no little parental pride and a great deal of relief that I can report that my son was a little angel pretty much for the entire trip (well at least the travelling part). I guess I owe him an apology for ever thinking there might be an issue, but it hasn't really helped with writing the second part of this article. Due to a taxi that failed to arrive and the usual ineptitude of Southern Trains , by the time we had checked in and cleared security at Gatwick, we only had time for a quick brunch in Café Rouge before we were called to our gate so there wasn't really a chance for him to get bored at the airport. With the special Virgin Atlantic kids’ back pack containing goodies such as a 'Where's Wally' book, clever colour changing pencil and tiny (and oh so cute) eyemask that he received at the gate, plus big picture windows from which to observe the aeronautical coming and goings, the final wait before boarding also passed without incident. Once on board we committed the schoolboy error of distributing the boiled sweets for him to suck during take off whilst we were still taxiing which meant that he’d polished them off long before we even reached the runway. Luckily he had no problems with his ears popping when we did take off. Once airborne, Ollie spent plenty of time exploring the seat back entertainment options, revelling in the fact that for once Mummy and Daddy were actively encouraging him to watch television. He was also chuffed to receive his special meal before everyone else, so the first few hours of the flight passed in a blur of channel hopping and munching his way through his lunch. We'd brought along our own earphones that we knew fitted his child-sized head and pre-loaded our iPad with games and programmes as well, so he moved on to these when he'd exhausted the TV and films on offer from Virgin. We interspersed this marathon entertainment session with laps around the plane (the stewardess confidently assured us that 11 laps around a 747 is a mile) and once the novelty of this finally began to wane we unleashed the big guns in the form of the first of a couple of new (small) toys that we had bought and hidden in our hand luggage. The second of these - a small Lego kit - followed a while later, the building of which filled in a good half an hour (45 minutes if you include the time it took to fish out the pieces that disappeared down the side of the seats). Our final ploy was a new activity book on his favourite topic of dinosaurs which saw us through the final leg before descent and landing when the view out of the window provided plenty of interest and entertainment. Having exhausted all of our surprises on the outward journey we were banking on him sleeping for at least part of the journey on the way back. The omens were good as it was a night flight and we weren't disappointed. We set a specific 'bedtime' rather than just hoping he would drift off and after watching one short film whilst he ate his dinner, he brushed his teeth while we made him a nest out of the supplied pillows and blankets and he drifted off without an issue. Peace reigned for the remainder of the flight and we actually had to wake him up as we started our descent into Gatwick. Ultimately, based on our experience, long haul flights with children needn't be too traumatic. Perhaps we were lucky and obviously your experiences might be different, but I wouldn't let the fear of being stuck on a plane with your toddler put you off exploring the more far flung destinations with your family. http://www.caribtours.ie/blog/rss/blog/2014/may/22/flying-long-haul-with-children-part-2/ http://www.caribtours.ie/blog/rss/blog/2014/may/22/flying-long-haul-with-children-part-2/ Thu, 22 May 2014 12:12:00 http://www.caribtours.ie/blog/rss/blog/2014/may/20/beyond-the-beach/ When faced with sunny skies, white sand and blue sea I suddenly become very lazy and have been known to spend my week in the sun moving between bed, bar, sun lounger and restaurant. This means that I often don’t make the most of where I am which, when you’ve flown quite a long way, seems a shame. If this all sounds rather familiar, then take a look at this article and see what else there is to do on your next holiday… Saint Lucia seems like an obvious place to start as there is so much to see and do. From zip-lining to cycling or trekking up the famous Pitons there’s plenty to keep you busy. The BodyHoliday is a great place to stay as there's lots to do without having to stray too far. With so many options including tennis, scuba diving, snorkelling, sailing and yoga all on hand there won’t be much time for lounging around! When I stayed here a few years ago I got up early one day and had a trapeze lesson which was brilliant fun, there’s nothing like hanging upside down looking at the sun rising over the sea. And when your muscles are sore from all the activity, you can wander up to the spa for your daily inclusive treatment – bliss. For tennis lovers or those who just want to have fun and improve their skills, Curtain Bluff in Antigua hosts The Perfect Match, a tennis and wellness week in November. This is the second time the hotel has run the event, and television personalities Annabel Croft and Andrew Castle will team up with tennis legend Owen Davidson to host a week of tennis action and wellness activities. The Perfect Match week includes tennis clinics and tournaments with the pros, plus yoga and Zumba classes amongst other bits and pieces. Sailing around the British Virgin Islands is a brilliant way to see uninhabited islands and hidden coves. Being directly on the water lends itself well to snorkelling and swimming - simple pleasures! Biras Creek is only accessible by boat and has an unspoilt, natural setting, with 140 acres to explore either on foot or on the complimentary bicycles provided. Buccament Bay in St Vincent & The Grenadines deserves a section all of its own. The resort is famous for providing master class coaching and this summer has Liverpool FC legend Ronnie Whelan, England rugby World Cup winner Lewis Moody and England netball star Sasha Corbin heading to the resort to coach guests. The Pat Cash Tennis Academy is a permanent feature at the resort where British number one and Grand Slam player Chris Wilkinson will also be back this summer. If activity to you means more arts based subjects, Buccament Bay can help you out here too, with the opportunity to learn how to sing and perform at their Performing Arts Academy. Buccament Bay is also home to the only 5 Star PADI dive centre in St Vincent.  If you like to dive there are plenty of choices in the Caribbean, Mexico and the Indian Ocean with their clear blue water and near perfect visibility. If you stay at the new Sandals LaSource Grenada (or any of the Sandals resorts in the Caribbean) you can do a three hour resort dive program which allows you to dive straight away, is valid for a year at any Sandals resort and means you can dive once a day while you’re there. This does away with having to do a full PADI course if you’re not sure about diving or don’t want to spend valuable holiday hours doing it. In the Maldives , Four Seasons Resort Landaa Giraavaru is a good place to dive as you’ll have the chance to spot whale sharks at certain times of the year, and it’s also situated within a UNESCO World Biosphere. Constance Moofushi has a world-class house reef, which offers the opportunity to see turtles, manta rays and perhaps even sharks, and they also have a PADI dive centre. Elsewhere in the Indian Ocean, 20 Degrés Sud in Mauritius boasts wrecks and reefs to explore just five minutes from the shore. What about if you want to do something completely different? Al Maha Desert Resort & Spa in Dubai includes two activities per day including archery, camel trekking, horse riding across the desert and a four wheel drive wildlife watching dune safari. Try saying that after a few sundowners! Al Maha may even bring out the artist in you, as every suite has an easel and pastels. I love horse riding and Half Moon in Jamaica has its very own equestrian centre. Here you can have a riding lesson then take a jaunt down to the beach where you’re guided out into the sea for a swim with your horse. I’m not sure if it means you sit on the horse and the horse swims, but it sounds fun! If you want a different kind of riding try the JA Palm Tree Court  in Dubai, which offers camel riding as well as horse riding. They also have complimentary windsurfing, Hobie Cat sailing, shooting and a Football Academy. So where will I go for my next holiday? I’m not sure yet, but I think it will need to be a long one! http://www.caribtours.ie/blog/rss/blog/2014/may/20/beyond-the-beach/ http://www.caribtours.ie/blog/rss/blog/2014/may/20/beyond-the-beach/ Tue, 20 May 2014 15:30:00 http://www.caribtours.ie/blog/rss/blog/2014/may/16/the-magic-of-the-maldives/ The Maldives is the ultimate dream holiday destination, one of those magical, impossibly photogenic places that just jumps off the page of every travel brochure. Many of the team at Caribtours have been lucky enough to experience the islands first hand, so we asked them to share their experiences, travel tips and insider knowledge… Karen, Travel Adviser “For me, the Maldives is a cut above anywhere else in the Indian Ocean, in all aspects. The cuisine, the staff, the quality of accommodation, and the HUGE beaches which you have to yourself… I couldn’t fault a thing. One thing I loved was feeding the stingrays at Hufaven Fushi . I know it sounds like a normal kind of thing to do out there, but you get really involved and it’s a lovely thing to do. Snorkelling straight from your villa is amazing too. As a keen diver, I have had the pleasure of experiencing dive sites all over the world, but I can honestly say the Maldives was the best. Even on a rainy day the water is so clear, and the fish are just spectacular.” Ellen, Marketing “The Maldives is picture perfect. White sand, blue sea and palm trees… just stunning. One thing I would recommend is that you pack your shorts and flip flops in your hand luggage, or within easy reach, especially if you’re getting a boat transfer. The heat will hit you as soon as you arrive! And on the subject of the heat, make sure you’re sensible and keep out of the midday sun; being so close to the equator, you can burn really quickly if you’re not careful.” Fiona, Travel Adviser “I suffer a little from being claustrophobic, so I was not too enthralled with the idea of snorkelling, but I so wanted to do this. As I tentatively went into the water with my snorkel gear, I could feel the anxiety beginning to surface and I started to breathe deeply to calm myself down. As I became immersed in the underwater world that is the Maldives, I forgot all about my worries. I saw so much sea life, turtles, eels, every colour fish you could imagine, and I must have been in the water for hours, the sun had started to set when I finally surfaced!” Rosemary, Operations “I spent my honeymoon in the Maldives, and it was a thousand times better than my expectations. It’s a remote island paradise where you can really recharge your batteries, and once you’re there, you can’t stop smiling, you just can’t believe how pristine the water and the beaches are. The amazing sealife, the seafood barbecues and the outdoor showers… everything about it makes you feel totally relaxed.” Sally, Reservations Manager “The Maldives is totally exclusive, more so than any other destination in my opinion, and you really do benefit from unrivalled privacy in your resort. I particularly loved Four Seasons Resort Landaa Giraavaru , the level of service is unbelievable and, like so many of the Maldivian islands, the beach is truly amazing.” http://www.caribtours.ie/blog/rss/blog/2014/may/16/the-magic-of-the-maldives/ http://www.caribtours.ie/blog/rss/blog/2014/may/16/the-magic-of-the-maldives/ Fri, 16 May 2014 16:21:00 http://www.caribtours.ie/blog/rss/blog/2014/may/13/thought-provoking-sunscreen/ By Anna Harvey, Scarlett & Stone I recently heard Baz Luhrmann's 'Everybody's Free (To Wear Sunscreen)' on the radio. I’m not sure how I missed it first time around when it came out in 1999, probably too busy trying to get a tan. The lyrics are taken from an essay, written in 1997 by Mary Schmich, a columnist with the Chicago Tribune. It was so unexpected and such a moving and honest approach to life and advice on how one should live it, that the words are still resonating loudly several weeks on. (If you don’t know what I’m talking about, check out the YouTube clip below, I promise you’ll be pleased you did). Although for the most part the advice is based on her own life experiences, it starts by offering one piece of genuine, scientific proven advice, and that is ‘Wear sunscreen’, good advice indeed. Sunscreens help prevent the sun's ultraviolet (UV) radiation from reaching the skin. UVB is the chief culprit behind sunburn, while UVA rays, which penetrate the skin more deeply, are associated with wrinkling, leathering, sagging, and other light-induced effects of ageing. They also exacerbate the carcinogenic effects of UVB rays, and increasingly are being seen as a cause of skin cancer on their own. Most sunscreens with an SPF of 15 or higher do an excellent job of protecting against UVB. SPF (Sun Protection Factor) is a measure of a sunscreen's ability to prevent UVB from damaging the skin. For example, if it takes 20 minutes for your unprotected skin to start turning red, using an SPF 15 sunscreen theoretically prevents reddening 15 times longer or about five hours. The American-based Skin Cancer Foundation recommends that anyone over the age of six months should use a sunscreen daily. I know that sounds extreme, but as I type the DJ on the radio has predicted highs of 32 degrees today and let’s face it, while no-one can out-talk us Brits on the subject of weather, when it comes to being prepared for it, well, two words: road gritters. Enough said. They also recommend that children under the age of six months should not be exposed to the sun, since their skin is highly sensitive to the chemical ingredients in sunscreen as well as to the sun's rays. Shade and protective clothing are the best ways to protect infants from the sun. Sunscreens should be applied 30 minutes before sun exposure to allow the ingredients to fully bind to the skin. Reapplication of sunscreen is just as important as putting it on in the first place, so reapply the same amount every two hours. Sunscreens should also be reapplied immediately after swimming, toweling off, or sweating a great deal. We all know men don't like to wear sunscreen. They complain that it feels greasy or sticky and makes them smell like a piña colada… er, nothing wrong with that. Of course the real reason is that the application is just too much darn effort. My tip for you is a non-oily spray; Mr S&S is officially converted, and delighted he can spend more time on the golf course working on his classic golfer, remember-it-only-looks-good-with-your-polo-shirt-on tan. However, I would advise early application if you see a lot of bunker action. I wish you all a wonderful, safe and SPF-protected Summer, and, if I may add some advice of my own, it would be to download 'Everybody's Free (To Wear Suncreen)' on your iPod, nothing beats sitting on a lounger, with earphones in, taking stock of your life while you secretly people watch through dark sunglasses. Oh yes you do! Scarlett and Stone - The Beauty Experts stock Clarins and Guinot Suncreams for face and body that range from SPF15 to 50, as well as Bare Minerals Foundations with an SPF of 25. Scarlett and Stone
 Tel: 01371 873 079
 25 High Street, Great Dunmow, Essex, CM6 1AB http://www.caribtours.ie/blog/rss/blog/2014/may/13/thought-provoking-sunscreen/ http://www.caribtours.ie/blog/rss/blog/2014/may/13/thought-provoking-sunscreen/ Tue, 13 May 2014 11:00:00 http://www.caribtours.ie/blog/rss/blog/2014/may/09/on-location-with-crew-clothing/ Caribtours was thrilled to partner with  Crew Clothing  on their recent photoshoot in  St Vincent & The Grenadines . Inspired by the craft, the colour and the history of the islands, the Summer collection combines the Crew Clothing heritage with St Vincent & The Grenadines' sailing roots. Featured in the style edit, menswear stylist Lee Holmes and senior fashion editor Gemma Hayward have worked with their favourite picks to create effortless, off-duty looks for him and her. Whilst on location, the Crew team experienced the retro charm and elegant luxury of Bequia Beach Hotel . Nestled within the stunning Friendship Bay, this modern, colonial style hotel was built from scratch by entrepreneur Bengt Mortstedt, based on ideas gleaned from his travels around the world. After a long day on the shoot, the hotel was the perfect spot to indulge in quiet relaxation and take in the outstanding views.  If you'd like to experience Bequia Beach Hotel for yourself, you can enter Crew Clothing's fantastic  competition to win a 7 night holiday  in St Vincent & The Grenadines with Caribtours.   To see more, check out the  Crew Clothing Summer 2014 Lookbook . http://www.caribtours.ie/blog/rss/blog/2014/may/09/on-location-with-crew-clothing/ http://www.caribtours.ie/blog/rss/blog/2014/may/09/on-location-with-crew-clothing/ Fri, 09 May 2014 14:04:00 http://www.caribtours.ie/blog/rss/blog/2014/may/08/15-unique-experiences-in-the-caribbean/ Swim with pigs, make your own chocolate, even lay down a track on John Lennon's recording equipment... Don't be fooled into thinking that there is nothing to do in the Caribbean apart from work on your tan. Here's our list of the top 15 fun things to try in the region...   1: River tubing in Grenada Advertised as “a thrill of a lifetime”, River Tubing on the Balthazar River in Grenada is certainly not for the faint hearted. Wet, wild and wonderful from the word go, guides will accompany you on the journey, spinning and swirling in the currents of the river, as you take in the exotic scenery of tropical vegetation and wildlife.   2: Bobsledding in Jamaica Another recommendation for thrill seekers looking for adventure is the exhilarating bobsled ride in Mystic Mountain, Jamaica . Inspired by the famous Jamaican Olympic bobsled team, this custom-designed, high tech sled will whizz you down a 1000-metre long track, driven entirely by gravity. Hold on to your hat!   3. Top Gear in Barbados For those who prefer to experience the excitement from a safe distance, Hammond, Clarkson, Captain Slow and The Stig make their Caribbean debut when the Top Gear Festival Barbados powerslides its way onto the island on 17-18 May 2014. As well the show's (in)famous presenters and some jaw-dropping motors, there will be a glittering array of driving talent including the Top Gear Stunt Team and a host of guest drivers from the world of motorsport and entertainment. Stars will take to the track in a series of Top Gear style stunts and features for the action packed weekend at the newly refurbished Bushy Park Circuit.   4. Hiking in Dominica Some people might not call a six hour hike over challenging terrain ‘fun’, but others will relish the challenge, so hiking through the Valley of Desolation to the Boiling Lake in Dominica has made it onto our list. The perfect way to experience the rainforest of the Caribbean’s ‘Nature Island’, this hike is steep, muddy, wet, windy, foggy and rainy, but (apparently) extremely rewarding!   5. Sailing in the British Virgin Islands For a much less strenuous form of exercise, grab your snorkel gear and a picnic lunch before departing in one of Biras Creek ’s Boston Whalers, 3-seater boats available for guests to explore the protected waters of the North Sound and Deep Bay.   6. Aquatic encounters The Caribbean is hugely popular with scuba divers and snorkellers, but it’s also a fantastic place for swimming with a variety of species. Swim with dolphins in Jamaica at Half Moon ’s natural Dolphin Lagoon, swim with stingrays at Stingray City in Grand Cayman or, for the most unusual experience of all, head to the Bahamas ’ Pig Island (or Big Major Cay as it is officially known), an uninhabited island in the Exumas, to swim with wild pigs.    7. Friday night fish fry A food lovers’ paradise, the Caribbean offers everything from street food to world class dining. On Friday nights the islands come alive at the weekly 'fish fry'. From Gouyave in Grenada to Oistins in Barbados , locals and holiday makers get together to feast on the catch of the day accompanied by big helpings of macaroni pie whilst partying until the early hours.   8. Cuba's new cuisine Eating out is a real adventure in the Cuban capital, Havana, and the government has recently lifted the restrictions on opening private establishments, so there is now an abundance of privately run paladares,  family-run restaurants usually within the owners home, reflecting their own personality and allowing you to soak up the atmosphere and truly ‘feel’ the city.   9. Make your own chocolate in Saint Lucia Continuing with the foodie theme, a must for chocolate lovers is the Tree to Bar Experience at Boucan by Hotel Chocolat in Saint Lucia, an exclusive opportunity for guests to create their own chocolate. The experience starts with guests walking on the estate cocoa groves selecting ripe cacao pods cut from the trees, and ends with making their own chocolate bars and truffles from beans that they have roasted themselves. The tour includes all the stages in between: seedling nursery, fermenting room, sun-drying station, grinding, mixing and lots of tasting.   10. Try the infamous 'Painkiller' Moving on from eating to drinking, try a Painkiller cocktail at the legendary Soggy Dollar Bar, on the tiny island of Jost Van Dyke, where the British Virgin Islands ' infamous cocktail (a concoction of dark rum, coconut cream, pineapple and orange juice) was first created. Anchored just off the beach, you'll have to swim to the bar - but go easy on the Painkillers as you'll also have to swim back to shore! 11. Tequila tasting in Mexico No trip to Mexico is complete without a tequila tasting. At Maroma Resort & Spa , La Cantina bar boasts an extensive selection of tequilas to try whilst savouring delicious botanas , traditional dishes typically enjoyed over drinks. We recommend looking out for tequilas with 100% blue agave in them, not that we’re experts!   12. Jazz in Saint Lucia Saint Lucia Jazz & Arts Festival is fast becoming one of the most popular events in the Caribbean, having recently celebrated its 20th anniversary, and has devloped a reputation for the quality of the artistes. In the past the festival has played hosts to the likes of Diana Ross, John Legend, Rihanna, Luther Vandross and Amy Winehouse. Best of all, most of the concerts around the island are free to attend.   13. Lay down a track in St Barths If you’ve always dreamt of recording your own album, then why not do it whilst holidaying in one of the most exclusive and unique villas in the world, Villa Rockstar at Eden Rock in St Barths. The villa offers a state-of-the-art studio equipped with the vintage Neve Music Recording Console used by John Lennon to record ‘Imagine’ and Grammy award-winning, multi-platinum producers and musicians from across the globe. 14. Carnival We couldn’t write an article about having fun in the Caribbean without mentioning carnival! Luckily for visitors, there are carnivals throughout the year, from Trinidad ’s infamous carnival in the days leading up to Ash Wednesday, Jamaica ’s Bacchanal in April and Barbados ’s Crop Over in the summer, to the Cayman Islands Pirate Week in November and the Bahamas Junkanoo on Boxing Day and New Year's Day. These world-famous carnivals are an explosion of music, food, dance and costume.   15. Cruise the Caribbean Last, but by no means least, if the above has inspired you but you can’t choose which island to visit, why not try a cruise with Royal Clipper or Silversea . The small ships offer an intimate and luxurious experience, whilst being able to reach the ports that bigger ships can’t. You’ll get to pick and choose between a variety of exciting shore excursions, or simply relax on board. http://www.caribtours.ie/blog/rss/blog/2014/may/08/15-unique-experiences-in-the-caribbean/ http://www.caribtours.ie/blog/rss/blog/2014/may/08/15-unique-experiences-in-the-caribbean/ Thu, 08 May 2014 11:48:00 http://www.caribtours.ie/blog/rss/blog/2014/may/06/can-you-have-it-all/ All-Inclusive holidays are, like microwaveable pizza or David Moyes, a great idea in principle but can too often end up in disappointment. The concept is sound enough; get the unpleasant payment part of your holiday out of the way before you go and then you are free to relax for the entirety of your fortnight in the sun; blissfully eating, drinking and relaxing without worrying about the colossal bill you might be running up. What's not to love? Not every All-Inclusive is created equal however. To the unwary the reality can be one eating in substandard canteen-style cafeterias serving school dinner-like food; grudgingly imbibing strange drinks of dubious provenance whilst gazing longingly at an extensive menu of tantalising yet expensive extras that are required to make the holiday half decent. I've been to such places (not with Caribtours I hasten to add), where the included food was so bad that you were forced to eat in the premium restaurants every night; the wine list was heavy with Albanian Riesling but very light on anything remotely drinkable and the activities all cost more than the debt of a small third world country. It completely defeated the object of an All-Inclusive holiday and was enough to put you off the concept for life. However, it doesn't have to be this way. I've also been fortunate enough to stay in some amazing All-Inclusive properties where the restaurants are a gastronaut's delight, the premium brand drinks flow freely, and there are a multitude of sports and activities included in the price. It is these hotels where the All-Inclusive concept really pays off. If you're not worrying about the cost you can really appreciate the value. I spoke to our product team to get their advice on what to look out for when considering an All-Inclusive holiday. Katherine from the Caribbean team says: "Sounds obvious but find out exactly what’s included. The cheaper resorts might not always offer the best value. If you’re a keen golfer for example, you might be better offer paying slightly more for a hotel that includes golf instead of paying locally each time you play. And make sure you choose the right resort for you – there are many different styles of All-Inclusive resort, some are very active, all-singing, all-dancing resorts where you have every facility imaginable, others cater specifically to the family market with complimentary kids' clubs and others are smaller boutique adult only resorts where the focus is on good food and relaxation." Nicola from the Indian Ocean and Arabia team adds: "I would also say check which restaurants are included as All-Inclusive is generally applicable to the main restaurant and then you may or may not be able to dine at the other resort restaurants without paying a supplement. It is also a good idea to check if a daily replenished mini bar is included as this can represent a massive saving – it is at  LUX* Le Morne  in Mauritius." Nicola also advises not to limit yourself to the hotels that are exclusively All-Inclusive. "We also have a lot of resorts which are not All-Inclusive as standard but offer a great value All-Inclusive supplement, in particular Sugar Beach , Olhuveli , Coco Palm Dhuni Kolhu and JA Palm Tree Court , so it’s worth looking out for these. At JA Palm Tree Court, for example, the All-Inclusive supplement option includes all restaurants, including those at sister resort JA Jebel Ali next door, so 15 in total, as well as a 30-minute back massage, a dinner cruise, one round of pistol or clay pigeon shooting, one private tennis session and much more. Or if you’re not a big drinker but like a glass of wine with lunch and/or dinner, rather than paying for All-Inclusive look for a Full Board Plus option such as the one at Constance Belle Mare Plage ." All-Inclusive hotels don't just differ when it come to the food and drink. Some of the hotels in our portfolio offer some truly unique experiences, all of which are included in the price. Katherine lists: "Catamaran cruise to swim with turtles at Mango Bay ; daily 50-minute spa treatments and activities like archery and fencing at The BodyHoliday ; waterskiing, wakeboarding and knee-boarding at Windjammer Landing ; weekly lobster barbecue at East Winds Inn ; scuba diving at Sandals and Beaches resorts; deep sea fishing at Curtain Bluff ; unlimited golf green fees, glass bottom boat tour and sunset catamaran tour at Couples Swept Away ; daily hikes and excursions at Jungle Bay ; laundry service and unlimited international phone calls at Zoëtry Agua ; dance classes and Spanish lessons at Secrets Royal Beach and Now Larimar ; wine tasting, cookery and massage classes at Paradisus Playa del Carmen ; tennis, football, rugby and cricket coaching (often with high profile sports stars) and singing classes at Harlequin Theatre School at Buccament Bay… I could go on." One of the other criticisms of All-Inclusive hotels is that they discourage visitors from exploring the destination they are visiting and take away the income that would be spend in the local economy with local people. Our hoteliers are challenging this perception in different ways. Sugar Ridge in Antigua, for instance, allows clients on their All-Inclusive plan to eat at three local restaurants as part of the package. Other hotels have schemes set up to directly assist the local community. An excellent example of this is the Sandals Foundation that is involved in a huge range of community, education and environmental projects around the Caribbean. Ultimately it's clear that All-Inclusive doesn’t have to mean cheap, low quality hotels; some of the most luxurious resorts we offer are All-Inclusive, yet there are still plenty of excellent value hotels with impeccable All-Inclusive offerings. Speak to one of our experts who will be able to suggest the perfect match for your budget and the type of holiday you want. http://www.caribtours.ie/blog/rss/blog/2014/may/06/can-you-have-it-all/ http://www.caribtours.ie/blog/rss/blog/2014/may/06/can-you-have-it-all/ Tue, 06 May 2014 12:17:00 http://www.caribtours.ie/blog/rss/blog/2014/april/29/flying-long-haul-with-children-part-1/ The Jarratt family are lucky enough to be travelling to Mexico in the next couple of weeks. We're all really looking forward to the break, none more so than my 4 year sold son Oliver. However, once I'd got over the initial excitement that accompanies the booking of any holiday it dawned on me that the flight to Mexico is 11 hours... 11 hours that will have to be spent in a confined space with a 4 year old. A 4 year old who, on car journeys, normally starts asking plaintively  “Are we there yet?” before we reach the end of our road. My initial reaction was that I had coped perfectly well as a child on our annual jaunts to the south coast in the back of my dad's Rover with nothing more than endless games of ‘I Spy’ and a tin of Smith Kendon travel sweets for entertainment, so why should he be any different. Then I remembered that those journeys only lasted a few hours, were punctuated with frequent stops for a cup of tea, a sticky bun and a leg stretch and that ‘I Spy’ is a little more tricky when the only thing to be seen out of the window are clouds. Now, removing my prescription issue parental rose tinted specs for a second, my son is an average, garden variety, four year old... i.e. he has the attention span of a goldfish, a complete inability to keep still for more than a few seconds, no volume control and the overwhelming need to question everything about his surroundings. Constantly and at great length. And whilst I'm sure the good people at Virgin Atlantic will do their upmost to keep us all well fed, watered and entertained there must be a limit to even their patience. For both our sanity and for the sake of our fellow passengers, clearly something has to be done. So, I did what I always do when faced with a problem of this type, I fired up Google to see what the Interweb advises in this instance. As I'm sure I'm not alone in dreading being the parent of 'that' child on a flight this summer, I thought it wise to share the results of my searches. To reiterate these are by no means personal recommendations and certainly not endorsed in any way by Caribtours Ltd. However, in part 2 of this article I'll report back on what we tried and if peace reigned in the skies: The advice seems to be to stick you your child's set routine as far as possible, rather than keeping them awake in the hope that they'll sleep more during the flight as you'll just as likely end up with an over tired, grizzly little monster. Conversely, you're advised to be as active as possible before getting on the plane to tire out your little ones so that they can get some rest on the plane... which is helpful. Given that Ollie will probably treat Gatwick as one giant adventure playground, and will be massively overexcited about the whole experience, this will probably be a given. You're advised to investigate the children's facilities at your departure airport before you travel to avoid the frustration of discovering the perfect play area just in time to be called to your gate. Gatwick has soft play areas for ages 2-6 in both terminals so we will no doubt be heading there. Book a children's meal with your airline as you'll get served first and are more likely to get something that your kids will enjoy. Stock up on fruit juice cartons (I guess the monotony of the flight will at least be broken by the inevitable numerous trips to the bathroom) to stave off dehydration due to the dry atmosphere found on aircraft. You're also advised to stock up on favoured snacks and small toys that you can produce conjurer-like through out the flight to stave off boredom. Some very organised parents even wrap them up to create a kind of faux-birthday atmosphere... looks like we won't be travelling light this time. Lots of talk about entertainment options and use of the iNanny to keep the little ones entertained. A recent survey by Disney of 5000 British parents found that 80% reach for a tablet or smartphone to keep their offspring entertained during long journeys. The consensus of advice is that loading your iPad with favourite apps, games and programmes is a good thing and that you mustn't feel bad that by doing it you are retarding your kid's development and turning them into some king of glassy-eyed couch jockey... so that's good. Having said that, friends of ours recently spent over ￡100 in the Apple store to make sure they were fully prepared for a flight to Mauritius only for their daughter to ignore the proffered tablet in favour of the back-of-seat entertainment options. Despite knowing that Virgin's in-flight entertainment is excellent, given the potential for hanging around in airports etc., the Jarratt family iPad will definitely be loaded and ready to go with Cbeebies finest. Turning to a different kind of tablets, there's also plenty of discussion about the desirability and effectiveness of sedation (for the children, not the parents), but the general consensus amongst the mummy bloggers is that this is a bad thing only to be tried in dire emergency. Personally, I think I would have to be pretty desperate to do this but if you do feel compelled to make busy with the infant Piriton you're advised to try it before you go as stories of the drugs having the opposite effect as intended are legion. Finally while we're talking drugs, take 100ml of Calpol or infant Ibuprofen as this is great in case of altitude induced head and ear aches and will be small enough to make it through customs. Also, having something to suck on during take off can reduce the effect of pressure changes, to which small children are more sensitive, so pack a few boiled sweets... that tin of Smith Kendon at the back of the cupboard might come in useful after all. So there you have it... I'll report back in a couple of weeks as to how we got on. Please comment if you've got some suggestions that we haven't covered or experiences you'd like to share. http://www.caribtours.ie/blog/rss/blog/2014/april/29/flying-long-haul-with-children-part-1/ http://www.caribtours.ie/blog/rss/blog/2014/april/29/flying-long-haul-with-children-part-1/ Tue, 29 April 2014 00:00:00 http://www.caribtours.ie/blog/rss/blog/2014/april/22/five-reasons-why-you-should-leave-the-country-this-summer/ As we head into the 'Great British Summer'™ it's hard not to be caught up by the general euphoria and optimism that after 18 months of winter we're set for a diet of long, lazy days of uninterrupted Pimms parties, cricket on the village green and seaside holidays just like when we were young. Far be it from us to be a dark cloud on this otherwise sunny horizon, but we urge you not to believe the hype... You know you'll be disappointed. In the spirit of providing a valuable civic service (and none too subtly pushing our own agenda), here then is our list of the top five reasons to leave the country this summer: #1: The Weather If you believe the Daily Express then 2014 is going to be the hottest summer on record (these being the same people who predicted the heaviest snowfalls on record this winter, so best take it with a pinch of salt). Now let's be honest, as a nation we don't really handle the heat too well. At the first sign of decent weather the whole population of the nation's biggest cities decamps en masse to spend their weekend going nowhere on the A303 as the tarmac slowly melts around them. Once you finally reach the Great British Seaside™ you'll find that the beach has taken on the atmosphere and look of a refugee camp, the sea is an alarming shade of brown and yet, despite the roasting temperatures, is still cold enough to numb you to the bone. For those not fooled into the great seaside pilgrimage it isn't much better. In a heatwave the air in the average British town develops the enticing bouquet of unburned hydrocarbons and diesel fumes and gains a worrying opacity that, whilst unpleasant to breathe, is still not thick enough to entirely obscure the sight of discarded ice cream wrappers and ill-advisedly topless men, slowly turning pink. Our advice: Go somewhere where the locals handle the heat with an insouciance and panache not found in Blighty.   #2: The World Cup   Irrespective of whether you're a fan or not, being in England when the World Cup is on is a trying experience. If you hate football then you're subjected to blanket coverage of the run-up, accusations of a lack of patriotism for refusing to adorn your car with a plastic St George's flag and having to feign interest in conversations regarding England's problem left back position and the relative merits of going 4-4-2 or utilising a Christmas Tree formation. Even if you're a fan, the experience is sullied by the inevitable bombastic press assertions of English footballing dominance, 1966 and all that, three lions on your shirt etc., before the inevitable, predictable slump into sullen, introspective backbiting and op-ed pieces linking our inability to beat Germany in a penalty shoot-out with dire warnings about the lack of national character and society's inevitable descent into chaos. Plus all the matches will be on in the middle of the night. Our advice: Either escape it entirely or watch it in a neutral country in a similar time zone. #3: Barbecues Now, don't get me wrong I love a barbecue; done well they can be amazing. Something spontaneous on a deserted beach where aquatic delicacies, plucked straight from the sea, are gently grilled as the sun slides beneath the horizon is my idea of heaven. However, too often the Great British Barbecue™ is some form of ghastly set piece affair. First you have to ensure your garden is fit for purpose... Cue several hours of back-breaking manual labour trying to wrestle a recalcitrant shrubbery into some sort of order, despite the knowledge that it will all be an overgrown wasteland again in a couple of weeks. Secondly, due to the vagaries of the British climate, you never know if you'll spend your time huddled miserably under a golf umbrella trying to get the damn thing to light before giving it up as a bad job and cooking the sausages under the grill. Finally, at the first sniff of the temperature reaching the teens everybody else will have the same idea, stripping Waitrose bare of anything even remotely flame grillable. Thus leaving you trying to feed 30 guests with one small pack of value hamburgers that are genetically related to the winner of the 3.30 at Haydock Park. Our advice: By all means enjoy a barbecue, but try and do better than a charred chicken drumstick and a warm Magners in the back garden...   #4: Everyone else will be away   All aspects of your life will be affected by the 'Great British Summer'™; there is no escape. If you stay at work everyone else will be on holiday, meaning you end up covering eight other people's jobs. Your only human contact will be with colleagues’ out of office replies and the only thing you will have to look forward to is sitting through the endless holiday snaps paraded smugly in front of you by sunburned co-workers on their return. Outside of work everywhere you go will be rammed with harassed looking parents desperately trying to entertain bored and fractious offspring. Our advice: If you can't beat them, join them (just do it better).   #5: Finally, check out our Hot Summer Offers We've got some incredible last minute savings on summer holidays to the Caribbean, Mexico, Indian Ocean and Arabia. If you still need a reason for leaving the country this summer, you'll find it here. Our advice (with apologies to a certain well known sportswear brand and their no doubt ferocious lawyers): Just do it. http://www.caribtours.ie/blog/rss/blog/2014/april/22/five-reasons-why-you-should-leave-the-country-this-summer/ http://www.caribtours.ie/blog/rss/blog/2014/april/22/five-reasons-why-you-should-leave-the-country-this-summer/ Tue, 22 April 2014 09:00:00 http://www.caribtours.ie/blog/rss/blog/2014/april/07/the-day-of-the-dead/ El día de los muertos , the Day of the Dead, is perhaps  Mexico ’s best known festival. The iconography of sugar skulls and skeletons dressed in garish costumes may seem a touch morbid and macabre to us Brits, with our rather more sombre attitudes towards death, but in fact the Day of the Dead is a celebration of the lives lived by those who have now departed. This tradition of celebrating the dead dates back at least as far as the Aztecs, and was later influenced by the Catholic beliefs of the European  conquistadores , the cultures combining to create the vibrant and unique festival celebrated today. The Day of the Dead is actually celebrated over several days, beginning on 31 October, All Hallows’ Eve (or Halloween as it is now better known). In most regions of Mexico, children and infants are honoured on 1 November, known as  Día de los inocentes  (Day of the Innocents) or  Día de los angelitos  (Day of the Little Angels), while adults are remembered on 2 November,  Día de los muertos  or  Día de los difuntos  (Day of the Dead). During the three day period, families visit cemeteries to tidy up their relatives’ graves and decorate them with  ofrendas , offerings made up of photographs of the deceased, images of saints, sweets, toys for children, and shots of tequila or mescal for adults. Many people also build altars or small shrines in their homes, and short poems known as  calaveras  are written, mocking the unusual habits of dead relatives or recounting amusing anecdotes about them. Perhaps the most iconic image associated with the Day of the Dead is a figure called  La Calavera Catrina , ‘The Elegant Skull’, created by the famous Mexican illustrator José Guadalupe Posada in the 1910s. This striking image, of a female skeleton dressed in the style of the upper classes of the time, was intended as a satirical swipe at those Mexicans who aspired to be like the aristocrats of Europe in the years leading up to the Mexican Revolution. Catrina figures are now a prominent feature in the Day of the Dead celebrations, as are the sugar skulls given as gifts to both the living and the dead. In recent years, a new tradition has emerged in some regions, where children in costume go from door to door asking for  calaveritas , small gifts of sweets or money, much like Halloween trick-or-treating. While some might bemoan the incursion of this more American custom, it’s also a great example of how different cultures can cross-pollinate to produce new traditions, much like the mixing of Aztec and Catholic cultures that gave rise to the Day of the Dead in the first place. http://www.caribtours.ie/blog/rss/blog/2014/april/07/the-day-of-the-dead/ http://www.caribtours.ie/blog/rss/blog/2014/april/07/the-day-of-the-dead/ Mon, 07 April 2014 09:28:00 http://www.caribtours.ie/blog/rss/blog/2014/april/01/whats-in-a-name/ Poring over a map, tracing the lines of those perfect white sand beaches and working out how long it will take you to get from the airport to your sun lounger, is all part of the anticipation and excitement of planning that dream holiday. But have you ever stopped to wonder where exactly all those exotic sounding names on the map come from? A glance at a map of the Caribbean is more than just an exercise in geographical orientation, it’s also a window on the fascinating history of the islands. The word ‘Caribbean’ itself refers to the Caribs, one of the indigenous groups present in the region when the first Europeans arrived. The Caribs are believed to have migrated from Venezuela around 1200 AD, establishing themselves throughout the archipelago, where they frequently came into conflict with the Taíno, another indigenous group that also originated in South America. However, a combination of warfare and infectious diseases had a disastrous effect on both the Carib and Taíno populations after the arrival of colonisers from Europe. Small communities of Caribs still survive, most notably in the Carib Territory on the east coast of Dominica , and Taíno culture lives on in place names such as Jamaica , from the Arawak word Xaymaca , meaning ‘Land of Wood and Water’ or ‘Land of Springs’. Nevertheless, it’s fair to say that the Caribbean we know today is largely defined by the colonial period. Take a closer look, and you’ll realise that many of the islands that we now think of as making up the ‘English Caribbean’ actually have Spanish names. Barbados means ‘bearded ones’ in Spanish (and Portuguese – no-one’s quite sure who reached the island first), and the name is believed to refer either to the long, hanging roots of the bearded fig tree, or to the bearded Caribs who inhabited the island. Many of the names the Spanish gave to the islands have religious roots: Antigua , meaning ‘old’ or ‘ancient’, is thought to have been named by Christopher Columbus after the icon of Santa María de la Antigua in Seville Cathedral, while Trinidad refers to the Holy Trinity and the Dominican Republic takes its name from Saint Dominic, or Santo Domingo, after whom the nation’s capital city is also named. You might assume that the little island of Dominica also takes its name from Saint Dominic, but it in fact comes from the Latin word for ‘Sunday’, since that is the day of the week on which it is said to have been spotted by Columbus. Some of the more unusual names in the Caribbean include Tobago , from the same root as the word ‘tobacco’, possibly due to the island’s resemblance to a cigar. Fans of obscure Caribbean trivia will also be interested to note that Tobago was briefly colonised by the Duchy of Courland, a once independent territory in what is now Latvia, which holds the distinction of being the smallest nation to colonise the Americas, and you can still visit the ruins of Fort James, named after Jacobus, Duke of Courland, on Tobago’s west coast. Visitors to the Cayman Islands might be puzzled to find that there are no caimans here, but the islands were once home to significant numbers of their crocodile relatives before they were hunted to extinction by European settlers. The Turks and Caicos islands also owe their name to their natural environment; the ‘Turks’ part comes from the indigenous Turk’s-cap cactus, so called because the cactus looks a little like it’s wearing a fez (yes, really), while ‘Caicos’ comes from caya hico , meaning ‘string of islands’ in the language of the Lucayans, a Taíno people who once inhabited the Bahamas . The Bahamas, incidentally, is another Spanish name, derived from baja mar , meaning ‘shallow sea’ or ‘low tide’. Of course, Caribtours is about more than just the Caribbean. Spinning our globe around and looking to the East, there are just as many fascinating stories bound up in the place names of Arabia and the Indian Ocean . Once upon a time, Dubai was just a small pearling town on the Persian Gulf, before later developing into a major trading hub, and although no one is certain where the name Dubai came from, some have suggested that it is derived from a word meaning ‘money’, due to the wealth of the merchants and traders who lived there. It certainly seems appropriate today, with Dubai’s skyline dominated by glittering skyscrapers and über-luxurious hotels. Less appealing is another theory, that the name came from the word daba , meaning baby locust, many of which inhabited the area prior to human settlement. Elsewhere in the UAE, the name Abu Dhabi can be translated either as ‘Father of deer’ or ‘Rich in deer’, presumably in reference to the Emirate’s native gazelles. The island of Sri Lanka has been known by many names over the centuries. The Greeks called the island Taprobanê, thought to originate from an ancient Pāli word meaning ‘copper-coloured leaf’, while the old English name Ceylon is believed to have come from the Sanskrit word sinha , meaning ‘lion’, though there are no lions on the island. In Arabic and Persian, the island came to be known as Serendib, as made famous in the Persian fairytale ‘The Three Princes of Serendib’, in which the eponymous heroes were constantly discovering things that they weren’t looking for, from which the English word ‘serendipity’ was coined. In 1972, however, the island was officially renamed as Sri Lanka, meaning ‘resplendent island’ in Sanskrit, and we can’t really find fault with that description. Rather more straightforward are the Seychelles , named after Jean Moreau de Séchelles, Louise XV’s Minister of Finance. Elsewhere in the Indian Ocean, Mauritius was known as Dina Arobi (‘abandoned island’) by the Arab sailors who first discovered it, then later Ilha do Cirne by the Portuguese (‘island of the swan’), before the Dutch arrived and named it Mauritius, after Prince Maurice van Nassau. Perhaps the most evocative name in the Indian Ocean, however, is the Maldives , believed to derive from a Sanskrit name meaning ‘garland of islands’ or ‘necklace islands’. Take a look at the clustered coral atolls on a map, and you can’t help but notice how perfect a name it is. http://www.caribtours.ie/blog/rss/blog/2014/april/01/whats-in-a-name/ http://www.caribtours.ie/blog/rss/blog/2014/april/01/whats-in-a-name/ Tue, 01 April 2014 16:23:00 http://www.caribtours.ie/blog/rss/blog/2014/march/28/run-to-the-sun/ Sometimes in life it's too easy to become blasé about things with which you are too familiar. Even the extraordinary can seem mundane if you are exposed to it enough. This is definitely something of which the marketing team here at Caribtours is sometimes guilty. We spend our days writing about, and looking at pictures of, the most gorgeous destinations on the planet... what for most people is dictionary definition paradise can, to us, sometimes feel like it has been reduced to a series of elaborate similes. Often only revisiting something first hand really gets across the magic of an experience and stops you taking it for granted. Recently the Caribtours team was fortunate enough to be invited to Barbados to experience one of our most popular destinations first hand, and although for most of us it wasn't our first trip to the island, it was a timely reminder of just why it remains such a popular destination. For me it simply reinforced quite how inadequate the words and pictures in our brochure (and our website) are at encapsulating the experience of our clients.   The soothing effect of watching the sun dip into a limpid Caribbean sea whilst being serenaded by the chirping of tree frogs and lit by a flickering tiki torch in the velvet twilight is almost impossible to express in words; it's a balm to the soul and the perfect antidote to an eight and a half hour flight, but try to describe it and all the tortured metaphors in the world fail to do justice to the experience. I should probably explain that we were staying at Colony Club in Barbados, a property that defies you not to plumb the depths of the over used and oft abused travel writer's clichés... it is impossible to describe it as anything other than 'nestling' in acres of 'lush tropical gardens', the beach is undeniably 'powder soft white sand', the pools 'lagoon-like' and the sea 'aquamarine'. But once you have assimilated the broad brush strokes it is the little details that give texture to this picture. It's the iced berries and fresh cream served on the beach, it's drying off from a dip in the sea on your daybed whilst sipping a perfectly mixed espresso martini. It's an organic cottage garden supplying the freshest of produce to the hotel kitchen. We were treated to a magical meal on the beach, where intricate, exquisite and oh so fresh sushi and sashimi were followed by hand-made Caribbean roti and the finest barbecue I've ever had (and I've had quite a few). Fresh tuna, spectacular steaks and frankly ludicrously plump and juicy prawns/lobsters (probsters?) were all grilled to perfection. Add in a selection of indulgent desserts and we were left feeling completely spoiled. The hotel's newly refurbished rooms combine the style and glamour of a top luxury hotel with a Caribbean charm that is simply unique. Imposing four poster beds and oriental minimalism combine with roughly dressed local stone for a fusion of styles that sums up everything that is great about this hotel. Impeccable luxury and élan served with a side helping of Caribbean flair. After a restful night’s sleep the morning brought a catamaran trip down the coast, sipping rum punch and stopping off here and there to swim and snorkel in the sea amongst turtles and teeming shoals of tropical fish. Once again a lifetime of describing azure, crystalline waters leaves you unprepared for a reacquaintance with the real thing. The sea is so warm, so turquoise and of such supreme clarity that simply to bask in its embrace is a privilege. After a drowsy morning spent meandering along the Bajan coast we disembarked at Tamarind to be met with chilled glasses of freshly-made lemonade and iced coconut water. Spa treatments in the beach cabanas, cocktails and canapés on the lawn rounded off a memorable trip. Our visit to the island was only fleeting, but still gave us more than enough time to see past many of the platitudes we use in our brochure and begin to uncover the magic of the island. We'd like to thank everyone at the Barbados Tourism Authority, British Airways and at Elegant Hotels for making this trip possible. http://www.caribtours.ie/blog/rss/blog/2014/march/28/run-to-the-sun/ http://www.caribtours.ie/blog/rss/blog/2014/march/28/run-to-the-sun/ Fri, 28 March 2014 14:44:00 http://www.caribtours.ie/blog/rss/blog/2014/march/21/spice-world/ When the Grenada Tourist Board invited me to join their educational trip to the “Island of Spice” I jumped at the opportunity. Having been lucky enough to have already visited a few of the other Caribbean islands, Grenada had been on my to-do list for a while. The first thing that struck me about the island was how Saint Lucia-esque it felt, or more specifically, how mountainous it is. Rolling hills and lush rainforest, combined with beautiful beaches - this island can really give Saint Lucia a run for its money. Sadly at the time of my visit the swanky new Sandals LaSource hadn’t quite come to the end of its multi-million dollar refurbishment, but I managed to spend time at Laluna, Calabash and Spice Island Beach Resort. First stop was Laluna , a little slice of Bali in the Caribbean, and although I’m normally more a fan of hotels which give you a sense of the place you’re in, I could forgive Laluna for making me think I was in the Far East. Little cottages with open air bathrooms and sundecks with daybeds and plunge pools are scattered on the hillside, there’s an Italian inspired restaurant on the beach (thanks to the Italian owner), and an Asian spa with a yoga pavilion. This is a very chilled out, laid back place, full of stylish, beautiful people.    If you like places such as Hermitage Bay in Antigua, Bequia Beach Hotel in the Grenadines or Esencia in Mexico, then LaLuna might be the Grenadian sanctuary for you. Next up was Calabash . Arranged in a horseshoe shape around tropical gardens, every suite has a private terrace or balcony where breakfast is served each morning. Being completely obsessed with food, my excitement at dining at Gary Rhodes' first restaurant outside the UK could not be hidden. The restaurant was full that evening, with a mix of guests and non-guests. I can imagine people would travel a long way for food of this standard. The shrimp and callaloo tart was one of the most delicious starters I’ve ever eaten! If you like East Winds Inn in Saint Lucia or Jamaica Inn in Jamaica, I think you might like Calabash. Colleagues who had stayed at Spice Island Beach Resort consistently rated it as one of their favourites in the Caribbean, so I was pleased to be able to experience it for myself. Having recently completed a refurbishment, I was seeing an even better hotel than they had. This is because the owner, Sir Royston Hopkin, always listens to his guests, and when they suggest making an improvement, that’s exactly what he does. I was lucky enough to stay in one of the Luxury Almond Pool Suites, where I had my own private swimming pool. This hotel doesn’t do things by halves; the ‘mini bar’ was not really mini at all. Clients in the pool suite categories are treated to full size bottles of premium brand spirits.    If you like places such as Fairmont Royal Pavilion in Barbados or Jumby Bay in Antigua, I don’t think you’d be disappointed at Spice Island Beach Resort. During our stay, the tourist board ensured we experienced the best the island has to offer. Grenada is roughly the size of Greater London, however most of the hotels, shops and restaurants are concentrated in the south west of the island, where you’ll find the lovely capital of St George’s. Heading further north and inland is well worth the journey though. River tubing on the Balthazar River is an experience not for the faint hearted. The less water in the river the more rapid it is, and the water levels were very low when we were there, causing a few people to be overturned in their rubber rings, much to the delight of the rest of the group. Friday night fish fry in Gouyave is not to be missed, especially if you’re there on the last Friday of the month, when the entire island comes out to party in the streets. We ate freshly caught lobster on the side of the road, accompanied by the strongest rum known to man and a steel pan band playing in the background. Another chance to sample the Grenadian cuisine was at Patrick's Local Home Style Restaurant; a road side eatery which people rave about, but from the outside somewhat basic looking. 16 courses of delicious local delicacies later and I could see what all the fuss was about! Carrying on the gourmet tour of Grenada, we visited the tiny Grenada Chocolate Company, where some of the world’s most ethically produced dark chocolate is made in the cocoa groves of Grenada’s rainforest. Their award winning chocolate packs a punch, especially the 100% cocoa bar. Fear not though, if a trip to Grenada isn’t on your agenda, you can pick some up in Waitrose! Being a nation famous for its rum, it was only right that we visited Rivers Rum Distillery. However, after a tasting, we couldn’t bring any home because apparently a) it can’t be exported because they can’t make enough to meet the demand of the Grenadians and b) the rum is too high a proof to be legally allowed on a plane! Another thing Grenada is known for is its nutmeg; it produces one third of the world’s supply. After visiting the vast processing station in Gouyave I can believe this is true. Whilst on the island I sampled nutmeg everything – nutmeg ice cream, nutmeg crème brulée and nutmeg jam to name just a few, all of which were delicious. Although much of the Caribbean is known for its excellent snorkelling, Grenada boasts something unique -  an underwater sculpture park. We took a trip with a company called Aquanauts, who guided us around the reef to see sculptures such as a man working at his desk with a typewriter and a life size man cycling along the reef on a bike.   My week in Grenada was (nutmeg) jam-packed yet relaxing at the same time, and I would love to go back and do it all over again. http://www.caribtours.ie/blog/rss/blog/2014/march/21/spice-world/ http://www.caribtours.ie/blog/rss/blog/2014/march/21/spice-world/ Fri, 21 March 2014 11:47:00 http://www.caribtours.ie/blog/rss/blog/2014/march/21/surfs-up/ Luxury, like beauty, is definitely in the eye of the beholder. When we're talking about luxury travel it can mean different things to different people. It may be the indulgence of cutting yourself adrift from modern life, off-grid and barefoot on a deserted tropical beach; the full Robinson Crusoe experience. For others it's the old-world charm and personalised service of a traditional plantation-style hotel; all starched white linen and afternoon tea. Yet for some, the pursuit of luxury is all about unleashing the 12-year old boy within us. It's about gadgets and glamour, urban glitz in a tropical setting. It's the thrill of simultaneously What's App-ing your mates, checking in on your stock portfolio and ordering a drink from the hotel bar via your tablet whilst you bury your toes in a tropical sea... Surfing in the surf if you will. It's about making the most of technology, to bring the convenience we all take for granted in our everyday lives, to our two weeks in the sun and then turning it up to 11. Now, whilst this approach may not be for everyone, there is a compelling logic to it. If technology can make our working and family life more organised, convenient and entertaining, why actively exclude it from your holiday? Now that so many of us spend an increasing amount of our leisure time online more and more hotels are catering to the connected generation. And as we shall see it goes way beyond just WiFi on the beach. Let's start with the iPad. What was once a status symbol has now become almost ubiquitous. But how about complimentary loaner iPads such as the ones offered by NIYAMA in the Maldives? On an island with complete superfast WiFi coverage. This, remember, on a tiny pinprick in the middle of the Indian Ocean, exactly 15 minutes from the middle of nowhere. At The Chedi Muscat in Oman the WiFi even stretches to the hotel's luxury limousines. If complimentary iPads are a bit pedestrian for you, how about a gold one? The Burj Al Arab in Dubai (where else?) offers guests the use of a 24-carat gold iPad, functioning as a “virtual concierge”, which at the touch of the button gives access to both information and the extensive selection of hotel services, such as the Guest Services Directory, detailed descriptions of Burj Al Arab’s restaurant options and spa menu, as well as private dining, butler and housekeeping services, among many other options. What’s more, if you fancy a souvenir and don't like dates, they are also for sale along with a gold iPad mini, gold iPhone 5 and gold BlackBerry Q10. Well that’s Christmas sorted. If this is all a bit infra dig , but you'd still like to enlist the labour-saving services of technology in a less ostentatious manner, then may we suggest Sandy Lane in Barbados where the curtains will open at the clap of your hands and the golf buggies have sat-navs. Or perhaps you'll be tempted by One&Only The Palm in Dubai whose rooms feature televisions seamlessly secreted behind the bathroom mirror to keep you entertained whilst in the bath. On the topic of entertainment, many of our resorts offer peerless facilities for the audiophiles amongst you. Take the CUBE at Huvafen Fushi in the Maldives where the master suite and two guest rooms feature Bose surround sound systems, plasma screens and DVD players along with a wine fridge, two fully-stocked mini-bars, a games room with the latest video game consoles and a lounge stocked with bestsellers and iPod playlists. A personal butler (sadly not a robot one) is also on call 24 hours a day. Geejam in Jamaica goes one better. Not only does it feature a compact digital surround sound system in each room, going by the pseudonym of George, which allows you to view Apple TV and play and charge an iPod, it offers guests the use of a fully featured and staffed recording studio. Perfect for getting that school boy skiffle band back together. Amazingly, Geejam isn't the only Caribbean hotel offering this as a service. Villa Rockstar at Eden Rock in St Barths comes complete with a state-of-the-art music recording studio and screening room as well as a choice of cars in the rock star garage. So if your version of luxury involves tweeting from a golden iPad, recording a rock opera or just going for a spin in your complimentary Mini Cooper, we've got you covered. http://www.caribtours.ie/blog/rss/blog/2014/march/21/surfs-up/ http://www.caribtours.ie/blog/rss/blog/2014/march/21/surfs-up/ Fri, 21 March 2014 10:44:00 http://www.caribtours.ie/blog/rss/blog/2014/march/12/serendipity-and-the-art-of-the-last-minute-holiday/ For years the conventional wisdom held that you had to book early to ensure the best deal on your fortnight in the sun. More recently however, fuelled by the internet, the smart money has been on seeking out last minute bargains. So which is correct? Do you need to be über organised and book months in advance to secure the largest saving or does the current market reward those who act on impulse, hold their nerve and make like a bandit with tiny prices for departures that month, that week or even that day (trust us, it does happen)? Firstly we need to agree what we mean by last minute. We're not talking about turning up at the airport and taking the first flight out (does anyone actually do this outside of romantic comedies?), which whilst possible, probably isn't the best way to get a good deal. Last minute travel is usually defined as taking place within 14 days of your booking date, and hence is probably something of a misnomer. For the purposes of this article we've extended this to looking at departures within a month. The reason being that four to five weeks ahead is when hotels are trying to fill their last remaining spaces and so are willing to offer reduced rates. 

 The overriding consideration as to whether late booking is right for you is that of flexibility. If you need to travel during a peak travel period (such as school or public holidays); if you simply have to stay at the new boutique gem as featured in the Sunday supplements; if this is a celebration or a once in a lifetime trip; if you want to travel in a premium cabin; or if you have a favourite room that you go to every year, then our advice is to book as early as you can. If, however, you can travel at less popular times, to the less well known destinations (or out of season to a popular one); if you are flexible about hotel choice; in short, if you can surrender your plans to serendipity, then you can scoop a great deal at short notice. These are our top tips for taking advantage of late booking deals: As well as choosing a quiet time of year, consider travelling mid-week which tends to be quieter and hence cheaper. Ensure that you've got a minimum of six months validity left on your passport. This goes for all travel, but with last minute departures it is that much more difficult to sort out if the worst does happen. Flexibility doesn't have to mean pot luck. Book with a reputable tour operator offering a uniformly high calibre of resorts. A member of the Caribtours team has stayed in each of our hand-picked properties so you can be confident of their quality. When comparing prices check what is included. Even if you are booking last minute you shouldn't have to compromise on the service you receive. Most of our holidays include lounge access at your departure airport and private transfers in resort. If you are a non-UK passport holder ensure that there is adequate time to apply for any visas that may be required. Sign up to our newsletter to receive details of all of our most tempting last minute offers. http://www.caribtours.ie/blog/rss/blog/2014/march/12/serendipity-and-the-art-of-the-last-minute-holiday/ http://www.caribtours.ie/blog/rss/blog/2014/march/12/serendipity-and-the-art-of-the-last-minute-holiday/ Wed, 12 March 2014 16:37:00 http://www.caribtours.ie/blog/rss/blog/2014/march/10/cuba-the-inside-track/ Samuel Johnson famously said “When a man is tired of London, he is tired of life”, but he could equally have been talking about Cuba. Five years on from my last visit, I fell in love all over again with this very special island, a country that is not just unlike anywhere else in the Caribbean, but unlike anywhere else in the world. Our trip began, like most visits to Cuba, in the legendary capital, Havana . We stayed at the Saratoga Hotel , in a fantastic location right at the centre of Old Havana, just across the road from the beautiful Capitolio building. The Gran Teatro de la Habana and the Museum of Fine Arts are both within walking distance too, and the photo opportunities are endless. The hotel also has a lovely rooftop pool and bar area where you can just watch the world go by, and the sunsets here are breathtaking. There’s so much to do in Havana, from a stroll along the seafront Malecón esplanade to late night salsa dancing with the locals. There are several art galleries worth visiting, and I particularly recommend the Museum of Fine Arts; it’s huge and has a great collection of Cuban art, as well as regular visiting exhibitions. We also visited the home of José Rodríguez Fuster, a famous Cuban artist, whose style is reminiscent of Gaudí and Picasso. We actually met him, and learnt how he has spent 18 years turning his house into a work of art, it’s really interesting and very welcoming. Cuba is also famous, of course, for its cigars, and there are several state-run tobacco factories dotted around the city, where you can learn about the manufacturing process, from a cheap cigar all the way up to the finest Monte Cristo. There are also plenty of shopping areas, where you can buy leather goods, jewellery made out of cow bones(!), clothing, local art, musical instruments, hats and silver handmade jewellery. It’s great fun to haggle with the stall holders and try to grab yourself a bargain. When it comes to getting round the city, you have several options. The coco taxis are truly unique: these are the cutest little taxis, they’re bright yellow, round and make a noise like a loud bee. The drivers are crazy and wear helmets, but you are in the back hanging on for dear life with no seat belts or helmets! Great fun, but only for short journeys… You can also take a tour on a horse-drawn carriage, where the driver will usually be accompanied by a guide who will tell you all about the sights and history of the city and answer any questions. And of course you can take a trip in a classic American car; we travelled in a three different cars, it was so cool and is simply a must-do in Havana. Eating out is a real adventure in Havana, and the government has recently lifted the restrictions on opening private establishments, so there is now an abundance of privately run paladares where you can soak up the atmosphere and truly ‘feel’ the city. Each one really reflects the personality of the owner; we dined at a few and they are all very different, the menu is usually read out by the owner and is varied and delicious. Cuba is also famous for its music, and it’s not just salsa and cha cha cha! Walking through the streets of Havana, there is music on every corner, from a single musician singing his heart out to a salsa band entertaining you at dinner to the all-female Camerata Romeu Orchestra. There is something for everyone, and you can find out what’s going on from a publication called Cartelera , which you can pick up from your hotel reception free of charge. If you get the chance, make sure you get tickets for the Ballet at the Gran Teatro; the theatre is beautiful and the quality of the ballet is amazing. The Tropicana cabaret is another great night out, it’s been going since the 1940s and provides a showcase of the different styles of Cuban music, with elaborate costumes and over 200 dancers, in a venue situated outside under the stars. If you want to carry on partying into the night then you’ll be spoilt for choice, with plenty of places to see live bands and dance, though be warned, things don’t really get going until 1am! From Havana we travelled to Varadero , stopping en route at Bacunayagua Bridge, a beautiful spot with breathtaking views and the best piña coladas! Varadero is all about the beach, with just one road in and one road out. The Paradisus Princesa del Mar has recently opened a new ‘Royal Service’ area, set apart from the rest of the hotel, which is fresh, contemporary and very stylish. I loved the swim-up junior suites on the ground floor, with big gorgeous day beds outside the room. The beach on this side of the resort is fairly deserted, and it just goes on for miles. At sister resort Paradisus Varadero , we stayed in a Master Junior Suite, and the room was fantastic, you’re not far from the beach and the room contains all that you could want for a comfortable stay. They all have a huge bathroom with a bathtub and outdoor shower (you could have a party in here!), and a spacious living room with a balcony. They also included full bottles of premium drinks, which is always a nice touch, as well as a fully stocked mini bar with beer and soft drinks. Like the Princesa del Mar, I definitely recommend upgrading to the Royal Service area for a bit more privacy and tranquility, as the main area of the hotel is quite busy in comparison. After Varadero we headed south to the beautiful little town of Cienfuegos , full of charm and character. It had an almost Mediterranean feel, and there is an old theatre dating back to 1889, the Terry Theatre, which is still used today. There is also a palace dating back to 1917, which combines several different architectural styles, including Gothic, Venetian and Moorish. Further along the south coast is Trinidad , and I loved this town. It’s a great place full of cute little bars with live music, restaurants, great shopping and salsa lessons. We arrived in the midst of a carnival, the town was buzzing with music in the streets and costume bands, and this was all happening in the square outside our hotel, so we ended up partying until four in the morning! The Iberostar is really the only hotel in town, it is beautiful and right in the heart of Trinidad, so it’s great for exploring. It’s colonial in style, the rooms are very comfortable and some have a huge balcony, perfect for sitting outside and enjoying a drink and a spot of people watching. Our last stop was Cayo Santa María on the north coast, a chain of islands and cays accessed by a causeway that connects from the mainland. This area is amazing, green and lush with the beautiful ocean surrounding you, a world away from the hustle and bustle of Havana. Here we stayed at the Meliá Buenavista , which was my favourite hotel in Cuba, like arriving at an oasis. It’s contemporary in style, with low rise buildings in a beachfront location, and it has all the facilities you would expect from an all-inclusive hotel. The rooms are all junior suite style and very spacious, with a bathtub and an outside shower. The facilities were great for a small hotel, there was a good selection of restaurants, and there is entertainment each night, from mariachi bands to water ballet to salsa dancing. The beaches are wonderful, with great snorkelling, soft golden sand, lots of wildlife and lovely clear blue sea with a beautiful view. All in all, the perfect place to end my journey through this incredible country. http://www.caribtours.ie/blog/rss/blog/2014/march/10/cuba-the-inside-track/ http://www.caribtours.ie/blog/rss/blog/2014/march/10/cuba-the-inside-track/ Mon, 10 March 2014 14:51:00 http://www.caribtours.ie/blog/rss/blog/2014/march/06/family-fun-in-the-caribbean/ A February half term holiday with the in-laws might not sound like most people’s dream getaway, but I was thoroughly looking forward it for a variety of reasons. Firstly, it was my first time to Saint Lucia, an island I had heard so much about; secondly, with my kids' cousins also in tow they would be well entertained; and last but not least, my parents-in-law are great company and the kids love spending time with them, so it was going to be a fun week. We drove to Gatwick and spent a little extra on valet parking, which was well worth it; still cheaper than a return taxi fare would have been, we could walk straight into the terminal (no waiting for buses and lugging a multitude of suitcases half a mile around an endless car park in the rain), and the car was there waiting for us upon our return ensuring a speedy getaway. We were a bit apprehensive about keeping five kids under 12 entertained for eight and a half hours on the flight, but through a combination of sticker books, games, meals, a mid-flight nap and the very good inflight entertainment meant there were no such worries. CBeebies plus movies like Despicable Me and Ice Age all went down well. On arrival the immigration queue in Saint Lucia looked long and slow, but they have a separate line for families which really helped speed things up, and within 10 minutes or so of exiting we were in our minibus to the hotel. Be warned – the exit area is pretty chaotic, you can’t take luggage trolleys outside for some reason which is a bit of a pain, and it can be hard to see your rep so keep your eyes peeled. All hotels and local reps have to use the local taxi companies too, which most first time visitors wouldn’t realise. The beauty of Coconut Bay Beach Resort & Spa is the 3 minute (I timed it!) transfer from the airport (provided free by the hotel). Perfect after a long flight with tired youngsters on board. In no time at all we were sipping a welcome cocktail and checking in. ‘Aircraft noise’ I hear you say – but it’s really not an issue, there’s only a few flights a day and no real noise disturbance.  The hotel is set in a large plot of land with a long entrance drive through lawns and palm trees, then the main central area which houses the reception, main bar, excursion desks and buffet restaurant. Heading left is the family wing of the hotel, with the adults only wing in the opposite direction, complete with child-free pool area. Rooms We had booked the two bedroom interconnecting Family Rooms which worked really well – close to all the facilities, two large bedrooms with a King bed in one room and two Queen beds in the other, each with its own bathroom and balcony and an internal connecting door. The rooms are very spacious, with flat screen TVs showing about 100 US channels, a kettle with tea and coffee, mini fridge stocked with bottled water (included in the All-Inclusive plan), a safe and iron/ironing board. The King Room also has a double sofa bed. The bathrooms are quite small with only a shower, a basin and a WC, but served our purposes well enough. The beach: Windy but beautiful!  Being on the south coast it is consistently windy, much more so than the north west coast would be, but never uncomfortably so, and it is a beautiful long stretch of gold sand. Quite a bit of seaweed gets washed up but the hotel’s tractor comes along several times a day to clean this up so the beach is always very clean, and the sand’s great for sandcastles! The water was very warm and safe to swim in, and a short stroll up the beach was a kite surfing school.  Directly by the hotel on the family side are a few fixed parasols, some sunbeds and the beach volleyball/cricket area. On the adults' side there is no beach to speak of but it’s not far to walk. Pools & Water Park Something for everyone here, and one of the main reasons we chose this hotel. The adults-only pool I've already mentioned; there’s also a large freeform pool in the central area where the water polo etc is played; a second central pool with shallow areas for kids (be careful with real young ones as there are no barriers between shallow areas and deeper ones), and a swim-up bar – in fact two swim-up bars, one for adults and one for kids serving fruit cocktails etc., which was a nice touch. Then slightly further along was a small fourth pool, and the lazy river and water slides which were visited several times a day and were great fun. A couple of times around the lazy river on a rubber ring followed by umpteen times up and down the two water slides and the afternoon was taken care of! Toddlers who can’t swim yet are allowed to go down the slides on their parents' knees so everyone could enjoy them. Be sure to use waterproof all-day sun cream though, it’s easy to forget with the breeze and being in the water that the sun is so strong. Excellent Kids' Club  Really spacious with a few different indoor/under cover areas including a baby room (they take kids from age 0!) where many of the activities like kite making, finger painting etc. are done; a large outdoor area with swings, slides, pirate ship;  plus a water play area with fountains, water jets etc. which is used once in the morning and once in the afternoon for ‘splash time’. Nature walks, beach Olympics, photo album making, and evening outdoor movie nights were some of the activities on offer, and there’s a weekly schedule so you can see which ones your kids might like. The staff were all very professional, and we then hired one of them to babysit each night for a couple of hours while we went out for dinner (approx. US$20 an hour). Food & Drink We were very pleasantly surprised by the quality and range of food at Coconut Bay – being one of the more affordable, all-inclusive resorts, we perhaps weren't expecting haute cuisine, but in fact ate fantastically well. The main buffet restaurant is open for breakfast, lunch and dinner and is always popular – eggs to order and fresh crêpes, smoothies etc. for breakfast;  a pasta station, stir fry station and salad bar at lunchtime (not to mention yummy puddings); and different themes each evening with something to cater for all our tastes. A couple of times they also relocate to the poolside for a themed open air buffet with entertainment. Also included however are three à la carte restaurants which we loved – an Asian with excellent Chinese dishes in particular; a Caribbean restaurant which we thought was the best – superb steaks, crab cakes and snapper in particular; and an Italian restaurant which was perhaps the weakest but with a help-yourself antipasti bar, followed by traditional Italian dishes like lobster ravioli. The welcome drink of sangría was a strange Spanish twist! During the day there is a grill by the pool bar serving a limited range of snacks like pizza, hot dogs, burgers, chicken nuggets etc. – not the healthiest menu in the world, and as our kids need their tea at around 5pm this was the only option at that time, but it was holiday after all! The house red and white wines were perfectly drinkable, but there were additional bottles at a supplement if you preferred, and the bars all served a good selection of beers, spirits and cocktails with only premium brands like Jack Daniel's not included. Out & About At least one day out to explore a bit of the island is a must, it’s such a naturally beautiful island with the rainforests and mountains. We visited a few of the well known sites such as the Pitons, plus two waterfalls which you could stand and swim under – one was fresh water (on the chilly side!), the other was natural hot spring water – quite surreal standing under a bath-temperature waterfall!  The mud baths and hot springs near Ladera are well worth a visit too, a visual reminder of the island’s volcanic history. The hotel’s location then came into its own on our last day, whereby we chose to pay to keep a couple of late check-out rooms between us until 6pm (US$95 per room), and could enjoy all the facilities until then before heading to the airport, giving us a whole extra day in the sun before getting on the plane, and the opportunity to have something to eat at the hotel rather than on the plane. My 3 year old then fell asleep before taking off and didn’t wake up until it was time to land in Gatwick – perfect! http://www.caribtours.ie/blog/rss/blog/2014/march/06/family-fun-in-the-caribbean/ http://www.caribtours.ie/blog/rss/blog/2014/march/06/family-fun-in-the-caribbean/ Thu, 06 March 2014 14:12:00 http://www.caribtours.ie/blog/rss/blog/2014/february/24/the-bajan-equation/ At only 21 miles long Barbados is little more than a pinprick on the map, but this is an island that punches above its weight. With a reputation as a playground for the rich and shameless that is well founded and hard won, it’s become the de rigeur destination for the it-crowd, and we’re used to viewing the latest media darling frolicking on the island’s platinum sands or playing the immaculate fairways through the long-lens of the gossip columns. It’s no surprise that Concorde retired here to live out the rest of its days in the sun. But get past the celebrity sheen and there is so much else to enjoy. Sipping potent rum-based cocktails in a beach-side bar; listening to calypso beats and liming with the laid-back locals; beach cricket on the powder-soft sands; griddled seafood pulled straight from the ocean; high tea served on pristine linens… it’s this mix of Caribbean charm with colonial gentility, soporific relaxation yet pulsing night-life that are all part of the Bajan lifestyle. Throw in some of the best beaches in the western hemisphere, fine dining good enough to make a restaurant critic weep and a relatively undiscovered and rugged east coast and you can see that this little slice of paradise adds up to more than the sum of its parts. At Caribtours we certainly think so. We’ve been selling Barbados for more years than we care to mention and it stubbornly refuses to be dislodged from the top of our sales charts. We have clients that return year after year who wouldn’t consider going anywhere else for their two weeks in the sun. It’s where our MD took his family last year and where many of our staff choose to spend their own holidays. Yes, we can wax lyrical about Barbados ad nauseam … which is probably what you’d be expecting us to do. However, to prove that it is not just us who think this is the ideal holiday destination, we took a small group of travel agents to Barbados to get their view. These are seasoned, gimlet-eyed travel gurus, consummate professionals who have experienced the best that the world of luxury travel has to offer. They have demanding clients and need to know a destination in-depth, warts and all, so they can be absolutely confident in their recommendations. Nothing gets past them and they expect the only the best. This is what they thought of Barbados… “It literally took my breath away, I have never been to the Caribbean and this was an excellent introduction. One of the main things for me was seeing that it is so easy to get around the island and eat and drink without it costing the Earth. The beaches were like nothing I have ever seen before and I can’t wait to start selling this destination.” Marie O’Callaghan, Travel Centre “Stunning. Overall excellent accommodation and the most friendly of hosts, business & locals I have ever met. Beautiful beaches with everything for couples & families alike. Towns and restaurants accessible from all resorts visited. A delight…. Will go back! Jo Cockram, World Odyssey “Loved it! Always felt safe and found most Bajans to be very friendly. Suits all types of client whether on a budget or high end luxury” Graham Finch-Parsons, Travel Counsellors So don’t just take our word for it, Barbados really could be your perfect destination. http://www.caribtours.ie/blog/rss/blog/2014/february/24/the-bajan-equation/ http://www.caribtours.ie/blog/rss/blog/2014/february/24/the-bajan-equation/ Mon, 24 February 2014 15:40:00 http://www.caribtours.ie/blog/rss/blog/2014/february/17/start-spreading-the-news/ It's usual when visiting a new place to treat it as a voyage of discovery; a chance to see new vistas, experience new customs and discover a new culture. When I visited New York it was different. There can be few places on earth that come with such semiotic baggage. Star of a thousand films, most of us already have a neatly pre-packaged view of what New York is all about even before we go... brooding skyscrapers, neurotic locals, battle scarred yellow taxis jockeying for position on roads cratered like the lunar surface. So once US immigration had grudgingly let me into the country I was intrigued to see if the myth lived up to reality. The first thing to hit me upon leaving JFK Airport was the cold. We knew that February in the Big Apple would be bracing and were of course aware of the recent snow storms that had swept across the Eastern seaboard, but even pre-warned, the bitter wind was a shock. Parked cars nestled in piles of frozen snow and it blanketed roof tops and was compacted on sidewalks. The freeze-thaw had reduced the road surface into something from the aftermath of a war and the taxi drive from JFK through sclerotic rush-hour traffic did little to dispel my preconceptions, although the friendliness of the cab driver did offer a hint to the warmth of some of the locals we were to meet. On arrival at our Midtown hotel we dumped our bags, went for a walk and I had my first proper view of Manhattan. I had been worried that I would feel trapped, like a rat in a maze, by the monumental nature of the architecture, but it was in those first few minutes that New York began to work its magic. Yes you feel dwarfed by the scale of the place, but the very diversity of architectural styles gives it an appealingly human, chaotic air and the broad sidewalks and roads feel airy and relatively quiet after the cramped Victorian pavements of London. At night the skyscrapers have jewel-coloured illumination giving it a festive air and by the time you stumble starry-eyed into Times Square you are overwhelmed by the huge electronic screens that cover every available face of the surrounding buildings. Like a scene from some futuristic movie the miasma of colours is a fitting shrine to this cathedral of commercialism.   There is a definite buzz to the place; an urgency where everyone is in a rush to be somewhere.  Overheard snatches of conversations and the continual blare of car horns confirm that the locals are as good-naturedly impatient as their reputation would suggest and it's easy to understand how New York became the financial and cultural powerhouse of the western world. But rather than wearing, this drive to get where they’re going is invigorating... you get swept along by the tide. We decided to eschew the more obvious destinations, leaving the Empire State and Statue of Liberty to the slack-jawed tourists, instead headed to MoMA (Museum of Modern Art). This peerless collection covers art, sculpture, photography, design and architecture and is housed in a monochromatic, minimalist temple to the less-is-more school of design. Within, Monets, Picassos, Dalís and Van Goghs all fight for your attention along with lesser known and more controversial artists (leading to a few 'my 4 year old could do that' or 'what were they thinking' conversations vital to the enjoyment of any half decent repository of modern art). There are large installations and exhibitions on the architecture of Frank Lloyd-Wright, the music of John Cage (what was he thinking) as well as displays of furniture, ceramics and posters. Lunch was in the museum's über cool Mediterranean-style deli-restaurant, where the menu is based around unctuous cheeses, fragrant salads and legs of preserved meats freshly cut on a glittering vintage bacon slicer. Frequented by hip design types and corporate raiders on their lunch break this was about as far from your standard museum canteen as its is possible to get. Add in two fantastic shops offering design-led jewellery, kitchenalia, books, toys and furniture from around the world and a close encounter with A-lister Sigourney Weaver (not guaranteed) it really is the complete package. We visited on a Friday and were surprised how quiet the place was, but Friday nights have free entry and based on the queues forming when we left they get pretty busy. Art galleries are one of the things that New York really does well. We also visited the Guggenheim, whose art-deco-meets-science-fiction form stands apart from its blocky neighbours like something beamed from space. Its collection spans a greater time period than MoMA and while it’s still got an embarrassment of household names like Picasso, Cézanne and Degas, in my opinion it is the building itself that is the star. Its sinuous corridors lead visitors up in a spiral towards a glazed dome and its crisp-white organic forms are truly spectacular. Later that day we visited the American Museum of Natural History where they have taken the diorama to heights I've never before encountered. A series of meticulously recreated scenes featuring animals in their natural habitat are unlike anything seen before. The museum also has an impressive dinosaur collection (always a crowd pleaser) as well as the Hayden Planetarium, part of the Rose Center for Earth and Space. In this we experienced a spectacular presentation, graphically explaining the origins and history of the universe. Impressive as these attractions were, the real star of the show was New York itself. From the fantastic (and surprisingly quiet) shopping districts of Midtown where the department stores jostle for your attention, to the bohemian streets of Greenwich Village with its trendy bars and the crystalline expanse of Central park in the snow, I was enchanted by the diversity on offer in this city. Every district felt unique with its own particular atmosphere. This diversity is reflected in the food. In a city that is the poster child for the globalised economy I was surprised that nestled alongside the numerous Starbucks, McDonalds and Wendy's franchises were hundreds of independent outlets offering every kind of imaginable cuisine. We did our best to sample as much of this variety as possible, breakfasting on colossal stacks of pancakes with syrup and bacon washed down with inexhaustible cups of coffee at a diner, or trying Jewish favourites such as bagels with lox, blintzes and hot pretzels from a street side cart. We had deliciously tender ribs and local craft beers and Turkish baba ganoush and kebabs. But even our best efforts only scratched the surface of a city where the food appears to be the dominant religion. So were my preconceptions accurate? New York certainly fulfils all of the stereotypes developed from a lifetime of media exposure, but to dismiss it as some sort of hackneyed Friends -style theme-park is to do it a massive injustice. In the same vein, to try and single out one aspect such as great shopping, amazing culture or fantastic food as the root of its appeal also falls short in defining the place. There's a real depth to its attraction that underpins the thin veneer of sex-in-the-city glamour. It's a high-energy cosmopolitan mix where even the mundane becomes exciting and even the locals’ trademark impatience is delivered with a twinkle in their eye. So I urge you to take your tea iced, stack your pancakes high and dive right in. http://www.caribtours.ie/blog/rss/blog/2014/february/17/start-spreading-the-news/ http://www.caribtours.ie/blog/rss/blog/2014/february/17/start-spreading-the-news/ Mon, 17 February 2014 14:36:00 http://www.caribtours.ie/blog/rss/blog/2014/february/14/dont-give-it-the-cold-shoulder/ Compromise. It can be a dirty word. Travel companies like to claim that they provide experiences unsullied by such banal and petty complications... offering sun that always shines, beaches that are always empty and all at a bargain price; truly travel without compromise (we don't claim to be guilt free in this respect, in fact we may have used that very phrase as a strap line many years ago). But in reality, away from the glib certainties of marketing departments, it is generally accepted that if you want guaranteed sun you'll have to pay a premium for the privilege, and if you want to pay less then you run the risk of unpredictable weather. But is there another way? Enter the legendary 'Shoulder Season'... the part of the year immediately before and after high season, the magical point on the chart where supply and demand intersect and theoretically you can have the best of both worlds... the mythical combination of great weather, empty beaches and all at a low, low price. Fewer people visiting means cheaper flights, greater choice of hotels and, some people even claim, calmer and more accommodating locals. So does it exist, and if so, when? One thing to note is that it is not just the weather that drives up prices. Public holidays, local events and school holidays can also increase demand and mean that you'll pay more, but if you are able to be flexible as to when you can travel then the best of both worlds can be yours. In the Caribbean accepted wisdom is that the high season is mid-December to the end of the Easter holidays. With Easter occurring so late this year, canny travellers can take advantage of the fact that many hotels are dropping their rates in March. This is past the January and February bun-fight but before things get busy again over the Easter holidays and can be a brilliant time to visit the region as the climate is still fantastic, allowing much gloating and showing off your tan on your return to friends and colleagues benighted by six months of British winter. If you'd like to take advantage of this temporal anomaly, we've got some amazing last minute offers for travel in March and early April, so give our team a call and they'd be happy to advise. http://www.caribtours.ie/blog/rss/blog/2014/february/14/dont-give-it-the-cold-shoulder/ http://www.caribtours.ie/blog/rss/blog/2014/february/14/dont-give-it-the-cold-shoulder/ Fri, 14 February 2014 10:05:00 http://www.caribtours.ie/blog/rss/blog/2014/february/12/easter-in-the-caribbean/ The Easter break is a great time to visit the Caribbean for a relaxing week or two on the beach, falling as it does in the middle of the dry season, and it’s also an opportunity to learn about the unique culture and history of this enchanting cluster of islands. Christianity, and Catholicism in particular, is the dominant faith throughout the Caribbean, so Easter is a very important time of year in the religious calendar, and naturally the islands have each developed their own unique Easter traditions...  As you would expect, Good Friday is a solemn occasion, and it’s a day when you won’t find many locals on the beach. This isn’t just because everyone is at church: tradition holds that it’s bad luck to step in the ocean on the day of the Crucifixion, and some people will even tell you that you’ll turn into a fish if you go for a paddle on Good Friday! We’re yet to hear of this happening to any of our clients, so you’re probably safe, and that’s just as well… As in the UK, Good Friday is a day without red meat, so fish is certain to be on the menu. Indeed fish is an integral culinary ingredient throughout the Easter period; in Jamaica they serve up escoveitched snapper, fried and then marinated with hot peppers, while further afield, in Bermuda , the locals eat delicious codfish cakes, traditionally served with bananas. Chocolate eggs don’t tend to feature in the Caribbean – perhaps because they melt too easily in the tropical heat! – but there is another, rather more unusual egg-based tradition, whereby an egg white is placed in a container of water on Maundy Thurday, and the coagulated egg white forms a pattern which is used to predict the future on Good Friday. Rather more appealing are Easter buns, eaten on many of the islands and similar to our own Hot Cross Buns, spiced with cinnamon, cloves and nutmeg, filled with currants, raisins and dry fruit, and normally eaten with a thick slice of Cheddar cheese. As well as the more traditional religious elements, there are various other festivals and events that take place at Easter depending on which part of the Caribbean you are in. In the Dominican Republic , as you would expect in a country with such a strong Spanish Catholic heritage, Semana Santa (Holy Week) is a big deal, and events culminate in a huge procession through the capital, Santo Domingo, on Easter Sunday. The procession starts after morning mass at the sixteenth century Cathedral of Santa María la Menor, the first cathedral ever to be built in the Americas. Carnival-style celebrations can also be found on Virgin Gorda in the British Virgin Islands , where the lively four-day Easter Festival includes a Calypso Monarch competition and music from traditional Virgin Island ‘scratch’ bands. Further south, in Trinidad , an effigy of Judas Iscariot called a Bobolee is traditionally constructed from old rags at Easter, and left outside to be beaten by local residents as punishment for his betrayal of Jesus, with cries of ‘Beat de Bobolee!’ ringing out as the hapless figure is ripped apart. More recently, this tradition has taken on more of a secular, topical character, with effigies of unpopular politicians or other public figures also turned into Bobolees, much like Guy Fawkes night in the UK. If you are travelling to Trinidad over Easter, it’s worth extending your stay and hopping over to sister island Tobago for the annual Tobago Goat Races, which are held on the following Tuesday in the village of Buccoo. There are also more sedate ways to spend Easter in the Caribbean. Kite flying is very common at this time of year on islands such as Barbados and Jamaica , with competitions often held around the Easter weekend. The origins of this tradition are unclear, though some have suggested it represents Christ’s ascension to Heaven. Sailing is also a popular Easter pastime, with the annual Easter Regatta taking place off the tiny island of Bequia in the Grenadines . Or, if you’d rather just spend a week relaxing on a beach at a luxurious resort, then of course you are spoilt for choice - why not speak to our friendly team of Caribbean experts about booking your Easter break next year with Caribtours. http://www.caribtours.ie/blog/rss/blog/2014/february/12/easter-in-the-caribbean/ http://www.caribtours.ie/blog/rss/blog/2014/february/12/easter-in-the-caribbean/ Wed, 12 February 2014 15:52:00 http://www.caribtours.ie/blog/rss/blog/2014/february/04/feel-the-rhythm-feel-the-rhyme/ The lucky egg, the pushcart race, the tear jerking final walk across the finish line... the story of the 1988 Calgary Olympic bobsled team, immortalised in Disney's Cool Runnings , has gone down in legend as the ultimate story of sporting endeavour against all the odds. The great news for all of us who love a plucky underdog (that's pretty much all of us at Caribtours), and are hoping for a 21st century reprise of the story, is that Sochi 2014 will be welcoming the Jamaicans bobsledders back again. What is perhaps less well know is that they won't be the only Caribbean representatives at this year’s Winter Olympiad... enter Peter Adam Crook, halfpipe skier from the British Virgin Islands, who will be his nation's first representative at the games in three decades. Competing in the freestyle skiing category and currently ranked 18th in the world, Cook earned his place following an impressive 10th place in last year’s World Cup in Cardrona, New Zealand. However, for the 2014 vintage of Jamaican bobsledders the journey to Russia was just as tortuous as that of their illustrious forebears. Despite qualifying, the team were unsure if they would have the necessary funding to actually make it to Sochi. They couldn't even afford to make it to the final qualifying event in St Moritz, instead relying on previous results and waiting with trepidation in the hope that they wouldn't be overtaken in the standings by too many teams. Driver Winston Watts, who at 46 is eight years senior to any other bobsledder who has qualified for Sochi 2014, has come out of a six year retirement to compete in what will be his fourth Olympic games. Watts has ploughed $150,000 of his own money into flying the team and their equipment to the US for training to help them qualify. Even with a sled donated by the German team, they were still left needing $80,000 to make it to Russia, but an internet campaign by their supporters generating donations of over $120,000 has guaranteed their participation, which was finally confirmed on 20 January. Here at Caribtours we'd like to wish all of the athletes about to compete in Sochi the best of luck, but we'll be kissing our proverbial lucky egg for those participants from the Caribbean competing so far from home. Image courtesy of www.jamaicabobsleighteam.com http://www.caribtours.ie/blog/rss/blog/2014/february/04/feel-the-rhythm-feel-the-rhyme/ http://www.caribtours.ie/blog/rss/blog/2014/february/04/feel-the-rhythm-feel-the-rhyme/ Tue, 04 February 2014 10:45:00 http://www.caribtours.ie/blog/rss/blog/2013/december/08/caribbean-street-food-saltfish-accras/ These delicious cod fritters can be found throughout the Caribbean and are great as a snack, a starter or as an accompaniment to a main meal...  Ingredients:  • 250g sustainably sourced cod or other white fish • 500g plain flour • 2 free range eggs • Salt and black pepper • 1 Scotch bonnet or other hot pepper • Handful fresh thyme and parsley • 2 - 3 cloves garlic (crushed) • 6 - 8 spring onions (chopped) • Water or milk Directions: 1. Mix in the flour with enough water or milk to make a moist dough. Remove the skin and bones from the cod (if you are using salt cod then de-salt it first), then shred with a fork. 2. Mix the shredded fish and the eggs into the dough. Add salt and black pepper, crushed garlic, parsley, thyme, chopped spring onions, and a finely chopped piece of Scotch bonnet (how much you use depends on how spicy you like it!). Stir the mixture until the dough is smooth. 3. To cook, drop your doughy mixture by the spoonful into a pan of hot oil and fry. When cooked, remove from the oil, dab with a paper towel to remove any excess, and serve hot. http://www.caribtours.ie/blog/rss/blog/2013/december/08/caribbean-street-food-saltfish-accras/ http://www.caribtours.ie/blog/rss/blog/2013/december/08/caribbean-street-food-saltfish-accras/ Sun, 08 December 2013 00:00:00 http://www.caribtours.ie/blog/rss/blog/2013/november/29/caribbean-connections-james-bond/ Here at Caribtours Towers I have something of a reputation for being a bit of a James Bond anorak and it's true that I'm a huge fan of both the Fleming books and the films (well most of them). I love the way that they act as a mirror to the mores, aspirations and concerns of British society at the time they were produced. If you want good idea of the fashions, politics and perceptions of luxury at any point over the last 60 years a James Bond production from that time is an excellent place to start. I'm fortunate that my passion for all things Bond overlaps with my passion for the Caribbean as the region has a long and illustrious history with the world's favourite secret agent. So if you'll indulge me here is my guide to James Bond's Caribbean connections:   Jamaica Everybody knows that this is where the legend started, with Ian Fleming, in the summer of 1952 at his estate Goldeneye, bashing out his first novel, Casino Royal, to distract himself from his forthcoming nuptials. However Jamaica was set to reappear again and again over the next 60 years. It was the key location in both the book and the film of Dr No (including the iconic scene featuring Ursula Andress emerging from the Sea), it was the location for the villain's lair in the novel Live and Let Die and also doubled as the fictional island of San Monique, location of the famous double decker bus chase, in the film adaptation. It also features in the novel The Man with the Golden Gun and the short stories Octopussy and For Your Eyes Only. Other less well know connections are that the famously fastidious Bond will also only drink Jamaica's famous Blue Mountain coffee and the fact that Fleming borrowed names from his friends in Jamaica to use in his books. One of his neighbours, and later his lover, was Blanche Blackwell, mother of Chris Blackwell of Island Records and Island Outpost Hotels ( GoldenEye ,  Strawberry Hill ,  The Caves ) fame: Fleming named the guano-collecting ship in Dr. No as Blanche. He later used Blackwell as the model for Pussy Galore in his novel Goldfinger and Blackwell gave him a boat called Octopussy, the name of which he used for a later short story.  Fleming clearly loved Jamaica and to read his novels now provides a fascinating glimpse into a time where the sun was setting on the British empire and Jamaica was emerging as a newly independent nation.    Bahamas Bond's connections with the Bahamas are almost as numerous and varied as those with Jamaica. Both the novel and the film adaptation of Thunderball were set in Nassau including the famous scene involving a shark infested swimming pool and his escape through the island's Junkanoo carnival. The 1983 unofficial remake of Thunderball, Never Say Never Again starring Sean Connery, was also set on the island as was the Fleming short story Quantum of Solace. In 2006 the franchise returned with Daniel Craig staying in a stunning beachfront suite at the  One&Only Ocean Club  ( Atlantis  is also visible in the one of the scenes) and emerging from the sea in another iconic and well remembered image. All of the scenes set in Madagascar were also shot in the Bahamas.   Mexico Not technically the Caribbean I know, but it's in the same Caribtours brochure so I hope you'll forgive me. The gritty Licence to Kill was mostly filmed in Mexico which doubled for the fictional Isthmus City. The spectacularly brash Villa Arabesque, the Aztec-styled Otomi Ceremonial Center in Temoaya and the amazing tanker chase through the Rumorosa Mountain Pass in Tecate are all particular highlights and it's well worth watching the film just for these if you've not seen it before.    Cuba Tricky one this. Both GoldenEye and the execrable Die Another Day (where this time it was Halle Berry emerging from the ocean) had scenes set in Cuba but neither was actually filmed there. Goldeneye was filmed in Puerto Rico at the Arecibo Observatory whilst DAD was actually filmed in Spain. http://www.caribtours.ie/blog/rss/blog/2013/november/29/caribbean-connections-james-bond/ http://www.caribtours.ie/blog/rss/blog/2013/november/29/caribbean-connections-james-bond/ Fri, 29 November 2013 00:00:00 http://www.caribtours.ie/blog/rss/blog/2013/november/22/saint-lucia-jazz-volcanoes-and-toblerone/ On paper, the drive from Hewanorra Airport, in the south east of Saint Lucia, to The Landings, in the north west, looked relatively straight forward. However, once we arrived on the island it didn't take long to realise why everything here is a little bit further away than it seems. For such a small island, Saint Lucia has an incredibly dramatic topography. And I'm not talking about the gentle undulations of the Isle of Wight; this is an island of monolithic, craggy peaks, jungle clad valleys and winding roads that take you up and up as you cross the centre of the island, before plunging back down towards the coast on the other side. The drive was a spectacular introduction to a spectacular place, and a taste of the adventures to come. Thanks to the island's volcanic make-up, Saint Lucia doesn't enjoy the same reputation for picture perfect white sand beaches as some of her neighbours, but the beach at  The Landings  is a particularly glorious exception. Powder fine sand shelves gently into clear, turquoise waters against the stunning backdrop of Rodney Bay and Pigeon Island, an arc of emerald green hills looming over the fishing villages that dot the coastline. Arriving for the first time you are struck by the exclusive feel of the resort, with its cavernous, gleaming marble lobby and private marina, but The Landings soon reveals itself as a laid back and friendly affair where you aren't going to be judged on the size of your yacht. To say the suites are spacious is something of an understatement, and with their fully equipped kitchens they're great for families or groups wanting to self-cater, but there is plenty to entice couples here too. We especially loved our private plunge pool, perfect for a late night dip with a cold bottle of Piton beer overlooking the harbour. We were lucky enough to be staying at The Landings during the annual St Lucia Jazz & Arts Festival, which happens every April/May and is centred on Pigeon Island national park, right next door to the resort. While we didn't make it to any of the big concerts on Pigeon Island itself, the festival atmosphere permeates the whole of the island, and we found plenty of 'fringe' events going on, with live music at a host of venues around Rodney Bay Village, as well as at the hotel itself. The islanders are incredibly friendly and welcoming, and rightly proud of the festival - pretty much every taxi driver, bar tender, waiter or market seller we met asked us if we were on the island for Jazz, and which events we were going to. After three days of relaxation at The Landings, we took the short trip to the other side of Pigeon Island and checked in at our second hotel,  Cap Maison . I love staying in smaller, quirkier places, and Cap Maison ticks all the boxes. The Spanish hacienda style may not be typically Caribbean, but it really adds to the feeling that you're staying as a guest in an exclusive private estate, rather than just another hotel. And this is a hotel that has got things the right way round: a glass of Champagne as soon as you arrive, the keys to your room straight away, and then, once you've pulled up a chair on your balcony and maybe mixed yourself a glass of rum punch, you can fill out those boring check-in forms at your leisure, rather than the usual frantic rummaging around for your passport at reception. The hotel's thoughtful approach doesn't stop there: complimentary iced water by the pool, an umbrella delivered to your room if it looks like it might rain, and countless other surprises that I won't spoil for you… These are the small but brilliant touches that make you think, 'Wow, they really have thought of everything'. The thing we really couldn't stop talking about while we were there, however, was the food at the Cliff at Cap restaurant. Everything from the omelettes at breakfast to the tapas at lunchtime and the 5 course tasting menu for dinner was sublime, each dish a work of art with wonderfully grandiloquent names like 'A Theme on one Flavour: Pineapple' and 'A study on Vine Ripe Tomatoes'. If you want my advice, and if it's still on the menu when you go, try the gooey Guayaquil chocolate fondant with vanilla pod ice cream; it takes 15 minutes for the chefs to carefully craft each one, but it's worth the wait for that warm and fuzzy feeling of chocolatey contentedness as you waddle back, full-bellied, to your room at the end of night. We did what we could to try and burn off some of those calories during our stay at Cap Maison, including a relatively leisurely hike to the top of Pigeon Island, where you can find out a bit about the naval history of the island while taking in the magnificent views of Rodney Bay and, on a clear day, the neighbouring island of Martinique in the distance. We also spent a morning ziplining through the forest canopy at Babonneau in the east of the island, an exhilarating way of seeing Saint Lucia's natural beauty up close, and had a wander around the tiny capital, Castries, an exotic mélange of pretty colonial architecture, buzzing markets and booming sound systems blasting out reggae and soca. After three days at Cap Maison it was time to move on again, and this time we were heading south, towards the volcanic heart of the island. The scenery seems to get ever more spectacular as the road snakes along the coast, treating you to stunning ocean views before sweeping back down inland through banana plantations and plunging valleys. The terrain feels rugged and untamed, a setting perfectly complemented by our third hotel, the secluded and remote  Ti Kaye Resort & Spa . Unpretentious, laid back and at one with its natural surroundings, this is a place that feels like home the moment you arrive. We stayed in a lovely little cottage with an amazing double hammock strung across the broad wooden veranda. I'm a big fan of hammocks, I genuinely don't know why more resorts don't have them, and it was absolute bliss gently swaying from side to side, rum punch in hand, watching the world go by. And there is plenty to watch, with all manner of visitors to the surrounding foliage, from the cheeky little birds who try and steal your sugar sachets to the lizards basking in the sun and tiny hummingbirds flitting amongst the bougainvillea. If it all sounds unfeasibly idyllic, then that's because to me it was, a simple, rustic hideaway that felt incredibly far away from my everyday life in hectic London. Ti Kaye's beach, a beautiful silver colour due to the mixture of white and black volcanic sand, is nice and quiet too, with some incredible snorkelling and a laid back bar serving snacks throughout the day. The resort also employs a 'beach dude' who will make sure you have everything you need, whether it's an ice cold drink or a snorkel and flippers.  When we departed Ti Kaye a couple of days later, it occurred to me that we had been in Saint Lucia over a week and had not yet seen the island's most famous landmark, the towering Piton mountains. Well, we'd seen them on postcards, T-shirts, bottles of rum and beer, just about everywhere, in fact, but it wasn't until day 8 of our holiday that we rounded a bend and were suddenly confronted with the real thing, rising up behind Soufrière like two giant green chunks of Toblerone. I always worry when I'm visiting such an iconic landmark that it won't live up to expectations, that the visual impact will be somehow diminished having seen the same view so many times in photos, but my worries were unfounded, as the first sight of these majestic mountains truly takes your breath away. And we couldn't have chosen a better resort from which to appreciate this view, staying as we did at  Sugar Beach, A Viceroy Resort  for the last two nights of our holiday, a real treat.   Chances are, if you've already heard of Sugar Beach, then you will have been subjected to every superlative under the sun by those describing it, as had I, and you'll be thinking 'surely it can't be that good'. However, it doesn't take long for any lingering cynicism to melt away. We stayed in a Grand Luxury Villa up on the hillside, spacious and effortlessly stylish with its colonial colour palette of crisp whites and deep browns. The outdoor sun deck was huge, with an infinity-edged plunge pool looking out on the impossibly picturesque bay, cradled as it is between the Pitons themselves. The service is impeccable yet never stilted or false, and we felt a real warmth from every member of staff that we met, from our butler Peter to the drivers who ferry you to and from the main facilities at the bottom of the hill in buggies or Thai-style tuk tuks.  Everything about Sugar Beach felt absolutely spot-on, whether we were enjoying a breakfast of perfectly cooked Eggs Benedict out on the Terrace in the morning, lazing on one of the ludicrously comfortable sun loungers by the beach, or sipping on delicious cocktails and trying not to embarrass ourselves too badly playing pool at the über stylish Cane Bar. (I particularly recommend the timbale, by the way, a creamy concoction of white rum, condensed milk and vanilla syrup). At Sugar Beach you are also well placed to visit the many natural attractions of the south, including the colourful Botanical Gardens and pretty Toraille Waterfall, as well as the world famous(ish) drive-in volcano, an ancient crater pock-marked with bubbling, steaming pools of mud that churn out a pretty pungent sulphuric pong. It's definitely worth braving the smell though, as the accompanying visitors' centre gives a fascinating insight into the geological processes that have shaped Saint Lucia's otherworldly landscape, including, of course, those famous Pitons.  Finally, sadly, we had to say goodbye to Sugar Beach and head home, completing our circuit of the island by travelling along the southern coastal road back to the airport. After ten days spent in the north, the east, the south and the west, we really felt like we had seen a little bit of everything that Saint Lucia has to offer, and I can't wait to go back and see the rest. http://www.caribtours.ie/blog/rss/blog/2013/november/22/saint-lucia-jazz-volcanoes-and-toblerone/ http://www.caribtours.ie/blog/rss/blog/2013/november/22/saint-lucia-jazz-volcanoes-and-toblerone/ Fri, 22 November 2013 00:00:00 http://www.caribtours.ie/blog/rss/blog/2013/november/11/golfing-abroad-the-inside-track/ • Get a proper flight golf bag travel cover, don't just wrap a towel around your clubs and hope for the best! • Make sure your shoes have soft spikes fitted, not metal ones, as most courses in tropical locations now insist on these. • Shorts, ankle socks, and the lightest polo shirts possible are all you really need to pack. • Riemann P20 is brilliant sun protection as you only have to put it on once and lasts all day, and you don't have to then keep re-applying sticky sun cream on the course. Not good for gripping the club! • Take lots of gloves as they can get hot and sweaty! • Check the baggage rules of each airline. If you're flying economy, some airlines include golf club carriage free, but others charge extra. In premium cabins they will all usually take clubs as you get extra baggage allowance. • If there are a few of you travelling together, all with clubs, consider a mini van or book a separate luggage transfer as the normal private car won't have space for clubs and suitcases. • Book tee times in advance - the popular early morning slots get booked up. • If you prefer walking to using a buggy, choose your course carefully. Some have mandatory buggy charges even if green fees are free. To speak to our friendly team of experts about golfing in the Caribbean, Mexico, Indian Ocean, Arabia or North Africa, call us on 01431 9700. http://www.caribtours.ie/blog/rss/blog/2013/november/11/golfing-abroad-the-inside-track/ http://www.caribtours.ie/blog/rss/blog/2013/november/11/golfing-abroad-the-inside-track/ Mon, 11 November 2013 00:00:00 http://www.caribtours.ie/blog/rss/blog/2013/november/10/baby-on-board/ We asked some of the mums and dads in our team for their top tips on travelling long haul with infants...   Natasha, Aviation • Travelling when the baby is about 3 months old is ideal, as they will sleep through the flight, whereas toddlers are more difficult to keep under control! Also, younger babies get priority over older infants for the bassinet seats on planes. • Emirates provides pushchairs at  Dubai  airport, which is really handy if you need to change aircraft or spend a couple of hours between flights   Ana, Reservations • Take lots of little surprises that you can give them throughout the flight. Kids love it if you produce new things for them to play with and it passes the time. • When my son was little I always had a bottle ready in my hand, so on take-off and landing they are sucking; that way their ears don't pop, and hopefully you don't get a screaming child! • Teach them plane etiquette from as young an age as possible. Make sure they keep their seat belt on and don't kick the chair in front, and take them for regular walks around the plane to stretch their legs. Then they will grow into a well-behaved, seasoned traveller.   Ed, Commercial • One advantage of travelling with under 2's is that you can choose your seat with British Airways free of charge at the time of booking, rather than having to wait until 24 hours before your flight. • The 'shoulder seasons' are the perfect time to travel with young children. It's not too hot, it's less expensive as you're outside of the school holidays, and the kids' clubs are less busy so they get more attention from the staff. • Many of our local representatives offer baby car seats to rent for your airport transfers, so you don't have to bring your own.   Sarah, Reservations • We took our little one to Barbados when he was 4 months old, and he just loved the fresh fruit kebabs that the staff at  Treasure Beach  brought round each morning. • Even if you stay at a hotel which doesn't take children in the kids club until they are, say, 3 years old, don't let that put you off if you are travelling with little ones. When we went to Turtle Beach in Barbados with our son when he was 18 months old, they allowed him to go into the kids' club as long as we stayed with him, or we could pay for a babysitter to look after him for a couple of hours.   David, Creative & Digital • Ensure there is: - A bath, as showering a baby is not easy!  - A fridge to keep the milk in.  - A shady area and a shallow part of the pool.     To speak to our friendly team of experts about travelling to the Caribbean, Mexico, Indian Ocean or Arabia with your baby, call us on 01431 9700. http://www.caribtours.ie/blog/rss/blog/2013/november/10/baby-on-board/ http://www.caribtours.ie/blog/rss/blog/2013/november/10/baby-on-board/ Sun, 10 November 2013 00:00:00 http://www.caribtours.ie/blog/rss/blog/2013/october/31/dawn-til-dusk/ Jumby Bay  has a reputation that precedes it – world-class, exclusive and distinguished. It is a mecca for the discerning traveller looking for a secluded hideaway on a beautiful private island just two miles from Antigua. This Rosewood Resort sits, somewhat statesman-like, overlooking the glistening waters of the Caribbean Sea and is skirted by powdery white sands. It’s a holiday retreat that grants dreams and no end of leisurely pastimes from sunrise to sunset. 08.00  Breakfast Ease into your day with breakfast at open-airrestaurant, The Verandah, and choose from a classic menu with a Caribbean twist, as the sea breeze gently drifts by and you work out how to fill your precious hours. 10.00  Mid Morning Dip your toes in the warm Caribbean waters or take a guided snorkelling or kayak tour. 12.00  Lunchtime Choose to picnic on the island’s most isolated beach, Pasture Bay, home to the endangered Hawksbill Turtle or drop in at The Pool Grille & Bar where you can indulge in fresh fish tacos or a variety of sandwiches and salads under shaded canopies. 14.00  Afternoon Hop on a bike and take a tour around the island’s 300 secluded acres or relax in Sense, A Rosewood Spa® and treat yourself to one of the Sense Experiences, designed to soothe body and soul. 16.00  Mid Afternoon Play a spot of croquet on the magnificent lawns, enjoy an energetic game of beach volleyball or cool off in one of the two swimming pools whilst dedicated pool attendants bring you chilled towels, iced fruit and delicious homemade sorbets. 18.00  Evening Wander along Jumby Bay Beach or rock gently in one of the hammocks strung between rustling palms. If you still have energy to spare, play tennis. The courts are flood-lit so even the setting sun won’t stop play. 20.00  Dinner Choose the Spanish colonial style Estate House for fine dining, with its Mediterranean-inspired menu, or opt for a romantic torch-lit dinner for two on the beach. From sunrise to sunset it’s unlikely you will have a minute to spare. Whatever your bidding, Jumby Bay has thought of everything. http://www.caribtours.ie/blog/rss/blog/2013/october/31/dawn-til-dusk/ http://www.caribtours.ie/blog/rss/blog/2013/october/31/dawn-til-dusk/ Thu, 31 October 2013 00:00:00 http://www.caribtours.ie/blog/rss/blog/2013/october/29/roasted-plantain-cake/ Treat yourself to a little bit of Caribbean sunshine with this indulgent tropical treat courtesy of the chefs at Saint Lucia's exclusive  Sugar Beach, A Viceroy Resort ... The Cake 450g torn breakfast rolls, such as croissants, cinnamon rolls, pain au chocolat or brioche 45g raisins 225g ripe plantains 1 tsp vegetable oil 1 tsp clarified butter Pudding Mix 150g white sugar 5 whole eggs 160 ml full fat milk 180 ml double cream 1/3 tsp vanilla pod seeds Dulce de Leche 1 lt full fat milk 340g sugar 1 vanilla pod, split and seeds scraped 1/2 tsp bicarbonate soda Mix all the pudding mix ingredients together and chill. Peel and cut the plantains lengthways then heat the vegetable oil in a heavy sauté pan, and roast the plantains. Once they are lightly browned, add the butter. Pat the plantains dry to remove any excess oil and set one layer on top of the bread in the dish, repeat with another bread layer followed by plantains. Cover the top with some of the left over crumbles and compress. Pour over the pudding mix until well soaked and cook at 160 oC in a bain marie for 45 minutes or until set. Combine the milk, sugar, vanilla pod and seeds in a large, 4 litre saucepan and place over a medium heat. Bring to a simmer, stirring occasionally, until the sugar has dissolved, then add the bicarbonate of soda and stir to combine. Reduce the heat to low and cook uncovered at a bare simmer. Stir occasionally, but do not re-incorporate the foam that appears on the top of the mixture. Continue to cook for 1 hour. Remove the vanilla pod after 1 hour and continue to cook until the mixture is a dark caramel colour and has reduced to about 240 ml, which will take approximately 1.5 to 2 hours. Strain the mixture through a fine sieve and drizzle over the cake. Serve with coconut or vanilla ice cream. Sugar Beach, A Viceroy Resort From the finest international cuisine at the Great Room to delightfully casual tropical tastes at The Bayside Restaurant, you’ll find exceptional culinary choices to please every palate at Sugar Beach, A Viceroy Resort on St Lucia’s scenic southwest coast. Set within over 100 acres of tropical rainforest with awe-inspiring views of the Caribbean and St Lucia’s dramatic twin Pitons, the resort’s celebrated collection of dining experiences is more than equal to the view. http://www.caribtours.ie/blog/rss/blog/2013/october/29/roasted-plantain-cake/ http://www.caribtours.ie/blog/rss/blog/2013/october/29/roasted-plantain-cake/ Tue, 29 October 2013 00:00:00 http://www.caribtours.ie/blog/rss/blog/2013/october/22/goodbye-winter-hello-dubai/ As the nights draw in and plummeting temperatures finally bring down the curtain on a surprisingly sunny British summer, memories of last winter suddenly begin to bubble up from the darker recesses of our national psyche. Remember how we shivered all the way through to April, snow still crunching under foot well beyond Easter? Remember how we promised ourselves that next year, we'd make sure we booked ourselves a little bit of winter sun as respite from that hoary hibernal gloom that descends after Christmas? If this sounds like you, then allow us to paint you a picture. Instead of shuffling along a slippery pavement, you're wandering barefoot along a soft sandy beach. Instead of grimacing as a biting, icy wind blasts your face, you're smiling as a warm sea breeze ruffles your hair. And instead of being met at the end of your journey by your boss demanding to know why gridlocked traffic and public transport chaos have made you late for work, you're met by a smiling cocktail waiter ready to take your order as you relax back into your sun lounger. It might sound like a million miles away, but this is  Dubai , and it's closer than you think. Just a six-and-a-half hour flight away, and with balmy winter temperatures of around 26C, Dubai is the perfect place to brighten up the colder months with a splash of sunshine, whether it's a short break or a blissful couple of weeks. The hotels of this gleaming city are renowned for an uncompromising approach to lavish luxury, and the fast-moving nature of the hotel scene here means there are always new openings to keep things fresh. The brand new  Anantara Dubai The Palm Resort & Spa  is a case in point, bringing a touch of the Maldives to the Persian Gulf with Dubai's first ever over-water villas. It's just the latest in a long list of 'firsts' and 'biggests' in this innovative city, with everything from an indoor ski slope to the world's tallest building jostling for your attention. If skiing in the desert doesn't appeal, perhaps shopping is more your bag. The Dubai Mall is, naturally, the world's largest, perfect for a spot of last minute Christmas shopping . As well as the many stores and boutiques, Dubai's downtown area is also home to the stunning Dubai Fountain Show, plus the aforementioned world record holder, the towering Burj Khalifa, which truly has to be seen to be believed. And, contrary to some popular misconceptions, it's still perfectly possible to find flavours of old Arabia in Dubai, with beguiling backstreet souks where you can pick up a bargain in atmospheric surroundings - think colourful spices, glittering gold and sumptuous fabrics. Dubai is also a fantastic family destination at this time of year. There's no need to drag the kids around the shops against their will, since the Dubai Mall contains an Olympic sized ice rink and the SEGA Republic indoor theme park, with five zones of cutting edge electronic entertainment to keep them occupied. And there's no need for them to be bored on the beach either, with two exhilarating waterparks to explore. At Wild Wadi, located next to the  Jumeirah Beach Hotel , and Aquaventure, part of  Atlantis, The Palm , kids of all ages can ride the slides, rapids and flumes to their heart's content. Although don't be surprised if the roles are reversed and you find yourself pleading with your little ones to allow  you  just one more go on that slide… Gourmands are incredibly well catered for in Dubai too, with a culinary spectrum encompassing everything from soulful street food to cutting edge cuisine from the world's top chefs. Dining at Dubai's restaurants delivers unforgettable experiences ranging from the sublime - such as Nobu's carefully crafted Japanese fusion dishes - to the spectacular, as personified by the  Burj Al Arab 's Al Mahara restaurant, where you find yourself surrounded by a glass-walled, floor-to-ceiling aquarium, with colourful fish swimming by while you dine. For a more visceral evening's entertainment, the Dubai World Cup, taking place on 29 March, is hard to beat. A highlight of the international horse racing calendar, this is the world's richest race, with a purse of some $10million for the winner, and, as you would expect, the atmosphere is electric. Eight other races precede the main event, and, this being Dubai, you can enjoy all the action from the comfort of your own private suite if you so choose. Another winter event not to be missed is the Dubai Shopping Festival from 2 January - 2 February, where big reductions are offered on jewellery, fashion, electronics and carpets, alongside a series of fashion shows, street performances and nightly fireworks. The Taste of Dubai food festival in March is a great opportunity to sample epicurean delights from the city's many high-end restaurants, while Olly Murs and Jamie Cullum drop by in February for the Emirates Airline Dubai Jazz Festival. So, if we've whetted your appetite, then why not give our friendly team of experts a call on  01431 9700  and book your dream Dubai escape today. From authentic Arabia to extravagant excess, from desert dunes to sparkling skyscrapers, this truly is a winter sun destination that has it all. Whether you're blissed out on the beach, maxed out at the mall or worn out after a busy day of sightseeing, there's so much going on in Dubai that you'll wonder why you ever wintered anywhere else. http://www.caribtours.ie/blog/rss/blog/2013/october/22/goodbye-winter-hello-dubai/ http://www.caribtours.ie/blog/rss/blog/2013/october/22/goodbye-winter-hello-dubai/ Tue, 22 October 2013 00:00:00 http://www.caribtours.ie/blog/rss/blog/2013/october/10/st-vincent-the-grenadines-the-inside-track/ Driving across St Vincent, the first thing that strikes you is the lush green surroundings of this volcanic island. This is much more than just a beach destination, and it’s the perfect island for a bit of exploring. From the stunning waterfalls to the nature trails, not to mention the opportunity to climb the volcano itself, St Vincent offers a whole host of activities in addition to the stunning beaches, superb diving and some of the best sailing waters in the Caribbean. Buccament Bay  is the newest luxury resort on St Vincent, and after hearing about the vast array of facilities on offer I was looking forward to seeing it for myself. Set on a beautiful bay complete with a glorious white sand beach, scattered with sun loungers and day beds, this is the perfect place to take in the beauty and charm of St Vincent. The facilities are nothing short of exceptional, with the Pat Cash Tennis Academy, Liverpool FC Soccer School and Harlequin Performing Arts Academy offering something truly unique for the Caribbean. This hotel is perfect for couples and families alike, with everything you could ever need all in one fabulous destination. However, it would be a shame to visit St Vincent and The Grenadines and not do a bit of ‘island hopping’. Each island has a completely different vibe, and the accommodation on offer ranges from small boutique bolt holes to high end luxury hotels. Getting around is easy, whether by boat or by a short hop on a plane. I had a fantastic day’s sailing courtesy of Buccament Bay, visiting the islands of Canouan and Bequia to enjoy the secluded beaches and snorkelling in crystal clear waters, followed by the exclusive island of Mustique for a spot of lunch at the world famous Basil’s Bar, which has played host to many an A-list celebrity over the years. My next stop was the stunning  Palm Island , a private island 8 minutes by boat from Union Island. When you touch down in the tiny airport at Union you feel like you are stepping back in time, as your luggage arrives by tractor through a small hatch and you are whisked to the port by golf cart. The island itself is a Robinson Crusoe paradise, the perfect balance between desert island escapism and luxurious accommodation. With just 43 guest rooms scattered throughout the resort, guests have a real feeling of space and privacy while relaxing in this truly idyllic setting. The island has some of the most glorious beaches and clear turquoise water that I have ever seen, but if you can drag yourself off your sun lounger the hotel has bicycles you can borrow to explore the rest of the island and visit the secluded private beaches and nature trails on the other side of the island….avoiding the resident iguanas of course! In addition they offer a variety of land-based activities including a fitness centre, tennis and golf. The food here was wonderful, and I was spoilt for choice by the menu of fresh meat, fish and lobster. The twice-weekly barbecue proves very popular with everyone who stays here, and there’s always a great atmosphere around the hotel’s two bars in the evening, great for enjoying a cocktail and swapping stories about what you’ve been up to that day. If you’re staying at Palm Island I would thoroughly recommend you take a day’s sail down to the natural marine park at the Tobago Cays. Here you can see the islands where ‘Pirates of the Caribbean’ was filmed, swim with turtles and experience some of the best snorkelling and diving in the whole of the Caribbean. You really do feel a million miles away from the rest of the world in St Vincent and The Grenadines, and, just like the last time I visited, I really didn’t want to leave! http://www.caribtours.ie/blog/rss/blog/2013/october/10/st-vincent-the-grenadines-the-inside-track/ http://www.caribtours.ie/blog/rss/blog/2013/october/10/st-vincent-the-grenadines-the-inside-track/ Thu, 10 October 2013 00:00:00 http://www.caribtours.ie/blog/rss/blog/2013/october/07/a-secret-well-kept/ The Fairmont Royal Pavilion, Barbados , is rather gorgeous. This Bajan beauty of a hotel is an ideal sanctuary for those wishing for rejuvenation and relaxation. Its authenticity makes it endearingly English, brazenly lush and luxuriously captivating. Located on one of the most blissful corners of the Caribbean shoreline, the ‘Platinum Coast’, it offers rooms and suites uniquely positioned on the beachfront and just steps away from the sea. Surrounded by lush gardens, the Fairmont Royal Pavilion is more than happy to share its secrets by providing weekly garden tours, showcasing its cornucopia of tropical fruits and aromatic flowers. Alongside the flora, the fauna is not wholly inconspicuous. With monkeys loping across the tennis courts and greenback turtles nesting on the nearby beach, looked after by the hotels very own ‘Turtle Ambassadors’, guests are afforded a veritable array of unique close encounters. This tropical paradise is a haven for families with little ones of all ages. A gamut of activities from exciting treasure hunts to thrilling watersports, tennis and kayaking lessons will certainly keep the kids shrieking with delight and even teenagers invigorated. At the end of the day when the family regroups, movie nights under the stars will create lifelong memories. Encircled by clean, clear waters, there’s no surprise that the Fairmont Royal Pavilion champions Bajan produce, sourcing all fish locally. Guests can accompany fishermen on their boats to experience the thrill of the catch for themselves, hooking their own Snapper, Dorado or King Fish which the Head Chef will help prepare and proudly serve. Barbados has a rich and varied landscape and if you want to venture further afield the concierge will arrange anything from a jeep safari to an underground tram ride through a labyrinth of caves and more. Secrets are meant to be kept, but the Fairmont Royal Pavilion is one secret worth sharing. http://www.caribtours.ie/blog/rss/blog/2013/october/07/a-secret-well-kept/ http://www.caribtours.ie/blog/rss/blog/2013/october/07/a-secret-well-kept/ Mon, 07 October 2013 00:00:00 http://www.caribtours.ie/blog/rss/blog/2013/september/25/pack-for-a-purpose/ Founded by Rebecca and Scott Rothney, the website provides travellers with details of community projects in locations across the globe and highlights exactly what items they require. These range from pencils and toys to basic medical supplies and even deflated footballs! Travellers are asked to pack 5 lbs (2.27 kgs) of supplies in their luggage, utilising their allowance that may otherwise be wasted. Supplies can then be dropped off at your hotel with the knowledge that they will be delivered directly to the project. In the two and a half years since being set up, Pack for a Purpose has expanded to support hundreds of community-based projects in over 40 countries. Travellers using the site have taken over 11,000 lbs (5,000 kgs) of needed supplies around the world. A number of our hotels are already listed on the site, with more expected in the near future. You can either drop off your package at a participating hotel, or we can arrange for our local representatives to deliver it for you - call us on 014319700 for details. Read more about how you can  Pack For A Purpose , including what to pack and how to pack it... http://www.caribtours.ie/blog/rss/blog/2013/september/25/pack-for-a-purpose/ http://www.caribtours.ie/blog/rss/blog/2013/september/25/pack-for-a-purpose/ Wed, 25 September 2013 00:00:00 http://www.caribtours.ie/blog/rss/blog/2013/september/16/mexico-the-inside-track/ We've gone Mexico mad lately, with several of our team travelling to the Riviera Maya to experience this wonderful part of the world first hand. We caught up with them to get the latest on the hottest hotels, the coolest cocktails and the whitest of white sand beaches… Sally, Reservations Manager Which hotel stood out the most on your trip? I'd have to say the  Maroma Resort & Spa . It's a beautiful Orient-Express hotel, luxurious but also very authentic - you really feel like you're in Mexico when you stay here. The beach is gorgeous, as is the food, and they have a really unique spa. Unique in what way? The setting is perfect, hidden away in the gardens, and the treatments are based on ancient Mayan healing rituals, which again gives you that sense that the resort has really made an effort to draw on the local Mexican culture. Anything other 'must-do' activities you'd recommend? I really enjoyed our tequila and beer tasting session! If you've only ever tried the mass market tequila brands you get in the UK then you might be surprised by how complex and varied the flavours can be. Also, Maroma runs cookery classes where you can learn how to make traditional Mexican food, which is great fun too! Finally, what would you say is the best thing about Mexico as a destination? The beaches are an obvious draw, but for me it's the value you get - the Riviera Maya has some real high quality hotels that match up to the big names elsewhere in the Caribbean, but you'll often end up paying quite a lot less.   Abi, Marketing Were there any hotels you stayed at that you would particularly recommend? If you're looking for great cuisine then I definitely recommend a stay at  Royal Hideaway Playacar . The food was some of the best I've ever eaten, particularly impressive given that the hotel is All-Inclusive. The choice, the presentation, the service… just thinking about it is making me hungry! The fine dining restaurant, Las Ventanas, was especially good. So did you manage to tear yourself away from the hotel restaurants and try anywhere local? Oh yes, you've got to visit Playa del Carmen while you're there. If you head down around late afternoon you'll have a bit of time for shopping, then you can enjoy a cocktail as the sun sets and have dinner at one of the local restaurants - there are plenty to choose from. And if you could sum up what makes Mexico so special…? I think it's the way it combines the best aspects of a lot of other places I've been… It's got the charm and the character of the Caribbean, with the level of service you'd expect in the Indian Ocean.   Katherine, Product Were there any hotels you saw that you could recommend for a family on more of a budget? I visited the  Occidental Grand Xcaret , which is a very affordable option and a pretty unique hotel, with huge grounds and the Xcaret eco-archaeological park right next to it. There is plenty to do for all ages, and kids in particular will love it - they have jaguars, pumas, botanical gardens and underground rivers where you can go snorkelling. A great place for nature lovers then? Absolutely, the Riviera Maya is home to all sorts of wildlife. You've got the world's second largest barrier reef right on your doorstep, with amazing diving and snorkelling, and while I was there I also swam with dolphins near Cozumel, an island just off the coast. In summary then, what's your favourite thing about Mexico? I think it's the sheer variety, there really is something for everyone. You've got the real top end hotels like Maroma and  Fairmont Mayakoba , luxury adult only resorts such as  Paradisus La Perla  and  Le Blanc  which are great for couples, gorgeous boutique hideaways like  Esencia  and  Viceroy Riviera Maya  and affordable All-Inclusive resorts like  Moon Palace  and  Now Sapphire , which have all the facilities you could wish for.   Louise, Reservations When would you say is the best time to visit Mexico? The Riviera Maya enjoys a similar climate to the rest of the Caribbean, so it's a great year round destination, the temperature never really drops below the mid-twenties. I went in May, and I found it was a great time to go - the resorts are generally a bit quieter in our summer, the weather's still good and, being low season, there are some great deals to be had. Are there any sights or attractions that you'd recommend? Personally I think you have to see Chichén Itzá if you're visiting this part of Mexico. It definitely lives up to its reputation as one of the wonders of the world, and if you get there early enough in the morning you can get some great photos before the crowds arrive. And the highlight of your trip? I think I'd have to say the people. Mexicans are so warm and welcoming, and this is reflected in the staff at the hotels: nothing is ever too much trouble, and you're always greeted by a smile. To book your Mexico holiday with Caribtours, give our friendly team of experts a call on 01431 9700. http://www.caribtours.ie/blog/rss/blog/2013/september/16/mexico-the-inside-track/ http://www.caribtours.ie/blog/rss/blog/2013/september/16/mexico-the-inside-track/ Mon, 16 September 2013 00:00:00 http://www.caribtours.ie/blog/rss/blog/2013/september/16/the-great-escape/ For those heading to  Sandy Lane  between April and October this year there is more than the sun, sea and perfection on offer. With five nights or more booked, guests get a bundle of additional extras, courtesy of those thoughtful people at the resort. All visitors have to do is choose which indulgent ‘Escape’ suits them best and let Sandy Lane do the rest. The contenders are - ‘Spa’ with its massages and scrubs, ‘Family’ with its child-centric additions, ‘Romantic’, ideal for honeymooners or ‘Golf’ for those keen to play the rolling greens of the resort’s championship courses. Each Escape has been carefully crafted so that guests not only get choice, but also the best of what Sandy Lane has to offer. Dipping your toes into the warm Caribbean sea may be enough, but diving into a little bit more of what sets this resort apart will add an additional dimension to your holiday, whether it be family bonding over lunch, being massaged and scrubbed the Bajan way, a romantic candlelit dinner for two or several rounds of invigorating golf. Since Sandy Lane welcomed its first guests in 1961, there have been non-stop accolades furnished on this remarkable Caribbean sanctuary. What is truly refreshing is that no matter what plaudits and rewards have been amassed, it is a resort that insists on continually enriching the guests’ experience and this summer is no exception. http://www.caribtours.ie/blog/rss/blog/2013/september/16/the-great-escape/ http://www.caribtours.ie/blog/rss/blog/2013/september/16/the-great-escape/ Mon, 16 September 2013 00:00:00 http://www.caribtours.ie/blog/rss/blog/2013/august/22/the-real-jamaica/ Jamaica  is a country straddled by colourful highways, winding mountain roads, steep valleys, beautiful plains and some of the highest mountains in the Caribbean. Making the most of the natural terrain and abundance of opportunity this island has embraced its surroundings and offers them up to its guests with a sprinkle of ingenuity and a dash of friendly Jamaican charm. Stimulate your senses and let the real Jamaica reveal itself through a veritable choice of activities: Ride horses bareback through the sparkling Caribbean sea and see glimpses of the bewitching terrain that gives Jamaica its allure. Glide down the Martha Brae river on a bamboo raft or brace yourself as you bobsled helter-skelter down the Mystic Mountain and get a taste of Jamaican glory. Inhale and savour the rich, heady aroma of Blue Mountain coffee – a must for any coffee connoisseur. Or tune into the orchestral symphony of exotic Blue Mountain birdsong or the thundering roar of cascading waters as you climb Dunn’s River Falls. If those senses still haven’t had their fill there’s also the opportunity to get in touch with nature, up close, by swimming with dolphins or visiting the Animal Farm & Nature Reserve with its infamous ‘Rasta Fowl’. Jamaica is a beguiling mix of relaxation and adventure and doesn’t hold back in delighting the senses. http://www.caribtours.ie/blog/rss/blog/2013/august/22/the-real-jamaica/ http://www.caribtours.ie/blog/rss/blog/2013/august/22/the-real-jamaica/ Thu, 22 August 2013 00:00:00 http://www.caribtours.ie/blog/rss/blog/2013/june/23/cayman-islands-the-inside-track/ I arrived in Grand Cayman direct from Cuba following three hectic days of sightseeing in Havana. Cuba was fascinating and unlike any other Caribbean island I have visited, but after three days of the hustle and bustle of Havana I was definitely ready to unwind on Grand Cayman's famous Seven Mile Beach. The plan for my week in Cayman was pretty simple - plenty of beach time and lots of much needed rest and relaxation. As it turned out, I discovered that this tiny island has plenty more to offer than an endless sandy beach. Above land and under water, there's something here to lure even the most determined sun-worshipper away from their beach lounger. Although many of Cayman's most famous sights are beneath the water, my first adventure took me into the skies above the island. My pilot for the 20 minute helicopter tour was Jerome, a French ex-pat now living in Cayman. I'd been in helicopters a few times before and was expecting a leisurely flight around the island, but it quickly became apparent that 'leisurely' wasn't Jerome's style. Shortly after take off we were flying high above North Sound (a large lagoon in the centre of the island) when Jerome spotted a turtle and swooped down so we could get a closer look. Skimming low over the clear water we could see stingrays, turtles and even tiny star fish on the bottom of the shallow lagoon. Next came a sharp climb upwards - with the helicopter almost vertical Jerome waved his arm at the vast blue sky and welcomed us to his 'office'. Clearly a very skilful pilot (if a little crazy!) Jerome made this the most entertaining and exhilarating flight I've ever been on and definitely one of the highlights of my trip.  Every scuba diver knows that the Cayman Islands offer some of the best diving in the world, so I was keen to find out for myself if the island's underwater scenery would live up to its reputation. My expectations were so high I was quite sure I would be disappointed. But this was not the case. The wall dives here were some of the most spectacular I have ever experienced, with drop-offs disappearing thousands of feet into the gloom beneath you. Closer to shore there are pristine coral reefs full of brightly coloured marine life. Turtles, stingrays, moray eels, lobsters and small nurse sharks all featured regularly in my dive logs. There are also many different wrecks to explore - the latest attraction for divers is the wreck of the USS Kittiwake, a 251-foot decommissioned American naval vessel that was sunk just off Seven Mile Beach earlier this year. Unfortunately the Kittwake arrived after my visit so I didn't get to dive it this time - but it gives me a great excuse to go back soon!  For visitors who want to enjoy the underwater attractions without getting wet, there is the Atlantis Submarine. Atlantis is not the Disney World type ride that I was expecting - it's a proper submarine that takes visitors down to depths of over 100 feet. The large portholes give you a great view out onto the reef and an informative guide will help to point out and identify the passing sea life.  Back on dry land, I would really recommend at least a couple of days' car hire to make the most of your time in Grand Cayman. The island is almost completely flat, cars drive on the left and there is just one main road that circles the island - so driving and finding your way around here is very easy. A great day trip is a visit to Rum Point, a leisurely couple of hours' drive away from Seven Mile Beach. I stopped off on the way to take a look at the blow holes on the east coast's rocky 'Iron Shore'. The blow holes are natural rock formations created by the pounding surf and resulting in some spectacular water spouts. The trick here is to stand close enough to the biggest blow hole to get a great photo when the water shots up into the air - then run before it comes crashing down on top of you. Get your timing wrong and you'll get soaked! Once at Rum Point, there's a beach to relax on as well as a great restaurant that serves island favourites such as clam chowder and conch fritters. Rum Point is a popular spot with locals, especially at the weekend; it gets busy on Saturdays and Sundays but if you want a taste of local Caymanian life, this is where to come.  The area around Seven Mile Beach is brimming with excellent restaurants, art galleries, museums and duty-free shops so I found plenty to keep me occupied when I wasn't under water or on the beach. Again, having a car really gives you the freedom to explore.  As an all round holiday destination, I can't recommend Grand Cayman highly enough. I think some UK visitors are put off by the island's 'very American' reputation but I don't think this reputation is entirely deserved. It's true that most visitors are from the US - Florida is, after all, only about 450 miles or an hour and a half flight away - but the Cayman Islands is still an official British Overseas Territory governed from the UK. There is a large British ex-pat community here and I felt that the island had a distinctly European flavour. If you walk into a dive shop or a bar in Grand Cayman you're just a likely to be served by a Yorkshireman or a Londoner as you are a native Caymanian. http://www.caribtours.ie/blog/rss/blog/2013/june/23/cayman-islands-the-inside-track/ http://www.caribtours.ie/blog/rss/blog/2013/june/23/cayman-islands-the-inside-track/ Sun, 23 June 2013 00:00:00 http://www.caribtours.ie/blog/rss/blog/2013/may/30/trinidad-and-tobago-its-a-twin-thing/ Although fiercely loyal and sharing common waters, these enclaves have a fraternal quality that makes them distinctive in their own right. It’s more yin and yang – contrary islands that are interconnected on several levels. There is no doubt that dynamic Trinidad is the livelier of the two. Not that Tobago hasn’t embraced this birthright with gay abandon, but Trinidad moves and shakes like no other Caribbean island. Every February, with the beat of the steelpans echoing across the island, a kaleidoscope of colours meld with bejewelled costumes, feather headdresses, body paint and outrageously extravagant floats to announce the start of the biggest party of the season. The joy of Trinidad is that the party never really stops, the carnival spirit reverberates through every facet of Trinidadian life endlessly. Whilst Trinidad booms with trade and twenty-four hour partying, Tobago quietly observes from 42km across the water. More than comfortable in its own skin, this sleepy little paradise could not be further away from the bright lights and crowds of its spirited kin. Relatively unexplored and completely uncontrived compared to other Caribbean idylls, visitors will almost immediately be aware of the friendly languor that pervades every nook and cranny of this enchanting island. Be prepared to kick off those shoes, laugh with the locals, enjoy listening to the lilt of the Trini dialect and slip into an alternative state of being.Proud to break the mould, Trinidad refuses to define itself as just another laid-back paradise. It offers a unique Caribbean experience that includes hustle and bustle in true inimitable Trinidadian style – with pace and verve. Port of Spain, the energetic capital city, is an unashamed party town, where skyscrapers tower above the rich tapestry of cultures below. It’s a challenge to keep up with the locals, but, when pointed in the right direction, you’ll hit the finest ‘Liming Spots’ and strut your stuff with the best of them until the sun rises. Even though Trinidad can party all night long she still wakes up looking utterly beautiful and venturing out whilst the sun is still up is a must. Hike through undisturbed rainforests peppered with sparkling waterfalls, take a boat ride through mangrove swamps and watch leatherback turtles nest on the myriad of deserted beaches. When it comes to flaunting its natural wares Tobago can certainly keep up with its boisterous, over zealous twin. Home to one of the largest brain coral colonies in the world, this is a diving hotspot like no other. A relatively well kept secret, the nutrient rich waters appear to have more than the usual Caribbean quota of marine life, thanks in part to the cross currents of the Atlantic Ocean and Caribbean sea. The immediacy of the mysteries of the ocean beckons even the most amateur of divers and snorkelers. Serendipity has meant that close proximity to Venezuela has shrouded both islands in lush and verdant tropical vegetation – large areas of which are protected and provide a biodiverse bolt hole for the rare and exotic. This South American heritage does give both islands a different feel from their Caribbean compatriots who in general have emerged from volcanic activity or coralline formation, not through land separation. Even though they are as different as day and night, they are most definitely the king and queen of carnival. Fun and fiesta is their birthright and Trinbagonians seize upon their heritage wholeheartedly and with an effervescence that is impossible not to embrace. http://www.caribtours.ie/blog/rss/blog/2013/may/30/trinidad-and-tobago-its-a-twin-thing/ http://www.caribtours.ie/blog/rss/blog/2013/may/30/trinidad-and-tobago-its-a-twin-thing/ Thu, 30 May 2013 00:00:00 http://www.caribtours.ie/blog/rss/blog/2013/april/22/mauritius-the-inside-track/ The east coast is a great introduction to the beautiful and diverse landscape of Mauritius, with fields of majestic sugar cane giving way to undulating hills and valleys, and turning onto the coast road, 180° views of the turquoise Indian Ocean. Here there are some great options for activities, including quad biking, horse riding or mountain biking in the Domaine de L'Etoile. We chose quad biking and had the best time zipping through sugar cane fields of brilliant green and ascending two different hills for spectacular views out to the east and north of the island. On the way back to base we also saw a group of deer, and teamed with the outstanding panoramas and stunning natural beauty of the landscape, this was definitely one of our favourite days of the holiday. Taking the interior route through Black River Gorges, we stopped at a lookout high up in the National Park with views of the lush hills and valleys below, then on the approach down to the west coast found a second view point with even more spectacular views, with Le Morne Brabant peak on one side, Tamarina peak on the other and the brilliant blue ocean between, just breathtaking. This set the scene for  LUX* Le Morne  with its stunning location at the foot of Brabant peak, surrounded by tropical gardens of hibiscus and frangipani. Our Prestige Junior Suite was just as impressive, with an indoor and outdoor shower, huge bed complete with LUX*'s own special mattress and views through the palms out to the ocean. Whichever room type you choose, the beach and water are never far away and the layout of the resort has been well planned to give a real sense of space. We particularly liked The Beach Restaurant, where lunch was a tasty pizza with a side salad of fresh leaves picked from the resort's own garden and dinner a choice of delicious seafood, and we loved the quirky extras such as the secret bar, a wooden cabinet on wheels which just appeared one day with an Alice In Wonderland style note on it saying 'open me'. After a couple of luxuriously relaxing days at LUX* we were ready for some more action, so headed to Casela Nature Park for a walk with lions! It sounds crazy I know, but this is a great opportunity to get up close to these magnificent animals. I have to admit, we were wary at first, as we were concerned about the welfare of the lions, however, we were nothing but impressed with the passion of the rangers and their knowledge and handling of the cats. We were a group of around 15 people and we each had a couple of turns walking through the bush next to the two lions. There are lots of photo opportunities and the rangers are very informative so really enhance the experience. This is not for everyone, and is certainly not for children, but for us it was a great experience. Casela is around 20-30 minutes from LUX* Le Morne and  Sugar Beach Resort , my next port of call. A complete contrast to LUX* in terms of style and ethos, Sugar Beach has a colonial plantation design and a total mix of clientele from families to couples and groups of friends to wedding parties. It's a bit of a cliché, but you really can do as much or as little as you like here, with a daily programme of activities, complimentary watersports and evening entertainment for those that want it, or relaxation and down time for those that don't. The main pool and restaurant are at the centre of the property, so they're a real hub of activity and great for people watching, or alternatively you can head to the south pool where it is more of a couple's hangout. The buffet selection at Mon Plaisir Restaurant was absolutely huge and very varied, and the Mauritian evening was a fantastic introduction to the cuisine of the island, which was absolutely delicious. I also have to mention the dessert station, which never failed to impress. The final stop on our tour of the island was the beautiful  Maradiva Villas Resort & Spa , where we thoroughly enjoyed the luxury of a large private outdoor living space and our own plunge pool; from the double daybed on the terrace the rest of the world seemed far away and we were able to completely relax. If you so desire, there's no real need to leave your villa, as the resort is Half Board as standard and this includes in-villa dining, but it is well worth visiting the resort's fine dining restaurant, The Cilantro. Here you can choose from interactive teppanyaki style cuisine produced by the chef right in front of you, or the serene and elegant atmosphere of the fine dining room for a selection of Indian offerings. The spa is also a must and can be sampled by anyone, as the central heated pool, sauna and Jacuzzi are complimentary for all guests, and it's well worth partaking of a treatment or two as the delightful spa team will make you feel instantly at ease. If you want to get out and explore the local area, bicycles are available for a small supplement and the town of Flic en Flac is close by. Heading to the airport on our final day, we were once again treated to a last look at the stunning landscape of this beautiful island, and with so many more luxury hotels to see and experience, the only question remaining is when can we return.   Nicola's Top Tips... • Quad biking is a great way to experience the island's diverse landscape up close and can be done in Domaine de L'Etoile, accessible from the east coast, Domaine de Bel Ombre in the south and Casela Nature Park in the west of the island. • Take advantage of the complimentary glass bottom boat trips offered by many of the hotels, including LUX* Le Morne, or upgrade to a dolphin watching excursion for a chance to see these playful creatures in their natural habit. • Sugar Beach is the perfect place to try a new watersport as non-motorised options are free. Take advantage of snorkelling equipment to explore close to the shore or wobble your way to standing on a windsurfer or paddle board. • Maradiva is a stunning and serene haven ideal for disconnecting from the world, so my advice is to take a couple of DVDs out of the library and snuggle up for some couple time in your private luxury villa.   Check out  Nicola's photos on Facebook , or call our friendly team of experts today on  01431 9700  and book your dream Mauritius holiday with Caribtours. http://www.caribtours.ie/blog/rss/blog/2013/april/22/mauritius-the-inside-track/ http://www.caribtours.ie/blog/rss/blog/2013/april/22/mauritius-the-inside-track/ Mon, 22 April 2013 00:00:00 http://www.caribtours.ie/blog/rss/blog/2013/april/08/something-blue/ We caught up with  Blue Waters ' wedding coordinator, Mandie Braithwaite, to chat about saying "I do" in Antigua... Where in the hotel are wedding ceremonies performed? Either at our private and secluded cliff top wedding gazebo, surrounded on three sides by the Caribbean Sea or under a beautiful wedding arch on the beach. How many weddings do you organise per week? We have a limit of three weddings per week, to ensure that all couples feel special. How long do couples have to be on the island before they can get married? Just 24 hours (providing the wedding has been registered). What is the biggest wedding you have ever organised? The biggest in terms of number of people attending would be 50. However the most elaborate to date would be the owners’ wedding, Mr. Ron & Trey Randall. They chose pure white décor with a fire eater and steel band to greet guests. What is the most rewarding aspect of your job? There are many rewarding aspects, but I’d have to say either receiving a written note of thanks through the media or receiving photos of couples’ children. Seeing couples come back to Blue Waters to celebrate their wedding anniversaries is wonderful too. What has been the most unusual thing a wedding couple has asked you for? A couple wanted to get married without getting married! They wanted to have a ‘Spiritual Experience’. They could not be pronounced ‘husband and wife’ but had the full works, beach ceremony, butterfly release, water and candle ceremony and the bride wore a blood red dress. Any romantic stories you can share with us? I have quite a few romantic stories, but the one that touched me the most was that of an elderly couple who came out by themselves to get married and asked me to give away the bride. I wore her favourite colour, purple and so did she. I assisted her down the aisle as she had Parkinson’s Disease, to get married to her long time love, who waited teary-eyed at the gazebo, also wearing touches of purple. The couple looked beautiful and content, proving love has no limitations. What do you arrange for wedding guests in the evening after the ceremony? Either a beach or pool deck Caribbean barbeque, a romantic gazebo dinner or a dinner at one of our three restaurants; Bartleys, The Palm or The Cove. If it’s a large wedding party then they can enjoy exclusive hire of a restaurant. Why is Blue Waters perfect for weddings? Location, Location, Location! Not to mention the attention of a dedicated wedding coordinator who will always go the extra mile for her clients. http://www.caribtours.ie/blog/rss/blog/2013/april/08/something-blue/ http://www.caribtours.ie/blog/rss/blog/2013/april/08/something-blue/ Mon, 08 April 2013 00:00:00 http://www.caribtours.ie/blog/rss/blog/2012/june/26/antigua-the-beach-is-just-the-beginning/ By the time I landed in Antigua , on what was my first visit to the island, it was early evening, and the sun had already disappeared. The drive from the airport to my hotel afforded the occasional glimpse of a brightly painted house or the barely perceptible outline of a hill looming in the distance, but this small, sparsely populated island does not give much away in the dark. It was only on my arrival at Galley Bay that I got the first taste of what was to come. The charming ladies at reception gave me a warm welcome, along with an ice-cold glass of rum punch, before a buggy whisked me down the causeway that crosses the lagoon, through the resort's lush tropical gardens, to my Premium Room on the beachfront. The room was cool, spacious and, much to my delight, on the ground floor, meaning I could quite literally walk out of my back door and on to the sand. Relaxing on the terrace with a cold bottle of Wadadli, the local beer that takes its name from the ancient Arawak name for the island, with the only sound the gently crashing waves, I felt like I had truly arrived in Antigua. However, it's only when the sun comes up that you realise just how perfectly this resort is situated. The beach is long and sweeping, with the rooms half hidden amongst a green fringe of picture-perfect palm trees. Unlike some resorts, Galley Bay doesn't just feel like a hotel has been plonked down on a beach, the resort feels like it belongs here, and you soon realise that the hotel's paying guests aren't the only ones who live here. You might spot a lime green lizard basking in the sun on your terrace, or a pelican swooping down to snatch a beak-full of fish from the Caribbean Sea. Nature is all around you here, and the resort is making a big effort to minimise the impact it has on its surroundings: an on-site desalination plant means the tap water is safe to drink, cutting down on the use of plastic bottles, while the gardens are irrigated using recycled 'grey water', important measures in a part of the world where droughts are common and recycling facilities are scarce. Galley Bay also has its own herb and vegetable garden, a source of great pride to Paolo, the hotel's General Manager, who often spends his days off tending to the plants. "At one point," he tells me, "we had so many cherry tomatoes that we were selling them to the other hotels on the island!" These home-grown ingredients featured heavily on the menu when I dined at Ismay's, the hotel's fine dining restaurant on the beachfront, named after a long-serving member of the hotel staff who will celebrate her fiftieth year at Galley Bay in 2013. The food at Ismay's is exceptional, and the restaurant will never seat more than 35 guests in one night, giving it a really intimate feel. I can also highly recommend breakfast at the main Sea Grape restaurant, where the chefs will make sure your Eggs Benedict are served exactly how you like them. In fact the staff are one of the hotel's greatest assets, and play a huge part in creating the 'home from home' atmosphere that has so many clients returning year after year. Just keep an eye on the bar staff, who are prone to mixing you up another cocktail before you've even finished the last one... The only thing missing from Galley Bay is children, as this is an adults only resort. However, if you're travelling with the kids you need not feel left out, as there are two more Elite Island Resorts properties in Antigua which cater perfectly to families. St James's Club Resort & Villas , perched on the Atlantic coast overlooking a brilliantly blue bay, is spread out over 100 acres of expansive grounds, and yet retains a village feel. I loved the Royal St James's Suites, which are the newest rooms, and were actually based on the Premium Beachfront Rooms at Galley Bay, with the same airy, split-level design and capacious bathroom. They're smartly furnished in a striking white and navy blue, with spectacular ocean views, and there is also a separate check-in area for Royal Suite guests. The Two Bedroom Villas are perhaps better kitted out for families though, sleeping up to six, and while the resort is All-Inclusive, with a choice of 4 restaurants, I'm not sure many dads could stay a week here without being tempted to fire up the barbecue provided on the villa balcony... Further up the east coast is another family favourite, The Verandah Resort & Spa . Though the grounds are smaller than St James's Club, the rooms still feel very spread out. Again there is something of a village atmosphere to it, and the resort even has its own 'bus stops', where you can hop on a buggy to get you from A to B. The large main pool was full of kids happily splashing about, and there's an adventure playground that I would have loved to explore were I twenty years younger. It's definitely not an exclusively family affair though, I saw plenty of couples, which isn't surprising as the rooms themselves are located in quieter, more secluded areas of the resort than the main facilities, and the smaller of the two beaches is laid back and tranquil, which makes it popular with honeymooners and empty nesters alike. There are plenty of sporting facilities, including four tennis courts, although I must confess flailing around in the Caribbean heat trying to hit a ball is not my idea of a relaxing holiday. Luckily for people like me, The Verandah also has a well-designed mini-golf course, a much more sedate pursuit, though admittedly no less competitive! If I learnt one thing from my time in Antigua then it's that this is an island with something for everyone. I loved Galley Bay, but then I like to chill out on holiday, and I don't have kids. St James's Club offers a similar experience but with a family focus, while for more active types, The Verandah has all bases covered. That old Arawak name for the island, Wadadli, loosely translates as 'our own', and with such a range of accommodation options, Antigua really can cater for your own individual tastes. http://www.caribtours.ie/blog/rss/blog/2012/june/26/antigua-the-beach-is-just-the-beginning/ http://www.caribtours.ie/blog/rss/blog/2012/june/26/antigua-the-beach-is-just-the-beginning/ Tue, 26 June 2012 00:00:00 http://www.caribtours.ie/blog/rss/blog/2012/april/23/bite-size-barbados/ Uniquely placed on the outside arc of an impressive cluster of Caribbean islands, Barbados sits slightly apart from its neighbours, edging towards the southern tip of the curve. Hugged on the east by the Atlantic Ocean and lapped on the west by the quieter, soothing Caribbean Sea, this is an island that offers everything you would wish for in a holiday destination, with the added allure of exquisite cuisine and fine dining. Seasoned visitors to Barbados will be familiar with the gently rising, lush, tropical landscape that makes up this 21-mile-long haven. Encircled by coral reefs under turquoise seas and gently brushed by the moderate breeze that strokes the land, Barbados is firmly established as one of the most coveted Caribbean boltholes. This island is a mélange of different influences – African, West Indian, Caribbean and European – which infuse every facet of life. If destinations were contenders for the Masterchef accolade, then Barbados would most definitely be a front-runner. As one of the more developed islands in the area it has matured splendidly and in the process has made its mark as an architect of world-class cuisine. Serious foodies can appreciate the quality of the food, but it doesn’t stop there. This is a whole experience where environment, service, ingredients and menu have all been seriously cultivated – the clever bit is that it doesn’t lose any of the gracious Bajan charm that envelops every aspect of daily living. The food options in Barbados are plentiful and masterfully prepared. Walking through the alleyways of Bridgetown it is near impossible not to be tempted by the street food, which can be tasted ‘on the hop’. Prepared by local cooks with coal pots and barbecues this is soul food at its freshest. From the national dish of flying fish and cou-cou to pickled breadfruit, macaroni pie and rice and peas – these enticing flavours fill stomachs and warm hearts. The secret to Bajan cuisine is in the ingredients - uplifting spices, fresh herbs, ripe fruits, a spectrum of fish caught straight from the ocean and local artistry. Is it any wonder that this island has become the mecca for gastronomes? From back street food stalls to internationally renowned restaurants scattered along the shorelines, Barbados boasts some world-class eateries – fail to make a reservation at your peril! Barbados is unusual in that it is not an island that offers 5* all-inclusive accommodation, which seems a smart move when you consider the variety and availability of food on offer. Those looking for the ‘five-star’ experience can call in on old favourites, such as Daphne’s, with its modern Italian twist, but with a waterfront view, or choose a place with more of a maritime feel, like The Cliff. Reminiscent of a boat and encircled by a barnacled rock formation, here the emphasis is most definitely on fish, but not to the exclusion of other prime choices. The list of restaurants seems endless, with some eateries more indigenous in feel and look, and always with incredible cuisine to serve up. The Fish Pot is considered a complete gourmet experience, a little off the beaten track and sited within a 17th century fort. This has atmosphere in spades. While the Lone Star melds Jimmy Choos with sarongs without batting an eyelid and still manages to conjure up delicately flavoured dishes. No wonder Barbados is considered ‘King’ of the Caribbean for its cuisine. The beauty is that you can sit under the canopy of stars, listen to the gentle lapping of the sea, eat the most amazing food and discover taste sensations that you never knew existed. Bon appetit! Browse our collection of stunning  Barbados hotels  or call us on  01431 9700 . http://www.caribtours.ie/blog/rss/blog/2012/april/23/bite-size-barbados/ http://www.caribtours.ie/blog/rss/blog/2012/april/23/bite-size-barbados/ Mon, 23 April 2012 00:00:00