Love and Happiness in St Lucia...

Hello Travel Friends!

Well I have a very exciting story to tell regarding my last trip.

My partner & I booked a weeks stay at Sandals La Toc in St Lucia for a week in June to celebrate my birthday.
Firstly, can I just say, I wasn't really someone that considered travelling to a Sandals property before, I thought it would be full of oldies (not that I don't like oldies of course!) I just didn't think it would suit my 24 year old self.
But I was so wrong!!! There were so many young (mainly American) couples here. So don't let this put you off.
The hotel was great, I thought some parts looked in need of some love, but it is currently undergoing a refurb anyway. It is a huge, sprawling resort with beautiful views over the Caribbean sea.
Food was great, room good with a nice size balcony and views of the sea, staff friendly and helpful, I just loved it...

Our hotel was about ten minutes away from the town of Castries, in the north west region.
We also made a trip into Soufriere while there, which was interesting! There wasn't a lot there, same with the other towns, so it isn't really somewhere for you to venture out and about.
We snorkelled in between the famous Pitons which was incredible. We were told that St Lucia is considered to be the only female island in the Caribbean due to the Pitons, I am sure you can figure out why!

We went to the sulphur springs too, now this place stinks like rotten egg but you get used to it after a while. Firstly you plunge your entire body in red hot volcano water, it is lovely though once you get over the initial heat! After this, you take handfuls of the sulphur mud stuff and cake your body with it. When covered, you stand in the sun to let it dry, very weird sensation. While we were drying, we were told by our tour guide that it is supposed to make you look ten years younger! Wasn't so sure about that but I must admit is was good for our sunburn and made my skin silky smooth. You then wash it all off in another hot tub. I'd so recommend doing this trip, it was fun!

St Lucia is a beautiful island, very green and we loved eating fresh fruit each morning which we knew would have been picked hours earlier, if not the day before. The vibe is chilled and relaxed, just how I'd imagine Jamaica to be! I'd recommend the island to couples, but families would also enjoy it - check out the Coconut Bay hotel in Vieux Fort!

But the part that made the holiday so special for me was that my boyfriend of 5 years proposed while we there! It truly was the happiest day of my life and St Lucia now holds a very special place in my heart, I can't wait to return.

Travelling Tips...

Good morning from sunny England.

The weather in my part of Kent is lovely today and has a great Spring vibe....my daffodils have flowered beautifully and I cannot wait for my upcoming holiday to Ibiza.....But more on that later...

Working in the travel industry, I frequently get asked the question of 'How can I get a free upgrade?'
To be honest, I think it is down to pure chance but there are ways on increasing your chances. I read a great little article from the Telegraph Travel about hints & tips: http://www.telegraph.co.uk/travel/travelnews/9990046/How-to-get-an-airline-upgrade.html

So always remember to be polite, smartly dressed and become a member of airline loyalty schemes, they're free to join!

Happy Travelling xoxo

My latest travel adventure...

Hello Travelettes!

Long time with no posts, but I have recently embarked on a fabulous new journey with a premium brand tour operator. I started my new job last November and am loving the new opportunities, people and experiences.

I've learnt so much since starting, and I am too excited to go on my first holiday as part of my benefits package, I'm craving a luxurious all inclusive Caribbean getaway in July (once my probation is over-providing I pass of course!)

I thought I'd best update you on some HOT travel destinations for this year, they are high on my wishlist and are just oozing chicness!

1) Oman. Seriously check out the quality of the hotels there, something different for lovers of the Middle East. If you're fed up of Dubai & Abu Dhabi, give this little jem a try. Steeped in history & culture and yet unspoilt by commercialism, this is my number one hot pick for this year. Not too long a flight for the haters of long-haul, fly direct from heathrow with Oman Air.
My hotel hot pick here would have to be the Six Senses Zighy Bay on the Musandam Peninsula, the scenery here is so stunning it will truly take your breath away. Its like an authentic Omani Village and offers rooftop yoga & pilates - what a treat! Tip: book a beachfront pool villa which features a private gate with direct access to the beach, what could be more perfect than that?!

2) Vietnam's popularity is increasing so quickly, so for you travel lovers, get there soon. There are many places to visit here that you would not want to miss, so why not try an escorted tour or a multi-centre holliday? Halong bay is a must-do, so is Ho Chi Minh City, which you may know better as Saigon. Head 1000 miles south and you'll hit Hanoi, which boasts a spreading of parks, temples & pagodas. Tehn, get yourself to a beach for powder-soft white sand with palm trees and blue, blue sea.
Tour picks: 'Vietnam With A Difference' from Virgin Holidays is a 12 day tour covering Hanoi, Halong Bay, Danang, Hoi An & Saigon. Price start from £1995 each and includes flights & mixed board.
Hotel picks: Hyatt Regency Danang Resort & Spa in Danang for your beach break.

Somewhere that I am dying to see before getting old & settling down (babies!!) would be Bali, it would be my ideal honeymoon destination for its perfect mix of culture, sights & beaches. Ever since going to Thailand I am constantly researching the best beaches in the world, the finest sands & cleanest bays. I'd spend my days chilling on the beaches of Kuta, visit a Balinese cooking school and watch traditional dances in the village of Ubud. For anyone that read or watched 'Eat Pray Love' will remember Elizabeth's experience of Ubud, I've been desperate to go ever since.
So my number 3 has to be Bali. In my line of work I meet and speak to so many clients that have been and have loved it, my hotel choices would be between The Laguna in Nusa Dua & the W Retreat and Spa in Seminyak. Or, I'll just stay at both!

Let me know if you've been and experienced any of these places, I love hearing about your adventures too...