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...
