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Click here to book Excellence Punta Cana from only £919pp

Arrival

Excellence cocktails

We touched down in Punta Cana in the late afternoon after a smooth flight from Manchester on Thomas Cook Airlines. We were welcomed by bright colours, traditional Merengue dancers and beautiful music – a real Caribbean ambience. This being my first visit to the Dominican I was extremely excited at the prospect of staying here for two weeks. We collected our luggage and made our way to our private transfer provided by VIP Tours. The VIP representatives were very helpful and escorted us to our transfer straight away. The private transfer was much more comfortable as we were able to travel to our resort directly without the hassle of dropping off other passengers at different hotels.

Resort

The main pool

We arrived at Excellence Punta Cana a mere 40 minutes later and we were greeted by an inviting smile, an ice cold glass of champagne and a cool flannel; which I must say after an 8 an a half hour flight was perfect! We were then taken to our own private check in, in the Excellence Club area of the hotel where we were also given a short tour of the Excellence club facilities. Being a part of the Excellence club allowed us direct access to the executive lounge, which hosted a relaxing environment to enjoy a variety of refreshments throughout the day, as well as unlimited access to the internet and satellite television. continue reading…

Click here to book Buccament Bay from £1599pp + Exclusive FREE Extras

I've been to Buccament Bay! Call me now on 08444 999 330 - Gemma, Operations Manager

When you think of St Vincent what springs to mind? If it is that it is another small non-descript Caribbean island then this could not be further from the truth. St. Vincent is a small island with a big heart full of culture, beautiful scenery, eco-adventures, amazing sailing and opportunities to cruise to remote Grenadian Islands for a taste of secluded Paradise.

The newest addition to St. Vincent, Buccament Bay Resort, embraces all of these attributes and by adding its own stamp has combined to create a Unique Luxury 5* Resort. Buccament Bay has a 180 degree view of the surrounding lush green mountains and rainforest, while the other 180 degree view is of a pure white sandy beach and the blue millpond that is the Caribbean sea, with views of Bequila and Mustique it is the perfect setting for a perfect property.

On arrival we walked across the bridge into resort and were met by the Management Team. We were presented with a choice of 3 drinks, cold towels and even a Steele band – a welcome fit for a King and Queen. This treatment continues throughout your stay at Buccament Bay. The staff are the friendliest most sincere people I have had the pleasure to meet. Their enthusiasm for their own Island, culture and job is infectious and within a matter of days we were all on first name terms. Read what their Wedding Coordinator, Gennine, had to say about her job and what it means to her – it will bring a tear to your eye!

A word from your Wedding Coordinator, Gennine…

‘Now I make everyone else’s dreams come true. Believe it or not, my very first wedding was somewhat of a breakthrough for me because the couple wanted a simple wedding. They really didn’t want to spend that much, but I made it the wedding of their dreams and they didn’t know that everything I used to make it happen was my own personal things for my own wedding. It was a pleasure seeing the joy in their faces and to see the bride well up with emotion, that made it more concrete that I was meant to do this. Ever since, I have been putting the same passion and love into everyone’s wedding because I live my dream through them and with each and every couple, I learn so much. I learn about love, I learn about forgiveness and trust because they all have their own stories that lead up to where they are today. Buccament Bay is amazing and has a lot of amazing people working as one team. I really wouldn’t have it any other way’ – Gennine, Buccament Bay Wedding Coordinator continue reading…

Click here to book Jetwing Sea from only £639pp

Discover incredible cuisine and a laid-back vibe at Jetwing Sea in Negombo, Sri Lanka.

You know how you feel after a flight – tired, drained and in need of a shower to revive your dwindling energy levels. But the soothing vibe of Jetwing Sea erases the journey from your mind as soon as you arrive. As you walk into the hotel, you are instantly relaxed, feeling the light breeze whisper through the open-air lobby, drawing your attention to the waves caressing Negombo’s beautiful beach.

The look is simple and refreshing – white-washed walls with splashes of colour in the tangerine pillows and pillars; and you can chill out in the lofty lounge on a comfy sofa with a fruity cocktail, watching the soft light fade over the wooden catamarans on the beach, casting long shadows across the sand.

Roof-top pampering

There are two infinity pools by the beach and a roof-top spa for pampering, complete with a gym and treatment rooms overlooking the ocean. It’s a calming retreat for a Deep Tissue Massage or a Hot Sand Massage Ritual using sand compresses and herbal steam inhalation. Try the Sandalwood and Turmeric Honey Wrap during your stay – it smells divine and costs RS 5000, about £29 for a 40-minute treatment.

Each modern bedroom has a balcony overlooking the frothy waves and the bathrooms have a rain shower and huge tub lit by blue lights, with a big window so you can pull up the blind, soak in the bubbles and look through the bedroom and out to sea. Upgrade to a suite for a huge Jacuzzi tub and four-poster bed. continue reading…

June 15^th

Dreams Riviera Cancun

After a very comfortable flight we arrived into Cancun airport at around 1.30 pm, we were met by Jumbo Tours outside for a swift journey to the Dreams Riviera Cancun where we were greeted with a glass of champagne and a refreshing cold towel. After a prompt check in we decided to have a couple of refreshing drinks at the lobby bar whilst our cases were taken to the room. We then arrived at our room which was a Deluxe Tropical View, the room was very spacious and well laid out and we had a furnished balcony overlooking the very well kept gardens. We had a quick freshen up and decided to investigate the hotel which had numerous swimming pools, a lovely beach and had a fabulous choice of restaurants. That evening we felt extremely tired and opted for room service which was very quick (around 30 minutes) and the food was very good and then an early night.

June 16^th

Wedding Gazebo at Dreams Riviera Cancun

After waking up very refreshed we went for breakfast at the World Cafe; there was a wide variety of foods to choose from and even champagne which went down a treat. At around 12pm we met up with the Jumbo Tours rep Alberto who was very pleasant and very helpful and sorted out a deep sea fishing trip for my husband and went out of his way to help with other things. The rest of the day was spent lazing down on the beach where there was a waiter on hand to serve you drinks when required. Later that day we met with Cintia who was the Sales manager for the hotel where we carried out a site inspection, she was very helpful and showed us around all the different room categories which were very impressive and the wide choice of restaurants, there was something to suit all palettes, our favourite was the Mexican, (El Patio) the decor in the restaurant was fabulous and the atmosphere with the mariachi band playing just put the icing on the cake. continue reading…

9th July

Packed and all ready to go to the Maldives to celebrate our tenth wedding anniversary. We checked in at Manchester Airport and then headed off to the escape lounge to get away from the hustle and bustle of the airport.

Checked in at the Escape Lounge and I’m very impressed with the service from the front desk as they explained what was included in the package. The food and drink choice was also very good and the lounge was very peaceful and comfortable. We could now sit back, relax and have a glass of wine with a few snacks before boarding.

I would really recommend a lounge before you travel, it is the right way to start your holiday. My wife is very calm where as she is normally nervous about flying but for once Lisa is totally relaxed and ready for a well deserved holiday, especially putting up with me for all these years. We are flying on the new airbus 380 with Emirates airline! I can’t wait; hope it lives up to expectations.

Very good flight the service was fantastic and the seats were nice and comfortable with a decent amount of legroom. The choice of entertainment was by far the best in flight entertainment we have experienced. The flight from Manchester goes via Dubai and it broke up the flight as you had a couple of hours in Dubai airport which is an experience. Due to the flight going via Dubai it is a great opportunity for a twin centre holiday with the Maldives. Your bags get checked all the way through so there is no need to worry about your luggage.

We arrived at Male and collected our bags. The weather was nice and hot. We were met by our tour operator Kuoni who escorted us to the Maldivan Air Taxi.

We checked our bags in then jumped onto the mini bus which took us around to the back end of the island to the seaplane terminal for our sea plane transfer. We did not have to wait long for the transfer. We were off, the seaplane transfer is a great opportunity. Some islands only offer speedboat or seaplane. If you come across an island which does both I recommend you take the seaplane.

10th July

Diamonds Thudufushi Beach & Water Villas (2 night Stay)

Set on a white sand island within the turquoise waters of a shallow lagoon, Diamonds Thudufushi Beach & Water Villas offers luxurious accommodation and outstanding levels of service. Located on the south-western rim of Ari Atoll, just a 35-minute seaplane flight south of Male’ International Airport, the resort is secluded and tranquil, providing optimum privacy in unspoilt surroundings. There are also daily snorkelling tours with the instructor at 11:00am & 4:00pm plus other activities available on the island.

From the moment you arrive you are met by guest services who are very welcoming with a drink and a cold towel. Check in was very casual and relaxed plus also very efficient and friendly.

We had a beach villa which is spacious and has an outside shower and big wardrobes for clothes and lots of shoes. As per usual my wife filled both wardrobes and I get a few hangers (typical). The funny thing is she hardly wore any shoes on this trip as they say in the Maldives ‘no shoes no news’. We were also located a hop, skip and a jump away from the ocean.

For dining the beach villa guests are allocated the main buffet restaurant on the island.  The water villa guests get the new A La Carte over water  restaurant.

Beach villa guests wanting to eat at the over water restaurant will need to make a reservation plus there is an additional $50pp charge to dine there.

Food was very good with a good choice on a daily basis at the main buffet restaurant.

Evening atmosphere very relaxed with a little music to lighten the mood. Service was excellent, very friendly and charming.

Water Villa guests get A La Carte dining and room service for breakfast which is a unique selling point. continue reading…