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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…

Click here to book Grand Pineapple from only £899pp

Saturday

Saturday morning, after swiftly checking in for our Virgin Atlantic flight to Antigua, myself and my mum make our way to the Virgin Vroom.  This was my first time using the Vroom and I was very impressed. If you are traveling with children, it is a fantastic way to start your holiday. There is plenty to keep the little ones occupied, from Nintendo Ds Consoles, to an Xbox 360, table football, and much much more! Also your drinks (excluding alcohol) and food is all included in the price (£20 per adult and £12 per child) so you can enjoy a hot breakfast, cereal, fruit and much more and not have to spend a penny! You can also use the Vroom up to 3 hours before your flight departs, and you have flight updates in the lounge so you know exactly when your flight is boarding! After having a leisurely morning in the Vroom, we decide to head for the duty free shops before our flight was called.

8 Hours later, we land into Antigua! The flight with Virgin Atlantic was really comfortable, we had seat back TV’s and a great money saver, your drinks are included throughout the flight!

We have a 30 minute transfer to Grand Pineapple, and after checking into the hotel and being shown to our room I was truly amazed! We were lucky enough to be staying in a Tropical Waterfront Suite, the views from these rooms are stunning and the rooms have also been recently refurbished. After a quick un-packing, we head to the gorgeous white sandy beach and enjoy a lazy afternoon and evening.

Sunday

We decide to spend a couple of hours on the beach in the morning, as this afternoon we are going to head off and see The Old English Harbor & Shirley Heights!

We arrived at The Old English Harbor around 4pm. We had a look around a small museum, there are also a couple of small cafes and shops around too, and the Harbor is beautiful! We then ventured on to Shirley Heights. This is a must for anyone visiting Antigua! Every Sunday night Shirley Heights holds the best Caribbean Party on the Island, where many Tourists and locals attend. It is set on a cliff top overlooking the Old English Harbor, and I believe it has the most amazing views and Sunsets I have ever seen in the Caribbean. The barbeque starts around 4pm, and you also have a fantastic Caribbean Steele Band, which is then followed by a Reggae Band, so it is the Ultimate Caribbean Party!

continue reading…