5 Spectacular luxury destination alternatives
Whether you’re looking for majestic mountains dropping away to the sea, vibrant and dynamic cities, or an island paradise in a glittering ocean, the world is full of unique destinations to explore. If you’re looking for a little luxury, but also want to go somewhere different, here are some unique luxury destinations you could consider. A surprising number of luxury options are available these days, even in the most remote locations; you certainly don’t need to share your piece of paradise with hundreds of others.Whatever you’re looking for in your next luxury holiday, there are always options. If you’re interested in inspiration to plan a trip somewhere a little different,…
Cruising Barbados
Barbados is an amazing little island. It is a beautiful place with something for everyone, but its beauty cannot be truly appreciated unless you hit the high seas and take in the views from a cruise. Luckily several operators offer catamaran cruises up the West coast of Barbados, out of Bridgetown Careenage. These are the best cruising waters as the Atlantic pounds the East coast making the water rougher. The catamaran cruises operate large catamarans that easily take about 30 people and probably more. As they round the south west point of Barbados it can be a bit choppy but as soon as you are around that point the bar…
Frisky Barbados Turtles and How to Swim with them
Turtles are tricky creatures. When they only come ashore to lay their eggs and then as quickly as they appeared, disappear, how can you spend some time with these marvellous animals? The reefs off Barbados have a thriving turtle population. The turtles are widely considered locals and it is not uncommon to notice one creeping up the beach at night whilst you’re downing a rum in a nearby beach bar. No, you’re not imagining them. The sudden arrival of the turtle-monitoring squad (complete with clipboards) confirms their presence and also prevents the turtles developing any alcohol-related troubles. Where to find turtles It is not unlikely that you will meet a…
Expat Life – The Good, The Bad and The Ugly
Expat life is vastly different from visiting somewhere as a tourist. Tourists enjoy the best of places but rarely experience the difficulties that expats face. Daily life, encountering and rising to the challenges, as well as enjoying the highlights of life overseas can be very rewarding, but it can take time. The Good And now for something completely different Expats live in a different country from their country of origin. As such, those choosing to live as expats are often seeking something different. It may be different weather, a different language, or different food. It may be simply for the challenge of being outside their comfort zone. Whatever the reason,…
My Dad – My Travel Hero
My parents are travellers. Not the strange hippy kind but the curious-about-the-world type. Travelling is something that always interested Dad especially. From a young age he was curious, taking part in his school exchange to Germany as a gawky teenager and later spending his gap year in Swaziland (in the 1960s when gap years were far less common than they are now). My parents met and I was born in Luxembourg, while they were both expats there. I blame them both for my nomadic streak! From a young age, my brother and I were taken abroad as our parents explored the world. Thanks to them I have fond childhood memories…
Get Wrecked in Barbados
Barbados is a friendly little island with a great dive community. The dive centres based on the West Coast are blessed with easy proximity to a selection of wrecks, including the jewel in Barbados’s wreck-diving crown and some argue the most impressive wreck in the Caribbean. Stavronikita The Stavronikita (or ‘Stav’ as she is affectionately known locally) was sunk by the Barbados government in 1978. Due to having been sunk deliberately the Stav has been prepared for penetration and positioned well. She is 110m long and sits upright on the 40m deep seabed facing shore. The top of her mast is only 10m beneath the surface. Points of interest include…
The Split Personality of Barbados
Barbados lies East of the Windward islands of the Caribbean and faces the wrath of the Atlantic alone. For an island exploding with culture and activities it is surprising how small it is. The island is only 21 x 14 miles (34 x 23 km) at its widest and it is amazing how much variety of scenery can be seen on such a trim little island. Each coastline has a unique character, but which is for you? West coast of Barbados The West coast of Barbados, or the Platinum coast as it is also known, hosts the stunning picture perfect beaches you see on the postcards and in the guidebooks.…
Let the Music take you away
The memories made on the road are one of the best things about travelling. Reminiscing over photos is great, but smells and sounds can transport us to other places too. Which music takes you back somewhere? Click the name of the song for a listen! Tarkan – Simarik As soon as I hear this song it takes me to Oludeniz in Turkey. My first trip to Turkey, as a 17yr old, involved lots of nights out dancing and this song was played in every restaurant and every bar without exception. You’d think I might not have heard it much outside Turkey, but then Holly Valance released an English version called…
Great beach bars in Barbados
Dreaming of sipping that scrummy cocktail on the beach while watching a magnificent sunset? Dream no more. There are plenty of places to do this in Barbados. Here are my favourites. Carib Beach bar, Christchurch Carib’s open deck spills out onto a glorious beach of golden powder sand and gently lapping waves. It is a really friendly beach bar and popular with young families due to its location right on the beach. Good varied menu. A word of warning though. If driving, be careful your car doesn’t get stuck in the sand in the car park. Your rescue mission will be a very public one, with the whole bar watching! …
Top 10 things to do in Barbados
Barbados is the furthest East of the islands of the Caribbean chain. Very British in atmosphere, it is an island of old-fashioned charm and beautiful beaches. There are many adventures to be had but it is also a brilliant place to kick back and enjoy many, many rums. 1. Catamaran cruise Several operators offer catamaran cruises along the West coast of Barbados. They depart Bridgetown careenage in the morning, and after a usually bumpy five minutes spent getting out of the harbour, head North along the tranquil waters and beautiful picture-postcard beaches of the West coast. The catamarans stop at various points for lunch, a swim and to allow guests…
