Holiday News and Holiday Ideas

Kenya’s Turtle Bay Beach Club has been chosen as one of the Best Family Hotels in Africa by TripAdvisor in its 2010 Travelers’ Choice awards based on millions of real and unbiased reviews and opinions about hotels on tripadvisor.com and content from across the web. Turtle Bay’s award results from the thousands of happy holidaymakers who have praised the resort on TripAdvisior.

The beautiful 145 room Turtle Bay Beach Club (www.turtlebay.co.ke) is set amongst 10 acres of tropically landscaped gardens on Kenya’s famous Watamu beach. The resort is well know for its excellent children’s facilities including a popular Kids Club where junior guests get to have fun on the beach and at the same time learn about the area surrounding the resort, its animals, birds and plants. All guests enjoy excellent water sports facilities in the national Watamu Marine Park which hosts an abundant variety of fish, coral and marine life. Above the waves there are hundreds of bird species to see and enjoy

Turtle Bay Beach Club is featured by most of the UK’s leading Africa tour operators including Virgin Holidays.

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The Canary Islands are one of the most popular holiday destinations in Spain.  Thanks to their semi tropical climate which delivers great weather all year round, plus breathtaking beaches and highly attractive holiday resorts.

Lanzarote is the fourth largest of these islands and home to three main holiday destinations, the fastest growing of which is Playa Blanca which is located right at the southern tip of the island.  Just across the Bocaina Straits from near neighbour Fuerteventura.

Until the 1980´s Playa Blanca (or white beach in Spanish) really was the sort of quaint little fishing village that travel brochure writers love to eulogise.  But over the last decade it has rapidly expanded and is now the fastest growing resort on Lanzarote. 

Its rise in popularity can largely be attributed to climate – as Playa Blanca tends to enjoy the best weather in Lanzarote.  Especially during the winter months when more northerly resorts such as Costa Teguise can be shrouded in cloud and a good few degrees cooler.  Despite only being 40km or so away.

Playa Blanca´s other important natural attribute are the resorts great beaches – a major plus point for most holidaymakers.  As within the town itself tourists can enjoy three superb stretches of sand at Playa Flamingo, Playa Dorada and Playa Blanca (the small central beach from which the resort takes its name).

The real jewel in the crow though are the bays and coves of nearby Papagayo – widely regarded as one of the best beach spots in the whole of the Canaries.  Where visitors can enjoy totally unspoiled sands and great views across to Fuerteventura.

There’s a wide assortment of accommodation options for tourists too.  With a good selection of hotels in Playa Blanca available – most of which enjoy a frontline position and immediate access to the seafront promenade that unites the resort.

Those how prefer self catering accommodation will find there are also hundreds of apartments and villas in Playa Blanca available for rent.  At very reasonable rates too – especially by comparison with other Spanish holiday island destinations such as the Balearics.

Playa Blanca is also just a short drive away from Lanzarote´s hottest tourist attraction, the Timanfaya National Park – or Montañas del Fuego.  Home to hundreds of now dormant volcanoes and fields of twisted lava.  All created by huge eruptions in the 18th century.  And an absolute must see for any visitor to the island.

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Boasting glorious sunshine 10 months of the year and truly authentic Mediterranean surroundings, Cyprus is perfect for a luxury summer holiday at almost any time of year. Relax on one of the many beautiful white beaches, take a walk through the Troödos mountains or uncover Cypriot history at one of the many archaeological sites; whatever your choice of past-time, Cyprus will not disappoint. Finding the right hotel that suits you may be a trickier task, so here’s a guide to four of the best hotels for a holiday in Cyprus.

The Amathus Beach Hotel in Paphos was designed to provide the ultimate in luxurious hospitality in a modern and tasteful setting. Situated just over a mile from a delightful fishing harbour, the understated properties of the Amathus Beach Hotel nestle amongst beautiful landscaped gardens and are just a stone’s throw from the seashore. With an excellent range of facilities including multiple swimming pools, a chic contemporary bar and well-equipped gym, the Amathus Beach Hotel in Paphos should meet all your needs on a luxury holiday.

For a slightly grander experience, you should consider the Four Seasons Hotel in Limassol. Offering all the facilities you would expect from a well-respected resort hotel, the Four Seasons stretches along a stunning sandy beach with an extensive range of entertainment facilities, restaurants and boutiques. With a distinctly lavish finish that never fails to impress, the spacious rooms provide the ultimate in comfort that will meet and exceed your expectations. The Four Seasons Hotel in Cyprus is also home to one of the five Shiseido Spas in the world, where Thalassotherapy takes true relaxation to the next level.

Set on its own secluded beach, The Hotel Elysium in Paphos is a hotel that stylishly matches its historical surroundings and boasts superb views across the Mediterranean Sea. Located next to the Tombs of the Kings, the magnificent design of the hotel is influenced heavily by the Byzantine era and the gorgeous rooms and villas make for a genuinely authentic experience. In addition to the shops, restaurants and bars in the area, the picturesque harbour of Paphos is just a 10 minute walk away. But for the ultimate in relaxation, the Opium Health Spa is a must, offering a range of revitalising treatments in a wonderfully tranquil setting.

The Amathus Beach Hotel in Limassol should also be high on your luxury hotel shortlist. Belonging to the prestigious group of Leading Hotels of the World, the Amathus Beach Hotel will meet and exceed your expectations of luxury. Set amongst beautifully landscaped gardens, this hotel boasts panoramic views of the sea, has its own private sandy beach and the five themed restaurants provide a variety of culinary delights. The newly-extended Amathus Spa & Wellness Centre offers personalised treatments from five different continents and compliments the classy and tranquil feel of the entire hotel experience.

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Two thirds of travellers are in favour of plans to install body scanners in airports, according to the latest poll on travel search site Skyscanner (www.Skyscanner.net).

66% voted that airport scanners were a good idea as they would speed up security checks and improve security, whilst 30% said that they disapproved, largely on health and privacy grounds. (4% gave other answers).

Over 400 people voted in the poll, and the results clearly showed that most travellers were in favour of the scanners.
Barry Smith, Skyscanner co-founder and business director commented:

“As long as the machines are safe and any potential privacy issues can be solved, travellers are in favour of anything which will make flying safer and security checks faster. If it saves me from having to take my shoes off, empty my pockets and remove my belt, I’m all for them.”

The Skyscanner poll did reveal that some travellers had concerns over the safety of the scanning machines, specifically the health issues of being x-rayed. However, the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) say the technology is harmless, and that the amount of radiation produced is minimal, equating to what a person would naturally receive in just two minutes of flying on an airplane.

Other respondents believed that the scanners would not increase passenger safety; Skyscanner user Vasco Sotomaior left a message on Skyscanner’s Facebook page explaining his reasons for being against the scanners:

“There’s no use for them. The threat exists, but it is so little that it doesn’t justify them. The current measures are more than enough”.

Trials with the body scanners are already taking place in some airports and train stations across Europe and the US, including Manchester Airport in the UK. The technology blurs facial details ensuring that passengers cannot be recognised and images are viewed by staff in walled-off rooms where they cannot see travellers who are being checked.

Passengers who prefer not to be scanned will be able to opt for the traditional pat down check instead.

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Looking to swap the freezing cold weather for sunshine and beaches?  Then head for the small Canary Island of Lanzarote – located just off the south west coast of Morocco. Where holidaymakers can enjoy temperatures in excess of 20 degrees Celsius whatever the time of year.

Lanzarote is one of the seven Spanish owned Canary Islands and is located on the same line of longitude as parts of Mexico and Florida.  Just four hours flying time from the UK.  Making it one of the most popular winter sun destinations with British tourists.

This popularity has been boosted further recently by the creation of new flights to Lanzarote from leading low cost operators such as Ryanair.  Who started running 30 plus new services to the island in October, with prices starting from as little as £9.99 one way.

Holiday accommodation in Lanzarote is also very reasonably priced.  With apartments available from as little as £160 per week.  And holiday villas in Lanzarote with private pools priced from £350 for a weeks stay.

The bulk of the best accommodation is located in the two main resorts of Puerto del Carmen and Playa Blanca.  Both of which make an ideal base for a relaxing sunshine break.

Puerto del Carmen is in fact the oldest resort on Lanzarote – as well as the most popular.  Having started life forty odd years ago as a small fishing village known locally as La Tiñosa.  Today the fishing boats in the Old Town harbour have largely been replaced by excursion craft – whilst the village has become a town.  Extending for around 9km in the direction of the islands airport at Arrecife.

Tourist authoritires have recently invested over €16 million on improvements to the resort.  Which has been spent on improving the sea front promenade and creating a new marina.  And there´s a good selection of villas in Puerto del Carmen for rent in areas such as Risco Prieto and Los Mojones. So there’re never been a better time to visit.

Playa Blanca is located at the southern foot of the island – and is the fastest growing resort on Lanzarote.  Boasting breathtaking beaches and the best microclimate on the island.

Like Puerto del Carmen Playa Blanca started life as a small fishing village before evolving into a bustling resort.  And is also the gateway to the neighbouring island of Fuerteventura.  Which means that tourists can visit not one but two Canary Islands whilst enjoying their holidays in Lanzarote.

Playa Blanca is also an ideal location for anyone planning to visit Lanzarote´s leading tourist attraction. The awe inspiring Timanfaya National Park.  Home to hundreds of now dormant volcanoes and some of the most surreal scenery in the world.

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The sunshine state has plenty to offer to keep you entertained. The secluded coves on its famous beaches, nature walks, and relaxed fishing piers and plus water-sports such as surfing and water skiing. Away from the beach there is a choice of a land-based sporting activities, cultural attractions and unique shopping experiences.

Anna Maria Island, one of the barrier islands, is highly recommended. Measuring only seven miles long and less than one mile wide it still offers some genuinely once-in-a lifetime experiences. Boasting the largest estuary in Florida, you can watch the roseate spoonbills, dolphins and manatees. You can even go fishing for redfish, speckled trout and snook. If you have holidays in Florida in July you can embark on a turtle nesting tour at the beach of the island.

For those that enjoy getting involved in the cultural flavour of Florida Bradenton, on the mainland, is ideal. Bradenton is the village of the arts. A fantastic afternoon can be spent strolling amongst the craft shops, art galleries and jewellery shops created by the local artists. Another artistic attraction is the official museum of Florida which features Asian, American and European art.

Bradenton also boasts the Tibbals Learning Center , home to the odd but wonderful miniature circus. If you are brave and agile then you can try your hand at the flying trapeze at The Tito Gaoan Flying Trapeze Academy. Numerous travelling circuses make their way into town throughout the year so it will never be a problem to fulfil those high-flying, acrobatic needs. Circus Sarasota is a regular addition and a spectacular show that is highly recommended.

A holiday to Florida offers so much more than Disney World and other theme parks. The environmental landscape and cultural highlights should be incorporated into any Florida holiday.

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