Welcome to Kanoo Travel UK

Kanoo Travel, a franchise partner of American Express Travel Services, specialise in tailormade luxury holidays for the discerning traveller.

Welcome to our blog pages, here you'll find reports from our staff on their holidays and trips which might give you a great idea for your next trip. We'll also update the pages with our latest offers and deals.

Kanoo Travel can be contacted on 0800 458 3412. Or visit us online at http://www.kanootravel.co.uk/

Monday 30 December 2013

Destination St. Lucia! (Part 1)




Destination St. Lucia! (Part 1)

Arrived at Gatwick Airport after a very comfortable night at the Sofitel Gatwick Airport. Can highly recommend the Sofitel – especially for travellers flying from the North Terminal, as the terminal is linked by a covered walkway, meaning a walk of less than 5 minutes. The hotel is beautifully decorated with spacious rooms and immaculate public areas which includes 2 bar areas and restaurants. The hotel is equipped with excellent business facilities and with spacious lifts and wide escalators, makes good provision for disabled guests
Greeted at the BA check in area by Jon Hardcastle from ITC, and ushered around to Club World check in by Jon, with the words “This is ITC Rob, flat bed all the way to St Lucia!”. Check in was a very seamless process with helpful and polite staff. Granted access to the BA Executive Lounge. Very luxurious lounge with very attentive staff and many facilities available although if I was to make one minor criticism, no hot food was available – something that I’m aware the Virgin V Lounge does provide.
Airside at Gatwick there are a plethora of shopping options for those last minute essentials, as well as more luxury and tax free gifts. Prices appeared very competitive versus the high street as you would expect. There were numerous food outlets as well
We flew on a BA 777 aircraft. Naturally, business class offered an incredible amount of comfort. The seat fully reclined to allow a flat bed with different recline positions available to you. By your feet, was a storage draw – very handy – and both the tray table and television screen were able to stored conveniently away when you wanted to rest. There was also a dividing screen which could be lowered or raised – depending as to whether you wanted to speak to the person next to you or ignore them!!! I was seated facing backwards to the direction of travel – a concept I had always thought of as strange. However, it felt no different to facing forwards. Access to the seat was a little confusing however and had there been anyone seat in the aisle seat in the row behind who had decided to sleep, I would have been forced to vault over them to get out to the toilets/snack bar area!!! Cabin staff were particularly attentive – already having checked the seating plan to be able to address guests by their names. They were very helpful throughout and very prompt in responding to any requests we had. The catering was high class with a choice of 4 main courses and 3 desserts and the inspired decision to have a speciality cocktail for that particular flight!!! Kir Royale x 7 was the request I remember!!! In terms of entertainment, there was a library of not just current films (I guess around 30 – 40) but also some of the classics, as well as a wide array of television programming – tailored to suit all age groups. There were radio channels – again to suit most musical tastes - as well as a CD library which again numbered around 30 to 40.
Flying time was 8 hours and 50 minutes – with regular inflight updates provided by the crew. On arrival, after descending the aircraft steps, a short walk, about 200 metres around the perimeter of the terminal was required to reach the immigration area. Wheelchairs were available for less able bodied travellers but I was not able to see how such travellers would be able to disembark. The immigration process was a little slower than ideal (extra windows were eventually opened up to speed up the process ) but the walk to baggage reclaim was a very short one.
NB Landing cards are completed on the aircraft to help speed up the process.
The airport is very small but equally is well signed. Once through to the arrivals hall, it is rather chaotic to be fair with many transfer providers jostling for position, alongside the car hire desks. We were however easily able to locate to Spice Travel representative and joined our transfer minibus to the Landings – on the very Northern tip of the Island, whilst the Airport is on the Southern tip.
The transfer itself gave you the opportunity to travel up the Western side of the Island through the St Lucian Rainforest and the journey was scheduled for around an hour and a half to an hour and three quarters. It afforded some breathtaking scenery, although the journey was very windy with some sharpish bends and inclines, so not ideal for everyone. We did encounter traffic issues upon arrival in the main town of the island Castries. We unfortunately arrived there just on rush hour and it took around an hour to get from one side of the harbour to the other – a matter of 2 miles at most. (Something that I later found out was not an uncommon occurrence, which I imagine is difficult to avoid for UK originating passengers – even perhaps also for those arriving on the slightly earlier Virgin flight). The journey eventually took just over 2 and a half hours. As an alternative to customers, there is a helicopter transfer option. The helicopter takes off from the far end of Hewanorra Airport and lands on a small landing area close to Gros Islet, where a number of the large hotels on the North of the Island are located. (Most hotels are reached by a 10 minute transfer from the landing area). Whilst we did not verify precise costs, the helicopter transfer is a fraction more expensive but certainly worthwhile for some clients, who after a near 9 hour flight, just want to get to their hotel.

The Landings


Very luxurious property with a rather grand reception hall – something you would expect more in the Middle East, although the property itself had a Floridian feel to it in terms of the layout of the accommodation blocks and other areas of the property. I was certainly reminded of a stay in Fort Lauderdale where rooms had Intercoastal views – similar to the harbour/marina views afforded at the Landings. Check in was a straightforward process with “heavy on the rum” cocktails offered. Guests were then immediately transferred by buggy to their accommodations – although to be fair no room in the entire property seemed to be more than a flat 5 minute walk from reception.
I was given a Two Bedroom Deluxe Villa Suite with a Harbour View. The room was huge – 2 huge bedrooms – both with large ensuite bathrooms and one with a dressing room. A separate washroom – laden with a washing machine and tumble dryer. A massive kitchen and dining area which opened out into a lounge area with large settee and armchairs – not forgetting the two balconies – one containing two day beds, the other a dining table, oh and a Jacuzzi!!!! I remember thinking, awestruck as I walked around, how’s a lad who Dad spent all his life down the mines, ended up in a place like this….
To be fair, this property is all about the accommodation itself. Whilst we had a thoroughly enjoyable evening in the luxurious restaurant – with a great choice of local specialities – and the bar area offered a plentiful supply of cocktails, plus there was a very good spa and pool at the property – it somehow seemed to be missing something. Shopping facilties, perhaps. However, fishing trips and other excursions could easily be arranged from the hotel so you would certainly not be short of things to do.
The hotel would certainly suit all age groups and with the kitchen/dining facilities available, it would lend itself to families with young children. The Rodney Bay shopping area is a mere 10 minutes from the hotel so provisions could easily be obtained - and stored in the huge American style fridge in the suite! The hotel has both 2 and 3 bedroomed accommodations and some of the more luxurious 3 bedroomed Villas have their own plunge pools too. Some rooms were on higher floors but each block had a lift and the blocks were wheelchair accessible.

Cap Maison

Had a site inspection and luxurious dinner at Cap Maison. This property, also located in Gros Islet, a very idyllic location at that, has a very Moorish/Spanish feel to it in its design. Rooms were beautifully decorated and again very spacious (a feeling you got from most of the properties we viewed in St Lucia). All suites afforded excellent views. The property had a very relaxed feel to it – with the owner/ manager keen to point out that they don’t trouble guests with admin or request credit card details as soon as they arrive, they allow them to enjoy their new surroundings. The property does lend itself to couples – rather than families – who want a relaxing luxury retreat and who want to be able to get on with their holiday without fuss. Equally, it was a good choice as a wedding venue compared to the other St Lucian hotels we visited. You imagined that there would be some amazing photographs! In terms of the less able bodied, it didn’t seem to lend itself that well compared to other St Lucian hotels.
In terms of dining, there are a number of options. Unfortunately, due to bad weather, we were unable to dine beachfront at the Naked Fisherman Restaurant so were taken down to Bruce’s wine cellar for a private dining experience. If he doesn’t sell this to guests as a meal option, then he should!!! Truly wonderful evening, tasting great wine and sea food. Equally, if not, private dining was an option, beachfront or should I say “rockfront” at Rock Maison – a small decking area which holding up to 30 but can cater for just 2. The property offered a beautiful spa as well as gymnasium facilities and overall, it simply oozed class!

Stay tuned for Part 2, coming on January 3rd!

For more information about St. Lucia, and other unique travel experiences, please visit www.kanootravel.co.uk, or call us on 0800 458 3412, or email webbookings@kanootravel.co.uk

Monday 2 December 2013

Mia Newton in Amsterdam


Getting up at 3am on a Sunday morning for a day trip to Amsterdam, I must be crazy or a travel agent – I’m both! Quick shower & I’m out the door, passport and Euros at the ready. A big plus on a day trip is no suitcase to worry about just the huge handbag carrying all the “just in case” items. Parking at the airport was quick and simple, a short walk to Bristol airport terminal to be greeted by 3 Servisair check-in staff. All could have definitely done with an extra few hours in bed, not being able to summon up a smile between them. Security was surprisingly busy but only took about 5 minutes to filter through. The new Servisair Lounge was easy to locate, much larger than its predecessor with a quiet area, choice of seating and zoned areas.

The flight was comfortable with adequate legroom in a 3-3 configuration, tea/coffee and a light snack were served en route by the very pleasant KLM staff. The flight was punctual and arrived to a bright, clear Amsterdam day. We were met by Michael Rainford, KLM Account Manager together with another 4 Kanoo staff who flew from Birmingham & Manchester. Off we all went like the seven dwarfs for our “days work” in Amsterdam airport and the city itself. What an airport Schipol is, like a complete village it has everything you could possibly think of…. shops, cafes, restaurants, casino, spa, library, meditation centre, relaxation area, kids area complete with cots for sleepy babies, even a small version of the Rijks Museum. You can completely understand why the Dutch come to the airport for a day out it’s like a huge Mall – very impressive. The signage for terminals and gates are clearly displayed with walking times to help passengers, as well as banks of self service ticket machines throughout the airport should your flights be delayed. The KLM system will have already protected passengers on an alternative connecting flight allowing them to print new boarding passes and therefore avoiding long queues at ticket counters. The rail station is directly under the airport allowing a seamless journey in to Amsterdam.

Directly opposite Amsterdam city rail station we step straight on to a tourist sightseeing boat for our one hour canal cruise around the waterways of the city. Fascinating architecture, quaint little streets, thousands of bikes, houseboats galore and a laid back atmosphere – a wonderful start to our visit, watching the city float by. A short walk from the rail station took us to our lunch venue the Koepelcafe in the Renaissance Hotel. The food and location were spot on – our Dutch Bitterballen group starter was particularly delicious and enjoyed by all. It was agreed a good walk would do us all the world of good after lunch, so off to the seedier side of the city we went to view a few aspects that make Amsterdam famous. A good hour and half later and feeling wide-eyed we found ourselves in Dam Square amidst the throngs of tourists and locals taking advantage of the fabulous weather. An outdoor bar/café was located where we enjoyed a fabulous afternoon people watching in the true style of European café culture before ambling back to the rail station to catch our flights back to the UK.

In summary KLM offers a slick professional on board service with an absolutely seamless user friendly product in Schipol airport. The airport itself has literally thought of everything to ensure passengers are totally catered for. Amsterdam city is great for a day trip, very easy to get around with activities for all tastes!

Mia Newton

Travel Consultant at Kanoo Travel


for more information about Amsterdam, and other unique travel experiences please visit www.kanootravel.co.uk, or call us on 0800 458 3412, or email webbookings@kanootravel.co.uk

Monday 14 October 2013

Pippa Davies in Ratnagiri India








We arrive on a night bus from Pune in the early hours of the morning to be welcomed by a cool sea breeze and stretches of golden sands. Ratnagiri is a relatively unknown area on the west coast of India but is slowly becoming recognised for its relaxing atmosphere and untouched forests and beaches.
Atithi Parinay is an eco-friendly home stay in Ratnagiri which prides itself on offering a unique tourism experience. Set within deep forestry and accessed by scenic winding roads, the place is a true example of responsible tourism today; the food is grown and supplied from local businesses and all cooked on site. All the building materials are locally sourced, from the tree house to the luxury tents and huts, the cow dung floors and clay roof tiles. These last two are used in effect to keep the rooms cool when hot and warm when cold.
The exquisite scenery and peaceful ambience is a complete blessing; in the morning haze you are encouraged to dip your feet into the stream nearby where you can be treated with a natural fish pedicure. You are completely immersed in the natural surroundings and humbled whilst being joined by a bull on the opposite side of the stream, quenching its thirst under the rising sun. Woven hammocks are dotted around the area in between the tall tree trunks, perfect for dozing in the afternoon sun through the canopy of leaves above. A distinct highlight of the stay is the exceptional service offered by the owner Medha and her family.  In the evenings, Medha introduces delicious traditional Marathi style food and teaches how to eat it. Each portion of the meal should be presented on a banana leaf in precise areas depending on what piece of food it is and should be eaten with bare hands. Afterwards, it is custom to give the banana leaf to the cows as the aromas of the food are absorbed during the meal, making the leaves tastier.



A newly established tour company The Western Routes offers tours around Ratnagiri working closely with the home-stay, the owner of the tour company, Jayesh Paranjape also considers the sustainability of his tours by incorporating local businesses into the itinerary. A distinctive experience of Ratnagiri is visiting Bondre’s Organic farm at Devghar village. As part of the visit you are able to explore the vast farmland and forestry, with a chance to venture down cascading waterfalls immersed within the trees and swim in the lagoons. A typical Marathi lunch is offered to guests with generous servings and  is exceptionally tasty. There is time to relax with a cup of chai among the trees on an extremely comfortable Machaan built with wood and hay before being treated to a local Konkan performance with Jaakdi dancers.





The secluded beaches of Ratnagiri, so empty and vast, are the jewel in the crown of this charming place. Apart from the plodding of a couple horned cows, owner in tow, and the slight prancing of curious deer, you are completely in solitude. In order to reach Aare Waare beach a precarious climb over rocks is in order but it is worth it for the sought after seclusion which is so rare on picturesque beaches like this at peak season. The Ganesh Gule beach is also an extraordinary sight, empty stretches of golden sand and clear blue sea, lined by towering green coconut trees.  A refreshing drink of fresh coconut milk from the forests fringing the beach rounds the day off nicely. A local man meticulously carves the fruit with a machete-like knife to make a hole in the top from which to drink and then carves it in half and scrapes out the coconut flesh to eat.
Great forts and religious monuments are dotted around the area, such as the awe-inspiring Purnagad Fort and temple which looks out to the ocean for miles. Ratnagiri has become popular for a place to stay for people visiting Ganpatipule, where thousands of tourists go to see the Hindu temple of Swayambhu. A special touch about this place is that you are encouraged to tell a wish to the rat deity at the entrance of the temple, it is said if you do not divulge this secret with anyone, it will come true. Another interesting place to visit is Prachin Konkan, a quirky life-size museum depicting life and stories of the past in Konkan. There is a handicraft shop where visitors can purchase souvenirs to remember this intriguing attraction, not that you would need one! 



To sum up, Ratnagiri is an ideal place to visit if you are seeking a true off the beaten track experience in India. Especially for those who enjoy the outdoors with the comforts of luxury accommodation, with exciting and novel experiences.

Pippa Davies

Travel Consultant at Kanoo Travel Haymarket, London


for more information about India, and unique travel experiences please visit www.kanootravel.co.uk, or call us on 0800 458 3412, or email webbookings@kanootravel.co.uk


Monday 30 September 2013


Sandals

Many people are put off by the Sandals brand, thinking it’s brash, colourful and American... but they couldn’t be further from the truth.
Yes, there are Americans at each resort, but the resorts themselves are far from brash and colourful!
I have been lucky enough to experience 5 Sandals properties, and like any hotel chain, all the resorts are different from the next, so my advice to you is to choice your resort wisely!

At Sandals there are 3 grades of room category you can choose from, each offering something different – Deluxe, Concierge and Butler Suite. The Deluxe grade is each resorts lead-in rooms. Please don’t be put off that they are lead-in and possibly basic, as they are really aren’t! The decor is pretty much the same throughout all categories; it is literally the location and the facilities within in each room that varies. The Concierge rooms have extras such as a daily re-stocking of your mini-bar (always a bonus!) and a concierge desk who will book excursions and dinner reservations for you. And as for the Butler Suites, these are simply incredible! Located in the most prestigious areas of the resorts they include 2 personal butlers who will tend to your every need to make your stay the best it can possible be. They will walk you to dinner every night, reserve you sun loungers on the beach or by the pool, bring your drinks throughout the day, run you baths.... the list goes on! No other All-Inclusive Resort in the world offers Butlers who are trained by the Guild of Professional English Butlers.

Sandals Resorts are the only resort in the world that gives you more...
Anytime dining where each resort brings you every type of cuisine under the sun which are all prepared by Master Chefs using the finest quality ingredients!
The Caribbean’s finest rooms and suites – Sandals have created the most unique suites with romance, seclusion and luxury in mind.
Unlimited scuba diving for certified divers – very unique!
Drinks are included 24/7 with unlimited top-shelf premium branded drinks as well as Beringer wines. 
If you are a couple who like to go back to their room after dinner, sit on the balcony with a glass of wine to enjoy the surroundings and warmth, or whether you like to stay in the bar trying out the top shelf drinks, your evening’s can be as low-key or as lively as you wish. Resorts have different entertainment each night – when I was at Sandals Whitehouse in Jamaica they had a carnival and a steel band parade through the resort. Not my sort of thing usually but I’m glad I watched it!

Having being voted the World’s Leading All-Inclusive Company for 17 years in a row shows Sandals have perfected the All Inclusive holiday.   
The Sandals Resort concept is simple – The Luxury Included Holiday.
Everything is included and everything is extremely luxurious.
So when you next see the 2-for-1 offer, make sure you take advantage and go!!!

Thursday 6 June 2013

Kochi, Kochi Cool!




Located on the southern coast of India, Kerala has wonderful sights that are unique only to ‘God's own country'. Years of external influences as the epicentre of spice trades have made this town a unique destination for culture, experience and panoramic views that will definitely mesmerise you. Just read on and get ready for your own Kochi adventure!


Brought over by Macao early settlers, the sight of massive Chinese Fishing Nets dangling above the calm waters near Fort Kochi as the wind catches it, making them dance like maidens in the sunlight, paints an unforgettable picture. Because right there, you know that there's something magical about this city.

 


On the backwaters of Kochi, you'll find magnificent boathouses that are more than comfortable for a night or two’s stay on the calm waters. Here you can watch the daily lives of the locals by the shoreline as you drift with the currents.




Unique to Kerala, this wondrous Indian dance-drama is portrayed by elaborately costumed dancers that let their body movements do the talking, re-enacting the tales of Lord Krishna. First founded in the 17th century, this dance is still a highly prized cultural performance and quite a sight to behold.



With daily flights to this lovely land full of ancient charms and mystical legends, Kochi will captivate even the weariest travellers.





Tuesday 14 May 2013

Claire Morris in... Las Vegas




The seat belt signs are now on, as we slowly descend through the clouds the sun is shining and we can already feel  the American heat, the strip is in sight and the tensions is building....
Cheers from everyone we have landed in party town.... VEGAS!!!
As we clear customs and get in to our luxurious limousine to the hotel we are all heads out of windows excited soon after we are all checking in to none other than the Encore at the Wynn... WOW!!

We are given our keys and a map of the hotel, for those who haven’t been to Vegas before every hotel needs a map as they are so big you feel like there’s no exit.
My one bedroom suite is huge.  I’m so excited.  I’m running around checking all the amenities just like its Christmas day with all the presents…  I even have two televisions in the bathroom!!
If that’s not living it up I don’t know what is!





After a long flight everyone wants to be fresh in the morning so to finish the first day nicely myself and the group enjoy dinner and cocktails as guests of the Wynn Encore. The general manager gives us a brief show around of what the hotel has to offer and soon we are sitting down in a swanky a la carte restaurant in the hotel. The food is delicious... Me being a food addict I took photos of everything. To start they brought round a seafood platter, I have never tried fish before so I went a little crazy and tried it all.. Oysters, lobster, crab yum yum!!
Well me thinking that was the starter or main? Silly me, were in America… that was just an appetizer to follow we had the biggest chicken Caesar salad I have ever had, fillet steak and cheese cake for desert  WOW what a meal that was, delicious...

Wake up and meet up have a leisurely stroll along Las Vegas Boulevard to the Venetian.
We have a site inspection of this fabulous property followed by lunch in the impressive grand lux café where the architecture and décor is inspired by the look and feel of classic Venetian cafes.
After yet another lovely three course dinner and the odd beer or two we all make our way to the Porte cochere where we are picked up in our limousine and drove to meet Elvis at the Graceland wedding chapel.
The Graceland chapel has been a part of the Las Vegas strip for over 50 years  and is one of the most prominent chapels for a wedding in Las Vegas, Jon Bon Jovi was married here and in 2001 he even held a concert in the parking lot with 75 couples who re-newed their vows with him!





Group then had some free time to wonder the strip… Take photos and get ready for the night ahead.

PARTY TIME - All meet at the Mirage in the well-known 10AK nightclub, the night’s starts smoothly until we hop on the party bus as we move from one club to the other down the strip!
A much needed lie in to help everyone recover…

Breakfast at Denny’s – Its official I love American food.

Transfer to premium outlet Centre for some retail therapy, we were greeted by the onsite manager who gave us a goody bag with lots of offers in the shops and even a coupon to buy a diamond necklace we all felt like VIP’s
After an afternoon shopping spree we all head back to the hotel for a nice dip in the pool.
Evening has approached, we all have tapas style food but obviously in America everything is big… More like a sharing platter!!

Having a stroll around the hotel passing Gucci, Dior, the  Ferrari shop I have now realized that the shopping in Vegas is as good or if not better than New York.



Walking through to the Wynn Theatre – YES the hotel even has its own theatre we watch Le Reve the dream from a thrilling high dive to an underwater tango le reve mesmerized all of us from beginning to end, let senses take flight as dreams swim in the air and dance on water.  This show is a must see.

The night is still young…
We meet our red carpet vip host which gains immediate access to the most amazing clubs in Vegas! For this Vegas VIP pass it normally costs around 80USD We walk straight in to XS what conde nast traveler calls the hottest nightclub in the world where David ghetto and Calvin Harris are among the resident djs, With it holding 1,400 people a dj and bar outside the pool area as well as inside it is a definite celeb hang out.
The next day is very chilled.. Enjoying the lovely 24c sunshine, a wonder around Bellagio and the venetian, a show around in cosmopolitan and the Paris hotel, some cheeky bets  and a trip to Madame  Tussauds
On the evening we get picked up and transfer to McCarran heliport to view the strip at night. It had amazing views of the strip all lit up, was like seeing it on a movie.



Our last day it has been such a great trip it has to end in style.

As we get picked up by our limo at 0530am to transfer to the heliport we fly over lake mead and the hoover dam for amazing sights, soar over the west rim of the grand canyon before descending almost 3,300 feet below the canyon rim for a sun rise champagne breakfast… WOW!

Checked out the hotel; dump our bags and a last minute gamble? Go on then…

Transfer to the airport, bags checked in on the ’virgin outside bag drop’ and UK here I come…

What have I learnt about Vegas? The strip is so much bigger than I thought, I now know if a customer rings where all the hotels are positioned, the hotels are like shopping malls, they say new York city doesn’t sleep.. Well neither does Vegas, bring plenty of cash comfy shoes and strong sun cream

What will I upsell now I have experienced it? Our attraction ticket suppliers – Helicopter trips, the VIP pass for the nightlife, Le Reve show, Madame Tussauds the hotels are all unique, and they all have something great about them.



Friday 10 May 2013

Bernie's Adventures in.... Japan


We arrived into Tokyo very early 4am after our 12 hour British Airways flight, then we were wizzed over to the train station to catch the  Shinkansen Express Bullet train to Kyoto.
Wow ! our speed reached 178 MPH passing snow covered Mount Fuji – Japans most famous & highest mountain. Kyoto was the Old ancient Capital of Japan till 1868 and has retained far more of a feel of “ Old Japan “ than Tokyo. We stayed at the Westin Hotel located amidst a picturesque mountain backdrop but also in the centre of the City. 

Our 1st  visit was to the Golden Pavilion so beautiful & yes it was dripping in Gold and also rain! just like Manchester! Then it was onto a quick Rickshaw ride in the rain through the scenic Bamboo Forest, a complete sea of green. That night we had a grand meal at a local Teriyaki Bar  - such speed, skill & perfection by the Japanese Chef.





Up early ready for my visit to the Emperors Imperial Palace so quite & serene with stunning beautiful gardens. Next we were driven to the enormous Nijo Castle of the Shogun to check out the Samurai Soldiers hide out. The afternoon back to school did well in the Calligraphy class, my teacher was pleased with me gave me a Gold Star! Meeting “ Maiko “ apprentice Geisha was a highlight of our visit to Kyoto, she was just so perfect, rather elegant & beautiful. She was so impressed with my bold red shellac nails that when she made us all Green tea I was served 1st. That night we dined at a very special  5* French Bistro a la carte seven courses! Au Revoir

To-day we set off to the oldest Zen Buddhist Temple 1202 – so serene & total enlightenment, such natural beauty. Some local retail therapy along Sanjo St a vibrant traffic free shopping area, lots of bargains and specialty items. Lunch was at a very busy Sushi restaurant we sat with the locals. The Sushi was so colourful and elaborate. We were then treated to a nice brew - visit at a Ryokan ( Japanese Guest House ) in the heart of the Old Gion district To-night we dined at a local inn had very authentic Japanese cuisine served by Geishas, such artful presentation.




Next day time to hit that Bullet Train again – the Virgin trains from Manchester will feel quite slow for me now ( 118 MPH  compare with 178 MPH ) Oh and quite all cell phones have to be on silent ! I had a great time with them on the subject on MAN United – I am a MAN City fan! The locals were laughing at us as we gazed upon Mount Fuji  – just gobsmacked once again! 

Arrived into one of the oldest ( 1872 ) main stations in Tokyo - Shinagawa a major hub for over 100 train & metro lines. Over 54.000 passengers an hour! We had a ten minute walk to our trendy Crown Prince Hotel, very large rooms with a balcony over-looking the main square and gardens with wonderful views. Then we were rushed back to the Metro- Underground to attack this for the day, what fun we had.



Our trip across the City underground with two changes to the Tokyo Sky Tree was a dream – just how everything worked out so perfect for us. The visit to the Sky Tree all 640 metres & 450 floors was so easy and great fun especially for families. Fantastic City views a good organised venue.
We went shopping after on Asakusa st ( like our Oxford st ) very lush & divine famous name brand shops, also walked along the famous Takeashita St.

The shopping and entertainment street, that is a meeting and focal point area for eccentric teenagers to dress up in elaborate character colourful costumes. They parade along the narrow street that is lined with cafes, internet shops and boutiques – like the dog designer store, oh and a £land – YENland !
There was no chewing gum or rubbish on the ground or any Graffiti at all and not a “ Yobo “ in sight just polite young people having fun. Oh and they loved my 10yr old Samsung cell phone – were just lots of laughs & giggles about it !



Tonight ( our last night ) was spent as a VIP guest at the Crown Prince Hotel, we were wined and dined again with fresh food cooked in front of us. We languished at the live Langoustines cooked in minutes ( poor things ! ) tasted so good. Mid-night bedtime and up at 3am, we departed at 4am for the airport and good-bye to Japan what a brilliant trip in the beautiful land of the rising sun. 

Friday 5 April 2013

Sandals




Many people are put off by the Sandals brand, thinking it’s brash, colourful and American... but they couldn’t be further from the truth.
Yes, there are Americans at each resort, but the resorts themselves are far from brash and colourful!
I have been lucky enough to experience 5 Sandals properties, and like any hotel chain, all the resorts are different from the next, so my advice to you is to choice your resort wisely!







At Sandals there are 3 grades of room category you can choose from, each offering something different – Deluxe, Concierge and Butler Suite. The Deluxe grade is each resorts lead-in rooms. Please don’t be put off that they are lead-in and possibly basic, as they are really aren’t! The decor is pretty much the same throughout all categories; it is literally the location and the facilities within in each room that varies. The Concierge rooms have extras such as a daily re-stocking of your mini-bar (always a bonus!) and a concierge desk who will book excursions and dinner reservations for you. And as for the Butler Suites, these are simply incredible! Located in the most prestigious areas of the resorts they include 2 personal butlers who will tend to your every need to make your stay the best it can possible be. They will walk you to dinner every night, reserve you sun loungers on the beach or by the pool, bring your drinks throughout the day, run you baths.... the list goes on! No other All-Inclusive Resort in the world offers Butlers who are trained by the Guild of Professional English Butlers.






Sandals Resorts are the only resort in the world that gives you more...
Anytime dining where each resort brings you every type of cuisine under the sun which are all prepared by Master Chefs using the finest quality ingredients!
The Caribbean’s finest rooms and suites – Sandals have created the most unique suites with romance, seclusion and luxury in mind.
Unlimited scuba diving for certified divers – very unique!
Drinks are included 24/7 with unlimited top-shelf premium branded drinks as well as Beringer wines. 
If you are a couple who like to go back to their room after dinner, sit on the balcony with a glass of wine to enjoy the surroundings and warmth, or whether you like to stay in the bar trying out the top shelf drinks, your evening’s can be as low-key or as lively as you wish. Resorts have different entertainment each night – when I was at Sandals Whitehouse in Jamaica they had a carnival and a steel band parade through the resort. Not my sort of thing usually but I’m glad I watched it!



Having being voted the World’s Leading All-Inclusive Company for 17 years in a row shows Sandals have perfected the All Inclusive holiday.   
The Sandals Resort concept is simple – The Luxury Included Holiday.
Everything is included and everything is extremely luxurious.
So when you next see the 2-for-1 offer, make sure you take advantage and go!!!





Tuesday 5 March 2013

Kanoo early March Flight sale!



Trip to Canada


Trip to Canada - Emily Garrett



I came across Banff on my travels through Canada and fell in love with the town. It is a beautiful, peaceful town surrounded by stunning scenery of snow-capped mountains and has a lake that is a mixture of blues and greens in colour.

   You can go on a gondola ride up one of the peaks and look down over the town itself or out into the distance over the mountains.  On a sunny day take a walk along the river and sit on the banks with your feet dangling in the water, or take a kayak ride up the river. 
While I was here, I also took a horse ride along the river edge, past the Banff Springs Hotel and through the surrounding woods, where you get to experience the true beauty of the area.  You can book any of the town’s activities through the helpful visitors centre on the main street.


   The town itself, although small, has shops including a supermarket, bars, restaurants and even a club for the evening’s entertainment.  Banff gets popular for skiing during the winter periods also, so is a perfect place to visit all year through. The local people are extremely helpful and friendly and always able to help you should you need it. I stayed in a wood lodge hostel that was very accommodating and comfortable for the few nights I was there and part of the HI association. The youth hostel put on events and themed nights for people staying there.

   A must-see while in Banff is the Banff National Park. Just off the main highway leading up to Jasper, is Lake Louise. The Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise sits right on the edge of the lake surrounded by snow-capped mountains. The hotel is very beautiful in its peaceful surrounding area and perfect if you enjoy to cycle or take long walks around the lake itself. From Lake Louise, make your way to Moraine Lake and Peyto Lake, for a must-have picture overlooking the picturesque scenery. Both are situated in Banff National Park. Peyto Lake lies at the bottom of a mountain in the shape of wolf.

   I recommend seeing all the Rockies has got to offer and going to Jasper also. Here I ended up staying in a Wilderness Hostel for a night at Athabasca Falls, which if you haven’t done it before then it’s definitely worth a try. Although, if you’re like me, one night is good for the experience! Here you stay in wooden cabin out in the woods, with no running water only pumps. The kitchen has the main things you would need but with the ECO-friendly edge. There are no flush toilets and no showers. Even though this may put people off, it’s like camping. The staff are extremely friendly and encourage you to join in. Also, a short walk away you get to experience the stunning rivers and waterfalls of the Athabasca Falls.

   This is my favourite place I have travelled to and encourage others to experience the same thing!



Wednesday 27 February 2013

My first trip to the Emerald Isle


I decided on whim (like you do) that I would take a trip to see family friends that had just recently moved over to Ireland. This would be my first trip there and I was excited to be experiencing somewhere new especially because id heard nothing but good things about it how beautiful it was, the Irish are really friendly, you’ll have a ball, that sort of thing. So without anymore hesitation my friend and I decided that we were booking to go see them (this was in fact her sister and brother in law that we were going to see).

We managed to get a fantastic deal flying out with Aer Lingus from Manchester into Dublin and returning with Ryanair. We had booked ourselves in at the Escapes Lounge Manchester Airport terminal 1 which I had been in many of times before. We were greeted at the lounge reception by two friendly members off staff who were happy to show us the facilities. I would recommend to any persons looking avoiding the hustle and bustle of the airport terminal to definitely consider adding this onto your holiday.



Our flight time was only 35 minutes in the air which was the shortest flight I had ever taken this was nice because as I didn’t have to find things to do to occupy myself. When we arrived her sister came to collect us from Dublin airport, we had a drive two hours south of Dublin to a place that I could only described as next level rural it's a small town of Ferns, Enniscorthy, Co. Wexford.
In the car on the drive down there were picturesque views all around green rolling hills, clean pure rivers, and little catholic churches everything you just pictured Ireland to be. This was a far cry from the city life I was used to back in Manchester it was like a major wakeup call! 



I visited all the little towns close by went into the town of Ferns to collect coal and firewood from the local yard (yes you heard right no gas in the country!) for the wood burning fire to heat the house. The last night I visited the local pub which was nothing but fun from the minute we stepped in there everybody was in such a good mood enjoying being in each other’s company, I also tried my first proper Irish Guinness well it was my first time trying it full stop and guess what it aint half bad!



My time in Ireland was coming to an end. Id enjoyed my time here and would definitely go back it was such a peaceful place to be, and to people who haven’t been that want of idea of what it’s like before going all I can say is watch the film Ps I love you (as this was filmed close by in the next town)

So until next time Ireland, Slán go foil.

Callum Andrews, Kanoo FES Manchester