Destination St. Lucia! (Part 3)

Destination St. Lucia! (Part 3)

Sugar Beach

The comment on the drive down to Sugar beach (located on the Southern end of the Island - around 30 - 40 minutes from the airport) was that Sugar Beach “will probably knock everything else out of the ball park” with how good it was going to be. Whilst I still loved Kalabash Cove the most, it was a bit like putting the best middle weight boxer in with the best heavyweight boxer - both excellent at what they do but you know who’d win!!! You realise why Hollywood A listers come and take over Sugar Beach – its that good. So much style, a spa to die for, the best dining on the Island and best of all – swimming in the shadow of the Pitons – beautiful.

We did a site visit and lunch and were afforded a day room as well. So many good points about the hotel. Idyllic woodland/treehouse location for the Spa – looked beautiful. Many watersports amenities plus options for Tennis etc. A beautifully designed classic bar – all white!!! - with an amazing selection of rums. Fantastic kids club – we spoke to kids, they were happy!! A large pool area and wonderful beachfront restaurant whose menu was amazing. Rooms to die for as well.

We were able to use a Luxury Cottage to change in – beautifully decorated as were all the rooms. No expense seemed to have been spared anywhere. Whilst the residences where amazing, I particularly liked the Beachfront Bungalows but there were no bad rooms at this hotel. Do have I client I deal with now who I know will want to stay here – lots!!! Just hope they can afford it!

Final plus point was the General Manager, Marcus, excellent host – knew every centimetre of that hotel! Would suit all types of guests…

Excursions

We didn’t do any excursions on the trip but a number were available to the Pitons on the Southern part of the Island. Guests staying in the Gros Islet area could visit Castries or the Rodney Bay area which offered shopping and dining options. Comparing it to Antigua, there did seem more infrastructure and more to do in St Lucia than Antigua

Selling the Destination

Confident I can sell the destination to many clients. As mentioned above it offers in my opinion, more diversity than Antigua. We saw a very diverse range of properties which would suit all markets and ages groups. The key selling points are the beaches, the St Lucian hospitality (great people) and fantastically high standard of hotels.

Jump Up

Can’t leave St Lucia without mentioning the Jump Up. A massive Friday night street party with live music and entertainment which happens in the heart of Gros Islet. You weren’t sure if you were going to be intruding on something that is really for the local population only. Driving through you did see a few tourists and provided you don’t wear ostentatious jewellery or draw too much attention to yourself in general, you’ll have a wonderful time. We thoroughly enjoyed the whole atmosphere and mingled with locals without issue. I would recommend any client who has the chance to go and experience it!  

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

Destination St. Lucia! (Part 2)

Destination St. Lucia! (Part 2)

Le Sport Bodyholiday

Enjoyed a site inspection and complimentary spa session at Bodyholiday. I have to say, the property

was very busy and hence we didn’t get to see many of the rooms. From the brief glimpse we had, there were far more luxurious rooms on St Lucia. The reason to come to Le Sport is the wellness experience. To be fair, they do it very well – albeit with blackboards listing activities and buffet style dining, it does have a little of a luxury holiday camp feel to it. With Le Sport, you tailor your holiday to suit you and can do as much or as little as you like. Spa sessions, tennis training, yoga, beach activities – it can all be done. Its predominance of English guests is catered for with afternoon every afternoon at 4.30 and its attention to detail with individual guests, from the ones I spoke to, is first class. Not a property to bring children to (most of the year the age limit is 16 plus – couples and certainly groups will fit in ideally here and more significantly, single travellers. The management are at pains to cater in a sensitive way to single travellers ie strategically seating them in an area where they can mix with other single travellers over drinks and dinner.

Rendezvous 

The sister property to Le Sport, this couples only resort has been converted into a hotel/resort from a family home. The property has a beautiful beachfront location and has burgeoned from a family residence into a resort of 100 rooms, whilst still retaining charm and intimacy. It naturally is solely aimed at couples and honeymooners but does cater for weddings as well.

The open air buffet style dining area has an excellent beachfront location and the quality of food was excellent – especially the choice of around 7 desserts!!! The bar area – which was part of the original family home – was charming. Typical with the rest of St Lucia, it had an excellent Spa and great gym – with options to do many other both indoor and outdoor activities.

From the outside, some of the accommodation blocks did look rather Spartan but once inside were of a very high standard. The Beachfront cottages were my favourite but the categories at the property would suit for all tastes and budgets.

East Winds Inn

Our group sent one night at East Winds Inn. The Caribbean style property is made up of only 30 rooms – made up predominately of split level semi detached style cottages. The cottages were beautifully decorated with very expensive Italian bed linen and had a very rustic feel to them.

The bathrooms included a sunken shower – very quirky – and the cottage as whole had a kind of jungle feel to it. Sadly, in terms of space, it was probably the smallest bedroom we saw on the whole trip and coming immediately after spending 2 nights in a 2 bedroomed Deluxe Suite, was made to feel even smaller.

The unique selling point of East Winds is really its unique charm. It has a great beachfront location (with a beautiful beach) and prides itself on its tropical gardens – guests can do walks around the property with pre-marked trails - and its restaurant has a strong Caribbean feel to it. The service and quality of food and drink in the bars and restaurants was superb. Personally I didn’t really get the concept myself. Whilst there was nothing wrong with any aspect of the property, I couldn’t think of clients that I would place there. However, from speaking to a number of guests – many of whom were repeat clients and certainly in the 50 plus aged bracket – they absolutely loved the place and “wouldn’t stay anywhere else in St Lucia”, highlighting the service and relaxing intimate nature of the property as the reasons why they return again and again. Rated no 1 in Gros Islet on Trip Advisor, that many people can’t be wrong can they???!!!

Calabash Cove

Quite simply my favourite property of all we saw. Sadly only had chance for lunch and site inspection. Located at the end of quite a bumpy route (as many of them are) off of the main road between Gros Islet and Castries, you are immediately wowed by the façade as you approach. Not sure how to describe it, reception is in kind of an open air atrium (if that’s possible) with the most spectacular views out to sea – leading into a sea front restaurant area – again with amazing views.

Steps took you down to the pool area with swim up bar – with accommodations on either side – with the beach area further down. It provides the most wonderful romantic hideaway – I can immediately name 4 or 5 clients I would place here!!! The place is an absolute paradise. Yes, as many of the luxury properties in St Lucia, it isn’t cheap but even the lead category of rooms are fantastic – as long as you can get over the fact that the bath is located in the main body of the room!

I loved it and the large balcony affording those stunning views, even better. My personal favourites were the swim up Junior suites – only 4 of them I think. They had their own balcony/terrace with steps down directly to the main pool area – the terrace area shrouded in beautiful foliage - but with the options to have privacy if required.

Food in the main restaurant was excellent and to be fair, the menu at the swim bar looked absolutely ideal as well. Again the property had an excellent spa but on the downside, is really not suitable for the less able bodied guests or children. If you did choose to leave this idyllic location, the hotel were keen to stress the many activities they could offer guests. I wouldn’t bother!!!

Windjammer Landing

Not really knowing the property, in my mind, I imagined a fading luxury Sheraton/Marriott type property – what I got was totally different. Beautifully designed and decorated rooms – in a kind Grecian style. Someone compared it to Santorini - I guess that’s about right. The property is set right up on a hillside – the highest rooms apparently around 500 meters up from the sea. It has varying categories of rooms and aims to suit all party sizes. The larger 3 – 4 bedroom Villas ideal for large family groups had been very well thought out. The key thing I noticed with all categories of room at Windjammer was the amount of space – you felt that in other hotels they would have tried to squeeze in another couple more bedrooms. Here you had space to move around. I stayed in a Hibiscus Suite – 3^rd category in – which was lovely. Excellent sea views, Hot tub on the balcony, what more could a boy want!!! Spacious lounge and kitchen area, leading into a large bedroom area and onto an ensuite bathroom. Beautifully decorated.

We ate in the Mediterranean restaurant at the property - excellent cuisine - before heading to the poolside bar close to the busy reception area. Again very nice. Downside to Windjammer Landing – and it is only a small one – is the sheer size of the property and getting around it. Buggies can be hailed and arrive quickly but if you are located high up the property it is quite a journey around

sharp and steep hairpin bends over bumpy terrain – not everyone’s cup of tea. Offset that with

the fact it probably has most amenities of all the hotels we saw – 3 shops located close to reception.

Naturally it doesn’t really suit disabled guests but all others – both those wanting to relax and those wants all the facilities you’d usually expect from a large resort.

Stay tuned for Part 3, coming on January 7th!

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

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

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