‘On Location’ in St Lucia – Yoga at Jade Mountains & The Treetop Adventure Park
Thursday 10th September
Feeling a little worse for wear on Thursday morning I still made it up the mountain to Jade Mountain for yoga at 7am. We had our yoga mats already rolled out on the roof terrace for us with the Pitons and the sea and the
Me yoga-ing at Jade Mountains
sunrise in full view…. HEAVEN. After an hour of bending, twisting and contorting into all sorts of positions I was beginning to get quite hot and bothered, and despite the beautiful views I was quite relieved when it was over. We then took some really cool photos of us looking all meditative in front of the Pitons.
After breakfast I had the most AMAZING full body massage at the spa. Never had a massage like it … mmmmmmmmm….. The others went on another shore dive, and once again, raved about how fantastic the diving is in St Lucia.
Me and Linzi yoga
I was quite sad to leave Anse Chastanet. It really was the most relaxing, beautiful and peaceful place. On the way to our next hotel we stopped off in the middle of a tropical rainforest for a zip-lining experience that delivers such a rush. This was so much fun! We were given harnesses, gloves and helmets and taught how to stay facing forward on the zip line and sent on our way. The Treetop Adventure Park really lived up to its name with the zip lines going from tree to tree. There are people hooking you on and off the lines all the way round, and it’s a constant flowing process so very little hanging around waiting. The lines are pretty high, some above the canopy of trees, it’s so much fun whizzing through the jungle whooping like Tarzan!
Treetop Adventure Park
I really recommend you experience the exhilaration of this treetop canopy adventure when visiting St Lucia and it can be located west of the northern point of Dennery river bridge.
That evening we arrived at our next hotel, Coconut Bay. An all inclusive hotel on the beach on the Atlantic side, which is split into an adults only side and a childrens side. We had a really lovely meal, and a dance in the night club on site – we were the only ones in it and requested all the music we wanted, it was really good fun on our last night in St Lucia.
Kat Hayter
Reservations Executive
Add comment October 13, 2009
Get to know the birds of southern Europe
How many species did you add throughout the summer months?
Although it has been well reported that August was a very quiet time for birders, this was not the case in the sunny Algarve, Portugal.
Birding in the Algarve takes you off the tourist track popular with walkers and cyclists to a land where White Storks and Hoopoes, Purple Swamp-hens and Azure-winged Magpies offer a truly memorable experience.
Enthusiasts that booked their accommodation with Select Resorts this year all returned home in buoyant moods as they report to us the number of species that they have ticked - included sightings of Wigeons, Booted Eagles, Ospreys and Glossy Ibis all at Ludo farm in Quinta do Lago.
Ludo Farm borders the Quinta de Lago resort and spreads east as far as Faro Airport. The best access to get the most out of your visit is from the road leading to Ilha de Faro. If you park on the right-hand side of the road and head along the track westwards away from the airport you have access to saltpans and glorious lagoons that provide some great views.
At Select Resorts we want to hear of your birding experiences in the Algarve region, so please feel free to add your comments.
Remember at the end of an action packed day bird watching it is essential for some good food and comfortable accomodation to relax in. Check out Select Resorts website http://www.selectresorts.co.uk to arrange your accommodation in the Algarve now.
Add comment October 12, 2009
‘On Location’ in St Lucia – Anse Chastanet Bay & Jade Mountains
Wednesday 9th September 2009
The first task of the day was to get packed up and sadly leave the Bay Gardens Resort. We took the luggage to Vigie Cove where we boarded a boat for our transfer round to the South of the island. This was a real highlight. We had all climbed around to the front of the boat and sunbathed drinking Pitons. We then glimpsed for the first time the REAL Pitons. Two huge green peaks iconic of the island and created by the volcano. Just stunning scenery and a wonderful boat trip with some wonderful people.
We made a quick stop to the Fond Doux Estate, which is a working cocoa
Plantation Cottages
plantation where guests can stay in little cottages. I could have spent hours taking photos – there were so many unusual trees and weird looking tropical flowers. But it was an unscheduled stop and we didn’t have time to stick around, as we had a visit to the volcano, mud baths and Diamond waterfall planned.
The volcano is dormant and steam bellows out of craters in the ground, it is like something from planet of the apes. The guide told us how a few years ago there were little bridges from one hole to another where tourists could get up close. They were soon taken away when a guide fell off, made a crater of his own and got severely burnt up to his waist. Poor guy. Anyway, we were then taken away from the tourists to
Group mud bath
where the locals go for the natural mud baths and hot springs. At first I was not convinced that jumping in a hot pool of water and smothering myself with mud would be fun. But soon enough I was baking out in the sun with mud all over, and then washing off under a hot waterfall. And I must say, my skin felt soft as a baby’s bottom – someone could make a mint bottling this stuff in the UK.
We were pretty hungry after that, and so off to lunch at Anse Chastanet. This is a beautiful, peaceful and environmentally conscious resort on the most beautiful beach. The rooms are either down by the beach or up on the hillside with the most stunning views. Many of the rooms are open to the
Anse Chastanet Bay Coastline
elements (and the nature!) with walls missing allowing guests to feel like they really are in the jungle. But don’t get ideas of camping, think more like 4 star tree houses – Chook did actually have a tree growing from the shower up through the roof in his room! This really is something different for people who love nature or want a really peaceful retreat.
That afternoon was spent either diving or sunbathing on the gorgeous beach. Then in the evening we were invited up to Jade Mountain for a drink before dinner. Words cannot explain how AMAZING this hotel is, and no photo can do it justice. It is jaw droppingly the most incredible hotel I have ever seen (and I’ve seen a lot!). It is the most luxurious hotel on the island and regularly caters for A-list celebrities
Jade building
and the very rich. Located on the top of a mountain with striking panoramic views of the Pitons and the ocean, the rooms are called ‘sanctuaries’. The unusual architecture of the hotel means that each sanctuary has its own private walkway, for just them and their private butler to use. We were taken to a suite for champagne and canapés. I was speechless – one large open plan room, hanging on the edge of a cliff with one completely open side. A four poster bed, and a private infinity pool – in the bedroom! We all felt like celebrities and watched the sun set from the luxurious sofas with champagne flowing. I thought I was dreaming.
Unfortunately a bunch of excitable travel agents would not fit well with the peaceful and romantic surroundings of the restaurant for exclusive guests at Jade Mountain, so back down the hill to the restaurant at Anse Chastanet for delicious meal. It would not be the last I saw of Jade Mountain though, as we had been invited back in the morning for sunrise yoga on the roof terrace. As the night wore on and the rum kept coming, I wondered if I would actually make it up in time the next morning…
Add comment October 12, 2009
Aphrodite Hills – Open Evening
We are pleased to present the luxury Aphrodite Hills which provides unparalleled Real Estate opportunities for those dreaming of an e
asy-going, eclectic lifestyle within the most prestigious sports and leisure resort in the Mediterranean.
Aphrodite Hills offers an exciting selection of luxury villa and apartment styles and designs, each intended to complement the beautiful landscapes of the resort, combining the sympathetic architectural touches and contemporary living that have become such a feature of Cypriot real estate. Aphrodite Hills offers top quality property at an integrated resort making Mediterranean indoor and alfresco living a real pleasure.
Savills Select Resorts invite you to an open evening showcasing the stunnin
g Aphrodite Hills Resort, its comprehensive range of luxury villas and the investment benefits.
Date Thursday 29th October 2009
Time 5.30pm to 8pm
Address Savills Residential, 139 Sloane Street, Knightsbridge, London SW1X 9AY
For further information please contact select@savills.com or call 01202 765 011
Add comment October 9, 2009
Twenty20 World Cup in the Caribbean
With the ICC ending speculation that the tournament could be moved away from West Indies the count down for the tournament is now on its way starting with the official launch in Barbados on October 31.
The tournament will be staged at four venues – Barbados, Guyana, St Kitts and St Lucia from 30 Apr – and the final will be played at the Kensington Oval, Barbados on May 16.
ICC Chief executive Haroon Lorgat comments on the hosts stating – “In Barbados, Guyana, St Kitts and St Lucia we have four outstanding venues, something that was shown in 2007 when they hosted matches in the ICC Cricket World Cup, and we know that West Indian spectators enjoy the format as they have already embraced Twenty20 at domestic level.”
Defending champions Pakistan will play in Group ‘A’ alongside Bangladesh and Australia. Former champions India are in Group ‘C’ with South Africa and another qualifier while Group ‘B’ comprises Sri Lanka, New Zealand and Zimbabwe.
Download your free tournament schedule by clicking here
Barbados
Barbados is a coral island formed in pre-historic times by erupting volcanoes. Now it is a dream for beachgoers, cricketers, scuba divers, golfers, fishing enthusiasts and just about anyone seeking fun and relaxation in a relatively upmarket environment. Its west coast boasts beaches of fine white sand bordering a blue-green Caribbean sea, while the Atlantic Ocean supplies the east coast with waves 
that inspire surfers and other water sports enthusiasts.
Accommodation
Select Resorts offer outstanding prices on the finest villasand apartments that Barbados has to offer. Whether looking for accommodation close to Bridgetown that is pulsating with night-life, reggae music, and fun-loving locals or accommodation in luxury resorts like Royal Westmoreland and The Crane, Select Resorts will create a truly unforgettable experience for you.
St Lucia
St. Lucia is one of the most desirable locations in the Caribbean, a tropical island rich in unspoiled natural beauty, verdant forests, beautiful coves and palm fringed sandy beaches. The most popular part of the island is the north, here are also some of the best beaches, shopping centres, marin
as and hotels. It can be explored by taxi, boat or hire car and there are many fascinating tours
Accommodation
Select Resorts provide an exquisite collection of villa and apartment rentals on this beautiful tropical island. Take advantage of watching the cricket in St Lucia with beautiful scenery and perfectly positioned holiday accommodation stretched along palm fringed beaches with gorgeous views out across the Caribbean Sea.
Add comment October 9, 2009
2010 Top Holiday Desitnations – #3
2010 Top Holiday Destinations – #3 Aphrodite Hills
My first visit to Aphrodite Hills, and Cyprus, was several years ago now! At the time there was very little on the site and the hotel was just a shell – Health and Safety would have been run off their feet as no-one seemed to be wearing protective clothing or hard hats and there were wires and holes everywhere!!! The resort has certainly changed and expanded and is a superb place to visit.
There was very little to see on that first visit, the Orpheus Village apartments were completed and a few villas, however, the essential was well established and functioning – the golf course! It is a buggy course and I remember being given a tour – great fun when I was allowed to drive! The descent down the side of the ravine was a little hair raising but well worth the trip as the scenery at the bottom was delightful – an oasis of natural vegetation with birdsong! Our guide told us that the plan was to leave as many of the Cypriot plants and trees as possible in order to provide a habitat for the local wildlife. I must admit that seeing a family of quail cross the track in front of me was especially memorable and I could understand why they wished to encourage this.
At the time I was impressed with both the island and its people and I was determined that I would re-visit as soon as possible. Since that first trip I have spent two holidays in Cyprus and also visited a few times to have an update on developments at Aphrodite Hills. The resort has certainly blossomed and is truly a wonderful place to stay.
I have stayed in privately owned accommodation and also at the Intercontinental Hotel – both very different but equally enjoyable. There are now many facilities available on site including the spa, tennis centre, gym, golf course, mini golf, horse riding, cycling and the kids club and playground. There are also two beach clubs within easy reach of the resort. The Village Square provides a number of restaurants, shops and a bar – dining outside on a warm evening with stunning sea views, what could be better!!!
It is perfectly possible to stay on the resort and be fully entertained but, as I mentioned in a previous post, I do like to travel around and see the sites! Paphos is a must with a lovely harbour, promenade and a fort – inland a little is the market, shops and stunning views from the top of the hill! I remember having a long cold drink in the sunshine and appreciating the view over the city and out to the sea! Don’t miss the mosaics – they aren’t widely publicised so not easy to find, but they are at the back of the car park in the harbour and the ruins cover a vast area well worth visiting!
Troodos Mountains are lovely – they even offer skiing in winter – and present a different type of scenery and vistas. There is also a lovely monastery at Kykkos with modern mosaics in vibrant colours – and entrance was free!
Also worth a visit is Kourion – a huge and very well preserved amphitheatre which I believe still features entertainment on occasion. There are also the ruins of many villas and some feature mosaics. Limassol has an old part of the city with lots of little shops, a castle that is now a museum and a carob factory converted to house a virtual reality trip through the history of Cyprus – this does get rather busy as numbers are limited so it may be worth booking, wandering around the old town and then going back! Limassol is also the main port for the island so it can be rather busy at times – avoid rush hour and its fine! There are many more towns and villages – often I just drive around and see where I end up!
Another must is to try the local cuisine! Everything from a simple Greek salad at lunch, through to the slow cooked kleftiko and the must not be missed meze! I remember being recommended a small family run restaurant in the middle of nowhere. Six of us arrived to find the family sitting on the terrace. They quickly prepared a table for us, served us with drinks and told us it would be only a few minutes. True to their word they started bringing out the meze, lots of little dishes rather like tapas, which just kept on coming!!! We eventually had to call a halt and inform our hosts that we really couldn’t eat any more. They were very disappointed because we hadn’t even tried desert! The meal was delicious, plentiful and very inexpensive – and the family were lovely and welcoming. A truly memorable experience!
My trips to Cyprus have been in March, June, September and November and the sun has always shone! I was even able to swim in the outdoor pool at the hotel in November, although there is an indoor heated pool for the less foolhardy! On that trip we did have a tropical rainstorm with a spectacular display of lightening the evening before – we sat outside with a bottle of wine and enjoyed the show!!! Truly amazing!
Cyprus is a wonderful island with many happy memories – perhaps I should be planning my next trip!
Carol Denson
Senior Reservations Executive
Select Resorts off a wide range of Apartments and Townhouses at Aphrodite Hills. These properties offer a range of one, two, or three bedroom accomodation as well as larger properties to meet your holiday requirements.
Add comment October 1, 2009
St Lucia – Castries Market & Coco Palm
Tuesday was the busiest day for site inspections, but I’ve got to be honest that looking around these stunning hotels was not a chore! And with the day divided up by a bit of shopping and an extremely long lunch it certainly didn’t feel like work.
Kicking off with a brief visit to the Village Inn and Spa, which is right opposite Bay Gardens our ‘tiring’ day of hotel visits had begun. A nice mid-range, good value family hotel in Rodney Bay, close to the beach and nice big communal pool. This would be a good options for families on a budget but looking for a great location.
Almond Morgan Bay Bedroom
Next onto Almond Morgan Bay, which is so big we were whisked around in golf buggies to see the rooms and facilities. Again, really impressed with the accommodation and the facilities on offer. Lovely beach, great for families and lives up to the Almond reputation.
We then stopped briefly at the market in Castries. The first section is the usual tourist souvenirs, but when we walked through to the second part it was full of stalls selling local produce. Food – that’s more like it! It was interesting to see the stalls piled high with spices and local fruits and vegetables. I really wanted to stop longer and find out what they all were as many I have never seen before and would have loved to have sampled some. Back in mini-bus we
Castries Market spices
compared purchases. Dom had bought a bottle filled with spices, which would be later filled with rum to make the local infamous spiced-rum – certainly the strongest thing I have ever tasted! He was also very pleased with the bargain bag of Saffron he had bought, until we pointed out the label saying tumeric on the side.
We also made a quick visit to the Point Seraphine for duty free shopping. Diamond and jewellery shops, souvenirs, perfume and cosmetics – a shopoholics dream! If only I had some money to spend on some diamonds, I would have got a bargain I’m sure.
Then onto Calabash Cove. We drove up to the entrance and everyone on the
Pool at Calabash Cove
bus gasped and wowed all at the same time at the view through the reception, the restaurant and out to sea! What a stunning place, literally hanging off the edge of a cliff the hotel had rooms dotted around with the most amazing views of the ocean. The rooms were stunning, really modern décor. We saw one room all open plan with the bath in the middle. There were rooms with their own infinity pools and hammocks on the terrace. We were then treated to an amazing lunch in the most beautiful restaurant ever. I had the lobster (of course – what else would I choose from a free fine-dining menu!) which was scrummy, and we sat chatting in the sunshine for about three hours, drinking rum punch and cocktails. The manager has even commented since it’s the longest lunch he has ever had. Phew, these fam trips are tough….
Next onto another site inspection at Windjammer Landings. Another one set
Windjammer Villa
on a cliffs edge, we were carted around in a mini van. I’m not sure if that’s because of the steep hills, or the fact that none of us could physically move after eating so much at lunchtime. We saw the most stunning villa at the top of the resort with fabulous views.
That evening we went for dinner at Coco Palm in Rodney Bay. A lovely little boutique hotel, somewhere I would definitely go myself with my boyfriend as its close to the nightlife of Rodney Bay. They had lovely modern rooms and the best invention ever – swim up rooms! Just roll out of bed in the morning, open
Dinner at Coco Palm
the terrace door, jump into the pool. Wonderful! We had (another) lovely cocktail, and a delicious meal in the Moroccan themed restaurant. We sat on benches with comfy cushions and after a long day in the heat and still full from lunch I was struggling to finish the yummy food and stay awake. Oh well, ill just have to go back and try it out again.
Kat Hayter
Reservations Executive
Inifinity pool at Calabash Cove
Add comment September 30, 2009
‘ON LOCATION’ in St Lucia – The Body Holiday at Le Sport
Monday 7th September 2009
On Monday morning we went to see Cotton Bay Village. This is based at the same beach as we went horse riding, and they served us breakfast at the beach restaurant. This was the best breakfast we had in the whole week, fresh pastries and fruit platters. Yum! Cotton Bay Village is a villa and apartment resort, very up-market and great for families. We saw a magnificent villa right on the beach, stunning. They pointed out the villa that Amy Winehouse had stayed in for three months, and the one next to it she had rented for her recording equipment. I had seen the pictures of her in St Lucia in the papers, getting drunk and falling over! We also saw a really nice apartment, the décor was beautiful. These trips always make me want to go home and redecorate my own house!
Next onto a completely new concept for me – The Body Holiday at Le Sport.
Le Sport Body View
A hotel where you automatically receive a spa treatment everyday of your stay, and the resort has an immense choice of sports and keep-fit facilities on site. Everyday there are at least 30 different classes to choose from, and the food is healthy and nutritious. Although I would like to think that I would go on holiday and lose some weight and get fit there, with the food and cocktails on offer, and the amazing beach to lounge on – its never going to happen. In my opinion holidays are for indulging guilt free.
There is a dive company on site, which the others made full use of in the afternoon to do a drift dive. They saw some amazing sites, and said the reef was a vertical wall. They just had to be upright in the water and watch the fish and coral as if watching TV. I went snorkeling with L
inzi, which was AMAZING! I have never snorkeled in tropical waters before, and saw the most amazing multi-coloured fish, the best were some large blue ones with smiley faces. We also saw a huge black and white spotted eel. At one point we had a rain shower whilst we were snorkeling which was lovely, and by the time we got back to the boat the sun was shining again.
We had the evening free, but most of us chose to stay at the hotel for a beach BBQ and cocktail party they arranged for us. It was lovely! They had arranged tables out on the sand, with fairy lights hanging everywhere, a yummy BBQ and a man playing the steel drums. Very atmospheric and just wonderful. A beautiful end to a beautiful day.
Kat Hayter
Reservations Executive
Sea at Le Sport Body Holiday
Add comment September 25, 2009
‘ON LOCATION’ in St Lucia – Cotton Bay
Sunday 6th September 2009
On Sunday morning we had a site inspection of Bay Gardens. A gorgeous family resort set on a beautiful beach. A really nice communal pool, yummy breakfast and a really good dive centre on site.
Horseriding at Cotton Bay Beach
Next we were taken horse riding at Cotton Bay Beach! Last time I went on a horse it bolted so I was pretty scared. Having put on our riding hats and limbered up for mounting our horses, they were carefully chosen for us depending on our riding experience. We were told that the riding centre specialises in teaching children and the horses are gentle and docile. Mine was just greedy. Stopping every two minutes to grab a passing branch or munch on a tuft of grass I was holding everyone up, and with no riding experience I was unable to encourage my gee-gee to stop scoffing and start trotting!
Bareback horseriding at Cotton Bay
The highlight of the excursion was when we stopped at the beach, the saddles were taken off and we rode bareback into the sea. It was wonderful! Although still terrified, and with my horse attempting to kneel down and role over, the romance of it all was still quite moving. It was also nice to cool off in the sea and the horses seemed to be enjoying themselves.
The afternoon consisted of a few site visits. First to the Sandals Grande for site inspection and lunch. It really changed my perception of all inclusive resorts. The food was delicious, really healthy and lots of choice. The resort was very big but really high standard of accommodation and facilities. The beach was also really nice and the whole place just had a really relaxing atmosphere. There are so many room types to choose from, which is great for clients to find something to suit their budget, but a nightmare for me to remember the differences between them all! Although the resort is quite international and not typically Caribbean style which I prefer, I was really impressed and have realized that all inclusive can be great for controlling your budget and makes catering for children really easy.
We then returned to the Rex The Royal and St Lucian where we had eaten the night before to take a look around in the day light. Although the standard is not 4 or 5 star like the other hotels we had seen so far ( I was getting a bit spoilt!), they are excellent value and the best location. You can stay right in Rodney Bay with all the restaurants and night life and use the same beach as Bay Gardens. The Chic restaurant is top–notch too.
Late afternoon we had some free time, so straight to the beach for sunbathing and swimming, and then in the evening we went to The Landings for dinner. This was a luxury hotel with a marina. You can practically sail up to your room. The lobby is very grand and the food, again, was divine.
Kat Hayter
Reservations Executive
Horseriding at Cotton Bay
Add comment September 22, 2009
‘ON LOCATION’ in St Lucia – Bay Gardens at Rodney Bay
Saturday 5th September 2009
After sharing my breakfast with the birds (one even came and sat on Geraldines head and eyed up her toast at one point!) we went for a site inspection of Ti Kaye Village. It looked a lot different with the sun now shining! The highlight was the spa, as the views from the Jacuzzi and massage rooms were to die for. The rest of the morning was spent by the pool and some of the others went for a dive. There is a dive company on site, and shore dives are possible. We sat and ate lunch at the beach restaurant and the excited divers told us all about their adventure and the amazing creatures they had seen.
Discovery boat ride
After lunch we took a boat round to Discovery at Marigot Bay. It was simply breathtaking arriving in style into this exclusive resort, and the views iconic of the island. Lush green hills as the back drop and a palm tree lined bay with a marina full of super yachts. Even though the resort was closed, they showed us around Discovery. We saw a penthouse apartment with a private Jacuzzi with views across the pool and the bay. Décor stunning, modern and tasteful and extremely high quality.
It was boiling hot and we were gasping for some rum punch, so we sat in the marina village at Discovery and had a couple of drinks. Not too much hanging around though, we were off again in the mini bus to Bay Gardens at Rodney Bay.
On the way we stopped at a view point to take a picture and try some Banana ketchup. Cant say it really appealed, but apparently its wonderful on burgers!
Check in champagne at Bay Gardens Beach
When we arrived in Bay Gardens at Rodney Bay, anyone would have thought we were celebrities! We arrived just in time for sunset, and they arranged to check us in on the beach with champagne in hand and our room key in the other. Fabulous darling!
My suite at Bay gardens was beach front with gorgeous sea views, a lounge, fully equipped kitchen and en-suite bedroom. Really comfy and plenty of space. Families would love it! After a quick change we met in the lobby for dinner at another hotel across the road – Rex Royal Hotel, in the restaurant named Chic.
After an amazing fine dining meal and a desert which was a bit of crumble
Me at Bay Gardens Sun Set
served with three shots of different flavoured rum I was well on my way for party time! Our host, the manager of the hotel was hilarious, with funny stories about celebs he has met at various hotels over the years and their antics and a witty sense of humour.
We went out in Rodney Bay for a couple of drinks, which was a lively Saturday night. I and a couple of others left earlier than the others and they told me the next day about their night consisting of fire eaters and birthday cake.
Kat Hayter
Reservations Executive
Add comment September 21, 2009
