Archive for September, 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
‘ON LOCATION’ in St Lucia – Arrival Day
I was finally off on my fam trip to St Lucia! Having met with the 8 other travel agents from all over the UK and Genevieve (the representative from the St Lucia Tourist board) at Gatwick airport, and finding everyone in the group was lovely I was feeling confident I would have a great time. We even had our own check in desk – the VIP treatment had started already!
The flight was as expected from a long haul, although I have to say Virgin was very good. The flight was first thing in the morning, the food good and a good choice of films. I also started to get to know my fellow travelers, of whom were 7 women between 26 and 65, and two guys in their twenties. They had traveled from Ireland, Scotland and England for this trip and most had never visited the Caribbean.
On landing at Hewanorra airport in the South of the island, we bypassed the queues for immigration and security, and were fast tracked out of the airport. I did feel a little sorry for everyone else waiting in line, but also a little bit pleased with myself at the same time.
Jumping in the mini van, reggae music on high, the first stop was at a bar for a Piton beer or Rum and Coke at a view point. It was raining but it didn’t put a dampener on our excitement! After two rum and cokes, I realized there was more rum than coke and made a note to self for rest of the week to be a little careful as the St Lucians don’t do things by half here!
Ti Kaye bar view
We then drove for about 1hr 15 mins to Ti Kaye Village, a beautiful hotel with the rooms set like little cottages on the hillside, some with sea views. My room had a terrace overlooking the sea with my own hammock. The little birds were really tame and came and sat on my hammock and took biscuits from my hand.
Me in my hammock Ti Kaye
Dinner at Ti Kaye Village was fab, then it was straight off to Anse-La-Raye Fish Friday. This happens every Friday night. It’s a street party that has been happening for hundreds of years, where locals set up BBQs on the street selling locally caught fresh fish, and with Caribbean music playing. It was really cool to see the locals dancing – boy can they bust some moves! Even the children were dancing like Britney and Justin Timberlake!
It was just a short visit to the party, as we were all pretty tired from the days traveling. Having headed back to my room I wondered how I would sleep due the jungle noises outside my room! Anyway, in with the earplugs, tucked under my mosquito net and into bed. This is definitely a resort for those who want to be close to nature, as it was coming in my bedroom. At one point there was a gecko sat on the net right above my head, im sure he knew he was winding me up! I did however wake up at the crack of dawn due to the good old body clock, and got up to watch the sunrise in my hammock. Aaaah, bliss!
Kat Hayter
Reservations Executive
Arrival drink at Ti Kaye bar
Add comment September 16, 2009
2010 Top Holiday Desitnations – #2
2010 Top Holiday Destinations – #2Monte da Quinta
I briefly considered chatting about another country but decided to stay with Portugal and the Algarve instead. Perhaps I am a little biased but I have spent several lovely holidays there and speaking the language does help a little!
Still looking at the Quinta do Lago, I decided to talk about the Monte da Quinta Club – I have never stayed on the resort but I have visited and I was suitably impressed. The Monte da Quinta townhouses and villas are beautifully furnished and very well maintained and all have to be of a high standard to be considered for rental. The townhouses all have private gardens with a small plunge pool and the villas have larger gardens and full sized pools. They have proved to be very popular with families over the summer and are now being booked by golfers and those wishing to avoid the busy summer season!
Staying on site means that guests are entitled to use the indoor and outdoor pools, gym, Turkish bath, bar, restaurant and coffee shop – plus many more amenities. The properties also offer cable television, daily maid service and internet – a must for many nowadays!
Proving to be equally popular is the on site hotel – the Monte da Quinta Suites. These consist of 1, 2 or 3 bedroom apartments with their own terrace or balcony overlooking the gardens or pool. There is a lounge/dining room, separate bedroom with en-suite and a galley style kitchen. They seem to offer the best of both worlds as breakfast is included, but self catering is also an option!
The Suites also have access to the on site facilities, plus they offer room service and wireless internet. There is a Kid’s Club and crèche available for children from 6 months and up – guests in the privately owned properties can use this facility too!
The resort is centrally located in Quinta do Lago with the Golf Club opposite and the Jim Stewart Tennis Academy on the doorstep! The beach is also close by – a very short drive or a nice walk. There are a few restaurants within walking distance which would give other options for dining out.
The variety of properties offered at Monte da Quinta makes it an ideal location with many guests re-booking and staying again and again! Altogether a resort to be at least considered for a short break or longer holiday!!!
Carol Denson
Senior Reservations Executive
Select Resorts off a wide range of Holiday Villas, Suites and Townhouses in Monte da Quinta. These properties offer a range of one, two, or three bedroom accomodation as well as larger villas to meet your holiday requirements.
Add comment September 16, 2009
Select Resorts ‘ON Location’
When renting holiday accommodation in some of the world’s most beautiful villas, apartments, and townhouses we have always prided ourselves in providing the “personal touch” and giving an honest and professional service to our customers.
We are introducing Select Resorts ‘On Location’ to facilitate that all important decision of where to take that much needed vacation. Select Resorts ‘On Location’ places an emphasis on not just communicating to our customers with information on holiday destinations but a reflection on life at these destinations as we seek to catch a true moment of time.
Im Off to St Lucia! The Adventures of Kat in the Caribbean
PART 1 – Getting Ready for Takeoff
Travelling abroad is a fantastic perk of working in the travel industry and when I was given the opportunity to join an educational trip to St Lucia in the Caribbean, organised by the St Lucia Tourist board, I couldn’t contain my excitement. The Caribbean is one of those places everyone would like to visit, and I thought my chance of going was a long way off. So of course I grabbed the opportunity with both hands and accepted my place immediately. I was already imagining the stunning beaches I would see, gorgeous hotels I would be visiting, the yummy food I might be eating and planning what to pack even before the trip was confirmed. Now just how many pairs of shoes could I fit into in my suitcase…?
Of course I haven’t forgotten that fun and rum cocktails in the sun is not the sole purpose of this trip, it is also to learn as much about St Lucia as possible to help me provide my customers with a true reflection of this exotic Caribbean paradise. I will be checking out lots of hotels and villas which Select Resorts might like to feature and trying some of the activities and excursions on offer to my customers on their holidays – It’s a tough job, but someone’s got to it.
The title of the trip is St Lucia Dive and Adventure. The aim is to show me all the amazing diving, snorkelling and adventure activities there are to do on the island; it’s not just a beach holiday and honeymoon destination you know! This didn’t really sink in until I’d had my place booked. And now although our itinerary is yet to be revealed, I hear rumours of diving, horse riding, watersports and zip wiring through the rainforest.
Now I wouldn’t describe myself as an adrenaline seeking, adventure kind of girl. Although I enjoy keeping fit and trying new things, past experiences of trying more adventurous activities have not been that successful. Whilst horse riding in the New Forest my horse bolted. Whilst sea kayaking in Mallorca I had to be rescued when I beached myself on some rocks. And in Finland I was the only person to fall off my sledge when my huskies weren’t even on the move. So you get the picture, not exactly Action Woman. But I am willing to give anything a go, and throw caution to the wind for the opportunity to go to the Caribbean.
What I am though is animal mad. I hear St Lucia has lots of exotic birds and sightings of dolphins and whales are a common occurrence, so the thought of spotting a bottlenose dolphin or a monkey is filling me with the excitement of a kid at Christmas! Perhaps zip wiring and snorkelling will help get me up close and personal with some of the wildlife St Lucia has to offer. I am also looking forward to trying some local food. I love cooking and eating, but the extent of my knowledge of Caribbean food is Levi Roots’ Reggae Reggae sauce and I’m sure that’s not the best example of a cuisine known for fresh fish and exotic fruits.
So lots to look forward to and I can’t wait to get back and enlighten everybody of my daily adventures, which I am sure will turn my friends and colleagues even greener than they are now.
Kat Hayter
Reservations Executive
Be sure to check the Select Resorts blog regularly for updates on Kat’s time in St. Lucia.
Add comment September 8, 2009
LIFE IS A BEACH IN ST. KITTS
Oceans Edge, as the name implies, is a Caribbean property development located right on the beach of North Frigate Bay on the beautiful island of St. Kitts. North Frigate Bay is also the narrowest point on the tropical island, making the beaches on the western side also easily accessible.
Beachfront units 7 and 8, part of Phase 2 of the development, are due for completion by the end of September 2009 with landscaping due to be completed by the end of October 2009. The early investors at Ocean’s Edge do not have long to wait to take possession and enjoy life on the beach!
Some beach front units still remain including a beautiful 2,500 square feet 3 bed penthouse recently released. This is the only 3 bedroom penthouse in this phase! Priced at $899,000 it is bound to be snapped up soon, there is even a private pool on the balcony!
The Poolside Cottages in Phase 3a were recently released and work is about to start. These are single storey semi-detached homes with 2 bedroom two bathrooms, private plunge pool and garden. Phase 3b will offer 3 bedroom Poolside Cottages. Work is progressing on schedule on a number of villas currently being built and other infrastructure work around the resort.
Purchasers of Ocean’s Edge can also apply for Economic Citizenship, a legal second passport, allowing the bearer a host of benefits including visa free travel to a number of countries including Shengen Agreement countries. There is no requirement to reside on St. Kitts and successful applicants acquire a tax free status on foreign income, capital gains, gift, wealth and inheritance tax.
The sales and marketing for Ocean’s Edge is carried out by Savills Select Resorts with sales coming from a variety of markets around the globe. To help achieve its goal, Savills Select Resorts continues to increase Ocean’s Edge exposure to International Markets with appointed agents in the USA, Canada, Russia, Dubai, The Far East and several European countries.
Special Offer – Ocean’s Edge is currently offering a limited special offer for the first 10 Poolside Cottages sold by offering these at pre-launch price of $499,000 instead of the normal price of $525,000 – a saving of $26,000!
For more information please visit www.oceansedgestkitts.com
Add comment September 3, 2009
2010 Top Holiday Desitnations – #1
Having just completed my 10th summer working with holiday rentals at Select Resorts, I can honestly say that the most popular development is still Lakeside Village in Quinta do Lago. The fact does not surprise me in the least as I have spent 3 holidays on the resort and it is truly lovely.
Personally, I like to have a comfortable base to start from and then travel around the local area and try and get a ‘feel’ for the country and its people. Lakeside Village has been beautifully set out and the landscaping and views are stunning. I was equally happy staying on site as I was driving out and exploring!
The accommodation is also lovely, and I have stayed in both an apartment and a villa with a private pool – different types of accommodation but both extremely comfortable! I wouldn’t hesitate to recommend either option.
I was born and bred on the beach, so to speak, so in general its charms do not hold a lot of interest for me. However, I have spent some time on the beach at Quinta do Lago and it is very beautiful. There are also water sports, on the lake too, for those who are so inclined.
On one trip I spent a fortnight in the area and travelled quite extensively around the Algarve. It was my first visit and I was determined to explore as much as possible! I can recommend several trips – all possible within a day! On one occasion we decided on a boat trip, a catamaran, from Vilamoura which went along the coast and pulled in to a secluded bay where we were given a BBQ lunch – very nice! But the castle at Silves, Caldos de Monchique, Lagos, Faro old town and Cabo de Sao Vicente are all worth a look! I did find Albufeira a little busy for my taste, but they did have quite a nice selection of shops which helped to occupy my time on a rainy afternoon, and a rather nice bar with lovely views of the bay for the hour when the sun shone!
Carol Denson
Senior Reservations Executive
Select Resorts off a wide range of Holiday Villas, Apartments and Townhouses in Lakeside Village. These properties offer a range of one, two, or three bedroom accomodation as well as larger villas to meet your holiday requirements.
Add comment September 2, 2009
