Posts filed under 'Select Resorts ‘ON Location’'
My trip to Fethiye
This was my first visit to Turkey and I have to say I have completely fallen in love with the Fethiye region and would seriously consider investing myself!
Year on year Turkish property prices have been rising but prices for buying Turkey real estate are still considerably lower than buying real estate in other major tourist areas such as Cyprus, Spain and France.
Staying in a small boutique hotel in Calis provided the perfect opportunity to localise myself with the surroundings. On my first day I had a long walk around the town and along the huge stretch of beach. Calis has everything you need, great restaurants, bars, shops and a very long shingle beach perfect for soaking up the sun. The resort in general is very flat so it is suitable for people with mobility difficulties and also families with young children.
In the hot summer months there tends to be a nice cooling breeze so it is also great for water sports such as kite surfing and wind surfing.
There are many restaurants along the promenade that serve up a fusion and refinement of Central Asian, Middle Eastern and Balkan cuisines. This is where I spent most of my evenings sitting back and embracing the local culture as well as cuisine.
An average 3 course meal (for 2 and a bottle of wine) costs around 75TL which in sterling is approximately £30. Wine and spirits seem to be the most expensive but the local beer ‘Efes’ which has a bitter-sweet finish is good value at 4TL (£1.75).
One restaurant I would highly recommend is the ‘SAT Beach Club’ – this is a lovely al carte located at the very end of the spit overlooking Calis beach and towards Fethiye; it is a beautiful setting and a fantastic spot for the famous sunsets.
Calis Sunset
After eating at the SAT Beach Club I met our agent – Suleyman Akbay who just so happened to be out with my clients – John and Mary Watson who had brought their family out to see the villa they had recently purchased through Select Resorts – It was a pleasure to meet them as I don’t often get the opportunity.
Suleyman and his team are fantastic and the Watsons are thrilled with their purchase and the way the buying process has been handled. I could not speak more highly of an agent, he is extremely helpful, honest and takes great care of our clients throughout the entire sales process – he would also lend a hand at furniture shopping if required!
With such a fantastic personality most clients have a great time with him that they will remain friends and often meet up for a drink when visiting their 2nd home!
Calis Real Estate
We have many Calis real estate apartments and villas available here ranging from £37,000 – £175,000 and at the most you will only be 10 – 15 minutes walk to the town and beach. All properties will have great rental potential so if you are considering purchasing purely for investment or a bit of both then I would highly recommend this resort.
Fethiye
On my second day I took the water taxi across the bay from Calis to Fethiye. It’s a lovely 30 minute crossing which allows you to take in the scenery but if you wanted to get there a bit quicker you can just hop on one of many ‘Dolmus Buses’ which takes just 10 minutes.
Calis to Fethiye on the Dolmus bus costs around £0.65. They are extremely frequent and you just hop on and hop off as you please.
In recent months a new walk/cycle path between Calis and Fethiye has been formed and there are new restaurants and bars being built here; it takes approximately 25-30 minutes to walk this route.
Also lining the shore where the water taxi docks are many boats offering fantastic day trips from as little as £8.00 (including lunch and hotel transfers!). The most popular trips are the ‘12 Islands’ and ‘Olu Deniz & Butterfly Valley’ trips. From here you can also take trips to Dalyan for its Turkish mud baths, turtle beach and the Turkish market.
Boats in Fethiye
Fethiye is also home to some great shopping from the huge weekly market on Tuesdays to boutique shops. There are plenty of restaurants to choose from, most offering sea views and again fantastic prices. Fethiye also has a very nice marina so if you are a boating enthusiast then this is where you could potentially moor up.
In the hills, overlooking Fethiye is the small suburb of Tasyaka where Select Resorts have apartments available from £63,000. These apartments have been featured in the Sunday Times because they offer beautiful sea and mountain views across the whole resort.
I particularly favour these because of the amazing views and the location because you are just 5 minutes into Fethiye, 8 minutes to Hisaronou with it’s bustling nightlife, 15 minutes to Olu Deniz (Blue Lagoon) and 15 minutes to Calis.
Each of these resorts offers something different to suit all tastes.
Featured Property: Tasyaka
Built by an experienced developer with a reputation for quality and finish, the Manzara Summit apartment complex has a well thought out design ensuring each and every apartment is built to the highest standards with many luxury features; extra large balconies with built in BBQs, practical living spaces and the use of patio doors.
[] 2 and 3 bedroom apartments, prices from £63,000 – £88,000; (101m2 – 198m2).
[] Breathtaking sea and mountain views.
[] 5 minutes to centre of Fethiye and 15 minutes to Olu Deniz and Calis.
Olu Deniz
After walking around Fethiye town and haggling at the market I decided to hop on the Dolmus bus to the famous Olu Deniz Blue Lagoon.
From Fethiye it only takes 15 minutes! There is an entrance fee of 4TL (£1.75) because it is now a protected area and a national park but it is well worth a visit. It has calm crystal clear waters which make it ideal for a variety of water sports and a very safe place for children to swim.
Another great activity here is paragliding because the views coming down from the mountains are just spectacular! This costs around 65TL (£30.00).
After having such a fabulous time in Turkey I am already planning my next trip. I can confidently advise anyone interesting in purchasing overseas to seriously consider Fethiye and if you haven’t been before then to definitely make a visit!
Hannah Morris
Savills Select Resorts
Add comment August 25, 2010
welcome aboard the Sea Bridge
When most people think of iconic bridges they think of the Golden Gate in the USA or Tower Bridge in the UK but in St Kitts & Nevis their iconic bridge is the floating bridge - The Sea Bridge.
The St Kitts & Nevis Sea Bridge was established to revolutionise transportation between St. Kitts and Nevis, particularly with reference to
vehicular traffic which is important for those who own real estate in St Kitts.
The bridge is the unusual charge of Captain Oritus Jones, a retired sailor who spotted a gap in the market for a ferry connection to eradicate the financial burden on the Federation of a permanent bridge, which was estimated at EC$430.0 million.
Although the crossing is short – only 3.25 nautical miles – there’s plenty of time to lime. Captain Oritus Jones’ experienced staff ensure that everyone knows everyone by the end of the trip which is aided by the fully-serviced on board ‘Caribbean bar’ (a small cupboard containing a mixed crate of beer and sodas). The Sea Bridge provides a transport link for everything from JCBs to fitted kitchens and even donkeys are welcome on board.
On the smooth crossing passengers often sea flying fish, sea turtles and even the occasional whale spout.
The schedule is convenient and reliable and prices are very reasonable at $20EC per person and $75EC per car. A one day roundtrip costs $150EC for a car and a driver.
For more information on St. Kitts & Nevis, please click on the following links that will take you directly to the respective pages:
St Kitts Location / island activities / St Kitts real estate / Economic Citizenship
Add comment July 15, 2010
out and about in Basseterre
St Kitts’ 380 year old harbour side capital is the only town of any size and it can be enjoyed on conducted or audio self-guided tours or by simply meandering through its streets.
Away from St Kitts’ natural scenery and the Ocean’s Edge St Kitts real estate development – that epitomises the best of luxury waterside living – Basseterre is one of the best best-know attractions on the island.
The National Museum is housed in the old Treasury Building, once known as ‘The Gateway to the Island’ when the sea was the only way into the island.
The Circus
Other sites are the green clocktower (but better known as the circus), Independence Square where slaves were once bought and sold, the Georgian House, a number of churches including the St. George Anglican Church, which has one of the oldest pipe organs in the world.
There’s a colourful local market down by the water’s edge and, at the opposite extreme, there are many shops in the upscale duty-free Port Zante where the cruise ships dock.
Basseterre is the hub for all major transport on the island of St. Kitts. The Robert L. Bradshaw International Airport serves the city of Basseterre, and is located in the city’s most North Easterly area. It has direct flights from London, U.S.A and Canada during the tourist season.
Add comment July 7, 2010
Select Resorts’ Algarve iPhone Travel Guide
After receiving lots of support and suggestions from travelers and villa owners in the Algarve, we are delighted to announce that the Select Resorts iPhone application is here!
We introduce to you….
the ‘Algarve Golden Triangle’ - Discover all the gems of this fantastic region.
Get Algarve travel information on-the-go with the new Algarve Golden Triangle application for the iPhone, iPod Touch & iPad. The app is newly available to download from the Apple App Store for free!
The Algarve Golden Triangle iphone travel guide will lead you straight to the best attractions this exclusive region has to offer, being the perfect gateway for all things Algarve.
Whether you are looking for the liveliest nightlife in the Algarve, to experience authentic Portuguese cuisine or to enjoy a round of golf on one of the Algarve’s Championship golf courses, this electronic travel guide is packed full with useful information, to help you make the most of your holiday.
This up-to-date, authoritative and user-friendly guide to the charming region is accessible from the palm of your hand and provides insider knowledge and inspiration every visitor needs to know to make a good holiday great.
You will find accurate information on the Golden Triangles wealth of attractions from the main resorts of Quinta do Lago and Vale do Lobo to exhilarating adventure tours, boat trips and cultural experiences. The guide also features up-to-date listings of the most exclusive places to stay, eat, drink, club and shop to suit all budgets.
The application has four main functions:
Plan your meals – Access listings and details of local restaurants in the region to find the perfect meal in the perfect setting; users are instantly connected to the restaurant of their choice to view locations and reviews before being able book a table through contacting the restaurant direct.
Embark on Adventure and Activities – Enjoy a little excitement with just the swipe of a finger as you search for the ultimate activities in the region. From the Championship Golf Courses to Sailing Trips users will have all the details and contact details in the palm of their hand.
Direct Dial – Easily available listings to provide quick contact to a number of useful services including, Medical Services in emergencies and cheap taxi options at great value.
Find Accommodation – The application connects the user directly to SelectResorts.com for easy booking while a Algarve reservations specialist can be reached via phone with just a click of a button.
The Algarve Golden Triangle application also includes…
• Search feature
• Bookmarking for listings
• Maps* & photos
• Website links*
*Internet connection is not required unless you want to use the Google Maps feature or visit a listed website.
App Development
Our research and visitor comments have shown that in addition to checking for villa locations, availability and prices, a key reason to visit SelectResorts.co.uk was to make sure visitors get to make the most of their holiday by researching into the best way to explore this quaint region of Portugal.
Get Noticed
This is our first version of the app and we know we will have missed something. If you have information you would like included please let us know, we can do all we can to update the app for later versions.
Email iphoneapp@selectresorts.co.uk to make suggestions or request a listing.
Add comment April 19, 2010
Skiing and Snowboarding in Avoriaz
Avoriaz Partner Trip: 17th-18th December 2009
From the moment I arrived in Avoriaz until the moment that I left it did not stop snowing! This was great for the beginning of the season and reassures me that Avoriaz really does have the most reliable snow in the Portes de Soleli area!
Some people tell me that they do not like the architecture in Avoriaz but it’s not until you visit the resort that you realise that the unique architectural design using traditional wood and sloping roofs blends perfectly into the natural landscape.
Avoriaz View
I have been to many French ski resorts and I have to say that Avoriaz is definitely top of my list. It’s very picturesque and has a friendly village feel unlike some other large resorts in the Alps.
Not only offering excellent skiing conditions, Avoriaz also offers fantastic views and sunsets overlooking the Morzine Valley. It is here where the new MGM residence will be situated in “La Falaise”.
Avoriaz is great for all abilities, skiers and boarders and especially great for families. Boarders are particularly attracted as it is home to a fantastic eco
Avoriaz
board park known as “The Stash”. There are only 3 of these parks in the world and Avoriaz hosts the only one in Europe!
There are 273 marked ski runs and 216 km of cross-country trails. Other activities available include sleigh rides, winter hikes, snowshoeing, dog sledding, hang-gliding, helicopter tours, paragliding, snow-biking and snowmobiling. An unusual option is the opportunity to scuba-dive beneath the ice in a frozen lake!
Being a car-free resort means it is ski in ski out but if you don’t fancy skiing
Avoriaz Transport
to the lifts there’s always a horse and sled or skidoos on offer – Getting about the resort in this manor is what gives Avoriaz much of its charm.
After a nice warm lunch at La Bistro we headed to the second site “La Crozat” where the P&V and Maeva residences will be situated.
These will be built on the edge of the resort on a slope offering fantastic views across the whole resort.
The photo on the left is where the P&V residence will be and the one on the right will be Maeva.
Avoriaz
As well as the new residences there will soon be an indoor water park which in the summer months will also have a man-made beach outside! There are
Indoor Waterpark
lots of activities to do here in the summer so Avoriaz really is a duel season resort.
For après ski there is a good choice of restaurants with fantastic cuisine and local bars and nightclubs for those who want to party! The shopping is also good with the usual hi-tech ski gear to purchase!
We headed to La Cabane restaurant/bar in the evening which was really nice, offering great food and a great atmosphere.
The next morning we headed to the slopes, it literally took just a couple of minutes to reach the nursery slopes and it was then I noticed I was the only one snowboarding! Having been a few times before I knew the basics but I am still a novice. I gave it a good go and after a practice we headed off to a blue run. I have to say I did quite well considering the conditions - the visibility was poor as it was still heavily snowing!
Overall I highly recommend Avoriaz for a place to invest in property; it has everything you need from a ski resort from fantastic pistes, guaranteed snow, traditional food and charm; and soon there will be the new water park and new apartments which will really update and move the resort forward.
So after a fantastic trip it was time to come home but as soon as we left the resort we heard that our flight was cancelled due to the snow in London! I was one of many people stranded in Geneva airport which is not the best way to end a trip but all is well now that I made it home, eventually!
Hannah Morris
Property Sales Executive
AVORIAZ – Overview of the Project
- New build development – low upfront costs
- 200millions euros worth of infrastructure
- 19.6% vat rebate
- 3.5% guaranteed rental returns plus various usage formulas
- Excellent capital growth potential
- Set to be ‘the’ dual destination ski resort at 1800m with beach and spa facilities
- Just one hour from Geneva
- Quality accommodation, quality visitors
Developments
MAEVA RESIDENCE LES CROZATS ELECTRA - Electra is situated close to the centre of the resort and offers beautiful views of the mountains and the lake.
MGM RESIDENCE L’AMARA - On the edge of the resort, close to La Falaise district comprising five residences and a beautiful Spa featuring a huge heated swimming pool. The development is South-facing, with magnificent views of the Morzine valley.
Add comment December 29, 2009
‘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
‘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
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
