Prize Draw Winners Hit The Jackpot in Singita

The most recent winners of our travel show prize draw, held in February each year, are now on the trip of a lifetime to South Africa. Their prize includes stays in Kruger National Park, the Eastern Cape's Garden Route and Cape Town, with flights on Virgin Atlantic - and it looks like they're having a fabulous time.

We've had a memorable weekend at Singita. We saw the Big 5, and experienced maybe the 8th Wonder of the World at Singita Boulders Lodge. The level of comfort, warm welcome, six-star professional service and a sensational setting all combined to make this a memorable stay that's hard to better. All this complemented by the enviable skills of Brett and Jab who ensured that we urban dwellers entered a different World in Sabi Sands. For us to share our day with the Big 5 leaves us with memories which exceeded our expectations. What a way to start our African adventure - we will spread the word !!


Another one for the blog ! La Residence is outstanding - we have been spoilt, pampered and indulged - we are concerned that we will struggle to achieve such high standards at home next week !! In Hermanus at the moment - different offering, looking for whales ...
Mark & Carolyn Mishon

CT

Just when you start to believe that it could not get any better!

Mark Kirsch, a well-respected travel agent here at Colletts Travel thought he'd like to share some recent feedback from Richard, a repeat cruise client after a recent cruise onboard Royal Caribbean’s Independence of the Seas..

Just when you start to believe that it could not any better, then it becomes just that, better. We have, as you know, cruised for so many years and on so many ships, so we are used to it. I will tell you this, it was better than ever it was before. The whole concept of staying in Southampton over-night was brilliant - and in a brilliant hotel which was the Dolphin Hotel. This hotel is what I would call a 5*+ town hotel; it was within walking distance of the main town and the port, they arranged a cab service which was brilliant, they helped me both ways with all my cases by taking them out the car, and then when we returned they loaded my car for me. The hotel with parking and cab service both ways cost £95 for the night including a breakfast which was second to none. The Royal Caribbean Independence of the Seas was fantastic, as was the Junior Suite and the service, we had a fantastic time! I don’t know what other agent enquires about how their clients enjoyed themselves a week after they return? I don't know anyone! You are brilliant at what you do and, more to the point, you are a true friend. RICHARD

aahh... contact Mark on 020 8202 2233, mark@collettstravel.co.uk
CT

Planning on taking kids to the US for the first time, we had a great trip…

Jason – who works in the Sales and Marketing department at Colletts Travel shares his recent family holiday to the US…

Thank goodness for seat- back TV! We had an excellent flight with British Airways, the journey literally flew by, and before you knew it we were coming in to land! As soon as the passengers disembarked we asked the stewardess if we could take our kids onto the flight deck, which to our surprise, they were happy to do, so up the stairs we went, the kids loved it!

Anyway after a ‘slight’ delay at immigration we jumped in a cab and headed off for the Four Seasons New York, our first of five hotel stays… after a quick cab ride from the airport (it really was quick!) we arrived at the hotel and checked in.

The Four Seasons New York is a classic New York hotel, we could tell it was the place to be, with its great location two blocks from Central Park, and great family attractions like the Sony Wondertech Lab, the Rockefeller Centre, and of course THE SHOPPING!

Our room was very spacious and had more than enough room for our large double bed, a sofa/bed and a rollaway bed for my son, off we went to explore!

We visited all the sites, including The New York Skyride, the Empire State observation Deck, Intrepid Sea, Air and Space Museum (Intrepid is an out of service 1950s US Navy aircraft carrier), NBC Studio tour, Top of the Rock (Rockefeller building) observation deck, and more, including the NY Water Taxi - a great way to see Manhattan from the Water, we didn’t stop!

In order to get better value for the attractions, we bought ‘The New York Pass’ a great value pre-paid credit card style pass, it was accepted at all our attractions and was excellent value, well worth it!

Next we’re off to Soho, for our second two night stay…

The Trump Soho was a pleasure to be in from the moment we arrived, the hotel is chic but friendly, which is entirely down to the excellent staff, all genuinely concerned to make sure we had a great time! The room (a one bedroom suite) was excellent, very smart, great views, all the latest gadgets! The Trump is well located to walk to local shops and restaurants, all very boutique style, so not having to rely on taxis is great! You are ideally located to visit many New York attractions and landmarks, such as China Town and other up and coming neighbourhoods, the Business district, including the 9/11 Memorial, the New Freedom Tower, which is currently under construction, and many small museums, galleries and other hidden gems.

Soho is a great place to stay for a second or third visit to New York, as it really contrasts the skyscrapers of Uptown, with its small original buildings containing trendy boutiques and artisan workshops, and doing a two centred stay in New York really gave our kids a complete picture of New York, new and old!

Next stop… Orlando!

Are you looking for an understated, five-star luxury hotel in Paphos, Cyprus?

I have just returned from a fantastic stay at the Constantinou Bros Hotel - Asimina Suites located right on the beach, which I can highly recommend.

From the moment I arrived I was welcomed with a private check-in, complimentary drinks and canapés and the feeling that nothing was too much trouble.

The Asimina Suites is an all-suites hotel with spacious, elegant suites (various types) all with Flat screen TV’s , Free WIFI, mini bar, Espresso machines, comfortable living room areas, floor to ceiling windows & large balconies.

If you choose to upgrade to Superior Deluxe Suites they include use of private cabanas on the beach with seating area & sunbeds.

The buffet breakfast was definitely worth getting up for, served till 11am they were really fabulous, better in my opinion than other deluxe hotels on the island, that are considerably more expensive!

With a large outdoor pool and lovely gardens that lead to the beach, the Asimina is the perfect location for a totally relaxing, chilled break.

With wonderful views, and its close distance to shops and restaurants, in my opinion this is a really well thought-out hotel, but crucially the service was exceptional, with all staff doing everything possible to make your stay relaxed and chilled, for a memorable stay.

Other facilities include the Elixir Spa with various therapies, which are not madly expensive! Steam bath, Sauna, Hair Salon & Gym (I didn’t use either!)

Local Tavernas/Restaurants are 300 metres from the hotel or a short taxi ride to the harbour.

In summary I had a wonderful time & will return again soon (and I am very fussy!!)

If you would like to speak to Laura to arrange a visit to the Asimina Suites please email her at laura@collettstravel.co.uk or call her on 020 8238 8484

CT

Luxury and Adventure in Morocco, from Jo, an excited travel consultant!

I flew to Marrakech on British Midlands to check out the latest Four Seasons Hotel and Resort. Flying business class was a great start to the trip. We had breakfast at BMI’s lounge at Heathrow, then lunch on board followed by tea and cake. On arrival in Marrakech the transfer to the Four Seasons was only 10 minutes.

The hotel itself is located just outside the Medina. The Four Seasons has a resort feel so you can really relax and unwind by one of the two pools – one is for families and one is adults only.

I would recommend going for a longer duration than a normal city break to take some time to relax at the hotel as well as exploring the surroundings. We explored the medina where there were monkeys, snake charmers and all sorts of food stalls. It was fun getting lost in the souk and haggling with the stall holders.

The next day we headed into the mountains in 4x4 vehicles. We stopped in a Berber village for mint tea in one of the houses and then went to the Kasbah Toubkal for lunch which is perched on top of a hill.

We had the option of walking up or taking a mule, once up there we were rewarded with stunning views, lamb Tajines (typical Moroccan dish served in a terracotta dish) and cous cous.


We then stopped for an afternoon cocktail at Richard Branson’s property – the Toubkal Tamadot. It is a boutique retreat property in traditional Moroccan style, It would make a very romantic honeymoon, a special retreat or a great twin centre with Marrakech to see two sides of Morocco.

Back at the Four Seasons we had massages in the spa on our final morning to send us back to the UK lovely and relaxed.

After the massage I stayed in the spa to make the most of the relaxation areas, swimming pool, Jacuzzi and Hamam.

CT

If you would like to speak to Jo to arrange your trip to Marrakesh please email her at jo@collettstravel.co.uk or call her on 020 8202 8101

The Four Seasons Resorts - Maldives – Like a Silversea Cruise without the ship!

We simply had to tell you about one of our valued client's, Simon’s, comments after staying at the Four Seasons Kuda Huraa and Landaa Giraavaru...

'We returned from the Maldives last night having had one of the best holidays we have ever had.
It was just like Silversea without the ship! The accommodation, service, food and attention to detail was amazing. On Jan’s birthday the staff made her day very special with champagne and candles at every meal.
Just a very special trip for which we both thank you, please feel free to pass our comments to Four Seasons as they did us, and you, proud.'

More about the Four Seasons Maldives Resorts:
The Four Seasons Resort Maldives at Kuda Huraa. A short speedboat ride from Malé, this Maldives resort, infused with Maldivian village charm, has a vibrant garden island all to itself. Sail to the Resort’s Island Spa for an afternoon of natural bliss. Embark on a snorkelling shark safari, find your perfect wave at our Surf School, or cast away for a day on a Robinson Crusoe adventure. Celebrate your Maldives vacation with infinite views of sea and sky, sunshine and stars, and discover the unforgettable, on land and at sea, right on your doorstep.

The Four Seasons Resort Maldives at Landaa Giraavaru. A scenic seaplane ride from Malé, this Maldives resort offers 44 acres of unspoiled wilderness in the heart of the Baa Atoll, the Maldives' only UNESCO World Biosphere Reserve. Snorkel with turtles, manta rays and whale sharks in one of the country's largest natural lagoons. Join pioneering conservation projects in the Marine Discovery Centre. Immerse yourself in the healing heart of the Spa and Ayurvedic Retreat. Or spend your Maldives vacation hiding away in vast, ultra-private accommodations – on the beach, over the lagoon or down lush tropical paths.

CT

So now we know - we're ‘real’ travel agents…

It's always nice to hear when something goes well. It's usually just the problems that reach our desks so to receive this lovely 'thank you' from friends and clients, Cheryl and Peter, was really heartwarming.

Cheryl and Peter stayed at the Grand Hotel Timeo in Taormina in Sicily. It's built on the cliffs of Mount Tauro; right above the rocks and sandy coves, and looking out over to Mount Etna.

Not only is it a 'Leading Hotel of the World' but, as one of the Orient Express hotels, it's offering a voucher for US$500 discount off a subsequent stay at any one of the hotels in the group.

This is what Cheryl and Peter had to say about it (and us!)

"I had to write to thank you so very much for all that you did for us in arranging the trip to what can only be described as the finest hotel I have ever stayed at (and I have stayed at some stunners).

We were treated magnificently and will return often. I just hope we are always given room 232 - what a beautiful place to rest one's head!

It was simply the best holiday we have ever taken. You really are the best at what you do. You clearly understand us and what we require. As a consequence we will trust your recommendations always.

We gave (and will continue to give) your name and details to whomever we felt would give you further business which you wholeheartedly deserve.

A million thank you's."


CT