Off to Barbados on Sunday - first time on a cruise. Really looking forward to it, not least to get away from this crap weather.
I’m off to Barbados on Thursday for a few days before joining a 2 week cruise (first timer). Afterwards I’m staying at Sandy Lane for one night before I head to Colombia, Chile, Bolivia,Peru and Brazil. Back at the end of March and hopefully it’s warmed up a bit.
I'm looking at Sandy Lane for next winter's holiday.
Love Colombia, wonderful people - I've only ever been there on business and Bogota is an amazing city (as long as you know where not to go!). I do struggle with the altitude though. My youngest and his missus spent three months out there on business and had a great time living there.
Hi @bobmunro Sandy Lane is a must experience. Absolute luxury but comes with a very hefty price tag. We only stayed one night to meet up with friends before heading to Colombia. The buffet breakfast was great which is included in the price. We went for a snack at the restaurant in the afternoon and didn’t realise it was a buffet but went ahead with it. It was on Sunday and the buffet consisted of a full Sunday roast. The buffet had everything; lobster, oysters, prawns, crab mussels etc. Several types of salads. Excellent in quality. Then we had the bill of £369 for 2 that included 2 bottles of wine (I had only a small plate of food).
The rooms and the service including the beach lounges are of the highest quality. It was faultless if you are not screamish at the cost ££££. we plan on returning next year for a week to truly experience the hotel.
The Cliff restaurant is spectacular and pricey too but is of good quality but again you are looking at £150 pp (if you go easy on the wine).
DM me if you want more information.
We are going to Barranquilla, Santa Marta and Bogotá. I’ve been to Barranquilla before and many times to Bogotá but not Santa Marta. Meeting up with friends in Santa Marta and then a few days in the Tayrona NP.
I certainly agree that Colombia is a great place to visit.
One thing I'd say, Barbados prices have gone through the roof last 2 years since we was last there. We've been pricing up a big family trip for my 50th next year.
Restaurant prices - The Cliffe, Tides & Lonestar in Hole Town, Fusion. Sea Shed at Gibbes, The Fish Pot - all their prices have increased significantly, based on what we paid in 2023 and what my sister-in-law paid last year and friends have paid this year on our recommendation.
Not that we mind paying for quality food, just something to bear in mind.
Off to Barbados on Sunday - first time on a cruise. Really looking forward to it, not least to get away from this crap weather.
I’m off to Barbados on Thursday for a few days before joining a 2 week cruise (first timer). Afterwards I’m staying at Sandy Lane for one night before I head to Colombia, Chile, Bolivia,Peru and Brazil. Back at the end of March and hopefully it’s warmed up a bit.
I'm looking at Sandy Lane for next winter's holiday.
Love Colombia, wonderful people - I've only ever been there on business and Bogota is an amazing city (as long as you know where not to go!). I do struggle with the altitude though. My youngest and his missus spent three months out there on business and had a great time living there.
Hi @bobmunro Sandy Lane is a must experience. Absolute luxury but comes with a very hefty price tag. We only stayed one night to meet up with friends before heading to Colombia. The buffet breakfast was great which is included in the price. We went for a snack at the restaurant in the afternoon and didn’t realise it was a buffet but went ahead with it. It was on Sunday and the buffet consisted of a full Sunday roast. The buffet had everything; lobster, oysters, prawns, crab mussels etc. Several types of salads. Excellent in quality. Then we had the bill of £369 for 2 that included 2 bottles of wine (I had only a small plate of food).
The rooms and the service including the beach lounges are of the highest quality. It was faultless if you are not screamish at the cost ££££. we plan on returning next year for a week to truly experience the hotel.
The Cliff restaurant is spectacular and pricey too but is of good quality but again you are looking at £150 pp (if you go easy on the wine).
DM me if you want more information.
We are going to Barranquilla, Santa Marta and Bogotá. I’ve been to Barranquilla before and many times to Bogotá but not Santa Marta. Meeting up with friends in Santa Marta and then a few days in the Tayrona NP.
I certainly agree that Colombia is a great place to visit.
One thing I'd say, Barbados prices have gone through the roof last 2 years since we was last there. We've been pricing up a big family trip for my 50th next year.
Restaurant prices - The Cliffe, Tides & Lonestar in Hole Town, Fusion. Sea Shed at Gibbes, The Fish Pot - all their prices have increased significantly, based on what we paid in 2023 and what my sister-in-law paid last year and friends have paid this year on our recommendation.
Not that we mind paying for quality food, just something to bear in mind.
Have you tried Sugar Bay? Not a great pool but otherwise a very good 4 star. we've had 2 great holidays there and it was very reasonable for Barbados
Counting down now - a couple of months and I'll be in the Cancun sunshine for a fortnight and I can't wait as I didn't get away last year.
I really need this two weeks in the sunshine
Enjoy, Swisdom.
We're looking forward to our week in Tenerife in early March after the cancellation of our October break due to Mr F's hospitalisation.
When are you out there FF? I'll be there with three mates from the 6th for a week, staying in Playa de las Americas!
Oooh ! 6th-13th too but in Golf del Sur. No night life required for us these days.
Have fun !
I stayed there in 2016 for a short november break. There was a pool table on the terrace which wasn't letting the balls out. Gave the table a bit of a shake and four kittens and mummy cat came squirming out from inside!
Counting down now - a couple of months and I'll be in the Cancun sunshine for a fortnight and I can't wait as I didn't get away last year.
I really need this two weeks in the sunshine
Enjoy, Swisdom.
We're looking forward to our week in Tenerife in early March after the cancellation of our October break due to Mr F's hospitalisation.
When are you out there FF? I'll be there with three mates from the 6th for a week, staying in Playa de las Americas!
Oooh ! 6th-13th too but in Golf del Sur. No night life required for us these days.
Have fun !
I stayed there in 2016 for a short november break. There was a pool table on the terrace which wasn't letting the balls out. Gave the table a bit of a shake and four kittens and mummy cat came squirming out from inside!
Off to Barbados on Sunday - first time on a cruise. Really looking forward to it, not least to get away from this crap weather.
I’m off to Barbados on Thursday for a few days before joining a 2 week cruise (first timer). Afterwards I’m staying at Sandy Lane for one night before I head to Colombia, Chile, Bolivia,Peru and Brazil. Back at the end of March and hopefully it’s warmed up a bit.
I'm looking at Sandy Lane for next winter's holiday.
Love Colombia, wonderful people - I've only ever been there on business and Bogota is an amazing city (as long as you know where not to go!). I do struggle with the altitude though. My youngest and his missus spent three months out there on business and had a great time living there.
Hi @bobmunro Sandy Lane is a must experience. Absolute luxury but comes with a very hefty price tag. We only stayed one night to meet up with friends before heading to Colombia. The buffet breakfast was great which is included in the price. We went for a snack at the restaurant in the afternoon and didn’t realise it was a buffet but went ahead with it. It was on Sunday and the buffet consisted of a full Sunday roast. The buffet had everything; lobster, oysters, prawns, crab mussels etc. Several types of salads. Excellent in quality. Then we had the bill of £369 for 2 that included 2 bottles of wine (I had only a small plate of food).
The rooms and the service including the beach lounges are of the highest quality. It was faultless if you are not screamish at the cost ££££. we plan on returning next year for a week to truly experience the hotel.
The Cliff restaurant is spectacular and pricey too but is of good quality but again you are looking at £150 pp (if you go easy on the wine).
DM me if you want more information.
We are going to Barranquilla, Santa Marta and Bogotá. I’ve been to Barranquilla before and many times to Bogotá but not Santa Marta. Meeting up with friends in Santa Marta and then a few days in the Tayrona NP.
I certainly agree that Colombia is a great place to visit.
One thing I'd say, Barbados prices have gone through the roof last 2 years since we was last there. We've been pricing up a big family trip for my 50th next year.
Restaurant prices - The Cliffe, Tides & Lonestar in Hole Town, Fusion. Sea Shed at Gibbes, The Fish Pot - all their prices have increased significantly, based on what we paid in 2023 and what my sister-in-law paid last year and friends have paid this year on our recommendation.
Not that we mind paying for quality food, just something to bear in mind.
Have you tried Sugar Bay? Not a great pool but otherwise a very good 4 star. we've had 2 great holidays there and it was very reasonable for Barbados
I'll mention it to Mrs JB and the sister-in-laws who are in charge of the arrangements. They're umming and arring between hotel or hiring a private villa for 6 adults, 5 kids around Easter time as easier to fit in with the school holidays.
Just spent a lovely week in Holme in north Norfolk. Cottage was five mins from the beach one way and five mins from the pub the other way. Lots of walks, a round of golf and too much of the local ale. So relaxing and much needed time with the family.
Gutted today as we have had to cancel our P&O Round Britain cruise for June due to being diagnosed with a previously unknown health condition. Balance was due next week and as investigations are ongoing and will take at least six weeks to complete I can’t get insurance cover and can’t take a chance of everything being fine by June.
Usual trip to Thailand but this year only seven days as we're then off to South Korea for twelve nights. Flying London to Bangkok and back to London from Seoul.
One worry: if Charlton happen to reach the play-off final, I'll be watching it from Don Muang airport in Bangkok, whilst waiting for the flight to Seoul. Didn't even take it into consideration when I made the booking. No chance of flying back like I did last time!
Gutted today as we have had to cancel our P&O Round Britain cruise for June due to being diagnosed with a previously unknown health condition. Balance was due next week and as investigations are ongoing and will take at least six weeks to complete I can’t get insurance cover and can’t take a chance of everything being fine by June.
Feel for you, Large. It's a bugger but your health is more important. Hope all goes well.
After having to cancel June’s round Britain cruise due to health problems we have booked a cottage near Kirkcudbright in Dumfries and Galloway. If anyone knows the area any recommendations would be greatly appreciated.
Off to Florence and surrounding areas for a week, starting on Easter Monday.
Any recommendations welcome
Pisa is only about 20 minutes away by train. You only need a morning or afternoon there really but seeing it is so close, worth a visit.
Siena too, although the station is a km away from the centre with its spectacular main square, round which they run their mad horse race. My wife and I had one of our best meals ever in Siena, tiny little family run place with no printed menu, just a seven course taster. I praised their house wine so much that they gave me a bottle to take away😂 over 20 years ago though so no point in trying to find it.
Off to Florence and surrounding areas for a week, starting on Easter Monday.
Any recommendations welcome
Florence is stunning. Very touristy and I imagine Easter will be mad busy so book ahead for things you want to see/do.
Sienna is, imo, the most amazing nearby town and a must visit. It featured in Quantum of Solace and has a horse race twice every year. I have a client who has an apartment in the square and it must be incredible to be on the balcony during that (he has never invited me sadly!). Going to the top of the square tower is worth the effort.
Lucca and San Gimignano, are also amazing places to visit too and well within driving distance (I think SG would be my pick of the two)..
Pisa tower is iconic and a trip to the top not to be missed but Pisa itself (town), is not so nice.
I didn't mind driving in Italy, (done it a few times), but parking is very very difficult so worth looking to book ahead if that is your form of travel.
Looking for somewhere kids summer holidays. One week. Guaranteed sun. Not crazy expensive. Ideally off the beaten track a little bit. Within say 4 hours flight. Any ideas?
Looking for somewhere kids summer holidays. One week. Guaranteed sun. Not crazy expensive. Ideally off the beaten track a little bit. Within say 4 hours flight. Any ideas?
Mainland Spain, Portugal, Canary Islands, Balearics, France, mainland Greece, some Greek islands, Turkey, Bulgaria, Croatia, Italy plus a few others.
Looking for somewhere kids summer holidays. One week. Guaranteed sun. Not crazy expensive. Ideally off the beaten track a little bit. Within say 4 hours flight. Any ideas?
Mainland Spain, Portugal, Canary Islands, Balearics, France, mainland Greece, some Greek islands, Turkey, Bulgaria, Croatia, Italy plus a few others.
Anything more specific? I am thinking Samothraki as it is hard to get to (no direct flight), so likely to be less touristy. Alternatively maybe Albania.
Looking for somewhere kids summer holidays. One week. Guaranteed sun. Not crazy expensive. Ideally off the beaten track a little bit. Within say 4 hours flight. Any ideas?
Could look at Alentejo, Portugal. It's the region above Algarve, much less visited, but it still has beautiful scenery and beaches.
Looking for somewhere kids summer holidays. One week. Guaranteed sun. Not crazy expensive. Ideally off the beaten track a little bit. Within say 4 hours flight. Any ideas?
Mainland Spain, Portugal, Canary Islands, Balearics, France, mainland Greece, some Greek islands, Turkey, Bulgaria, Croatia, Italy plus a few others.
Anything more specific? I am thinking Samothraki as it is hard to get to (no direct flight), so likely to be less touristy. Alternatively maybe Albania.
How old are the kids and what are their interests? Will you hire a car? I always like south western France as you have great beaches and tons of cultural stuff too. Aigues Mortes is lovely, there are ancient castles in the Pyrenees foothills, Queribus, Peyrepertuse etc, Albi is worth seeing, Carcassonne will appeal to kids as well as adults albeit it's a bit kitsch, and if you have a car Arles, Uzes and Le Pont du Gard are excellent places.
How old are the kids and what are their interests? Will you hire a car? I always like south western France as you have great beaches and tons of cultural stuff too. Aigues Mortes is lovely, there are ancient castles in the Pyrenees foothills, Queribus, Peyrepertuse etc, Albi is worth seeing, Carcassonne will appeal to kids as well as adults albeit it's a bit kitsch, and if you have a car Arles, Uzes and Le Pont du Gard are excellent places.
They are 10 and 12. They are very outdoorsy kids. Like sports, nature, wildlife and activity. We have only once done a beach/hotel type holiday with them and they loved it as the kids club had tonnes of activity. Otherwise we have taken them to more "alternative" places on the whole. Yes, we always hire a car.
My wife wants to flop by a pool and this year I am finally caving, but wherever we go needs more than that or me and the kids will get bored I think!
Will look into your suggestion above which sound good. Ta.
Comments
Restaurant prices - The Cliffe, Tides & Lonestar in Hole Town, Fusion. Sea Shed at Gibbes, The Fish Pot - all their prices have increased significantly, based on what we paid in 2023 and what my sister-in-law paid last year and friends have paid this year on our recommendation.
Not that we mind paying for quality food, just something to bear in mind.
Any recommendations welcome
Have fun !
They're umming and arring between hotel or hiring a private villa for 6 adults, 5 kids around Easter time as easier to fit in with the school holidays.
Then Murcia with my missus' family in May and then Oz in December/January for the Ashes.
We've just been invited to a wedding in the Dominican Republic next Feb which is a belting excuse for holiday!
So relaxing and much needed time with the family.
One worry: if Charlton happen to reach the play-off final, I'll be watching it from Don Muang airport in Bangkok, whilst waiting for the flight to Seoul. Didn't even take it into consideration when I made the booking. No chance of flying back like I did last time!
Florence is stunning. Very touristy and I imagine Easter will be mad busy so book ahead for things you want to see/do.
Sienna is, imo, the most amazing nearby town and a must visit. It featured in Quantum of Solace and has a horse race twice every year. I have a client who has an apartment in the square and it must be incredible to be on the balcony during that (he has never invited me sadly!). Going to the top of the square tower is worth the effort.
Lucca and San Gimignano, are also amazing places to visit too and well within driving distance (I think SG would be my pick of the two)..
Pisa tower is iconic and a trip to the top not to be missed but Pisa itself (town), is not so nice.
I didn't mind driving in Italy, (done it a few times), but parking is very very difficult so worth looking to book ahead if that is your form of travel.
Anything more specific? I am thinking Samothraki as it is hard to get to (no direct flight), so likely to be less touristy. Alternatively maybe Albania.
I always like south western France as you have great beaches and tons of cultural stuff too. Aigues Mortes is lovely, there are ancient castles in the Pyrenees foothills, Queribus, Peyrepertuse etc, Albi is worth seeing, Carcassonne will appeal to kids as well as adults albeit it's a bit kitsch, and if you have a car Arles, Uzes and Le Pont du Gard are excellent places.
They are 10 and 12. They are very outdoorsy kids. Like sports, nature, wildlife and activity. We have only once done a beach/hotel type holiday with them and they loved it as the kids club had tonnes of activity. Otherwise we have taken them to more "alternative" places on the whole. Yes, we always hire a car.
My wife wants to flop by a pool and this year I am finally caving, but wherever we go needs more than that or me and the kids will get bored I think!
Will look into your suggestion above which sound good. Ta.