31 March 2025

I recently had the pleasure of experiencing a four-night ski adventure in Val d'Isère with Neilson, and I’m excited to share the highlights of this incredible trip! From seamless travel and luxurious accommodation to outstanding skiing and après-ski experiences, here’s why I highly recommend Val d'Isère and the Espace Killy ski area to my clients. Getting There: Travel was smooth from Belfast to London, connecting with Neilson’s Sunday departure to Grenoble. A well-organised transfer brought us to Val d'Isère in time for ski hire collection, a briefing at the hotel, and a welcome dinner to kick off the trip. Where We Stayed – La Tovière Hotel: La Tovière Hotel was the perfect base—spacious, comfortable rooms, excellent dining, and a prime location for ski access. Whether unwinding after a long day on the slopes or socialising with fellow skiers, it provided everything we needed for a relaxing stay. Skiing in the Espace Killy: This legendary ski area, covering Val d'Isère and Tignes, is a paradise for skiers of all levels. Lift passes and ski hire were arranged seamlessly, and we enjoyed guided skiing sessions on Monday and Wednesday. The conditions were superb, with bluebird skies and perfect snow. The Neilson mountain expert session was a great addition, offering insights into the best runs. Tuesday’s free ski morning gave us the chance to explore independently, and every turn reinforced why this area is world-class! Après-Ski & Dining Highlights: From scenic mountain lunches to après-ski gatherings, every meal was a treat. Dining at the Fondue Factory was a standout experience—delicious food, a lively atmosphere, and the perfect way to embrace alpine culture. The hotel’s dinners and après-ski options were excellent, making every evening just as enjoyable as the days on the slopes. Relaxation & Extra Activities: Skiing is just one part of the Val d'Isère experience. Tuesday afternoon was dedicated to spa treatments and relaxation, providing a welcome break. Free afternoons on Wednesday and Thursday allowed time for exploration, making the most of this vibrant resort. Why I Recommend Val d'Isère & the Espace Killy: • Snow-Sure & Scenic: Reliable snow conditions and breath-taking alpine scenery. • Varied Terrain: Whether you’re a beginner or an expert, the mix of pistes and off-piste terrain ensures there’s something for everyone. • Luxury Meets Adventure: High-end accommodation, world-class ski facilities, and an unbeatable après-ski scene. • Seamless Travel with Neilson: From transfers to mountain guiding, everything was taken care of, allowing us to focus on enjoying the experience. • Perfect for Everyone: Whether you're a couple looking for a romantic ski break, a family wanting an unforgettable holiday, or a group of friends seeking adventure, Neilson caters to all. Their exclusive Neilson Mountain Experts sessions provide invaluable coaching and insights, ensuring every skier gets the most out of their time on the slopes. If you’re considering a ski getaway to Val d'Isère, I’d love to help plan the perfect experience for you!

11 March 2025

Our 4-day, 3-night ski adventure to Peisey-Vallandry was nothing short of incredible. It all began with a seamless flight from Belfast to Geneva, followed by a comfortable private minibus transfer straight to the picturesque village of Vallandry. Nestled in the heart of the French Alps, this charming ski resort offers stunning alpine views and many options on "ski-to-the-door" accommodations - we headed straight to the lift pass office and were on the slopes by 2pm that day! During our stay, we explored the incredible Les Arcs and La Plagne ski areas, which together form the world-famous Paradiski ski domain. With 425 km of interconnected pistes, this vast ski paradise offered something for every level. Beginners and intermediates loved the gentle, tree-lined runs in Peisey-Vallandry and Arc 1800, while the more experienced among us challenged ourselves on high-altitude red and black runs, including the thrilling Aiguille Rouge descent with its breath-taking 2,000m vertical drop!! La Plagne’s wide cruising pistes and excellent off-piste opportunities added even more variety to our ski experience. This short but unforgettable ski break was the perfect way to experience the best of the French Alps in just a few days. With hassle-free travel, a prime ski-to-the-door location, and access to one of the world’s largest ski areas, the trip was ideal for us to make the most of our time on the slopes. Whether carving through Les Arcs’ pristine runs, tackling La Plagne’s vast terrain, or simply soaking in the stunning alpine scenery, every moment offered a perfect balance of adventure and relaxation. One of the highlights of the trip was finally seeing in person the many villages in the ski area that have been top sellers for me over the past 25 years. Experiencing first-hand the charm and beauty of these destinations was truly special and added a personal connection to the places I’ve recommended to clients for so long. It was a reminder of why Vallandry and the Paradiski region continue to captivate skiers from around the world.

03 December 2024

I’ve just returned from an unforgettable 4-day adventure in Morocco, and I’m still buzzing from the magic of Marrakech and the serene beauty of the Agafay Desert. Here’s a little taste of my journey: ??? 3 Nights in Marrakech I stayed at the fabulous Sofitel Marrakech, a luxurious haven with stunning pools, lush gardens, and impeccable service. It was the perfect base to immerse myself in the city’s vibrant culture. ?? Highlights included: ?? A private city tour exploring the enchanting Medina, the iconic Koutoubia Mosque, and the serene Jardin Majorelle. ?? A hands-on Moroccan Cooking Workshop at La Maison Arabe, where I learned to make traditional dishes like tagine and zaalouk—and, of course, enjoyed a delicious meal afterward! ?? 1 Night in the Agafay Desert My adventure ended with a magical stay at the Oxygen Lodge Camp in the Agafay Desert. Think camel rides, breathtaking sunsets over rolling dunes, and a starlit dinner that felt like something out of a fairytale. The peace and tranquility of the desert were the perfect way to wind down. ?? Why Visit? Whether you’re a foodie, a culture enthusiast, or simply in need of a luxurious getaway, Morocco offers something for everyone. #MarrakechAdventures #MoroccanMagic #SofitelMarrakech #LaMaisonArabe #AgafayDesert #LuxuryTravel #BucketListTravel

18 May 2021

As a trusted independent travel expert backed by Travel Counsellors, I want to share with you 10 great reasons to book your next holiday with me and to give you peace of mind and the confidence to book a holiday to look forward to knowing that it’ll be hassle free and that you’ll be financially protected. 1: PERSONAL SERVICE I provide a personal service at no extra cost. Your holiday will be tailored to suit you. I won’t sell you an off-the shelf package that someone else already put together. With me, you can cut out the middle man and I will dynamically package your prefect holiday with directly contracted airlines and hotels. And you’ll have me as your personal point of contact before, during and after your trip. 2. EXPERT KNOWLEDGE AND ADVICE I provide expert knowledge and advice at all times. Visas, passports, weather conditions, you name it - I won't let you go before you have everything you need to know. This now includes monitoring the latest FCDO advice and travel updates, sharing information on any changes to the travelling experience as we once knew it and how they might affect your journey, advising you on the health and safety protocols at your chosen hotel and what will be expected of you, and providing updates on any additional measures for your safety or the safety of others for travel during and after the Covid-19 pandemic. 3. 100% FINANCIAL PROTECTION You can book travel knowing that you will be 100% financially protected in the event of a supplier failure. Your booking will always be protected and no matter what happens, you won’t be left out of pocket. 4. FLEXIBLE PRICE PROMISE Our flexible booking terms ensure that if you book a Travel Counsellors Package Holiday with me you will benefit from free amendments up to 8 weeks before travel so if change your mind you can change your holiday! 5. AROUND THE CLOCK SUPPORT All my clients have access to an emergency 24/7 global duty office so no matter where you are in the world or what time of day it is, there is always someone to talk to of you need assistance. 6. EXCLUSIVE RATES I can offer my clients exclusive rates thanks to the huge network of travel professionals I belong to and the volume of travel we collectively book, coupled with access to nett rates with hotels globally thanks to our direct supplier contracts. With no middle man, I can pass extra savings onto my clients. 7. LOW DEPOSIT You can secure your dream holiday with a low deposit. From as little as £250 you can book now any pay your balance any time you like up to 12 weeks before your departure. 8. TRUSTED REVIEWS I have access to trusted travel reviews for properties all around the world that have been visited by colleagues in my network of over 2000 travel agents and our customers who have provided feedback on their return. Remember that TripAdvisor is sadly full of fixed and fake reviews so it is really important to know that you’re booking a holiday based on the reviews of real unbiased customers. 9. MYTC You will have access to the MyTC travel app with your own account to keep track of all your holiday bookings and travel details, with an option to share your holiday information privately or on social media and a link to contact me anywhere in the world at the touch of a button. 10. TRAVEL INSURANCE WITH COVID COVER The travel insurance product I recommend to my clients includes Covid protection with cancellation cover If you contract Covid-19 before departure, curtailment cover if you have to cut your journey short, and medical cover If you become ill with Covid-19 whilst overseas. So, there you have 10 great reasons to get in touch and start planning your next holiday with confidence. I’ll look forward to hearing from you soon!

14 January 2020

I was very fortunate to travel with Topflight Holidays (Ireland) to Livigno. This is a destination that I have been selling for nearly 20 years so it was a super opportunity to be able to experience the resort in person. We travelled from Dublin with Aer Lingus to Milan Linate in a group of 12, the transfer time of 4 hours had always put me off visiting this ski resort in the past but it was not an issue at all. We travelled by coach and stopped after approx. 2hrs for a 30 minute break, chance to sample some Italian pizza! We arrived in resort with fresh snow falling. It was super to experience the resort and ski the Carosello and Mottolino areas. I would recommend the area to beginners and intermediate skiers - groups and families. The resort of Livigno is set in a high, wide, remote valley close to the Swiss border, most of the slopes are above the tree line, and Livigno is known as ‘Little Tibet’ because of its height and remoteness. For centuries it has enjoyed duty-free status, which makes shopping here (especially for alcohol and tobacco) a bargain. Accommodation is strung out over 4km alongside the local road, and buildings are low rise and mainly built in traditional chalet style. There is a long car-free pedestrianised section that forms the hub of the village, approx. 1 km long. The ski area rises up on both sides of the road and the two sides – Carosello and Mottolino – are linked by free buses but not by pistes. The slopes suit beginners and moderate intermediates best, a combined 115km of pistes. Thanks to its high altitude the resort is very snow sure and has a long season that lasts from the end of November to the beginning of May. The main terrain park is top-notch and has hosted many international competitions – watch out of this resort, you will hear more in the future as it will host the freestyle and snowboarding events of the 2026 Milan-Cortina Winter Olympics! If you would like me to advise you on this ski resort and check prices and availability please do not hesitate to contact me, having experienced the resort now my self I can personally recommend. Grab your skis and go!

09 April 2019

When you think of a stopover on your way to places like New Zealand or Australia, do you automatically think of a few nights in Dubai, Singapore or Hong Kong? These places are wonderful to visit in their own right, but please share a moment to consider the wonderful city of Doha in Qatar. I travelled on a direct flight from Dublin in November 2018, economy class on Qatar Airways was great – very spacious cabin, attentive and friendly cabin crew, good entertainment on offer and the food and drinks offered were enjoyable. We arrived in Doha feeling refreshed and ready to explore! On arrival at Doha airport we all immediately noticed how spotless the terminal was! All very efficient, friendly staff, the place was spotless, calm, friendly, architecturally beautiful and passing through passport control very pleasant and efficient. Within less than 10 minutes we were in the city and off to our hotels. We visited a variety of corporate and leisure hotels in the three main areas of Doha - the Pearl-Qatar, Doha Corniche and the Souq Waqif. The Museum of Islamic Art is a must see inside and out. The building is stunning and shaped like a Niqab and the art, sculptures and ceramics inside are really interesting and give you a great insight into the history of the country. The café downstairs is award winning, with views over the ocean. One evening we were hosted on a traditional Dhow boat cruise with music and a delicious buffet dinner, which sailed around the bay of Doha. Such a lovely way to see the city by night and all its lights as well as meet the local people. Riding on a camel and a dune safari is a must when you are in Doha, especially as within 45 minutes you are in the desert! Even better still, when you reach the desert camp you can be dropped off and stay the night in one of the lovely rooms (a bit like glamping) and you have the sea on your doorstep. The evening we walked around the Souq Waqif and visited a hospital for Falcons! In Qatar, falcons are considered a national pastime and status symbol. The market was vibrant, friendly, welcoming and all the local people were going about their business meeting up with friends in the café or doing their shopping or praying in the mosque or parading with their falcons on their arm. I loved the atmosphere and how the locals just wanted to welcome you, smile and were not aggressive at all in the market selling their products. I had been selected along with 35 other travel professionals to experience Qatar over three nights in November and what a wonderful experience we had. I felt so safe, welcomed and calm in this capital city and if I had the chance of going again, I would jump at it and stay in the Tivoli Najada in the cultural hub this time. Maybe one day on my way with my family to our friends in New Zealand I will! Please do consider Doha as your next stop over or holiday destination. With the FIFA World Cup being held there in 2022, I think this destination will become more and more popular as the world sees what it has to offer. #visitqatar Please contact me for further information on 028 9099 2780 or catherine.fetherston@travelcounsellors.com

19 March 2019

For many years I have been really looking to skiing in the Alberg ski region, it has always been a top seller for experienced skiers and one that I was keen to explore myself. I travelled with friends from Belfast City via Heathrow to Zurich and then we took the train to St. Anton. It took 2 hours and was a very comfortable and relaxing way to travel. (The closest airport to the resort is Innsbruck Airport and the transfer time by road is approx. 75 mins). This Austrian village in the Tyrolean Alps is known as a gateway to the Arlberg ski region and is often called the “cradle of alpine skiing” for its role in inventing the sport. We stayed on a B&B basis in the Hotel Kristall in the heart of the pedestrianised centre, the hotels offer a restaurant and bar, popular among the locals and guests alike! The rooms were comfy and spacious, each morning we enjoyed a delicious breakfast buffet with extremely friendly service from this family-run hotel. It is approximately a 5-minute walk from the train station and to the Galzigbahn Cable Car, as guests of the Hotel Kristall we could store our skis here overnight free of charge which was a great perk! We had 4 days of skiing with mixed weather, fabulous snow and lots of skiing. St. Anton is part of the giant Arlberg ski region (340km), the biggest connected ski area in the country, with links to Lech-Zuers, St. Christoph and Warth. We were impressed with a fast, modern lift system. The resort is best suited for advanced skiers as there are plenty of challenging pistes as well as a huge number of exhilarating steep, ungroomed off-piste itineraries - many of which are located on the wide valluga bowl. After fresh snow it is advised to hire a guide to find the best powder spots as competition is high. The après-ski scene is legendary largely thanks to the Mooserwirt and Krazy Kanguruh bars where dancing on tables in your ski boots is the norm! So, if you enjoy a lively après-ski scene, you will not be disappointed here! The only downside to this resort is that tentative beginners may find the terrain a little limiting as the blue runs here are more challenging than most resorts. Otherwise I have no hesitation in recommending this resort to fellow skiers. If I can help you plan your next ski adventure please give me a call - whether it is a group of friends, family trip, corporate incentive or a romantic break for two - I would be delighted to hear from you.

20 February 2018

I travelled to Geneva in January with my family for a short ski break in Chamonix. With great snow conditions, it was a perfect place for a few days on the slopes! We stayed at the Hotel Héliopic which is conveniently located at the foot of the scenic Aiguille du Midi cable car and just a short walk from the centre of Chamonix. Chamonix is located at the foot of Mont Blanc. For some of the best views of the highest peak in the Alps, head up to the Aiguille du Midi viewing platform before taking on one of the longest and most challenging runs in the world, the Vallée Blanche. Unlike many other French resorts, it is a large vibrant town with lots of shops selling the latest ski tech as well as a huge selection of restaurants and bars. Chamonix is all about challenging your ski ability to the max and, although the skiing might look limited when you look at a piste map, it’s what’s not on there that counts and getting a guide is a good option to make the most of the terrain. There are five main areas in the Chamonix Valley - Le Brévent, La Flégère, Les Grands Montets, Le Tour and Les Houches. Each of the different ski areas is worth a visit (Les Houches is not included in the local Chamonix lift pass) with resort buses running regularly to ferry skiers between them (resort buses are free with a valid lift pass subject to the ski pass area restrictions). With its stunning scenery, buzzing atmosphere and short transfer time from Geneva, Chamonix is a fantastic ski holiday destination. Please contact me on 028 9099 2780 to help your next ski trip.

24 June 2014

Mauritius is a dream destination and I was very lucky to be selected to visit the island on a 'working' holiday with Club Med. I was part of a group of 12 agents and we spent two nights at each of the Club Med resorts on the island, La Pointe aux Canonniers and La Plantation d’Albion. We flew from Heathrow to Mauritius with Air Mauritius. It was a 12 hour flight with two meals and in-flight entertainment. Once we arrived, procedures were very fast and efficient and we were whisked away in a lovely air conditioned minibus to the north island to our first resort: La Pointe aux Canonniers. The transfer time was approximately 1 hour and 15 minutes and along the journey I was surprised at how green Mauritius is. The vegetation is very diverse and it seems that almost everything grows there, from palms to pine forests! We were welcomed at La Pointe aux Canonniers with a refreshing flannel and tropical cocktail and very quickly experienced the excellent service and friendliness from the Club Med staff. The resort has a contemporary, cosmopolitan feel to it with open-plan architecture. There are approximately 280 rooms located around the tropical garden alongside a white sandy beach. Accommodation ranges from deluxe to club and suite rooms. Food is extremely good and not overly spicy, a truly international blend of flavours. There is plenty of fresh fish. Vegetarians are also well catered for with fresh fruit, beans, seeds, spices and vegetables in abundance. The influences are mostly French with the local Creole language being very close to French and the majority speak English with a French accent. The interesting ethnic mix gives Mauritius a unique character and you will see Hindu temples within yards of Catholic churches and modern shopping malls. We took taxis to Grand Baie which is much nicer than we were led to believe with a lovely beach. At one end of the resort was a modern complex of designer shops and factory outlets and a couple of beachside cafes. There are a lot of water sports and excursions from Grand Baie. At La Pointe aux Canonniers there is constant activity, from tennis to scuba diving, sailing and archery, water skiing and wakeboarding, kayaking, Pilates and beach volleyball to name just a few! They have a wellness centre with five individual treatment rooms including one special Thai room and childcare ranging from children aged 4 months to 17 years! Every guest is catered for! We participated in all the activities and loved the dining and entertainment/themed evenings organised with great passion by the resort staff. We then travelled early on day three to the La Plantation d'Albion which is located on the west coast of the island (the airport transfer to this resort takes approximately 60 minutes.) The resort is a very natural, wooded setting with two white sand beaches protected by a coral reef. One is approximately 300 yards from the centre of the resort and is accessible via a little footbridge over the Belle Eau River. The second beach, immediately accessible from the resort, also has fine, white coral sand, the first few yards of access to the water are sand and rocks. Both beaches are equipped with deck chairs and parasols. There are just over 260 rooms and suites at this resort all with either terrace or balcony looking out over the ocean or gardens. Again there are lots of activities going on here from water sports, land sports and golf to beach volleyball. I was spoilt for choice! One of the main attractions here is the flying trapeze Academy with circus activities (included in the holiday package)! There is also golf, sailing, tennis and archery as well as beach volleyball, water polo, mini football, a cardio and weights room, kayaking and snorkelling. There is a Cinq Mondes Spa at this resort with 12 individual treatments rooms and a Zen Area (adults only, with a beautiful infinity pool looking out to the ocean). This gave the resort a great sense of calmness and tranquillity as well as a sense of purpose for the overall ambience of the hotels. There is so much on offer for a holiday to the Indian Ocean and Mauritius: from golf and spa resorts to kids clubs and special occasions like honeymoons, anniversaries and of course the complete wedding package tailored made to each and every special couple. One of the main appealing factors is the lack of jet lag with a time difference of + 2 hours in summer and + 3 hours in winter. Club Med offers everything from specialist children’s clubs from babies to teens; over 65 sports to try with expert tuition, gourmet cuisine, and international welcome from outstanding staff and classic rooms to private villas – what’s not to love? Mauritius is not cheap, but definitely one of my top ten destinations and I hope that one day I will have the opportunity to return to this beautiful island. If you would like more information on Mauritius and/or Club Med please don't hesitate to contact me.

01 April 2012

In March I was delighted to be invited by the Government of Dubai Department of Tourism and Commerce Marketing on a trip to Dubai. We flew from Heathrow and were extremely fortunate to be upgraded to business class! On arrival we were met and assisted on arrival by Arabian Adventures and transferred to our hotel. Throughout our visit we were transported by this company and I would highly recommend their services and excursions. We spent 2 nights at the Atlantis on The Palm Hotel; a fantastic location and a great spot if you like a busy, buzzing property. It features a great choice of restaurants, has its own aquarium and a waterpark next door called Aqua Venture, which is complimentary to all guests staying at the hotel. The Atlantis also has Dolphin Bay were you can arrange to swim with dolphins in a small group. On our first evening we went to visit the Westin Mina Seyahi Beach Resort. It is located on the beach with great views across to the Palm. The bedrooms are spacious with beautifully appointed bathrooms, heavenly beds and mounds of pillows! The facilities were first class - various bars and restaurants, outdoor swimming pools, boutiques, business centre. The next day we went to the Madinat Jumeirah Group of hotels for a site inspection - this hotel was a real treat! Within this resort there are 2 grand boutique hotels and courtyard summer houses; traditional Abras; 44 world class restaurants and bars; free internet access in all rooms and suites; traditional souk; Talise Spa and wellness services ; 2 km of pristine, private beach; complimentary Wild Wadi Waterpark access; conference and banqueting centre; The Quay health club and The First Group Theatre! Then we were off to the Jumeirah Beach Hotel - premier lifestyle destination on Jumeirah Beach. The hotel offers 598 rooms and suites all of which feature fabulous views of the ocean through floor-to-ceiling windows. It is an excellent family beach resort again giving complimentary access to the neighbouring Wild Wadi Water Park. That evening we were hosted for dinner at the One and Only Royal Mirage after a hotel inspection which was again superb. The resort is split into three hotels on the same stretch of beach: The Arabian Court (which is really well suited to families), the Residence & Spa (adults only) and the Palace Hotel – you can dine in any of the hotel’s restaurants. The next day we checked out of the Atlantis and moved to the Grand Hyatt Dubai located in the Bur Dubai district; another fabulous 5 star hotel with vast facilities to cater for everyone – business, leisure and great for families. After a site inspection we enjoyed lunch by the pools . We were really fortunate to experience the following excursions and I would highly recommend all of them. We had a city tour - which took us to the old town, we went to the gold and spice souks and we also experienced an Abra on the Creek. We went up the tallest tower in the world the stunning Burj Khalifa which was the highlight of my trip, travelling up to the 124th floor on the fastest elevator in the world! On ground level is the new downtown area that features the Dubai Mall (currently the largest shopping mall in the world) lots of shops, hotels and restaurants plus the superb fountain show. 4 x 4 jeep safari – we were collected and dropped back to our hotel in the air conditioned jeeps. This tour involves driving over sand dunes, a falconry show, drinks and a traditional dinner, belly dancing, henna tattoo and camel rides! On our last day we went up the Burj Khalifa, went through Dubai Mall to Dubai Aquarium & Underwater Zoo and then after lunch we went to Ski Dubai! We had lunch at the Pullman Hotel Mall of the Emirates and then a beautiful a la carte meal at The Address, Downtown & The Palace-The Old Town & then we saw the Dubai Fountains before we started our journey home again – what a way to end our trip ! With five-star leisure facilities, guaranteed sunshine, beautiful beaches and Arabian hospitality, Dubai offers you a unique holiday adventure and only 7 hours flying time from the UK. Dubai is an all-year-round destination and offers something for everyone!

04 September 2011

My husband and I went to Mallorca for a week, this was my first visit to the island and I was really looking forward to visiting Porto Cristo Novo as this is where my husband went with his family when he was a child. We flew from Belfast to Palma with Jet2 and then I arranged a shuttle transfer to take us to Porto Cristo Novo. I was very impressed with how smoothly this went – very well organised and an added bonus that we were the first to be dropped off at our accommodation. The transfer in the comfortable air conditioned coach took 1 hour. We stayed with family at the Pueblo Mediterraneo which is on the beach of Cala Anguila, steps led down from the apartments to the sandy beach with crystal clear waters. The cove has a dramatic backdrop, sunbeds and shades are available to hire and there is a beach café. Cala Mandia beach is a short walk from here with another excellent beach cafe. The beautiful town of Porto Cristo and its stunning harbour is 2 miles away. During the evening Porto Cristo is a quiet resort, perfect if you want to retreat and get away from it all, but still within easy reach of the more lively Cala Millor which is only a short taxi ride away. However, during the day the resort can become very busy with tour buses due to the close proximity of both the Caves of Drac and Caves of Hams, which between them are possibly the biggest tourist attractions on the island. Manacor, the islands second largest town is 20 minutes drive known for its manufacture of Marjorcia pearls and furniture, good selection of restaurants, shops and bars. We went to the market and enjoyed bartering for sunhats and paella dishes ! If you are looking for somewhere not to far from home, give Majorca a visit you won't regret it. The island is suitable for anyone of any age.

10 February 2011

I went for a 4 night trip to Villars in Switzerland and enjoyed 3 days of skiing. Upon arrival at Geneva Airport, we headed to the train station, which is just a short walk from arrivals, to catch our Swiss rail transfer to Villars. This is becoming an increasingly popular method of transfer to resort and it’s easy to see why. It must have been one of the most enjoyable and easiest ski transfers I have experienced. Displayed throughout the station, all the timetables give you the correct platform you need to be on and when the next departure is. As it is to be expected, all of the trains run with Swiss efficiently and depart on time. When catching the train to Villars, there are two options. You can either take the train to Aigle and then catch the bus to resort, or take the train a little further to the town of Bex and then change onto another train which runs directly up to Villars. Either way you will arrive into the centre of the resort and will be minutes away from your accommodation. We stayed at the Hotel Le Bristol, which is a fantastic hotel, located only 300m from the resort centre. The rooms are spacious and have the choice of either a village or valley view. As with many Swiss resorts, Villars is a ‘real’ town with residents living there year round and as a result there is a good selection of bars, restaurants and shops. In terms of eating out, I would highly recommend the Rotisserie des Alpes, which is right beside the train station in the centre of the resort, where we had excellent Lake Geneva perch fillets. We also spent an evening at the Restaurant du Col du Bretaye, located at the top of the cog railway, in an area called Bretaye. This is an ideal restaurant for non-skiers who want to go up the mountain and meet skiers for lunch. On the slopes we booked 2 mornings with a private instructor from the Villars Ecole de Ski et Snowboard (ESS). Villars ESS is one of the largest in Switzerland and is made up of over 300 instructors. Their office is located in the same building as the tourist office, opposite the station. If you have lessons booked, you can exchange your vouchers either at the office in resort or at the office in Bretaye – the ski area accessed by the cog railway. There’s an excellent kindergarten in Villars which is located behind the train station. Thanks to the magic carpet in the Jardin des Neiges, the little ones will be tearing up and down the slopes in no time. Villars is an excellent choice for a either a short break ski holiday, thanks to the easy transfer and flexibility of the Hotel Le Bristol or as a family destination, with a wide choice of self catered apartments available and a superb ski school on hand to take care of the children. If you’re interested in a ski break to Villars and have any questions about the resort, please do not hesitate to call me.

06 October 2010

I went to Lake Garda in September with the tour operator TOPFLIGHT. I travelled in a small group of travel agents and we were all thoroughly enjoyed our visit. We left Belfast City airport on Topflight’s charter flight to Verona. The 48km long lake is in Northern Italy, east of Milan and fairly close to the provincial town of Brescia and city Verona. The lake and its shoreline are divided between the provinces of Verona (to the southeast), Brescia (southwest), and Trento (north). The best time to go is from June to September for the really good weather, when daily highs average 23 – 28C/73 – 82F. Tourists flock to the lake in July and August. But all year, Lake Garda has something for everyone and is an ideal holiday destination. There is something for everyone at Lake Garda. For young families, teenagers, singles, couples, the retired...it’s ideal for anyone. There are so many places to see and tons of different things to do. Whether you’re into sports, family leisure activities, history, shopping, or just chilling out on the beach eating ice cream and watching the sun set...Lake Garda has it all !! Breakfast in Riva ...lunch in Limone ...cocktails in Sirmione...dinner in Desenzano. Lake Garda - thinking about it now brings a smile back to my face !

17 August 2010

In January 2010 I organised a ski weekend for my parents, sister and brother. We travelled from Belfast with EasyJet to Geneva and spent 4 nights in the French ski resort of Megève. We were all looking forward to getting the skis on and trying a new ski area. When we arrived in Geneva, we were met by a driver from AlpLine and within minutes we were comfortably seated in a private minibus and we were on our way to Megève. The drive from Geneva airport takes about 1 hour and ten minutes. We were dropped to the door of our hotel – wonderful door to door service! I booked us into the Hotel Vieux Moulin hotel. We had a double room for my parents with an interconnecting triple room for us kids ! The hotel has recently renovated and offers a warm and friendly atmosphere. The hotel is only a couple of minutes walk away from the centre of the resort and the 'Chamois' gondola. All the rooms in the hotel have suite facilities and are on a bed and breakfast basis. With Mont Blanc in full view, the medieval town of Megève offers elegance and charm to rival the most prestigious of resorts. Shops, boutiques and cafés line the traffic-free, cobbled streets where “people watching” is a local past time. The 300kms of piste which form the impressive Evasion ski area is comprised of tree lined slopes, open bowls and bump fields. The ski area offers 445km of skiing - in addition to Mégève, the lift pass covers neighbouring St. Gervais, St. Nicholas and Combloux. We first went skiing as a family 25 years ago so we a lot of reminiscing! It was a fabulous week-end and would highly recommend this resort for a ski weekend.

31 March 2010

I have just come back from a fantastic trip with Continental Airlines to New York. I flew directly from Heathrow to Newark & then we took the train to Penn Station. Accommodation in New York ranges from classy & famous hotels to ones that offer basic bedrooms for crashing after a day & night of high excitement. We stayed at the Affinia 50 on our 1st night, located on the corner of East 50th Street & 3rd Avenue. The hotel was extremely comfortable (6 pillow choice on the menu!), there are spacious suites & guest rooms on the 22 floors & on the 2nd floor of hotel there is a gym, two tv rooms, coffee/tea facilities and papers etc... We checked in & then headed in a cab to the Upper west side of Manhattan. Dinner at Calle Ocho Restaurant on Columbus Avenue which I would highly recommend. The place had a fantastic vibe & everyone was extremely friendly. On next day we had a hosted breakfast & a site tour of the Affinia 50, the hotel is in a great location for sightseeing & I would recommend it to couples or families or business travellers. New York is best experienced at ground level where you can balance museums & sight-seeing, Manhattan is easy to navigate but I would recommend that you purchase a ticket from Citysights NY & do the Downtown Loop tour. We had lunch at South Street Seaport, on a good day there are fabulous views of the city & Brooklyn Bridge! Then it was off to Macy’s department store! In the evening we checked into The Benjamin – a few doors up ! Great night with drinks in the hotel bar & then a limo cab to Little Italy for dinner. Then it was back to the comfort of The Benjamin hotel which is 125 East 50th Street. Hard to choose a pillow from a choice of 12 on their menu! This hotel was more luxurious, offering the facilities of a fine dining restaurant & a bar. On Sunday morning we had a beautiful breakfast in the hotel & then a site tour of the rooms/suites & facilities. We had a day of shopping & sightseeing, in the evening we went to visit the Affinia Manhattan hotel. Its location is a step across from 7th Avenue & on the doorstep to Madison Square Garden, the Empire State Building, 5th Avenue shopping, Broadway and Times Square. The rooms were slightly 'tired' but the hotel is about to go under a huge renovation, the staff were excellent. I would be happy to recommend this to anyone who wants to be smack bang in the centre of the city! After a fabulous meal in the hotel’s restaurant called Niles we went to the top of the Rock. The viewing platform is a few metres lower than the Empire State but the views are even more spectacular. To save queuing, book tickets beforehand ! On Monday morning we went to visit 5* The Surrey Hotel, located in Manhattan's Upper East Side. It is a stunning hotel with beautiful, tasteful decor. Every facility from gym, spa, bar, Michelin star restaurant, in-room dining & private rooftop garden is available here. Central Park is 4 blocks from the hotel. Then we meet up with “On Location Tours” & went on the tour of the “Sex & the City Hotspots”. We followed in the footsteps of Carrie, Samantha, Charlotte, and Miranda, the tour includes more than 40 locations from the show, so if you are a fan eager to learn more, or a tourist looking for a more entertaining way to see Manhattan’s then this is the tour for you! We then travelled out to Newark Airport by private transfer to start our return journey home with Continental Airlines. We were hosted in the business lounge & I was very fortunate to experience the Business first service on the direct Newark to Belfast flight home. We experienced supreme comfort in our sleeper seats & thoroughly enjoyed a delicious 4 course meal. Holidays in New York can overwhelm even the most blasé traveller. From skyscrapers to museums & department stores, New York is the city that does it bigger, louder & faster than any other. I had a great trip & made many great friends. I would encourage everyone to sample a bite of the big apple!

06 August 2009

I travelled to Tenerife at the end of April 2009 for a week’s family holiday; our 2 children were 4yrs and 2yrs. We went with another family of 4. We decided to try an all inclusive holiday for the first time as the rate of exchange on the euro was not very strong and as parents we were also keen to have a relaxing break– it was fabulous… no shopping, cooking or cleaning for a week ! We stayed at the 4* Bahia Principe which is located close to the resort of Playa Paraiso. Our transfer took approx 30 minutes which was ideal with both the adults and the kids! On arrival we were greeted by friendly staff and instantly had a holiday feel, there is a lovely air of relaxation around the place. The large complex is very colourful; our daughter thought that we had arrived in Balamory! We were allocated adjacent rooms on the ground floor of the 5th block. This was beside the shallow end of the main pool and a perfect location for us to nip back to the room for more toys, change of clothes/nappies or sun cream! This pool was one of 3 to choose from and was ideal for us as the shallow end was huge; the kids were happy paddling all day! The rooms were very clean, comfortable, and spacious. We had a junior suite per family; each room had a double and single bed and cot which I had requested in advance. The rooms are equipped with air conditioning, ceiling fan, full bathroom, hairdryer, satellite TV, safe (extra cost), mini bar (soft drinks, water and beer) and a terrace. Being all inclusive was great – unlimited snacks 24 hours a day and wonderful to not have to carry money with you! The main restaurant offered buffet meals, our children (like many) can be fussy eaters and the buffet option worked really well. We had the option to book into an a la carte restaurant 3 times in our week. There was a choice of a Spanish, Italian and fish restaurant or an Asian or Mexican restaurant located at the sister complex next door. This was probably our hardest decision each day – where to eat next? Each evening the children came up to dinner with us, they loved the entertainment and after all their activity during the day they were all normally asleep in the prams as we sat in the restaurant for our dinner. All of the restaurant staff were very accommodating to us and our 4 prams! There is not much in the general area outside of the property but if you get the bus or a taxi to Costa Adeje you have everything to hand. A few afternoon’s we went out for a walk with the children along the coast and one morning we took taxis to Costa Adeje to visit the beach and browse the shops. I would not recommend the Bahia Principle to anyone with walking difficulties, lots of hills and steps throughout the complex. It is also not the ideal location for people who are looking for nightlife as the complex is a bit isolated. There was so much going on at the Bahia Principle that we did not to venture very far! This was my second trip to Tenerife; I had been for a week in June 2001 with my husband. We stayed in the resort of Golf del Sur and hired a car so that we could thoroughly explore the island, its beaches and Mount Teide. We went to each resort along the coast to see all that Tenerife had to offer. This was a different holiday with 4 children aged 4 years and under! We spent our days playing in the pool with the children and relaxing in the sunshine. Our 4 year old girls loved the mini club and normally went for a few hours each day. The mini club and activity staff were extremely popular with all the children in the complex. We had a wonderful week and I would highly recommend this hotel to a couple or family group who are looking for a relaxing holiday, while there are activities organised each day you are not forced to participate in anyway. All in all we loved our holiday and came back totally relaxed after a week in the sun. If you would like any information on Tenerife please do not hesitate to call me.