29 May 2025

Doha, the shimmering capital of Qatar, is like that friend who has everything: a rich history, jaw-dropping architecture, and an ever-evolving personality. Nestled on the Arabian Gulf, this city has transformed from a humble fishing and pearling village into a futuristic metropolis that will have you alternately picking your jaw off the floor and reaching for your camera. History Meets Glitz Doha’s history dates back to the 1820s when it was known as Al-Bidda. Its journey from a small trading port to a global hub is as dramatic as a Netflix series. The discovery of oil in the mid-20th century changed everything, turning Doha into the thriving, modern city we see today. Yet, despite its rapid transformation, it has clung to its roots. Wander through Souq Waqif to experience the charm of traditional Qatari markets, where you can haggle for spices, perfumes, and even falcons. Yes, falcons. They take their bird game seriously. Why Visit? For starters, Doha’s skyline is a work of art, with each building seemingly competing for the “Most Instagrammable” title. The Museum of Islamic Art, designed by I.M. Pei, is a must-visit for culture vultures. Love beaches? Doha’s got pristine ones. Love food? Dive into local dishes like machboos, a spiced rice and meat delight that will make your taste buds dance. Fun Facts: Doha boasts the world’s longest continuous bike path, stretching over 33 kilometres. So if you're into cycling—or just need a scenic excuse to skip the gym—this is your spot. And let’s not forget, Qatar hosted the FIFA World Cup in 2022, leaving behind world-class stadiums that are architectural marvels. For those seeking some wet water fun, Doha is home to the Meryal Waterpark, which is not only the largest watermark in Qatar but also holds the Guiness World Record for the world’s tallest water slide and most water slides on a single tower. We work with some truly incredible hotels in Doha who offer great rates, hospitality and a wonderful experience. Many hotels also offer stopover rates giving you the option to stopover in Doha for a couple of nights on route to somewhere like Asia. In short, Doha is a delightful blend of old and new, tradition and innovation. Whether you’re there for the food, the culture, or just to bask in the glittering skyline, Doha will leave you dazzled—and maybe just a little sunburnt.

17 May 2025

A Journey Through History and Beauty This week I’ve been looking at the incredible Peloponnese in Greece as a holiday destination for a client. I always like to look into the history of a place and learn as much about it as I can. The history of the Peloponnese really is fascinating and it gave me the idea to do a bit of a weekly destination downlow looking at a different place every week. Traveling through the Peloponnese feels like stepping into a living museum—one where ancient myths and modern life coexist in a landscape that is both breathtaking and deeply rooted in history. Located in southern Greece, the Peloponnese is a peninsula connected to the mainland by the narrow Isthmus of Corinth. It’s a place where every turn reveals something remarkable: the ruins of powerful ancient cities, quiet mountain villages, and coastlines that stretch into the clear blue waters of the Mediterranean. One of the highlights of any trip is visiting Olympia, the birthplace of the Olympic Games. Walking through the remnants of temples and stadiums where athletes once competed thousands of years ago is awe-inspiring. In Mycenae, one can stand before the famous Lion Gate and imagine the world of Agamemnon and Homer’s epics. These aren’t just ruins—they’re the foundations of Western civilization. This is where the major cities of Sparta, Corinth, Arogs and Megalopolis were located. It is also home to Mycanae which is best known for being the kingdom of Agamemnon who led the Greeks in the Trojan War. But the Peloponnese is more than just its ancient past. The town of Nafplio, with its neoclassical architecture and seaside charm, is incredibly beautiful; wander cobblestone streets, sip Greek coffee in quiet squares, and watch the sunset from Palamidi Fortress high above the town. Nature lovers will find plenty to explore, from the rugged mountains of Arcadia to the stunning beaches of the Mani Peninsula. Each region has its own character, shaped by centuries of history and local tradition. The food, as expected, is incredible—fresh, simple, and full of flavour. Local olive oil, honey, cheese, and wine make every meal memorable. Flights from the UK take around 4 hours to Kalamata Airport and we work with a wide variety of accommodation providers ranging from basic to luxury. The Westin Resort, Costa Navarino sits with its toes in the sand of the staggering, quite wild Blue Flag Beach with nesting turtles in summer, close to the iconic white-crescent Vodoikilia Beach. Each of its ground floor accommodations offer private infinity pools while families will find a seemingly endless list of ways to spend time between the two children hubs, the Aqua Park and the remarkable sports and activities. Also of note is The Romanos, a Luxury Collection Resort in Costa Navarino. The 12 tempting restaurants here range from local and international flavours to farm to table dining, and there’s a vast spa, two 18-hole championship golf courses and a fabulous kids’ clubs. Experiences include cookery classes with local women, cheese-tasting and -making, wine masterclasses, astronomy nights, mythological storytelling and even philosophy walks. The Peloponnese is a place where time slows down, and history feels present in every moment. It’s a destination you can never forget.