The Dead Sea is a land locked sea situated at the lowest point on earth. It is the most peculiar feeling ’sitting’ in this water, totally supported by the high level of salt you can’t help but float. It is completely comfortable to float in this water and read a book!

As you are floating effortlessly in the warm, mineral rich waters, you see people around the shoreline scooping handfuls of mud from the sea bed and smearing it over themselves before wading into the water. It is the most bizarre sight! There are two very lovely, luxury hotels situated on the Dead Sea that both take advantage of the minerals available and offer excellent spa facilities.

However, don’t leave it too long before visiting the Dead Sea - the water level of the Dead Sea is dropping by about a 30cm (1 foot) per year and Scientists predict that the sea may be dried up by the year 2050!

Jordan has been, for me, one of the places that was always on my ‘must see’ list and when I got the opportunity to visit in March, it lived up to all my expectations. Petra was the highlight of our trip. We arrived in this small but busy town about 6pm and after quickly donning some comfortable footwear, we walked to the entrance to Petra Site. Lit by hundreds of candles and the light of the moon, the walk through a small gap in an enormous rock, called The Siq, can be quite magical although I would suggest leaving a little while after the crowds have passed through so you can experience what it is like in the quiet.

Petra is an incredible place, so much more than the Treasury - its most famous building, and as you wonder freely through this ancient city you can still imagine what it may have been like in the times of the Nabeatean people two thousand years ago. Climb the 950 or so steps upto the Monastry for incredible views right across the Wadi Musa valley - its exhausting and takes around 45 minutes but so worth it! We only had a whole day here but left feeling that there was so much more to discover.

Sitting at the crossroads of ancient civilisations between Arabia and the Mediterranean Sea is the Kingdom of Jordan. A combination of stunning desert landscapes and ancient cities, beautiful beaches and, of course, the Dead Sea awaits the visitor. Jordan is an ideal short haul destination to somewhere completely different as Fiona and I are about to find out.

The latest destination to be added to Worldwide Holidays portfolio, Jordan offers a great deal from just a small country. During our visit, we will be visiting the rose city of Petra, camping overnight in the desert just like Lawrence of Arabia and checking out the healing properties of the Dead Sea - if I don’t return looking ten years younger, questions will be asked!

We both return on the 22nd March so check out our photos and blogs on our return.

My first visit to Costa Rica had a lot to live up to. Working with, and being friends with Fiona, I constantly heard how wonderful this country was and as soon as we arrived, Costa Rica slowly got under my skin.

Our first stop was the Xandari Plantation in San Jose. A welcome stop after travelling from London with lovely large rooms and a verandah which overlooks the city of San Jose. You immediately get a sense that the Costa Rican people are very proud of their country as both our driver and the hotel manager kept insisting I admire the view from the hotel!

The following day we left for the Osa Pennisula and Corcovado National Park. After a 90 minute boat ride through some stunning countryside, you alight the boat on a sandy beach and take the ‘jungle limo’ (a rather stylish tractor) up the steep hillside to the small collection of bungalows, restaurant and bar that make up Casa Corcovado Jungle Lodge.

During the three days there we snorkelled, saw wild dolphins, monkeys, swam in warm seas, walked through virgin jungle and saw the most stunning sunsets accompanied by a rather tasty Margarita!

Our next stop was Manuel Antonio National Park. Here we stayed at El Parador, a lovely hotel with the most stunning views across the Pacific Ocean. The beaches here are what I call ‘movie set beaches’ - green jungle, white sand and clear blue ocean. Beware though, if you leave any food in your bag on the beach whilst you take a swim, the monkey’s will come down from the trees and help themselves!

A highlight of the trip was the Arenal Volcano. This stunning natural phenomenon erupts during the day and nights. We sat in hot volcanic springs whilst the lava and rocks tumbled down the side of the Volcano. It is like having your own personal firework display.

The following day I took a cable lift to the treetop canopy and found the quick way down via zip wire. The most amazing experience as you whizz above the tree canopy at speeds of upto 40 miles an hour - although the wildlife may have been scared as I wasn’t the quietest in my descent!

All in all, a wonderful, memorable trip and a country that certainly lived up to my expectations!

Waiting to be Discovered

I recently returned from Madagascar in December 2006, which the newest edition in our portfolio of countries. I can only describe this island as incredible and during my visit was surprised to discover just how unspoilt it is. Visitors can explore beautiful beaches, rainforests and deserts, many of which are keen to go whale watching or catch a glimpse of the famous lemurs living on this amazing island.

During my visit I was able to travel across the country, which is testament to the impressive internal flight system operating in the country. The highlight of my visit to Madagascar was spending two days on the beach at the Anjajavy Hotel, a famously isolated boutique lodge only accessible by plane. I highly recommend this as a must for anyone who yearns for the perfect retreat surrounded by nature.