Launching our new mobile app!

Worldwide Holidays are pleased to announce the launch of our brand new mobile application for Android phones. Our new mobile application brings our extensive information about some of the world’s most exotic holiday destinations onto your mobile phone! From the unspoilt beauty of Costa Rica to the colourful atmosphere of Cuba, our mobile app details many of the best hotels, activities and locations.

Clients can now read and show their friends detailed information about our exotic destinations. Useful holiday tips and special offers are updated regularly, plus you can keep tabs on our travel experts as they travel to our destinations. We’ll  also let you know of any travel news relevant to our specially selected destinations. We hope you find our new app useful – if you have an Android phone please search for us “Worldwide Holidays” or click the download link below.

https://market.android.com/details?id=com.wwh.wwh

Our app is currently only available for Android phones but we are working to launch an iPhone version soon!

A return from Morocco

I have just returned from what was probably my 10th visit to Marrakech and enjoyed a weekend visit to this enchanting city. I also managed to squeeze in an escape to the coastal town of Essaouira, providing me with a respite from the formidable heat in Marrakech.

Essaouira is situated some 2.5 hours west from Marrakech and provides a chilled out break and much sought after sea breeze! For those that love shopping, you are rather spoilt here with plenty of boutique shops offering all the local craftsmanship you can wish for. The beach is also quite impressive, although being on the Atlantic Coast, is a haven for windsurfers due to the winds that prevails along here.

FlyBMI now fly to Marrakech and are soon to launch a 5 day a week service from London Heathrow. I was very impressed with their on-board service especially coming back in business class – a real nice end to the trip!

The great attraction to Marrakech and Morocco is that it can be reached in only a 3 hour flight and you are instantly transported into a unique and historical place, where old traditions still continue to be the way of life and where the people are so welcoming and are proud of their heritage. What I love about this place is that it is so vibrant, colourful and the smells are just so captivating, whether you are enjoying a cup of mint tea on the roof top terrace in your Riad to walking through the souks and watching the locals making wonderful crafts from a piece of metal –it really is amazing to watch.

When you have had enough of walking through the endless maze of the Souks, you can retreat back to your Riad and enjoy the spa facilities or simply sit by the pool with abook.

For those that enjoy the exhilarating things in life, perhaps a quad bike expedition in the Palmeraies or a balloon ride may be just your thing. Certainly for me with a fear of heights I just had to pass on this and settle for a camel ride instead!

Morocco is the perfect weekend trip, if you are looking for somewhere exciting, not so far away and offering a mixture of excellent cuisine, activities and spa.

Do give me a call if you would like more details on this destination, as I would be delighted to share my experiences with you!

Visiting the luxury Ezzahra villa in Morocco

I have just come back from the most amazing private villa in Marrakech – just 20 minutes from the airport which is only 3 hours from London, this idyllic location offers the perfect retreat.

To celebrate special birthdays, family events, friends or family special holidays this is the perfect place. With the warm climate this villa is set in the north of the city, where the King’s Mother has a villa! Quiet and secluded and the ultimate service to make your stay utterly perfect.

With 7 beautiful bedrooms in the main villa this is a group destination. There is also a smaller separate villa which sleeps 2-4 persons -  perfect for honeymoons.  The day starts with relaxed breakfast on the terrace where the days spas treatments can be planned (all included) ‘shall I have my massage round the pool or in the spa, and before for after the Hamman?’ One the days difficult decisions!

Then one can either, relax by the pool, go to the gym, play pad tennis before a delicious lunch served on the terrace – afternoons can offer be relaxing or even a trip in the city with the guide for some shopping or play golf nearby.  Maria, the lovely housekeeper, took  my children has a camel ride in the afternoon, which they loved.

If you have longer than a few days you may like to do an excursion to the Atlas Mountains or Essaouira on the coast, only 2 hours away.  Essaouira is a trendy city with a huge beach and almost a mini Marrakech medina town and a morrish port to explore. This city is famous for the artists who have flocked to this area – I also lovely the excellent fish restaurants and many activities available on the beach in the sand dunes such as quad biking.

All with the thought of returning to pure luxury and of the villa and superb dinner and an evening of music in the berbe tent around the pool or cosy round the fires to try the shisha pipes!

Really a special place I would really recommend for a special escape with family & friends. Read more about the Villa Ezzahra.

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Celebrate Madagascar Independence day with our 10-day tour

Worldwide Holidays is pleased to announce an exciting new tour to celebrate the Madagascan Independence day taking place on June 26th. Our 10-night tour from June 19th to June 27th takes clients on an exploration down south to Isalo National Park before travelling to Antsirabe to celebrate the “Avenue de independence”.

Independence Day in Madagascar is an occasion of great celebrations and is celebrated on the 26th of June. The Malagasy people know too well how to celebrate with food, drink, and some local dance.

Madagascar has undergone significant changes during the nineteenth and twentieth centuries. Occupying a strategic location off the southeast coast of Africa, the island historically became the target of British and French imperial ambitions. Ultimately, the competition resulted in French colonization at the end of the nineteenth century. The country gained full independence from colonial rule on June 26, 1960.

This tour takes you on a journey south visiting national parks and learning about the local culture before returning to Antananarivo to enjoy the celebrations of Independence Day. On the 25^th June, you can enjoy a firework and laser display at Lake Anosy. On the actual day there is a military parade at Mahamasina Stadium commencing at 9am, followed by a Rossy concert at the same stadium in the mid afternoon.

Read more about our Independence Day Tour

Returning from my trip to Morocco

Just returned form my fantastic trip in Marrakesh, Morocco what a fantastic destination just over 3 hours away and a completely different climate and culture.

In a warm temperate climate, we explored the old city within the Medina walls and also the new city, which is well worth a visit. We found the mornings quiet and great time to explore and streets get busier and busier through the late morning and into the evening

Having one of our expert guides for a city tour really helped to explain the history and culture which made sense of the city

Although I dressed with consideration for the Muslim culture you could see many tourists don’t and apart from the interesting street banter from the street sellers, which is all very good natured, we didn’t get hassled.

I visited many amazing Riads, A riad being a traditional house set around a courtyard, which is an old design that keeps the inner part of the house cool and quiet, even the roof terraces are a quiet place to relax.

There are so many special Riads within the medina wall, too many to list but some of my favorite include Angsna Si Said, La Sultana, Les Jardins de la Medina, Riad Kniza and the amazing La Arabe which is not only walking distance to the main square but has the most beautiful Spa and Hamann. A treatment at a Hamann is an absolute must when you visit Marrakesh- a weekly event to all locals, as not only a cleansing session but local ‘gossip’ session- many arranged marriages are ‘born’ here!

You will not only feel completely relaxed and cleansed but totally invigorated.

I was lucky enough to eat at Marrakeshs’ best restaurant Dar Yacout which is a beautiful setting and fantastic food- a set menu including traditional Tagine dishes

Morocco has so much more to offer than just Marrakesh, the Atlas mountains are known for trekking and walking, I also visited Essaouira, 2 hours to the west on the Atlantic coast, huge wide long beach with many kite surfers, wind surfers, dune buggy and camel riding activities on offer, with a mini Marrakesh-like city set in the old medina walls, there is a Morrish fort to explore and I found this area to be a fantastic location for another few days, so much to see and do including visiting where the argon oil is made. This is great to escape to when Marrakesh gets too hot or for more of an active time especially with children (Sofitel has a children’s club), fabulous hotels here incl Heure Bleue, Riad Mumtazmahal, this is a new Riad which is newly created in the traditional opulent style and the more modern Sofitel hotel which offers the benefits of a larger hotel with a big swimming pool and spa but still sympathetic to the Moroccan style.

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Essaouira is famous for its Fish, Seafood, beach and Argon oil.

A few hours north an ultimate relaxation, near to Casablanca on a lagoon by 2 headlands is La Sultana Oualidia which is a very special kind of retreat, a member of the Small Luxury Hotels in the World group, this hotel offers a perfect romantic retreat, with its sandbanks, oyster beds and salt water marshes in the lagoon it offers calm waters joining the 45meter infinity pool, a perfect romantic break or Honeymoon destination.

I didn’t manage to visit Fez on this trip, but Moreno our Senior specialist with 8 years experience selling Morocco, knows this area, I’m excited he’s brought this destination to us and look forward to sharing it with our clients.

Read more about Morocco

The Cahors charity cycle challenge

This September I will be following up with another cycle challenge following last years Irish Charity Cycle challenge. This year I will be taking part in the Cahors Challenge with my team mates cycling 500 miles in relay from St Malo to Cahors in the Midi region of south western France. Over £3,600 was raised last year for charity and I hope we can beat that record this year. 100% of our teams’ sponsorship will go to worthy causes and is divided up as follows:

50% of what we raise will be donated to Cancer Research UK and the British Heart Foundation.

25% will be donated to the Arthritis Research Campaign (arc), one of the UK’s leading arthritis research organisations. Jacqui’s father recently died after suffering with crippling rheumatoid and arthritis and Lupus for many years and Jacqui would like for some of our sponsorship to go towards helping to find a cure for these degenerative diseases.

25% will be donated to Friends of Forest Holme, which is an independent charity dedicated to raising funds for Forest Holme hospice and specialist palliative care unit in Poole. One of our dear friends is suffering with terminal cancer and Forest Holme have provided her with amazing care at this difficult time.

Your support is greatly appreciated and we have set up a Just Giving account for sponsorship. We start our 2011 challenge on 29th September under the historic walls of the maritime city of St Malo. We will cycle from Brittany into Normandy and head south over the Loire to spend the first night in Saumur.  Then, following river valleys that climb into the foothills of the Massif Central, we will spend the second night on the outskirts of the city of Limoges. We will ride south towards the headwaters of the Dordogne on day three and the Challenge finish line is the 14^th century medieval bridge over the river Lot at Cahors.

To sponsor my team please visit our Just Giving account at http://www.justgiving.com/2011CahorsChallenge.

Costa Rica here I come.. again!

This time next week I will be frantically finishing off all my work so I fly out to San Jose, Costa Rica & forget about work for the next 12 days.. that is the theory anyway!!

When I say “fly out” this is said with optimism as we fly Heathrow to Miami with BA. So let’s hope they do not go on strike & affect my flight!! Surely they know I am travelling & will not wish to upset me? !! :]

I have been selling & visiting Costa Rica for nearly 13 years now & I do think I deserve a “proper” holiday there.. This means not moving areas every other day & visiting numerous hotels to look longingly at their gorgeous swimming pools!!

Last year I was technically having a holiday but I moved around too much & still inspected lots of hotels. I think I took 6 domestic flights- all @ ridiculously early times. So this year I will be strict with myself & completely enjoy the hotels I stay with. I have obviously chosen some of my favourite hotels. The order is not perhaps ideal but I am there over high season Easter so cannot complain!! I start with one of the most amazing places to stay- in the world- Casa Corcovado Jungle Lodge.

Then to Arenal Volcano- which I missed out last year for the first time ever!! Here I will stay @ the Kioro- my favourite hotel mainly due to the en site hot springs. I used to go to this property & recommend it to clients when it was juts a tented restaurant. At that time the lava flow was directly in from of the property & there was no where better to see & hear it. But the lava flow moved round not long after the hotel was built & now for the first time since 1968 it has been quiet (I don’t want to use the word dormant) for the last few weeks. But nobody worry I will get it sorted out when I am there & lava flow will be restored!! Well I did visit Sri Lanka & the day I left the problems with the Tamil Tigers was resolved..

After sorting out Arenal Volcano we head to Manuel Antonio & the El Parador Hotel. 4 nights in the same hotel – the first time ever on a trip to Costa Rica & I cannot wait!!! The swimming pools at the El Parador are lovely & the views absolutely stunning.. Here my best friend will be the sun lounger!!

Well I hope you do not miss me too much.. you all have Easter & the Royal wedding to occupy you.. maybe I will get up at 4am Costa Rica time to see the wedding- lets just see how I feel & if it is on @ the El Parador Hotel..

Holidays to Cuba – A step back in time

1952 Cuban Car

Cuba is a fascinating country, with such an interesting history.  Not so long ago, back in 1959 Fidel Castro along with Che Guevara & others successfully overthrew the American backed Cuban dictator Batista, taking back the 75% of foreign owned land & nationalised it all. When all the Americans quickly left Cuba they had to abandon all their cars. These vintage cars have been maintained ever since & many of them kept in pristine condition. The Cubans are such happy & welcoming people. They may not own much materialistic things- like houses or cars but they have a love of life that you cannot help but be drawn by. They love their music & dancing- it is everywhere you go in Cuba.

I have been to Cuba I think 7 times before & apart from the first ever trip, this last one in February was the best.

I had never been to the city of Santiago de Cuba before & I loved it. Santiago is located at the southern tip of Cuba- a very long drive or domestic flight from Havana. Rather than wasting time travelling I opted to fly with Cubana from Gatwick to Holguin (flight then continues to Havana). I was pleasantly surprised with Cubana, the plane was comfortable & although it does not have the individual tv screens as Virgin have, the flight was fine. On arrival into Holguin airport we could have had a few nights @ Guardalavaca beach, but we wanted to get to Santiago straightaway.  So we had a 3 hour private transfer to Santiago arriving at the colonial Casa Grande Hotel in the centre of the historical part of the city. The Casa Grande is a beautiful building & yes it may not be in pristine condition but is in a great location & has lots of character. There is also the Melia hotel which has a swimming pool, but we were in Santiago to enjoy the city & would have plenty of time later in the trip to relax around a pool!!

Santiago is a very different city to Havana & has more of a Caribbean feel to it. It is certainly less touristy than Havana, but that will be because it is harder to get to!! We only had 3 nights here & the first night we arrived quite late so really only the 2 full days. Now I have been to Santiago I would recommend it to clients who want to experience a city a little less touristy than Havana. Santiago is reputed to be the birth place of reggae music- so here you have a huge mix of music. On the Saturday night in the park across from the Casa Grande Hotel there was a group of men playing guitar & singing – they were fantastic & would take requests. They were not doing it for money but because they enjoyed it- the bottle (s) of rum no doubt helped!! It was a great atmosphere & no loutish behaviour!!

After our 3 nights in Santiago we took the domestic flight up to Havana. Being in Havana is always a real highlight for me. It is a city that really makes you feel like you have gone back in time by several decades, back to the 1950’s. The city is so vibrant & with a little imagination you can picture how beautiful the buildings were in their hey day. Much of Havana is being renovated so the buildings are getting back to their original splendour- it is a slow & expensive job but they are getting there little by little. A walk along the Malecon on a Friday or Saturday night is like going to several parties. All the Cubans are along here playing music, drinking rum & courting.

On the Sunday we made our way to “La Rumba de Cayo Hueso”. It is a fabulous Afro-Cuban musical get together every Sunday from 12pm.  Really highly respected musicians & dancers come here to play Rumba, not the ballroom version but a complex rhythmic music generally only found in Cuba. The dance is flirtatious between a man & woman.  The singers & dancers change as people take their turn, it is fascinating a great experience. This was my first visit & I wondered why I had never been before..

When in Havana there is a lot to see & do. We had 5 nights this trip & that was perfect. We also had some relaxation time by the hotels roof top pool. My favourite hotel in Havana is still the Parque central. The rooms are great, the huge buffet breakfast wonderful & the 2 roof top pools are ideal to cool down in when the mid day sun hits..

I also went to Trinidad, the Cuban city for the day- just to see some hotels. It was a long day trip & not one that I would recommend taking from Havana. It was 5 hours each way!! But there was no availability in any of the hotels so it was either go for the day or not at all!. Although it was a long way for a day trip it was worth seeing Trinidad. It is a really pretty city with very old cobbled streets & colourful buildings. It is much better to go & stay there for 2 or 3 nights so that you can visit the old town etc in the morning or late afternoon- when the hundreds of day tourists are not there. It is a popular day trip from the beach area of Varadero so by lunch time there are lots of coaches & too many people. So if by staying a night or so you can avoid the middle hours of the day when this little city is busy & enjoy it at it quietest time. The 5* Grand Hotel is a beautiful colonial hotel in the heart of the city. But if you want to have some beach time but only be a 20 minute drive to the city then I really like the Costa Sur Bungalows. The hotel is the Club Amigo Costa Sur & is the smallest beach hotel in the area. The regular rooms are not so good but the bungalows are lovely & on the beach. For me the perfect way to enjoy Trinidad is to have 2 nights @ the Grand Hotel & then move to the beach hotel.  This is perfect for clients that really do not want to stay in the large resort area of Varadero. By staying at Trinidad beach you then also have the opportunity of going back into the city.

After 5 nights in Havana we were ready for a rest, so with a heavy heart we said goodbye to Havana having the short transfer to Varadero beach, for our final 5 nights in Cuba. Varadero gets slatted a lot by people but it is a gorgeous beach & yes it is very touristy with lots of big international hotels- but at least Cubans live there. I am not a big fan of the Cayo’s, the islands along the coast. Yes they are on lovely beaches but as they are so isolated Cubans do no actually live there & are brought in to work for a week & then go home for a few days before returning to the Cayo to work some more. We went into Varadero Town one evening to the Casa de la Musica & were so lucky to see a famous Cuban band called Los Van Van playing. It was a great night & full of local people. This band is huge in Cuba & we were so lucky to be in the right place at the right time. They have played in the UK before with the tickets selling @ £30. Here in Varadero we got in for 10 CUC’s – £7!! Bargain. The rest of the time we relaxed on the stunning beach watching the Pelicans & drinking cocktails. At the internationally managed resort hotels the food & drink are an excellent standard- maybe too good as we drank & ate far too much!!

So we than had to come home :[ . Any spare currency was spent on buying more bottles of Havana Club @ duty free. The Cubana flight, as on the way over, was perfectly on time & even arrived 10 minutes early. We arrived to grey skies & rain- welcome home!! But at least we had got away from the UK’s miserable weather & had a fantastic holiday – one that I will never forget..

Announcing tailor-made holidays to Morocco – a simply unforgettable destination.

Worldwide Holidays are pleased to announce that Morocco, the mystical, vibrant and intriguing destination located in North Africa is joining the Worldwide Holidays portfolio. Morroco is a simply stunning destination, I vividly remember the colorful sights of spices, bustling sounds of the souks and the captivating smells of incense burning. From April 2011 we will be offering exciting tailor-made holidays to Morocco.

Morocco is a land rich in natural beauty and unforgettable places that are both fascinating to visit and intriguing to explore. For those who want to immerse themselves in Moroccan culture and history there are hundreds of mosques, palaces, and historical sites to visit. Morocco has been influenced by several civilizations since Antiquity. This has produced an incomparable historical heritage waiting to be discovered.

Top 5 stunning clips from Madagascar BBC documentary with David Attenborough