Mustang Monument Fam Trip - Nevada, USA

Having not been away all summer and with the depressing weather, I was very much looking forward to my trip to Mustang Monument in mid-August so with my cowboy chic wardrobe safely packed, I boarded my flight to Vegas which I thought would be an exciting stop over, having never been.

I was making myself comfortable and relishing the thought of being able to read the Saturday Telegraph undisturbed when my fellow passenger, a friendly American on her way home asked where I was going so I told her “Mustang Monument" to which she replied "oh are you nervous about going there?" "Why would I be nervous?" I queried rather confused. "Well you know, it's men only?" I laughed and explained that this was definitely not the case.

Evidently there is a similarly named establishment of ill repute so Mustang Monument Wild Horse Eco Ranch is not to be confused with this one.

 After checking in to the Four Seasons Vegas, we had a quick turnaround before being collected by Maverick Tours for our sunset helicopter ride over the Grand Canyon .There was a little too much waiting around for my liking ...almost an hour from arriving at the terminal to departure but they had to weigh everyone and allocate groups on that basis so I guess there is not much one can do to change that. We met our very suave pilot Kevin; clearly straight out of Top Gun and after a safety briefing we boarded the helicopter. This was my first helicopter ride since a very unfortunate incident in one some five years ago so I was feeling a mixture of excitement and trepidation but as we rose over Hoover Dam with the bright sun shining over the Canyon, I relaxed and took in the incredible views below. One can certainly appreciate why it is listed amongst the wonders of the world.

We landed to enjoy the sunset deep in the Canyon where rustic wooden benches had been built to host champagne and snacks. As I sat there in awe, it struck me just how insignificant we are as humans when one takes in this feat of nature and yet we think we are so powerful.

Flying back into the sunset and along the "strip" now illuminated for the nights activities, I thought about how lucky I am and would definitely recommend this experience for clients.

We were transported back to our hotel and had intended to go out to see the nightlife but by 9pm the jetlag was taking hold and so after a delicious slice of New York cheese cake, I nestled into the divine Four Seasons bed....

I didn’t need the 5am alarm call - I was up and ready for the next stage of our trip, the reason for being here  - to visit Mustang Monument Eco Horse Resort (mustang monument.com)and was very excited.

We left the hotel at 6am for the short drive to the airport with a very chirpy cab driver who insisted on giving his opinion of USA politics .We nodded and smiled politely, well as much as we could muster at 6am on a Sunday after a transatlantic flight!

We had the usual queues for check in and paid for our bags on Delta (which I have not experienced before), grabbed a leisurely coffee and made our way to the gate 20 minutes before departure only to be told by a very discourteous member of Delta staff that we would not be boarding the flight and it became apparent when she said to another woman who looked very embarrassed "Do not speak to them”.  After much debate it transpired that she had sold our seats which is evidently not that unusual with American carriers and with only standby status for the next flight, we decided to hire a car and drive from Vegas to Salt Lake City!

As we stood at the Avis desk the receptionist said "Do you ladies know what you are doing driving through Death Valley when there is a heat warning? Make sure you take plenty of water and snacks as there is nowhere to stop!"

At that point I was wondering whether this was a good decision but the alternative was sitting in Vegas airport all day so we had little choice and figured it would be fun to do a road trip!

Actually the journey passed incredibly quickly, the highlight being stopping for a Haagan Daaz which  had almost melted by the time we'd walked back to the car....There were actually several places to stop and refuel so admittedly we had a day of eating trash but after six hours we recognised the  iconic tepees  of Mustang Monument on our right and finally we arrived at the ranch at 5pm. Sadly we had missed the days ride up Spruce Mountain which the other guests said was amazing, particularly the picnic lunch with breath taking views across the valleys.

I checked in to my cottage which was a very high end version of something from "Home on the Range", beautifully furnished with a big bathroom featuring a free standing bath. With 20 rooms in total, there is a choice of accommodation, tepee or cottage and the general consensus from the group was that the cottages are preferable for adults mainly due to the fact that the bathroom is outside in the tepees but we all agreed that the tepees were fabulous for maybe one night or definitely for teenagers. They too are beautifully designed but much colder at night.

There are also a number of dining tepees and dinner was served in one of the larger ones that night ...a unique experience and hats off to the waiters who have to negotiate the low level entrance when serving each course!

Owner Madeleine Pickens is currently building a new kitchen and restaurant overlooking the plains which will be ready for next season and this will make a huge difference to the food service as currently they have to walk quite a way from kitchen to dinner venues.

Traditionally everyone retires to the Saloon after dinner and I have to say this was my favourite place of all in the ranch be it for cocktails, lunch or cards and games. It has been beautifully restored in true Wild West style with original saddle seats and tasteful throws; it really comes to life in the evening.

Breakfast the next morning was served at the saloon deck and offered an array of fresh fruits, homemade oatmeal and scones, yoghurts and smoothies.

It was a very relaxed affair and I am told that when Madeleine is in house, guests are invited to her house for breakfast.

After breakfast we were taken out to feed the horses which was an incredible experience as there is clearly a pecking order in which they feed and during the course of two hours , the mustangs come to feed , some more nervous than others but with them all together including young foals, it was a spectacle to behold. A big part of the whole experience at Mustang Monument is undoubtedly chatting to Clay, head rodeo and his team whose knowledge of these horses and close support of Madeleine's cause to save America's mustangs is very apparent. Hearing all about how Madeleine started and the lengths they have gone to thus far was fascinating. I have no doubt that this would be a highlight of the whole guest experience as well as the expert riding and plethora of activities on offer.

Lunches tended to be delicious salads and cold meats or fish and these were well presented and served mainly in the saloon. It's fair to say that we all looked forward to the lunches.

The afternoon of Day 2, we left in convoy for the 90 minute drive to Goshute Valley for what I had considered the highlight of the trip and the part I was most looking forward to (a little ironic as I like my creature comforts!)

We were treated to a session on the shooting range under the expert guidance of Niks, an ex US Navy seal and whose main priority was safety but he made it fun and even by his own admission was surprised at the expertise of his all female group!

Those who did not want to do shooting went on a safari drive and saw herds of mustang cantering across the spectacular valley.

Dinner was a barbeque, served by the Mustang Monument team and as all meals and drinks (excluding champagne) are included, guests were offered a selection of wines, beers and a mean punch which went down far too easily!

There are nine Californian trail wagons in situ at the Goshute Valley and all can accommodate two people. They are basic but clean and there are plenty of blankets as it did get chilly during the early hours. Each has hot water and a basin but we were told to just take our toothbrush and PJs. Being the cold creature I am, I wore PJs and my clothes and at one point with Clint Eastwood nowhere in sight, I was still tempted to hop in beside my colleague Frangelica! Next morning, we discussed placing fleecy pyjamas in the wagons for next year.  

Of course we had all woken up early and breakfast was a simple affair with fruit, yoghurts and the most delicious homemade lemon cake and brownies. I have to admit I have never actually had cake for breakfast but I thought I'd try it and ended up having both ....in hindsight it was good preparation for the Napa Valley experience ahead where we were tasting wine at 11am!

On journeying back to the ranch, we were all looking forward to a hot shower but actually when Niks suggested taking the mavericks out, we found renewed energy and decided the shower could wait as we were going to get very dusty anyway! Wow ... What an experience that was! If your clients like adrenalin fuelled activities, they will love this. There are four people to a maverick and we nominated our American travel industry colleague as our driver, little did we know that she clearly had Ayrton Senna blood in her somewhere. We drove up Ruby Mountain at great speed and at the top climbed to the top of the ridge which had the most incredible vista. It was on the way down that the "girl racer" kicked in and boy was I scared.

Once we reached home, I got out, heart racing but pleased that I had opted in for such an exhilarating experience. Be warned....

Dinner on the last night was in the saloon and with much to talk about Clay and the team gave us a great send off. We had shared much fun and laughter and created memories which would stay with us for a long time to come.

The alarm was set for 4.15 am for the drive back to Salt Lake City for the next leg of our trip to Napa Valley which I thought would combine well with Mustang Monument.

We were met at San Francisco airport by Michael of Napa Valley Tours and Transportation who turned out to be our guardian angel for the next three days.

Having arrived at Auberge du Soleil slightly later than planned due to heavy traffic, we had a quick turnaround before a site inspection and dinner. I loved this hotel and we were made to feel so welcome by Carol and Renee and their colleagues.

Dinner was absolutely spectacular and of course accompanied by delicious wines from the region expertly explained by the sommelier.

The next morning we were leaving early to visit some wineries and see what all the fuss is about!

For me the olive oil tasting at Round Hill winery was very special. We learnt all about the process involved in making the different oils from traditional olive oil to orange, basil and lime fusions, each one tastier than the other and the small bites we were served to taste the oils were scrumptious.

It's fair to say that between us we did considerable damage in the shop before leaving!

Merus was the second winery we visited and this is by appointment only and much smaller operating for private members only. As I am not a wine drinker and there was no champagne in sight I took my colleagues word for the fact that each one excelled .Here we tasted wine at $800 per bottle so one for your discerning wine lovers.

Lunch was at Calistoga Ranch where we were greeted by the iconic General Manager Connie and her team and enjoyed yet another outstanding lunch at the Lake House restaurant overlooking Lake Rommel. Calistoga Ranch is all about nature and actually fits extremely well with Mustang Monument as a two centre combination. There are over 100 acres in which to explore be it hiking, cycling or running followed by relaxation in their state of the art spa.   

Dinner that evening in The Cave was a real treat - such a unique venue as the name implies and ideal for private family affairs and weddings. As we walked in we were all wondering how we would actually face another meal but Chef Aaron Meneghelli who has an impressive CV which includes Carneros Inn did us proud and we soon forgot that we had been eating virtually all day!

Aaron is inspired by nature and uses virtually everything in the gardens at Calistoga Ranch and I mean everything so you will find flowers and unusual wild herbs in his creative dishes, all beautifully presented.

After a busy but wonderful culinary day, we waddled to bed....

Four of us booked a wakeup call for 7am to do a hike before we left and after the previous day’s indulgence we were so glad we did, not just for the spectacular views in the morning mist but also to make up for all our sins the day before!

Before we left, we visited the chicken coup which may sound rather an odd thing to do but trust me you have never seen anything like this chicken coup. It is Connie’s treasure and the chickens (Connie’s girls as they are affectionately known) enjoy art work on the walls including a portrait of Connie and a fabulous chandelier. She is even talking about putting a shower in for them. Rumour has it that when she needs a break, she goes and talks to her girls!

After collecting our eggs and enjoying a delicious omelette, we were met by trusty Michael who would transfer us to our last destination, San Francisco.

We were greeted enthusiastically by all the team at Loews Hotel (previously  Mandarin Oriental). Loews is located in the financial district but actually it was only a 10 minute walk to Union Square and the main shopping area. We had been allocated Superior City View rooms which were very spacious and comfortable. The views were indeed amazing and Greg Nigh the DOS had generously arranged for us all to have a complimentary massage in their lovely spa which was a haven away from the buzz of the city. The hotel itself feels slightly corporate but the staff were absolutely superb and dinner on Friday night was very pleasant.

On Saturday morning we hit the shops (unfortunately we did not have time to do Alzcatraz) which was very successful as there was a huge sale at Macy’s with one of the group purchasing six pairs of shoes....well a girl can never have enough!

One of the highlights for me was wandering around The Ferry Building which was just a five minute walk from Loews and on a Saturday morning there is an amazing organic food market. There was a great buzz and with Golden Gate Bridge in the background I would definitely recommend it. We had a light lunch in the sun and then treated ourselves to an ice cream from the infamous Humphry Slocombe...it had to be done especially as we’d starved ourselves all week!

So that was the end of our trip and we headed for the airport mentally preparing for our forthcoming detox......  

My first visit to Petit St Vincent - Caribbean

I had not travelled at all during the winter which was disappointing and so was very much looking forward to my trip to a Petit St Vincent to embrace the balmy temperatures and warm hospitality of the Caribbean. I was on the 11.20 B.A flight to Barbados, a civilised departure time compared to some of the European trips I do and lucky enough to be at the front of the bus! The flight seemed to pass so quickly- by the time I had done some “homework "and had a sleep, it was time to land.

On arrival in Barbados, I was whisked off to the Mustique Airways check in by Rose, a vivacious Barbadian who meets all PSV guests and ensures a smooth transit to Union Island .I didn't even have to collect my bag and when I asked Rose for the third time " Where's my bag?" She assured me it would be loaded on the Union flight using the bag tag I had given her and so it was. There are two scheduled flights a day to Union - one at 12.30 and the one I took at 4pm (cost is $615 per person return). Within an hour of landing in Barbados, I was boarding the twin engine light aircraft for the 50 minute hop to Union Island. I could not resist asking the pilot "Is my bag on board?" And he replied that it was always the English who ask about their bags....I took that as a yes! There's a $30 fee when departing from Union but PSV add this to guests' bills and give them cash on check out which makes it a lot easier.

Once in Union, there was a 5 min car ride to the port where a PSV boat awaited me and took me on the 30 minute transfer to the resort (chargeable at $35 per person). Greeted by managers Matt & Anie my old friends from Fundu Lagoon days, the long journey paled into insignificance. I checked into my cottage on the Bluff which was really extensive, comprising of a bedroom, lounge and a big private terrace and bathroom. The overall style is rustic but high end rustic. There is no Wi-Fi In the rooms which may be a disappointment to some (me included!) but after Day 1, I acclimatised and saw the benefits of “Switching off" especially if you were here with a partner/family. PSV is purposefully a digital detox. Guests can connect via the Wi-Fi in the main house but for those who are "addicted” to their phone, this is probably not the place ..... Or maybe it is!

After unpacking and enjoying a cup of tea and homemade cookie on my terrace taking in the most spectacular ocean view, I met Matt & Anie for dinner in the beach restaurant and Friday night is BBQ night so I savoured the fresh king prawns and mahi mahi lightly seasoned with Cajun spices .All meals are included as are non alcoholic drinks. For me though, the best part was the steel pan band playing lively, well known tunes and they even had couples up dancing on the sand...definitely recommended. The clientele were relatively young 30-50 with a good mix of nationalities; in fact about 40% of guests are European.

The following morning, I awoke very early at 3.20am and instinctively reached for my phone to check my emails but the deliberate absence of connectivity began to make sense. The PSV ethos is to encourage us all to "unplug" from the technological grip we are all in and enjoy the surroundings and each other. Matt assured me that if guests need news or FTSE index updates, they will be delivered by the Butler each morning or at any point in the day. I tried to get back to sleep and dozed in and out of consciousness until 5.45 when I had to get up and surprisingly felt full of beans!

I decided to test the system for breakfast - so they have a box in the room with notelets requesting breakfast, lunch and dinner ( with menu options ) and guests put their note let in a bamboo horn at the entrance to their cottage and raise a yellow flag for service . I was told that butlers check the flags every 15-20 minutes (there’s a red flag for Do not disturb) and sure enough my breakfast arrived right in time at 8am so the system seemed to work.

The view from my terrace was spectacular and the only sound, the lapping of the waves and birdsong. This is a place to be shared though so I was a little sad to be having breakfast alone in such an idyllic setting! After breakfast, I had a tour of the island and saw several cottages as there were several departures today. There are 22 suites in total - 16 one bedroom cottages and six 2 bedroom beach villas (numbers 6-11) and each one has a very different but spectacular vista. I also learnt that guests can dine in their cottage as often as they want and some guests take every meal in private.

Following lunch at the Beach restaurant and the most delicious ice cream I have ever tasted, I visited Mopion Island which is a small sand island just a 10 minute boat ride away from PSV where guests can enjoy a romantic picnic or indeed get married in the middle of the ocean! It is a unique place.

I decided that since Matt had told me the ice cream was made purely from cream rather than milk that I had better attend the 4pm complimentary yoga class with Frankie, a Balinese instructor whose wife is a masseuse at the resort. The yoga platform has stunning views and with three complimentary classes a week, one cannot help feeling relaxed. As always, the 10 minute relaxation at the end sent me into oblivion!

Not content with the fact that the room service system had worked for breakfast, I had to try it again , ordering a frozen Margherita for 6.30 and guess what right on the dot, it arrived ....

Matt had shown me around the island today and one can't help but be impressed by all the eco measures in place here- they have their own water plant converting sea water into drinking water and recently introduced their own bottling plant. They are proud if their organic vegetable garden and 200 chickens. Children can collect the eggs for breakfast and learn how the fallen leaves, cut grass and seaweed are used as fertiliser. Glass containers and cans are crushed and transformed back into sand and small particles. There is also a Children's Scholarship Fund which funds 80% of educational costs for employee’s children from the age of 3 right through to University. I hope to introduce more family activities for guests next July and August 2016.Dinner tonight was in the Main Restaurant, the more formal of the two restaurants and obviously a popular choice.
Day 3 - I had packed my phone away in the safe and was concentrating on more important issues like what to do today. All non-motorised water sports are complimentary at PSV and they also have a fleet of 5 boats and I could see that Matt has a passion for them! Black Pearl is a sexy speedboat but my favourite was a sloop called Beauty expertly captained by Geoff and one of the reasons why guests return year after year .Today he took us to a remote beach and cooked up a BBQ " like only Geoff knows how" Fish has not tasted the same since ....it was sensational and so healthy!

Later that afternoon , I had a tour of the cottages I had not seen, my favourites being 10,17,18,19 as they are close to the beach but number 1-5 on the bluff are so private, you feel like you're on a desert island ( oh I am!) What I really loved was that there are no room keys at PSV.

Day 4- I am feeling thoroughly spoilt by now as I never normally stay more than three nights anywhere but Matt had insisted that I stay four to get the full experience ....very indulgent but I was so glad I had because I had a wonderful day ahead.

After breakfast and checking emails (the weekend was over!) I joined a group for snorkelling at Tobago Cays, the most stunning collection of five cays each more beautiful than the last in crystalline waters and a protected marine park for the turtles. We then went to Mayreau a small island with only 320 inhabitants and 56 houses where many of the super yachts moor to get supplies, fresh fish, ice, eggs etc. I had not realised there is a whole industry based around the yachts passing through. It was fascinating. Young fishermen were cleaning out sea urchin prepared to order for the yacht captains. There is even a boat taxi industry should yacht owners wish to come ashore and browse the little stalls of clothes and jewellery and of course stop at the iconic rum punch bar for a mandatory tipple! I really enjoyed seeing these simple yet resourceful people pleased to see and chat to visitors about their lives and families.

On the return, we passed by Union Island which seemed vast in comparison to Mayneau and saw the boat used in Pirates of the Caribbean which can evidently be chartered for day sails. One of my favourite spots was a restaurant called Chatham (local fare) which is totally remote and a favourite with repeat guests to PSV. Our last stop was at Happy Island, close to PSV and built from rocks and conch shells by its eccentric owner Janti Ramage who advocates "rum therapy". The island is actually only a few feet above water but Janti is quite the host and for every punch you buy, there's one on the house!! It is a must to visit here - www.rumtherapy.com
It was a busy and most enjoyable day so I opted for dinner in my cottage that night. It is the same menu as the main restaurant and the table whether alfresco or inside is set as if in the restaurant. It's an extremely romantic thing to do - I just needed George Clooney to walk through the door! 

Palazzo Avino Fam Trip 2015 - Amalfi Coast, Italy

I have probably been to Palazzo Avino (formerly Palazzo Sasso) a dozen times now (yes I am lucky!) but it just gets better every time I go.
Every year I host a familiarisation trip, usually in April but this time we decided to change it to May so that our guests could experience the beach club and wow did we experience it!
The 3.20am wakeup call on Monday had been praying on my mind during most of Sunday but actually I was awake at 3am in anticipation of what I knew would be a lovely trip so did my "automatic pilot" routine for the 6.35 flight from Gatwick to Naples. Arriving to glorious sunshine, we were soon in our comfortable vehicle for the one hour transfer to the hotel.
Sitting at Terrazza Belvedere for lunch by 12 .15 with a glass of prosecco and looking in to the glass like sea below, the early morning start was just a distant memory!
Feeling revived after a, nutritious salad with homemade breads and of course delicious olive oil, few of us wandered into Ravello (only a five minute walk). Ravello is such a unique place , known globally as somewhere on most people's " bucket list".It is unique in its charm , full of locals and whilst a tourist attraction , still unspoilt with its stunning art galleries, cashmere shops and stylish boutiques. I defy anyone to come away without treating yourself!
Cocktails on the terrace at 7pm and whilst waiting for the group, I observed all the happy couples (and a family group) making the most of this special place and creating memories, taking photos that they would look back on sentimentally in years to come. Palazzo Avino oozes elegance and what struck me as I sat there was the understated luxury of the place. Guests are obviously used to the best in life but there is a subtlety about the service. The staff are friendly and professional but confident in what they do and very evidently love working here.
Having enjoyed our cocktail, we opted for a local pizzeria, La Vecchia Cantina just a ten minute walk from the hotel where we enjoyed the most delicious hors d'oeuvres - fresh squid, anchovies, roasted vegetables, the mandatory buffalo mozzarella and smoked salmon. That would have been enough for me but the came two of the most enormous platters of pizza I have ever seen! Unlike our pizzas though they were light (or so I convinced myself!) the service was attentive and friendly and they certainly did not take note of “no thank you" when it came to second helpings! Our fellow diners were a mix of locals and tourists and created a lovely atmosphere in casual surroundings.
At 11pm we called it a day and wandered back through the square looking forward to the soft frette linens awaiting us!
I had promised myself that I would get up early on the Tuesday and do the 1600 steps to Minori and back so full of enthusiasm, I jumped out if bed and donned my trainers to greet the beautiful morning with not a soul around .The descent was fine, taking in the breath-taking vista of the Amalfi coast at its best - a mirror like sea, lemon groves in abundance and little houses scattered around with their owners waking up to start their day in this magical corner of Italy. It struck me as I walked how simple their lives probably are and I wondered if they truly appreciate what a special part of the world they live in. I met three young children walking to school, aged 8 or 9 which made me contemplate what do we really need in life? As I pondered, I came to the conclusion that these people might have it all! -a small house, beautiful views, nature, fresh, organic food, friends and a culture that nurtures family life!
The ascent was much more challenging than I had remembered and soon put an end to my philosophical thinking...... I consider myself to be reasonably fit but it was very tough, the morning sun adding to the challenge...
Eventually I made it back to the hotel and joined the group for a well-earned breakfast selecting from the gorgeous array of fruits, hams, cheeses and breads.
After the hotel site inspection, we took the hotel's shuttle bus to Palazzo Avino's beach club which is exclusive to hotel guests only (15 minutes from the hotel) where Giuseppe and Maria Elena gave us the best of welcomes, showing us the three different levels where we could base ourselves. We opted for the lower level, closest to the sea and a couple of brave colleagues jumped in! The Clubhouse by the sea is a great alternative to the hotel pool for those who want to swim in the ocean, do kayaking or snorkelling or just have a change of scenery. I would certainly recommend any guest at the hotel to spend at least half a day there and it is ever popular with families.
With Giuseppe attentively serving us drinks and issuing towels and cushions to make us feel even more pampered, we collectively agreed that we loved our jobs!
En route back to the hotel, we took a detour (only fifteen minutes from the Beach club) to visit Amalfi which was extremely busy with the many tour buses that stop there as part of a coastal trip and of course many of the boats to Positano, Capri etc depart from here so it is generally never quiet and a complete contrast to Ravello.
We stopped at Sacha in the main square for a gelato  ... need I say more and a great spot for people watching.
Once back at the hotel which is only another fifteen minutes from Amalfi, I took myself up to the roof terrace sadly to check emails but there are a lot worse places this could be done. Two couples were enjoying a bottle of prosecco, dipping periodically into the Jacuzzi. I wasn't at all jealous! The roof top terrace is a must to catch the last of the day’s sun and witness the glorious sunset.
At 6.30pm I decided to try out the spa and so booked a back and shoulder massage which was wonderful except that I could have stayed for another hour! The spa is small but stylish and offers an adequate choice of treatments.
After sampling Salvatore's cocktail recommendations in the lobster and martini bar, we experienced what can only be described as a culinary masterpiece in the Michelin starred and newly renovated Rossellini's restaurant. Chef Michele Deleo kept producing what were more like works of art than food, every one better than the last. My favourite however was the  lobster course steamed and served with buffalo mozzarella cream, eggplant confit  and its aromatic bisque as well as  the “pre dessert " course of fish and chip ice cream!!
It is not often a group of eight travel agents are stuck for words but they were definitely "wowed" a big thank you to Michele and his team for such a gastronomic experience.
I had an early wakeup call on Wednesday to fly home but the rest if the group were doing a guided tour of Ravello and then Pompeii en route to the airport for the late BA flight out of Naples.
I had stayed just two nights at Palazzo Avino and came back feeling very spoilt and privileged to be representing such an incredible resort. 

Visit to D-Resort Gocek and D-Hotel Maris - Turkey

Having suffered the perils of Monarch Airlines  , departing on a Friday afternoon  from Luton , I was more than thrilled a few days later when I heard the news that British Airways will fly to Dalaman from July 2015.Thank the Lord for that!

Arriving in Dalaman at 21.30  , I was relieved to see the smiling face of my driver and relaxed into the back of a very comfortable Audi with a bottle of iced water, knowing that civilisation was not far away!

Following a 20 minute transfer to D Resort Gocek , a warm welcome awaited from the  hotel team , clearly very proud of their completely new resort and sporting their smart new uniforms, eager to please in whatever way they could.

I had anticipated a room service dinner as it was so late but after a cold towel and refreshing glass of fresh lemonade, a golf cart awaited to take me to Breeze restaurant, signature restaurant at D Resort Gocek and D Hotel Maris , both in idyllic locations by the ocean ,serving fresh fish of course but also delicious tapenyake, prepared by the Japanese chef. 

I have to say it was a wonderful dinner  , despite the late start, in the company of Selen ,D Resort’s enthusiastic and charming Sales Manager .We  actually declined dessert but Selen insisted that we try the “chocolate bomb” and she was absolutely right to do so  - hard to describe but a moreish, mouth watering chocolate panache covered in melted hot chocolate  and served with ice cream and berries...AMAZING  and a must if you go to D Resort Gocek! Surprisingly , we were dining alfresco in May and as it got chillier ( towards midnight) the staff arrived with warm , lamb’s wool wraps .

And so to bed.....the mayhem at Luton airport was a distant memory!

There are many different room categories at the resort   and I would recommend the Deluxe ocean view rooms upwards for the majority of your clients, although there are ten attic rooms with terrace and nice view for those on a budget.

The Presidential Suite (max 5 people) is 193 Sq metres with 2 bedrooms  - a double and a twin(with sofa bed) and 24 hour Butler service. There is no kitchen. A 25 m pool is shared by suite guests and the other rooms either side of it.

The layout of the hotel is such that there are 8 accommodation blocks ( 103 rooms in total) with waterways between them and most blocks have a pool. There is also a main hotel pool and very small children’s pool.

The Junior suite category is one of my favourite with living room and bedroom combined, totalling 52 sq metres and pool outside .There are only 2 of these so book well in advance!

The superior rooms are spread on the ground floor and first floor and each one has a roof top terrace with loungers or a garden terrace.

The 70 sq metre Premier Suite and Premier Poolside Suite  both have a separate living area for couples who like a little extra space.

All rooms have air conditioning and free wi – fi.

One of the great things about D Resort Gocek  ( 4* deluxe) is the location .Set in the maritime town of Gocek  and only 20 minutes transfer time from Dalaman , guests can enjoy a stroll into the marina, visit local shops and restaurants or while away the afternoon people watching  in one of the many bars, seeping up the local culture  and chatting to the locals.

There are complimentary bicycles available for guest to explore  and  of course excursions to local ruins, Fethiye , the beautiful beaches of Oludeniz and  historic Kalkan  can be arranged by the concierge team

Many of the gulet cruises depart from Gocek so the hotel is also a great option for pre or post gulet charters.

Naturally , the bar is a focal point and the Olive Tree restaurant  serves food throughout the day .I can honestly say that the buffet breakfast here was one of the best I have experienced, both in terms of presentation , food quality and the choices on offer.

After a wonderful treatment at the ESPA spa   which is state of the art and purpose built with a wonderful  roof terrace   for relaxation after treatments.

Prior to travelling to Turkey , the weather forecast was torrential rain for the whole weekend  but so far , we had managed to enjoy blue skies and  a pleasant temperature .As we travelled to D Hotel Maris on Saturday afternoon ( a 90 minute drive) there was a torrential downpour which cleared as we arrived at the hotel ....The Gods were with us. Beautiful wild horses appeared on the hills   as we ambled up the 5km drive to D Hotel.

Once again  , we were warmly greeted by the entire management team    ( a little overwhelming!)

The feel of D Hotel is very different to D Resort Gocek .Part of Leading Hotels of The World, D Hotel Maris is a 5* resort with 200 rooms  and feels  quite grand as oppose to boutique on arrival. The hotel enjoys spectacular views of the Datca Peninsular.

Guests can arrive by helicopter and also by seaplane from Bodrum or Dalaman which will cost E2500 each way.

Again there are many different room categories and I was in a deluxe ocean view which was very spacious and comfortable with   a good sized balcony and a bath tub  with an incredible vista.

All mountain view rooms ( lead in category) are on the   1^st and 2^nd floor and although children need to be 8 years and over , there are 12 interconnecting rooms  mostly deluxe.

The Presidential Suite  on 8^th floor is a different more contemporary design with kitchen/ lounge and dining room  and it can interconnect with a deluxe ocean view  room  via the balcony. There is a rooftop jacuzzi and large deck with loungers so this suite is very private . A chef can be booked for private dining but as the restaurants are so good  , I would not recommend this!

The two bedroom private villa offers complete privacy and has been finished to the highest standard with Minotti furniture and Calacatta marble.  The private hammam has to be seen to be believed .There is a big garden and pool for families to relax and spend quality time together.

All suite guests can access the Executive Lounge  on the 8^th floor which serves breakfast , lunch and pre dinner cocktails and canapés  on a complimentary basis . 

Executive suites have  a separate living area and balcony and I thought would be ideal for three ladies travelling together which is very possible given the amazing spa at D Hotel Maris . There are 11 treatment rooms   and 7 therapists plus a hammam therapist .The Spa Manager , a lean and very healthy looking Russian lady ( Irina) is compiling some wellness packages which I can forward on to you if you’re interested for your clients.

A very exciting development since my visit is the new partnership between James Duigan and D Hotel Maris to promote Bodyism. There will be a number of workshops throughout the season and guests can enjoy  a “Clean and lean “ menu if they wish. To learn more about the “Clean and lean” philosophy , see www.bodyism.com or see the  attached press release.

Classes include yoga , pilates, stretching  beach volleyball and aqua gym and then guests can pay extra for mountain biking ( accompanied by a trainer) kayak tours and  personal training.

Back to my trip ....It is difficult to choose where to have dinner at D Hotel Maris as there are five  restaurants on offer ranging from Turkish , Italian , steak grill , Breeze seafood and  new for this season Zuma. I felt that as I was only staying one night , I should try the Turkish restaurant and I have to say I am always really impressed  with Turkish food , particularly the mezze and this one did not disappoint.Guests can now  enjoy after dinner drinks with music ant the new Zuma bar though this was not completed when we were there.

After a leisurely breakfast on Sunday , we were thoroughly spoilt with a private yacht charter on Blue Dream , a 55 foot Azimut yacht available for guests to charter. She actually sleeps 6 people – 1 twin and 2 doubles   and can be charter for half a day or for a couple of nights.Bodrum is 3 hours sailing time and Simi in Greece only 1 hour .Rates on application but they are very reasonable.    

For those who prefer to stay on the beach , you have  a choice of 5  including a silent beach ( my preferred one) with no mobile phones and water taxis or golf buggies can take guests from one to another should they not wish to walk.   

After a delicious lunch of fresh fish and grilled vegetables at Breeze , it was time to pack our bags  and depart for the airport. As you can imagine , I was relishing the thought of a return flight with my travelling companions on Monarch but actually it wasn’t all that bad. I think I was so relaxed that I didn’t really care.....

Both these hotels have availability this summer and you can check out their websites , as follows –D Resort Gocek – www.dresortgocek.com.tr D Hotel Maris  - www.dhotel.com.tr

Your clients will love you for sending them here ...I promise!

The History of Palazzo Avino - Amalfi Coast, Italy

The building owes its name to the prosperous Sasso family from Scala, who were descendants of San Romoaldo, founder of the Cistercian order, and San Dominico Sasso, the successor to Saint Dominico who created the Dominican order. The Sasso family settled in Ravello in about 1710 when Domenico Diego purchased the remains of the Palazzo Sasso from the noble Bonito family and subsequently restored it. In 1756, his son, Andrea, built the chapel, dedicated to Maria Maddalena Penitente, which is now the lobby of the hotel. Andrea died in 1758 without an heir.

The Palazzo was then abandoned until the beginning of the 19th century when it was purchased by a rich industrial Camera family. In the mid-19th century, the first foreign visitors began to arrive, such as Francis Nevil Reid in 1851 and Richard Wagner. When James Becket bought and rebuilt Villa Cimbrone in 1904, Ravello attracted many prominent people, including Virginia Woolf, E.M. Forster, Maynard Keynes, D.H. Lawrence and Andre Gide. The potential for tourism was not lost on the Camera family who, following the example of other local families, converted the Palazzo into a hotel.

In 1928 the Vuilleumier family assumed the management of the hotel. During the next half-century, Palazzo Sasso was known as Hotel Palumbo and its guests included Kings, Queens, aristocrats, poets and writers. On the declaration of war against France (in 1939), the French-born Duchess Anna of Aosta (wife of the Viceroy of Ethiopia) was applauded by the people of Ravello when she appeared on a terrace above the Principessa di Piemonte Gardens. The beauty and tranquillity of Palazzo Sasso has inspired many 20th century personalities; the playwright Eduardo de Filippo who wrote ‘Saturday, Sunday, Monday’ on one of its terraces and General Eisenhower was a resident when he was planning the attack on Monte Cassino. Former celebrity guests Ingrid Bergman and Roberto Rossellini were fondly remembered as having giggled over dinner in the restaurant.

This era was sadly interrupted in 1978, when the Vuilleumier family gave up the Palazzo in favour of the Palazzo Confalone. The Palazzo was closed and ensued 19 years of abandon.

Crillon le Brave - Provence, France

My recent visit to Crillon le Brave was an unexpected treat and I have to say September/October  has to be one of the best times to visit the south of France;warm sunshine, blue skies and  no crowds! I don’t know if it’s a masochistic trait  but whenever I get back from somewhere I tend to add the destination to my  Iphone weather

forecast listings and even today is a very pleasant 23 degrees in Avignon!

I flew to Marseilles with British Airways – very civilised and after a 75 minute transfer I arrived in the enchanting village of Crillon, a collection of limestone houses, surrounded by olive groves and vineyards. Peter Chittick the French /Canadian owner and former lawyer came to Provence over twenty years ago, met his wife and decided to stay. One by one , he acquired most  of the houses in the village and converted them into hotel rooms, each one different to the next .This hotel is quirky. There are no long corridors leading to bedrooms,  no rooms the same , no formality .Peter has created a home away from home .The style is casually elegant , a mark of designer Judy Hutson who designed The Pig Hotels but there is no mistaking you are in Provence.

After a warm welcome, I was taken to my room and ordered a green tea to sit and savour the views across to Mount Ventoux in the distance.

I am getting very brave in my old age and used to travelling alone so,  eager to make the most of the evening sunshine , I ventured down to La  Grange Terrace for a class of champagne...I was in France after all! I could imagine that actually just a couple of nights here would be a real tonic....relaxing in a stylish environment but at one with nature.

Dinner that night had been booked in Bistro 40k, the hotel’s more relaxed restaurant where all the produce is sourced from within 40 kilometres.  I did find it vaguely amusing that I walked in and was escorted to a table set for one much to the bemusement of all the happy couples, dressed in smart casual linens and loafers, clearly wondering how anyone could come here alone. It was the ladies in particular who kept casting surreptitious glances over to me and I have no doubt that I was the topic of conversation with many of the diners that evening .As the waiter showed me to my “solo” table, I clocked two family tables, one English, one German which made me think about how appropriate this hotel is for children. Whilst they welcome families, I would suggest that Crillon le Brave is more suited to couples or indeed two girlfriends in search of tranquillity, a beautiful setting, fabulous food and fine wines. The menu   in Bistro 40k is Table d’Hote and was tasty and well priced.

There are three other restaurants within walking distance of the hotel and a very French bar next door should guests want a change of scenery at any point.

I woke up to glorious sunshine and breakfast on the terrace. The buffet   included smoked salmon, cheeses, a wide selection of homemade breads and pastries, cereals and fruits and of course omelettes from the menu.

After breakfast, I met the charming Laeticia who manages reservations and Front Office at Crillon le Brave and showed me around the hotel bedrooms. There are 34 rooms in total starting with Classic rooms overlooking the village or gardens. For families, there are 3 Junior Suites where children’s beds can be accommodated in the living area. There are two stunning Master Suites (27 and 33) with private terraces and views to die for ....I would not want to leave the room!

The rooms in each house are different   and this is what makes Crillon le Brave so unique .I am sure they have guests who return time and again and try a different maison each time. Rates start from E310 ( E360 in mid season) and the hotel closes from Jan 5th   - February 25th each year then re-opens for the exciting truffle season which starts in November and then the first , second and third weekends of March annually. Crillon le Brave have their own Truffle weekend package with one of Provence’s expert Trufflers and incorporates wine tasting at Chateau Neuf du Pape.

The hotel is open for Christmas and New Year and I can imagine it would be magical with log fires burning, the scent of the Christmas trees and a feast of culinary treats which brings me nicely to dinner on the second night of my stay at Jerome Blanchet restaurant .This time though I had the pleasure of Peter and Sebastian Pilat, General Manager at the hotel so you should have seen the heads turning that night when I walked in with two handsome gentlemen .I like to keep them guessing!

The menu degustation had a mushroom theme that evening so each of the seven courses featured mushrooms and I have to say it was absolutely delicious with the truffle risotto coming out tops!

Jerome Blanchet restaurant reminded me of El Olivo at La Residencia in Mallorca in style – the stone walls, candles everywhere and galleried landing for private dining. Guests would definitely remember their culinary experience here and for all the right reasons!

Next morning , feeling very guilty for my over- indulgence the night before , I decided to walk to Bedoin , the nearest village which boasts one of the largest forests in France .I have always considered myself a fast walker and anyone who has been on sales calls with me will testify to that fact  so when I arrived in the village 40 minutes after leaving the hotel , I was somewhat surprised as I had been told it would take 20 minutes ...perhaps they thought I was going “en bicyclette”!It was a wonderful picturesque walk on a beautiful morning and a far cry from taking the tube in London. Evidently there is one of very   few remaining shepherds in the village who recounts tales of old shepherds with   wolves and   lambs but I did not meet him. The village itself is very quaint with gift boutiques and many cafes which I always feel are the heart of French culture. I enjoyed seeing the street stands of fruit and vegetables which are somehow never the same at home.

After wandering back to the hotel and a tasty lunch of seabass & grilled vegetables, I left for the airport and of course bought lavender lotions and a bottle of rose at the airport!

Crillon le Brave have a number of interesting packages from cycling weekends to truffle hunting  and I returned happy that this little gem would fit perfectly into the Highlife Marketing portfolio.