Bali: A Cultural Smorgasbord
While the Kuta region of Bali provides some lively tourist action with its assortment of shops and restaurants, Bali’s Ubud region is commonly known as the island’s cultural capital. Ubud located in central Bali is famous for its performing arts. Unique cultural dances of the Balinese are both expressive and beautifully performed. Traditionally, Balinese dancers performed for a variety of occasions to include social events and ceremonies. Today, they adapt their storytelling dances for tourist audiences. To make the most of their Bali holidays, visitors often pair Balinese dance shows with amazing dinners like the tasty culinary fare found at Café Lotus. This restaurant features a wide range of Indonesian and Western-styled entrées likely to please the entire dinner party.

The Traditional Dress of a Balinese Dancer

Bali is known as the “Island of Love,” and its one-of-a-kind scenery makes it an exquisite place for wedding parties. The Tegenungan waterfall is a great place to visit while on a Bali honeymoon. The free flowing waterfall surrounded by lush tropical foliage drops into an aquamarine lagoon making it the perfect photo opportunity for couples on a Bali honeymoon.

Tegenungan

Agriculture is a huge part of the Bali culture, and the way Balinese farmers cultivate their rice fields exhibits this fact. The rice terraces of Jatiwulih in western Bali are a tribute to excellent farming techniques united with a keen sense of environmental stewardship. For instance, local Jatiwulih farmers designed and constructed a communal water system to irrigate the verdant rice fields contoured to prevent soil erosion.

Bali Rice Terraces

Bali Adventure Holiday
One of the best ways to see Bali up close and personal is by bike. Mountain biking tours are available for couples who want to take an authentic journey of the island while on their Bali honeymoon. These adventure tours are not for the faint of heart. However, those up to the physical challenge may see stunning views of the Bali countryside, rice fields, and quaint villages.

No Bali holiday would be complete without a visit to one of its breathtaking beaches, and there are many from which to choose. The island uniquely is home to white, black, and golden sand beaches. The quintessentially tropical, white sand beaches are by far the most popular ones visited by those on their Bali holiday. However, the black sand beaches offer a rare contrast set against the backdrop of a turquoise ocean. Additionally, the Nusa Dua region provides visitors an ideal snorkelling spot. Nusa Dua is also known for its ultra luxury accommodations that have the relaxing amenities required by visitors maximising their time while in Bali.

A Bali Beach

 What elements of a holiday score highly with you?

I love a holiday where I feel I really get a sense of the place I am visiting – the culture, food and the people. I love to see all the sights and I always read as much as possible before hand.

Enjoying a refreshment before the game drive

Do you prefer to have a multi-centre holiday combining wildlife/adventures with city and beaches or are you more of a fly and flop traveller?

I am not at all a fly and flop holidaymaker. Although it would be relaxing for a day or two, I would soon get a bit bored just lounging around on the beach or by the pool.

Royal Bengal Tiger

What attracted you to India’s wildlife experiences and did you see the animals you hoped to?

I love combining holidays like wildlife safaris and adventures with a city and beaches.

Searching for the Bengal Tiger

Sunset at the Gateway of India in Mumbai

Any unexpected wildlife sightings?

I love India, my brother has worked in Mumbai and I had such a terrific visit there two years ago. It’s an incredible city.  I really wanted to come back to India to see tigers in the wild. We were lucky enough to see three wild tigers. It was an experience I will never forget, truly incredible.

On the lookout for the tigers

Tea plantations in the Western Ghats

You travelled to the little known Western Ghats, what attracted you to that area and did it match your expectations?

I was intrigued by the Western Ghats because it is a part of the world that is known as the Scotland  of India. I can see what they mean. It’s green, misty and magical. The scenery is glorious and I felt very much at home.

The pool with panoramic views at Vivanta by Taj at Madikeri

You stayed at the new Vivanta by Madikeri at Coorg – did you take advantage of the spa and have any Ayurvedic massages? Or did you enjoy the great views, do any walks or other activities?

The new Vivanta by Taj Madikeri, Coorg is a beautiful retreat. It has been so cleverly designed to blend in with the scenery and it is such a relaxing haven as well as being a place where you are thoroughly spoiled.

The first thing we did was a nature walk after the car journey, which was fascinating and gave a real insight into the area. The views, especially from the infinity pools are stunning and the food, especially local Coorg cuisine was fantastic. I needed those nature walks and swims to work it off.

There’s also a spa where you can can Ayurvedic massages and treatments specially designed just for you.

A room with a view at Vivanta by Taj at Madikeri, Coorg

Where would you like to go next – any dream destinations?

I’d love to go to Antarctica and to Vladivostok and I am hoping to visit New Zealand.

Thank you for your time Lorraine! To read the full article about Lorraine’s search for the Bengal Tiger click here.

Spain

Luxury family holidays to Spain allow travellers to enjoy the relaxed yet elegant lifestyle of this fascinating country. Things seem to move at a slower pace and siestas are encouraged as you explore the history and culture of this land. With beautiful beaches, breathtaking mountains, and sweeping desert areas, the landscape is enticing. Luxury accommodation and all-inclusive resorts provide the perfect escape for adults and children seeking all inclusive family holidays.

Turkey

The exotic nation of Turkey is graced with beautiful ruins and tasty national cuisine. Turkish hotels are known for their service and hospitality. While on luxury family holidays to Turkey, visitors can see sites like the Hippodrome with its colourful history, aged and charming statues, and Sirince, where the entire village is a historic preservation site and at night the restaurants and wineries open their doors and offer elegant dining options.

The Algarve

All inclusive family holidays to the Algarve, in the south of Portugal are a luxurious option for a family holiday. With luscious landscapes and long and beautiful long stretches of beach, the Algarve is a fitting choice for luxury family holidays. The Algarve is known round the world for its championship golf courses, and grand water-sport facilities. Families can find a variety of activities and accommodation where they can relax and entertain themselves in this lush paradise.

Greece

Greece, the beautiful land of history and myth, has several locations that are well-suited for all inclusive family holidays. The slow moving island life of Greece is steeped in luxury with a plethora of ancient sites to visit and endless stretches of lush beaches to enjoy, this island invites travellers to get away from it all. Parents and children alike will want to visit the ancient ruins and beautiful beaches and read the local legends.

Italy

Italy is a family-oriented land and perfect for luxury family holidays. Italy’s volcanic past has created dramatic landscapes with peaks, cliffs and beaches. Luxury hotels and resorts wait to cater to families needs. Coupled with family attractions like water-parks, puppet shows and play centres, beaches and lovely aquariums Italy is a good option for visitors of all ages.  Not to mention the food; always a favourite for all the family!  Who can resist an authentic local pizza or bowl of steaming pasta?

Where will you be going in 2013?

Spices of India

Southern India is world renowned as a producer of spices. On your India holidays visit one or many of Kerala’s spice farms and plantations. Take one of the famous houseboats to explore the backwaters of Kerala, five huge lakes connected by canals, rivers, estuaries and lagoons. This magical and lushly green region of India attracts many visitors each year who come to experience this unique life upon the lakes, where people routinely venture by boat and on the subtle footpaths on land. Cruise on a luxury houseboat to visit fishing villages, tribal hamlets and the fascinating floating bazaars for a very different kind of shopping experience.

Houseboat in Kerala

While staying at a Kerala spice plantation, explore how cardamom, coffee, vanilla and pepper are grown. Inhale the fragrance of the spices in the air and taste how they flavour the regional Kerala cuisine. Delicately savour a Keralan curry and explore the blended spices, seeing if you can taste the separate flavours in the masala. India’s spices are well-known for their medicinal properties as well, and they have been used for thousands of years in this region to treat and cure the people’s ills. The various spice farms and plantations you may visit all have their own different charms, with their own harvest festivals and traditions.

Tikka Powders

Kerala is bordered by the Western Ghat mountains, a region of great biodiversity. If you get a chance, cross over to Mysore, known as the City of Sandalwood. Mysore is famed not only for its fabulously scented sandalwood, but for its picturesque markets of incense, silk and crafts made from rosewood, teak and sandalwood. Mysore is host to many splendid temples and the Maharaja’s Palace as well as the famous Palace Hotel, if you desire another taste of opulence. Your India holidays will encompass days of light travel, visits to spice farms and plantations, bird watching tours, wildlife preserves, colourful markets and stays in luxury lodgings.

Spices in an Indian market

Your exotic India holidays will be all that you dreamed, the magnificent bright colours, ancient temples, the fragrant air of the spice plantations where you can almost taste the scents, so rich is the air, the lush greenery of the Kerala backwaters and the friendly, hospitable people who welcome you to their homes and farms. This fabulous journey will create memories to savour for years to come. Speak to our India holiday travel specialists today and let us tailor your trip.

I have just returned from the most incredible fam trip with Western & Oriental.  Our small group met at the Virgin ticket desk and were ushered into the Virgin Business lounge where we all immediately bonded – you would have thought we had known each other for years and it was so relaxed!  Relaxed is how the trip remained and that was all down to Donna, Western & Oriental’s Head of Operations, who arranged everything and wanted us to have a true experience of Las Vegas as well as enjoy the most amazing ranch in Tucson Arizona.

We had two fabulous nights in Las Vegas and packed so much in from gambling, dining out and shopping to seeing  the most wonderful show at the Wynn Hotel – Le Reve – The Dream, which I will personally never forget.  We stayed at the five star Mandarin Oriental Hotel which was in a great location at the top of the strip with superb staff but no casino!

We then flew on to Tucson for 3 nights and stayed at The White Stallion Ranch. When we arrived it was just breathtaking.  The ranch was situated in a beautiful location on the edge of a desert at the foot of the mountains surrounded by cacti.  We were given a warm welcome by this family-run ranch and we had the most wonderful time riding as much as we liked and  relaxing as much as we wanted by the pool.

All the guests staying there were so friendly and the ranch was so well run and  superbly organised.  The horses were really well cared for and so good natured.  We met one lady from California who had fallen in love with one of the horses and she returns 12 days every month to spend time with him ……… that says it all!

I have to say this trip was the most wonderful experience and spending five wonderful days with such a lovely group of ladies was just amazing!

Jordan

On  Jordan holidays, head to the ‘rose red city’ of Petra  to see first hand one of the most famous archaeological sights in the world; discovered just 200 years ago. It is one of the world’s most famous archaeological sites, where Eastern traditions are blended with Hellenistic architecture.

Petra by night

Cambodia

While on Cambodia holidays,  journey  to the Mother of all temples, Angkor Wat. Believed to be the world’s largest religious building, here you can unravel the mysteries of the bas-reliefs that tell of tales from Hindu mythology and of the glories of the Khmer Empire.

Angkor Wat

Vietnam

Vietnam holidays too, have plenty of culture on offer. A UNESCO World Heritage Site, Halong Bay’s myriad mountains seem to rise out of the ocean from nowhere. Another highlight is the “rice basket of Vietnam”, the mighty Mekong Delta is a landscape of floating dwellings and paddy fields criss-crossed with canals. If temples are on your agenda then take a walking tour of Hoi An. In this quaint town you can visit ancient merchants’ houses, a Hokkien temple, the 400-year-old Japanese Covered Bridge, and the colourful riverside market.

Mekong Delta

India

For Indian culture Rajasthan is a must. Head to Agra to view the majestic Taj Mahal; a sight which must be seen to be believed. Whilst on India holidays, See the Jama Masjid Mosque in Delhi and Jaipur’s Amber Fort. Pause for a stop at Fatehpur Sikri, a late 16th century palace in great condition and soak up the views of bustling Jaipur from the Hawa Mahal.

The Taj Mahal

Egypt

On Egypt holidays, head to the vibrant, sprawling city of Cairo where the ancient and modern rub shoulders. Its medieval splendour, graceful minarets and traditional bazaars are incredible. Museums filled where Pharaoh artefacts  transport you back to an ancient time and the magnificent pyramids overlooking the city are a constant reminder of Egypt’s mysterious past. Discover the awe-inspiring landmarks of ancient civilization with a cruise along the Nile as the rich history of Egypt unfolds itself along the banks of the river.  A Nile cruise offers a truly remarkable experience, with breathtaking scenery and once in a lifetime visits to cultural wonders. While Luxor, the ancient city of Thebes, hosts the mighty Temples of Karnak and is the gateway to the Valley of the Kings with its elaborate tombs and the Colossi of Memnon.

Cairo

Mexico

Mexico holidays allow you to experience the incredible Chichen Itza,  a large pre-Columbian city built by the Maya civilization. The archaeological site is located in the municipality of Tinum, in the Mexican state of Yucatán. The traditional Mayan church can be found in the Cancha Maya, one of the main plazas in Tulum pueblo. Or try Laos, which has its own distinct culture. Discover the beauty of the UNESCO World Heritage listed Luang Prabang, Explor the Pak Ou Caves, walk among the archaeological site of the Plain of Jars or watch the magical sunset on the bank of the Mekong River in Vientiane.

Chichen Itza

Thailand & Cambodia

Experience the culture on Thailand holidays through the countires exquisite cuisine. Thailand has an abundance of towns which offer lessons, classes and courses that will enable you to enjoy Thailand’s culinary arts and its culture through hands-on experience in the kitchen as well as opportunities to explore the country. On Cambodia holidays enjoy a cooking class at one of the very best cooking restaurants in the city, Malis. Luu Meng is Cambodia’s most renowned chef and he will guide you through a morning to remember that includes shopping for ingredients at the local market and then preparing and cooking some choice courses which you can then enjoy for lunch. In Siem Reap enjoy a private cooking class at the Sugar Palm restaurant. Home-cooked Cambodian food, including an introduction to prahoc will be on the menu as you work with the head chef to produce dishes that will make your mouth water in anticipation.

Thailand & Cambodia have many Cooking Classes

What else would you add to this list?

Read on to see some of the highlights of our newest America fly-drive tour to Civil War land on the East Coast…

WASHINGTON DC

Capitol Building Washington DC

The cosmopolitan capital of America, although considerably smaller at the time, was a base for the military and operations during the Civil War. There was a strong force of Union supporters defending the city from the Confederates and it was here that Abraham Lincoln issued the Emancipation Proclamation meaning that all slaves in the Confederate area had to be freed.

Whilst in Washington DC, perhaps visit The White House, US Capitol Building and US Supreme Court. There are also plenty of places here to dine and shop.

MANASSAS

Manassas Battlefield

Situated in Northern Virginia, Manassas was the location for the first main land battle in the Civil War. On July 21 1861, the Union and the Confederate armies met and did so again for a second time here in August 1862. Both battles were in fact Confederate victories in spite of the overall Union victory in the Civil War.

In a short visit to Manassas, be sure to watch the 45 minute film that will really get you to grips with what went on at the battle ground- it runs every hour, on the hour. Wander around the museum to see civil war uniforms, weapons and field equipment from the battles and play with the electronic battle map. Also take a walk on the Henry Hill Loop Trail to get a real feel of Manassas and if you have even more time, there are other trails to be walked.

GETTYSBURG

Gettysburg

The bloodiest of all the battles in the Civil War, The Battle of Gettysburg took place in early July 1863.

Starting at the visitors centre, walk around and learn about Gettysburg in the comprehensive museum and watch the Morgan Freeman film ‘A New Birth of Freedom’.

Take a look at our A Civil War Journey 14 day fly-drive holiday today.

Canyon Ranch Hotel & Spa, Miami, USA

“Enjoy the first-class facilities; from floor to ceiling ocean views from the Fitness Centre, to the open-air rooftop Hydro Spa and guided beach walks. The hotel offers award-winning nutritious gourmet cuisine and there are experts on hand to help you put together a diet plan.” Tom, travel specialist.

The view at Canyon Ranch Hotel & Spa, Miami

Fusion Maia, Vietnam

“The New Year New You programme offers lifestyle consultations, group meditation, yoga, and eco power walks, complemented by a wide range of spa treatments, from the natural living massage to the super slimmer. Start your day in a relaxed frame of mind with breakfast any time, any place.” Kerry, travel specialist.

Breakfast 'any time, any place' at Fusion Maia, Vietnam

Evason Ma’In Hot Springs, Jordan

“Located 264 m below sea level, Ma’In Hot Springs is is an inspired site for a spa experience as guests can be pampered with the therapeutic benefits of Ma’In’s natural hot springs descending from the sandstone canyon. Spa facilities include a sauna, traditional hammam and natural ‘Magarah’ steam cave.” Vicki, travel specialist.

Enjoy the therapeutic benefits of Ma'In’s natural hot springs

COMO Shambhala Estate, Bali

“Enjoy the Cleansing Programme in beautiful Bali. Starting with a wellness consultation, guests will enjoy three cleansing treatments, a 120-minute body treatment, complimentary use of the sauna and participation in The Estate’s daily activities.” Ricky, travel specialist.

Yoga at Como Shambhala Estate, Bali

The BodyHoliday, Saint Lucia

“The BodyHoliday, as the name suggests, is a resort focused on relaxing the mind and rejuvenating the body. Enjoy activities such as swimming in the infinity pool with views of the Caribbean Sea, go spinning in the tree house studio, learn how to fence and scuba dive and explore the landscape on bike tours, rounded off with delicious nutritious food.” Sarah, travel specialist.

Complimentary daily spa treatments during your stay at The BodyHoliday, Saint Lucia

Kamalaya, Koh Samui, Thailand

“Intro To Detox at Kamalaya is perfect for post Christmas indulgence. With a programme including a body bio-impedence analysis; lymphatic massages; detox scrub & wrap and detox cuisine meals, guests will feel revitalised. The steam cavern and plunge pools are wonderful.” Julie, travel specialist.

Enjoy a wide range of activities at Kamalaya, Thailand

Chiva Som, Hua Hin, Thailand

“The Art of Detox programme is extensive. Guests can enjoy spa cuisine meals to complement the daily fitness activities, five daily massages including Thai and foot massages, lymphatic drainage, maya massage and super stretch sessions, unlimited use of the sauna and jacuzzi and colonic hydrotherapy.” Claire, travel specialist.

Daily fitness activities at Chiva Som, Thailand

For more information please call our friendly travel specialists on 020 7666 1234.

“After a long, long saga of changing nappies, weaning, teething, walking then finally tantrums within the Watling family, we decided that we all needed a holiday. It didn’t take long for us to realise that this holiday was going to be quite different to our last (our honeymoon in the Maldives, which seemed a lifetime away).  However, I knew that there were a few things that would make the holiday enjoyable for the whole family and our lives much easier.

To start with, there was no way I wanted to fly for over 4 hours with a 19-month-year-old on my lap. She doesn’t sit still for 5 minutes at home so why should she on a plane?  We decided on Portugal; 2 and a half hours from London and plenty of airlines flying out at different times of the day so that we could choose one that fit our routine. We also didn’t want it to be too hot and Portgual had perfect weather in May.

Try to minimise flight time when flying with young kids

Next was location. We wanted to be close to a village so we could go for a walk in the afternoon or evening, it also needed to be pretty and not too far from the airport. The Martinhal Beach Resort in the Western Algarve fitted these requirements perfectly. It’s 1 and half hours from the airport (forward facing car seats included in the transfers) and only 15 minutes along the beach from the historic town of Sagres.

Marching on the beach

Set within a national park area, the Martinhal is surrounded by rolling wild grasses and c0lourful flowers. Walks, mountain biking and marine excursions can be arranged from the hotel for those who are in need of activity.

I realised that, for best part of a year, my little one had had her own room -she was used to that and certainly so were we.  However, with its 1-3 bedroom houses, this really was a home from home where we never had to compromise on our child’s comfort. Each house has its own living room and full kitchen (including washing machine, fridge, oven, microwave) meaning you can be flexible when it comes to the needs of a young child. We ate breakfast early in the kitchen if she woke before 8 and were able to keep snacks, milk etc. in the fridge. The supermarket stocked everything we needed: nappies, wipes, swim nappies, milk and all the essential food items.

A home from home ensures comfort and convenience

If the little one was having an “off” day we would have lunch in our house while she napped in peace. We could still use the balconies and living room in the day and night without disturbing her. I wondered how she would sleep in a strange bed in new surroundings but I needn’t have worried.  All the bedrooms have black out blinds so she didn’t wake too early, and we had a few lie ins past 8 o’clock!

We also made sure there was a stairgate and highchair in the house (complimentary), a godsend at home. We didn’t bother with the door jam, changing mat or steriliser but these can all be provided.

Great facilities were a must and the Martinhal has these in spades,  including 5 swimming pools, tennis courts, a fantastic beach, village square with supermarket, a kids club and creche, 3 restaurants and something that a working mum always needs – a spa!

Excellent facilities are a must

There were two main pools we used most days: one down by the beach which featured a massive sand play area, and one nearer to the village which was partly under cover – ideal for some respite from the sun. The sandy beach is renowned for windsurfing and it can get quite breezy in the summer months but for us it was perfect. What more can a child want than a bucket and spade and to run in and out if the sea!

The eating habits of young ones are predictably unpredictable so flexible dining options are always welcome. We loved eating out at O Dunas restaurant where dinner started at 5pm, which was extremely convenient if we needed an early night. The Italian restaurant in the village square is fantastic for those special occasions when the kids are with the babysitter. The food was delicious, excellent value for money and they even offer takeaway. Children are well catered for in the main restaurant with their own plastic beakers, plates, spoons and forks. They have 3 sizes of high chair and in high season they even have a kids club member on hand to entertain them whilst you are finishing your breakfast.

A wide choice of dining options allows more flexibility

Of course, you’ll want some assistance in keeping the kids occupied, and although we didn’t use the kids club at the Martinhal due to wanting to spend as much time as possible together as a family, the range of facilities on offer was fantastic. The baby room was filled with baby gyms, soft matting etc. while the the toddler room was massive with fantastic role play toys. The kids club was chargeable and all the activities was tailored to the children’s ages. Toddlers at Raposinhos can try their hand at face painting or join an outdoor treasure hunt. There is also a Blue Room which offers table tennis, pool, computers and movie screenings. There is also creatively designed children’s playground featuring a helicopter as its centerpiece!

Keep the young ones busy with a kids club

Older kids can join the Explorers and Adventure Club where among other things they can learn to windsurf, go dolphin watching and take a junior lifeguard course. The Martinhal also features football and tennis academies where kids can hone their sporting skills or learn new techniques from fully trained instructors.

The kids shouldn’t be the only ones getting pampered on a family holiday and it’s important to allow some quality time for yourself. If there was one thing I was looking forward to most it was a massage and facial in the spa –  something I would never be able to fit in at home. The spa was lovely,  a wonderful oasis of calm with a tranquil chill-out area to relax in before and after my treatments. My last massage was on the day before we came home, it was so pleasant to be able to gather my thoughts and reflect on what a wonderful holiday we’d had.

Don't forget to treat yourself to some "me time"

The past 19 months had been a rollercoaster but now we were relaxed, rested and looking forward to the next 19 months. I have a feeling we’ll be back to the Martinhal again… it’s exactly what we wanted and needed. An amazing, memorable luxury family holiday.”