velvet | island getaway

Antigua: more than just beaches

Holidays don’t come much more heavenly than they do on the island of Antigua. Located in the West Indies, Antigua is a tropical island which, in recent years, has become synonymous with luxury holidays. Indeed, the island is so popular with holidaymakers that much of their economy rests on the tourism industry. This is good [...]

4 Comments Continue Reading →

A luxury holiday in Mauritius – The Residence

Mauritius is a small island nation located in the Indian Ocean, roughly 900 kilometers east of Madagascar. It’s an island of stunning natural beauty – its coast is lined by glorious white beaches and clear, turquoise water whilst its interior features mountains, volcanoes and lush forests. Mauritius is inhabited by descendants of African, Indian and [...]

3 Comments Continue Reading →

Exploring Tenerife by land, sea and air

Tenerife is a popular tourist destination.  Of that, there is little doubt.  Indeed, since its boom in the 1980s and subsequent slow decline, Tene-grief has reemerged as a premier holiday destination.  Its beaches have been cleansed, golf courses preened, and the formally glorious Tenerife hotels have been restored to their shining best. Having shaken off [...]

1 Comment Continue Reading →
mallorca-formentor-photo

Exploring Mallorca – one nature reserve at a time

This may come as a surprise but the largest of Spain’s Balearic Islands isn’t all about sun, sea and sand. There is of course ample opportunity to enjoy a pure unadulterated fly and flop getaway with a few nights out on the tiles in Magaluf if you’re so inclined however, for those times when you [...]

10 Comments Continue Reading →

Plane views: the fields of Mallorca

Mallorca (or Majorca) is part of the Balearic islands, a Spanish archipelago in the north-western corner of the Mediterranean Sea. The island is a popular destination for package holidays; many people visit the island for its glorious sunny weather and beautiful beaches but its hinterland is absolutely fascinating and definitely worth exploring. My flight from [...]

6 Comments Continue Reading →

A tour of Malta’s culinary delights

Famous for its Mediterranean climate and crystal clear blue waters, it is easy to overlook Malta as a competitive centre of gastronomy.  However, Malta is the perfect place to experience fine dining, exquisite restaurants, local delicacies and gastronomic delights. For the savvy and cultured traveller, enjoying delicious food and drink is essential to any trip. [...]

7 Comments Continue Reading →
ko-phi-phi-le-island-photo

Velvet moments: travel photo of the week – Ko Phi Phi Le

The stunning island of Ko Phi Phi Le in Thailand was the film location of “The Beach”. Read the accompanying post: “A Tropical Paradise, Five Wishes and a Setback“. See other Velvet Moments: Bora Bora, French Polynesia Sacred Water Temple, Bali, Indonesia Masaai Mara, Kenya Positano, Italy The Great Ocean Road, Australia Angkor Wat, Cambodia

5 Comments Continue Reading →

Ten places you should not miss in Ecuador

A special guest post by V!VA Travel Guides. The editorial staff of V!VA Travel Guides share with us their ten favourite places in Ecuador. 1. The Quilotoa Loop The Quilotoa Loop is made up mostly of small, Andean villages that surround the famous crater lake Quilotoa. The reason this is a don’t miss in Ecuador [...]

17 Comments Continue Reading →
Tahiti-singer-photo

Velvet moments: travel photo of the week – Tahitian singer

This guy was incredible. He was our guide in Bora Bora, both above and under the water, boat captain and performer! Read the accompanying post: ‘A Little Piece of Heaven‘. Search for hotels in Bora Bora.

Leave a comment Continue Reading →
rice-terraces-bali-photo

Ten things to do in Bali

Bali, one of more than 14,000 isles in the Indonesian archipelago, is inhabited by warm and friendly people with a distinct Hindu culture, and exudes a charm and beauty that is truly unique. From its majestic volcanoes, verdant rice terraces, ancient palaces and temples in the hinterland to the stunning beaches, spas and magnificent hotels [...]

18 Comments Continue Reading →