TUESDAY TRAVEL: A GUIDE TO LEISURELY PALM SPRINGS

Looking for somewhere new to explore? Check out Palm Springs!
Found a little further inland than LA, Palm Springs is situated between the peaks of San Jacinto and the Palm desert, making it the ideal destination for year-round sun and blue skies. Palm Springs rose to fame in the 50's when it became the go-to haven for celebs seeking winter sun (with all the luxury trimmings). Renown for its luscious green golf courses and luxury hotels, Palm Springs is the perfect place to kick back and relax.

When to go

Nicknamed America's Mediterranean, the sun shines in Palm Springs all year round, however, with temperatures over 100 degrees Fahrenheit in the summer, winter is probably the best time to go for those who don't enjoy the heat, as temperatures average at around 70 degrees Fahrenheit.

Where to stay

Hilton Palm Springs

Found in the heart of Palm Springs, this hotel offers a home from home with all the 5 star perks. Each room comes with a coffee maker for guests to enjoy, the hotel itself is definitely not short on facilities with two spas, terrace restaurant, pool with poolside bar and cafe, full-service business centre, games room and fitness centre to name a few.  

Ritz-Carlton Rancho Mirage

With its fantastic location and unrivalled views this hotel is a definite must. Lying at the feet of the Agua Caliente Indian Reservation it offers stunning views over Palm Springs which can be enjoyed from most rooms thanks to their private balconies. Thankfully this hotel's location is just one of its many attributes, all rooms are kitted out with 42 inch HD LCD televisions as well as in-built bathroom televisions to ensure maximum relaxation whilst bathing in their deep soaking bathtubs. The hotel also offers two restaurants as well as poolside dining, business centre, fitness centre and the Spa, Golf and Locale amenity. 

La Quinta Resort and Club

A legendary destination favoured by the stars for its elegance and endless amenities, La Quinta is a relaxation haven for guests, featuring 90 holes of some of North America's best golf as well as a world class spa. The resort spoils guests with a mammoth 41 pools, 53 hot spas, 7 restaurants (one for every day of the week!) and 23 tennis courts, ensuring that every day of your stay is new and exciting.

Renaissance Esmeralda Indian Wells Resort and Spa

As with any hotel in Palm Springs worth mentioning, the Renaissance boasts its own spa, luxury pool and 36 hole golf course (which featured in Golfweek's top golf courses feature). There are six restaurants to choose from ranging from Italian cuisine to sushi along with a fitness centre, swimming pools and activities such as bike rental and tennis. There is also a children's club for those aged 5-12 years making it a great destination for a family trip.

What to do

For those few that might want to leave their hotel occasionally, this ultimate desert playground offers endless activities so holidaymakers can enjoy their days, whether action-packed or dozing by the pool.

Golf

It may have become apparent that Palm Springs is one of North America's top golfing destinations. Although relatively small there are over 130 golf courses for keen golfers to choose from, many of which are house by the countless 5 star establishments.

Celebrity Tours

A celebrity haven for more than fifty years, Palm Springs has been a home to hundreds of celebs. These 1 hour tours are a witty and fun way to learn about the history of the city and its famous inhabitants.

San Jacinto Aerial Tramway

Taking you 8500 feet up Mount San Jacinto, this 11 minute cable car ride guarantees breath taking views, be sure to take a coat as temperatures drop from the mid 30s to near zero. 

Want to find out more? Check out our website or give us a call on 020 7724 9911

TUESDAY TRAVEL: HEAVENLY MAURITIUS

Looking for a new escape?
With its white sandy beaches and crystal clear waters Mauritius encapsulates everything a holiday should be. Its luxury hotels are framed by an impressive backdrop of volcanoes and mountain peaks with luscious greenery at their feet and idyllic beaches at their door. Widely regarded for its beaches there is also never a shortage of activities in which to partake, surrounded by the Indian ocean there is plenty of opportunity for water sports and diving whilst the island's diverse wildlife provides a great setting for nature parks and hikes.

When to go

Often associated with winter sun, Mauritius is a great year-round destination, its peak season is between October and April which can be very hot and humid whilst the winter season remains hot but also dry with the added bonus of holiday rates dropping by 30-50%.

Where to Stay

Maradiva Villas Resort & Spa

The western coast of Mauritius offers a private hideaway for this resort on a quiet stretch of beach, making it ideal for couples and spa aficionados. In this warmer more sheltered area of the island, the hotel is comprised solely of villas (with private pools of course) offering its guests the ultimate personal service with a minimum of three employees to each of the 65 villas. There are three restaurants for guests to choose from and rates include water sports, yoga and tennis - ensuring that there is never a dull moment to be had. The hotel is also family friendly with a kids' club for 3-12 years old, a children's pool and family activities in the surrounding areas. 

Constance Le Prince Maurice Resort

 Found on the east coast amongst luscious greenery, this resort is full of character and heritage with its 'suites' floating on stilts above the mangroves almost as if a natural part of the island.  The hotel boasts nearly two staff per guest making it clear that service is priority with staff always prepared to go that extra mile to ensure satisfaction. As mentioned in our family holiday blog, the hotel underwent a refurbishment which saw the creation of 12 new family suites with bunk beds and apple mac minis (to keep the little ones quiet). Also, the hotel plays host to the only over water floating restaurant on the island guaranteeing an unforgettable stay.

Shanti Maurice Resort Hotel

A great resort for all holiday makers from singles to families, this family run boutique hotel exudes relaxation thanks to its informal yet attentive service. Set among the tropical gardens of the south between quiet fishing villages, Shanti Maurice is very family friendly. Activities for children include a junior pop up spa with treatments and meditation, trekking in the National Park, exploring the Black River Gorges, cycling, scooter hire and snorkelling.

St. Regis Resort Hotel

An outpost of the infamous St. Regis chain set on what is said to be one of Mauritius' most beautiful sheltered stretches of beach. As with all St Regis hotels every room has a butler on standby, this, combined with personable staff speaking great English reminds us why the St Regis hotels are held in such high esteem. All of the 172 residences are beach facing, decorated elegantly yet satisfying all the needs of a modern traveller. Suites can also be adapted to accommodate families who can drop their kids off (up to 12 years old) at the Kite Flyers children's club where they can enjoy a fantastic range of activities.

What to do

In the unlikely event that you'll want to get up from your sun lounger, Mauritius has plenty to offer in terms of attractions.

Port Louis

Mauritius' capital is mostly seen as a shopping destination, however it also has an array of cultural attractions such as the Natural History museum, Blue Penny museum or another tourist favourite, climbing up signal mountain to admire the stunning sunset.

Maison Eureka

This mansion bears witness to Mauritius' deep French colonial history, once owned by a French sugar baron it features architecture well ahead of its time, its also rather beautiful thanks to its mountainous backdrop, exotic gardens and waterfall.

Grand Baie

This old fishing village grew into a tourist hot spot due to its great shops and evening entertainment, it also offers countless activities such as excursions, the interactive island museum and an aquarium to name a few. 

Black River Gorges National Park

Walk up the nature trail through the undulating deep green forests of the National Park surrounded by exotic wildlife (and if you're lucky a monkey or two!) to reach the highest peak of the island to witness one of its most beautiful views.

Casela Nature & Leisure Park

A fantastic way to spend a day for the whole family, this park offers amazing activities that you'll definitely look back on with a smile. Here you can 'canyon', rent a quadbike or segway on safari to enjoy the animals at your own pace, rock climb, zip line and there's also a petting zoo so the little ones aren't left out.

 Want to know more? Check out our website or give us a call 020 7724 9911