Indulge in All Inclusive Plus in Turkey

 

A selection of hotels in the Turkish Riviera offer guests all inclusive plus. The option allows guests to maximize their holiday dollars without missing out on luxury amenities.

Everything is provided for – drinks 24 hours a day, mini bar filled for free, and even a bigger choice of a la carte restaurants. Our hotel, Crystal Sunrise Queen Resort and Spa, is one of those magnificent hotels that offers such indulgent perks.

Located on the beachfront, guests can wander along the famous seafront promenade into the historical centre of Side in the morning. Later that day, holidaymakers can enjoy a traditional Turkish Bath at the hotel’s hammam.

The glittering view of the sea, from the beach bar built in the shape of a boat, seduces guests to return year after year. The lobby bar offers stylish leather seats. The smiling staff deliver your drinks to the table, 24 hours a day. Guests can linger over a drink, with views to text home about, in a total of seven bars.

Visitors can enjoy a meal at the resort’s five restaurants, and relax under the soothing spray from the waterfall fountain at the lunch buffet. For an afternoon snack with a difference, guests can watch a local woman prepare the traditional Gozleme bread while sipping on sweet Turkish tea.

The hotel’s stylish décor continues in the generous sized standard rooms. Touches of turquoise blue invite a feeling of relaxation. The mini bar is topped off daily with beer and pop. There is a free in room safe, kettle, tea and coffee satchels and beach towels can be picked up at Spa Reception. There is no need to pack anything but your beach wardrobe, saving essential luggage space.

At night the dark skies light up at the outdoor amphitheatre as dancers from all over the world offer up shows that rival London’s West End.

If you want to book an all inclusive plus holiday in Turkey, or other beach destinations in Europe, check out http://www.jet2holdiays.com. Their stress free packages include accommodation, flights, 22kg luggage, and airport transportation.

 

The Allure of the Turkish Riviera

The Turkish Riviera, also known as the Turquoise Coast, offers some of the best value holidays on the Mediterranean and Aegean Sea. This region is a beach lovers paradise and affordability is part of that allure.

It stretches from the southwest coastal resort of Alanya to the southern Aegean of Izmir, a total of 600 stunning coastal miles. It’s known for natural beauty, perfect weather, warm sandy beaches, and grand Greco Roman ruins.

The larger coastal resorts of Antayla, Marmaris, and Bodrum draw in million of tourists per year. The bustling Antayla region, where we stayed, offers some of the most glamorous five star hotels to pamper yourself in.

We stayed at the five-star Crystal Sunrise Luxury Queen Resort and Spa, located on the famous seafront promenade in the suburbs of resort town of Side.

Guests enjoy the luxury of All Inclusive Plus, and even our mini bar was topped off with pop and beer for free, every morning. The WOW factor was the spectacular nights shows shown in the outdoor amphitheatre.

A holiday in the Turkish Riviera offers a promise of glamour on a budget, and unforgettable holidays, each and every year.

 

 

Side, Turkey’s Most Romantic Destination

The Roman Greco ruins of Side are among the most spectacular in the modern world and include the Apollo Temple where Anthony and Cleopatra fell in love.

Side’s warm sandy beaches almost surround the town. The pretty harbour front, lined by the seafront promenade, was a romantic escape for couples of all ages.

On our daily walks along the walkway we passed colourful ice cream cafes, beach front bars and restaurants, and home crafted ceramics resting on of stone shelves in the tourist shops.

Happy guests from nearby five star hotels sun themselves on private beaches. Comfortable benches, scattered along the palm lined walkway, entice walkers to rest and enjoy the view.

The scent of the sea, the call of the local shop keepers, embraced us like long-lost friends, as we strolled through the pretty old town. It was a delight to haggle for gifts at the tempting boutique shops. Bargains lured me back day after day.

For an intimate night out, we enjoyed a traditional Turkish meal at the Pegasus Restaurant. The ancient building that housed the restaurant was built into the Side’s ancient town walls, and made us feel like special guests dining in five-star splendor.

Our food was delicious, the soft strum of the guitar intertwined with the singer’s beautiful voice drifted up from down below. We relaxed into our second sweet brandy, lost in a perfect holiday moment. Over our drinks, we watched as the multitude of pink hues deepening into a spectacular night display. This dinner out was a true romantic escape.

 

Dancing in Corfu

Folk dance in Greece is enjoyed today, as it was in ancient time. Dance has always played a role in the life of a Greek. It is as much art, as an expression of human feelings.

There are different dance styles from all over the islands, and the surrounding mainland areas. There are 4,000 traditional dances that are enjoyed in all the regions of Greece.

The Ionian Islands also known as Eptanisia, meaning the seven islands were reunited with Greece in1864. Their music was highly influenced by Italy with main instruments being the guitar, violin, flute and in recent times, the mandolin.

The people from Corfu are particularly musical and famous for their ‘kantades’. The dances are graceful, flirtatious and sometimes with swaying movement. Dances from these islands include Syrtos, Ballos, Ai Yiogis, Fourlana, Rouga, Korakianitikos,Thiakos and Tsirigotikos.

 

7th Heaven Café and Bar in Corfu

I discovered that the hunt for Corfu’s best beach bar is a labour of love. There are so many to choose from, and so much natural beauty to appreciate when you finally arrive.

My second choice, La Grotto Bar in Paleokastritsa is worth checking out, but I fell in love with 7th Heaven Café and Bar.

Located on the edge of the cliff in Peroulades, the panoramas from the rock cliffs on Loggas Beach are spectacular from the bar’s rope and wood swings. Yes, you read it correctly, there are several swings dangling from the bar’s oak beam. The simple pleasure of swinging back and forth like a child, while glancing out at a warm sandy beach, is priceless. Your favourite cocktail in hand, brings it to the next level of pleasure.

We stood in line to secure a photo of us on the glass viewing platform that left me dizzy with delight. It was a windy day, early in May, and I easily claimed a free swing to watch the sun twinkling over the shades of blue green in the Ionian Sea.

There is a steep staircase that meanders down to the beach below, but make sure you grab a yummy burger or sandwich to fortify your strength to face this invigorating trek.
This place is a treat to all your senses. From the heady music that evokes sweet memories, to the smell of fresh sea breeze, and the feeling of freedom as you swing up to clouds, Seventh Heaven Café & Bar ticks all the boxes.

 

Corfu’s Paleokastritsa Monastery

 

The monastery is located on the north west side of Corfu. It sits high on a remote, with breathless views island and Ionian sea.
I was grateful to be driving because the ten minute climb up a steep road, , but walkers are awarded with stunning views one of Corfu’s top beaches, Paleokastritsa beach.

 
The monastery is home to 8 Greek Orthodox Monks who graciously welcome visitors by offering tours of the grounds. Admission is free but they appreciate a tip.

According to legend it was built in 1228, but most of the buildings are from the 18th century. In the monastery you will find a small museum that contains Byzantine icons.

I feel in love with the inner courtyards. The warm morning sun spilled out over the monk’s cells, flower pots spilling over with flowers, and ancient archways.  In the small chapel there is a beautiful painting on the ceiling.

Within one of the original monks cells a shop has been established that sells religious artifacts, hand made crafts and small bottles of oil pressed by the monks.

Legend of Canal D’Amour

 

Canal D’Amour comes from the ancient legend. If two lovers swim through the cave together, they’ll remain in love forever

The Channel of Love is located on the west side of Sidari Beach. It is one of the top beaches to visit on the island of Corfu.
We visited the beach early in the morning; at the beginning of May. The famous beach is normally overrun with tourists. Today we spotted only a couple small families offering us plenty of room to relax and enjoy the natural wonder.

The unique rock formations create numerous canals and coves which have been created by the corrosion of air and water. The natural beauty attracts many people from all the world.

From the cliffside, my husband and I, enjoyed a front-line view of the white sand that lined the horseshoe shaped beach.

The colors of the water, soft green and multiple shades of brilliant blues, lapped at the shoreline. I had never seen a beach so unique, and so perfect.

I lingered far longer than planned. The north side of the island has many natural wonders on display.  We finally pulled ourselves away from one of Corfu’s top attractions, and walked the scenic coastal path back to the car.

The next time we come back to Corfu, I plan to rent a pedalo. I’ve been told it’s a great way to explore the surrounding caves and to enjoy a hope of love forever.  

Captivating Corfu

The Greek Island of Corfu has so much more to offer than a week on the sunny beach.  T

Since the 8th century BC the island Greeks called Kerkyra has been prized for it’s natural beauty and location. Ancient armies fought to possess. So many stories of mythology were about this charming island.

According to the myth, Corfu was the island of the Phaeacians, where Odysseus landed on his return trip from Ithaca.

In the ancient times, Corfu was a very important commercial centre inhabited by Phoenicians. There was trading with all the towns on the Adriatic Sea.

Today, Corfu is a popular tourist destination, combining idyllic beaches, stunning landscapes of mountains, olive groves, pretty villages, and rugged coastlines.

So popular that the island was featured in James Bond’s film “For your Eyes only” The island was featured in British naturalist Gerald Durrell books about his childhood.

The island is just 5 kilometres long and 32 kilometres at it’s widest point. A trip around the island is a popular day trip.

 

 

 

Digging into Gran Canaria’s Past

Gran Canaria has a lot more to enjoy than great beaches, market days, and boozey boat tours. The island has seven Guanches sights that reveal a rich and intriguing past.

Guanches were the original habitants of Gran Canaria. They were thought to be Berbers who migrated from North Africa to Canary Islands in 1000BC.

This network of Archaeological Sites in Gran Canaria are located all the island, and most require a car to visit them.

Some of the bigger sights offer a visitor centre, even an audio guide, but the common thread, is that each dig reveals more questions than answers.

On this trip to Gran Canaria we checked out Cenobio de Valeron that is perched high above a canyon.

The Monastery of Caves are located on the north coast of Gran Canaria. They date back to the stone age and are widely recognized as the most important and impressive pieces on the island.

When we arrived, I paid the entrance of $2.50 Euro per adult, thanked the ticket agent for the small leaflet.  I climbed the steep stone pathway to the massive caves delighted to be sharing this great ruin with just one other visitor.

Cenobio de Valerón is a network of approximately 200-300 caves. Many people believe that it was a monastery or “cenebio” where young girls went in preparation of marriage. Others say the caves were just used as granaries.

The caves were blocked off, but it was well sign posted with interesting facts and history.  Although simple in appearance, and quick to tour, the caves do give great insight into Gran Canaria’s past.

Sky Rebels in Gran Canaria

 

 

Sky Rebels is an adventure company located in Gran Canaria. The company is owned by a fun loving couple, Ines and Juanjo. The other member of their team is Gavioto, their boy (machine) whose main purpose is to help the tourists have a great time in Gran Canaria.

What is a Paratrike? The machine evolved from a paraglider with the addition of engine. It eliminated the physical effort for take off and landing, and offers the safety of an airplane flight.

What does it feel like? Like heaven. Flying so low you can see sea turtles in the ocean. The wind kisses your face as you fly like a bird over the famous Maspalomas Dune. For 30 minutes, it feels like you own the world.

   

Who can fly on a paratrike? No training is required to take a flight. The only restriction is weight, passengers must weigh between 30 and 100kg.

How can I find out more? Just check out their website http://www.skyrebels.com. Send a question. Ines will be happy to reply back.