January 2013 – Page 3 – Purple Travel Official Blog

Purple Tips: Couples Resorts

Jan 17 2013

With Valentine’s looming, it’s time to start planning some romantic moments with your partner. We’ve picked out the most romantic couples resorts, the perfect spots to say I Love You (or even pop the question as the case may be).

Santorini, Greece

The Greek islands are popular couples resorts with tourists from all over the world. However, while each has its own attraction, on islands such as Mykonos and parts of Crete, couples may find that hedonism replaces romance. For an environment more catered to those in love, Santorini is the ideal choice. With hotels and restaurants scaling the cliffs that overlook the Aegean Sea, its views are nothing short of incredible. We recommend Andronis Luxury Suites for a dreamy escape, with views of the island’s caldera from each suite in the multi-villa resort. Couples can sunbathe on the black, red and white sand beaches and enjoy its ancient villages with their traditional tavernas. However, the best couple’s activity in Santorini has to be the thermal baths, a.k.a nature’s massage. You can enjoy this activity together and benefit from the healing properties of the water, which rises from the island’s hot springs.

Paris, France

Paris may be an obvious choice, but there is much more to this romantic city than just its clichés. Yes you can still kiss under the Eiffel Tower or propose on a bridge that overlooks the Seine, but you should also aim to explore the less-visited neighbourhoods of the city. These are often covered with cobblestones, lined with the types of cafes and shops that only exist in Paris and sprinkled with park benches that beckon couples to holds hands, kiss and fall in love.

Venice, Italy

One of the most beautiful places in the world and Italy’s most romantic city, Venice was pretty much made for couples. From gondola rides along the canals to awe-inspiring architecture, Venice is a theatre showing love’s favourite scenes. Its food could make almost anyone say the L-word – just picture the two of you at either ends of a string of spaghetti with the sounds of classic Italian songs in the background. Lady and The Tramp eat your heart out.

Prague, Czech Republic

Known as the heart of Europe, it’s no surprise that Prague is a city of love. Home to a fascinating medley of past and present architectural triumphs, Prague Castle, the largest ancient castle in the world, is a home-from-home for hopeless romantics. And, if you’re looking for an original spot for a proposal, the Petrinska rozhledna, a 60-meter-high observation tower built to resemble to the Eiffel Tower, is a top choice.

Casablanca, Morocco

Thanks to the classic film of the same name, Casablanca is a city filled with romance. As you walk through the vibrant, bustling markets of the Old Medina, and admire the stunning architectural remnants from the city’s history as a French protectorate, you’ll begin to see why. Enjoy a Hollywood moment of your own in the Habous neighbourhood, just a 15-minute drive away and featuring elegant arches and whitewashed buildings.

Foodie Corner: What to eat in Gambia

Jan 16 2013

Known as the smiling coast, Gambia has a lot to make people happy. Maybe it’s the near perfect weather, how about the endless stretches of golden sandy beaches, or the way the local people go out of their way to make your stay better.

But for many, it’s simply a matter of food. With a rich selection of ingredients and traditional cooking, Gambian cuisine is about as mouth watering as it gets. Here’s the Purple Travel guide for what to eat in Gambia.

Image via @ Xavi Talleda

Chicken Yassa

A ‘must-eat’ this is made with chicken or (a little confusingly) fish and rice. It’s packed with fresh lemons or limes, onions and black pepper that give a real hit of flavour.

Superkanja

As the name suggests you can’t miss this one! It’s made from a mix of okra, or meat, with palm oil and peppers all boiled together to really get the flavours out.

Domoda

A typical Mandinka dish, Domoda is made from puréed peanuts and can be made with meat or fish. Usually served with rice and beautiful fresh vegetables.

Oyster Stew

An unmissable treat, the fresh oysters are mainly collected locally and are super fresh and delicious. It can be found in any of the local restaurants or beach bars, where dishes tend to be prepared with only the freshest and organic ingredients. And the best bit, usually you get a stunning sea view thrown in.

Benachin

A tasty dish, made with rice cooked with meat or fish and piled high with tomatoes.

‘Afra’ takeaways

These are local BBQs usually found at the side of the road, where you choose your meat joint, whether it’s chicken or goat, it’s thrown on a very hot grill, with plenty of onions and mustard sauce.

Find out more about amazing holidays to Gambia from Purple Travel

Purple 10: Last Minute Valentines Ideas

Jan 16 2013

Some just an hour or two away, some a little further afield, all made with couples in mind for the ultimate in romantic, here’s our last minute Valentines escapes. Whether you’ve got money to burn or want a wallet friendly treat for your other half, get sorted now with our Purple 10 last minute Valentines ideas and give the gift of love this year.

Purple Tips: Craziest Adventure Holidays

Jan 15 2013

We were well impressed with Felix Baumgartner’s jump, where the Austrian hurled himself out of a space capsule a whopping 24 miles up in the air. Well, when we saw Fearless Felix, we thought we’d like to have a go at it, here’s our run down of some crazy adventure holidays… If that’s what you’re into! Enjoy!

Image via @ LeahoNeill

Wife Carrying this is not strictly for husbands and wives, but each male competitor must carry a female teammate across a special obstacle track as quickly as possible. There are various techniques including piggyback, fireman’s carry or our personal favourite, Estonian style, where the wife hangs upside down, holding onto her husband’s waist with her legs over his shoulders. It started in Finland but is growing in popularity in the USA.

Zorbing Hop into an inflatable orb, (usually) made of plastic and you’ll be pushed down a nice gentle slope. Not really extreme, but included in this list for its level of unusualness. The first zorbing site was in New Zealand, but it’s spread globally (possible after its use in Gladiators!) and is a hit in Spain, Portugal, Czech Republic and Greece.

Chess Boxing A kind of hybrid sport, chess boxing was invented by a Dutch artist this is one of the craziest ‘adventure holidays’ you could ask for. It’s made up of eleven rounds – six of chess, each lasting four minutes and five rounds of boxing, each three minutes long. Participants have to be as good at boxing as they are at chess. It’s very popular in Berlin and London and growing in places like Los Angeles and Tokyo.

Image via @ Mike Warren

Cheese Rolling Take one massive wheel of cheese, throw it down Cooper’s Hill in the Cotswolds, and watch as competitors break arms, legs or teeth trying to catch it. As soon as the cheese is thrown a group of twenty or so participants leap down the steep hill and the first one to cross the finish line wins. The intensity of their injuries is a badge of honour in this case.

Extreme Ironing Not two words you would normally put together, extreme ironing combines the satisfaction of a well pressed shirt, with the white knuckle thrills of extreme outdoor activity. Thrill seekers attempt to iron on tiny mountain tops, in the middle of the M1, while skiing or snowboarding, and even while bungee jumping. From the Florida Quays, to the Netherlands to Australia, this is one sport you’ll be never get board of (wah wah.)

Limbo Skating One for the flexible only, we’re told this is the latest rage in India, where riders wear rollerskates and stretch eye wateringly low to pass under cars. This requires some serious strength and balance.

Volcano Surfing Yes, this is a thing. It is a fairly new sport having just been discovered/invented and sees surfers use a thin layer of plywood or a metal board to travel down a recently erupted volcano. Riders hike to the top and sit, slide or (attempt) to stand on the board all the way down. So far, we’ve only found evidence of this new sport in Nicaragua.

Camel Wrestling If you’re on holidays in Bodrum in Turkey, you have to check this out. After a camel beauty pageant, entrants (the camels) are set on each other to fight it out over a female. It’s actually strictly controlled to protect the animals taking part.

Bog Snorkelling Every year in Wales, crowds gather to watch competitions swim up a 133 metre stretch of bog water, filled with weeds and muck. ‘Nuff said.

Crocodile Bungee Jumping If you’re a bit bored of regular old bungee jumping then this will spice things up a bit. Already a bit of a hit in Oz, croco-bungee sees jumpers hop into water which is home to the snappy animals.

Image via @ JohnONolan

Cliff Diving Championed by Felix’s buddies at Red Bull, cliff diving is becoming more and more popular all around the world. Not for the faint hearted, this takes a lot of effort, training and dedication. Spectacular to watch, it’s one of our favourites. In the past few years alone there have been huge competitions in places like the Azores, Yucatan Mexico, the Aran Islands off Ireland, Athens, Greece and plenty more beyond.

A hotel room with a social media butler thrown in

Jan 14 2013

A hotel in Washington DC, USA is planning the ultimate in hotel stays for the political animal who really has everything. For just $47,000, you’ll get a personalised tour of the city, with 22 of your closest friends, a couple’s massage, a private car and driver and the piece de resistance, oh and a dedicated social media butler. All in the luxurious surrounds of The Madison Hotel.

Victoria Devine of Anchor Media will take charge of all your pinning, tweeting, instagramming and facebooking needs and ‘chronicle your inaugural experience so your friends and family can follow your adventures.’ You have the choice of Victoria trailing you on your inaugural weekend, or you can simply give her your details so she can post directly. However she says she’s not really sure what format it will take, whether she’ll need to come up with witty tweets on the spot, or if she’s allowed think about it for a while.

The full package is as follows:

Four night stay in one of The Madison’s Presidential Suites
Dedicated Social Media Butler, Anchor Media’s Victoria Devine to chronicle your Inaugural experience so your friends and family can follow your adventures on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram and Pinterest. The Social Media Butler will post on all of your accounts so you don’t have to fumble for your phone to catch that perfect Facebook profile picture!
Private Presidential Inauguration tour for you and 22 of your friends. Listen to the stories and see the scenes of past Presidential Inaugurations, with stops for photos at the south side of the White House, the East side of the Capitol, and the memorials of President Lincoln, Korean War, Vietnam War memorials, and Arlington Cemetery with a visit to the John F. Kennedy gravesites. This tour is created exclusively by Cultural Tourism DC
A $5,000 shopping experience at Brooks Brothers to perfect your town and country wardrobe
Personal town car and driver for the length of stay at The Madison and to Lansdowne on January 22

Once at Lansdowne, our guest will experience their signature Presidential Treatment which includes:

Accommodations in one of Lansdowne’s Presidential Suites
75-minute Couples Massage at Spa Minérale

Purple Hearts Marseille France

Jan 14 2013

When speaking of France’s grimy, gritty and gastronomic city, you probably first think of Paris, and with good reason too. However, the second oldest and largest French metropolis, and this year’s European Capital of Culture, is as rough around the edges and soft on the inside as Paris itself. Welcome to Marseille, the loud, littered and lively contrast to France’s more Provençal towns.

Founded by Greek traders some 2,600 years ago, Marseille France has rarely seen a moment of quiet since. Landscapes comprise of terracotta roofs and buildings the colour of sun-drenched wheat, reflected in the creamy white-blue sea, while treasured-filled alleyways, souk-like markets and chock-a-block streets create a decidedly worldly cadence. Neighbouring North Africa, the blend of cultures becomes most apparent in the crowded street markets. Here you’ll find everything from fresh catches of fish to ethnic fabrics and textiles.

Off the beaten track: Ferrari World

Jan 12 2013

Fast, furious, thrills and spills, if there is one park that is the epitome of thrill seeking then it has to be Ferrari World in Abu Dhabi. The first of its kind in the world, it tells the story of Ferrari on a series of exhilaration rides and educational journeys.

Image via @ Ferrari World

The iconic red roofed park houses over 30 vintage and modern Ferraris, the world’s fastest roller coaster, the Formula Rossa, which hits speeds of 240 kmph and its own G-Force experience that blasts you to a height of 62 metres. Not for the faint hearted that one.

Image via @ Ferrari World

For kids there is the chance to get behind the wheel of a scaled down 430 GT Spider as well as Speed of Magic, a 4-D adventure through jungles and volcanoes. Definitely a must see on any holiday in Abu Dhabi.

Image via @ Aziz J.Hayat

A Night Less Ordinary: Hotel made of salt

Jan 11 2013

We go around the world to find the most beautiful, weird and wonderful hotels. From caves to converted prisons, expect the unexpected. This week, Palacio de Sal in Bolivia otherwise known as a hotel made of salt!

What’s the gimmick? We’re all for using locally-sourced materials, but the builders of Palacio de Sal, located in the salt plains near the port of Colchani, Bolivia, really ran with the idea. The entire hotel is built out of salt, from the walls to the floors, the tables to the beds. Sorry guys though, licking the walls is strictly prohibited.

Why stay? As the name suggests, this hotel is much like a palace. Stay here to discover a quirky retreat, with a swimming pool, dining room and even nine-hole golf course made from completely sodium chloride. Guests can enjoy an exquisite meal, prepared on the basis of salt, whether its lamb meat from the region, or salted chicken. The bedrooms are also another draw because they resemble igloos built with salt blocks, making for an unforgettable stay.

You should read: Garamisu Cave Hotel

The WOW Factor? The hotel is not just attractive due to its salty infrastructure, Palacio de Sal is also luxury hotel and golf course features with a dry sauna, steam room, whirlpool and, unsurprisingly, its own saltwater baths.

You should read : Rooms Without a Key

Palacio de Sal sleeps up to 48 people across 16 twin rooms and eight double rooms. Prices starting at £85 a night. Please see their website for more details.

Where to go this year: Beaches

Jan 10 2013

Pigeon Island, St Lucia, Caribbean St Lucia is tiny, it’s just over 20 km wide and 44 km long, but once you land there, it makes its presence felt. From the friendly locals, great hotels and couldn’t-ask-for-better weather, it is the jewel in the Caribbean crown, topped only by its beaches. Try the southern side of Pigeon Island where you’ll find the peaceful and utterly beautiful golden sand that is made for relaxing on.

Image via @ Squish_E

Playa del Duque, Costa Adeje, Tenerife Ideal for families thanks to a breakwater that provides calm seas, your kids will love it. Formerly a black sandy beach, it was ‘renovated’ in the nineties when white sand was added. It’s a long golden stretch now, filled with palm trees and loungers and perfect for soaking up the sunshine and topping up your tan.

Image via @ jlastras

Halkidiki, Greece Once a secret of German holiday makers, Halkidiki in the north of Greece is a hidden gem filled with gorgeous beaches to choose from. The Sani Resort is topped by the beautiful Asterias Suites, where you can step straight onto the beach into calm, crystal clear Aegean waters, or relax for hours on the soft white sand. (It even features, ‘Babewatch Ladies’ to look after children during high season.)

Image via @ Horia Varlan

Gunluklu, Turkey A local favourite, this is best visited during the week, as the world and their mother turn up to BBQ and watch the sunset at the weekends. Tucked away on the Fethiye to Gocek road, and backed by pine trees the beautiful stretch of sand is the ideal get-away-from-it-all escape.

Image via @ Ingeniarius

Caladesi Beach, Florida, USA this is so off the beaten track, you can’t even get there except by boat. The quiet, powder soft white beaches, crystal clear waters are perfect for long lazy days in the sunshine. There is plenty of nature on offer nearby too, with trails, bird watching or kayaking through the mangroves. If honeymoons are on your mind, consider the beach at Caladesi.

Image via @ PinellasCounty

Golden Horn, Croatia Probably the most famous of all the sandy beaches in Croatia, the Golden Horn or (Zlatni Rat to the locals) is a real stand out winner. Found on the south side of the glorious island of Brac, it juts out in a tiny circle of sand with absolutely pristine blue waters to dip your toes in.

Image via @ Proimos

Seven Mile Beach, Negril, Jamaica This one goes on, yep, you guessed it for a whopping seven miles. The golden sand and crystal clear Caribbean waters are perfect for washing away any stress in your life, while the range of activities on offer are second to none. Just one to watch out for, there are nudist sections, where visitors will bare all, but these are clearly marked.

Image via @ Vox Efx

Celeb watch: Katy Perry and co hit the beach in January

Jan 09 2013

With twitter, facebook and basically, the whole internet, it’s never been easier for celebs to share their holiday snaps. Being the glamour addicts that we are, we’ve had a keen eye on Beyonce’s Tumblr, Miranda Kerr’s twitter and all things One Direction. So sit back, put your feet up and relax with our gallery of stars on their holidays.