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Purple 10: Best Spa Destinations

Feb 13 2013

A wise man once said “when we are unable to find tranquility within ourselves, it is useless to seek it elsewhere.” Well, he probably never had a good rub down or a facial, since none our handpicked, amazing hotels existed at the time. Sneak a peek and feel that quiet and relaxing holiday that awaits for you just a short flight from the UK in our post about the best spa destinations 2014.

#1 The Vine Hotel, 5* Funchal, Madeira Described by its owners as “a hotel with soul, just like good wine,” it does not come as a surprise that this stylish, sophisticated hotel relies heavily on the affluent heritage of the local wine industry. Specialising in Vinotherapy – a rejuvenating massage using grape oils and only natural ingredients – it helps carry your skin to spirits high. Not forgetting that wine is also meant to be enjoyed the old-fashioned way, one can enjoy a glass (or two) of local Chardonnay atop the beautiful Panoramic Bar overlooking the city.

#2 Corallium Spa Costa Meloneras, 4* Gran Canaria, Spain Inspired by the natural volcanic conditions of the island, the Corallium Spa blends old and new by utilising the latest technologies in hydrotherapy, music therapy and aromatherapy among other techniques. Set on a modern spacious site of over 3500m, it offers tailored treatments from all over the world including Shiatsu, or Indian Head Massage, body treatments from the Dead Sea and of course its infamous “Womb Room”, a unique, copper-red area that is said to simulate the absolute peace an unborn baby feels in its mother’s belly.
#3 Eden Andalou Aquapark & Spa, 5* Marrakech, Morocco Deep in the heart of Morocco, Marrakech is a city lost in time with its mosques, markets and palaces. To really feel that off-the-beaten track atmosphere, we suggest heading for one of Eden’s two traditional hammams before taking a relaxing swim at its sensory heated pool boasting a unique zen-like feeling.. The hotel also offers a vast Balneotherapy (massage through moving water) area where a team of professionals will ensure that though your body will eventually leave these mysterious lands, your mind will linger around just a little bit longer.
#4 One & Only, 5* Reethi Rah, The Maldives Overlooking the Indian Ocean, this majestic getaway is a secluded heaven surrounded by coral atolls, white sands and lagoons. The Maldives, an enchanting string of 1,200 islands, is the epitome of an exotic, relaxed destination. With swirling vitality pools, crystal steam rooms, saunas and ice fountains, the very aptly named One & Only Reethi Rah is the very definition of a tropical paradise.
#5 Anassa Hotel, 5* Latchi, Cyprus Anassa literally translates to “queen” from ancient Greek, but in modern Greek it stands for “breath,” which is also highly appropriate given that this wonderful, luxurious hotel, with its classical minimal architecture in earthy blue and white tones, will take your breath away. A luxurious choice for honeymoon or couples getaway, it is a roman-style spa that will take you back to the ancient times and its eclectic selection of Mediterranean delicacies will make you feel like an emperor.
#6 Taj Exotica, 5* Goa, India Far from the maddening crowds of the popular resorts in the northern strip, the Taj Exotica lies on the southwest coast of Goa overlooking the Arabian Sea. Built amongst lush beautiful gardens, the hotel complex offers a unique collection of villas, Mediterranean-style facilities and family friendly activities. Its gorgeous spa facilities, designed around the traditional Indian temple styles, offer a vast range of therapies and treatments to take your body and soul to a magical, faraway place.
#7 Abama Golf & Spa Resort, 5* Tenerife, Spain An imposing presence on a 160 hectare private estate,, the Abama Resort prides itself as being built on a privileged location that enjoys more hours of sunshine than any other place in Spain. Featuring volcanic landscapes, a wide range of rare plant life and breathtaking views, this is the perfect destination for those who like to walk (or golf, if its name was not subtle enough) among a beautiful natural scenery. Its world reknowned facilities offer tailor-made treatments and packages to suit your individual needs, whether it is to relax, feel pretty or get rid of those excess pounds.
#8 Porto Zante Villas & Spa, 5* Zante, Greece Zante is mostly known as a party destination for youngsters, but far away from the bustling boozefest of Laganas lies the award winning Porto Zante. It’s a true haven for those who’d rather combine the crystal clear waters with the privacy and space of a truly mesmerising hotel. Mixing exotic spices and local herbs, the spa offers an extensive variety of innovative treatments and special massage techniques. Afterhours visitors can enjoy the beautiful sunset at the relaxed beachfront restaurant facing the never ending Ionian sea.
#9 Vogue Hotel Avant Garde, 5* Antalya, Turkey Situated in the busy seaside resort of Kemer on the Gulf of Antalya, the Vogue is a modern, luxury hotel with 347 rooms, suites, villas and penthouses. Its spa has, rather fittingly, an Ottoman themed aura and includes a large variety of turkish baths, steamrooms, jacuzzis, aromatic showers and massage rooms. The Turks did it first, so who are we to argue? To complete the eastern experience, one can sample varieties of local drinks and herbal teas at the dedicated spa Vito-Bar.
#10 Premier Le Reve Hotel & Spa, 5* Hurghada, Egypt Close to the shores of the Red Sea, an area blessed with eternal summer, one can find the highly acclaimed Premier Le Reve. With extensive landscaped grounds that offer a beautiful vista and exceptional service, this hotel is among the most popular luxury destinations in Egypt. It offers an astonishing sky pool with a spectacular glass dome (that keeps the water warm using natural sunlight) and vast hammam and relaxation areas that would make even Tutankhamun jealous.

Call the experts now on 0207 993 9228 to find out more about spa holidays this year.

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

Purple 10: January Holidays

Dec 05 2012

Did you know? January is actually one of the best months to book a holiday. Not only is the weather particularly miserable in the UK, but January is also the month in which you can find the best deals throughout the travel industry. While other people are tightening their belts, those who have saved some of their Christmas cash flow can enjoy the year’s best holiday bargains. Let Purple Travel aid your decision with out round-up of 10 best January holidays

For a little bit of sunshine…

1) Tenerife – near-guaranteed sunshine that’s just 4 hours away from the UK.

2) Southern Tunisia – avoid Tunis (which can be chilly at this time) and head to southern Tunisia for a mid-haul getaway that’ll leave you bronzed and refreshed.

3) Mexico – from boutique hotels to haciendas, there are some gorgeous places to stay in Mexico’s Caribbean coast. And with perfect January temperatures, there’s plenty of leeway for exploring ancient sites such as Chichen Itza.

4) Gambia – a charming, low-cost destination with an improved hotel scene.

5) Cape Verde – great value for money and easily accessible, Cape Verde islands are sure to win you over with their diversity and natural beauty.

Or for a cool wintery break…

6) Northern Lights – discover one of the earth’s natural wonders and our top choice for 2013 travel. Read our guide to the best Northern Lights trips here.

7) Sweden – With its winter wonderland scenes, plenty of things to do and see and even an ice hotel, Sweden is an ideal destination for January travel.

8) New York – while the sales are on, head to the world’s best shopping destination to pick up a bargain, grab a bagel or two and enjoy the last of the Christmas buzz.

9) Bulgaria – named the cheapest ski destination, Bulgaria is a great choice for those looking for good value without comprising on the slopes.

10) Italy – stylish skiing doesn’t get much better than in Italy. In January, you may find excellent deals on holidays to Italy’s luxury resorts.

Purple 10 Signs you need a holiday

Nov 21 2012

Purple 10 signs you need a holiday … If you answer yes to any of these it’s official. You need a holiday. Visit Purple Travel to find out more.

The weather: It’s only been a few months since summer that was summer right? But already the rain is putting a frown on that face of yours. Jet off to some sunshine for a quick fix in Tenerife.

Rainy Day via @ 4Neus

You are always the last one to leave the office: You’re there until eight or later every night and you’re first in. Getting burnt out with work won’t make your career go any better. Take a load off on a sun kissed beach in Majorca.

Getting a lungful: City life, smokey atmospheres and constant commuting can leave your body tired. Take at least 72 hours of fresh air to give your whole lungs a new lease of life. Head for clear air on the island of Mykonos.

Fresh air via @ Jurijus Azanovas

You didn’t get a holiday this year: What? Are you crazy? Nothing but work all year will leave your senses a little duller and you’ll be gasping for air. Take advantage of the prices now for a holiday you can look forward to. How about splashing the cash in Vegas?

No holiday this year via @ danielJordahl

Give the kids a break: Two words: Mickey Mouse. Give your children the holiday of a lifetime with a visit to the Magic Kingdom.

Kids at disney via @ serena_in_va

Too pale: Stop getting tangoed, a little bit of gentle sunshine (please don’t forget the suncream) will leave you with a healthy golden glow, perfect ahead of that Christmas party. Soak up the sun in the Maldives.

Too pale via @ Schatz

Crying at holiday ads: You see an ad for a beautiful beach and it brings a tear to your eye, your friends’ bikini pics on facebook turn you into a simpering wreck. You need a holiday! Head for the sun soaked beaches of Turkey.

Crying via @ WikiCommons

Brain drain: Do you finish each day feeling brain fried? Let your mind wander as you soak up the sights and the sunshine of the awesome city of Dubai.

Brain drain via @ BaileyRaeWeaver

Bags under your eyes: Just like when you’re a bit too pale, bags under your eyes are a dead giveaway that you need a break. Relax on some of the legendary beaches of Gran Canaria, where you’re almost guaranteed sunshine all year around.

Eye bags via @ Derrick T

That look: People in the street have started stopping you to ask you, are you alright? You look rough, you’ve been working/stressing too much. You need a break. Relax to the sound of Caribbean rhythms in Mexico.

Image via @ vauvau

Purple 10 Weird Things Found in Hotels

Oct 10 2012

Ever come back from holiday only to discover that you’ve left behind your favourite book, mobile phone or even your credit card at the hotel?? What about your prosthetic leg? Did you leave that too? You may be shocked, but that is one of these 10 weird things found in hotels Check the list to find out more..

1. Marriage License
What a way to start a marriage! The important new document was found by the cleaning staff in the Hyatt Regency Columbus. The certificate was quickly returned to the newlyweds. No word as to whether the pair has since left their wedding rings behind.

2. License Plate
In one of the rooms in Hyatt Regency Newport Hotel & Spa, in Goat Island, the maid came across a Connecticut license plate, which surprisingly, none of the guests ever attempted to reclaim.

3. False Teeth
The famous golf resort Four Seasons Resort Scottsdale at Troon North, Scottsdale has discovered a set of false teeth, while cleaning a guest-room bathroom. Luckily, the hotel was able to overnight the dentures back to their embarrassed owner.

4. A Wig
The next most common items left behind after false teeth are wigs. Not necessarily strange, though it does make you wonder how someone can forget something so crucial behind, especially if they checked in the mirror before leaving.

5. Prosthetic Legs
Socks and shoes are one thing to leave behind but an entire leg is a whole different story. Such was the case for one hotel staff member at the Fairmont Queen Elizabeth Hotel in Quebec, who found the prosthetic limb after checking underneath one of the hotel beds.

6. A Shark
If you thought finding a tiger in your bathroom, a la Hangover was crazy, try finding a shark in your bathtub. That’s the surprise hotel cleaners at The Tivoli Marina Vilamoura in the Algarve faced when they found a weakened shark in one of the room’s bathtubs — swimming in tap water when it was in desperate need of salt water.

7. 6K in Cold Hard Cash
Leaving a tip for house cleaning is a customary practice. Leaving a zippered bag filled with $6,000 in cash? Not so much. Still, the exorbitant find by Jeanne Mydil, a house keeper at the Miami International Airport Hotel, wasn’t enough to tempt the mother of three. Mydil returned the money to her employers who then returned it to a missionary group.

8. A Bird
The Gran Hotel Bahia del Duque hotel in Tenerife once found a caged cockatoo in a room. The owners subsequently asked for it to be flown back to them in a private jet. Which makes you wonder: if they cared that much for it, why forget it in the first place?

9. Expensive car keys
Leaving car keys behind seems to be another common occurrence – but when you drive a Ferrari, it’s inexcusable. At the Hesperia Tower hotel in Barcelona a guest left behind the keys to their Ferrari Testarossa. Upon finding them the staff ran to the parking lot to check if the car was still there – it wasn’t It’s anyone’s guess how the guest got away without his car keys.

10. A baby
Forgetting your pet might be forgivable even if it happens to be a horse, but your own toddling flesh and blood? A forgotten baby earns the number one weirdest thing to forget in a hotel room title. In this instance it was a couple with way too much luggage who had to leave in separate taxis – a classic case of “But I thought you had the kid!?!”

World’s weirdest beaches

Aug 21 2012

Long stretches of white, sandy beach not quite your thing? Then how about visiting a green beach, or one made of glass? Here’s our rundown of the world’s weirdest beaches.

Glass beach, California

This Fort Bragg beach is famous after Mother Nature reclaimed it from dumping that happened until the 1960s. Decades of waves on the beach have worn down the glass that was left there, leaving a sparkling, multi-coloured beach that is a joy to look at.

Pink Sands Beach, Harbour Island, Bahamas

You have to *really* want to get to Papakolea Beach in Hawaii. Visitors have to spend three hours in the baking heat, hiking along the cliff edge. But for most people it is well worth it, for the sand is a rich olive colour, giving you a truly unique experience.

Playa de la Arena, Tenerife

The black volcanic sandy beaches you find on Tenerife are a total eye opener. Kids and grown ups will get a real kick out of it. The dramatic colour dotted with parasols and surrounded by bars and restaurants is a real contrast.

Boulders Beach, Cape Town

This long, sandy beach may look totally normal, until you realise it’s filled with penguins. Over 3,000 of the flightless birds call this beach home and it’s quite the novelty to hang out with them for the day. Just don’t get too close, they’re not afraid to use those beaks!

Cow Beach, Goa

Speaking of animals, a trip to Cow Beach is perfect if you want to get up, close and personal with some bovines. Heifers and bulls mingle happily with bikini clad tourists, and despite the issues you would think would pop up, it’s a hugely popular choice with travellers.

Hot Water Beach, New Zealand

Imagine building your own hot tub on the beach? Well it turns out in New Zealand you can. Thanks to mineral water that flows beneath the sand up to 150 degrees, visitors can simply dig themselves a hole and settle in to their own personal hot tub.

Zlatni Rat Beach, Brac Island, Croatia

Croatia’s ‘golden horn’, this gorgeous beach is just a narrow spit of sand that extends about quarter of a mile from the shore. It completely changes shape depending on the current or the winds and makes the list for being simply gorgeous.

Don’t forget you can book your holiday to any kind of beach you want with Purple Travel.

Purple 10: Theme parks for kids

Jun 27 2012

Still struggling with ideas for a family getaway this summer, or even for next? Surely every child’s (and we’re sure some grownup’s) dream holiday is to a theme park. Whether it’s Mickey or Minnie Mouse, a space adventure, more water slides than you can shake a stick at, or becoming a giant for a day, we’ve put together our top choices for this year. As always, if we’ve missed some great theme parks for kids, let us know in the comments below and for more information or to book great family holidays, visit our Purple Travel cheap holidays website.

#1 Were you a fan of Asterix and Obelix when you were a nipper? Now you can introduce the kids to the same fun, at France’s Parc Asterix. Found just outside Paris, you can travel through six worlds of wonder, including ancient Greece and Egypt. The piece de resistance must be the Ozlris; an inverted rollercoaster that will leave your little ones shouting for more!

Image via @ Milst1

Family holidays in Spain

Apr 27 2012

Family holidays are always tricky. You’ve got so many variables to think about. How to keep the kids happy and where to find good beaches that are safe and not too crowded. You want fun and relaxed places to eat and kids clubs are always handy. Good public transport links are a must and of course you don’t want to be spending an arm and a leg on your holiday.

Then, you might like some choices to keep mum and dad busy; perhaps Grandma and Grandpa are tagging along too? You want to enjoy your holiday as well!

We reckon Spain should be a top choice for a family holiday. With great prices, facilities and of course that elusive sunshine, why would you consider anywhere else?

Malaga on the Costa del Sol has plenty to entertain children of all ages! The Malaga Open top tour bus is a nice way to get your bearings. A trip to the city beach of Caleta is a must. Little ones will love playing in the surf and there are plenty of loungers, umbrellas and facilities to help you out. If you tire of the beach, the interactive science museum will keep you in the shade and entertain for hours. The buggy friendly promenades are a great option for an evening stroll and the range of tapas bars and restaurants mean there’s a choice for even the fussiest eaters.

Lanzarote’s Puerto Del Carmen is amazing value for a fantastic summer break with the kids this year. There are plenty of options for all inclusive or self catering getaways that include kids clubs to keep them busy. The beach is a must, with nearly a mile of golden, soft sand, clean clear waters and a full range of facilities. Just a few miles away in Puerto Calero, kids will love Submarine Safaris. Designed especially for children to enjoy underwater exploration, it’s an incredible journey into Lanzarote’s clear, magical waters.

Costa Brava’s Lloret de Mar is perfect for a simple sunshine break of sandcastles, swimming and a bit of exploring. It’s got plenty of family friendly beaches so you could almost chose a different one every day. Lloret Turisme offers a miniclub, with organised beach games with a beach library for the grownups! The many children’s playgrounds offer a lovely break from the sand. There are even a couple of adventure parks including Gnomopark with bowling, mini karts, games and a gnome farm! If that’s not enough, it’s close to Barcelona if you feel like a little city adventure on your sunshine break. Discover the aquarium, or Park Guell which kids always enjoy.

Majorca has been a trusted family friendly resort for many years; it’s easy to see why so many people return again and again. We like Alcudia Beach or Cala Bona where you have great accommodation options with plenty of family friendly extras. The weather is almost perfect; the long sandy beaches are safe for little ones to get busy making sandcastles. Most hotels and apartments feature child friendly pools and kids clubs to keep them busy from morning ‘til bedtime.

Tenerife’s Costa Adeje is one of our top choices. It’s got a lively atmosphere, with lots of day trips on the menu. Check out the whale watching cruises or boat day trips. If you’ve got older children or teens, they will love trying out diving or surfing. A mini train runs through the resort to pick you up and drop you off when you need to, perfect if mum and dad are tired after a long day in the sun.

La Pineda on the Costa Dorada is really the best of both worlds. With an Aquapolis water park, Dolphinarium and the PortAventura theme park, as well as beautiful Salou just around the corner, there are more fun options than you can shake a stick at! Sun, sea and sand are the orders of the day, in this blessed out cheap holiday hotspot.

The Culture of Alcohol

Jun 29 2010

Drinking is a part of the culture in the UK, pubs are the best places to go and socialise, catch up on gossip and watch the match of the day on the TV, all while having a pint or two, or three, or so on….

Holidays are no different, as the number of people choosing All Inclusive (AI) hotels proves that even whilst abroad, people still want to have alcohol to end (or in some cases begin!) the day with.

In case you don’t know, AI means that free drinks, snacks and even ice cream are served throughout the day, not just at mealtimes. There are varying types of AI, which tell you exactly when they are served. While it is all day, most hotels do not allow free alcohol after midnight, so do check with your hotel before trying for an all night booze up!

To keep costs down, hotels don’t always give away popular drinks all the time, since they are fairly expensive to import. Instead they tend to use drinks that are either brewed locally or imported from nearby. Though it isn’t your normal pint at the pub, their own local flavours are worth trying.

Here is quick list of the different types and brands of local alcoholic drinks that you may get to sample at your hotel or resort. This doesn’t include the small shots you can get in every bar, since those are everywhere, but for the more sedate pace of drinking a can of beer, or glass of wine.

In Tenerife, they have a beer called Dorada which is exclusive to the island, and comes in three varieties, Dorada Pils (normal alcohol level), Dorada Pils (strong), and Dorada Sin (alcohol free). The neighbouring island of Gran Canaria has its own beer by the name of Tropical, and as the two islands are so close to each other, both beers can be found on either one.

The Canary Islands also have their own wine thanks to their climate, and asking for the house wine for a meal is not a bad choice at all. Red wine is more common here too, and may even be chilled, good for those boiling summer days!

Egypt, despite being a Muslim country, is fairly tolerant of foreigners drinking alcohol, and so they have a large selection available. The most common beer which can be found in almost every bar is known as Stella (yes, similar name, but this isn’t related to the Artois family). Two more varieties, Stella Export and then Stella Premium have higher alcohol levels. A European brand called Meister, licensed for and produced in Egypt is also available and Meistar Max, another type, has the highest alcohol level for beer in Egypt, good if you want a quick dizziness spell!

For the wine lover, there are some that try to capture the taste from the ancient Egyptian days, these include Omar Khayyam, Cru Des Ptolmees, Rubis D’Egypte and Abarkai. They’re called Giancils types of wines, so ask for one if you’re interested.

Greece is famous for Ouzo, highly alcohol with the taste of aniseed, thus giving licorice-haters less to drink. However there are other drinks too. For beer there is Mythos, the most famous out of all the brands, and is easy to find. Retsina is a white wine that can be served with a meal, however house wine does taste good on the whole.

Overall, a huge variety which should move you away from your current tipple of choice. You’re sure to get a hangover if you overdose on them too much, but then you can rely on your own methods to clear your head. The levels of alcohol vary so do check the amount before beginning another round at the bar. Be sure to follow the law with regards to drinking age, and drink responsibly. Ending up in a police cell or even a medical clinic overnight does not make for a good vacation!

So, happy holidays, cheers, and bottoms-up!

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