CHECKING OUT WHERE TO... STAY:
BY JULIE BAXTER THE BACKGROUND: The UK travel industry descended on this hotel last month as it hosted delegates in town for the Travel Convention (for ABTA). THE LOCATION: Located on the tranquil Babin Kuk peninsula, surrounded by pine tree forests, the property is set into the hillside above a pebble beach shoreline. It is six kilometres from Dubrovnik old town and 250m uphill from the sea. It is approximately 20 minutes from the international airport. THE ROOM: The hotel has 385 modern rooms and 16 suites. My standard twin had two good-sized beds and a full-length window overlooking the inland pinewoods (sea views are also available). In-room facilities included a desk and seating area, TV, mini-bar, tea/coffee-making, fair-sized bathroom, hairdryer and iron/ironing board. But for me the stand-out feature was the pillows – really soft and sink-in comfy! It was perfect for me but there's a pillow menu if you prefer something fi rmer.
STAY:
REVIEW: HOTELS / RESORTS / TRAIN JOURNEYS / AIRPORTS VALAMAR LACROMA DUBROVNIK HOTEL – DUBROVNIK, CROATIA THE VERDICT
This is a contemporary-style hotel with modern furnishings and a minimalist feel. Its facilities make it ideal as a convention venue and would also suit those who prefer a resort-style holiday property out of town. The bus into town is easily accessible and very cheap.
KEY FACILITIES: The property has the largest hotel conference hall in Croatia (1200 capacity) and seven additional meeting rooms but also offers a very scenic (if freezing!) infi nity pool and pool bar, and (much warmer) indoor pool and Ragusa Spa with treatment rooms. It offers free wifi throughout, although it did struggle a bit at times with very high usage. RESTAURANTS/BARS: An extensive buffet was served at breakfast, lunch and dinner in the Lacroma Restaurant,
which had an attractive outdoor seating area with great views of the Elaphiti Islands. The smaller Langusto fi ne- dining restaurant was more initmate and had an à la carte selection. The Orsula Lobby Bar and pool bar share the view, only slightly marred by a single high-rise. The Nocturno Wine & Cocktail Bar is popular later in the day.
Valamar Lacroma Dubrovnik Hotel T: +44 20 3411 0469 W:
valamar.com E:
reservations@valamar.com
THE SANTHIYA RESORT AND SPA – KO PHANGAN, THAILAND
BY ELLIE BAIN THE BACKGROUND: Built on a hillside with impressive views of Thong Nai Pan beaches, the hotel is set in 18 acres. Wooden 'taxi cars' ferry guests between their room and other facilities if they wish. THE LOCATION: Situated on its own private beach and a short walk from Thong Nai Pan, the property is a 30-minute taxi drive from Thongsala Pier. It is a 30-minute boat ride both to Haad Rin, where the famed Full Moon
Party is held, and to Ko Samui Island. THE ROOM: We stayed in a Sea View Pool Villa Suite with a private pool and balcony overlooking the beach. It had a spacious living area and bedroom, outdoor hot tub and wet room. The complete privacy and serenity of the room was a notable feature. KEY FACILITIES: There is a large outdoor swimming pool, with a waterfall and view of the beach. There is also a small fi tness centre, library and spa. Kayaks, canoes and snorkelling equipment are available for hire as well as excursions to the nearby marine park for snorkelling. RESTAURANTS/BARS: The Chantara restaurant provides international cuisine for breakfast, lunch and dinner; special nights include Thai specialities and a BBQ. The restaurant has a remarkable panoramic sea view and optional terrace dining. A second restaurant, By The Sea, is open for
THE VERDICT
Great location for those visiting the world-renowned Full Moon Party, and an excellent choice for couples looking for relaxation and privacy. The customer service adds to the pleasure, with all staff that are really friendly and always willing to help.
lunch and dinner or a good spot for a cocktail. Mahkok, a snack bar, is open all day. A private dinner can be arranged on the beach for a special occasion and room service is available 7.00am-midnight.
The Santhiya Resort and Spa, 22/7 Moo 5 Bantai, Koh Phangan, Suratthani 84280, Thailand T: +66 0 7742 8999 E: reservation@santhiya. com or
info@santhiya.com W:
www.santhiya.com
EXCEPTIONAL LOVED IT! PASS FARCE
EXCEPTIONAL LOVED IT! PASS FARCE
38 November 2013
www.sellinglonghaul.com
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