DESTINATIONS — WINTER SUN
Mauritius
Maafushi Island and a five-star Padi dive centre with all manner of watersports for busier types.
l GOA: EASTERN PROMISE Sun: Olympic Holidays commercial director Photis Lambrianides says: “Goa’s beaches are among the best in the Indian Ocean. While it’s a vibrant destination in many respects, the resorts are laid-back in the extreme and the food is superb. “For many visitors, Goa is a
gentle introduction to India. India can come as a huge culture shock for first-timers and Goa’s fascinating Portuguese heritage gives a feeling of familiarity. It also boasts a superb winter climate, where it’s hot enough to stretch out on the beach or by the pool but not too hot to take a long walk along the shore.” Fun: Goa’s beaches have their share of activities, but the real
fun lies in discovering its unique Portuguese-influenced culture. Explore Old Goa, once the state’s capital and centre of trade, and now a Unesco World Heritage Site boasting the region’s most impressive 17th-century Catholic churches. On top of that, there are historic forts, Hindu temples, a diverse art scene and a network of smaller villages well worth a visit. Olympic Holidays can pre-book excursions including Glimpses of Goa to visit the churches, a spice plantation and go shopping in colourful capital Panjim; or a Jungle Book tour to see elephants, experience a traditional Goan village and sample local food. For the kids: It’s not a classic family destination, but for clients who want to introduce their children to India, it’s an easier gateway than elsewhere in the subcontinent and doesn’t require anti- malarial tablets. Book it: Olympic Holidays offers a week’s B&B at the two-star Resort Lagoa Azul in Baga, North Goa, from £837 for two sharing a superior room in January, with Thomson Airways flights
from Gatwick and transfers.
olympicholidays.co.uk Or try: Thailand’s idyllic islands or mainland beaches are similarly complemented by a rich culture and history, plus outstanding snorkelling and diving in its coastal resorts.
l BARBADOS: EASY DOES IT Sun: The Caribbean is the reigning winter- sun champion for good reason, and Barbados is a prime example. Whether overlooking the calm waters of the west coast or surfs and swells in the south, there’s no doubting the quality of Bajan beaches. Add its easygoing atmosphere and ready supply of iconic island
brand Mount Gay rum and it’s a sure-fire hit.
Fun: What you get up to in Barbados all depends on your definition of fun. If it’s late-night partying with the locals, head to Oistins for the Friday night fish fry, open-air club Harbour Lights in capital Bridgetown, or dress up for Sugar Ultra Lounge at St Lawrence Gap. If clients are all about sport, guests of Bougainvillea Beach Resort get discounted green fees and the best tee times at nearby Barbados Golf Club, plus free use of paddle boards, kayaks, windsurfing and kitesurfing to take advantage of its south coast waves. Over on the west coast, Elegant Hotels Group member Tamarind has everything from sailing to deep-sea fishing, plus horse riding, mountain biking and helicopter tours. Or, if visitors would rather explore the island’s history than its landscapes, suggest Barbados Museum or a wander through George Washington House. For the kids: Hotel choice is
paramount for families. Sandals is opening a Beaches resort in northwest St Peter in 2015, but in the meantime, Bougainvillea Beach Resort offers a kids’ club, games room and outdoor playground with pet tortoises for playmates. Book it: Funway Holidays offers a week at Bougainvillea Beach Resort in Christ Church on Barbados’ south coast from £899 room-only, with Thomas Cook flights from Manchester departing November 27.
funway4agents.co.uk Or try: Tobago’s white-sand shores are well loved by winter sunseekers – that’s why British Airways has added a second weekly flight from October 27 – but with the activities on offer at five-star resort the Magdalena Grand, it could be just as popular with active types too. The all-inclusive Grand Experience package includes tennis, nature walks, cycling and a scuba introduction, plus free shuttle bus to Pigeon Point Beach for kite surfing and ocean swimming.
16 October 2014 —
travelweekly.co.uk • 51
FAST FACT Maritim has
opened its second
Mauritius resort, the 181-room Maritim
Crystals Beach Hotel in Belle Mare
maritim.com
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