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Travel Articles

Here's a great selection of our travel articles to give you some inspiration for your next holiday! If you'd like further information on any of the hotels or destinations mentioned in these articles please use the enquiry form (link to the top right of this page) or telephone us on 0121 270 2889. 



Worldwide Tours from Travel2
Saturday, 21 January 2012 11:23

Take a look at this online brochure for ideas for tours all over the world you can book with Top Drawer Holidays and Travel2, from The Inca Trail to Antarctic Exploring, to Vietnamese River Cruises, to New Zealand by Motorhome and everything in between! Click here to view the brochure!

 
Hotel of the Month - Hotel Chocolat St Lucia
Friday, 20 January 2012 17:05

What could be a more perfect holiday for the chocoholics amongst us than to stay at Hotel Chocolat in St Lucia!? Set in the grounds of a beautiful 18th Century cocoa estate, the luxurious Hotel Chocolat is Saint Lucia’s newest boutique hotel and a must-visit for all lovers of chocolate. The 140-acre Rabot Estate, dating back to 1745, is the oldest on Saint Lucia, but the accommodation is stylish and contemporary, and the hotel’s Engaged Ethics Programme is helping to revitalise the island’s cocoa industry.

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Dubai - World's Hottest Shopping Spot
Wednesday, 18 May 2011 07:51
Dubai Update

Dubai is already world renowned for its fantastic shopping. The emirate is attracting a growing host of international retailers and there are now more global brands in Dubai than in Paris or New York! (source: CB Richard Ellis).

Dubai’s popularity as a shopping destination is particularly increasing with British visitors who were the number one spenders at this year’s Dubai Shopping Festival.

There is a huge range of retail outlets to choose from. Dubai now has more than 50 modern shopping malls selling tax free goods including the world’s largest, The Dubai Mall. For an authentic local experience shoppers should visit the traditional souks where they can bag some fantastic gold and clothing bargains or fragrant spices. Modern souks can also be explored such as those at Souk Madinat Jumeirah and Souk Al Bahar.

An ideal time for the discerning shopper and families alike to visit is between 17 June and 7 August, when the Dubai Summer Surprises festival takes place. During the event Dubai’s shopping malls are transformed into live entertainment, music and dance venues. Best of all, the mall’s vendors collaborate to offer major discounts across a large range of products including high street clothing, couture fashion and traditional Arabian crafts and furniture. There are also special activities and competitions for kids that will keep the little ones entertained


 
Hotel of the Month - Banyan Tree Ringha
Wednesday, 06 April 2011 16:26

DESTINATION OVERVIEW

n the tranquil highlands of Shangri-la in Yunnan, China, each season offers a unique experience: serene winters; spring fields with flowers in full bloom; fresh green meadows in summer; forests cloaked in rich autumn colours.

At 3,200 metres above sea level, you are almost amongst the clouds, amid majestic mountains, deep canyons and valleys, crystal-clear streams, where yaks and wild horses roam free.

While the fastest way to get to Shangri-la would be a 50-minute flight from Kunming International Airport, we would recommend a leisurely journey from the nearby city of Lijiang for gradual acclimatisation. Banyan Tree Lijiang provides a private four-wheel drive (4WD) transfer to Banyan Tree Ringha in Shangri-la. This scenic four-hour drive takes you along a winding mountain road, passing the Yangtze River and dramatic gorges.

RUSTIC GETAWAY AND INNOVATION

Located by the Ringha River,Banyan Tree Ringha opened in Shangri-la in 2005 with 32 Tibetan suites and lodges with private balconies, with either valley or river views. The interiors are decorated with Tibetan craft like woven rugs and woodcarving. Each room comes with an open fireplace, as well as a luxuriously designed bathroom fitted with a handcrafted wooden bathtub.

Did you know that the resort is made up of unwanted, original Tibetan farmhouses, which were bought from local families and reconstructed in the traditional style at the hotel site?

In recognition of its innovative design, Banyan Tree Ringha has won various awards like the Gold Key Award and Design for Asia in 2006.

DISCOVERING SHANGRI-LA

Banyan Tree Ringha has a dedicated team of local guides and offers a series of specially developed treks and tours, available on foot, horseback, and in a 4WD.

A favourite is the Shangri-la Cultural Tour, where guests are welcomed into the homes of local villagers for some freshly made yak butter tea and a home-cooked lunch. During this leisurely walk, learn about Tibetan architecture and craft traditions; pass through an ancient forest and fluttering prayer flags, before ending the journey at the 800-year-old Ringha Da Bao Si Monastery.

RECHARGE: DINE AND SPA

After a day of exploration, a pampering session at Banyan Tree Spa beckons with a selection of Himalayan techniques like Gui Shi Hot Stones treatment and Ringha massage.

A wide selection of Chinese tea is served at Jakhang, while Chinese and Western menus are available at Llamo, the all-day dining restaurant. Don't miss the hearty Tibetan hotpot at Chang-Sa, served in an aromatic broth of local herbs.

Banyan Tree Ringha also offers unique destination dining experiences: A re-enactment of a Tibetan matrimonial ceremony in a traditional farmhouse;a horse-riding trek complete with a gourmet dinner by the river.

Top three memories in Shangri-la
1

Walk three times around a stupa and, following Tibetan traditions, place a stone on its ridge to represent your prayer

2

Hiking or trekking by horse around May, June amid flowering rhododendrons and azaleas

3

Sitting by the stove in a villager's home and enjoying yak butter tea with tsampa (Tibetan roasted barley wheat flour pancake)


 
Hotel of the Month - Banyan Tree Vabbinfaru Maldives
Thursday, 17 March 2011 18:07


DESTINATION OVERVIEW
T

he Maldives is Asia's smallest country: An archipelago of 1,190 tiny coral islands with 99% of the country under water. Small as it may be, the Maldives is a top beach destination, known for its azure lagoons, idyllic islands, tropical climate, and spectacular dive sites.

DIPPING IN

Opened in 1995, Banyan Tree Vabbinfaru was amongst the first luxury resorts in the Maldives. The resort is situated on the North Male Atoll, 20 minutes by speedboat from Malé International Airport. Five minutes away is sister resort Angsana Ihuru where guests can cross-charge expenses to their villas.

"Vabbinfaru" means "round island circled by a coral reef" in the local Divehi language.

A white powdery beach and one of the best coral house reefs in the Maldives encircle Banyan Tree Vabbinfaru’s 48 rustic villas.
INSPIRED ARCHITECTURE

The villas' conical thatched roofs were designed to resemble a spiral seashell, under which lie a four-poster king-sized bed and a sitting area. With almost half of the bedroom surrounded by windows, guests can enjoy views of the Indian Ocean from the privacy of their villas.

Each villa has a spacious open-air bathroom with an outdoor shower and a jet pool. The private sundeck leads out to the beach from which you can snorkel to the house reef.

EXPLORE THE DEEP BLUE

When snorkeling, look out for the "Vabbinfaru Lotus" which will mesmerise you with its vivid corals and lively schools of fish swimming amongst them. This 10-year-old coral restoration project uses low voltage electrical currents to grow corals on its metal structure.

Sounds complicated? Fret not.

Guests can approach the resort's Marine Biology Lab team to find out more. Guests can join organised activities like coral transplantation and reef cleaning; or learn about green sea turtle and reef shark conservation.

Banyan Tree Vabbinfaru's Five Star Golden Palm PADI Dive Centre offers the full range of PADI and Nitrox diving courses. Other water sports and recreational options include water-skiing, windsurfing, canoeing, and night fishing.

Every day, around 5pm, a family of stingrays swims to the beach where the Marine Biology Lab team is waiting to feed them. Don't miss it!

BREATHE IN

Banyan Tree Spa Vabbinfaru presents a wide range of treatments such as Tropical Rainmist packages and Ayurveda-inspired massages. Each of the outdoor spa pavilions has a landscaped garden, an outdoor shower, and a pair of massage beds that is suited for couples.

DINING OCCASIONS

The beachfront Ilaafathi and Sangu restaurants serve up hearty Maldivian and international cuisines, while Naiboli bar offers pre- or post-dinner cocktails. Private dining is available in-villa. Or choose the romantic sandbank experience where you get to dine in the middle of the ocean under the starry sky.

Culinary enthusiasts can learn from our chefs how to prepare Maldivian curries and salads during scheduled demonstrations.

ONCE IN A LIFETIME

The Maldives' palm-fringed beaches and sparkling waters provide the perfect setting for a dream wedding. Banyan Tree Vabbinfaru helps couples realise their dream (wedding blessing) with options like a traditional island ceremony and an underwater ceremony.


 
The Kerala Spice Trail Tour (As shown on BBC)
Friday, 04 March 2011 17:51

The Kerala Spice Trail Tour (As shown on BBC) - 13 Nts & 14 Days

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Banyan Tree Lijiang China - an overview
Sunday, 23 January 2011 21:05

Banyan Tree at Lijiang China - call us to book this hotel as part of a tour of China

DESTINATION OVERVIEW

Nestled in a high mountain valley in southwest China, Lijiang is commonly known today for its inclusion in the UNESCO World Heritage List: The Old Town of Lijiang consists of ancient sites like Dayan, Baisha, and Shuhe.

Imagine well-preserved, historic architecture that blends different cultural elements from various Chinese dynasties, where canals lined with willow trees intersect cobblestone streets. You can also discover the traditions of the different ethnic groups living here, like the Naxi, the Tibetan, and the Bai.

DELIBERATE DESIGN

Banyan Tree Lijiang opened in October 2006. Located 2,400 metres above sea level and just 15 minutes by car from Dayan Old Town, it was designed to capture the romance of travel in this ancient city.

The resort conveys a sense of place, of staying in a small village with a series of courtyards, interwoven with flowing streams and bamboo. Traditional Naxi architecture and cultural elements - such as the curved grey brick rooftops, Dongba script, and auspicious pomegranate motif - are merged with contemporary comforts like heated jet-pools. The cosy, intimate interiors are set in gold and russet red colours with furnishings of silk, timber, and stone.

Extensive calculations involving the height of all buildings and walls were made during the design of Banyan Tree Lijiang to ensure that all its villas and suites provide an unobstructed view of the snow-capped Jade Dragon Snow Mountain. Hence, all of the resort's accommodations are angled to the northeast and carefully staggered.

A VISUAL AND CULINARY FEAST

The series of courtyards - starting with the driveway - at the front of house was deliberately laid out to culminate in a "wow" effect for our guests when they finally arrive before the handcrafted pagoda in the lake. On a clear day, this would be a picture-perfect moment with the Jade Dragon Snow Mountain as a dramatic backdrop!

A focal point within the resort, the wooden pagoda is sometimes used for conducting wedding ceremonies. It is also the venue for "Moonlight Pagoda", a destination dining experience which features authentic Yunnan delicacies like flat rice noodle with yak meat and barbecued matsutake mushrooms. Advanced bookings are recommended as only one booking is available each night.

For a more private dining affair, try the Imperial Feast, where you will be served a six-course degustation menu by a personal butler in the Presidential Villa. After which, the villa is all yours for the night, complete with a scented bath and petal-strewn bed.

Other dining options at the resort include Cantonese and Yunnan cuisine at Bai Yun, all-day dining at Ming Yue, finger food and drinks at Wen Hai bar, as well as in-villa dining (including hotpot and barbecue).

COMPLETE RELAXATION

Banyan Tree Spa Lijiang offers unique treatments inspired by the region. These include the Gui Shi Hot Stones massage and the three-hour Yunnan Bounty treatment which incorporates local ingredients like pearl barley, red rice and ginseng. Signature Banyan Tree Spa classics like the Royal Banyan package, Lomi Lomi and Balinese massages are also available.

For some retail therapy, stop by Banyan Tree Gallery and pick up a favourite aromatherapy scent or a Naxi-inspired memento.

Top five memories in Lijiang
1

Admiring the view from the top of the Jade Dragon Snow Mountain which marks the southernmost section of the Himalayas.

2

"Impression Lijiang", a cultural spectacle choreographed by China's renowned director, Zhang Yimou, it takes place in an outdoor theatre with the Jade Dragon Snow Mountain as a backdrop.

3

Trekking through Tiger Leaping Gorge, which is considered to be one of the most spectacular gorges in the world.

4

Exploring the ancient towns. Don't be afraid to bargain when shopping for locally-made silver or leather products.

5

Sipping Pu-erh tea in a quiet corner. Did you know that for some 1,000 years Lijiang was a key trading point along the Ancient Tea-Horse Road, which first started in the Tang Dynasty and ended just after the 1950s


 
Australia - best deal in the World!
Wednesday, 30 September 2009 16:17


As the lucky winner of the “Best Job in the World” enjoys a top salary soaking up the Australian sun, we’ve teamed up with Qantas Holidays so you too can go down under. With a variety of exciting itineraries including flights and accommodation from just £999pp it just might be the Best Deal in the World!

Visiting Australia is a dream of many people around the world, so when Tourism officials in the country launched a global search for candidates for the “Best Job in the World” - earning a top salary for lazing around on a beautiful tropical island for six months - it seemed too good to be true..

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Sharm El Chic!
Wednesday, 16 September 2009 12:32


Due to the poor economic climate and declining value of the Euro, many people are looking for alternative holiday destinations to the usual European favourites. For scorching sunshine and great value for money mixed with a healthy dose of luxury, you can't get better than Egypt's Sharm el Sheikh...

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  1. "The holiday you organised was amazing and definitely exceeded our expectations. Thanks so much for all your hard work, we loved every minute of it. All the hotels were perfectly placed for what we were after, and we definitely felt we got great value for money. It may be a while before our next big holiday, but we'll be sure to keep your details for when we get an idea of where to go. We'll also be sure to recommend you to all our friends who are looking to go away, and will enure they are all aware of how well this was organised by yourself (and how stress free this was on our part) . Thanks again for all you hard work." September 2011 from Nathan & Zoe, Hildonborough who visited Hong Kong and Fiji.



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  2. "Thank you for your email. Basically we had a fantastic time. You helped us organise the honeymoon that we dreamned of. I have only praise for the hotels you found and advice you gave. The service really was Top Drawer - sorry I bet everyone writes that.  Thank you for all your help." October 2011 from Richard & Joanna, Newbury who did a tailor made trip through France and Spain combining planes, trains and automobiles visiting Paris, Bordeaux, Carcassonne, and the Spanish coast near Barcelona.



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  3. "Thanks for your email. We were actually planning to write you but got totally entangled with work and stuff. The holiday was absolutely fantastic and the organization spot on. We are completely satisfied with the services offered, both in terms of the actual arrangements and the customer service provided at all times.  There's no doubt we will recommend your services." January 2012 from Fabio & Ioanna, London who spent Christmas and New Year visiting the Great Barrier Reef and Sydney, Australia.



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  4. "Thanks we had a wonderful time and enjoyed being on a cruise for the first time. The boat was very big, and full of some very big people too, but it was great to have so much to see and do.The food (evening meals) was surprisingly really really good too. I would certainly recommend you to others." September 2011 from Amanda & Derek, Dubai who went on their first ever cruise.



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  5. "We had a great weekend thankyou. The hotel was in a great position - very easy to drive to, and only a short cab / bus ride into town. Also we used the boat to come back on sunday, which was fab. The rooms were big, clean and comfy - all you want them to be really! We did have a small issue with room keys at the start, but it was quickly rectified and all was good. Staff were very nice, friendly and helpful - lunch a little slow, but great when it arrived. All in all we had a lovely time - thankyou for your help with organising it." October 2011 from Nicki and girl friends who had a spa weekend in Bath.



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  6. "Once again everything went according to plan and we had an excellent holiday. The lounge pass starts the holiday on the right footing, the flights were on time, the holiday rep. at the airport was welcoming and the hotel was great. The service was absolutely first class and there was an amazing selection of food at breakfast and dinner all presented in a very attractive way (similar to a cruise ship). The weather was extremely hot so we didn't attempt any excursions. We spent the time relaxing by the pool keeping in the shade as much as possible. No complaints at all you will be pleased hear. Thank you once again for your attention to detail. " October 2011 from Dorothy and Graham, Coventry who visited a luxury hotel in Tenerife.



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  7. "Just to say...THANK YOU! For all your help and planning. We had a fabulous honeymoon and loved each part. I really liked the Argonaut in terms of location and the free glass of wine from 5-6pm every day. They were so friendly and helpful at the hotel and it made a great first stop. The Kauai Beach Resort had a great hot tub outside, good food and the concierge helped organise a number of trips for us. The room was a good size and we were given a free bottle of very nice champagne. Finally, the Plantation Inn in Maui, was wonderful. A great little location and it made our stay in Maui so enjoyable. Again a hot tub and breakfast was included - great chef. Such easy access to La Haina and the shops and away from the noise and scale of the big hotel complexes further up the coast. The four, four, four also worked well...had we had the time we would have loved to do four days in New York..would recommend that to anyone thinking of doing the same trip. So thank you again for your help, we really appreciated it and would use you and Top Drawer again!" January 2012 from Sarah & Ian, Chiswick who visited San Francisco before heading to the Hawaiian island of Kaui and then onto the Hawaiian island of Maui.



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  8. "Thanks for your email. All your arrangements were excellent and we had a brilliant honeymoon. No problems whatsoever. Flights and transfers happened without a hitch. The company that you used for the transfers and their drivers were very professional. The hotel and its staff were fantastic - exactly what we were hoping for. All in all, you have provided an excellent service building up to the honeymoon and the trip itself was great. Will definitely recommend you to family and friends." November 2010 from Kerstin & Mark, Bradford on Avon who visited Nice in the South of France.



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  9. "The holiday was lovely thank you. There was evidence of a lot of damage on our way up to our hotel from the airport, and the 4x4's were definitely needed! Once we were in Rodney Bay, there wasn't really much evidence of the hurricane. We found the Top Drawer service to be very helpful and we were kept up to date with information, following the devastation of the hurricane. We would definitely recommend Top Drawer to friends. Thank you for all your help." December 2010 from Karen & Simon, Tunbridge Wells who visited St Lucia very shortly after the hurricane in 2010.



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  10. "It has to be said that we had a brilliant holiday not least down to Top Drawer!!! The arrangement between Top and Bottom Drawer is really convenient and just what i wanted. The route that you planned and the hotels that we stayed at were just right although it must be said that we preferred the national parks to the cities!! Thank you for a great level of service and I would definitely recommend your company in future." October 2010 from Emily & Philip, London who did a fly drive around California in a 2 door open top sports car visiting San Francisco, Yosemite, Death Valley and Las Vegas.



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