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03/05/2024

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29/04/2024

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25/04/2024

Turkey is a great value-for-money destination with lots to offer from beaches to historical sites. For the cheapest flights and hotels, go to travelhound.org

17/04/2024

08/04/2024

TOP TEN BEST BEACHES IN THE WORLD
Whether you're looking for silky white sands, crystal clear waters, or dramatic coastal scenery, these 10 beaches deliver an unforgettable experience. Pack your sunscreen and get ready to discover some of the world's most beautiful shorelines.
1. Grace Bay, Providenciales, Turks and Caicos Islands This breathtaking 12-mile stretch of powdery white sand and calm, turquoise waters is consistently ranked as one of the world's best beaches. With great snorkelling just offshore and a host of luxury resorts lining the coast, Grace Bay offers the ultimate in Caribbean paradise.
2. Whitehaven Beach, Whitsunday Islands, Australia
On the resplendent Whitsunday Islands along the Great Barrier Reef, Whitehaven Beach mesmerizes with its blindingly white silica sand that stretches over 4 miles. The crystal-clear turquoise waters are ideal for swimming and witnessing an abundance of marine life.
3. Navagio Beach, Zakynthos, Greece Often called the "Shipwreck Beach," this stunning cove on the Ionian Island of Zakynthos is sheltered by towering cliffs and gleaming white sands that lead into azure waters. The highlight is the rusting hulk of a shipwrecked smuggler's vessel that has been grounded here since 1983.
4. Lanikai Beach, Oahu, Hawaii with a name that means "heavenly sea" in Hawaiian, Lanikai doesn't disappoint. This mile-long beach boasts incredibly soft white sand, serene turquoise water, and lovely views of two small offshore islands with swaying palms.
5. Playa Paraiso, Cayo Largo, Cuba Its name translates to "Paradise Beach" and this slice of Cuban perfection lives up to the hype. Playa Paraiso dazzles with its long arc of velvety white sand that meets brilliantly clear, shallow waters in multiple shades of blue.
6. Anse Source D'Argent, La Digue Island, Seychelles
With massive granite boulders lining the shore and creating fascinating rock formations, this pink sand beach in the Seychelles is one of the most photographed in the world. The soft pink sands meet shallow waters in shades from brilliant aquamarine to navy blue.
7. Pfeiffer Beach, Big Sur, California the dramatic scenery along California's rugged Big Sur coast reaches its apex at Pfeiffer Beach, where violet-hued sand meets crashing waves and towering rock formations jut out of the azure waters. The setting sun puts on a spectacular show here by seemingly setting the rocks ablaze.
8. Flamenco Beach, Culebra, Puerto Rico Regularly ranked as one of the best beaches in the Caribbean, this U.S. territory paradise boasts a mile of powdery white sand, gentle surf, and brilliant blue-green waters perfect for swimming and snorkelling. Palm trees and green hills encircle the beach, creating an idyllic setting.
9. Baia Dos Porcos, Fernando de Noronha, Brazil On the remote Brazilian island of Fernando de Noronha, this breathtaking beach features golden sand, warm emerald waters, and dramatic rock formations. Its picturesque scenery, great snorkelling, and protected status as a UNESCO World Heritage site make it a true gem.
10. Trunk Bay, St. John, U.S. Virgin Islands Considered one of the best beaches in the Caribbean, Trunk Bay stuns with its crescent-shaped expanse of soft white sand, vivid blue waters, and convenient beachside snorkelling trail. Located in Virgin Islands National Park, the beach's natural beauty is unmatched.
Whether seeking solitude or fun in the sun, these world-class beaches deliver incredible scenery, soft sands, and unforgettable coastal experiences. Start planning your dream beach vacation today! For cheap flights and hotels, go to travelhound.org

01/04/2024

Singapore Airlines Enhances Premium Economy Class In-Flight Experience with New Dining Options and Amenity Kits
15 March 2024 - Singapore Airlines (SIA) today unveiled its revamped Premium Economy Class in-flight experience, which includes an improved and expanded selection of food and beverage options, as well as a new amenity kit. These will be available on flights from 31 March 2024.

Premium Economy Class customers will now be offered a glass of Charles de Cazanove Brut Tradition NV champagne shortly after take-off. They can peruse a hard copy menu card that lists the wide variety of meal, snack, and beverage options that are available on their flight. Their selected meals will be served in elegant custom-made porcelain Premium Economy Class service ware.

On flights that are at least seven hours long, an all-new Out of the Woods amenity kit1, designed exclusively for Premium Economy Class customers, will also be available. The amenity pouch is made from eco-friendly Forest Stewardship Council (FSC)-certified kraft paper fabric, and includes eyeshades and slippers made from recycled PET material. The kit also incorporates a lip balm packaged in biodegradable material. Toiletries, such as dental kits and moisturisers, will continue to be available in the lavatory.

These mark the first comprehensive revamp of SIA’s Premium Economy Class in-flight experience since this cabin class was introduced in 2015, allowing the Airline to continue delivering a distinctive level of service to customers.

Mr Yeoh Phee Teik, Senior Vice President of Customer Experience, at Singapore Airlines, said: “Since its introduction in 2015, Premium Economy Class has become popular with our customers. They appreciate the added amenities, heightened comfort, and extra personal space it offers, all at an excellent value.
GLORIOUS FOOD
Customers may choose from two premium main course options, either international or Asian cuisine, on every flight. Highlights include new dishes such as Beef Bourguignon served with bacon, mushrooms, vegetables, and potato gratin, Bak Chor Mee (minced pork noodles), and Thai-style Crab Curry served with a combination of jasmine rice and brown rice, and seasonal vegetables with egg.

Customers may also choose from an expanded Book the Cook menu, which features up to 20 dishes available on rotation, for pre-order at least 24 hours before departure. This includes popular choices such as Singapore Style Seafood Hor Fun and Chicken Biryani, as well as new additions like Slow Braised Lamb Ragout, Sake Teriyaki (salmon in teriyaki sauce), and plant-based wellness dishes such as Mushroom Eggplant Meatballs.

Customers can enjoy delectable desserts that have been specially crafted for them. These include Chocolate Feuilletine Cake, Mascarpone Cream Cake, as well as Apple Crumble Cheesecake. Meals are accompanied by a small bar of chocolate, as well as upgraded cheese and crackers.

Lending an air of elegance, the meals will be served in contemporary stoneware glazed porcelain service ware. These will be presented on a linen-lined tray, along with neatly tucked silverware.
Book your flights here – travelhound.org.

30/03/2024

Rwanda. A land of unending adventures.
This luscious green country has become one of the world’s most sought-after destinations for intrepid travellers. We all know about the famous rare, endangered gorillas that attract wildlife enthusiasts from around the world. This includes the biologist, David Attenborough’s documented encounter with the mountain gorillas, which attracted more than 500 million views. But Rwanda boasts much more than that. It’s a truly fascinating country that yields a multitude of opportunities for the adventurous and discerning traveller. After your 5-day gorilla and chimpanzee mystical trekking tour, you can relax on the exotic Gisenyi or Lake Kivu lakeside beaches and indulge in a variety of water sports.
Known as the country of a thousand hills, you can hike up Mount Karisimbi volcano, take a game drive in the Akagera National Park to witness the Big Five, visit the exciting, vibrant capital city of Kigali with its bustling market, coffee shops, and art galleries or experience rural Rwandan life with Azizi Life. Rwanda is an experience like no other. Book here: travelhound.org

28/03/2024

23/03/2024

THE FABULOUS
BOATHOUSE
ON PHUKET
Hotel choice in Phuket, Thailand is a tricky affair. Although many hotels line the 3 main beaches, Kata Beach, Karon Beach and the notorious Patong Beach, only a handful are actually on the beach with the majority set back across the main road.

I don’t know about you but I don’t relish the daily schlep back and to the beach crossing the main road each time, so I eventually managed to grab a few days at two of the hotels with direct access to the glorious, yellow soft sand beaches that adorn Phuket. This was no easy affair as my plans were frantic last-minute ones coupled with the fact that it was over the busiest period of the year, early January. My stay was at The Boathouse on Kata Beach. I was determined to stay there because of its legendary reputation of having one of the best restaurants on the island.

The Boathouse was the very first establishment in Thailand to have been awarded a Wine Spectator award in 1995. In 2006 The Boathouse made history again by being the first in Thailand to win the Wine Spectator “Two-Glasses” Best of Award of Excellence. Known for its gourmet Thai and French Mediterranean cuisine, The Boathouse Wine & Grill restaurant is now headed by Executive Chef Jean-Noël Lumineau, Thailand’s only Maître Cuisinier de France. The food was magnificent. There’s a comprehensive a la carte menu as well as two tableau h’ote menus all with a choice of either French or Thai dishes.

The wine cellar is vast, and it will take you half an hour to scour the wine list to eventually decide on your choice. Little wonder that, 25 years ago, it was the restaurant that was voted best in the world with its international reputation growing quickly by attracting celebrities and royalty from Europe, America, and Asia. The hotel section was only built because the famous diners wanted to stay for a few days longer to continue to eat the magnificent food.
This luxurious boutique hotel has 33 rooms, 3 suites, and 2 pool villas, all facing the sea. However, the standard rooms are adequate without being large and luxurious. That is countered by the fine food and the easy direct access to the private beach with sun umbrellas and loungers exclusively reserved for guests.
I was looked after by the charming Lisa Sol, PR Manager who managed to get me in the Saturday morning cooking class where, along with around 10 other guests, we learned to cook a variety of classic Thai dishes.
I would recommend this fabulous hotel and like many of its other guests, I would rush back.

Book here https://travelhound.org/

22/03/2024

THE TOP TEN
MOST ROMANTIC
CHÂTEAUX IN FRANCE
France is renowned for its romantic châteaux, offering couples a charming and intimate escape. Here is a list of some of the best romantic châteaux in France, each with its own unique charm and ambiance:
1. Château de la Couronne: Located in the Loire Valley, this enchanting château features elegant rooms, beautiful gardens, and a serene atmosphere.
2. Château d'Esclimont: Situated near Paris, this Renaissance-style château offers luxurious accommodations, a gourmet restaurant, and a peaceful park.
3. Château de Bagnols: Nestled in the Beaujolais region, this medieval château has been transformed into a luxurious hotel, complete with a spa and fine dining.
4. Château de Mirambeau: Found in the Charente-Maritime region, this 16th-century château boasts a romantic setting, gourmet dining, and a spa.
5. Château de la Treyne: Overlooking the Dordogne River, this picturesque château in the Quercy region offers breathtaking views, Michelin-starred dining, and elegant rooms.
6. Château de la Chèvre d'Or: Located in the French Riviera, this château provides stunning views of the Mediterranean, gourmet cuisine, and luxurious accommodations.
7. Château de Rochecotte: Situated in the Loire Valley, this charming château is surrounded by a beautiful park and offers a peaceful retreat with elegant rooms.
8. Château Saint-Martin & Spa: Set in the hills of Provence, this château offers panoramic views, a luxurious spa, and refined dining in a romantic atmosphere.
9. Château de Mercuès: Overlooking the Lot River, this château in the Cahors region features a vineyard, gourmet dining, and elegantly decorated rooms.
10. Château d'Artigny: Located in the heart of the Loire Valley, this château boasts a fairytale setting, spacious gardens, and opulent rooms.
These châteaux offer a blend of history, luxury, and romance, making them ideal choices for a romantic getaway in France. Always check for the latest reviews and availability before making reservations. Book - travelhound.org