Myanmar - April 2017

Helsinki, Finland - February 2019

Had a fabulous weekend in Helsinki with the girls.   We stayed at funky Katajanokka hotel which was formerly a prison until 2002.   They’ve preserved an original prison cell for guests to see.   It was very easy to get around using the tram system, our hotel was just a few tram stops away from the centre.   The food market is a delight to wonder around with lots of cheeses, smoked fish and sweet treats to buy.   We couldn’t resist a traditional Finnish meal in Lappi Ravintola, the reindeer is a must!   Being February it was snowy and icy all over so you must be sure to wrap up warm!   A lot of fun was had during our cocktail making lesson at the stylish bar, Liberty or Death.   It was fascinating hearing about the history of cocktail making, learn how to make a Tom Collins and a Whiskey Sour then enjoy drinking them ;)   Saturday evening we were lucky enough to dine in Demo, a michelin star restaurant that serves up exquisite food and wine pairings.   Before our departure on Sunday, a stroll round the shops and a visit to the Temppeliaukio Church.   A dome shaped church that has been carved into the bedrock.   Was a very peaceful place to observe, pray or mediate.   Leaving me feeling very peaceful before we left to go home.

Zestip: Brave the outdoors and indulge in a sauna and open air swim at the Allas Sea Pool in Helsinki City Centre, absolutely invigorating. Please e-mail: louisafells@zestfultravel.com to book your Finnish getaway.

Orlando, USA - December 2018

I’ll be completely honest, Orlando never really massively appealed to me.   I know how popular it is and how it is every child’s dream come true but being so commercialised had always turned me off.   I was then lucky enough to land myself a place on a ‘fam trip’ and so decided it was about time I found out what the huge attraction is and experience it for myself, firsthand.   Almost instantaneously I understood exactly what it is about Orlando that attracts the masses.   While I had incorrectly deemed it every child’s dream to go there the fact is it’s also the ultimate adult’s playground too.   It isn’t all about Mickey Mouse, while Disney is of course a huge attraction, the thrill seeking rides, virtual experiences, wildlife encounters, shopping make for just a few of the things you can do while you’re there.   Along with a group of other travel agents I stayed at Loews Sapphire Falls at Universal Studios.   The hotel is prime position and accessible to Universal by a 10-15min stroll or a 5-10min complimentary water taxi ride.   It’s perfectly located to take in the bars & restaurants located along City Walk and the awesome water slide park Volcano Bay as well as Universal Studios are both easily accessible. Although I felt a tad fraudulent experiencing all the amazing rides without my children by my side I definitely came away with the view that every family should experience this destination at least once in a lifetime, while their kids are still young enough to take in all the wonders it has to offer.

Zestip: Don’t forget to book your theme park tickets before you go, it’s much cheaper that way!   Please e-mail: louisafells@zestfultravel.com about your Orlando Adventure.

Sliema, Malta - November 2018

As part of the 2018 Travel PA conference I visited Sliema with a few of my home working colleagues.  Being November it was out of season so a bit quieter than it might usually be, nonetheless with the attraction of the promenade along the curvy coastline I could most definitely see the appeal.  A number of bars and restaurants serving delicious Maltese food look out to the mediterranean sea. It’s these tasty flavours that are reflected in the dishes that we were lucky enough to sample.  Everywhere we went we were presented with hearty, rustic food.  Meat, seafood, olives, cheese and tomatoes are prominent ingredients, all served with a touch of Maltese charm.  The quaint, cobbled streets are so picturesque, it really is a joy to stroll around and soak up the ambience.  We thoroughly enjoyed a spot of shopping in Valletta and taking in some of the local sights which are inevitably going to include a church or two.  As Malta has such a history of roman catholicism there are many churches to visit if you so desire.  They’re ornate, extremely pretty and laced with rather graphic biblical images.  Whether this is something you’re into heavily or not I would definitely suggest visiting at least one.  To gain a little more local knowledge we took a 25 min ferry ride from the mainland to the Island of Gozo which was stunning.  Here you can visit the gorgeous beach at Ramla Bay, the fascinating medieval ruins  known as the Citadella and rock formations including the infamous Azure Window.  It’s also a great place for hiking and diving.

Zestip: Be sure to hop on the ferry and discover Gozo in order to get your full feel of Malta.  Please e-mail: louisafells@zestfultravel.com with your Maltese enquiry.

Arenal Volcano in San Carlos, Costa Rica - August 2018

We’re lucky enough to have a friend who owns a beautiful ecolodge in the middle of the rainforest in Costa Rica.  We stayed 7 nights at the Arenal Lodge and enjoyed stunning panoramic views from our rooms of the Arenal Volcano.  Though this spot is pretty isolated it makes up for it by being immersed in 2,000 acres of rugged jungle.  The ever changing, mystic view of the volcano, the tropical wildlife and natural flora and fauna is enough to overwhelm any visitor.  The food at the lodge is scrumptious and the management go above and beyond to assist all of their guests.  The terrain lends itself perfectly to nature lovers and those looking for a touch of soft adventure.  The closest town to the Arenal Lodge is La Fortuna where there are bars and restaurants aplenty and where tour operators are based.  There is a wealth of activities to choose from including, rainforest walks, volcano hikes, white water rafting, off roading, horse riding, zip lining and if you prefer something a tad more relaxing there are a number of natural thermal spas.  All of which can be booked by the tour operator based onsite at the Arenal Lodge, Jacamar Tours.  Most tours will pick up from your accommodation.  There is certainly something for everyone and enough to keep all the family occupied.  It’s also worth visiting the Arenal Lake, a chance to enjoy a boat ride, go fishing or even kayaking.  We were also lucky enough to visit the Parque Nacional Volcan Tenorio.  This was a bit of a drive from the Arenal area but worth it for the 3.5km hike and view of the stunning turquoise waterfalls!  If you decide to stay at the Arenal Lodge for a period of time I would definitely recommend hiring a car.  It’s also worth bearing in mind that its a 2 hour drive from Liberia airport and 3 hours drive from San Jose airport.  The drive to the Arenal Lodge may be a challenge for anyone who suffers from motion sickness.  It is a mountainous area and so some rooms at the resort are accessed by a steep hill.  There are golf carts that you can call for from reception however this is a resort only for able walkers.

Zestip: If you’re lucky enough to visit the unique country of Costa Rica, as well as staying at Arenal Lodge I would also suggest visiting one of the pacific beaches either Jaco, Tamarindo, Manuel Antonio National Park or Playa Grande.  In addition to that if you’re seeking a once in a lifetime experience then consider either Tortuguero to see the turtles laying eggs or Isla de Coco for the superb marine life.  Send your Costa Rica enquiry to:  louisafells@zestfultravel.com

Mexico City, Monterrey, Cuatro Cienegas & Playa Del Carmen - August 2018

Purely to experience the vibes of one of the most densely populated cities in the world (and because our flight had to touchdown there anyway) we decided to check out Mexico City.  We stayed on the Paseo de la Reforma with a view of the Angel of Independence within walking distance to the first free zoo I have ever been to.  Was a perfect way to entertain the children prior to check-in at the hotel.  We also enjoyed a cultural visit to the Teotihuacan Pyramids, a stroll downtown and of course copious amounts of tasty tacos!!  Hosted by our friends who live in Monterrey, we also got to see some of Mexico from a local’s perspective.  Spending time with the Hernandez family was the true highlight for us here but we were lucky enough to visit the Fundidora park, eat more delicious Mexican food and enjoy balcony views of this mountainous city.  A three and a half hour car journey from Monterrey and all of a sudden you’re surrounded by desert.  All you can see for miles are huge protruding cactus and massive white sand dunes of pure gypsum.  Every now and then you’ll find the clearest of pools (Poza Azul), all part of the ecosystem some of which allow a very welcome swim.  Watch out for turtles!  I cannot recommend highly enough our tour guide, he drove us ‘hippy style’ from our hotel to the Cuatro Cienegas desert in his vintage VW camper van.  Door open, sun shining, music blaring, beer flowing.  An unbeatable experience!  We left the cosmopolitan city of Monterrey to hit the beach in Playa Del Carmen just 45 mins from Cancun airport.  A bustling town with plenty of nightlife if you want it.  We just enjoyed the luxury of a rustic beachfront resort and all the watersports on offer.  This is a perfect place to kick back and relax.  The only slight spoiler was the seaweed along the shoreline, a seasonal issue which cannot be helped, just be aware.  Here is a place where you can swim with the whale sharks and you’ll be guaranteed to see them.  

Zestip: From Playa Del Carmen take a tour and discover Chichen Itza, one of the “New 7 wonders of the world” since 2007 and if you’re an adventure lover then visit Xplor jungle adventure park - not for the faint hearted.  Book your Mexico trip today. E-mail: louisafells@zestfultravel.com

Rekjavik, Iceland - March 2018

A real bucket list experience, in order to celebrate my 40th Birthday with a group of girlfriends we set off for 2 nights and 3 days full of hope and anticipation that we might be lucky enough to catch sight of the infamous Northern Lights. I hadn’t actually realised just how rare it was to see the lights, we took a coach trip from our hotel and soon realised we were our tour was made up of a number of people who were returning for a 2nd or 3rd time because previous visits had proved unsuccessful.   It was at this point that it dawned on us exactly how fortunate we were to have seen the sky shimmer bright green with natural phenomena that is the Northern Lights.   It made our trip and in my view is well worth attempting to see them if you decide to make the journey to Reykjavik.   The second activity that in my opinion is a ‘must’ while in Iceland, is a dip in the Blue Lagoon.   To wallow in the warmth of the mineral rich geothermal lagoon and in our case under the stars was a major highlight of the trip for me.   Set in a lava field this spa experience was topped off perfectly with the swim up Lagoon bar.   The refreshing contrast of sipping an ice cold beer while in the warm, salty water is an experience I shall never forget.   We had the most amazing food while in Iceland, the standard was impeccable but be warned this is reflected in the icelandic prices.  

Zestip: Buy duty free drinks as you arrive in Reykjavik airport, this will save you money!   For more Iceland travel advice please e-mail: louisafells@zestfultravel.com

To get to the Big Apple was a huge desire for me for many years.   Then for my 40th Birthday my husband pulled it out the bag and took me there as a surprise.   Sat on the plane I excitedly wrote my list of hotspots to tick off.  

Statue of Liberty

Empire State Building

Walk the Brooklyn Bridge

Take a water taxi

Ground Zero memorial

Wall Street

Central Park

Munch on a New York Bagel while having a coiffee

Walk the high line

Eat in a New York diner

Rockafella Centre

Macy’s & Bloomingdales

Grand Central Station

Times Square

Broadway Show

Grab a hotdog from a street vendor

Stroll through China Town, Little Italy & Greenwich Village.

Hale a yellow cab

Verdict; So long as you pack very comfortable shoes it’s actually possible to tick all of this off your list in just 3 days.   We split the easily navigated map of the city into 3 and spent one day covering the North, a day covering the centre and another taking in the South.   We happily walked for miles, took in all the sights and people watched to our heart’s content. New York City truly is the city that never sleeps and I loved every single minute.   As cities go I had high expectations, I had placed it on a pedestal and I can safely say it did not disappoint. If you haven’t been yet, add it to your list immediately!

Zestip: Jump in a yellow cab from JFK airport - no need to pre-book.   The city has a flat rate fare from the airport to downtown New York for $52 plus tolls & rush hour surcharge and don’t forget the tip!   Why not treat someone special to a surprise weekend away?   To book e-mail: louisafells@zestfultravel.com