…with Travel Specialist, Julia In the next instalment of Our Routes series, our travel specialist Julia Ross walks us through a fantastic trip through Costa Rica, focusing on her favourite area, Manuel Antonio, with its wildlife-abundant national park backing onto glorious sandy shores and a stunning array of quality hotels set in gorgeous grounds. WHERE DID YOU GO & WHY IS THIS PLACE ONE OF YOUR FAVOURITE DESTINATIONS IN COSTA RICA? Manuel Antonio is by far one of the most beautiful places in Costa Rica! This is due to its unique combination of stunning natural beauty, abundant wildlife, and a range of activities and attractions. The combination of pristine beaches, turquoise waters, and lush greenery creates a picturesque and scenic environment make Manuel Antonio a MUST in your itinerary. Whether you’re hiking through the rainforest, enjoying a sunset on the beach, or admiring the panoramic views from elevated viewpoints, the natural beauty…
…with Head of Trade Sales, Gaynor With its i-conical volcano, forest canopies, thundering waterfall, and thermal springs, Arenal was a true adventure for our team as they hiked through its pathways and crossed the lake by boat through the region. Our Head of Trade Sales Gaynor Atherton shared with us why this was her favourite part of the trip to Costa Rica. YOUR FAVOURITE DESTINATION IN COSTA RICA? Arenal – the hotels and town of La Fortuna, sit under the shadow of the majestic Arenal Volcano with stunning scenery all around this area and lots to see and do. We had a mix of wildlife which is in abundance in Costa Rica, so no area disappoints with this. It really is a beautiful area with lots of Hot Springs to choose from, stunning scenery, hikes and lots of amazing activities to suit the whole family with the added bonus of…
Easter, or ‘Holy Week’, has profound religious significance in Latin America, along with famous, vibrant cultural celebrations. Each country boasts its own unique traditions and customs, from solemn processions to joyful feasts, let’s delve into these diverse Easter traditions in five Latin American countries, take your pick on which of these you would like to experience for yourself, on your next holiday to Latin America… Argentina Semana Santa or Holy Week in Argentina is a time for both celebration and relaxation. Many Argentinians will attend church services and participate in processions throughout the week. One of the most famous Easter traditions in Argentina is the “Vía Crucis” ceremony. During this event, the procession works its way through 14 stations of the cross towards the cathedral, and participants are encouraged to bring candles. Peru As in Argentina, in Peru, Holy Week usually begins on Palm Sunday, a week before Easter Sunday….
Southeast Brazil is known for its affinity with nature. Greenery, the deep blue sea and golden, sandy beaches combine to give you the ultimate experience in relaxation. The city of Florianopolis is also available to explore along with the beautiful surrounding area. However, some of the hotels e have on offer might make you think twice about leaving at all… Ponta Dos Ganchos, Santa Catarina Located on a private peninsula in Santa Catarina, 40kms from Florianopolis, this tropical hideaway is certainly a luxury retreat. As exclusive as it is beautiful, it is located amongst secluded beaches and stunning rainforest. The highlight, however, is the view from your window – under unbroken blue skies lies an incredible vista out over the sea, with the mountains framing the horizon. The hotel itself features 25 cabana-style bungalows (some of which have plunge pools for you to relax in) and a range of facilities…
An incredibly beautiful region with close links to nature, Southeast Brazil is known both as an area to relax in, but also has no shortage of nightlife to keep you occupied in the evening. A great idea if you’re looking to escape the trials and tribulations of city life without sacrificing the small luxuries associated with it. The Area The majority of the beaches in the Southeast region of Brazil are based around the beautiful city of Florianopolis, a unique city situated mainly on an island but linked to the mainland by a network of bridges. This city has a lively feel and is well-known as a party town, but also has areas that cater for those looking for peace and quiet, as well as over 40 secluded, sandy beaches for all to enjoy. Florianopolis is also known as one of the best places for surfing in the whole of Brazil, with consistently good…
With such a rich and diverse stock of things to do and see, a comfortable and secure base is essential for getting the most out of your holiday to Argentina. With a wide variety of lodges available – from simple and rustic to luxurious and lavish, we have your every need covered. Here are just a few that we think might interest you… Anavilhanas Anavilhanas Jungle Lodge is a luxurious and boutique lodge deep in the Anavilhanas National Park in the heart of the Amazon. Located on the banks of the Rio Negro, the nearest city of Manaus is just 180km away. The lodge aims to bring you as close to the adventures of the amazon as possible but still combined with distinguished service and comfort. Featuring 20 exclusive suites arrange in cottages or individual bungalows, throughout the rainforest. Each room has air conditioning, luxurious beds, private bathrooms and a private balcony or terrace…
One of the most fascinating and beautiful areas of Brazil, the Pantanal is not just a wildlife-spotter’s paradise, it is also home to some of the most peaceful and elegant eco lodges available for you to stay at. With the bustle and excitement of the World Cup in full swing, the Pantanal offers a brief sojourn from the trials and tribulations of populous city life. Refugio Ecologico Caiman Considered one of the best ecotourism resorts in the Pantanal, the Refugio Ecologico Caiman is locaed in the town of Miranda on the edge of the Southern Pantanal in Mato Grosso do Sul. 236kms from Campo Grande, this resort combines a working cattle ranch with both conservation and tourism. With a strong ecological focus, amazing scenery and some unparalleled opportunities to spot rare wildlife, there’s no downside to this incredible location. Refugio Ecologico Caiman has accommodation in two small lodges – Cordiheira and Baizinha – which are sprawled across the vast…
All the excitement of the World Cup has only served to remind us of what fantastic things Brazil has to offer! This week, we’ll be examining one of the more peaceful and relaxing regions of Brazil, the Pantanal. Rolling hills, gentle sunshine and secluded hotels to unwind in, the Pantanal affords you the perfect place to escape the city. The Area The world’s largest freshwater wetland straddles the borders of Brazil, Paraguay and Bolivia. Widely regarded as one of the best places to spot wild animals in all of South America, there is a vast array of wildlife that inhabit the area. From Caiman, Howler Monkeys and Giant Otters to Anacondas, Ocelots, Marmosets and even the elusive Jaguar, there is almost no end to the range of animals on offer. Perfect for wildlife enthusiasts, amateur photographers or just those looking for a unique experience, the Pantanal has it all. Featuring a number of…
With the first World Cup match scheduled for later this evening, football fans around the world are gearing up for what looks to be the most exciting tournament in recent years. The question is, however, does England have any chance whatsoever? We’ll have to wait and see. This week we’ll be looking at some of the better hotels available to stay at if you’re planning a holiday to Brazil. Ucari Lodge The Ucari Lodge is a totally unique hotel located in the heart of the Amazon Rainforest. Dedicate to Eco Tourism, this hotel’s management is shared between the Mamiraua Institute and the communities from the Mamiraua Reserve. Started in 1998, the aim of the enterprise is to generate income for the local people and to contribute positively to the preservation of the Amazon’s natural resources. Eight communities from the reserve run the Lodge, from the staff on the front line, the contractors that work…
With the excitement of the World Cup approaching, and fans all over the world crossing their fingers, all eyes are on the host nation Brazil to provide something spectacular – we’re sure they won’t disappoint! With this in mind, let’s have a look at some of the most exciting and beautiful places that Brazil has to offer, as well as some things to look out for during the World Cup itself. Manaus England’s first match will be played in the incredible Arena Amazonia in the bustling city of Manaus, known widely as the gateway to the Amazon Rainforest. Due to its location within the rainforest itself, it is most accessible by boat or by plane. Preserving the indigenous culture of the original settlers is of great importance to the people of Manaus, and when visiting you can see why – the outstanding natural beauty of the surrounding area is undoubtedly something worth…
