Blessed with white sands and turquoise sea there are many naturally beautiful Caribbean islands, but help you choose your next tropical holiday destination here are five you won’t want to miss:

Cayman Islands

This group of three islands is surrounded by a marine paradise of translucent water and idyllic coral reefs. The white sandy beaches are lined with casuarinas trees and thick forests cover the inland area. Head for the Mastic Trail to hike through forests, mangrove swamps, mahogany trees and palms. The smallest Cayman Brac coral island is the most untouched of the Caymans and is a perfect place to get away from it all and relax. The towns have picture perfect pastel coloured houses and there is also plenty of naturally beautiful attractions to see – a dramatic limestone cliff rises 42 metres from the east end of the island and there is an abundance of flora and fauna, much of which is very rare.

Curacao

This island’s beauty goes beyond the natural landscape. As well as being home to crystal clear waters and golden beaches, the urban areas of Curacao are also very beautiful. The island is acutally a Constituent Country of the Netherlands and is home to distinctive Dutch style 18^th and 19^th century architecture. In the capital Willemstad, tall brightly coloured colonial gabled buildings line the waterfront and the rest of the city is a mix of Caribbean and other colonial style buildings. Outside of the urban areas the island is surrounded by coral reefs and along the coast limestone cliffs are spotted with coves, inlets and naturally formed bays. Although Curacao has a relatively dry landscape, it’s rich in flora and fauna. There are over 168 bird species, 11 breeds of mammals and ample lizards and other reptiles which call this island home.

Cuba

Better known for its political and social issues, Cuba is also an extremely beautiful Caribbean island which is also home to interesting wildife. Over 80% of the reptiles and amphibians in Cuba can only be found on this island. The isolation of this island has helped to preserve its untouched pristine countryside and wildlife. Amoung the natural attractions here are forests, keys, lagoons, swamps, limestone mountains, caves, coral reefs and long sandy beaches. In the Vinales Valley you can see unique karst formations; in the Parque Nacional Cienaga de Zapata the mangrove swamps and wetlands are a natural paradise and Baracoa’s exquisite UNESCO Biosphere with thick tropical plant life is criss-crossed with rivers.

Nevis

From the flat outer edges the island gains elevation towards the middle and the rain forests completely cover the inland area and Mount Nevis. Thanks to stringent laws the island is not overdeveloped and natural beauty can be enjoyed without high-rise buildings interrupting the view. Beautiful bougainvillea, breadfruit trees and hibiscus give a burst of colour to the ever green island. Paradise Beach on the northern part of the island is just that – a palm tree lined paradise.

Barbados

This island has long been one of the most popular in the Caribbean, it is loved for its underground caves, roaring waterfalls, lakes, lush vegetation and of course the beautiful palm tree lined beaches and azure sea. Apart from the natural beauty of the island there are many gardens and parks where the island’s plants and flowers have been cultivated. There are the cliff top botanical gardens, Orchid world with over 20,000 flowers and in the Flower Forest tropical plants and wildlife have been given a home. The island offers both inland and coastal trails which will take you past the island’s breathtaking views.

By Becky 

One of the most desirable travel destinations on the planet is the Côte d’Azur, also referred to as the French Riviera. It is without a doubt one of the most beautiful places in the world.  Thousands upon thousands of visitors descend on it every year, including many of the most famous of celebrities.  While summer is of course the best time to visit, any time of the year is really good as the Cote d’Azur has excellent weather almost year round.

It is also home to some of the greatest towns as well. Such as Cannes, Nice, St. Tropez and of course the principality of Monaco. In addition to Cannes being the home of the world famous film festival, it also offers an array of great beach activities. Then there’s Nice, which is actually the official capital of the region. There are almost always various concerts to enjoy along with its pebble beach, cospmopolitan bars, cafes and restaurants.

St. Tropez is generally recognized as the playground of the rich and famous, where millionaires, models and global jetsetters spend a great deal of time. Last but certainly not least, we have Monaco. Lovingly referred to as the toy kingdom due its tiny size, it is also home to some of the most grandiose casinos in the world, making it a gamblers’ paradise. Its tax haven status makes it an extraordinary luxurious place to visit with many fine hotels, shops and restaurants.

Perhaps some of the lesser publicized, but equally magnificent places in the Côte d’Azur are the villages of Cannes. These villages are definitely worth a visit:

St. Paul de Vence – It is one of the oldest and most historic towns in all the Cote d’Azur, renowned for its contemporary as well as modern art museums. For a great part of the year it is packed shoulder to shoulder with tourists.

Vence – This is a town that is inland on the Côte d’Azur. Throughout the years it has been quite popular with poets, writers and various other artists. It is surrounded by hills with magnificent views downward towards the Mediterranean. During the winter, it enjoys a mild climate due to hills protecting it from the cold. It is also richly steeped in history.

Mougins – About a quarter hour or so from Cannes itself, Mougins should definitely be on anyone’s to do list when visiting the Côte d’Azur. It is a truly beautiful medieval village. As is the case with most of the Côte d’Azur, Mougins has also been a place frequented by artists. It is also replete with pines, olives and Cypress trees. If you are there during the Cannes Film Festival, don’t be surprised to run into various Hollywood celebrities.

Grasse – Also known as the capital of perfume, this splendid village is home to a magnificent cathedral founded in the 11^th century. It also has other historic churches along with some great museums. Another must see while in the Côte d’Azur.

So there you have it, there are plenty of reasons why you should include the beautiful Côte d’Azur villages on your must see travel destination list.

By Becky

]]> http://www.thevillabook.com/blog/index.php/beautiful-villages-cote-dazur/feed/ 0 http://www.thevillabook.com/blog/index.php/visit-lagos-western-algarve-portugal/ http://www.thevillabook.com/blog/index.php/visit-lagos-western-algarve-portugal/#comments Sat, 04 Aug 2012 12:38:42 +0000 Susie http://www.thevillabook.com/blog/?p=546

Portugal is an excellent choice for a travel destinations offering a rich culture, beautiful coastline and (during the summer) endless hours of sunshine. There are may attractive resorts in Portugal and Lagos located in the Algarve is often considered to be one of the best .

Lagos is a unique little jewel in Algarve, situated at the western end of Algarve in Portugal. It’s in an accessible area served by very good transport links. Faro is the nearest airport and even though it is 90km away from Lagos there are plenty of transportation facilities available. It should only take only 50 minutes to go to the destination. Plenty of taxi and car hire services are available for the convenience of visitors.

The main reason why tourists come to Lagos Algarve Portugal is for the beaches. There are many beautiful beaches with pristine waters and sandy beaches which stretch around the southern border of Portugal. These beaches include Praia de Dona Ana, Praia do Camilo, Maia Praia, Luz, Porto de Mós and Ponte de Piedade. Ponte de Piedade is one of the most famous spots for its sightseeing because of the amazing views.

The main beach of Lagos is known as Meia Praia. It is 5 km in length and doesn’t suffer from overcrowding like some other beaches in the Algarve. Meia Praia is an ideal place to enjoy a peaceful vacation on a beach and is arguably the best beach in Portugal. For those looking for beach activities the beach doesn’t disappoint – surfing, banana boats and water skiing activities are only a handful of activities available if required.

Lagos is an ideal place for both family vacations and honeymoons because the area is very attractive and also very peaceful. Attractions in this area include boat rides, dolphin safaris and jeep safaris. Palmares Golf Club is also situated in the outskirts of Lagos.

Lagos locals are very friendly and when visiting you will need to make sure you try some of the local cuisine. There are many excellent restaurants to choose from and some offer gorgeous coastal views. Lagos makes an unforgettable holiday.

By Becky

For large groups of up to 20 people check out Villa Lagos

Or Villa Alto Golf for a smaller villa for 6 people, overlooking  the Alto Golf Club, and just 10 minutes walk from a sandy beach

All the performances are held in one location making it also extremely convenient to reach and to navigate. The festival performances are held in Lucca’s main square – Piazza Napoleone. Another point which makes this one of Europe’s most prestigious pop and rock festivals is the incredible list of international talents it attracts.

The 2012 Lucca Summer Music  Festival will be held from June 29^th to July 29^th and will feature artists like Blink-182 (4^th July,2012); Norah Jones (14^th July, 2012); Roger Hodgson of Supertramp (18^th July,2012); Duran Duran (21^st July,2012); Tony Bennett singing with Giorgia (28^th July,2012) and Toto (29^th July, 2012) among others of a similar calibre. In previous years performers such as Eric Clapton, Santana, George Michael, Bob Dylon and Tracy Chapman have also participated.

The Medieval city of Lucca is an interesting and picturesque location worth visiting regardless of the festival. The historic town is surrounded by the original medieval city walls and motor transport within the walls in limited. You can park your car outside the town walls and see the town on foot or use the electric CLAP buses or rented bicycle to get around. Within the walls are numerous beautiful churches and cathedrals, the city is sometimes called the Town of 100 Churches. Throughout the town are lush public gardens and decorative fountains where the fountain water is drinkable.

Perhaps the city was chosen as the festival location as it was Puccini’s home town and is still considered the Opera Capital of Italy. While in Lucca try the delicious local cuisine which uses the wild mushrooms and chestnuts which grow in the surrounding mountains.

Tickets can be purchased online but you may be interested in the VIP Package which will allow you to view the concerts from the Gallery VIP deck where there will be an open bar throughout the show. There will also be access to the hospitality area and a welcome buffet backstage before the concerts. You will also get a reserved entrance from Via Veneto at 7:30pm on the night of the concert. Another option (not included in the VIP Package) is to get a “Meet and Greet” with Laura Pausini (7^th July, 2012) or Kasabian (15^th July, 2012). Standard ticket prices begin at €25.

Our Lucca Apartment, right in the city centre and available for rent all year round

By Becky

The district of Gràcia, Barcelona, has a very special old world charm, with its quaint narrow streets, numerous squares, bars and restaurants, while also offering plenty of cultural and artistic interest. Gràcia is the home of Gaudi’s Park Guell, which displays some of the architect’s most famous creations while also offering superb views of the city. The district also plays host to the renowned Festa Major de Gràcia (Gracia Festival), Barcelona’s largest street festival, which takes place in mid-August every year, with nearly twenty streets and plazas decorated in the different themes of the fiesta.

Free of charge, the festival is known for being one of the city’s most lively parties, and brings with it dazzlingly decorated streets as well as plenty of live music and entertainment. In one street you might hear dance music, with couples waltzing, and in another, find a local rock band or jazz ensemble. Visitors will also experience a rich variety of traditional cultural Catalan traditions including the “Diada Castellera de Festa Major”, which features ‘colles castelleres’, groups which build up to 7 or 8 storey high human towers or castles and carry them from one square to the next. There are stalls selling everything from jewellery and handicrafts to food and cocktails, as well as parades, fire breathers and fireworks. All these combine to make the Gràcia Festival so much fun, for all the family, for residents and visitors alike.  A calendar of events can be found on the Barcelona Tourist Guide website

Gràcia is served by Metro Lines 3 (Fontana station) and 4 (Joanic). Or, if you’re staying right in the centre, walk up Passeig de Gràcia from Plaça Catalunya. At the top of the avenue, Gràcia begins.

Our lovely apartment here, is perfectly located in the heart Gràcia, ideal for enjoying the Festival activities.  Recently renovated, it retains many original features, and is perfect for two couples or a family of 4-5. There is a large double bedroom as well as one single bedroom. In the living room, there is a sofa bed large enough for 2 people. There is also a separate dining room and bathroom. The kitchen is fully equipped and there is central heating for winter, as well as air conditioning for the summer months. Two televisions as well as WiFi Internet are provided.

Many seasoned European travellers are fed up with the overcrowded tourist resorts and many more would like to explore new and unspoilt areas. If this sounds like you, then holidaying on the Islands of Croatia could be your perfect destination. Here are some of the many reasons to visit the stunning Croatian Islands:

The peace and quiet

The Croatian islands include untouched, unspoiled islands like Mljet Island’s National Park. Only 66 of the 1000 Croatian Islands are inhabited and only 20 of those islands are frequented by tourists. So if you want to get away from the crowds this is the place. To truly get away from it all you can choose a stay in an isolated rural villa.

The Natural Beauty

The Island of Vis has only been open to tourists since 1989 and like many of the islands it’s naturally beautiful landscapes have not been ruined by hundreds of rowdy tourists. Most of the island is covered with vineyards and both Vugava wine and Plavac wine originate from here. On Vis Island you’ll find ancient Greek and Roman ruins, quaint fishing villages and ruggedly beautiful coastline.

On all the islands you’ll find crystal clear sea, stunning hidden beaches and sheltered bays perfect for exploring.

Easy Access

As well as being “away from it all” the Croatian Islands are surprisingly accessible. The

Lesvos is one of the north-eastern Aegean islands, and close to the Turkish mainland. In spite of the fact that it is the third largest Greek island after Crete and Evia, it remains largely unspoiled, and offers wonderful beaches, picturesque villages and a huge variety of fauna and flora, as well as a petrified forest and the healing hot springs.

The luxurious 6 bedroom villa we have to rent here, Villa Faros, is in the west of the island, 2 kilometres from the village of Sigri, a small traditional Greek village with a selection of restaurants offering some of the best fish and lobster on the island. The villa sits on the private Faros estate of 120 acres, on a headland, with the sea on both sides. There are two private sandy beaches, one just 30 metres from the property and the other 400 metres away. The many activities available, include fishing, snorkeling, kayaking or taking a leisurely walk and enjoying the magnificent 360 degree views. There are two swimming pools, an outdoor infinity sea water pool, and an indoor pool, which is heated in the winter. There is also a sauna. The villa rental comes with a private sea ray boat, equipped with water sports equipment, which can be used, with driver, at extra charge. Snorkeling equipment and two kayaks are also provided. With the blue waters and the magical sunsets, and the peaceful ambience, this is about the closest you can get to having your own private sanctuary, well away from the stresses of everyday life.

Moreover, the Faros estate is renowned for its production of natural and pure products, ranging from dried figs and pomegranates, to Green Extra-Virgin Olive oil, raw sea salt, jams, honey, tomato sauces, ouzo and wine.  They are all produced traditionally, using local ingredients and with no artificial preservatives.  The micro-climate here means there are some native plants unique to Lesvos, and the Faros estate alone includes 20,000 olive trees, 10,000 fig trees, lotuses, pine trees, palm trees and roses.  The olive grove is cultivated among wild, native aromatic flowers and herbs (including oregano, lavender, fennel, sage and cistus) giving the products a distinctive taste and aroma.  Local cheeses and macaroons are also produced.  The owners are very interested in export opportunities to gourmet shops, delicatessens and restaurants and would love to hear from anyone interested in developing this.

Details of the estate and the delicious products can be found at: http://www.ol-eve.com/

Gascony is beautiful region of South West France. It’s quieter and much less packed with tourists during the summer months than its popular neighbor, the Dordogne but still makes a fantastic holiday destination. Here are some of the many reasons to visit Gascony this year:

The Scenery

With its intense natural colors and beautiful views, Gascony has earned itself the nickname of the Tuscany of France. Gascony scenery is characterized by green rolling hills, scattered with cypress trees and traditional farms. It’s also filled with golden fields of corn, bright sunflowers and attractive vineyards. Meandering through the greenery is the Gers River and pretty streams. The Pyrénéés – which can be seen in the distance – makes a stunning backdrop. Nestled among the hills and the forests are grand chateaux and ancient traditional 12^th century villages which are perfect for exploring.

The Food and Drink

Gascony is also known as the gastronomic heart of France and produces specialties like foie gras, truffles, goose fat and wine. The area is also abundant with wheat, corn and turkey which are all best sampled in a local restaurant. Also make sure you try some of the Gascony delicacies such as wood pigeon, hake stew, cod, tuna and potato stew, preserved duck, roast lamb and the locally produced Sauce Béarnaise.

Gascony is one of the best regions in the South West for white wine production and, when in Gascony, it would be a crime not to try some of their renowned sweet dessert wines.  Head for the village of Condom too to sample the locally produced Armagnac.

The Prehistoric Caves

One of the unique attractions in the area are the prehistoric caves which were once ancient dwellings. The caves are prevalent in the Dordogne area very close to Gascony and can be found dotted in the sides of cliffs and bluffs. Inside some of the caves you will be able to see perfectly preserved primitive cave art.

Gascony Towns and Villages

Gascony is filled with many unspoilt towns and villages which you should take your time to explore. A good start is the capital of the region, Auch which straddles the Gers River. It is home to a grand cathedral which took over 200 years to construct. On one side of the river you’ll find modern buildings and on the other, medieval streets and the beautiful cathedral – just don’t forget to bring your camera! The city is best reached from Toulouse.

Among the many quaint and attractive villages of Gascony are the five “plus beaux villages de France” Larressingle, Montréal, Fources, Lavardens and Sarrant.  All are fortified villages or “Bastides” and many date back to the 12^th and 13^th century. The small village of Larressingle is surrounded by a moat and is home to a Romanesque church and ancient war machines. In Montréal you will find the Roman Villa-de-Seviac.  Fources is small and nearly a perfect circle and La Romieu has impressive walls surrounding it. Many of the villages and towns have their own ancient castles and other excellent examples of preserved architecture.

By  Becky

For three weeks every July, the entire city of Avignon turns into a large theatre to celebrate its annual festival and for anyone staying within relatively easy reach of ‘The City of Popes’, it is well worth a visit during this period!  Founded in 1947, the Avignon Festival now consists of a main festival (the IN Festival) and a fringe festival (the OFF Festival).

Initially, the festival was the work of one man, Jean Vilar who was committed to bringing the theatre to a larger number of people than the cultural elite of the time. From 1964, he started to open the festival to other forms of artistic expression apart from theatre, by including dance and cinema, and also by opening new performance spaces in the city. He died in 1971 but the Festival continues, as does the growth of its off-shoot, the Festival Off. The first to present a show outside the official festival was André Benedetto, with ‘Napalm’ in 1966, but by 1971, 38 shows were being performed in 12 different venues. Unlike the main Festival, which invites a select handful of top international companies, the Off is open to anyone who can fund and find a venue for their production (similar to the Edinburgh Festival), including shops, museums and, of course, the streets – with much of the action taking place around the very pretty and historic rue des Teinturiers. In this area you can also find the large air-conditioned tent which is the headquarters of Avignon’s Off Festival, and where you can buy tickets, attend debates and enjoy a drink (or two) at the festival bar, or in one of the many local bars, cafés and restaurants.

For the Avignon Festival In this year, the lead guest artist will be the British actor and director Simon McBurney, co-founder in 1983 of the Théâtre de Complicité.  He will be bringing a new show based on Mikhail Bulgakov’s satirical novel, The Master and Margarita. Also confirmed for the 2012 Festival d’Avignon are the French writer-directors Guillaume Vincent with a new play, La Nuit Tombe, and the film-maker, Christophe Honoré, who will be presenting Nouveau Roman, an ensemble piece inspired by the experimental writer-directors Alain Robbe-Grillet and Marguerite Duras, with a cast including Ludivine Sagnier and Brigitte Catillon.

PRACTICAL INFORMATION

The main Festival d’Avignon is based at the Cloitre Saint-Louis, a 17th century monastery converted into a hotel: Cloître Saint Louis, 20 rue du Portail Boquier, 84000 Avignon. Tel: (+33) 4 90 27 66 50

Tickets go on sale online in mid-June. You then pick them up later at the Cloître Saint-Louis or, immediately prior to the performance, at the venue itself. If you are in France, Belgium or Switzerland, you can also buy tickets for the Festival d’Avignon at the chain of FNAC.

The Festival du Off is based at Ecole Thiers, 1 rue des Ecoles, 84000 Avignon. Tickets are also on sale at the Avignon Tourist Office (41, cours Jean-Jaurès), Monoprix department store (24 rue de la République) and the Town Hall (l’Hôtel de Ville, place de l’Horloge).

By showing your theatre ticket at the monuments and museums in Avignon and Villeneuve lès Avignon, you can benefit from the special “Avignon Passion Pass” price which offers reduced admission. Information at the Tourist Office.

A SELECTION OF VILLAS STILL WITH AVAILABILITY DURING THE FESTIVAL PERIOD

Mas Gabriel, sleeps 4 – 6

Mas Roxanne, sleeps 6

 Mas de l’Aigle, sleeps 8

La Bastide de Glanum, sleeps 10

Some of our loveliest villas are in the beautiful Greek Islands and, let’s face it, for anyone looking for a holiday by the sea, where else in Europe can you find anywhere quite like a Greek Island – the sea is so blue and crystal clear, contrasting beautifully with the stark, rocky landscape of the Cycladic islands, or the green of the Ionian Islands, or the fabulous white, curved architecture, the blue painted doors, window frames and church domes …  and the pink and red of the bougainvillea vines and geraniums…. Greece is a holiday destination which is both satisfying to the senses and  where you can truly unwind and relax.  The people are friendly and the tavernas full of character, not to mention the delicious food, all prepared with fresh ingredients … the olives, tomatoes, aubergines, freshly caught fish, all washed down with a very drinkable local wine which complements both the fine olive oil and saltiness of the feta cheese.

So why aren’t people rushing to book the Greek Islands this summer as they normally do?  Most answers seem to point to the uncertainty over the economic situation, the possibility of strikes, demonstrations and even the total collapse of the euro and return to the drachma as currency.  The first two problems are pretty much restricted  to Athens (and more specifically, for demonstrations, to Syntagma Square), and unlikely to affect holidaymakers visiting the islands.  In fact, there are so many direct flights now, from the U.K. and other European cities, to the more popular islands, there is no need to go via Athens at all.  There are also good ferry and hydrofoil services running between various groups  of islands.  The financial crisis does seem to have stabilized slightly over the past couple of weeks  – a good website to check for the latest news, as well as check the various hydrofoil and ferry services is about.com Greece Travel:  Financial Crisis and Hydrofoils and Ferries

There are also readers’ forums sharing information on the websites for Fodor Guides and Trip Advisor.  In fact, a recent article in The Guardian on the subject quoted a response on Trip Advisor from someone ‘named HolidayBear73 which said: “I live in Greece and the current situation, although poor for the Greeks, should have no adverse effect on your holiday – if anything you’ll be even more welcome than ever.”’

That’s what we think too!

If you still need to be convinced, here are some beautiful villas still have some availability for dates this summer:

Cephalonia, Villa Cephalonia … superb, very private villa on historic estate in the south-west of the island, close to the sea.  A complimentary candlelit dinner included for all bookings this season.

Paros, Villa Alyki … a beautiful villa, with pool and wonderful sea views, five minutes walk from two beaches.

Mykonos, Lia Bay View … total luxury in an idyllic and  spectacular setting with views over Lia Bay.

 Kea,  Villa Kea … charming villa, with lovely outdoor spaces, with pool and sea views.  20% discount off our web prices for all bookings this summer.

 Corfu, Villa Lefki … great hillside location at Agios Stefanos, sea views and a cook included for breakfast and one other meal a day.

 Santorini, Malteza House … luxurious home, in beautiful Imerovigli, just 20 metres from the Caldera.

Skiathos, Infinite Blue Villas … two brand new villas in beautiful hillside location, near beaches and with private pools.