Year-round sunny weather, stunning sandy beaches, lush tropical scenery, friendly locals and irresistible food and music make Caribbean holidays truly special.  Each island has its own unique atmosphere, cuisine and history.  Jamaica is one of the classic Caribbean destinations.  The home of reggae with a laid-back, friendly population and a great sense of fun make Jamaica ideal for exciting holidays. Cuba, the largest island in the Caribbean, has also become increasingly popular with Irish travellers.  The American government has already eased travel restrictions for Cuban-Americans and may very well lift them entirely.  Many fear that will change Cuba’s distinctive character for good.

Life has a random edge in Cuba, so sip a rum cocktail and be enchanted by the beautiful colonial buildings and romantically faded grandeur of Havana with some of the best Spanish colonial architecture in the Americas pretty well untouched since they were built!   If it’s just a really laid back Caribbean experience you’re after, try the island’s famed beach destination of Varadero, renowned for its unspoiled white sands and crystal-clear waters.  So if you’re planning a honeymoon between December and May, the Caribbean is an excellent choice.

Dubai certainly has an exuberant air, once described by the Daily Show’s Jon Stewart as “what happens when Las Vegas and Saudi Arabia have babies”. That’s a bit unfair really!  It may share the same neon aspirations as Vegas, but the architecture in Dubai is definitely more cutting edge and has its own aesthetic of modernity that Nevada lacks.    It depends on your taste of course, but Dubai holidays offer stunning natural and man-made scenery with extravagant entertainment.  Dubai is probably most famous for its artificial islands. The “Palm Dubai” and “The Palms”, shaped like palm trees, and “The World”, consisting of an  archipelago of 300 islands constructed in the shape of the Earth’s continents, are the largest man-made islands ever built  and have been described as  ‘the Eighth Wonder of the World’.

Dubai also provides the ultimate in luxury holidays.  The “Seven Star” Burj al-Arab is the epitome of opulence, standing on its own island.  Nothing prepares you for the interior of the Burj. Every colour and every material known to man seems to have been used in the décor but somehow sheer scale seems to make them fit together!   During the day, the hotel is pristine white, but after dark computer controlled lights means the whole building changes colour.

Dubai holidays would not be complete without a trip to the covered Gold Souk in Deira, Dubai’s most famous gold market and although you shouldn’t expect cheap bargains you will certainly get a piece for far less than the equivalent price back home.  Although the UAE is an Islamic Federal Constitutional Monarchy, it’s always had a very tolerant and relaxed attitude, so entertainment and night life in Dubai includes cinemas, concerts, discotheques as well as live entertainment.  There is also a wide selection of bars and pubs to be found in the major hotels, many of which are so huge that it’s not necessary to venture outside their limits to experience everything the UAE has to offer.

We decided to try gourmet Creole cooking in the Chez Lamar restaurant in the Banyan Tree. This is one of three restaurants - Au Jardin D’Epices is the fine dining a la carte venue and Saffron is a tasty Thai restaurant.   We sat down to enjoy a “Seychelles Tasting” menu, although their idea of “Tasting” and mine are two different things.  The portions were huge!  We began with octopus in batter, aubergine compote and a whole soft crab that you eat in its entirety.

Second course was a huge piece of lamb, gigantic prawns, some vegetable chutneys, rice and fruit bat curry. Now curried fruit bat is a first for me!  It’s incredibly bony but very tasty although I could not take the” pfaffing around” of getting it off the bone. Definitely a taste experience though, and that’s an accolade  coming from the man who has eaten Pangolin in Guilin, Spiced Sparrow in Beijing, and Sea Slug and Duck’s Bill in Hong Kong.  There is a season for fruit bat, so they are not endangered by the culinary habits of the Seychellois. Nevertheless I think prefer them in the air than in my curry.  The manager returned at the end of the meal to tell us that he had a box full of tiny turtles that had hatched that evening. Slightly concerned, I told him we really were quite full, but there was no need to worry!  These 80 tiny turtle hatchlings weren’t intended as desert but were to be released into the Ocean.  We were taken by buggy to the beach and then escorted them to the water and let them escape.

The airport looked much the same as it did all those years ago – still an old Air Seychelles Boeing 767 on the tarmac, roads still in the same state (single carriageway with a big drop on the side) but they were busier and there seemed to be more houses.

Two decades ago Mahé, the main island, had a gaggle of hotels that were all 2 to 4 star with pretty average service and uninspired food.  Now there’s a good a range of 5 star properties that have sprung up on the island. The Banyan Tree (where I stayed) and St Anne Resort and Hotel show how the development of these excellent five star boutique hotels has coincided with the arrival of major supermarkets in Victoria.

When I was last on La Digue there were no cars at all – you travelled by ox cart and sturdy single speed bicycle.  Now there are cars (just a few), the mountain bikes all have 18 gears and there’s a new department store called Gregoires.  The idyllic beach of Anse, where they shot some of the old Bounty TV commercials, was all ours 18 years ago. Today, although we had to share it with 50 other tourists, it’s still one of the most beautiful beaches in the world!

Prices in the Seychelles were always high and that’s still the case.  There has been a devaluation of the local currency, but prices remain steep, with beers around €6 each in the 5 star hotels and wine requiring a mortgage application.  Very few hotels offer all inclusive, but it’s probably best to get half board anyway.

A lot of the outer islands like Denis, North Island, St Annes, Fregate and Silhouette have developed with designer hideaway hotels at the top of the 5 star range, but Bird Island is one of the last outer island experiences that definitely has not changed. The old buildings have been upgraded with new accommodation, bars and dining rooms, but the feel of the place is the same. There’s still no TV, no radio, no Internet, no air conditioning, no sun loungers. You come here to see nature (fantastic birdlife) and that’s exactly what you get!

The one thing that hasn’t changed (and will never will) about this tropical Indian Ocean paradise is its enticing appeal.  The beaches, the colour of the water, the fish in the Ocean and on your plate, the sound of crashing Indian Ocean waves, the charm and the sheer beauty of the Seychelles haven’t tarnished with age or development.  They are all exactly the same as before!

The ancient Maya port and fortress of Tulum stands on a bluff facing the rising sun looking out on views of the Caribbean that are nothing less than spectacular.   Some maintain that Tulum means “Wall” (it’s certainly one of the very few walled cities the Maya ever built) while others suggest is means “Dawn”.  Either is spectacularly appropriate given the location.

Tulum was a major link in the Maya’s extensive trade network.   Artefacts found at the site come from Central Mexico and as far afield as Central America with finds including ceramics from the Yucatán and jade and obsidian from Guatemala.  Tulum, like so many Maya cities before it, was abandoned when the Spaniards conquered the Yucatan.  The archaeological site is relatively compact compared with many other sites in the vicinity and is one of the best-preserved coastal Maya sites.  Its architecture is similar to nearby Chichen Itza, but on a much smaller scale.

A convenient base just five minutes away from the ruins of Tulum and not too far from the larger Mayan site of Chichen Itza is the Dreams Tulum Hotel, located on one of the most beautiful beaches on the Riviera Maya.   This excellent five star all inclusive hotel is ideal for singles, couples or families and as well a being just a bike ride from the ruins at Tulum, it boasts a range of gourmet restaurants, luxurious facilities and amenities and wonderful night time entertainment.

Running from the 1st to the 10th of May, the main event is hosted at Pigeon Island National Park.  Apart from hosting the annual St Lucia jazz festival, Pigeon Island itself boasts a number of historical sites and two secluded beaches.   Guest artistes headlining this year include Amy Winehouse, the Original Wailers, Chicago, Patti La belle and George Duke.   However, it’s the free daytime entertainment that has grown in popularity and this “Free Fringe” now rivals the main event.

“Jazz on the Square” at The Derek Walcott Square is a series of lunch time concerts in the heart of Castries City in the picturesque square named after  Derek Walcott, the island’s Nobel Laureate in Literature.  “Jazz on the Pier” is held at Pointe Seraphine, St Lucia’s biggest duty free shopping complex, and “Tea Time Jazz” at La Place Carenage is the ideal follow-up to Lunch Time Jazz on the Square.

“Fond D’Or Jazz” at Fond D’Or Heritage Park offers a breathtaking view, the cool breeze of the Caribbean Sea and the soothing sounds of local jazz music.   “Jazz in the South” at Rudy John Beach started out as a small community event that quickly became one of the main attractions in the Saint Lucia Jazz Festival.  “Jazz on the Beach” at Reduit Beach is the most recent event in festival, overlooking Rodney Bay within earshot of Pigeon Island.  “Soufriere Jazz” hosts a variety of shows at various locations around the town including Sulphur Springs Jazz at the world’s only drive-in-Volcano!

The Banyan Tree on the south coast of Mahé in the Seychelles has a majestic view of the Indian Ocean and boasts luxuriously furnished villas.  Lounging around by the pool in this fantastic luxury sounds great, but Steve Garley, on occasion, is one of those exercise freaks.

So it was up at 7.00 am and off to find a mountain bike. Reception duly found one and he rode through the resort and up the hill. And what a hill it was!  It was a real Tour de France mountain stage, but our intrepid hero made it to the top!  Then it was down the other side to the next beach and an even steeper climb home.

Back in the resort, all glowing and sweaty, a swim in the sea to cool off was very welcome.  Breakfast of fruit, eggs and wonderful coffee (Steve insists on a “coffee test” in all the hotels he visits and this one definitely passed) was then followed by a morning in the private villa complete with private pool that’s absolutely discreet and not overlooked by anyone.  Then you can head off for a spa treatment in the Banyan Tree Spa located next to the very nice gym at the top of the resort.

It is very relaxing reading, swimming, having a beer from the Minibar and doing absolutely nothing and the Banyan Tree is the perfect location to do just that – or be more active if you really want to!

Some of the islands in Ha Long bay are quite large and there are small coves with sandy beaches where swimming is possible, but the best way to experience this wonderland is on baord a junk as part of a tour. Ha Long literally means Descending Dragon and according to local myth, the unique features of the bay were made when the gods from heaven sent a family of dragons to help defend the land.

This family of dragons began spitting out their teeth to create a barrier against the invader and when they hit the sea, these teeth turned into the various islands, outcrops and islets you can see today.   Mother dragon lies on what is now Ha Long and her children lie in Bai Tu Long. The dragon’s tails formed the area called Bach Long Vi known for the miles of white sandy beaches.

When you arrive in Ha Long city, you’ll most likely be driving along Bai Chay (Scorched Beach) and the sand on this stretch of beach is indeed very dark. Legend says that in 1287 the Mongols attacked Vietnam and were driven back.  Many Mongolian ships were set afire and drifted towards the shore of Bai Chay, setting the forest that then surrounded the beach ablaze. From that day onwards, it’s been known as the Scorched Beach.

From Bai Chay, you can hire a boat or take a luxury cruise and go out to Ha Long Bay and absorb the mystical qualities and the surrealistic scenery that defines this place. The limestone formations are awesome and over thousands of years the bases of many have corroded to the point where they seem to be balancing on thin air. Seen from afar or above, it really is possible to believe that these incredible formations are the teeth of dragons!

Whatever your view of Vietnam, it’s bound to be influenced by history that simply no longer holds true.  The fact is this South East Asian country is one of the most stunning and beautiful places on the planet.

The major centres of population include Ho Chi Minh City, still the largest city in Vietnam.  Under the name Saigon it was the capital of South Vietnam from 1954 to 1975 and either “fell” from an American perspective, or was “liberated” from a Vietnamese viewpoint the following year.   It was officially renamed Ho Chí Minh City, although the name Saigon is still commonly used.

A thousand miles north from Ho Chi Minh City lies Hanoi, the capital and second-largest city of Vietnam.  For almost 800 years, Hanoi was the political centre of an independent Vietnam, although that role was briefly taken by Hue during the Nguyen Dynasty.   Hanoi again served as the capital of French Indochina from 1887 to 1954 and then until 1976, when it was the capital of North Vietnam.

In between are magnificent coastal towns and villages including Hue, the beach resort that is now  Nha Trang and Hoi An.  Of these, Hoi An has proved immensely popular and the old town was declared a World Heritage site by UNESCO in 1999.  Many visit for the numerous art and craft shops – lanterns abound in Hoi An - and tailors who produce made-to-measure clothes for a fraction of the western price in what seems a matter of minutes.

Further north, above Hanoi is the magnificent Ha Long Bay.  This UNESCO World Heritage site features thousands of limestone karsts and islets in various sizes and shapes scattered around the seascape.   More on Ha Long Bay in our next blog!

Tropical Sky already offers packages to Cuba, based in and around Havana and Varadero.   Old Havana retains an air of unique yet dilapidated charm and it seems holidaymakers are keen on experiencing the island’s singular atmosphere before the US travel ban is lifted. Many maintain that lifting the ban on US tourism to Cuba will be good for their economy, but perhaps not necessarily for the people?  American tourists do have a reputation for being very demanding and relatively inflexible in what they expect and the fact is that a four-star Cuban hotel will not compare exactly with a four-star American hotel.

Lifting the US travel ban would be a real financial boon to Cuba, and tourism could take on the role a real economic engine.  The Obama administration has already enacted legistalation to make it easier for Cuban-Americans to visit and send money to family in Cuba.  Many in the Congress are looking favourably at easing travel restrictions on a much broader front and some believe that as many as a million tourists would come from the United States in the first year alone if the ban were lifted.

It’s that possibility that some fear will change Cuba’s distinctive character for good.  As things stand, you can find great beaches anywhere in the Caribbean - but Cuba and Havana are both special and distinctive.   A visit to  Cuba , especially Havana, at least once in your lifetime is  now even more of  a must before it’s opened up to US commercialism and that certain “something “ the Island has is gone forever!

When it comes to luxury hotels, none can compete with the self-styled “Seven Star” Burj al-Arab!  Of course, no hotel can be any more than “Five Star deluxe” really, but you’ve got to experience the Burj to appreciate what genuine luxury is!  And at a staggering $650 million to build and Dubai’s most famous landmark, you’d expect it to be luxurious!

I thought that it might not be for me.  To my mind, luxury doesn’t have to be too flashy and ostentatious.  By the time we arrived at the main reception amidst a collection of Cadillacs and Rollers my sense of being slightly out of place without being a millionaire was heightened, but then my senses were assailed by the sheer scale of the place!  Nothing prepares you for the interior of the Burj. Every colour and every material, metal, fabric seems to have been used in the décor.  They are all bold and all clashing, but somehow sheer scale seems to make them fit together!  Waterfalls, passageways and the highest atrium in the Middle East.

A very nice young lady showed us to the 12th floor, where we discovered that the suite was also outrageous!  The same clashing colours with opulence in every corner while the view of Jumeirah Beach from the floor to ceiling windows was breathtaking.   James, One of the suite’s three butlers, showed us how to operate all the hi-tech controls. When he left, we couldn’t turn off the TV, close the curtains or turn on the computer. He came back and patiently explained all over again!

You do run out of superlatives very quickly to describe this place!   The gym has a panoramic view and there are geometric fountains with single jets travelling in parabola movements or in a sudden surge that easily reached the 5th floor. During the day, the hotel is pristine white, but after dark computer controlled lights means the whole building changes colour.

Breakfast in the restaurant was just paradise. The only buffet I have ever seen with rhubarb, muesli, rice pudding, pickled herring and camel’s milk – we chose not to combine certain items! Do check the price of wine before you buy it though!   In our suite the first bottle was free, but the second was £50.00. The only disappointment in the entire edifice was the underwater restaurant, the Al Manhara (Arabic for The Oyster).  Don’t’ get me wrong: standards of food and service were excellent, but the “submarine ride” they advertise to get there is just a bit of average Disney magic.

The staff were a pleasure to talk to and really couldn’t do enough for you.   I definitely want to go back again!  Even If you have been on Concorde, stayed at the Plaza in New York and sailed on the QE2, you will still marvel at the Burj al Arab!

Bali lies on what’s called the Wallace Line, named after the naturalist, Alfred Russel Wallace, who theorised that Bali was once connected to Java, Sumatra and Asia and shared many animal and plant species. When the deep water of the Lombok Strait rose, Bali was isolated and left to follow its own unique evolutionary path.

At least 282 bird species have been recorded in the island, including the beautiful national bird of Bali, the Bali Starling (also called Rothschild’s Mynah).   The Bali Starling is one of the world’s most endangered bird species. Though it breeds readily in captivity, and is sold in cages, when it comes to its natural habitat it borders on extinction with perhaps only 14 remaining in the wild.

The Bali Barat National Park (sometimes also known as West Bali National Park) is home to many birds and mammals, including muntjak, pangolin, cuscus, slow loris and macaques.  The park covers most of the western tip of the island as well as areas of coral reef and coastal waters that support five species of marine turtle as well as dolphin and dugong.

Sanur beach is about a five – ten minute drive from the capital Denpasar and is the definitive palm lined white sandy beach of tropical dreams. Only a stone’s thrown from that idyllic seafront though you’ll also find ancient temples standing as solemn and proud today as they have done for centuries. The beaches of Kuta and Legian stretch along the south western side of Bali. Much livelier and far more “tourist” than Sanur, Kuta offers shops, pubs and bars and a host of other facilities.

If you like what Kuta offers, but would prefer something less crowded, then try Lovina Beach in the northern tip of the island.  It’s well known for spectacular sunsets, snorkelling, and diving as well as its night life and is the best place to see dolphin. Directly south of the airport, on the way from Denpasar is Nusa Dua, a new luxurious resort area where the world’s most sumptuous hotels gracefully integrate into the beautiful white beaches. Crystal clear water provides excellent snorkelling and diving and the waves on the northern and the southern part of Nusa Dua make for great surfing.

The first European contact with Bali was made by Dutch explorer Cornelis de Houtman who arrived in 1597. The Dutch were the main colonial power in the nineteenth century, however Dutch rule over Bali had came relatively late in the day  compared with Java and Maluku for example.   Bali therefore retained much of its own distinct character and local control.  Following Japan’s surrender in August 1945, the Dutch returned to Indonesia determined to reinstate their  colonial status. This was resisted by the Balinese and Bali was eventually included in the “Republic of the United States of Indonesia” when the Netherlands recognised Indonesian independence in 1949.

The 1950s and early 1960s saw conflict between the Indonesian Communist Party (PKI) and the Indonesian Nationalist Party (PNI).  An attempted coup in Jakarta was put down by forces led by “strong man” General Suharto and the army became the dominant power as it instigated a ruthless anti-communist purge.  Many years of political upheaval followed, but by 2005, the military had pulled back from direct participation in government and a more or less stable democracy was established.

Bali  suffered considerably less than other Indonesian islands from Tsunami and earthquake damage and this has benefitted the main tourist locations of Legian, Seminyak, Sanur and the newer development of Nusa Dua. Bali is renowned for its diverse and sophisticated art forms, such as painting, sculpture, woodcarving, handcrafts, and performing arts as well as the “signature” percussion orchestra music, known as gamelan.  Balinese dances portray stories from Hindu epics such as the Ramayana but with heavy Balinese influence.

Tropical Sky Scuba Diving aims is to provide the same standards of excellent customer service and travel advice to ensure we create the perfect tailor-made luxury diving holiday. Focussed exclusively on the needs of those who crave underwater adventure as well as holiday sun, Scuba Diving is the sole passion of the new site.

We have a very experienced team that are exclusively focused on providing you with a great value for money diving holiday. Tropical Sky Scuba Diving has practical and direct experience of the exciting destinations in their worldwide programme. Stephen Cooper is the commercial manager for Tropical Sky Scuba Diving and he’s worked in the travel industry for over 10 years, five  with British Airways Holidays before spending six years at specialist diving, windsurfing and kitesurfing tour operator Sportif.  Steve will regularly update the new site with blog postings and welcomes contributions from experienced divers and bloggers on their favourite locations throughout the world.

Top Scuba Diving Destinations include the Maldives, with incredible diving and an excellent choice of island resorts and liveaboards or the “wreck capital” of the Caribbean on the beautiful island of Grenada.  Dahab and the Red Sea offer an excellent year round destination with superb shore, boat and technical diving. Diving in Africa (Zanzibar, Mozambique, South Africa and Kenya) or Mauritius and Oman will also feature strongly on the new site.

Whatever your requirements are Tropical Sky Scuba Diving will make it a superb reality.  Whether it’s your first time underwater on a PADI learn to dive course, an adrenalin fuelled shark diving adventure or an advanced diving liveaboard – our purpose is to ensure your holiday with Tropical Sky Scuba Diving is beyond your expectations.

The resorts to the north of Patong are considerably quieter and more conservative.  Phuket is pretty well recovered from the tsunami although there are still some scars on the landscape.  The island has a great variety of shopping, from open-air food markets, street stalls and local shops, to western department stores and upmarket specialist shops.   Best buys include ceramics, bronze and pewter items, Thai silk, cotton, batiks, gems and pearls. There are also lots of ‘branded goods’ and pirate DVDs, videos and CDs.

Phuket has just two seasons– the rainy season (May to October) and the hot season (November to April). Even in the rainy season you can get an excellent tan and normally the showers are short.  The best time to visit is from November to February, when you’ll get clear blue sky and a fresh sea breeze in average temperatures that range between 23°C and 33°C.  Patong, once known as the sleazy red light district of Phuket, has undergone a transformation in recent years. The area’s nightlife has been toned down considerably to make it friendlier to women, couples and families and Patong now has something for everyone. That’s not to say that you can’t find some wild action any more - you certainly can if that’s what you’re after!

Patong is home to several nightclubs and discos where you can let your hair down amidst heaving dance floors and a lot of energy.  But it’s the Go-Go bars in Patong Beach that are the reason most people go there in the first place!  They are not the raunchy circuses they used to be, and according to the law, no actual nudity is allowed any more, but these rules are often bent if not just completely ignored.    The main Patong entertainment is the Beer Bar: little places that are packed together on the streets and sois of Patong, employing pretty hostesses whose job is to lure patrons.  Once you’re in the bar, these girls will lavish attention on you like you’re a celebrity and entice you to play a game - Connect Four is ludicrously popular.  Be wary if a girl wants to bet on one of these games.  They spend lots of time practicing. The day you beat a bar girl at Connect Four you’ll know you’ve been in Patong far too long!

The capital and largest city is Bangkok (or to use its full Thai name:  Krung Thep Mahanakhon Amon Rattanakosin Mahinthara Ayuthaya Mahadilok Phop Noppharat Ratchathani Burirom Udomratchaniwet Mahasathan Amon Piman Awatan Sathit Sakkathattiya Witsanukam Prasit) or Krung Thep Maha Nakhon or just Krung Thep (The City of Angels) for short.   You can see why westerners prefer Bangkok!

Thailand’s capital is the world’s 22nd largest city by population with approximately 8.2 million residents, but tourists, itinerant workers and other visitors swell those numbers to an estimated 15 million people. Thailand is an ethnic melting pot approximately the same size as Spain and one of the most devoutly Buddhist countries in the world.
With this rich history and colourful culture, Thailand is a feast for the mind and the senses. You can trail deep into the rainforest past roaring waterfalls or go on a white knuckle ride on a bamboo raft. For a more tranquil way of enjoying Thailand’s exquisite beauty, go to the coast and bask in warn, azure waters and soft white sand where you can indulge in diving and snorkelling and game fishing.

No trip to Thailand would be complete without a stay in Bangkok.  Here you can see the mix of traditional Thai and Buddhist culture with modern shopping or nightlife as cultured or as hedonistic as you choose. There’s no better base in Bangkok than the Shangri-La Hotel, one of the world’s premier luxury destinations.  Set in beautiful tropical gardens it enjoys convenient access to the central business and shopping districts. This five star luxury hotel is consistently voted one of the best hotels in the world, and boasts unrivalled services in an elegant and exotic setting.

Praslin is the second largest island in the Seychelles and home to less than 10% of the nation’s population.  It’s 10 x 4 km of unspoilt paradise, with some of the most beautiful beaches to be found anywhere.   On Praslin you can choose between the luxurious elegance of the hotel Lemuria, which offers privacy and relaxation just meters from the beach as well as a championship golf course and extensive sporting facilities. Or plump for L’Archipel with its colourful and exotically scented tropical gardens and luxurious bungalows nestling on the hillside overlooking a lovely private beach.  It’s a small, intimate hotel ideal for honeymooners and those seeking peace and tranquillity.

La Digue (4th largest island) is situated 45 kilometres from Mahé and 7 kilometres from Praslin. It’s thought by many to be the most unspoiled and traditional island in the Seychelles chain. The long and beautiful beaches with their readily accessible coral reefs are ideal for long walks, swimming, snorkelling and fishing.  The La Digue Island Lodge mirrors that unspoilt nature, overlooking the Anse Reunion beach and inhabiting a peaceful and exotic garden.

One of the “must sees” in the Seychelles is the Morne Seychellois National Park.  It covers 20% of Mahé with a wide variety of habitats ranging from coastal mangrove forests to the country’s highest mountain.  The heart of the park is virtually deserted and can only be reached by hiking trails.  So you’ve got to be reasonably fit and you don’t have to walk far before the outside world feels a very long way away.  The park was established in 1979 and it boasts a wide variety of landscapes, panoramic views, unique flora and fauna, and colonial ruins. A trail network has been developed and guided walks are probably the best way to enjoy the incredible variety of wildlife and vistas.

Take in the fantastic views at the top of the Dans Gallas, Trois Frères, Copolia, and Morne Blanc trails or just marvel at stunning vistas like the valley of La Mare aux Cochons, the ‘glacis’ habitats unique to the Seychelles at Copolia and Trois Frères or the mangrove at Port Launay.  Here too you’ll see the ruins of cinnamon distilleries scattered in the valley of La Mare aux Cochons and the remains of the first school for freed slaves’ children at Mission.  Fascinating plants and wildlife also abound: from carnivorous pitcher plants to the surprisingly loud croak of one of the tiniest frogs in the world (Gardiners Tree Frog) and the unique song of the Scops Owl.

This was my first visit to the Middle East so I did not know what to expect outside what I have seen and heard on the T.V.  I wanted to be amazed and stunned and persuaded that it was all everyone has cracked it up to be. I am pleased to say I wasn’t disappointed.

I found Fujairah, our first destination to be quite beautiful and stark in turns.  The scenery could change from Mountains to desert in a blink of an eye, but I found this to be quite fascinating. I undertook a dune safari which was terrifying, but definitely one thing that should be on anyone’s “to do once in my life” list.  I found the Mosques with their intricate and beautiful designs, quite enchanting.  Equally captivating were the camels that seemed to be everywhere and the roaming herds of goats that didn’t seem to belong to anyone but always seemed to have somewhere they had to be in a hurry!  The people I met were gentle and gracious, and seemed a little taken by surprise by how popular the region has become, but were genuinely eager to share it with you. I think this only makes it more charming and enhances the “tourist” experience.

I stayed at the Miramar Al Aqah which was an excellent place to relax.  You can find many similar types of hotels all around the world, but none have the muezzin calling the faithful to prayer as a backdrop or an arrow on the ceiling of the room showing the direction of Mecca.  Subtle cultural differences embedded in the luxury gently reminded you where you actually were. All this, as well as the Arabic style buildings and the stunning mountain backdrop made it a unique experience.

I then went on to Dubai, which was completely different, but just as fascinating. I will never forget my first view of The Burj-Al-Arab hotel as we arrived. Its beautiful modern design against the ancient surroundings made it quite breathtaking.  If there is one thing everyone knows about Dubai, it is that currently there is a lot of building work going on.   But I had not expected quite so much. To see the sheer number of building workers was quite amazing. As we entered into Dubai in the early evening, they were just finishing work and we saw literally hundreds of them all going their separate ways, only to return again the next morning to start all over again.

I had always had a vision in my mind that Dubai would somehow be a glitzier version the Golden Mile at Blackpool, with a long beachfront road containing all the Jumeirah Beach hotels, and people walking along the promenade between them. Needless to say it was not like this at all!  It had its own special feel and grandeur.   I find it hard to visualise what it will be like when all the building work is finally finished, but judging by what is already there, I fully expect it will be truly amazing and very grand.

I visited the Atlantis at the Palm which had a fantastic water park, amazing architecture and the best buffet lunch I have ever had anywhere in the world. I also had a tour round the Royal Mirage, with its three different hotels in one. Each one I visited was the one I wanted to stay in, but they were all fabulous. I actually stayed at the Habtoor Grand, and my room had a fantastic view of both the Marina and the Palm, and had the most gorgeous bathroom ever.

I fully intend to return to the UAE, and I will definitely be doing a two-centre with Dubai first and then the tranquillity of Fujairah, in order to get the best of what this fabulous and diverse  region has to offer.

Visitors to Dubai have become accustomed to the quite awe inspiring rate of construction in this city over the last few years, and that’s almost become part of the attraction.  In many other areas of the world visitors would be moaning about developments spoiling their holiday.  However, the sheer scale of this development can capture onlookers and put you in some sort of trance.  But still - holidaying in the world’s biggest building site?  Sounds awful!   Trust me, it’s not.

All that development does not spoil your stay in the slightest.  If you are on the beach you won’t be disturbed by noise from the building works.  True, they are visible in almost every direction, but they don’t seem to emit that nerve jangling pile driving noise you’d expect.  A great game in fact is counting the cranes precariously perched atop the buildings, soaring upwards into the sky.  After 99 I gave up counting and looked for another game!

Anyway, back to the issue of will the development ever stop?  The people who know these things are all quoting 2012 as the “finish” date.  Many developments (to the untrained eye at least) do seem to be near completion, so 2012 does seem feasible.  It’s also bound to stop soon as the supply of new luxury accommodation and hotels starts to outstrip demand, especially in these times of economic crunch.

So what would I advise?  Should you wait until the alleged 2012 finish date to visit if you have not been to Dubai so far?  Absolutely not!   Go Now!  It won’t intrude on what will be a great holiday and if nothing else,  you’ll be able to say “I was there when they were still building this world class metropolis” in years to come.

So out of the 115 self-contained paradises on offer, which island should you go for? Whether it’s one of the three main islands of Mahé, Praslin or La Digue or any of the outlying islands, you’ll always find a real pot of gold!   Mahé is the largest island in the Seychelles and is home to the capital city of Victoria.  Mahé’s not all beaches though!  The interior boasts the Morne Seychellois National Park (more about that in our next blog).

Our selection of hotels and resorts matches this stunning environment.  The Banyan Tree, overlooking the scenic Intendance Bay on the south coast, is a first class luxury resort offering private villas, fine dining and watersports.   Le Méridien Barbarons on the west coast is set amidst tropical gardens, sparkling indigo lagoons, and pure white sands.  The intimate Sunset Beach Hotel on the north-west coast perches on a headland with spectacular views of the Indian Ocean.

The dodo (raphus cucullatus) is probably the island’s best known wildlife, even though it’s no longer with us!  Flightless, it stood about a metre tall, weighed around 20 kilogrammes, lived on fruit and nested on the ground.  It’s been extinct since the late 17th century.  It was hunted to extinction by the Dutch, who called the bird “walghvogel” (loathsome bird) because it tasted so bad.  That didn’t seem to stop them eating them though!  Some scholars suggest that the name Dodo came from “dodoor” (Dutch for sluggard) but it probably comes from “dodaars” (literally - knot-arse!)  describing the knot of feathers on the hind end of the animal.

Yet another possibility is that the name dodo reflected the bird’s own two-note call.  Unfortunately, we’ll never know the answer to that last one, but if you want to be“dodoor” all day long on Mauritius’ magnificent beaches, rest assured that no-one will bother you!

First settled briefly by the Dutch (who called it Mauritius), the island became a French colony in 1715 and was renamed “Isle de France”. Many of the public buildings you can still see in the capital, Port Louis, were built under French rule: Government House, the Chateau de Mon Plaisir at Pamplemousses and the Line Barracks.  Although Port Louis today is a bustling, modern, city with it fair share of skyscrapers and high rise blocks.

During the Napoleonic wars the “Isle de France” was a base for French raids on British commercial shipping, so in December of 1810 the British invaded.  Under the 1814 Treaty of Paris, the “Isle de France” was renamed Mauritius again, and together with Rodrigues and the Seychelles, became a British colony.  That’s why you’ll still find a predominantly French feel to Mauritius. French is probably more widely spoken than English, although virtually every Mauritian is competent in both.

The British were directly responsible though for giving Mauritius it’s real “melting pot” population by shipping Chinese, Malay, African and mainly Indian indentured labourers (essentially slavery in disguise)  to work on the plantations. That’s what delivered Mauritius’ rich diversity of culture, cuisine and tradition.  Europe blends with India, Africa and China in almost every aspect of Mauritian life.  Churches are found side by side with  mosques, temples and pagodas.  Christian, Indian/Hindu and Muslim festivals are celebrated by each community with equal enthusiasm.

The variety of Mauritian cuisine also reflects this multi faceted culture.   There are traditional, strongly French influenced,  dishes from the colonial past alongside new tastes and aromas of the more exotic, Indian and Chinese dishes.     Add to this recipe glorious sunshine, incredible beaches and a magnificent interior and you’ll soon understand why Mauritius is a genuine “European” paradise in the Indian Ocean.

The resort’s award-winning architecture brings the traditional and modern and aside from tourists and visitors, a creative and diverse community has made El Gouna their home and gives the town a sophisticated international atmosphere.  El Gouna has lots to offer the resident and tourist alike.  An 18-hole championship golf course, designed by Gene Bates and Fred Couples, provides year-round golfing in an incredible setting.  The course has three different men’s and ladies’ tees, challenging bunkers, lagoons, and desert rough, and the clubhouse offers a full range of rental equipment and driving range facilities as well as PGA tuition.

If you want to rejuvenate your body, mind and spirit, then the Angsana Spa, one of the world’s top names in professional spa management, runs the Spa at the Mövenpick Resort & Spa. Or relax at El Gouna’s two marinas in a specifically designed harbour town that has quickly become a favourite docking place for pleasure craft cruising the Red Sea.

As with any Red Sea resort, the diving is superb.  El Gouna is excellent for beginner courses, wreck divers and /or technical divers. For new divers, the heated pools and calm local reefs provide a safe environment and for more experienced diver there is a range of walls and reefs but the main attraction is the huge amount of wrecks that litter the seabed. The lack of boats in the area means the dive sites are also much quieter than neighbouring Hurghada or Sharm El Sheikh.

The Sheraton, Soma bay, situated on 700 meters of beachfront property is flanked by the serene backdrop of desert mountains.  Magnificent pools, excellent SCUBA and diving activities go hand in hand with seclusion and tranquility, but it’s the use of The Cascades, a championship golf course designed by Gary Player, that really makes this place well above par!

Not only was the Cascades the first golf course open for play on the Western Red Sea coast, it’s also the first Championship Course in the Middle East designed by one of the “Big Three” (Gary Player, Jack Nicklaus, Arnold Palmer).  The 18 hole, par 72 course, offers breathtaking views of lush green fairways that contrast dramatically with the rugged desert and the clear blue sea waters.

Adjacent to the Championship course, is the 9 hole, Par 3 Challenge Course, also designed by Gary Player that offers the beginner and the more advanced golfer the opportunity to practice a variety of shots with the emphasis on the short game. The Par 3 Challenge Course serves the Golf Academy where individual and group tuition by PGA Golf Professionals is available. There are also extensive practice facilities, including a 60 bay driving range, and several putting and pitching practice greens.

Our range of Nile cruises offer a comfortable base for your Journey through time as well as space  The two week Cairo, Luxor and Nile Cruise for example  begins with an overnight stay in Luxor before visiting  the temples of Karnak and Luxor and sailing to Edfu where you overnight. Visit the Temple of Edfu in the morning then sail to Kom Ombo and visit the temple there. Sail on to Aswan and overnight there before visiting the High Dam and temples at Abu Simbel.  Sail to Luxor via Esna then fly north to Cairo and transfer to the Nile Hilton.  There see the Pyramids, Sphinx and the other ancient attractions before flying south again to Luxor’s Hotel Meridien.  Take in a Sound and Light show at Karnak in the evening.

A cruise is the perfect way to experience the wonders of Egypt from the comfort and security of a well equipped cruise boat.  You are guaranteed consistently excellent quality accommodation, food and service while visiting some of the most stunning sites the ancient world has to offer.

The Bedouins keep to their original traditions and ways of life and you’ll find they usually still wear their traditional dress, the ‘galibia’.  Equally important to the Bedouin tradition is hospitality and looking after guests.  You should definitely take the opportunity to go for a Bedouin dinner if you can. The bars, restaurants, and cafes  that line the beach  and the hotels offer relaxed seating ‘Bedouin-style’ on cushions and low sofas so you can just enjoy the sun and the sea while maybe playing backgammon or smoking a shesha (the traditional Arabic water pipe).

Dahab is the best place in the world for novices or beginners to learn windsurfing, kite surfing and diving.  The waters are free from exhaust and noise pollution from dive boats and there are gentle reef slopes and coral gardens for the beginner.  More challenging sites like the Blue Hole, a 70 metre wide gap in the reef with an archway in the bottom leading to open sea, will test the more experienced SCUBA expert.

Luxor has been called the world’s greatest open air museum because the number of well preserved monuments in the area is unparalleled anywhere else in the globe.  If you are fascinated by the ancient Egyptians and want an excellent holiday to boot, then Luxor is a must.  Luxor is really three different areas:  the City of Luxor on the east side of the Nile, Karnak just north of Luxor and Thebes on the west side of the Nile across from Luxor.

Many public buildings in Luxor, like the National bank of Egypt and the railway station, are designed to appear as “pharaonic” as possible - a consequence of the “Egypt mania” that resulted from Howard Carter’s discovery of the Tomb of Tutankhamen.  Luxor has the Temple of Luxor built by Amenophis III, the Temple of Karnak and the Valleys of the Kings and Queens to offer the culture vulture.

Of course, really appreciating these astonishing wonders is made easier if you have a convenient and comfortable base.  We have a range of hotels in Luxor proper and Karnak that offer excellent service and are a good choice for couples, families or singles.   All will provide a haven after a day of exploring the ancient and astonishingly well persevered archaeological marvels that Luxor has to offer.  And as well as the protection of Tropical Sky Ireland’s CAR licence (T.A.0664) we’ll be sure you’re under the watchful eye of the Udjat or the Wedjat  (The Eye of Horus)  to protect from all harm and ensure a stunning Egyptian holiday.

There’s more to Sharm el-Sheikh than diving though.  It is a well developed area that feels more like a European resort with refined hotels, facilities and amenities.  The Hilton Sharks Bay is an excellently priced all inclusive resort with superb facilities.  The Ritz Carlton is set in lush tropical landscape with sparkling pools and cascading waterfalls.  Sharm el-Sheikh also offers the beauty of the Sinai with its majestic mountains and valleys, a number of national parks, as well as historical and archaeological attractions.

Sharm is a real year round resort so any time is good to go.   It’s hot in the summer, but pleasant and warm in the winter and is served by a very efficient and modern international airport.  But the real attraction is the world’s most amazing underwater scenery with crystal clear water, rare and beautiful reefs, and an incredible variety of exotic fish amongst the colourful coral. Much of this can be seen simply by snorkelling off the coast, but Sharm is known world-wide for Scuba Diving.

There are many diving sites between Sharm el-Sheikh and Ras Nusrani.  The corals and the fish life astound every visitor to the area. The corals come to within a metre of the surface and there’s fish life all over the reef.  For Dara’a peace of mind, you don’t even have to dive to see them, but the diving experience is second to none when you do.