Sharm el Sheikh, Egypt 1-8 Dec - Sue Tooke

We began the holiday with a stay at the Gatwick Effingham Copthorne Hotel which included 8 days parking (working out cheaper than car parking alone) and  we used the Spa which included a pool, sauna and Gym.  They also had a pilates class while we were there and ran other classes too.  This was a great start to the holiday as we had an early check in 06.15 hours and we enjoyed a fabulous meal at their restaurant in the evening.

Our flight was with Monarch Airlines and our tour operator Red Sea Holidays who are a specialist and own six hotels in the Red Sea area and we stayed at one of their own hotels (The Sharm Plaza/Sharm Resort) with an early booking offer of £399 all inclusive.  The flight was just 20 mins late leaving but managed to make up the time and land ontime.  A meal and 20kilos luggage were included and they have a strict 5 kilos hand luggage.  The meal was good on the way out with a full english breakfast, and on arrival at the airport, we were met by a representative and taken to the desk for a visa stamp.  They have changed the visa requirements so that you can get a free visa if only staying in the Sinai region but if you want to go outside ie to Cairo or Luxor etc on excursions, you need a full visa which is a cost of £15 approx payable in sterling, Egyptian pounds or Euros.

Generally they accept all currencies in the area but you might not always get the best exchange rate if you do not have the local currency.

I was not expecting much of the hotel as it was large, the price low for all inclusive and was preparing myself for the hotel being tired and in need of renovation; however, I was very pleasantly surprised.  Not only was the hotel clean, but I could not fault the decor and whenever anything was broken, it appeared to be fixed within 24 hours or so.  The food was very good;  not only did they have a main restaurant which served a varied and interesting buffet service, but they also had the choice of bookable restaurants serving Lebanese, Chinese, and Italian, all of which we used and found to serve excellent food and a good selection in the "All inclusive" programme.   There were various menu options or wines that were extra but I did not feel the necessity to pay as the inclusive food  and local wine was very good in itself.  The only thing I missed and not generally included was fresh orange juice (the alternative was a little watered down but not too bad).  This hotel is not in the centre of Naama bay (which is quite touristy in parts, offering every restaurant from Hard Rock Cafe to MacDonalds and a good selection of shops) but if you want to visit that area, the Sharm Resort offers regular shuttle buses - two of which are free each day - or you pay 4 euros each way for the others and you can also use the facilities of the sister hotel in Naama Bay. Taxi is also available outside of the hotel, however they do recommend that you agree a price for the taxi journey before entering the cabs generally.

Lobby



Lobby bar



Roman pool by Via Veneto Italian restaurant - prebookable and very good food (menu)

pool by beach

beach area





Looking down towards jetty access to sea where coral and fish were in abundance

Quieter pool by gym - our favourite pool

Gardens leading down to beach area

The hotel had well maintained landscaped gardens

View towards our hotel room

View from reception area towards mountains

Outside area where entertainment held in evenings and crepes served in the afternoon

Good sized bedroom

Large walk in shower in bathroom

Balcony area

The evening entertainment was in this area



There was a good childrens club with activities throughout the day



There was a tailor on site who would create any item of clothing within 24 hours

There were foods to suit all tastes at lunches with anything from burgers or hot dogs to seafood or a selection of meat dishes, served either by buffet or waiter service restaurants. 

Pool by beach with our favourite lunch restaurant C-Vue

Outside seating area for main restaurant

Main restaurant

Main restaurant - buffet style all day

There was an entertainment programme in the evening which was a little varied in quality and every activity during the day from volleyball and darts etc to salsa and bachata dancing lessons (some with a small charge).  However, if peace was what you want, then you can find a quiet pool as we did by the gym and spa.  Massage and beauty treatments were offered as well as a well equipped gym and exercise classes and for those that like to burn the late night oil a disco takes you into the early hours of the morning.

I good selection of excursions were offered and we decided to take advantage of the Sharm Secrets which included a glass bottom boat trip, old market and Fantasia, mosque and cathedral visit £18 on the Sunday, camel safari including traditional bedouin meal in the desert and star gazing £35 on the Monday and Quad biking in the desert with bedouin tea and sunset in the mountains on wednesday £26.  We loved all excursions; the reps were very informative and helpful and I considered them good value and a great way to get a feel for the area and the culture.  A full list of excursions are available on application to Emsworth Travel.

Preparing for camel safari

Sitting down to eat with the Bedouins after camel safari and before star gazing

Quad biking in convoy - managed to avoid an Ozzie Osbourne moment

Picture taken  in the desert and typical terrain

Tea at the bedouin camp for a break during quadbiking

Having tea at the Bedouin camp

Glass bottom boat trip on Sharm Secrets excursion

Shopping generally is on the bartering basis and you should usually haggle the price down about 40 percent.  However, if you prefer to have set prices, then you have this too at places like the Pink House in the old market which offers a good selection of souvenirs.

I thoroughly enjoyed my trip to Egypt which is a great wintersun destination with temperatures between 25-30 degrees during the day (a cardigan or light jacket is required in the evenings which can be cool when there is a breeze).  The staff were excellent, the food very good and I would certainly not hesitate to return to this hotel in the future. 

The flight was good on the return, the meal beef bourgignon which was very nice and although we left ontime, we landed half an hour late due to hurricane force winds.  Despite this being the case, we suffered very little turbulence. On our return, we did miss the last transfer back to the Effingham Park Hotel, and the hotel lost my car key, but I am assured this is the first time they have ever had this problem and they did deal with it very well and agreed to take us home, brought the car back the following day and agreed to pay for a new key to be cut. If you require any more information, call sue on 01243 377211.

EmsworthTravel: Singles events update 18 Oct

EmsworthTravel: Singles events update 18 Oct: THIS IS THE UPDATE OF THE SINGLES SOCIAL CLUB EVENTS BEING ARRANGED FOR AGES 30s-50s AGE GROUP BY EMSWORTH TRAVEL - ALL TRIPS WILL BE ACCOMP...

Singles events update 18 Oct

THIS IS THE UPDATE OF THE SINGLES SOCIAL CLUB EVENTS BEING ARRANGED FOR AGES 30s-50s AGE GROUP BY EMSWORTH TRAVEL - ALL TRIPS WILL BE ACCOMPANIED BY AN EMSWORTH TRAVEL HOST):-

(VARIOUS PICK UPS POSSIBLE) NOT APPLICABLE TO CONCORDE CLUB:-

SAT 19 NOV SALSA CHARITY NIGHT SOUTHSEA £10 IN ADVANCE FROM BEGINNERS UPWARDS AND INCLUDING ENTERTAINMENT

FRI 25 NOV THE REAL THING (INC SHARE TWIN B&B, AND ENTRANCE TO THE CLUB) £66.50 A VERY ENJOYABLE EVENING – SEEN LAST YEAR

THU 22 DEC GEORGE MICHAEL TRIBUTE AT CONCORDE CLUB EASTLEIGH £56.50 (INC SHARE TWIN B&B, AND ENTRANCE TO CLUB) excellent artist as seen previously

WED 26 JAN GHOST THE MUSCIAL AT PICCADILLY THEATRE, LONDON £59.50

THU 14 APR DIRTY DANCING AT THE MAYFLOWER THEATRE £56

MON 02 MAY 3 DAY CRUISE WITH RCCL FROM £399 including all costs except gratuities optional Paris as overnight in port.

I WILL SHORTLY BE ARRANGING THE FOLLOWING:-

A WEEKEND TO FLORENCE, ITALY IN JUNE 2012

A WEEKEND IN MAJORCA WITH POSSIBLE EXTENTION IN OCTOBER 2012 (OPTIONAL TRIPS INCLUDE WINE TASTING AND CATAMARAN)

Gambia fam trip 11-14 October - Sue Tooke

The trip began with a shared taxi pick up to take me to Gatwick South terminal

I forgot how nice that it to be picked up and is stress free and worth the extra cost.  I had one piece of luggage weighing 16 kilos and I hand baggage within the size stipulated but I omitted to weigh it (first mistake) My hand luggage held my laptop and chargers for phone, cameras etc. But not too much else and never a problem in the past. However, Monarch has a 5 kilos limit and I was over.  I moved to one side and tried to move some of the contents to my main luggage to realise that my hand luggage case empty weighed 4 kilos and they insisted on  £15 per extra kilo and they were enforcing it; so beware, airlines in the recession will try any way  to make extra revenue so stick to the baggage or expect to pay the consequences.  Airlines do vary, best airlines for hand baggage are BA who allow 23 kilos as long as you can lift above head plus a second handbag or laptop and Easyjet have no weight limit as long as you stick to the size stipulated and just 1 piece of hand luggage. On the return, I had no problem with my hand luggage at all!  I love the Gambian people and their relaxed attitude! Our flight out was half an hour late on the outbound flight and half an hour early on the return.  A meal was included on the flight which was reasonable too.  The staff were helpful and legroom not too bad.

On arrival in Banjul, we were handed a hand fan and bottle of water and the weather was approx. 35 degrees centigrade and very humid. We are in between seasons at present so it is the hottest time with the most humidity and the best time to travel is November to March when the temperature drops to 30 degrees approximately and the humidity drops too with a pleasant breeze generally.

After a short transfer, we arrived at the Sheraton Hotel where we were to stay for the duration of our trip.  The standard of this hotel did not come up to the usual Sheraton standard and I would give it 3.5 star not 4 star and I consider the hotel is in need of general renovation which we are assured is due to commence soon.  Air conditioning units were not particularly efficient in some of the rooms (had to move from my first floor room) but half of the group were happy with theirs so it appears to be inconsistent - I have a note of those rooms for future clients. Some of the rooms lights were not working, locks on some doors not working, and the safe in the room I was moved to, did not work. I did think the downstairs rooms were better than the upstairs rooms with steps down to seating area and the rooms were spread out in blocks of 2 or 3 throughout the hotel grounds.  Public rooms are also not air conditioned so generally hot and stuffy and pool ladders wobbly with some steps missing. If however work is completed to a satisfactory standard, this could be a very nice hotel. 

I would say that the food was generally of a high standard and the staff were very friendly and helpful.  This hotel is the only one in the Gambia so far that offers all inclusive (stated times only) It is positioned on a beach - no sunbeds (the beach widens away from the hotel) but not private and you see many locals using the beach to walk their dogs for exercise mostly in the mornings.  The position is quite remote and the nearest village is Brufut (not visited) so not walking distance to shops hence maybe the decision to offer all inclusive. Ideal for those wanting a hotel based holiday and excursions can be arranged from here as with other hotels.  Photos yet to be downloaded from phone for this Hotel. Lead in price £1019 all inclusive, also 10 & 14 nts available

A local Gambian greengrocer!

Pool at Sheraton Hotel - a nice spot by main bar

Day 2 we travelled to the Omakan Hotel in Sukuta which is a beautiful friendly hotel which has been renovated and owned by a Belgian gentleman, called Peter (from music background).  It is set 4km from the coast but in the heart of a Gambian community but Peter is able to offer you tailor made tours to experience real Gambia. There are 15 suites and 2 presidential suites.  There does not appear to be air conditioning, only ceiling fans but walls seemed thick enough to keep the rooms fairly cool and whilst viewing did not appear to be stuffy. A friendly and intimate hotel for those wanting that and a perfect add on or relaxing holiday in the heart of Gambian community.  A lovely hotel. Lead in price 7 nts £898 B&B or 3nts £199 B&B also 10 nts available



A suite at the Omakan



pool between restaurant and suites

Relaxing reception area

Dining room at Omakan

Central area right of restaurant, left of presidential suites

Entrance to presidential suites

Nearby market (2nd largest in Gambia open 7am-7pm)

We then travelled on to the Ngala Lodge, Bakau/Fajara which would appeal to adults with no children as they do not allow families and also do not have TVs in rooms.  The area of Fajara is very upmarket with neighbours such as the former President of Gambia and various Embassies.  This hotel with just 18 suites offers half board or a la carte service and has a small beach and swimming pool.  There are a variety of rooms ( I liked those in the older part of the hotel but there are also suites with private jacuzzis and the odd themed room like the Rolling Stones suite.  Good airconditioning throughout. I would enjoy staying at this hotel.  Lead in price £978 B&B for 1 week. 10 & 14 nts available. Quite a quirky hotel run by a European gentleman with a great sense of humour and love of art.

He obviously drew the short straw to pruning this palm tree!

The gardens were lovely all with sea views and easy to find a nice quiet area for reading 

Small beach at Ngala when tide is out

They are proud to have an English chef serving excellent food at their restaurant with sea views



one of 18 suites available both with efficient airconditioning

 We then travelled on to Coco Ocean Resort & Spa in Bijilo which was my favourite hotel.  I like a hotel to offer a range of facilities and this is one of the largest viewed with 85 rooms and offers a range of room types, gym (some equipment not working), a good choice of restaurants (one Thai), the best beach so far, a large spa offering all types of treatments with massages ranging from £30 so well priced and will take outside reservations. Golf buggys are available to take you to and from your rooms if required. Lead in prices £1035 B&B. 10 & 14 nights available.  Air conditioning very good throughout. This hotel has a large amount of repeat customers.

Deluxe room (junior suite is standard and slightly smaller than this - all rooms with ceiling fan and aircon)

Part sea view from balcony

Stairs down from Reception to Restaurants and beach

Golf buggies used to take you to your room if required



Penthouse suite



View from penthouse suite balcony

one of seating area

One of restaurants to chose from

Lovely pool area

Lovely sandy beach at hotel

This restaurant becomes Thai in the evening and has superb sea views by beach

A couple enjoying a massage at the superb spa

Individual cabanas next to beach to offer shade when required

We then moved on to the Kairaba, Kololi which is ideal for those wanting to have a choice of restaurants and nightlife within walking distance of the hotel.  Next to the Senegambia Hotel and on the beach, this hotel is a little lacking in character but the rooms were clean, the gardens very pleasant and a nice pool area.  Good air conditioning throughout  and lead in price £838 B&B 7 nts.  10 and 14 nts available.
Good choice of restaurants and more to do at this hotel.  Disappointing that the best sea view rooms looked through barbed wire to sea!

Air conditioned reception area

Standard twin (one of 150 rooms)

Premium suite

Pool area at Kairaba

Pleasant beach area at Kairaba

Well maintained gardens at Kairaba

There is a good choice of restaurants at Kololi and a few discoteques.  We ate at Jojos below and the food was a good standard at a reasonable price and on to the a nightclub on the strip which consists of 2 streets

Jojos restaurant

Monkeys seen on the way to our catamaran trip but I understand they can also be seen at the Kairaba and Senegambia Hotel

On day 3 we travelled on catamaran (approx 2 hours) to the Sitanunku Lodge on the north bank of the River Gambia - mostly eco and opened in 2011 with 5 open air, en suite lodges with fan with 24hour security and either river or ocean view located 5 kms from Sitanunku village.  Complimentary use of canoes for trips to nearby Dog Island, open air restaurant, sit out around campfire in evening, plunge pool.  A perfect escape or add on as extension to holiday elsewhere. Lead in price £1144 half board (food was very good as had lunch here) or 3 nts from £295. 10 nts available. They are extending to offer a further 5 cabins and another small pool.

River view lodge and garden

Individual lodge

Port of departure/arrival for catamaran with small gift shop

We climb across boat and join our catamaran

Dual showers in cabin at Sitanumku

Cabins are reasonable size with mesh windows for good air flow

View to dog island

Outdoor bar/restaurant

Outdoor seating area at restaurant

Roadside animal market

Who needs transport or trolley!

Just a small prawn they say!

Visit to a local school was interesting - they are crying out for sponsors

Some of the lovely school children we met

We had the last night as cocktail party and fine dining at the Sheraton Hotel\- great evening, food and champagne

In Conclusion, Gambia is a great value holiday with weather in the winter around 30 degrees, not connected to the euro so cost of living is low and we get a lot for our pound against the local dalasi (for the smokers out there, cigarettes cost just £5 for Marlborough or £7 for Benson and Hedges for 200!) , good choice of excursions, great for birdwatching with some 540 species of birds. Although injections are recommended, they do protect you for several years and the best malaria tablets to take are malarone which you only take 1-2 days before travel, whilst away and just 1 week later.  It is a very interesting place to visit; the people are extremely friendly and welcoming and make the holiday a most pleasant one.  The food was great throughout and nobody in the group had any sort of tummy problems during our stay. Seafood heaven for those who enjoy a spot of seafood.  Thank you all at The Gambia Experience for a most memorable and enjoyable trip, everything ran smoothly,  and thank you to Gilli for being the perfect host and to Baba, our driver who was most informative and fun.