North Devon weekend July 2011 - Sue Tooke

 My daughter was invited to a wedding in Croyde, North Devon so I thought it was an ideal opportunity to explore an area I have not visited before.  The countryside is beautiful and it is like going back in time with quiet roads and friendly laid back residents.  The following are a selection of photos taken as I drove north from Barnstaple and Croyde.  The most touristy was Ilfracombe which is typical old seaside town lacking charm and character but if you want lively then this is the place.  Woolacombe was the second largest town I visited but this was  pleasant and retained individuality and personality with plenty of shops of retaurants and a pleasant atmosphere. Moretoe is the quieter neighbour with just a few restaurants and pubs and a church.
Croyde is a pretty village with a few shops, restaurants and pubs and is know for its surfing.  Lynton and Lynemouth were lovely.  With Lynton lying above Lynemouth and can be reached by funicular railway.  The walks are spectactular around here with rugged hillside though there is not much of a beach and this was very rocky.  The best beaches were at Croyde and Woolacombe and Coombe Haven beach was smaller and reasonablebut there was little else than a few caravan parks and dated shops in need of a lick of paint.  The hotel we stayed in at Barnstaple was the Royal & Fortescue Hotel which was very pleasant and the friendly staff could not do enough for you. The position was good and though the car park was separate from the hotel, this was locked at night and secure.  The air conditioning was a little noisy and we were unable to open the window to get fresh air into the room but otherwise we enjoyed our stay there and would stay there again as it was a good base for visiting the area .  There was also a good choice of shops in Barnstaple and a market a short walk away (picture below)  The food in the restaurant was excellent and you get what you ask for; I asked for a rare steak (medium to rare is what I normally like but well done is what I normally get) but in this case, rare was what I definitely got and one of the best steaks it was too!

Pleasant country pub in Croyde

Lounge area in Royal & Fortescue Hotel

Dining area - Royal & Fortescue Hotel

Royal & Fortescue Hotel, Barnstaple

Bedroom in the Royal & Fortescue Hotel, Barnstaple



Moretoe



Moretoe

Moretoe looking towards Woolacombe

Croyde centre

Croyde centre

Croyde centre





Barnstaple market

Barnstaple

Croyde beach

Ilfracombe

Ilfracombe

Ilfracombe

Castle north of Woolacombe

Bay along the coast north of Woolacombe

Lynmouth

Coombe Haven beach

Lynmouth

Lynmouth

Pub at Lynmouth

Looking down to Lynmouth beach

View from bay near to Lynton

Typical North Devon road when you leave main roads

Woolacombe beach

Croyde Beach





Sandals and Beaches fam trip to Jamaica June 2011 - Debbie Gee

I have recently returned from a Sandals fam trip to Jamaica. We visited some of the most luxurious all inclusive hotels in the Caribbean, and if you were thinking of marrying in the aribbean, if you book a concierge or butler suite,  you will get your wedding for free designed by Martha Stewart. Sandals is a family owned company and has been established for 30 years, and supports the healthcare, education, infrastructure and regeneration in theCaribbean. Sandals resorts can be found in Jamaica, Antigua, Saint Lucia and the Bahamas, Beaches families resorts in Jamaica and Turks & Caicos. The hotels range from small and intimate to large and lively, my favourite was the Royal Caribbean which was pure paradise it even had its own private island which was accessed by a small ferry. The resorts offer many dining options including international buffet restaurants, all resorts have The award winning  Red Lane Spa for ultimate relaxation and exclusive treatments. Land and watersports are also included as is unlimited golf at certain resorts. All resorts offer Island tours which can be booked at your hotel (extra charge) to experience other activities or areas of natural beauty within the islands.We flew direct to Montego Bay with Virgin Atlantic in premium economy which was well worth it for that extra comfort on a 9 hour flight.

This is the Sandals Royal Caribbean hotel the only resort with an exclusive
private offshore island ,the resort is ideal if you are looking for a quiet and relaxing
intimate resort setting

The Royal Caribbean hotel also offers perfect wedding venues
for your perfect day

These beautiful beach gazebos can be hired daily for a truly romantic setting.

This is the private island which is accessed by a small boat. the island boasts
an authentic Thai restaurant,with a truly romantic private beach.

view of Sandals Royal Caribbean private island

This is Sandals Montego Bay the first Sandals Resort,it has the longest private
white sand beach in north Jamaica, it is perfect for those who wish
to venture into lively Montego Bay hip strip.

The lush grounds of Sandals Whitehouse 

Sandals Whitehouse  is in the south of the island of jamaica,about an
hours transfer from Montego Bay airport; there is over two miles of
beautiful white sand ,set around a ruggedly beautiful nature reserve.
All rooms have sea views, the hotel consists of three european villages, dutch, french 
and italian styles ,for couples who want to escape in a private paradise

 Main  swim up pool at Sandals Whitehouse