Recipes for Christmas Cava cocktails

Cava, Champagne and sparkling wine cocktails for Christmas festivities, birthday celebrations and special occasions

Check out my website – www.linda-jackson.co.uk – for 20 cool recipes for Cava cocktails for your Christmas celebrations. They’ll add a touch of fizz to your festivities and are great Christmas cocktails whether using Cava, Champagne or sparkling wine. Enjoy!

Click here to go direct to the page containing 20 Cava cocktails recipes >>

Christmas & Hogmanay in Scotland

Start Christmas festivities in Scotland with a pop and Hogmanay celebrations with a bang this year and take a break in Scotland for Christmas and the New Year to find out just how much fun you’ll be missing if you don’t…

Inverlochy, a member hotel of Luxury Scotland

The hype is building. Christmas decorations have been glistening in the shops for a month or two, Christmas wish lists are being drafted, enchanting Christmas shows are selling out fast, and festive fairs in Scotland are promising to sparkle even more this year.

Marcliffe Hotel & Spa, a member of Luxury Scotland

Skating rinks, Christmas markets, Ferris wheels and fairground rides are coming out of mothballs.

Santa – who strangely seems to be everywhere at once these days – is getting prepared for all those spellbound children he’ll have sitting on his knee at countless ‘visit Santa’ appearances in Scotland.

Christmas winter wonderland in Scotland is undeniably nigh.

Read the full article written by Travel Writer Linda Jackson as published in www.luxuryscotland.co.uk by clicking here >>

Caribbean rib boat tours & adventure in Grenada

Diving with the she-devil is not an activity anyone would expect to take on during a visit to an exotic island in the Caribbean. But what the hell, sometimes you have no alternative but to go with the flow – in this case underwater.

Twin-engine rib boat rides in the Caribbean

Getting to the sculpture park diving site and speeding through the water like a bat out of hell in a powerful twin-engine rib boat adds to the thrill as passengers clutch tightly to the handlebars of their jockey seat. It’s hellishly fast.

What a surreal experience it is when the Devil Woman’s face, hidden beneath the wide brim of a hat, is a skeleton that can only be observed by literally getting up-front-and-personal.

Grenada sculpture park diving/snorkelling site

Exploring the Underwater Sculpture Park in Grenada, home to 65 sculptures in all, is mesmerising. Either diving or snorkelling the sculpture park is totally surreal: it was created by sculptor Jason Taylor from England whose ocean floor works of art depict the island’s colourful history and folklore.

A line of heads sit on the coral here, a large circle of life-sized people holding hands there. A man sits at a desk typing and, of course, there’s that cloven-hoofed she-devil who is despised by women but enchanting to men. According to Grenada folklore that is.

Caribbean adventure vacations & activity holidays

Diving and snorkelling in the sculpture park is just one adventure vacation option in Grenada, there are plenty more adventure travel options if you’re planning to take an active holiday on the Caribbean island of Grenada.

Find out more about adventure holidays in Grenada and read the full article on adventure holidays in Grenada here >> 

For more information about active Caribbean adventure travel and activity holidays go to this Active Caribbean website >>

Visit Scotland’s historic castles

Boasting more than its fair share of castles, thanks to a turbulent past, Scotland today can offer rich historical pickings to its many visitors. Dotted around the country are formidable strongholds set atop dramatic cliffs, tower houses in varying states of ruin, ancient artillery fortifications, moated bastions, and well preserved medieval castles.

Tantallon Castle, Bass Rock in background - Image copyright Linda Jackson

Yes…  Scotland’s castles were undoubtedly well worth a tussle or two in days gone by. Today the castles in Scotland are well worth a somewhat more welcomed visit.

Edinburgh Castle, Image copyright Linda Jackson

Just choose any region in Scotland and within a few miles you can bet your bottom dollar that you’ll come across the remains of a stronghold still clinging to the cliff edge, a medieval castle ruin perched atop a hill, a tower house not quite as towering as it was in its glory days, a well-preserved fortress sitting on a loch-side, or a magnificent castle fully intact and open to visitors year-round.

St Andrews Castle, Image copyright Linda Jackson

Read this article (October 2011 newsletter) in full on the Luxury Scotland website – http://www.luxuryscotland.co.uk/newsletter/index.html – and discover excellent reasons why you should delve further into Scotland’s captivating past…

Culzean Castle, Image copyright Linda Jackson

Family Holidays in Florida

Swimming with dolphins at Discovery Cove

You’d think swimming with dolphins was just for little kids wouldn’t you?

Wrong!

I couldn’t wait to be kissed by the dolphins; they all seemed to be smiling and loving what they did. I prefer seeing them in the wild I confess, but what a treat for a day out if you’re taking the family on a holiday in Florida.

Theme park family vacations at Universal Studios Orlando

Stay at Universal Studios Orlando - the theme park at Universal is AMAZING, the hotels are geared up to families of course, and now Harry Potter has come onto the scene. Take a day trip out of the resort to swim with the dolphins at Discovery Cove.

It’s not cheap but worth every penny… and every kiss.

Find out more about swimming with dolphins at Discovery Cove >>

Find out more about family holidays at Universal Studios Orlando >>

Nature trails & natural parks in Scotland

There’s no better way to enjoy the sights, sounds and smells of Scotland than to escape to the country and explore Scotland’s National Nature Reserves and National Parks – a veritable feast for your senses. That’s a promise.

Discover undisturbed wildernesses, waddling puffins, seabirds and seals, and carpets of wildflowers on woodland floors.

There are crags and gorges, glens and Bens, plus marshes, bogs, lochs and sand dunes to explore when you take a Scottish nature break or eco-holiday in Scotland. What could be better than spending days exploring Scotland’s wilderness, and nights  wallowing in the wide range of luxury boutique hotels that Scotland boasts.

You’ll be spoiled for choice.

Read this full article on the Luxury Scotland website - www.luxuryscotland.co.uk – see GOING GREEN newsletter >>

Adventure travel holidays in Oman

She looked mysterious and intriguing, her hair and face hidden from view by the burqa which many Omani women wear. Gold bracelets jingled on her wrists and her dark brown eyes smiled from behind the traditional black mask as she gently placed a similar one over my face hoping I would buy one.

Gul village

Batgirl gone wrong?

Now I come to think about it – having seen the photograph – rather than giving me a demure smile I’m convinced she was trying hard to muffle a hearty laugh as, instead of looking mysterious and exciting, I looked like Batgirl gone wrong.

Silver Omani khanjars

Camel train, Wahiba Sands

How strange it is to mingle in the narrow streets of the ancient souk (market) with men in their long white dishdashas (long white robes worn by Muslim men) and walk alongside women draped in their jet black abbayas and shielding burqas (a long cloak-like garment and a mask that covers nose and mouth); to hear the dulcet tones of the muadhdhin calling worshippers to the mosque to pray, to listen to the bubble of sheesha pipes being puffed in quiet corners, and to smell burning frankincense wafting through the maze of alleyways.

Hotels are chic in Oman

Sophisticated piano bar

…And then to return to a modern sumptuous hotel oozing luxury from every nook and cranny – rich Persian carpets and shimmering marble under foot, twinkling crystal chandeliers above; to savour canapés and cocktails in the trendy Piano Bar, and to see bikini-clad women fooling around on the beach or laying prostrate on poolside sun-beds topping up tans which had overflowed days before.

Dhow boat building yard

Bilad Sayt

But how enjoyable it is… to soak up the sun especially in January and February when it hibernates in the UK but is in full bloom in the Sultanate of Oman – a fascinating country which only opened its doors to the West after the present ruler, Qaboos bin Said Al Said, overthrew his tyrannical father in a bloodless palace coup in 1970.

Explore Oman… it’s a country so diverse it is likely to captivate you - as it has me.

For more information on Oman click here >>

For details of adventure holidays in Oman and adventure travel in Oman click here >>

Harry Potter steam train to Hogwarts

We all know where Platform 9 3/4 is don’t we? But where exactly is the famous train that Harry Potter and his school friends get to Hogwarts… well, it’s in Scotland and the Jacobite steam train (aka Hogwarts Express) will take you over the much-viewed viaduct seen in Harry Potter films.

Hogwarts train in Harry Potter films

The line from Fort William in Scotland to Mallaig on the west coast has become famous since the Harry Potter films.

If you want to travel on the steam train yourself and enjoy views of the famous ‘Harry Potter’ viaduct, then make sure you travel First Class to make the most of your trip down Harry Potter’s memory lane.

First Class means little lamps on tables, coffee cups on the ready, a little bit of pampering - all rather refined and memorable.

Not so in 2nd Class! Whatever the extra cost to travel First…. it’s worth it so as not to shatter your Harry Potter dreams.

Book well in advance, it’s a popular route. Don’t do as I did and take the scheduled train from Fort William to Mallaig one-way (although it’s a fraction of the cost of the Jacobite and far less crowded) as times do not fit in with the ‘Harry Potter train’ and means hours of time wasting in not-very-much-to-do-Mallaig before the return trip on the HP steam train.

The Hogwarts ‘Express’ takes its time; stopping off at a couple of places to add to the scenic enjoyment of the day… all very nice if the weather is fine. But it ‘s likely only to stop on the outward bound journey. Most people book the return trip so no matter.

Viaduct frequented by Harry Potter train to Hogwarts

If it’s blowing a gale and the rain is lashing down (as it was when I was on the Jacobite train recently) then be prepared for a long journey… on my Harry Potter ‘experience’ the steam train could not get up the hill and took hours to get back from Mallaig to Fort William.

Everyone on board was wishing that Harry Potter would come up with a spell to end the prolonged journey. No such luck (even Harry Potter didn’t have a spell against alien wet leaves on rail tracks).

Nevertheless, all quite magical really – at least for those passengers lucky enough to travel in First Class I should imagine!

For more information on the steam train known as Hogwarts Express, featured in Harry Potter films, click here >>

Afternoon tea in London

Afternoon tea… how very British, and what a nice break in the middle of a shopping spree or sightseeing in the city.

How very British?  Not!  Here’s a scrumptious afternoon tea with a very Asian twist – right in the heart of London.

Grand Imperial London - afternoon tea with an Asian twist

For this little bit of afternoon heaven, pop into the Grand Imperial London, right next to Victoria Station.

Asian delicacies at Grand Imperial London

You’ll be welcomed with the glamour of the Orient and have an opportunity to unwind in an ambiance created by a Feng Shui Master.

Incidentally this afternoon tea is available from 3pm until 5pm, so think about having it before the theatre or as a delectable snack after or during a shopping spree.

Choose from a selection of soothing Oriental teas, or add a little fizz to your day by opting for a glass of Balfour Brut English Rosé.

Believe me… this is the most delicious afternoon tea ever.

For more information visit Grand Imperial Restaurant – www.grandimperiallondon.com

Stylish rural accommodation in Gran Canaria

Exploring the interior of Gran Canaria, the third largest of the seven major islands in the Canary Islands, is rather like finding yourself on a collection of assorted film sets. I love exploring this diverse island!

Some areas of Gran Canaria are lush, others lunar-like

Rural Gran Canaria, a photographer's Mecca

You’ll find a kaleidoscope of landscapes… volcanic craters, mountains, deep ravines, oddly shaped basalt rocks, desert features, dunes, and archaeological sites as well as 100-year old pine tree forests, thick palm groves, sub-tropical vegetation, exotic plants and fruits.

Miles of sand dunes at Maspolomas

Visit Gran Canaria for yourself and you’ll see exactly why it is called a “miniature continent”. You’ll also understand why UNESCO reckons it’s a “natural treasure of the world”. I’ll certainly vouch for that.

Agapanthus thrive in Gran Canaria

Colourful strata near Artenara

Lush ferns in Gran Canaria pine forest

Fortunately I discovered some stylish rural accommodation in Gran Canaria and was really lucky in finding an excellent English-speaking walking guide in Gran Canaria who is also a knowledgeable wildflower guide in Gran Canaria too. I’m not selfish – so I’ll share them with you….

… read on and you’ll also find some travel tips for your Gran Canaria rural holiday:

Read more »

Fisher Pond Great House: the best Bajan Sunday lunch in Barbados

Having a holiday in Barbados? Then you’ve just got to book Sunday lunch at Fisher Pond Great House - a 350-year-old plantation house in the centre of the island (St John) which has been lovingly restored by former hotelier John Chandler.   

Fisher Pond Great House, Barbados

Make sure you book the Sunday Bajan lunch well in advance, it’s very popular with Barbadians and visitors.

The house is elegantly furnished – tables are set up indoors, in different rooms, and outdoors in the beautiful Barbados tropical gardens.

The Sunday Planter’s Buffet Lunch that John and his wife Rain put on is truly fantastic – a Bajan banquet – catering up to 80 people at exquisitely dressed tables.   

Even Michael Winner raved about the Sunday lunch at Fisher Pond Great House (read Michael Winner’s restaurant review at Times Online) so that’s saying something!  

John, the owner and a real character, has loads of interesting and amusing tales to tell too if you can get him to spill the beans!  

Barbados wedding venue – exotic location for weddings

Full of old world charm Fisher Pond Great House also makes a beautiful and romantic venue for wedding ceremonies which are held either in the colourful tropical gardens or in the antique setting of the plantation house.  

Elegant dining in Barbados

The wedding floral displays, petal-strewn aisle in the garden, and gorgeous settings that John and Rain organise for wedding couples on their special day is extraordinary. The colours of the tropical flowers are AMAZING.  

Fisher Pond Great House just has to be one of the most beautiful and romantic places to get married in Barbados, and definitely one of the best places to eat in Barbados.  

For more information on weddings contact Rain at Chandelier Weddings

Click here for more information on Fisher Pond Great House Sunday Bajan lunch

Secluded, exclusive & romantic honeymoon hotspot in the Bahamas

Paradise Found

Do you believe in all this ‘paradise’ stuff? I’ve written about numerous romantic honeymoon hotels and destinations, often referring to a ‘honeymoon paradise’. Did I really believe there was such a place as Paradise? Not really. Not until recently that is. 

Then I found it. 

Paradise – MY very own paradise… where the water is so turquoise that photographs of it look as though they have been tinkered with. 

A splash of Exuma colour

Best lobster ever at Santana's Grill Pit

Lisa-Ann, a butler and a half in Fowl Cay

Discover THE EXUMAS in the ‘Out Islands’ of the Bahamas - one of the most picturesque regions in the Bahamas. 

In this beautiful archipelago are some beautiful people. Let me introduce you to just a few of the many oh-so-friendly characters I met while I was working on an editorial project for Sandals Resorts International in the Bahamas. Great people, great place. Go visit.   

Tucker - Owner of Compass Cay

Dan and pigs on Thunderball trip

Wayde Nixon, Exumas fishing expert

The Exumas are made up of 365 islands and cays that stretch across more than 120 miles of iridescent green-blue water where the white sand of deserted beaches contrasts dramatically with deep turquoise and dark blue waters. 

AND… have I found some fabulous secluded and exclusive villas in the Bahamas for you!  Follow this link to discover my Paradise – an idyllic private island just made for a romantic honeymoon in the Caribbean, offering luxury get-away-from-it-all exclusive villa accommodation in the Bahamas.  

Check out more special places to stay on my website – www.linda-jackson.co.uk