Turquoise Holidays, based in Beaconsfield’s Old Town, offer unique tailor-made holidays, honeymoons and once-in-a-lifetime trips to Australia, New Zealand, the South Pacific, Asia, Africa and the Indian Ocean. Jean Dean finds out what sets them apart from the crowd.
HALF AN HOUR WITH THE TURQUOISE team and I promise you, your suitcase will be packed and you'll be heading for the airport. They have a real passion for the destinations they sell and their aim is to put back some romance and style into the travel experience. So let's hear it from the horse's, elephant's or even lion's mouth, what they have to offer...
"South Africa is one of our most popular destinations, as there is something for everyone. The natural beauty abounds; magnificent mountains, stunning coastal scenery, rich wildlife spectacles plus the history and culture, making it a perfect family destination. Families can look forward to an exhilarating holiday without sacrificing standards or facilities whilst a number of fine country houses and city-based retreats provide their own special attractions. There is so much for children to learn in this land rich in wildlife - and our carefully selected hotels and lodges know just how to combine a little education with a lot of fun!
South Africa enjoys a temperate and pleasant climate, with lovely warm sunny
days most of the year. The seasons of the southern hemisphere are opposite
to
those in the northern hemisphere so South African summers are our winters
and run from November to March.
For family friendly safaris, we recommend the malaria-free areas of The Eastern Cape, the Northern Cape and parts of the Northwest Province. Of these, the best game viewing is Addo in the Eastern Cape, the Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park in the Northern Cape and Madikwe - and The Waterberg in the Northwest. These safari holidays have become ever more child friendly with special 'jungle drives' for children and excellent babysitting facilities and activities for younger children who need to stay at the lodge.
Or, why not think about combining South Africa with Mauritius? An ever increasing number of holiday makers are choosing to combine a safari trip to South Africa with a week or ten days in one of several fabulously luxurious resorts on the island of Mauritius. With a flying time between Johannesburg and Mauritius of just under 4 hours, there are a number of triangular airfares which combine both South Africa and Mauritius for little more than the return airfare to South Africa.
Like South Africa, Mauritius enjoys a delightfully warm climate all year round with just two seasons providing the minimal difference in temperature. Summer starts in November and ends in April with temperatures reaching 34?C. Temperatures drop a few degrees between May & October but you can still expect a pleasant climate of around 26?C.
It goes without saying that selecting the right hotel should be at the top
of your agenda - but add to this, championship golf courses, top class
Spas, designer furnishings, beautiful views and menus that will take you
on an unforgettable culinary adventure - and you
will soon realise that in Mauritius you are simply
spoilt for choice. Fortunately, all of our staff have visited and know Mauritius
extremely well and will advise not only on which hotel best suits your requirements
but which room is most suitable. It is also worth noting that in the cooler
months between May and October, many of the hotels have superb special offers,
including bonus free nights, which can dramatically reduce the cost of your
holiday - and with small children or keen sportsmen in tow, you will not
be frying under a hot African sun!
Ideally suited to both couples and families are Le Telfair Golf & Spa Resort, Le Touessrok, Le Prince Maurice, The Residence and One&Only Le Saint Géran. They offer fabulous Kids Clubs, safe beaches and lots to do, including access to golf courses and all the major facilities you would expect from a 5- star resort, not to mention exceptional service.
Mauritius is also perfect for honeymooners and couples looking for a relaxing beach escape for one or two weeks. Tucked away on the north-west coast of Mauritius, The Oberoi is a stunningly romantic sanctuary - and between May to October, it enjoys pleasantly higher temperatures than the East Coast, due to its gloriously sheltered setting."
Well, there's not enough space on the page to capture all of the information imparted by this enthusiastic team so, if you want to hear more from them pop in for a visit. You can't miss them, they have a turquoise 2CV parked in Beaconsfield's Old Town. If you have yet to make plans for an exotic holiday this summer, or want to guarantee a warm Christmas, then best to book now.
11 London End, Old Beaconsfield, Buckinghamshire Tel: 01494 678 400
Email: enquiries@turquoiseholidays.co.uk www.turquoiseholidays.co.uk