Water Activities

In spring 2013, ahead of her parents’ two-week visit, Dawn decided that a makeover was in order. She incorporated color and pattern, yielding an interior more in line with what one might expect in a beach town in Southern California: sun-kissed yellow walls; a swath of Kelly green in the kitchen; a long table, topped with a vibrant print, that functions for reading, dining, or doing work; a lime-hued bathroom; and cheery polka-dotted bedding. But it’s easy to see why guests are often charmed before ever setting foot inside: Just beyond the blue-and-white cottage-like structure’s Dutch door is a deck with a view of a pond and a garden that includes a Meyer lemon tree.

After her parents’ stay, Dawn thought to herself: “Well, I’ve got this room that’s completely remodeled. What should I do with it?” She approached her husband about putting it on WP Rentals. He was hesitant at first; in part because in order to get to the guesthouse, you have to walk right by the couple’s own residence. So they started out with just single (one-person) bookings before allowing pairs. “Now he’s a bigger social person with my guests than me,” laughs Dawn.

Planning a Honeymoon

A Hawaii honeymoon is ideal for couples who enjoy a mix of beach, culture and bar hopping. From the vibrant nightlife to the rich historical sites, and lush, tropical beaches, Cancun is just made for excitement and romance. Luxury Retreats’ villas only enhance the honeymoon experience.

From the ocean facing private terraces, with alfresco Jacuzzis, hammocks, and sun loungers to the opulent, open plan living spaces, with sleek furnishings, floor-to-ceiling windows, a fully equipped kitchen with travertine countertops, and oversized bedrooms with en-suite bathrooms featuring steam rooms and whirlpool baths, our homes in the region have everything you could wish for.

Whenever I get asked to recommend a destination for honeymoon, I always have the same reply. If you are looking for sun, luxury and a trip of a lifetime……there is only one place for me…..Cancun, Mexico.

Cancun is the sort of destination that has something for everyone. My husband loves to be adventurous and active on holidays, whereas I like to chill out and switch off. When we were deciding on where we would like to go on honeymoon, we went through many destinations until we found this one that matched our criteria.

We booked with American Holidays and took in a few days in Orlando before flying out to Cancun. We booked at an event that American Holidays run every year. They have the Red Cow Sale which is held in the Red Cow Moran Hotel in Dublin but my understanding is that they roll out the deals online too. We saved just over €1000 on our package.

Food & Wine Tours

Vacation, in English-speaking North America, describes recreational travel, such as a short pleasure trip, or a journey abroad. People in Commonwealth countries use the term holiday to describe absence from work as well as to describe a vacation or journey. Vacation can mean either staying home or going somewhere.

Canadians often use vacation and holiday interchangeably referring to a trip away from home or time off work. In Australia and the UK, holiday can refer to a vacation or a public holiday.

The Vanderbilts, Rockefellers, Carnegies, Huntingtons and other fabulously wealthy industrialists built their own spectacular “great camps” in the Adirondacks of upstate NY where they could disport with their families in private luxury. The American vacation was born—quite literally. The scions of New York City took to declaring that they would “vacate” their city homes for their lakeside summer retreats, and the term “vacation” replaced the British “holiday” in common parlance.

In Hungarian, the word vakáció can mean both a recreational trip, an officially granted absence from work (generally in warmer months), and the summer (longest) school break. For absence from work, the word szabadság (freedom/liberty) can be used, possibly as betegszabadság (sickness freedom/sickness liberty) when the reason of absence is medical in nature.

5 Things to do in Paphos

If you can bear to tear yourself away from some of the most beautiful beaches in the world, then there are plenty of exciting experiences to encounter on the Seychelles’ largest island. For visitors wondering what to do on Mahé, here are some of our recommendations (in no order of preference):

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hospitality can come through in a lot of ways, but it most definitely starts with a clean space. And while cleaning might not be the most fun part of hosting, it doesn’t have to be difficult! Here are a few tips and tricks to help you get swept up in an effective and easy cleaning routine.

1. HIKING IN MAHÉ

Mahé Island’s unique granitic landscape offers visitors the opportunity to hike and walk in areas of untouched natural beauty. More than 20% of this island’s landmass is protected by national parks, including Morne Seychellois National Park which is home to Mahé’s tallest mountain, Morne Seychellois (2,969 ft). Vistas of unparalleled beauty are promised to those who reach its summit. Hikers can explore the Seychelles’ highest peaks and trek along trails to otherwise inaccessible beaches, such as Anse Major. Gentler walks and excursions that allow you to explore waterfalls, swim in natural pools and take pictures of indigenous flora and Seychelles wildlife can also be recommended.

2. FEED THE TURTLES

No trip to the Seychelles is complete without a visit to island nation’s colourful capital, Victoria. As the smallest capital city in Africa, it won’t take you long to see all of the highlights this vibrant little borough has to offer. Set aside a morning to visit places of interest, such as

  • The Victoria Clock Tower
  • The kaleidoscopic Sir Selwyn Selwyn-Clarke Market
  • Arul Mihu Navasakthi Vinayagar Temple
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3. VISIT A TROPICAL GARDEN

As the Seychelles was once believed to be the original Garden of Eden, it is no surprise that rare and exceptional species of plants and flowers flourish in this tropical environment. These can best be experienced in curated gardens, such as the Seychelles Botanical Garden in Victoria or Le Jardin du Roi Spice Garden in Anse Royale. Learn about the domestic and medicinal uses of various plants and shrubs in the Seychelles’ households and enjoy a meal prepared using home-grown herbs and spices.

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4. VISIT A RUM/TEA FACTORY

Experience the spirit of the Seychelles with a tour of the Takamaka rum distillery at Le Plaine St André. The Takamaka rum distillery was built and developed by brothers Richard and Bernard d’Offay in 2002. Their vision was to provide the Seychelles islands with high-quality rum based on their grandfather’s original recipe. The distillery can be found on a historic plantation estate, which is now the home of the Seychelles’ most popular spirit. The tour will be followed by a professional tasting of the products, made from purified spring water and island-grown sugarcane.

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5. VISIT A WATERFALL

With Mahé’s mountainous landscape, it is no surprise that the island has several impressive waterfalls worth visiting. One of the most impressive – and easily accessible – is Sauzier Waterfall in Port Glaud. Just a short walk from the main road, a cascade of fresh mountain water tumbles down moss-covered rocks into an inviting pool below. Perfect for swimming and a unique photo opportunity, this popular attraction can get quite crowded – so we recommend getting there early.

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Spend an hour or two savouring the view or enjoying a refreshing swim, before venturing off to explore other attractions in the area, such as the Seychelles Tea Factory, SMAC Adventures Zip Line and Port Launay.

5 Things to do in Paphos

If you can bear to tear yourself away from some of the most beautiful beaches in the world, then there are plenty of exciting experiences to encounter on the Seychelles’ largest island. For visitors wondering what to do on Mahé, here are some of our recommendations (in no order of preference):

hospitality can come through in a lot of ways, but it most definitely starts with a clean space. And while cleaning might not be the most fun part of hosting, it doesn’t have to be difficult! Here are a few tips and tricks to help you get swept up in an effective and easy cleaning routine.

1. HIKING IN MAHÉ

Mahé Island’s unique granitic landscape offers visitors the opportunity to hike and walk in areas of untouched natural beauty. More than 20% of this island’s landmass is protected by national parks, including Morne Seychellois National Park which is home to Mahé’s tallest mountain, Morne Seychellois (2,969 ft). Vistas of unparalleled beauty are promised to those who reach its summit. Hikers can explore the Seychelles’ highest peaks and trek along trails to otherwise inaccessible beaches, such as Anse Major. Gentler walks and excursions that allow you to explore waterfalls, swim in natural pools and take pictures of indigenous flora and Seychelles wildlife can also be recommended.

2. FEED THE TURTLES

No trip to the Seychelles is complete without a visit to island nation’s colourful capital, Victoria. As the smallest capital city in Africa, it won’t take you long to see all of the highlights this vibrant little borough has to offer. Set aside a morning to visit places of interest, such as

  • The Victoria Clock Tower
  • The kaleidoscopic Sir Selwyn Selwyn-Clarke Market
  • Arul Mihu Navasakthi Vinayagar Temple

3. VISIT A TROPICAL GARDEN

As the Seychelles was once believed to be the original Garden of Eden, it is no surprise that rare and exceptional species of plants and flowers flourish in this tropical environment. These can best be experienced in curated gardens, such as the Seychelles Botanical Garden in Victoria or Le Jardin du Roi Spice Garden in Anse Royale. Learn about the domestic and medicinal uses of various plants and shrubs in the Seychelles’ households and enjoy a meal prepared using home-grown herbs and spices.

4. VISIT A RUM/TEA FACTORY

Experience the spirit of the Seychelles with a tour of the Takamaka rum distillery at Le Plaine St André. The Takamaka rum distillery was built and developed by brothers Richard and Bernard d’Offay in 2002. Their vision was to provide the Seychelles islands with high-quality rum based on their grandfather’s original recipe. The distillery can be found on a historic plantation estate, which is now the home of the Seychelles’ most popular spirit. The tour will be followed by a professional tasting of the products, made from purified spring water and island-grown sugarcane.

5. VISIT A WATERFALL

With Mahé’s mountainous landscape, it is no surprise that the island has several impressive waterfalls worth visiting. One of the most impressive – and easily accessible – is Sauzier Waterfall in Port Glaud. Just a short walk from the main road, a cascade of fresh mountain water tumbles down moss-covered rocks into an inviting pool below. Perfect for swimming and a unique photo opportunity, this popular attraction can get quite crowded – so we recommend getting there early.

Spend an hour or two savouring the view or enjoying a refreshing swim, before venturing off to explore other attractions in the area, such as the Seychelles Tea Factory, SMAC Adventures Zip Line and Port Launay.

Food & Wine Tours

Vacation, in English-speaking North America, describes recreational travel, such as a short pleasure trip, or a journey abroad. People in Commonwealth countries use the term holiday to describe absence from work as well as to describe a vacation or journey. Vacation can mean either staying home or going somewhere.

Canadians often use vacation and holiday interchangeably referring to a trip away from home or time off work. In Australia and the UK, holiday can refer to a vacation or a public holiday.

The Vanderbilts, Rockefellers, Carnegies, Huntingtons and other fabulously wealthy industrialists built their own spectacular “great camps” in the Adirondacks of upstate NY where they could disport with their families in private luxury. The American vacation was born—quite literally. The scions of New York City took to declaring that they would “vacate” their city homes for their lakeside summer retreats, and the term “vacation” replaced the British “holiday” in common parlance.

In Hungarian, the word vakáció can mean both a recreational trip, an officially granted absence from work (generally in warmer months), and the summer (longest) school break. For absence from work, the word szabadság (freedom/liberty) can be used, possibly as betegszabadság (sickness freedom/sickness liberty) when the reason of absence is medical in nature.

Planning a Honeymoon

A Hawaii honeymoon is ideal for couples who enjoy a mix of beach, culture and bar hopping. From the vibrant nightlife to the rich historical sites, and lush, tropical beaches, Cancun is just made for excitement and romance. Luxury Retreats’ villas only enhance the honeymoon experience.

From the ocean facing private terraces, with alfresco Jacuzzis, hammocks, and sun loungers to the opulent, open plan living spaces, with sleek furnishings, floor-to-ceiling windows, a fully equipped kitchen with travertine countertops, and oversized bedrooms with en-suite bathrooms featuring steam rooms and whirlpool baths, our homes in the region have everything you could wish for.

Whenever I get asked to recommend a destination for honeymoon, I always have the same reply. If you are looking for sun, luxury and a trip of a lifetime……there is only one place for me…..Cancun, Mexico.

Cancun is the sort of destination that has something for everyone. My husband loves to be adventurous and active on holidays, whereas I like to chill out and switch off. When we were deciding on where we would like to go on honeymoon, we went through many destinations until we found this one that matched our criteria.

We booked with American Holidays and took in a few days in Orlando before flying out to Cancun. We booked at an event that American Holidays run every year. They have the Red Cow Sale which is held in the Red Cow Moran Hotel in Dublin but my understanding is that they roll out the deals online too. We saved just over €1000 on our package.

Water Activities

In spring 2013, ahead of her parents’ two-week visit, Dawn decided that a makeover was in order. She incorporated color and pattern, yielding an interior more in line with what one might expect in a beach town in Southern California: sun-kissed yellow walls; a swath of Kelly green in the kitchen; a long table, topped with a vibrant print, that functions for reading, dining, or doing work; a lime-hued bathroom; and cheery polka-dotted bedding. But it’s easy to see why guests are often charmed before ever setting foot inside: Just beyond the blue-and-white cottage-like structure’s Dutch door is a deck with a view of a pond and a garden that includes a Meyer lemon tree.

After her parents’ stay, Dawn thought to herself: “Well, I’ve got this room that’s completely remodeled. What should I do with it?” She approached her husband about putting it on WP Rentals. He was hesitant at first; in part because in order to get to the guesthouse, you have to walk right by the couple’s own residence. So they started out with just single (one-person) bookings before allowing pairs. “Now he’s a bigger social person with my guests than me,” laughs Dawn.