And of course, we know our resorts and hotels intimately. Between us, we’ve been to every destination in this brochure and you should always be able to 2011.
Danielle Quinn, Reservations
I was very impressed with my visit to Lindos Memories on Rhodes. The location, on its own private beach, is fantastic. There are plenty of sunshades and beds for everyone and safe swimming – though if you don’t fancy getting sand between your toes (it’s coarse and shingly) then the free-form pool is to die for and shares the same sea views.
As to Lindos itself - it’s just like the postcards – but I recommend exploring in flat shoes. I ended up barefoot one night because my heels were no match for the cobbles. My favourite bar is Antika: the best Mojitos in town taste even better when you’re drinking them on the rooftop terrace with a view of the floodlight Acropolis.
Dympna Lennon, Office Manager
There’s nothing like a daydream about the Algarve on a grey November day... As well as the main beach, there are some nice little fish restaurants on the promenade at the bottom of the hill – 10 minutes’ walk from the hotel, though it feels like more coming back!
As to the Velamar Hotel – it’s got to be one of my favourites. Though it’s a small and friendly 3-star, it’s easily mistaken for a good 4-star. The staff are wonderful and treat us and our guests like part of the family. I do think this little resort offers the best of both worlds: a lovely relaxing beach holiday – with the bright lights of Albufeira just a bus or taxi ride away if you fancy a lively night.
Colum McLornan, Managing Director
I’ve just come back from a recce in Dublin – planning our new City Break there. O’Callaghans Hotel could not be in a better spot, right on St Stephen’s Green. I could walk to all the places of interest nearby and grab a coffee at Bewley’s famous café on Grafton Street – also home to Ireland’s version of Harvey Nicks, Brown Thomas, for great clothes shopping. There are buskers everywhere and the people you meet are always friendly. I can recommend eating at the Bailey just off Grafton Street – oh, and a pint of Guinness® at Gravity®, the highest bar in Dublin!
Helen Milner, Reservations Supervisor
The 4Reasons is my absolute favourite of our Med hotels. Every room is different, but equally gorgeous – I stole some quiet time on my terrace overlooking the orange groves, reading my stash of James Pattersons. I’m embarrassed to admit I didn’t make it to the beach, because I couldn’t tear myself away. With the pool area, the gardens and the bar up on the deck – perfect for lunchtime snacks – it’s very easy to be busy doing nothing all day.
The staff can’t do enough for you: having forgotten the adaptor for my hair straighteners (catastrophe!) it took one call to Reception for a speedy replacement. And if you like seafood, the 4Reasons is for you: the fresh fish is cooked to perfection and served with gorgeous salads, so you can eat loads but not blow the diet.
Sandra Brown, Cruise Reservations
I’m a convert to cruising – at least now I’ve seen the EPIC for myself. Before I boarded I thought my Single Studio Stateroom might be a bit claustrophobic, but actually for one person it was very spacious.
There was an itinerary placed on the bed that detailed all the entertainment and activities available and though I did my best to get round everything, it was a case of ‘so much to do, so little time’. I met some really nice people in the Studio Lounge where we had drinks before heading to the Manhattan Room for dinner – oh and the SVENKA Ice Bar is a must. Everything from the tables to the glasses we drank out of was made of ice: don’t worry, they give you big cosy fur coats to keep you nice and snug!
Janice Elliott, Reservations
From the moment I was handed a tropical cocktail, within a minute of arriving at LaSource, I knew I was in the lap of luxury – and I was so right. It sounds awful, but I don’t think I was ever without a drink in my hand, whether lying by the pool or on the beach – the staff are so attentive! And it was very hard to leave my huge four-poster bed to join the early morning walk, but I felt I had to work off some of the gorgeous food – even if it was just to make room for more…
I liked the fact that the staff, while encouraging, weren’t pushy when it came to getting me to join in the aqua aerobics, or volleyball etc, because I’m not the sportiest girl in the world. But I loved being able to sample activities that I wouldn’t do at home, like yoga and dance classes. As for the Spa treatments: fab!
It was easy to meet other single travellers – and other guests – at the hotel and the evenings were great too, especially the steel band, which was just so Caribbean. And though there’s loads going on at the hotel, I would say you have to do at least one excursion during your stay – like the half day Spice Isle tour – because the island really is stunning and it would be a shame not to see it.
PS – On top of our 13 years’ experience, the knowledgeable office team and the friendliness of our Hosts, we choose our hotels very carefully. Do read reviews on sites like Tripadvisor, and do compare notes in the Chat Room. We know there are other companies offering singles holidays and that you have a choice, but we truly believe we offer the best all-round experience and we strive to ensure your holiday is the best it can be.
The air holidays and flights on this site are ATOL protected
