October 9th, 2008 at 03:49pm
Under St Lucia
“Michael Winner is not welcome here!!”
So said the sign at the entrance to a beach restaurant in Rodney Bay St. Lucia, in truth I would not be surprised to see similar signs outside most restaurants, that name must strike fear even to the most professionally run establishments! Sunday Times readers will be familiar with the regular column by the ex film director, now food critic, which appears on the back page of the Review section. The articles are amusing but seldom complimentary.
Michael Winner is a regular visitor to St. Lucia, he regularly boasts about hiring private helicopter to go for lunch during his frequent visits to the Sandy Lane Hotel in Barbados. His latest visit was to the Ladera restaurant located in a idyllic position overlooking the magnificent Jalousie Bay with the Pitons rising to almost 3,000 feet on either side of the bay, it’s an awesome view!
The food is pleasant; the place is very peaceful with only the constant chirping of colourful birds that incidentally also like the food, hence the reason for the water pistols placed on every table!
Discovery in Marigot Bay is a small Boutique Hotel recently opened; the accommodation consists of privately owned suites leased back to the Hotel by the owners. You can stay at Discovery by booking through the usual channels, or if you own a holiday home elsewhere, you could possibly stay for free by joining www.selectexchange.co.uk
There are many unique dining locations in St. Lucia, if you like waterfront dining I suggest the Charterhouse in Rodney Bay or the Coalpot near Castries for a very romantic setting. Further north, still on the west coast, is Marigot Bay, the setting for Dr. Doolittle film. Marigot Bay is often referred to as “The Most Beautiful Bay in the Caribbean”. Here you will find The Hideway restaurant built on stilts and only accessible by boat a short ride from The Discovery hotel on the other side of the Bay. The Hideaway is seriously romantic, candlelight, soft music, calm water and good food, all the ingredients for a perfect atmosphere.
By admin
October 7th, 2008 at 07:48am
Under About Villa Exchange+ Save Money with Villa Exchange
The global economic crisis will have many people wondering how they will manage their holiday plans for next year. The sharp rises in fuel costs, coupled with the uncertainty in financial markets and inflationary pressures will mean people look to make cost savings where they can.
One area where people will want to make savings but without missing out altogether is on their holidays. A great way of reducing costs is home or villa exchange, where you swap homes or villas with another party. This cost effective holiday reduces obvious costs such as hotels and accommodation, whilst some parties may even be able to offer car swaps etc.
More and more people have also invested in second homes overseas and this scheme allows you to get even more value from these second properties by using them to see the world.
So how do you start:
Join an Exchange Scheme:
Firstly join an exchange scheme such as Select Exchange. Schemes vary in cost but $20-$50 would be fair. I would recommend joining more than one as it will give you increased opportunities.
List Your Property including photos:
When you have joined a scheme ensure that you list your property in as much detail as possible – people like information, the more you give the easier it will be for them to decide. Put on as many photos as you can – it may be a cliché but it is true “a picture paints a thousand words”.
Be Proactive:
Don’t just sit there – get out and contact owners. When you have joined a scheme don’t just sit there, go out and contact owners yourself letting people know you are interested in visiting their property. Remember though be polite and be friendly in your emails.
Think Ahead
A home exchange can take time plan ahead at least 6-9 months to give yourself the best opportunity to find what you want.
Be Flexible
A home or villa exchange can require you to be more flexible – do not confine your self with very restrictive dates – you have more chance of getting an exchange if you say you want something for July than saying you need something in the first week of July.
Offer Additional Benefits
If you have a car for example offer to include that (make sure it is adequately insured though). It you can offer discounted golf or golf access, include that as well. The same applies of ski passes etc.
Supply lots of relevant Local Information
Sell the benefits of your area. Identify the local attractions as well as the local shops and restaurants. Holiday makers want a full experience so the more you can offer them the happier they will be, and the more likely they are to want to exchange.
And finally the most important point is “Honesty is the Best Policy”. Keep this important point in mind in when villa exchanging.
By admin