Treasured Island

The secret of Bermuda has been so well kept over the years that the tiny sub-tropical island has remained just as idyllic as it ever was. Those who have discovered the paradise of Bermuda return year after year to enjoy the pristine creamy white beaches flecked with pink sands, outstanding hotels with luxurious accommodation, fine cuisine, and year-round sunshine.

No two hotels in Bermuda are alike so ask an expert which resort suits your style and requirements. Many visitors even split their stay between two hotels to sample different aspects of the island. Azura, one of the island’s newest properties, enjoys a stunning clifftop setting, centrally located on the south coast. The beautiful Rosewood Bermuda sits between the ocean and two of the world’s most scenic golf courses – its pink sand beach is one of the most spectacular you’ll ever see. Hamilton Princess offers the best of both worlds – located on Hamilton harbourfront,

guests have the convenience of the main town’s shops and restaurants and complimentary transfers to its wonderful private beach club. The typically Bermudian ‘cottage colony’ of Cambridge Beaches represents understated luxury, with individual cottages dotted about the landscaped peninsula, surrounded by water on three sides and four beaches to choose from.

At under 7 hours flying time, Bermuda is probably the closest sub-tropical holiday destination to the UK. Flights to the East Coast of North America are two hours away, so you could also go for an exciting two centre itinerary with a cosmopolitan city like New York, Boston or Toronto. Transatlantic flights are direct on British Airways or fly via the USA in both directions for an extravagant three centre package on JetBlue Airways. With its easy flying distance, you can even visit Bermuda for a long weekend.
 
To discuss your plans with someone who’s been there – and who wants to tell you all about it, call Purely Bermuda on 
01372 372123 or visit purelybermuda.co.uk

Burwood Travel works alongside Azure and One&Only Private Homes and Villas to offer a collection of the world’s most elegant and exclusive private residences. Each opulent abode is a lavish oasis carefully designed to blend seamlessly into its natural surroundings in a unique iconic location across the globe. A beachfront villa in the Maldives, a treetop retreat in Mexico, a mountain hideaway in Montana; each expansive property offers unrivalled privacy and spectacular panoramas over your destination.
While there, try a stunning assortment of unforgettable experiences and exciting activities from ziplining through the misty rainforest at One&Only Mandarina to galloping through wildflower meadows at One&Only Moonlight Basin. Or, for those seeking more Zen than adrenaline, there are decadent rituals inspired by local traditions and private yoga classes in hypnotic surroundings.

Those looking to immerse themselves in local life can learn traditional fishing techniques, take workshops with regional artists, or master classic recipes in a private culinary class. And speaking of food, it’s all gourmet meals served in settings straight out of a storybook – your own private chef creating meals tailored to your individual tastes, secluded feasts harnessing the freshest local ingredients under a moonlit sky, the world’s finest chefs at the resort’s excellent restaurants – choices, choices!
This one is perfect for celebrations from a wedding at a cliffside villa with sweeping views of the Pacific Ocean, to marking an anniversary with dinner on a private isle.

Contact Burwood Travel on 01932 809189 for a tailor-made quote or visit burwoodtravel.com.

Maldives Magic

There’s nowhere better for an island escape. Kuoni were there when the first Maldives resort opened its doors in 1972 and since then the premium holiday company has been finding the best places to stay at the very best value. Out of the 100-plus resort islands, they handpicked 38, including four that are exclusively available through Kuoni for UK travellers. They’ll tell you where you can watch movies on the beach, when you can swim with whale sharks, where to head for rustic retreats and how to narrow down which island suits families or honeymooners best. Kuramathi Maldives is their favourite slice of island paradise thanks to its mile-long sandbank, great choice of restaurants and infinity edge pools with jaw-dropping ocean views. A relatively large resort, rarely feeling crowded, with bucket-loads of activities, no wonder it’s popular with just about everyone.

There’s a whole host of accommodation, from entry level garden villas to the more luxurious Deluxe Beach, Pool and Overwater Villas. The mature rainforest is enchanting at night and has a 300-year old banyan tree at its heart. Kuoni recommend splitting a stay here with more than one room type to experience overwater villas, or twin with another island such as Kandolhu Maldives for a totally different vibe.

To book your Maldives getaway today, visit Baldwins Travel in locations including Tunbridge Wells, Cranbrook, Lewes, Sevenoaks, Tenterden and Tonbridge or visit baldwinstravel.com