To lay your locks in this fantastic hammock, you’ll need to head to Goa. Over looking the crystal clear blue waters of the Indian Ocean, who could want more from a hammock? Maybe thicker string tying it on but other than that...
10 BEST PLACES TO HANG YOUR HAMMOCK
August 19th, 2009TOP 10 EXCLUSIVE ISLAND HIDEAWAYS
August 19th, 2009
Taprobane Island; This small, lush island sits at the southern most tip of Sri Lanka’s coast and boasts a glorious mansion. If you love feeling secluded and secure then this would be ideal for you.
Stunning Sri Lanka
January 12th, 2010
My friend and I went to Sri Lanka a couple of weeks ago and loved it. We stayed at the Dolphin hotel in Negombo and it was fabulous. We were a little dubious with it only being a 3* star but it was the location we wanted due to the short transfer from the airport. We weren’t disappointed with it at all. The beach was clean, golden sand though we tended to stay around the fabulous pool, apparently the longest pool in Sri Lanka.
The longest pool in Sri Lanka
The pool bar served cocktails which we enjoyed, as well as the beer and some spirits were available on the all inclusive too. The grounds were extensive and you certainly walked off the food and drinks each day. The food was fabulous every day. So much choice, they served a lot of local dishes and international dishes. Breakfast was lovely, they had bacon and scrambled eggs and even fish curry! Needless to say we passed on the curry but everything we did try was superb. There was a snack bar which we often used for lunch which was round the quiet pool. This made a refreshing change from the restaurant as we ate in there twice a day anyway.
The quiet pool was lovely and relaxing and you could have massages too. We each had a full body massage which cost about £25 each. The main pool was lively with music and games. Our room was a sea view which was fantastic though the balconies were quite small. All staff were friendly and very helpful and our First Choice rep Sam was brilliant. We wanted to go to the Maldives for 3 nights and he arranged it for us. We could have booked a twin centre but prefer to do our own thing and not be part of a group. The Maldives was the most beautiful place in the world. We stayed at Dhonvelli Island because it was a short boat transfer from Male airport. 3 nights was enough for us as we get bored easily.
The only downside on this holiday was that the hotel didn’t serve wine as part of the all inclusive. As conscientious wine drinkers, we had to have some! We were told the hotels in Sri Lanka don’t include it on all inclusive as it is very expensive. Fair enough, so we got a tuk tuk (small vehicle with driver) to take us to the supermarket to buy some. Couldn’t believe how cheap it was so we bought a couple of flagons! Don’t understand why they don’t include it.
Elephant Orphanage
We did the excursion to the Elephant Orphanage which was awful. The elephants were mistreated and it was a long journey we just thought we were never going to get back to the hotel.
We would definitely go back to Sri Lanka and this hotel.
Donna and Louise
GORGEOUS GOA
November 20th, 2009
Having been to Goa 8 times, I feel the need to tell everyone about my experiences in such a wonderful country. Goa is split into two areas – North and South. North is where it all happens. The main resorts are Baga, Calangute and Candolim.
The amazing beach spans all three resorts and there is nothing better than to walk along the beach, stopping at the numerous beach shacks along the way. The food quality in the beach shacks is nothing short of amazing!! There are fruit sellers galore, offering pineapples, melons, coconuts, bananas etc. There is one seller in particular – Mama Goa – is a favourite of mine. She is 75 and has worked the beach since she became a widow 12 years ago in order to support her family!! She will take 10 minutes out of her tiring day to share her life experiences with you. One thing to notice – watch out for the cows that stroll along the beach!! Don’t worry, they won’t harm you but they are partial to a pineapple or two!!
One of the best things about Goa holidays is the food. Imagine lying on a beach and the wonderful aroma of Indian food drifting up your nose – heaven!! However, if you don’t like the idea of eating Indian food for breakfast lunch and dinner, don’t worry as all restaurants are multi national cuisine. One of my favourite restaurants is East Meets West in Baga. Think of Chateau Briand (a full fillet steak serving 2 for £7), the most tender Lamb Balti and succulent Tiger Prawns. I would say that this is our most expensive meal but we still get change from £20 and that includes a cheeky bottle of wine or two!!
Shopping is to die for! Top branded names including Gucci, Ray-Ban, Lacoste to name but a few, all at a fraction of the cost you would expect to pay in the UK.
The excursions on offer are also amazing. A must is to visit the Elephant sanctuary, where you can feel free to bathe the elephants, take a ride on them and feed them – they love all the attention! The spice trail is another favourite of mine as I love to buy all the wonderful herbs and spices to take home.
Night life in the North of Goa!! Tito’s road is a must. The well known Tito’s Club has been there for as long as I can remember. Top Dj’s now perform in this club as it has become a landmark in the North. Also try Mambos, Cocktail of Dreams, the Ivy – to name but a few. Again the prices of drinks are superb. Try a Mojito Cocktail for less than 75p and don’t be concerned when it comes in a pint glass!! You will even see a typical Irish Bar – Shamrock – how bizarre to see the locals rocking it on the Karaoke!!
If you prefer something a bit more serene, take a trip to the South. Cavelossim, Benaulim and Varca are some of the main resorts. All of the big 4 and 5 * hotels are now springing up here. Nightlife is quite laid back but make sure you head to Mikes Place for an evening of fun and great food!
All in all, holidays to Goa will be a life changing experience for you. You will find yourself (like me) going back time after time.
By Jan from Peterlee
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The Lionfish is one of the most venomous fish on the ocean floor, the venom is delivered via an array of up to 18 needle-like dorsal fins but is purely defensive. The sting from a Lionfish is extremely painful but very rarely fatal to humans. Lionfish are voracious predators, when hunting they corner prey using their large fins and then use their quick reflexes to swallow the prey whole.
