Floriade is a World Horticultural Exposition that has been taking place in the Netherlands roughly every 10 years since 1960 and 2012 it will be taking place in Veno.

Floriade 2012 is the 6^th Exposition to take place.

1960 – Rotterdam

1972 – Amsterdam

1982 – Amsterdam

1992 – Zoetermeer

2002 – Haarlemmermeer

2012 – Venlo

More than 100 exhibitors will together pay tribute to horticulture. The park consists of five unique worlds with themed zones within each world connected by wooded areas. Worlds in which you will see, feel and experience nature in a constantly changing way.

Each day features a cultural program of music, dance, literature, theatre and visual art from all over the world.  Sustainable and pioneering eye catching architectural exhibits will be shown for the first time at Floriade 2012. Walk along thematic routes together with a guide or enjoy a bird’s eye view of the park from the 30 metre high cable car system, there is so much to see and do.  Floriade 2012 is a spectacular educational voyage of discovery for children too.

You can visit Floriade 2012 with Triangle Travel from £199 per person with departure dates between April and October. Price includes executive coach travel from a local departure point, 3 nights bed and breakfast and a full day’s entrance to Floriade 2012.

Nearest pick up points for our Three Branches: –

Pangbourne – Reading

Mortimer – Reading or Basingstoke

Wallingford – Didcot or Oxford

If you would like further information, please call 0844 854 6674 or email us.

Vienna Radisson Blu – A Client Review

As certain review sites are not "policed", good independent travel agents will try not to use these sites as they do not reflect a balanced review. So our knowledge depends on visiting hotels and resorts, but obviously this is not always possible, so we rely on feedback from our clients.

The review below was written by a client who booked through Triangle Travel in Pangbourne and he took time to write his thoughts.

"Hotel Radisson Blu is situated on Park Ring. We had a excellent room on the 08th Floor and although the view was limited,it was large with a sitting and sleeping area.

The staff were pleasant and helpful staff which made for a nice stay.

The food and beverage was very expensive.

Public transport from the airport to Wien Mitte worked well, by S-Bahn not CAT. The latter is much quicker into the city and is non-stop, but very much more costly. The ticket machines are easy to operate, and in several languages.

Almost everywhere English is spoken, and English appears alongside the German wherever one looks."

Fusion Maia Resort, Vietnam is claiming to be Asia's 1st All-inclusive spa resort, so when a colleague visited the hotel we could not wait to hear her thoughts and share them with you in the below blog; -

"I really loved Fusion Maia Resort and spent time getting to know the property, the concept as well as the competitors in the area. I spent over a week here and I have to say, I did not want to leave!  I really loved the resort and the staff, and got to understand all the little touches and thought that makes Fusion Maia so unique!

On arriving at Fusion Maia Resort, my initial thoughts were that it was very contemporary and had a relaxed ‘zen’ like feel to it.  I didn’t feel that the brochure and images did it justice.  The villas are fabulous – very contemporary and spacious with all modern facilities (including ipods and ipads in some villas). What’s more, all the villas have their own private pool and garden.  In fact, we have now decided to rename the pool suites as pool villas as they are as large and luxurious as many other pool villa properties in Asia and are equipped to a high and very modern standard.

The general manager, Michelle  Ford is excellent and a lovely person too She has developed a team that are encouraged to be creative and interact with guests. As a result, the staff have a happy approach to their work which reflects on how they are with guests.  She has a great team behind her (including 5 Europeans) and they all seem to love their jobs! All guests are assigned a Care Manager on arrival, otherwise known as Fusionists…someone who can be your main point of contact during your stay.

The real key selling point at Fusion Maia Resort is that all the spa treatments are included in the price!! Guests are guaranteed a minimum of two treatments per day each…and up to five pending availability. Amazing value for  a luxury villa property!  Also, breakfast can be taken anytime, anywhere at the resort…

They also have a 7 day natural living program which is organised by colour, theme, and aroma…  even the staff wear a different scarf according to the  theme of the day. (Feel Free * Eat Well * Be Social * Act Mindfully * Enjoy Nature * Be Active * Open Your Mind)

They also offer ideas meant to inspire new perspectives and activities to help you get in touch with yourself and the rich culture and nature around you.  Each day there are different activities offered  which may include a visit to the market, a cooking demonstration, a visit to a local orphanage or perhaps even a  lunch out with your Fusionist or another member of staff.  So, even if it rains, there are always various activities going on at Fusion Maia Resort every day. There is also a regular  free shuttle bus going to and from Hoi An which is only 20 minutes away. The Fusion Maia Resort also have now opened Fusion Lounge which is a restaurant located in Hoi An so great as a base for guests too. Even breakfast can be taken here!

I visited all the other 5* hotels  between Danang and Hoi An and whilst some were very nice my overall thoughts were that there is not  really anything that compares to Fusion Mai Resort in terms of the style, ethos and concept of inclusive spa treatments.

Fusion Maia Resort is the first opening of this exciting  luxury lifestyle brand in Vietnam. There will be two further properties opening up next year  under the second concept  – Alya. Fusion Alya, will focus on offering guests a gourmet experience and where all the food and gourmet experiences will be included in the price. There will also be a third concept launched – Fusion Zana which will focus on lifestyle and fashion.  In total, there are plans to open 7 or 8 Fusion Resorts throughout Vietnam over the next 3 years – each will be one of the three lifestyle concepts of Maia, Alya or Zana".

Prices start from £ 1,229 per person traveling in low season and £ 2039 per person in high season. Price Includes Return scheduled flights to Danang,7 nights accommodation in a Pool Suite inclusive of breakfast daily,2 x Daily spa treatments & return private airport transfers.

     How about combining Fusion Maia Resort with our Vietnam highlights tour which includes a night on a Junk boat.      If you would like to discuss Fusion Maia Resort with us or any other travel arrangements to Vietnam, please contact us on 0844 854 6674 or email us.

In our search to find the best ' Boutique hotels around the World ' we sent Sarah from Triangle Travel in Wallingford to Grenada to check out if the Calabash is one of the best ' Boutique hotels around the World '.

"It was mid- October, 31degrees, blue sky and sunny with fluffy white clouds and a warm breeze and I was on the beautiful Caribbean island of Grenada. Wow, how green the island looks with its abundance of spice and nutmeg plantations; it’s little wonder Grenada is known as the Spice Island of the Caribbean.

The island is 21 miles long and 12 miles wide and provides the perfect contrast to cosmopolitan Barbados. It’s also an excellent base in which to spend time after sailing through the Grenadines.

It’s an English speaking country and takes about 10 hours to get to via Barbados with BA or Virgin. At the moment ( Winter 2011) Monarch have a direct flight from Gatwick every Wednesday.

The journey from the airport to the Calabash took about 15 minutes by taxi. We were met on arrival by the extremely hospitable Manager Clive Barnes (the Barnes Beach Bar is named after him) and given a welcome drink. The rum punch was the best ever and went down well sitting in the rustic beach bar on L’Anse Aux Epines Beach.  We sat and watched the yachts in Prickly Bay and the guests having their diving lessons at the Calabash’s PADI dive Centre, ScubaTech. The Calabash offers their guests free non motorized water sports and their sunset boat trip to Clover Island is a must!

Calabash

The Calabash is a boutique hotel with the rooms set out in a horseshoe shape overlooking magnificent gardens and the beautiful L’Anse Aux Epines Beach. There are 30 suites in ten 2 storey cottages, offering contemporary luxury in a relaxed atmosphere. I had a Jacuzzi suite – a spacious modern room with all the luxuries you can imagine, as well as a very private terrace with my own plunge pool. I had a comfortable living room decorated in a clean contemporary style with all the latest technology, including a selection of DVDs and books. Double doors opened up into the bedroom which leads on to the bathroom with a large whirlpool bath. The terrace with the plunge pool had beautiful furniture and comfortable sun loungers and the high walls gave a real feeling of privacy.

The Calabash is renowned for its service and personal touches. I will always remember being served breakfast on my terrace overlooking the gardens and the Bay (all suites have two terraces, front and back). Breakfast is chosen the night before and your own personal maid then makes it and brings it to you on your private terrace. The canapés at sundown were also a lovely touch, delivered straight to your room every day. Complimentary afternoon tea is also served between 3pm and 5pm. Of course the big culinary highlight of a stay at the Calabash is eating in the Rhodes Restaurant which is overseen by Chef Gary Rhodes. This is a large open sided restaurant with silver service, candle lit tables and beautiful hanging flowers, using seasonal local produce to deliver world class meals. Not to be missed!

The Heaven and Earth Spa is a lovely way to spend a few hours, whether you have a massage or a tailor made therapy. The treatment rooms have floor to ceiling doors that open up over Prickly Bay and the turquoise Caribbean Sea, giving you complete relaxation.

I thought that this was an amazing 5 star hotel offering excellent service. All the staff are so polite and helpful with many working for the Garbutt family for many years – there is more than one member of staff per guest.  The food is exceptional and the setting very romantic, so ideal for honeymooners .The hotel suits couples who like modern luxury and a high standard of service. The rooms are exceptionally clean and attention has been paid to even the smallest detail. It’s relaxed and low key but the extra touches such as breakfast on your terrace and pre dinner canapés make it very special.

Gary Rhodes Restaurant

The Calabash is a hotel for those wanting a refined but relaxed atmosphere where nothing is too much trouble – everything is about the service. I would say that Calabash is definitely one of the best " Boutique hotels around the World ".

Prices start from £ 1,349 per person in low season and £ 2,399 in high season, based on 2 adults sharing a west side suite, including breakfast, return scheduled flights and private transfers.

Sarah from Triangle Travel in Wallingford, visited Grenada in October 2011. If you would like further information please call 0844 854 6674 or email us.

Does Cap Maison in St Lucia give the Calabash a run for its monies in the category of best " Boutique hotels around the World "? Why not read our report and make your own mind up.

What are the best " Boutique hotels around the World ", now that is a question. What makes a boutique hotel? Well we sent Sarah from Triangle Travel in Wallingford to check out if Cap Maison in St Lucia fits into the category and here is her review on what is being promoted as the "next hot thing in St Lucia".

I was so excited about going to St. Lucia – it was my first time to the Caribbean and I’d read all the brochures and online reports and couldn’t wait to form my own opinion.

We landed in the south of St. Lucia at Hewanorra International airport and a private car was waiting to take us to our hotel. I knew the transfer would take about an hour and a half but it was a good drive on reasonable roads. We travelled through banana plantations and thick forests of mahogany and bamboo until we arrived at Gros Islet in the north of St. Lucia.

Wow – we had arrived at our luxury boutique hotel, Cap Maison and we were greeted with cold flannels and pink champagne. No need for guest registration, this can be done in your own time at Cap Maison. The hotel is built in Mexican hacienda style with a touch of Moroccan décor and Caribbean luxury surrounded by exotic plants and winding pathways.

The Entrance to Cap Maison

My suite overlooked the Caribbean Sea, Pigeon Island and the scenic green coastline of the Cap Estate. Below was the infinity pool with its own waterfall, surrounded with sun loungers and beautiful decking. Next to the pool was the amazing open sided restaurant The Cliff at Cap – wow what amazing service and food. The small rocky island below the restaurant, ‘Rock Maison’ is covered in decking and linked to The Cliff by a short walk way. A table can be laid for dinner for a romantic meal for two with champagne and drinks served via a zip wire from the bar. The Cap Maison’s wine cellar is well worth a visit – the hotel can arrange wine tasting sessions or the cellar can be hired out for private dining.

Most rooms at Cap Maison can be made interconnecting catering well for extended families or friends. The villa suites have a huge living area with private plunge pool or the Jacuzzi suites have a Jacuzzi on the terrace over looking the landscaped gardens and the Caribbean Sea. They are all nicely decorated and cater for anyone looking for luxury with a relaxed atmosphere. The Acqua Di Parma toiletries, the lemon grass aromatherapy oils sprayed in the bedroom and the Egyptian cotton bedding with choice of pillows really made it special.

In my opinion Cap Maison is a true Boutique hotel and is "heaven on Earth".

How about combining Cap Maison with Eastwinds Inn in St Lucia? Or the small island of Bequia in St Vincent & the Grenadines?

Prices start from £ 1,650 per person in low season and £ 1,995 per person in high season based on 2 adults sharing a garden view room, including breakfast, return scheduled flights and private transfers.

Sarah from Triangle Travel, Wallingford wrote " Boutique hotels around the world " and travelled to St Lucia in October 2011. If you would like further information please call us on 0844 854 6674 or email us .

My destination was Young Island, a private island 400 metres off the coast of St. Vincent & The Grenadines.

It’s so laid back on the Island that you actually feel a million miles away from any other civilization, although the modern comforts cater well for your every need. The accommodation is set along the side of the island through rainforest (120 steps to mine, offering amazing views of Bequia and Mustique) and the rustic cottages offer complete privacy and escapism. The majority of the cottages have their own private plunge pool set amongst quite dense vegetation.

Young Island

Young Island is perfect for those looking for Robinson Crusoe style escapism. The hotel has a resort feel, with thatched rondavels for dining and cottage style accommodation. The beach is pale white sand and, although there are no water sports, there is a swim up bar in the sea about 5 metres off the beach. There are also hammocks dotted along the beach with trees for shade. You can charter a boat from Young Island to explore the other islands or just take the little boat over to St Vincent (it runs 24 hours a day on request and takes just 5 minutes).

The Clear Sea surronding Young Island.

Young Island makes its own bread and dinner in the thatched rondavels next to the beach is an experience not to be missed. This is a wonderfully laid back Caribbean escape in the middle of the beautiful Grenadines. If you are looking for a secluded and romantic paradise then Young Island is definitely worth a visit.

Prices start from £ 1,995 per person in low season and £ 2,215 in high season, based on 2 adults sharing a  superior room on full board including return scheduled flights and transfers.

Like Young Island, but would like a comparison? Why not read our blog on Bequia Island or Eastwinds Inn in St Lucia.  

Sarah from Triangle Travel in Wallingford travelled to Young Island in October 2011. If you would like any further information please do not hesitate to contact us on 0844 854 6674 or email us.

Travel to Bequia before the crowds arrive is my top tip for 2012.

Landing on the island of Bequia was an experience to say the least; such a small runway, it looked no different to a main road here! The airport was a small building with one man welcoming us off the plane, before running in to check our passports, before running over to become the customs officer! We grabbed our bags and climbed aboard our open air taxi truck.

My first impression was how green and hilly the island was. Bequia is 2 miles wide and 7 miles long with reasonable roads and a rugged coastline. The Grenadines is renowned for its sailing and you can hire yachts, catamarans or dinghies from almost anywhere on the island. It’s easy to see why they filmed the Pirates of the Caribbean here.

It took about 10 minutes to reach our hotel, Bequia Beach, and we were given a warm welcome from Carina the General Manager, along with the obligatory rum punch! Bequia Beach hotel is a luxury hideaway suitable for couples and families seeking un-commercialised Caribbean. It’s a resort style hotel with beachfront suites and villas, along with classic hotel rooms in the main building with views out over the sea. The Bagatelle Restaurant is located on the beach and although there are no beach parasols, there are sun loungers dotted along the beach shaded by the trees. The Bequia Beach has a relaxed and casual atmosphere and would certainly suit those looking to get away from it all. The hotel offers privacy and relaxation with its spa facilities whilst giving people the option to explore Bequia and The Grenadines.

Bequia Beach Hotel

It’s easy to get around Bequia as driving is on the same side as in the UK. Lower Bay has the best beach with white powder sand and gentle Caribbean waters.  Industry Bay is on the Atlantic coast and has the Turtle Sanctuary which is well worth a visit. Mount Pleasant is the highest point and has spectacular views out to Mustique.

Admiralty Bay is the largest town on Bequia and it is also the port used by the local ferries. Many of the smaller cruise ships such as Silversea, Star Clippers and Sea Dream dock in Admiralty Bay and send a tender in so that people can experience Bequia.

I took the ferry from Bequia to St Vincent and sat along with the locals – the trip took about an hour. St Vincent seemed positively busy compared with Bequia – the port of Kingstown has many different ferries going off all around The Grenadines. St Vincent is building an international airport and it should be ready by 2013 although that is Caribbean time! When completed it will make travel to Bequia simple.

7 nights at the Bequia Beach hotel starts at £ 1,395 per person in low season and £ 1,465 in high season based on 2 adults sharing a classic Garden view room, including continental breakfast, return scheduled flights, onward Grenadines Airways shared charter flights and transfers.

The Author of Travel to Bequia is Sarah Payne. If you would like further information on Bequia, please contact Sarah on 0844 854 6674 or email us.

The best beaches in the UK can be found not far from your front door. So if you are looking at staying at home this Year, why not read our guide to work out which one you want to visit.

Over 70 beaches in England have been awarded Blue Flag Status so there is no better reason to take a traditional English seaside holiday.

Picnics on the beach, building sandcastles, flying kites and rock pool fishing seem a thing of the past but more and more families are resurrecting these much loved activities.

3 of the best beaches:

Paignton Sands, Devon is the English Rivera’s longest beach and is a flat sandy beach where the water is perfect for paddling. Beach huts, deck chair hire, Punch & Judy style shows and traditional refreshment stops complete the seaside scene.

Scarborough, North Yorkshire consists of two bays – North Bay and South Bay. It is a safe and hygienic beach and has been awarded the prestigious Blue Flag status. There is no pier but a long stretch of arcades with Fish & Chip restaurants dotted in between; Harry Ramsdens being the best. There is a really good sea life centre here too for when the rain makes an appearance.

Newquay, Cornwall has a certain laid back charm and is an all year round seaside resort. Watergate Bay is great for surfers, Harbour Beach is ideal for parents with young children and Tolcarne Beach is perfect for families with children of all ages. This area is particularly great for lazy summer picnics on the beach and playing a game of Frisbee or cricket.

There are lots of accommodation options we can book for you, cottages, holiday parks, luxury hotels and everything in between. To see a small collection of what we can offer, click here or email us with your enquiry.

There is no reason not to make a weekend or week of it.So grab your bucket & spade and head down to some of the Best Beaches in the UK, today!!!!

The Best Beaches in the UK was written on 28th December 2011.