All Posts Categorized as "Travel"

Our Golf and Spa get-a-way in the beautiful Comox Valley was outstanding. Arriving at the Comox airport gave us a snow-meets-surf kind of vibe and I was wondering how great it would be to live here. We were met at the airport by Kevin and Pam from Ambassador Transportation for our transport to The Crown Isle Resort. What a great start, these people were so accommodating we felt so very welcome , they even made a detour so we could buy some supplies for our room, wine and beer that is and the odd snack.  Our rooms at The Crown Isle Resort were roomy, comfortable and well appointed, we all had great views and balconies. The onsite restaurant served good food and ample portions, Beau, one of the waiters looked after our group very well. After an early check in for most of us and a bite of lunch we headed out for the Kingfisher Hydropath, my Vancouver Island Valhalla. When we arrived we explored the spa grounds, beach and enjoyed the wonderful gardens and flowers, we were sure the flowers were on steroids. We changed into our swimsuits, put on our robes and had time to take a dip in the heated outdoor pool and hot tub and checked out the sauna and steam cave before being led into the Hydropath.
We descended into what felt like an underwater sea cave and followed an indoor circuit of wellness pools. We encountered soothing mineral baths, a waterfall grotto, a scent-infused steam cave, stimulating glacial waterfall (optional!) and more. My favourite ‘station’ was the collection of four human-size tidal pools. We exfoliated and invigorated with a sand and seaweed body scrub which was presented on large scallop shell. Is this what it feels like to be a mermaid? Following the Hydropath we could relax on loungers in a tranquil room overlooking the ocean; it’s pure bliss.
By now we have worked up an appetite, so it was only appropriate to dine on locally sourced fish and fare at Kingfisher’s Ocean7 Restaurant before returning to the resort. We also got to enjoy the Serenity Gardens which were absolutely stunning. In the centre courtyard, there are ponds, streams, beautiful landscaping and winding pathways. Adirondack chairs and gas fire bowls are found throughout the gardens, a wonderful sanctuary to take in the natural panoramic ocean views, passing boats and soaring eagles.
The golf was great and we enjoyed unobstructed views of the Comox Glacier and Beaufort Mountain Range and beautifully groomed gardens and flowers when we were golfing. We played The Crown Isle 18-hole, par 72 award winning course in Courtenay twice and some also played Glacier Greens 18-hole championship course located in Comox
The free day was spent by many people doing many different things. Fifth Street is the local shopping mecca where you can find zany gift shops, timeless book stores, wilderness outfitters, cottage-chic home stores, on point fashions, eclectic coffee shops, restaurants and everything in between. Thanks to Lori Laily’s intel four of us went to the Art and Blooms Festival which was so unique and a perfect time to visit the gardens as many of the more than 3,500 rhododendrons and wildflowers were in full bloom. We enjoyed a fantastic display of work by artists and artisans who set up their booths throughout the nearly 24 acres of informal gardens.
As we strolled the many pathways, enjoying the blossoms and relaxed atmosphere, we discovered an eclectic mix of paintings, photography, pottery, works in wood, stone, metal, along with fabrics, jewellery and unique pieces that can add a touch of art to our gardens.
We dined at some outstanding restaurants and the gourmet fresh local food was a treat. The Black Fin Pub had outstanding oceanfront views and their Banana coconut cod breaded with crushed banana chips, toasted coconut, and mango curry cream was exceptional. Another gem was Locals, it is like an old english cottage situated on the  river with pretty gardens complete with black rabbits. The woodwork is amazing, absolutely beautiful. The food was scrumptious especially the deserts, here were so many choices it was hard to choose.
This location truly is outstanding and we were so fortunate to have the weather gods on our side as we enjoyed sunny skies and warm temperatures.

Kuala Lumpur is the capital city of Malaysia, boasting gleaming skyscrapers, colonial architecture, charming locals, and a myriad of natural attractions. The Malaysian capital is known for its multicultural community, which mainly consists of Malay, Indian, and Chinese residents. KL is widely recognised for numerous landmarks, including Petronas Twin Towers (the world’s tallest twin skyscrapers), Petaling Street flea market, and Batu Caves, which is over 400 million years old. There are expansive shopping malls like Pavilion KL and Suria KLCC hosting a wide range of upmarket labels from all over the world. There is also the abundance of gastronomic delights – with thousands of hawker stalls, cafes, and restaurants serving every imaginable type of delicacies.
The Saujana Hotel is in the midst of lush tropical gardens with views of the lake or the golf courses. There are two 18 hole courses The Runga Raya and Palm. The Palm Course was carved out of the rugged terrain of a former oil palm plantation and is characterised by dense patches of palms along the fairways and numerous bunkers. The terrain is quite rugged with water coming into play on at least seven of the holes. With the nickname of “The Cobra” this course can be deadly to the scorecards of any golfer. You might get “bitten” as early as the par-3. 2nd which is rated the most difficult par 3 in the country. Miss the green and at best you end up in one of the deep bunkers or if you really get it wrong then your ball could end up in the thick jungle. Even if you do make the green the severe borrows and undulations make a 3-putt almost inevitable. The 6th is one of the toughest on the course with a severely sloping fairway with trees either side and its length requires a long iron or rescue club to a protected green. The 13th is a par-5 which is reachable in two, so they say,  but with an island green you need to very brave to attempt this. Sure sounds like we had better have saved a few balls for this challenge.

Our Turkish adventure combines history, man-made wonders and natural phenomena as well as a vibrant and welcoming culture. We begin our trip in Istanbul where East meets West. Explore Istanbul’s buzzing contemporary art scene and roam the palaces and mosques before journeying into the bizarre Cappadocia. We will be amazed at the bizarre rock formations and will stay in a cave hotel. A unique golf experience awaits us in Antaya, the Turkish Riviera, where stunning scenery and ancient history abide. Sail a gulet along the Turkey’s turquoise coast, moor up to an idylic bay or snorkle in the crystal clear waters of the Mediterranean. We also experience the amazing white cliff waterfalls of Pamukkale and we can take a dip in the natural hot springs. We will also check out Ephesus, one of the greatest Graeco-Roman sites in the world. Join us to experience a richly historical land with some of the best cuisine you will ever taste, one of the world’s greatest cities and scenery from white-sand beaches to soaring mountains.