Think Vintage, not old and unfashionable

Picture this if you will, you have just arrived at the truly charming and delightful “holiday villa” you booked through “Select holiday villas”. You swing your milk bottle white pins from the chauffeur driven limo you hired, because you are pushing the boat out this holiday and doing it all style and head towards the imposing and awe-inspiring entrance, ready to be greeted by the on hand butler.

You turn around, just as the porter has reached into the boot of the limo and there, on the stair, you die a thousand deaths. Why? Because surrounded by picturesque views, exquisite gardens and a striking “holiday villa”, your luggage stands out like a great big fat sore thumb. Imagine turning up to a cocktail party in a shell suit…. Just like that!

Darlings… if you are going to do something, do it in style I say!

Investing in luggage takes a lot of planning. The word invest is paramount in that sentence, don’t be taken in by the cheap prices from the high street stores. Luggage is one area where it really does pay to spend a little more on quality merchandise.

Aside from the ridiculous inventions, the suitcase bike or the luggage set that turns into a bookcase, I would suggest sticking to a firm favourite and market leader and choosing something from the Samsonite vintage collection; it’s very titanic or a little more upmarket and trendy in the form of the lime green Camden town collection. Its super shiny hard casing looks like it may need a little turtle wax every now and then to keep it in tip top condition, but believe me when I say, it aids the confidence a lot when the porter makes that stretch into the boot.

The vintage collection on the other hand is exquisite and will make you feel attractive, together, stunning and every other powerful word that epitomises happiness for any female. That, alongside the holiday in one of the astonishing finds from “Select holiday villas” and you will feel like a movie star! Only you don’t have to appear in a blockbuster film or try and claw 15 minutes of fame from a reality TV show in order to obtain this lifestyle. Looking into a “holiday villa rental” and investing in new luggage of course, will give you a whole new lease of life. There are so many destinations to choose from, you are literally spoilt of choice. The life of luxury, can be yours, even if it is just for a week, it will be worth it.

Written by Joanna Saywell-Lee

Perfection in Coral Bay

Whatever the season, whatever the month, Cyprus has it all! An avid fan of this remarkable European gem that nestles in the heart of the Mediterranean, my parents make a regular pit stop to Coral Bay at least twice a year.

Swearing by the months of May and September, they have been visiting this picturesque island for over 8 years, having firmly ensconced themselves in the relaxed way of life for at least 20 days a year. When they return, they are the epitome of serenity and calm which lasts all of about 5 minutes once they have dealt with baggage reclaim at Heathrow on the return journey, but there we go, that’s life unfortunately.

Cyprus doesn’t immediately spring to mind when you think of romantic destinations, unlike the stereotypical gondola in Venice or lunch at the Eiffel tower in Paris, but frankly, Coral Bay seems to relight the fires of my folks and it warms the cockles of your heart to see their little tanned in love faces when they get back!

Both of them hold down incredibly responsible and stressful jobs and given the choice, would always opt for 5* luxury hotel accommodation in any other destination, except for Cyprus. They love the freedom that comes from renting a villa or apartment but don’t think for one minute that it isn’t the height of indulgence.

Select Holiday Villas has a choice of magnificent executive rentals only 30 minutes from Pathos airport and the lavish interior will leave you in the midst of your very own vacation fairytale. Sleeping up to six people, it means that the whole family can get away and experience a little bit of how the other half live.

Overlooking the sensational views of the Mediterranean and surrounded by opulent detailing, you won’t regret making Cyprus your next port of call. Glorious sun, fine sandy beaches and an island good enough for Aphrodite is only 5 hours away from shivery Blighty.

Taking charge of a holiday rental home also enables you to schedule your own day however you choose. After a little too much ouzo and letting your hair down, a lie in might be just what the doctor ordered, however, don’t let the opportunities to explore the Cypriot vineyards, museums and ancient ruins pass you by, the sights and smells and sounds of this beautiful island are not to be missed. If that isn’t enough, the food is scrumptious, mouth-watering and tasty and you will miss the service, when you get back home!

Barbados - Man!

If you ever fulfil a lifelong dream and get yourself to Barbados, I would love to find out if the carvings I etched out in a sturdy aloe Vera plant in the wilderness will still be there. I remember engraving the words Jo was ere 2005, I know what you are thinking, she’s no Walt Whitman. Thankfully, the literary fairy has been much more inspirational in recent years.

Barbados, in my opinion, is the best holiday I have ever had. I took advantage of a special offer on flights and made a reservation for a “holiday rental home”, if I remember rightly, we made the 8 ½ hour flight at the beginning of October and were only residing on the 14 miles wide x 21 miles long island for a seven days. Now affectionately remembered in my heart as the best tan, best weather, best beaches, best people, best beer and just plain besterest week of all my vacation experiences.

The people in Barbados, aside from all owning about 30 dogs each, are quite evidently intelligent, polite and above all, hilarious. The great sense of humour they all possess means, that all of your excursions are extra specially memorable.

My favourite day out was a brief taxi ride to explore the under ground caverns called “Harrisons Caves”. We tried to have a little peek a day or so earlier, but the workers were on strike, a regular occurrence by all accounts. The sights are breathtaking with waterfalls and deep turquoise pools not to mention the exhilaration from taking in the stalactites and stalagmites from the safety of your tram!

The other unforgettable experience was to join in for Fish Friday. It will sound totally depressing, but let me assure you that it was an incredible night and one that I remember with total joy forever. As you pull up, it seems like an empty outside car park, open to the elements and surrounded by little huts all selling their wares. Everyone drinks the famous Banks beer and why the hell not, it’s delicious and after you have filled up on fresh fish and chips, you can take to the tarmac to get your groove on. The DJ, undercover, thankfully, was not exposed to the torrential downpour of rain!!!! But no one and I really mean no one cared! The drenched hair became the new fashion statement and you weren’t anyone unless you were sporting dripping wet hair that seemed to stick to your face as you danced.

Barbados for me is somewhere I have no hesitation in recommending. I promise you, rent one of the luxurious properties from “Select Holiday Villas”, book for at least two weeks, lay back in soft white sands and turquoise waters and make sand angels…. You will not regret it!
Written by: Joanna Saywell-Lee