Maldives, officially the Republic of Maldives, is an archipelagic country located in Southern Asia, situated in the Indian Ocean. It lies southwest of Sri Lanka and India, about 750 kilometres from the Asian continent’s mainland.
The Maldives is one of the world’s most picture-perfect luxury travel destinations. To experience the idyllic tropical scenes you’ve no doubt admired, the best time to visit the Maldives is in the “dry season” from December to April.
This place is a real-life desert-island fantasy and it’s our top pick for a luxury destination. Crystal clear lagoons and frosted white-sand beaches come as standard, while bespoke experiences-for-two like candlelit dinners and private sandbank picnics make it easy to ramp up the romance.
Though there’s loads to do in the Maldives, it is true that there is no place on earth better suited to doing nothing. This is not a sightseeing destination – unless spotting a hammerhead or a whale shark in their natural habitat. Instead, you can savour the silence of the reef, the hushed wind combing through the coconut palms and nature’s natural rhythms on your solitary island paradise
Santorini is the supermodel of the Greek islands, a head-turner whose face is instantly recognisable around the world and is a number one summer destination to visit.
Santorini is one of the Cyclades islands in the Aegean Sea. It was devastated by a volcanic eruption in the 16th century BC, forever shaping its rugged landscape. The whitewashed, cubiform houses of its 2 principal towns, Fira and Oia, cling to cliffs above an underwater caldera (crater). They overlook the sea, small islands to the west and beaches made up of black, red and white lava pebbles.
With its reputation for dazzling panoramas, romantic sunsets and volcanic-sand beaches, it’s hardly surprising Santorini features on so many bucket lists for people. The hotels are incomparable, breath taking beauty, amazing weather, easy to get there and many attractions and is relatively close to other Greek islands.
Things to do:
The islands interior is dotted with vineyards and traditional villages that let you see beyond the tourist hustle. Make a stop in Pyrgos for great eats and a wander through the charming backstreets.
There are many tours and activities including visits to the volcano by boat or jet ski, bus rides around the island and visits to the most beautiful places such as Oia village, the Red beach, the ancient site of Akrotiri and more. You will also find in this sections a selection with the best restaurants, café, bars and wineries.
If you’re looking for a vibrant atmosphere in which to entertain, this highly sought-after restaurant is a must on both Ladies’ Day and Grand National Day.
Sunloch is perfect for those wishing to socialise whilst enjoying a delicious four course meal, selected wines and a traditional Cream Tea. Based on the first floor of the Lord Sefton Grandstand, you will have impressive views of the iconic racecourse, with the added benefit of a balcony overlooking the Pre-Parade Ring and Winners’ Enclosure. Sunloch Restaurant Package Includes
Premier course admission to Lord Sefton Grandstand Private balcony overlooking world famous Grand National course Balcony overlooking the Pre-Parade Ring and Winners’ Enclosure Four-course meal served with selected wines Traditional Cream Tea Full complimentary bar including house beer, wine, spirits & soft drinks Complimentary racecard Complimentary car parking 1:4 Private tote betting Restaurant entertainment Dress code – smart casual The Prices
Thursday 7th April n/a Friday 8th April £429.00 Saturday 9th April £655.00 All prices are Per Person +VAT and are subject to change.
Sunloch Club
Experience the opening day of the Grand National Festival in style with a place in Sunloch Club. The restaurant, which overlooks the Course and the Parade Ring, is a popular choice for racing fans and couples alike.
With private dining tables, for a more intimate and personal affair, this is the ideal location for smaller groups and couples. Enjoy a tantalising three-course buffet lunch and a traditional Cream Tea within a relaxed environment, ensuring this is a special and memorable hospitality experience. Sunloch Club Package Includes
Premier course admission to Lord Sefton Grandstand Private balcony overlooking world famous Grand National course Balcony overlooking the Pre-Parade Ring and Winners’ Enclosure Three-course buffet lunch Traditional Cream Tea Private cash bar with table service Complimentary racecard Complimentary car parking 1:4 Private tote betting Dress code – smart casual The Prices
Thursday 7th April £289.00 Friday 8th April n/a Saturday 9th April n/a All prices are Per Person +VAT and are subject to change.
The Dine & View Restaurant is situated on the top floor Lord Sefton Stand with private tables for 10 guests. Guests can enjoy unsurpassed views of the racecourse from the undercover balcony and top class dining in one of the most sought after facilities on the racecourse. Package Includes
VIP car parking (1:4) Premier course admission through the VIP entrance Private balcony with prime undercover viewing of the famous racecourse Morning Coffee and pastries on arrival Champagne reception Exquisite four-course lunch, served with selected wines Traditional Afternoon Tea Complimentary bar serving selected spirits, beers, wines and soft drinks TV coverage of the racing Private cloakrooms Complimentary racecard Private tote betting Dress code – strictly smart, Jacket and tie for gentlemen, smart dress for ladies Dine & View Restaurant The Prices
Thursday 7th April £449.00 Friday 8th April £549.00 Saturday 9th April £849.00 All prices are Per Person +VAT and are subject to change.
There is no finer way to host clients or indulge colleagues, friends and family than in a private box at Aintree. You could be there to witness the drama unfold as the heroes cross the Winning Post at The Randox Grand National Festival.
The Lord Sefton Stand Boxes are one of the most prestigious facilities on the Racecourse and offer a Private Balcony with a birds eye view over the entire course from their fourth floor location. These boxes can be taken exclusively for 20 or 40. Package Includes
VIP car parking (1:4) Premier course admission through the VIP entrance Private balcony with prime undercover viewing of the famous racecourse Morning Coffee and pastries on arrival Champagne reception Exquisite four-course lunch, served with selected wines Traditional Afternoon Tea Complimentary bar serving selected spirits, beers, wines and soft drinks TV coverage of the racing Private cloakrooms Complimentary racecard Private tote betting Dress code – strictly smart, Jacket and tie for gentlemen, smart dress for ladies Lord Sefton Stand Boxes The Prices
Thursday 7th April £449.00 Friday 8th April £549.00 Saturday 9th April £849.00 All prices are Per Person +VAT and are subject to change.
Sandals and Beaches Resorts unveils new corporate e-Gift Card for Luxury Incentive Experiences
20th October 2020: Sandals and Beaches Resorts has revealed a new e-Gift Card for luxury incentive experiences, offering corporate businesses the chance to incentivise, reward and recognise their employees and customers during the challenges of the Covid-19 era.
Aware that larger-scale overseas incentive trips may not be feasible for lots of companies right now, the new e-Gift Card has been designed by Sandals and Beaches Resorts as an alternative way to offer corporate businesses flexibility to reward their staff and customers, motivate teams and drive sales with a once-in-a-lifetime reward.
Available in multiple denominations from £1,000 to £5,000, the new e-Gift Cards can be redeemed against holidays to any of the 18 different Sandals and Beaches resorts in Barbados, Antigua, Grenada, St Lucia, Jamaica, The Bahamas and the Turks & Caicos islands though Sandals and Beaches Resorts’ UK tour operator, Unique Caribbean Holidays Ltd. (UCHL). This gives corporate businesses the flexibility to choose which resort to book, whether to part-pay for a customer or employee trip, or to pay for a trip in full if they wish to, building an incentive programme for individuals to enjoy.
For nearly 40 years, Sandals and Beaches Resorts has continuously implemented and strengthened health and safety protocols to ensure guests can enjoy their visit to the Caribbean worry-free. The Company recently introduced extensive Platinum Protocols of Cleanliness to build on the already industry-leading practices to guarantee cleanliness standards and health and safety amidst Covid-19.
For more information on Sandals and Beaches Resorts’ new Corporate e-Gift Card email cw@connectionstravel.co.uk
…”Being a compact country with an incredibly diverse geography there’s so much to offer outside; sailing, speedboats, whitewater rafting, bike-riding, locally produced wine tasting, skiing, tuk-tuk tours, and outstanding beaches. Montenegro’s history is rich and fascinating making it a perfect blend of culture, relaxation, and adrenaline”
This marks the first of a series of spotlight pieces on Hotel and Conference Centres we are starting here at Connections to give our clients and audience an alternative from the normal and what else is out there.
We start with The InterContinental Malta, located in St. George’s Bay St. Julian’s, only 20 minutes away from the Malta International Airport and 10 minutes away from Valletta it has some un spoilt views of the mediterranean.
Now Malta has a lot to offer being located in the heart of the Mediterranean, 90 kilometers south of Italy. The island benefits from easy access from major European Gateways (1 hour flight from Rome, 2 ½ hour flight from Frankfurt, 3 hour flight from London). Vast airline network makes it very well connected, carriers include; Air Malta, Lufthansa, Alitalia, Emirates, British Airways, Turkish Airlines, Brussels Airlines and SAS as well as Ryanair, Vueling, and Easyjet. Political and economic stability. Temperate climate all year round and not to mention 3 UNESCO World heritage sites and varied cultural influences including Phoenician, Greek, Roman, Arab, Castilian, French and British.
The Hotel
The InterContinental boasts 481 guest rooms made up of 376 Deluxe Rooms and 50 Club Rooms and they also have 55 suites which incorporate 30 of their new Highline suites which is the islands premier luxury product. Along with the Club InterContinental lounge that comes with top class butlers and bespoke amenities and the SKYBEACH infinity pool all aimed at high end clientele.
They also have 6000 sq meters of conference and event space made up predominantly of their revamped 3600 sq meter conference hall and exhibition space. Along with 9 restaurants and bars with outdoor solutions for up to 1000 people and not to mention the InterContinental Private Beach Club with sandy beaches right on the Med.
Meeting & Conference Space
As mentioned the hotel has 6000 square meters of meeting and exhibition space, including the newly refurbished 3600 square meter arena. However it also has a 1215 square meter plenary boasting an 8.5 meter ceiling height as well as 24 individual meeting rooms that are all self-sufficient and serviced by a fully functional conference centre equipped with all the latest AV requirements needed. It also has the capacity for a 960 seated gala dinner and has 12 cinema suites with a capacity of up 700 people adjacent to the hotel.
Hospitality & Facilities
The hotel has 9 restaurant bars on site with a diverse selection of cuisine including Mediterranean, Maltese and contemporary. There are a range of locations including the seaside, rooftop and garden with capacities ranging from 60 to 1000 people. Then there are also the onsite facilities including the private sandy beach, 10th floor panoramic outdoor pool, the SKYBEACH & SKYHIGH, the heated indoor swimming pool including the sauna and steam room, the Spa and wellness centre encompassing authentic Turkish Hamam and the islands largest fitness centre Cynergi, a state of the art fully equipped gymnasium including squash courts, aerobic studios and cardio alternatives.
Excursions
Now if all of the above isn’t enough for you then Malta has some amazing excursions on offer including a fascinating Comino Island and Blue Lagoon Cruise, 4X4 Tour of Gozo Island or even an e-bike tour of the capital Valletta the island offers so much.
MICE Incentive
If all of the above wasn’t enough incentive to choose Malta as your next destination then maybe this will. The Malta Tourism Authority have launched a new incentive scheme to welcome back international conference and event delegates to the island. For more information on this you can read the update from the Authority here – Malta MICE Incentive Scheme
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The 14 day Quarantine period for visiting Portugal has now been lifted and visitors and delegates alike are being warmly welcomed to the three very different and beautiful regions of this fine country.
To the North there is Porto and the Douro valley region famed for its production of delicious wines and the esteemed and famous Port. Porto and its near neighbour Gaia on the opposite banks of the river have much to offer in terms of Luxury travel and polished corporate events. Connections have many contacts within the local Convention Bureau and experience of the many superb hotels and beautiful venues that make this ancient city so venerable.The discerning factors of hosting an event here are centred around the epicurean possibilities with the very high standards of fresh food, wine and service. The delay in the releasing the Quarantine period has left many hotels feeling the pinch in terms of occupancy so even better rates are currently available – Porto represents an excellent and very economical choice of destination.
In the middle of the country and only an hour or so by road from Porto is Lisbon – Portugal’s hilly, coastal capital city. From the imposing São Jorge Castle, the view encompasses the old city’s pastel-colored buildings, the Tagus Estuary and the Ponte 25 de Abril suspension bridge. Nearby, the National Azulejo Museum displays 5 centuries of decorative ceramic tiles and just outside Lisbon is a string of Atlantic beaches, from Cascais to Estoril. The historic and vibrant culture is alive in the Old Town and is centred around the arts, Music and Food and Wine. Its an eclectic mix of ancient and modern and as a destination for a long weekend Lisbon has few peers in Europe. There are many and regular direct flights from the UK and very high standards of hospitality and service awaits and very reasonable prices.
On the South coast lies the region of The Algarve centred around the airport city of Faro. This is a sensational part of the world and is seemingly one long golden beach backed by bronze cliffs and fringed by scented pine trees. Dotted with world class golf courses and 5/6 star resorts and hotels this area is a playground for travellers that enjoy luxury without the encumberment of snobbery and high prices.
A specific favourite destination of the Connections family and clients – the Conrad Algarve- lies in the beautiful playground of Quinta Do Lago a mere 20 minutes from Faro Airport that has many direct flights from the UK on a daily basis.
Room rates are currently negotiable. If you would like a few days in Portugal with your Sales Team, your Dealer Principles or your Top Achievers then call or email us today for a free, fully costed and detailed proposal obligation free.