Not only was this a wonderful opportunity to escape the city to a tropical Island for the weekend….. but this resort was rated #1 Hotel in Thailand, 2019 Travellers’ Choice on Trip Advisor! I couldn’t wait!

When organising a holiday, there are some important things that Mosaic Travel look for in accomodation before reserving it for you, and I’m pleased to say… Pimalai had the lot!

Service

One of the most important things to Mosaic is how our clients are looked after when they’re away from home. Service counts! We choose trusted suppliers to ensure you’re looked after when in our care.

From the moment we landed in Koh Lanta, Pimalai were they to take care of us! A representative met with us in the arrivals hall who lead us to the comfortable air-conditioned van to take us to the pier. It was now time for a speed boat to the Island!

As we approached the main pier, the long queues became visible and I thought with dread “this is going to take forever!”. Worry not! Our driver veered off the main road, down a small lane to the private, Pimalai jetty. The boat transfer was just for us and ready to go as soon as we were given our iced water! 

Now that’s great service!

Once on the Island, we found another air-conditioned van waiting for us and were briskly taken to the resort!

Location

Once you arrive at your destination, the last thing you want to do is trek back and forth from your hotel to the best parts of the area. The location of your hotel is something that can make or break your stay and something that we look into at great lengths.

Overlooking their own private beach and surrounded by lush, tropical jungle, Pimalai had the best of both worlds. It had everything you could want for a holiday on a tropical, Thai Island, complete with monkeys, geckos and other wildlife!

Facilities

The facilities at your hotel work together with other components to enhance your stay and ensure your time (and money) is well spent.

Pimalai featured an array of dining options, swimming pools, luxury day spa and sporting activities but none caught my eye quite like the beach activities! I passed by the stand up paddle boards and catamaran before deciding: it was time to go boogie boarding!

Giving guests access to these different activities is quite unique at a hotel, and made for an extremely fun and memorable experience.

Extra Touches

When a hotel goes beyond their duty of hosting, you can really feel the difference. It makes them stand out and you instantly feel welcomed, and at ease.

This is where Pimalai excelled!

-Iced water served by the pool and beach (perfect after a spot of boogie boarding!)

-A reusable beach bag for the duration of our stay

-Organic, relaxation tea and biscuits presented during turn down service

-Classes to learn local specialties including massage and cooking

-Eco minded touches throughout the resort

These were all very thoughtful gestures that align with how we want Mosaic travellers to be treated while on holiday.

This resort had gone above and beyond to ensure all guests had a luxurious stay here, and they certainly had a very happy Mosaic Traveller!

To book your next luxury escape, call Rosie at Mosaic Travel on (03) 5275 4583

The post What does Mosaic look for in a hotel? appeared first on Mosaic Travel.

Expect to be amazed and overawed: your Antarctica expedition is going to be purely magical.

In Antarctica, expect the unexpected

There’s no such thing as a “typical day” in Antarctica, and that’s because Antarctica isn’t your typical destination!

The land of snow and pack ice, freezing winds and strong currents is a land that’s defined by nature, seasonal differences and daily – sometimes, hourly – climatic changes.

All Antarctic expedition cruises follow an ‘intended route’ with pre-determined landing points, but, on the actual day, anything is possible. But never fear, Antarctic expedition crews are outstandingly experienced: when a specific landing site becomes inaccessible, they will simply find another!

On a fabulous day, you can enjoy between 2 (standard) and 4 landings. On bad days, you won’t be able to set foot on land at all. In this case, you’ll get to enjoy the phenomenal spectacle from the comfort and warmth of your expedition ship instead. Let us assure you, this is not a bad compromise!

One day in a truly extraordinary place –what an average (and flexible) day in Antarctica will entail:

Early wake-up!

The sound of the anchor descending into the frosty depths of the Arctic waters is usually your wake-up call at around 5am. Expedition ships do most of their travelling at night, rocking you (sort of) gently to sleep while driving you to a beautiful spot. If you’re an early riser you can head up to the deck to soak up the views, grab a hot cup of coffee and a freshly-baked muffin to tide you over until breakfast. If not, lounge in bed a little longer until breakfast is served.

7-8am Breakfast Time

Breakfast is usually served buffet-style, with a choice of cold and hot treats. Make sure you fill up as you’ll need plenty of energy today!

There’s always a wonderful, excited vibe in the air at brekky time, as everyone anticipates the delights to be seen and experienced. Make sure you leave plenty of time to get changed into your excursion gear: the action starts pronto!

8-11.30am First On-land Excursion

Don your rubber boots and extra-warm jacket, step on the gangplank and take a crewmember’s hand to get on the Zodiac (rubber ducky) that’ll take you ashore.

After the first few days, the group will have the line-up and hop-on process down to a fine art!

If you weren’t fully awake at breakfast time, you certainly will be when the freezing Antarctic wind hits your face at double-speed! Perhaps you’ll have a colony of penguins awaiting your arrival or maybe a whale will escort you there. No time to ponder though, the boats must zip back and forth to make sure every guest is on land in a jiffy to maximise their excursion time.

Your activities here will depend on where you are but typically, you’ll have a couple of hours to explore, take plenty of photos of waddling penguins and sunbathing seals then walk to a nearby vantage point to soak up sweeping views.

11.30am – 1.30pm Lunch is Served

You’re surprisingly hungry again. How does that happen? Lunch is served and you tuck into a delicious lamb steak, expertly grilled by the crew on the back-deck BBQ.

As you sit back and relax, reliving your morning wildlife encounters, you order a glass of Argentinian vino as you hear the anchor being retracted. The ship begins its short voyage to your next landing spot.

You’ve heard that life in Antarctica is tough…..but not from where you’re sitting!

1.30 – 3.30pm Second On-land Excursion

Time to put that outer gear on again: it’s second landing time!

This afternoon, you’ll visit a scientific research station where you’ll get to meet some of the crew and learn about life in this beautiful but brutal environmental. They’ll share details of the work they carry out here so you can learn more about the importance of this amazing continent and the implications of the research that’s carried out.

3.30-7pm Relaxing Afternoon

Back on board your expedition ship, the Captain announces that there will be no more landings for the day. You change into your comfortable clothes and either take your book to the library for some downtime, join the excellent lecture on Antarctic history in the lecture room or, perhaps, sit on the back deck as the ship begins to move, just to soak up the sights of Antarctica gliding right past you.

6pm Sunset

If you visit Antarctica at a time of year where the sun actually sets, this is the most magical moment of all, and one your Captain will not miss!

Your ship negotiates a narrow channel, flanked on both sides by steep icy cliffs where leopard seals sleep. They’ve noticed your arrival and keep their eyes on you as you spot a humpback whale breaching a short distance away.

The horizon and landscape turn a dusty shade of pink, then a fiery red as you feel the temperature drop. But you wouldn’t think of going inside now – the show is magnificent and you don’t want to miss a mere moment.

7-8.30pm Dinner is Served

Your a-la-carte dinner tonight includes a decadent crème brûlée for dessert which you enjoy while swapping stories and photos of the day’s outings with other passengers. 

Later, attend the after-dinner lecture about penguins, watch a movie in the common lounge or retire to the lounge bar with your newfound friends.

How to get there

Most Antarctic expeditions depart from Ushuaia, Argentina –  the Southern tip of South America –  although a few times every summer, special expeditions depart from Hobart, Tasmania!

These trips are longer (having three times the amount of distance to cover) and more costly given the added fuel and time needed, but are also much more immersive, taking guests to the remote Eastern side of the Antarctic Peninsula, where other ships don’t go.

Depending on your ship, it will carry between 100-200 guests and can offer anything from a pool, spa, sauna and fitness centre to a hair salon and casino!

Chose an adventure style cruise offering camping and kayaking, or a more relaxing cruise including Turkish hammam (yes please!) and theatre room!

No matter which way you chose to travel, a trip to Antarctica is unlike anything else and one you won’t forget. With climate change affecting this continent rapidly, what better time then now to visit this magical wonder!

To book an incredible Antarctic cruise, call Rosie at Mosaic Travel on (03) 5275 4583

The post Expedition Antarctic – What To Expect on an Antarctic Cruise appeared first on Mosaic Travel.

Best accessed by helicopter, the Islands only resort is “Orpheus Island Lodge”. Capping the number of guests at 28, this an exclusive escape – talk about private!

With a warm tropical climate, Orpheus provides an average temperature of 27°C year-round. The water temperature varies between 21°C in the winter and 29°C in the summer making it ideal for exploring the coral reefs at your doorstep.

The Island

Orpheus Island is one of the 13 Islands that belong to “The Palm Island Group” located 20km off the Queensland coast (between Magnetic and Hinchinbrook Islands).

Declared a national park in 1960, most of the island is controlled by the Queensland National Parks and Wildlife Service. It’s mostly made up of dry woodlands filled with wattles and huge Morton bay ash trees. Explore the island to find scattered rainforest, wetlands and mangroves and keep your eyes out for geckos and echindas!

Located in one of the seven natural wonders of the world, this Island is only home to Orpheus Island Lodge and a James Cook University research station and lab.

Researchers visit the “state of the art” lab to study the hundreds of species of fish and corals, and the stunning national park. They’re helped by VCE biology students who visit each year to learn about climate change, rising sea levels, and environmental impacts. They’re also open for visitors! Just contact the University in advance. 

How to get there

Take a 30min helicopter journey from Townsville over the picturesque coral-studded sea, or a 90 minute flight from Cairns.

Alternatively, join a day trip that cruises through the Palm Island Group and gives you plenty of time to swim, snorkel and explore.

The Reef

Orpheus is home to 1100 of the Great Barrier Reef’s 1500 species of fish and 340 of the 359 varieties of hard corals giving you the opportunity to see the best that the GBR has to offer! If you’re wanting to see even more, the Island is in close proximity to outer reefs where you can dive with green turtles, bull rays and reef sharks.

If you’re lucky, you may even see the Humpback whale migration from late June to mid September!

The Accommodation

Right on the beach, the Island is home to only one resort – Orpheus Island Lodge.

An all-inclusive, luxury resort (complete with infinity pool) with a focus on the environment: They actively minimise their footprint as much as possible, and have a sustainable veggie patch, solar hot water and a waste water treatment plant.

Staying here, all of your chef prepared meals are provided along with beer, wine, soft drink and snacks. Try yoga, fishing, kayaking, stand up paddle boarding, all on the house! Know how to sail a catamaran? Take one out for the day!

Everything you could want is provided here.

Convenience

Bordered by coral reefs, Orpheus is a haven for snorkelling and diving.

Want a change of scenery? Day trip to Australia’s largest Island national park “Hinchinbrook Island” and be wowed by beautiful waterfalls, secluded beaches and lush rainforest. And don’t worry, the Lodge can organise a chef prepared picnic hamper to take with you!

This luxury escape will make you feel instantly relaxed. Spend your days enjoying the wonders of the reef at your doorstep and soak in the tropical climate.

The post Australia in Focus: Orpheus Island appeared first on Mosaic Travel.

I’ve travelled a lot, and over the years, I think I’ve worked out the magic ingredients to the perfect travel destination.

• Small and authentic, with more locals than tourists
• A small, boutique hotel, with quirk, and views
• Local restaurants and no tourist traps
• A nice beach is a bonus

Who agrees with me?

Tiny little Vejer de la Frontera, in south-west Spain ticks all of these boxes!

Vejer de la Frontera, or simply Vejer (pronounced Be-hair), sits on top of a rocky hill just 10kms from the Atlantic Ocean. It is a typical Andalucian white village, with a labyrinth of tiny, winding streets, a distinct Moorish flavour, and a ruined castle dating back to the 10^th century.

Vejer’s size and location prohibits mass tourism. It is 50kms away from Cadiz, where the closest train station is, and only standard cars can get up the hill; no buses. Even if you do arrive by car, good luck trying to navigate the narrow one-way streets, and find a park!

There are only a handful of small hotels, all occupying authentic village houses, a fact which also limits the number of visitors the town can handle at once.

Casa Califa Hotel has to be seen to be believed. A union of ten houses, dating back to the tenth century, make up the hotel complex, each room with a unique design and blend of Moroccan and Andalucian style. It is a treasure trove.

Many of the rooms boast patios overlooking the straits of Morocco, or windows facing onto the lively square.

There is a large rooftop terrace bar, where they serve evening cocktails, and fresh mint tea.

One of the hotel’s best features is its restaurant. Set in a lush, palm-filled courtyard, the ‘Caliph’s Garden’ dishes up Middle Eastern and Moroccan cuisine, in an exotic setting.

As well as the Caliph’s Garden, Vejer offers plenty of other delightful restaurants, all serving traditional and modern takes on local cuisine. There is also a small central market, where you can buy local cheeses, meats, fruit and vegies.

Vejer is home to a lovely mix of locals and expats. The type of expats who embrace the local culture, not those who try to impose mushy peas and Yorkshire pudding on the villagers. One of these expats is Annie, founder of a boutique cooking school in the village, which she runs from her typical village home. Owner of a successful catering company in the UK, Annie visited Vejer 15 years ago and fell in love with the place so much, she bought a house there, on the spot! Her rooftop terrace has 270 degree views over Vejer and the Straits of Gibraltar, with views of Morocco on a clear day.

Annie’s bubbly personality and passion for Andalucian cuisine and sherry, means she is a much-loved member of Vejer’s community.

Not all Spanish beaches are created equally. Head to the beach over near Malaga, on the Costa del Sol, and you’ll be jostling for an overpriced sun lounger on the beach with half of Britain. On the other had, head to El Palmar beach, just 14kms from Vejer de la Frontera, and you’ll be wondering why the word hasn’t got out about this place yet.

Miles and miles of white sand, and barely anyone there! There are a handful of laidback beach shacks dotted along the beach, offering simple food, drink and shelter should you so desire, otherwise, this is an unspoilt beach, popular with surfers. Note that this beach can get quite windy, in which case we recommend the nearby beach of Los Canos de Meca, which a bit more sheltered.

Get yourselves to Spain and become one of the privileged few to experience delightful Vejer de la Frontera, before it is ‘discovered.’

Fast Facts:

• Emirates Airlines, Qatar Airways and other reputable airlines fly in to Madrid, with good connections from Australia.
• Take the train from Madrid to Cadiz and hire a car from here
• Stay at La Casa Califa 2* Hotel – trust us when we say this hotel is worthy of at least 2 more stars!
• Do a cooking class with Annie at https://www.anniebspain.com
• While in Andalucia, check out other gorgeous destinations. You can get ideas here

The post Vejer de la Frontera – the ultimate travel destination? appeared first on Mosaic Travel.