Archive for June, 2010
katie heads to incredible india
incredible india
Our India expert, Katie H, has returned back from India with enchanting stories and mythical encounters. Read on to hear Katie’s tales from India.
Three years has passed since my last visit to India and still my passion lies as strong as ever, maybe even more so having just got back from 12 magical nights with my mum traveling around the North. We left the mother land with Virgin Atlantic on a Friday night and I settled into my seat with a glass of wine and a film. As soon as I stepped off the plane, the smell of warm spicy heat hit me. I couldn’t wait to leave the airport: horns honking, beggars busking and chilled-out cows. This is Incredible India, a different way of life, a culture full of diversity, a mountain range of history and colours like you have never seen.
the aman, new delhi reflection pool
A freshen-up at the stunning Aman, New Delhi, then I headed out on a whirlwind tour of Delhi’s amazing properties.
After Delhi: next stop Agra, the city famous for the mighty Taj Mahal. And mighty it was. A magnificent gesture to the Mogul King’s wife, steeped in history and elegant design. A one-night destination that wouldn’t be complete without a stay at the luxurious Amarvillas, naturally…
After sunrise at the Taj, we headed to a hotel that I have been dying to stay in for a long time: Amanbagh. It was more amazing than even I expected. During the day, we traveled through villages, passing cricket players and sacred cows roaming the streets – this is a world all its own. The pace at Amanbagh slowed to that of the camels, carts and lazy bike riders. This is where you go to disappear, explore and delve into what India’s village life is all about.
regal bengal tigers
We were a bit late in the season for Ranthambore but we managed to squeeze in a stay at Vanyavillas to search for the notorious Bengal tiger. On our first game drive the heat was soon forgotten when we stumbled across one famous male; T-6. It was truly incredible to be near such a protected and regal animal. Cooling off from the summer sun, he bathed for about 20 minutes until sloping off into the bushes. After heading back for our own cooling swim, we were off to dinner at the stunning Sherbagh. One word: mouth-watering. Maybe that’s two, but still – it really was.
As we left the tigers behind, the Pink City, Jaipur, called. We passed through more local villages and into the vibrant Rajasthani way of life. Fabric shops, camels and elephants lined the streets with ancient temples dotted around. A whole range of heritage properties were everywhere: palaces, forts and temples with designs fit for the Maharajas and moguls who use them.
From the city we headed off road to what seemed like the middle of nowhere until we stumbled across two mighty elephants that appeared to be guarding something…or maybe we were just in their path. We explored the grounds, passing a 400 year old candlie-lit temple then stopped for a quick G&T. Bliss. To top it off, we were met by the resident tandoori chefs, cooking up a storm. ‘Yum’ doesn’t cover it.
the local kids
From pink to the Blue City of Jodhpur. Famous for its elaborate textile industry and bazaars. We reached the old town where our tuk tuk took us to the brand new Raas hotel, tucked away behind a large Haveli door in the shadow of Mehrangah Fort. I could experience the sights, sounds and smells of Jodhpur from the hotel’s poolside – pretty incredible. After a spot of shopping (naturally) we headed to the village of Rohet: the highlight of my trip. This is the India I know and love. We dropped off our bags and jumped in the jeep to follow the lives of two fascinating tribes; Brahmin and Bishnoi. We were welcomed into their homes and lives, swapping stories of their past and present. Words can’t justify the experience; you simply have to get here and see it yourself.
Last (there is no ‘least’ in India) I landed in Udaipur. This is the city of lakes, now rather dry until the next big year of rain arrives. We stayed at the iconic Lake Palace which was the ideal end to our trip and gave us a few hours to take everything in.
India is captivating and enchanting. It may not be crystal clear and clean but it is the way of life, culture and colours that truly inspire and excite any traveller who goes. It’s time you had a look if you ask me…
(33 votes, average: 4.67 out of 5)
Loading ...escaping the summer crowds is the b-est…
escape the crowds
Figuring out where to go in summer can be pretty tough. In Europe, we know the weather is going to be perfect (bring on the hot Mediterranean beaches and cold European wine…) but everyone else knows too, which means the classic hotspots are crowded and fully booked.
We’ve been looking at our favourite ‘b-sides’ of Europe – getting all the sun without fighting for your place on the beach. After all, everyone knows that often, the b-side can be better than the hit single…
Treehouses in Sweden, peaceful islands in Greece and hidden villages on the Istrian Peninsula are some of our picks for where to go, and we can help you get there.
Thinking of leaving Europe behind all together? Everyone in the Black Tomato office has lots to say about the perfect summer spots all over the world. Have a look at what we reckon are the Top 5 places (beyond Europe) to get to now:
sunset in august at yosemite national park
Carolyn says: “Summer in California is gorgeous, and if you stick to the coast, the weather is warm without being steamy. The totally varied scenery and laid-back culture make Cali a great place to get off the grid and explore according to your whims – whether it’s gourmet cuisine at the Post Ranch Inn in Big Sur, rock climbing in Yosemite National Park, or wine tasting in the up-and-coming Russian River Valley.”
Clare says: “The Caribbean stays warm all year round, and the low season means value is pretty incredible. My advice? Pick a spot (we’ll help with this) with a great spa and incredible views. Spend your days getting toned up, pampered and reading a good summer novel revelling in the knowledge that you’ve hit the jackpot in seeing the Caribbean without the crowds.”
over water villas at the gayana eco resort
Kate says: “There isn’t a better time to visit Borneo than our summer. And the best time doesn’t mean the busiest. There are fantastic boutique hotels on the private coral island of Bungaraya which will take you far away from the madding crowds. I love the gorgeous over water villas at the Gayana Eco Resort with a wealth of underwater life only a few fin kicks away from your deck: it’s the perfect place to relax and unwind. The on-site marine ecology research centre makes this a guilt-free holiday as you can help repair the coral and protect the giant clams before pampering yourself at the Solace Spa. Pretty great, right?”
Sophie says: “Turkey: often mistaken as a destination purely for the party set revelling in the Bodrum night-scene, this Mediterranean Mecca is much more than meets the eye. My tip for avoiding the crowds? Head south west to the Lycian Coast where walloping swaths of untouched coastline beckon – cue toe dip in sparkling warm waters. Throw in a generous dose of history courtesy of those Byzantines, arts crafts (my rug collection is getting out of hand) and amazing eats and you have, in my eyes, THE place to head this summer. Et voilà…”
the bustling village of essaouira
JT says: “If you’re travelling to Morocco this summer, spend some time on the coast at Essaouira and Oualidia. In Essaouira, the town is picture-perfect with a bustling market and the beaches are great for trying your hand at wind-surfing. Plus, staying at the Madada Mogador means you’re just a few steps from the ocean. In Oualidia, you can do all the sun-worshipping you want away from the crowds by the peaceful lagoon beach.”
(1 votes, average: 5.00 out of 5) Loading ...taking swimming to new heights
This picture has been giving most of us at Black Tomato the heebee-jeebees. Don’t know about you, but infinity pools seem to work best for us when it gives the illusion of going on into infinity – not dropping off a 55 storey building.
standing tall, the marina bay sands resort pool
This is the Marina Bay Sands resort swimming pool in Singapore and it’s huge. Three times the length of a Olympic pool, it’s the world’s largest outdoor pool at 650ft in the air. But panic not, the pool doesn’t really drop off the edge, but in fact falls into a catchment area where it’s pumped back into the pool. With over 2,000 rooms coming in at £350 a night, we can’t imagine what happens when everyone wants to go for a dip. Good things there’s a casino downstairs to keep everyone busy while they wait their turn.
(5 votes, average: 5.00 out of 5) Loading ...a new summer favourite
Last year, Black Tomato co-founder Tom headed to Brazil, but not when you might expect. Here’s why he loves the low season in Bahia.
When planning a get away last summer, eyebrows were raised when I told friends that I was heading to Brazil in August.
enjoy the bahai's city centre without the bustle
Comments such as “isn’t it out of season?”, “won’t it be cold?”, “why leave Europe?” all made an appearance and I can see why. Brazil has established itself in the minds of many people as the land of winter sun, or rather ‘get me away from the cold, miserable UK winter’ and that makes sense. The great weather in the southern part of the country and the attractions such as Carnival are obviously pretty strong draw cards. But here’s the thing: without stating the obvious, Brazil is a pretty big country and it just so happens that it’s gorgeous north east coast and the Bahia region has beautiful weather for most of the year. Although it’s low season, the months of July through to October offer sunny days, cooling breezes and near deserted beaches that contrast strongly with the somewhat stifling heat and mayhem that the northern hemisphere winter months can produce in the area.
the packed beaches during the height of summer
And the low season also means good rates. So weighing this up I shot across for 10 days of surfing and doing…well, pretty much nothing last August, and it was 10 of the best holiday days I’ve had in years. Imagine gorgeous fishing villages, warming surf, tropical nights and that rarity – being in a place where it was genuinely rare to hear another English voice. Being out of season, the crowds hadn’t landed so I could indulge in that one feeling that so many of us wish to have. To feel like a local. Crowds can make for buzz, but crowds of English accents when you are miles away from home can take away the magic of immersing yourself in another culture. The majority of accents were a mix of the locals, showing that this is where the Brazilians holiday during the cooler months down South. A good sign in my eyes that in the land made for the perfect holiday, this was where many of its inhabitants chose to holiday themselves.
enjoy the beach to yourself
So from days spent swimming around schools of dolphins in the stunning beaches of the village of Pipa (and I’m not talking, ‘take a tour to see dolphins’ here. This is nature at its untouched finest. Go for a surf or a swim in the sea and wait for the dolphins to swing by) to taking long walks along the deserted, sun-kissed, surf-swept beaches of the Marau Peninsula where natural swimming pools form in the rocks as the tide goes out and provide the perfect place to chill as you watch the sun set. Then it’s out of the ocean and into little beach bars that serve the freshest of fish and the coldest of beers.
I rarely say this about one place (or am loathe to, as my mind changes a lot) but right now if you are looking for a slice of holiday heaven over the next few months I can’t recommend Bahia and its coastline highly enough. Greatvalue, perfect weather and the feeling that you have lucked out, won the lottery, and bought your own personal stretch of coastline given the isolation you can find. Match it with a few nights of tropical buzz (but not with any other Brits) in Pipa or some of the pretty coastal villages, and, well, I’ll stop there. Should be obvious, right?
(1 votes, average: 4.00 out of 5) Loading ...jonathan’s cuba
cuban cars
One of our South America gurus, Jonathan, recently headed to Cuba on a brief but jam-packed tour of the country. From the city to the countryside, read about what he got up to in the Caribbean.
After leaving a grey London, I was on my way to sunny Cuba where I was met by the lovely Mariana, Roberto and Sergio who would be looking after me for the next four days. The long flight was easier when Air Europa surprised me with business class seats. Words simply can’t express my gratitude and appreciation for such a gesture.
the saratoga
Our first stop was the Hotel Saratoga, Havana’s finest hotel and our home for the next two nights. After the flight, a good night’s sleep was definitely most welcomed. The next morning, we met bright and early for our morning tour of Havana’s beautiful colonial centre. A lot of the old buildings are being restored to their former glory courtesy of UNESCO. My first impressions of Havana were of a slightly crumbling city still full of life. Just like I’d been told, there were plenty of 1950s American cars everywhere and people walking around smoking fat cigars. I saw a glimpse of what local Cuban life was really like including visiting a ration shop, which was like stepping back in time.
local cuban street bands
After a walking tour, I headed to a cigar factory where I had a master class in how to roll a cigar, and how to tell the difference between a Robusto and a Churchill (named after Sir Winston, naturally). I got to see the walk-in humidor/safe, where some of the big-wig cigar aficionados keep their cigars when they’re not in the country. After a long lunch at the legendary Havana Club, I visited some of Havana’s luxurious hotels before heading out for dinner at Café Havana. Only to be followed by a show at the world famous Club Tropicana, and plenty of authentic Cuban Mojitos late into the night…
fancy dress at its finest
The following day, I headed out of Havana and towards the beautiful colonial city of Trinidad, which is quintessentially Cuban: cobbled streets, cigars and people salsa dancing on the streets. After a few hours relaxing in the warm waters of the Caribbean, it was time for a walking tour of downtown Trinidad. Once I’d soaked in plenty of this evocative atmosphere, it was time for a delicious dinner at the Iberostar Trinidad, before heading out on the town to listen to some amazing Cuban bands.
The next morning, I was on the move again, this time to the other side of the island, to the paradise that is Varadero. After a whistle stop tour of some gorgeous properties, I boarded a sunset cruise for a sunset sail. Simply fantastic. Back on dry land, it was off to Xanadu Club, built by the American industrialist Dupont in the 1930s for a world class, seriously yummy dinner.
My last morning was spent on a lilo in the pool with a Mojito in hand. Life is tough, I know. But sadly, it was time to head back to Havana for the flight home. A short but sweet visit, just long enough to make me love Cuba and count the days until I can get back.
To create your own Cuban experience, get in touch and talk to Jonathan to hear about what he can do for you.
(1 votes, average: 2.00 out of 5) Loading ...surfs-up in the arctic
We too often associate surfing with hot climates, warm(ish) waters and sandy beaches. From the large waves in Hawaii, right round to big rips in New Zealand. So when we came across this video of the pro’s catching surf in the northern Norwegian-Russian coast, it took us by complete surprise. Freezing temperatures, dark murky waters, and snowy beaches – doesn’t sound right does it? Take a look for yourself.
(1 votes, average: 5.00 out of 5) Loading ...being local
There’s nothing quite like living like a local. Staying in your own apartment, finding the best coffee, the friendliest deli with the tastiest food, visiting marketplaces off the tourist map and seeing the corners kept sacred to those who live there.
But how about being a local? Blending in with the crowd and having that triumphant feeling of acceptance when locals start talking to you in their native language. Or even better, when tourists stop you for directions.
How’s it done? Well over at Swiss Watching they’ve compiled a brilliant begginers guide to Swissness, giving great tips on how to queue, eat fondue and not talk about the weather (unike us Brits) like the Swiss. Before you know it, you’ll be fitting right in.
So, what are your tips for being local?
(1 votes, average: 4.00 out of 5) Loading ...hit a b flat in thailand
We’ve all thought about it before. Just packing a suitcase and going straight to the airport. ‘Book me on the first flight out of here,’ you’d say, and before you know it, you’d be on your way to some place where the weather’s hot and your desk is far far away…
Well, we say, it’s time to do something about it. Thailand’s thrilling, thriving Hua Hin Jazz Festival is coming up (June 18 – 20) and our very own Kate is eager to get you there for the best price possible.
The only catch – to get in on Kate’s offer, you’ve got to call us today. I’d start dialling now if I were you…Spontaneous holidays are always the best really.
So what exactly is it? Well, read all about it here.
(No Ratings Yet) Loading ...play black tomato bingo
Since we’re constantly on the move (yep, we’re travelling yet again) we thought we’d share some snapshots along the way and give you a chance to win some great prizes.
So we’re going to play a little game of “Black Tomato” Bingo this week. All you have to do is follow us on track of us on Twitter, and RT our pics with a matching shot of your own…
what do we mean?
RT us a pic of your coffee
Well, when we tweet a photo of a frothy cappuccino in a café wherever we are, then wherever you are, retweet with a snap of your own cuppa, or maybe a coffee from your favourite Parisian café? Real time photos, holiday pics…it’s all fair game.
The first person to get BINGO by matching 5 photos with ours, and then correctly guessing where on earth we are, gets bragging rights. Oh yeah, and we’ll give you something on us (A free holiday? £1 billion pounds? Okay, maybe not that last one…).
To find out what the prize is keep an eye on our Twitter feed, so follow us now, and get your cameras ready to roll.
(No Ratings Yet) Loading ...dizzy sights from the evolver
The Matterhorn Mountain is an impressive mountain range located near the town of Zermatt in Switzerland. Standing tall at 4478 meters high, it’s a mountain hard to miss, however, there’s an alternative way to see this mighty peak.
see the amazing views of the matterhorn mountain from the evolver
Located on the shores of a crystal clear lake sits the Evolver, a spiral alpine structure designed by the students of the Ecole Polytechnique Federale de Lausannce. Made out of wooden slats that twist and turn, enter the sculpture, at your own risk, to walk (or run) the pathway. The resulting effect: an impressive 720 degree panorama of merging landscapes of mountains, lakes and greenery. Talk about a dizzy display.
(No Ratings Yet) Loading ...
