02 April 2024

Travel Counsellors has a great opportunity to be invited by partners in order to learn more about the properties, airlines etc.... and this one was a familiarization trip with Marhaba service, SkyTeam lounge, Cyprus airways and the City Of Dreams Mediterranean in Cyprus. As we were flying with Cyprus airways from Terminal 1 from Dubai to Larnca, we used Marhaba Service for an easy fast track through immigration and security, we enjoyed a smooth and enjoyed a seamless experience and a hassle-free journey., it was really pleasant, from now I will really recommend it to my customers. Then direction SkyTeam Lounge, this high-end facility offers a wide range of quality amenities that make it the perfect place to relax and unwind before catching out flight. Then we boarded on Cyprus airways, a new airbus A220, the business class has huge space, there is only 12 seats, I felt like I was in a private jet, the service and food were honestly really nice, it was lovely. After a very pleasant 4 hours flight, we landed in Larnaca, welcome to Cyprus! Time for our transfer to the hotel, we jumped on a brand new mercedes minibus and let us drove 50 minutes to our spectacular hotel the City Of Dreams Mediterranean in Limassol. We arrived in the evening, and I felt me surprisingly for a while like a was in Las Vegas, what good vibes! City of Dreams Mediterranean the biggest European Luxury casino resort in Limassol, Cyprus. Welcome to Europe’s first Integrated Casino Resort. Not just a luxury hotel, not just a grand casino, not just a resort. City of Dreams Mediterranean, is simply the best way to experience luxury thrills on the beautiful island of Cyprus. Offering more than 8000m² of flexible meeting and exhibition space outfitted with the latest technology, the resort is the perfect venue for your board meeting, conference, international exhibition, incentive getaway, gala dinner, and everything in between. This magnificent hotel delivers an incomparable experience to satisfy every taste, ranging from luxury hospitality - with its fourteen-storey hotel featuring 500 guest rooms and suites - to designer-brand shopping, iconic architecture, renowned art, sporting facilities, outdoor amphitheater, family adventure park, as well as world-class conference and exhibition space, spacious and contemporary gaming experience, and fine dining. The hotel's interiors are stunningly stylish, the glorious and expansive pool complex the largest in Cyprus, dining options exquisite, and the elegant, oversized accommodation features the finest in modern comforts and luxury living. Dining choices range from world cuisine buffets and a la carte and fine dining, to casual bites by the poolside. A spa and health club ensure pampering as well as active experiences, entertainment comes in the form of live concerts, popular guest DJs and weekend events. The gaming area covering 13,993 sq ft features 242 slot machines, 33 table games, and a VIP gaming area. The Adventure Park provides exciting, adrenaline-filled adventures with a zip line, ropes course, climbing wall and trampoline zone. For lovers of surfing and body-boarding the Wave rider will deliver, there's even a section for children. There is a highly rated tennis academy and a beach club, and children have their own mini club. With 8,000 sq. meters of indoor and outdoor event space, the resort can accommodate functions of all sizes, from bespoke weddings to large-scale conferences and concerts. Facilities include a Grand Ballroom accommodating over 1,000 guests, the multi-functional Forum, state-of-the-art meeting rooms, and a Roman-style Amphitheatre. We stayed 4 nights, and here it was we have done during our stay: Enjoying incredible food for breakfast, lunch and dinner with was really amazing! Day 1: We discover Limassol with a local tour guide, the kolossi castle, Kourion archeological site, Omodos village, the monastery of the holly cross, the marina and old port, and the old town. Day 2: Hotel tour inspection, relaxing afternoon at the spa and Casino night! This was really nice i had a lot of fun playing slot machines! Day 3: We left with another tour guide, we visited a old winery for wine testing, we had a lot of fun there, at Ktima Gerolemo, then directions platres on our way to Troodos mountains (the green heart of Cyprus) Troodos waterfalls are situated on the riverbed of Kryos Potamos at the Troodos National Forest Park at an altitude of 1330m, then again, an amazing lung in a local taverna. Interested in this destination and incredible hotel? Please be in touch with me, I will be glad to assist you! +971503532901 To see the full story on this trip, please check my Instagram account @racheltravelplanner

17 September 2023

I have been lucky enough to travel to Florida this winter for a familiarization trip joining a group of industry professionals exploring Disney World in Orlando and sailing on Disney Dream from Miami! The combination of both is super nice, the experience was fabulous. I really enjoyed it and wanted to share the details here for you to inspire you for your next family vacation. So here is my blog for the 4 days passed in Orlando. I flew from Dubai to Orlando on an Emirates direct flight for 16 hours honestly it was not too bad. First Step I stayed at Disney's Animal Kingdom Lodge, it is an exquisite resort that offers guests the ultimate savanna adventure. This magical vacation destination is like no other, providing visitors with an unforgettable African-inspired experience. The resort is renowned for its breathtaking views of the savanna, where animals such as giraffes, zebras, and gazelles roam freely. It is truly a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to witness these magnificent creatures up close and in their natural habitat. I experienced the magic of Disney World with these 4 Must-Visit Parks including Disney's Animal Kingdom Lodge! Disney Parks are the perfect destinations for families of all ages. Disney's Animal Kingdom Theme Park: It's about to get wild! Explore the world like never before and get up close and personal with some of its most interesting inhabitants - taking in thrilling attractions and spectacular shows along the way. Highlights include: Discover Pandora - The World of Avatar, a land that celebrates the magic of nature with two breathtaking attractions which will see you take flight on a banshee or glide into a bioluminescent rainforest. Journey deep into the Harambe Wildlife Reserve on Kilimanjaro Safaris and explore the lush African savannah which is home to over 34 different species of exotic wildlife. Join Simba and his friends at the Festival of the Lion King, a spectacular musical show featuring songs and characters from the beloved film The Lion King. Magic Kingdom Park : With six amazing lands to explore and 40 magical attractions to enjoy, there are countless memories to be made at Magic Kingdom Park. Watch in wonder as fairy tales come to life before your eyes, and dreams become reality. Highlights include: Gather around Cinderella Castle for Happily Ever After, a night-time show that takes you on an unforgettable journey that captures many favourite Disney animated films. See Mickey and his friends in the Disney Festival of Fantasy Parade and celebrate the stories you love with a magical mix of floats, costumes, and original music. Speed across a world with no horizons on TRON Light cycle / Run, a brand-new attraction based on the Disney sci-fi film now open in Magic Kingdom Park. Disney's Hollywood Studios: Step into a land of exhilarating attractions and thrilling galaxies, where imagined worlds are adventurous realities to explore together. Highlights include: Live your Star Wars adventure at Star Wars: Galaxy's Edge. Join the Resistance on a mission with Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance and fly the most famous starship on Millenium Falcon: Smugglers Run. Play big in bright, bold Toy Story Land! Take the family for a ride on Slinky Dog Dash and hang on tight for an interstellar romp in a toy rocket on Alien Swirling Saucers! Hurtle up and down on The Twilight Zone Tower of Terror, a haunted elevator-themed ride which will see you make your way into another dimension of sight and sound. Epcot: Find yourself in a far-flung corner of the world - or even in the future! Take a glimpse into the wonders of tomorrow at Future World or spend a day travelling the globe at the World Showcase. Highlights include: Spin through the cosmos on Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind, a family-thrill attraction with the first-ever reverse launch on a Disney coaster. Shrink down to Chef Remy's size for a 4D culinary adventure through Gusteau's restaurant on?Remy's Ratatouille Adventure. Set sail in Arendelle on Frozen Ever After, a family attraction that whisks you away into the wondrous wintery world of Frozen on an ancient Norwegian vessel. It was magical, I enjoyed my time in Orlando so much, and we were ready to jump on our private bus to Miami for another magnificent adventure on the Disney Dream! 5 nights cruising, see my other Blog. So if you would love to enjoy a family trip like that, please be in touch, I will be glad to assist you for your entire trip! +971503532901 rachel.roubio@travelcounsellors.ae

10 August 2023

Hi guys, I want to share my experience at Club Med Val d'isere in the French Alpes a few days ago, it was fabulous! I travelled with Emirates to Geneva and had private transportation for 3 hours to Val d'Isere Club Med in a comfortable van. The brand-new Club Med Exclusive Collection Val d'Isère Resort is ideal for families who want to reconnect with nature and enjoy top-of-the-range services. In addition to outdoor activities such as hiking and electric mountain biking. The perfect setting for wellness getaways, with a unique spa and yoga program enhanced with exquisite meals. Official Trident Rating: Exclusive Collection – All Inclusive Transfers: Lyon: 2 hours and 50 minutes. Geneva: 3 hours Kids Facilities: Mini Club Med, Junior Club Med Restaurants: 2 restaurants and 3 bars Activities: Hiking, biking, trail, yoga An authentic village nestled in a magical valley is home to the brand-new Club Med Val d’Isere, the first Exclusive Collection resort in the mountains. This resort is ideal for those wanting to reconnect with nature and will enjoy top-of-the-range services. Venture out into the valley on foot or bike to enjoy the fantastic surroundings. Alternatively, you can stay in the resort and take advantage of the wellness workshops, spa treatments and yoga classes on offer. What’s Included at Club Med Val d’Isere in Summer: - Cuisine: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner - Drinks: Open bar - Sports: Hiking, Biking, trail running - Kids Clubs: From 4 - 17 years - Entertainment: Day & night entertainment - Wi-fi: Free Wi-fi Club Med Val d’Isere – Summer Resort Facilities - Club Med Spa by Cinq Mondes - Yoga studio with a terrace - Indoor swimming pool - Cardio training space - Sauna Included Activities: - Themed hikes - Yoga - Wellness workshops - Introduction to electric bikes - Accompanied bike rides - Downhill Mountain biking - Trail running - Treetop adventure - Aquadynamic - Free access to the cardio training room. Extra Activities*: - Spa treatments - Accompanied electric bike rides - Glacier walking - Via Ferrata Extra activities offered in Val d’Isere resort** - Horse riding - Tennis - Golf (driving range) - Archery - Paragliding. *At extra cost. Check the price in the resort. **At extra cost. Book locally Childcare at Club Med Val d’Isere – Summer Baby Sitting (4 months +) Available to book in the resort only. Subject to availability. At an extra cost Mini Club Med (ages 4 – 10 years) Children will be able to experience new games and sports, with themed walks, treetop adventures and bike rides also on offer. From 08:30 am to 5 pm and 7 pm to 9 pm, 6 days a week Club Med Junior (ages 11 – 17 years) Teenagers will be able to choose what activities they wish to take part in. They can take part in mountain biking and team games and spend the evening among friends with film showings and parties. 6 Days a week. Choosing Val d'Isère in the summer means enjoying a playground full of opportunities! - Get around with three free bus shuttles 7 days a week: the red, blue, and yellow "trains" that pass every 15-20 minutes - Enjoy free lifts for pedestrians Olympic Cable Car, Borsat Chairlift, Solaise Gondola - A range of free activities and animations to see and test every week - A Val ‘Pass that gives you unlimited access to more than 25 activities (including our Bike Park Tignes-Val d'Isère) - Scooters accessible throughout the village - A gourmet bike ride "Val ‘Pesto" - Freshness is guaranteed in a village at 1850 m altitude - And what is your favourite activity in Val d'Isère in summer? This Club Med is also open during the winter, the ski resort is fabulous, I have had the chance to experience it a few times! for more details please be in touch with me, I will be more than happy to assist you. rachel.roubio@travelounsellors.ae +971503532901 To know more about me: https://www.travelcounsellors.ae/rachel.roubio/