Ian & Rachel visited Grenada in March 2010, and had a brief stopover on their return via Barbados.

Flights were in BA Club Class, both directions had aircraft with the new pod sleeper seats. Outbound we were diagonally adjacent, but inbound on the overnight flight we booked the two middle seats. The inbound seats allow the outer dividers to be raised, and then there remains an almost private double cabin, we both slept which is unusual.

After arriving from the Gulf Air flight via Bahrain to COCHIN, we stayed the first 2 nights at the Taj Malabar situated on Willingdon Island overlooking Cochin harbour and backwater area. A comfortable well presented hotel and is a short distance to the centre of Cochin (approx 15mins drive)

Our first day was spent doing a harbour cruise then visiting the synagogue in Jewtown and St.Francis church where Vasco da Gama was originally buried. We had lunch and site inspection at Malabar House Hotel which is a delightful ‘funky boutique’ hotel in the historical area of Fort Kochi, not far from the famous Chinese Fishing Nets. Although it only has a plunge type pool(see picture) it provides an ideal town based hotel.

I was lucky enough to visit these three most interesting cities in Italy during March 2009, although I was not so lucky with the weather! However, the rain in Siena could not detract me from the charm of this small historic town and an afternoon’s walking tour gave a good insight into the history of the people and its renowned annual horse festival, The Palio.

The hotels throughout my visit were all part of the Royal Demeure group. All 5 star properties and a style that reflects the local culture and Italian design – old and new. My first night’s stay at The Grand Hotel Intercontinental was not only comfortable but also had so much history I could not forget that I was in the heart of Siena.