Special interest vacations

5 star! Excellent in all respects! (more)Christine Carr

It was a truly an amazing experience and would thoroughly recommend it to other travelers. (more)Georgina Smith

Most memorable was getting close to the wildlife - particularly the Orangutans, but the brief encounter with a Black Handed Agile Gibbon was very special... Very, very good. (more)Michael Helliwell

This would be a perfect and highly recommendable vacation if you're: interested in nurturing your mind and body by yoga and healthy tasty food...The love and warmth of the Winter family made you directly feel at ease and at home. The yoga classes were of good quality and inspiring. Loved the silent walks in the morning. (more)Jasmijn Visser

So many memories and amazing times. Probably the most exciting was swimming in fast flowing rivers and waterfalls around the house! ...A brilliant vacation and I'd definitely go back. (more)Laura Chan

Excellent. A great set up - the family open their home up to everyone and give you the chance to be part of their rural existence in splendid isolation. The best parts were the massage and acupuncture therapy. Meeting wonderful, caring people. Incredible food - sometimes it felt there was more eating than asanas! (more)victoria seymour

Memorable parts? Not sure I can narrow it down to one thing! For starters, the area was incredible. Think spectacular limestone mountains, lush green countryside, wild coastline and fresh air...so much fresh air! Jamie was great at choosing walks that were tailored to the weather and the abilities of our group. And I'm really not into birds, but even I was excited to see a rare vulture cruising overhead. And school was fun. Yes, really! My teacher, Sonia, was fantastic and tailored classes... (more)Carina Kane

Memorable parts? There was no one memorable moment - the yoga, meditation and life coaching experienced over the week all combined to produce a wonderful feeling of positivity and grounding. Tips? Attend the life coaching sessions even if you've not experienced them before as they provide some very useful tools to approach aspects of your life from different perspectives. Local benefits? Yes - we enjoyed local produce and facilities. Overall rating? I highly recommend... (more)Kirstin Jones

Memorable parts? Discovering an authentic and undiscovered part of Portugal. The combination of Yoga and acupuncture treatments was extremely beneficial and unique and the hosts were caring and thoughtful. The food was fantastic, fresh and plentiful. Even though we were in a group context, everyone's individual needs were attended to in a very subtle way so we all felt very relaxed. Tips? Bring plenty of layers of clothing as the weather is unpredictable and can be cold this time... (more)Katherine Wood

I cannot recommend a retreat here highly enough! Without a doubt the most relaxing and inspirational vacation we have been on. Anyone looking to get away from it all and reconnect with your self and nature should come here. We will definitely be back! (more)Jordan Paul

It was all fantastic, but the setting is extraordinarily beautiful and will be hard to forget. (more)Zoe Barling

Very good! I was very pleased to be in an environment that supported my inner growth...through the yoga/meditation and personally, by allowing me come to accept my present circumstances, both good and bad. (more)Suzanne Hunt

For us the nature based activities and birdwatching were tremendous. We had some really good guides and got to see tigers and a leopard which is very rare. The people, the culture and the environment were very exotic to us. (more)Dianne Reidy

Seeing the Taj Mahal at Sunrise is an unforgettable event in our lives. Many special rare species of birds seen on our Birding Himalyan tour...Superbly organised. (more)Michael Clark

The bird watching was excellent...Bird guides were very good too, and all knew their local birds. However outstanding was Sunil (Kumar?) in Nainital. His excellent English made our outings a great pleasure (more)Jacky Davis

A very enjoyable vacation particularly for the children who have not stopped talking about it yet... Taking part in the bushcraft activity and watching our grandchildren as they tried wild foods and made fire. The enthusiasm with which they approached every new challenge and the knowledge that they gained is priceless. (more)Frank White

I loved it! It helped the environment and taught you a lot about the area and animals around you. We were kept entertained and had a really fun time - I will always remember this vacation. (more)Saskia Robinson

Very well organized the leaders worked very hard to ensure we all had a good time. The beach and glacier with the huge ice cubes were the most memorable parts of the trip. (more)sandra thomas

Excellent, well looked after. Unique and fascinating activities. Good conversation. (more)Shane Woods

The most memorable part was taking photos of ice on the black sand beach at Jokulsarlon. (more)Mary Gledhill

This was the most fantastic vacation. I was not that keen on going, but my husband is a very keen birder and he really wanted to go. I am now so glad he persuaded me, and will definitely visit Sri Lanka again... (more)John Diley

This was a really excellent vacation. We had fun, we were stimulated, we were educated and we made good friends with our locals who showed us their country. We also feel that we had excellent value for money with two locals, a new vehicle, most meals, all entrance fees and other extras included for a very inexpensive daily rate. (more)Keith Pigdon

It was great and our guide, Jith, was an incredible birder, funny, and generous. The most memorable was the smiles of all the people in Sri Lanka whom we passed in our bird walks and the children who got all excited and waved and called to us (more)Gisela Meyn

Fantastic! Loved every minute of it. Excellent accommodation and food. Owners were extremely accommodating, helpful and knowledgeable. Great activities in an amazing setting. Would highly recommend it and would love to go back! (more)Amanda Ford

It was fantastic. Scenery and people made it all worth while...Staying in the wilderness cabin for 2 nights was an amazing experience. (more)Bolette Bruun

The most exciting part was finally seeing the Northern Lights the night before I left. (more)Natasha Cafane

The most memorable part of the vacation was seeing northern lights, the wilderness retreat and a real log fired sauna. Mika and Maja lovely hosts. (more)Jonathan Marsh

Exhilarating...The warm friendly welcome, dog-sledding and the wonderful Wilderness Cabin were the best parts. (more)Liz Evans

Amazing! The best parts were the snow , local people, husky dogs, father Christmas , -38 !!! And the ice hotel (more)Lynne Walker

Stepping out on the terrace and facing the magnificence of the Al Hambra Palaces in the sunshine. It’s one of those wonderful places you spend your whole life gazing at in pictures, but when you see it for yourself it is far more than any picture can portray. (more)Negla Salem

Excellent, the school and it's staff were well organised, encouraging and excellent value for money. The accommodation offered at the school site was basic but enjoyable for the company. (more)Maureen Perkins

It is so good, I am still here - have arranged to stay an extra week! (more)June King

A wonderful time, relaxed good weather and well organised. (more)David Pinner

The smile of the Sri Lankan people was uplifting as was luxuriating in a herbal bath overlooking the Sinharaja Rainforest with lightening flashing on the horizon. Also being accompanied by two guides during our trip who were so enthusiastic, generous hearted and committed to making our vacation everything we had hoped for. (more)Linda Bryant

Exactly the relaxing break we needed and more....The cottage was wonderful and the views superb. We did some great walking and some amazing eating. The farmhouse breakfast has to be described as memorable -delicious! (more)Kathy Longford

Most memorable part was arriving at the beautiful cottage surrounded by glorious hillside views!...Amazing- we'd love to go back! (more)Hannah Merriman

The landscape and walking were the most memorable parts of the vacation (more)Niall Smith

Memorable parts? Seeing the farm and the animals and finding out about how they have converted to an organic farm. Tips? Make sure you book restaurants in advance as they get busy. Local benefits? Yes yes yes. Overall rating? Excellent, would go there again. (more)Sue Kerrigan

Staying in this farm you may feel you are staying at home. The farm owners are simple and friendly. (more)chanuan ratanawaraha

The wonderful breakfasts that Rose cooked were made up of local produce and tasted delicious. Rose is a very good jam maker too! (more)Amanda Porter

The highlights were the warm welcome, wonderful cream tea on arrival. Very child friendly - Rose went out of her way to find books and puzzles for the children to play with. (more)Andrea Wilkes

Memorable parts? The number of different animals we saw or heard was amazing, from being woken up by howler monkeys just outside our lodge; to seeing Capuchin monkeys eating berries by the lake. From floating past a huge black Caiman in the dead of night to seeing a black Tarantula running from our torch lights; it was amazing. Tips? Make sure you book at least 3 nights there; you then don't have to hurry your stay and can appreciate everything there is to see at a slower pace and... (more)Harriet Holloway

Most memorable was walking through the Amazon with one of the Sani guides (whose father happened to have established the Sani Lodge), in the rain, through the mud, finding the most incredible birds, reptiles, insects and plants. (more)Julia Saurazas

The tapir emerged from the forest and remained at the clay lick drinking water for an extended period of time. Simply remarkable. (more)Robert Roberto

We loved the Eco-lodge that we stayed at, the Napo Wildlife Center. It was beautiful, well appointed and our guides were absolutely top notch. We learned an incredible amount and got to experience a wonderful place with wonderful people. (more)Elizabeth Essner

Excellent winter vacation in a fascinating country. Seeing the northern lights was the highlight. (more)lindsay herrington

I enjoyed every minute the best parts were seeing the Northern Lights on 3 out of 4 nights at Myvatn, the overall scenery of Iceland and the friendly group of like minded people. (more)Valerie Oakley

Seeing the Northern Lights in the company of a real expert was most memorable...Absolutely brilliant. (more)Allison Worth

Meeting a wonderful group of people and being tutored by a fantastic artist was the most memorable part of the vacation.... Also loved staying in local houses and becoming part of a traditional village for a week. (more)Lorraine Rutter

Excellent! If not the best vacation I have ever been on it was certainly among them, despite some unusually indifferent weather. (more)Andrew Phillips

Views over mountain and coast with a picnic lunch, a quaffable rose and two bonkers dogs...You will be billeted in a variety of local homes in the village so feel well immersed in the community. (more)Jane Bellinger

Excellent! Exploring the local environment and seeing wild deer, seals and otters were the most memorable parts. (more)Lindy Brown

The 'Lochside Cottages' are in a beautiful spot, right on the shores of Loch Broom. Very peaceful and relaxing. Good access to hills in Assynt and Torridon for the more adventurous. (more)Elaine McAdam

The view from each window spectacular and so close to the loch that it was almost like being on a boat at times! Views changed with the stillness of the water or with the time of day and weather. Misty mountains at dawn to orange and red sunsets and each day and time different from dawn to dusk. (more)Julia Graham

The most memorable part was a boat trip in calm and sunny weather - quite unusual for this time of year! (more)Claudine Schlieffers

If you enjoy long distance open sea swimming this is made for you; plenty of beautiful swims in swimming pool temperature water. Ithaka is stunningly beautiful and the accommodation is located to take maximum advantage of the natural beauty. (more)Anna Dugdale

Arriving at the estate - we came directly from our wedding reception (via a couple of hours sleep at Gatwick) - Mal & Spero met us and their welcome was so warm and friendly that we know we would have an amazingly relaxing and wonderful time. (more)Alex Mumford

Just wonderful. Beautiful place to stay. Friendly, local, well informed and English speaking hosts. Most memorable was sitting outside the farmhouse on an evening, looking at the stars, listening to the quiet, and thinking about the beautiful day just spent. (more)Judy Powell

Outstanding. (more)Lou Limoges

The stunning views and setting were most memorable. Great walks right on the doorstep. We appreciated the helpful and welcoming style of the staff. They were always ready with a smile and went out of their way to make our stay comfortable. (more)Nimet Rener

Crawling like a crocodile on the sand, and my failed attempt to climb a tree, stick out in my mind. It's provided a lot of comic fodder to my friends when I tell the stories. I LOVED boxing, the food was absolutely delicious and just seeing the "before and after" videos of myself was very motivational. (more)Tania Zwicky

Go for it, you will discover a different (and fun) way to do fitness in a beautiful environment and spirit. (more)Sandrine de La Pommeraye

Just book it! You will not regret it for one moment! I have never got so much out of a two week trip in my life. Beautiful scenery, great exercise, super food, luxury accommodation and a refreshing new take on local culture and environment. (more)Karen O'Mahony

The most memorable part of the vacation was...Getting away from cities to the real Southern India in Kerala & Tamil Nadu. Seeing lots of birds and other wild fauna & flora, and having such knowledgeable people as our guide Jijo (more)Keith Pigdon

We loved Kerala and hope very much to visit again. Everyone we met were friendly and welcoming, and all arrangements made by the tour operator went very smoothly. (more)Janet Rowe

Memorable parts? All of it! The extremes of weather, the diversity of animals, the quality of the accommodation and facilities, and something you can't plan for - new found friends! Tips? Don't set your heart on seeing anything specific. Be prepared for the changes in weather. It's not as challenging as I expected - to take account of the huge spectrum of ages and abilities. But most of all HAVE FUN! Local benefits? Not so much the local people, though we did buy a lot... (more)Lisa Thomas

Memorable parts? France, The Loire Valley, wine tasting March 8 - 2011. The good memories started from our very first contact with responsible travel. They put us in touch with Mark and his wife and the wonderful chateau they live in which became our B@B for 3 nights. I felt we were visiting friends at the wineries because of Mark's relationship with the small vintners. We learned lots and drank some excellent wines. We were there with my daughter and son in law who were celebrating their... (more)Lois Lessler

Memorable parts? The instructors, the food, the town, the people who ran it...Julian. It was the most perfect vacation. Tips? You won't be sorry…be sure you pay the extra of getting to and from the transportation to the island. Local benefits? YES. Overall rating? It was simply the best I can not say enough about it. (more)Maya Van Kirk

Memorable parts? The restorative, meditative yoga practice gave a note of mindfullness to all activities. A well-balanced program, peaceful and still interesting and lovely. And our kind hosts did everything to make us feel at home. Tips? Don't plan a diet while there! Local benefits? We were instructed in pottery, knitting, embroidery, cooking etc. by local people, eager to share their craftsmanship. It was a very dry and hot summer, so water was scarce and we did our best... (more)Kristina Sevo