Celebrity style OR how to convert your husband to cruising!

It’s that time of year as summer comes to an end that we dream and plan of ways to escape the gloom of Winter. With so many options out there it is easy to get confused but if you are looking for luxury at an affordable price then cruising may well be an option for consideration. My husband was a reluctant cruiser. Having sailed and raced small boats for years the idea of cruising didn’t appeal but I tempted him with the proposal of a mini cruise and hoped that after a few days he would be converted. Celebrity is the brand leader in style and cool sophistication.

Celebrity Reflection

Their newest and most impressive ship in the Solstice fleet is called ‘Reflection’ and we found plenty to reflect upon. For the summer months, Reflection takes an eleven or fourteen day route starting in Rome so we decided to hop on board half way through an itinerary at Athens.

Athens is a great stop for cruise ships

If you don’t have the inclination for a long cruise then combining it with a mini break is an option and a wonderful way to see if you would like to cruise for longer. Hubby and I spent two nights in Athens before boarding and it was an excellent idea as we were fully relaxed and ready to embrace the high seas instead of rushing straight from the airport to Pireus, the main port. While in Athens we stayed in the Radisson Blu Hotel which is centrally located and great value and it is a city that is often forgotten about when choosing a city break. After two nights under the gaze of the Acropolis and sipping ouzo in the Plaka hubby was ready for our nautical adventure.

The pool area

Celebrity Reflection was launched in October 2012 and the paintwork hadn’t a scratch on it. The carpets in the public areas maintain that deep pile sensation as we walked through the many delightful venues on board. And there are plenty of surprises – for instance the counter top of the Ice bar is frozen to a temperature below zero with a frosted coating that you won’t want to lean against but will keep your cocktail cool for as long as it takes to drink. The icy green decor and regal furnishings will leave you feeling like a celebrity.

Ice Bar

If you’re an art lover then there is plenty to see in the galleries and even the option of taking a class in iPad art.

On the fifth deck one of my personal favourite escapes was the library. It is full of an excellent range of novels and non-fiction that will entertain while nestled in one of the pods or basking on one of the super soft loungers on the top deck.

The Library

But probably the most indulgent feature of cruising is the cuisine. Reflection has the most incredible range of restaurants and we had two personal favourites. Qsine is a dining experience with a difference. 

just dessert at Qsine

Our Moldovian waitress was ready to perform for us because this was not just a culinary but also an entertaining experience. She handed us an iPad each and gave us the choice of delicacies from every corner of the world. It would have been easy to get carried away with the menu but she recommended that we start with two countries each for starters. Be warned there is no limit to this menu and once you hit that option on the screen be prepared for a barrage of food that will arrive in spectacular fashion. 

Qsine for two

The Indian option came displayed in an apothecaries chest, the Chinese in silver coned platters – it all proved too much for the couple sitting next to us who took the option of a lie down midway through their courses on a large bed in the corner. Dessert came straight from the set of Willy Wonka and the Chocolate factory with delights on lollipop sticks and the menu in the form of a collapsible rubex cube. “Just throw and if you don’t like what I bring then throw again.” Our waitress said with a smile. This truly was indulgence on a scale I’ve not seen on dry land and only a brave patron would have capacity to dine twice in Qsine on the one trip.

No words are needed

We spent next day at sea which gave us a great opportunity to see all that the ship has to offer. The main pool area is in an enclosed space and well protected from extremes of heat and cold but there are three other open-air pools. While hubby took in some rays I tried out the spa. The moment I entered the large windows looking out to sea left me breathless. There is something very surreal about getting your feet manicured while watching the Aegean gently roll by. The hair saloon was right next door to the treatment rooms so it would have been rude for me to just pass by so I got a delicious blow-dry and was ready to great the tantalising treats in the Lawn Club Grill.

This restaurant was a real surprise because guests are encouraged to prepare and cook their own pizzas, kebabs and meat dishes. I do enough cooking when we are at home so I left it to my husband to flip the pizza dough in the air and marinate the kebabs. I have to admit that I was impressed by his handywork and it tasted delicious too. He did get expert help from the staff who couldn’t do enough for us and if we had longer on the ship hubby could well have come home fully trained to continue his newly learned skills.

cooking lesson at the Lawn Grill

Next day was a port day and we woke to a picture-postcard view of Naples with majestic buildings climbing the hills. It is a shame that we didn’t have time to explore but our tour bus brought us straight to Pompeii. Underneath the shadow of the volcano Vesuvius, Pompeii stands as an incredible monument of a working Roman citadel preserved in impeccable detail. 

Up Pompeii

Paintings can clearly be made out along with decorative tiling and plasterwork in what was the cities Spa. It was almost like stepping back in time and the guide didn’t scrimp on information leaving us fully charged and ready for a relaxing afternoon with a view. 

Sorrento

Rustic farmhouse

And in Sorrento that is exactly what we got. Nobody does a lazy lunch quite as well as the Italians and we found a glorious spot with breathtaking views of the bay of Naples and Capri. The entire Amalfi coast is stunning at every point and we were getting the full monty. But the day wasn’t over yet and before returning to the ship we were brought to a working farm and enjoyed the local cheese and wine in a truly rustic mountain setting.

Last minute shopping before boarding the ship

That evening we were not in the mood to eat much but no matter how full our belly's felt, the restaurants on Reflection are too good to miss. I wondered how my husband felt after being on dry land for a while and was delighted that he was happy to be back on the ship. A cruise is an incredibly relaxing way to pack a lot into a holiday and for us one of the highlights was sipping a cocktail at the Sunset Bar at the back of the ship and watching the port of Naples disappear as we pulled out to sea.

The Sunset Bar is the only place to be when leaving port

Reflection had plenty of shows on offer and lots of extra options - a spot of comedy or trying your luck in the casino. But there is something wonderful about going up on the top deck and lying down on one of the sunbeds or cosy hammocks and watching the stars unfurl. Celebrity is a romantic brand and it is no surprise that many of the guests are couples.

Our mini-cruise had passed too quickly and when we woke to a wonderful view of sunrise over the port of Civitavecchia. As we went for our final breakfast on the deck of the Oceanview Cafe my husband admitted this had been one of his favourite rituals each morning. I smiled smugly – he had been converted.

For more information see www,celebritycuises.ie

Castlemartyr the perfect retreat for Mums and Novelists

Castlemartyr the perfect retreat for busy novelists

I spent the most wonderful few days with fellow authors Maria Duffy and Niamh Greene at Castlemartyr a couple of years back. We spent the day in the spa reading each others novels and enjoyed the delicious cuisine and wine in the wonderful restaurants. I can't wait to go back there.

As autumn sets in and the school routine arrives like a thud it can be a stressful time for busy mums. Packed lunch boxes, endless colouring, taxiing and homework are enough to make you scream and long for a return to the hazy days of summer. With a host of fabulous hotels on our doorstep, I decided to do something about the Back-to-school-blues and gathered a couple of like-minded mothers in need of rest and relaxation. Our destination was the luxurious Castlemartyr Resort in County Cork and the moment we arrived we slipped into a cocoon of pampering. A helicopter was parked on the lawn outside and we hoped for an appearance from Daniel Craig at any moment. Instead we were met by Lionel, the porter, who took our bags and showed us to our triple room – a Junior Suite with extra bed and good option catering for three.

Our receptionist had suggested on arrival that we try some croquet on the lawn or take a dip in the swimming pool. But a glass of wine beckoned and we kicked off our two night stay with a meal in the Bell Tower which was a delight and a treat. There was something on the menu to suit everyone and I settled for the scallops to start followed by mouth-watering duck. The staff couldn’t do enough and it felt so lovely to have our dinners served up to us for a change. We retired to the lavishly decorated Living Room bar after dinner, which had us feeling like characters in Downton Abbey. As we sipped our after dinner drinks we pondered the mummy taxiing avoided earlier in the day.

Castlemartyr is a pretty town about fifteen minutes east of Cork and surrounded by plenty of amenities – Fota wildlife Park and the Titanic exhibition in Cobh are only a short drive away and perfect attractions to visit with our families. But this time we were on our own so an ideal day trip for mums is a visit to Ballymaloe farm and gardens close by.

Next morning, after a huge breakfast of Eggs Benedict, waffles and a lot more, we headed straight for the spa with our books in hand – literally. This was a chance to relax and it is something we girls do exceedingly well. The pool area was bright and looking out onto beautifully manicured gardens. It was completely separate from the spa which was quiet with a small but adequate relaxation room. In fact it was so relaxing after about an hour we slipped off to sleep – we hoped our snores didn’t disturb those in the treatment rooms next door. The sauna and thermal pool took up much of the time until it was our turn for pampering. We all had facials and the spa carried the ESPA range which included aromatherapy oils that left us smelling gorgeous. A day spa special is currently on offer for €99 including treatments and lunch.

Our second night was spent in the Italian restaurant Franchinis but be warned the pizzas are massive – we could have easily shared one between three. What more could we do but go back to the rooms and slip into our white robes and slippers and pretend that we lived like this all the time. We had a big box of roses that needed finishing off and a couple of bottles of wine to wash it all down. One brave mum woke early next morning and took a walk on Garryvoe Beach close by. There was also the option of walking the hotel grounds with the resident spaniels Countess and Earl who are always up for walkies! But we were all ready to take on another massive breakfast washed down with plenty of cups of tea and toast. The menu card was inscribed with a quote from Oscar Wilde aptly saying ‘Only dull people are brilliant at breakfast’. That was our excuse anyway. “I’ve to collect my daughter from dancing at three and my son has a football match later today,” I said to my friend. “That’s exactly what my pair are doing too,” she replied. The M8 has made the trip to Cork short and accessible and before we knew it we were home. As we settle into long nights by the fire, the memories of the lovely relaxing time we spent in Castlemartyr Resort will surely help us mums make it to mid-term break.

You can also read about our experience by clicking here on the Sunday World website

The Gobbins is open once more!

GET READY TO STEP FOOT ON NI’S DRAMATIC COASTAL WALK ONCE AGAIN

The Gobbins reopened 

Nothern Ireland is full of natural beauty and wonderfully dramatic settings made famouse the world over as a location for Game of Thrones. But now there is another wondrous location to visit.

FOLLOWING a multi-million pound investment programme, Northern Ireland’s unique experience, The Gobbins, a dramatic coastal walk, reopened on Wednesday August 19th 2015.

A reimagined version of a ‘best kept secret’ along the Causeway Coastal Route in Northern Ireland and only 40 minutes from Belfast, the attraction is a dramatic two mile long cliff-face walk with spectacular bridges, tunnel, and staircases, supported by a visitor centre and guided tours. 

The Gobbins is located in scenic Islandmagee and was originally built in the early 20th century and took visitors on a spectacular engineering masterpiece – a cliff-face path not for the faint hearted, an unexpected, white-knuckle walk across one of Ulster’s most dramatic coastlines.

Guided tours along the new path will allow adventurous visitors to enjoy the coast of the Irish Sea in a way they have not been able to in over 50 years. The Gobbins promises to excite all the senses, and be the closest visitors will get to walking on water. Hear the waves crashing against the cliffs, feel the spray of the sea on your face and witness the ever-changing flora and fauna.

The re-envisioned Gobbins will continue with the tradition of innovation and bring back to life the spectacular tubular and suspension bridges that hung from the cliff-face and staircases, caves and tunnels that were carved through the rock. Built alongside the eroded remains of the original path, the new experience uses modern materials and methods, coupled with the original design ethos, as if Berkeley Deane Wise was building it today.

A new visitor centre located a short distance away from The Gobbins is where the expedition will start. After a brief safety induction, visitors will be transported down to the path and guided on their journey. Interpretation inside the visitor centre will tell visitors about the making of The Gobbins, as well as the geology and ecology of Islandmagee.

Fiona Cunningham from Tourism Northern Ireland said: “We are very excited that The Gobbins has reopened. It is one of Northern Ireland’s most unique attractions and is something that visitors from the Republic of Ireland should definitely pay a visit to.

“The new website (www.thegobbinscliffpath.com) has just been launched and it is a hub of information for visitors detailing the attraction’s history - from its conception in 1902, its demise in 1954, to its journey back to life in 2015; what it has to offer; news; events and online booking information; plus it will assist people in planning their trip,” Fiona added.

The Gobbins will open daily from 9.30am – 5.30pm, minimum height restriction in place, pre-booking is recommended and it is not suitable for very young children. To book a tour of this thrilling attraction, phone 048 9337 2318 or go to www.thegobbinscliffpath.com. For more information go to www.discovernorthernireland.com

For a preview check out this promotional video on https://youtu.be/B0nSgZbZD34

To book a tour of this thrilling attraction, phone 048 9337 2318 or go to www.thegobbinscliffpath.com. For more information go towww.discovernorthernireland.com

Back to school blues anybody? Check out this deal to Kissimmee!

The Summer is almost over with the kids going back to school next week! It has been dreary and wet in Ireland, so here is some good news! Tour America have an amazing offer to help you through the long winter. A break during midterm to Kissimmee, Florida is just what is needed to recharge your batteries. Don’t worry about the clocks going back or the weather getting colder!

Tour America is currently offering a 7 night holiday to Kissimmee, Florida from €839.00pp during October midterm break. 

The price is based on two adults and two children (under 12 years) sharing a 3 bedroom private home with pool for 7 nights in Kissimmee, and includes return flights to Orlando from Dublin or Shannon plus 7 days car hire based on 26 October 2015departure. 

For more information or to make a booking, call 01 817 3500 or visit www.touramerica.ie and quote ref: 495282

For more information on Kissimmee please see www.experiencekissimmee.com , follow @kissimmee on Twitter and likefacebook.com/experiencekissimmee.

My favourite FREE thing to do in New York #StatenIsland

One of my favourite free things to do in Manhattan is to take a ferry to Staten Island. I chose the experience for a very special scene in my 2008 novel Three Nights in New York. After reading this from NYCGO.com I think I'm going to have to go back there and explore Staten Island a bit better.

Lower Manhattan taken before the Freedom Tower was built.
This is me in 2007 on the ferry to Staten Island.

A 25-minute ferry ride from Lower Manhattan, St. George is a historically rich and charming neighborhood with cultural institutions, authentic restaurants and outdoor activities. As part of the neighborhood promotion, a short documentary film is available online that features local insiders who highlight and recommend the must-see attractions of St. George. To view the documentary and neighborhood highlights, visit nycgo.com/insiderguides.

"From the northern edge of the Bronx to the far Rockaways, New York City is rich in history, culture and entertainment," said Mayor Bill de Blasio. "NYCGO Insider Guides give visitors to our great city a slice of the true New York, and Staten Island's bustling neighborhood of St. George is the latest to top that list. Accessible for all New Yorkers via the free Staten Island Ferry, St. George is a repository of summer fun for New York families and visitors alike."

“NYC & Company has been a tremendous partner in marketing Staten Island as a ‘must visit’ for tourists coming to the city,” said Staten Island Borough President James Oddo. “Beginning with St. George is ideal, as the vast majority of visitors we get arrive via the Staten Island Ferry. Just off the ferry, we have many cultural attractions, restaurants and a brewery to welcome our guests.”

“The friendly neighborhood of St. George offers plenty of cultural institutions and attractions for visitors to plan their day exploring Staten Island,” said Marty Markowitz, NYC & Company’s vice president of Borough Promotion and Engagement. “Summer is the perfect time to see this beautiful waterfront enclave—from Italian dining to a new museum, we invite everyone to hop aboard the free and famed Staten Island Ferry.”

Experience St. George Like a Local

·         Attractions: Along the St. George Promenade, the Postcards September 11^th Memorial pays tribute to borough residents lost on 9/11. Nearby, baseball fans can enjoy affordable family fun at aStaten Island Yankees game, the Single A minor league affiliate of the New York Yankees. The newly-opened National Lighthouse Museum, built in the original home of the US Lighthouse Services General Depot, educates visitors about lighthouses and their keepers.
·         Shopping: Located across from the ferry, Hypno-Tronic Comics offers rare finds for comic book collectors.

·         Dining: Visitors can sample home cooking prepared by a rotating series of head chef “nonnas” from Italy, Asia and the Middle East at at Enoteca Maria, savor the bold flavors of fine Spanish fare atBeso, feast on a freshly seared steak on an open-air rooftop patio at Ruddy & Dean, or enjoy thin-crust pizza and specialty pies at Pier 76.

·         Arts & Entertainment: Cultural enthusiasts can learn about the connections between natural science, art and the history of the borough at the Staten Island Museum, which will be opening an extension September 19 at Snug Harbor Cultural Center & Botanical Garden in Randall Manor. The St. George Theatre, which opened in 1929, features a variety of music, dance, comedy and theatrical performances year-round; the venue’s past performers include Donny Osmond and Carol Burnett, with upcoming appearances by Tony Bennett and Whoopi Goldberg. Socially engaging exhibits at the Staten Island Arts’ Culture Lounge, as well as a rotating collection of local artists at the Art at Bay Gallery, sponsored by the Staten Island Creative Community, add to the borough’s vibrant arts scene.
·         Nightlife: Throughout the week, visitors can head to 120 Bay Café or Steiny’s Pub, for live music or karaoke, food and a lively bar scene. Hops enthusiasts can learn about the art of craft beer atFlagship Brewing Company.
·         Looking Forward: New attractions, shopping and dining developments coming to the area are all part of Destination St. George, which includes Empire Outlets, New York City’s first shopping outlet destination with a planned 2016 opening; the 630-foot-tall New York Wheel, expected to open in 2017, which will be taller than the London Eye and the Singapore Flyer; and Lighthouse Point, which will be home to a new hotel, retail shops and restaurants by late 2019.

Those looking to spend more time in Staten Island will find several hotels that provide complimentary transportation to and from the St. George Ferry Terminal, including the Comfort Inn Staten Island, Hampton Inn & Suites Staten Island, Hilton Garden Inn New York/Staten Island and Holiday Inn Express Staten Island West. For the best available rates, visitnycgo.com/hotels and reserve through NYC & Company’s exclusive hotel booking partner, Booking.com.

NYCGO Insider Guides: Get to know our neighborhoods

New York City is made up of five distinct boroughs: the Bronx, Brooklyn, Manhattan, Queens and Staten Island. Formerly Neighborhood x Neighborhood, NYCGO Insider Guides, which debuted in March, spotlight a new neighborhood each month. The video documentary series and editorial content take New Yorkers and visitors behind the scenes to introduce them to the character and characters that define some of New York City’s most fascinating neighborhoods.

If you would like to read my book Three Nights in New York you can get it here on Amazon

Yummy London!

When I was a sock designer in the eighties I used to travel to London every couple of weeks, but since the new millennium I have only been a handful of times for fleeting visits. That's why I was very keen to seek out the changes in cuisine on a recent visit. I found a huge variety of epicurean delights that will suit all budgets and as my friend and I were travelling with our kids it made the experience more challenging.

Afternoon Tea is a quintessentially English experience and The Arch Hotel on Great Cumberland Place is a real find for a very different treat.

The contemporary Afternoon Tea offers fresh warm cinnamon and sugar doughnuts filled with apple jam in the place of scones.

The Arch Hotel

Savoury delights include Mini Beef Burgers with Onion Marmalade in Brioche Buns; Smoked Chicken, Chilli, Avocado and Mango Tortillas, Mini handmade Scotch Eggs with Piccalilli; and Chicken Satay served with a Peanut dipping Sauce and Sesame Seeds.

This fruity cocktail was an exotic start to the Afternoon Tea

Sweet treats include homemade Macarons; exquisite Mini Coffee Éclairs; and a Lemon and Mango Rice Pudding with Toasted Coconut. Strawberry and Pistachio Tarts and Mini Raspberry Victoria Sponges will provide a nod to the traditional British Afternoon Tea.

Priced at £29 and £38 with Champagne, the Afternoon Tea can be enjoyed in the hotel’s stunning Martini Library, stylish restaurant, or chic Salon de Champagne lounge.
This was afternoon Tea with a difference. The kids adored the mini fish and chips and mini burgers while the adults demolished the chicken on a stick. This charming hotel is somewhere we all would like to return to.

Check out this chic boutique hotel on this link The Arch

My daughter couldn't wait to explore Borough Market

Since the development of the South bank of the river Thames there is always somewhere yummy to eat. Southwark is home to the Tate Modern and the new Globe Theatre and although I had not been I had heard about the development. But I didn't realise that Southwark is home to an exciting food Market. The aromas from the stalls are filled with so much choice and variety that there is something for everyone's taste. From the hog on the spit, Pad Thai in a box or Oysters for £5 my eyes and senses were reeling. Under the gaze of the Shard (the tallest building in the EU) this area is also home to The Leaky Cauldron and a must for Harry Potter fans! Start your Muggle Tour here!

Borough Market

Check out the website here to whet your appetite. Borough Market 

Radio Rooftop at ME London

Brunch is a great way to spend a lazy Saturday or Sunday and I think I found the perfect spot in London. The Radio Rooftop restaurant has probably the best view of all of London's major sights in the perfect location on the Strand. At the top of the uber trendy ME hotel it is a hive of activity with a menu that will satisfy all tastes - including picky kids! 
Check out the views on the website if you don't believe me. Radio Rooftop

Kids on Top

Happy Mums for Saturday Brunch at Radio Rooftop

With super fast Wifi the kids were so busy that my friend and I could mull over a bottle of Prosecco for three hours under the London sunshine. French toast with berries satisfied the kids while I enjoyed crab omelette, sweet corn fritters and my friend, Wendy went for the Eggs Benedict. Yet again we found a true delight and if I return without the kids I will be paying this bar a visit in the evening too!

The delicious Caxton Grille at the St Ermins Hotel

If you are looking for a truly special meal in London, then a few steps across the road from New Scotland Yard is the beautiful St Ermins Hotel and home to The Caxton Grille. Masterchef Adam Handling made this dining experience one of the best meals I have ever had the pleasure to enjoy. I did wonder how the kids were going to like such exotic cuisine but I needn't have worried...after their delicious mains our waiter produced a bowl of homemade candy floss to impress the girls and it most certainly did!

The Kids choclate Brownie with Candyfloss in Background

My main course Wagyu Burger

My mouth still waters every time I think of my Wagyu Burger and I didn't think that the meal could get any better...until desert came out that is! A feast for the eyes and senses is the only way to describe my popcorn, nougat, caramel and burnt orange ice-cream pudding. 

Followed by home made lollipops and petit fours I cannot remember a better meal. 

Adam Handling is a genius. Check out the website for the Caxton Grille here.

If you are travelling on a tight budget then you can still find plenty of good places to eat. I was pleasantly surprised to find dinner for two adults and two kids for £50 including a half carafe of Wine on Victoria Street. The Colosseo is a warm friendly place with freshly made pizzas and pasta dishes - well worth checking out for a lovely family experience. Click here colosseo restaurant to see more information.Overall our dining experience in London was mouthwatering with wonderful choice to please all the family, young and old.

See www.visitlondon.com for more London dining ideas.

I write about 1980's London in my novel Six Postcards Home and if you would like to read a copy you can get it here on amazon

Celebrity Cruises in Dublin

Me with Edward Smith from Suburbia on line 

I spent the most lovely day on Sunday with the gorgeous Edward Smith of suburbiaonline on board the Solstice class ship Silhouette. It was a great way to put in a sunny afternoon with sublime views of my home town from a perspective that I have never seen before.

The pool on board Silhouette

 We sampled the wonderful saunas and new Persian Gardens now available to Aqua class passengers. Then we dined in the Tuscan Grille where I enjoyed the best Tiramisu ever - no wonder it is aptly named a 'pick me up' with the smouldering aroma of Italian liquors.

The visit brought back happy memories of my time spent on board the Solstice class ship, Reflection, last year. I will blog about very soon...watch this space!