India and experiencing a taste of Asia has always been a country that I have yearned to visit yet somehow over the past 50 years it has somehow eluded me! With India so often on my mind, it was therefore really exciting to be contacted recently by the Asia specialist and AITO (Association of Independent Tour Operators) member Transindus who expressed an interest in writing a rather unique blog for “Just One For The Road”.
I do love the AITO tour operators – small niche businesses that truly know their product – I guess I have always been a lover of travel companies that specialise in one region – in this case Asia – and don’t diversify to another continent and profess to be experts when they are not. One look at the TransIndus website and you will discover a rich variety of holidays and tours to suit every interest and taste.
Now speaking of taste that is, without a doubt, one of the many reasons I would love to visit India – the food! Anyone I have ever known to visit has come back raving about the incredible fresh cuisine, the spices, the smells and unique flavours not to mention the friendly people, the culture, the sights and the sounds of a non-stop country steeped in history and tradition. However I will be honest ….when I first read that the piece was going to be food-related I was expecting a spicy little number but no, our friends at TransIndus knew I had a sweet tooth and presented me with the tale of a frozen dessert….. Kulfi!
Well as they say the proof is in the pudding…. so… while you read their blog I will be donning an apron and making my very own Kulfi. If you head over to my Facebook page this weekend you can see how I got on – will I be the new King of the Kulfi or will this be a recipe for disaster – time will tell !?!
TransIndus – The Asia Specialists
Established thirty years ago, TransIndus was one of the first tour operators to specialise in luxury, tailor-made holidays to India. Our mission statement was to help people get to the heart and soul of the destination and experience local culture and society rather than just the tourist site.
As the years progressed, we added new regions of India and new countries and destinations to our product portfolio. Today, we run group tours and tailor-made holidays throughout Asia to countries as far-reaching as South Korea, Uzbekistan, Jordan and Vietnam alongside our bread and butter – India and the subcontinent.
A Taste of Asia Golden Temple India
Knowledgable Staff
Being an independent, small, local business, we are a tight-knit team. We know our specialist destinations inside out. Many have lived there, returned regularly, and refreshed their knowledge through training, webinars and events.
We love to share our latest discoveries with clients, whether that is a beautiful new boutique hotel or a local tour of a market or village. Our teams know the hidden corners of the Asian continent as well as the best times to visit the most popular tourist sites to avoid crowds or take the best photos.
Unique Experiences
With decades of experience organising holidays and group tours to Asia, we have tried and tested thousands of hotels, experiences, and adventures for every type of traveller.
Performing arts, handicrafts and minority communities have always been a major focus of ours and we can create specialist itineraries throughout Asia with these in mind. In the past, we have put together itineraries like a Korean Ceramics Tour, a Culinary Tour of Kerala and an itinerary that traces the Lord Buddha’s footsteps throughout India and Nepal.
Service & Care
Each quote we build is personalised and completely bespoke, based on taking the time to get to know our clients and find out what they hope to gain from a particular trip. We pride ourselves on this level of personalised service and as a result, enjoy five-star reviews on TrustPilot and customers who return to us over and over again to travel to new destinations.
During the height of the coronavirus pandemic, we also safely repatriated all of our clients including those in the most remote of places. Today, we offer an Amendment Guarantee in our COVID Promise that allows clients to postpone their holiday, change the destination or do a name change on the booking up to 30 days before departure to allow for as much flexibility as possible.
Furthermore, all of our holidays will operate under the strictest standards of health and safety. We have reduced the size of our group tours from a maximum of 12 guests to eight and we are working with our suppliers and partners in our destinations to ensure our hotels and modes of transport are covid-safe.
A Taste of Asia
If there is a fairy tale in the Indian kitchen it has to be the tale of the Kulfi, originating in the Mughal Empire’s royal kitchen and frozen in ice from the Himalayas.
Ancient India was a vast land ruled by many rulers and visited by traders and travellers from far and wide, who with themselves brought a potpourri of recipes and ideas. The dessert likely originated in the 16th century during the Mughal Empire. Interestingly Emperor Akbar’s administrative record, Ain-I-Akbari, has references to the transportation of Himalayan ice from Choor Chandani Dhar in Himachal Pradesh to warmer areas and also the use of saltpetre for refrigeration.
Originally this ice was used to cool water and freshly made fruit sherbet. It wouldn’t have taken long to stumble upon a recipe to use crushed ice to cool milk and result in the famous and very loved Kulfi!
A dense mixture of flavoured & sweetened evaporated milk packed into tightly sealed metal cones then placed in an earthen pot (matka) submerged in slurry ice resulted in what we know as Kulfi or Qulfi – derived from the Persian word Qufli meaning “covered cup”. A heavenly delight that slowly melts in the mouth devoid of any ice crystals. The absence of air differentiates it from western ice cream.
This delicately flavoured frozen dessert is prepared by boiling milk over low flame until it reduces a thick creamy consistency which is high in fat, protein and lactose density. It must be stirred continuously to keep the milk from sticking to the bottom of the vessel and burning. Kulfi on its own has a very distinctive taste as the lactose sugar in milk is caramelized during the slow and lengthy cooking process.
The thick milk concoction is and can be flavoured widely. Traditionally Kulfi has been mostly flavoured with Saffron, Pistachio, dry fruits or Rosewater. Seasonal fruits are also widely used to flavour this frozen dessert, the most popular being mango-flavoured Kulfi.
A Taste of Asia, Transindus
Regional Variants
Not to be missed is the Himachali variant of Kulfi known as ‘Malai Barfi’ served on a leaf in the Kangra District of Himachal Pradesh. The ingredients are Milk, Cardamom, Khoa (milk solid) and sugar.
The Taste Of Asia flavours don’t stop here, being a large country, the flavours have been influenced by geography, local taste buds and the curiosity & skills of culinary experts. Like pomegranate-flavoured kulfi in Hyderabad and the use of coconut cream further down south.
One of the quirkiest twists to the Kulfi has to be the Kulfi Sandesh. Found in sweet shops in Kolkata (West Bengal), this is a fusion of the Kulfi concoction mixed with all the ingredients of Sandesh (a Bengali sweet made of cottage cheese). The mixture is then put in moulds, steamed and then chilled. The result – a really tasty dessert on a hot summer day!
Almost every city in India will have its famous Kulfi stall. The best that I have come by has to be Kuremal Kulfi in Old Delhi, they have been in the business since 1906 and Ashrafi Kulfi in Ahmedabad (Gujarat) established in 1954. The avatars of ‘Kulfi’ that one would find here are a tantalizing sight for the one with a sweet tooth! From the common Kulfi on a stick to stuffed Kulfi, Roll cut to roller Kulfi and the option of Kulfi with various toppings.
Childhood Memories
The popularity of Kulfi in India is so great that every child and grown-up will have a Kulfi-related memory, be it the tinkle of the Kulfi seller’s bell or the gently rolling off the kulfi mould between the palms, a technique to take out the dessert from its mould without breaking!
Geographically Kulfi extends its popularity well beyond the Indian borders, into Bangladesh, Pakistan, Nepal, Myanmar (Burma), Sri Lanka and some parts of the Middle East.
Many recipes are showcasing the Taste of Asia. These are now available online and in various cookbooks. We tried and tested one below, a simple and easy-to-follow recipe that makes 2 servings.
The Taste Of Asia Recipe
2-litre milk, full cream
¼ cup cream, optional
¼ cup sugar, adjust to your sweetness
20 pistachios, chopped
2 tbsp saffron milk (soak a few saffron threads in 2 tbsp of warm milk.)
½ tsp cardamom powder
Method
Use a flat and thick-bottomed pan to boil 2 litres of milk.
Bring to a boil and then lower the heat to low
Add cream and stir well.
Simmer for about 30 minutes and add sugar (keep stirring)
Simmer until the milk thickens completely
Add chopped pistachios, saffron milk and Cardamom powder
Give a good mix and stir for another 5 minutes
Completely Cool the thickened milk mixture (can take over an hour)
Transfer to Kulfi moulds and freeze overnight
To Serve
Remove the moulds from the freezer and slowly warm them up by rubbing them between your palms. You can also dip it in warm water (quicker). Gently remove from the mould and eat quickly.
If you do not have kulfi moulds you can use a plastic cup and cover tightly with cling wrap or Ice lolly moulds work okay as well.
You can get as creative as you want and so experience the taste of Asia.
Contact Information
If you enjoyed a taste of Asia and are thinking of looking into a trip to India or Asia, please contact your local AITO travel agent or you can contact TransIndus as follows:
Phone: 07947 761 237
Email: enquiries@transindus.com
Website: www.transindus.co.uk
Ecuador is the smallest of Andean countries and lies between Peru and Colombia on the equator. However, do not let the size put you off. This South American country has an amazing array of attractions from breathtaking nature to wild beaches and from colonial architecture to indigenous tribes.
From the frozen peaks of Chimborazo to the lush forests of Parque Nacional Yasuní and the tropical Pacific coast, and all within easy reach of Quito, its capital.
The majority of Ecuadorians speak Spanish, but there are more than 20 other dialects spoken across the country including Kichwa, the language of the Inca Empire. Most of Ecuador’s 14.5 million people are mestizos which is a mixture of Spanish and indigenous.
Ecuador is one of the most active areas for volcanoes in South America with eight active and a handful classed as possibly still alive!
As with Costa Rica’s “Pura Vida” slogan the Ecuadorian version is known as ‘Buen Vivir’ to protect a third of the nation’s land, to ensure continuing biodiversity. Examples of their intentions are demonstrated by their recent commitments to marine protection efforts.
Not far from Ecuador are the islands of the Galapagos, made famous by both Charles Darwin and in recent times, David Attenborough. If getting close to some of the most unique and enthralling wildlife on the planet is for you then perhaps you need to book an expedition cruise to see these glorious islands.
Air Ecuador and the Galapagos Islands are only small so flights from Quito or Quayaquil are usually less than an hour and connect most of the main towns and of course the Galapagos Islands.
Buses The bus network is generally pretty good reliable and excellent value for money.
Car Hire If you are 25 or over you can hire a car but with the good bus service and road conditions a little mixed I would suggest opting for the bus.
Bicycles Becoming increasingly popular however hiring them is scarce so bring your own and enjoy the ride!
Train Services are very limited however a couple of new enjoyable and scenic routes have started in recent times and are worth considering between Quito and Guayaquil as well as Quito to El Boliche.
Top Things To See & Do
Quito An ideal base from which to explore everything that Ecuador has to offer visitors. The town itself is relatively small but packed with interesting sights due in main to its colonial past as well as its churches monasteries and bustling markets.
Otavalo and the Northern Sierra For a taste of authenticity. the area north of Quito is home to some traditional attractions in terms of local crafts like leather and woodcarving. In Otavalo, the legendary Saturday market showcases the local weaving industry. The area also attracts active holidaymakers who like walking and hiking due to the valleys, lakes, and volcanoes.
The Central Sierra South of Quito, in the central Sierra, you will find Cotopaxi and Chimborazo – the two most celebrated volcanoes in Ecuador. Further interests are small villages featuring fabulous markets, beautiful lakes, little spa towns, and even a scenic train journey from Riobamba.
Cuenca and the Southern Sierra The colonial city of Cuenca, a UNESCO World Heritage Site is a must-visit and close to Ingapirca for Inca ruins and the mesmerising Parque Nacional Cajas. Then further south you will find the Parque Nacional Podocarpus and the mountain village of Vilcabamba.
The Oriente The Reserva Faunística Cuyabeno and the Parque Nacional Yasuní are Amazonian rain forests and from here you can experience the wildlife and the lives of the indigenous people who live here.
The Northern Lowlands and Coast For bird watching and cloud forests head northwest of Quito. Firstly there is the village of Mindo and then the Reserva Ecológica Manglares Cayapas-Mataje which is best viewed from a canoe. For its beaches fun head to Atacames.
Guayaquil and the Southern Coast Montanite is a popular hangout for surfers and backpackers, while Salinas is perhaps the country’s most famed seaside resort. Guayaquil is the main port while the mangrove forests of the Reserva-Ecológica Manglares Churute and the petrified forest of Puyango are worth exploring.
The Galapagos Islands These magical islands are a nature lover’s dream with opportunities to view weird and wonderful wildlife up close both on land or underwater. You can also visit the Charles Darwin Center to learn more about his historic adventures and studies here.
Pre-bookable Excursions in Ecuador
More Information
The Ecuador Tourist Office provides a wide choice of useful information including places to go, things to do and what you can expect from the weather.
Until a recent Instagram exchange, the expedition cruise company Ecoventura was an unfamiliar name to me but then that’s no surprise as I have yet to fulfil one of my life’s ambitions to follow in the footsteps of Charles Darwin and David Attenborough to witness the inspiring wildlife of Ecuador and the Galapagos Islands which excited me so much as a little kid back in the seventies.
I was therefore delighted to recently learn more about the Ecoventura Cruise Company and the quality product that they have to offer visitors embarking on that journey of a lifetime to the Galapagos Islands.
Pacific Adventures
Ecoventura is a family-owned multi-award-winning luxury expedition cruise company. For nearly three decades, Ecoventura has led adventurous travellers to some of the most extraordinary and untouched corners of the earth.
They provide emotional, authentic adventures that emphasize the destination’s awe-inspiring features while minimizing the impact on the delicate ecosystem. These are voyages that cater to every traveller’s exacting demands without compromising their commitment to sustainability.
Ecoventura Expedition Yachts
Ecoventura boasts a collection of expedition yachts. There are two luxury expedition yachts, the Origin and Theory. A first-class yacht, the Ecoventura Letty. A 16-passenger luxury dive live-aboard, the Galapagos Sky. They are also soon to take delivery of a third expedition yacht – the Evolve.
Origin & Theory provides sleek, stylish modern spaces ensuring that guests feel as if they are on board a privately chartered yacht. Every element has been designed for comfort and sustainability. From inviting staterooms with panoramic windows to world-class cuisine, blending tasteful design, luxury amenities and environmental sustainability.
Both Origin & Theory are the only vessels in the Galapagos Islands to be accepted as a member of the esteemed Relais & Châteaux collection, joining a distinguished group of hoteliers, chefs and restaurateurs that have set the standard for excellence in hospitality. Guests can be reassured once on board that they will receive the highest standards for food & beverage, service from the crew and amenities on board and in their staterooms.
Experienced Staff
An experienced 13-member Ecuadorian crew includes a high-level Captain, a concierge, up to three naturalist guides (one for every eight guests) and the lowest guide-to-guest ratio in Galapagos. The outstanding naturalists delight in sharing their knowledge and passion. With a maximum of just 20 guests on board, there is nothing to get in the way of your personal experience.
Every day in the Galapagos brings intriguing opportunities to explore on land, from guided walks along pristine beaches or hikes on volcanic lava and through tunnels or lush vegetation. Observe the marine environment with excursions by Zodiac, glass-bottom boat, snorkelling, stand-up paddleboard or kayak. The Galapagos itineraries highlight the very best wildlife, landscapes, marine environment and history.
Guests can choose between two different 7-night Ecoventura Cruises itineraries, each of which showcases the best the Galapagos has to offer. And if they can’t decide between them, they can, of course, combine both for a two-week exploration of the entire archipelago”.
Ecoventura Cabin Comforts
It’s a good thing there’s so much to see and do in the Galapagos, or guests might never leave the comfort of their staterooms. Along with large windows providing expansive ocean views, the ten staterooms are roomy and inviting, with individual climate control, plush bedding, private modern bathrooms, plenty of storage space and other luxury amenities.
Cabins are cleaned regularly throughout the day, and hand sanitising stations have been placed throughout the communal parts of each vessel. Guests are provided with personal alcohol-based hand sanitisers and each yacht is disinfected before each voyage. Crew members are tested for COVID-19 before boarding and are required to wear masks and other safety equipment based on their role.
Wine & Dine
Dine on delicious cuisine creatively prepared by expert chefs using fresh, locally sourced ingredients. The elegant dining room features marble table tops, with configurations from two to eight guests for private or group dining.
During the week, guests will be delighted by a cooking demonstration and BBQ lunch served al fresco on the spacious sundeck. The sundeck is the ideal place to unwind between island excursions. The area offers shade with day beds, loungers, woven hammocks, tables and chairs, a restroom, an outdoor shower, a BBQ and a wet bar.
Enjoy a generous open bar policy including red, white and sparkling wine, local beer and spirits, espresso and cappuccino. Then there is always the intimate indoor bar which is always open for speciality cocktails, wine, beer, sodas, juices, coffee, and tea.
Ecoventura On Board Facilities
Interior social areas include a comfortable lounge for the evening briefing. Here there are also enrichment lectures offered by the naturalists or to watch a documentary. Borrow a book from the library stocked with publications on the Galapagos and Charles Darwin. Visit the boutique offering high-quality local handicrafts, sundries, and gift items.
Relax in the Jacuzzi hot tub or work out in the fitness centre equipped with a treadmill, free weights, yoga mats, and more.
Wifi is available throughout the vessel at no additional cost.
Wildlife En Route
Ecoventura’s desire to offer small groups the most inspiring Galapagos wildlife experience possible while offering hands-on exploration of nature with enough varied activities is sure to leave a lasting impression in each guest’s life. You can enjoy hiking through trails of volcanic formations or witnessing nesting sea birds. Experience moments on a secluded beach with hundreds of sea lions, snorkelling with penguins and sharks, kayaking in a secluded cove or taking a zodiac ride to explore the shoreline and spot wildlife.
They understand that ecosystems are fragile, yet important environments, and they know first-hand the impact our adventures have on sustaining local communities. With profound respect and admiration, you will gain a renewed spirit about how amazing nature can be on every journey.
Sustainable Tourism
Leading the way in sustainable tourism, Ecoventura was the first company to earn the voluntary certification, Smart Voyager and the first company in Galapagos to offset carbon emissions and install solar-powered energy sources. To ensure the local community benefits from tourism, the company established the Galapagos Marine Biodiversity Fund in partnership with the World Wildlife Fund in 2006 to support marine conservation by strengthening the local communities’ ability to manage natural resources.
In 2017, a new partnership was formed with Ecoventura and the Charles Darwin Foundation to create the Galapagos Biodiversity & Education for Sustainability Fund. Ecoventura annually supports Ecology Project International through scholarships and career mentoring for local high-school students to study conservation directly in the field and ecology-related issues. The company partners with local non-profits to bring needed supplies through Pack for a Purpose.
Through these various initiatives, the company has become the pacesetter in responsible tourism to preserve and protect the Galapagos Islands.
Ecoventura Contact Information
All Ecoventura expeditions can be booked via your local travel agent or via a selection of UK South America tour operators who feature Ecuador and the Galapagos Islands.
Be sure to also check out the Ecoventura Galapagos Reviews on Trip Advisor.
The volcanic island of St Lucia is certainly one of the greenest and most beautiful of the Caribbean islands which border the Atlantic Ocean. The island is part of the Lesser Antilles and covers an area of 238 square miles.
Its twin peaks, the Pitons are the island’s most famous UNESCO-protected world heritage landmark. Castries is the capital and home to about one-third of the island’s population. St Lucia is also known for its pristine beaches, luscious rainforest, and La Soufriere volcano drawing in visitors for both relaxation, romance, and adventure.
The beaches at Grande Anse Beach, Anse Chastanet, and Sugar Beach are known as some of the best for diving snorkelling, or just putting your feet up.
For those more energetic there are some great hiking opportunities including the chance to climb, with a guide, the Gros Piton where you can reach the 2,600 summit after about two hours.
Many visitors arrive by cruise ship and they will be based in Castries while enjoying excursions to other popular locations such as Soufriere, Marigot Bay and Gros Islet.
Any visit will involve trying out the traditional Creole cuisine and of course the local rum. To get a better perspective on local life why not mix and dance with the crowds at the carnival held in the capital, Castries every year?
St Lucia’s main road forms a big loop around the island so the buses which are small minivans offer a fairly frequent and cost-effective option
Taxis in St Lucia are expensive and not metered so be careful when jumping in one at airports or hotels particularly.
People often think cycling is good for St Lucia but owing to the mountains and relatively poor roads there are better alternatives.
Water taxis are popular, especially between Rodney Bay in the north and Marigot Bay or Soufrière in the south.
When To Go
The peak season for weather in St Lucia runs from December through to May with the most popular period for tourists generally between Christmas in December to April.
The wet season runs from June to November.
Places to Stay in St Lucia
St Lucia is a popular destination for newlyweds and couples looking for romance and relaxation. There is a long list of spectacular hotels like the Ladera Resort and East Winds that provide high standards of service, the finest cuisine, impeccable accommodation, and Caribbean charm to ensure an experience you will never forget.
Very popular with UK and US guests are the three Sandals properties of Sandals Grande St Lucian, Sandals Regency La Toc, and Sandals Halcyon Beach.
The local Creole cuisine must not be missed. Barbeques offering chicken, pork, fish, and goat are cooked using local spices and served with various sides like plantain, breadfruit, macaroni, potato, and rice.
The fresh seafood is out of this world with many fine dining restaurants available in the main towns or as part of your hotel facilities.
Top Things To See & Do
Sault Waterfall The 55 feet Sault Waterfall is one of the most spectacular waterfalls in St Lucia.
The Tet Paul Nature Trail In Soufriere is the Tet Paul Scenic Trail which is a hike where you will pass pretty landscapes and agricultural land before reaching ‘Kaye Kassav,’ or Cassava House, known for its history in cassava production.
Boucan Spa The spa at Boucan on the historical Rabot Estate has its spa where chocolate is considered good for you – I knew it !!
Marigot Bay The playground of the rich and famous moor their yachts here and in the marina you can enjoy luxury catamaran tours, chic restaurants, and boutiques.
La Soufriere Volcano The dormant Qualibou or La Soufriere Volcano is a great photo opportunity and place to marvel at Mother Nature. Check out the steaming sulphur springs and natural hot-water pools.
Pigeon Island National Park This national park including a British-built fort is one of St Lucia’s top historical landmarks.
Gros Piton & Piton Flore It is hard work however a guided hike up Gros Piton is well worth the effort for the views, nature, and flora as is a trek to the smaller Piton Flore.
Pre Bookable Excursions in St Lucia
More Information
The St Lucia Tourist Authority provides a wide choice of useful information including places to go, things to do and what you can expect from the weather.
Discover the allure of St. Lucia, the Caribbean gem that I have always dreamt of exploring. The lush green rainforest, the iconic Pitons – nature’s masterpiece. As a mountain enthusiast, this island beckons. Add the warmth of Caribbean hospitality, delectable cuisine, rum cocktails, soulful music, and endless sunshine – it’s a paradise waiting to be uncovered.
Now, all that’s left is finding the perfect haven. Enter Ladera Resort St Lucia – an exquisite adult-only retreat with a commitment to sustainability. Let’s hear what they had to say, revealing the wonders, activities, and must-see places at this extraordinary resort.
Caribbean Heaven
Create unforgettable moments of a lifetime at the Ladera Resort St Lucia, with luxury, romance, adventure, wellness, eco-friendly philosophy and the Dasheene restaurant’s culinary delights.
Uniquely located on a lush volcano ridge 1,000 feet above the Caribbean Sea, each luxurious suite boasts its private heated plunge pool and an “Open Wall” design, without a fourth wall, allowing for breathtaking panoramas of the Majestic Pitons and deep blue Caribbean Sea.
Rated one of the top 5 resorts of all magnificent resorts in the Caribbean, this intimate 37-suite getaway is situated on a UNESCO World Heritage Site. All Suites include Roundtrip Private Car Airport Transfers, Breakfast at the award-winning, Farm-to-Table Dasheene, and access to the soon-to-open, 18,000 sq. ft. Ladera Spa with mineral pool for a “Beyond the Rainforest” experience.
Exclusive Guest Experiences
The Essence of this Romantic Paradise is found among the staff who create the ambience. They also produce furniture with local hardwoods and stones and maintain fabulous wellness gardens.
Exclusive “Ladera Guest Only” experiences include a private onsite guided Ladera Ridge hike to the top of the hike, where you feel as if you can touch Petite Piton, a tour of the wellness gardens, a visit to the Ladera Carpentry Shop, and yoga. Saturday mornings you may book an excursion with Chef Nigel Mitchel to visit the market in Soufriere and then return to Dasheene to prepare and enjoy a meal together.
Farm To Table Dining With A View
The award-winning Farm-to-Table Dasheene Restaurant features International Cuisine infused with St. Lucian Spices, breathtaking views of the Pitons and Jade mountain, the sea, the St. Lucian sunset and a one-of-a-kind Dasheene Team, offering a friendly and welcoming atmosphere, promoting the Ladera Eco-Friendly Philosophy; This is why Dasheene is one of the best restaurants in St. Lucia and the Caribbean.
Executive Chef Nigel Mitchel and his culinary team use products locally and organically grown on local farms, including the fresh seafood caught from the nearby waters and brought to the restaurant each morning, comprising 70% of what is made in the kitchen. The Ladera Wellness Garden tour allows guests to experience the fruit and spices served in Dasheene and the fauna of St. Lucia.
A Team Of Sustainability Champions
With a Green Globe Certification, Ladera is a unique resort, committed to Luxury, unsurpassed guest service and environmental and community sustainability. Under the guidance of General Manager, Christian Gandara, the staff are empowered to move forward with their passions to create progress in these areas.
The “Ladera Green Team,” led by Sustainability Champions, Eustace and Vernette, meet to decide how they can commit and take action with sustainability at the resort, within the community and at their homes. The team planted trees at a local school and organized the main road cleanup, where they walked the streets down to the town and picked up trash. Regularly, Ladera donates leftover guest amenities, old furniture and appliances to local charities and schools as well as prepares and donates food for local food banks.
Every day staff make a difference. The three master craftsmen, Boniface, Eustace and Eustachius contribute daily to bettering the resort. They use the tropical wood, tiles and stones found in St. Lucia to build and create onsite, in our carpentry shop at Ladera. Many say Boniface’s pole, panel and sculpture creations are “living works of art, that enrich the natural surroundings.
Eustace, the Property and Maintenance Manager, and Sustainability Champion, who has been at the resort for over 30 years, has built the resort with his bare hands and has become an integral part of the resort. Eustachius has designed and built most of the furniture, in the resort, including the beds, exclusively to meet the Ladera Eco-friendly philosophy.
Beyond The Standard
Ray, the Ladera Head Gardener, is the master of landscaping, growing fruit trees, plants and most of the tropical flowers. With his vast knowledge of flora and fauna, he shares his passion and expertise, conducting educational garden tours for guests. They also learn the true meaning of farm-to-table. He oversees the onsite wellness garden of local produce and herbs used at Dasheene, our award-winning, “Farm to Table” restaurant. We grow bananas, mangos, pineapples, local apples, starfruits, herbs, vegetables and many other plants.
The Ladera Staff conserve the whole product as much as possible. For example, the Ladera Coconuts are used for fresh coconut water at the bar and coconut treats in the pastry. The leftover shells are returned to Ray, the Gardner, who uses them as the border of the gardens to contain the earth from erosion for irrigation purposes and as a decorative piece. Any leftover fruit is fed to the birds in over 50 birdfeeders across the property. Leftover bread is fed to the fish in the pond and composting of leftover food and bio-degradable products is done daily.
A Plastic Free Ladera Resort, St Lucia
Aside from eliminating 85,000 plastic water bottles with the resort’s partnership with ”Just Water,” they have eliminated plastic straws and provided and promoted reusable items with food services such as cloth napkins, glass cups, and silverware. The gift shop sells sustainable, fair trade products and cruelty-free guest amenity products are provided in all our accommodations. Even the yoga mats are eco-friendly and all cleaning products are from Ecolab.
Conserving water and energy are natural everyday best practices at Ladera. There are several water conservation systems in place throughout the resort. The rain harvesting program captures and stores rainwater for use in the resort’s irrigation system for landscaping. The team is always creating ways to conserve energy from water solar heaters for hot water in the kitchen and suites to replacing bulbs with CFL or LED lights. Ladera also observes the global initiative Earth Hour every March by turning off all non-essential lights at the resort for 1-hour.
Memories To Last A Lifetime
In addition to the Ladera Eco-Friendly philosophy at the resort, there is so much more on St. Lucia that you can experience. You can enjoy Ziplining, Horseback Riding, and Hiking to the top of the Pitons. There are Boat Rides with Snorkeling, swimming in the mud baths, and the Sulphur Springs.
Ladera Resort St Lucia is the perfect setting for honeymoons, weddings, anniversaries, birthdays, adventures, wellness and just relaxing and watching the sunset.
Contact Information
The Ladera Resort, St Lucia or any resorts in the Caribbean can be booked via your local travel agent, a choice of UK tour operators or by contacting the hotel directly:
Ladera Resort Rabot Estate, Soufriere St Lucia West Indies
Sweden is the third largest country in Western Europe yet has just 9 million inhabitants so one thing you can be assured of is space.
Over half the country is covered by forests and together with some beautiful lakes, they draw in the summer activity-loving crowds. There are also a large number of lovely beaches on the south and west coasts. In winter there is snow, reindeer, skiing, and a variety of Nordic pastimes.
Stockholm is the capital of Sweden and a city that boasts fine architecture, museums, great shopping, and the best nightlife and culture anywhere in the country. Gothenburg features a network of canals and spacious avenues while Malmo has a busy nightlife around its medieval centre.
In the north of Sweden and inside the Arctic Circle, there is the Swedish Lapland home to the Sami, Sweden’s indigenous people. Sweden’s northernmost town, Kiruna makes an excellent base for exploring the region’s national parks and you could even stay at the world-famous Icehotel in nearby Jukkasjarvi.
Train travel is considered the best way of travelling long distances in Sweden with good service at reasonable prices.
Although bus travel is a little less expensive than going by train, it takes considerably longer and schedules are not so regular
SAS, Norwegian Airlines and Nextjet are the key airlines in Sweden with a network of regional and international flights. As always the sooner you book the better the deals. which starts at around 450 krona.
Ferry services are popular, especially in the summer between Visby and Nynashamn, near Stockholm. Do check the schedules especially as some are seasonal.
Driving in Sweden is excellent with the roads good and due to the low population, they are often empty, especially the further north that you travel. The only issues can be reindeer or elk getting in your way so keep those eyes peeled.
Cycling is popular in some of the larger towns and cities, especially Stockholm and bikes can be hired reasonably. There are cycling lanes in Stockholm making the experience even more enjoyable.
Top Things To See & Do
Abisko National Park, Lapland This is a great place to try to witness the Northern lights as well as for those interested in the great outdoors to see some of Sweden’s winter wildlife and scenery.
Drottningholm Eleven kilometres west of Stockholm is Fairytale Drottningholm Palace on the island of Lovo is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Gamla Stan, Stockholm Stockholm’s medieval Old Town is known as Gamla Stan. The architecture here is stunning with narrow lanes around pretty squares. There are many points of cultural interest here and a must-visit when coming to Stockholm.
Gota Canal 190kms in length is the Gota Canal connecting with lakes Vanern and Vattern and the Trollhatte Canal, it forms part of a water link from Stockholm, in the northeast, to Gothenburg, in the southwest
Kiruna Church Sweden’s most northern town Kiruna offers visitors the opportunity to experience the midnight sun between May and July. Outside of Kiruna is the world-famous Ice Hotel.
Liseberg Theme Park, Gothenburg For a family day out a visit to this theme park will ensure the kids sleep well. With many attractions including a Ferris wheel and a Christmas market, Liseberg is a fun day out.
Oresund Bridge, Malmo Linking Sweden to Denmark this amazing feat of engineering allows you to combine a visit to Malmo with the Danish city of Copenhagen.
Skansen and Djurgarden Skansen is located in Djurgarden Park and is the world’s oldest open-air museum showcasing a historic village made up of amongst other things a Sami camp with reindeer. The park is popular not only for those wanting to step back in time but also to relax in the traditional cafés and restaurants. The area also attracts music lovers as this is also home to the Abba museum.
Stockholm Archipelago, Stromma Boat Tours Over 30,000 islands lie in the archipelago around Stockholm. Head off on organized trips which can include lunch or dinner and you can also jump on and off as you please allowing you to explore.
Stockholm City Hall One of Sweden’s most famous buildings, and on any tour of the city you will have a chance to marvel at this incredible piece of architecture.
Vasa Battleship The Vasa Museum in Stockholm is Sweden’s most popular museum and showcases the Vasa battleship from 1628 which sank on its maiden voyage.
Visby, Gotland Visby is a Swedish town steeped in medieval history. Now a UNESCO World Heritage Site a tour of the walls, towers, and remains is a must for history seekers.
Pre-bookable Excursions in Sweden
More Information
Contact Visit Sweden or your local travel agent for more information on holidays to Sweden.
