Everybody’s busy nowadays since the Christmas Season is fast approaching and many are now planning where to spend a well deserved holiday vacation with their families and loved ones. To help you out, some of our DWVC members have contributed their most exciting Christmas vacation experiences and here are the TOP 10 vacation spots that they have recommended that our clients can choose from:

 

I.  BAHAMAS – By Keith Martin

As a member of Designer Way Vacation Club (DWVC), you can have an unforgettable Christmas by booking a week’s holiday starting Monday 24th of December in Nassau either online at dwvc or by phoning your account manager at Timelinx’s reservation office. Even in December you can expect temperatures from 26°C during the day to 18°C at night and under 2” of rain throughout the whole month.

For absolute luxury the Hilton British Colonial Hotel is hard to beat. DWVC can offer a week’s bed and breakfast for two adults and two children in a Colonial room for £847. Booking through an online agent South Travel, you would be paying £1,571 for the same room and dates but excludes breakfast. DWVC is £724 or more than 45% cheaper.

  

The hotel may look familiar to any James Bond fans reading this, as it appeared in both “Thunderball” and “Never say never again”.

It is ideally located on a beautiful private beach and is situated within 5 minutes walk of Nassau’s shopping and financial centre.

The hotel offers an array of recreational facilities, including a private beach, freshwater swimming pool overlooking the ocean, full fitness centre, lush tropical gardens, non-motorized water sports, snorkelling and scuba facilities and shops. Golf is also available nearby.

The hotel also offers various bars which include, the Blue Note Club which offers a unique flavour of Jazz and other contemporary music, The Palm Court Lounge is the perfect spot within the hotel to enjoy our their famous "Time 4 Tea" in a relaxed atmosphere, Portofino is a casual restaurant located on the first floor, serves Italian favourites with a Caribbean flare, The Patio Grill And Pool Bar, whether you're sampling one of the many tropical mixtures, or diving into a tantalizing sandwich, there couldn't be a better place to be.

The rooms are decorated in tasteful Caribbean style furnishings and feature an en-suite bathroom, mini bar, oversized desk and safe.

Due to its close proximity to Florida, if you have a young family, you could combine your visit to the Bahamas with a trip to Orlando to partake in the Christmas build up at Disney and the likes. After a week or two in Orlando, most people would need a week to unwind. Again you can get net cost accommodation with DWVC and have your account manager at Timelinx book/tie in all your flights and activities.

From Nassau, cross the bridge to Paradise Island where beaches are first- class and the resort selection is excellent -- from upscale chic on stately estate grounds, to a yoga retreat, condo facilities (great for family vacations), and large luxury properties (one with a glass tunnel for viewing marine life and a low-key water park). Activity abounds at every turn. Paradise Island has an excellent golf course and its own small airport.

Grand Bahamas, with resort development at both Freeport and Lucaya, has the same features on a smaller scale. Golf, tennis, water sports and duty-free shopping are popular and plentiful. And the island moves at a leisurely pace.

 

II.  KOS ISLAND - Sandra Patterson

Kos sits bang in the middle of the Dodecanese chain of Greek islands that hug the Turkish coast. Kos Island is about 45km long while its width varies from 2km to 11km.

This is a hugely popular resort with the British and it is a Greek island that has gone for mass market tourism is a very big way. Kos has its own airport and ferry connections.

Kos is a popular island with all nationalities, with some beautiful sandy beaches and good tavernas it’s well worth a visit.

The coast of Kos is swept by magnificent sandy beaches and the island has some of the most interesting archaeological sites in the Mediterranean.

The combination of sand and sightseeing give Kos a uniquely broad appeal, though most visitors will probably prefer island beaches to Greek history and, for an all in beach holiday, Kos must be considered one of the best of the Greek islands.

There are many empty coastal areas to be enjoyed by those who prefer to get away from the holiday crowds.

Members of DWVC (Designer Way Vacation Club) have access to net cost accommodation at numerous resorts in Kos. One such resort is the Alexandra Hotel, a weeks bed and breakfast for two in Nov would cost just £311 to members. To put that price into perspective it would cost a non member £599.90 booking through an online operator. DWVC is £288.90 or around 48% cheaper!

  

The hotel is an upgraded A class town hotel with high standards. The interior has recently been enlarged and redecorated in order to offer luxury and comfort to the guests. It has a conference room with 140 person capacity, pool, three modern lifts, comfortable and luxurious bar and a reception.

The Hotel Alexandra has 62 guest rooms. All rooms are equipped with a balcony, air conditioning, mini bar, coffee machine, satellite TV, safety deposit box, music, telephone and internet, WC and a hair dryer.

Breakfast is served in a buffet style. The hotel's bar is the perfect venue to enjoy a cocktail and unwind or the place to meet for a pre-dinner drink. The hotel features a fully equipped fitness centre with the best gym equipment which is complemented by a separate sauna and Jacuzzi.

 

III. GOLF DEL SUR - Keith Martin

Ever since it's 1987 inaugural event, a competition for professionals, the 27 greens and fairways of Golf del Sur have provided the backdrop for various international tournaments.

In 1989 they bore witness to Jose Maria Olazabal´s victory in the Open de Tenerife, a feat he repeated in 1992. The following year they watched as David Gilford won the event, as did Mark James in 1994. In 1995, Golf del Sur hosted the Shell Wonderful World of Golf tournament and its head to head battle between Ernie Els and Phil Mickelson.

Golf del Sur has also been the setting for two golf driving distance records, both of which were set by Britain's Karl Woodward. First he set a new record of 398 yards and then, a few months later, he managed to break the legendary 400-yard barrier with a huge stroke, which sent the ball flying 408 yards.

This Tenerife golf course, designed by Pepe Gancedo, is a thoroughly enjoyable layout in which one's attention is immediately caught by the black volcanic sand in the bunkers. The wide fairways are lined with such a wide variety of indigenous plants that, with it's palm trees and giant cactus plants, this 800 square meter course beside the Atlantic Ocean is like a veritable oasis.

Particularly difficult is the 3rd hole of the course. To the right of the wide fairway is a water hazard, behind which lies an impressive ravine with an ochre-coloured rock face, while to the left is a gaping bunker of black sand.

You can dine in the Buffet El Patio which provides a selection of meals, all served buffet style. There is also a snack bar on site, La Corbeta and a number of other bars and restaurants including Legends Bar, The Sundowner Pub and the Caddyshack. You have a choice of three swimming pools, a main pool, a smaller pool (which is heated in winter) and a children’s pool. There is also a large sunbathing deck equipped with free sunbeds for you to relax. For the more energetic there is a tennis court or table tennis.

The apartments are good sized and bright, tastefully furnished and comfortable. They have a kitchenette which comprises of hob, fridge/ freezer, cooking utensils, bathroom with bath and shower. A TV and safety deposit box can be hired at an additional cost, also cots or highchairs can be hired. All apartments have a large private balcony or terrace.

This charming resort is situated on the southern coastline and is not only a golfers paradise but is also ideal for family holidays and couples looking for a relaxing break. You can spend your days relaxing and soaking up the sun on the new pebble beach and when the sun gets too hot you can cool down with a drink from the beach bar.

There is an excellent selection of restaurants and bars here but if you are looking for something a little more lively then Playa De La Americas and Los Cristianos are a short distance away where you will find a vibrant atmosphere with everything you need for your entertainment.

 

IV. ALGARVE, SOUTHERN PORTUGAL – Keith Martin

The Algarve, in Southern Portugal, with its year-round sunshine, miles of golden sand beaches, and picturesque villages, has become one of Europe's most popular golfing destinations. But while there are many courses suiting all abilities, the Algarve is also perfect for non golfers, especially the eastern region around Tavira, with its stunning nature walks. At the other end of the scale, resorts such as Vilamoura and Vale do Lobo are mega destinations with all the golfing and sporting options you could want. Then, in Western Algarve, around the bustling holiday destination of Albufeira, you can holiday 24/7, combining championship golf with a hectic nightlife.

Golf holidaymakers should check out the renowned Pinta, one of the best courses in the Algarve, designed to retain natural valleys and undulations.

Vale do Lobo, Portugal's biggest luxury golf and beach resort, around 20 minutes from the airport at Faro, is one of Europe's finest. Its two golf courses, the Royal and Ocean, provide stunning views of the coast, and its 5 km-long sandy beach, with dramatic red sandstone cliffs, provides non-golfers with seriously good beach and swimming options. The resort also offers tennis courts, a gymnasium and health and beauty centre, as well as restaurants and shops.

Members of DWVC (Designer Way Vacation Club) can get a weeks accommodation at Barringtons Golf and Health Spa for two from now until 31st of March 2008 for just £105.

Barringtons Golf and Health Spa is centrally located within the Vale do Lobo 1,000 acre estate, Barringtons provides the complete holiday experience. The hotel is only a short walk from the pristine golden beaches of the Atlantic Ocean and some of the best golf courses in Europe.

The hotel offers fabulous year round facilities set amidst pine trees and beautifully landscaped sub tropical gardens. Whether you want a short golfing break or a two-week holiday in the sunshine, Barringtons can tailor make your holiday to suit you, giving you a complete flexibility. When the sun goes you can relax in the Beat Bar. The Eagles Café Bar at the Barringtons Golf Academy is open for breakfast, lunch and snacks.

The accommodation combines both style and comfort. The superb décor and thoughtful design create a peaceful ambience in which guests can truly unwind. The rooms are furnished to the highest standards with its own private terrace. The bathrooms feature large showers and double sinks. Other amenities include a telephone, air conditioning, satellite TV and a private sun terrace. Plus when guests stay in the hotel's accommodation, guests have club membership which includes use of all the clubs facilities.

Unwind in the lap of luxury in the tranquil spa area featuring indoor and outdoor swimming pools, sauna, steam room, Jacuzzi and solarium. The Barringtons Golf Academy is a great place to fine tune and to improve all aspects of your game. The covered floodlit driving range has target greens and bunkers, which add realism to practice sessions. The highly equipped gym features the latest Matrix cardio-vascular and weights equipment to cater for all training needs. The hotel also offers add-on courses such as pilates, yoga, ballroom dancing and kick boxing.

Members of DWVC also receive a 50% discount at the Royal Vale Do Lobo golf course and a 50% discount on tennis sessions.

 

V. BINTAN HOTEL, INDONESIA – Allan Bond

To put all this to the test I choose one of the further flung resorts they have available and searched online to try to find like for like accommodation at a lower cost.

The resort I choose was the Bintan Lagoon Resort in Indonesia. It is a four star hotel on the north western shores of Bintan island.

Quality wise the resort is very nice, set in landscaped gardens and close to the beach, it offers golf courses, leisure centre, numerous bars, cafes and restaurants.

The rooms are tastefully decorated and equipped with air conditioning, satellite TV, mini-bar/fridge, safe and phone. 

The cost for a weeks bed and breakfast in March for two as a member of DWVC is £441 all in.

Conducting an extensive search online, the lowest cost I could find offering the same accommodation and dates was £574 through either asia-hotels.com or hotelclub.net. DWVC is £133 or around 23% cheaper.

The savings are there as claimed and regardless of where and how often you go on holiday, everyone likes to save money. For more information on the company you can look on their website.

About DWVC (Designer’s Way Vacation Club)

A revolutionary new idea launched in 2000 as Dream Works Vacation Club, later becoming Designer Way Vacation Club when it was discovered that a very large film making company existed in the USA with a similar name; Designer Way Vacation Club is an exclusive holiday and consumer discount members club that has been growing rapidly throughout the early part of the new millennium. In that time it has established a very enviable reputation for both outstanding performance and trustworthiness.