In my opinion, holidays do not get more relaxing and indulgent than wine-inspired breaks to Europe’s prettiest countries. You can spend your days lounging around charming country hotels that are surrounded by picturesque sun-drenched vineyards, olive groves and citrus orchards whilst sampling the local produce and dining on fine local cuisine.

There are many great places to do this throughout Europe, but I always like to recommend Prestige’s holidays in Croatia to wine lovers. Not only is this a historic wine country, but it is also stunningly beautiful with verdant woodland, sandy beaches, a dramatic coastline and much more to be discovered.

Greek settlers first brought wine to Croatia in the fifth century BC and there are now over 300 winemaking regions in the country (these are generally split into ‘interior’ or ‘coastal’). Whilst all tastes are well catered for, you will find that white wine is the dominant type as this makes up 67% of their output. Be sure to try Plavac Mali, Malvazija and Posip during your stay as these are favourites with tourists and locals alike.

Meneghetti Wine Hotel

Indulge in fine wine and food at this alluring hotel, which is set within an epic 120,000-square metre country estate with vineyards and rolling hills dominating the landscape. Award-winning Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot is produced at the onsite winery, but there is an enormous and comprehensive wine list to sample from – you are sure to find a new favourite here.

Hot stone massage, as the name suggests, is a type of massage which involves the usage of heated few unique stones to soothe and relax the body. This special massage is being done with different techniques by a   therapist by using these stones to achieve the desired results. There are various types of stone that are used for the massage. However, most of the experts use volcanic stones as these stones have the capacity to retain heat for a longer period of time.

How does the hot stone massage therapy work?

When the hot stones are applied blood vessels in the body rise to the surface to dilate.Such an action brings about a pumping action within the circulatory system that drives more blood to the heart and lungs. This action works like a vascular gymnastics for our human body. The entire process makes the body achieve the same amount of rejuvenation and relaxation as jumping in the plunge pool.

Benefits of hot stone massage

Increases blood flow.
Relieves shoulder, back and neck pain.
Reduces menstrual pain.
Lowers high blood pressure.
Promotes relaxing sleep.
Improves elasticity and skin tone.
Helps to relieve stress and anxiety.
Promotes enhanced wellbeing and vitality.
Improves digestion and balances waste removal.
Improves immunity.

One of my favourite recommendations is the gorgeous island of Bermuda in the North Atlantic Ocean. In addition to the many incredible Nature Reserves and gardens containing all kinds of fascinating flowers, plants and indigenous species, Bermuda also has stunning pink-sand beaches, a beautiful climate and a handful of charming towns to explore. Its isolated location in the ocean also gives it a peaceful and welcoming atmosphere that adds to the charm of the island.

These are the must-see attractions for nature lovers on our holidays in Bermuda.

Bermuda Botanical Gardens

This amazing landscaped park in Paget Parish covers 35 acres bursting at the seams with vibrant flowers and plant life. Free 90-minute tours are available 3 days per week, which these are highly recommended for those with an interest in plant life, but simply strolling through the park at your own pace is also a superb experience. This will see you pass subtropical fruit trees, Plumeria, Banyan trees, cacti, orchids and a wonderful aromatic garden that is a dizzying experience.

Paget Marsh

Paget Marsh is a unique experience where you can step back in time to view pre-colonial flora and fauna that has been preserved within the 25-acre nature reserve. Grassy areas, forests, mangroves and water areas can all be found here. There is a 400-ft boardwalk that has been constructed to allow guests to walk through the marsh and get up close to the intriguing vegetation, as well as an abundance of majestic wildlife to keep an eye out for.

Udaipur, the lake city of Rajasthan is considered to be the second most popular tourist spot after Jaipur. Being called popularly as the capital of the Mewar region, this great city has many amazing lake palaces, forts, lovely temples and broad lakes which are the main attractions of the Udaipur city. These artificial lakes are quite large and have been a source of water for the Udaipur residents. The picturesque beauty of these lakes is truly eye-catching for every tourist.

Pichola Lake: This freshwater lake is one of the most amazing lakes of Rajasthan and hence it attracts visitors and tourists from all parts of the world. Interestingly, this lake is one of the oldest as well as the largest lake in Udaipur extending over three miles in length and two miles in width with a depth of forty feet in the center. As per history, this lake was built during the period of the popular Maharana Lakha by Picchu Banjara in the year 1362.

Fateh Sagar Lake: Being an artificial lake in Udaipur this one is well connected by a large canal to the Pichola Lake. This lake stands second to Jaisamand which is the first artificial lake in Udaipur. This lake covers an area of 1 sqm km with a length of more than 2 km and 12 m deep.

Udai Sagar Lake: City Udaipur is further beautified by this lovely lake which is located 14 km from Udaipur. The special feature of this lake is: the water from this lake is utilized in the zinc smelter in the nearby area Debari. According to history, Maharana Udai Singh has formed this lake 1565, which runs 4km by length and 2 km by width and with a shallow deep of 9 meters.

Jaisamand Lake: Being the largest artificial lake in the entire Asia, this amazing lake is located around 50km from the city, Also known as Dhebar meaning as catchment area, this lake has a circular area of around 80 km with a coverage area of 50 sq km. Interestingly the width of this lake has a vast variation ranging from 2 to 10km at various locations.

Rajsamand Lake: This picturesque lake is also known as Rajsamudra lake and located in the Noth of Udaipur by a distance of 60km from the city of Udaipur. This lake which is around 2 miles wide, 4 miles long and 60 feet deep was constructed by   Maharana Raj Singh in 1660.