El Gouna, Club Med Holiday Review

Date: 13th August 2013

Subject: Elaine Barnes (customer services) visits El Gouna, and offers her thoughts on the resort.

Our resident Customer Services advisor Elaine Barnes took a trip to El Gouna at the Club Med El Gouna Resort in Egypt. She has worked in travel for many years and is sending regular updates about her latest trip to Club Med El Gouna. Her first report comes from, well, you can work out for yourselves from her photographs!

Club Med El Gouna

I had two bottles of champers on the flight out so couldn’t cope with anymore. You can’t beat a cold beer at lunchtime. Having a lovely time. Very impressed with the food and service here. That’s the french for you. Wine is nice and plentiful and El Gouna harbour is amazing, very chic. Def the St Tropez of Egypt.”

You can head over to our Club Med El Gouna page for more details of the Club Med El Gouna resort – there is also a video of Club Med El Gouna for you to take a look at. We arrived in Hurghada airport and were met by a Club Med representative who escorted us to our 20 min private transfer to the Club Med El Gouna resort.

Our rooms at Club Med El Gouna were Club Room Superior which had recently been refurbished to a very high standard. We had twin beds with his and hers sinks, shower and panoramic terrace front doors overlooking the gardens and the zen pool.

Each day we were greeted in our room by a different ‘towel origami’, skillfully arranged by Tawfek our room attendant. On one afternoon, we came back from lounging by the lagoon with our champagne cocktails to find that Tawfek  had thoughtfully gathered some exotic flowers from the gardens and placed them in our room.

A Garden Party was held during out stay to which all hotel guests were invited. The catering staff worked extremely hard to prepare the tables and chairs around the Zen pool to encourage guests to mingle and get to know their fellow holidaymakers. The pool area was well equipped with comfortable loungers and parasols and the Club Med staff were always on hand to serve an array of delicious cocktails and drinks and pool snacks.

The lagoon provided a great place to paddle and cool off during the midday heat. We were also able to practice our windsurfing skills in the shallow waters that the lagoon provided, before venturing out into the open sea. The resort was well laid out, with only having two storey buildings, with all the facilities easy to find and within easy reach.

The food at Club Med El Gouna exceeded all expectations. There was a wide choice of fresh sea food, prepared in front of us by one of the friendly chefs.  They prepared a variety of dishes for people with differing palates, too.The desserts were comparable to a French patisserie and the selection of wines and cheeses made for a perfect dining experience.

FACTFILE:

Location: North of Hurghada, on the Red Sea

Board Basis: All Inclusive

Rooms: Club Room, Deluxe Rooms, Suites

Sports: Aqua-fitness , Archery , Club Med fitness , Snorkelling, Guided walks, free practice of Beach soccer and Beach volleyball

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Customer Review: Thanks to Maria (Sales) and Elaine (Customer Service)

Date: 8th April 2013
Subject: Customer Service and Sales review

Colin, I am sure you will be aware of the fact I had to cancel myself attending our holiday and my place was taken by my step daughter.
I would therefore like to express my appreciation for the fantastic job Maria did in executing this change and more latterly supported by Elaine.   

I was very grateful for their support and the fact you were open all over the Easter break made this possible also, which I was very pleasantly surprised to find.

So in a day and age when people are quick to find the faults, I hope this note will show that when one gets good service, it is also very much appreciated..

We look forward to continuing to book our holidays through your company in the future.

Many thanks once again.

Mr J.Newman

Hurtigruten - Northern Lights

Date: 18th December 2012
Subject: Hurtigruten Northern Lights

Dear Mary and the Reservation Team,

We  have returned from a trip to Norway in search of The Northern Lights with Hurtigruten on Friday.  I would like to say Thank You to you and the rest of the team for making the holiday go smoothly. We were very lucky to see the Northern lights and to do all the excursions that we had booked prior to going.

Kind regards,

Mrs H. Dent 

Customer Service at Travel Club Elite

Date: 15th December 2012

Subject: Excellent customer service from Sue

Dear Sue,

Thank you for all your help this morning. You took the pain out of searching and booking.

You are a credit to your employer!

Best

J. Bell

Mark Warner Ocean Club Review

Date: 9th October 2012

Subject: Mark Warner Ocean Club, Portugal

Hi Maria,

Just to let you know my sister and I returned from our holiday at Mark Warner's Ocean Club in Portugal at the weekend and it was absolutely wonderful. The facilities and the whole set-up are marvellous. The young staff couldn't have been more helpful and courteous and made you feel like nothing was too much trouble. If I had known what a fantastic resort it is, we would have gone for 2 weeks as there is so much to do. Furthermore, if you are interested in ethical travel, the reason we chose this holiday is because my daughter is working in the childcare club there. Mark Warner gave her as much time off as possible during our visit and even arranged for her to do the transfer back to the airport so that we could be together when I left. Now that the peak season is over, they organize various events for the staff to keep them occupied and involved, such as a fun tennis tournament and various other events to promote creativity and team spirit. 

Anyway, just thought you might be interested to know what a great company you are working with and what a fantastic time we had.  

All best wishes and thanks a million,

G. Matthews

Neilson Aeolian Village, Lesvos - Review

Date: 2nd October 2012 Subject: Neilson Aeolian Village Review Neilson Aeolian Village, Lesvos Hi, I just want to thank you for arranging our last holiday at the Neilson Aeolian village in Lesvos. We had the most amazing time that lived well above our expectations. From booking the holiday with you to the service, food and activities that we found at the resort, it was truly the most laid back experience we have ever had in booking a holiday so thank you all very much. As a result of our experiences, I now want to enquire about a skiing holiday for a week in a catered chalet. Look forward to hearing from you soon.  E. Gilbert

Club Med Da Balaia & Travel Club Elite Review

Date: 23rd September 2012

Subject: Club Med Da Balaia &Travel Club Elite Review

Dear Staff at Travel Club Elite,

Thank you, for once again arranging my second holiday this year with Club Med.

This review is about Club Med Da Balaia, Portugal.

Travel Agents:

I have booked Club Med Holidays each year for over the last 5 years. I usually holiday with my 2 grown up children - my son and daughter both in their 30's.

Sadly I didn’t find Travel club Elite until around 3 years ago - and found them on a recommendation from a friend. I say sadly as they really are a fantastically, helpful, travel agency who have good contacts with Club Med and wide experience of Club Med Holidays (and I am sure all other holidays as well!).

  

Sue has also been extremely helpful in researching possible dates for my trips to Portugal - finding out the best (cheapest) days to travel /arrive. For example arriving on a weekday as opposed to a weekend can save over a £150 a person. She does this willingly and patiently even though sometimes the dates / prices mean that I don’t book on that occasion. I am a widower and had previously paid Club Med a single occupancy charge - whereas travel Club Elite told me about single room availability -  again saving me £100's.

And for every Club Med Holiday they offer a 5% discount off the Club Med brochure prices - quite a significant amount for our party of 3 adults!  

Club Med Da Balaia:

Club Med Da Balaia, Portugal

Club Med Holidays are usually very well organised, nice clean premises and lots of very well prepared food. The accommodation is usually as described and comfortable.

Club Med Da Balaia is an excellent resort - very well kept - with very friendly GO staff where most of them speak English. The food is exceptional and is truly 5-star dining where guests do dress up for the evening meals. It’s impossible to be hungry - with both an option for late breakfasts and late afternoon teas/ pancakes/ice creams -as well as the 3 main meals a day.

The evening shows and other daytime entertainment and sports tuition is given in several languages and English is prominent.  Lots of possible sports including kayaking in the summer, archery, poolside games, and of course Golf.

On arrival at the resort you are met by a GO/s with a welcome cocktail - and your luggage is taken to your room for you.

Da Balaia caters for all languages offering translations as part of any announcements / entertainments etc. The Resort is close to a really nice sandy beach with a Club Med private area, seating and private life guards. However getting to the beach is down a really long flight of stairs and some people could find this difficult. The outdoor swimming pool is very clean but is usually really cold in spite of being "heated'.

To summarise if you are thinking about a club med holiday discuss it with Travel club Elite; they know what they are talking about and you will save money if you go.

  

A Club Med holiday at the right resort is brilliant.

Kind regards

B.Winterflood

The Ottoman Residence Review

Date: 2nd September 2012

Subject: The Ottoman Residence Turkey Review

We spent two weeks relaxing at this beautiful hotel.  We were first time guests and it was our maiden trip to Turkey.  If you are looking for total relaxation in a peaceful setting then this is the place for you!  The hotel has quite an intimate atmosphere, there are only 39 rooms.  It is furnished in the Ottoman style and maintained to a very high standard.  The food was delicious and so fresh.  The staff were very friendly and hard-working, nothing was too much trouble for them, even offering us insect repellent when dining outside! The pool area was kept spotlessly clean with a never ending supply of clean towels and plenty of sunloungers.  I had the misfortune to fall ill and needed medical assistance whilst there.  The hotel staff and local rep were of great help and were most caring.  We are already looking forward to returning to this delightful hotel again next year! 

Mrs Lyons

Club Med Sandpiper Bay & Kids Club Review

Date: 14th September 2012

Subject: Club Med Sandpiper Bay Review

We are a family of 4 - children age 15 and 10 ,returning from Club Med Sandpiper Bay. We thoroughly enjoyed our weeks stay.  Kids club for the 10 yr old was perfect as she could sign in and out as she pleased.  Latitude 27 was superb (run by GO Ethan who was amazing)  We saw glimpses only of our children during the week as they ate every meal (stacked burgers, paninis, pasta and pizza only I believe!!) with new found friends.  My husband and I sat in the adults only section of the restaurant and enjoyed some fantastic food - a good selection for everyone.  The wine however is shocking!

The GO staff were by far the best we've experienced at Club Meds - probably the USA service side of life and no tips would be accepted,even by porters with luggage. Check in and departure were a breeze and we even had a stretch Hummer to take us to the airport!  The chef du village , Lionel , was superb.  The evening shows run by Fernando were again the best we have experienced !  The fitness classes run by Audrey were phenomenal - wow!  She has trained celebs and athletes and Club Med are so lucky to have her - she beats any personal trainer I have ever been to!  Washing machines and tumble dryers at $1 a cycle are fantastic!  This is a predominately English speaking CM compared to others I have been to (although Americans there thought it very French!)

Club Med Sandpiper Bay

 

On a more negative side be careful of room selection - apparently there are various Family Rooms - some have segmented areas ( one area with King bed segmented by a wall housing two singles or bunks separated by bathrooms)  Others ( which we were given) are one large room with all beds in one space.  This is the poorest set up with Club Meds we have stayed in.  I asked agent before I left but she was unaware - be aware and ask to see room before hand!  In busy times this may not be possible, but we were their when it was quiet ( Florida schools had gone back) .  The airconditioning sounds like a 747 at take off speed - you get used to it after a 7 nights!!

They also only have 4 catamarans - come on CM - buy some more!!  Also, water skiing used to take place of another Jetty which now looks like its not used - water skiing was stopped due to expense but the bay is perfect for water skiing and not so much for boats!  Paddle boards are readily available - look out for dolphins!

The Discovery centre is exhorbitant- day trips are more than quadruple the cost of a family of four hiring a car.   A local round trip to shops is $35pp Its only 6 miles !! Does anyone use them???   Hire a car independently if you decide and they will deliver and collect from CM ( Avis )  Booking Car rental before you go is much cheaper than when you get there.

All in all, Club Med delivers for a family holiday - it caters for everyone!  We booked through Travel Club Elite who were extremely efficient ,on the ball and got us a good price from CM -- Will definitely be back to use them again!  

Parkinson Family

Mark Warner Sea Garden, Bodrum, Turkey Review

Date: 1st August 2012
Subject: MarkWarner Sea Garden, Bodrum, Turkey Review
 

To The Travel Club Elite Team

Mark Warner Sea Garden, Bodrum, Turkey 21-28 July. 
First time on an all inclusive holiday and first visit to Turkey. We had a brilliant holiday. BA flights fab, transfers stress free, hotel excellent and facilities all as described. Mark Warner staff are very helpful and a good team. Our 9 year old daughter loved it and was busy all day. Restaurants were good and varied. Lots of different nationalities staying at the hotel which is secluded and private. Thanks to Travel Club Elite who managed the booking, and who gave us all the info we needed.

Many Thanks

Charles Lake

Club Med Cherating Beach Review

Date: Friday 29th July 2012
Subject: Club Med Cherating Beach Review


Hello,


We have just been on holiday to Club Med Cherating Beach and both kids and adults had an enjoyable time. We are now looking to see where we might go next July! 

 Thank you, Paul Walsh

Pampano Beach Club Review

Date: Fri 1st June 2012
Subject: Pompano Beach Club Review

Dear Travel Club Elite

Just to say thank you for recommending the Pompano Beach Club Hotel in Bermuda. It really was the best hospitality ever.

The food is fantastic and the staff are very helpful. Hope to book again one day.

Thank you

Diana Parkinson

Travel Club Elite Review

Sent: Weds 30th May 2012
Subject:  Travel Club Elite Customer Service 


" Hooray holiday all booked. And thank you, Sue, for your patience and help. I'm impressed with your approach and hope to use you again."

Sincerely,


Jennifer Brown

Travel Club Elite Review

Date: Sat 21st April 2012
Subject: Thank you to Travel Club Elite


Hi Sue


Hope you had a nice break in Russia, We had a look at the details you sent below regarding Florence and as always very happy with all your recommendations and would love to go ahead and book.


Sue, thank you so much for booking all our holidays over the years. Looking forward to the Villa Hols you have booked for us. :)


Cheers


Ell

Subject: Club Med Val D'Isere Review
Date: 28.11.11

Having stayed at a few Club Meds in the past we knew what to expect from this years choice!

Good service, great food, fun entertainment and most of all incredible ski-ing. We weren't to be disappointed.

Club Med Val D'Isere is a fantastic resort, it's just a shame there aren't more hours in the day to take in the village as well as ski morning till night! Club Med location is brilliant, just off to the left of one of the main runs down into the village. This is a large property and was full when we went, but even so it was well organised, there were enough staff on hand to deal with the volume of customers, so there was little time spent hanging around waiting to be served. The food in the restaurant was just great, a fabulous selection with all tastes catered for and so much of it too! We are fairly fussy wine drinkers, though by no means connoisseurs, however we found the wine very drinkable. Most drinks are included (except top label spirits, etc) and they are served in abundance by good humoured friendly GO's. There were lots of lovely extras you don't read about: the after ski welcome on the patio, one day champagne & canapes, another hot mulled wine & snacks.

If you like to take in the village atmosphere there is a bus service which takes about 5 minutes or you can walk it in about 15 minutes along a narrow road, which isn't ideal! Or you can ski it easily.

The standard rooms were basic, clean, of a reasonable size and furnished well enough for a ski holiday.

The only extras to pay apart from specific spirits, champagne etc is the ski hire. All Club Meds charge top prices for this so be aware of that before you go!

All in all I would highly recommend it.

Stephanie - Family with a 21, 18 and 12 years old

To Book Club Med Val D'Isere with HUGE holiday Savings Visit www.TravelClubElite.com or Call 0121 213 0012.  ABTA 25 years.

Subject:  Neilson Review & Club Adakoy Review, Plus a Thank You!
Date: Mon 7th Nov. 2011

Dear Mary,

We had a lovely time at Neilson Club Adakoy, thank you for all your help with our holiday booking and for getting us such a great rate.

I would definitely go again on a Neilson Holiday.

You were a great help answering all our last minute questions and collecting the tickets at Gatwick was no problem at all.

Thank you!

Jane C

Wonderful Neilson Holiday Review Of The Retreat, Sivota, Greece

Sent: 22/09/2011
Subject: Wonderful Neilson Holiday Review Of The Retreat, Sivota, Greece

Dear Louise,

Thank you for all your help in arranging a holiday for the girls and me. We had a wonderful time. The weather was unbelievable, probably 30s all the time, we never needed a jumper even in the evening on the water taxi back from Sivota harbour on our evenings out.

Have you been to this club - the situation as expected was stunning and there were quite a lot of people returning for the second, third or fourth time. As expected, it was terrific for water skiing (the girls went once and Sarah was delighted to stand up on her first time) which was very slick and well organised and the rescue boat kindly came and got me when there wasn't enough wind to sail my dinghy back again!

There had been 100+ children the week before, this time there were 4! Steps are a nuisance but we knew about that and our garden view apartment (2x twins, each with bathroom) was on the level with the dining area. Higher up would have been a long way, but very good if you played tennis.

It was fun going out to dinner - harbour restaurants not cheap (50-60 euros for one course with a drink) but beautiful locations, sunset etc. and there was a good pizza place up the main road much cheaper.

The trip to Paxos was well worth doing, nice to see other cute little villages and go into caves on the boat. We could have gone cheaper from Sivota on a bigger boat, but it was very easy going with the Neilson trip, door to door, just 20-30 of us.

Nice people staying as guests, quiet, friendly - all good.

All in all, excellent. Flights which were great for timing, and we stayed overnight at the Gatwick Hilton which had valet parking all in for £179, very very good we could get up 20 minutes before check in, were on time, and enabled Sarah to dash to London and jump on the train to Sheffield on our return Sunday, having worked most of the holiday, but there you are - that's life for people with jobs.

Rosie and I are thinking about a little more sunshine in November, so maybe I will be back again soon asking for your help. She and I do also like Club Med with their great food and international atmosphere.

Many Thanks, Linda.

To book The Retreat,Sivota with HUGE Extra Savings on Top of Neilson prices call Travel Club Elite on 0121 213 0012!

Mark Warner Sea Garden Review, Recommendation & Thank You!

Sent: 27/09/2011
Subject: Mark Warner Sea Garden Review, Recommendation & Thank You! 

Hi Sue,

I never got round to emailing when we got back from Turkey in August, but we had a great time and would recommend Mark Warner Sea Garden, thank you for your recommendation on that resort and thank you so much for your help!  The free watersports were great, we all had a go at something! The only thing I'd add for your info is that the 3rd bed in the room wasn't a proper one, it was ok as luckily I'm quite small...:-)

Anyway, moving on to the next trip, could you please give me your best quote for Mark Warner, St Anton, Hotel Rosanna for a week in December!

Thanks, Emily

Lovely Mark Warner Sea Garden Turkey Review From Happy Customer!

Sent : 26/09/2011
Subject : Thank You!

Hi Maria,

I just wanted to send you a quick note to say a huge thank you for all your help in helping us arrange our holiday to Mark Warner Sea Garden in Turkey.  The resort was fab, the Mark Warner staff were really lovely, Kids Club was a winner (not only for Laura but just as importantly, for Max and I!)  We had a really great time and will definitely be doing the Mark Warner thing again!

I know you requested a room in block 1 or 2 and we were in block 1 which considering the hills within the resort was an absolute godsend – thank you!  Mind you, with the amount we were eating I probably should have made an effort to get up and down those hills more than I did!

I hope you had a nice holiday and we’ll be in touch again to book our next trip!

Thanks again, Richard

Fantastic Customer Service From Sue !

Sent : 8 Aug 2011

Hi Sue,

We had a great holiday with Neilson thank you !!! 

I was chatting to my sister who is looking at a Kuoni hoilday in November 11 and I suggested she ask you to price it !

What she wants is attached.

Many Thanks

Lesley


Sent : 5 Aug 2011

Dear Sue,

Fantastic.  Thanks so much for sorting this out for me!

Best Wishes, Alice