Pack goodness into your holidays

A few easy-to-do things that you can keep in your mind and follow for a goodness-filled break.

For many of us, the day progresses something like this: get up and realise that we have just about enough time left to bathe and rush to office; reach office after a fierce battle with the crowd and traffic; work like there would be no tomorrow and come back home half dead. And, in the middle of all this, just mindlessly hog on to anything bearing the closest resemblance to food.

No. There is no concept of wellbeing left in our lives. Let alone doing proper exercise, we don’t even consider deep breathing for five minutes in the day. A few people who have shelled out money for gymming, do, at times, manage to run on the treadmill and think that they have done the needful. And yes, we don’t even have the time to think where we are headed towards, in terms of health and happiness. 

So, this is the kind of life that we are leading and when we feel we are really bottled up with pressure and stress, we plan a holiday. Considering our sorry state of being, for once, we need to think differently about our holidays. How about a place which would pack both fun and wellness into itself? Ok, if you are not planning to go about it in full swing, how about getting these few important things right while you are on a break:

1. Try and stay at a hotel or a guesthouse which either has a wellness or recreation centre or is close to one. Get up in the morning for a yoga session, swim or play a game of badminton. Believe me, it will make you feel happier than you can think.
2. Walk as much as you can. Considering that you would plan a trip to a prettier, cleaner place than your resident town, a walk will be fun.
3. Go for the region’s authentic cuisine, which generally has some goodness. No KFC or Mc Donald’s, or any other thing equally bad.


4. It is completely okay if your idea of holidaying is to get drunk and make merry. Just balance it out with some physical activity, proper food and good conversations. How about renting a bicycle for a ride around the town, if possible?
5. Stay happy. Don’t carry your laptop and work along with you. Enjoy the simple pleasures of life like looking at the star-studded night sky, gazing into the limitless expanse of the sea, smelling the flowers, or getting up in the morning to the sounds of the birds chirping. It will all do good.

An entire town is throwing an early 2016 Christmas for a terminally ill 7-year-old

Christmas is coming early this year for 7-year-old Evan Wellwood of St. George, Ontario.

There was a chance that Wellwood, who has been battling brain cancer for the past five years, might not make it to the winter holidays, his doctor told his family. His brain tumor had grown.

So Evan's mom, Shelly Wellwood, decided to initiate an early celebration with her family on Oct. 24. But some of the family had an even bigger idea.

They took early Christmas to a new level with diligent flyering, a Facebook event and acrowdfunding campaign. As of Thursday afternoon, the "Early Christmas in St. George" Facebook page had 3,100 attendees; the GoFundMe campaign had raised close to $14,000.

On Saturday, Evan will be treated with a special dinner and a parade; homes and stores across St. George are decking out their properties with the spirit of Christmas for the 7-year-old.

"There are no words to describe it," Shelly told CBC Radio's Metro Morning. "Evan has always had a lot of people supporting him and praying for him, but now that whole family behind [him] is just growing... 

People are reaching out that don't live in St. George, it's just truly amazing. At the end of the day, it's all these people, their messages, the hope I'm getting from it — that's honestly what is keeping me going."

So sing a Christmas carol in Evan's honor on Saturday, even if you can't attend.

Pe

Summer Doesn't Have to End

It's been a dreary, wet couple of weeks in the UK and some parts of Europe. For those of us reluctant to say goodbye to summer; the good news is, it doesn't have to end. Destinations offering fantastic late summer sun packages are plentiful, particularly in parts of the world where September and October averages are still in the 20's and 30's, with a warm sea delightful for swimming. And the benefits of traveling now are immense: prices are lower, fewer people competing for sun loungers and sunshine without the burn. Right now it's an ideal getaway for those of us who aren't quite ready to part with summer yet. 

These are our top picks:

Turkey: D Resort Grand Azur
This is a hotel that really distinguishes itself from the rest in Marmaris. For one, it's the only non-all inclusive in the area, so the standards are higher. Indeed, everything from the setting to the atmosphere (live jazz music over dinner), a secluded beach surrounded by white sand and mountains as well as breathtaking views of the sea and the Blue Flagged Beach from your breakfast table, all give this one a very personal and luxurious touch. 

It's a stunning, newly renovated property which is far and away the most stylish resort in all of Marmaris. Ideally situated between two mountain ranges with views of the beautiful coastline, D-Resort Grand Azur exudes architectural style with its sleek, curving profile, nestled in exotic gardens and just steps from a magnificent beach with imported white sand. The hotel is brilliantly located only a short distance from town and offers plenty to do: a well-equipped gym, indoor and outdoor swimming pools, flood-lit tennis courts and water-sports facilities on the beach. 

The Azur spa sauna, steam room, Turkish bath and solarium offers a wide range of massage and health treatments to leave you feeling very glad you came.

Greece: Domes of Elounda
Exactly like nothing else, Domes of Elounda combines the very best of Mediterranean style in an elegant, sophisticated setting. Still sunny and warm through October, this is a fashionable retreat a luxurious feel, the resort offers lavish comfort amidst spell-binding views of a sparkling Aegean sea.

 Based in Elounda, Crete, Domes of Elounda is located in the hotspot of Greece, a long-time A-list secret beloved by those seeking a restful reprieve amidst incredible natural beauty. Angelina Jolie and Brad Pitt, Rihanna and Lady Gaga are all regulars to this former fishing village which offers unsurpassed views and buckets of charm. Every suite, villa or residence comes with an outdoor heated Jacuzzi or a private swimming pool. 

Offering breath-taking views, the chic and stylish interiors go toe to toe with the spectacular natural beauty that surrounds it.

Spain: La Escondida
Hot air ballooning over the Spanish mountains, a leisurely horse ride ending with a chef prepared picnic beside a languid stream, honey direct from the comb dripping on to freshly baked scones, beautifully designed rooms, luxurious linens, all surrounded by acres of almond groves.....

Is this the most romantic hotel in Spain? Recently named one of Spain's top boutique hotels by Mr and Mrs Smith, La Escondida is a stylish and exceptionally beautiful hotel, and a far cry from the over-crowded Spanish resorts.

Owned by former England footballer and manager Terry Venables, in the mountains north of Alicante amidst 500 acres of olive and almond groves, it's a rich combination of rustic Spanish charm and luxurious living. There are riding lessons for all levels of abilities, an indoor swimming heated pool with a lovely spa and a full range of treatments, two stunning terraces and an outdoor pool set in manicured gardens. There is also a jogging track around property's 500 acres; hiking and mountain biking in the National Park, extraordinary bird life, and golfing which can be arranged at a nearby golf course. It's also only 30 minutes from the beach should you fancy a dip in the sea.

Thailand: Kata Rocks
Kata Rocks is a fantastic destination for late summer sun offering great weather, stunning surroundings and some of the best pricing you're likely to find all year. Newly opened in November of last year, Kata Rocks is a stylish Phuket hotel offering a minimalist vibe, a really stunning spa, 'Sky Villas' private infinity pools, fabulous Andaman sea views and a spectacular location. 

There are 43 one, two, three and four-bedroom sky villas stacked across the hillside - big, bright and beautiful, they come with fully-fitted kitchens, living and dining areas, and floor-to-ceiling sliding glass doors opening onto private infinity pools, each of which is a minimum of seven-metres long.

Maldives: Loama Resorts
Whilst the Maldives is a popular well–trodden destination all year long, this new, luxury hotel really stands out. Hot, dry weather returns to the Maldives as the wet season ends in October. Expect long days of brilliant sunshine and temperatures in the high 20°Cs - low 30°Cs. Accessible only by seaplane, Loama is located on the most secluded inhabited island in the Maldives. 

Loama Resort Maldives at Maamigili is a 105-room luxurious island getaway set amidst a natural tapestry of sun-kissed lagoons, palm-fringed beaches and picture-perfect panoramas, spread over 100 hectares of pristine coral reef within the Raa Atoll. The Resort embodies the spirit of the true Maldives with its quiet rustic charm, idyllic beauty and exuberant culture, anchored firmly in the rich heritage of the island. A unique combination of barefoot luxury and rich Maldivian heritage, this teardrop-shaped private island that was once the playground of ancient kings; away from many of the other bustling tourist resorts the Maldives are famous for, this is a resort with an accent firmly on privacy.

Avoiding eBay Fees, Stealing Photos, Shill Bidding & Keyword Spamming

eBay, the world's auction site, has changed over the years. Now, more than ever, it is an extremely competitive marketplace. There is still ample opportunity to make money on eBay. However, for a seller to make money on eBay today he or she must be more savvy than than a seller from 3 years ago.

There are many ways you can become a top seller on eBay. The purpose of this eBay article is to teach you one of the lesser known strategies. This eBay article focuses on how you can compete, and win, in the eBay marketplace by learning, understanding and applying some of eBay's policies - and using them to your advantage. Your goal, if you are going make money on eBay, is to be a top performer in your product niche, and this eBay article will show you how you can achieve that.

First, you must be aware of eBay's policies. Second, you need to insure that you do not violate these policies. And third, you must monitor your competition to insure that they too are not violating eBay's policies.

Have you ever heard the expression "knowledge is power"? eBay has established itself a level playing field. Everyone plays, supposedly, by the same rules. Of course, this supposes that everyone playing the game actually knows the rules. Like in most marketplaces, there are penalties - some sever - if such rules are broken. You must use this to your advantage.

1. Fee avoidance

eBay generates a significant portion of their profits from "final value fees". As a result, many of eBay's policies revolved around this specific violation. "Fee avoidance", or the act of "circumventing eBay fees" can occur in many ways. Here is just a partial list of practices that might be considered a violation of this policy:

You can not: end an auction early in order to sell a bidder the item directly and cut eBay out of the deal

You can not: end a reserve-price auction early because it doesn't look like bidding will reach the reserve

You can not: end a no-price auction early because it doesn't look like bidding will reach the minimum you hope to get for the item

You can not: encourage bidders to contact you directly to purchase the item off eBay

You can not: require the buyer who wins the auction to buy something else. For example, a certificate for cheap airfare that requires the buyer to pay for three nights in a specific hotel.

You can not: give the buyer a choice at the end of the auction. For example, if you have a blue tie and a red tie for sale, they should be listed as two separate auctions - not one auction with a "choice" at the end of the transaction

You can not: include a static or clickable link to a non-eBay website

In most situations, it's the bidder who reports to eBay that fee avoidance is occurring or has occurred. However, as a savvy seller it is your obligation to report to eBay these violations made by your competitors. Many times a new seller to eBay doesn't know they are breaking policies - and certainly doesn't know what to do once they receive a warning from eBay. 

From time to time you'll see people cease to be a competitor because they often quit selling on eBay out of frustration. Sellers who have a fee-avoidance complaint against them can expect a warning, temporary suspension or permanent suspension.

2. Stealing Photos

One of my students recently spent thousands of dollars on professional photos for their products, only to find their photos "stolen" and placed on that competitors eBay listings.

It's not easy to take great photos - and it's tempting for people who see a perfect photo to "right click", save the photo to their desktop and upload the photo as their own. This occurs a lot - and is mostly done by new sellers on eBay who don't understand that your photos are not part of the public domain for their own use.

Copyright laws apply to the Internet just as they apply to other media. Should you find your photos on the listings of a competitor, simply report this to eBay and that competitors listings should be removed. When you're reviewing your competitors listings for violations, don't just look at the titles, but review the entire listings and read the descriptions, looks at the photos, etc.

3. Shill Bidding

Shill bidding happens when a seller (or accomplice) bids on his or her own auctions - with the intent of driving up the price. For example, a seller might have two eBay ID's and use one of them to bid. They might also convince a friend, family member or co-worker to bid on an item with no intention of buying it. 

Shill bidding can be tempting when lots of people are watching an item but no one's bidding - just one false bid to get things rolling - or when bidding is slow and it looks like an item will sell for a lot less than the seller thinks it's worth.

Shill bidding is a little more difficult to detect in a competitors listings - but is still something you should look for. Review your competitors "closed" auctions. Review the last 30 days of completed listings and look at the buyers/bidders. More specifically, look to see what the feedback score is for these buyers/bidders.

Do you notice a pattern? Can you see a trend? Does the same user ID purchase multiple items from the seller (for an item that would have no need for multiple purchases)? When did these users registers? If shill bidding is happening, many of the "bidder" accounts will have recent eBay registration dates.

Shill bidding happens with new sellers who think "what's the harm in increasing the price just a little - no one will know." Shill bidding also happens with experience, high level sellers. Recently two top jewelry sellers were warned and had their accounts suspended by eBay for shill bidding...they were bidding on each others' auctions.

Shill bidding is illegal, and is another policy violation that eBay takes very seriously. eBay has very sophisticated tools and technology to track shill bidding. If you believe there is shill bidding activity going on within a sellers account, report it to eBay and they will begin an investagation.

4. Keyword Spamming

As you become aware of what keyword spam is, you'll begin to notice how frequently this policy violation actually happens. While some advanced eBay sellers who are making money on eBay will actually keyword spam intentionally, many new sellers are unintentionally violating this eBay policy.

By definition, keyword spamming is "the act of trying to attract buyers to your auction by putting popular but inappropriate keywords in the title". In situations like this, sellers often use keyword spamming to make their items appear in a wider range of search results, even though what they're offering isn't exactly what the buyer is looking for. 

A title like: Brand new mens watch CITIZEN SEIKO ROLEX CARTIER is an example. One watch can't be from all those manufacturers, but the seller wants his title to show up in the search results of people searching for watch - and also for anyone searching for any of those manufacturers by name.

eBay makes the point that keyword spamming is unfair to buyers - that a seller is wasting a buyer's time with a title that promises something that the seller doesn't, in fact, have to offer. There are several kinds of keyword spamming - all of which violate eBay's policies.

You can not:: compare. Your title must describe what you're selling and not compare it to something that you are not selling. For example, let's say your have a listing that says: Womens purse, like prada for less. This would be considered a violation of the keyword spamming policy. 

The auction is not for a prada purse but the seller is trying to attract bidders looking for that specific designer handbag. Comparisons don't have to use the word "like"; either. Titles like: even cuter than a beanie baby or workout clothes, not nike addidas puma also violate the policy.

You can not: include a list of related words. This restriction applies to both titles and descriptions. In a title you're limited to 55 characters, so you can't really make long lists. However, it's against eBay policy to fill up your item description with long lists of words that are there for no other reason than to attract the attention of shoppers who are searching by both title and description.

 For example, if you're selling cosmetics, don't include a list of words like this in the description: lipstick lipgloss lip gloss glamour beauty lip liner and so on. Your auction might turn up in more searchers, but it'll just upset buyers who are looking for something other than what you're selling.

You can not: use misleading titles. This policy covers some of the previous violations but also anything else that could potentially confuse buyers or lead them astray. For example, you might be offering free shipping to buyers who use the Buy it Now option. If that's the case, make sure you state this in the title.

Here's the point with keyword spamming. Since we know it's going on already in your category product niche, look for it. Research it. Find it. It's already there. Now that you are aware that this exists, report these sellers and their listing violations to eBay. The result will be in the warnings and cancellations of your competitors listings.

The goal of eBay is for all sellers to play by the same rules on the same field. It's your responsibility to insure that your competitors do not have an unfair advantage. Remember, "all is fair in love and war".

If you look closely, you can and will find active auctions that violate one if not all of the policies mentioned above. Can you get away with it? Maybe for an auction or too, but sooner or later, you'll get caught. Play with integrity to win. And, make sure that your competitors play by the same rules and with the same integrity. 

You never want to jeopardize your eBay account by violating the marketplace policies - just be sure that your competitors are not violating them as well. Do the right thing - report these violations to eBay.

Amazon Kindle 2 Review - An In Depth Amazon Kindle 2 Review

Before I ordered my Amazon Kindle 2 from Amazon, I read several reviews on the web. There are literally hundreds if not thousands of people out there that have written their own personal Amazon Kindle reviews. But, there are some people that truly do not understand the magnitude of this new innovative device (it's current stage in development and how fast it's market is growing) and there are some that do. 

While reading these reviews, it becomes very clear which category people fall in. To put it in another perspective, I work at top well-known investment research firm and without getting into too many specifics, lets just say we are very bullish on AMZN stock most specifically because of the huge potential of the Amazon Kindle in the emerging e-reader market. 

No I am not trying to give investment advice (thats not part my job) but I just want to make it very clear how excited I am about the product and its market in general. My Amazon Kindle 2 review is no holds barred and no BULL SHIP!

In the few weeks prior to the announcement of the Amazon Kindle 2, you couldn't turn a virtual corner without stumbling over alleged rumors and "insider" information regarding the new innovative device. Last month, having played with my boss's Amazon Kindle 2 at the office, I found myself in absolute lust for this gadget. 

Before I decided to order the Amazon Kindle 2 as Christmas gift for myself;), I reviewed, reviewed, and REVIEWED several Amazon Kindle 2 websites, articles, and reviews. This is my personal take / response to some of those good and bad reviews. The following is my Amazon Kindle 2 review:

1. The Amazon Kindle 2 is not cheap! First of all, let's not beat around the bush; I certainly wanted to know how much I was in for right away! As is the case for all other new / "hot" items, such as the iPhone 3Gs, PlayStation 3, and LCD tv's, (which were originally priced for hundreds more than the Amazon Kindle 2), the Kindle 2 is priced a little on the high end. Currently, the Amazon Kindle 2 is on sale for $259. Recently, Amazon's CEO announced an "amazing" deal for Kindle 1 owners at a press conference: If they ordered within the next 24 hours, they could jump to the front of the line for pre-orders! There wasn't even a discount offered, just the "privilege" of spending $259 quicker than non-existing Amazon Kindle 1 owners. What a great deal huh?? Later though, I considered some other factors.Relative to purchasing new books and best sellers on a regular basis, the Amazon Kindle 2 really isn't that expensive. Have you looked at the price of new books lately?? They can be pretty expensive themselves, especially at big name stores like Barnes and Noble and Borders. Even online at Amazon, you'll pay $50 for the Twilight Saga Collection and $15 for Sarah Palin's new book (not that I would want to read her book anyway but you get the point!). Most e-books are $9.99 or less. Over the long-run, especially if you are enthusiastic book reader like me, the Amazon Kindle 2 is essential.
2. What does it look like? According to its creators, the key design objective was to make the Amazon Kindle 2 "disappear". When we read a good book, we tend to get so immersed into the author's world / story that the physical book eventually disappears. The thinking behind the Kindle was to make sure we are still able to get lost in the reading, not the technology. The Kindle 2 has a black-and-white 6" screen and uses electronic-ink display technology: the screen displays ink particles electronically to make it look like real books, newspapers, magazines, etc. As aforementioned, I sit on my butt all day in an office in front of a computer screen. During my lunch breaks and when I get home, the LAST thing I want to do is look at a computer screen!! However, I actually found that the Kindle's screen has a pretty soothing contrast and looks like a real page. Also, the Kindle 2 does not use backlighting which eliminates glares for daytime / outdoor reading.
3. The Kindle also has six adjustable font sizes and utilizes 16 shades of gray. So when your eyes get tired or if you have a book that has small font, you can make it bigger on the Kindle screen. Compared to the first version, the Amazon Kindle 2 is MUCH slimmer and more refined. It is about 1/3 of an inch in profile and weighs 10.2 ounces. That's about the size of most magazines, only this gadget can hold up to 1,500 books in one!
4. The five-way joy stick: piece of crap?? The five-way navigation is like those pencil-eraser mice that come on laptops (in between the keys); I found it pretty intuitive but not that convenient. Sometimes I felt that the joystick was a little slow, but not a deal breaker. Something like a track ball on the Blackberry would probably be a better solution. A touch screen would be ideal! There are also page-turning buttons located on both sides and the screen can be rotated from portrait to landscape views for optimal comfort.
5. "Monotasking Hardware". I read several reviews and comments on how the Amazon Kindle 2 only does ONE thing. First of all, let me just say that the Amazon Kindle 2 is NOT, I repeat NOT an iPhone!! Most cameras do only "one" thing, but like the Kindle, they do one thing very well. The bottom line about my digital camera is that as long as it takes high-quality pictures, I am perfectly content. The 2 GB storage capability is not for storing all kinds of content (music, maps, FaceBook, Shazam, Table Tennis, Air Hockey, ESPN, etc.), it is for storing 1,500 BOOKS! If you're in the market for an innovative reading device, why would you want to have all the aforesaid distractions? When you finish a book, you simply download another one and begin again. In short, the Amazon Kindle 2 may have one main function (reading) but you can still download a number of different formats in addition to books, like newspapers, magazines, and blogs.
6. Simplicity. The Amazon Kindle 2 is simple and easy to use. It is wireless and ready to go right out of the box; there are no cables, no setup, and no software to install. During the Amazon Kindle 2 review presentation, Amazon's CEO showed a video where one lucky tester said he never read manuals (who does??), and he had no trouble at all using the Amazon Kindle 2 right away. The design team also claims to have improved the battery life on the Kindle 2. The Kindle 2 will stay charged for a week with wireless on and two weeks with wireless off (varies based on usage). However, I did see a few comments on the web that since both the Kindle 1 and 2 have long battery lives, the difference is hardly noticeable.
7. Is the Kindle too fragile? This is a touchy subject for some people. I read several reviews regarding the durability of the Amazon Kindle 2 and I found that it really depends on the person using it. Some people go through their day worrying that their Kindle may be too flimsy and that it might break in their bags. Of course nothing can replace the durability of a good-old-fashioned book; you can drop it, throw it, use it as a door stopper, and it will still be readable. Personally, I didn't think it is that flimsy at all. I guess I can see how jamming a few books and magazines into your bag, and even the laptop (all together with the Kindle) can cause apprehension. However, when I have my Amazon Kindle 2, I'll be carrying half as many magazines and books. Sounds like the problem is solved to me! On a side note, just like cell phones and laptops, there are also various Kindle cases you can buy separately for more protection.


8. The Amazon Kindle 2 can read to you! True. With the Text-to-Speech feature, the Amazon Kindle 2 can read English books, newspapers, magazines, and blogs out loud while you're on the train, as you're walking, or when it gets too dark outside, at which point you can turn on the audio and listen to the rest of the chapter. You can even have the Kindle read to you while you drive from point A to point B. You can also choose between a male and female voice that can be sped up or slowed down according to your preference. Every now and then however, the reader will mispronounce items and may give wacky emphasis. For example, the reader has been known to pronounce "dash" instead of pausing at one; still not a deal breaker though.
9. eBooks are the FUTURE. The Amazon Kindle 2 review presentation featured testimonials from Kindle 2 users, saying that they read now more than ever. I concur with this because I often leave books, magazines, and articles behind because I simply can't carry all of them. Plus, I only read what I have on hand... doesn't everyone?? The Amazon Kindle 2, with its instant access to over 390,000 books, will surely expand my reading horizons as well as yours as popularity continues to intensify.

As is the case with all new cutting-edge technology, the Amazon Kindle 2 has several negatives, but in my opinion, the benefits far prevail. Amazon has nailed the eBook market and will probably dominate for several years. I expect that we'll be reading eBooks while we rocket to Mars in 2100. Whether you join the bandwagon now or later, it is inevitable. Send me a message at my website if you have any questions regarding my Amazon Kindle 2 review.

The New Year package also

Plan ahead! This is something of an essential when it comes to booking the best places to celebrate the holiday season. Yes, we know it is still months away, but the closer it gets, the less choice you have! Between now and then we'll be highlighting some gorgeous destinations perfectly 'set-up' to provide you with a brilliant time. To start things off, how about staying on a beautiful private island in Scotland? 

The Isle of Eriska is a beautiful 300 acre private island in Scotland, and an idyllic setting for a luxurious five star Christmas or New Year getaway. This year the Eriska Christmas break will run from 23rd - 27th December, and New Year from 29th December - 3rd January. Guests are invited to sit back, relax and enjoy precious time with their families whilst the exceptional Relais & Châteaux hospitality of the Isle of Eriska take care of all the hard work.

Christmas Day will be a very relaxed affair with a champagne breakfast, a light lunch of smoked salmon sandwiches and Christmas cake, followed by a traditional Christmas dinner, with none of the hassle of preparations or washing up. There is the option of attending a carol service at a local church.

The New Year package also offers plenty of delicious food that showcases the best of what the area has to offer, as well as a magnificent fireworks display and traditional Hogmanay celebrations. Eriska is also very excited to announce that Paddy Shaw and his Scottish Country Dance Band will be hosting an after dinner dance in the Drawing Room on New Year's Day.

Optional events will take place across Christmas and New Year, such as the Eriska Highland Games and the Eriska Open Golf tournament, a treasure hunt and a Boxing Day Dinner Dance. The newly launched Stables Spa will also be open every day so guests can indulge in a heavenly treatment from Eriska's highly trained therapists using ESPA and organic Ishga seaweed products.

Dinners will be served in the hotel's exquisite Michelin starred restaurant. Fish comes from the surrounding waters, meat from the hills surrounding the island and game from local gamekeepers. Vegetarian alternatives are inspired by the gardens and larders close to hand.

There is an abundance of wildlife on Eriska and countless nature trails where guests can wrap up warm and do some 'Otter spotting' on the island's beautiful untouched beach to really make the most of the Christmas break, relaxing with their family.

There are 25 luxurious bedrooms at the hotel. For families, the Luxury Spa Suites and the two bed-roomed Cottage Suites are the perfect option. They come complete with their own private hot tubs where guests can kick back and relax whilst enjoying a warming glass of whisky, soaking up the tranquility and enjoying the unique experience of staying on a picturesque private island at Christmas time.

Easily accessible from Oban, Connel Airport, Glasgow and Edinburgh, guests can arrive by car, boat, or even aboard a private sea plane from Glasgow Airport!