Jay interacted well with Erika to plan an iti...
India
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Oct 11 - Nov 2, 2024
Jay interacted well with Erika to plan an itinerary that suited our requests. He also offered his advice with regard to what we should include. He was quick to respond to our msgs and emails and acted efficiently. On a separate note, Jay arranged and booked a separate trip for Wayne and I to visit Varanasi - an essential must do for any travelers who are considering visiting India.
The staff from Bestoke Travels who coordinated our visits to each city were outstanding. They assisted with local knowledge and provided personal interpretations when asked. They were punctual, friendly and knowledgable.
Most local guides were knowledgeable and provided an abundance of information. We were lucky to secure two "freelance" guides who I am guessing would be more expensive however they were great. In particular, our guide in Varansi and in Jaipur.
We were booked on two safari tours in Rathambore. The guide on the first tour (a.m.) appeared to be unfamiliar with the environment and lacked a basic understanding of English and appeared to lack experience. This feedback was given to our hotel concierge (as the local guide did not respond to our calls) and the afternoon safari was more "user-friendly". Both the driver and guide were exceptional.
Our driver (for the most part), Moni was amazing. We think he is the safest driver in India. In particular, driving us from Delhi to Agra to Ranthambore to Jaipur to Mumbai. Moni is an asset to your company. Highly recommend.
We chose to end our trip in Goa for some relaxation before returning home. The location of our hotel was south Goa at Candolim Beach. We stumbled across where the action was slightly north at Calangute and Baga Beaches two days after arriving. Sadly, our local guide did not advise us of this (nor the hotel staff).
Whilst the accommodation at Seashells was clean, and provided for our needs, perhaps for future guests you could consider accommodation at Calangute or Baga areas.
Hotel Reviews
We chose to eat at the hotel one night and the restaurant was ordinary. The service was lovely but it appeared the restaurant may have been lease out as the staff were not in align with hotel.
This hotel is a great location if guests are visiting the national park to view wildlife and tiger.
This hotel is lovely. Very unique. Initially we were given a twin room even though the booking was for a couple. Luckily, we were able to be moved to a queen bedroom prior to a bus group arriving. Our room was on the 3rd floor which can only be accessed by stairs - no elevators in this hotel so for any guests with mobility issues, you will need to make sure you are accommodated accordingly. Wifi on the third floor is not available. The pool was being refilled as we arrived. The massage therapist provided a lovely relaxing massage.
This was the pick of the venues for the holiday. Given it was 5 star, they derserve the rating.
The mosquitoes/midgies at this hotel were terrible. Maybe because they have an abundance of greenery around the pool spaces but perhaps, they could consider some pest control as it was difficult for any guests to enjoy the surroundings. Each morning, the owner, owner's son and owner's stepson would visit the restaurant and introduce themselves to the guests at breakfast. They were over the top and appeared to big note themselves. This was confronting. Its OK for "them" to introduce themselves but then not reappear the next day and then reappear on the same day adding more information which did not add to our experience. In fact, in some interactions, it could be categorised as inappropriate. In our case, given we had breakfast included for 4 mornings, we all kept our heads down when "they" hovered and in one case one of our parties moved away prior to "him" approaching.
Activity Reviews
Too much in one day. It is difficult to take in and absorb the information given.
The guide appeared apprehensive and unsure. This impacted the driver.
It makes such a difference when you have an experienced guide who can work as a team with the driver. Our guide used previous experience to guide his direction with us.
The guide has an unwell child at home so seemed aloof.