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Bradley Dyment-Jones

@explorewith_bradley

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Hello and welcome to Explore With Bradley. 🙋‍♂️
Whether by sea or on land, adventure awaits.
Join me as I share my experiences from around the world.

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Well, what can I say…

My article, ‘Suite Dreams’, has been published in the latest edition of the brilliant @sailawaymag 📰

I never expected my heartfelt story and experience to be published in such a beautiful way. The team at @sailawaymag have completely blown me away; truly wonderful.

This article is all about how a childhood dream really can turn into a ‘suite reality’ - a dream of my late grandmother, Audrey, and myself, was to sail in the Penthouse Suite onboard @pandocruises Aurora. Unfortunately, she never got the chance to fulfil that dream, so I made sure that dream would one day come true through the eyes of me and my family.

Everyone has a dream and every dream is certainly different. I hope you enjoy my story. 😊

My appreciation also to our cruise agent - @robinbradleyclarke at @cruisedotco who secured our booking on the morning of release for the new itineraries (it was touch and go) 😆

#dream #dreams #family #appreciation #cruiseblogger #cruise #voyage #cruiselife #cruiseship #cruisetravel #suite #suitelife #explore #exploremore #explorepage #travel #travelgram #instatravel #grandmother #memories #pando #pandocruises #aurora #childhoodmemories #article #magazine by @explorewith_bradley

Absolutely delighted that my article ‘Crystallised at Sea’ has been published in the amazing @sailawaymag

This piece is about mine and Mum’s first ever voyage with the ultra-luxury line, @crystalcruises, in which we had the most incredible experience. It has firmly established itself as our most memorable and best voyage to date, placing Crystal right at the top of our list.

This is the second article I’ve had the privilege of writing for this superb magazine, all thanks to the brilliant Dan and Jay for asking me and putting their trust in me to produce honest material worthy of inclusion.

I hope you enjoy the article and that it gives you a glimpse into the world of ultra-luxury cruising and all that Crystal has to offer.

We have been well and truly…… Crystallised. 🤩

#travel #review #article #luxury #explore by @explorewith_bradley

Absolutely delighted to see my latest article, ‘The Explora Effect’, published in the latest edition of @sailawaymag

This time I’ve been writing about our voyage onboard @explorajourneys, sharing my honest experience of this incredible luxury cruise line. From the moment we stepped onboard, to the food, entertainment, accommodation and everything in between, I wanted to give a genuine account of what it’s really like to sail with Explora. Not forgetting the truly wonderful people we’ve met whilst onboard.

As always, I’ve written it exactly as we experienced it. The things we absolutely loved, the little niggles we came across, and why, despite them, we’ve already booked more voyages. I think that’s what travel writing should be about, giving a completely honest opinion and helping others decide if it’s the right holiday or cruise line for them. At the end of the day, everyone is different and we all have our likes and dislikes.

A huge thank you to everyone at Sail Away Magazine, especially Dan and Jay, for once again putting their trust in me and giving me the opportunity to be featured in such a fantastic publication. It’s something I’m incredibly grateful for and never take for granted.

I really hope you enjoy reading it as much as I enjoyed writing it. 📖

Cheers all, happy cruising 🥂

#cruise #travel #review #explore #article by @explorewith_bradley

Dundonald Links – The Clubhouse, Facilities & Golf Course ⛳️

Having already shared a little look at the fantastic accommodation at Dundonald Links, it’s time to take a look at the rest of what makes this place such a fabulous golfing destination.

The clubhouse is simply stunning. Contemporary in design, but with plenty of traditional Scottish character, it’s an impressive space with everything you could possibly want. From the welcoming surroundings and excellent golf shop to the Canny Crow restaurant, stylish bar and even a dedicated whisky tasting room, there’s plenty to enjoy both before and after a round (in which we certainly did) 🥃

Breakfast was excellent, and the quality of the food throughout our stay was fantastic. Just as importantly, the staff were brilliant – welcoming, attentive and genuinely lovely, making the whole experience even better.

The facilities are equally impressive, with extensive changing facilities, a gym, sauna and steam room, alongside excellent practice facilities including a driving range, short-game area and putting greens. ⛳️

Now onto the course itself. Designed by renowned golf course architect Kyle Phillips, Dundonald Links is a magnificent par-72 championship links course, stretching to around 7,300 yards from the championship tees. Having hosted the Scottish Open in 2017 and the Women’s Scottish Open on numerous occasions, it’s certainly no stranger to some of the world’s best golfers.

It’s a fantastic test of golf, with the natural links landscape, undulating fairways, challenging bunkering and beautifully presented greens making for a memorable round. The views across the Ayrshire coastline and towards the Isle of Arran are an added bonus. Albeit, our golfing skills certainly didn’t do the course any justice 😆

A fabulous venue, fantastic facilities, wonderful hospitality and a thoroughly enjoyable golfing experience. One we’d happily return to.🏌️‍♂️

#golf #scotland #whisky #golfcourse #review by @explorewith_bradley

Dundonald Links | The Lodges

A little introduction to our stay at the fabulous Dundonald Links, and first up, the accommodation 🏡

We stayed in one of their two-bedroom lodges and, quite honestly, it was absolutely superb. Sometimes accommodation can be an afterthought on a golfing break, but certainly not here.

Dundonald offers a fantastic range of accommodation, including 22 luxury hotel rooms alongside their purpose-built two, four and six-bedroom lodges, catering for groups of up to 12 people. Whether you’re travelling as a couple, with friends or as part of a larger golfing group, there’s something to suit everyone.

Beautifully appointed, spacious and incredibly well thought out, our lodge had absolutely everything we could need. A fully fitted kitchen, lovely open-plan living and dining area, and two fabulous bedroom suites, each complete with its own en-suite bathroom. Plenty of room to relax, unwind and enjoy a few days away.

One of the real highlights was being able to step straight outside and onto the putting green, which sits right alongside the lodges. A lovely touch, particularly when you’re surrounded by fellow golfers. 🏌️ (albeit it, we’d not very good ones)

There’s also private outdoor space, a BBQ, somewhere to store your clubs and all the little details that make the experience that much better.

We thought it represented excellent value, particularly for a group of friends sharing, but equally, it’s a fantastic option for a family or anyone looking for a few days away in beautiful surroundings. Whether you’re planning a dedicated golfing trip, a weekend with friends or simply want somewhere a little different to enjoy a break, these lodges really do tick all the boxes.

A fantastic base, exceptional accommodation and a lovely setting. We couldn’t have asked for much more.

More to follow on the golf course, the clubhouse and the facilities. ⛳️

#golf #scotland #review #accommodation #travel by @explorewith_bradley

We had the absolute pleasure and privilege of playing Royal Troon Golf Club. What an iconic experience. ⛳️

It genuinely felt like stepping back in time, surrounded by so much history, tradition and golfing heritage. From the magnificent clubhouse and warm hospitality to the atmosphere and the incredible team, especially the wonderful Stephen Anthony - Club Secretary, everything about the experience was simply amazing.

The golf course itself is quite something. A true championship links, steeped in history and renowned throughout the golfing world. With its challenging fairways, deep bunkers, undulating greens and the ever-present coastal breeze, it’s a course that certainly tests every part of your game. And of course, there’s the famous Postage Stamp, the legendary 8th hole, which is every bit as special as you’d imagine.

Royal Troon has hosted The Open Championship on numerous occasions, and standing on a course that has witnessed so much golfing history is quite a feeling. As for the golf itself, well, let’s just say the scorecards weren’t quite as impressive as the surroundings. But golf isn’t always about the scores. 👀

The company was fantastic, the memories were made, and ticking off a bucket-list course like this alongside dear friends made it all the more special.

An experience we’ll remember for a very long time. 🙌

#golf #scotland #history #bucketlist #iconic by @explorewith_bradley

Making memories, one sunset at a time 🌅

#travel #cruise #sunset #memories #explore by @explorewith_bradley

The Grills Experience - Princess Grill 🍽️

The Princess Grill restaurant is stunning. From the lovely entrance and walkway to the elegant décor and exclusive feel, it really is a beautiful setting for an evening of fine dining. One thing I would mention, though, is that the tables, particularly those for two, are rather close together. For a restaurant offering such a premium experience, a little more space and privacy wouldn’t go amiss.

Our service was impeccable. Our waiters, Jeffrey and Jomel, were outstanding, and we genuinely couldn’t have asked for better. Attentive, warm and professional, they made every meal a pleasure. Our sommelier, Malvin - what a character and an absolute gentleman. My parents had him on their previous voyage aboard Queen Anne, so it was lovely to see him again. People like these three really do make the experience. 🙌

Breakfast was excellent, with possibly one of the most varied menus we’ve seen at sea (I didn’t catch it all in the video). Lunch was good, but we felt it could be improved. The menu was very similar to the main dining room, with little in the way of exclusive dishes or daily specials. For the Grills experience, we’d love to see something a little more distinctive.

Now, dinner, this was where Princess Grill really came into its own. A proper five-course meal, if you wanted it, and of course, I took full advantage. The à la carte Châteaubriand, rack of lamb and duck à l’orange were superb, and the whole experience brought back that wonderful feeling of traditional cruising. There were, however, some notable omissions, including Dover sole, lobster Thermidor and beef Wellington. These are associated with the Queens Grill offering, so it’s worth remembering that the menus do differ. The Princess Grill menu has certainly changed over the years, and we did find the choice a little more limited than expected.

All in all, we thoroughly enjoyed our Princess Grill experience and would 100% pay the uplift to sail this way again. In fact, we have five more voyages booked across Princess and Queens Grill, so it’ll be fascinating to compare the two across all four Queens.

#dining #restaurant #food #luxury #service by @explorewith_bradley

Gala Evening onboard Queen Mary 2 🥂

We absolutely LOVE a gala evening. I know they can be a bit of a marmite subject in the cruising world, but for us, there’s something rather special about getting dressed up and stepping back into that bygone era of cruising. The glamour, the elegance, the atmosphere, honestly, I think I was born in the wrong era. I’ve always said that 😆

Of course, Cunard offers plenty of areas around the ship where formal attire isn’t required, and we think that’s exactly how it should be. Everyone should enjoy their holiday their own way, and that’s the beauty of cruising. But also remember, everyone has their own opinions, but if it’s not your thing at all, then there are plenty of other ‘relaxed’ cruise lines to choose from.

But let’s be honest, we’re not exactly a picture of perfection, and that’s exactly where we come in!!!!
Popped buttons, broken zips (after one too many glasses of wine, cheese boards and desserts), heels that decide to give up halfway through the evening, hair that has a mind of its own and dance moves that probably should never see the light of day, we’ve had our fair share of disasters and we are here to say that’s more than bloody okay, who cares ?!!!

But hey ho, nobody’s perfect, and that’s half the fun. We’re all in the same boat, quite literally (See what I did there) 👀
So, if you’ve never really embraced a gala evening, why not give it a go? Get dressed up, let your hair down or up, indulge in that extra dessert and enjoy every moment. You don’t have to be perfect, you just have to enjoy yourself.

#cruise #travel #formal #enjoy #embrace by @explorewith_bradley

There’s just something magical about witnessing the sun’s rays pierce through a thick layer of cloud and illuminate the sea below.

#sun #sea #weather #cruise #travel by @explorewith_bradley

Who knew Southampton sailaways could be this pretty? 🌅

#cruise #travel #sailaway #southampton #explore by @explorewith_bradley

A closer look at our Princess Grill Suite onboard Queen Mary 2 🚢

Having sailed on all four Queens, in our opinion, QM2 has the best Princess Grill suites of the lot. The layout, the styling and especially that balcony, we absolutely love it!! We were genuinely surprised.

At approximately 381 sq ft, there’s a lovely amount of space to spread out, with a separate sitting area, plenty of wardrobe and closet space for all those handbags and outfits (always important…. For my mum that is), and a proper bath as well as a separate shower. A BATH, I know, Winning!!!!🛁

The balcony is a real highlight for us. There’s something rather special about sitting out with the ocean stretching endlessly in front of you, watching the world go by. And with QM2 being the iconic ocean liner she is, it just feels right, plus there is padded furniture on the balcony which is believe is a must when at this particular price point, it’s the little things.

Of course, it’s not just about the suite itself. Princess Grill comes with some lovely extras, too, which I’ve listed below.

• A welcome bottle of Cunard Cellar Reserve Prosecco and chocolates (however in my opinion, it should be champagne)
• Exclusive access to the Grills Lounge and private Grills Terrace
• A dedicated concierge and lounge (I’ve attached a video)
• An exclusive Princess Grill Restaurant, with your table reserved throughout the voyage and the freedom to dine when it suits you
• Complimentary in-suite dining
• Grills Afternoon Tea
• Penhaligon’s toiletries, luxurious robes and slippers
• A pillow concierge to help you find your perfect night’s sleep
• Daily turndown service, satellite TV and complimentary bottled water
• Priority embarkation and disembarkation

We’ve always loved the Princess Grill experience, but there’s just something about the layout and feel of the suites on Queen Mary 2 that makes them our favourite of the four Queens. 🚢

Let’s see what her upcoming refit brings…. Eagerly awaiting that for sure! 😆

#cruise #travel #review #suite #cunard by @explorewith_bradley