I have just returned from Kuoni's Ceylon Tour with four days extension at the Bentota Beach Hotel.
This was my first holiday abroad alone and I was very apprehensive, but from the moment I spoke to a very helpful lady at the Kuoni office, I knew I had made the right choice.
I was afraid that being a single traveller I would be staying in broom cupboards, but my rooms were exactly the same as the other couples on the tour and were excellent, especially Cinnamon Lodge and Chaaya Citadel.
I flew from Birmingham to Colombo via Dubai with Emirates and the flights were excellent. I was met at Colombo by our Guide for the week, Bennyl, who was a joy to travel with, he was so knowledgeable and together with Joseph and our bus driver, they made our holiday fantastic. Even down to sending the ladies in the party a Valentine's card.
All the excursions were amazing, Sigirya, Temple of the Tooth, Elephant Orphanage, Dambulla Caves, Tea Plantations and the hotels and especially the food were first class.
I can honestly say I enjoyed every second of my holiday, the people of Sri Lanka are so gracious and helpful and it is the most beautiful country I have ever seen.
Service from Kuoni was first class, even down to booking my room for an extra night in the last hotel so that I could stay in my room for an extra 6 hours before my flight.
Only down side is that some of the Sri Lankans, eg the tuk tuk drivers, can be somewhat overpowering, especially to women alone but at no point did I feel uncomfortable. Also everyone expects to be tipped which isn't a problem but it can sometimes be difficult to have enough small currency to cope with everyone.
All in all, a fantastic holiday, and I will definately travel with Kuoni again.