www.lux-review.com Page 37 Page 36 www.lux-review.com LUX 2021 Resorts and Retreats Awards LUX 2021 Resorts and Retreats Awards Janie Pace is a travel writer and photographer based in Fort Worth, Texas. She writes travelogues for publications that narrate her journey through each place that she visits. With an intense love for travel, Janie writes extensively on travel destinations, wineries, breweries, restaurants, and cruising. Starting in the 18th century, travel writing became popular, and has only grown bigger ever since. So, how to stand out as a travel writer? To become a featured expert and to win an award, Janie has presented her work as a photographer and writer in a way that doesn’t just inform others, it inspires others. Janie uses fun and light-hearted energy when writing for her audience and makes us smile when we are reading about her journeys. She is honest and shares her experiences with everything from methods of travel to food, drink, and music. Her culinary, wine and travel photo endeavours have led her all over, across Peru from Cusco, through the Sacred Valley to Machu Picchu, up the Icefields Parkway from Lake Louise, to Banff and Jasper. She photographs wildlife, people, landscapes, and luxury hotels all throughout. She has visited all four islands of Hawaii and the Volcanoes National Park. Loughbrickland Courtyard Self-catering was created in 2006 to make available the beautiful surroundings of Loughbrickland House to the wider public. Numerous outbuildings in a courtyard behind the house were transformed into luxurious 4* self-catering accommodation. Coolnacan, the subject of this article, was created from the main part of the old coach house. As well as two double/twin ensuite bedrooms upstairs there is a spacious double/twin bedroom on the ground floor with a wheelchair accessible ensuite that is particularly suitable for guests with mobility issues. There is direct access from this bedroom onto one of the sunny flower- filled patios which guests are welcome to use. The huge doors of the former coach house have been converted into enormous windows which bestow a light-filled interior on the main living-dining area. Coolnacran can accommodate six guests plus a child or two and Lisnagade, the second cottage, can accommodate four guests, so between them there is comfortable accommodation for over ten guests. Within the establishment, Wi-Fi is provided as is a plentiful supply of interesting books, DVDs, and games. For longer staying guests, a weekly cleaning service Jun21556 Jun21394 Journey Mapped Most Innovative Travel Writer & Photographer (Western USA): Janie Pace Loughbrickland Courtyard Self-Catering Self-Catering Accommodation of the Year - County Down Specialising in restaurant reviews, wine tasting, distillery tours and local craft beer, Janie has made exceptional memories in multiple locations. She has also provided fellow travellers with professional information that may help them to find the destination of their dreams, as well as a tasty treat. As a member of the International Travel Writers and Photographers Alliance, United States Press Agency, International Food Wine and Travel Writing Association, and TravMedia, Janie has made a home away from home wherever she goes. Writing with a full-bodied background of experience and expertise, she creates content for Journey Mapped, and is a featured expert writer for Travel Awaits, a hot spot for travel writers and travellers around the globe. Her piece from 2019 in Journey Mapped, ‘A Historic Getaway in Durango Colorado’, is a prime example of her love for travel and photography. She takes us with her on a journey to Durango through this post and we are completely on board. By giving us an educated background on the steam locomotives alongside photographs of The Durango and Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad, we are able to put things into perspective as well as learn about important parts of history. When writing for Travel Awaits, Janie provides us with her intricate ‘pro tips’, such as where to stay, or where to eat when travelling through certain locations. This is helpful for anyone going to these destinations, so, rather than trying to find somewhere to eat without any knowledge of the place, you can take up the recommendation and go somewhere that Janie has tried and shared with us. Janie shows us some stunning photographs that bring her writing to life as we read it. We can imagine what it would be like to go there ourselves. And if we are unable to travel to any of these destinations for any reason, we are able to go on a remote visual journey through someone else’s eyes. It’s not just about finding a place to go and then looking for travel writing pieces about your chosen destination for tips and recommendations. It’s so much more than that. Travel writing and photography, especially in this instance, unites us and makes us feel connected to places that aren’t where we are right now, but might hope that one day, we could venture to for ourselves. Until that point, we may continue to rely on Janie’s stunning visuals and writing to transport us all over this beautiful planet we call home. Contact: Janie Pace Company: Journey Mapped Web Address: www.journeymapped.com and change of bed linen are included. While the accommodation is self-catering, Owner Dr Jean Whyte explains, “We provide a ‘welcome basket’ of goodies like home-baked wheaten bread, homemade preserves, local butter, fresh milk, orange juice, tea, coffee, sugar, salt & pepper etc so that guests can have a cup of tea on arrival - usually with some home-baked cakes or biscuits as well.” Jean states “we are subject to inspection and certification by Tourism NI regularly and Evelyn Robb (who manages the complex and meets and greets all guests) and I attend CPD (Continuous Professional Development) and TED courses provided by local Tourism Offices and the overall Tourism Authority to keep us up to date with developments and trends. We ask our guests for feedback, general comments but also suggestions for improvements, encouraging guests to post reviews on TripAdvisor. Furthermore, we monitor the premises and surroundings regularly to ensure that maintenance is of the highest standard and we have easy access to our team of professional tradespeople who assist us.” On and around the estate, there are two pleasant walks– the Woodland Walk (1.45Kms) and the Boundary Trail (2Kms) – which are managed in partnership with the local District Council. Jean comments “We are 500 metres walk from the village which has a range of shops and services local to our establishment such as churches, shops, surgeries and a pharmacy, a pub etc, everything to make our cottage guests comfortable, safe and entertained.” Jean continues, “We cater for families - the environment is very safe for children. A fair percentage of our guests come to visit relations in the area or to attend family functions and we have a good proportion of repeat bookings for this reason. We tend to have small groups of friends or relatives who sometimes take over both cottages for celebrations or reunions; and we have Travelling is a primal pull that goes back to the dawn of time. As humans, we experience a need to explore and adventure out in the beautiful wild world. Be it for the cities and their rich cultural creations, or be it for the vast fields, mountains, or bodies of water that capture our hearts. Following her recent success, we look to Janie Pace for her love for travel writing and photography. Families, walkers, cyclists, fisher people, and golfers are welcome at the comfortable self-catering holiday rentals just off the A1 near Banbridge, Co Down. ‘Lisnagade’ and ‘Coolnacran’ offer ideal surroundings in which to unwind and provide a perfect base from which to explore the delights of Co. Armagh and Co. Down – even day trips to Belfast (Titanic) and the Giants’ Causeway. people looking for cultural experiences, historical environments and outdoor activities and choose to book with us due to our location and connections around the area.” Its location is five minutes from the main North-South highway in Ireland and is surrounded by heritage settings in mature woodlands with beautiful well-maintained stone buildings dating back to the 18th and 19th centuries. The establishment is 200 metres off a side road with safe off-street parking and has magical benefits like hearing only birdsong nearby. Additionally, it has safe drying and storage facilities for bicycles, sports equipment, and more in a building that is separate from the accommodation. The establishment is close to a range of outstanding National Trust properties such as Mount Stewart House, The Argory House, and Hillsborough Castle etc and some of the most beautiful gardens such as Rowallane, Seaforde Gardens and Tropical Butterfly House. Additionally, there is close access to Murlough Bay Nature Reserve, Tollymore Forest Park, and Castlewellan Forest Park that offers walks, adventures, and guided tours. With gorgeous walks, nature, environment, locals and food, there is no wonder Loughbrickland Courtyard Self-Catering has won Self-Catering Accommodation of the Year - County Down. These picturesque and quaint cottages are ideal for a family getaway, reunion, or a weekend of absolute scenic bliss. Company: Loughbrickland Courtyard Self-Catering Name: Loughbrickland Courtyard - Coolnacran Email:
[email protected] Website : www.loughbricklandcourtyard.com Tel. +44 7873 290 504 Address: Loughbrickland Courtyard, Loughbrickland House, Loughbrickland, Co. Down, BT32 3NH