To set the stage my spouse and I are from Canada and we were randomly looking for a hiking experience from our starting point of Barcelona; our only criteria was to go east or south. Our excellent experience begins with finding New Experience Holidays (NEH) on the web after a quick search for hiking opportunities around the Mediterranean. We were very impressed with NEH website experience. Scads of detail, nothing left to figure out or guess for oneself; many other sites we saw were far less detailed. Based on the excellent NEH website information we decided on a self-guided hiking trip on La Gomera. Then came the personal touch of the NEH staff. We needed some customization regarding arrivals, extra accommodations and ground transportation; the manner in which the staff dealt with our needs was informative, accurate and flexible and always attentive to our changing needs. When we arrived in the Canaries everything happened as contracted and described. The on-site information and advance hiking packages were very, very accurate and at no point did we feel that anything had been left to chance. From the ground transportation, to the accommodations, to the local meals, to the daily transportation of our luggage, everything was flawless. However equally important to us was the caring and considerate way that the New Experience local affiliates (drivers, hiking staff, coordinators, residence staff) made us feel welcome. We can't praise this NEH hiking experience enough. Unfortunately one of us had a non-hiking accident which required us to leave 2 days early; in this moment the New Experience staff in the UK and their local affiliates really pulled out all the stops to re-book and re-schedule our departure and what impressed us most was their genuine concern for our well-being and ensuring that everything in their power enabled that happening. What a wonderful enterprise; they're top of our list! My spouse and myself agree that this was one of the best Experiences of our lives.

We went on an Easter (10 day) break with New Experience in 2012. New Ex chose two excellent hotels for us. The first was Papillote which was located in beautiful lush rainforest gardens. We had two suites which were basic but comfortable - the warmth of welcome by the staff was exceptional and we enjoyed our 4 nights there. Food was plentiful and tasty (particularly breakfast). This is a good area for exploring the SW corner of the Island - highlights included the trek to Boiling Lake with guide Alfred followed by a swim in the remarkable Titou Gorge, snorkelling at Champagne beach with snorkels rented on site (very reasonable cost), and exploring local sights such as Trafalgar Falls, Roseau and surrounding sreas. We also ventured to the northwestern corner to see the impressive Fort Shirly and we took a guided trip up Indian River - interesting but perhaps overcostly at $50 US a head for a 90 minute trip. The road on the western coast is in much better shape than others on the Island. Our last 5 nights were at Jungle Bay Resort. Fabulous place, very laid-back and welcoming. Two individual cabins with supurb views & well fitted out. Walking here as per notes given by New Ex - Victoria Falls (with guide hired at the base) - well worth it, Glasse Point and one found in the Brandt Guide at Wyvain Cirique involving a descent with ropes and ladders to a secluded and wonderful beach with waterfall. Not for the unfit ot faint hearted. We did a guided walk organised by the hotel to a lush farm carved out of the jungle - very beautiful - but felt that this was not value for money as the pace was determined by other hikers not used to trekking - in other words very slow! Overall we really enjoyed our Caribbean experience with New Ex holidays and they went out of their way to ensure that arrangements were perfect.

They are so good that we have been on 9 self guided walking holidays organised by the very trusty New Experience staff. Their choice of destinations, their brochures, the attention to detail, the walking notes & the very personal service make walking holidays fun & hassle free. The standard of accommodation they arrange offers variety to suit most needs & it is reassuring to know that at least one staff person has completed the walk & used the accommodation they recommend. Their walk notes are descriptive & accurate. Their local contacts are beneficial: we have always experienced a high standard of customer service from the local providers & it is comforting to know that assistance is available if ever needed. New Experience has always followed up our feedback & we know from their actions that, to them, this is a very important aspect of the holidays they offer. Our walks have been either hotel to hotel treks or self guided ones. Being able to walk with a day pack on several of our trips while our heavier luggage has been transported to the next overnight destination has added to the enjoyment of our walks. We believe that New Experience offers value for money & feel that the staff have become friends who know what we want in our holiday more than we do.