The entries were so good this month that two winners were announced for the February writing competition! Congratulations to Jim Metcalf and Jacob Wiggins, both of whom have been rewarded with a £50 Marks & Spencers voucher, and both will go into the prize draw to win a short stay in one of our finest properties! Jim enjoyed a stay at the charming Fish Cellars in Portwrinkle, while Jacob and his family explored picturesque Paignton. If you fancy a chance of winning this fantastic prize, simply email an article around 500 words long, to ewan@bluechipvacations.com. To read more of Jim’s Portwrinkle adventures, click here, or to read Jacob’s charming account of pretty Paignton, click here.

With summer breaks still available, why not book your summer holiday in Devon or Cornwall today?

Congratulations to Susan Jones from Atherstone , the January winner of our writing competition, winning a £50 Marks & Spencers voucher and the chance to win a short stay at one of our finest properties! She and her husband enjoyed a stay at the charming Pilots Rest, Brixham, and managed to take in some of the spectacular scenery and attractions that the English Riviera has to offer. During their winter break in the South West they managed to enjoy the rural splendour of Berry Head Country Park, the Coast and Defence Harbour Battery Museum and take in the views of the bay from nearby Torquay. If you fancy keeping up with the Joneses and entering our writing competition, simply email around 500 words on your favourite activity in the South West to ewan@bluechipvacations.com. To read more of Mrs. Jones' winter break in Torquay, click here.

 This week, Blue Chip Vacations has three late special offers for properties in Devon and Cornwall that are still available for half-term week, so its not too late to bag a half term bargain and enjoy a fantastic break in the South West!

 This week's green blog comes from the charming Old Walls Vineyard in Teignbridge, the perfect place to sample the fantastic taste of the West Country. Read on for an account of Blue Chip Vacations' Environmental Coordinator Jon Presslings' visit.

Deciding where to take anyone to showcase the best of the west is difficult. Deciding where to take an Australian friend only visiting South Devon for the weekend is a real challenge. Therefore it may seem a somewhat risky strategy planning a trip into unfamiliar territory but that's what exploring the unknown is all about and often provides the best memories.

 The Sunday Times has once again ranked Blue Chip Vacations' cottages in its top 100 cool cottages. This year the stunning Bryher Cottage in St. Mawgan, Cornwall came in the top twenty at number 13. And it's not difficult to see why. This beautiful barn conversion boasts a roaring Charnwood Stove, comfy mattresses and blackout curtains making Bryher Cottage a cosy home from home. Ideal for families, with a cot, high chair and stair gate all provided, it makes for a special family break. The walled garden is a real sun trap and a great place for family barbeques in the warm summer months. Sat in a characterful corner of the region, close to a quaint village shop, a cosy welcoming pub and a fascinating monastery, there is certainly plenty to see and do. In addition to this, the great family beaches of Mawgan Porth and Watergate Bay area mere five minute drive away, ideal for a lazy day on the sun kissed sand.

 This week intrepid Environmental Coordinator Jon Pressling has visited the popular Dartmoor National Park, finding some hidden gems and enjoying the beautiful panorama in the process.

Dartmoor, the granite heart of Devon. A landscape of mystery, intrigue and beauty all in perfect natural harmony. From rivers winding their way through wooded valleys to the highest windswept peaks, Dartmoor has a special awe which continually attracts both visitors and locals alike.

 A great way to get a feel of the true beauty of this wonderful region is by watching the fascinating Great British Railway Journeys. Presented by Michael Portillo, this great series follows a route around the country through the striking scenery that many railway lines traverse.

 Santa played a secret visit to the winners of the Blue Chip Vacations Secret Santa competition this Christmas, leaving some amazing gifts for the lucky family to enjoy. A member of the bookings team picked a Christmas booking reference from a hat and to decide who got the surprise visit from St. Nic.

The Kirby family from Aldershot were this year’s victorious holidaymakers, whose fantastic prizes included an iPod shuffle, iTunes vouchers, a hot diamond earring and necklace set and a set of Laura Ashley wines glasses. There was even a hamper for the family dog!

 Blue Chip Vacations' Marketing Executive Michelle Roberts took advantage of the glorious weather in sunny Brixham yesterday, enjoying a scenic bike ride around the quaint seaside town. Initially taking in the charming scenery of Berry Head Country Park, and then arcing around to the stunning panorama of the marina, Michelle has provided us with these beautiful shots of her journey.

Stored somewhere in the back of my mind is a list of places that I've always felt compelled to visit but have never quite found time. Each year I try and make the effort but each year it just gets longer.