Jetsettersblog

MUCH WENLOCK – CRADLE OF THE MODERN OYMPIC GAMES

Much Wenlock in Shropshire is to Britain what Olympia is to Greece, as in this beautiful unspoiled little market town, the local surgeon, Dr William Penny Brookes created the Wenlock Olympian Games which ultimately inspired Baron de Coubertin to set up the Modern Olympics we have today – so fulfilling Brookes’ dream.

In 1994 Juan Antonio Samaranch, then president of the International Olympic Committee (IOC), made a pilgrimage to Much Wenlock and laid a wreath at Brookes’ grave.

He announced to the world press that:”I came to pay homage and tribute to Dr Brookes, who really was the (founding father) of the modern Olympic Games.”

2009 is a special celebration year for Much Wenlock as Brookes was born in the town 200 years ago exactly. The Games are organised by the dedicated volunteers who make up the Wenlock Olympian Society, and are still held in the town every July.

But there is much more to see and do in and around Much Wenlock. It is a town in miniature with a myriad of fascinating old buildings, streets and passage ways to explore and the Olympian Trail to follow. An excellent selection of quality individual shops, a pottery and tea rooms, inns and accommodations serving locally sourced produce.

Wenlock Priory’s impressive remains are an unmissable, serene and majestic sight.

Just outside the town is the impressive Wenlock Edge studded with fossils from the time when once it was a coral reef in a tropical sea.

Pretty unspoilt Shropshire villages and towns and rolling hills and countryside are waiting to be discovered.

Not far away is the Ironbridge Gorge, where the Industrial Revolution began 300 years ago in 1709, with its interesting collection of museums and Shrewsbury, the birth place of Charles Darwin in 1809, is only a few miles away.

For further details

visit www.visitbridgnorth.co.uk

 or for a copy of the new 2009 Bridgnorth,

Much Wenlock and Severn Valley visitor guide

 call 01746 763 257.

href=”http://www.jetsettersmagazine.com/archive/jetezine/gear/suntan/deadsea.html” target=”_self”>A multi-million pound investment has been made to four von Essen country house hotels in Somerset and Gloucestershire.

Refurbishment work at Homewood Park and Ston Easton Park, both near Bath; The Greenway, near Cheltenham; and Buckland Manor, near Broadway; has seen bedrooms revamped as well as all public areas.

New spas are to be created at each property as part of on-going improvements at a cost of almost £10 million over the next few years.

Learn-to-Sail, Flotilla, Bareboat, Villa-Flotilla

Sunvil Sailing run yachting holidays off Lefkas island in the Greek Ionian Sea with a choice of accommodation either on board the boat or shore-based in a hotel, villa or apartment. They specialise in learn-to-sail weeks with certification but also offer flotilla, bareboat charter, individually tailored villa-flotilla packages and day boat hire.

The Greek sailing holidays run from early May to end October with special share-a-yacht ‘pot-luck’ weeks early and late season; these are ideal for singles and parties too small to hire their own yacht.

Learn-to-Sail Weeks

Sunvil’s learn-to-sail holidays in the Greek Ionian Sea are suitable for the complete novice as well as those with a little sailing experience or whose knowledge has lapsed; courses cater for singles, couples, groups of friends and families with youngsters from nine years upwards (under 16s need to be accompanied by an adult). Accommodation is either live-aboard or shore-based.

Tuition follows an internationally recognised syllabus; novices will aim for the Crew Certificate (for 12 years and over), while the more advanced can work towards a Skipper Certificate qualifying them for non-tidal coastal waters (for 16 years and over). Youngsters between 9 and 12 years can gain an Introduction to Yachting Certificate. The superb coastal scenery, warm sheltered waters and favourable wind conditions provide a safe and pleasant location in which to learn new boating skills.

Live-Aboard Packages: For those choosing to live-aboard, the tuition yachts form the lead boats in a small flotilla, which departs from Sunvil’s base at Nidri. Holidaymakers share their yacht with the instructor as it cruises around the stunning coastal islands; days are spent literally learning the ropes along with boating and navigational skills while the flotilla moors up at a different harbour every evening for a relaxing and social dinner ashore in a local restaurant.

Six and eight berth yachts are used for the learn-to-sail programmes with between four and six students to one instructor. Prices start from £636 per person per week based on two sharing a cabin to include return flights from London Gatwick to Prevesa, transfers, live-aboard accommodation and tuition. There is a single cabin supplement from £100pppw and a £70 on-site contribution towards the on-board kitty to cover breakfast/lunch/refreshments aboard, yacht damage waiver, fuel, mooring fees, certification, etc. This rises to £95 for a two-week cruise.

Shore-Based Yacht Training Courses: First time sailors, families and groups where not everybody wishes to learn-to-sail or those who simply prefer the extra comforts of hotel, villa or apartment, can take the shore-based accommodation option.

They can then book as many two-day sailing modules as they wish with instruction. On non-sailing days guests can simply relax by the pool, try some watersports, go horse riding or hire a car and drive along the coast or explore inland.

One week’s stay at the Hotel Armonia in Nidri, B&B for two sharing is priced from £515pp to include flights from London Gatwick and transfers in Greece. The learn-to-sail is additional – guests can buy the two-day course modules at £100 each based on a minimum of two people per yacht, plus £20pp on-site to cover certification, log-books and yacht fuel.

Other Options

In addition, Sunvil Sailing offer flotilla holidays in Greece for those with relevant qualifications to charter their own yacht. By trying to keep to around eight boats, the flotilla can moor overnight at some of the smaller, more attractive ports and form a sociable group for dinner at a local taverna or hotel. Prices start from £530pppw dependent on the size of yacht, number in the party and time of year plus an on-site contribution to cover yacht damage waiver, port documentation, etc.

They also have a limited number of yachts from 27 to 46ft available for bareboat charter for qualified/experienced sailors to sail independently outside the normal flotilla area.

Solo holidaymakers, or groups too small to make up a charter, can join Sunvil Sailing’s ‘Pot Luck’ weeks where they share a yacht with like-minded shipmates. These generally take place early or late in the season.

Other options include skippered charter, whereby holidaymakers not requiring tuition but simply wishing to relax and cruise around the seas with a professional skipper, can join a live-aboard package just occasionally lending a hand when necessary. And day boat hire for shore-based holidaymakers or those taking the villa-flotilla option.

In addition, Sunvil Sailing can put together custom made packages with any number of variations for individuals or small groups. With flexibility in mind they can tailor holidays to provide the perfect combination of live-aboard sailing, tuition and shore-based accommodation to suit everyone from experienced skippers to complete novices and all levels in-between. Couples, singles, families and groups are all welcome.

Malta, Turkey and Greece Bareboat Charter
New for 2009 Sunvil will also be offering bareboat charter in Malta as well as Turkey and Greece for those with sailing experience from April to November.

The Maltese programme will operate from the Manoel Island Marina at Gzira while in Turkey the yachts are based at the modern marina at Yalikavak on the scenic coast around 10 miles from Bodrum and just 23 miles from the airport.

Holidaymakers chartering a yacht in Turkey will also be able to cruise the long chain of picturesque Greek Dodecanese islands which hug the coastline. In Croatia they sail from the village of Kastela, which is about 15 minutes transfer from Split airport on the Central Dalmatian Coast. There is also the option of a second week in a hotel at all three destinations.

For further details contact Sunvil Sailing on Telephone: 0208 758 4780, email sailing@sunvil.co.uk  or log onto www.sunvilsailing.co.uk

To Open June 2009

The new and highly anticipated Kempinski Hotel Aqaba, Red Sea Jordan will open its doors to the public in June 2009. Boasting 201 luxury rooms and suites all with sea views, a variety of international cuisine, world class MICE facilities and a stunning spa with a number of innovative signature treatments on the menu, this hotel opening will mark the 2nd Kempinski property on the golden shores and azure waters of the Red Sea!

The Kempinski group has been specialist hoteliers for over 100 years and this hotel is yet another example of their expertise in luxury. Aqaba offers year round sunshine and some of the best diving and coral reefs in the world. The contrast in scenery makes this city one of the most beautiful in Jordan with its mountainous backdrop and white sandy beaches fringed with palm trees.

Located on the sandy shores of the Red Sea, it is an ideal location for those who simply want to switch off and relax. There is however, plenty to do for the more energetic; the hotel is only a stones throw away from a variety of shops, restaurants and leisure facilities, not to mention the hotels own entertainment, including; trips on private yachts, windsurfing, kayaking, diving, snorkelling and swimming, a private beach, the Kids Club and most important of all guests can enjoy an array of organised tours to popular tourist attractions, such as Petra, Wadi Rum and the Bedouin Camps.

All 201 rooms and suites within the hotel will enjoy a sea view, which has been made possible due to clever design work and the buildings curved contemporary design, shaped in the form of a tear-drop. The distinctive prevailing structure and spectacular interior design will be complimented throughout with state of the art technology.

Boasting 6 sumptuous restaurants and bars, guests will be spoilt for choice, offering a wide variety of international and regional dining options, including a Club Lounge and a large alfresco terrace area with panoramic views of the Red Sea. Guests will be able to enjoy fine dining, cocktails, the finest coffee and teas from around the world all served in a selection of speciality restaurants.

• The AM/PM – A fine all-day dining restaurant specialising in international and local cuisine offering buffet breakfast, lunch and dinner with a view over the Red Sea that is pure luxury.

Fish In: Al Fresco Afro Arabian terrace restaurant overlooking the Red Sea offering local cuisine with fish dishes from the Middle East and Africa. The restaurant will also feature a private dining area.

• The Walk – This restaurant will function as an all-in-one pizza restaurant, ice cream parlour and beach snack bar

• The Black Pearl: An ideal place to dance the night away into the early hours!

• The Aqua Lounge: Offering fine pastries and exquisite cocktails, by day this will be the perfect place to relax. In the evening it becomes the perfect meeting point to enjoy an aperitif accompanied by live piano music.

• Sea Breeze: This will be the hotel’s main pool bar

General Manager, Alejandro Bernabe, has said of the launch, “this hotel opening will be one of Kempinski’s most exciting.

“ When one thinks of Jordan both the Dead Sea and the Red Sea come to mind as two of Jordan’s top attractions, which is why the Kempinski Hotel Aqaba will compliment our Amman and Dead Sea hotels perfectly, allowing guests the chance to enjoy the very best of Jordan in the country’s finest hotels and resorts.”

The New Luxury Five-Star Resort From Jaz Hotels & Resorts’ Iberotel Brand, Has Unveiled A Premium All-Inclusive Programme, Unique In The Middle East Region

Miramar Al Aqah Beach Resort in Fujairah, the new luxury five-star resort from Jaz Hotels & Resorts’ Iberotel brand, has unveiled a premium all-inclusive programme, unique in the Middle East region.

The premium all-inclusive product, available immediately as a supplement to the bed and breakfast concept, includes all meals, including a la carte dining from a choice of three restaurants, drinks including premium brand alcoholic drinks, complimentary sports, use of the wellness centre, including a free massage and free laundry.

As an alternative promotion, all summer 2009 bookings made with UK tour operators by 28 February 09 for travel from 15 May to 19 Sept will be upgraded from Bed & breakfast to half board on a free of charge basis.

Featuring Arabian-Moroccan-inspired architecture and its own private beach, the stunning Miramar Al Aqah is surrounded by clusters of suites and rooms on three floors, all with breathtaking sea views and luxurious furnishings. The hotel has vast outdoor and indoor pools in beautiful landscaped grounds, as well as floodlit tennis courts, beach volleyball, billiard room, archery and extensive water sports.

Set within this environment of natural beauty is the Miramar Wellness Centre, a haven of peace and tranquillity for those who wish to relax, restore and rejuvenate mind, body and spirit.

With massage, sauna, steam room, gym and Jacuzzi the Wellness Centre is designed to enhance and optimise the senses.

Gourmet restaurants and relaxing bars provide a choice of mouth-watering delicacies to be taken on the sun-drenched terraces; on the beach, as the sun goes down and deep in to the night.

International dining is a speciality in the all-day Al Majlis restaurant; with a further two a la carte fine dining restaurants offering delicious Asian fusion food in Sensasia and authentic Italian food in Mammone. For drinks there is the Bahari Beach Bar, Tropicana Pool Bar and Shisha Corner, a traditional Arabic Café and for night owls, is the sophisticated Bliss nightclub.

In addition there are extensive children’s facilities including Jay Jay’s, the Funky Camel Kids Club, special children’s play areas and a shaded kid’s pool.

Peter Grace, Regional Vice President Sales & Marketing, UK & Ireland at Jaz Hotels & Resorts said “Miramar Al Aqah is the perfect resort for guests who want to relax and re-charge their batteries in beautiful surroundings. Everything a person might need is within the resort, so there really is no need to go anywhere else. For those who want to combine their stay with sight seeing and retail therapy, we are only 90 minutes from the hustle and bustle of Dubai, making a day trip well within reach. And we offer complimentary shopping transfers to Dubai, ensuring our guests are able to completely relax on the journey”.

Fujairah is one of seven Emirates comprising the United Arab Emirates (UAE), and the only Emirate on the Indian Ocean, featuring a breathtaking coastline stretching for 90km. Here, the traditional Bedouin way of life meets the modern world to create a cultural and historical paradise with dramatic scenery framed by the Hajaar Mountains.

The new premium all-inclusive supplement works out at about £55 per adult per night on top of the standard breakfast inclusive meal basis. An average 5-night holiday during summer 2009 starts from £599 per adult including flights to Dubai from London or a choice of regional UK airports, transfers and 5 nights’ accommodation in a superior room at Miramar al Aqah, including breakfast.

Tour Operators featuring Miramar Al Aqah Beach Resort include: Gold Medal Travel, Hayes & Jarvis, Peltours, Thomson Worldwide and Triton Rooms.

Jaz Hotels and Resorts is a unique collection of highly regarded brands that encompasses Jaz Resorts, Iberotel Hotels & Resorts, Sol Y Mar Resorts and Travcotels Nile Cruise Ships. In key destinations around the Red Sea and other key resorts in Egypt and the UAE, each brand has its own unique personality combining excellent service and stunning designs.

There are exceptional facilities across the portfolio of properties including luxury spas, brilliant kids clubs, fascinating souks, vibrant nightlife, invigorating water sports and diving, and alluring restaurants.

Jaz Resorts is a portfolio of five-star properties that blend stylish, contemporary elegance with extensive leisure facilities. Each is situated in a stunning location and offers guests an unrivaled fusion of sports, entertainment and dining experiences. Jaz Resorts has three properties in Sharm El Sheikh (with a new hotel opening Dec 09), two in Madinat Makadi, one planned for Hurghada in November 09, one in Mersa Matrouh with two new openings planned (April and June 09), Taba (opening Nov 09) and Ain El Sokhna (newly opened February 09).

Iberotel Hotels & Resorts comprise four and five-star properties, each individually designed in a local style and situated in spectacular beach side locations on the Red Sea and on the Nile.

With a wide range of activities and entertainment, there is something for everyone at each resort.

In addition to the new Cairo Hotel & Casino, Iberotel also has three properties in Sharm El Sheikh, three in Madinat Makadi, three in Marsa Alam, one in Dahab, one in Luxor and one in Fujairah in the UAE.

Sol Y Mar Resorts is all about Sun & Fun. Each of the four-star properties delivers a vibrant experience and an attention to detail that is particularly appealing to families. Combining an informal atmosphere and warm hospitality ensures the Sol Y Mar experience is unforgettable. Sol Y Mar has two properties in Sharm El Sheikh, (with two openings in May & July 09), three in Madinat Makadi, three in Marsa Alam (two new hotels opening March 09), one each in Taba, Safaga and Hurghada and two in the Al Dakhla & Al Kharga Oases.

Travcotels, Egypt’s leading Nile Cruise Company, owns and operates a fleet of 21 modern Nile cruise ships in the four-star, five-star and five-star deluxe categories with two new ships planned for 2009. Each allows the visitor to immerse themselves in the culture and history of the Nile, whilst ensconced in the luxurious modern environment of a 21st century ship.

AFRICAN & INDIAN EXPLORATIONS OFFERS THE LADAKH VILLAGE EXPERIENCE

Best time to travel: 15th May – 30th September
From £345 per person per day

Tour operator African & Indian Explorations specialises in ‘off the beaten track’ experiences, handcrafted safaris and once in a lifetime holidays and are delighted to offer the Ladakh Village Experience and unique river journey which join Village walks in both Sikkim and Kumaon and the mountain retreat, 360 degrees Leti.

The traditional architecture of Ladakh is grander in style than found in other Himalayan region and 3 Tibetan style village houses have been renovated to provide sophisticated accommodation without compromising on authenticity and charm – each house is private and has 3 ensuite bedrooms, living room, kitchen, dining room and roof terrace from which to enjoy the spectacular scenery.

Staying in these houses offers visitors the rare chance to experience an unchanged rural way of life in the homes of the Ladakhi people.

As the terrain in Ladakh is very different to that of Sikkim and Kumaon, journeys here will be on foot, by river raft and by vehicles with stops at un-spoilt Buddhist monasteries.

As an extension to the Ladakh Village Experience, guest can experience an exclusive Shayok River Journey that will take them along the old Silk Route into the remote Nubra valley through territory that few visitors have ever experienced.

The Ladakh Experience costs from £345 per person per day on a twin share basis.

Price includes:

Accommodation in village houses on a fully inclusive basis

All activities including raft trips (dependent on water levels)

English speaking guide, cook and porters

Car at disposal

Transport between Leh Airport and The Village Experience

All taxes and service charges

Price excludes:

Flights and accommodation or services in transit to Ladakh

For Bookings and Information Contact African & Indian Explorations 01993 822 443
or visit www.africanexplorations.com

Stop tearing your hair out searching for some warmth, sunshine and excellent birding, head to Morocco’s Souss-Massa NP, the country’s finest birdwatching location and host to endangered Northern Bald Ibis. Naturetrek’s relaxing, 5-day Bald Ibis break, based at an exclusive beach retreat – departs 5th March 2009.

From autumn to spring, Morocco’s 33,800-hectare Souss Valley – stretching from the foothills of the High Atlas Mountains to the spectacular Atlantic coast, attracts numerous migrating waders, gulls and terns, and encompasses the estuaries of the Oued Souss (the northern limit of the park) and the Oued Massa. Guests are based at the traditionally built hotel, nestled between golden dunes with spectacular panoramic views of the Atlantic Ocean. Along with a traditional Hammam (Turkish bath/massage room) and fine cuisine (salads and grilled fish and meat being a particular speciality), some of the best local birding is available from the hotel terrace. The Souss-Massa National Park holds a wealth of birds, and the diversity of habitats within it will ensure a wide variety of species. However, the park is most important from its protection of three of the four Moroccan breeding colonies of the Northern Bald Ibis, one of the Western Palearctic’s most enigmatic and endangered birds. Located on nearby coastal cliffs a population now totalling 75 breeding pairs has established a lofty redoubt.

Here, Barbary Falcons can regularly be seen, whilst the beach often supports a flock of Audouin’s Gulls in a variety of plumages. Other avian highlights may include Greater Flamingo, Glossy Ibis, Osprey, Marsh Harrier, Zitting Cisticola and Moustached Warbler amongst many others.

The 5-day break costs £895 including flights from London, 4-nights hotel accommodation at Ksar Massa, all meals, transport and expert guiding.

Naturetrek
01962 733051
info@naturetrek.co.uk
www.naturetrek.co.uk

NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS) and Conservation Volunteers, Naturewise Conservation Holidays, are celebrating after their Montague Island Conservation Tours win the ecotourism category of the Australian Tourism Awards for the second year running.

The win caps more than a decade of recognition for the far south coast nature reserve which has, under NPWS management during the past 20 years, made a big name for itself in ecotourism.

The partnership with Conservation Volunteers has pushed Montague Island Nature Reserve well to the fore as one of Australia’s most exclusive ecotourism destinations.

Montague Island is located only five nautical miles off the NSW coastal township of Narooma. It is only 80 hectares in size but is home to a stunning array of wildlife – 2000 Australian and New Zealand fur seals, 8000 Little Penguins, as well as thousands of other seabirds and an historic lighthouse and keepers’ complex built 130 years ago.

Public access to the island had been prohibited until the NPWS took over management in 1989. Since then, the NPWS has built a tourism business on Montague Island nature reserve that is environmentally sustainable, supported by rigorous science and generates more than a million dollars annual revenue for the local region.

Conservation Volunteers and NPWS have developed a Naturewise Conservation Holiday which allows small groups (maximum 12) the opportunity to stay overnight on this magnificent island nature reserve, and actively contribute towards the island’s conservation.

NPWS head, Sally Barnes, said that the tourism award was recognition that tourism had a significant role to play in conservation.

“This program is a very clever partnership that provides the opportunity for small groups of people to have access to a sensitive nature reserve that in the long term benefits the island.

“They also provide additional funds for island management and research.

“Many of the people who come to the island are coming back and they have become great ambassadors for conservation.

“It’s environmentally responsible and sustainable,” Ms Barnes said.

Conservation Volunteers Chief Executive, Colin Jackson OAM, said today participants consistently support the view that this is an exciting program.

“Our customer feedback shows 100% satisfaction among those who participate in this program. They just love it, and they are the strongest advertisers of this tour with a large percentage of our guests generated by word of mouth recommendations.

“We are getting a lot of people coming back again, booking 12 months in advance.

“The real advantage of this package is the great sense of space and exclusivity.

An 80 hectare island, shared for three days with no more than 12 guests, which is brimming with wildlife!” Mr Jackson said.

For more information, enquiries and bookings, visit

www.naturewise.com.au

and

www.conservationvolunteers.com.au

Grand Pacific Tours, the New Zealand Luxury Coach Holiday specialist, know that coach touring throughout New Zealand is skewed towards the senior traveller, it is an age group where many travel without partners for various reasons and maybe feel a little inhibited surrounded by couples.

By joining a tour specifically aimed towards single travellers they get the opportunity to travel with like-minded individuals and make a network of new friends.

This special departure on the 29th of March 2010 is based on our very popular 16 Day Highlights Tour, however, several specific elements have been added to suit this style of traveller:-

The tour will be FULLY ESCORTED by a long standing Grand Pacific Tours’ Escort. Their professional approach will help ‘break the ice’ and ensure the group bond to be one big happy family.

The first night’s accommodation in Christchurch has been upgraded to the 4 Star Copthorne Durham Street Hotel, situated in the heart of the city.

On the first night a special introductory dinner will be staged in a private room including a complimentary welcome drink.

This will give all travellers the opportunity to circulate and get to know fellow passengers before they set off on their journey.
Grand Pacific Tours successful seat rotation plan will ensure that everyone gets the opportunity to move around the coach on a daily basis and form great friendships.

Grand Pacific Tours reserved seating policy at all hotels for breakfast and dinner will put the traveller’s mind at rest that they will never need to dine alone.

For the budget conscious traveller our normal ‘single to twin’ policy will be available and individuals will be paired up according to gender and age.

A single supplement is still available for those wanting more privacy.

More information can be found at

www.grandpacifictours.com

 or by calling 1800 622 768.

L.A. Live, the US$2.5 billion dollar, 4-million-square-foot multifaceted entertainment destination that has sprung up in downtown Los Angles, is wow-ing visitors to the City of Angels with its five-star restaurants and nightclubs, concert theatres, cinemas, broadcast studios—even a bowling alley.

Of the many attractions at L.A. Live, the GRAMMY Museum certainly stands out. 

The premier recognition of recorded music accomplishment, the museum boasts four floors of cutting-edge exhibits, interactive experiences and films that provide a one-of-a-kind visitor experience. Visitors can create their own music and listening stations are located throughout the museum.

The “entertainment campus,” which upon completion will also include a 54-story hotel and condominium tower, has already attracted celebrity chef Katsuyu Uechi, who paired with ace designer Philippe Starck at L.A. Live’s Katsuyu to offer sushi masterpieces, unique Japanese fare along and his famous specialty cocktails in a chic setting.

For sports fanatics, a two-floor ESPN Zone (ESPN also broadcast from L.A. Live) is a spectator’s fantasy, containing giant screens to watch games from every sport, a screening room, studio grill sports arena, game room, and shop in which to purchase paraphernalia of everyone’s favourite teams.

Club Nokia at L.A. Live has quickly gained a reputation as a hip and intimate venue for discovering up-and-coming talent. Up to 2,300 guests pack the joint for music, comedy and private parties.

Its sister venue, the Nokia Theatre at L.A. Live, is Southern California’s largest stage—and no seat is further than 67-metres it, which means all 7,100 who attend a show there are guaranteed a more intimate experience than an arena.

For more information, visit www.lalive.com  and www.DiscoverLosAngeles.com