Jetsettersblog

Walking specialist operator, Ramblers Worldwide Holidays, is offering a 17-day, full-board holiday to untamed North Borneo with its spectacular jungles, mountains, rivers, wildlife and exotic flowers.

This adventure includes, trails which splice through dense jungle where Proboscis monkeys and Orang-utan roam Mount Kinabalu where over 2,000 varieties of orchid can be found.

The holiday begins at Kota Kinabalu – capital of this Malaysian paradise – and embraces the rainforests of Sabah, Tenom, Keningau (an organic tea plantation) and then north to Mount Kinabalu where one stays in the Kinabalu Guest House – adding another dimension to this already tantalising tour. The holiday includes an optional ascent of the 4000m peak of Moutn Kinabalu.

Price from £2,599 per person includes return flights, transfers, 17 days full-board accommodation and the services of a tour leader and local guides.

www.RamblersHolidays.co.uk
Tel: 01707 331133

AFRICAN & INDIAN EXPLORATIONS OFFER A ONCE IN A LIFETIME BOTSWANA BUSHMAN EXPERIENCE

April 2009
£13,620 per person

Tour operator African & Indian Explorations have created a once in a lifetime incredible itinerary to unchartered areas of Botswana joining Bushmen for a fascinating 8 days of age-old rituals and traditions associated with an eland hunt, combined with comfort and luxurious surroundings for 2 nights at Jack’s Camp and 4 nights of magical and pristine wilderness in the Tsodilo Hills.

Throughout the extraordinary Bushman experience guests will be accompanied by the doyenne of guides, Ralph Bousfield, who comes from a long line of African pioneers and adventurers and will ensure a unique experience combining culture and wildlife in an educational, yet non-intrusive fashion.

To hunt an eland with Bushmen in a truly authentic manner is an incredible privilege and a rare and special experience, one that until now has been impossible to experience anywhere in Africa. The campsite will be comprised of traditionally styled tents and Guides will point out the distinct ecological characteristics of this area and its animal and bird species.

Jack’s Camp is one of the most romantic camps on earth, pitched on low grassland amongst an oasis of dignified desert palms. Get up close and personal with captivating meerkats and stop to watch the sun set and stars rise over the world’s largest ever superlake as well as learn about the traditional culture of the Botswana people.

Tsodilo Hills are one of the most rewarding destinations in Botswana. Apart from the incredible rock paintings, there is a certain atmosphere that shrouds these hills. Among the rare artefacts found in the area are ancient tools, pottery, and animal bone fish hooks dating back more than 20,000 years.

Start with a guided walk and climb to the summit of the hills, visit sacred sites, buy traditional crafts or just sit in the shade of a rocky outcrop and enjoy the view of the mjombo woodland.

The One Off Bushman Botswana Experience costs from £13,620 per person.
Price includes: Accommodation on a full board basis including all drinks, laundry and the specialist service of Ralph Bousfield and flights to and from the Makgadikgadi.

Price excludes: International flights

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

South Africa, Cape Town, Newlands, March 2009; THE 6-acres of serene gardens at the Vineyard Hotel & Spa are much enjoyed by international and local guests at this deluxe Cape hotel that is situated on the banks of the Liesbeeck River. Apart from an abundance of bird life, the gardens are also home to a special collection of indigenous Leopard tortoises.

According to Lex Petousis, Operations Director, the first tortoise found its way on to the hotel property approximately 15 years ago, via a neighbour who could no longer look after her. Her name was Gloria and soon word got around that the hotel’s gardens had become a sanctuary for tortoises that could no longer stay with their original owners.

Currently, the Vineyard Hotel & Spa is home to three (3) large tortoises weighing in the region of 30 to 40 kilograms each, the oldest being approximately 85 years old. There are also three (3) smaller ones around half the size of their older ‘siblings’.

The three (3) large tortoises’ names are Gloria, Herbert and Thomas, the latter being a fairly recent newcomer to the hotel. The tortoises have their own specialist vet in Dr Oakly of Fishhoek, luckily to date only one of them has had to pay a visit overnight on one occasion.

On 6 February 2003, Herbert went on an extended ‘walk-about’ for seven (7) days much to the anxiety of the hotel’s management and staff. Articles appeared in the local Cape Argus and Tatler papers and after many reported sightings in the vicinity of Newlands Forest, Herbert was finally found and reunited with his one true-love, Gloria on the eve of Valentine’s Day.

One of the tortoises fell in the Liesbeeck River once and luckily was spotted and plucked out by one of the hotel’s many gardeners. Leopard Tortoises are actually quite happy to go for the occasional swim and the hotel’s collection can often be seen going for cooling dips in the garden’s many water features.

The older tortoises have also taken a liking to disappear down one of the hotel passages on the ground floor and it would not be unusual to notice a luggage trolley emerge from the hotel passages with a tortoise on board having been collected from the furthest corner of the hotel.

The tortoises have also been known to ‘gate-crash’ a wedding or two in the hotel’s adjoining conference centre.

The tortoises have quite a long and vocal vociferous mating season. A regular young summer visitor to the hotel by the name of Isaac who hails from the United Kingdom once came running into the hotel urgently seeking the Guest Relations Manager Cheryl Marock. Upon finding her in the Foyer, Isaac excitedly shouted, ‘Cheryl, Cheryl the tortoises are fighting…!’ Needless to say, they were not fighting but simply ‘busy’.

All together, the hotel’s tortoises are an integral part of what the hotel is all about. They are the first thing visiting children go looking for when they arrive here on holiday and as Roy Davies, General Manager comments, ‘our four-legged friends of a different kind help to create that special relaxed and friendly atmosphere that we have created over the many years.’

Go against the celebrity trend and join Somak Holidays for a relaxed alternative to the Kilimanjaro climb…Forget blisters, camping and freezing temperatures and leave mountain sickness to Comic Relief’s hardy celebrity climbers.

Forget blisters, camping and freezing temperatures and leave mountain sickness to Comic Relief’s hardy celebrity climbers.

Gary Barlow and his band of celebrity friends including: Girls Aloud’s Cheryl Cole and Kimberly Walsh, Denise Van Outen, Alesha Dixon, Fearne Cotton, Ben Shepherd, Ronan Keating and Chris Moyles are all currently climbing the world’s highest free standing mountain – the colossal Mount Kilimanjaro.

If you have been inspired by celebrities’ Kili climb but don’t want to endure the intense conditions first hand – join Somak Holidays in the foothills of Kilimanjaro and enjoy a relaxing break in stunning Kenya.

SOMAK HOLIDAYS, 4* KILI SAFARI, KENYA – SPECIAL FIVE NIGHT SAFARI FROM ONLY £1,235 PER PERSON

Join Somak Holidays on this short, adventure packed itinerary for an exciting overview of Kenya and its wildlife. The trip starts with two nights in the Amboseli National Park famous for its incredible scenery and stunning views of Mount Kilimanjaro.

Amboseli is home to an abundance of mammals including lions, cheetahs and elephants. Continue on to Lake Naivasha where around 450 species of bird reside. The freshwater lake is the ideal spot to rest and relax under the Kenyan sun, or if you’re feeling more active, explore the lake on horseback or by bike. Finally, travel into the world famous Masai Mara, one of the world’s most enthralling wildlife theatres. The reserve plays host to countless species, including the ‘big five’ (lion, leopard, elephant, rhino and buffalo) and the incredible spectacle of the annual wildebeest migration.

Departures between 18 April – 30 May 2009. Prices start from £1,235 per person for a five night ‘Kili Safari’ Prices include return scheduled flights, transfers, safari and five nights accommodation on an all inclusive basis.

For more information or to book go to www.somak.co.uk  or call 020 8423 3000.

Combine Relaxation With Culture At One Of The Villa Book’s Lake Como Villas

As a destination Lake Como has much to the holidaymaker at all times of year, with proximity to the Alps for skiing during the winter, and to Milan for shopping, not to mention the other northern lakes of Maggiore, Iseo and Garda to explore. However, for those who are content to stay within the environs of Lake Como there is an enormous variety of activities and places of interest to visit, all within a short drive, or ferry or hydrofoil ride. Most of The Villa Book’s lakeside apartments and villas are situated in or near the picturesque town of Bellagio. Its scenic location, on a promontory overlooking the lake, has enchanted writers and artists for centuries, and the historic town centre is a lively hub of charming cafes, restaurants and shops.

For 2009, The Villa Book is offering cultural, gastronomic or walking tour packages at several of their favourite lakeside villas.

Firstly, the elegant Villa Lake Como, dating from the 19th century, sits in a wonderful location on the lake shore, a short drive from Bellagio.

Surrounded by beautiful park-like grounds, there is a swimming pool and large terraces furnished for relaxing and dining outdoors.

The seven bedrooms all have private en-suite bathrooms. Included in the weekly rental price of £13,580, a cooking lesson included at the villa with Luigi, an award winning chef. Guests will learn some traditional Italian cooking techniques and participate in the cooking and presentation of dishes.

At the newly renovated Villa dei Sogni, which accommodates 8 people and rents for £9100 per week, a complimentary 2 hour boat trip of Lake Como is included, providing a wonderful introduction to the lake, its historic villas, gardens, towns and villages.

Located on a hillside overlooking Bellagio, the villa has a private garden with swimming pool which can be heated on request, and a Turkish sauna and gym.

Villa Lezzeno is a very special property, a few kilometres to the south of Bellagio, and overlooking Villa Balbianello, one of the most beautiful historic villas on the lake. Set within its own garden, right on the lake shore, with access to the lake for swimming, it is also within easy walking distance of a grocery store, restaurants and a pizzeria.

The villa accommodates 8 people, over three floors, with great terraces and balconies for enjoying the lake views. Included in rental price of £4655 per week is a complimentary 3 hour walking tour of the historic centre of Bellagio and its hamlets.

Alternatively, for a weekly price of £8000, guests can opt for a special Wine and Food Package.

This includes a private boat transfer to Comacina Island and a special lunch on the island, a private cooking lesson with an award winning chef at his restaurant in Bellagio, wine tasting in an 18th century wine cellar in the heart of Bellagio, a special lunch at a well known local restaurant and both a pizza making lesson and a food decoration lesson.

Nearby Villa Celeste, also just steps from the lake shore in Lezzeno, is offering similar package; a complimentary 3 hour walking tour of Bellagio and its hamlets, and an optional £8000 package to include a private boat tour on Lake Como with special guide, a visit to the prestigious Villa Balbianello and its gardens, a special lunch on Comacina Island, two private cooking lessons with an award winning chef at his restaurant in Bellagio, two wine tastings in an 18th century cellar in the heart of Bellagio and a special lunch in a well known local restaurant.

The Villa Book has some enticing smaller (and significantly less expensive ) suggestions as well. These include the charming one bedroom Il Borghetto, situated right in the historic centre of Bellagio, in the famous Scalinata Serbelloni. The spacious living room opens to a small terrace with lake views, ideal for sitting and watching the world go by. This gem rents for just £665 per week in low season, increasing to £910 per week in high season.

Also close to Bellagio, La Perla del Lario is a semi-detached townhouse, set in a stunning location, with lake views. The quiet village of Limonta is 200 yards away and the ferry stop just a little further, from where guests can use the public boats to explore the beautiful lakeside towns, villages, villas and gardens. The villa sleeps up to 7 people and the rental price is £700 in low season, increasing to £910 per week in high season.

At all The Villa Book’s Lake Como properties, cultural, gastronomic and walking tours can be arranged, either on a daily or weekly basis. A chef can also be reserved, or cooking lessons within the villa or apartment.

From now until December 31, 2009, Iguazu Grand Hotel, located on the Argentine side of the amazing Iguazu Falls, is offering a 2-night adventure package starting at $512 based on double occupancy.

The package includes a welcome drink upon arrival, room upgrade subject to availability; daily buffet breakfast; transfer to/from the Argentine side of the falls; 1 picnic box per person; excursion on the Great Adventure per person and free access to the Health Club and Spa Circuit. www.iguazugrandhotel.com  or reserva@iguazugrandhotel.com

From now until June 30, Algodon Wine Estates in San Rafael, Mendoza, is offering a 3-day/2-night Weekend Wine Getaway at the vineyard lodges; that includes daily breakfast; a tour and tasting at the Algodon Winery; harvest activities such as handpicking your own grapes; and hands-on winemaking. All guests will receive a golf cart to use during their stay and a bottle of Algodon Wine.

Price is US$340 per person based on double occupancy (taxes included), and is valid for classic and superior suites.

http://www.vinasdelgolf.com/lodge/rates

To help ease the travel planning process for millions of iPhone users, Choice Hotels International, Inc. continues to be a pioneer in the emerging channels of hospitality eCommerce with the launch of the Choice Hotels Locator iPhone application.

This free-of-charge application allows users to book rooms anytime, anywhere using one of the most popular wireless devices available on the market. Customers can now find and book Choice properties worldwide via a wireless version of ChoiceHotels.com available through any web-enabled mobile device.

Travelers can also locate hotels around the world on the majority of Global Positioning Devices in use in cars, hand-held devices and even on golf carts.

This new application now provides over 11 million iPhone users with unprecedented access to over 5,800 hotels right in the palm of their hand. Out of the more than 10,000 different iPhone applications currently available, this is the first global app to come from a major hotel company.

Created to give Choice Hotels guests an easy-to-navigate mobile method of searching for and making reservations at Choice brand hotels worldwide, the Choice Hotels iPhone application is free for all consumers.

One of the application’s biggest benefits is its GPS capabilities, allowing users to find hotels based on location, get door-to-door directions, and look at street view images, all on an iPhone. Within the first weeks of its launch, the app was downloaded more than 2,000 times from consumers in more than 40 countries, including Taiwan, Italy, Russia, Great Britain, France and Canada.

As part of the initial version of the product launch, Choice is conducting extensive consumer testing and actively soliciting feedback through a number of forums, including a survey available through the iTunes App store.

Features of the initial release of the Choice Hotels iPhone App include the ability to search and book the closest hotel to any given location worldwide using GPS technology; the ability to make changes to or cancel existing reservations, find hotel locations on a map based on current position, see street view hotel images and view hotel photos;

Choice Privileges rewards program account access; door-to-door directions to and from hotels; hotel details and amenities; the ability to locate hotels by city, ZIP code, airport code, address or popular attraction; and call hotels directly or 800-4CHOICE.

The application is currently available at Apple’s online store.

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New Zealand’s Ridge Country Retreat & Spa recently upsized their luxury accommodation to better serve the growing boutique business conference and personal retreat markets, while also providing their regular clientele with a greater choice of facilities. Their six new stand-alone suites when added to the five existing lodge suites provide 11 suites in total which can exclusively accommodate up to 22 persons a night. The lodge also has three separate conference and meeting areas to cater for a wide range of meeting and retreat options.

The six new villas were designed with space in mind and all feature mountain and sunset views. Each villa suite has both a super king and a queen bed as standard. Spacious ensuites also include their own indoor designer bath and oversized shower together with separate toilet facilities.

An added bonus is a private outdoor relaxation bath located on each villa deck allowing guests to lie back and soak up both the lodge’s geothermal waters and the mountain views in style. Ridge Country Retreat and Spa is perched on top of a beautiful tree lined ridge just a short drive from New Zealand’s fastest growing city of Tauranga and the stunning beach resort of Mt. Maunganui.

The lodge welcomes both families and couples for overnight stays and special functions and is now also able to accommodate up to 22 corporate clients overnight for exclusive conference and meeting packages with larger numbers also being possible for private meetings during the daytime and evenings.

For more information, visit www.newzealandluxury.com

Radeka Downunder Underground Motel & Backpackers Inn, originally a Coober Pedy opal mine, was converted into hostel accommodation in the 1980′s.

Located 6.5 metres below ground, these rooms are warm in winter and cool in summer.

The ‘Inn’ has been selected by www.hostelbookers.com as one of their ‘top ten unusual/ unique hostels worldwide’.