Jetsettersblog

Forget Swimming With Dolphins, 2009 Is All About Swimming With Pigs!

This little piggy went to market, and this little piggy went…swimming in the Bahamas?!

This may not be how the nursery rhyme ends, but when staying at Royal Plantation Island at Fowl Cay, it really is possible to go ‘swimming with the pigs’!

Each of the six-villas on the stunning 50-acre Royal Plantation Island come with their own motorboat, so guests can easily hop across to Pig Beach on neighbouring uninhabited island Big Major Spot, for one of the most unusual holiday activities possible. Here they can marvel the curiously graceful water ballet of the island’s rotund wild pigs, who paddle out to greet the boats!

Royal Plantation Island is tucked away in the quiet centre of the Exuma chain of islands in the Bahamas. The elite resort features six freestanding one-, two- and three-bedroom villas. The island can also be rented in its entirety, sleeping up to 30 people in total. In 2007, the property was given a modern-design facelift and features a fine-dining restaurant, bar, clay tennis courts and walking track. Plans are also in place to add a beachfront bar & grill, four new villas, and a Red Lane Spa to the resort.

Each of the island’s villas have central air conditioning, a full kitchen (generously stocked with breakfast and snack provisions; lunch, inner, and house beverages are included in room rate), satellite TV, VCR, CD, and DVD players, and Molton Brown amenities. Each villa also has its own dedicated golf cart for exploring the island, beach-cruiser bicycles, and a motorboat to take excursions to uninhabited islands, diving reefs, and fishing spots.

With the current ‘stay 7 nights, receive 1 night free offer’, prices start from just £8325 per villa, was £9,504 per villa, based on 2 people staying 7 nights in Lindon Villa. Price includes flights and accommodation for travel dates December 2009 – March 2010.

For more information please call 0800 0223 773 or visit www.royalplantation.co.uk

SACO is launching 48 serviced apartments in the heart of the city, just a minute from Piccadilly railway station.

The company’s apartments have become popular with celebrities and sporting stars, as well as business and leisure travellers, who value the comfort and privacy of their own apartment.

Celebrities who have stayed at SACO apartments include Spooks star Rupert-Penry-Jones, Rhys Ifans, who is set to appear in the next Harry Potter film, Royle Family star Ricky Tomlinson, and singer and TV star Charlotte Church. The apartments are also booked by the casts of TV series, feature films and major theatre productions including, most recently, celebrity ‘Come Dine with Me’.

The Manchester announcement follows figures released this month showing SACO has experienced a 33% rise in booking figures over the last year.

Jo Redman, sales and marketing director at SACO, said: “Often described as the UK’s second city, Manchester was an obvious choice to develop the SACO brand and we have been keen to operate our apartments in this key business location for some time in direct response to client requirements.

“Despite challenging market conditions, our continuing expansion demonstrates our confidence in the UK market. Cuts in companies’ travel costs mean a greater focus on value for money, which presents opportunities for us as we offer a more cost effective solution for long term stays than hotels.”

The apartments are set in a 10-storey residential building, known as The Hub, and are among the best connected apartments in the city because of their location – literally just a stone’s throw away from Manchester Piccadilly station.

Developed by Argent, the organisation behind internationally renowned Brindleyplace in Birmingham, The Hub features cutting-edge architecture, contemporary design and spacious interiors.

The studio, one and two bedroom apartments are set over the top three floors of the stunning new cast-iron building in Manchester’s new mixed use development, Piccadilly Place.

There is a reception with access to a concierge, a rooftop communal garden as well as guaranteed underground parking. Entrance is via a private courtyard with dramatic sculptures and water feature.

Manchester follows a string of new location openings for SACO last year, with new apartment buildings in Reading, Covent Garden, Canary Wharf and Holborn as well its own dedicated travel agency in London.

SACO now owns and operates serviced apartments in 14 towns and cities across the UK and through its worldwide network, can offer more than 12,000 apartments in over 100 destinations across 35 countries.

The Polish National Tourist Office is joining forces with the Bletchley Park museum to highlight Poland’s crucial role in cracking the Enigma code during the Second World War.

The “Enigma Recaptured” campaign will form part of a drive to highlight Poland’s important role in World War Two. The PNTO is also organising a very special Polish event at the Buckinghamshire museum to commemorate 70 years since the start of the war.

Along with Polish films, exhibitions, and entertainment several distinguished speakers will talk at the event on 19 July. Topics addressed will include life in Warsaw during the Nazi occupation and of course Poland’s vital efforts in unlocking the secrets of the Enigma puzzle.

Acting Director of the PNTO Ewa Binkin said: “The Polish are very proud of the part our country played in helping to crack the Enigma code which undoubtedly gave the Allies the upper hand in overcoming the Nazis. Unfortunately not a lot of people in Britain are aware of our efforts.

“Our involvement with the Bletchley Park museum will enlighten people and encourage them to visit Poland itself where many important events associated with World War Two actually took place.”

Polish input into modern history is a key theme for the PNTO in the seventieth anniversary year of the Second World War. British tourists will be invited to discover places of historical importance in Poland such as Gdansk-Westerplatte where the war began, the Auschwitz concentration camp and once-occupied cities like Warsaw, Krakow and Bydgoszcz.

Plymouth Summer Festival is launching the exciting second half of its 2009 programme, with an action-packed line up of events over the next three months. Make the most of it with flights to Plymouth from Air Southwest.

The 2009 Festival www.plymouthsummerfestival.com  

The festival’s Golden Week (August 11-17) captures the spirit of the entire Plymouth Summer Festival, with massive free public entertainment on the Hoe with the British Fireworks Championships on 11- 12 August, race action on the water with the finish of the Rolex Fastnet Race on 11- 12 August, top theatre entertainment with Chicago at the Theatre Royal from 10 August and great food as the City Centre welcomes back the hugely popular Plymouth Flavour Fest from 14 – 16 August.

Other Festival highlights between now and the end of September include the Classic Boat Rally on 2 – 4 August, Navy Days on 5 – 6 September and the hit musical Chitty Chitty Bang Bang at the Theatre Royal from 20 July to name just a few.

Fly to Plymouth with Air Southwest from London City Airport, London Gatwick, Manchester, Leeds, Newcastle, Glasgow, Bristol, Jersey, Guernsey, Dublin and Cork. Fares start from just £29 each way all-in, including taxes, charges and a generous 20kg hold baggage allowance, with no hidden extras.

Check Air Southwest’s flight times, use the low-fare finder and book flights online at www.airsouthwest.com

Long Live Viva!

Barnsley comes alive this summer with a new festival of arts & culture

The English Mystery Plays at Monk Bretton Priory, a giant walk-inside inflatable sculpture at Locke Park, the town centre carnival and a major exhibition of 18th century artwork by Italian masters at Cannon Hall Museum, are the cornerstones of Barnsley’s stunning new Viva Festival.

Barnsley residents and visitors can read full details of this summer-long feast of arts and culture in the new Viva Festival brochure, available free from Barnsley Connects offices at Athersley, Eldon Street, Cudworth, Darton, Goldthorpe, Hoyland, Penistone, Royston, and Wombwell. Alternatively, log on to www.barnsleylive.co.uk  or request a copy by emailing takepartinart@barnsley.gov.uk

Cllr Bill Newman, Cabinet member for Development, said Barnsley residents and visitors were set for an artistic and cultural treat. He says:

“The Viva Festival will make this a memorable summer of live music, open air theatre, street entertainment and care-free fun for people of all ages. An amazing programme has been put together that promises to put Barnsley on the cultural map regionally and nationally, and provide new experiences for residents and visitors.”

Cllr Newman urged people to enjoy a number of Viva highlights, which include:

• The historic ruins of Monk Bretton Priory will be the atmospheric setting for the UK’s only traditional outdoor English Mystery Play this year (29 June – 11 July). Playing the Voice of God, internationally acclaimed actor Patrick Stewart will head a cast of 200 as they enact this towering drama.

• Step into a kaleidoscope of light and colour as Levity II, a giant inflatable sculpture made up of labyrinthine tunnels and spacious domes, visits Locke Park (11-12 July). Levity II has exhibited around the world and now Barnsley people of all ages can explore a sensual world of light and colour within its walls.

• Enjoy a family day of music, dance and street entertainment as the Summer Carnival and Parade lights up town centre streets (11 July)

• Just One Canaletto! – Cannon Hall Museum’s exhibition of fine art, ceramics and glass by 18th-century Venetian artist Canaletto and others (20 June – 31 August).

The full-colour Viva brochure also includes details of a Maze Maize at Cannon Hall Farm (18 July – 6 September), Italian opera at Cannon Hall (12 July) and an exhibition of banners at The Civic that recalls Barnsley’s proud mining heritage.

Building on the success of Springboard, Viva is the second cultural season at venues across Barnsley. Cllr Newman added:

“Viva is part of a year-long programme of cultural events funded by Barnsley Council, signifying our commitment to providing cultural opportunities for borough residents and in turn supporting the local economy through increased commercial activity.”

A throttle full of chainsaw carvers will set the sawdust flying at The National Forest Wood Fair on Bank Holiday Monday 31 August.

Four carvers will compete in a thrilling speed carve – never before held at the Wood Fair.

Lorraine Botterill, Andrew Frost, Dick Tilley and Carrie Yuen will have just half an hour flat to be on their marks, get set and off at full power to create a piece of sculpture from a plain lump of wood.

‘What these skilled artists can produce when the pressure is on is quite remarkable,’ said Simon Greenhouse, Woodland Officer for the National Forest Company. ‘The pieces may represent animal, vegetable or something completely abstract, but whatever the sculptors create, the speed carve will be great fun and first class entertainment for the crowd.’

Throughout the day the carvers will wield their way through more lumps of timber than an eager beaver, and each will donate at least one piece of sculpture to the charity auction that wraps up the day at 4 o’clock.

One chainsaw carver will work on a piece of oak as part of the ‘One Oak Project’. Fifteen woodworkers and craftspeople have been invited to make items from an oak tree that was felled as part of management works in a National Forest woodland near Moira. The items they make over the summer will demonstrate the range of products that can come out of a single tree.

The pieces, ranging from a bench to floorboards, a dog kennel to bird boxes, charcoal to coat hooks, will all be on display at The National Forest Wood Fair, and badged the One Oak project. The whole story of the One Oak project will be told in words and photographs in the National Forest Company marquee.

The whole day will be packed with live demonstrations of woodworking skills and craft displays, with hands-on activities for adults and children. There will be stories and songs from the Wild Man of the Woods, archery, birds of prey and a brilliant climbing wall.

The Wood Fair Food Area will be packed with delicious locally-sourced food and drink and a farmers market.

This fantastic family event is organised by the National Forest Company and Leicestershire County Council. It will run from 10am – 5pm on Bank Holiday Monday 31 August. Admission charges include car parking and a programme and will cost adults £6, concessions £4 and a family ticket £14 (for two adults and three children).

Beacon Hill Country Park lies within the ancient Forest of Charnwood and is close to the attractive village of Woodhouse Eaves, just five minutes drive from Junctions 22 or 23 of the M1. The Country Park, owned and managed by Leicestershire County Council, with its craggy summit and panoramic views, is just one of the many visitor attractions across the three counties of Leicestershire, Derbyshire and Staffordshire that make up The National Forest.

See www.nationalforest.org     www.leics.gov.uk/woodfair

With Eurocom Marking Channel’s 18th Language

Travel Channel will launch on Bulgaria’s Eurocom platform in July.

The Bulgarian launch marks the channel’s 18th language version, and the third new language launched so far this year by Travel Channel International, Europe’s leading travel broadcaster.

Travel Channel will be part of Bulgaria’s leading cable operator Eurocom Cable Management’s new basic digital documentary package, and available across the country from 1st July.

“The deal consolidates our commitment to providing a localised service in Bulgaria” said Travel Channel’s Director of Affiliate Sales and Marketing, Grazyna Gray.

The localisation will begin with prime-time programming and increase to encompass the full programme library.

“Travel Channel’s unique content will give our clients a new perspective on the places and life around the globe. We are very pleased to have this outstanding channel in our documentary package” said Petyo Staikov, Chairman of the board of directors of Eurocom Cable Management Bulgaria.

Travel Channel has its own in-house production team ensuring programmes are new and exclusive. All programmes produced by Travel Channel productions are filmed in HD.

Change your preception of Newquay with the fablous free resouce that is www.newquaymap.co.uk Whilst Newquay is best known for it’s water sports, nightlife, Cornish pasties and cream teas, with 11 beaches surrounding the town and a river estuary, the area is also rich in rare species of plants and birds with a diverse cultural maritime and mining history.

The fabulous Discovery Trail encourages you to leave the car at home and explore the town and surrounding area on foot from Hollywell Bay to Mawgan Porth – and it’s free! Visit www.newquaymap.co.uk to explore the interactive maps before your holiday and follow the cryptic clues on the engraved slate disks when you arrive to discover Newquay’s best kept secrets.

Situated in the midst of the Newquay Discovery Trail with views over the River Ganel and glimpses of the sea, Riverside House is decked out with stripped pine and driftwood to give a real feel of a family home by the sea. Sleeping 6 in three bedrooms, Riverside House is just a short walk to both the famous surfing beach at Fistral and the summer passenger ferry to Crantock Beach or you can indulge in some quiet ‘me’ time in the little conservatory or sunbathe in the pretty sheltered and secluded garden. Cornish horizons (01841 533 331 www.cornishhorizons.co.uk ) are offering 15% discount off all weeks at Riverside House from now until the end of September.

CONTACT:
Debbie Skyrme
on behalf of Cornish Horizons (Holiday Cottages)

TEL:+44 (0) 1841 533 331
FAX:+44 (0) 1841 533 933
WEB:  www.cornishhorizons.co.uk 
EMAIL:  cottages@cornishhorizons.co.uk 

WRITE:
Cornish Horizons, The Cottage, 19 New Street, Padstow, Cornwall PL28 8EA

“Brighten both your look and your mood. Enjoy the moment. Find your glow. Shine.” This is the new mantra for Starwood’s latest endeavour – Shine Spa for Sheraton

. Chosen for both beauty and inspiration, the warm welcoming Sheraton Maldives Full Moon Resort & Spa will premiere a new level of indulgence to the already pristine island setting. Shine Spa for Sheraton offers guests a great spa experience, that is designed to facilitate the fundamental need for travelers to recharge when traveling by pairing approachable luxury with a warm and comfortable atmosphere.

Connected to Sheraton Maldives by an overwater jetty, Shine Spa for Sheraton is housed on its own island. There guests will enjoy being pampered with signature treatments that are influenced by local flavors and delivered in a welcoming setting in the spa’s 6 treatment rooms with inspiring Indian Ocean views, Separate Relaxation Pools for male and female guests, stream rooms and a post treatment Relaxation Room.

The new signature treatments are specifically designed with local influences surrounding Sheraton Maldives Full Moon Resort & Spa, while also highlighting modalities from locations along the Silk Route. For example, the Ocean Massage mimics the fluid and flowing motion of waves bringing relaxation and rejuvenation to the body and mind. The Silk Route Collection presents treatments from the Orient, Thailand, India, the Middle East and Mediterranean regions.

“We are very proud to open the world’s first Shine Spa for Sheraton in this unspoiled paradise”, says General Manager Brian Segrave. “From the warm atmosphere to the welcoming people, everything our guests see and feel here was carefully chosen to help them relax, feel pampered and have fun while they are at it.”

To celebrate this significant milestone for Sheraton, Sheraton Maldives invited both valued business partners and local media to the Shine Spa for Sheraton Launch, held May 30th. Over drinks and canapés guests explored the facilities while being enticed by demonstrations of signature treatments. While on property they also visited the new gathering place – Link@Sheraton. This is a branded Sheraton experience with complimentary touch screen computers, Wi-Fi, a mini library, a large screen TV to watch a game with friends together and more!

The Shine Spa for Sheraton Launch proved to be a memorable evening that continued with dinner at their choice of 5 restaurants and culminated by dancing the night away with the local DJ at Anchorage Bar.

The warm welcoming Sheraton Maldives Full Moon Resort & Spa opened its newly rebranded doors in December 2008. Significant enhancements to the resort include a new welcome pavilion and lobby environment, re-designed guest rooms and a revolutionary health and fitness programme.

About Sheraton & Starwood Hotels and Resorts Worldwide

Helping guests make connections at more than 400 hotels in 75 countries around the world, Sheraton is revitalizing its iconic brand while continuing its aggressive international expansion by adding 54 hotels and 20,000 guestrooms by 2009. Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide, Inc. is one of the leading hotel and leisure companies in the world with approximately 900 properties in more than 100 countries and 155,000 employees at its owned and managed properties. Starwood Hotels is a fully integrated owner, operator and franchisor of hotels, resorts and residences with the following internationally renowned brands: St. Regis®,

The Luxury Collection®, W®, Westin®, Le Méridien®, Sheraton®, Four Points® by Sheraton, and the recently launched AloftSM, and ElementSM. Starwood Hotels also owns Starwood Vacation Ownership, Inc., one of the premier developers and operators of high quality vacation interval ownership resorts.

Historical Museum and Park or timing the trip to incorporate the Australian Heritage Festival, August 22 to 30 or the annual Opera at Jimbour event at historic Jimbour House near Dalby on July 25. Consider spending the night afterwards warming up by a log fire in a cosy cabin in the Bunya Mountains, one of Australia’s largest national parks and home to the world’s largest forest of Bunya Trees.

The South Burnett is one of Australia’s newest wine regions and is famous for its delicious local produce available at the wineries and in the local restaurants and cafes.

This year, Nanango near the peanut capital of Kingaroy joins in the Winter festivities with the first Boots ‘n Bulldust Festival from June 6 to 7 featuring a championship rodeo, concert, country fair rural ironman and a ute muster.

To the south in the Sunshine Coast Hinterland, it’s the views, food, wineries and stylish accommodation that give the area such appeal.

The mountain top town of Pomona hosts its annual King of the Mountain Festival and Race (a gruelling 6.5km mountain race) on July 26 and the two week Festival of the Walks, based at Kondalilla Falls and featuring the Sunshine Coast Great Walk and celebrations in the towns of Maleny and Montville kicks off on August 29.

The beautiful Scenic Rim region of SEQC also takes in the regions around Boonah and Beaudesert where national parks, country pubs, cottages, cabins and farmstays stand under the watchful eye of the surrounding mountains.

For accommodation, wining and dining options and other cool (or warm) activities in South East Queensland Country obtain a copy of the new guide from Visitor Information Centres and RACQ outlets in South East Queensland and northern New South Wales or order online from

www.southeastqueenslandcountry.com.au