Jetsettersblog

With The Adventure Company

BBC One’s wildlife programme Living with Monkeys – Tales from the Treetops showed presenters Guy Grieve and Julie Anderson getting up close and personal with some of the world’s rarest monkeys in an effort to find out more about the species.

Now holiday-makers can also get involved in primate research on one of the Hands on Adventures from tour operator The Adventure Company. No previous experience is necessary and even children as young as five can take part.

The Primate Paradise trip and Monkeys in the Jungle family trip – new for 2009 – both include time at a primate conservation camp in the ancient Sri Lankan city of Polonnaruwa. Travellers will spend two nights at the camp, joining researchers tracking monkeys, observing their behaviour and learning more about the project, which is one of the longest-running primate behaviour studies in the world.

Led by Dr Wolfgang Dittus, the main aim of the primate research project is to study the populations of Torque Macaque and purple and grey faced Langur monkeys that live among the archaeological ruins of Polonnaruwa in eastern Sri Lanka.

Research includes tracking various family groups, observing hierarchies, and how the different species interact with each other.

In addition, Dittus examines how the monkeys respond to increasing tourism and human encroachment on their habitat. He has an active environmental conservation and education programme in the area.

The Adventure Company’s Hands on Adventures were introduced this year, giving travellers two to three days practical involvement with community or conservation project within a wider travel itinerary. The ‘hands on’ element encourages interaction with the destination, providing travellers with a richer holiday experience.

As well as time at Polonnaruwa, the 16-day Primate Paradise and Monkeys in the Jungle trips visit Habarana for the chance to climb to the summit of Sigiriya’s famous Lion Rock and take an elephant-back safari. Travellers will also join local fishermen for a day on the boats, go on a dolphin-watching excursion, explore the tea country of Nuwara Eliya and take a jeep safari in Ude Walawa National Park.

The next departure of Primate Paradise is 27th December 2009 – 11th January 2010. Prices start from £1,319 plus £100 local payment per person. For full trip details, see

www.adventurecompany.co.uk/trip-details.aspx?productid=201425

The next departure of the Monkeys in the Jungle family trip is 17th December 2009 – 1st January 2010.

Prices start from £1,299 per child and from £1,899 per adult. For full trip details, see

www.adventurecompany.co.uk/trip-details.aspx?productid=178922

Prices include flights, accommodation, transportation, the services of a local guide and activities as per the itinerary.

These are just two of The Adventure Company’s trips that bring travellers face-to-face with incredible primates. Howler and red-backed squirrel monkeys can be encountered in Costa Rica and silverback gorillas in Uganda.

For more information on any of The Adventure Company’s wildlife trips, see www.adventurecompany.co.uk  or telephone 0845 609 0889.

Perched 70 metres above sea level on the cliffs of Bali’s southernmost peninsula, Banyan Tree Ungasan will be located near the sacred site of Pura Luhur Uluwatu Temple.

The resort is designed to offer absolute privacy and seclusion but is just 25 minutes from Ngurah Rai International Airport and the thriving beaches of Kuta, Seminyak and Sanur.

The resort’s location offers unrestricted panoramic views of the Indian Ocean and a pristine white-sand beach sits at the foot of the cliff top resort.

The new property will boast 73 spacious pool villas all set in their own lush landscaped garden with outdoor showers, and will be complemented by the award-winning Banyan Tree Spa offering guests an extensive range of natural holistic massages, beauty and body treatments.

Guests will be able to take their pick from three restaurants. Ju-Ma-Na restaurant, which means ‘white pearl’ in Arabic, overlooking the Indian Ocean, will offer gourmet menus.

Tamarind, set in the tranquil surroundings of the Banyan Tree Spa will serve a variety of organic dishes, and Bambu will present popular international and local specialties.

The resort is part of an integrated complex comprising high-end hotels and conference centre, retail and entertainment, and residential facilities. The development is within a 50-minute drive from Hangzhou Xiaoshan International Airport, and 15-minute drive from downtown Hangzhou and the famed West Lake

Located in the historic Xixi National Wetland Park in southeast China, the new property will boast 73 spacious pool villas all set in their own lush landscaped garden with spectacular views of the Indian Ocean and will be complemented by the award-winning Banyan Tree Spa offering guests an extensive range of natural holistic massages, beauty and body treatments.

The resort is designed in Jiang Nan style, giving an authentic sense of place and priceless tranquility.

The award-winning Banyan Tree Spa features 10 indoor treatment pavilions, complemented by wellness facilities such as beauty salon, gymnasium, swimming pool and yoga studio. The therapists are specially trained at Banyan Tree Spa Academies in Lijiang, China and Phuket, Thailand to deliver Banyan Tree’s signature series of spa treatments that are inspired by traditional Asian remedies. In addition, the Spa will introduce Japanese-inspired Onsen treatments which aim to replenish body, mind and soul.

The resort also features three signature food and beverage venues, which include international favourites at the all day dining restaurant, and authentic Cantonese cuisine at Bai Yun located in a grand dining hall. A bar lounge, equipped with a glowing fireplace, is the place to meet friends and take in the views of the lake.

Within Xixi National Wetland Park, a ‘living water park’ has been preserved by recovery of wetland areas and restoration of ecological systems, paving the way for the establishment of fish ponds and reedbeds, and reintroduction of 270 biological specie such as persimmon, mulberry, bamboo, willow and camphor trees.

Miami-based Desires Hotels announced the latest addition to its modern boutique collection,

The Charlee in Medellin, Colombia. The 44-room hotel features the first rooftop pool bar and VIP Ultra Lounge in the country.

Guest facilities at The Charlee include a restaurant, a 2,150 square feet state of the art health club, 24-hour room service, and a fully equipped spa. Guest room and suite amenities include iPod docking stations and 42-inch plasma televisions.

Known as the city of “Eternal Spring,” Medellin’s average temperature is a perfect 72 degrees and is a perfect business or leisure destination.

Columbia also has both Atlantic and Pacific coastline and is experiencing one of the highest tourism growth rates in the world.

The Charlee represents the first Desires Hotels International property, the division of the collection that was launched in June 2009 signifying the company’s expansion into foreign borders.

 Located in the fashionable Parque Lleras, The Charlee is Colombia’s first boutique hotel property and is scheduled to open its doors in the Summer of 2010. “Desires Hotels, while continuing delivering unexpected amenities in stylish settings, looks beyond current limitations to set a precedent of redefining international travel trends,” said Raul Leal president and partner of Desires Hotels.

For more information, call 866-593-4330 or visit www.desireshotels.com

The doors have been opened to the Afamia Rotana Resort, Latakia

Rotana, the leading hotel management company in the Middle East, has now opened the Afamia Rotana Resort in the historic city of Latakia, on Syria’s Mediterranean coast.

Located on a sandy peninsula, two kilometres from Latakia city centre, the new five-star Afamia Rotana Resort brings a new level of comfort and a host of leisure activities to the city.

The Afamia Rotana Resort is within easy distance of Syria’s historical sites including Ugarit Canaaite, the seaport, crusaders forts, castles and ancient Roman vestiges.

Rotana is currently offering special introductory rates from approximately £75* per room, per night, including complimentary breakfast.

The hotel is situated on a private golden sand beach with beautiful marina views. There are two swimming pools, massage rooms, a tennis court and a children’s playground club.

Guests can relax on Latakia’s spectacular peninsula, in one of the hotel’s 14 stylish beach cabins. The resort also has a state-of-the-art Bodylines health & fitness centre with the latest in cardio and strength equipment as well as a temperature controlled indoor swimming pool, steam room and sauna.

The Afamia Rotana Resort offers guests a range of food and beverage venues including Al Manara – an all-day dining restaurant serving authentic cuisine from around the world, Moodz – a luxurious lounge bar, Aquarius – a pool side bar offering cocktails and light snacks, Café Blue – serving tea, coffee and light snacks and Breeze – a beach terrace with drinks and shisha pipes.

Commenting on the successful development of the new hotel, Mr. Imad Elias, Executive Vice President & Chief Operating Officer of Rotana said, “We are very proud to be managing this landmark property, our first five-star resort to open in Syria. The Afamia Rotana Resort team, headed by General Manager Safwan Khayat, has been working hand in hand with the owner and Rotana Corporate Office to ensure all areas of the opening are perfected.”

The resort offers meeting and event facilities to host annual conferences and seminars. From one day meetings to extended seminars, the resort’s acclaimed individualised service, attention to detail and superior accommodation will ensure a meeting experience that is flawless, productive and unforgettable.

A conference hall with foyer is available with the capacity for up to 350 persons and private meeting rooms, in addition to a state of the art ballroom offering the latest in audio visual equipment with a capacity of 500 persons. All apartments accommodate state-of-the-art audio-visual equipment and a secretarial service is also available.

The resort also boasts magnificent recreational facilities and can organise creative team challenges and outdoor adventures. There are facilities for outdoor conferencing and banqueting service for gala dinners, cocktail parties and wedding receptions.

For reservations and more information, please log on to www.rotana.com

* Conditions apply, please see the website for further details

In the Scottish Highlands, one hour north of Inverness, the 23,000-acre Alladale Wilderness Reserve, the largest wilderness reserve in Europe, is offering an experience to travelers who seek a vacation combining adventure by day and comfort by night.

Alladale is privately owned by Paul Lister, a philanthropist who is re-creating the balance of nature here, long absent due to the hunting to extinction of certain wildlife, the destruction of much flora by sheep farms, and an overpopulation of red deer.

Visitors to Alladale learn about the natural world through the changes in progress.

For example, in partnership with Oxford University’s Wildlife Conservation Research Unit, Alladale is monitoring the introduction of wild boar into the environment to help re-establish the once mighty Caledonian Pine Forest.

Four moose (elk) from Sweden have just been added to help accelerate the return of the species; a large hydroponic garden and greenhouse supply guests with the freshest produce possible; and a dam project is in the works to assist in the spawning of salmon, to name a few.

Guests may also experience many outdoor activities such as pony trekking, calf tagging, hiking, bushcraft, wildlife viewing and clay pigeon shooting.

Special interest breaks include culinary holidays, ayurvedic yoga retreats, art classes, photography and whiskey tastings.

Nightly entertainment may include a Ceilidh night, a night of Highland dancing where guests and staff don tartans. Alladale also holds three-day Eco Initiative Program for children with their teachers to help them enjoy and learn from the conservation efforts at the Reserve.

The Alladale Lodge, typical of the Scottish Highlands, is built of stone and situated on a bluff between Glen Alladale and Glen Mohr.

A rushing river runs through Glen Alladale. The lodge holds seven Laura Ashley-designed guest rooms, each with views, a spa, fitness center, sauna bath, billiards room, conference room, and dining with a world-class chef.

It was originally set in a glen and in 1920, and moved stone by stone to its present spot. Even the glass in the windows is the original glass. Alladale Lodge is only available to families or groups. It is ideal for team building and corporate retreats.

Two bothies have recently opened at Alladale, each in its own glen. Ghillie’s Rest sleeps two adults and two children. Eagle’s Crag accommodates four persons. Both are perfect for an escape into the rugged wilderness of the highlands and are beautifully decorated with rich interiors.

Each has a fully stocked refrigerator so guests may cook for themselves or the chef from the main lodge will prepare their meals and transport them to the bothie.

The Alladale Estate, a member of the Mantis Group, is run by Hugh Fullerton-Smith who oversees a staff of 16, including guides to introduce guests to the work of the reserve. Fullerton-Smith has had extensive experiences in conservation projects world-wide, including New Zealand, Northern Canada, Mongolia, and Scotland.

Transfers to Alladale may be arranged by the lodge. A 15-minute helicopter ride from Inverness is available for those in a hurry.

Rates start at $3,785 per night for the entire main lodge (accommodating 14 persons) and include all meals, wine with dinner, deer stalking, fly fishing, guided walks, 4×4 safaris, mountain bikes, gymnasium and sauna.

Rates at Ghillies Rest start at $658 per night for entire lodge and Eagles Craig starts at $1,152.43 per night.

Rates include all meals and some activities.

For more information, call 011 44-186-375-5338, email reservations@alladale.com  or visit www.alladale.com  or www.mantiscollection.com

According to a report in Scotland’s Evening Times,

Glasgow is to have its own marina as part of plans to rejuvenate the city’s Clyde Waterfront. Scottish Enterprise, the national regeneration and jobs agency, will outline plans for a 300-berth dock next to Glasgow Science Centre on the south bank of the river.

Scottish Enterprise will listen to proposals for floating restaurants or offices and “island” sites for hotels and house boats.

The move is part of a $3.28 billion Clyde Waterfront development which will take place over the next three years.

For more information visit www.seeglasgow.com

Tom Nutley is launching The Travel Club in September, a private members’ establishment situated in London’s West End and dedicated to the travel industry.

The Grade 2 Listed 17th century building in London’s St. James’s Square, close to Piccadilly, has three bars, a restaurant, bistro, meeting and function rooms, library, gymnasium, spa, bedrooms and a secluded courtyard garden.

Nutley has worked on finishing this project over the past three years, searching to find a “home” the industry can call its own.

“London is a hub for the business worldwide and yet as costs rise in the capital and travel companies and organizations move out, there’s nowhere we can call our own,” said Nutley, former chairman of Reed Travel Exhibitions.

For 30 years, Nutley was the man behind a portfolio of regional, sector and global exhibitions, including Arabian Travel Market, Luxury Travel Market, EIBTM (the global meetings industry) and the flagship World Travel Market. “Travel business is best conducted face to face — I’ve proved that with the continuing success of exhibitions,” he said. “But I’ve always had this thought: What happens at other times of the year?”

“There is no central focus for management or the industry, an exclusive and inclusive place where under one roof you can conduct business in a relaxed, convenient environment, hold meetings, conferences, product launches, socialize or network. Thousands of executives who fly into London or travel from elsewhere in the U.K. have no choice but to head for just another hotel.

This is not an ideal business solution. How much better is it to have a drink in a bar with people from the same industry, with the same problems and challenges and then go on to have a decent dinner and a comfortable bed for the night?”

Nutley was looking for an essentially English-style grand house in a prestigious central London location that offered scope and characteristics different from an average hotel. “I wanted a place that felt homely and welcoming, not just somewhere that you simply checked in and out as another faceless guest,” he said. “I believe I’ve found that place.” The Travel Club will be sharing the facilities with members of the long established Naval & Military Club.

“This is where like-minded people can entertain friends and business contacts … just as if they were at home.

” It affords the perfect mix, I feel, grand enough for the most important occasion, friendly enough to be able to unwind,” said Nutley.

“In these difficult economic times, everyone is looking for emotional as well as physical value for money. The Travel Club offers the ideal, affordable place.” Nutley has brought together a team of five directors, all with extensive industry experience. They are working with leading industry associations on a membership drive prior to a formal launch on Sept. 29.

For more information, visit www.theclub.travel

Aéroports de Paris presents My Airport, Aéroports de Paris iPhone application.

Available at Apple Stores, My Airport offers a new complimentary real time information service to Paris airports clients. It gives arriving and departing flight times for Paris-Charles de Gaulle and Paris-Orly airports, information about access and car parks, useful services (emergency numbers, location of tourist information areas, etc.), business services (lounges, work areas, business center or car rental), listing of all the airlines operating at Paris airports, with their reservation center, and formalities area.

Thanks to the geolocation, the application offers an itinerary calculation to help users to get to the airport of their choice.

Owners of a mobile phone connected to the Internet will also be offered a new mobile service.

To get connected, visit www.mobile.aeroportsdeparis.fr

Adventure-seekers on Hawaii’s Big Island can now experience the natural beauty of Waipio Valley up close on Hawaii Forest and Trail’s new Waipio Rim Hike Adventure. Visitors who hike this historic trail will be treated to picturesque views of the forest including its waterfalls, taro patches, and the unscathed coastline.

For more information, visit Hawaii-Forest.com

Kualoa Ranch Hawaii on Oahu’s northeast shore invites guests to experience two new activities.

The Legends & Legacy Tour utilizes the majestic Kualoa cliffs as a backdrop to engage visitors while guides share the legends and stories of the sacred area. On the tour, visitors will hike through the region overlooking Mokolii Island or Chinaman’s Hat. Guests can also partake in Authentic Hula Lessons in a beautiful and spiritual tropical setting overlooking the ocean.

For more information, visit www.Kualoa.com