Jetsettersblog

Picture yourself in a boat on the River Thames
Luxury cruises of the Thames in classic comfort

Imagine arriving at one of Britain’s best restaurants on a classic boat, having a wonderful meal and then gently cruising away for a memorable night on board. Or picture yourself sipping cocktails in a refined saloon or beautiful open deck as the river slips by. The newly refitted ‘New Venture’, a classic Bates Star Craft, now offers this ‘super yacht’ style from its base at the Beetle & Wedge in Moulsford, Oxfordshire.

Launched in 1960 ‘New Venture’ conjures the refinement of a forgotten era, conjuring echoes of smart set parties at Cliveden, Christine Keeler and Princess Margaret. Offering four berths, and including a skipper, guests will be transported back to a tranquil world of elegance to enjoy the hidden delights of the River Thames.

Bates Star Craft were the luxury river cruisers of their day. Built between 1946 and 1975 they offered high quality fittings with classic design. The ‘New Venture’ at 40 foot is the ideal river craft; sympathetically restored in mahogany, chrome and leather she provides boutique facilities that perfectly complement her sleek lines.

A cruise on the ‘New Venture’ is the opportunity to step back in time, ideal for honeymooners, anniversaries, or a luxury break away from the hustle of modern life.

One option is to take a gastronomic cruise, enjoying the many high quality restaurants along the river’s banks including the Waterside Inn, Bray, French Horn in Sonning and Leatherne Bottle, Goring.

What’s more guests can let responsibilities fall away as the vessel’s experienced skipper navigates the byways of the river for them, before mooring in a quiet spot and departing for the evening allowing guests to indulge in a relaxed or romantic night on board.

In addition an on board chef can create an impressive meal in the ‘New Venture’s’ fully fitted galley which can be enjoyed with friends on the spacious flying bridge or in the saloon.

Flexible and adaptable the options for enjoying this wonderful boat are endless, with charter options available from from one night to a week or more.

Gillian Nahum Director of Henley Sales & Charter, operators of the ‘New Venture’ commented, “This is a unique way of enjoying the River Thames. She is the only boat on the river that can offer such indulgence. We like to think of her as an exclusive super yacht, which just happens to be perfect for the Thames.”

The New Venture luxury experience launches in September 2009, ready for the 2010 season and the cruiser’s 50th anniversary.

For more information and bookings contact Henley Sales & Charter on 01491 578870 or email gillian@hscboats.co.uk

Henley Sales & Charter Ltd have over 20 years experience operating and selling boats on the River Thames and further afield.

The refit and launch of the ‘New Venture’ fulfils a demand from customers wanting to experience the delights of the River Thames in comfort without having to purchase a rare cruiser of their own.

The quality and attention to detail on board make the ‘New Venture’ the river based equivalent of a luxury yacht charter.

Star Craft wooden river cruisers were built by William Bates & Son in Chertsey, Surrey on the River Thames between 1946 and 1975.

The boat builder aimed to produce an English built luxury motor cruiser to compete with Chris Craft.

Initially, the hulls were built using double diagonal construction in mahogany, with mahogany decks and cabin sides. Over time, the decks and then the hulls were made from teak.

The boats ranged in size from 20 foot day cruisers to 47 foot ocean going vessels.

Most of the boats were built for private clients, but Bates also operated a hire fleet that included Star Craft. ‘New Venture’ is one of only twenty three 40 foot Star Craft built.

Her size allows her a flying bridge offering birds-eye views of the river and an excellent place to enjoy dinner with friends.

The Beetle & Wedge Boathouse Restaurant is set on the site of the original Moulsford ferry service, on the banks of the River Thames where Jerome K. Jerome chronicled the escapades of his friends’ visits in ‘Three Men in a Boat’. The Beetle & Wedge Boathouse Restaurant emphasis is on quality of food, wines and service making it a magical setting to enjoy the tranquillity and peace of relaxed riverside dinning.

The Enchanted Garden

Brodsworth Hall, near Doncaster, South Yorkshire

Fri 23 Oct – Sun 1 Nov, 6.30pm – 9pm (last admission 8.30pm)

Enter a magical world for a bewitching night-time experience as the magnificently restored Victorian gardens are illuminated to become a place of enchantment.

Out of the darkness the hall emerges draped in light, music drifts across the night air as you wind your way through the gardens with surprises waiting around every corner. This garden walk will delight young and old alike. Supported by Ecclesiastical.*

Adults £7.50/ Concessions £6.50/ Children £6.00/ Adult Member £6.00 / Concession Member: £5.00 / Child Member £4.50. Advance bookings save £1 per person.

Galloway Forest Park has put in a bid to become Europe’s first dark sky park. Astronomers and star lovers will find the skies above Galloway Forest Park are some of the clearest in the world. With around 80% of the UK’s population never having experienced true darkness as a result of light pollution, the area is a perfect place for visitors hoping to get a better look at the night sky.

A decision on whether Galloway Forest Park achieves dark sky park status is expected sometime this year.
www.forestry.gov.uk/gallowayforestpark

Highlands

An award-winning Scottish seafood restaurant is scaling the heights in its championing of sustainable fishing.

The Captain’s Galley located in Scrabster Harbour, on the northern shores of Caithness, prides itself on sourcing all of its main produce within a 50 mile radius from its own doorstep.

Earlier the Captain’s Galley, which has already netted a host of impressive accolades since opening in 2002, received Marine Stewardship Council (MSC) certification meaning that the restaurant’s customers can now choose certified sustainable Scottish mackerel and herring identified by the MSC logo on the menu.

In the near future, the restaurant also hopes to source from other Scottish fisheries currently under assessment.

Scottish fisheries are responsible for the majority of seafood landed in the UK, and the proportion of Scottish fisheries in the MSC programme – either certified or under assessment – has now risen to over 50% by value, a clear indication of the leadership position taken by the Scottish industry and their determination to demonstrate the sustainability of these fisheries resources to the market.

Perthshire

Katharine Pooley and her team of interior designers have successfully re-designed the interior of Forter Castle, a 16th century fortified tower in Perthshire.

The property retains the historical charms and character of the original, built during the lifetime of Mary Queen of Scots and has been sympathetically updated with modern-day comforts in the style of a grand Scottish residence replete with four poster beds, free-standing cast iron bathtubs and a grand banqueting hall.

Each room has been personalised with antiques, paintings and objets d’art from around the world and traditional techniques have been used where possible.

The castle sleeps twelve guests in rooms spread over five floors and is also the perfect location for an intimate Highland wedding with its very own chapel for a unique day.

Forter Castle costs £3,500 for one week (Friday to Friday) and £2,500 for the weekend (Friday to Monday).

www.fortercastle.com

Sixt rent a car is helping customers travel in luxury, while being conscious of CO2 emissions, by adding the new model Mercedes E Class E220 CDI Blue Efficiency SE to its fleet of vehicles.

With its sleek lines and distinguishing 16” five spoke alloy wheels, the E220 captures the essence of a classic saloon and offers strong performance from its 2.1 diesel engine. While providing a sophisticated solution, the new E Class offers very competitive fuel economy and CO2 emissions of just 139 g/km, without compromising on levels of performance.

With a built in satellite navigation system, five-speed automatic transmission and cruise control function the E220 has everything needed for a comfortable, relaxing drive. Offering the ultimate in luxury, the vehicle’s stylish interior comes complete with Artico leather seats, multi-function leather-trimmed steering wheel and automatic climate control, displayed on a 5.8” screen. Other innovative features include a Parktronic parking system, rain-sensing wipers and tyre pressure loss warning system.

Available now from all Sixt London locations, Stansted and Manchester airports, the Mercedes-Benz E220 can be booked online at the banner at right, through Sixt’s mobile reservation services and by telephone.

Ian Lawrence, managing director of Sixt rent a car UK, said: “Sixt is committed to providing high specification and high quality cars at a good rate, while being conscious of CO2 emissions.

This Mercedes-Benz E220 is a stylish vehicle that provides excellent performance together with a very competitive fuel economy, making it a highly desirable proposition for our customers.”

Sixt rent a car offers a first-class service with over 26,000 vehicles from more than 150 rental locations in the UK and in 3,500 locations across 90 countries.

For further information call 0844 499 33 99 or follow Sixt on Twitter at www.twitter.com/SixtUK

Fairmont Hotels & Resorts announced the official opening of three new properties along the ancient path of the Silk Road.

Fairmont Nile City, in Cairo, Egypt; Fairmont Yangcheng Lake in Kunshan, China and Fairmont Bab Al Bahr in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates, all officially opened the doors to guests.

Built within the Nile City corporate complex, the 567-room Fairmont Nile City is positioned for conferences and large events. The hotel offers more than 11,000 square feet of indoor space plus over 5,000 square feet of outdoor space for meetings and conventions.

All meeting rooms are naturally lit and provide sweeping panoramic views of the Nile River and the Pyramids in the distance.

Featuring the largest spa in Cairo, The Willow Stream Spa at Fairmont Nile City features 22,000 square feet of private sanctuaries for men and women and views of the city and river below.

With its elegant art deco design and cool urban sophistication, Fairmont Nile City will provide a perfect complement to the Fairmont Towers, Heliopolis, located in a tree-lined suburb of Cairo near the airport and shopping districts.

Fairmont Yangcheng Lake is located in Kunshan, on the shores of the scenic Yang Cheng Lake. Kunshan, a picturesque town situated in the southeastern part of Jiangsu Province in the Yangtze River Delta between metropolitan Shanghai and the historical city of Suzhou.

With 200 deluxe guest rooms and suites, Fairmont Yangcheng Lake is an ideal location for weddings, conferences or significant occasions.

In addition to beautiful outdoor event sites, the resort offers a Willow Stream Spa, fitness centre, indoor and outdoor pools and a 4,000-square-foot Grand Ballroom with a magnificent view of the lake.

Guests and locals can enjoy a 6,500 square foot signature Chinese restaurant featuring Cantonese cuisine and diverse Chinese specialties, including regional delicacies such as duck-soup noodles, Zhoushi soy-sauced duck and the famous hairy crab.

The local crab is an attractive draw to gourmands and foodies of Shanghai who often travel to the area for a taste of its rich and varied culinary traditions.

Fairmont Bab Al Bahr, meaning “Gateway to the Sea,” is Fairmont’s first property to open in the capital of United Arab Emirates on the Abu Dhabi Creek.

Positioned at the mainland gateway of the city, the hotel sits directly on the beachfront, offering guests the best of both urban life and beach experience. Located in “new” Abu Dhabi, an office, retail and residential development in the city, the hotel benefits from spectacular views of the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque, with easy access to Abu Dhabi City Centre and Corniche, and is in close proximity to Abu Dhabi International Airport.

Fairmont Bab Al Bahr boasts 369 guestrooms, a variety of world-class restaurants, 27,000 square feet of function space, a private sandy beachfront, a Willow Stream Spa and two outdoor pools. It will also present the first Marco Pierre White Steakhouse & Grill outside of the U.K., serving the choicest cuts of beef and one of the largest selections of wine in the city. Frankie’s Italian Restaurant and Bar has been created by the renowned UK Chef White and famed jockey Frankie Dettori.

The new properties all offer Fairmont Gold, the brand’s exclusive lifestyle offering featuring warm and personalized service with amenities such as a private reception desk and a comfortable guest lounge, where guests may enjoy an honor bar and cocktail hour canapés, as well as a complimentary deluxe continental breakfast. Fairmont will continue on its Silk Road journey in 2010 with new properties planned for Makkah, Jaipur and the Fairmont Peace Hotel, a Shanghai landmark for over a century. Fairmont currently has more than 20 new properties in development, including London’s The Savoy, which will re-open within the next year following an extensive restoration program.

IsramWorld added Jewish-interest tours for a number of select destinations, including Spain, South America, Morocco, Eastern Europe, Russia and the Baltics, China and India.

Each tour is designed to feature unique itineraries, including briefings with representatives of Jewish communities; visits to synagogues, both ancient and modern; visits to Jewish institutions; Shabbat dinners; tours of Jewish sites; and Jewish-interest events, encounters and experiences.

The tours will focus on the history, culture and dynamics of a Jewish past and present, will be led by a well-known scholar-guest lecturer, Jacob Shoshan, and will include the finest of accommodations, air-conditioned vehicles and many meals.

While these tours are not kosher, they adhere to the tradition of no bus touring on Shabbat and no pork or shellfish in included meals.

Vegetarian, fish and dairy meals are easily arranged.

Shabbat dinners will include challah (where available) and kosher wine. Wine is also included with welcome,

Shabbat and farewell dinners. In addition, gratuities are included for all local guides and drivers, as well as for included meals and porter personnel at airports and hotels.

For more information, call 800-223-7460 or visit www.isramworld.com

Punta Mita, one of Mexico’s resort and residential communities, announced the inauguration of Punta Mita Bahia, a Jack Nicklaus Signature Golf Course.

The opening ceremony, to be held on Nov. 16, 2009, will include golf legend and course designer Jack Nicklaus hitting the ceremonial tee shot.

This is the second course Nicklaus has designed for Punta Mita, the first being Punta Mita Pacifico, which opened in 1999 and boasts the only natural ocean island par-three hole in the world.

Both courses are part of the private Punta Mita Club de Golf, exclusively for Punta Mita homeowners and guests.

The new 18-hole championship course features views of the sea. Stretching 7,035 yards, this par-72 course features Miniverde greens constructed to USGA standards, Bermuda fairways and lush tropical landscaping.

Its layout includes five par 3s, eight par 4s and five par 5s.

Fairways wind around Punta Mita’s residential communities and the St. Regis Punta Mita Resort.

For more information, visit www.puntamita.com

When it launches in early autumn, Hullett House will be a celebration of Hong Kong’s past showcased within some of its most stunning heritage architecture. Hullett House consists of a design-led intimate heritage hotel, five restaurants and bars, a souvenir store and a performance area specially created as a venue for traditional festivals and celebrations.

Hullett House will be brought to life within one of the four oldest government buildings in Hong Kong, the former Marine Police Headquarters’ in Tsim Sha Tsui.

The design-led intimate heritage hotel will have all the modern and technical in-room facilities of a contemporary hotel.

Suites will be spacious and range in size from 600 to 800 square feet, with each opening to a private balcony, replete with views of the Hong Kong cityscape and Victoria Harbour.

The room décor of each suite has been influenced by a period of time in the history of Hong Kong and includes references from imperial China in the 1870’s, through to the English countryside and the contemporary vigor of Chinese pop art.

The five restaurants and bars of Hullett House will bear diverse identities that vary from venue to venue with the help of a team of chefs.

Dining experiences will include contemporary European dining, an old British-style pub with its own jail cells, and a gourmet Cantonese restaurant; all of which seek to conjure up memories of days gone by. For more information, visit www.discoverhongkong.com