Jetsettersblog

Daisy’s Cottage is everything you would expect from an archetypical Cornish character cottage.

It was converted from a stone barn to a high standard in 2009 and has a lovely large garden, woodburning stove, beamed ceilings, Belfast sink and cooking range. But the best thing about Daisy’s Cottage is it’s truly rural and quiet location down a farm lane on the side of a wooded valley close to the Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty on Bodmin Moor.

The leafy country lanes are just stunningly beautiful in dappled sunshine and there are breathtaking views from the moor just a mile or so away from where you can see all the way to the North coast and the Atlantic Ocean.

The nearby village of St Breward boasts the highest pub and church in Cornwall. The friendly ancient pub is called The Old Inn; built of solid granite with slate flagstone floors and two huge granite fireplaces with real fires in winter.

It also has a restaurant to the rear and is only just over a mile from Daisy’s Cottage. The area is superb walking country with woodlands as well as moors teaming with wildlife but also ideally situated to explore the sandy beaches and coastline on both sides of the county; the nearest beach is Trebarwith Strand about 10 miles away.

Just a mile further on from St Breward is the start of the Camel Trail at Wenford Bridge – 11 miles of former railway line beside the River Camel, now converted to a level cycle trail, linking the towns of Bodmin, Wadebridge and Padstow.

Cornish Horizons (01841 533 331 www.cornishhorizons.co.uk ) are offering seven nights at Daisy’s Cottage for up to four people (pets welcome) from only £300 including linen and towels.

Hotels in Bali are preparing to join nation-wide celebrations across Indonesia, following the United Nations’ decision to recognize Indonesian batik as one of the world’s most important cultural traditions.

At Ayana Resort and Spa Bali, staff will support the appeal from President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono for all citizens to wear batik to commemorate the news that it would be added to the Intangible Cultural Heritage list of the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization. Ayana’s Sales and Marketing Director Haryadi Satriono said all 950 employees intended to take part in the celebrations and don their finest batik.

Ayana’s signature batik print, designed by fashion designer Ghea Panggabean to mark the resort’s rebranding on April 1, is featured on buckles, sashes, sarongs and shirts, and was inspired by an ancient weaving technique from the village of Tenganan.

Indonesians are very proud of their batik heritage, which is seen everywhere from village markets to upscale boutiques and galleries, and is worn by everyone from street traders to high-profile politicians and celebrities.

It can take months to produce a single batik garment by hand, using the traditional process of applying wax-resistant dyes to create intricate patterns on textiles.

On April 1, Ayana Resort and Spa Bali was launched as an independent hotel under the management of U.S.-based West Paces Hotel Group, which is led by hotelier Horst Schulze. Named after a “place of refuge” in Sanskrit, Ayana is perched on limestone cliffs up to 30 meters above the Indian Ocean near Jimbaran Bay on Bali’s southwestern peninsula. The 77-hectare property has views and a secluded location with its own beach, yet is just 15 minutes from Bali’s airport.

The 368 guestrooms — comprising 219 rooms and suites, 77 one-bedroom and two-bedroom private villas and the three-bedroom Ayana Villa — offer guests the seclusion and space of their own Balinese-style villa or room, and access to the facilities and services of a world-class hotel.

For more information, visit www.westpaceshotels.com

In spite of global recession that seems to shadow international tourism, Japan has opened a variety of new properties.

On Dec. 12, the Hoshinoya (www.kyoto.hoshinoya.com/en) will reopen in Kyoto.

This century-old ryokan is reborn in a historic riverside chalet.

For a thorough hospitality from arrival, guests are taken directly to the guestroom by boat before checking in the high quality traditional ryokan.

All 25 guest rooms have the river view, and the secluded location offers quiet private stroll in Kyoto’s historic Arashiyama.

The Sankara Hotel & Spa Yakushima (www.sankarahotel-spa.com) will open in March in a World Natural Heritage Site, Yakushima Island.

The new resort hotel is located on Yakushima, the home of centuries-old untouched nature including ancient cedar trees and mysterious trekking courses through ancient forests.

The Akihabara Washington Hotel will open in spring near the ground zero of Japan’s anime pop culture in central Tokyo.

Focusing on modern utilities for digital oriented travelers, the amenity includes internet connection, business center and exclusive women only floor.

The new property occupies from the third to the 13th floor in a new 14-story building.

The Westin Sendai (www.westin-sendai.com ) will open next August in Sendai, the hub of Japan’s Tohoku Region (northeast of Tokyo). Sendai is surrounded by many historic and cultural landmarks, and the largest city in Tohoku Region that cherishes several traditional colorful festivals and lifestyle to this day.

The St. Regis Osaka (www.starwoodhotels.com ) will open in October 2010 as the first St. Regis property in Japan. The property is located on Midosuji Avenue, Osaka’s equivalent of Champ Elysées, with easy access to Osaka’s urban life and business district. The hotel’s restaurant serves the renowned chef Jean-Georges’ culinary experience.

The Capitol Hotel Tokyu will open next fall in the heart of Tokyo’s business and political district as Tokyu Hotels Groups flagship property. The interior is designed with modern architectural essence with Japanese traditional beauty.

Japan’s tropical destination Okinawa is becoming more popular, and Ginoza, one of many Okinawan beach resort towns opens a new resort hotel Citycruise Ginoza. The property consists of cottages and time-share guestrooms, accommodating visitors with longer stay to enjoy the tropical climate and beach vacation.

For general destination information, visit www.japantravelinfo.com

San Luis Obispo Vacations has launched a new website, www.sincerelycalifornia.com

The site links to all 37 hotels located in the city of San Luis Obispo, from bed and breakfast establishments to business-friendly chain hotels. The site also provides information on outdoor activities, wine tasting, cultural events other activities.

For more information, visit www.sincerelycalifornia.com

Classic Representation is recognised as one of the leading international marketing organisations in the travel and tourism industry, providing marketing for a selection of Relais & Chateaux properties and the Classic Retreats collection in Southern Africa, East Africa and the Indian Ocean.

A number of the properties in the portfolio are available for exclusive use or have the option of a private residence. Below is a summary:

CAPE TOWN & SURROUNDINGS

1. Blue Views Luxury Residences – Bakoven/ Camps Bay, Cape Town, South Africa

2. Ellerman Villa – Bantry Bay, Cape Town, South Africa

3. Exclusive Residences at Le Quartier Francais – Franschhoek, Cape Winelands, South Africa

4. Koro Lodge at Bushmans Kloof Wilderness Reserve & Wellness Retreat – Cederberg Mountains, Western Cape, South Africa

MALARIA FREE SAFARI

5. Kaai’s Camp at Blaauwbosch Private Game Reserve – Karoo, Eastern Cape, South Africa

6. Makweti Safari Lodge –Welgevonden Game Reserve, Limpopo Province, South Africa

7. Royal Madikwe Luxury Safari Residence – North West Province, South Africa

SAFARI

8. Singita Castleton – Sabi Sand Game Reserve, Mpumalanga, South Africa

9. Singita Ebony & Boulders – Sabi Sand Game Reserve, Mpumalanga, South Africa

10. Singita Pamushana – Malilangwe Game Reserve, Zimbabwe

11. Cottage Seven at Sasakwa – Serengeti, Northern Tanzania

CAPE TOWN & SURROUNDINGS

1. BLUE VIEWS LUXURY RESIDENCES

Bakoven/ Camps Bay, Cape Town, South Africa

Blue Views, one of Cape Town’s most reputable villa rental companies, consists of nine exclusive-use houses and apartments. The properties are ideally suited to those looking for an alternative to a five star hotel, but requiring the comfort, convenience and privacy of a luxury home in Cape Town’s most fashionable and desirable area.

All are owned and personally operated by Tony Stern, ensuring consistency in quality and availability throughout the year.

All the villas are 100 metres apart, situated less than 100 metres from the secluded and private Bakoven beach and are within easy walking distance to the famous Camps Bay beach in Cape Town with its trendy restaurants, shops and sidewalk cafés. Property sizes vary from 1 to 7 bedrooms, including a lounge, fully equipped kitchen and dining area fitted to the highest standards. All have hi speed Wi-Fi and ADSL lines, music systems in all bedrooms with TV (satellite with over 50 channels) and DVD in main bedrooms; a swimming pool and barbeque facilities at all properties (except for the Studio, the only 1 bedroom property); a laundry service and monitored electronic security systems.

All residences are serviced Monday to Saturday by Blue Views staff.

2010 Prices from ZAR 1 900 per property for exclusive use (this is based on a 2 bedroom villa)
www.blueviews.com

2. ELLERMAN VILLA

Bantry Bay, Cape Town, South Africa

Ellerman House overlooks the Atlantic Ocean and Robben Island from a commanding position above Cape Town’s Bantry Bay. This gracious Cape Edwardian mansion with shaded verandas and tiered gardens has beautifully appointed interiors and one of the finest private art collections in South Africa.

Situated in the gardens of Ellerman House is the ultra modern villa, spread over three floors with two swimming pools and an option of three (two doubles, one twin) or five bedrooms (four doubles, one twin) for exclusive use only. Other facilities include private sundecks and entertainment areas, a cinema room, integrated sound system, full time butler and chef. The Ellerman Spa providing relaxing treatments by resident therapists is located on the ground level.
Rates from ZAR38 300 per night for exclusive use of the Villa, including a full time butler, luxury return airport transfers, made-to-order breakfasts, fully stocked fridge with luxury nibbles, selected house wines and more.
www.ellerman.co.za

3. EXCLUSIVE RESIDENCES AT LE QUARTIER FRANCAIS

Franschhoek, Cape Winelands, South Africa

The award-winning Le Quartier Français (the French Quarter) is the jewel of Franschhoek and one of South Africa’s best-known hotels. Situated in the picturesque Franschhoek Valley of the Western Cape’s wine country, it offers the option of three private residences: the modern ‘Four Quarters’ suites; the chic village house ‘43 Cabriere’; and the cosy ‘Cottage’.

The Four Quarters consists of four suites on two levels, surrounding a private swimming pool and with their own bar and lounge area. Included in the rate is a private butler.

2010 Rates from ZAR 8 900 per suite per night and include all drinks from Four Quarters bar, breakfast, light meals served at the pool from 10am-4pm, afternoon tea and pre dinner snacks, exclusive butler service, free wireless internet access,i-pod docking stations Nespresso machines, use of DVD’s and CD’s from main library and complimentary transfers within Franschhoek village.

Rates exclude all meals and drinks ordered and consumed in the main hotel or restaurants, all dinners, telephone calls, laundry, service charges and all extras.

The cosy Cottage is situated within the heart of the Franschhoek village. Offering two bedrooms in a fully equipped cottage with a private walled garden and swimming pool it sleeps up to four guests.

Newspapers, fresh fruit juices and pastries are delivered every morning.

2010 Rates from ZAR 6 980 per night for the Cottage and include breakfast, complimentary mineral water and Le Quartier fruit cordial, as well as a selection of complimentary Franschhoek wines

The newest member in the Le Quartier family, 43 Cabriere is a chic village house with three en-suite bedrooms, an open plan dining and lounge area, fully equipped kitchen, patio, plunge pool and the option of daily servicing. With its sought-after Cabriere Street address it is a must for those looking to immerse themselves in the Franschhoek experience.

The vibrant main road and world-renowned food scene is located only streets away.
2010 Rates from ZAR 5 933 per night for the house and includes a ZAR 90 food and beverage voucher, per person, per day for Le Quartier Français.
www.lequartier.co.za

4. KORO LODGE AT BUSHMANS KLOOF WILDERNESS RESERVE & WELLNESS RETREAT

Cederberg Mountains, Western Cape, South Africa

Voted ‘Best Hotel in the World’ in the 2009 US Travel + Leisure World’s Best Awards reader’s survey, Bushmans Kloof Wilderness Reserve & Wellness Retreat is situated in the breathtakingly beautiful Cederberg mountains, a mere three hours drive or forty-five minute flight from Cape Town. Koro Lodge, meaning ‘Open Vistas’ in the local San language, is a farmhouse in the heart of the reserve that has been renovated and transformed into an exclusive-use villa with spectacular views.

This privately catered-for residence combines the ultimate in luxury with the wonders of nature, to offer a complete wilderness adventure for families or groups of friends. The villa is styled in natural, vibrant, earth colours with handcrafted South African objects and furnishings, and is designed and equipped to provide every service and satisfy all needs.

Two master bedrooms with en-suite bathrooms, entertainment room with en-suite bathroom and a separate loft area sleeps up to four adults and six children.

Also featured are a kitchen, bar, living room with dining area and fireplace, wrap-around terraces with small, private heated infinity pool and outdoor barbeque facility. Activities on the reserve include rock art walks, nature drives, mountain biking, canoeing, hiking, star gazing and swimming in rock pools and waterfalls.
2010 Rates from ZAR 13 000 per night for exclusive use, including all meals, a selection of beverages, a personal hostess, chef and guide
www.bushmanskloof.co.za

MALARIA FREE SAFARI

5. KAAI’S CAMP AT BLAAUWBOSCH PRIVATE GAME RESERVE

Karoo, Eastern Cape, South Africa

Blaauwbosch is an exclusive five star private game reserve in the malaria-free Eastern Cape.

The reserve offers a private big five experience where guests can relax in comfort. Discover a wide variety of game including elephant, lion, rhino, cheetah, giraffe, zebra, antelope, abundant birdlife and rare flora on game drives with professional rangers.

A chance to do a ‘walk and stalk’ with the resident female cheetah is a highlight of any visit to Blaauwbosch. Kaai’s Camp, Blaauwbosch’s exclusive-use residence, accommodates up to eight guests and is nestled between two large mountains with magnificent views down a valley, behind the main lodge on the reserve.

The camp is thatched, with spacious rooms and bathrooms with separate toilets, under floor heating throughout, air conditioning, outdoor showers and decks A dedicated team of staff take care of all needs.
2010 Rates from ZAR 17 600 per night for exclusive use, including all meals, drinks and safari activities
www.blaauwbosch.co.za

6. MAKWETI SAFARI LODGE

Welgevonden Game Reserve, Limpopo Province, South Africa

Small, exclusive and set in the lush environment of the Waterberg Mountains, Makweti epitomises the ultimate personalised safari experience.

Rolling mountains, steep gorges, rocky outcrops, flowing rivers and open plains provide a magnificent ‘big five’ game area, whilst cuisine at Makweti reflects an artful fusion of exotic spices of ancient trade routes and a wide assortment of health conscious choices.

The lodge offers five luxurious suites and is ideally located, accessible by a mere forty minute flight or an easy three hour road transfer from Johannesburg International Airport. Activities include twice daily safaris in open vehicles or on foot and viewing of bushmen paintings and rock art.
2010

Rates from ZAR 2 585 per person per night, including all meals, drinks and safari activities; exclusive-use rate negotiated on enquiry.
www.makweti.com

7. ROYAL MADIKWE LUXURY SAFARI RESIDENCE

North West Province, South Africa

Royal Madikwe is located in the malaria free Madikwe Game Reserve (76,500 hectares) in the North-West Province of South Africa, on the border of Botswana. With a refined touch of African luxury coupled with unsurpassed hospitality, Royal Madikwe comprises the Main Residence and a Luxury Bush Home.

The Main Residence offers five luxury suites, each with their own private decks and plunge pools.

The Luxury Bush Home accommodates up to four guests. Game drives in an open vehicle and bush walks with an experienced guide are offered on a daily basis. Royal Madikwe is an exclusive-use property and is available only to private parties.

For safari enthusiasts a guide and tracker are on hand at all times, and for those seeking some pampering at the lodge, a chef, butler and masseuse are on standby, while kids have nannies and children’s activities such as face painting, bush baking and African beading lines up.
2010 Rates from ZAR 24 000 per day for exclusive use, including all meals, drinks and safari activities
www.royalmadikwe.com

SAFARI

8. SINGITA BOULDERS LODGE AND EBONY LODGE -

Sabi Sand Game Reserve, Mpumalanga, South Africa
The Singita Group encapsulates the ultimate African safari with spectacular lodges on prime Big Five game viewing land. Singita exudes exquisite luxury, rare solitude and perfect tranquility, creating an unrivalled guest experience and making it one of the world’s premier destinations.

Situated in the game rich Sabi Sand Game Reserve adjacent to the Kruger National Park, Singita offers two suites at each lodge that can be used on an exclusive basis. Built in the same style as the other award winning Singita suites, the new suites are joined together by a central lounge/ dining area, making them ideal for families or friends travelling together.

Each of the suites offer a second en-suite bedroom ideally suited to children under the age of sixteen; children from six years are welcome.

Exclusive use of the suites include a private chef, guide, safari vehicle and host. Safari activities are flexible and fit around the group’s needs; as guests have private access, game drives can depart directly from these suites.

2010 Rates from ZAR 10 950 per person per night; for exclusive use of two or three suites, an exclusive surcharge of ZAR 5 555 per day applies; this includes all meals, drinks and safari activities
www.singita.com

9. SINGITA CASTLETON – LUXURIOUS BUSH RETREAT

Sabi Sand Game Reserve, Mpumalanga, South Africa

Once a private bush retreat, Castleton Camp in the game rich Sabi Sand Game Reserve has opened its doors for the exclusive use of families and small groups.

It is a comfortable, understated farmhouse with all the charm and personality of a lived-in home. Set on Africa’s rolling savannah, the classic stone lodge with its expansive veranda overlooks a waterhole that teams with wildlife.

Castleton Camp consists of three double cottages (four twin rooms and two double rooms) with en-suite bathrooms.

All rooms are air-conditioned and the main farmhouse has wide verandas with an expansive lounge, dining area, swimming pool, library, pool table and trampoline. Activities include game drives and guided walks with a private ranger and tracker.

2010 Rates from R34 100 (1 – 8 guests); R40 150 (9 – 12 guests) for exclusive use, including all meals, drinks and safari activities.
www.singita.com

Continue reading Private African Villas…

The Mantis Collection will open Views Boutique Hotel & Spa, Nov. 1. The five-star resort overlooks Wilderness Beach on the Indian Ocean and is located on South Africa’s Garden Route.

The hotel is a 25-minute drive from George Airport, which offers regularly connecting flights to and from Cape Town and Johannesburg. Cars may be rented at the airport or a meet-and-greet transfer may be booked. Distance to Cape Town is 270 miles, to Port Elizabeth 240.

Architect Harry Burger designed Views Boutique Hotel & Spa to maximize its setting on the Indian Ocean. Inside contemporary interiors by Lulu Ridgway are styled for comfort and luxury with clean-lined furnishings designed and made exclusively for the Views. All rooms feature central air conditioning and have generous closets, extra-length king sized or twin beds, private balconies and floor to ceiling picture windows to take advantage of the breathtaking views of sea or mountain.

All are equipped with large LCD-TV screens offering satellite channels and movies-on-demand. Rooms are wired for iPod connecting and charging and mood-controlled lighting with concealed dimmers and dawn lighters. High speed Internet, wifi connection and direct dial telephones are available.

There are 22 rooms and suites including a Penthouse with panoramic views; three Honeymoon Suites with direct sea views; nine Premier suites; two Luxury suites; one Deluxe suite and four Classic rooms which can be combined to form two bedroom suites, one with a shared balcony and one without.

Bathrooms have heated floors and towel racks; separate bath and shower, double basin vanities, plantation-style privacy shutters and Molton Brown amenities.

The Mantis Group comprises is a collection of game reserves and hotels, including Shamwari Game Reserve, Shamwari Townhouse, Oceana Beach and Wildlife Reserve, Jock Safari Lodge in the Kruger National Park, Nkomazi Game Reserve near the Kruger National Park; Lake Pleasant Living; Sanbona Wildlife Reserve; and the Last Word Retreats in the Western Cape made up of The Constantia, The Long Beach, The Bishops Court, St. James, The Franschhoek and Princess Emma Luxury Motor Yacht. Also, the Draycott Hotel in London, Cap Estel in Eze, France, and Alladale Wilderness Lodge & Reserve, near Inverness, Scotland.

For information, email reservations@mantiscollection.com or visit www.mantiscollection.com

Tigers in Myanmar continue to be threatened by human pressure, and more effort is needed to stop poachers from targeting big cats, especially in Kachin State’s Hukaung Valley.

The Hukaung Valley Tiger Reserve was established by the government in 2001 as the country’s largest wildlife reserve. It is currently 8,452 square miles in size and one of the largest protected forests in the world. Colin Poole, the Asia program director of the U.S.-based Wildlife Conservation Society (WCS), which works in the reserve, said the Myanmar government was doing good work to protect wildlife in the area, even with the drop in the tiger population.

Poaching is the most significant of the three main dangers facing tigers in the reserve. Other threats include habitat loss and reduction of food sources. For more information, visit www.myanmar-tourism.com

Melco Crown Entertainment Limited, a developer and owner of casino gaming and entertainment resort facilities focused on the Macau market, announced that Grand Hyatt Macau opened on Sept. 29, 2009, marking the next phase of development at City of Dreams.

Grand Hyatt Macau is focused on the leisure customer and business traveler.

The property, with its distinctive twin tower architecture, adds approximately 800 guest rooms to City of Dreams and each new room enjoys spectacular views over the City of Dreams resort or the west bank of the Pearl River.

The 484-room Sheraton Suzhou Hotel and Towers will be rebranded as Pan Pacific Suzhou in January.

It is owned and will be managed by Pan Pacific Hotels Group, which also opened Pan Pacific Xiamen in August this year. With a portfolio of 18 hotels, resorts and serviced suites, the Pan Pacific brand and its hotels have earned distinguished global accolades such as World’s Leading Business and Airport Hotel in Asia by World Travel Awards, Condé Nast Gold List and the AAA Four Diamond Award.

An architectural landmark in Suzhou, the Sheraton Suzhou Hotel and Towers unveiled its new Towers Wing, with 99 deluxe rooms and suites, earlier this year. Before its opening as Pan Pacific Suzhou in January, key areas will be identified for enhancements and upgrades that will align the hotel to the renowned Pan Pacific brand standards.

A new 342-room hotel in Tianjin, scheduled to open in 2011, is next in the pipeline for the group.

For more information, visit www.panpacific.com

Spa qualia has recently launched a new spa concept and comprehensive treatment menu. Everything about it has been meticulously designed to incorporate the meaning of the resort’s name: qualia – ‘a deeper sensory experience’.

As with the rest of qualia, the spa menu is inspired by Australia. It captures its people, lifestyle, landscapes and indigenous traditions. Spa products Sodashi* and Li’tya** have been introduced and form an integral part of the program. These products embody the spa’s ethos to provide an eco-chic Australian experience which focuses on the health and wellbeing of each client.

The treatments balance the synergy between body and mind and include scrubs, cocoons, massages and facials. The highlight of the menu is a unique collection of five rituals, aptly named ‘Signature Ceremonies’. The Seasonal Ceremony, Heart Reef Ritual and White Haven embrace the colourful hues of the Great Barrier Reef. Each of these ceremonies includes body silking – a contemporary approach to using colour and the tactile sensation of silk to help clear past energies and place one in the present moment. The Kumali Ceremony epitomises all that is Australian within a muslin bag. A steaming ball of native herbs and spices is dipped in macadamia oil and massaged, pressed and rolled over the entire body. The ‘Wine Lovers’ ceremony is designed for couples and pampers with a vinothérapie body scrub, pinot noir mask, burgundy bath soak and chardonnay massage.

Other collections within the menu include ‘Indigenous Offerings’ – a group of four Li’tya treatments inspired by the Aboriginal dreamtime.

Meanwhile the ‘It’s a Man’s World’ collection is inspired by the Australian man, particularly the type who is likely to spend time sailing or playing golf.

The ‘Wild Oats’ treatment is named after the Oatley family’s iconic yacht, who own qualia.

The new spa offering is being headed-up by André Martin, recently promoted to the position of Spa Manager.

André moved to Australia from South Africa 10 years ago and returned to full-time studies in 2006 to pursue his life-long ambition of joining the wellness industry.

He joined the spa in 2008 as Assistant Manger.

‘I believe Spa qualia is now exceptionally well-positioned to be considered amongst the best spa destinations in the world, it is certainly proving popular with qualia guests,’ says André. ‘

“There are some exciting projects in the pipeline and guests can look forward to the incorporation of health retreat weekends and refreshingly nutritious spa cuisine in the near future,’ he concludes.