Jetsettersblog

More than 200 years since Americans gathered to discuss political and social issues in an authentic 18th century coffeehouse, Colonial Williamsburg formally dedicates the R. Charlton Coffeehouse, the Historic Area’s newest exhibition building and the first major reconstruction on Duke of Gloucester Street in more than 50 years, at 4 p.m. Nov. 20.

“The reconstructed R. Charlton’s Coffeehouse is a major architectural and educational addition to the Historic Area,” said Colin G. Campbell, president of Colonial Williamsburg.

“It adds a new dimension and vibrancy to our understanding and portrayal of life in Williamsburg on the eve of the American Revolution. We are extremely grateful to Forrest and Deborah Mars for enabling Colonial Williamsburg to create a fuller picture of social and political life during that tumultuous era. This project will be of great interest to guests, scholars and artisans alike.”

The opening will begin with the re-enactment of the memorable event of 1765 when an angry crowd threatened Virginia’s appointed administrator of The Stamp Act until he was rescued and escorted to safety by the royal governor. Following the opening ceremony, a walk-through open house of the building is available.

R. Charlton’s Coffeehouse will open daily for interpretive tours Nov. 23 when guests will learn about the pre-Revolutionary significance of this establishment before concluding the experience with the opportunity to enjoy a sample tasting of period coffeehouse beverages — coffee, tea or chocolate.

The newest exhibition site in the Historic Area will reflect its 18th century role as a gathering place for the politically connected as well as for the socially ambitious. The reconstruction will provide an exciting new venue for Historic Area programming.

Archaeological evidence recovered from the coffeehouse site reflects the importance of fine dining as well as the consumption of tea, coffee and chocolate. Charlton offered an epicurean menu that included fish, shellfish, meat and game, even peacock.

A Cherokee pipe fragment suggests the presence of Indians who may have been part of an official delegation.

Coffeehouse furnishings include carefully researched reproduction furniture, ceramics, glassware, hardware and other items representing the variety of activities that took place there.

Hand-printed wallpapers will cover the walls of the well-appointed private meeting room and the north room, both based on microscopic study of original building fragments.

R. Charlton’s Coffeehouse is built on its original foundations with 18th-century construction techniques.

Reconstruction of R. Charlton’s Coffeehouse is possible through a $5 million gift from Forrest and Deborah Mars.

For more information, call 800-HISTORY

or visit www.history.org

Doral Golf Resort & Spa, a Marriott Resort, in Miami, unveiled the Jim McLean Signature Course, formerly known as the Silver Course. Named after golf instructor Jim McLean, a Top 100 Instructor who has operated the Jim McLean Golf School at Doral for the past 20 years, The Jim McLean Signature Course is the namesake’s first full golf course design project, and is highlighted by three of South Florida’s toughest starting holes, along with the aptly named Bermuda Triangle that challenges golfers with three consecutive water holes on the back nine.

The first three holes on The Jim McLean Signature Course feature consecutive par fours approaching nearly 500 yards each, which truly defines the golf course and offers a great challenge for players at all levels.

The new course includes design features that enhance aesthetics as well as course strategy.

Tee complexes are placed to provide varying distances to challenge players of all levels. In addition, the course was grassed with certified Tifway 419 Bermuda grass to provide more consistent playing conditions, a new irrigation system was installed, new continuous cart paths were constructed, and bunkers were designed to complement the course’s overall strategy.

Additionally, similar to the infamous TPC Blue Monster, the most recognizable of Doral’s five championship courses and site of the PGA Tour’s World Golf Championships, the course features TifEagle greens, considered to be the fastest type of Bermuda grass available. McLean’s most significant changes to the new par-70 layout, which offers a unique collection of par-three holes, include widened fairways, enhanced water visuals and an increased course length from 6,557 yards to over 7,100 yards.

The signature 14th hole is a par-three highlighted by an island green, and is part of McLean’s Bermuda Triangle on the golf course’s dramatic back nine. This spectacular hole will test a golfer’s mettle as the tee boxes have been moved 80 yards to the right and lengthened by 30 yards from the professional tees, offering a challenging approach shot to the green. Complementing the signature hole is the 13th hole, a par four that demands an impressive tee shot that sets up a 220-yard carry over a lake. R

ounding out the Bermuda Triangle is the 15th hole, a par four which is one of the most scenic holes on the golf course and features a new professional tee added off the back of the island green 14th hole, which increases the overall distance by 50 yards.

The green on the 15th hole was also enhanced with a new false front, providing golfers with an excellent look at the elevated green.

For more information on The Jim McLean Signature Course, visit www.doralresort.com

Uxua Casa Hotel in Trancoso, Brazil, is heading into its first full season in 2010. Uxua (pronounced ooh-shoo-ah) is a tropical resort composed of nine unique houses offering privacy and five-star hotel services in a sleepy 16th century seaside village in the south of Bahia.

This opened in May 2009 and has already hosted 11 world-famous supermodels and photographer Terry Richardson during the 2010 Pirelli Calendar shoot, as well as well-known Brazilian socialites and celebrities. Uxua, which in local native Pataxó Indian language means “marvelous,” is under the ownership and direction of long-time Diesel Creative Director Wilbert Das, who launched the project as a tribute to the area of southern Bahia which he loves.

Over three years, Wilbert tapped Colonial, indigenous, and Afro-Bahian histories, arts and customs, and collaborated with local artisans using traditional building methods and recycled materials.

Textiles, art, crafts, furniture and structural fabrications from repurposed woods and scrap iron were sourced locally.

Flowers, spices and fruits from overgrown gardens grace guest rooms and tables.

Menus include the catch of the day with a Bahian flair, with local dishes being the emphasis, but also complimented by foods from other regions of this vast country with a taste of Mediterranean fusion mixed in.

A selection of international wines and spirits is available along with Uxua’s inventive list of hundreds of tropical drinks and cocktails.

Each casa has an indoor/outdoor living room, a gourmet kitchen, one to three bedrooms with en suite bath.

The lake-like swimming pool is crafted from 40,000 pebbles of green aventurine quartz thought to have healing properties.

The design scheme throughout the property reflects Trancoso’s past. Three of Uxua’s casas are restorations, having been among the 50 small houses Jesuit missionaries built in 1586, and placed around a village green carved out of the rainforest and facing a small village church on a hilltop overlooking the sea.

The Jesuits designed this to be a utopian community to bring indigenous peoples to a state of grace, a history that was largely forgotten until the late 1970s when hippies and naturalists began rediscovering the Atlantic marshes and rainforest along Trancoso’s 24-kilometer, eight-beach coastline.

Dining at Uxua features organically sourced Bahian fusion cuisine served at the poolside or beachfront restaurants.

A full-service spa features indoor and outdoor treatment rooms and an array of treatments utilizing locally sourced ingredients.

The gym offers yoga and pilates, but also instruction in capoeira and local dances taught to individual guests or in small groups, with instruction provided exclusively by local, native instructors.

A rustic Beach Lounge is a five-minute walk from the casas.

Rates per casa, per night start from $541 during low season (March through November) and $706 during high season (December through February).

Guests fly into Sao Paolo, Salvador, or Rio, and connect via numerous national and international airlines with multiple direct daily flights to Porto Seguro, where a scenic 45-minute drive through beautiful Bahian landscape brings them to the southern Bahian coast, Trancoso and Uxua.

For reservations or more information, call 55 73 3668-2277 or visit www.uxua.com

Relais & Châteaux announced its newest members at its annual Congress in Biarritz, France.

A total of 31 properties have been accepted, bringing the total membership in the travel association to 475 members in 57 countries.

Five of the newest Relais & Châteaux members are hotels located in North America — Windham Hill, in West Townshend, Vt.; Trout Point Lodge of Nova Scotia, Canada; Esperanza, in Cabo San Lucas, Mexico; Hôtel St. Germain, in Dallas, Texas; and Sonora Resort in British Columbia, Canada.

In addition, current member Hôtel Le Toiny, in St. Barthélemy, was named a Grand Chef Relais & Châteaux.

The addition this year of the Hôtel St. Germain in Dallas, along with Hotel Raphael in Rome and The Connaught in London, represents a shift in strategy for Relais & Châteaux, which traditionally has had its roots in country hotel properties.

The association is in the process of identifying additional hotels in locations such as Los Angeles, Boston and Chicago as part of an initiative to expand its presence in cities worldwide.

In addition to the North American properties, other new Relais & Châteaux members include 17 properties in Europe, two in Africa, five in Asia, one in South America, and one in Australia.

Three countries, Hungary, Macao and Taiwan, are newly represented this year.

Additionally, four of the 21 members have been awarded the title of Grands Chefs Relais & Châteaux. All members are listed in the newly published 2010 Guide, which has been enhanced this year to include a section dedicated to family travel, highlighting activities for children.

For more information, visit www.relaischateaux.com

The Athenaeum, the luxury property located in London’s Mayfair, is offering a 299 pound (approximately $500) per night weekend rate for a Friday-Saturday-Sunday night stay in its apartments.

These exclusive rates are subject to availability and valid every weekend until the end of January. One-bedroom apartments at The Athenaeum are usually priced at 750 pounds per night.

Travelers to London, whether it be families on vacation or couples wanting a romantic getaway, can enjoy the elegance and privacy of an exclusive London residence as well as the full services of a five-star hotel at the tastefully appointed Apartments at The Athenaeum. Linked to the hotel by a private corridor, the apartments offer guests all the facilities of the five-star property: concierge and housekeeping service, a fully-equipped health club, free WiFi and complimentary snacks from the mini-bar, a restaurant serving quintessentially English cuisine as well as the relaxing Garden Room (perfect setting for afternoon tea and light snacks) and the Whisky Room.

The 34 luxury apartments, set in an Edwardian mansion block, are decorated in two distinct styles.

The Classic British Collection consists of apartments designed in a classically British fashion, while the apartments in the Modern British Collection are all individual and unique.

Their decor ranges from cool contemporary to sumptuously seductive.

To make a booking or get more information, use GDS Code YX, call 800-335-3300

or visit www.athenaeumhotel.com

VisitEngland, the newly-created international tourism body for England, is launching its new campaign, Inn England to recognise and celebrate one of the country’s most important National Treasures, the English pub.

This year, the great English pub won the Outstanding Contribution to Tourism Award at the Enjoy England Awards for Excellence, further cementing the important role Inns and Pubs play in the country.

Celebrated chef, Rob Rees (The Cotswold Chef), is visiting Australia to launch this new initiative, in his capacity as Board Member of VisitEngland.

Partnering with The Publican, the leading trade publication for licensees and their pubs, VisitEngland have built a database of fine pubs and inns around the country, all available at www.innengland.com

 The goal is for ‘Inn England’ to become the ideal website for researching and finding pubs and inns across the country to compliment a day-trip, short break or even an afternoon walk!

Pubs and Inns provide more than food and drink. They are an integral part of the English way of life, the cornerstone of many local communities and a great way to discover more about the local way of life, whether it be the amazing local produce on offer on the menu, or the great walks in the area.

English pubs and inns play an important role for tourism in the country, becoming the unofficial ‘out-of-office-hours Tourism Information Centres’ at times and providing visitors with lots of information about the area, from the local history, to what attractions are nearby, to the best
walking route for exploring the surrounding countryside.

A true sense of the past lives on in the creaking timber frames, roaring fires and traditional ales, as locals and visitors alike charge their glasses and revel in England’s fine history. Inn England’s mission is to celebrate the opportunity traditional and refurbished pubs and inns provide for domestic and international visitors alike.

www.Innengland.com isn’t just about the pub – pubs and inns provide a starting point for great activities in the area such as walks, nearby attractions, amazing view points, unique destinations.

Search for a pub or inn by theme, from ‘Family Friendly’ to ‘Most scenic views’ to ‘Most Historic’ and build a day trip or holiday around it. Visitors to the site are also encouraged to rate the pubs and freehouses, leave comments, upload images or simply search for their favourite places.

A guide to England’s inns and pubs:

Family Friendly Dad wants a pint, mum wants a beautiful view and the kids want great fish & chips and lots of fun things to do in the vicinity – InnEngland.com has all of the above and more.

The Sun Inn in the heart of Hawkshead is a great base camp for hiking, biking and boating around the Lakes, while The White Swan in Yorkshire is ideally placed for exploring the Moors and Castle Howard. For amazing food, history and family friendly gardens all in one place, head to the Shave Cross Inn in Bridport, Dorset which has a play area, goldfish pond and a wishing well.

Best Views

There’s nothing quite like enjoying a great view, sitting in a beer garden with a drink in hand. The Prospect of Whitby in Wapping is not only one of London’s oldest pubs but also has terrific views, both from the popular terrace and little-known roof-top terrace! Head to the Riverside Inn in Aymestry, deep in the leafy Herefordshire countryside and watch the leaping trout, dragonflies and butterflies flittering about the dreamy River Lugg.

The South West of England is well-known for its stunning views, and some of these can be best enjoyed from the
Mariners, which sits on the north bank of the Camel River, opposite Padstow, or from the quayside terrace of The Maltsters Arms in Tuckenhay, Devon. 

Best for Food

Everyone loves the traditional pub grub combos; fish & chips, sausage & mash, yet now England’s pubs have diversified offering not only the old favourites but also exquisite gastronomic delights, earning many across the country Michelin stars.

The Three Fishes in Mitton, Lancashire has become a popular foodie destination with a range of delicious ingredients making even the humble ploughman’s lunch a culinary marvel.

Combining fine dining with casual drinking, head chef Tony Binks has nailed the gastropub concept at The Barrasford Arms in Hexham, Northumberland with slow roasted caramelised pork shoulder, black pudding and Calvados & sage jus.

Most Historic If it has ‘Olde’ in the name, it tends to be historic! Some great examples are Ye Olde Trip to Jerusalem in Nottingham, pouring pints since 1170 and Ye Olde Fighting Cocks in St Albans, both of which are contenders for the oldest boozers in England.

The Nushell in Bury St Edmunds is officially the smallest pub in Britain, home to the smallest dart board and snooker
table and ghosthunters reckon there are at least 20 spirits behind the bar at Ye Olde Man & Scythe in Bolton.

Publican award-winning pubs The Publican magazine knows a thing or two about pubs, and each year awards those inns and pubs that most deserve the recognition. This year saw pubs such as the Atlantic Inn on the Scilly Isles win for Best Newcomer, the Feathers Inn in Northumberland taking the prize for Best Food and Drink and Pub of Year 2009 going to the Royal Standard of
England in Buckinghamshire.

For more ‘inn’sider information, get ‘inn’volved at: www.innengland.com

‘THE ARTIST’S VILLA’ AMANYARA, TURKS & CAICOS

Already a firm favourite with the great and the good of the Art world, Amanyara continues to fine-tune its villa experience as a place to escape, recharge and create. Now set to raise the bar further, Amanyara has invited extraordinary artists – including legendary songwriter and producer, Nile Rodgers – to help create the new Artist’s Villa, complete with its very own private Recording Studio.

Nile Rodgers has written and produced a number of best-selling hits over his thirty-year career and worked with artists such as Madonna, Diana Ross, David Bowie, Mick Jagger, Duran Duran, B-52’s, Maroon 5 and his own band, Chic.

With these kind of artists – along with their families, friends and entourages in mind – Rodgers was commissioned to work in tandem with architect, Jean-Michel Gathy, to create a state-of-the-art Recording Studio and ‘Writing Room’ to provide artists with the environment and technology to channel their creativity.

And when the creative juices aren’t flowing, the Recording Studio cleverly functions as the villa’s own private Cinema and Library.

The Artist’s Villa also features a film library personally selected by Academy Award nominee, Salma Hayek, and an exceptional collection of artist monographs selected by Tate Modern Director, Vicente Todoli.

Similarly, artistic guests will have access to painting and drawing materials selected by contemporary artist, Vik Muniz, and to the villa’s Painting Deck situated on a private beach offering uninterrupted views across the Caribbean Sea.

Every detail has been carefully considered to craft a place that sets a new benchmark for a creative experience. Home to four magnificent master bedroom pavilions, a special family pavilion (designed to sleep four children and a nanny) and separate staff accommodation for your dedicated team of round-the-clock Aman Resorts staff,

The Artist’s Villa offers unbeatable living and entertaining space with highly personalized and apparently effortless service.

The villa has a private 36 metre long infinity pool constructed from black volcanic rock which is edged with a glorious 18 metre long day bed.
Expansive timber decks and terraces surround the villa with luxurious daybeds and private enclaves including a dedicated Yoga Pavilion and tropical garden masterminded by celebrated landscape architect, Douglas Reed.

Rates & Reservations:

Rates for the 5-bedroom Artist’s Villa start from US$ 10,400 per night – maximum  13 guests - inclusive of private airport transfers, non-motorised water sports, daily snorkel trips, use of tennis courts, equipment, and lessons, yoga classes, private bar (except spirits), afternoon tea, in-room wireless internet access and international telephone calls.

Guests booking a minimum of 4 nights receive complimentary full board, which can be enjoyed in your villa or the resort’s Restaurant or Beach Club.

For all enquiries contact Villa Manager, Jenny Angeles, on +1 649 941 8133
www.amanyaravillas.com

Spread over 99 acres along the coast of Northwest Point on Providenciales and protected by the surrounding National Park, Amanyara is a secluded island hideaway and offers the utmost in privacy, design and service.

Bold and contemporary in design and masterminded by architect, Jean Michel Gathy, Amanyara consists of 40 private guest ‘pavilions’ and 20 large estate ‘villas’ available to buy and rent.
Situated between a land nature reserve and a marine nature reserve, Amanyara has the feeling of a private island yet lies just 20 minutes drive from an international airport and numerous other resorts, restaurants and attractions.

Amanyara is the epitome of laid-back chic, with unparalleled service, design and guest experience. With its secluded white sand beach, dramatic ironshore rocky coves and abundant marine life on the surrounding coral reef, Amanyara offers some of the best diving and water sports in the world.

Resort facilities include: a dramatic 50-metre freshwater swimming pool constructed from Indonesian black volcanic rock; the library, with its reading terrace overlooking the grand reflecting pool; a fully equipped multimedia cinema offering 30 wide leather seats for viewing; Fitness Centre; Spa; Dive Centre, HarTru Tennis Courts and Beach Club.

‘A Pro-active Approach To Security’ was the very serious topic of discussion at this month’s inaugural Thought Leadership Forum, co-ordinated by strategic travel management company, Reed & Mackay.

Chaired by BBC security correspondent, Frank Gardner OBE, among the speakers was the president of Trident Hotels which includes the Oberoi Mumbai and head of aviation security for Virgin Atlantic.

Attended by over 80 directors and travel representatives from the world of finance, insurance, media, oil, shipping and law, to name just a few, the forum showcased the importance of traveller security and the policies and procedures that companies need to have in place.

Frank Gardner OBE introduced the event with a powerful statement on the current security state of the nation. By using terrorist examples he highlighted thatsecurity threats are constantly evolving and changing and that safety measures and checks therefore need to be regularly reviewed and updated.

He then introduced the first speaker, Rattan Keswani, president of Trident Hotels, a company which has first-hand knowledge of dealing with a disaster when the Oberoi Hotel Mumbai was the first of ten targets in a terrorist attack on the city on 26 November 2008. 10 gunmen stormed the hotel, set it aflame and held people hostage.

Mr Keswani reported on the challenges faced during the 60-hour siege that affected them, how the company has fared in the aftermath and the changes that Trident Hotels have implemented as a result. Whilst they had drills in place, huge investments have since been made in upgrading their security measures both in terms of equipment and training.

He concluded that terrorist incidents cannot be battled by single corporate organisations alone and that countries need to find more ways to gather and share intelligence focused on preventative counter terrorist measures instead of learning and adapting each time incidents happen.

Following on, Andy Blackwell, head of aviation security at Virgin Atlantic spoke on the importance of creating, implementing and regularly updating a Safety and Security Policy. He advised on “a hearts and minds proactive approach to safety and security to help deliver resilience, where everyone is responsible – from senior managers to front line staff. What’s more, this policy must be communicated as non-negotiable and demonstrated regularly.”

He instructed that the framework of such a policy will be influenced by regulation, but that it is important to exceed mandated standard where possible, retain a level of flexibility and should be formed by looking at future security predictions in addition to the existing threats.

A more sober topic also raised was the Corporate Manslaughter and Homicide Act 2007 and the implications that this had on UK companies. Fiona Gill, a partner for Davies Arnold Cooper LLP reported on the importance of an employers’ duty of care to their employee and the legal implications of not having a policy in place.

She warned that an organisation can be held accountable for an individual’s injury or death due to negligence whilst travelling on business and this can extend to individuals within a company where there has been consent, connivance or neglect of a director, managing secretary or other similar officer accountable for traveller safety.

This trend of wider corporate accountability is set to continue and the fines for a business are unlimited. She highlighted that regular risk assessments are therefore of utmost importance, ensuring advice is up-to-date and frequently communicated.

The forum culminated with a discussion on delivering smart messages with smart tools for travellers and accountable managers, which was led by Matthew Judge, group director of Anvil Group, a firm specialising in providing ‘Crisis Avoidance Services.’ He said a policy needs to be dynamic and there was a need for incident monitoring and, just as importantly, a filter to sanitise what is communicated to the traveller. Faultless, fast response times can provide employees with useful alerts and reports.

Mr Judge offered an insight into where the industry is heading by looking at future technology and effective ways of monitoring, tracking and communicating incidents and threats which may impact a traveller. This helps minimise operational risk and assists corporations with compliance of ‘duty of care’ obligations.

The forum finished with a question and answer session and panel debate, the final close addressing the question of whether corporate travel is becoming more dangerous. Both Mr Keswani from Trident Hotels and Mr Blackwell from Virgin Atlantic gave a reassuring response that with more sharing of information from government and travel partners, travel is becoming safer.

Summing up, Richard Boardman, CEO of Reed & Mackay who organised the event said, “we believe we are leaders in the pro-active management of travel and with our Incident Management Unit our aim is to pre-empt any situation and inform travellers with a solution before they are inconvenienced.

Operating this wholly owned service 24 hours a day, using information from key trusted partners, we strive to continually improve through innovative solutions that will better support the safety needs of our travellers.”

For further information or a comment from the CEO or Director of Reed & Mackay contact Emily Hickson on 020 7246 3333.

For further information on corporate business travel with Reed & Mackay visit www.reedmac.com

Alpine365, the fresh and exciting, independent chalet company, has added a boutique chalet to its portfolio for the forthcoming winter season.

Based in the picturesque Peisey-Nancroix area of Les Arcs, Chalet Le Passeu is an 18th century alpine farmhouse that has been beautifully renovated into a stunning, boutique ski chalet for up to 16 people.

With 6 large, contemporary ensuite bedrooms, including the original ‘cave’ that has been lovingly renovated into a ground floor bedroom, Alpine365’s Chalet Le Passeu maintains many of its traditional features, curved ceilings and quirky alcoves, whilst offering everything you’d expect of comfortable, modern living.

The top floor has a huge open plan living and dining area with floor to ceiling windows and a balcony with fantastic views of the Rosuel valley.

The chalet offers sumptuous under-floor heating, heated towel rails in every bathroom, a wood burner and heated ski room. In addition, a 42” TV, Sky, free wifi plus use of the chalet laptop, Nintendo Wii, DVDs and plenty of games and books, will keep guests entertained in the evenings.

With its original Chalet Epicea in the La Plagne village of Les Coches, Alpine365 now offers catered chalet holidays in both La Plagne and Les Arcs. Both chalets are situated at either end of the Vanoise Express, the impressive cable car that links both resorts to form the Paradiski.

Guests therefore have direct and easy access to one of the largest lift-accessible ski resorts in the world, with its 425kms of piste, 2 snow-parks, 2 glaciers, 5 boarder crosses and 2 half-pipes.

Duncan & Toorna Salmon, a husband and wife team, established Alpine365 in 2008 and because the company is an independent, owner-run business, the couple is able to dedicate their time to giving guests a personalised and flexible service.

Duncan Salmon comments, “If guests want a surprise cake and balloons for a birthday, we sort it. If they fancy a day off skiing to go shopping – easy, we run them down in our 4×4. Last year, we organised an Easter Egg hunt around the chalet, and let the seven children that were staying run all over the place. It was hilarious watching them and the parents loved it too.

“In all jobs, it’s obviously important to give customers an efficient and attentive service.

But even more so in the chalet holiday industry, because you are inviting people into your home, giving them a fabulous dinner party each night and looking after their every need.

There are many amazing luxury chalets in the French Alps, but if you don’t have great staff, it can let down your whole holiday experience.”

And of course no chalet holiday can be complete without the dining experience, and Alpine365 holidays come with 4-course dinners, home-cooked afternoon tea, and wholesome breakfasts.

Duncan Salmon concludes, “Toorna & I actually spent our honeymoon on a gourmet cooking course, so we’re really keen cooks! It’s really satisfying for us when guests compliment the food and badger us for the recipes. We’ve even had several groups of guests giving us a round of applause at the end of the week!”

Alpine365 holidays come with an owner-run service for complete flexibility and a personalised service, 4 course gourmet dining with quality wines, courtesy lifts in the company 4×4, ski hire delivered to the chalet, in-chalet massage and in-chalet childcare.

Prices for a week’s catered ski holiday at Chalet Le Passeu are between £330-£725pp. For bookings or more information, visit www.alpine365.co.uk

History lovers and intrepid travellers can celebrate the life and death of one of the most influential men in history – Napoleon Bonaparte – on a new voyage introduced by St Helena Line to the far-flung South Atlantic Island of St Helena on one of the world’s last working Royal Mail Ships – the RMS St Helena (www.rms-st-helena.com/napoleon-tour  0207 575 6480).

The 21-day cultural voyage costing from £2,934 per person will head to the fascinating island of St Helena where Napoleon was exiled until he died in 1821.

Departing Cape Town on 24 October 2010, the voyage will be led by Oxford University lecturer Christopher Danziger – a renowned expert of the Napoleonic era.

Through a diverse programme of lectures, discussion and tours, Christopher will offer passengers an exclusive insight into Napoleon, exposing secrets and facts about the powerful Frenchman and his time on St Helena.

One of the world’s most remote locations – situated 1,200-miles from the nearest landmass – it’s no surprise that in 1815, St Helena was deemed secure enough to retain the influential, historical figure.

After a relaxing five-day voyage on board the RMS, passengers will spend eight days, from 30th October, on St Helena where the knowledge guests have gained on the Ship will come to life on the Island through an exclusive series of tours and visits.

Highlights include Longwood House, which is where Napoleon lived until his death and is arguably one of the finest Napoleonic museums in the world – showcasing fascinating artefacts – and Napoleon’s Tomb. Located just outside the Island’s capital, Jamestown, Napoleon is rumoured to have selected his final resting place on one of his many strolls around the spectacular landscapes of his island ‘prison’. Napoleon’s remains were moved to Paris in 1840 but the tomb still marks the spot that he selected.

The 128-berth RMS is a unique blend of cargo vessel and passenger ship and acts as a valuable life-line to the four thousand plus residents, locally known as ‘Saints’, residing on St Helena.

The intimate travel experience can be shared with all manner of unusual things! Islanders rely on the Ship to bring back everything from food supplies, windmill sails to goats!

The price includes two nights’ accommodation in Cape Town, the voyage on the RMS, based on two sharing a twin berth cabin (T2H) on A Deck, all meals onboard and accommodation on St Helena.

A programme of specially themed lectures, tours and talks is also included. Return flights to Cape Town are excluded.

For more information on St Helena visit www.sthelenatourism.com