Jetsettersblog

Prana Holidays releases the results of its survey of clients and their top ten tips when choosing a yoga retreat.

Top ten tips for choosing your yoga retreat

1. Know what you want from your yoga holiday.

This may sound simple but knowing what you actually want to get out of your yoga holiday as opposed to what you think you should get out of your holiday are completely different. Remember it is a holiday, so a visit to India to spend two weeks at an Ashram in silence may sound a good idea on a hectic Monday morning and for a lot of people it is a great choice, but, if after three days you are longing for a glass of wine and a chat, then maybe a more relaxed yoga beach retreat is for you.

2. Understand the type or types of yoga being taught

There are many different type of yoga and it is important to understand what will be taught on the retreat you are attending. If you are particularly interested in the sport and physical side of yoga then Ashtanga or Power yoga maybe what you are looking for. If you prefer the meditation and relaxation, a Hatha yoga retreat could be your thing.

Before booking any retreat, make sure you know what style is being taught as a week on the wrong retreat could be an expensive mistake.

3. Speak to the teacher

An important but often overlooked aspect of enjoying a yoga holiday is the rapport you have with the teacher. Before booking, why not give them a call and have a chat? You will find out the style of yoga, how they teach and what the teacher expects from people attending their retreat.

Most often this is a great way of knowing what to expect, what to bring and who else is attending. At worst, you will find out that the retreat is not for you and you have saved yourself a lot of time and money.

4. Learn about the country you are visiting

If the yoga retreat you are attending is outside of your own country, do a bit of reading up before you leave on local culture and history. This will help you understand the etiquette at meal times, what you are expected or not expected to wear and help when speaking to your hosts about their country. Not only will this make things easier for you on arrival, it will show to your hosts that you have a respect and understanding of their ways.

5. Forget the mobile phone

This not only applies to yoga retreats but travel in general. The idea is to get away from the stress and strains of everyday life, so why are you packing them up to bring with you? Forget the mobile phone (and don’t even consider the laptop!). People survived for thousands of years without them. If people really want to get in contact with you, they will. Leave the number of the place you are staying with a friend or relative in case of emergency.

This is a retreat so do just that and retreat from the stress of everyday life.

6. Give yourself time

Your retreat should begin the moment you leave the house. Enjoy the journey.

This means having travel arrangements with enough flexibility that you do not have to worry about delays, cancellations and detours.

These things can and do happen so build time in to your travel plans. If it means a bit more time in an airport, then this is a great chance to read that book you keep meaning to.

If you arrive at your destination early, then use that time to explore the area and meet the locals. Once again, enjoy the journey!

7. Check the room types

Yoga retreats vary in what room types they have on offer. Some only have shared rooms or dormitories, others can offer single rooms with en suite facilities. Make sure you know what room type you have booked and whether you will be sharing. Sharing a room is a great way to make new friends but is not for everyone. Most retreats offer the chance to pay a supplement for a guaranteed single room.

8. Location, location, location

On the beach, in the mountains or a village location? If self catering, a yoga retreat miles from anywhere may mean hiring a car and a lot of trips to the supermarket. A yoga retreat in the mountains may mean steep steps, while a beach retreat may be busy with holidaymakers. Think about where you are taking your yoga holiday and which will best suit your needs.

9. What’s included in the price?

Yoga retreats range from self catering to all inclusive. Important things to know are;
What meals and drinks are included?
How many lessons are there each day?
Are transfers to the retreat included?
What toiletries and bed linen are needed?
If you don’t know or are unsure if something is included, then ask. A yoga retreat or agent will be able to tell you everything you need to know.

10. Responsible Travel

All holidays, including yoga holidays and retreats have positive and negative impacts locally and globally. Responsible travel should maximise the benefits and minimises the negative effects of tourism.

The following are some tips on travelling responsibly:

Plan your route to minimise carbon emissions – travel by train and public transport where possible, and minimise internal flights
Minimise flying time and stopovers – the worst carbon emissions are emitted during take off and landing. For the flights that you cannot avoid, offset the carbon.
Remove all excess packaging before you leave and recycle whatever is possible – waste disposal is difficult in remote places and developing countries.

Buy local produce in preference to imported goods and when meals are not included, use local restaurants and cafes rather than large hotel restaurants.
Do not buy products made from endangered species, hard woods or ancient artefacts.

Respect local cultures, traditions and holy places – if in doubt ask advice.
Use public transport, hire a bike or walk when convenient – it’s a great way to meet local people on their terms and reduce pollution and carbon emissions.
Use water sparingly – its very precious in many countries and tourists tend to use far more than local people.

About Prana Holidays

Prana Holidays is a yoga holiday and adventure holiday operator. Based in Northumberland, they offer a wide range of holidays around the world, as well as being able to tailor-make trips.

Full details are on the website, http://www.pranaholidays.com  or they can be contacted on 01670 828521

Alice Springs Helicopters has won the Australian Export Small Business Award for 2009.

The Australian Export Awards is a national awards program which recognizes and honours export excellence through innovation and commitment.

The Export Awards are an opportunity for businesses of all sizes within all industries to be recognised by their peers and the community as Australia’s leading exporters in their field.

Established in 1992, Alice Springs Helicopters is the leading provider of helicopter charters & touring in Central Australia. The company has been exporting its services since 2003 and offers superior service, local knowledge and the ability to tour at the most remote of locations.

The Australian Export Award judges were impressed by the company’s diverse product offering as well as its commitment to achieve the highest possible industry standards. Alice Springs Helicopters is the first, and currently the only, helicopter operator in Australia to achieve Advanced Eco-Certified touring accreditation.

Alice Springs Helicopters actively supports the local community with working partnerships for the growing Indigenous tourism market.

Further to our environmental and sustainable tourism commitments Alice Springs Helicopters is installing a Photo Voltaic solar power system on the roof of their terminal to generate electricity.

The judges also noted the strong focus on marketing strategies which include partnership marketing and trade event participation as well as strong connections with state and national tourism bodies.

\Australian school-children will gain ‘Living Lessons’ with the new G-E-T Educational Tours Korea program released recently. G-E-T is Australia’s top educational tour company with over fifty year’s experience of running educational tour programs to countries all over the world.

Last week the Sydney office of Korea Tourism Organization hosted a ‘Korean Tourism & Cultural Evening’ for around seventy New South Wales school principals to promote the new tour programs and encourage more school-children to travel to Korea on educational tour programs.

Korea Tourism Organization’s Auditor-General Mr. Won-hyung Lee who was the special guest from Korea on the night said in his address ‘We greatly appreciate the interest from principals and teachers from New South Wales Secondary Schools in Korea and I am sure you will all agree that these school exchange programs between Australia and Korea are very valuable for the mutual benefit of both our countries’.

The G-E-T ‘Korea tour program’ will allow students to be introduced to modern and ancient Korea and experience everyday Korean life and be totally immersed in the culture and language.

The children will be able to enjoy many hands-on experiences like Korean language lessons, making Korea’s iconic national dish of kimchi, school and home visits and much more.

The Korea tour program starts from an all inclusive $2,099 per person including airfares, six nights multi-share accommodation, most meals,

Korean language lessons and evening performances and visits to home and schools.

For more information on the G-E-T Educational Korea tour program contact G-E-T Educational Tours by email: info@getours.com.au  Ph: 1300-660-825 or in Sydney email: syd@getours.com.au  or Ph: 02)9221-5911

Australia’s favourite theme parks Warner Bros. Movie World, Sea World and Wet’n’Wild Water World are heating-up this summer with the addition of exciting new shows, entertainment and rides for the whole family! And the best way for locals to experience all of the fun and excitement of summer is with a QLD VIP Pass!

Kasey Chambers, Poppa Bill and The Little Hillbillies LIVE at Movie World:

Kasey Chambers, Poppa Bill and The Little Hillbillies will be performing LIVE at Movie World these holidays! From Monday 28 December to Sunday 3 January, Movie World’s Show Stage will feature two live performances daily from the Multi-ARIA award winner and her family. Featuring songs from her new album, ‘Kasey Chambers, Poppa Bill and the Little Hillbillies’, the shows are included in the daily admission price!

Sea Viper Arrives at Sea World:

Remember everyone’s favourite rollercoaster, the Corkscrew? Well, we’ve given it a makeover to deliver an all new ride experience ….. Hang on to the edge of your seat in the new Sea Viper coaster – with exciting new low profile carriages, you’ll experience thrills on the triple loop-the-loop track like never before. Survive Sea Viper at Sea World this summer! Opening Christmas 2009

Kid’s New Years Eve at Wet’n’Wild:

Don’t miss this year’s most splashtacular New Year’s Eve Party at Wet’n’Wild. The day-long celebration will include a special Dive’n’Movie screening, as well as a host of entertainment, music and activities for the whole family. Entertain the kids with funny face painting, karaoke and fun competitions.

Wet’n’Wild will also continue with the tradition of turning the clocks forward three hours at 5pm so families with young children can celebrate the New Year at 9pm. All of the New Year’s Eve festivities are included in normal admission to the Park.

The Ultimate Summer at Wet’n’Wild:

Experience the ultimate summer at Wet’n’Wild! With live performances from Kate Alexa, the ‘Fujifilm Face of Summer’ model search plus live cricket matches and ‘GO’ showing on the big screen and Dive’n’Movies every night from December 27 to January 25. There’s so much to do you’ll bring the family back again’n’again!

The Best Value This Summer:

The best way to experience all of the exciting new shows, entertainment and rides is with a QLD VIP Pass which offers locals from Queensland and Northern New South Wales UNLIMITED entry to Movie World, Sea World and Wet’n’Wild until 30 June 2010* for just $99.95. Visit MyFun.com.au^ or call 133 FUN^ (133 386), or buy direct at Sea World, Warner Bros. Movie World or Wet’n’Wild Water World Ticket Booths.

Sea World Resort & Water Park

Reward yourself and your family these holidays and stay in a new Deluxe Room at Sea World Resort & Water Park.

Offering a mixture of king, double, queen and family suite configurations, the new Deluxe Rooms are ideal for all guests who seek added luxury during their stay.

Also don’t miss the festive celebrations with special Christmas Day and New Years Eve feasts!

* Conditions apply. Valid for entry to Warner Bros. Movie World, Sea World and Wet’n’Wild Water World.

Admission price does not apply to children under three years of age and includes QLD residents and NSW residents with a postcode between 2450 – 2490.

Pass must be activated with-in thirty days of purchase date. $3.95 booking fee applies per transaction through myfun.com.au and $4.95 booking fee applies per transaction through 133 FUN.

Chuan Spa at Langham Place, Mongkok, Hong Kong has been named Asia’s best men’s spa at the 2009 AsiaSpa Awards.

The much-coveted title received tough competition from world-renowned spas in Hong Kong, Macau, Malaysia, Fiji, Thailand, Singapore, Philippines and China.

To celebrate this success, the spa has launched The Chuan Man treatment paying tribute to masculinity. The 90 minute treatment uses techniques inspired by Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) to balance Qi (energy flow), detoxify and relax.

The treatment commences with a 45 minute five-element full-body traditional Chinese massage using acupressure to stimulate energy. This is followed by a 15 minute TCM stress releasing treatment where warm bolus made from rice, peppermint and cloves are applied to male stress locators (typically the neck, back and shoulder areas). The package is completed with a 30 minute myofascial facial specifically designed for a man’s bone structure and complexion. The treatment is available at HK$1,350.

Chuan Spa also features a decadent area exclusively for men on the 41st floor of the hotel with floor to ceiling glass windows.

The area allows men to relax before or after their treatment with a tri-bathing ritual which includes an oriental hot tub, a herbal steam room, sauna and onsen showers.

Reservations can be made by phoning 3552 3510 or emailing hkg.lph.chuanspa@langhamhotels.com

For more information on Chuan Spa and Langham Place, Mongkok, Hong Kong visit:
www.chuanspa.com
http://hongkong.langhamplacehotels.com

W Hotels Worldwide, the hotel category buster and industry innovator with 10 years of proven success, will triple its footprint by 2011, adding to the current W hotels in America, Europe, Middle East and Africa, a host of sizzling destinations in Asia, offering more WOW now.

Inspiring, iconic, innovative and influential, W Hotels provides the ultimate in insider access.

Each hotel offers a unique mix of sophisticated design, luxe life, comfort and cultural influences from fashion to music, pop culture to art and everything in between.

Wish no more as all hotels within the W portfolio are unique and individual expressions of modern travel and stylish living, featuring world-class cuisine, destination bars and signature spas.

Building on the success already established in Asia with W Retreat & Spa – Maldives, W Seoul Walkerhill and W Hong Kong, W will introduce a host of new properties guaranteed to wow, woo, and wink their way onto the hot list of any travel afficiando.

W Retreat & Spa – Koh Samui (Spring 2010)
Sunshine, spice and everything nice – that’s what W Retreat Koh Samui is made of. This heavenly haven in the Gulf of Thailand is resplendent with charm from the swaying hammocks, epicurean tastings, to its turquoise water and pristine beaches.

Surrounded by lush foliage, the secluded villas are miles away from the everyday, with all of W’s signature pampering at your fingertips. Start up your day or wind it down with ease at The Kitchen Table. Who wants to get Wet®? Chill poolside with fruity cocktails and light meals or set the mood for the night by listening to DJ-spun tunes at the Living Room. Chefs from signature restaurant, Namu, will weave their magic and wow your taste buds with the freshest ingredients and culinary masterpieces. Indulge in modern luxury amid spectacular nature at W Retreat Koh Samui, where the living is easy.

W Retreat & Spa Bali – Seminyak (Fall 2010)
It’s time to achieve a higher state of consciousness. And where better to reach a state of zen than the W Retreat & Spa – Bali, where the mundane is a myth and lush tropics, sparkling waters and pure white sands are the utopian reality.

The fairy tale begins in W Bali’s 232 guestrooms and villas with spectacular views, where stylish designs meet traditional architecture.

From the signature W bed, lush robes or state-of-the-art entertainment system of W Bali, wishful thinking is a thing of the past.

W Guangzhou Hotel & Residences (Winter 2010)

Canton capers and eclectic escapades await at W Guangzhou amid old Chinese opera stages, charming dim sum teahouses and dusty curio shopes.

Aglow with cosmopolitan soul in the heart of Guangzhou’s Zhujiang New Town, an extension of Guangzhou’s Tianhe CBD district featuring luxury retail malls, cultural center, museum, opera house, public parks, hotels and grade A offices, the 320-room hotel and 167 serviced apartments of W Guangzhou will be a sparkling addition to one of Asia’s most dynamic cities.

Customary Chinese etiquette will meet W’s signature sleek designs at W Guangzhou, creating a chic ambience where syle connoissuers indulge in all things lavish.

With Away Spa and SWEAT fitness center to the wish-fulfilling Whatever/Whenever service, W Guangzhou is set to take Southern China by storm.

W Bangkok (2011)

It’s time to say Sa-WOW-dee Kaa to the fabulous W Bangkok. Located in the city’s prestigious and pulsating commercial district, W Bangkok will be incorporated in the Russian Embassy building, a stylish icon of Asian bliss. For the spiciest of what Bangkok has to offer, whether it is savory Thai cuisine in the world-class restaurants or its chili-hot nightlife, W Bangkok will undoubtedly become the new playground for ambassadors, jet setters, and fashionistas. If you prefer your experience to be a little milder, then indulge in a relaxing spa experience followed by a cocktail in the always vibrant Living Room where you can mix, mingle and play all day.

W Shanghai – The Bund (2014)

Towering above one of the world’s most stylish streets in Shanghai North Bund, W Shanghai – The Bund, is the epitome of city wonder. With its spectacular Huangpu River views, frenetic nightlife, celebrated restaurants and achingly cool boutiques, W Shanghai – The Bund will have you saying Ni Hao and oh WOW to saucy, sassy Shanghai.

Escape from the urban jungle to one of the 600 rooms and suites set in Shanghai style and recharge your batteries in the spa or snuggle up for a snooze in the W signature bed.

When you are ready to take on the chaos of this vibrant city, refuel with some tantalizing bites in the world-class restaurants and remember Whatever/Whenever , the award-winning service unique to W, is designed to fulfill your every need.

70 km of unrivalled corduroy, 26 modern lifts and season long snow thanks to the vast range of snow making facilities – Wildschönau deep in the Kitzbüheler Alps is the ideal spot to learn to ski or brush up those techniques.

City Ski

The delightfully unspoilt Wildschönau region seems a million miles away from the hustle and bustle of city life. Not so much how skiing used to be, but how it should be – where modern technology and tradition go hand in hand – traditional Tirolean villages effortlessly blended with modern infrastructure and state of the art snow making facilities.

What’s more, city living really is moments away, with Innsbruck 45 minutes from the doorstep and from Salzburg and Munich just an accessible 90 minutes by road.

Small is beautiful

Last season, Wildschönau was awarded ‘Small but Unrivalled’ category in an anonymous ski resort test carried out across the Alps by the ADAC (German Automobile Association).

Easy as one, two, three!

The Wildschönau Valley offers a special package for beginners, including lessons, ski hire and lift pass from just € 207 for two whole days of winter fun, with one day’s ski school for rusty legs from € 49.50.

Wildschönau is popular with freestyle skiers and ski tourers too. The Wildschönau Ski Pass or the Kitzbühel Alps Pass is available at all lift stations and there is also an abundance of winter trails for snow shoeing, tobogganing and sleigh rides. There’s even a winter high rope course to tackle!

Further information: Wildschönau Tourism, 6311 Wildschönau, Tel: +43 5339 82550, E-Mail: info@wildschoenau.com ; www.wildschoenau.com

Cap Juluca will reopen and manage on Dec. 19 Anguilla’s first and only golf course, a $50 million creation of Greg Norman, the Temenos Golf Course.

The reopening of the course was made possible by a recent management agreement between Cap Juluca and Flag Luxury Properties Anguilla, the owner of the course and developer of Temenos.

The 7,063-yard championship course was designed by golf legend Greg Norman and first opened in 2006.

It offers dramatic elevation changes, water features on 13 holes and, with the help of Cap Juluca’s brand of hospitality this season, one of the finest golf experiences in the Caribbean.

Located at the Temenos development just a few minutes’ drive from Cap Juluca, the Temenos Golf Course will be open for the 2009-2010 season and will be managed by Cap Juluca.

For the 2009-2010 season the greens fee for a round of 18 holes during peak times will be $225 per person. Discounted greens fees will be offered for twilight tee times, and to citizens and longtime permanent residents of Anguilla and St. Maarten.

Call 888-858-5822 or visit www.capjuluca.com

Hotel Mocking Bird Hill, Jamaica’s No.1 eco boutique hotel is delighted to be celebrating Terra Madre Day organised by the Slow Food Movement on Thursday 10th December 2010.

Its acclaimed restaurant Mille Fleurs, praised by The Guardian & voted winner of Jamaica’s Best Kept Secret by the Jamaica Observer, will be serving a fine array of 14 scrumptious local Jamaican-style tapas style dishes including:

Tuna Ceviche with Scotch Bonnet Papaya Salsa, Goat Chops with Guava and Tamarind sauce, Green Banana Mussa (cooked mashed Bananas with Coconut Milk and Baccalà), Hemp Crust Pizza with Ackee & Saltfish or Callaloo & Cheese.

The tapas will be accompanied by a selection of refreshing liqueurs made from Sorrel, Pimento, Orange & Blue Mountain Coffee.

Dishes will be co-presented by Ma Maybelle, a Jamaica Cultural Development Commission prize-winner for her glorious Sweet Potato desserts and homemade wines. Together we will be illustrating how locally-grown organic ingredients such as Cassava provide a sustainable income to many of the growers and producers in the area.

Unlike many eco-resorts the hotel believes that holiday dining should be more than canteen-style food;

rather, a celebration of healthy local dishes sourced from the community that are brought up to date through a fusion of cooking styles which result in unexpected taste sensations.

An example of this is the hotel’s widely acclaimed Cassava pasta served with Dasheen Heart & Roasted Jackfruit Seed Pesto! This is not just wonderful in taste but perfect for those who are gluten intolerant.

Hotel Mocking Bird Hill’s ethos is to help develop a sustainable local economy in Jamaica’s lush North East district of Portland, in which tourism benefits all members of the local community. Rather than creating a kitchen that depends on imported food stuffs with all the extra fossil fuel miles and unnecessary plastic packaging that all these ingredients bring with them, here guests & diners are able to indulge guiltlessly.

Barbara Walker, Co-Owner of Hotel Mocking Bird Hill said:

“Celebrating Terra Madre Day in the week that the Copenhagen Environment Summit commences is the very least we can do to celebrate the fruits of labour and the soil that creates it. It is our special opportunity to highlight, both here in Jamaica and in the outside world that locally sourced ingredients, cooked creatively with care, are the future in helping to grow local sustainable economies.

For Jamaica to continue to be a tourist destination and grow as a nation, it is vital that we compete creatively utilising our own resources, utilising the island’s land type & climate, rather than attempting to copy different lands with very different soils & climates.”

info@hotelmockingbirdhill.com  | Skype: Mockingbirdees
Website: www.hotelmockingbirdhill.com

Here’s an exciting opportunity to get a little further off the beaten path in Latin America.

This tour presents irrefutable proof that there is a lot more to see and do in Argentina than visit Patagonia! Once home to a thriving Incan population, Northern Argentina has enjoyed the prosperity that came with being located in the spectacular Rio Grande Valley.

The area is part of the famous Camino Inca (Inca Trail) and a major trade and cultural route between Buenos Aires, Bolivia and Peru.

The tour starts with three days of glorious downhill riding as cyclists come down from a 10,000 foot perch in Salta. Travelers will pedal through lush valleys, stopping to explore Incan ruins, deserts, cloudforest, and wine country.

The grand finale is a ride through the twisted and dazzling geological formations of Quebrada de las Conchas.

Dates: May 2-9, 2010.

Cost is $3,350 including use of a quality 24-27 speed bicycle;

Shuttle to and from Salta airport, 7 nights accommodation, 7 breakfasts, 2 packed lunches, and 5 dinners with wine including a special “finca” visit.

www.ExperiencePlus.com