Jetsettersblog

A Romantic Version Of Madness? June 18-20, 2010

Hairy, club-carrying and forest dwelling, the wild man or woodwose is a familiar figure in medieval art and literature, typically found in church architecture and in medieval manuscripts.

The wild man first appears in the Babylonian Epic of Gilgamesh where the monstrous Enkidu derives his strength from being part man and part animal and like his more famous contemporary the Green Man, the wild man has been adopted by neo-Pagans as evidence of pre-Christian mythology and beliefs.

Norfolk and Suffolk, in particular, reveal numerous portrayals of this mediaeval imagining and are where this 3 day tour is based; this mysterious part man (sometimes female), part beast figure is found in churches and historic houses throughout the region. Having been captured in fishermens’ nets and brought into church, the 12th century wild man of Orford (Suffolk) apparently showed no signs of reverence or belief.

In the mediaeval world, the wild man appears to have been used as a romantic version of madness (Lancelot and St John the Baptist were often compared to wild men) and as a vivid reminder of the potential for chaos in a time so preoccupied with order and religion.

Under the expert guidance of Mary Dicken MA (Oxon), DipEd, ACE will seek out the wild man in the ancient woodland of Wyken Hall, owned by the Carlisle family and with a private drinks reception with Sir Kenneth and Lady Carlisle.

These woods have a strong association with the wild men stories.

Other highlights include a visit to the historic market town of Aylsham and Blickling Hall (reputed birthplace of Anne Boleyn), sailing on a traditional Norfolk broads yacht to Potter Heigham and a visit to 12th century Orford Castle.

Cost of £390pp includes: accommodation based on sharing a twin or double room, drinks reception, breakfast, dinner and one lunch, excursions and admissions (except at English Heritage properties).

Not included: travel insurance, single room supplement £40.

More information ACE Study Tours,

01223 835055,

www.acestudytours.co.uk

In Ras Al Khaimah, UAE

Banyan Tree Al Wadi is launching on 1 January 2010 in Ras Al Khaimah, United Arab Emirates and will be the first luxury desert resort in the UAE to offer an all-pool villa concept.

Asian-inspired hydrotherapy spa facilities, an 18-hole golf course, a private beach club, as well as a dedicated nature reserve within the resort grounds will also be on offer.

Set in the tranquil Wadi Khadeja, a protected nature reserve, Banyan Tree Al Wadi is 45 minutes from Dubai and just a short drive from the vibrant Ras Al Khaimah city centre. The resort will feature 70 pool villas and 31 tented pool villas, all with uninterrupted views of the desert and each with a private pool set in enclosed gardens.

The tented pool villa also features a dedicated spa treatment room complete with an outdoor shower.

The award-winning Banyan Tree Spa features 10 treatment pavilions and a hydrothermal circuit with a hammam and vitality pool.

Guests can enjoy signature Asian-inspired massages delivered by therapists trained at the Banyan Tree Spa Academy in Phuket, Thailand.

The resort features five restaurants and bars, from contemporary Thai cuisine and Southeast Asian specialties at the signature Saffron restaurant to exotic cocktails by the beach club.

Banyan Tree Al Wadi is the first desert spa resort in Ras Al Khaimah to offer a private nature reserve within its grounds – home to local desert wildlife such as Arabian gazelles and oryxes, offering guests a unique opportunity to interact with and observe the animals up close.

Guests can take part in falconry, camel riding, wadi safaris or simply lounge on the private beach.

Western Oriental (www.westernoriental.com  / 0845 277 3389) is four nights at Banyan Tree Al Wadi from £1,259 per person.

This price includes return economy class Emirates flights from Heathrow or Gatwick, private airport transfers and accommodation in a deluxe pool villa on a bed and breakfast basis.

Valid from 01 June – 15 July 2010.

It May Not Be Quite The Jungle – But TLH Goes Even Greener

As part of it’s Green Tourism campaign this year TLH Leisure Resort has taken a fresh, green look at it’s new 2010 brochure and developed two separate publications to better meet the needs of their guests and the environment.

As almost 65% of guests at the unique resort on the English Riviera have been coming for several years, they know the beautiful leisure and Spa facilities and accommodation very well indeed so don’t need all that information again. But they have been eagerly awaiting the new Escape for a Break Diary, giving them details of all the Special Interest Breaks that have been developed for 2010.

Whether it be Entertainment weekends with tributes to legends such as Frank Sinatra, Abba or Tom Jones or a Painting holiday, Meet the Gardener or a Blues weekend there really is something for everyone. Devon cream teas and locally sourced produce and drinks are celebrated on our Foodie breaks and the Off to the Races breaks offer the opportunity to improve your luck at the Exeter,Newton Abbot or Taunton racecourse as you will meet up with a tipster prior to the meeting!

Even more Dancing holidays have been included and Learn to Tango is the front-runner in the popularity stakes so far – but Line Dancing and Scottish Dancing are hard on it’s heels.

And don’t forget that you can actually Learn to Bowl on one of our Discover Bowls holidays – before you join in on one of our bowls tournaments or Short Mat festivals .

For futher details or for a copy of the TLH Leisure Resort 2010 Escape for a Break Diary call us on 01803 400500

- British Library Touring Exhibition

Until – Sunday 17th January 2010

FREE

The British Library’s major exhibition on Henry VIII will be touring to the Mary Rose Museum at Portsmouth Historic Dockyard from 12th December – 17th January, celebrating 500 years since his accession to the throne and of course 500 years since the commissioning of the Mary Rose!

Henry VIII is not only England’s best-known king, with his wives, his girth and his bloodthirstiness; he is also our most important single ruler. Man and Monarch highlights key moments in the life and reign of Henry VIII, showing the man behind the monarch.

The exhibition will examine the extraordinary transformations – personal and political, intellectual and religious, literary, aesthetic and linguistic – that took place in Henry’s reign, taking us behind the myth and exploring the King’s own mind.

The display will be accompanied by a ‘Turning The Pages’ interactive kiosk, enabling members of the public to digitally flick through the lavish pages of Henry’s Psalter.

Through the use of such technology, visitors will be able to read hand written notes, musings and annotations made by the great Tudor monarch.

The digital display will also be accompanied by an impressive facsimile of a Two Part Double Cannon written in honour of the King and in celebration of the Tudor dynasty.

The exhibition will also be supported by a range of educational and family events including:

Talking Tudor! Drop in sessions for families
2nd, 3rd, 9th, 10th, 16th & 17th January 2010
Activity times 11am-12pm and 2-4pm
Read, write and talk like the Tudors!

Say ‘Good Morrow’ to a whole new way of communicating! Fun practical activities for all ages with our costumed guides.

FREE Drop in event

The Life and Death of the Mary Rose – Evidence from the Archives

Tuesday 12th January 2pm & Thursday 14th January 2pm

This illustrated talk will highlight some of the key documents which shed a new light on the ship, her artefacts and life on board the Mary Rose.

Contemporary letters and reports illuminate aspects of Tudor naval life including food rations, the dangers of battle, drunken sailors and even sabotage!

FREE Please ring 02392 812931 to book a place

Roger Walsh, the British Library’s Head of Learning commented:

“The British Library is delighted to be working with partners throughout the country to explore new aspects of Henry’s reign with new audiences.

Henry’s impact was simultaneously national, international and local, and we hope this tour will enable visitors young and old to explore those connections for themselves.”

For the fourth consecutive year, the Paris Convention and Visitors Bureau, with the support of Paris City Hall, the Paris delegation of the Paris Chamber of Commerce and Industry, ATOUT FRANCE and MasterCard, will be hosting the “Soldes by Paris” event to celebrate the launch of its winter sales.

The programme will include 7 themed shopping itineraries based around the themes of fashion, culture and exploring the city’s major sights.

Depending on your “shopaholic” profile (Classic, Trendy, Creative, Bobo Chic or Fusion Fashion World), follow the expert advice of a personal shopper: every itinerary includes around 50 addresses across the capital, ranging from boutiques (men, women, children) to cultural sights and restaurants.

The icing on the cake this year comes in the shape of two new routes: the “Savvy shopper”, and an itinerary highlighting the “favourite” places of the famous designer Jean-Claude Jitrois, the 2010 Ambassador for “Paris, Capital of Shopping and Fashion”.

The Paris Shopping Book, an indispensible and free bilingual guide (French-English) to the city’s best addresses, will be available from January 2010 from Paris Convention and Visitors Bureau welcome centres and can be downloaded at shoppingbyparis.com from December onwards.

On the www.shoppingbyparis.com multilingual website (French, English, German, Spanish) you’ll find a whole host of shopping info, including a new section dedicated to “great deals” and exclusive special offers from over 300 tourism partners, a video of Jean-Claude Jitrois’ new itinerary, as well as an online “What kind of shopping addict are you?” competition, with holidays in the capital up for grabs to the lucky winners!

To celebrate the start of the winter sales, a number of special activities will be taking place in the city from 6 to 9 January:

the city’s shopping districts will be organising a fun-packed calendar of events listed on www.shoppingbyparis.com  a multilingual “itinerant concierge” service will be available at hotels to accompany guests on the special shopping itineraries or to take them to an event, and free shopping itinerary tours in Cyclobulle vehicles (electric tricycles) will be available from in front of the Paris Convention and Visitors Bureau welcome centre at 25, rue des Pyramides.

In association with “Paris illumine Paris” and “Paris, Capitale de la Création”, the “Soldes by Paris” initiative will be up and running in the streets of Paris providing visitors with routes through the illuminated streets of the capital, shopping itineraries, and the opportunity to uncover 100 of the city’s most important fashion and design venues all the way though to the end of February.

A three-month period during which Paris will be setting out its stall as THE shopping destination par excellence!

Happy shopping in Paris!

Join Costa Deliziosa’s inaugural sailing and enjoy a treasured cruise aboard the newest jewel of Costa Cruises’ fleet

On 5 February 2010, Costa Deliziosa will set sail for the first time, cruising from Savona to Dubai where passengers will be invited to the ship’s naming ceremony, the first to take place in an Arabian city.

With ports of call in Egypt, Jordan, Yemen, Oman and Abu Dhabi, the inaugural sailing combines an incredible 20-night itinerary, with some of the most fantastic facilities in the world of cruising.

As a sister ship to Costa Luminosa, Costa Deliziosa will also boast an impressive three-storey theatre, an outstanding 4D cinema, a Grand Prix driving simulator, a roller-skating track, an exclusive golf simulator with outdoor putting green and a PlayStation Experience.

The ship will also be home to Costa Cruises’ Samsara Spa, one of the largest spas afloat. Extending over two decks, the spa boasts a Rock Sauna (hotter than a classic Finnish sauna and ideal for cleansing the skin), an Aromatic Turkish Bath scented with rosemary, eucalyptus and lavender and thalassotherapy pools, with jets of seawater to massage the body. Passengers can also indulge with an extensive list of Elemis treatments.

Costa Deliziosa – Grand Inaugural Cruise

20 nights from only £1,629 per person – saving £880

From the Mediterranean to Dubai, discover two extraordinarily beautiful worlds onboard the Costa Deliziosa. In this spectacular cruise, the new diamond of the fleet will visit Italy, Egypt, Jordan, Yemen, Oman and Dubai.

Begin the grand inaugural cruise in Savona, Italy, and sail on to Civitavecchia, Rome, where you can spend the day admiring the beautiful port and the city’s impressive medieval centre.

Cruise on to Port Said in Egypt and then stop at Sharm El Sheik. Your next port of call will be Aqaba in Jordan, followed by Safaga in Egypt and then Aden, the door to the natural and cultural paradise of Yemen.

Your cruise will finish by visiting Oman, Abu Dhabi and finally Dubai, where the christening will take place on 23 February 2010.
Departs Savona, Italy on 5 February 2010

Prices start at £1,629 per person, based on two adults sharing an inside cabin, for 20 nights, cruise only, including all meals. A package including flights would be an addition £420 per person.

A new ferry pier on Iceland’s south coast is set to provide the first high-speed link to the Westman Islands – the site of Iceland’s ‘Pompeii of the North’.

Due to open in July 2010, the new Bakkafjara pier will reduce crossing times to Heimaey, the largest and only inhabited island of the Westman Islands, to just 25 minutes, with the new ferry link operating up to seven times per day.

Previously visitors had to either fly or take a 2 hour 45 minute ferry crossing from Þorlákshöfn pier on the Reykanes peninsula.

The new ferry link is predicted to make the Westman Islands 2010’s ‘hot’ destination as a day-trip option from Reykjavik or for visitors exploring southern Iceland by car.

Located seven miles off the south coast of Iceland, the Westman Islands archipelago is characterised by dramatic volcanic scenery and steep sea cliffs, which are home to Iceland’s largest puffin colonies.

In August, visitors and islanders help to rescue baby ‘pufflings’ as they leave their nests for the first time and help them learn to fly.

In 1973, the islands experienced one of Iceland’s most devastating volcanic eruptions lasting over five months and covering nearly a third of the original town of Heimaey.

Today, visitors can witness the massive impact of the eruption by looking around some of the abandoned homes and buildings that were covered by volcanic ash and lava. Excavated by the “Pompeii of the North” project, the findings aim to provide an insight into the destructive force and awesome power of a volcanic eruption on this scale.

Upon the launch of the new ferry route, Iceland Excursions will operate day tours to Heimaey from Reykjavik.

The tour will include sightseeing around Heimaey, visiting the ‘Pompeii of the North’ excavations; the lava field and volcanic crater caused by the 1973 eruption and the puffin colonies at Storhofdi, the windiest place in Iceland.

A wildlife cruise around the island is also included to see the millions of seabirds, which make the island their home, as well as ocean caves, and whales.

The full day tour will depart Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays from July – September and will cost around £155.

www.icelandexcursions.com

For more information on the Westman Islands and the Pompeii of the North Project visit www.visitwestmanislands.com

Holiday In Halkidiki In 2010

Want to see the very best of Greece? Then why not book with Eurocamp, the UK’s leading camping operator, who will be offering holidays to this beautiful country for the first time in 2010, allowing customers to discover the beautiful landscapes, delicious cuisine and the rich history and culture, all from the comfort of their very own stone bungalow.

Handpicked for its authenticity, Eurocamp’s latest parc, Camping Areti, is perfectly placed within Halkidiki, the northern Greek peninsula, which is famed for its sun drenched sandy beaches, luscious hillside landscapes and pretty harbours – affording holidaymakers to take-in the rich heritage that Greece has to offer.

This family-run parc offers attractive stone-built bungalow accommodation, set within landscaped gardens just a stroll away from the parc’s two beautiful private beaches.

These luxurious bungalows are all air-conditioned and comprise of two bedrooms (sleeping a maximum of 4 plus 1 baby) with attractive marble bathroom, fully equipped kitchen, a large and spacious living area with patio doors leading to a private stone terrace – some with magnificent sea views, and all with wooden outdoor furniture and sun loungers.

Boasting an on-parc bar and restaurant – serving both traditional and Greek dishes as well as English cuisine – Camping Areti also provides added extras such as a take-away service, communal barbeque, laundry, shop, playground and tennis facilities.

Culture-vultures and nature-lovers alike will also want to visit some of the sight-seeing attractions situated close-by, including the pretty harbour town of Neos Marmaras – where the mountains meet the sea – and Porto Koufo, the largest natural harbor in Greece, blessed with a beautiful wild and rocky bay.

A seven night stay at Eurocamp’s Camping Areti, arriving on 4 June 2010, staying in a 2 Bed Bungalow (which sleeps up to 4 plus 1 baby), will cost just £568 for the whole family, accommodation only.

Flights available from the UK direct to Thessaloniki, taxi transfers and car hire can all be arranged through Eurocamp at a supplement.

For further information on Eurocamp, please call 0844 406 0552 or visit www.eurocamp.co.uk

Aruba is fast becoming one of the Caribbean’s up and coming cruise destinations, with year-to-year visitors going up 32.9% in August and 51.2% in September 2009.

The island is famous for its powder white sand beaches – but there’s much more than meets the eye, so after a swim in the turquoise crystal waters, here are the top 10 things to do on your Aruban shore excursion:

1. Get on an off-road Jeep adventure: Discover Aruba’s desert-like landscape tearing across rocky tracks and through cacti forests on the popular half-day Jeep safari – or go for the latest full throttle adventure experience, an off-road Tom Car tour.

Explore the ruins of 18th Century Spanish gold mines, admire the beautiful natural bridges, take in magnificent views stretching as far as Venezuela – and after the dusty journey, cool down with a swim in the crystal clear waters of the Baby Beach.

2. Discover Aruba’s untouched environs in Arikok National Park: Making up nearly 20 per cent of the island’s total landmass, Arikok National Park is home to a number of indigenous species of wildlife, flora and fauna characteristic of Aruba’s unique tropical desert climate, as well as historical sites such as the Fontein and Quadarikiri caves, which feature ancient Indian paintings. This summer the Park unveiled the results of a three-year £6.5 million infrastructure upgrade.

3. Experience the best wreck diving in the Caribbean:

Aruba’s waters are rich in exotic marine life and most of the island’s dive sites lie along the protected western and southern coasts. Aruba has a reputation as THE wreck dive destination of the Caribbean: it has over half a dozen wrecks submerged in its waters, including the spectacular Antilla, a 400-foot German freighter which dates from World War II, which is the largest wreck in the Caribbean!

4. Head for a picture perfect view at the California Lighthouse:

One of Aruba’s scenic trademarks, the California Lighthouse was named after a ship called the Californian, which had received distress signals from the Titanic as she went down in 1912.

The Californian’s radio operator was off-duty at the time of the disaster and this small piece of bad karma perhaps sealed its fate, as it went down in rough seas off the Aruba coast a few years later. Today the ship is a popular dive site, while the area around the lighthouse is very popular for dune surfing.

5. Enjoy an Ariba Aruba at the famous Charlie’s Bar: Head south to San Nicolas, Aruba’s second largest city, for one of Aruba’s oldest institutions.

Charlie’s Bar, encrusted with all kinds of memorabilia, opened in 1941 and has survived Nazi torpedoes AND several economic recessions… Here, try an Ariba Aruba, the island’s best-known cocktail made with Coecoei (a crimson liquor unique to Aruba) – or quench your thirst with an icy bottle of Balashi, Aruba’s very own beer.

6. Discover Aruba’s colourful marine life by submarine: The Atlantis Submarine Tour is the most popular way to explore Aruba’s kaleidoscope of exotic marine life.

As you descend to a depth of 130 feet, you can explore Aruba’s mysterious underwater realm of breathtaking vistas – and don’t forget your camera to record your once-in-a-lifetime glimpse into an amazing world of brilliantly coloured coral reefs, home to sunken wrecks and teeming with a rainbow fantasia of tropical fish!

7. Wander around the colourful capital – and treat yourself to some tax free shopping: After a morning on the beach, make your way to the beautiful capital of Oranjestad, famed for its colourful colonial architecture.

Take advantage of the island’s duty-free status and pick up some great designer bargains – or just browse the plethora of shops and boutiques selling local handicrafts.

8. Splash around at the biggest water park in the Caribbean: Kids of all ages can have a splashing time at Morgan’s Island Water Park, Aruba’s wettest and newest attraction – it opened less than a year ago!

Morgan’s Island is not just the largest water park in the Caribbean, but also in all of Latin America: its 28,000 square feet of fun offer attractions for aquatic adventurers, including a dual slide dubbed Dragon Revenge and the second tallest waterslide on the planet!

9. Visit a tropical butterfly paradise: Step into a tropical garden teeming with butterflies from around the globe and prepare to meet some of the world’s most colourful creatures: a visit to Aruba’s Butterfly Farm is an unforgettable encounter with nature in all its beauty and diversity – and a rare opportunity for photography. Observe the life cycle of these fascinating animals… arrive early and you will witness new butterflies emerging from their chrysalis and taking their very first flight!

10. Taste Aruba’s fine cuisine: Food is simply exquisite, blending Aruba’s culinary traditions with flavours of international cuisine.

The many restaurants on the island cater for all tastes; freshly caught Caribbean fish is, of course, a speciality and a favourite dish, with traditional meals accented by native herbs and spices. Aruba has attracted a multitude of gastronomes and talented chefs, with food from almost every continent represented.

Aruba’s main harbour is situated on the south-western end of the island, only a five-minute walk from the colourful downtown area of Oranjestad, the island’s capital.

For more information on cruising in Aruba please go to the websites of Aruba Cruise Tourism www.arubabycruise.com  and Aruba Ports Authority www.arubaports.com .

For more information on visiting Aruba please go to www.aruba.com

Starting in the second quarter 2010, Continental Airlines will offer Gogo Inflight Internet service on its fleet of 21 Boeing 757-300 aircraft that primarily serve domestic routes.

The new Gogo Inflight Internet service will provide customers full Internet access on their own standard, Wi-Fi-equipped laptop or Personal Electronic Device (PED) at speeds similar to wireless mobile broadband services on the ground. Customers will be able to sign up and log in once the aircraft reaches 10,000 feet.

The Gogo system, powered by the Aircell Network and available in the continental U.S., will be available to customers at a cost from $4.95 and up, based on length of flight.