Jetsettersblog

Travellers – particularly those of Scottish descent or lovers of Scots culture – now have the perfect place to immerse themselves in hundreds of years of Auld Reekie’s vibrant history during their next trip to Scotland.

Not only does Fraser Suites Edinburgh offer luxury accommodation, its location in one of the Scottish Capital’s most historic buildings and just steps away from some of Scotland’s most famous heritage sites, means guests can really step back and sample the history of one of the world’s great cities.

The hotel, which officially opened its doors last November, is located in the heart of the city’s Old Town – just a few hundred yards away from the ancestral home of Scotland’s kings and queens, the site of the city’s most notorious underground prison and the hunting grounds of some of Edinburgh’s nefarious criminals.

The Victorian-era building also sits directly above one of the city’s most haunted hidden streets, Mary King’s Close – a former plague-ridden thoroughfare in Edinburgh’s Old Town which has been the focus of numerous paranormal investigations and historical surveys in recent years.

Heather Gilchrist, Regional General Manager Frasers Hospitality Scotland, said: “There aren’t many venues in Scotland – let alone Edinburgh – that can boast as much history as our new hotel. It’s location in the heart of the oldest part of the city makes it the ideal place for visitors interested in Edinburgh’s heritage to come and stay.

“The building that Fraser Suites Edinburgh is actually located in was originally the home of some of the city’s major newspapers, and the street we are located on – St Giles Street – was often referred to as the Fleet Street of Scotland. It’s an area brimming with historical interest and that has graced many famous figures from throughout the ages.

“For those who like to explore things a little spookier, we’ve also got one of the city’s most haunted streets just a few yards away and our very own cellar could be harbouring a resident ghost or two. Some of our housekeeping staff have reported hearing strange thumps coming from behind the door a couple of times – and when you go into the old cellar there is a definitely strange chill at a certain spot in the room.

“I’m certain that anyone looking to explore the historical heart of Scotland’s capital city will not find a better place to stay than Fraser Suites Edinburgh.”

St Giles Street was initially created during the construction and subsequent remodeling of the Bank of Scotland Headquarters by renowned Scottish architect David Bryce in the 1860s.

The 12-18 St. Giles Street part of the hotel was designed by Bryce in 1871 as the head office for the Edinburgh Courant newspaper – one of the earliest regional newspapers in Britain which counted Robinson Crusoe author Daniel Defoe as one of its editors. Fraser Suites Edinburgh have now secured a rare early copy of a Courant which is to put on display.

From the late 19th century until the middle of the 20th century, St. Giles Street was the ‘Fleet Street of Scotland’, hosting (over the years) the offices of not only the Edinburgh Courant and Edinburgh Daily Review, but also the Glasgow News, Glasgow Herald, Glasgow Evening Citizen, the Edinburgh Daily Mail and the Mercat Press.

During the refurbishment – in which much work was done to retain the original features, including restoring high ceilings and ornate cornicing – a number of long-forgotten features were discovered.

These included a set of stained glass panels celebrating one of Scotland’s most famous sons, Sir Patrick Geddes, who was celebrated across the world for his innovative thinking in the fields of urban planning and education.

The central panel bears the inscription Vivendo Discimvs (Latin for ‘by living we learn’) and historians now believe that building was pioneered by Geddes as student accommodation for the University of Edinburgh.

The new Fraser Suites Edinburgh hotel has 75 individual styled bedrooms which provide guests with the ultimate in comfort and sophistication.

Guests can choose from seven room types, ranging from classic rooms to plush one bedroom suites, including the hotel’s top-of-the-range four themed suites, such as the Princes Suite which overlooks Princes Street and boasts the Geddes stained glass panels. Published room rates start at £295 – although promotional rates are regularly available from £105.

Standard features in all rooms include kitchens or kitchenettes (all with microwave and fridge and some with full hobs), satellite television, designer furniture, Villeroy & Boch bathrooms, iPod docking stations and broadband access.

Other features include an on-site gym, restaurant and complimentary city centre shuttle bus. The hotel also features bespoke art commissioned from Edinburgh College of Art throughout.

In a unique first for Edinburgh, the luxuriously appointed rooms provide kitchen amenities – offering all the facilities of a hotel whilst maintaining the comfort of home.

Chiltern Railways is launching a new, faster train line between London Marylebone and Oxford making it quicker for UK travellers to enjoy day and weekend trips to some of the area’s most popular attractions, including Bicester Village shopping mall. The £250m project is due to be completed in 2013.

The new line to Oxford will be the first new rail link from London to a major British city since 1910.

This will include the opening of a brand new station in north Oxford called Water Eaton Parkway, which will benefit from direct links to the A34, A40 and Oxford city centre.

The new links should also help to reduce congestion in the surrounding area.

Chiltern Railways plans to operate two London-Oxford trains every 30 minutes in each direction.

All trains will call at Bicester Town, Water Eaton Parkway and Oxford; some will also call at Islip.

Most trains will stop en-route at High Wycombe with easy connections to Wembley Stadium.

Journey times are expected to be around 66 minutes from London Marylebone to Oxford; 58 minutes from London Marylebone to Water Eaton Parkway; 14 minutes from Bicester Town to Oxford; and 38 minutes from High Wycombe to Oxford.

Bicester Town station will be completely rebuilt to offer a booking office and parking facilities for both cars and bikes, in order to make it a fitting gateway for the town. Islip station will also be rebuilt with two platforms and Oxford station will be enlarged with new passenger platforms. A direct pedestrian link will also be provided to the Bicester Village shopping mall.

Construction is expected to commence in 2011 and is estimated to last for approximately two years. All work will be completely funded by Chiltern Railways.

A new Chiltern Mainline service is also being launched to offer faster trains on the existing line between the West Midlands, Oxfordshire, Buckinghamshire and London. Benefiting the entire region, this will result in faster and shorter commutes, with average journey times between Birmingham and London falling by 20 per cent. The Chiltern Mainline is due to run from 2011.

Chiltern Railways has invested heavily in new trains, extra tracks and new stations and is consistently one of the top train operators in the UK for punctuality and passenger satisfaction.

If a stay in the UK forms part of the 2010 holiday plans, why not take the kids to a farm retreat. No need for you to get down and dirty, www.internet-cottages.com  offers stylish cottages and barn conversions on working farms in which you can relax. Meanwhile the kids will love the fresh air, space and, of course, the animals and wildlife.

Knowle Farm Cottages, Nr Totnes, Devon

The farm is set in 44 acres and features 6 converted barns sleeping between 2-8 people. There are plenty of animals to keep you company and other things to keep kids entertained include an indoor heated pool, soft play area, outdoor play area, tennis court and table tennis. Prices range from £285-£1195.

Eastside Farm Holiday Cottages, Silverburn, nr Edinburgh
There are three modernised holiday cottages on this working sheep farm set in 3000 acres in the Pentland Hills Regional Park, with plenty of wildlife, pony trekking and fishing on the doorstep, yet you are only 10 minutes from Edinburgh.

There’s plenty of wildlife, pony trekking and fishing on the doorstep. Sleeping 2-6 people these cottages are well equipped and well furnished . Prices range from £250-
£720.

Trecan Farm Cottages, Lanreath, Looe, Cornwall

These four cottages are well located, surrounded by beautiful countryside with beaches, plenty of watersports and riding nearby, plus the must-see Eden Project is only 15 minutes away. Children can play safely in the paddocks, feed chickens and collect the eggs for breakfast.

There’s also a tennis court and games barn. Sleeping between 4-5 people, all cottages have private gardens. Prices range from £195-£750.

Treat mum to an exciting hands-on cookery course this Mother’s Day with a gift voucher from the new Ashburton Cookery School in South Devon.

Designed to inspire, there are over 40 courses from which to choose such as Express Dinner Parties for home entertaining, Chef Skills for the more advanced and family dinners – a new one-day course ideal for busy mums juggling work with looking after the home.

With a gift voucher mum can select a course and date to suit her lifestyle. Valid for nine months, they can be purchased for the one, two or five day courses, which are priced from £149 per person.

Alternatively, vouchers are available in denominations of £25 upwards and can be put towards the cost of any course. You can choose to have a printed voucher sent to either yourself or the recipient direct, while for last minute gifts you can send a voucher via email from the school’s website.

Ashburton Cookery School has just moved to a new, ultra-modern building with three superbly equipped teaching kitchens.

The hands-on courses, which are split into five levels of ability, teach fundamental techniques that can be applied when cooking at home, entertaining family and friends or working in a professional kitchen.

The popular one and two day course include canapés, desserts, fish and seafood, gastro and modern vegetarian.

There are also courses inspired by a country’s cuisine such as Italian, French and Thai.

To order a gift voucher call the Ashburton Cookery School on telephone 01364 652784 or visit www.ashburtoncookeryschool.co.uk

 3-night tickets released for only £75
 Top travel deals on offer for snow and music fans

Early Bird deals to The Big Snow Festival have now completely sold out, and organisers are pleased to announce additional flights, offering snow and music fans the chance to take full advantage of 7-night packages from just £399*.

The Big Snow Festival has now secured three extra flights leaving from Gatwick Airport on Sunday 14th March 2010, transporting music festival goers to the action both on and off the slopes!

Short breaks from Thursday 18th to Sunday 21st March are also up for grabs! With 3-night wristbands available for only £75 and 3-night flexible packages starting from just £148** there are some great deals waiting to be snapped up.

The Big Snow Festival is taking place from the 14th to 21st March 2010 in Arinsal, which forms part of the Vallnord ski area in Andorra. The event is headlined by the UK’s top DJ acts including Calvin Harris, Eddie Halliwell and Pendulum – it’s the must-attend festival this winter!

Flights to the festival are available from major UK airports nationwide including Gatwick, Manchester, Birmingham and Belfast.

Festival transfers are included in the package prices and the resort can be easily accessed from Barcelona and Toulouse airports.

To book or for more info on The Big Snow Festival head to www.thebigsnowfestival.com  or call 0844 879 8119.

*£399 includes return flights, transfers, 7 nights accommodation and wristband providing access to all the action.

**£148 price includes 3 nights at the Comapedrosa offering 3* BB accommodation, plus a 3 day festival wristband. (Flights not included).

Golfers fed up with frozen fairways and snow-covered greens can enjoy some warm-weather golf at fantastic prices thanks to Your Golf Travel.com

Europe’s largest golf travel company is giving golfers the chance to head for warmer shores for three nights, with three rounds of golf included, and prices start from just £139 per person.

For that low price golfers can stay in the Algarve’s CS Vila Lagaos Apartments and enjoy three rounds, based on a group of eight sharing four two-bedroom apartments.

Those wanting more than a self-catering option can enjoy three nights’ bed and breakfast at Villaitana Wellness Golf & Sun Resort, Alicante, and three rounds on its Jack Nicklaus-designed courses for only £199 per person.

Or, for the same price, a five-star, three-night break with three rounds is available at the prestigious La Manga Club for groups of eight or more sharing twin rooms on a bed-and-breakfast basis.

Your Golf Travel.com’s director of product, Andrew Smith, said: “Our aim has always been to put as many golfers on fairways as possible.

“The weather conditions in the UK mean it’s not possible to do that at home at the moment so we’re making our overseas breaks more accessible by offering great deals like these.

“Your Golf Travel.com has consistently provided the lowest price golf breaks available and we plan to continue this throughout 2010, so golfers should keep their eyes out for some fantastic offers in the coming months.”

Your Golf Travel.com is committed to providing the lowest prices on golfing holidays and breaks on the internet and offers more than 1,500 venues through its website and brochure.

As Europe’s largest golf-travel company it offers trips worldwide – including major championship venues, allowing you to follow in the footsteps of the pros – and in the last year has sold breaks for as little as £1.

For more information visit www.yourgolftravel.com or call 0800 043 6644.

Free Nights, Free Golf & Free Spa Access with Barwell Travel and InterContinental Hotels Murcia.

Holidaymakers can enjoy great savings this year at InterContinental’s five star hotels, Murcia, south east Spain with luxury tour operator Barwell Travel. A gastronomic and cultural melting-pot, Murcia is a much-loved favourite of the distinguished holidaymaker looking to enjoy year-round warm sunny days and natural beauty.

InterContinental La Torre Golf Resort Murcia offers a contemporary lakeside retreat in the heart of one of the region’s most esteemed developments. Superbly appointed rooms enjoy spectacular panoramic balcony/terrace views and state of the art technology and amenities.

Guests can dine in one of the hotel’s 3 restaurants or take a pleasant stroll to the nearby resort town centre.

All guests have complimentary access to the Wellness Zone with indoor heated pool, sauna and steam room as well as 6 spa treatment rooms managed by Thai Room Spa. Furthermore, Barwell guests receive a 10% discount on all pre-booked spa treatments.

With a minimum 3 night stay, Easter and summer stays (27 March-8 April and 24 July-21 August 2010) at the InterContinental La Torre offer fantastic ‘free night’ savings. A 7 night Easter break now costs just £447pp.

Free nights are cumulative so guests staying 14 nights pay for just 12.

An intimate alternative to InterContinental La Torre is offered at the InterContinental Mar Menor Golf Resort & Spa. Small but beautiful, the hotel offers exemplary service coupled with a tranquil atmosphere.

An assortment of formal and relaxed dining options is available at the hotel’s 3 restaurants and 4 bars.

Restful days can be spent at the ESPA spa incorporating indoor heated pool, fitness centre, sauna, steam & relaxation rooms plus 7 spa treatment rooms. Furthermore, Barwell guests receive a 10% discount on all pre-booked spa treatments.

Guests staying a minimum of 3 nights at the InterContinental Mar Menor Golf Resort and Spa from 01 March to 31 October 2010 will receive one free night meaning a 4
night break will cost from just £208 per person, saving £69 per person.

Prices are based on two sharing a Deluxe room on a bed and breakfast basis.

Half board and full board upgrades are available and the free nights include free half/full board (if original nights are booked on this basis). Flights and transfers available upon request.

Golf enthusiasts booking golf passes can also enjoy free rounds for example book 3, pay for 2. Each hotel offers an 18 hole course on its doorstep in addition to full access (by complimentary shuttle bus) to the celebrated Nicklaus Golf Trail. Unique in Europe and one of the continent’s best golf experiences, the Nicklaus Golf Trail currently offers five 18-hole golf courses designed by Nicklaus Design and all located within a 25km radius.

Children are equally well catered for with an ‘on-demand’ children’s crèche available at both hotels. The InterContinental Hotels exclusive Beach Bar Leon re-opens Easter 2010, after winter renovations, making it the ideal place to relax alongside the tranquil shores of the Mar Menor (seasonal opening dates apply).

For more information call 0333 444 3000 or visit www.classicresorts.co.uk

Haven’s nationwide search for new FunStars to entertain guests at their 35 family holiday parks ends this week at Bristol City Football Stadium.

Britain’s favourite family holiday company has been auditioning at football stadiums around the country for hundreds of new FunStars to help their existing Team deliver a fantastic new programme of entertainment this year.

Bright, bubbly and talented the FunStars make Haven Holidays extra special, organising a whole range of fun daytime activities and live performances after dark with interactive games and competitions, singing, dancing and glittering stage-shows.

‘Our FunStars make sure there’s always something to look forward to’, say Haven.

Families can get up and moving with early morning Wake and Shake sessions; there are Kid’s Clubs with a whole range of FREE activities including arts and crafts, music and dancing, games and competitions; cake decorating for kids in Annabel’s Creative Kitchen and plenty of opportunities to join the FunStars on stage with games and competitions as well as the popular ‘Haven’s Got Talent’ contest.

Daytime entertainment includes character shows featuring cuddly favourites Rory the Tiger and friends, all season pantos and wrestling.

And when the sun goes down there are lively evenings with stage-shows, circus performances, variety nights and some of the UK’s top cabaret acts.

Many Haven Holiday parks have more than one evening venue, with different shows taking place at the same time.

Best of all in these budget-conscious times, entertainment comes as part of the package.

With prices from as little as £129 for a three or four night Spring break for a family of four in Superior 2 bedroom accommodation it’s cheaper than treating the kids to a night out at a West End show!

The special early booking deal is available at a wide choice of Haven parks including Cala Gran, Golden Sands, Berwick and Wild Duck.

Check the website below or call 0871 230 1900 for immediate bookings and more information.

If you are interested in a becoming a Haven FunStar visit www.funstarsonline.co.uk

Lake District takes its place on top table of England’s best Michelin Star restaurants

The Lake District has been named as one of the most prestigious places in England for fine dining as well as being a standard setter for the whole of the North West.

In a league table of the counties with the most Michelin-starred restaurants – Cumbria makes it into the top five in the whole of England with a staggering four establishments each achieving a star apiece. Three are in the Lake District and the other is just on the fringe of the national park in Cartmel.

Only Kent, Yorkshire and London fare better and Cumbria is tied in joint-fourth place with Devon, which also has four Michelin Star restaurants. Across the North West, Cumbria also leads the way with the likes of Cheshire, Lancashire and Merseyside each just having one Michelin star restaurant.

Cumbria also has as many Michelin star restaurants as the whole of Wales, more than Northern Ireland and just two less than the Republic of Ireland. The figures are contained in the new 2010 Michelin Guide to Great Britain and Ireland, the results of which are annually announced in January.

Cumbria’s position on the nationwide food map has been bolstered this year after The Samling at Windermere successfully won back its Michelin star following its takeover last year by the prestigious Von Essen hotel and country house hotel group.

Its sister hotel, The Sharrow Bay at Ullswater, also won a Michelin star. They join regular winners The Holbeck Ghyll, Windermere and and L’Enclume, Cartmel, to make up Cumbria’s leading four.

The Sharrow Bay, has won the Michelin star accolade 14 times in as many years and Lakes-based marketing manager Sam Hall of the group, described the double win as “fantastic news.”

Holbeck Ghyll Country House Hotel has won it every year since 2000. Since establishing L’Enclume in 2002, restaurateur Simon Rogan has won a Michelin star every year since 2005.

Michelin star restaurants lure gastronomes from all corners of the globe and are famed for offering the crème de la crème of eating and dining experiences – particularly with international visitors.

Cumbria only has a population of half-a-million and the Lake District just over 42,000. While Cumbria is one of England’s largest counties it is also one of its least urbanised making its culinary prowess even more significant.

Ian Stephens, Chief Executive of Cumbria Tourism, said: “To have such a concentration of food excellence in the area is a prestigious honour for Cumbria’s restaurant and hotel industry. It also means our visitors and residents have the luxury of choice for somewhere special to dine that is among the most select company in the country.”

The Lake District and Cumbria has already been declared one of the best places for fine dining in the whole of the UK in the new gastro lovers’ bible, the Good Food Guide 2010.

Compiled by the scrupulously independent Which, it recommends a total of 28 great dining destinations across Cumbria – an increase of five on the 2009 edition.

Two restaurants make it into the prestigious Top 50 Best Restaurants in the UK– the critically-acclaimed L’Enclume, Cartmel, at #13 and the Holbeck Ghyll, Windermere at #23.

In the 2010 guide, Holbeck Ghyll is also listed as one of only six places in England with what the guide describes as a “Notable Wine List.”

Since the guide was founded in 1951, two restaurants have featured regularly almost every year – the Sharrow Bay, which has appeared 49 times in the last 59 years, and the Rothay Manor Hotel at Ambleside, for 41 years. White Moss House at Grasmere has also notched up 37 years in the guide.

Each establishment featured in the guide is awarded a “cooking score” out of ten. However, even a modest score of one is considered a significant achievement in the Good Food Guide.

Overall, Simon Rogan who runs both L’Enclume its sister eaterie in Cartmel, Rogan and Company, achieved the best score in Cumbria – notching eight out of 10.

A score of eight is described as: “A kitchen cooking close to or at the top of its game. Highly individual showing faultless technique and impressive artistry in dishes that are perfectly balanced for flavour, combination and texture. There is little room for disappointment here.”

The Marylebone Hotel in London has teamed up with Oxygen, London’s coolest independent fashion boutique to offer the ultimate stylish package. The Marylebone Hotel is in the heart of one of London’s most fashionable neighbourhoods and the collaboration of this chic, contemporary hotel and hip, new boutique signals total indulgence of the fashionistas dream.

Your exclusive ‘Stay & Be Styled’ package includes a personal styling consultation with Joanna Nicola, owner of Oxygen. Using her experience and eye for fashion, she will help you select fantastic new additions for your wardrobe from her intriguing blend of new and up-and-coming designers and established highly desirable designer brands such as Brian Reyes, House of Harlow 1960, alice + olivia, SEA NY, Herve Leger and many more. You will also receive a fantastic 20% off your first purchase.

To conclude the perfect shopping experience and show off your new wardrobe a delicious three course meal can be enjoyed with complimentary wine at the hotels 108 Marylebone Lane Restaurant & Bar.

Offering simple, contemporary cuisine using the freshest seasonal ingredients and specialising in local Marylebone suppliers, it is the perfect end to a great day.

Rejuvenated after a night of extraordinary hospitality, expert service and full use of the aromatherapy bath products, a Full English breakfast will be served to finalise the ultimate experience.

The Stay & Be Styled package starts at £323 for two people sharing, based on one night’s accommodation in a superior room.

It is subject to availability and is valid until 31st March 2010 and includes:
 
• Personal styling consultation with Joanna Nicola, owner of Oxygen boutique

• Glass of champagne to enjoy at your consultation

• 20% off your first purchase

• Three course meal with wine at 108 Marylebone Lane Restaurant & Bar

• Full English Breakfast

To book ‘Stay & Be Styled’ at The Marylebone Hotel, call Tel: 020 7486 6600 or

www.doylecollection.com/exclusive_packages.aspx

For more information on Oxygen,

visit www.o2oxygen.com