Jetsettersblog

The award winning specialist Scottish cruise company The Majestic Line is set to expand its itinerary for the 2010 sailing season.

Two unique cruises will now depart from Oban in July and September and will sail through the Sound of Mull and Ardnamurchan, pass the islands of Rum, Eigg, Muck up to Arisaig and around the Isle of Skye.

So far, demand for these cruises has been exceptional and beyond expectations. As a result, The Majestic Line will add at least another two Skye and Inner Hebrides cruises for the 2011 season.

The cruises will be aboard Majestic’s two traditional vessels The Glen Massan and Glen Tarsan.

Both boats share the same traditional construction and are designed to accommodate up to 11 people in 5 star comfort.

The layout of the vessels encourage informality and relaxation and have been designed to allow guests to become part of some of Scotland’s most wonderful scenery and witness wildlife (including eagles, otters and seals) all from the comfort of a unique vantage point.

There will be ample opportunity to experience some of the unique culture and heritage of the West Coast and Inner Hebrides such as Eilean Donan Castle, The Clan Donald Centre and Inverie, the UK’s largest community not connected to the road network.

The mini cruise ships have a maximum of just 11 people in 6 double cabins which include full ensuite facilities. At least one cabin is reserved for single occupancy at no extra cost. Meals are all freshly prepared using the best of locally sourced ingredients including fruit de mer, beef and lamb.

Catering forms an important part of the Majestic experience and they are proud to have been awarded The Good Food Award (3 rosettes) from Saga.

At the rear of each vessel there is a large deck salon area where guests can relax outdoors weather permitting.

 The captain and crew are always on hand to share their knowledge and experience of places of interest, history and local flora and fauna. In 2009, 100% of guests on both boats rated the hospitality from the crew either very good or excellent.

Andy Thom, founding partner of The Majestic Line is passionate about his venture. Previously an architect, Andy couldn’t bear to see the two boats to see the boats destroyed.

He bought them both on the spot and he personally redesigned and oversaw the rebuilding. He said ‘It gives me great pleasure that The Majestic Line is now able to expand operations to include a part of Scotland that is close to my heart.

The Majestic Line and this stunning part of the world are made for each other and I’m looking forward to welcoming guests on this unique cruise’.

He added ‘The islands included on this cruise have been especially chosen as the scenery, wildlife and rugged coastline is best experienced from the sea and even if guests are familiar with the area, the chance to view this outstanding part of Scotland from this vantage point is a unique opportunity.

The other reason for deciding on this route was the number of places of interest available onshore’. He concluded ‘This cruise shows off the very best that Scotland has to offer in an incomparable and truly thrilling way.

To be able to offer the Skye and Inner Hebrides cruise is the icing on the cake for the Majestic Line.’

Drumlanrig Castle & Country Estate will start the 2010 season with a spring in its step following its recent success within one of the country’s most favoured guide book listings.

Named as Best Country Park in Scotland in Pete Irvine’s annual publication, Scotland the Best, the Dumfriesshire visitor attraction is described as being “much more than merely a country park”.

Featuring at the top of a list which includes other well established country parks such as Culzean Country Park in Ayrshire, Haddo House in Aberdeenshire and John Muir Country Park in East Lothian to name but a few, Drumlanrig was praised for the variety of things to do and see on site.

In addition to being named Scotland’s Best Country Park, the Scotland the Best guidebook also named Drumlanrig Castle and Country Estate as one of the best places to take kids in South West Scotland.

Commenting on the recent success, Mark Coombs, Estate Manager, says, “We are delighted to be launching the 2010 Season with these recent accolades under our belt. We have made recent investments in our products and services here at Drumlanrig in order to enhance the visitor experience, offering visitors more and giving them even better value for money. It is really encouraging to see our efforts pay off and be rewarded with recognition like this.”

In addition to the majestic castle are over 40 acres of enchanting gardens and a wide range of activities for all the family.

“These include challenging mountain bike trails, numerous walking paths, a regular programme of Ranger-led walks, a children’s adventure playground, local shopping opportunities, impressive gardens, the Scottish Cycle Museum – home to a diverse display of over 70 cycles, weekly hands-on workshops for children, and a comprehensive events programme featuring highlights such as outdoor theatrical performances, medieval jousting re-enactments and monthly farmers markets.

Mark Coombs continues, “Drumlanrig Castle and Country Estate has had an increase of visitor numbers by 62% over the past 2 years and aims to improve on that once again this year, an aim which we feel should be within easy reach thanks to the increasing momentum behind tourism development in Dumfries and Galloway.

With the emergence of a Destination Development Organisation for the area and a new Spring / Summer campaign to help support the Destination Development Organisation activity, the area looks set to enjoy a thriving visitor season.”

The opening hours for the 2010 Season are:

Gardens & Country Estate: now until Sunday 24th October, daily 10am – 5pm

Castle: Frinow until Tuesday 31st August, daily 11am – 4pm (educational and private groups at other times by request)

Country Estate, Visitor Centre, Gardens and Stableyard will be open throughout the season from 10am at weekends and during school and bank holidays.

For further details please call 01848 331555

or visit www.drumlanrig.com

Following an extensive two year refurbishment The Haweswater Hotel has officially opened offering quality character accommodation in a stunning art-deco property.

Located on a secluded and picturesque hillside overlooking Haweswater Reservoir the Haweswater Hotel and Le Mardale Restaurant is a unique property suited to those who want to escape busy lives for the peace and tranquillity of a relatively undiscovered part of the Lake District.

The hotel features 21 rooms set over the top two floors. The first floor offers the highest quality rooms complete with extras such as whirlpool baths, waterproof bathtub TV screens and balconies overlooking the mountains and reservoir. The tasteful décor is in keeping with the art deco theme whilst also creating offering contemporary and stylish bedrooms.

The top floor rooms offer slightly lower priced accommodation in equally lovely rooms. Focusing less on the luxury these rooms are aimed more towards the walkers, cyclists and wildlife watchers who are attracted to the region for its unique landscapes.

A key part of the hotel is its communal areas and restaurant which have been brought back to life with original art deco features including beautifully tiled floors and carefully renovated ceilings, doors and walls.

The antique furniture has all be individually chosen by owner Olivier Cavaliere who was keen to ensure the hotel remained true to its character.

Le Mardale Restaurant is a fine dining experience again showing the style and culture of French owner Olivier. The exciting menu created by head chef Phil Clarke, who has previously held 2AA Rosettes, uses only local seasonal produce with specialities such as local venison cooked with rosemary and juniper or slow cooked belly pork served with Cumbrian black pudding.

The restaurant also features an exclusive wine list with over 62 choices ranging from easy drinking wines to unique vintage bottles for those special occasions.

Rooms at The Haweswater cost from £75 per night and include a full English breakfast. Suites start from £129 per room, per night.

The Haweswater Hotel is located in a picturesque area which is also home to exciting wildlife including a Golden Eagle, red squirrels, deer, kestrels, buzzards and woodpeckers. Walking, cycling and fishing are all available from the doorstep while other activities can be arranged on request.

For reservations at the hotel or restaurant visit www.haweswaterhotel.com  or call 01931 713235.

Explore the Noosa River onboard a stunning six metre handcrafted mahogany runabout, Noosa Dream.

Noosa Dreamboats offer personalised intimate Noosa River cruises for groups of up to five passengers aboard the elegant vessel.

Noosa Dream is built in the style of the classic 1940s and 1950s American powerboats. Enjoy a leisurely cruise around Noosa Sound, then pick up speed and feel the wind in your hair as you head up river towards Tewantin and Lake Cooroibah.

Noosa Dreamboats also offer extra experiences to complement the cruise including sandbar picnics and spa packages.

They are also available for special occasions including weddings, birthdays and anniversaries.

www.noosadreamboats.com.au

Jump aboard a Daintree Argo 8×8 Rainforest Tour for a thrilling ride through nature’s theme park!

Daintree Argo 8×8 Rainforest Tours accommodate up to five adults and two children aboard an all-terrain vehicle for a personalised off-road eco-tour.

The tour explores a private property bordered by the Daintree National Park. Every bend is a photo opportunity as operators Peter and Sally Mahar showcase diverse scenery including steep vertical gullies and rainforest glades filled with 1000 year old palms on their 142 hectare cattle grazing property.

The eight-wheel, low impact Argo climbs logging tracks through rainforest canopies to summits offering spectacular panoramic views.

www.daintreevillage.asn.au/activities.html

Saddle up for luxury horse rides

Multi-award-winning Equathon Horse Riding Tours on the Sunshine Coast have launched premium overnight packages combining luxury accommodation and custom horse riding experiences.

Owned and operated by triple Olympian, Alex Watson, Equathon provides guests of all ages and riding abilities the opportunity to experience the very best of south-east Queensland on horseback.

Equathon’s new overnight tours combine horseback riding on the Noosa Trail Network, Noosa North Shore Beach and the best trails of the Sunshine Coast Hinterland with stays at local accommodation operators including Noosa Springs Resort & Spa, The Plantation in Cooroy, Amamoor Lodge, Gympie, Noosa Blue Resort and the Left Bank B&B in Kilkivan.

www.equathon.com

For an outdoor adventure that won’t break the bank hire some kayaks for a relaxing paddle down the crystal clear waters of Babinda Creek in Tropical North Queensland.

Single and double sit-on-top kayaks are available from Babinda Kayak Hire for a self-guided tour of the pristine Babinda Creek, 55km south of Cairns on the Bruce Highway.

Nestled in the picturesque World Heritage-listed Wooroonooran National Park, the permanently flowing mountain streams of the creek provide the perfect setting for kayaking.

Prices start from $35 for a half day hire and the kids will have fun spotting fish, turtles and perhaps even an elusive platypus.

www.babindakayakhire.com.au

The latest edition to the Freedom Fast Cats Fleet is the Freedom Monarch, a new 305-seat luxury catamaran especially designed for cruising Keppel Bay off Central Queensland.

Freedom Monarch, now the largest catamaran to operate commercially in Keppel Bay, will complement Freedom Fast Cats’ existing fleet which offers transfers to Great Keppel Island, as well as scenic lunch cruises, coral cruises, fish feeding tours and boom netting.

The new vessel features three decks, a top deck for sun-bathing, air-conditioning, wheelchair access, a kiosk, large tinted windows, seven LCD screens and extra wide walkways. Freedom Monarch will operate out of Yeppoon’s Rosslyn Bay Boat Harbour.

www.freedomfastcats.com

Hidden Peaks, perfect by nature

Hidden Peaks’ Spicers Private Walk is a glorious tramp through a private nature refuge bordering on the spectacular Main Range National Park, in the aptly-named Scenic Rim.

Low mist adds to a delicious feel of anticipation as our small group gathers at the national park entrance before setting off on our three day walk.

The early start means the twin sentinels of Mt Mitchell, `Cooyinnirra’ and Spicers Peak, `Barguggan’ really are hidden peaks, but over the next couple of days we will see them in their glory – under brilliant blues skies, and glowing in the late afternoon light.

Our group is a mix of solo walkers, a fun married couple who are experienced walkers and two girl friends from Melbourne celebrating their 50th birthdays, guided by co-hosts David Stent and Graham Hickson.

David and Graham are accomplished hosts, knowing intuitively when to share their expansive knowledge and passion for our surrounding environment, or to slow the pace if someone is flagging.

“We adjust to the pace of the slowest walker,” said David. “The last thing we want is for someone to feel pressured or uncomfortable, it is very much about the journey.”

The first day of walking is relatively easy. We cover around 11km, ambling through landscapes ranging from eucalyptus open forest and woodlands. The 2000 hectare nature refuge, part of a 3000 hectare working cattle property, protects 10 regional ecosystems, five of which are endangered or of concern, and 27 species of at-risk fauna.

The refuge shares a 7km of boundary with the Main Range National Park and the area is protected in perpetuity through a Conservation agreement between the owner and the Queensland Government.

The mountain range also served as a natural barrier to contain the early convict settlement at Moreton Bay (Brisbane city), its ruggedness meaning even today vegetation on remote ridges is virtually untouched.

Early on we walk through the pass where the historic Spicers Gap Road was built in the 1850s.

The low hanging mist makes it easy to imagine bullock trains straining to pull their loads of timber across the pass in years gone by.

Graham gallantly helps the less nimble footed navigate the stepping stones on the numerous creek crossings, while David, who grew up walking in the local area from an early age, shares his in-depth knowledge of local flora, fauna and indigenous history.

We walk through golden fields of kangaroo grass up to the Spicers Canopy campsite where six safari-style tents line up on the plateau.

Each tent is luxuriously appointed with fine linen, cosy mohair blankets and an armchair. This is camping with creature comforts – hot showers, turn-down service and a combined lounge and dining lodge where a fire is already lit and a glass of wine poured.

David and Graham cook up a three-course dinner that could include pumpkin soup with Thai spices, chicken risotto with salad and a lemon delicious pudding. We sit together at a long table, sharing highlights of the day and anticipation of tomorrow’s trek.

The next day’s walk is shorter but more strenuous in parts as we walk through open eucalypt forest ascending up along ridges towards our final destination, the luxury Spicers Peak Lodge. The trail winds past the biggest grass tree I’ve ever seen – standing a massive 10 metres and around 400 years old.

It’s nothing to what’s to come – we later walk through a valley of thousands and thousands of grass trees, a spectacular finale before the final ascent to the lodge.

Spicers Peak Lodge is perched 1130 metres above sea level, the highest altitude accommodation in Queensland.

Here the suites come with all the creature comforts like flat-screen TVs and luxe toiletries, and the food is by talented young chefs. By now our group has well and truly bonded, and the highlight is our seven-course degustation dinner – where the walking adventures of the last couple of days are relived among much good-natured teasing and laughter.

Everyone is unanimous is how much they have enjoyed the experience, a truly special mix of pristine nature, pure mountain air and incredible vistas – but with many thoughtful and luxurious touches along the way.

Four day and three day walks depart Mondays and Saturdays respectively from March to November. Cost includes all meals and drinks and return transfers to Brisbane.

Light backpacks and wet-weather coats are provided for the duration of the walk.

www.hiddenpeaks.com.au
www.queenslandholidays.com.au

Peppers has expanded its collection of retreats, resorts and hotels in Queensland with the launch of its first retreat in the Gold Coast Hinterland – Peppers Ruffles Lodge & Spa.

Officially joining the Peppers portfolio on 1 May, Peppers Ruffles Lodge & Spa is a perfect addition to the Peppers collection of well-appointed retreats offering a hedonistic escape in a key holiday destination.

Mantra Group chief executive officer Bob East said he was delighted to be launching the Peppers brand on the Gold Coast with such an exquisite property.

“Peppers Ruffles Lodge & Spa perfectly embodies the ideals of the Peppers brand – renowned for its irresistible and indulgent range of escapes selectively located throughout Australia and New Zealand,’’ he said.

Perched high on a ridge in the magnificent Gold Coast hinterland, the architecturally stunning Peppers Ruffles Lodge & Spa offers the height of style and comfort with eight beautifully appointed villas and one exclusive one or two bedroom executive suite, all echoing the natural environment through natural timbers and warm interiors.

Like all Peppers retreats, Peppers Ruffles Lodge & Spa is dedicated to providing a personalised and unique experience which flows through to their dining facilities, where fine cuisine, is coupled with great service and a well-stocked wine cellar.

First class facilities include a day spa, an infinity edge swimming pool, heated therapeutic spa, 85 metre par three golf practice area, walking tracks for the more adventurous plus a lounge, bar and dining area.

For bookings or further information phone 1300 987 600 or visit www.peppers.com.au