Jetsettersblog

Walk Barefoot With ‘The Shepherdess’ This Summer

Go free range and free from footwear this summer on an exquisite Shacklabank Free Range Barefoot Walking Holiday in the Howgills, Cumbria, with The Shepherdess, Alison O’Neill.

Alison O’Neill, a working shepherdess at her Shacklabank Farm near Sedbergh, has long walked barefoot, but is now encouraging visitors to do the same. She has devised specific Barefoot Walks that enable them to feel a range of textures on the soles of their feet, as well as incorporating barefoot elements into other walks, for those who just want to give it a try.

Shacklabank’s Free Range Holidays differ from others, as visitors literally step into the shoes of Alison O’Neill and live her life as a hill farmer and shepherdess.

Her new barefoot walks allow visitors to follow in her footsteps, without donning their boots, as they cross bluebell woods, fern, bracken, mud, dewy morning grass, dry hay, cool mountain water rippling across pebbles in the beck, and so much more.

Barefoot walking was first advocated by nineteenth century German priest, Sebastian Kneipp, who believed that putting feet in contact with a diverse range of natural stimuli is therapeutic. Alison O’Neill echoes this belief.

The essence of a Shacklabank Free Range Walking Holiday is to go where nature leads you and Alison removes barriers, having special permissions to stray from footpaths and take visitors through a hay meadow, a bluebell wood and many more natural micro-environments on her walks.

Taking off the walking boots removes another barrier between the walker and the natural world that they are exploring, providing a complete sensory experience involving touch, as well as sound, sight, taste and smell.

The foot has as many nerve endings as the hand and is a sensory organ that loves to be stimulated. This is the basis of the ancient practice of reflexology, used for relaxation and to promote longevity. The Chinese believe that going barefoot helps a person absorb the life force energy Chi, which increases vitality and mental stimulation.

Other arguments for going barefoot include circulatory benefits, cooling the body down, strengthening toes, giving a natural gait back to the body, which was not made to wear shoes, and refreshing the spirit.

At Shacklabank, barefoot walking is another piece in a jigsaw puzzle that creates a sense of freedom and liberation and an abandonment of stress and the nine-to-five routine.

When coupled with the wow factor of being able to watch otters playing in a river, enjoying a spot of wild swimming underneath a cascading waterfall, seeing dragonflies dancing across the meadow, smelling the bluebells and wild garlic and hearing the curlews and the osprey flying overhead, it is an all-encompassing and magical sensory journey.

Alison O’Neill says: “What I find is that barefoot walking helps us slow down and appreciate the natural world more, giving time to time. The body feels amazing following a barefoot walk and guests cannot believe how relaxed and liberated they feel.

“Going barefoot discharges static electricity from the body and calms the nervous system, it is an authentic way in which to experience the amazing bio-diversity, landscape, fell views and scents of the green, velvety Howgills.

In a way, it makes you feel vulnerable, which adds to the awe that you feel when taking in the stunning natural world all around”.

Very important to Alison is the fact that walking barefoot is also better for the environment, leaving a lighter footprint than a boot.

“When we walk, we shed our carbon footprint. When we walk barefoot, we tread a lighter path and show our respect for a natural world that is treating us to sensory delights we may have never previously experienced.”

To find out more about Shacklabank’s Barefoot Walks and those that can incorporate a spell of barefoot walking within the overall experience, contact Alison O’Neill on 015396 20134 or 07765 63857.

More information about Shacklabank is available at www.shacklabank.co.uk

A 5-day Barefoot Walking break, or a standard walking break, both cost from £525 per person.

Accommodation choices are: static caravans with exquisite Cath Kidston furnishings, rooms within the farmhouse, a treehouse, traditional Romany caravans and a Shepherd’s Hut.

Scott Dunn Mediterranean villas – the ultimate summer escape for ALL the family

With the promise of Summer holidays just on the horizon, look no further than bespoke tour operator Scott Dunn for the ultimate family villa holiday. Unwind, as Scott Dunn takes care of everything … leaving you and your family to sit back, enjoy the sunshine and recharge.

Scott Dunn will take care of all your family’s needs:

a UK qualified private nanny/activity specialist will look after junior guests and babies whilst you enjoy Scott Dunn’s stunning luxury villas, complete with attentive host to tend to your every need.

From taking a dip in your private pool to perusing the bespoke, full board gourmet menu created by your chef to match your family’s requirements, life doesn’t get much more relaxing.

For summer sun, not too far from home, Scott Dunn’s handpicked Mediterranean villas are the perfect retreat for those with young children and babies.

And for those who can travel in June before the school holidays, Scott Dunn is offering all the added extras, that will make your family holiday a breeze, FREE.

Book one of Scott Dunn’s villas in Mallorca or Portugal 2010 and enjoy the warm  sun, miss the crowds AND receive all the following junior guest extras completely free (saving you the worry of packing it all):

• Homemade children’s meals and drinks served at a time to suit YOUR children
• Free babysitting on your chef’s night off
• A dedicated children’s playroom, complete with a huge variety of toys, games and equipment to suit all ages for both indoor and outdoor play
• All child equipment and sundries provided, including highchairs, cots, bed guards, all bedding, changing mats, sterilisers, baby baths and nappies

With the children fully immersed in Scott Dunn’s specialist childcare, it’s time to think about yourself. Enjoy taking a back seat in the kitchen with the luxury of having your exclusive chef preparing mouth-watering restaurant standard meals three times a day. Take time out with your yoga mat, golf clubs, the latest best seller or just sit back and relax, safe in the knowledge that your Scott Dunn hosts are looking after all your family’s needs.

Prices from £848 per person based on 2 adults and 2 children sharing a Scott Dunn villa with chef, host and nanny/activity specialist. Includes all food for 5.5 days, excludes flights and car hire.

NEW SCOTT DUNN PROPERTIES FOR 2010
SPAIN, Mallorca; Josefa

Josefa is the latest addition to Scott Dunn’s Mallorcan villa portfolio.

Built to resemble a Spanish manor house with beautiful lawned gardens and a large swimming pool, Josefa is one of 4 properties on the Can Totxa estate in Pollenca.

There are two outside terraces, giving you the opportunity to enjoy the balmy evenings and stunning views of the surrounding mountains.

The garden is surrounded by a pretty stone wall enclosing the swimming pool and a lovely lawn area making it very child friendly. Sleeps up to 8.

http://www.scottdunn.com/josefa

ITALY; Borgo Egnazia

Borgo Egnazia is the Mediterranean’s latest luxury hotel, perfect for the family holidays. The OurSpace children’s club run by Scott Dunn is due to open in July.

http://www.scottdunn.com/borgo-egnazia

Scott Dunn has a specialist family team on stand-by in the UK, ready to part their expert advice and take-care of arranging a hassle-free, tailor-made, family friendly holiday

For further information on Scott Dunn’s Mediterranean villas,
call 020 8682 5040

or visit www.scottdunn.com

Wicked Campers are now offering avid explorers even more floor-space for their money, with the launch of new multi-seater vans.

Bigger, brasher and better for groups, they sleep five and come with a spacious bed for three and a generous tent for two.

And as with all Wicked Campers’ vans, each one is individually spray-painted in fun and funky designs ensuring plenty of attention and a lot of laughs en-route to adventure!

Wicked Campers offer bargain campervans available for hire in the UK and Europe.

With a new stock of Toyota Hiace Regius vehicles, these new multi-seater vans include:

• 24-hour roadside assistance and insurance
• Seating for five
• Bed for three/four
• Three-man tent and two ground mats
• Lockable storage space
• CD Player and an iPod/MP3 connection
• Table and camping chairs
• Built-in kitchen area with cooking burner, counter top, sink and tap, water container, ice box, pots and pans as well as crockery and cutlery

Ideal for graduates wanting an adventurous post-exam escape, families wanting to flee the country without the hassle of flights or even grannies looking to relive their youth, then a campervan trip with Wicked Campers is sure to be fun, frivolous and, most importantly, affordable.

Embark on some good old-fashioned fun 21st century style… seek out the sun with Scooby in a Wicked Campers Mystery Machine, honk your horn around town in a New York taxi, have a ‘wave’ of a time hitting the beaches in a surfing themed van or simply “pity the fools” who don’t have an A-Team van to camp in.

Wicked Campers’ vans are available for one-way or round-trip hire. Depots are situated in London, Dundee, Loch Ness, Belfast, Amsterdam, Munich, Barcelona, Malaga, San Benedetto (Italy) and Verditz (Austria).

A Wicked Campers’ multi-seater van starts from only £299 for seven days hire in winter or £510 for seven days hire in summer.

The price includes pick-up and drop-off in London, insurance in the UK for one driver aged 25 and over, unlimited mileage and 24-hour roadside assistance.

For more information, visit

www.wickedcampers.co.uk

or call 0808 234 8461.

Istria prides itself on being the gastronomic capital of Croatia and foodies in the know will already be well aware of this culinary hotbed. The 5-star Hotel Monte Mulini perfectly showcases the region’s delicacies from award winning wines and fresh truffles to a range of seafood including oysters and spider crabs.

The hotel’s traditionally styled Wine Vault restaurant features an extensive wine cellar with an impressive selection of 550 award winning Croatian and international wines personally selected by Croatia’s leading sommelier, Emil Perdec.

Twice winner of the prestigious Trophée Ruinart in France, popularly known as the European Championship for Sommeliers, Emil Perdec is working alongside renowned chef Tomislav Gretic – who opened Dubai’s Asia de Cuba and perfected his craft at Zurich’s Dolder Grand and Dubrovnik’s Palace Hotel – to establish the Hotel Monte Mulini, as Istria’s leading destination for wine connoisseurs and gourmets.

With two of the most popular types of Croatian wine, the crisp Malvazija and full-bodied Teran produced in Istria there is little wonder the region is now recognised as a top food and wine destination by food writers and wine connoisseurs all over the world.

In both the Wine Vault and Hotel Monte Mulini’s Mediterraneo restaurant, chef Gretic serves delicious French-Mediterranean concoctions that include

local produce such as heady white truffles, wild asparagus, freshly caught seafood and fish and Istrian prosciutto.

Istria is a year round destination and the hotel’s menu changes daily.

Spring is the season for wild asparagus, summer and autumn for black truffles and autumn and winter for famous white truffles – real gourmets will know this is when the truffles are at their finest.

During truffle season truffle fans will be delighted to find they feature heavily on each menu and are often served with every course, even the ice cream!

To help truffle aficionados get to the source of their desire, The Hotel Monte Mulini can arrange truffle hunts for guests, and participants even get to keep the truffles they find.

Sheepskin (www.sheepskinlife.com  01865 764 087) has expanded its chic collection of self catering properties with the addition of two cottages and two stunning houses in the West Country following customer requests for larger houses and properties outside of Wales.

Breaks in the new properties start from £560 for a three night stay in Tamar Cottages, two charming buildings that sleep four near Tavistock.

A week’s stay here costs £1,240. Sheepskin’s prices are the same year round so that those booking during the half term, Easter, summer and Christmas holidays do not have to pay a premium.

Tamar Cottages form part of Sheepskin’s “rustic” collection of properties located in remote and beautiful locations.

They are situated on the edge of Dartmoor near Tavistock. Just an apple tree apart, the cottages are let as a pair to offer occupants complete privacy. Both are sumptuously comfortable but thoughtfully practical featuring open plan cosy lounges with log burning stoves, fully equipped kitchens and beautiful views. Each property sleeps two.

Also new to Sheepskin’s portfolio are Woodenstone House in Ilfracombe, Devon and Shell House in Porlock Weir, bordering Exmoor. These join the company’s collection of ‘Rare & Remarkable Houses’.

Woodenstone is a magnificent Victorian house packed with lots of quirky additions, there’s a gesture to the original features but more emphasis on originality. The house sleeps 12 comfortably in seven stunning bedrooms; three king size (two en-suite), two double bedrooms, a spacious twin room plus, a cosy single. As with all Sheepskin properties fluffy towels and sumptuous bathrobes are provided for everyone.

There is also a fully equipped kitchen, a large dining area with sea views and a table that seats 12. The lounge offers big sofas, a roaring fire and a wide screen television. There’s also a portable BBQ and a large garden. Woodenstone costs £1,980 for a three night stay and £3,980 for a week.

The other new property is Shell House, an extraordinary building located on the beach at Porlock Weir.

It’s architecturally striking and offers a wonderfully light and airy open plan living area with views across the harbour. The living space has a magnificent cook’s kitchen with plenty of room for several cooks and on-lookers.

There are four individual and impressive bedrooms each with king size beds and televisions.

There is also a huge ‘cinema‘ and games room. Shell House is a short stroll from two excellent restaurants, a real ale pub and a bakery run by surfers. So, there is no need to use the car.

It sleeps eight (four doubles, three en suite) and costs £1,140 for three nights and £2,500 for a week’s stay.

All of Sheepskin’s properties combine the comforts of a hotel with the freedom and privacy of home.

They feature fluffy bathrobes, luxurious cotton towels, logs for the log burner, a B&W Zeppelin iPod docking stations and beds made with soft cotton sheets, cosy blankets and generous faux furs.

A nice touch are the self catering essentials like fresh roast coffee, tea, milk, olive oil, sea salt and black pepper that are provided.

The cottage rate also includes the company’s “concierge style” service which provides guests with information on anything and everything they might want to see or experience during their stay. From where to go walking or fishing to the best place to get fresh local meat or eat out. All this information is included in a guide tailor-made for each stay.

Tony Robinson, one of Britain’s best loved TV personalities, archaeology enthusiast and presenter of Channel 4’s Time Team, launches VisitScotland’s new online Archaeological Treasure Trail to inspire visitors to discover more about the histories, mysteries and unearthed secrets of Scotland. The online, downloadable trail features on www.visitscotland.com/perfect and includes three specially created itineraries in Orkney, Shetland and the Outer Hebrides.

The website also highlights archaeological sites on other Scottish islands such as the Isle of Mull and Inchcolm Island and features information on Perthshire Archaeology Month.

The recent discovery of the Orkney Venus, a tiny 5,000 year-old figurine found during excavations by Historic Scotland on the Orkney island of Westray and a major new touring exhibition of the Lewis Chessmen in Scotland together with the ongoing success of programmes such as Channel 4’s Time Team series (the longest running archaeology series on TV) prove there is still much to dig up and learn.

The new trail highlights some of the most fascinating sites, artefacts and historical insights on the islands of Orkney, Shetland and the Outer Hebrides while also revealing something of the culture and lives of those people who settled on these lands thousands of years ago.

Tony Robinson commenting on the new Archaeological Treasures Trail said:

“The islands of Scotland are the perfect place to visit during the summer months and this trail is the ideal way to incorporate an archaeological quest into your trip.

It doesn’t matter how old or young you are, or how much you already know. Even if you have visited the islands before, the trail shows how there is always more to discover and encourage you to go back and enjoy a different type of holiday.

This is your chance to step back in time and discover ‘Scotland’s Stonehenge’, explore ancient burial monuments and wander through prehistoric villages complete with stone beds, dressers and central hearths.

Who knows what else is buried out there just waiting to reveal its treasures and tell us more about our ancestors of old.”

Each itinerary features details of exhibitions and museums, information about recent high-profile finds, popular visitor attractions, listings for local guides and suggestions for walks, accommodation and dining.

Highlights of the trail include the atmospheric Ring of Brodgar Stone Circle and Henge in Orkney which is part of The Heart of Neolithic Orkney World Heritage Site dating back to the 3rd millennium BC.

The stone cist site of the discovery of the Lewis Chessmen in the shifting dunes of Uig Bay at Ardroil on the Isle of Lewis and the area where the famous silver St Ninian’s Isle Treasures were found under a cross-marked stone slab on Shetland.

Tony Robinson has also created his Top Ten Archaeological Treasures and details can be found at www.visitscotland.com/perfect from today.

Great Rail Journeys, the market leader for escorted holidays by rail, celebrates the 100th anniversary of the opening of the rail line between St Moritz and Tirano – the Bernina Line – with a vintage rail holiday this summer.

This narrow gauge line climbs from St Moritz over the spectacular Bernina Pass to a height of more than 7,000 feet, combining gravity-defying civil engineering with jaw-dropping scenic beauty. It took four years – to July 1910 – to complete this iconic railway line that now has UNESCO World Heritage status.

This summer, Great Rail Journeys adds an extra dimension to its popular ‘Glacier Express & St Moritz’ tour by using vintage 1930s Pullman coaches for an included excursion on the 100-year old line. Part of a 10-day two-centre holiday, the vintage rail excursion from St Moritz to Tirano is on Day Three, taking travellers over the Italian border in real Art Deco style.

Day Five brings another narrow-gauge highlight: the Glacier Express, which carries travellers from west over the Oberalp Pass, 6,670 feet up in the mountains, to Zermatt.

From here, rail trips to Gornergrat and Lake Maggiore are included in the itinerary, which ends with a return journey via Dijon and Paris to London.

The holiday costs from £1,838 to £1,878 per person with departure dates before 26 September.

This includes First Class rail travel and transfers, nine nights’ accommodation in four-star hotels with half board, excursions including the vintage rail trip, a complimentary First Class Swiss Travel Pass providing unlimited travel on local trains, lake steamers and buses, plus the services of a Tour Manager throughout.

01904 521 980, www.GreatRail.com/Alps

Memorable Meetings and Corporate Retreats on Land or Sea with Cultural Programme Option for Partners

Andara Resort & Villas provides the perfect setting for small business meetings and corporate events.

There are several options available, and we guarantee all of these will prove inviting for that much needed change from what is the norm with business meetings. Rest assured creative juices will flow amidst a setting where ending the meetings will see you quickly planning your next business trip with us.

A range of options (including their luxury motor yachts) enables clients to tailor-make their meetings and retreats to their individual requirements.

The Andara Resort & Villas Meeting and Culture Package includes:

 One night stay including breakfast in Silk Restaurant
 One round trip airport transfer (max 3 persons per car)
 Welcome drinks and daily fruit plate
 Complimentary WI-FI internet access
 Half day meeting package, 1 business lunch and 1 coffee break
 Standard meeting equipment available
 One complimentary person for every full paying 15 persons booking, max 2 persons per group
 Late check out until 4.00pm, subject to availability
 A 10% discount on the Andara Spa Menu
 Optional partner programme (please see attached details)
 50% discount off for the organizer with breakfast, maximum 2 persons
 Extended night is 50% discount excluding breakfast.

Reservations can be made through the resort’s reservations office direct on:

Telephone: +66 76 338 777
Fax: +66 76 338 949
Email: reservations@andaraphuket.com
Website: www.andaraphuket.com

Warwick International Hotels, which celebrates its 30th anniversary this year, is adding a second hotel in Thailand — KC Resort & Over Water Villas in Koh Samui.

“We are pleased to welcome this beautiful resort into our growing portfolio of hotels and resorts as we continue our expansion in Asia,” said G. Paul LeBlanc, vice president of sales and marketing for Warwick International Hotels.

KC Resort & Over Water Villas in Koh Samui is perched on the overhead land of the northern Chaweng Beach, designed in a contemporary mix with minimalist style to take advantage of the panoramic views over Koh Matlang and Chaweng Bay in the front and Bangrak Beach, Big Buddha and Koh Phangan scenic views in the back.

The 95 rooms, suites and Over Water Villas are set in a secluded estate enjoying views of the sea and outlying islands.

The hotel features the View Restaurant & Wine Lounge, the Panorama Lifestyle Bar and a spa.

For more information, visit

www.warwickhotels.com

A Gourmet Walking Tour In Perth And Australia’s First Beach Polo Event
April’s news round up from Tourism Western Australia includes information on new sailing tours of Ningaloo Reef, a walking tour of Perth’s best bars and restaurants, increased coach services around WA and the upcoming extension of the Munda Biddi trail, already rated one of the top ten cycling trails in the world.

WA’s half completed Munda Biddi Trail already rated one of the top ten cycling routes in the world
National Geographic’s travel book, Journeys of a Lifetime, has named WA’s Munda Biddi Trail as one of the world’s top ten cycle routes, before it’s even finished!

The trail is ranked alongside the best cycle routes in France, Italy, Chile, Vietnam, the UK and the US, even though it’s currently only half open.

The long distance cycling trail, whose name means “path through the forest” in the local Noongar Aboriginal language, currently runs 500km from Mundaring, in the Perth Hills to Nannup, east of Margaret River. However, the final version will eventually link Perth with Albany on the southern coast, a distance of over 1,000km.

The next section of the track is due to open in September 2010 and will run from Nannup to Manjimup, famous for its black truffles and wineries.

When the final section to Albany is complete in 2012 the Munda Biddi Trail will become one of the world’s longest distance off-road cycle trails.

Weaving through the dense jarrah forest and bushland, cyclists can spot western brush wallabies, kangaroos, and brushtail possums as well as a spectacular range of wildflowers. The Munda Biddi Trail Foundation runs a number of guided tours and events on along the route throughout the year. www.mundabiddi.org.au

Increased Greyhound Services

Greyhound is ramping up its services in Western Australia to meet increasing demand for access to the state’s top tourist attractions.

The coach line has begun a direct service from Perth to Coral Bay, for access to Ningaloo Reef, and will provide more frequent services to Monkey Mia, famous for its wild dolphins, Exmouth, another access point for Ningaloo Reef, and Kalbarri, whose eponymous National Park offers stunning river gorges perfect for pulse-racing abseiling or a more relaxed canoe tour.

Services between Perth and Broome will also increase to five days a week instead of one day a week. www.greyhound.com.au

Kununurra enjoys rise in popularity

Recent figures released from the Kununurra Visitor Centre showed a record number of travellers to the East Kimberley town.

Based on numbers to the Visitor Centre, the 2009 figures showed 98,341 travellers. Compared to 2008, visitor numbers increased in October by 6 per cent, and more noticeably in the wet season months of November (up 25 per cent) and December (a massive 57 per cent increase). Kununurra Visitor Centre’s General Manager, Narelle Brook, said the increase could be attributed to a number of factors including the town’s exposure following Baz Luhrman’s film Australia.

Sail Ningaloo in style – new

Explore Ningaloo Reef, the largest fringing reef in the world, in luxury aboard Sail Ningaloo’s beautifully appointed 51 foot catamaran, ‘Shore Thing’.

New operator Sail Ningaloo is offering three, five and nine-day live aboard tours in the pristine waters of Ningaloo Reef from March until October.

Guests can spend their days kayaking, snorkelling or diving amongst the tropical fish, whales, dolphins and turtles in the area.

From November to February Shore Thing will be based in Perth, offering a number of one and three day trips along the sunset coast and Rottnest Island.

Maximum 10 guests.

Prices start from $1,260 for a three day ‘Coral Garden Spectacular’ Tour, exploring the best of the southern Ningaloo Reef Marine Park.

The cost includes all meals, soft drinks, snorkelling and kayaking equipment and reef interpretation tours. www.sailningaloo.com.au

Urban Indigenous Tour launched in Perth – new
Urban Indigenous Tours, run by Perth local Rebecca Casey, aims to offer a taste of contemporary aboriginal culture in the city.

It combines an aboriginal art class with the chance to meet established Aboriginal artists such as Peter Farmer and Lance Chadd, taste contemporary bush foods and enjoy a lesson in how to play the didgeridoo.

Along the way the guides share insights into contemporary history and personal stories as well as dispelling many modern day myths. Tours operate Tuesday to Saturday and cost $125 per person. www.urbanindigenoustours.com

Walking tour to taste Perth’s nightlife – new

Discover the best of Perth’s latest bars and restaurants on this insider’s tour.

Enjoy drink tastings and tapas at a number of the small bars popping up across the city on Two Feet and Heartbeat’s Eat Drink Walk tour. Initially on offer for a limited season to coincide with the City of Perth’s Eat Drink Perth events, this tour has been so popular with tourists and locals alike, it has been extended through April and May.

Two Feet and Heartbeat’s tours combine culture and history with weird and wonderful local stories.

Price $40.
www.twofeet.com.au/tours/eat-drink-walk-perth.html

The Extraordinary Taxi Ride – UK winner announced

Joe Senior from Lancashire has been chosen to take part in the Extraordinary Taxi Ride, a nine-week journey across Western Australia (WA) to discover the state’s extraordinary natural attractions that can be found nowhere else in the world.

Joe, a retired IT Manager who lost his sight when he was just six years old, will take his younger brother James Senior, with him to share the adventure, which will be filmed for a documentary.

Tourism Western Australia received thousands of entries from people around the world during an intensive month-long recruitment drive to find the passengers.

The 11 winning couples are from Australia, New Zealand, Singapore, Malaysia, Germany and the UK. Real life West Australian cabbie Doug Slater from Bunbury will drive the passengers more than 10,000kms, from the tall tree forests of the south west, to the stunning coastline and underwater eden of Ningaloo Reef – the world’s largest fringing reef, to the outback scenery of the Kimberley in the north.

Follow the journey at www.extraordinarytaxiride.com