Jetsettersblog

Canvas Holidays, one of the UK’s leading camping operators is encouraging British holidaymakers back to the continent after the value of the pound has strengthened against the euro – rising this week to its highest level since November 2008. Brits can now make their sterling stretch further on a euro zone holiday with approximately €1.21* to £1, with analysts predicting a further decline in the value of the euro in coming months.

Families can now save over £8 on the average shopping basket at a French Intermarché compared with the same goods bought in a UK supermarket chain, says Canvas Holidays.

This month, a shopping basket bought containing holiday essentials such as bread, eggs, wine, cheese and sun lotion comes in at £29.18 in the UK, compared to £20.47* in France.

The same basket in France cost £27.38 on 5th May 2009 – almost £7 more expensive than today.

Simon Allan, managing director, Canvas Holidays said:

“With many analysts predicting the further demise of the euro and sterling going from strength to strength, there’s never been a better time to make the most of an extra affordable European break.

“Our customers enjoy the flexibility self catering offers, meaning families can spend as much or as little as they like – plus have the opportunity to sample all the tasty local delicacies. “

There’s savings to be made, not just on the weekly shopping basket, but by eating out in local restaurants and cafés too, many slashing prices to attract tourists during a difficult economic climate. A three course set menu in France can cost as little as €16 per person (£13.19*) and approximately €13 in Spain (£10.71*).

Families holidaying at Canvas Holidays can also make the most of the free of charge FamilyExtra programme, available on selected sites at no extra cost to the Canvas customer. Activities will keep both parents and children of all ages well occupied with sessions such as Movie-making, Radio DJ-ing, Skip Hop (mix of urban dance and skipping) and BMX biking to choose from.

Canvas Holidays has a full ‘money saving tips’ section on its website, see http://www.canvasholidays.co.uk/money for more details.

Canvas Holidays offers a seven night stay at Camping la Ranolien, Perros, France from £621 per family. Price is based two adults and up to four children arriving on site on 15th July 2010 with accommodation in a classic two bedroom mobile home. Price includes a return midweek Dover to Calais ferry crossing.

For more information visit http://www.canvasholidays.co.uk  or call 0845 268 0857.

Austria is much more than just skiing, après-ski and Sound of Music. Take a peek, then come and enjoy the reality.

Everyone’s heard of Austria in winter, but what happens to this mighty landscape in summer? More mountains, pastures and luscious lakes than you could possibly imagine, that’s what!

To inspire you, we have produced a definitive video collection of insider tips on Austria’s Hidden Treasures and must-do activities. The USP of Austria is top-notch service and the perfect combination of culture, nature and local & organic cuisine. As you’ll see, Austria is much more than just skiing, après-ski and Sound of Music. Have a peek, then come and enjoy the reality.

Visit this link for the videos.

Lisbon is emerging as one of Europe’s top MICE destinations, due to its convenient location for both European and North American companies and its modern, architecturally stunning venues. In 2008 and 2009, the city held the 8th position in the International Congress & Convention Association (ICCA)’s European ranking, and expects to jump higher in the 2010 ranking.

In particular, business travellers have recognised Lisbon’s value to the MICE market with its modern infrastructures, good value, and proximity to the rest of Europe. In addition to the mild climate, the region has a welcoming population and great food.

Miguel Perestrello, Director, Portuguese National Tourist Office, says, “Portugal, and Lisbon in particular, is blessed with a mild year-round climate, plenty of sunshine, excellent food and wine and some of the finest congress and accommodation facilities anywhere in the world. It has all the right ingredients for a successful conference, meeting or incentive programme.”

Lisbon has been chosen to host many prestigious events in recent years, further supporting the the city’s reputation as an international business destination. The MICE industry accounts for 44 percent of tourism income in the capital city.

Recent large-scale business events held in Lisbon this year included the International Road Federation World Road Meeting and Fibre to the Home Council Europe Conference and the, both with 3,000 attendees.

In the coming years, Lisbon will host the Annual Convention of Rotary International, with 40,000 attendees, and the Annual Meeting of the European Association for the Study of Diabetes, with 18,000 attendees.

The Atlantic Pavilion is Lisbon’s premier venue, as an exquisite high-tech space in the Park of Nations that can accommodate 16,000 people. The facility also offers an interior press centre and additional Tejo Hall.

Lisbon is part of Portugal’s larger MICE offering, which includes highly-ranked Porto, Algarve and Madeira. Portugal has long been regarded as a safe and reliable destination by MICE organisers and the country was ranked 9 in Europe and 15 in the world in 2008 by the European ICCA.

The Portuguese National Tourist Office runs an online database that helps consumers find tour operators with programs to Portugal. Since 2003, the database has included private and public contacts for familiarisation trips, events and sending news about facilities and products in Portugal. This year the Tourist Office welcomes MICE organisers in the UK and suppliers in Portugal to register and network using the online database.

Visitors can now combine sightseeing in Finland’s compact capital, with one of two special gastro tours which transport guests on a journey around the stylish city of Helsinki to learn all about Finnish flavours and local dishes as well visiting the main tourist attractions and gaining an interesting insight into the history and culture of this quirky Nordic capital.

Tour 1; ‘Tastes of Finland’

Departing from outside the Tourist Information Office (Pohjoisesplanadi 19), this two hour guided tour will take guests on a historical journey to Esplanade Park, Market Square and Senate Square, exploring the architecture in Aleksanterinkatu and visiting some of Helsinki’s world renowned design shops.

The tour ends at the restaurant Lasipalatsi, where participants are served a special ‘Taste of Finland’ platter illustrating some of Finlands many seasonal flavours and ingredients.

This summer, the menu includes salmon, marinated wild mushrooms, lingonberry compote, reindeer, a selection of Finnish cheese and Lasipalatsi’s own baked bread.

The ‘Tastes of Finland’ tour is priced at €49 per person and takes place on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays departing at 2pm from Pohjoisesplanadi 19.

Tour 2; ‘Food Sightseeing’

This three hour ‘Food Sightseeing’ tour combines a historical journey of Helsinki’s Esplanade Park, Market Square and Senate Square with a visit by tram to the district of Kallio and Hakaniemi (10 minutes from the city centre).

Participants will get a glimpse of local life with a visit to the traditional Hakaniemi Market Square and Market Hall before trying out a range of local starters at renowned Finnish restaurant Graniittilinna (using ingredients from Hakaniemi Market Hall– mainly fish, meat and seasonal root vegetables)

From there, it’s back to Helsinki city centre to end the tour with a meal at traditional Finnish restaurant Lasipalatsi where guests will enjoy a main course of pikeperch and desert of berry sorbet with Finnish sparkling wine.

The ‘Food Sightseeing’ tour is priced at €85 per person and takes place on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays departing at 7pm from Pohjoisesplanadi 19.

Both tours are available until 28th August 2010.

Ten days of extraordinary gastronomic experiences await you when Copenhagen Cooking celebrates gastronomy with an extensive food festival.

The Danish capital invites everyone to join a celebration of the Nordic kitchen when the annual food festival, Copenhagen Cooking, takes place from 20th to 29th August 2010.

A wealth of temptations and culinary enjoyment will be on offer in Copenhagen when Denmark’s best producers and specialists in food, wine and gourmet delicacies come together to celebrate good taste and uncompromising quality at Scandinavia’s biggest food festival.

The festival was launched in 2005 as a tribute to the Danish kitchen and Nordic food traditions and it has been a tremendous success ever since.

Focusing on the finest local products, the Nordic culinary tradition has been rediscovered and modernized in recent years and the new Nordic cuisine has received many accolades both at home and abroad. In fact, the Nordic kitchen is exploding in popularity these days and when Noma was recently awarded the title as best restaurant in the world, Denmark stated its position as the gourmet capital of Scandinavia.

However, Copenhagen Cooking does not only focus on the Nordic culinary tradition but also on international cooking. Quality produce is the common denominator for the gourmet delicacies presented by international chefs at the large street kitchen ‘Taste the World,’ on the street of Nørrebrogade.

The sixth celebration of Copenhagen Cooking will take place in the Nyhavn canal area, at the Carlsberg Breweries, on open squares, markets, various city streets and restaurants in central Copenhagen.

There will be irresistible temptations on offer at the city’s best gourmet restaurants, high quality food at the various food markets all over town, family activities, cookery schools, cooking competitions, daily taste sensations, gastronomic specialities, open kitchens and wine tastings.

In addition, as part of the celebration of the 10th anniversary of the Øresund Bridge, the festival offers a new event called ‘Øresund Cooking’ where acclaimed Danish and Swedish chefs from restaurants in the Øresund region will cook and offer tasters.

‘Øresund Cooking’ takes place on 27th August in Malmø as part of the Malmø Festival and on 28th August in Copenhagen at Peblinge Dossering.

It will also be possible to take a Crayfish Party boat trip from Nyhavn to Malmö – with a basket of crayfish included!

The full programme for Copenhagen Cooking will be available in July. For further information about the Nordic food festival and photos please go to:
www.copenhagencooking.com

For all information on travelling to Denmark: www.visitdenmark.com

Beaumont House & Beaumont Villa

Tucked away in the quiet leafy suburb of Upper Claremont and one of Cape Town’s finest contemporary boutique hotels, the hip 5 star Beaumont House offers a luxurious hideaway to honeymooners who want to stylishly indulge on ‘the Cape’.

Perfect for honeymoons following an Autumn or Winter wedding in the UK – take advantage of the warm South African climate, and stay at Beaumont House which is beautifully set in a private garden with an elegant bougainvillea clad swimming pool area, large outdoor patio and inviting ’open plan’ lounge and bar sporting an eclectic selection of premium South African wines – ideal for enjoying a perfectly chilled toast.

Combining well chosen antiques with locally commissioned contemporary designed pieces, the property exudes the atmosphere of a relaxed stately mansion. With five generously proportioned and exquisitely appointed guest suites, each with their own luxurious oversized bathrooms and outdoor patio or terrace, couples can truly feel at home.

With a special attention to detail, from the freshly cooked full English breakfast each morning to organising private gourmet picnics in the vines at one of the local vineyards, Beaumont House’s highly personalised concierge service will have honeymooners wanting for nothing but wishing for more.

Close to famous sandy beaches of Clifton and Camps Bay and 13 highly ranked golf courses with the Kirstenbosch Botanical Gardens, Constantia wine routes and first class boutique shopping only minutes away, Beaumont House offers all the extra touches, such as chauffeur driven touring, for a real honeymoon ‘treat’.

For those seeking complete privacy, Beaumont House also has an exquisite smaller sister – Beaumont Villa. Situated in the nearby sought after Newland’s Village and equally luxurious, Beaumont Villa is a two bedroom town house with its own private plunge pool and stunning views of Table Mountain from its second floor bedroom balcony – an ideal spot for a romantic sundowner.

Fully serviced with the same impeccable concierge service, a gourmet breakfast is discreetly delivered daily by hamper.

Taking the stress out of organising your honeymoon, Beaumont House have put together two very special value added packages:

Beaumont Honeymoon Package – enjoy seven nights (including two nights free) in a premier suite with breakfast, a complimentary bottle of sparkling Cap Classique wine and fruit platter on arrival, exclusive gourmet picnic at Eagles Nest wine estate, romantic dinner for two at one of the city’s best restaurants (excluding wine), chocolate appreciation workshop at the Lindt chocolate studio, transfers to/from airport and Beaumont’s special concierge service for £850*(R9500)/person. (Valid for March, April and May 2011)

Beaumont Romance Package – enjoy five nights (including one free night) in a premier suite with breakfast, complimentary bottle of sparkling Cap Classique wine and fruit platter on arrival, exclusive gourmet picnic at Eagles Nest wine estate, romantic dinner for two at a local restaurant (excluding wine), exclusive jewellery design service at Uwe Koetter Jewellers, chocolate appreciation workshop at the Lindt chocolate studio, transfers to/from airport Beaumont’s special concierge service for £872*(R9750)/person. (Valid for March, April and May 2011)

To book, please email stay@beaumonthouse.co.za  or telephone +27 21 761 5540, or visit www.beaumonthouse.co.za  for more detail

Beaumont House is also ideal for those who haven’t as yet tied the knot and want an intimate wedding venue where they exchange their vows and then honeymoon with their family and friends. The property offers exclusive hire of the hotel and villa for these occasions with bespoke arrangements made directly through the hotel.

Organisers have confirmed the return of an award-winning beach polo event to Cornwall’s Watergate Bay in September.

The fourth edition of Veuve Clicquot Polo on the Beach will see two teams play an exhibition match of arena polo – a fast-paced and exciting form of the sport – on the evening of Thursday 16th September.

Traditionally the preserve of the wealthy and privileged, polo has been garnering more mainstream interest in recent years, led in part by free events such as this where spectators are able to watch the action in a relaxed, informal environment.

Romain Herbelot of title sponsors Veuve Clicquot said that polo’s boom in popularity is not surprising: “Last year a record number of people on the beach at Watergate Bay were treated to a thrilling match starring players of the highest calibre.

Polo can seem intimidating but this event is the exact opposite, it’s great to see as many people as possible discovering how exciting and entertaining the sport can be.”

The teams, sponsored by clothing brand Joules and Midas Construction, will feature players drawn from the ranks of top professionals.

Last year the 3,000 plus spectators saw appearances from brothers Richard and Andrew Blake Thomas (both former England internationals), while the match was umpired by one of England’s best high goal arena players, Jamie le Hardy. All are keen to take part again this year.

Tom Joule, Managing Director of team sponsors Joules, said: “With a record of attracting talented players
Polo on the Beach has been generating a real buzz in the equestrian world and we’re really thrilled to be team sponsors of such an exciting event. Watergate Bay offers an event that’s different to anything else out there and the relaxed beach atmosphere is a big reason why so many new and avid polo fans want to come and take part in the day.”

More than 20 ponies will be required for the match which will be played over four chukkas (periods of play each lasting seven and a half minutes). The playing area is much smaller than grass polo – approximately 100 by 50 metres – requiring speed and agility from the players while making the game easy to follow for spectators.

Expert commentators will explain the rules and strategy of the game during the match, while summarising the action for the spectators.

Murdo Mace, Executive Director from team sponsors Midas Construction said: “Midas is delighted to be supporting this unique event for a second year.

Our staff and guests who attended last year really enjoyed the evening hospitality and the match was highly entertaining to watch.”

Again, Veuve Clicquot Polo on the Beach is free to attend for spectators. A public champagne bar and beach barbeque will be open from 5.00pm, with the teams riding out to start the first chukka at 6.30pm.

A limited number of hospitality packages, costing £75, are also available, starting at 5.30pm with a champagne and canapé reception and live band at the hotel, private access to viewing terraces, and entry to the post polo party in The Beach Hut with a buffet and band.

A £50 ticket is also available including all of the above except the party at The Beach Hut.

Hospitality tickets are available from Claire Davies (claire@watergatebay.co.uk or 01637 861239).

More information about the event can be found at watergatebay.co.uk/polo or by following the official Twitter feed at @PoloOnTheBeach.

Studio M, the newest hotel by Millennium & Copthorne Hotels (M&C) officially opened on 17 June within the iconic entertainment precinct of Robertson Quay. Studio M is Singapore’s first loft concept hotel which boasts designer chic and contemporary functionality for trendy and savvy travellers.

Designed by renowned Italian style maestro and architect Piero Lissoni, Studio M’s classic interiors exude quintessential Italian clean lines, clear materials and subtle colour palettes.

Guests can also select from different types of loft rooms and enjoy fuss-free access to wireless connectivity throughout the hotel. Close proximity within the bustling Robertson Quay vicinity also provides guests a variety of dining and entertainment options outside the hotel.

“As the first loft concept hotel in Singapore, we are confident that Studio M will meet the needs of a new generation of travellers. Young and savvy travellers looking for designer-type, quality accommodation
will find Studio M’s new concept and brand appealing”, said Mr Kwek Leng Beng, Chairman of M&C.

“Not only will Studio M set a new benchmark to the local hospitality, we believe that it has potential to grow its presence overseas as well,” added Mr Kwek.

Studio M comprises 360 rooms with four categories of Loft Rooms – Studio, Premier, Executive and Patio. Each room offers a loft concept where the work and sleep areas are separated into two floors, giving guests their own private sanctuary without compromising comfort and style. Guests are made to feel at home within their loft rooms with views of the vibrant city scene from their rooms.

Another key offering of Studio M is its provision of easy access to wireless internet connectivity. Within the hotel, guests can relax or work at the Level 2 open-air tropical deck with its 25-metre lap pool, jet pool and gym facilities.

Corporate guests are encouraged to even hold their work meetings at the cabana areas on the same level amidst lush greenery and food and beverage outlets.

Ms Esther Wai, General Manager of Studio M said, “Given its unique appeal, Studio M is already gaining traction among the hip and happening crowd. We believe we have created the right product for today’s travellers as the hotel has achieved over 80% occupancy since we opened our doors on March 26 this year.

In addition, Studio M has been the official hotel for several regional events including the recent Blueprint 2010, the fashion trade platform organised by the Singapore Tourism Board and Beerfest Asia in June.”

For more information on Studio M Hotel, please visit www.studiomhotel.com

A stylish new brochure and website, bringing together some of the best-known and finest accommodation in Britain under one collective banner, is likely to tempt even more discerning travellers in the direction of The Cotswolds this year.

Still able to boast some of the very best traditional country house hotels in Britain, The Cotswolds is now leading the way when it comes to boutique hotels, restaurants with rooms, contemporary cuisine and design-led décor.

The collection featured in the lavish, new 28-page Cotswolds Finest Hotels brochure once again introduces the visitor to a remarkable choice of privately owned and individually managed accommodation, where the overriding emphasis is on a philosophy of good service and great quality.

Members of the Cotswolds Finest Hotels group include some of the best-known names in the industry, including: the multi-award winning Calcot Manor, near Tetbury; Lords of the Manor in Upper Slaughter, with its Michelin-star restaurant; The Feathers Hotel, in Woodstock; Thornbury Castle in south Gloucestershire; and Three Ways House in Mickleton – the ‘home’ of the famous Pudding Club, which will also be celebrating its 25th anniversary with its guests throughout 2010.

New entries for 2010, meanwhile, include:

*Barnsley House, which offers contemporary design in a traditional manor house set within Rosemary Verey’s world famous historic garden;

*Bibury Court, a 16th century Jacobean mansion boasting an eclectic mix of traditional period features and cutting edge design;

*The Village Pub in Barnsley, near Cirencester, with its beautifully restored dining rooms and a focus on modern British food, fine ales and wines;

*Manor House Hotel in Moreton-in-Marsh, with its award winning 2-rosette Mulberry Restaurant;

*The Hotel in Cheltenham, set in a lovingly restored Georgian mansion;

*And one of the many true ‘finds’ of The Cotswolds – The Cotswolds Plough in Clanfied, set in a former 17th century wool merchant’s house.

Providing, in effect, an “insider’s guide” to the best of The Cotswolds, the new website and brochure gives a description of each one the 22 hotels, inns, country houses, and castles in the group.

Prices per room start from £95.

The collection on the website also includes one celebrated London hotel: The Goring, in SW1, which is the last great family-owned hotel in the capital, and shares the group’s ideals of personal ownership and individual service.

For further details, visit www.cotswoldsfinesthotels.com

Ambient Tours, a division of U.K. based Destination Management Company, Ambient Events Limited, is currently marketing four U.K. cultural and heritage tours under the collective banner “On the Trail of the Tudors.”

Last month the company developed a special mini site containing brochure, itinerary and booking details.

Available from September, the itineraries include “Tudor Monarchs,” “Influential Tudors,” “Tudor Poets & Playwrights” and “Tudor Adventurers & Explorers.” Each introduces a flavor of Tudor times that is “brought alive” through visits to the actual places where the key historical events took place and by the background information provided by experienced tour leaders, assisted by specialist tour guides.

The concept planners at Ambient Tours have put together a selection of four star country house and luxury heritage hotels that are full of history and character and provide a “Real Taste of England” with excellent accommodation and food. Travel throughout will be in luxury, air conditioned coaches with all dinners and most lunches include in the price.

Ambient is now seeking incoming tour operator partners with knowledge of the group tours market.

Commenting on the new venture, Ambient Managing Director Robin Dilley said:

“We recognize that there is a need to develop working partnerships with incoming tour operators who have previous experience with the groups market and who will be able to work closely with us to maximize the full potential of the offerings we have put together.”

Incoming tour operators, group or incentive planners who would like more information should contact Robin Dilley at robindilley@ambient-events.com  or by visiting the Ambient Tours mini-site at www.ambientevents.com