Jetsettersblog

The beautiful French region of Alsace has always been the perfect holiday destination for active families with a love of the great outdoors. The regions’ majestic Vosges Mountains, the sweeping Alsatian plain and the intricate network of rivers and canals combine to provide the ideal natural playground.

The Alsace Adventure Park

The Alsace Adventure Park in Breitenbach (www.parc-alsace-aventure.com)  is guaranteed to delight anyone who enjoys open-air and forest activities.

The park includes rope ladders, hanging barrels, rope slides, monkey bridges and Tarzan ropes. In addition to its traditional forest trail, the park also offers an attraction that is unique in Europe: the “Vallée des Tyroliennes” (rope slide valley). Eight rope slides offer a rope slide ‘safari’ with a combined downhill slide of 3000m at up to 40m off of the ground!

Visitors to the park can also take a trip to the top of a 35m high lookout tower which provides breathtaking views across the wooded valley. The tower is also the starting point for another giant slide and a bungee jumping platform.

The park has specially designed activities for children over the age of four although some of the slides are limited to children over the age of eight and others to over twelve’s.

All of the activities are expertly supervised and use the most modern safety equipment.

Lac Blanc Bike Park

The ski resort of Lac Blanc is situated at the heart of the Vosges Mountains in the Ballons des Vosges National Park but during the summer and autumn cyclists can enjoy the countryside on over 250km of marked tracks.

The area has something for all abilities including an exciting Bike Park which adds an extra dimension. The Bike Park has a range of jumps and pipes and an incredible cross-country trail through the woods with a variety of tricky obstacles to test even the most experienced Mountain biker.

Lac Blanc Bike Park (www.lacblanc-bikepark.com ) has a restaurant and snack bar on site as well as showers and a well equipped bike shop which offers a range of equipment and supplies as well as bike hire and repairs.

Wild Water Park

The Parc des Eaux Vives (Wild Water Park) in Huningue near Strasbourg offers a wide range of white water sports for all ability levels.

Opened in 1993, the Wild Water Park was refurbished just last year with new equipment, restaurant, changing rooms and an onsite lodge for those wanting to stay longer than a day.

Rafting, canoeing and kayaking are all available at the specially designed 350m river and coaching is available for beginners, intermediate and advanced paddlers. Specialised junior classes are also provided.

The Parc des Eaux Vives rents kayaks, canoes and hydrospeed boards as well as wetsuits, helmets and other equipment.

Monkey Business

One of the most interesting safari parks in the region is Monkey Mountain (www.montagnedessinges.com)  situated near Colmar. There are a whole range of animal attractions at the park, one of which involves walking amongst 280 free roaming monkeys!

Travelling to Alsace is very convenient for families.

There are daily scheduled flights between London City airport and Strasbourg. Easyjet and British Airways fly to Mulhouse-Basel-Freiburg airport from Gatwick and Heathrow respectively. Swiss flies to Mulhouse from Manchester. The TGV Est high speed train link now operates between Paris and Strasbourg, Colmar and Mulhouse. Link Eurostar and the TGV and you can get from London to Strasbourg in approximately 5.5 hours.

For information on Alsace visit www.tourism-alsace.com

Millennium & Copthorne Hotels has launched a new loyalty programme in the UK – ‘M&C Loyalty Club’.

Membership is based on three tiers – Classic, Gold and Diamond, depending on a number of qualifying stays. Members will earn points for every qualifying stay at a Millennium & Copthorne hotel, which can be used to redeem against complimentary stays, and a range of F&B and lifestyle rewards.

In addition, Gold and Diamond members can enjoy a host of extra privileges including complimentary room upgrades, early check in and late check out, broadband benefits, a welcome drink, 20% off weekend breaks and a complimentary newspaper.

The programme initially launched in Asia in April and will roll out to include Europe, the US, Middle East and New Zealand in the coming months.

Mark Halliday, Vice President of Sales & Marketing – Europe commented: “We understand the importance of rewarding loyal guests, and the new M&C Loyalty Club is part of our ongoing efforts to recognise our valued customers. We hope that many will become a member of the M&C Loyalty Club, and take advantage of the superb benefits and rewards available.”

For more information on the M&C Loyalty Club, visit www.mncloyalty.com

Two of the more intimate vessels in the European Waterways fleet will be configured for an exclusive two person charter offering the ultimate in floating romance.

Couples have the best double suite and will enjoy fine dining on board nightly by candlelight after champagne cocktails, with one evening meal ashore seated at the best table in a Michelin starred restaurant.

Cruises will include special honeymoon features such as a balloon trip or luxury loch side picnic with piper in discreet attendance! Daily excursions are tailor made to individual preference and can sometimes be made by bicycle or horse drawn carriage.

The Loire Valley cruise with its fairytale chateaux and tranquil vineyards is another romantic destination.

The Nymphea will moor in picturesque settings by centuries old watermills or under shady weeping willows and a short stroll will lead to a colourful street market or friendly village café.

The Scottish Highlands offers the most spectacular inland waterway scenery in Europe with the luxury barge Scottish Highlander finding dramatic anchorages such as Urqhuart Castle on mysterious Loch Ness.

Guests can wander the heather clad shores with only sheep for company or relax on board with maybe a “wee dram” of single malt whisky.

There is something for every discerning newly wed couple in the programme which is offered from UK£8,800 for a 7 day/6 night charter, and can be booked through European Waterways on 44 (0)1784 482439 or visit www.Gobarging.com

Mission Beach’s only absolute beachfront resort, Castaways Resort & Spa, has unveiled a stunning multi-million-dollar redevelopment with the brand new Bibesia Beach Club as its centrepiece.

The new-look resort offers a selection of newly-refurbished, stylish and luxurious accommodation options, transformed leisure facilities including a new beachfront dining, bar and pool area, and Mission Beach’s first day spa.

The resort’s Bibesia Beach Club centres around inter-connecting pools, including a 25 metre lap pool, all surrounded by stylish timber decking and recliners perfect for poolside lounging.

Castaways’ unbeatable location metres from the turquoise waters of the Coral Sea is the perfect spot to relax with a cocktail and indulge in sensational seasonal cuisine prepared by Michelin-star trained chefs Neil Phillips and Serena Fedeli.

With the Great Barrier Reef, the Coral Sea, World Heritage rainforest and tropical islands on its doorstep, Castaways is a great base for exploring Mission Beach. Resort staff are able to organise everything from a hosted daily 7am run on an 3.5km oceanfront and rainforest circuit to a range of adventure activities including tandem sky diving, snorkelling and dive trips, white water rafting and heli tours.

www.castaways.com.au

Hervey Bay’s Aquavue Cafe Watersports now offer personalised fishing charters through the Great Sandy Straits.

Take the worry out of organising your next fishing trip and let Aquavue design a fully- skippered fishing charter that includes all equipment and meals prepared by the cafe. Aquavue offer a range of inshore and offshore personalised fishing charters for groups of up to five people aboard the 5.4 metre Quintrex.

Throw in a line, soak up the sun and enjoy the pristine calm waters of Hervey Bay, Fraser Island and the Fraser Coast.

www.aquavue.com.au

Take the coolness of surfing, add the insane tricks of wakeboarding mix with a kite capable sending it’s rider 20m into the air, and you have kiteboarding – the fastest growing water sport in the world.

In a world that’s become desensitized by other so called “extreme “ sports, kiteboarding still never fails to draw a crowd marveling at the radical tricks, high speeds and massive jumps performed by kiters – and the first question on their lips is “Is it hard to learn?” In a word, NO.

You don’t have to be strong or particularly fit – all you’ll need are a couple of hours of lessons, some wind and some water and you’ll be on your way.

Coco’s Islands is an amazing tropical paradise where you can learn to kite fast. Zoom along with the Manta Rays swimming below your feet.

Most kiters progress from absolute beginners to doing small jumps within their first summer season, but the best way to fast track you kiting experience would be to join a kite tour, and that’s where Zephyr Kite Tours comes in……

“One 14 day tour with us is the equivalent of a whole east coast summer season of kiting” says Jen Phillips, owner and founder of Zephyr Kite Tours (ZKT)

Based on the tropical Cocos Islands, Zephyr Kite Tours have been teaching kiting since 2004, and have what most kiters would agree is heaven. Warm shallow water, palm fringed lagoons and consistent SE trade winds make this the ultimate place for kiters of all levels – but especially beginners.

Zephyr Kite Tours are just about to embark on their annual set up at Coco’s Islands which will run tours from July to September. With ZKT you can enjoy a tropical holiday, escape the cold winter and get active at the same time.

Learn to Kitesurf in the Cocos Islands with Zephyr Kite Tours and enjoy free equipment hire, a safe learning environment with professional instructors, palm trees and a great social vibe.



Zephyr Kite Tours [ZKT] has been taking kiters of all levels to these amazing palm fringed islands since 2004 and now have an established kitesurf centre with three professional staff, an advanced rescue service, music, bbq, sun loungers and more.



The Cocos (Keeling) Islands are owned by Australia and are located in the middle of the Indian Ocean, 2750km north-west of Perth, and 900km west south-west of Christmas Island.

It is the home of the approximately 1,000 Cocos Malay & Australian Expats.

This season ZKT introduces FREE kite hire for complete beginners, valued at over $700!.

Kite equipment can be expensive. Getting started and outlaying lots of money to learn can be daunting for many beginners.

In addition to the free equipment hire, beginners also receive very affordable lessons. The four hour beginner package is just $200, and four hours is all most beginners need in these ideal conditions.


 
ZKT’s professional, experienced instructors and staff have beginners up and riding within days, and the lagoon crossing adventures are the most fun you’ll ever have kiting.

We make sure everyone has a chance to kite across the magnificent lagoon to Direction or Prison Islands. If you’re lucky you may be able to cruise with the giant manta rays, dolphins and spot the resident dugong ‘Kat’ on the way over. Zodiac boat support is present at all times and carries snacks, refreshments and snorkel gear to explore the other side of the Lagoon.

In addition to fantastic kitesurfing, the Island has many things to do and see and there are hundreds of picture perfect beaches to explore.

The Cocos Islands has an interesting cultural history and there are many historical relics around the Island to discover on foot or underwater.

See Zephyr Kite Tours Visual Brochure: http://www.zephyrkitetours.com/videos.htm

Our website is www.zephyrkitetours.com  or www.kitesurfcocosislands.com.au

The first images of Saffire Freycinet have been released this week, coinciding with a number of launch activities giving the public their first glimpse of Australia’s new coastal sanctuary.

“This week we are celebrating the launch of Saffire at the Australian Tourism Exchange in Adelaide along with on-site functions with the local tourism industry and Coles Bay community,” Pure Tasmania Managing Director Greg D Farrell said.

“This is the first time we have opened our doors to the public, which is very exciting.

“We will be welcoming our first guests within the next week, and we are eagerly anticipating their arrival.” Saffire is an icon development for the Australian tourism industry. Its concept and design are like no other in the country, capturing the essence of this unique region and connecting with its environment to bring an authentic and enriching experience for its guests.

“This project is one of great significance for our company, and is the culmination of years of market research and careful planning,” Mr Farrell said.

“We wanted to ensure we built a development that was sympathetic to this beautiful area and its environs, yet still offers guests the most unforgettable experiences in accommodation, food and wine, activities and most of all, Saffire Service.”

Tasmania’s Minister for Tourism Michelle O’Byrne said the state’s tourism industry would benefit greatly from Saffire’s opening.

“Tasmania is blessed with exceptional creativity as well as world-class places, products and experiences.

” I congratulate Pure Tasmania on being able to bring all of these wonderful assets together to create Saffire,” Ms O’Byrne said.

“Saffire delivers a new world-class ultra premium Tasmanian experience that will showcase the very best of our island state. I am confident that this experience will set new benchmarks in the premium tourism marketplace and rival the best in the world.”

Distinct in its design, exclusive in its features and set apart by its approach to individually tailored experiences and service, Saffire’s approach is not constrained by traditional five-star ratings and standards, but instead sets a bold new direction for holidays and accommodation in Australia.

Saffire features 20 accommodation suites, each with sweeping views of Great Oyster Bay and the Hazards Mountains and complete privacy from the neighbouring suites.

Tasmania’s freshest produce and finest wines and beers will be showcased in Palate restaurant and The Lounge bar. All guests can restore their wellbeing in the premium spa facilities and on-site gym.

Exclusive Signature Experiences have been developed accessing little-known areas of the Freycinet Peninsula, and a range of other activities can be tailored to suit guests’ desires.

www.saffire-freycinet.com.au

The Ritz-Carlton Shanghai, Pudong, opened on June 21 as the luxury hotel brand’s second property in the city, and its seventh in China. Located in Shanghai ifc, the prime real estate in Lujiazui financial trade zone, the hotel and development is the work of architect Cesar Pelli. The 285-room Ritz-Carlton Shanghai, Pudong occupies the top 18 floors of the Shanghai ifc South Tower.

Opening in June during the World Expo, the design and style of the hotel is contemporary, with hints of new interpretations of 1930s Shanghai Art Deco.

With interior designs by Richard Farnell, The Ritz-Carlton Shanghai, Pudong guest rooms and suites range in size from 500 square feet to 4,000 square feet, for the palatial Ritz-Carlton Suite and Chairman Suite.

There are three floors of Club accommodation, and each club room enjoys access to the hotel’s stunning Club Lounge on the 49th level, which will be open 24 hours a day.

This new hotel will offer restaurants and a bar with views over The Bund and the Shanghai skyline.

Restaurants include Aura Lounge and Jazz Bar, Jin Xuan, the fine dining Chinese Restaurant designed by Steve Leung; Scena Italian Restaurant and Flair Rooftop Restaurant and Bar, both designed by Super Potato.

Flair is Shanghai’s highest al fresco dining and wining venue and is destined to be the unique new social center of Pudong and the city.

Featuring more than 25,000 square feet of meeting and conference space on the third level, including a 11,350-square-foot Grand Ballroom, the Ritz-Carlton Shanghai, Pudong has the second-largest ballroom among the city’s luxury hotels. Located on the hotel’s 55th floor, and occupying an area of more than 15,000 square feet, The Ritz-Carlton Spa by ESPA features 10 treatment rooms, including nine multi-function treatment rooms and a Harmony Suite for two guests.

The Prairie Hotel In Parachilna

Travellers looking for an authentic Outback adventure with a slice of luxury should head to the Prairie Hotel (www.prairiehotel.com.au) in Parachilna, situated on the edge of Flinders Ranges National Park in South Australia (www.southaustralia.com).

- ACTIVITIES – Parachilna is the perfect base for exploring some of Australia’s most spectacular scenery and the hotel can organise many activities from day trips into the desert, gorges and mountain ranges, to flying, walking and riding across the dramatic landscape. Sunsets, Saddles & Shiraz Cattle Droving Tour allows guests to experience genuine Outback activities

- THE “FERAL FOOD” MENU – The restaurant serves ‘Flinders Feral Food’ – Australian native cuisine – and guests are treated to delicious and unusual foods that are predominately South Australian in flavour.

- ACCOMMODATION OPTIONS and FACILITIES – Extensive renovations took place in 1997 retaining the original historic building and its special character and charm.

With an official population of just seven, Parachilna is an ideal retreat for those looking for a remote and genuine Outback experience with a variety of activities on offer including bush walking, 4WD adventures, scenic flights, Aboriginal cultural tours and cattle droving.

Guests at the Prairie Hotel are treated to stunning views of the Flinders Ranges, vast desert plains sweeping towards Lake Torrens, and, being the only hotel in the immediate vicinity, this is the ideal base from which to explore the area.

ACTIVITIES – Parachilna is the perfect base for exploring some of Australia’s most spectacular scenery and the hotel can organise many activities from day trips into the desert, gorges and mountain ranges, to flying, walking and riding across the dramatic landscape.

The hotel offers a number of tours (highlights below) plus they also offer tailor made tours for travellers wanting to put their own itinerary together:

- Sunsets, Saddles & Shiraz cattle droving tour: A fabulous tour that combines the romance of cattle droving with gourmet food and wine, native wildlife and the stunning Flinders Ranges scenery.

This adventure is for those with some riding experience and includes two full days in the saddle and three nights accommodation, one at the Prairie Hotel and two outdoors camping. There are several departure dates throughout the year, with on demand departures for a minimum of two to four guests.

- Bushwalking: Pack a Prairie lunch, borrow a map and drive to Wilpena Pound in Flinders Ranges National Park for a choice of many amazing walking trails. Walk to St Mary’s Peak, around the historic mining town of Bliman or through Parachilna Gorge to Blinman Pools waterfall. There are many trails to choose from and many believe this region to be the best area for bushwalkers.

- Scenic flights: Take a scenic flight over Wilpena Pound or a longer tour from the airstrip that is virtually on the door of the hotel. Spot rainbow coloured mountains and the vast sea of ochre desert, as well as an abundance of wildlife including eagles, parrots and kangaroos. Special weekend packages are also on offer to locations such as Lake Eyre.

- Mountain biking: Hire a bike and, depending on your fitness level, cruise along the flat desert roads or tackle the mountain trails – one of the best ways for exploring the surrounding countryside.

- 4WD touring: Reach some of the major sights in this region including Wilpena Pound and Arkaroola, Brachina and Parachilna Gorge in Flinders Ranges National Park by 4WD vehicle. The hotel has maps and advice on routes and can prepare picnic lunches.

- Aboriginal Cultural Tours: Learn about the fascinating ancient culture of this region and the Adnyamathanha people with a number of tours on offer including guided bush walks to see art, wildlife and rocks, listening to Dreamtime stories and even trying the local ‘bush tucker’.

THE “FERAL FOOD” MENU – The restaurant serves ‘Flinders Feral Food’ – Australian native cuisine – and guests are treated to delicious and unusual foods that are predominately South Australian in flavour.

Local meat and native herbs, fruits and vegetables are on offer including kangaroo, emu, saltbush mutton, and rabbit, combined with unusual ingredients such as paperbark, wattle and acacia seeds, samphire, muntries and mountain pepperberries.

The property’s signature dish is the ‘Feral Mixed Grill’ that includes camel sausage, kangaroo fillet and emu mignon with a red wine pepperleaf jus. The food is washed down with quality South Australian wines and beer.

ACCOMMODATION OPTIONS and FACILITIES -

Extensive renovations took place in 1997 retaining the original historic building and its special character and charm, but creating a number of accommodation options. Its accommodation now features award-winning architecture incorporating innovative design and energy efficiencies to cope with desert living.

The hotel appeals to many types of traveller whatever their budget, including couples wanting a romantic retreat, families looking for Outback adventure and foodies seeking a gourmet extravaganza. Accommodation options include:

• Heritage Rooms – fully renovated en suite rooms in the original historic building including guest lounge and indoor courtyard

• Deluxe Rooms – incorporating Outback architectural style and energy-efficient design with luxury and comfort including queen size beds and separate lounge area

• Executive Rooms – with additional facilities including a luxurious double spa and corner rooms with panoramic views of the Flinders Ranges.

• The ‘overflow’ – located across the road from the hotel, accommodation includes en suite cabins, plus cabins and basic rooms with shared amenities and self-catering facilities. Ideal for those on a budget that want to enjoy the facilities of the Prairie Hotel

The hotel also has a swimming pool, guest lounges, bar and restaurant.

FACTBOX:

Parachilna is approximately 470 km north of Adelaide on the edge of the Flinders Ranges National Park.

The nearest towns are Hawker, a pastoral community 90km south, and Leigh Creek, a mining community 66km to the north.

Prices start from AUD$160 (around £96) per room per night based on two people sharing an en suite double cabin in July 2010.

RCI, a global leader in vacation exchange and one of the Wyndham Worldwide family of brands, has introduced the RCI Points program through Cambay Family Holidays Club, part of Neesa Leisure Ltd.

With the launch of RCI Points in India, timeshare owners will be offered an enhanced trading system that gives RCI Points members greater flexibility in resort and travel exchange.

The RCI Points membership provides ultimate vacation flexibility, variety and complete utilization of the timeshare ownership.

It allows an owner to purchase a week at a resort and then deposit it into the program for points. The traditional “week” is converted into points, which can be accumulated and redeemed for an exchange vacation.

Unused points can be carried forward to the next year and additional points can be borrowed from next year’s allocation. These points can even be used to buy air tickets, car hire, theme park tickets and more through various Points Partners associated with RCI.

The benefits that come with an RCI Points membership include more choice and flexibility on the type, size, quality and duration of holidays; transparency of buying power as usage of Points is always precisely calculated; complete utilization as one never spends more Points than one needs to; ability to borrow and save Points; Points redeemable against various travel products; and a reservation system operated on “first come, first served” basis.

Radhika Shastry, managing director, RCI India, said, “RCI Points can simply be defined as a form of holiday currency used for reserving the holiday of your choice.

Members have the freedom to devise their vacations as they want, where they want, and when they want. The RCI Points program provides its members with the transparent usage of points to book a holiday at the home resort, group resort or at other RCI affiliated resorts around the globe.”

The RCI Points program will be available to all Cambay Family Holidays Club timeshare owners of the following resorts: Cambay Spa & Golf Resort, Gandhinagar; Cambay Golf Resort, Jamdoli, Jaipur; Cambay Spa & Resort, Kukas, Jaipur; Cambay Palm Lagoon, Kollam, Kerala; and Cambay Spa & Resort, Udaipur.

RCI is part of Wyndham Exchange & Rentals, the worldwide leader in vacation exchange and the European leader in vacation rentals, with exclusive access for specified periods to more than 65,000 vacation properties in approximately 100 countries. Wyndham Exchange & Rentals is comprised of vacation exchange, including RCI.

For more information, visit

www.wyndhamer.com

or www.cambayholidays.com