Jetsettersblog

ResortQuest has officially joined Wyndham Exchange & Rentals family of brands following the previously announced acquisition, which was completed on Sept. 30.

ResortQuest, which provides full-service vacation rentals in the U.S. and represents a portfolio 6,000 U.S. vacation rental properties, has merged with Wyndham Exchange & Rentals to form the largest full-service vacation rentals business with a portfolio of more than 85,000 vacation properties in over 100 countries.

Wyndham Exchange & Rentals, part of the Wyndham Worldwide family of companies, includes RCI and the Registry Collection program, a luxury exchange program. The vacation rentals business includes Hoseasons, cottages4you, Novasol, Cuendet Landal GreenParks, Endless Vacation Rentals, and other renowned vacation rental brands.

For more information, visit www.ResortQuest.com

Hurtigruten has launched a loyalty programme for repeat customers.

The cruise company is hoping agents will promote the new scheme, called the 1893 Ambassador programme, to existing customers who maybe considering booking another voyage.

The programme offers benefits and discounts to anyone who has spent at least three consecutive nights on board.

Kathryn Beadle, sales and marketing director at Hurtigruten UK, said:

“The name ‘1893’ dates back to the foundation of the Hurtigruten by Captain Richard With in 1893 and aims to illustrate our history and heritage.

“The programme encourages customers to book through their local travel agent and we aim to work closely with the trade in developing the scheme.”

Air France and KLM have launched their mobile websites which will allow bookings to be modified for free.

The sites also let users check themselves and their travelling companions in, choose seats, book seats with extra legroom, buy more baggage allowance and receive boarding pass by text or email.

They can also cancel their check-in at any time up to latest check-in time, look at the airlines’ timetable and access contact numbers worldwide.

If users need to check details of their booking, they can do so by entering their booking code or Flying Blue membership code.

Senior vice-president marketing Christian Herzog said:

“This new mobile offer will considerably facilitate every stage of the trip for customers of both airlines, giving them increased autonomy and ensuring they are better informed at every stage of their trip.”

Before year end, customers will also be able to make ticket reservations, modify most ticket types and consult an interactive FAQ with rapid responses.

Once reserved for the exclusive use of families or small groups, &Beyond is now offering individual guests the opportunity to book luxury suites in two of its private, sole-use safari villas.

South Africa’s Kwandwe Melton Manor and Phinda Zuka Lodge can now be booked on a room-by-room basis.

Both villas consist of four spacious and luxurious suites to ensure comfort, privacy and exclusivity, complete with a private butler and chef.

A highly qualified personal ranger and tracker team is available to guide guests on exciting game drives from the comfort of a private 4×4 safari vehicle.

Located on the wildlife-rich &Beyond Kwandwe Private Game Reserve in the heart of South Africa’s Eastern Cape, Melton Manor offers a feeling of contemporary farmhouse luxury.

Its inner courtyard pool provides the perfect place to relax between game drives, while the deep verandas of each of the four suites boast breathtaking views of the Great Fish River cliffs. Kwandwe is home to a diverse population of endangered animals, including South Africa’s national bird, the blue crane.

In addition to sightings of lion, leopard, rhino, giraffe and much more, guests may even experience a rare sighting of an aardvark or aardwolf on an exhilarating night drive in the pristine 54,360-acre reserve.

Zuka Lodge is set in the diverse 56,800-acre &Beyond
Phinda Private Game Reserve in KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa.

Surrounding a watering hole, often frequented by elephant, zebra and giraffe coming to quench their thirst, the Lodge offers a cool, coastal bush style.

Four separate suites cluster around a central guest area with an open, interactive kitchen. Phinda is home to seven different ecosystems ranging from dry sand forest to wetland systems and mountain ranges. Some of the best cheetah sightings in South Africa occur at Phinda.

About &Beyond

&Beyond owns and operates 46 extraordinary lodges and camps in Africa and India’s wilderness highspots.

The company is also one of Africa’s leading inbound tour operators, designing luxury safaris and personalized travel itineraries in 16 African countries, and India.

Established in 1991, &Beyond delights guests in order to make a difference; its commitment to sustainable responsible travel and community empowerment is world renowned.

Sir Thomas Ingilby shares the perfect pint with owners Simon & Caitlin Heaton and General Manager Glen Pearson as they celebrate Shibden Mill Inn joining The Great Inns of Britain and receiving the prestigious Cask Marque Award for their outstanding cask conditioned ales.

Shibden Mill Inn in Halifax, West Yorkshire is celebrating their latest achievements, becoming members of The Great Inns of Britain, an exclusive collection of 24 independently owned, historic and stylish Inns spread across the UK where membership is by invitation only and receiving the Cask Marque, a prestigious national award that officially recognises the quality of the Inns’ cask conditioned real ales and beers.

To commemorate, owners Simon and Caitlin Heaton invited Sir Thomas Ingiliby, Chair and co-founder of The Great Inns of Britain to join them in sampling the perfect pint, with General Manager Glen Pearson.

Welcoming the membership of Shibden Mill Inn, Sir Thomas Ingilby, said:

“The Great Inns of Britain is delighted to welcome Shibden Mill Inn into the collection. Simon, Caitlin and Glen are passionate about delivering first class hospitality, excellent food, fine wines and real ales – which are the essential characteristics of any Great Inn. And as an Innkeeper myself, I can certainly vouch for a fantastic pint at The Shibden Mill Inn, cheers!”

For over 350 years The Shibden Mill Inn has been at the heart of life in West Yorkshire’s Shibden Valley.

The 17th century Inn is steeped in history, beginning life as a corn and spinning mill before becoming a public house in 1890. Having lived in the Halifax area all his life, owner Simon Heaton and his wife Caitlin purchased Shibden Mill Inn in 1998 and together with General Manager Glen Pearson, they have sympathetically renovated the property into a charming and welcoming Inn that is a popular draw for locals and visitors alike.

The Inn has proved to be a popular choice for celebrities, attracting a number of household names such as, Lenny Henry who stayed during his stint as Othello at the local Dean Clough Theatre and Sue Perkins who lodged at Shibden Mill Inn with her crew, while filming a documentary about the life of Anne Lister at Shibden Hall.

Guests can choose from one of 11 individually furnished bedrooms, with bespoke interiors designed by Caitlin Heaton.

Featuring exposed original stonework and beams, each room offers a unique experience, from the stunning four-poster Bower Suite to cosy Cath Kiddson inspired double rooms, complete with kitsch Bush radios.

Downstairs, there’s a cosy, friendly bar and an intimate candlelit restaurant where Head Chef Darren Parkinson offers a wide and varied selection of dishes, using locally sourced ingredients that can be enjoyed with a great selection of wines from all over the world, or one of five real ales that always available to try at any one time, including three guest ales.

Awarded to licensees whose ale passes a series of rigorous independent beer quality audits, the highly regarded Cask Marque accreditation officially recognises Shibden Mill Inn as one of the best places in the country to savour the perfect pint of cask conditioned ale.

Owner Simon Heaton said:

“It has been a wonderful couple of months for all the staff at Shibden Mill Inn. Caitlin and I are delighted to be invited to join The Great Inns of Britain.

“We already know many of the Yorkshire based Great Inns and it’s been wonderful to become part of the collection which is now part of the Historic Hotels of Europe. We hope to welcome even more overseas guests to the Halifax and West Yorkshire.”

Simon added:

“The Cask Marque award is a wonderful endorsement for us. Real ale forms an important part of our offering here at Shibden Mill Inn and complements our dedication to producing top quality food.

“We’re proud of our reputation for great beer, which we take pride in serving and it’s been great to showcase our perfect pints to Sir Thomas Ingilby today, a man who knows a thing or two about a pint!”

Cask Marque Director, Paul Nunny said:

“The Shibden Mill Inn should feel justifiably proud of this excellent achievement, which not only recognises the effort they put into serving the perfect pint but also acts as an independent guarantee of quality for customers.

” All too often, publicans don’t appreciate the care and attention cask beers require and then run the risk of losing custom by serving pints that are below par.”

Membership of the Great Inns of Britain is by invitation only from the existing members. The collection of independently owned Inns was first established over twelve years ago by the late Paul Whittome, owner of The Hoste Arms at Burnham Market in Norfolk, and Sir Thomas Ingilby, owner of The Boar’s Head in Ripley, North Yorkshire.

For a brochure contact Shibden Mill Inn, Shibden Mill Fold, Shibden, Halifax, West Yorkshire, HX3 7UL.

For a Great Inns of Britain brochure call 01423 770152. Details also on

www.greatinns.co.uk

For information on the Historic Hotels of Europe visit

www.historichotelsofeurope.com

Longest Course In Europe, Stunning Coastal Cliff Top Tees And More

Tees Valley – the jewel in the crown of North East England

Just two and half hours from London Tees Valley is a golfer’s dream, a hidden gem, with stunning countryside and beautiful coastline, dotted with USGA championship standard courses, greens and fairways on cliff tops, and one of Europe’s most challenging courses. All within a stone’s throw of each other. It really is the destination of choice if you are looking for a unique golfing getaway.

Nestled between North Yorkshire and County Durham, Tees Valley is a patchwork of vibrant towns, picturesque villages, gorgeous countryside and exhilarating coastal destinations.

Its home to some of the most exciting golf courses in Europe. Any golfer yet to discover Tees Valley’s courses is missing out on a truly distinctive experience. These include a USGA championship course, one of Europe’s most challenging courses designed by Marc Westenborg, the oldest links course in Yorkshire, the 10th oldest club in England, cliff top locations and memorable views of the Heritage Coast and Cleveland Hills, not to mention a course that shares its creator with the Augusta National.

With so many golf courses to choose between, and a dedicated golfing week event, Tees Valley is a must. This is the perfect destination for any golfer, from beginner to champion, to visit for a weekend or stay longer and master them all. The hotels in the Tees Valley offer equally stunning accommodation, many as part of the golfing resort. www.visitteesvalley.co.uk

Golfing in the Tees Valley includes;

Hunley Hall Golf Club and Hotel -A coastal course with one of the top ten views of any golf course in Britain.

Amidst the unrivalled beauty of the heritage coast, the hotel and golf club’s breathtaking position is set in 265 acres of rolling countryside and rugged hills, all against the dramatic backdrop of the North Sea Coast.

The hotel provides accommodation for golfers wishing to spend several days playing all the 27 holes on this challenging course, or for those who wish to soak up the stunning scenery.

Green rates from £25 mid week, and £35 weekends. Overnight stays from £80 per night for three nights and 90 holes in high season, shorter stays also available.

Rockcliffe Hall – A Marc Westenborg designed course, one of Europe’s longest and most challenging.

Rockcliffe Hall opened early 2010 to critical acclaim. This luxury country house hotel with its state-of-the-art spa and world-class golf offers 21st century luxury in the grandeur of its historical setting.

Rockcliffe has one of Europe’s longest and most challenging golf courses, designed by Marc Westenborg of Hawtree Ltd. Set on the banks of the River Tees the 350 acre course features lakes, wetland and woodland, as well as five different tee positions so that beginners to hardened professionals have a challenging experience.

Add to this the golf concierge who takes care of cleaning your shoes and clubs so you can get on and enjoy an exhilarating day out.

Twilight Golf – available every Monday- Wednesday from 4pm throughout the summer, £140 for a four ball or £40 for an individual

£200 4 ball – throughout the summer, any visitors playing in a 4 ball can do so for the reduced rate of £200.

Headlam Hall – 9 holes of challenging natural features

Set over mature rolling pastureland around the Hall gardens this enjoyable and challenging course features an abundance of natural features including rig & fur, woodland, streams and ponds making it a test for the most experienced of golfers.

The course has a wide variety of holes from the daunting 116 yard ‘Pond Hole’ to the long 523 yard ‘Sleeters’ par 5. The full size greens have been constructed to USGA specification with irrigation and offer some of the best playing surfaces in the region.

Improve Your Golf 2 night package – tuition for all abilities plus a relaxing short break at a superb country house hotel. Prices from £170pp include two nights’ accommodation, full English breakfast, two course a la carte dinner each night, 3 ½ hours golf tuition including long game, short game, putting and visualization, golf strategy, shot execution. Unlimited free use of the course, full use of the spa.

Golfing Residential Break overnight package – Prices from £94pp and include unlimited golf between 2pm on day of check in and 12pm day of departure, three course a la carte dinner, accommodation, breakfast.

Wynyard Golf Club – Follow in the footsteps of Seve Ballesteros, Colin Montgomerie and others to play this Championship standard par 72 course.

Set on the exclusive Wynyard Estate near Tees Valley and Hartlepool the golf club is a prestigious venue attracting golfers keen to test their skill. The USGA performance standard championship course has been played on by great professionals including Seve Ballesteros, Colin Montgomerie, Padraig Harrington and Justin Rose

Set in 200 acres of mature parkland, The Wellington Course is rated as one of the UK’s best golf courses. Stretching 7000 yards from the back tee, this outstanding 18 hole, par 72, championship course includes sweeping fairways, panoramic views, elevation changes and over 80 bunkers to challenge the most experienced of golfers.
The Duke Suite Restaurant has been described as ‘one to watch’ with an exciting brasserie menu, and is creating a stir amongst food connoisseurs.

Green fees are £60 for a visitor, and £25 for a member’s guest.

Summer Four Ball Special – coffee, bacon roll and 18 holes for £37.50 each, for a minimum group of four. Offer available daily until 30th September. Bookings required.

Summer Society Special – coffee, bacon roll and 18 holes followed by traditional steak & ale pie in the Duke Suite Restaurant for £42, minimum 12 golfers required. Offer daily until 30th September. Bookings required.

Blackwell Grange Golf Club – Superb golf and hospitality in tranquil surroundings.

In the heart of the Tees Valley countryside just outside Darlington, Blackwell Grange is steeped in history, with a 18 hole, par 68 golf course.

The clubhouse was originally the British Pavilion at the Brussels Exhibition in 1934. Relocated to the Blackwell Grange Gold Club it is now the hub of the golf club, offering members and guests drinks and hearty meals, as well as a range of social activities and celebrations.

The parkland setting with established trees and undulating ground hides the challenging nature of the course, complete with tricky bunkers, unforgiving ponds, and sloping greens. The new 7 acre practice facility means that members and guests can hone their skills before heading on to the fairway.

Rounds of golf from £25 during the week, and £35 on weekends and bank holidays.

Dinsdale Spa Golf Club – Celebrating its centenary.

Founded in 1910, the club has formed the backbone of golf in the region with golfers walking its undulating parkland course for a century.

The course has recently been reconfigured to introduce two new holes on the front nine, creating a par 72 course which includes three demanding par 5s, and three equally tricky par 3s.

Green fees £30 per person, £15 for member’s guest.

Darlington Golf Club – Same designer as Augusta National
Founded in 1908, the Darlington Golf Club was designed by Dr Alistair Mackenzie, the designer of the Augusta National, home of the US Masters.

This 18-hole parkland course shares many features to the Masters’ track – huge rolling greens, lush tree lined fairways, and unforgiving semi rough.

Green fees £28 per adult or £15 as member’s guest.

Stressholme Golf Centre – Over 30,000 golfers annually, endorsed by PGA

The 18 hole parkland golf course extends over 145 acres and is well established in the golfing world, endorsed by the PGA who regularly use the facilities for competitions.

As well as 15 bay floodlit driving range with raised target greens and chipping nets. The clubhouse overlooks the 9th tee and 18th green and serves traditional British fayre.

Green fees are £16 a round during the week, £18 on weekends.

For more information on the range of golf courses, activities events and what’s on, go to www.visitteesvalley.co.uk

Thomson Sport, the UK’s leading Sports Tour Operator as voted at the British Travel Awards 2009, has been appointed as an Official Travel Partner of the Scottish Football Association (Scottish FA) and an Official Travel Partner of the Scotland Supporters’ Club.

The new four-year partnership establishes Thomson Sport as its preferred provider of Match Breaks for Scotland supporters, a range of travel and accommodation options for both home and away games for the UEFA Euro 2012™ and 2014 FIFA World Cup™ Qualifiers. This includes matches in Scotland and overseas.

Nathan Wilson, Managing Director of Thomson Sport, said “We are delighted to have been awarded this partnership with the Scottish Football Association and are excited at the opportunity to work with the Scottish National Team.

Scottish fans are some of the most passionate in the world of football and the Scotland Supporters’ Club has a record membership of 35,000 fans.

“We look forward to playing our part in ensuring they fully enjoy the football experience both at Hampden Park and internationally.”

George Peat, Scottish FA Acting Chief Executive: “This partnership ensures the National Team and its magnificent support enjoy the best possible travel experience for all our games during the UEFA Euro 2012™ and 2014 FIFA World Cup™ Qualifiers.”

Thomson Sport will also be the preferred provider of travel and accommodation for the Scottish National Teams, and for key executives linked to the Scottish FA travelling to matches.

Under its terms, Thomson Sport will support the travel arrangements for Scotland’s men’s and ladies’ first teams for international away matches.

Thomson Sport will also operate a ‘Holiday Club’ allowing members of the Scotland Supporters’ Club access to a dedicated booking service for package holidays and flights.

Scotland Abroad packages are now on sale.

For more information call Thomson Sport on 0845 121 2018 or visit

www.thomsonsport.com

Golfers can enjoy the perfect start to one of the country’s biggest sporting events with the Cheltenham Festival Centenary Golf Day.

The horseracing Mecca celebrates its 100th anniversary next year, and to mark the occasion Your Golf Travel.com is inviting race goers to the Celtic Manor Resort the day before it all begins to enjoy some golf and receive tips from a host of racing experts.

On Monday, March 14, attendees can play golf on either the Montgomerie course, the Roman Road layout or the Twenty Ten course – which is hosting this year’s Ryder Cup – before enjoying dinner and a special Cheltenham preview evening, where a panel of famous faces from the racing world will guide them through the coming week’s major races and supporting cards.

Packages can be tailored to individual needs and start from just £99 for golf on the Montgomerie course plus the special preview evening. Other options include 18 holes on the Twenty Ten course, the preview evening, a night in the five-star Celtic Manor Resort and a Tuesday Club enclosure ticket to the Cheltenham Festival for just £399.

The Stableford competition will have a host of great prizes on offer along with everything you would expect from a first-class golf day including on-course competitions and complimentary buggies and course guides.

Non-golfers can also enjoy the fun with bespoke spa packages available.

And transfers to and from Cheltenham race course or extra nights in the hotel can be arranged on request.

The Cheltenham Festival Centenary Golf Day is the latest offering from Fairway to Furlong, an exciting and unique, short sporting break concept created by Your Golf Travel.com.

It provides championship golf along with the opportunity to experience quintessentially British afternoons or evenings at some of the world’s highest profile horseracing fixtures.

Every event can be tailored to meet individual group’s needs with a dedicated team ready to create bespoke packages to ensure the perfect day out.

For more information, or to book, call 0800 043 1860, email david@fairwaytofurlong.com  or visit www.fairwaytofurlong.com.

For more information on racing at Cheltenham visit www.cheltenham.co.uk

Central Coast, NSW Australia: The Central Coast, one hour north of Sydney and south of Newcastle, is arguably NSW’s most accessible regional destination for conferencing, meetings and events, just a hop, skip and splash from either Newcastle or Sydney airports. The Central Coast provides delegates with a distinctive change of place and pace.

Hot off the press, the 2010/2011 Central Coast Conference & Events Planner is the catalog of conferencing options on the Central Coast. Now available online, www.visitcentralcoast.com.au, as an interactive e-guide or as a hard copy. The planner opens with Australis Retreat at Wisemans, located in the western hinterland region, and closes with Zenith Business & Conference Centre at Tuggerah, in the north.

Without doubt golden sandy beaches and refreshing oceans are a drawcard for delegates. Renowned contenders for planner to shortlist include Crowne Plaza Terrigal, Country Comfort Terrigal and Mantra Ettalong Beach boasting both views and convenient access to the sparkling Pacific Ocean.

The 15 Surf Life Saving Clubs scattered along the 85 km of coastline provide a range of venues with uninterrupted ocean views.

Planners looking for venues that inject personal style with a boutique atmosphere should consider Kims Beach Hideaway or Star of the Sea Luxury Apartments, both within a stone’s throw of the ocean. Or if a natural bush setting is more fitting your event theme, then do not pass up the opportunity to host an intimate conference, meeting or event at Noonaweena, set high on the ridge of Yengo National Park.

A natural bush setting is the feature that sets apart both Treetops Resort Avoca Beach and the Ken Duncan Gallery from their competitors.

For a relaxed and informal environment adjacent to the beach consider Ocean Beach Holiday Park, with accommodation featuring a range of stylish two and three bedroom villas and cabins.

The Coast’s assortment of clubs present a great value alternative with Mingara Recreation Club leading the way. Other club choices include the refurbished diggers@the entrance and Doyalson Wyee RSL Club.

Golf is often a must have activity in delegates’ programmes and the Central Coast has a portfolio of 10 golf courses with Quay West Magenta Shores’ course ranking the highest of all, coming in at 28th in Golf Australia’s 2010 Top 50 course list.

Need an award winning experience to capture your delegates’ attention? Bells at Killcare is the current title holder of the ‘Best Restaurant’ on the Coast, with Stefano Manfredi leading the area’s culinary revolution. Looking for the next best thing? TreeTop Adventure Park seized bronze in the recent tourism awards for the ‘Best New Tourism Attraction’.

The Central Coast supplies a range of activities for delegates to totally immerse themselves in the conference experience. Chill Cook Create, will tailor an interactive programme of cooking, yoga or painting and match the accommodation accordingly.

The blood will be flowing after a jaunt to Glenworth Valley Outdoor Adventures, Australia’s largest outdoor adventure operator, providing the opportunity to horse ride, quad bike, abseil, kayak or rogain in 3000 acres of pristine wilderness. Those seeking an adrenaline rush, book in the ‘Fear Factor’ experience at the Australian Reptile Park; a guaranteed conference highlight activity.

Don’t sweat the small stuff, let The Event People sort out all the conference elements including invitations, teasers, catering, decorations, sound and lighting.

No matter whether your delegates are coming from Newcastle, Sydney or elsewhere, Coastal Liner is the Central Coast’s premier bus and coach operator with environmentally friendly state of the art vehicles, sized to fit.

Remember, the Central Coast has conferencing, meetings and events covered from A-Z with everything in between. Reel in Central Coast Tourism’s knowledge and expertise, providing time saving services, on 1 300 362 169.

WIN A 3 NIGHT EXPERIENCE ON THE CENTRAL COAST:

Conference and Events Planners have the chance to win one of 3 three night packages on the Central Coast. To enter complete your details on our microsite www.centralcoastmice.com.au. For every quote or booking made with one of the participating suppliers you will receive an entry into the draw. Entries close 29 October 2010. Terms and Conditions apply and are detailed on the microsite.

DELIVERING A LEVEL OF LUXURY AND SERVICE NEVER BEFORE SEEN IN FIJI

InterContinental Fiji Golf Resort & Spa has taken luxury to a new level in Fiji with the official opening of the resort’s new Club InterContinental – the only offering of its kind in the region.

Set apart from the rest of the resort, atop a hill overlooking Natadola Bay, Club InterContinental offers seasoned travellers the exclusivity of a resort within a resort. Surrounding its private infinity pool and lounge area are 55 hilltop suites all with luxurious Cleopatra baths and many featuring private plunge pools.

“There is no place like Club InterContinental anywhere on the main island of Fiji,” said InterContinental Fiji Golf Resort & Spa general manager, Scott Williams.

“We have created an elevated standard of luxury and service that visitors to our shores will not have experienced before.

The opening of Club InterContinental marks a first for Fiji and offers a luxury hideaway to those seeking discretion while holidaying.”

Access to Club InterContinental also includes a 24-hour personalised butler service, complimentary internet access, luxurious Pure Fiji products, breakfast in a choice of three stunning venues, afternoon tea and evening cocktails with canapés each evening.

To celebrate the official opening of Club InterContinental, InterContinental Fiji Golf Resort & Spa is offering special advance purchase rates from FJ$742 (approx AU$430) per night, inclusive of accommodation in a Club InterContinental hilltop suite and Club InterContinental benefits, such as daily breakfast, evening cocktails and canapés, and a 24-hour personalised butler service.

This rate is subject to availability, for stays after October 15, 2010, and includes taxes. For more information or to make a booking, visit www.intercontinental.com/fiji  or call 1800 221 335.