Jetsettersblog

Further Affirmation of the New Era of Experiential Luxury Travel in Australia

Two of Australia’s outstanding luxury lodge experiences have joined Luxury Lodges of Australia, an association launched in 2010 to promote the uniquely Australian breed of luxury experiential lodges, domestically and internationally.

“It is the combination of an outstanding experience, key luxury standards, and a vital, immediate and powerful sense of place that guests experience while at Saffire and onboard the True North that make them both natural inclusions in the Luxury Lodges of Australia collection” noted James Baillie of Baillie Lodges, and Chair of Luxury Lodges of Australia.

‘Saffire Freycinet’ is Australia’s new luxury coastal sanctuary on Tasmania’s East Coast, delivering sophisticated, intimate style and an inspirational experience. Very recently open, Saffire’s distinctive design and impeccable yet friendly service have triggered widespread excitement.

The range of signature regional experiences developed for Saffire’s guests to connect with the landscape, history, culture, marine farms and wildlife of the Freycinet region is outstanding and the onsite Palate restaurant, under the guidance of chef Hugh Whitehouse, and Spa Saffire deliver exceptional dining and wellness experiences.

A cruise on the ‘True North’ has long been regarded as one of Australia’s outstanding and revered adventure tourism experiences, and Australia’s true floating luxury lodge.

Cruises are activity based and designed for the most discerning traveller wanting to ‘experience the destination’ in some of Australia’s most remote and hard to access coastal regions.

Commenting on his company’s collaboration with Luxury Lodges, Peter Trembath, General Manager of North Star Cruises Australia (owners of true North), said; “Everyone at North Star is very excited to be part of this very strategic initiative to showcase the best of the best”.

James Baillie also stated “This is an exciting time for Australia, and the time is right to showcase the wealth and diversity of our uniquely Australian luxury experiences. We haven’t had both this depth and quality of product before. Australia has come of age in this important travel niche.”

The association’s website, www.luxurylodgesofaustralia.com.au provides a wealth of information on the 17 Australian Luxury Lodges, along with direct contact details It also features a useful ‘Plan Your Trip’ tools which assists with forming itineraries to some of Australia’s most exceptional but remote regions, and offers important information about getting between lodges.

Saffire, Freycinet – Saffire Freycinet is Australia’s new luxury coastal sanctuary on Tasmania’s East Coast, delivering sophisticated, intimate style and an inspirational experience.

Discreetly positioned overlooking the Hazards Mountains, Freycinet Peninsula and the pristine waters of Great Oyster Bay, Saffire blends mankind and nature with breathtaking beauty.

Featuring 20 luxurious suites, exclusive day spa, restaurant, guest lounge and bar, this new experience is a celebration of the art of service, internal and external wellbeing, local culinary delights, ancient landscapes and abundant wildlife.

In Palate restaurant, head chef Hugh Whitehouse has ensured innovative dining does not compromise the true flavours of the freshest local produce. Menus showcase the bounty of Tasmania’s inspiring food culture.

Guests can restore their wellbeing at Spa Saffire which features three retreat rooms overlooking the inspiring landscape and a bespoke menu of treatments.

Activities while at Saffire include a visit to the marine farm for an up close and personal introduction to the local oysters, multiple hikes including to the world-famous Wineglass Bay. The Schouten Island Signature Experience has been designed exclusively for guests to deepen their East Coast discovery. There’s a world of deserted islands, wild bushland and secluded beaches to explore in this exceptional region.

True North, The Kimberley – A cruise on the True North has long been regarded as one of Australia’s outstanding and revered adventure tourism experiences. Cruises are activity based and designed for the most discerning traveller wanting to ‘experience the destination’ in some of Australia’s most remote and hard to access coastal regions.

True North’s flagship “Kimberley Wilderness Cruise” is a 6 or 13 night panorama of spectacular gorges and majestic waterfalls, islands and rugged coastline.

Other trip options include the “West Coast Explorer” to the Abrolhos Islands and Ningaloo Reef; the “Coral Atoll Cruise” to the Rowley Shoals; “Sydney Rocks” an opportunity to discover wilderness on the doorstep of Australia’s largest city and, the “Southern Safari” a safari at sea along the stunning South Australian coast including Kangaroo Island.

The True North has been designed to go where no other ship can go, with high levels of comfort and style. All cabins are spacious and feature modern décor and en-suite facilities.
Daily activities can include scenic walks, helicopter flights, fishing, snorkelling, cultural visits, picnics, flora, bird and wildlife watching, diving, exploring and more…

Multiple expedition vessels or ‘tenders’ take guests in small groups to experience the wilderness ‘up close’ and, the luxury of having numerous tenders means that everyone onboard has greater opportunity to do “what they want, when they want”. Most cruise options feature an onboard helicopter opening up a whole range of options from scenic flights and heli-picnics to overnight camping adventures. True North offers the opportunity to discover virtually unseen and untouched parts of Australia.

1. Arkaba Station, Flinders Ranges – With 60,000 acres and just 5 rooms Arkaba’s rustically chic homestead is an exclusive yet quintessentially Australian experience offering guests classic country hospitality while exploring the outback.

2. Bamurru Plains, Top End – Focussing on environmental sustainability and key luxury standards, this nine room camp exudes ‘Wild Bush Luxury’ bringing a touch of style to a remote and extraordinarily beautiful region.

3. Bedarra, Great Barrier Reef – A private hideaway, tropical island retreat, surrounded by lush rainforest and private beaches, Bedarra is all about understated luxury and as much privacy as is desired.

4. Capella Lodge, Lord Howe Island – Nine contemporary beach-style suites, personal service, exceptional dining and the option to enjoy a range of activities combine to deliver a unique and exclusive Lord Howe experience.

5. Cape Lodge, Margaret River Wine Region – Described as one of Australia’s finest gourmet establishments, Cape Lodge sits within 40 acres on its vineyard in the heart of the Margaret River wine country.

6. Lake House, Daylesford – This acclaimed dining destination and accommodation lies on the shores of idyllic Lake Daylesford 90 minutes from Melbourne in Victoria’s Spa Country, and is at the heart of a regional food mecca.

7. Lizard Island, Great Barrier Reef – A beautiful, natural, remote island retreat and northern-most reef resort with 24 white powdery beaches, five star cuisine and indulging spa treatments and an outstanding dive destination.

8. Longitude 131, Ayers Rock/Uluru – Luxurious, eco-sensitive and romantic. With just 15 luxury tents Longitude 131° is sited to face the majestic Uluru and is the ultimate, exclusive Australian outback experience.

9. qualia, Great Barrier Reef – Located at the edge of the reef on the secluded northern-most tip of Hamilton Island, with outstanding attention to design and an exceptional spa, the qualia experience is one of deep sensory sophistication.

10. Saffire, Freycinet – Saffire Freycinet is Australia’s new luxury coastal sanctuary on Tasmania’s East Coast, delivering sophisticated, intimate style and an inspirational experience.

11. Sal Salis, Ningaloo Reef – Where the outback meets the reef, and the best place on earth to swim with whale sharks, 9 wilderness tents and a team of passionate guides at Sal Salis offer an exclusive luxe wilderness experience.

12. Southern Ocean Lodge, Kangaroo Island – Offering a unique fusion of nature and luxury, 21 luxe suites, breathtaking views to the great Southern Ocean, all inclusive rates, first name service and personalised experiential itinerary… the ultimate Kangaroo Island experience.

13. Spicers Clovelly Estate, Sunshine Coast Hinterland – A relaxed environment with old world charm, French contemporary style, fine dining restaurant, 10 suites, 22 acres of lush grounds and excellent day spa facilities.

14. Spicers Peak Lodge, Scenic Rim South East Queensland – Australia’s highest non alpine all inclusive lodge is spectacularly located on the World Heritage listed Main Range National Park, with a focus on fine food and wine, bushwalking and mountain-biking.

15. The Louise, Barossa Valley – This luxury vineyard retreat combines absolute luxury and inspired design with Appellation, one of Australia’s finest regional dining experiences, in the world renowned Barossa wine region.

16. True North, The Kimberley – Long been regarded as one of Australia’s outstanding adventure tourism experiences, True North cruises are activity based and designed for the most discerning traveller wanting to ‘experience the destination’ in some of Australia’s most remote and hard to access coastal regions.

17. Wolgan Valley Resort & Spa, Blue Mountains – Set within its own 4,000 acre conservation and wildlife reserve, this spectacular resort offers 40 individual suites with private swimming pools, distinctive dining, luxury facilities and exceptional Timeless Spa.

The Board of Directors representing the members comprises James Baillie, owner Baillie Lodges (Chair); Jim Carreker, owner of The Louise (Secretary); Phillipa Harrison, General Manager Sales Hamilton Island, representing qualia (Deputy Chair); Charlie Carlow, owner Wild Bush Luxury (Arkaba Station, Bamurru Plains and Sal Salis); and Judith North, Director of Sales, Wolgan Valley. Executive Officer, Penny Rafferty.

Further information available at: www.luxurylodgesofaustralia.com.au

A Topnotch Paradise Resort Uncovers Its Mystic Veil
Hainan’s Shenzhou Peninsula Celebrates Its Grand Opening at the End of 2010

Shenzhou Peninsula, located on the east coast of Hainan Island, will be celebrating its grand opening at the end of 2010 when this long-awaited world-class resort will welcome visitors from all over the world.

Among the first facilities to be opened will be The Dunes golf course, the Sheraton Hotel and the Four Points by Sheraton hotel with a total of 650 keys. The Sunbury coastal residential compounds will be available for sale and renting starting September 2010.

Having received investment by CITIC Pacific, the Shenzhou Peninsula resort occupies some 18 square kilometers and features a comprehensive paradise resort with unique and beautiful natural scenic spots, including four amazing bays, natural beaches and the tranquil lake. The resort also boasts, luxury resort hotel, seaside residential villas, yacht dock and several beach clubs among many other world-class tourism and leisure facilities.

Situated on eastern coastal highways, Shenzhou Peninsula prides itself on its well developed traffic system that enables travelers to take only 20 minutes to reach Sanya and only 40 minutes to reach Haikou along the “One Hour Golden Resort Circle.”

However, the high-speed railway lines in the eastern part of Hainan will not open until the end of 2010. It will include a station for Shenzhou Peninsula.

Preeminent golf course designer Tom Weiskopf designed Shenzhou Peninsula’s The Dunes golf course. Enjoying a gorgeous view of the sea, the course includes a championship golf course called the Composite Course which is designed within the 36 standard holes and five practice holes, all built on natural terrain with breathtaking views of the South China Sea.

The course takes full advantage of the area’s unique geography by harmoniously merging with the nearby seashore view.

The golf course is also equipped with a stunning clubhouse, golf academy and other facilities that offer comprehensive service to members and visitors alike.

Tom Weiskopf has been crowned a champion during many PGA tours, and enjoys a reputation for being one of the best golf course designers in the world. “The natural scenery found at Shenzhou Peninsula is ideal for the best golf course imaginable,” Weiskopf said.

“It was a great challenge, and very rewarding to work with this wonderful terrain, and the results have satisfied me greatly. I am confident that The Dunes will be very well received by the golfing public and am confident it will receive many accolades in the years to come. ”

In addition to The Dunes, the soon to be completed Sheraton Hotel and Four Points by Sheraton hotel (total of 65o keys) will guarantee visitors a perfect vacation experience by enabling a gorgeous view of the sea through every suite window found in the hotel.

Hotel visitors will be able to relax both their bodies and their minds through coconut tree water spas among other luxurious delights.

Located in a natural harbor, the Shenzhou Peninsula’s marina club not only provides a complete set of comprehensive dock service facilities and equipment, but also a yacht renting service. Shenzhou Peninsula resort village is the perfect choice for family vacations given its beach clubs that provide for a variety of leisure activities.

For those who never want to leave, the coastal residential community Sunbury has been designed to accommodate an elite and passionate lifestyle near the Peninsula’s comfortable and second-to-none harbor and golf villas.

“The Dunes at Shenzhou Peninsula has amazed people with its spectacular sand dunes and breathtaking ocean views.

This combined with a truly world class Tom Weiskopf design and professional service and already thrilled golfers from all corners of the globe” said Steven Thielke, General Manager of Hotels and Golf Management of Shenzhou Peninsula.

About Shenzhou Peninsula:

Shenzhou Peninsula, located on the east coast of Hainan Island, boasts a tropical climate with an average yearly temperature between 20°C and 25°C.

Having received significant investment by CITIC Pacific, the 18 square kilometers that make up Shenzhou Peninsula will officially open for business in late 2010.

Upon opening, the Peninsula will feature a wide variety of leisure facilities, like a 36-hole golf course, luxurious five-star hotels, a marina club and residential areas that boast breathtaking views of the beach. Shenzhou Peninsula resorts will also be equipped with fully functional MICE (Meetings, Incentives, Conventions and Exhibitions) facilities and a multitude of dining options.

By end of 2010, a high-speed railway that connects Haikou and Sanya will be completed with a station for Shenzhou Peninsula.

The train will provide for easy access to a number of scenic spots like Dazhou Island, Dongshan Mountain Range and the Xinglong Tropical Botanical Garden. The railway will allow for travel from Shenzhou Peninsula to Haikou in a mere 40 minutes, and travel to Sanya in only 20 minutes.

Website: www.shenzhoupeninsula.com

Edinburgh, Scotland – The award-winning 21212 Restaurant – one of five restaurants in Edinburgh to receive a distinguished Michelin star this year, only eight months after opening – has joined Connoisseurs Scotland’s collection of luxury properties.

At just over one-year old, the “restaurant with rooms” (four deluxe guest rooms) has been described as “an indulgence that will leave you awestruck” and has received an impressive amount of positive kudos and accolades — including Restaurant Newcomer of the Year and Restaurant of the Year at this year’s “Catering in Scotland Excellence Awards.”

Chef Paul Kitching, a veteran of several other Michelin-starred restaurants including Juniper, opened up 21212 in May 2009 to rave reviews and numerous awards, including Best New Restaurant in the UK 2009 at the National Restaurant Awards.

The Georgian townhouse underwent a £4.5m renovation and features an eclectic mix of period pieces and modern, environmentally conscious amenities.

The 38-seat restaurant consists of an open kitchen, drawing room, private dining, and four luxury bedrooms, each uniquely designed and equipped with private bath, plasma television and internet.

The restaurant name is derived from the simple fact that the innovative menu, as prepared by Kitching and a staff of seven seasoned chefs, consists of eight dishes per day: two choices for starters, main and desserts, with two tasting dishes between, all based on modern French style cuisine.

The five-course gourmet dinner menu is offered at £65 per person, while the lunch menu is priced from £25 per person and offers guests the option of two to five courses.

For more information, contact reservations@21212restaurant.co.uk

Connoisseurs Scotland’s 25 members encompass four of the world’s finest golf resorts, including Gleneagles and Old Course; Inverlochy Castle, voted the best hotel in Europe; seven outstanding city centre properties including Prestonfield, Edinburgh’s only 5 Red Star hotel; a 19th-century castle health spa; a collection of intimate country house hotels; the Royal Scotsman luxury train; an exclusive use property; and three properties set in scenic coastal locations.

Five properties boast Michelin-starred restaurants.

Information on Connoisseurs Scotland, its member resorts and special offers can be found at

www.luxuryscotland.co.uk

Franschhoek, Cape Winelands, South Africa, September, 2010 – The Common Room, the latest addition to the exceptional Le Quartier Français culinary experience, offers diners a menu packed full of lip smacking delights designed by Margot Janse to serve as snacks or the building blocks of a more substantial meal.

Margot, in creating this new experience says “Food is constantly evolving and changing and people enjoy food at different times ………we have created a menu that will encourage people to chill out, taste, share and enjoy good times in great company.

Being aware that not every meal has to be a “huge spend” we have kept the prices small and the idea is to share with friends.”

Fish pops with chakalaka ketchup, bone marrow with salsa verde crust, chocolate and milk ice cream sandwich, are just a few of the WOW-bites on offer.

Occupying the space previously used by iCi, Le Quartier Français’s, bistro-style restaurant, The Common Room is poised to become Franschhoek’s favourite foodie hangout; the perfect place to relax and linger with friends over a tasty dish or two, the local grazing ground.

Here guests can meet up for drinks and snacks or pop in, sans reservation, for a scrumptious breakfast, lunch or dinner.

In a truly delightful twist The Common Room has a strict no reservations policy.

This ensures that it is refreshingly first-come first-serve in its attitude towards guests and great cocktails can be enjoyed while waiting for a table.

The decor is plush without being overwhelming, and in true Le Quartier Français style it is supremely comfortable. Common Room themed elements add depth and humour to the experience

The Common Room combines the best ingredients, in both its menu and décor, to create another mouthwatering dining experience at Le Quartier Français.

The Common Room is open 7 days a week from 7.30 am to 10.00pm.

For more information about The Common Room at Le Quartier Français contact Robyn Watkins robyn@lqf.co.za  +27 (0)21876 2151.

Le Quarter Français is a luxurious Relais & Chateaux country inn situated in the French Huguenot valley of Franschhoek, in the Cape Winelands.

The Auberge offers eleven en-suite bedrooms, three Grande Rooms, two Petite Garden Suites, and two deluxe suites (with splash pools), which open onto a rose-filled central courtyard and swimming pool.

And for the ultimate in luxury, there are four state-of-the-art suites, The Four Quarters, overlooking a private pool and sun-splashed deck.The Tasting Room under the expert guidance of Executive Chef Margot Janse has been in the San Pellegrino top 50 restaurant list for 7 years.

Follow in the footsteps of Edward, Duke of Windsor, and Wallis Simpson, and enjoy a holiday at what was once their country retreat outside Paris, Le Moulin de la Tuilerie in Gif-sur-Yvette, the first French property offered by The Landmark Trust, the British building preservation charity.

Edward VIII abdicated from the British throne in 1936 to marry the twice-divorced American Wallis Simpson. In exile after the war, the Duke and Duchess of Windsor settled in Paris and bought Le Moulin de la Tuilerie, a former 18th century tile-making mill 35km outside the capital, as their weekend country residence. The Windsors converted other buildings on the
site to accommodate their guests, who regularly included Maria Callas, Marlene Dietrich, Elizabeth Taylor and Richard Burton, and other glitterati of the 1950s and 60s.

From this month visitors can stay at a choice of three buildings:

* Le Moulin: This was the Windsors’ main residence and you can now sleep in the Duke and Duchess’s former bedrooms. The house, of grey stone, is a welcoming and hospitable place. Prices start from £1403 for a three night weekend (Friday to Monday) or from £1925 for a week, for up to 12 people.

* La Maison des Amis: Luxurious guest accommodation in the Windsors’ time, today this is a self-contained building with an elegant panelled interior and a private terrace overlooking the main gardens. Prices from £741 for a three night weekend (Friday to Monday) or from £1047 for a week, for up to 4 people.

* La Célibataire: Although ironically named “the bachelor’s
quarters”, this is a perfect romantic hideaway for two. British
photographer Cecil Beaton used to stay here when visiting his friend, the
Duchess, whom he photographed often.

Prices start from £381 for a three night weekend (Friday to Monday) or from £539 for a week, for 2 people.

The buildings have been furnished in a style similar to UK Landmarks but with a French influence and pieces to remind of the Windsors’ happy times here.

The extensive grounds of Le Moulin de la Tuilerie retain the streams and cobbled paths created by the Duke and there is an ancient rocky woodland beyond the site, all combining to make it a perfect country retreat, still within easy reach of Paris.

Those keen to pursue a ‘Royal theme’ on their holiday can visit the grand palaces of Versailles and Fontainebleau, just a few miles away.

And for those looking for culture, or a bit of retail therapy, Paris is an easy day trip by direct train from Gif sur Yvette.

These are the first buildings for Landmark France. The Landmark Trust is also working in partnership with the French government coastal conservation agency, le Conservatoire du littoral, to restore historic buildings around the French coast and give them a new future by letting them for holidays.

Projects are already underway in Brittany and Charente-Maritime.

For reservations and further information go to www.landmarktrust.og.uk  or call the Landmark Trust Booking Office on 01628 825925.

Castle and wedding venue lying on a headland on the slopes of Mount Resegone and overlooking “that branch of Lake Como” made famous in the work of the Italian writer Alessandro Manzoni and the picturesque medieval hamlet near Calolziocorte in the province of Lecco. Alessandro Manzoni himself was fascinated by the castle to the point of choosing it as the fictional home of “the Unnamed”, one of the characters of his novel, The Betrothed (I Promessi Sposi).

Set in the glorious natural landscape of Lake Como, the Castle enjoys a spectacular view of the lake, close to Lecco and the Brianza, and just a short distance from Milan and Bergamo.

The area’s mild climate allows the castle to be open all year round and its guests to enjoy the large garden from Spring to Autumn. The ideal location to organize wedding celebrations or receptions and high quality daytime or evening parties. It is also possible to celebrate catholic wedding ceremonies in one of the two churches 20 metres from the entrance to the Castle.

The smallest church dates back to the 1300s and can accommodate up to approximately fifty people. Entirely covered in frescoes by the Lombard master painters of the time, it is a truly charming gem. The other church dating back to the 1700s and decorated in a late baroque style is available for larger groups.

Both churches are in a perfect state of conservation and
maintenance. Only 3kms away is the town hall if you wish to have a civil ceremony here.

African safaris planner announcing trips through to East Africa (Kenya, Tanzania, Uganda. The trips departs from Nairobi, Arusha Depends on client flight schedule.

The trips are as follow- Serengeti and Maasai mara migration,Combined Kenya Tanzania safaris, cycling in the wildlifes e.t.c.

The cost for this 13 days Serengeti migration safari is $ 2630. per person sharing .

Departures – Any time based on a minimum of 4 people
Highlights of this Tanzania Safari -Kilimanjaro (non ascent), The Rift Valley, Lake Manyara, Ngorongoro, Serengeti, and The Migration.

The cost for 14 days combined Kenya Tanzania safaris $ 1940 per person sharing,

Departures – Any time based on a minimum of 4 people
Highlights of this Tanzania Safari – Nakuru, Masai Mara, Serengeti, Ngorongoro, Lake Manyara, Amboseli.

Experience the most dramatic wildlife spectacle on earth guided by one of Tanzania’s and kenyan most experienced and knowledgeable guides. Fantastic game viewing plus fascinating insights as you explore Maasailand and the wildlifes.

African safaris planner is also organizing private, custom safaris through East Africa

African safaris planner is one of Africa’s leading operator offering wildlife safaris, beach holidays, adventure travel, car hire and hotel booking.

These trips bring travelers to carefully-selected, remote areas with a high standard of transport in 4×4 Land cruisers and accommodation in 3-5 stars hotels.

For more information visit our website www.africansafarisplanner.com

Golf Greats to Compete at Tournament on European PGA Tour

VALENCIA, Spain – Home to renowned golfers like Sergio García, the Spanish region of Valencia will have welcomed three new 18-hole golf courses by this fall: La Galiana, Las Colinas Golf Country Club and Font del Llop Golf Resort.

With year-round sunny and temperate weather, this region on the Mediterranean now boasts 28 eighteen-hole golf courses.

Long a popular golfing destination and site of numerous championships, with famous courses like La Sella, Valencia will host the Castelló Masters Costa Azahar – one of the tournaments on the PGA’s European tour – October 21 to 24 at the Mediterraneo Golf Club in the province of Castellon.

Expected to open this fall, La Galiana (www.lagalianagolf.com) is near the town of Alcira, south of the city of Valencia.

The 18-hole, par-72 course enjoys a spectacular setting in a valley surrounded by pine and orange groves.

More than 5,000 local species of plants and trees were used in the landscaping, and water consumption will be minimized through a sophisticated rainwater collection and drainage system.

Designed by the Spanish firm Moon Masters, La Galiana will be open to non-members who can use the facilities. New golf schools are also planned for the area.

Opened in May, Font del Llop Golf Resort (www.fdlgolf.es)  is a new 18-hole course located near the historic town of Monforte del Cid, in the Vinalopo valley, just minutes inland from Alicante.

Designed by Blake Stirling and Marco Martín, the par-72 course blends naturally with its scenery and has great views of the surrounding mountains.

Recalling some of the best Scottish and American courses, the layout of Font del Llop’s fairways – around a small river connecting five lakes –make for a technical game that challenges players to use all golf clubs.

Las Colinas Golf & Country Club (www.aworldapart.es)   opened in June and is located in Dehesa de Campoamor, south of Torrevieja in the province of Alicante.

Designed by Cabell B. Robinson, the 18-hole championship course has been carved out of a spectacular gorge and has breathtaking panoramic views of the nearby coastline and a nature reserve.

Managed by Troon Golf, the par-71 course offers a great variety of short and long holes, with five unique par 3’s presenting an array of challenges of varying length and topography.

Key features of this course’s design are water hazards and dramatic bunkering.

On October 21, golf greats like Paul Casey, Michael Jonzen, Henrik Stenson and Camilo Villegas, as well as Spanish champions like García (whose father is the pro and who won the first masters here in 2008) along with José María Olazábal, José Manuel Lara and Álvaro Quirós will compete at the Castelló Masters Costa Azahar.

Designed by Ramon Espinosa in 1978, the par-72 course is at the Mediterraneo Golf Club is in the province of Castellon. (www.castellomasters.com  and www.ccmediterraneo.com)

For more information about the region of Valencia, contact your travel provider or go to http://en.comunitatvalenciana.com/home/home-english/493

Welsh cookery schools are sprouting up as food aficionados flock to Wales to learn the art of cooking and to experience terroir.

Borrowed from French winemakers, who used the term to describe the special effects of growing conditions in a specific location on the taste and qualities of regional wine, terroir, from the French terre for land, has come to be used when speaking about food sourced and prepared locally.

Two newcomers to the Welsh cooking school scene that are committed to the concept of terroir are the eponymous Cooking with Angela Gray and the Chef’s Room, Fish & Cookery School founded by Michelin-star chef Franco Taruschio and Lindy Wildsmith, food writer and cooking instructor.

Cooking with Angela Gray provides the quintessential Welsh culinary travel adventure.

Food writer, broadcaster, consultant and former chef to the rich and famous, Angela Gray chose three locations right out of central casting in which to offer her cooking classes: Slebech Park, a gorgeous Georgian mansion house in the heart of the Pembrokeshire National Park; the 13th-century Fonmon Castle, outside of Cardiff, where participants harvest herbs from a medicinal and culinary walled garden and Ffin y Park country house and art gallery in Llanrwst in Snowdonia National Park.

“They are historic buildings, sited in outstanding food producing areas making each course a never-to-be-forgotten gastronomic experience,” says Gray, who is at the forefront of the Welsh modern food scene. www.angelagray.co.uk

The Chef’s Room, Fish & Cookery School, founded by Michelin-star chef Franco Taruschio and food writer and cooking instructor Lindy Wildsmith, is a full-out cooking school housed in the test kitchens of Vin Sullivan, purveyor of gourmet food to restaurants and caterers in Britain and Europe.

Guest chefs, including Giuseppe Silvestri from Harrods, Welsh Chef and cookbook author Nerys Howell and Michelin-star chef Shaun Hill of The Walnut Tree join Wildsmith and Taruschio to offer one-of-a-kind classes.

Travelers can learn Welsh-Italian fusion cuisine – dishes such as crescente with tomatoes; Glamorgan sausages (meatless and made of delicious Welsh Caerphilly cheese and fresh herbs encased in homemade breadcrumbs), laverbread cockle fritter, tagliatelli with squash and walnut sauce and gratin of oyster with laverbread. (Laver is a form of edible seaweed.) www.thechefsroom.co.uk.

Wales’ organic farming tradition goes back a good long way – to local farmers who could not afford to buy commercial fertilizer and passed their natural farming methods on down through generations. As a result, present day travelers can benefit and enjoy a true taste of Wales.

Foodies can forage for the ingredients of their home-cooked meal and then slip, contented and sated, into a comfortable bed at The Foxhunter, near Abergavenny, www.thefoxhunter.com

They can savor ice cream, homemade from the palest of gorse flowers plucked by hand with tweezers from local gorse bushes – a unique treat at Cookery School Prydwen Parry at Cleifiog Uchaf on Anglesey www.cleifioguchaf.com.

Other noteworthy Welsh cookery schools worth checking out are Drovers Rest, Llanwrtyd Wells www.food-food-food.co.uk and Culinary Cottage, Abergavenny, www.theculinarycottage.co.uk.

For information about the varied experiences to be had on a vacation in Wales, please visit www.usa.visitwales.com or www.visitwales.ca.