Jetsettersblog

Sparkling streetlights, an array of festive markets and buzzing atmosphere, mean that Barcelona is hard to beat for Christmas spirit.

Keycamp is offering seven night breaks at Vilanova Park, just 30 minutes from the city centre, why not get the yuletide season started in style this year?

Barcelona’s renowned Christmas street markets are ideal for meandering from the Fira de Santa Llúci, with its traditional nativity scenes to the culinary treats at the Col.lectiu d’Artesans de l’Alimentació and quirky antiques at Mercat Gótic- there’s sure to be the perfect gift for even the most hard-to-buy-for relative back home.

December in Barcelona has mild temperatures and fewer crowds, making this the ideal time to explore the many sights, including Gaudi’s spectacular Park Güell and La Sagrada Família, the Museu Picasso and the infamous Arc de Triomf.

Situated just minutes from the beach, Keycamp’s superb Vilanova Park has a range of superb facilities including an indoor pool, gym, tennis, cycle hire and a spa and wellness centre.

The cosmopolitan resort of Sitges with its array of restaurants and a number of golf courses are all available nearby.

Seven nights from 12 December for two adults and up to four children staying in a two-bedroom Villanova mobile home at Keycamp’s Vilanova Park will cost just £208, accommodation only. Fly-drive packages can be arranged through Keycamp at a supplement.

For further information visit www.keycamp.co.uk  or to book, call Keycamp on 0844 406 0319.

Luxury chalet specialist welcomes Michelin-starred chef back for a second season

Zermatt specialist Mountain Exposure has secured Michelin-starred chef Gerry Kirwan for a second season in its flagship property The Lodge.

Gerry will produce gourmet dinners and breakfasts for groups of up to ten until the end of the season in April 2011.

There is no other Michelin-starred chef in Zermatt.

Kirwan, who, along with his wife Ann, forms a chef and host team, comments: “We love it here in Zermatt; we are passionate about food and skiing and there is no better resort for both.”

Donald Scott, aka ‘The Gourmet Ski Guide’, and director of Mountain Exposure, adds: “Gerry is now Executive Chef, leading our team of six world-class chefs in Zermatt and Saas Fee. We are dedicated foodies, and very demanding about the standard of cuisine we provide. Gerry has always exceeded our expectations.”

Kirwan won the coveted star when he ran The Commons Restaurant in Dublin in 1993. He subsequently had his own Michelin-rated restaurant in Athlone and has since worked at Rochestown Park Hotel in Cork.

To enjoy a luxurious gourmet holiday in Zermatt this winter season and to take advantage of Mountain Exposure’s exclusive special offers please call 0845 425 2001 or email bookings@mountainexposure.com

Visit www.mountainexposure.com  for further information.

St Michael’s Hotel & Spa, Cornwall’s Hotel of the Year 2009/2010, has announced a range of festive packages to celebrate Christmas 2010, offering guests a true Cornish experience with fine local food and drink, plus a variety of entertainment and a hamper of Cornish goodies including biscuits, cider and wine to take home.

Situated along the picture postcard beachfront of the pretty seaside town of Falmouth, St Michael’s has recently undergone a multi-million pound refurbishment and aims to bring its guests the very best of Cornwall, particularly over the festive period, when the hotel comes alive with Christmas charm.

The celebrations kick off on Christmas Eve, with a mulled wine reception, music and carols performed by a local Cornish brass band and song sheets for everyone to join in. The hotel will pull out all the stops on Christmas Day, starting with breakfast and bucks fizz; followed by a visit from Father Christmas to wish Seasonal Greetings and share special gifts; a Christmas Day lunch; showing of the Queen’s Speech in The Locker; Cornish afternoon tea with Christmas cake; The Big St Michael’s Family Christmas Quiz; ending the day with a sumptuous buffet dinner.

The entertainment carries on into Boxing Day with a festive treasure hunt during the day and in the evening a four course dinner followed by evening entertainment and a casino. For guests wishing to further embrace the festive spirit, tickets are available to attend the annual Christmas pantomime at The Hall for Cornwall in Truro. Alternatively, the nearby coastal paths and beaches offer an ideal opportunity to walk off the indulgence and enjoy the clear sea air.

St Michael’s Hotel & Spa offers a number of packages during the festive season. Prices start from £919 per room (two sharing) for the Full Christmas Programme, based on a three night stay arriving on Christmas Eve.

The price includes accommodation, full English breakfast and dinner at the award-winning Flying Fish restaurant, use of all the hotel’s spa facilities including the large heated swimming pool, sauna, Jacuzzi, steam room and fitness studio.

Also available for those wishing to escape to Cornwall for the entire festive season, are packages of 14 nights, incorporating Christmas and New Year.

Prices start from £1,999 per room (two sharing).

Additional great value packages are also available for the period between Christmas and New Year and over the New Year period.

For more information on the packages, or to book, contact St Michael’s Hotel & Spa on 01326 312707, or visit www.stmichaelshotel.co.uk

St Michael’s Hotel & Spa

Set in its own sub tropical gardens on the beautiful Cornish coast, the stylish St. Michael’s Hotel & Spa, Cornwall Tourism’s current Hotel of the Year, commands stunning views across the blue flag beaches of Falmouth Bay and the rugged Lizard peninsular. Following a £4 million refurbishment, St. Michael’s is one of the finest hotels in the South West, offering a warm, welcoming oasis in which to relax, unwind and indulge.

Working closely with local producers, farmers and fishermen, the award-winning Flying Fish Restaurant serves a mouth-watering range of fresh, seasonal dishes with a special emphasis on succulent seafood.

The St. Michael’s Spa offers an extensive menu of luxurious treatments inspired by the calm coastal setting, and the hotel’s elegantly appointed guest rooms and suites enjoy contemporary, quintessential littoral design. St. Michael’s Hotel & Spa also features modern meeting and conference facilities, an impressive fitness suite and a dedicated sustainability programme. www.stmichaelshotel.co.uk

Enjoy an extra-special escape this festive season with a stay at blissful boutique retreat Wineport Lodge, where you can enjoy three nights in a deluxe lakeview room for the price of two at just £195* per person, including full Irish breakfast each morning, dinner one evening and a pampering spa treatment for each adult.

Plus you can enjoy flights from the UK to Dublin from as little as £4.99** with Aer Lingus – making it the ideal time to visit.

Its idyllic location on the inner lakes of Lough Ree and the food and wine theme throughout this independent hotel make for a stunning Yuletide setting, boasting lakeside views from each of the 29 rooms, roaring fires in the elegant bar and a constant buzz in the fashionable restaurant, renowned nationally as the home of Ireland’s leading celebrity chef TV show which is filmed there, ensuring a stream of local and regional visitors as well as the hotel guests.

Menus on offer range from the great-value early bird or the classic bistro to the ‘wild and organic’ which boasts only free-range or organic ingredients in its seasonal dishes.

Kids will love the nearby Glendeer Pet Farm, known as Ireland’s Lapland when it is transformed each December into a magical winter wonderland with thousands of fairy lights, Christmas snow scenes and visits from Santa.

With over 50 species of animals and birds, little ones will be entertained for hours and will have the chance to hold pups, rabbits and guinea pigs, as well as feeding the monkeys, goats, sheep, emu, donkies, llama and more, as part of the interactive experience.

For a spot of shopping, the bohemian city of Galway will offer a European flavour thanks to its continental Christmas market in Kennedy Park, Eyre Square, from 19th November to 19th December, boasting 70 stalls offering traditional gifts and crafts, delicious food and drink including a traditional bier keller, Santa’s grotto and entertainment for all the family.

Back at Wineport Lodge, wind down after a wintry day with a well-deserved 30-minute spa treatment to relieve those Christmas stresses and strains, whilst the kids let off steam in the Wii room or watch a classic Christmas film from the hotel’s guest library.

For bookings call 00353 90 643 9010 or visit www.wineport.ie

*Price based on two sharing and includes the third night free. Deluxe lakeside suite available from £220 per person, based on two adults and one child, including the third night free.

** See www.aerlingus.com.

Nearest ferry port is Dun Laoghaire, near Dublin. For great ferry offers visit www.stenaline.co.uk

For more on Glendeer Pet Farm visit www.glendeer.com

For more information about Ireland visit http://www.discoverireland.com or for a free vacation planning kit call the NY office at 800/223-6470. Read Ireland feature stories from Jetsetters Magazine.

Finland never fails to provide a festive feel during the winter months. The most sparsely populated of the Nordic countries offers the perfect place for visitors to ensure they get into the Christmas spirit.

With a range of Christmas markets offering spectacular light displays, specially brewed winter beers and warming hot chocolate, Finland’s cities Tampere, Turku and Helsinki create a magical experience for everyone to enjoy this winter.

Tampere; Recreate Narnia from The Lion The Witch & The Wardrobe

Tampere offers a mix of slick Finnish sophistication with spectacular scenery including waterways and woodlands which freeze over in winter creating fairytale scenes reminiscent of Narnia from the classic children’s book The Lion the Witch & the Wardrobe.

During the winter months, Tampere is lit up with a spectacular and vivid array of colourful shapes and illuminations. For 2010, the city celebrates the 45th Tampere Illuminations lighting up the city from 29th October to 6th January. The opening ceremony will go off with a bang with spectacular fireworks lighting up the dark night sky.

In the evenings, refuge is found in the two-century old theatres, or the Town Hall which often plays host to the prestigious Tampere Philharmonic Orchestra.

For those visiting in December, from the 10th to 23rd, the Central Square will be transformed into a wonderful Christmas Market with traditional entertainment, hand-made crafts and warming food and drink.

Home-made delicacies include star-shaped pastries filled with thick plum jam and sweet gingerbread. To drink there is traditional glögi, a spicy hot mulled wine, specially brewed dark winter beers, and hot chocolate and coffees fortified with a little rum.

From 27th November to 23rd December, Tampere will also play host to the Tallipiha Stable Yards Christmas Village with handicrafts, warming food and drink and a Christmas Carousel.

Ryanair (www.ryanair.com ) operates four weekly flights to Tampere from London Stansted and three weekly flights from Edinburgh.

Turku; Finland’s ‘Christmas City’ and European Capital of Culture 2011

Turku, Finland’s oldest city is also fondly referred to as the ‘Christmas City’ and offers a traditional Christmas market that brightens up the Old Great Square during the Christmas period offering an outstanding array of handcrafts and baked goods. The grand opening of the Christmas City will be celebrated on 27th November 2010 from 5pm.

The ceremony sees the start of the Christmas festivities which include art exhibitions, concerts, theatre performances and special events just for the little ones.

In Turku, Christmas is traditionally celebrated on St. Knut’s Day (13 January) so the Christmas City offers various festive events throughout a six week period.

The winter season is an ideal time to visit Turku, which for 2011 has also been recognised as European Capital of Culture.

Finnair (www.finnair.com ) offers flights to Turku (via Helsinki) from London Heathrow or Manchester. Alternatively Helsinki offers great bus and train links to Turku with a journey time of approximately two hours.

Helsinki- Combine Christmas markets with designer shopping!

In December Helsinki is brightened up by the many Christmas lights in the streets and shop window displays.

Aleksanterinkatu, the main shopping street of the city centre, is an elaborately-decorated and illuminated Joulukatu (“Christmas Street”), opened by Santa Claus himself at the end of November.

From this time, the large department stores woo passers by with colourful and elaborate Christmas window displays.

The market season begins with the Women’s Christmas Fair at the Old Harbour (Vanha Satama) at the very start of December and the largest is the St. Thomas Market, held in the city centre Esplanade Park throughout December. There is also an indoor Christmas market in the city centre in the Old Student Hall.

The St Thomas Market in Helsinki’s Esplanade Park is the biggest Christmas market in Finland with close to 150 vendors in red wooden stalls. On weekends Santa Claus visits the market which is open throughout December.

London Heathrow, London Gatwick and Manchester all offer flights to Helsinki. Please see EasyJet (www.easyjet.com) , Blue1(www.blue1.com/uk)  or Finnair (www.finnair.com)  for flight options.

For more information on Finland, please visit www.visitfinland.com/uk

For more information on Tampere, please visit www.gotampere.com  , for more information on Turku, please visit www.turkutouring.com  or for more information on Helsinki, please visit www.visithelsinki.com.

DescaradA Luxury Charters has re- affirmed it’s commitment to the domestic and international traveler by announcing it has invested $40,000 to install Cruisair Airconditioning units to all four of its cabins, in time for summer.

DescadA is a 70ft luxury motor yacht spread across three levels of spacious living.

This beautifully appointed motor vessel has undergone a major external and internal refit in 2008 and has accomodation for eight passengers in two luxury double ensuites, a private double cabin and a twin share bunk room, as well as crew quarters for four. The onboard lounge already has air-conditioning in place.

Built in Hervey Bay Queensland Australia, DescaradA is in Queensland survey 2B for 8 passengers and 3 crew and in survey 1D for 38 passengers and 4 crew.

The construction of the ship is steel hull with aluminium superstructure. DescaradA is powered by twin Gardner 150 HP engines and cruises at 9 knots. Built for long range cruising she is capable of cruising from Queensland Australia to Vancouver in Canada nonstop.

She boasts full walk around capability on the mid deck level with a huge 6mt x 3mt rear level deck.

DescaradA comes complete with two 1500cc Kawasaki 3 seater jet skis, two kayaks, dive tank fill station, one 3.4mt rigid inflatable tender with 6ph outboard and one 6.5mt inflatable boat with 150ph outboard.

DescaradA Charters Pty Ltd is a family owned and operated company that forms part of five companies with offices in Sydney, Perth and Airlie Beach, employing about 50 staff.

The DescaradA team includes an experienced crew of three boating professionals as well as sales and administration department with three staff members – all working tightlytogether to create amazing cruising expiriences in the Witsundays.

Young Australian travellers will benefit from the strong Australian dollar, with Topdeck reducing the price of 97% of its 2011 European holidays by an average of 10%, when compared to their 2010 prices.

The strength of the Australian dollar is the primary reason behind the price reductions.

The 8 day Espresso Italia is reduced by 17% in 2011. It is priced from $1585, a saving of $365 on the 2010 price. The 19 day European Horizons is priced from $2770, a saving of $245 on the 2010 price.

“We’re confident that Topdeck offers more activities and meals within the price, more free time and more guaranteed departures than any other operator,” said Lance Batty, Director, Global Sales and Strategy.

“Our low 2011 prices are just another reason for young travellers to choose Topdeck for their European holiday,” he said.

Topdeck’s new 2011 Europe brochure will be in travel agents this week, showcasing 20 new trips with many activities exclusive to Topdeck, such as sailing in the Greek Islands and a gourmet picnic beside the Eiffel Tower, included within trip price.

Topdeck will offer 92 European trips in 2011 across its EuroHotel, EuroClub, Euro Camping and Explorer trip styles, which each cater for different accommodation preferences and budgets.

“Most Topdeck travellers choose EuroClub trips because they offer exceptional value for money by staying in unique, multi-share accommodation such an 18th century German and a resort among the vineyards in Tuscany,” Mr Batty said.

The Mega European is a new 49 day EuroClub trip that visits 15 countries and includes transport, accommodation, many meals, trip leader and many activities exclusive to Topdeck, from $6990 pp.

Topdeck is offering a 7.5% Earlybird discount on selected trips booked and paid for before December 15, 2010 for travel from April 1, 2011. This represents a saving of up $406pp.*

For more information Topdeck on 1300 886 332, visit www.topdeck.travel  or a travel agent.

Topdeck is 100% Australian-owned It is a leading operator of holidays for 18 to 39 year old travellers, throughout Europe, Egypt, Middle East, Australia and New Zealand.

*Discount applied to Topdeck’s 28 day EuroHotel Discover Europe trip.

In house, the brochures have been dubbed the “tents” and the ” ships”. The “tents” brochure covers all kayak/camping trips in the Mediterranean, Pacific and Caribbean.

The “ships” brochure contains all voyages, encompassing Antarctica, the Arctic and Russia.

In total, the brochures include 14 destinations and feature seven new trips. New destinations include five amazing voyages along the entire northern and eastern Russian coasts, a new Iceland and Greenland exploration and a challenging Fiji tropical expedition.

The new Russian itineraries are a highlight of the 2011 program.

The landscapes, wildlife, culture and remoteness will amaze all those fortunate enough to travel on these unique expeditions. Paddlers will venture forth from the comforts of their mother ship to explore secluded coastlines, prehistoric and medieval sites, outstanding wildlife (including the polar bear) and ice covered islands. Costs start from US$7675.00 for the ten day “Secrets of the White Sea” voyage.

Southern Sea Ventures’ Palawan (Philippines) kayak trip mixes “big wall” paddling with an intimate exploration of sheltered bays and lagoons.

Superb snorkeling opportunities abound with coral reefs teeming with marine life, The nine day trip is priced at US$2250.00 which includes the internal return flight from Manila to El Nido. Departures in February and May 2011.

For the more experienced paddler the 11 day “Yasawas Ultimate Tropical Expedition” is a chance to island hop the entire length of one of Fiji’s most beautiful island chains.

A small, select group of paddlers will kayak from island to island, camp on isolated beaches, snorkel, fish and “hang out” with the locals. Cost is AU$2395.00 and includes all meals and gear.

Southern Sea Ventures’ Turkey and Croatia trips are a unique way to see Europe from a different perspective.

Paddler’s will discover hidden beaches, ancient ruins, tasty cuisines and local culture, all from their trusty kayaks. Trips run in the Northern spring, summer and autumn and are priced from AU$1650.00 per person.

Polar trips are very popular and often book ahead a year in advance. Wild and woolly destinations include Spitsbergen, Greenland and Iceland, the Antarctic Peninsula and South Georgia.

For those that enjoy the warmth of the sun while paddling through tropical seas, take a look at the trips in Panama, Fiji, Tonga and Australia (Hinchinbrook). These trips combine the right amount of balance between activity and “hammock time”.

For details on all the 2011 sea kayak adventures call Southern Sea Ventures on:
+61 2 8901 3287
email ssvtrips@southernseaventures.com www.southernseaventures.com

Peppers Manor House, in the picturesque Southern Highlands of New South Wales, is offering a package that’s all about the nineteenth hole.

From $478* per couple, Peppers Manor House’s Stay and Play package invites golfing enthusiasts to experience the historic property with two nights accommodation and breakfast daily, and the neighbouring Mt Broughton Golf & Country Club with one round of 18 holes of golf with a cart for both guests.

The 18 hole championship layout of the Mt Broughton Golf Course is reputedly one of the best links courses in Australia and with four different tee markers on each hole, the course caters for players of all abilities.

As well as golf, guests can enjoy Peppers Manor House’s array of first-class leisure facilities such as their onsite endota spa, swimming pool and tennis court.

Built in 1926, the charm of the Peppers Manor House homestead has been retained and enhanced by tasteful decoration to offer an indulgent escape that effortlessly blends deluxe accommodation with gourmet food and wine.

Located less than 90 minutes from Sydney’s CBD, Pepper Manor House features uniquely styled rooms and suites with magnificent views of the estate and golf course.

Peppers Manor House is also home to the award-winning Katers Restaurant which offers fine dining with modern Australian cuisine highlighting the freshest produce from the NSW Southern Highlands region.

Phone 02 4680 3111 or email manorhouse@peppers.com.au

*Subject to availability. Valid for travel to 20 December, 2010.

Qantas today announced that it would commence direct Melbourne- Darwin services from May next year.

Group Executive Qantas Airlines Commercial, Mr Rob Gurney, said the new services reflected Qantas’ commitment to extending its CityFlyer offering on flights into the Northern Territory.

“The introduction of Melbourne-Darwin services will help meet strong demand in the market and increase the options available to our customers in the Northern Territory and Victoria,” Mr Gurney said.

“We are delighted to be adding this important north-south route to our network. The new Qantas services will support growth in business travel and tourism between Melbourne and Darwin.

“With Jetstar also set to expand capacity into Darwin, today’s announcement shows the Qantas Group’s two-brand strategy in action.” Qantas currently offers direct services between Darwin and Adelaide, Brisbane, Canberra, Perth and Sydney, as well as direct QantasLink flights to Alice Springs, Cairns and Gove (Nhulunbuy).

Mr Gurney said the new schedule would comprise three return Melbourne-Darwin services operating on Tuesday, Saturday and Sunday, while a fourth service would operate on Mondays during the Territory’s peak season from July-October.

The route will be operated by a two-class, 168-seat Boeing 737-800 aircraft.

“Customers on Qantas CityFlyer flights enjoy dedicated customer service desks, complimentary newspapers on early morning flights and complimentary wine and beer after 4pm on weekdays,” Mr Gurney said.

“Our frequent flyers on the Melbourne-Darwin route will be able to access Chairmans, Business and Qantas Club lounges in Melbourne and the Qantas Club lounge in Darwin. For the convenience of business travellers, our Qantas Meeting Rooms are also available in both ports.

“The decision to launch direct Melbourne-Darwin services follows our recently announced domestic refresh initiative, which will see new, Neil Perry-designed menus in domestic Business Class and improvements to our Qantas Club and premium lounges in Australia to bring them into line with our international lounges.”