Jetsettersblog

Throughout the month of February, Sofitel Luxury Hotels is offering couples the chance to experience its exclusive Magnifique romance offer. Magnifique romance is available in nearly 100 properties around the world in some of the most romantic settings. The package includes accommodation in a elegant setting, daily in-room breakfast, a bottle of champagne, a romantic gift (bouquet of flowers or box of chocolates) and late check-out.

There are a number of exciting destinations to choose from. Couples can visit the Trevisi Fountain in Rome, climb the Empire State Building in New York, visit the Pyramids of Egypt to name a few or simply relax on a beach in Mauritius, Brazil or Egypt.

Package prices for 2 days /1 night for 2 persons start from:

In Europe:
Sofitel Paris Le Faubourg from £333
Sofitel London Saint James from £261
Sofitel Vienna Stephansdom from £225
Sofitel Rome Villa Borghèse from £238

In North Africa:
Sofitel Marrakech Palais Impérial from £204
Sofitel Cairo El Gezirah from £213

In America:
Sofitel New York from £220
Sofitel Los Angeles from £205
Sofitel Buenos Aires Arroyo from £289
Sofitel Rio de Janeiro Copacabana from £344

In Asia:
Sofitel Wanda Beijing from £171
Sofitel Angkor Phokeethra Golf & Spa Resort from £176
Sofitel Fidji Resort & Spa from £197

In paradise…
Sofitel So Mauritius from £534
Sofitel Moorea Ia Ora Beach Resort from £354

Information, Conditions & Reservation: www.sofitel-magnifiqueromance.com

While the early bird might catch the worm, early bookers can catch cheap birdies at Dartmouth Golf & Country Club (DGCC).

The resort is freezing VAT for the first three months of 2011, meaning any golfers visiting the resort in January, February or March will not have to pay the new, higher rate.

Those who can’t visit until later in the year can still take advantage of a great early booking incentive. Golfers visiting DGCC between April and October can enjoy 15 per cent discount on pre-paid buggies if they book before February 28 – a £72 saving for the average group booking.

A three-day break at DGCC with unlimited golf on the resort’s 27 holes is available from just £79 per night. Guest also receive complimentary use of the leisure facilities, which include an indoor pool, Jacuzzi and sauna.

DGCC is located just four miles from the historic town of Dartmouth and is the ideal base from which to explore the delights of south Devon, with Dartmoor, the River Dart, fantastic beaches and a host of picturesque towns and villages nearby.

The resort is an ideal base for a UK off-season break as it benefits from a mild winter, meaning no temporary greens or tees in play.

For more information, or to book, call 0800 043 1774, email reservations@dgcc.co.uk  or visit http://www.dgcc.co.uk/last-min-offers.htm

Keycamp has an array of holidays to look forward to starting from only £406 per party – with prices like this there’s reason to miss out on a fantastic getaway this February half-term.

Unwind and play in the Cote d’Azur – Seven nights for £406, accommodation only
Located between breathtaking beaches and the golf mecca “Quartier du Village”, Cap Esterel apartment resort is located at St Raphael and is the perfect spot for relaxing and playing this February half term. This lovely resort has free kids club activities and sports ranging from tennis, basketball and football right through to pony riding – ensuring that the kids can let off some steam this half-term, while mum and dad enjoy a much-deserved winter break.
St Raphael is famous for its wonderful sandy beaches and maritime pursuits, such as diving and boat trips to local sites of interest. The coast runs from the new port of Santa Lucia to the old port in the town centre which are both perfect for a spot of sightseeing. From the gare maritime in the old port, families can take boat trips out to the Îles d’Hyères and St-Tropez, and the Îles de Lérins towards Cannes.
A seven night break from 19 February for a family of two adults and up to three children staying in a one bedroom apartment, at Keycamp’s Cap Esterel 3 Suns will cost just £406, accommodation only. Fly-drive packages can be arranged through Keycamp at a supplement.

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

With thoughts turning to long hot summer holidays in the Med, Italian specialist Sardatur Holidays (0208 940 8399 http://www.sardinia-holidays.co.uk) has unveiled its colourful new 100 page brochure of holidays to Sardinia for 2011 with highlights to include a new weekly flight from Heathrow to Olbia in northern Sardinia and a greatly expanded choice of hotels on the island.

With guaranteed sunshine and crystal clear waters the allure of this summer playground is hard to beat, yet it remains largely untouched by mass tourism. It’s still possible to find a coastline of seclude coves and white sandy beaches or to explore the rugged mountainous interior and discover its rich history that goes back over 5,000 years, with countless archaeological sites of prehistoric nuraghi – massive stone structures built entirely without mortar.

The new direct Saturday flights from Heathrow to Olbia in Northern Sardinia will commence on 21st May 2011 and operate every Saturday throughout the summer until 24th September 2011. This follows the introduction in 2010 of a highly popular direct charter flight with BA from London Heathrow, Manchester and Edinburgh to Cagliari in southern Sardinia.

The introduction of this new route brings with it a huge boost for the north and north east region of Sardinia by providing an affordable option to travellers who are looking for an alternative to the low cost airlines. To support the new flight Sardatur has expanded its programme of accommodation in this area with 12 additional properties, offering a good variety of accommodation ranging from self-catering and villas to 5 star deluxe hotels.

Examples include the village of Isola Rossa where a selection of new hotels such as the Resort & Spa Le Dune offers the ideal location for families with prices from £2,821 based on a family of 2 adults and 2 children staying for 7 nights half board including return flights and transfers. Alternatively, the newly built Hotel Relax Torreruja Thalasso & Spa and Torreruja Villas, which are also close to Isola Rossa, provide two styles of accommodation with panoramic views over the Gulf of Asinara. 7 nights at Torreruja Villas costs from £2,120 based on a family of 2 adults and 2 children staying for 7 nights self catering including return flights and transfers. Also new for Sardatur is the resort of Palau where the operator features the renowned Hotel Capo D’Orso from £783 per person including return flights, 7 nights BB accommodation and transfers.

A further new hotel can also be found in the south of the island with the opening this year of the Canai Resort & Spa on the small island of Sant’ Antioco off the south west coast. It’s perfect for those looking to explore Sardinia’s outer islands; is joined to the Sardinian ‘mainland’ by a causeway and sits next door to the island of San Pietro on the south west coast. Sant’ Antioco is covered in Mediterranean macchia with dramatic cliff faces and soft white sandy beaches. There are two main towns; Sant’ Antioco and Calasetta, both bustling places, especially in the summer months. The new four star Canai Resort & Spa is exclusive to Sardatur Holidays and sits in extensive gardens close to Calasetta town with the sandy beach of Cala Sapone 200m away or the beach as Cala Lunga just a five-minute drive away. Within the hotel gardens there is a large infinity swimming pool, as well as a tennis court and spa. A 7 night stay at the Canai Resort & Spa costs from £454 per person to include direct flights from Heathrow to Cagliari with British Airways, accommodation on a BB basis and all local transfers. An early booking discount of up to a 35% is available until end of January 2011.

With the introduction of the new BA flight to Olbia in the north and the special BA flights to Cagliari in the south it has made it much more convenient for clients to tour the island flying into one airport and leaving from another. With this in mind the brochure offers some suggestions for multicentre holidays for the first time. Each one can be tailor made with examples to include a two centre holiday staying for 4 nights at the charming hotel La Rocca in the chic and fashion Baia Sardinia before heading south to stay in the countryside near Oliena with 3 nights at Su Gologone. The 7 night holiday costs from £968 per person including flights, accommodation and car hire. Alternatively, couples or honeymooners could combine the city and the beach with three nights at the luxurious hotel De Russie in Rome and seven nights at the Forte Village in South Sardinia from £2,756 per person.

The brochure leads in at £430 for a 7 night stay at Riviera Hotel on the island of San Pietro in May and includes return flights to Cagliari, accommodation on a BB basis and transfers.

There are also great value ‘package deals’ available on-line using a new area of the operator’s ‘Sardinia-holidays’ website http://www.sardinia-holidays.co.uk/package_deals.asp. Here clients have the opportunity to save up to 50% off the brochure price when booking early or choosing to stay at a selection of Sardatur’s handpicked quality accommodation, making quality holidays to Sardinia really affordable in 2011.

For more information on Sardatur Holidays or to request a brochure call 0208 940 8399 http://www.sardatur-holidays.co.uk

Fantastic bargains this February 14th in romantic destinations across France on the Sweet Valentines page on the Affordable France website.

Superb offers from Nice, Provence and Normandy to tempt lovers across the channel next month. Where better to spend Valentine’s Day than France, the country of love?

Affordable France has launched a range of bargain offers dedicated to Valentine’s Day this year. If all you were planning this year was chocolates and flowers from the garage, then visit www.affordable-france.co.uk  and think again.

A Saint Lucian resort is inviting guests to visit during February to take part in the island’s colourful Independence Day celebrations in true Caribbean style.

Saint Lucia is celebrating its 32nd anniversary, after gaining independence from British rule on the 22nd February 1979, and everyone is invited to take part to commemorate the island’s rich and diverse heritage.

Windjammer Landing Villa Beach Resort, in the North of the Island, is preparing for the parades and parties that take place across the island, especially those taking place in the Island’s capital Castries, 8km from the hotel.

Guests can enjoy the resort’s 60 acres of exotic landscape, 1,500 ft of white sandy beaches and the Serenity Spa before heading out to the capital to get a taste of the Island’s culture.

The award-winning resort is also celebrating its 21st birthday this year and has undergone a $500,000 refurbishment programme to mark the occasion.Customers also have the opportunity to enjoy the ‘Forever 21′ rejuvenation package including a free 21 themed spa treatment, a shopping trip, sunset cruise and themed cocktails when staying seven nights or more.*

Various events will take place over the course of the Independence Day festivities, with parades and music featuring heavily throughout the Island. As with previous celebrations, the focus will be on a united Saint Lucia with national colours and décor throughout. The full event schedule will be released in February and promises to be bigger and better than ever, to be enjoyed by visitors and locals alike.

Once guests have sampled the local celebrations, they can opt to return to the resort to sample regular evening entertainment in the resort bar. Alternatively, visitors can take one of the island cruises enjoying the sights and cocktails available.

The resort gives visitors a chance to experience what the island has to offer, through scuba diving sessions, rainforest excursions, water sports and horseback riding. A personal tour guide is also on hand to make sure that nothing is missed.

Mark Ozawa, managing director of Windjammer Landing Villa Beach Resort, said: “Windjammer is a favourite destination for all types of holiday makers and we are thrilled to invite visitors to stay with us to celebrate Saint Lucia’s Independence Day. This event is a very important date in the Saint Lucian calendar and the island and resort has a lot to offer guests. Our staff are very friendly and we have a range of great activities that everyone can enjoy. ”

The resort, voted Saint Lucia’s Leading Hotel by the World Travel Awards, boasts 161 Mediterranean style villas and suites.

Windjammer Landing Villa Beach Resort, Labrelotte Bay, PO Box 1504 Castries Saint Lucia, Tel: FREEPHONE from the UK on 0808 101 7261 www.windjammer-landing.com

* Forever 21 offers are only valid with rack rate bookings – not valid in conjunction with any other offer or package. Subject to availability. Offers can be withdrawn by Windjammer Landing Villa Beach Resort at any time.

The leading independent tour operator to the Red Sea has launched its 2011 brochure which includes three new properties sold exclusively by the operator, great savings for bookings made by 14th February and a new visa service ensuring stress free holidays.

2011 brings lots of savings and benefits

Early bookings: Planning summer holidays early pays out: When booking any Red Sea Hotels and Grand Cruises, holidaymakers save £100 per booking and additionally benefit from a guaranteed deposit starting at only £50. The savings on all other Red Sea Holidays are £50 per booking.

For example, seven nights at the three star plus Grand Hotel in Hurghada is now from only £850 (saving £100) for two people travelling on a bed&breakfast basis. Flights depart Gatwick on 13th May and the price includes transfers, in-flight meals, 20kg luggage allowance, and free late room check-out.

Guaranteed child prices: Families looking for value for money now benefit from guaranteed child prices of only £399 (when sharing a room with two adults) plus a free all-inclusive meal upgrade at all Red Sea Hotels (up to the age of 12) regardless of hotel, board basis or departure date. Single parents save £75 when travelling with at least one child.

For example, a family of four (children two – 12 years) now only pay £2,448 for seven nights’ all-inclusive at the five star Makadi Palace Family Star. The price includes flights from Gatwick on 15th July, in-flight meals, transfers, a 20kg luggage allowance, and free late room check-out. For more information on the great summer savings, please view www.redseaholidays.co.uk/summersavings

Winter sun price freeze: Great news also for those on the lookout for a winter sun break: Getaways for winter 2011/2012 are already on sale and Red Sea Holidays has committed to freezing its 2010 winter sun prices in order to guarantee fantastic value for money. To get next year’s red hot offers, please visit http://www.redseaholidays.co.uk/pricefreeze

For example, one week at the four star Sharm Resort in Sharm el Sheikh is from only £399 per person on an all-inclusive basis. Flights depart from Gatwick between 1st and 17th December 2011. The price is based on two adults sharing and includes transfers, a 20kg luggage allowance and late room check-out.

New visa service makes travelling to the Red Sea completely stress free

Red Sea Holidays sells nothing but the Red Sea and is the number one independent operator to the destination. Its newly launched visa service is available up to one month prior to departure and allows holidaymakers to avoid the hassle at the airport by obtaining their visa through Red Sea Holidays and therefore proceeding directly to passport control. This service is now available for all EU and EEA passport holders. For more information on this new service, please visit www.redseaholidays.co.uk/visaservice.

New properties sold exclusively by Red Sea Holidays

Five star Makadi Spa Hotel: Located in the up and coming Makadi Bay area, this new property opening in May 2011 is the most talked about spa opening on the Red Sea Riviera. All treatments are provided by the leading French luxury spa company CINQ MONDES and range from classical massages to aromatherapy. Boasting 280 suites and junior suites and also featuring one kilometre of private beach promenade, this spa heaven has it all; even an infinity pool overlooking the sea, perfect for couples to unwind.

Prices for a seven night stay start from £734 per person (based on two adults sharing) for seven nights on an all-inclusive basis.

Five star Sunwing Waterworld Makadi: With plenty of activities including a water park featuring water slides, a wave pool and waterfall features, the Sunwing Waterworld Makadi opening in May 2011 is perfect for active families. The extensive choice of outdoor activities including kite surfing and snorkelling ensures that even teenagers won’t get bored. Situated in the Makadi Bay area, adults have plenty of space to enjoy their quiet stay away from the hustle and bustle.

Seven nights at the Sunwing Waterworld Makadi are from £750 per person (based on two adults sharing) on an all-inclusive basis including flights, transfers, 20kg luggage allowance and late room check-out.

Four star Grand Marina: Situated in Hurghada, the Grand Marina opening in May 2011, features some of the best views and beaches in the region and is only a short walk away from the town centre. The resort is a great base for all diving aficionados and everyone who wants to enjoy their resort stay to the fullest without missing out on exploring Hurghada’s Arabic souks, cafés and many boutiques.

Prices start from £590 per person (based on two adults sharing) on an all-inclusive basis. Flights, transfers, 20kg luggage allowance and late room check-out are included in the price.

Multi Centre Tours and Nile Cruises

In addition to Red Sea resort stays, Red Sea Holidays offers multi-centre tours combining visits to Egypt’s main sites including the city of Cairo with a relaxing Red Sea resort break. One of the operator’s most popular programme is ‘Cruise and Stay’ offering holidaymakers the chance to spend one week aboard a luxurious Nile cruise ship and one week at the resort of their choice.

For those just wanting to explore Egypt’s magnificent sites, a seven night Nile cruise is the best way. Prices start from £655 per person including accommodation on a full board basis and flights departing between 26th April and 24th May.

Red Sea Holidays currently departs from eight UK airports including Gatwick, Manchester, Birmingham, Bristol, Glasgow, Cardiff, Newcastle and East Midlands. Spring 2011 will see the launch of new flights from Leeds Bradford resulting in a further capacity increase and an even stronger regional focus of the tour operator.

To book please call 0845 026 5973 / visit www.redseaholidays.co.uk

Known as ‘The Emerald Isle’, Montserrat is the only country outside Ireland where St Patrick’s Day is a public holiday. The week-long St Patrick’s Festival provides a rich mix of Irish and African heritage, with some traditional Caribbean entertainment, making this one of Montserrat’s most popular annual events.

The activities for the week include a Freedom Run from Cudjoe Head to Salem Park, a nature hike and a junior calypso competition. Events will take place in parks and buildings across the north of the island, while much of the activity on St Patrick’s Day itself (17th March) will centre on a reconstructed Slave Village. Here, stalls will sell traditional food, locals will gather to play traditional games such as dominoes and marbles, and masquerade dancers will put on colourful displays.

Montserrat’s Irish heritage dates back to the 17th century when the island became a haven for Irish Catholics who were persecuted on other Caribbean islands. By 1678, a census showed that more than half the people on the island were Irish, so it is hardly surprising that the Irish had such a strong influence on the island’s developing culture. This history is still evident today from the moment visitors arrive at the airport in Montserrat and receive a shamrock-shaped stamp in their passports. During St Patrick’s Day, visitors will notice many locals wearing national dress – in which green is the dominant colour – and both Guinness and ‘Green’ Heineken are available in bars aside the traditional rum punch cocktails.

African-inspired events such as the Freedom Run fun-run and masquerade dancing commemorate the slave history in Montserrat, specifically an unsuccessful uprising that took place on St Patrick’s Day in 1768.

For all the latest information on travel to and accommodation in Montserrat, plus full events listings for St Patrick’s Week, please see www.visitmontserrat.com

A new online travel company launches today called ‘Health and Fitness Travel’, (www.healthandfitnesstravel.com). Their philosophy is to inspire holidays for your body and mind, from land and water sport activities to bespoke health and fitness programs. They cater for everyone with diverse destinations and experiences, believing in the next generation of health and fitness travellers.

Brits are more stressed than most other countries in the West* and are among the worst at coping with it. Demanding workloads and longer commutes are eating away at our free time, leaving the average Briton tired, unhealthy, and in need of a holiday to not only rest, but to put health and fitness back on their agenda. More people are choosing to move away from inactive type holidays and switching to more dynamic ones*; holidays which offer health and fitness activities to suit you is a great way to break away and experience the associated physical and emotional benefits.

Paul Joseph, Director of Health and Fitness Travel says “The culture of society is growing in self-awareness and we are becoming more conscious of the very limited time we have in our lives to look after ourselves. Holidays that promote discipline in key areas of health and fitness gradually change our attitudes in promoting a healthier lifestyle for us”.

“The average person puts on 4 pounds of weight after every inactive holiday*, meaning investing more time in exercise when they return home which is counterproductive. By hand picking the finest resorts around the world and tailor-making individual programs, we offer a one-stop shop for everyone wanting a perfect health and fitness experience on their travels”.

Health and Fitness Travel offer a varied collection of holidays from all inclusive health and fitness retreats in exotic locations to boot camp, spa, detox, yoga, golf, tennis and ski holidays in Europe and other destinations around the world. Become a health and fitness traveller and find your perfect destination by visiting www.healthandfitnesstravel.com  or call us on 0845 5441936.

Inspired by archetypal New England Beach houses and classic Caribbean hideaways, Caroline Bond has used her quintessential style to reinvent the English beach house and create the New England Beach House. With uninterrupted sea views, yet only 90 minutes from London by train or car the New England Beach House is available for short breaks, special occasions and beach holidays.

New England – one of a suite of three beach houses that form the Luxury Country Rentals Beach House Collection – is a unique property situated directly on the quiet beach in the private Angmering-on-Sea Estate. Sleeping 10 in 5 double bedrooms (4 en-suite bathrooms, 3 extra shower rooms and an en-suite cloakroom) New England has spacious entertaining areas including an expansive beach front deck and private rear garden with generous hot-tub; it is ideal for family and friends breaks or relaxed reunions and perfect for stylish sea side holiday holidays.

http://www.luxurycountryrentals.com/new_england/index.php