Jetsettersblog

A medieval Umbrian tower with rooftop hot tub

Renato’s Tower is a quirky and romantic four storey stone tower on a hilltop in the undulating Umbrian countryside with 360 degree views and its own roof-top sun terrace and hot tub. This wonderfully eccentric and romantic retreat has all the atmosphere of rural Italy in a medieval hamlet, 50kms from Perugia.

Renato’s Tower can be rented through CV Travel (020 7401 1039, www.cvtravel.co.uk) from £960 to £1725 per week for two to share. Return flights to Perugia with Ryan Air and car hire can be arranged for an extra cost.

http://www.cvtravel.co.uk/en/destinations/europe/italy/umbria/umbria–tuscany-borders/accommodation/pages/renatos-tower.aspx

Cosy Highland cottage for two

Ghillie’s Rest is a cosy stone cottage set amidst 23,000 acres of gorgeous remote Highland scenery and is one of two newly-built properties that comprise the vast Highland Bothy estate. Located in this truly feral corner of Scotland, Ghillie’s Rest is bounded by glorious scenes of glens, lochs, running rivers and native wild woods – the perfect romantic setting for plenty of outdoor activities and cosying up indoors.

CV Travel (020 7401 1086, www.cvtravel.co.uk) has a week’s stay at Ghillie’s Rest from £3430 per week, for up to 4 sharing.

http://www.cvtravel.co.uk/EN/Destinations/Europe/Great-Britain/Scotland/Ardgay/Accommodation/Pages/Ghillies-Rest.aspx

Stylish cottage in laid-back Lefkada

Agrepavlis Cottage is absolutely ideal for couples and water sports enthusiasts looking to capture the perfect balance of romance and a relaxed lifestyle on the beautiful Mediterranean island of Lefkada. This stylish stone cottage provides an idyllic backdrop to the wonderful views of glistening bays sprinkled with islands that capture the true essence of the Ionian coastline.

CV Travel (020 7401 1026, www.cvtravel.co.uk) has a week’s stay at Agrepavlis Cottage from £1480 to £2150 per week based on 2 sharing and including car hire, accommodation, maid service and a welcome food hamper.

http://www.cvtravel.co.uk/EN/Destinations/Europe/Greece/Lefkada/Sivota/Accommodation/Pages/Agrepavlis-Cottage.aspx

A romantic step back in time in The Cotswolds

The West Wing offers a take a step back in time with its medieval inspired interiors featuring stained glass windows and stone archways.

The house is set amid beautiful surroundings and romantics will appreciate its beautiful rose gardens, love folly, stone chapel, pond, orchard and terrace lawns.
Further afield there are romantic walks in The Cotswolds to ruined castles and rustic villages.

CV Travel (020 7401 1086, www.cvtravel.co.uk) has a week’s stay at The West Wing cottage from £1,500 per week, with up to 6 sharing.

http://www.cvtravel.co.uk/EN/Destinations/Europe/Great-Britain/Cotswolds/Chippenham/Accomodations/Pages/The-West-Wing.aspx

Wake up to the waves in a fisherman’s cottage for two

Hidden away at the far end of a wide sandy beach on Corfu’s north east coast, a former sardine fisherman’s cottage, Apraos Studio is located right on the shoreline, for spectacular sunsets and romantic bare-foot walks on the sandy beach.

The allure of sleeping just feet from the lapping of the waves, with the beach spreading out before, makes a delightful haven, with its own sun terrace and the open sea as a swimming pool.

Available for two to rent from £680 to £880 per week including car hire, accommodation, maid service and a welcome food hamper. Contact CV Travel on 020 7401 1026 or visit www.cvtravel.co.uk

http://www.cvtravel.co.uk/en/destinations/europe/greece/corfu/kalamaki-st-spiridon–perithia/accommodation/pages/apraos-house-and-studio.aspx

Saracen tower on the Amalfi Coast

In a prime location on the edge of a coastal path, with views to the open sea and to the picturesque hillside town of Positano, Torre Sponda is an historic tower, whose circular main room is dominated by a stunning iron four poster bed. This cylindrical tower is an unusual and quirky property that provides the perfect romantic setting for two.

Torre Sponda can be rented through CV Travel (020 7401 1039, www.cvtravel.co.uk) from £1535 to £2860 per week for two to share. Return flights to Naples with Easyjet or BA and car hire can also be arranged for an extra cost.

http://www.cvtravel.co.uk/en/destinations/europe/italy/campania/amalfi-coast-sorrento–ischia/accommodation/pages/torre-sponda.aspx

Love nest on a Greek island

`Folitsa’ translates as `little nest’ and this little hideaway for two has been lovingly built from the sun-warmed stones of an old mountain hut. Set in an olive grove, Folitsa is a cosy, air conditioned, rustic cottage, with its own 7m x 5m swimming pool.

Located on the picturesque north east coast of Corfu, Folitsa has spectacular views from the terrace over the Ionian Channel to Albania. Available for two to rent from CV Travel (020 7401 1026, www.cvtravel.co.uk) £840 to 1340 per week, based on 2 sharing, including car hire, accommodation, maid service and a welcome hamper.

http://www.cvtravel.co.uk/en/destinations/europe/greece/corfu/kerasia/accommodation/pages/folitsa.aspx

Romantic retreat in the Welsh hills

Brecon Beacons Cottage is an elegant 16th Century stone farmhouse nesting in the heart of the Brecon Beacons National Park. The house has fabulous views of the spectacular Welsh valleys and is set in beautiful private grounds containing a stream, waterfall and a lovely little terrace area perfect for al fresco dining.

This wonderfully converted cottage has an imaginative open plan design, exposed beams and wooden floors and provides a cosy romantic retreat away from the world.
CV Travel (020 7401 1086, www.cvtravel.co.uk) has a week’s stay at the Brecon Beacons Cottage from £729 to £1350 per week, for up to 6 sharing.

http://www.cvtravel.co.uk/EN/Destinations/Europe/Great-Britain/Wales/Brecon-Beacons/Accomodations/Pages/Brecon-Beacons-Cottage.aspx

An exciting luxury ocean cruise program which spans to Alaska, guaranteed balcony cabins on Yangtze River cruises and tour savings of up to start $800 per person are a feature of Helen Wong’s Tours’ comprehensive 2011-2012 China program.

The newly-unveiled 84-page brochure is jam-packed with tour itineraries for groups and independent travellers and also focuses on “value-for-money” holiday options for Hong Kong and neighbouring Macau, earlybird specials and upgrade of hotel in Shanghai.

A string of new bonuses in the holiday specialist’s fascinating – and very popular – “Unparalleled Highlights” are a feature, again included in the price of the tours.

Due to the strength of the Australian dollar, tour prices have dipped since last year with savings of up to $800 per person on the starting brochure price of a 14-day China Highlights itinerary from Helen Wong’s Tours’ Premium China range.

Travellers booking a 26-day Splendid Yangtze tour, which includes a cruise of Asia’s longest river, will pay from $7300pp, twin share compared with $7900 in the previous brochure.

All above prices include return air fare from Australia, transfers, domestic air travel, daily breakfast and most other meals, evening cultural shows, sightseeing, entrance fees and the support of English-speaking guides. China visa is also included for Australian passport holders along with travel kit and cabin bag.

“We are venturing through very exciting times,” said managing director Helen Wong, who founded Helen Wong’s Tours, Australia’s leading China tour holiday specialist, 24 years ago. “By saving on the brochure price we can see a real increase in interest and ultimately bookings for 2011-2012,” she said.

“The fact that we have included ocean cruising in the program we are able to inject more variety and thus broaden our product’s appeal from Asia to Alaska.

“There’s no doubt, the international cruise industry is riding on the crest of a tourism wave and is growing at a rapid rate of knots – worldwide.

“It’s now time for us – and our loyal customers – to ride that wave and cash in on the strength of the Australian dollar when it comes to spending power.”

Helen Wong’s Tours 2011-2012 China program has a host of escorted group tours, ranging from a 12-day China Discovery (from $3440pp, twin share) to a 26-day Ancient Silk Route (from $6740pp, twin share).

Five of Helen Wong’s six group tours to cover the Yangtze (from $3730pp, twin share for a 13-day Yangtze Wonders) include a cruise with Victoria Cruises in a guaranteed balcony cabin on the ships’ third level. Book the Supreme China 17-day tour from Helen Wong’s Tours two-strong premium program, and you are guaranteed an executive suite on the cruise aboard Victoria Cruises’ Jenna.

Guests staying in Shanghai in five Helen Wong’s Tours programs are upgraded to the plush five-star Grand Central Hotel – at no additional charge.

The new addition to the program is the ocean cruising segment, four itineraries aboard the luxurious Diamond Princess and including pre- and post-cruise accommodation in some of the world’s most lavish, iconic and historically rich hotels – The Peninsula Hotel in Hong Kong, The Peninsula Hotel in Beijing, Raffles Hotel in Singapore, and Vancouver’s Fairmont Hotel.

The packaged cruise holidays – 23-day Best of Asia and 23-day Oriental Odyssey – stretch from Singapore to Tianjin in China (and vice versa) and are priced from $7750pp twin share and $7790 pp, twin share respectively. Ports of call include Japan’s Nagasaki, Busan in South Korea, Shanghai, Hong Kong, Laem Chabang (for Bangkok), Nha Trang and Phu My (for Ho Chi Minh City).

Of huge interest are the 32-day Alaska and the Orient, from $12,900pp, twin share, and the 33-day From Asia to Alaska itinerary, from $13,800 pp, twin share. Both cruises slice through the famous Alaskan Inside Passage to/from Canada’s busy port of Vancouver, calling on Alaskan capital Juneau, the pioneer centres of Ketchikan, Skagway and Anchorage, Glacier Bay a breathtaking highlight.

Growing in popularity is Helen Wong’s Tours’ China Encounters program for independent travellers with tours, based on a minimum of two, leaving daily (priced from $590pp twin share, air fares from Australia extra).
“The beauty of these tour experiences is that they offer flexibility with a personal touch, including English-speaking guide and a designated driver,” said Ms Wong.

“And there’s a comprehensive range of itineraries with hotels (first class to deluxe) to suit the budget – stress-free as all arrangements are pre-booked.”

Helen Wong’s Tours, which prides itself on delivering “quality plus” through having its own office in China, has launched a new-look website, including a “tea room” for all the latest news.

It has also introduced a new Loyalty Rewards Program with savings for repeat travellers who book a tour from Helen Wong’s Tours’ 2011-2012 Vietnam program as well as China.

Details: Helen Wong’s Tours, phone (02) 92677833, 1300 788328, www.helenwongstours.com

Melbourne’s famous Hotel Windsor is offering guests the chance to enjoy a special break during April Melbourne’s famous Hotel Windsor is offering guests the chance to enjoy a special break during April 2011 with a value-loaded two-night accommodation package.

Guests can enjoy a two-night stay in a superior room, a bottle of French sparkling Rosé on arrival, a daily full breakfast buffet, a pre-theatre dinner with a glass of sparkling wine in the hotel’s elegant 111 Spring Street Restaurant, and a range of treats to celebrate Easter, hand-crafted by the hotel’s chocolatiers using the world’s finest chocolate, all for just $750.

The offer is valid throughout April 2011, but book early to make the most of the public holidays available during the month.

“This is a wonderful opportunity for people wanting to take a break during autumn or over the Easter period,” Hotel Windsor CEO and general manager David Perry said. “It is one of the ultimate Melbourne experiences to take up residence for a couple of days in this grand and historic hotel and enjoy all that Melbourne has to offer at this time of the year, including the wonderful galleries, theatres and shopping opportunities that are all within walking distance of the hotel.”

The offer is subject to availability at the time of booking. For bookings or further information contact the Hotel Windsor on 03 9633 6002 or visit
www.thehotelwindsor.com.au

The 180-room Hotel Windsor was built in 1883, pre-dating some of the world’s leading grand hotels including the Savoy in London, which was built in 1889, the Waldorf Astoria in New York which dates back to 1893, and the Ritz Paris which opened in 1898.

Test cricket is set to take over Australia this summer and in honour of the occasion British Airways and Qantas have announced an exciting fare promotion that will see the English and Australian rivalry take to the skies.

To spur on the cricketing contest, British Airways and Qantas will each be offering a discount on their economy fare from Perth to London determined by the highest single innings total of the English and Australian teams in the Perth Test.

As an example of how the fare will operate, during the 2006 Test match in Perth, British Airways would have offered a $350 discount off its fare from Perth to London (given this was England’s highest single innings total), while Qantas would have offered a $527 discount off its equivalent fare (given this was Australia’s highest single innings total).

On average, Test cricket innings totals are 300 to 400 runs and this equals considerable savings for British Airways and Qantas customers.

Nicole Backo, Regional Commercial Manager for British Airways, said the fare deal makes this summer’s cricket action even more compelling for fans.

“England and Australia always battle hard on the cricket field and this special fare from British Airways and Qantas is sure to get the crowds cheering for their team louder than ever,” Nicole Backo said.

Tickets are now on sale for Canberra’s exciting new event, ENLIGHTEN: See Canberra in a whole new light, which premiers in March 2011.
“I encourage people to buy their tickets early to avoid missing out on what promises to be an exciting event that will showcase the nation’s capital in a whole new light and, in conjunction with the Canberra Festival, enhance Canberra’s vibrancy during autumn by creating a ‘city in festival’,” Australian Capital Tourism General Manager, Simonne Shepherd said.

“Held over four nights in March, ENLIGHTEN will light up Canberra’s autumn nights with spectacular entertainment, amazing architectural lighting, unique after-dark experiences at national attractions and a vibrant event hub on the stunning foreshore of Lake Burley Griffin.

“Gather your friends and head to the event hub where you can see exclusive performances by music legends George Benson (Friday 11 March) and Frankie Valli and the Four Seasons (Saturday 19 March). Charismatic crooner, Chris Isaak, will take time out of his national tour to perform on Friday 18 March and a major act for Saturday 12 March will be announced in January 2011.

“See the National Gallery of Australia, the Museum of Australian Democracy at Old Parliament House and the Parliament House in a new light when they open their doors after dark with special one-off activities and spectacularly lit facades.”

Highlights include: Live at the Sculpture Garden, a visual art and entertainment event at the National Gallery of Australia plus late night viewing of the Ballet Russes: the art of costume exhibition; a tour of Spies, Leaks and Scandals exhibition at the Museum of Australian Democracy at Old Parliament House uncovering some of the stories that made Australia; a behind the scenes tour of the Parliamentary art collection and architecture of Parliament House followed by a banquet and live entertainment on Queens Terrace.

ENLIGHTEN tickets range from AUD$91.20* for a Gold package to $136.20* for a Platinum package, which includes an after-dark premium experience at a national attraction. Tickets are on sale through Ticketek and can be purchased by phoning 13 28 49 or from www.ticketek.com.au. For more information, visit www.enlightencanberra.com.au.

* GST and transaction fees apply. After-dark and Platinum experiences are subject to availability.

One of Australia’s leading boutique accommodation providers Peppers Resorts, Hotels and Spas will soon be calling Naisoso Island in Fiji home, after signing a deal to manage the islands 178 luxury apartment hotel.

Known for their charming locations, impeccable service and in many cases award winning restaurants, Naisoso Island’s developer Bob Lowres said the Peppers partnership was a major coup for Fiji.

“We are thrilled to have such a quality and unique brand associated with Naisoso Island and indeed Fiji in general,” he said.

“Joining Pepper’s 25 distinctive properties in Australia and New Zealand, each with their individual charm and character, will no doubt add to the sophistication of our island.

“We are also delighted to be the Peppers Group’s first foray outside of Australia and New Zealand.

“Fiji has always been known for tropical family holidays – With Naisoso, we have made living here more accessible for average Australians and New Zealanders and now with Peppers Fiji we will have a rare and inimitable holiday option for holiday makers also.”

Mantra Group CEO Bob East said the foray into Fiji was a natural progression for the innovative Peppers brand.

“We have a strong brand presence through our 23 Peppers properties in Australia and five peppers properties in New Zealand, so it is a natural growth progression for us to expand our operation through the South Pacific into Fiji.”

The 178-room resort will be completed in two stages and will consist of a selection of one, two and three bedroom apartments, with three lagoon swimming pools, a day spa and oceanfront restaurant.

“Peppers Naisoso Resort will offer guests the quintessential tropical holiday experience with personalized service and impressive facilities,” Mr East said.

The luxury master planned community located in tranquil Nadi Bay on the Western side of Fiji encompasses 112 acres of freehold land including 3.5km of untouched, golden sands. Land has been divided into112 residential lots, including 50 marina berth plots averaging 1700 sq m and 45 beach plots averaging 2000 sq m.

When fully developed, Naisoso will boast a four and five-star hotel, 150 luxury apartments, a retail and marina complex featuring boutiques and restaurants and a health and wellness resort. Further plans include the development of a Marina Village, with the first release of villas planned for late 2011.

Looking for somewhere to holiday this summer? Call off the search. Mantra and BreakFree have conducted a stocktake and uncovered availability and great deals on the Gold Coast and put them all in one convenient location – mantra.com.au/stocktake.

In the heart of Surfers Paradise, guests can relax and rejuvenate at Mantra Legends Hotel from just $120* per night in a hotel room (Sunday to Thursday stays); enjoy stunning ocean views at Paradise Centre Apartments in a one bedroom ocean apartment from only $139* per room per night and bring the family to BreakFree Moroccan from a low $196* per room per night for a two bedroom apartment.

The beautiful beaches of Broadbeach is another great summer holiday option with rates starting from $126* per night in a one bedroom apartment at BreakFree Neptune and $156* per night in a spacious one bedroom deluxe apartment at Mantra Sierra Grand.

Just 15 minutes south of the Gold Coast Airport, Mantra on Salt Beach at Kingscliff is offering hotel rooms starting at $135 per night from January 3 to March 31, leaving plenty in the bank to enjoy the area’s many activities and attractions.

Similar money saving deals can also be found at the iconic Q1 Resort & Spa, family-friendly Mantra Crown Towers Resort and BreakFree Longbeach at Surfers Paradise and Broadbeach’s popular Mantra Phoenician, Mantra Broadbeach on the Park and BreakFree Savannah.

For Mantra bookings phone 13 15 17 or for BreakFree bookings phone 132 007 or visit mantra.com.au/stocktake

*Subject to availability. Valid for sale from  and travel from 24 January to 31 March, 2011 unless otherwise stated. Minimum night stays may apply. Blockout periods may apply.

Two charming retreats, Peppers Manor House and Peppers Craigieburn, now have the award-winning endota spas on-site, offering guests everything from organic aromatherapy facials and hot rock massages to pedicures and special body treatments, all experienced with endota spa’s unique and personal approach to wellbeing and relaxation.

Providing a calming environment with signature Australian products, the endota spas also feature treatments including organic tanning, Swedish massage, a ‘red wine soak on the side’ complete with a nourishing red wine bath full of antioxidants, ‘endota-licious’ bridal packages, and a ‘pregnancy pick me up’ where swollen feet are soothed in a billabong footbath and an organic endota facial supplies nourishing nutrients.

And Peppers is not just pampering the ladies either, with men also invited to explore the therapy menu especially tailored for the blokes. There are choices ranging from a deep cleansing exfoliation mask and invigorating nail and cuticle scrub, to a soak or detoxifying massage to relieve muscular tension.

Such refreshing experiences can all be enjoyed on the grounds of both Peppers retreats, which offer a combination of heritage charm and sophisticated estate ambience of stylish accommodation surrounded by stunning gardens and boasting delightful facilities to pass the time on an idyllic break, a romantic getaway or a conferencing event to combine business with leisure.

Call Peppers Manor House on 02 4860 3111 or visit peppers.com.au/manor-house.

Call Peppers Craigieburn on 02 4862 5578 or visit www.peppers.com.au/craigieburn

The exclusive eco-luxe island hideaway, Ratua Private Island, has opened a new overwater Spa. The 900-square foot Sunny Spa, named after the owner’s daughter for her penchant for massages, is located between the South and West Point Villages at the end of a long jetty. The spa continues the island’s Indonesian theme and features antique furniture, colourful wooden shutters and a thatched roof. There are two private treatment rooms and an open lounge area with stunning views across the water. In one of the rooms, an oversized wooden bathtub sits in pole position overlooking the bay so you can watch the tide flow in and out while soaking in one of the spa’s fragrant treatments. Opposite is the massage room with an equally spectacular view of the water to enjoy while you drift off.

Ratua’s specially trained spa staff can offer a variety of massages, body scrubs and facials, including manicures, pedicures and waxing using locally sourced organic products such as Sand of Siviri, Tahiti’s Monoï Essence and Vanilla Pods of Malicolo, as well as lime, grapefruit, sweet orange, and mango essential oils. For a gentle exfoliation guests can try a scented sugar scrub made with lavender and bergamot essential oils mixed with grape seeds, Fiji sugar and sea salt-a perfect way to prepare the skin for a glowing suntan. Guests can also enjoy a delicious facial with a nourishing oat and yoghurt scrub scented with geranium essential oil, a cleansing lemon and lavender tonic, and a cooling fresh cucumber mask. To complete the experience is a gentle facial massage using essential oils of patchouli, lavender and geranium. For the full body experience, try the Lomi Lomi – a four-hand massage that guarantees a complete surrender of the mind and body.

Sunny Spa is the perfect way to unwind and relax into your holiday at Ratua Private Island. The spa is open from 9am to 7pm every day. Reservations can be made 5 hours in advance at the hotel reception or the spa. Prices start at 6,800VUV for a 45-minute scrub and go up to 13,800VUV for a 1-hr Lomi Lomi massage. (See our website for more details.) Ratua Private Island belongs to a French nature-lover who fell in love with the area when sailing around the Pacific and made a personal commitment to preserve the island and support the local community. Located 30 minutes by boat from Espiritu Santo or a 1hr direct flight from Port Vila to the island’s private runway, guests can enjoy peace and quiet, space, privacy and pure romance in luxurious Pacific-style accommodation. There are 146 acres to explore by electric buggy, bicycle, trek, horseback or boat. Three villages offer 15 Indo-Oceania inspired individual villas handcrafted from 200-year-old teak wood. Each are uniquely furnished and accommodate two to four guests who can enjoy their own beach and perfect privacy.

Ratua’s weather is ideal for easy exploration of the surrounding lagoons, beaches, and reefs – where sea tortoises, bright coral gardens and colourful fish abound. Beyond Ratua’s shores, guests can discover the infinite wealth of the area’s exceptional nature and unique local culture through a range of discovery tours – from active volcanoes, waterfalls and caves, to sailing, blue hole swimming, wreck diving, deep sea fishing and Vanuatu cultural excursions.

To view details and know more about Ratua Private Island, visit: www.ratua.com

Letting loose this summer is Sea World’s awesome new Jet Stunt Extreme Show featuring some of the world’s best jet ski stunt performers.

The star of the show will be 19 year old Lee Stone who is widely recognised as one of the single greatest freestyle riders the world has ever seen.

Australian Jon Cooke, Former X Games Gold Medal Winner and first Australian Flat Water Freestyle Champion will also take to the water in the action packed extravaganza.

The visually spectacular show will run for a limited season only from 16 December to 23 January 2011, and is sure to wow the holiday crowds.

Jet Stunt Extreme will blow guests’ minds with totally cool aerial flips and jumps during a high energy live performance twice each day at Sea World’s Lake.

The show will include dynamic Jet Ski stunt sequences and will star some of the industry’s top competitors.

Media are invited to film and photograph the final day of rehearsals for the Jet Stunt Extreme Show.