Jetsettersblog

Sarah Harding and her long term partner Tom Crane recently announced their engagement from the private island resort of Velassaru, Maldives. Tom proposed to the stunning Girls Aloud star whist celebrating New Year and enjoying a romantic break at the 5 star luxury resort.

Velassaru, Maldives is a sophisticated resort that pairs contemporary luxury with the natural beauty of the Maldives. This 21 acre coral island is situated in the quiet South Malé Atoll and is one of the finest local resorts accessible via speedboat. Sarah and Tom stayed in the resorts exclusive Pool Villa.

Please see images and Velassaru press releases attached

IMPORTANT – Terms and Conditions for the usage of images

Velassaru, Maldives own the rights to the image of Sarah and Tom, and we have obtained their permission to release this image.

There is NOT A USAGE FEE, however the terms and conditions of use are – the image must have a minimum credit/caption of the following;

Sarah Harding at Velassaru, Maldives.

ADDITIONAL USEFUL INFORMATION

The web address for Velassaru is www.velassaru.com

For an additional (no fee) image of Sarah and Tom please email mayam@goodresults.co.uk

Additional images of Velassaru can be downloaded from http://univent1.securesites.net/velassaru/index.html

Fact Box information if required

Velassaru, Maldives

Kuoni (01306 747008 or www.kuoni.co.uk) offers 7 nights on room and breakfast basis at the 5-star Velassaru Maldives in a deluxe bungalow, including flights with British Airways from London Gatwick, transfers in resort and lounge in the UK upon departure. Price for 2011 from £1149 per person based on two sharing. *Book by 28 Feb 2011*

If you require any further information or clarification please do not hesitate to give me or Sharon Good a call.

A trip onboard The Blue Train is the ultimate way in which to experience South Africa’s beautiful landscapes from the comfort and luxury of Africa’s ‘Blue Jewel’, one of the country’s best-known tourism icons. This compelling combination of luxury train travel, world-class service and fine dining against a magnificent ever-changing backdrop, makes The Blue Train the experience of a lifetime.

The Blue Train is running two exciting packages with set departures in 2011, combining this luxury rail experience with a relaxing break in KwaZulu-Natal or a safari in the Pilanesberg Game Reserve.

Zimbali Resort Breakaway

The Blue Train is offering amazing Luxurious Breakaways in 2011, departing:

8 – 12 September 2011

17 – 21 November 2011

This 4-night package, departing on a Thursday evening, includes a return overnight journey on The Blue Train and 2 nights at Fairmont Zimbali Lodge on a B&B basis. It also includes 2 rounds of golf at The Zimbali Golf Estate (including green fees and cart hire) for the golfing enthusiasts OR a R760-00 voucher to use at one of Zimbali’s Spas for non-golfers. Each guest also gets meal vouchers to the value of R550-00 to use at one of the Fairmont Zimbali Restaurants and the package includes the return road transfers from the station to Zimbali. The cost of this package is from R14 845-00 per person sharing in a Deluxe suite.
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Safari in Style

Due to popular demand The Blue Train is offering its Ivory Tree Lodge Safari in Style escape once again, departing:

15 – 18 September 2011

29 December 2011 – 1 January 2012

This trip includes one overnight forward & one return day trip’s accommodation on The Blue Train, plus 2 night’s accommodation at the 5 star graded Ivory Tree Game Lodge in the Pilanesberg Game Reserve on a DBB basis. The package also includes 4 guided game drives during the stay, a R400 Spa Voucher per person for the Amani Spa, a welcome drink at Sun City halt, and road transfers to the Lodge. The cost of this package is from R13 160-00 per person sharing.

Both packages offer FANTASTIC value for money!

For more details on these packages email info@ethosmarketing.co.uk  or visit www.bluetrain.co.za
Images can be downloaded in high res from http://gallery.ethosmarketing.co.uk/gallery/TheBlueTrain

This month the five star Hotel Okura Amsterdam, which is renowned for its culinary excellence, is opening its fourth dining experience – ‘Serre Restaurant, inspired by Ciel Bleu’. This will enable a wider number of guests to enjoy the quality and style for which the hotel’s two Michelin star French restaurant, Ciel Bleu is renowned but presented with a lighter touch and in a more informal setting.

Serre Restaurant will be serving breakfast, lunch and dinner for the first time making it possible for guests to enjoy a luxurious full-service breakfast at the hotel. The restaurant’s signature dish will be ‘Serre’s Bento box’ – a sumptuous box recommended by the Chef de Cuisine that contains a complete feast of culinary delights including seafood, meat and vegetable dishes, as well as dessert and an optional glass of wine – that guests can enjoy within 50 minutes.

In addition to the new Serre Restaurant, Hotel Okura Amsterdam has an impressive array of three other restaurants, as well as its own ‘Taste of Okura’ Culinary Center, where Okura’s chef’s offer cooking workshops to guests. The hotel’s French Ciel Bleu restaurant has been a holder of two Michelin stars since 2007 and its traditional Japanese speciality restaurant Yamazato has been the proud owner of one Michelin star since 2002. Sazanka, the hotel’s Teppanyaki restaurant allows guests can sit around a hot iron plate whilst delicious fresh cuisine is prepared in front of them.

Marc van der Tang, (29) former Sous Chef of Ciel Bleu is the Chef de Cuisine at Serre Restaurant and will be guiding the kitchen team and creating innovative, yet classic dishes that reflect the essence of Ciel Bleu. He has worked with Onno Kokmeijer at Ciel Bleu for seven years and has completed the ‘Starclass’ course, which is the most exclusive cooking course for young professionals in the Netherlands.

Onno Kokmeijer, Ciel Bleu’s Executive Chef and Manager will also be overseeing the restaurant menus. Commenting on the new development he said “We wanted to give our guests more options to enjoy our flagship French cuisine. While Ciel Bleu is available for an extensive á la carte dinner, guests can now also visit Serre Restaurant for breakfast or a quick business lunch.”

Serre Restaurant features a modern interior design, allowing guests to enjoy their food in a relaxed, informal setting. A semi-open kitchen enhances the restaurant’s ‘buzzy’ and contemporary atmosphere. In addition, the restaurant has a spacious terrace, where guests have a view of the Amstel Canal from their dining chairs.

Jan Wilson from the London architectural firm of RPW was commissioned to design Serre Restaurant. She has been responsible for a number of other areas within the hotel and in this case has stamped her hallmark on the design with a deep rich blue interior featuring an internally lit porcelain chandelier which undulates above the central dining area and an impressive wine display as the backdrop.

The restaurant will be open daily from 7am until 11pm. A ‘Serre Bento Box’ costs €34.50 or €39.50 per person with wine. Reservations can be made via serre@okura.nl  or call 0031 20 6787 450
A one night stay at Hotel Okura Amsterdam costs from €210 per room per night excluding breakfast and 5% city tax. For details call Hotel Okura Amsterdam on 0031 6788 300 or visit www.okura.nl.

Treat your other half to a romantic break in South East England this Valentine’s Day. With ideas for weekend retreats, unusual day trips and free experiences there is something for every budget that is certain to impress, so all you have to do is sit back and let Cupid do his thing…

Body-Casting Breaks in Brighton, East Sussex
If you are looking for an unusual break to set the pulses racing, why not head for a ‘body-cast’ break in Brighton? Get a cast of your other half’s body, face or more intimate areas, if you prefer, from Brighton Body Casting; prices start at just £25. Combine this with three nights at The Oriental Boutique Hotel, oozing with style and designed with passion in mind – think hot pinks, reds and purples – it’s the perfect place to spice things up for the weekend. Three nights cost from £300, based on two people sharing on a room only basis.www.visitbrighton.com

Wine & Dine your loved one beside the Thames at Marlow, Buckinghamshire
Treat that special someone at the Macdonald Compleat Angler Hotel beside the Thames at Marlow over Valentine’s weekend 12th – 13th February. With its stunning river views and candlelit dining rooms, this incredibly romantic hotel is sure to set the mood for love, with a delicious four-course Valentine’s Day menu designed to excite more than just the palette. A double room costs from £142 per night on a bed and breakfast basis, with the Valentine’s meal costing from £59 per person, including a glass of bubbly and a fresh rose for your partner. To book visit website www.MacdonaldHotels.co.uk/CompleatAngler.
www.visitthames.co.uk

See the twinkle in her eye in Chichester, West Sussex
The cold, dark and clear evenings of the winter months provide great opportunities for stargazing, so why not wrap up warm and treat your other half with a guided tour of the winter night sky? With the chance to see the magnificent patterns of Orion and other prominent constellations, you are guaranteed to sweep her off her feet and over the moon! The tour is free of charge and takes place on 13th February, but you need to book in advance. www.visitchichester.org

Escape to a spa on the Isle of Wight
Celebrate Valentine’s Day with a romantic weekend in the four-star West Bay Country Club and Spa, set in 28 acres of landscaped grounds in Yarmouth, West Wight. The romantic Valentine’s Day package includes two nights in a self-catering cottage, a three course meal at the brasserie, a 60 minute spa treatment for two in the double treatment room, unlimited use of the leisure and spa facilities and champagne and chocolates on arrival. The two night break with Red Funnel costs from £201 per person based on two sharing. For more information visit www.redfunnel.co.uk. Super Saver tickets with Wightlink ferries cost from £36 per car, www.wightlink.co.uk.

Speed-dating Georgian Style in Portsmouth, Hampshire
Single this Valentine’s Day? Well not for long, The National Museum of the Royal Navy (NMRN) will be hosting its very own Georgian-masked speed-dating event in one of the museum’s prestige galleries. The event will include a drink on arrival, a live string quartet to accompany the evening, the opportunity to view some of the museum’s most romantic love letters which will be on display for the first time and of course the chance to meet up to 50 like-minded single people in a unique setting. Taking place on 12th February, tickets cost £30 and should be booked in advance. To book contact 02392 727581 or email rowannah.martincottee@nmrn.org.uk.
www.visitportsmouth.co.uk

Treat her like a lady at Blenheim Palace, Oxfordshire
If you are looking for inspiration for a romantic gift this Valentine’s Day, book a luxurious Champagne Tea at Blenheim Palace. Served in the Indian Room inside the Palace, overlooking the beautiful Water Terraces, the teas include a delicious selection of mini pastries and cakes, scones and Cornish clotted cream, a selection of finger sandwiches and two glasses of Champagne, as well as a range of teas or coffee. Tickets cost from £26.95 per person.
www.blenheimpalace.com

Wine and Chocolate Tasting Tour at Denbies Vineyard, Surrey
The way to the heart is through the stomach, or so they say, so why not indulge in a Wine & Chocolate Tasting Tour at the UK’s largest vineyard, Denbies? Here you will learn all about the wine making process, as well as having the opportunity to sample some fabulous chocolates. The tours will be taking place on 12th & 13th February and tickets cost from £14 per person.
www.denbies.co.uk

Have her running into your arms at The Historic Dockyard Chatham, Kent
Make yourself a hero at this new ghost tour of the Smithery, which explores the history of the Dockyard, telling tales of murder, mystery and intrigue – you’ll have her cuddling up to you in no time. Tickets cost from £10 per adult. www.thedockyard.co.uk

Treat her like a princess, with a trip to Rochester Castle, Medway, Kent
Towering over the River Medway, dominating the skyline, Rochester Castle is one of the best-preserved and finest examples of Norman architecture in England. It is also an unusual but interesting spot to woo your Valentine and impress with the romantic stories of Kings and Queens in days gone by. Entry costs from £5 per person. www.visitmedway.org

INDULGENCE IN ABUNDANCE (14 February)
Celebrate Valentine’s at Town with an all-you-can-eat dinner (SGD$78*) featuring oysters, scallops and other crustacean on ice, a selection of Japanese sashimi and sushi, tempura,
delectable antipasti and a selection of Asian and contemporary mains, pasta a la minute and desserts galore for the perfect sweet ending. Ladies will enjoy a candy jar as a memento of the evening.

THE VERY HEIGHT OF ROMANCE (14 February)
Coo and woo with views of the city and harbour at The Lighthouse. The Valentine’s Day dinner (SGD$168*) comprises of five courses including a flute of Champagne and chocolates for ladies.

BATTUTO DI MANZO WAGYU, INSALATINA DI CARCIOFI, PANCETTA CROCCANTE
Wagyu beef Carpaccio, artichokes salad, crispy pancetta ham
CREMA DI FINOCCHIO, BOTTARGA E OLIO AL BASILICO
Cream of fennel soup, tuna roe, basil infused oil
RISOTTO CARNAROLI AL TIMO FRESCO, TARTUFO NERO DI NORCIA
Carnaroli Risotto with fresh thyme and black Norcia Truffle
FILETTO DI MANZO WAGYU, PUREA DI SEDANO RAPA, INDIVIA BRASATA, SALSA AI FUNGHI
PORCINI
Wagyu beef fillet, celeriac purée, braised endive, porcini mushrooms jus
FRAGOLE SALTATE AL BALSAMICO TRADIZIONALE, GELATO AI FIORI DI LAVANDA
Traditional balsamic vinegar sautéed strawberries, lavender flower ice cream

For dining reservations, please call (65) 6877 8911/2 or email diningrsvp@
fullertonhotel.com

My Sweet Valentine (12 to 14 February)
This Valentine’s, take time to get away with getaways tailored for two. Opt for classic elegance amidst iconic heritage at The Fullerton Hotel Singapore from SGD$448* per night; wine and dine in the privacy of your room with a welcome bottle of wine and a four-course dinner. Relax with a
butler-drawn candle and bubble bath before waking to a hearty American breakfast at Town.

For room reservations, please call (65) 6533 8388 or email
reservations@fullertonhotel.com

* All prices are subject to service charge and prevailing government taxes unless stated otherwise.

From Easter egg hunts to summer ball games, a holiday rental with a fabulous garden makes the perfect setting for a fun family break

If you’re in search of a wonderful setting for your next family holiday, with room to relax for the grown-ups and plenty of outdoor space for the kids, a private home with a beautiful garden provides the perfect antidote to an over-crowded hotel. From tropical gardens and landscaped lawns, to pretty grounds surrounded by forests, flowers, vines and olive groves, with thousands of homes available to rent worldwide, the choice is yours. There are over 100,000 private properties with gardens available to rent on HomeAway Holiday-Rentals, the UK’s largest holiday rentals website, and the Top 10 below features our pick of the best.

Enjoy al-fresco meals on the shady terrace of your own Tuscan retreat, gaze at the mountains while taking a dip in the pool of your Moroccan villa, or explore the surrounding fields and forests from a unique Spanish farmhouse. Holiday homes are especially suited for families with children as they offer the space and facilities needed for a large group, and with the addition of a private garden, a safe and secure space for lots of outdoor fun and games too. Why not take some mini eggs along and entertain the kids with an Easter egg hunt, or take your bat-n-ball, cricket or croquet gear along for fun summer games?

Choose from one of the properties below for a fun Easter break or laidback summer holiday, or browse www.HomeAway.co.uk for more.

Prices quoted are per property per week and correct at the time of going to press. Properties are arranged by price, from highest to lowest.

Top 10 homes with gardens on HomeAway.co.uk

ENGLAND
Country manor with swimming pool and tennis court near Bath
10 Bedrooms, Sleeps 24. From £5,700 per week
This grand period property has been completely renovated with great style and warmth and mixes period detail with contemporary glamour and a family friendly vibe. It has all the luxury of light, space, lovely views and complete privacy so as to enjoy its six acres of sunny landscaped gardens, along with a large heated pool and tennis court, all within a delightful rural setting and only 10 minutes to Bath city centre by car. The house has been recently renovated by the award winning architect David Archer, who retained all the fine features and adapted the house to suit contemporary life, with luxurious designer details.
www.HomeAway.co.uk/p433787

MOROCCO
Stunning villa at the foothills of the Atlas Mountains
3 Bedrooms, Sleeps 7. From £1,750 per week
Nestled amongst the olive groves of the magnificent Ourika Valley lies Dar Tamazerte; a two storey spacious villa situated on a development of eight luxury villas set in 20 acres of sub-tropical gardens, with flowering shrubs, palm and olive trees. There is a private swimming pool with sun loungers. The communal facilities include a tennis court, golf practice area, exercise room and a hamman. The property is staffed by a house keeper, cook and gardener, which are all included in the price.
www.HomeAway.co.uk/p400918

ITALY
Tuscan villa with pool and superb views, Siena area
5 Bedrooms, Sleeps 8. From £1,550 per week
This is a beautifully restored hillside farmhouse with lovely landscaped gardens and truly spectacular uninterrupted views set in 25 acres of peaceful olive groves, farmland and woodland, in the Val d’Orcia Park, now an UNESCO world heritage site. The house is finished to a high standard with handmade terra cotta paved floors and outside paving, colour washed walls, antique furniture and well equipped kitchen and bathrooms. The glorious views from the large terrace shaded by two oak trees provide a magical setting for meals at a handmade wrought iron table which seats 12 people. The pool situated in a formal hedged rose garden has plenty of paved space for sunbathing on teak loungers and sun beds under large sunshades.
www.HomeAway.co.uk/p15714

SPAIN
Unique farmhouse immersed in a 500 acres estate, West Menorca
8 Bedrooms, Sleeps 12. From £1,449 per week
The Menorcan Farmhouse is the ultimate holiday getaway for large families and those searching for complete privacy and tranquillity on the peaceful island of Menorca. The farmhouse is of traditional rural architecture with a central front porch area with three arches. The pool sits gracefully behind the house with a large pergola providing shade and with stunning views of the surrounding countryside. The house is fully immersed in a 500 acre estate with fields and forests and has direct access to a large private rocky beach. The terrace that surrounds the house has wonderful views of the countryside and is ideal for outdoor family meals.
www.HomeAway.co.uk/p415310

WALES
Victorian Rectory with landscaped gardens, Powys & Brecon Beacons
6 Bedrooms, Sleeps 12. From £1,170 per week
Pool Grange is a former Victorian rectory located in a quiet rural setting, surrounded by beautiful landscaped gardens with water features. The living accommodation is spacious and comfortable with a large drawing room, library, dining room, kitchen, breakfast area, utility and conservatory. Pool Grange is in the hamlet of Pool Quay, three miles from the busy market town of Welshpool. The Montgomery Canal is at the bottom of the garden and a country pub serving food is within walking distance.
www.HomeAway.co.uk/p421393

FRANCE
18th century stone farmhouse with annex and private pool, Aveyron
5 Bedrooms, Sleeps 9. From £789 per week
This is an 18th century stone farmhouse with a slightly more contemporary annex house, ideal for two families or a group of friends wishing to holiday together. Each house has its own private terrace and garden area. The extended gardens (over two acres of land) include planted borders, a lime avenue and a multitude of trees providing shade. There are plenty of areas to enjoy eating outdoors, or to find a secluded place to read. Rich birdlife includes nightingales, hoopoes, owls and buzzards. At various times during the summer there will be plentiful figs, grapes, plums, mirabelles and vegetables from the small allotment.
www.HomeAway.co.uk/p442555

IRELAND
Coastal house with spectacular sea views, County Cork
4 Bedrooms, Sleeps 7. From £746 per week
The Stone House faces South over a tranquil sea water cove with uninterrupted views to 12th century Rossbrin Castle and then out to Roaring Water Bay and Carberry’s 100 isles. Set in its own grounds of two acres the house is furnished to a very high standard with a contemporary scheme and sleeps six comfortably. The house is spacious, light and well equipped. Schull is 5km away with its pretty shops and delis and of course lovely little pubs and great food. The area is well served with gourmet restaurants as well as numerous cafés, some at wonderful beauty spots.
www.HomeAway.co.uk/p6459

PORTUGAL
Tophill villa with fantastic views, Albufeira
4 Bedrooms, Sleeps 10. From £732 per week
This fantastic villa is a graceful countryside estate, perfect for groups and families wanting to escape to the countryside in luxurious and peaceful surroundings, yet within easy reach of shopping, Albufeira and many great beaches. Set in twelve acres of private grounds with breathtaking sea and country views, the property is a newly renovated luxurious and spacious villa, offering complete peace and relaxation in the Algarve countryside, yet only 10 minutes by car from the resort and beaches of Albufeira. Complete with a luxury farmhouse kitchen, large bathrooms and a sauna, the villa has been carefully and lovingly restored to create a wonderful country house with a modern and luxurious feel.
www.HomeAway.co.uk/p496544

SCOTLAND
Country house set in its own grounds, Scottish Borders
5 Bedrooms, Sleeps 10. From £695 per week
Branxholm Knowe House is a large detached period property which is set in two acres of well tendered private gardens. The house is furnished to a high standard and is ideal for entertaining and features a fabulous garden room which is perfect for al-fresco evenings as well as fresh winter evenings with the log burner glowing. The property benefits from five large double bedrooms and can comfortably accommodate ten adults or two families. Outside there are two tables and benches, a BBQ, a pond (fenced) with cascading runs, large gardens and woodland.
www.HomeAway.co.uk/p462954

SLOVENIA
Lovingly renovated single storey country cottage, Prekmurje
2 Bedrooms, Sleeps 8. From £53 per night
This traditional single story cottage with modern facilities has been renovated to a very high standard and consists of two bedrooms, a large kitchen/dining room, a family bathroom, a relaxing living room, a games room (table tennis, electronic darts, air hockey), a terrace BBQ area with fantastic views and plenty of enclosed outdoor space that includes over 100 fruit trees and wine producing vines. The large dining table seats 10, and there is a traditional Hungarian bread oven/heater in the corner of the room. Slovenia is all about the great outdoors and to help you take full advantage the owners provide bicycles for guests.
www.HomeAway.co.uk/p66055

The Monte da Quinta resort in the Algarve is offering early bookers up to €1,190 off their 2011 summer holiday and offering fantastic benefits for families and children.

Located in the heart of the prestigious Quinta do Lago estate, Monte da Quinta boasts a collection of 132 self-catering suites and a range of two and three-bedroom townhouses and spacious villas. All townhouses and villas come with private pools.

Those booking by February 28 will benefit from the ‘Super Early Booking Summer’ offer and receive discounts of 35 per cent, on one and two bedroom suites, or 20 per cent on two and three-bedroom townhouses and four-bedroom villas.

Prices start from €1,680 per week based on a family of four sharing a two-bedroom townhouse in April.

And families have even more reason to stay at Monte da Quinta resort as bookings for seven nights or more receive three complimentary half-day sessions in the popular Kids’ Club, and, for those staying 14 nights, it doubles up to six sessions.

Free sessions are valid for one child aged three to 12-years old, with a second entitled to a 20 per cent discount – but sessions must be requested at the time of the holiday booking.

If the February deadline is missed then reduced savings are still available for those booking by March 31 with discounts of 25 per cent (suites) and 15 per cent (townhouses and villas), available.

The offer is valid for breaks of two nights or more, except for during July and August when a minimum seven-night stay must be taken, and all discounts are subject to a deposit of 50 per cent being paid to guarantee the booking.

Monte da Quinta is an ideal base for a lifestyle vacation, located close to the Algarve’s famous golden beaches and surrounded by leisure options including championship golf, tennis and water sports. On-site there are a number of dining options, an extensive Kids’ Club and the Magnolia Spa.

For further information, or to book a stay call 00 351 289 000 300, email mqreservas@mqclub.com  or go to www.mqresort.com.

Below is a list of the restaurants you must try when visiting Paris, compiled by Belinda Leong of 2 Michelin Star restaurant, Manresa. Don’t fret, this list is not limited to fancy and expensive restaurants. Some of these favorites include hole-in-the-wall eateries that are easy on the wallet but impressive to the most developed of palates.

1. Le Comptoir Du Relais
If you can only try one place out of this list, then make it Le Comptoir, where you may just experience the best meal of your life. If you go for dinner, you must make reservations in advance and be prepared to have the set menu. However, you can walk in for lunch (12-3PM) and order a la carte. The chef is Yves Camdeborde and the GM is Daniel Boulud’s nephew.

Must Try: Pig’s feet, sliced pork belly, brandade, cochon de lait, fois gras and haricot vert salad, soups, charcuterie and beef cheek.

Address: 9, Carrefour de l’Odéon

2. L’Avant Comptoir
This is an excellent place for French tapas. It has limited seating and is located next door to Le Comptoir.

Must Try: pig’s feet stuffed with oxtail, brandade, charcuterie, ribs, croquettes.

Address: 9, Carrefour de l’Odéon

3. L’Ami Jean
A must-try for dinner but make sure you call ahead to make a reservation. Get the 3 courses for 34 EU. The chef is Stephan Lego.

Address: 27,rue Malar, 75007 Paris, France

4. Bistrot Paul Bert
This is a quaint, classic French brasserie. The menu changes regularly on the blackboard. Get the 34-euro, three-course menu. Chef also came from the Michelin star restaurant, Le Regalade.

Address: 18, rue Paul Bert, 11e, Paris, 75011

5. L’as Du Falafel
This is the most popular falafel spot. You can order at the window, which is just 5eu, or if you eat inside, it is 7eu. This place is CLOSED Friday and Saturday

Must try: Get a falafel with everything in it (2 types of cabbage, hummus, tzatziki, eggplant, spicy sauce, falafel) Also, try the chicken. (this isn’t called falafel, just order chicken and they will know. It has everything the same as a falafel, but with chicken instead)

Address: 34 rue des Rosiers

6. Pierre Herme
Known as “The King of French Pastry”. Be prepared to wait in line to get your fix of macarons, cakes and croissants.

Must Try: Litchi Raspberry Croissant, Tarte Vanille, Tarte Cafe, 2000 Millefeuille, Isaphan, Croissant and Kouign-Aman

7. Breizh Cafe
Regarded as one of the best creperies. Try the galettes (savoury crêpes made out of buckwheat flour).

Address: 109, rue Vieille du Temple

8. Le Chateaubriand
This is another great French brasserie for dinner, in fact, one of the most popular brasseries amongst “chefs” right now. The brasserie offers a fixed five-course menu every night.
Make sure you call ahead for a reservation. Phone: +33 1 43 57 45 95

Address: 129 Avenue Parmentier, 75011 Paris, France

9. Laduree
The pioneers of the double decker Macaron since 1862, you will find yourself in macaron heaven upon setting foot in this patisserie. There are shops throughout Paris and you can also get great gifts like caramel black tea and hot chocolate in their iconic pastel green packaging.

Must Try: Caramel macaron is splendid, and they are one of the only shops that use real caramel.

10. Berthillon
MOST popular ice cream shop/tea salon in Paris. Delightfully good. Located near the Notre Dame.

Must Try: There are over 60 flavours to choose from, but two of my favourites included the Caramel au beurre salé (salted butter caramel) and Café Dauphinoix (coffee and chocolate).

Address: 31 Rue St Louis en l’ile

I stayed at two different hotels so that I could explore different neighborhoods. I absolutely loved the charming, old Parisian feel of L’hotel (not to mention it’s a block away from Laduree).

http://www.kiwicollection.com/hotel-detail/lhotel

If boutique isn’t your preference, you may like the second hotel, Le Royal Monceau. 149 rooms and designed by Phillippe Stark, this hotel is what I’d call the epitome of Parisian luxury.
http://www.kiwicollection.com/hotel-detail/le-royal-monceau-raffles-paris

Amy Chan is a columnist, food enthusiast and avid traveler. She works for luxury hotel reviewer, Kiwi Collection and has her own blog, www.amyfabulous.com

French cuisine celebrates elevation to UNESCO’s “World Intangible Heritages” List by creating a National Festival of Gastronomy with restaurants across the country battling it out to offer outstanding dishes at mouth watering prices.

France is the first country to be honoured by UNESCO for its national food and cuisine. It joins other cultural practices on UNESCO’s “World Intangible Heritages” list such as the Royal Ballet of Cambodia and Mexico’s Day of the Dead Festival. It’s not just the cooking that has been recognised, but the very culture of close friends coming together and whiling away the hours over dinner. How French!

To celebrate this achievement, the Secretary of State for Tourism, Mr Frédéric Lefebvre, has announced the creation of “la Fête de la gastronomie française” (Festival of French Gastronomy). The very first Festival will be organised for September 23rd this year, and will see restaurants all over France offering menus at exceptional prices in order to temp hungry Frenchmen and tourists inside to discover a wealth of French cuisine.

For more information on UNESCO, visit their website, www.unesco.org

For more information on French Cuisine, and for recipe ideas, visit the Franceguide website at www.uk.franceguide.com

A romantic break to Jamaica is not only the perfect way to inject some ‘heat’ into Valentine’s Day this year but is also a memorable gift for that special person.

More than just beaches and warm Caribbean waters, Jamaica has it all for the romantic at heart. Spend quality time drifting down the Great River on a bamboo raft just big enough for two or enjoy a moon-lit couple’s only horseback ride and swim. Couples may also wander around some of the beautiful botanical gardens and look out for the national bird; the streamer tailed humming bird locally called ‘Doctor Bird’.

End the perfect day with a sunset massage and then enjoy a romantic dinner in a private, candlelit cave overlooking the sea, sampling well-known Jamaican dishes that are reputed to have an aphrodisiac effect. You will awake understanding why we say…. ‘Jamaica, once you go, you know.’

Seven nights all-inclusive at Sunset at the Palms – from only £1,516 per person
Seven nights in Jamaica with Virgin Holidays, including scheduled flights with Virgin Atlantic from London Gatwick direct
to Jamaica and accommodation at Sunset at the Palms on an all-inclusive basis with transfers included, starts from £1516. Prices are per person based on two adults travelling and sharing a tree top deluxe room, price includes all applicable taxes and fuel surcharges which are subject to change. Prices are based on departures leaving on 12th February 2011. To book: www.virginholidays.co.uk, 0844 557 3859.

Seven nights all-inclusive at Couples Negril – from only £1,459 per person
Seven nights in Jamaica with Thomas Cook Holidays, including flights from Manchester direct to Jamaica and accommodation at the four star plus Couples Negril on an all-inclusive basis, starts from £1,459. Prices are based on departures leaving on 8th February 2011. To book: www.thomascookstyle.com, 0844 412 5970.

For more information on Jamaica see www.VisitJamaica.com.