Jetsettersblog

This year, Schirn Kunsthalle Frankfurt is celebrating its 25th anniversary, while the Museum of Modern Art is turning twenty. What’s more, the New Städel, the German Film Museum and the German Architecture Museum will all be reopening their doors in 2011 after extensive expansion and reconstruction.

Frankfurt, 07 March 2011(tcf). Initially conceived as an event venue for large-scale travelling exhibitions, Schirn Kunsthalle Frankfurt soon began to present its own art shows, which were then sent around the world for further display. The latter aspect is particularly interesting when one considers that the Schirn does not in fact own its own collection and is therefore not able to offer partner museums items on loan in return. “An art hall such as the Schirn [...] should not disguise itself as a “temporary” museum in terms of thematic orientation, scenical design or art-historical perspective. Rather, the objective of the Schirn should be to focus on unusual themes and to present the œuvres of important artists from a contemporary perspective,” states Max Hollein, director of the Schirn since 2001.

Prominent names, like Alberto Giacometti, Edvard Munch, Paul Klee, Marc Chagall and Max Beckman, and celebrated exhibitions, such as “Shopping” and “Female Impressionists”, have helped to turn the Schirn into an internationally renowned art institution. Having originally opened its doors to the general public on 28th February 1986, the Schirn today offers an excellent service spectrum that includes guided tours in foreign and sign language as well as tours and activities for children and families, thereby providing visitors diverse opportunities to enjoy the many aspects and pleasures of contemporary art.

The name of Schirn Kunsthalle Frankfurt is derived from the history of its geographical location. In the local dialect, the term refers to an open sales booth. Until the end of the Second World War, a street of the same name ran along the Schirn’s current site, accommodating the stalls of Frankfurt’s butchers well into the 19th century. It was in the mid-1980s that the architect’s office of Bangert, Jansen, Scholz & Schultes planned and constructed the building complex that now occupies the former marketplace. Schirn Kunsthalle Frankfurt was founded during the culturally flourishing era stretching from the 1970s to the 1990s. The museum had one of its greatest promoters in the then head of the City of Frankfurt’s cultural department, Hilmar Hoffmann, who was also instrumental in the rise to significance of Frankfurt’s museum embankment.

There is much to discover in the Schirn’s anniversary exhibition, “Surreal Objects”, which deals exclusively with three-dimensional art. Never before has this art form been presented so comprehensively. It guarantees to surprise visitors with its bizarre yet highly interesting exhibits.

The Museum of Modern Art Frankfurt am Main, meanwhile, ranks amongst the world’s leading museums of contemporary art. Being only twenty years old, the museum is today one of the absolute highlights of the international museum landscape. The museum, a shining example of post-modern architecture, plays a significant role in the cultural and social life of Frankfurt am Main. It was designed by the Viennese architect Hans Hollein, the father of Max Hollein, the present-day director of the Schirn. The museum’s unique layout was obviously greatly influenced by the shape of the property it was built on. The interior, on the other hand, was influenced more by the nature of the museum’s planned programme, its functional necessities and the desire to present to visitors unique exhibitions amidst an equally unique setting. With the Museum of Modern Art, which is referred to by Frankfurt locals and fans of post-modern architecture as the “cake slice”, Hollein created an architectonic masterpiece. He was able to establish on a three-sided piece of land a triangular structure so uniquely designed that a walk through the museum is quickly turned into an unforgettable experience. Few visitors would be able to imagine the interior of the museum by looking at its exterior. With such a unique structural layout, it is no wonder that not one of the nearly forty rooms of the Museum of Modern Art is like the next, thereby making a visit an astounding architectonic as well as artistic experience. A true balance of power presides here – the visitor perceives the architecture by way of the museum’s art, and the museum’s art by way of the architecture.

The museum’s current collection comprises over 4,500 works of international art, ranging from the 1960s to present day. Roy Lichtenstein, Andy Warhol, Frank Stella and Joseph Beuys are just some of the artists on show at the Museum of Modern Art. The quality, variety and incomparable profile of the collection set it apart from the collections of other museums. The current special exhibition, entitled “The Lucid Evidence. Photography of the Collection of the Museum of Modern Art”, offers an overview of the museum’s extensive photo archive. Featuring some 700 photos, this exhibition represents a cross-section of the museum’s collection, focusing on figurative works from the late 1950s to present today. Elaborately produced scenes, such as those photographed by Jeff Wall, are as much a part of this exhibition as images taken in conflict-affected areas around the world.

Both exhibition venues are part of the Frankfurt Museum Embankment, a wonderfully diversified cultural landscape consisting of some 26 museums. This unique boulevard features 13 museums set side by side like pearls on a string, including time-honoured establishments such as the Städel Art Institute and the Municipal Gallery, together known simply as the Städel. The Städel presents works of European artists from the 13th to the 20th centuries, featuring such famous names as Dürer, Elsheimer, Rembrandt and Botticelli. It has been undergoing comprehensive reconstruction and expansion since February 2008. The project, overseen by the Frankfurt architect’s office of schneider+schumacher, will provide the Städel with a further 3,000 square metres of exhibition space, all underground. With the completion of the imposing ceiling structure in November 2010, one was able to realise for the first time what an impressive new venue was being created beneath the gardens of the Städel Museum. The elegantly curved ceiling characterises the interior of the hall, forming the architectural centrepiece of this impressive structure. Once reconstruction has been completed, the entire museum will be handicapped accessible. In the meantime, with the Städel undergoing such extensive reconstruction, many works of the museum’s collection have gone on tour around the world. Two recent tours included stops in Lausanne, Melbourne, Rome and Tokyo, for example.

The grand opening of the extension, which will be home to the museum’s collection of post-1945 art, is scheduled for autumn 2011. An important exhibition entitled “Beckmann and America” will open on 07th October, focusing on the later works of the famous European painter. This exhibition will be particularly significant to Frankfurt am Main, for it was here that Beckmann lived and worked from 1915 to 1933, having also taught at the Städel during this time. Various items on loan from international collections – such as his series of lithographs on America, entitled “Day and Dream”, sketches, drawings and paintings, including three of his most significant triptyches from Washington and New York – highlight the broad spectrum of his work.

The German Film Museum Frankfurt am Main, also currently under reconstruction, will soon be home to a brand-new permanent exhibition. The interior of the museum, which first opened 25 years ago, is being completely redesigned. Exhibition space will increase by thirty percent, reaching some 1,900 square metres. The third floor, which also offers magnificent views of Frankfurt’s skyline, will in future be hosting special exhibitions. Official reopening is scheduled for Summer 2011.

Reconstruction is also going on at a number of other exhibition venues along the museum embankment. Work is currently in progress at the House of Bible, the German Architecture Museum, the historical museum frankfurt and the Museum of World Cultures. All of these museums will be reopening successively over the next few years.

The remaining museums along and near the museum embankment are all open for business as per usual. Next to the Städel, for example, one finds the Liebieghaus. At home in a former villa, this museum presents a superb sculpture collection. The next cultural establishment along the embankment is the Museum of Communication Frankfurt. It houses a number of interesting collections and documents highlighting the history of modern communication from the 17th century to present day.

Further jewels of this rich museum landscape include, among others, Museum Giersch, the caricatura museum frankfurt and the Senckenberg Museum of Natural History, one of the world’s leading natural science research institutes. The Museum of World Cultures/Gallery 37, meanwhile, provides excellent insights into foreign cultures. Right next door, Richard Meier, the famous New York architect, created the “white house upon the Main”, the architectural jewel in the crown of the museum embankment. It is the 1985 extension of Villa Metzler, the home of the Museum of Applied Arts, originally built in 1804.

With the Goethe-House and the Goethe Museum, Frankfurt has of course also paid tribute to its favourite and most famous son. Goethe’s birthplace, returned to its original condition, offers a highly interesting look at how a typical bourgeois family lived during the 18th century.

As you can see, there is plenty to discover along Frankfurt’s museum embankment. And this year, there’ll also be plenty to celebrate as well!

Grasp seven nights self catering accommodation in Pembrokeshire, South West Wales with all the family and celebrate the chocolate fest in style.

Easter is a great time for all the family and this package in Pembrokeshire is perfect for all ages.
Your self catering property stands in a quiet position within the greatly popular Ivy Tower Village with it’s onsite leisure facilities of indoor heated pool, sauna, gym and tennis courts for all to enjoy. An Easter egg for each will be awaiting your arrival at your property as will an array of Pembrokeshire breakfast treats ready for you to cook a hearty dish the following morning.
Embrace this opportunity to catch the surf at the beach and get into action on the waves, the first to stand wins! If the surf wasn’t enough sea air for the family then go on to catch yourself a memory for life onboard the MV Summertime, with a spot of Sea Fishing along the Pembrokeshire Coastline. A family feast of frolics.

Our Guide Price: From £219 per person for seven nights self catering accommodation, easter egg, surfing and sea fishing based on a family of four holidaying.

Get out and about in West Wales this Easter – enjoying clean, quiet beaches, coastal paths, hidden valleys and picturesque seaside villages – courtesy of Coastal Cottages of Pembrokeshire.

The company is highlighting a wealth of cottages of all sizes including, for example, ‘Ffesant’, a carefully restored stone barn overlooking Abercastle Bay, situated on the Pembrokeshire Coastal Path.

This snug and cosy property – with central heating and woodburning stove – sleeps four and costs £455 for seven nights from 23 April.

Larger parties could opt for ‘Berlian’, a spacious, traditional cottage sleeping 10, making it ideal for two families – or for a group of friends – planning an Easter getaway together.

The property – with underfloor heating and woodburning stove – is located in a wooded valley close to Abermawr beach and costs £829 for seven nights from 23 April.

01437 772760, www.coastalcottages.co.uk

Alacati Zeytin Hotel, located in the charming fishing village of Alacati, is the ideal choice of holiday accommodation for anyone seeking chic, stylish and charming accommodation for a summer break in Turkey.

In a break from the usual style of accommodation found throughout the Mediterranean, this charming collection of four mansions offers really beautiful accommodation, all individually and stylishly decorated.

Each of the four mansions varies in type and size, offering accommodation to suit various tastes:

• The Blue Mansion – with eight standard rooms and one honeymoon suite this is the largest of the four mansions. Each room offers very comfortable and air-conditioned space while the large honeymoon suite also features a spectacular bay window and an open feature fire place which can be lit in the cooler months.
• The Brown Mansion – this unusual building features five rooms in total including a large room with an open fire place, a set of interconnected rooms offering larger space for families or groups of friends and a large room with a private open air terrace.
• The Green Mansion – this property is set within its own romantic garden making it an ideal choice for couples. There are five rooms in total including one deluxe room complete with bay window, safe and satellite television. The building also enjoys a lounge area for shared guest use which has an open feature fire place – a great place for couple to get together for an evening drink.
• The Red Mansion – this property comprises two units which have been specifically designed with stays of a week or more in mind as each unit includes a living room, kitchenette and bedroom. Ideal for small families or those who just want extra space these units provide an option to enjoy a self-catering break.

Zeytin Hotel is located just five minutes from the centre of Alacati, yet it still enjoys a very peaceful setting. Visitors to the hotel can either relax by the pools and gardens or alternatively take part in one of the many activities organised by the hotel including yoga, ceramic lessons, windsurfing, fishing or spa days.

Alacati is a stunning town, located just 70km from Izmir, with its international airport. The town is famed for its architecture, vineyards, windmills, spa pools and fishing and most recently it has also become a popular spot for windsurfing and kite surfing. The region is also known for its local food with artichokes, olives and figs grown in abundance. The town hosts a market every Saturday where visitors can purchase locally grown fruit and vegetable plus quality textiles.

Other nearby attractions include the famous ruins of the ancient Green/Roman city of Ephesus.

Zeytin Hotel caters for guests with all types of allergies offering a variety of dishes at both breakfast and lunch that are free from wheat, yeast, cows milk and eggs. Vegetarian dishes are also available. The owners prepare all their own food with speciality cakes and cookies on offer each afternoon for guests to sample.

Zeytin Hotel is open all year round with room rates starting from as little as £54 for a standard double room (this is based on stays during March). Peak season prices for a standard double room start from £95. Prices are per room per night and include breakfast. Satellite television and complimentary Wi-Fi are also available.

Direct flights to Izmir from the UK are available with Easyjet, Pegasus and Thomas Cook.

For more information and reservations visit www.alacatizeytinotel.com

Portugal will have a charter flight direct into Beja in the centre of The Alentejo, an extensive rural region in south-central Portugal. This flight will be launched on the 22nd May 2011 by Sunvil Discovery with a BMI Embraer 49-seat plane, with full catering and free 20 kg luggage allowance, and will operate on a weekly basis from Heathrow on Sundays.

Flight schedules are:

22 May – 09 October 2011
BD1234 Heathrow/Beja 06:00/08:40
BD1235 Beja/Heathrow 09:40/12:30
Filipe Silva, Director of Turismo de Portugal in London says, “The new airport in Beja and the new flight route from London will make the Alentejo region easily accessible to UK tourists. The Alentejo has much to offer and explore, especially to those in search of a unspoilt and historic destination, with unique gastronomy and wine routes.”
Ideal for self-drive holidays and multi-centre trips, this region occupies approximately one-third of Portugal, and is situated south of the River Tagus (Tejo) and north of the Algarve, with a stunning Atlantic coastline to the west – much of which has National Park status – and the Spanish border to the east.

This region provides world-class culture, wines and gourmet treats, where tourists can enjoy the magnificent scenery and explore hilltop towns crowned with medieval castles, as well as visit the city of Évora, a UNESCO World Heritage site, overflowing with beautiful religious architecture, fountains and former palaces.

Escapism at its best can be enjoyed on the largest artificial lake in Europe, the Alqueva Lake (approx. 250 km2), located in the east of the Alentejo, where tourists can cruise around the lake, for a day or a week, stopping off in tiny Portuguese villages on the shores.

The coastal region of the Alentejo is practically deserted, with sleepy and pristine whitewashed villages overlooking glorious sandy beaches, sparkling waters and incredible sunsets.

A wide range of accommodation can be chosen, considering that The Alentejo favors well preserved, historic buildings, boutique properties and family-run wineries to accommodate visitors. Stylish, family-friendly and well located Hotels, combining its unique architecture with a rich gastronomy and exquisite wines, as well as supported by a dedicated service, will provide a most welcoming and memorable experience while visiting the region.

The Bull & Swan at Burghley has been awarded a four star inn rating by the AA together with one rosette for its food after an inspection as part of the organisation’s national hotel recognition scheme.

The recently opened Stamford inn is gaining a strong reputation for its high quality food, accommodation and service and this has now been endorsed with the award of these highly regarded ratings which are given only when quality standards jointly agreed by the AA and UK tourist authorities are achieved. The Bull & Swan, which is proving to be a popular addition to the Hillbrooke Group of Hotels, narrowly missed out on five stars when given a score of 84% which is just 1% lower that that required to achieve the top rating awarded by the AA.

To be awarded an AA rosette for food, restaurants have to serve good quality food prepared with care, skill and understanding and head chef Phil Kent is doing just that and producing outstanding dishes for his customers. Great attention is given to locally sourced ingredients and his venison scotch eggs have already attracted quite a following with the meat being supplied by the nearby Burghley Estate.

Managing Director of Hillbrooke Hotels, Christoph Brooke said: “To be awarded the AA four star rating for accommodation and a rosette for the food only two months after opening is a fantastic achievement and a great credit to all the team at The Bull & Swan who have made such a positive impact on the hospitality scene in Stamford. We look forward to building on this success whilst continuing to provide our customers with the highest quality of food and service possible.”

Nothing says romance more than seclusion, amazing views, sumptuous accommodation, and hot tubs! With this in mind, One Off Places, the website which specialises in unique and ‘one off’ holiday rentals, is delighted to announce the newest addition to its collection, The High Cabin in Conwy, North Wales. http://www.oneoffplaces.co.uk/Europe/Wales/North-Wales/The-High-Cabin.aspx

Only accessible to those who know where to find it, this luxurious one bedroom cabin nestles amongst splendid mountain views; has access to a hidden lake; and features a heated veranda as well as a hot tub with arguably the best outlook ever. Warm in winter and cool in summer, it maximises on its position to ensure a stunning stay all year round, and is a perfect getaway from life’s hustle and bustle.

The cabin’s amazing external features are complemented by a decadent interior which is both comfortable and modern. If guests can bear to tear themselves away from the cabin, then Snowdonia is all around, as are unspoiled beaches and activities such as sailing and golf.

For more information on these and the other properties in the collection; all of which offer something unique and special visit www.oneoffplaces.co.uk

Tasmania has been selected by Black Tomato, award-winning luxury bespoke travel company for the discerning traveller and known for its holidays to up-and-coming, off-beaten-track destinations, as its latest must-visit destination; it is rapidly becoming clear to see why. Australia’s southernmost and only island state – next stop south is Antarctica – is having a ‘bit of a moment’.

Reasons to visit Tasmania have never been so compelling or so different and Black Tomato is right on the button.

The opening of MONA – the £100 million Museum of Old and New Art – has made Tasmania’s waterfront capital city Hobart – the second oldest city in Australia – seriously hot property, whilst its new uber-luxury lodge Saffire, just over two hours away on the iconic Freycinet Peninsula, is Australia’s latest gem, even if it does break the mould of what one might expect from ‘Tassie’.

Meanwhile Mark Webber, F1 racing driver and Australia’s local hero, has announced that he is to hold his six day adventure race, The Mark Webber Challenge, there in November. Anyone fit enough and with a bit of cash to spend on a good cause is welcome to join him and his celebrity mates to raise money for charity, including saving the iconic and endangered Tasmanian devil which has the largest jaw strength to body ratio than any animal other than the Great White.

All this is of course underpinned by the rest of Tasmania’s unique, endemic and largely abundant wildlife, hundreds of miles of bushwalks; not forgetting the highly acclaimed natural produce and new world wines – which is probably why celebrity chef Shaun Rankin, winner of the Great British Menu for his treacle tart, is heading down there for Australia’s culinary event of the year, Savour Tasmania in from 25 May to 6 June 2011.

MONA is the wild and controversial dream of Tasmanian David Walsh – philanthropist, professional gambler and passionate art collector. The 6000 square metre museum, which includes a Sex and Death Gallery and many priceless works of art that have never been exhibited before, opened in mid January to rave reviews. It is located on the Moorilla Estate, the oldest winery in Tasmania, ten minutes outside Hobart, and is free to all visitors.

Saffire, the new £20 million luxury lodge, opened last year on the Freycinet Peninsula on Tasmania’s east coast. Just 40 guests can be accommodated in 20 free standing suites with views across Coles Bay, which is renowned for its orange lichen-stained cliffs contrasting with turquoise waters lined by pristine white sand beaches, including the much-photographed Wineglass Bay. Just further up the coast is The Lair, a two bedroom glass fronted sexy designer bolt hole that sets new standard of architecture in Australia; for lovers of nature, and of each other.

Luxury comes at a price, and in Tasmania’s case it is hiking for days through pristine wilderness, over mountains and around Australia’s deepest lakes; kayaking through dolphin-filled waters with sea eagles soaring overhead, and sleeping under the stars; or rafting the most challenging river in the world – the 11 day trip down the Franklin into the World Heritage wilderness, known as ‘Gondwanaland’ – as the earth existed millions of years ago.
Black Tomato is offering the type of bespoke holidays to Tasmania that have never been available in the UK before.

To find out more, visit www.blacktomato.co.uk/tasmania  or call 0207 426 9888

Follow http://blog.blacktomato.co.uk/tag/tasmania

Guests at Rawnsley Park Station in South Australia’s (www.southaustralia.com) Flinders Ranges, will have an exhilarating new way of viewing the magnificent scenery when Outback Ballooning starts operating scenic flights from April 2011.

Up to 10 guests at a time will be able to enjoy one-hour dawn hot air balloon flights (subject to weather conditions) across South Australia’s largest and most stunning mountain range, followed by a light breakfast of muesli, cheese and biscuits accompanied by sparkling Australian wine.

Outback Ballooning (www.outbackballooning.com.au), one of Australia’s most respected ballooning operators, is offering these hot air balloon experiences to guests at Rawnsley Park Station for AUD$350 per person and AUD$280 for children aged 6-16 years. The 2011 ballooning season will start in April and continue all year.

BACKGROUND TO RAWNSLEY PARK STATION
Rawnsley Park Station (www.rawnsleypark.com.au) is located in the heart of the Flinders Ranges only 400 kms from Adelaide overlooking Wilpena Pound, the 83 square km amphitheatre formed 640 million years ago.

The station, comprised of 12,000-hectares of land in a prime environmental zone, offers visitors the perfect Outback experience with a range of accommodation options to suit all budgets and plenty of Outback activities.

ACCOMMODATION OPTIONS – Guests have a choice of staying either in luxury eco-villas, the two-bedroom Arkapena Homestead, a 3.5 star holiday unit, the caravan resort, bush camping site or in the bunkhouse:

Luxury Eco Villas
Whilst contemporary in design and décor, the eco villas boast the latest environmental features including rendered straw bale walls for insulation, polished timber floors over suspended concrete slabs, and overhanging eaves and wide verandahs, which provide shade. Other unusual features include retractable fabric ceilings which provide a magical night viewing panel from the bedroom, allowing guests to lie back in bed and gaze up at the stars in the clear southern skies above.

Rawnsley Park’s eco-villas have achieved Advanced Ecotourism accreditation which recognises Australia’s leading and most innovative eco-tourism products. They provide visitors with an opportunity to learn about the environment with an operator who is committed to using resources wisely, contributing to the conservation of the environment and helping local communities.

The first four eco-villas proved to be so popular since their introduction in 2006, that a further AUD$1 million was invested in four additional villas, which were completed in April 2009. Today each of the eight eco-villas (six one-bedroom and two, two-bedroom) offers the same stunning views, secluded location, stylish interiors and quality facilities.

Arkapena Homestead
This two-bedroom homestead, located in 9,000-hectare Arkapena Station, a neighbouring sheep station, is the latest addition to the property. It was acquired by Rawnsley Park Station in May 2009 and opened to guests in April 2010.

Arkapena Homestead dates back to the 1950s. It offers all the ambience of a traditional Australian Outback home, including wide verandahs, thick walls and galvanized roof, combined with a spacious, contemporary interior renovated in the same style as Rawnsley Park Station’s eco-villas.

It is a self-contained property with spectacular views of the colourful Chace Range and is ideal for one or two couples holidaying together or a family. Facilities include living area, two queen en suite bedrooms, gourmand’s kitchen, dining room and private outdoor shower. Guests have access to all of Rawnsley Park Station’s facilities and activities.

Apartments in the holiday village are ideal for both families and groups. The 25 units range from one to three-bedrooms and are equipped with full kitchens.

The Caravan Park, dotted with native pines and gum trees, offers cabins, powered sites and bush camping, all catered to by a licensed shop, covered camp kitchen and modern amenities block.

The Bunkhouse can accommodate up to 48 people in five separate air-conditioned bunk style rooms.

ACTIVITIES
Visitors can enjoy 4WD tours, scenic flights, including the new daily balloon flights from April 2011, mountain bike treks (including a 200kms cycling track), bush walking trails, swimming in the pool and even sheep shearing demonstrations at certain times of the year.

There are also daily guided walks which leave the Station early each morning. These three-hour “High Life Walks” showcase the region’s unique flora, wildlife and geology, taking participants through exposed spinifex, mallee ridges and sheltered woodland, providing stunning views across the Outback landscape.

Other tour options include the daily two-hour “Sunset on the Chace”, a 4WD tour followed by dinner under the stars, and the four-course, silver service “Starlight Dinner” set amongst gumbarked trees under a canopy of stars.

Developed in conjunction with the Woolshed Restaurant, the dinner showcases in-season produce with dishes like fresh asparagus wrapped in smoked salmon; herbed lamb cutlets seasoned with pepper leaf and fennel served on potato and pumpkin rosti with red wine jus; and layered two chocolate ganache served with pistachio biscotti. This dinner is offered on the second and fourth Saturday of each month, or on selected dates.

Wildlife spotting is another drawcard for the region as gorges have running water most of the year and it is possible to spot a yellow footed rock wallaby, one of the area’s endangered species. The plethora of birdlife ranges from the common ringneck parrot and the noisy galah to the elusive short-tailed grasswren and Australia’s largest bird of prey, the wedge-tailed eagle.

Additional touring can be undertaken in Flinders Ranges National Park, Wilpena Pound, the heritage town of Hawker and the Pichi Richi steam railway.

THE WOOLSHED RESTAURANT, open seven days a week for lunch and dinner, offers al fresco dining overlooking Rawnsley Bluff, with the added attraction of an authentic shearing shed attached and visible from inside the restaurant courtesy of glass doors. The constantly changing menu includes dishes like balsamic onion and feta tart with roast pumpkin, pine nut and roquette salad, marinated kangaroo, and stuffed Tommy Ruff (Australian herring) with lemon caper sauce.

THE OWNERS
Fourth generation Flinders Ranges residents, Tony and Julieanne Smith are passionate about the Flinders Ranges and represent one of the first tourism operators in South Australia to gain official eco-tourism accreditation, as well as being active in the development of the region’s ‘geo-tourism’ sector. The Smiths have also contributed significantly to the Flinders Ranges’ recent declaration as a ‘National Landscape’ by Tourism Australia.

The couple is committed to environmentally responsible and sustainable tourism and has a Heritage Agreement with the South Australian Department of Environment and Heritage in order to protect the diverse vegetation of Rawnsley Bluff. As part of this commitment they have ensured that there is a dedicated eco-tourism officer on site.

The Smiths have always been very aware of the fragile nature of the native vegetation on the eco-villa site where the principal plants are native pine and shiny-leaf hopbush. Both of these are arid zone plants that are very slow growing and Tony and Julieanne took great care to ensure that only the minimum vegetation clearance took place during construction of the eco-villas, since most of these plants are 50-100 years old and still only 1-3 metres high.

Tags: ballooning, ballooning Australia, hot air ballooning Australia, outback ballooning Australia, ballooning holidays, hot air ballooning holidays, Rawnsley park station, Arkapena homestead, flinders ranges, flinders ranges south Australia, homesteading, outback, outback experience, outback holidays, outback holidays australia

Take a tour of Australia in less than two weeks from just £1,869 per person

Famously known for its idyllic beaches, fantastic scenery and laid-back culture, Australia is the perfect holiday destination.

Leading UK independent tour operator, Premier Holidays has put together a fantastic selection of Walkabout packages for 14 nights or less, expelling the myth that Australia can’t be explored in under two weeks.

Holidaymakers can now indulge in an Australian break, without breaking the bank or annoying the boss, by requesting extended leave.

For guests seeking the ultimate adventure, Premier Holidays has put together a 12-night Australian Adventure package, from just £1,869 per person. Spend five nights in Cairns, exploring the rainforest walk and Aboriginal sites of Daintree National Park and Cape Tribulation, five nights in Sydney and two nights discovering the natural wonders of Uluru. This package is based on two adults sharing and includes return flights with Qantas. This offer is valid for travel from 16 April until 20 June 2011.

Alternatively, for travellers seeking a self-drive experience, visit Australia from just £1,899 per person for 14 nights. Spend four nights in Sydney relaxing on the beach, three nights exploring the city laneways of Melbourne, three nights in Adelaide and four nights’ self-drive, discovering the welcoming sights of the Great Ocean Road. This package is based on two adults sharing and includes return flights with Qantas. This offer is valid for travel from 1 May until 20 June 2011.

Or spend 12 nights investigating Australia’s highlights from just £2,329 per person. Spend five nights in Adelaide and take a day trip to Barossa Valley Vineyards, three nights in Alice Springs exploring Uluru and four nights in Darwin searching for dingo’s and fruit bats at Kakadu National Park. This package is based on two adults sharing and includes return flights with Qantas. This offer is valid for travel from 1 to 30 November 2011.

These packages are only a selection of the great deals on offer. Premier Holidays also specialises in tailor-made holidays, which can include a variety of destination highlights.

For more information or to book visit www.premierholidays.co.uk  or call 08444 937 915.