Jetsettersblog

Ocean Park Aquarium is a major tourist attraction in the Monkey Mia/Shark Bay region of Western Australia and is now offering an exciting range of nature based adventures.

Owner and passionate marine biologist Mr Ed Fenny says there is a lot happening at Ocean Park, which is located on the shores of the Shark Bay World Heritage Marine Park

“We’re still doing our guided tours and live shark feeding demonstrations, but we also have 4WD Adventure Tours running every day to Cape Peron and Steep Point,” Mr Fenny said.

“We will be launching an extended 4WD tour from Shark Bay to Exmouth very soon, mostly due to increased demand from tourists and backpackers,” he said.

“With flights now operating between Shark Bay and Exmouth it’s a great opportunity for us to showcase this incredible region,” he said.

Mr Fenny said the existing 4WD Adventure Tours to Francois Peron National Park and Steep Point have been very popular:

Francois Peron National Park 4WD Snorkelling Tour

Marine scientists leading passengers through the untouched wilderness of the Francois Peron National Park
Opportunities to see the Big 5 – dugongs, sharks, rays, turtles and dolphins
Snorkeling at Gregory’s reef – view the marine life up close
Full day tour, 9am until 4:30pm, departing daily
Steep Point 4WD Tour
The most westerly point of the Australian mainland
Marine scientists lead 4WD exploration of the coastal dunes
See the Big 5 – dugongs, sharks, rays, turtles and dolphins – and also whales (in season
Famous landmarks: South Passage, Monkey Rock, Dirk Hartog Island, Zuytdorp cliffs
Full day tour, 7:30am until 5pm, departing daily.
Mr Fenny said all of the 4WD Tours and guided aquarium tours are run by friendly and qualified marine biologists.

“Our tour guides are not only qualified but passionate about marine conservation, so not only are our tours educational but also a lot of fun,” he said.

Mr Fenny said Ocean Park is proudly eco-friendly and utilises innovative design and the latest in technology to maintain its facilities and aquariums.

“The park is powered by one of WA’s largest private solar technology systems, which generates enough electricity to power 20 suburban homes,” he said.

There are also plans to offer visitors the opportunity to stay overnight at Ocean Park in luxury eco-tent accommodation.

“We are planning to build luxury tents right on the beach overlooking the Shark Bay World Heritage Marine Park in the next year or two,” Mr Fenny said.

“There really is nothing else like it in Western Australia,” he said.

More information about Ocean Park can be found at www.oceanpark.com.au

Activity Wales are offering you the chance to witness the marvellous spectacle of horse racing close up, admiring the bright colours of the jockeys attire and the fast pace of an abundance of respected race horses in a sublime setting. Ffos Las in West Wales is surrounded by rolling hills and countryside and has a view down the Gwendraeth Valley to Carmarthen Bay.

Escape for a day at the races at Britain’s newest racecourse, Ffos Las. Located in Carmarthenshire, West Wales, the racecourse has been developed on the former site of the largest open cast coalmine in Europe. Enjoy a day out with a friend or loved one watching the ‘Sport of Kings’ cheering the horses on from the Premier enclosure.

Your hotel accommodation in Swansea is a great base for your stay, as it offers you comfort and an affordable place to rest your head. The Gower and Mumbles coastline offers plentiful walking and sightseeing opportunities during your visit to West Wales with the City of Swansea home to an array of high street shops, pubs and eateries to keep you entertained aside to the horse racing marvel you will encounter.

Let’s hope it’s your lucky weekend!

From £209 for 2 people sharing 1 night hotel accommodation and a day out at the races.

Family holidays are the things of legend and lore. They provide the moments, memories and images that remain frozen in time and sustain us when we’re back in school, back at work and barely able to catch our breath.

Rosewood Hotels & Resorts recognises and appreciates the sanctity of family and children, and has created a children’s programme to ensure that parents and children get the most enjoyment out of their family holidays. Offered across the Rosewood collection, the company’s educational and innovative Rose Buds™ programme provides Rosewood’s youngest guests with special services, amenities and activities designed for parents’ convenience and children’s fun.

Designed to entertain and educate children staying at Rosewood properties, Rose Buds™ offers fun activities, special colouring books and crayons created for Rosewood, unique menus and a variety of games and toys that will keep children engaged during their stay. Through a selection of programmes created for each property, Rosewood’s youngest guests will learn about the history, environment and culture of the property’s location. Inspired by the Montessori Method of teaching, Rose Buds gives children endless opportunities to think, learn, experience and discover. Montessori-inspired programmes and activities are available at each Rosewood property for kids ages 2-6 and 7-12.

For children between the ages of 2 and 6 years who learn primarily through the five senses, a variety of customised Rose Buds™ programmes are offered at each property to engage them and teach them about the natural environment, wildlife, food, music and art of their respective locales.

Each programme is inspired by the brand’s signature A Sense of Place® philosophy to appreciate and integrate surroundings, culture, customs, nature and history into every facet of the property, staff and service. JumbyBay,

A Rosewood Resort offers the Hawksbill Turtle Programme where children can touch these fascinating creatures or at Rosewood Innof the Anasazi children can sample exotic dishes flavoured with chili powder and explore different tastes. Rosewood Hotels & Resorts offers countless opportunities to actively engage and delight children’s senses to learn about the surrounding world.

For children ages 7-12 who learn through abstract reasoning, Rose Buds™ offers a selection of fun activities that will engage their curiosity and present opportunities to experience the environment and their impact upon it.

For example, Rosewood Little Dix Bay in theBritish Virgin Islandsoffers the dynamic Children’s Grove programme, where kids can participate in a variety of creative and indigenous activities such as spending an afternoon with the resort’s marine biologist learning about the area’s coral reef and marine life. AtRosewoodMansionon Turtle Creek inDallas, children can participate in etiquette classes, where they will learn correct table etiquette and dining manners while having fun.

In addition to providing entertainment for children through educational programmes, Rose Buds™ offers an extensive selection of amenities and convenience items to help ease the stress of travelling with children, which can be challenging with the myriad of items to bring and airline fees. Now, every Rosewood property is fully equipped with essential children’s items that parents need, so they can avoid the hassle and expense of flying with them. From portable cots, proper bedding, baby baths, nappies, monitors and bottle warmers to bibs, booster seats, car seats, prams and specialty items such as luxury robes, slippers and skincare products especially designed for children staying at Rosewood.

As our lives continue to get busier by the day, getting away with your family is a treasured time that will bring you closer and create shared memories and experiences you can look back on for many years. As a company that was founded by Caroline Rose Hunt, herself the mother of five children, Rosewood is a company that values children and the sanctity of family.

You can now become a fan of Rosewood Hotels & Resorts on Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/RosewoodHotels?ref=ts

New for 2011, the opening of the Ushuaïa Ibiza Beach Hotel – offers the perfect opportunity for a girly getaway.

The fusion of one of the beachfront properties of the Spanish hotel chain, Fiesta Hotel Group, with the award-winning Ushuaïa Ibiza Beach Club, founded by music industry guru Yann Píssenem, has resulted in a cutting-edge design concept to appeal to Ibiza’s party people, particularly girly groups looking for a fun-filled holiday.

From May 2011 the Ushuaïa Ibiza Beach Hotel, located on the popular Playa d’en Bossa will set the standard for the ultimate combination of relaxation, fashion and the most up to date music on the island, all situated directly on the beach. With four music events per week including regular pool parties on Wednesdays, Underground (on the beach) on Thursdays, fashion on Fridays and 70’s USA House on Sundays, guests can dance the days away and then kick back and relax in a chic and stylish environment.

Whether it’s tucking into a good book or catching up with the girls whilst enjoying the sun’s rays from the comfort of a Balinese bed or from the huge outdoor Jacuzzi, girls are ensured to return home with a holiday glow.

The hotel’s modern rooms will offer every amenity a girl could wish for away from home. Each room is equipped with a large theatre-style makeup mirror, a vanity kit with amenities, a menu of aromatherapy fragrances, a sensual dual rain shower system, LED light chromotherapy, and blackout blinds (vital for much needed beauty sleep).

For girls that don’t want to break their summer exercise routine, a fully equipped gym is available on site and the long stretch of beach directly in front of the Ushuaïa Ibiza Beach Hotel offers the option for a number of water sports including snorkelling, windsurfing, kayaking, jet-skiing or a relaxing swim in the ocean.

After a day of sunshine or an afternoon of dancing, girls can rest their legs and enjoy a massage by the pool or head to the beauty and wellness centre for a whole range of pampering treats. The Hot Stone Massage offers extreme relaxation through a unique combination of pressure and heat aimed to balance the mind and body. The Full Body Detox cleanses the body both internally and externally and is the ideal treatment either at the start or the end of holiday to leave guests feeling refreshed and energised.

The wellness centre also provides a solarium, sauna, steam bath, showers and foot baths but the highlight has got to be the 24 hour hairdresser and professional make-up service meaning girls can paint the town red looking and feeling their best at any time of day.

The hotel offers a varied cuisine with 3 á la carte restaurants. U-Sushi & Teppanyaki is a fusion restaurant with a relaxing ambience; ideal for those wanting to balance long days and late nights with healthy food. The Beach Club Ushuaїa serves breakfast and exquisite Mediterranean cuisine, whilst the poolside Magic & Chill Garden serves up mouth watering BBQ and grill dishes.

The U-Fashion Boutique allows guests to shop for the latest fashion and accessories without having to leave the hotel and the Friday fashion shows will offer inspiration from both local and international designers.

Rooms are priced from 130€ per night (double standard room in low season) to 1,090€ per night (presidential suite in high season) based on two people sharing on a bed & breakfast basis.

For more information or to book please see www.ushuaiabeachhotel.com

CAPE TOWN, South Africa

Jenman African Safaris (www.jenmansafaris.com ) has announced the launch of an exciting new Zimbabwe brochure, providing the very best Zimbabwe tours and safaris, accommodation options, attractions and activities as well as a complete overview of Zimbabwe’s popular destinations. The new brochure features holidays which will inspire and delight even the most seasoned travelers.

Jenman African Safaris is passionate about Zimbabwe. With its abundance of wildlife, beautiful scenery, fascinating culture and history to the incredibly friendly and hospitable nature of the local people, Zimbabwe has something to offer every traveller. With the launch of its new Zimbabwe brochure Jenman wishes to highlight Zimbabwe as a ‘must see’ travel destination.

Managing Director Garth Jenman says, “I founded Jenman African Safaris in 1993 – with one vehicle and myself as the guide running walking safaris in the lower Zambezi, Mana Pools. Since then Jenman Safaris has expanded into 14 African countries, we have employed many more staff, and today most of our partners know me personally around the globe.

To me Zimbabwe has always been the number one African tourism destination for a number of reasons; excellent wildlife, incredible diversity and most of all the wonderful service orientated people of Zimbabwe. It was really sad to see the country decline in the late 90’s so much so that most of the international airlines stopped flying into Harare. With this happening tourists stopped coming to the country. However, since the creation of a new coalition government in 2009, things on the ground have improved for travellers. It was after a 3-week inspection trip that we decided as a company to open up offices in Zimbabwe again. It is great to go back to where everything started for Jenman.

I look forward to many more years of welcoming you on a Zimbabwean Safari experience you will never forget.”

The Zimbabwe brochure offers a comprehensive overview of Jenman African Safaris’ most popular Zimbabwe Safaris, including details about their brand new packages such as the 5-night Victoria Falls and Hwange Package where travellers will visit the breathtaking taking Victoria Falls as well as explore Zimbabwe’ largest game reserve. No matter your interests, budget or age Jenman African Safaris offers a holiday for every traveller.

About Jenman African Safaris

Jenman African Safaris Zimbabwe is the newest addition to the Jenman African Safaris portfolio. Jenman African Safaris is a family-run tour operator based in Cape Town, South Africa with operational offices in Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe and Antananarivo, Madagascar. We pride ourselves in being one of the leading safari operators in Southern Africa, East Africa and Madagascar. Founded in 1993, the company has grown at a steady pace and has achieved a reputation for reliability, safety, high service levels and excellent value for money. To learn more, please visit www.jenmansafaris.com

To launch the 2012 series, Viking is rewarding early bookers with ‘Double Discounts’ giving savings of £1,000 per person on holidays booked by 30 June. After this date, if booked by 30 September, savings of £500 per person are offered on all cruises.

The preview brochure highlights a number of new initiatives for 2012 including a no surcharge guarantee once the deposit is paid; no regional flight supplements; and complimentary house wine, beer and soft drinks with lunch and dinner on board.

Three cruises are priced from a low £795 per person (including the £1000 pp discount), these include the eight day Rhine Discovery, Danube Waltz and Portraits of Southern France. All cruises include six guided tours, seven nights’ full board accommodation, return flights and transfers.

Viking River Cruises’ exciting new 2012 programme featuring four new ships operating on the Rhine and Danube, will be launched in April.

Viking Freya, Viking Idun, Viking Njord and Viking Odin—are the first of Viking’s Longships, a new class of vessel within the fleet. By shifting the corridor one metre and reorienting the staterooms to create additional space, the new Viking Longships will boast the largest real suites in Europe—featuring separate sleeping and living rooms in each of its Explorer Suites and Veranda Suites—as well as more full-size rooms and full-size verandas than other European river cruise vessels. Plus, three-quarters of staterooms will feature a veranda, French balcony or both.

Scheduled to sail four of Viking’s most popular European itineraries, including the 10-day Tulips & Windmills, 8-day Romantic Danube, 15-day Grand European Tour and 8-day Danube Waltz, each of the new Viking Longships will be 443 feet (135 meters) long, and feature 95 staterooms per ship.

Details of the new ships can be viewed at www.vikingrivercruises.co.uk/newships. For further information and reservations call 020 8780 7979.

Spanish Airline celebrates two successful years in the UK. Air Europa, the Latin American specialist, celebrates the second anniversary of its successful twice daily London Gatwick to Madrid service.

Since the launch in 2009 Air Europa has taken 136,555 passengers on its London Gatwick to Madrid route on 1,325 flights*. This year is set to be even better as the airline introduces Mexico City to its extensive list of Latin American destinations.

Despite launching at the height of the recession and riding out some of the toughest times the travel industry has ever seen, Spain’s largest privately owned airline has grown from strength to strength. Via the twice daily London Gatwick to Madrid service, Air Europa now connects UK travellers to 11 destinations across South America, the Caribbean and the USA.

“The reason Air Europa has managed to launch and thrive during this recession is our competitive pricing, combined with our modern fleet and extras such as allocated seating and baggage allowance included,” says Colin Stewart, UK General Manager, for Air Europa.

“Over the last two years Latin American destinations have become increasingly popular amongst British travellers, who are getting more adventurous with their tastes. This trend has allowed Air Europa to grow its Latin American routes and become well known, for being an affordable, reliable and comfortable way to travel.”
“In the next two years we hope to further cement our relationship with both the travel trade and consumers so that Air Europa is the first airline people think of when planning a trip to Latin America.”

Air Europa’s most popular destinations for UK passengers are Buenos Aires and Havana, followed by Lima and Miami, which were launched in 2010.
*Figures up to 31 January 2011.

For more information on Air Europa and to speak with a UK based reservation agent, go to www.aireuropa.com  or call 0871 423 0717.

Portland
A civic-minded population, acres of park space, fabulous restaurants and a vibrant arts scene – what more could you want in a city? How about a pair of snow-capped volcanoes in the backyard and a river running through downtown? Portland has that, too.

Portland’s legendary scenic beauty is surpassed only by the myriad of cultural opportunities it offers. The microbreweries, museums, wine bars and arts enclaves of Oregon’s biggest city are easily accessed by an award-winning public transit system. Light-rail service, dubbed MAX for Metropolitan Area Express, is offered even from the airport to the heart of downtown and to the friendly towns of Gresham to the east and Beaverton to the west. All Portland buses, MAX trains and the sleek Euro-designed streetcars are free in Portland’s “Fareless Square” district, which covers most of the downtown area.

The Coast
Oregon’s share of the Pacific coastline owes its international reputation to the rugged beauty and natural wonders found all along its nearly 400-mile length.

Lewis and Clark ended their epic journey on the north coast near Astoria – a wonderful place to start yours. The entire coast is studded with singular sights, from dramatic rock formations to churning whirlpools to miles and miles of sandy beaches.

The rich history of the coast is offered up in the world-class Oregon Coast Aquarium in Newport, a host of museums and historic homes, and inside Oregon’s lighthouses.

Some of the state’s best camping parks are on the edge of the ocean, as are recreational opportunities galore – whale watching, fishing, golfing, surfing and hiking.

The Willamette Valley
The Willamette Valley is the heart of Oregon’s agricultural country – and it’s a big heart. Besides fruits, nuts and vegetables, farms in the valley grow everything from Christmas trees to flowers to front lawns.

Many pioneers found their promised land in this valley; and some of their descendants are still working that land today. During growing seasons (and sometimes year-round), roadside stands dot picturesque country lanes, and farmer’s markets appear in the valley’s historic towns.

A burgeoning wine industry is gaining prestige for its vigor and for Oregon’s top varietal: Pinot noir. The valley’s flat terrain and temperate climate make it a favorite for hikers and cyclists, who also enjoy the paved bike paths in the college towns of Eugene and Corvallis.

Mt. Hood and the Columbia River Gorge

The Columbia River Gorge received the federal stamp of approval when it was named a National Scenic Area in 1986, but Oregon’s first inhabitants appreciated its pristine beauty long before then.

Today, majestic Mt. Hood and the towering cliffs of the gorge look down on fishing boats and working tugs, but it doesn’t take much imagination to picture Native American fishing platforms and laboring pioneers.
The area boasts a bountiful fruit industry, quaint riverfront towns and some of the world’s best windsurfing waters. Mt. Hood’s year-round recreation agenda features skiing, snowboarding, hiking, camping and biking. And best of all, everything is just a short drive from Portland.

The new £20m Casa Hotel in Chesterfield has announced that its 100-cover restaurant, which serves first class Spanish tapas as well as traditional local dishes, also uses ingredients grown locally on the farm belonging to the hotel’s owner, Steve Perez.

The eggs, sausages and herbs are sourced from Walton Lodge Farm in Chesterfield, on the edge of the Peak District National Park. As well as cows, pigs and chickens, which are able to graze and roam around the natural grass and woodlands on the 250 acre estate, the farm also has a new herb garden which was specially created for the hotel. The garden has five types of mint, chervil, chives and rosemary which are used in a variety of dishes on the hotel menu. Alongside this, all the meat is butchered locally and the hotel’s bacon is being cured and smoked in nearby Bolsover. In total, this means that the meat only has to travel just 7 food-miles before reaching Casa.

Heading the chef brigade in Casa’s Cocina restaurant is Gordon Ramsey trained local boy Matthew Rushton. Matthew has developed a range of Spanish themed dishes, drawing heavily on ingredients from Walton Lodge Farm.

He said:
“This is what we are all about – fresh ingredients, local produce and great service. The chickens at Walton Lodge Farm are laying 600 eggs a week to accommodate demand for the hotel.”

He added:
“The farm is also home to the famous Gloucestershire Old Spot pigs which provide the pork for the hotel’s sausages. But these aren’t any old sausages. We have created a recipe exclusive to Casa and one which ensures that the sausages have high meat content. We’re stripping things back to produce a more traditional dish that is full of flavour and made with only the finest ingredients.”

Steve Perez, the hotel’s owner, commented:
“Serving local produce is extremely important to us. It means that the food on our customer’s plate is certifiably fresh and has as few food miles as possible. We have even put steps in place to trace the whole process – from the birth of the animal to it being served in the hotel. It is the added extras like the home-grown herb garden that make Casa stand out from other hotels. ”

Casa opened to the public in November 2010 and features state of the art facilities, 100 bedrooms – including 6 stylish suites (two with balcony hot tubs) – a 100-cover restaurant, the stylish Barca bar, the latest leisure facilities in the gym and an open terrace perfect for outdoor receptions and barbeques using the unique Josper oven.

For further media information or for press visit enquiries please contact Victoria Sowerby, Bonner & Hindley Communication on 0113 243 4713 or email victoria@bandhcommunications.co.uk

For an unforgettable golfing holiday this spring, Egypt is the place to be. Sunshine is guaranteed and the temperatures are perfect for active holidays. The golf courses are stunning; surrounded by the beautiful settings of the Red Sea and Sinai Mountains, they offer truly fantastic views.

“The golf courses by the Red Sea have been pleasantly uncrowded recently, meaning golfers can enjoy peaceful and relaxed rounds of golf, while receiving an unrivalled level of hospitality and care from the staff and locals, who appreciate anyone bringing business to the area”, said Dan Lion, the Golf Manager at Longwood Holidays, a specialist Red Sea tour operator. “With many special offers and discounts around, the value golfers receive for their money in Egypt is outstanding too”, continued Lion.

All of this combined means that now is the perfect time to travel to Egypt for a truly special golfing experience. Longwood Holidays are offering some fantastic deals, including seven nights in the five star Marriott Resort Taba Heights, with three rounds of 18 holes from only £585 per person.