Jetsettersblog

Sardatur Holidays (0208 940 8399, www.sardinia-holidays.co.uk ), the specialist tour operator to Sardinia and the rest of Italy, has introduced an enticing pair of packages to its high-end holiday programme for summer 2011. The new packages – both of which are based at the supremely comfortable Is Benas Country Lodge on Sardinia’s wild west coast – are themed around the ever-popular attractions of photography and golf and offer all the quality, service and value for money that one might expect from the company’s 30-years of unparalleled experience in this beautiful corner of Europe.

Sardinia is the second-largest island in the Mediterranean and offers a huge amount of scenic diversity, from beaches and mountains to forests and farms. Much of the island remains unspoilt and filled with natural wonders, though nowhere more so than in the western region of Oristano. The area abounds in historical sites and natural paradises, with the wetlands of the Sinis Peninsular being of particular importance for their astonishing range of birdlife (including large flocks of wild flamingos). It’s in this area that the Is Benas Country Lodge is located. This charming, four-star hotel offers the relaxed and informal ambiance of a genteel private home and makes the perfect base from which to discover the unspoilt beauty of the surrounding countryside.

Photography courses
Thanks to its superlative setting, Is Benas Country Lodge is ideally suited to those interested in the art of photography. The immediate area has a stunning coastline and endlessly interesting interior, affording a never-ending variety of incredible photo opportunities. Sardatur has teamed up with renowned wildlife photographer David Fettes to create a series of unique photography holidays that make full use of these scenic attractions.

Under David’s expert guidance, guests will learn how to capture the magic of the Sinis Peninsular and its wildlife on one of four week-long photography courses. Each holiday follows an identical format, starting off with an introductory lesson into the secrets of successful photography. This is followed by a series of excursions into the field to encounter different subjects, from the birdlife on the coastal marshes to the picturesque cityscape of ancient towns and even a medieval castle with commanding views of the area. A particular highlight will be the visit to the otherworldly plateau of the Giara di Gesturi (home to a unique herd of wild, dwarf horses) and a sunset shoot at the archaeological site of Tharros, a ruined Phoenician city. The itinerary also includes plenty of leisure time for guests to make their own explorations or simply relax amid the comforts of the hotel.

There are two departures in June and two in September, with the holiday costing from £1,250 per person (based on two sharing, to include BA flights from London Heathrow; in-resort transfers; seven nights’ full-board accommodation; five half-day guided excursions; and expert tutorage from David Fettes for the duration of the trip).

Golf Holidays
Those with a penchant for a game of golf might already have heard of the Is Arenas Golf Club. Lying just two kilometres from the hotel, it is one of Italy’s most exceptional golf courses and the focus for Sardatur’s new golf holidays for summer 2011. The 18-hole course is set within a wonderland of sand dunes, forest and natural water features and is widely considered to be one of the best and most scenic golf courses in Europe. With the Is Benas Country Lodge being so close at hand, the golfing breaks offer an excellent opportunity for guests to combine their passion for the game with the superbly relaxing ambiance of the hotel.

The week-long golf packages are available throughout the summer, departing weekly from London Heathrow (on Saturdays) between 14 May and 24 September. Prices start from £829 per person, to include flights; in-resort transfers; seven nights’ accommodation on B&B basis; and three green fees at Is Arenas Golf Club. Half-board upgrades and flights from Manchester and Edinburgh are available at a supplement.

Commenting on these new developments, Gianni Bonuglia, MD of Sardatur Holidays said, “The new golf and photography packages are a perfect fit to our range of luxurious, hand-picked holidays and will appeal to both new and repeat customers alike. Anyone booking one of these specialist holiday options will benefit from the years of experience, exceptional customer service and first-hand knowledge that makes Sardatur the undisputed experts in travelling to Italy and Sardinia.”

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

Sofitel Luxury Hotels is delighted to announce the opening of Sofitel Essaouira Mogador Golf & Spathis month. Located in the heart of Mogador and adjoining the historical port of Essaouira, the hotel is Sofitel’s seventh establishment in Morocco.

Sofitel Essaouira Mogador Golf & Spa’s 147 bedrooms and suites as well as its 28 villas with private swimming pools are designed to blend with the rich landscape of Mogador and are particularly well suited to families.

Surrounded by a 600ha forest, natural sand dunes and a pristine beach, the hotel was designed by interior designer Didier Gomez, architect Rachid El Andaloussi and landscape artist Isabelle Linski. A continuity between the indoors and outdoors emphasises the tranquillity of the open spaces – particularly noticeable in the hotel’s lobby, with views stretching away into the distance, beyond the golf course and across the ocean.

Didier Gomez Interior Design pays tribute to ancient Essaouria, with intense colours, exotic wood varieties and Moorish patterns subtly combined in the contemporary design of the furniture. The bedrooms are decorated using Mashrabiyas (windows enclosed with carved wood latticework), clawed wood, Essaouria dry stone and Moroccan patterns on padded fabric. For the best night’s sleep, each bedroom includes luxuriously soft beds by Sofitel MyBed™.
Two villas have been exclusively designed by Lacoste, and their unusual design marks the first cooperation of this kind between Essaouira Sofitel Luxury Hotels and the brand famous for its Crocodile logo.

The resort also features a 1300 m2dedicated health and fitness building with a So SPA and So FIT. The So Spa features eight treatment booths, a traditional oriental steam bath with three basins, a wave pool and a spa lounge area with a waterfall. For the So SPA, Sofitel joined forces with beauty experts, Clarins and Cinq Mondes.

The resort invites golf lovers to discover the 18-hole Mogador golf course, with an additional 18-hole course to open by the end of the year, both designed by Gary Player. Sofitel’s other establishments in Morocco are all located at well-known golfing destinations including Marrakech, Agadir, Fez and Rabat.

At the Children’s Villas, guests aged three to twelve can take part in a range of aquatic, culinary, botanical and cultural adventures. The Mogador Kids Golf School supports children’s first swings and So Spa Kids offers junior guests a taste of spa indulgence. For parent’s eager for some quiet time, a babysitting service is also available.

Sofitel is proud to forge links between its French and local culture. At the Atelier aux Arômes (Taste Workshop) chef duo Philippe Bourdon and Fatima Targa combine the best of French and Moroccan gastronomy. Kasbah Café shows chefs preparing tajine dishes, while the Atlantic serves the best of Essaouira’s seafood.

For something lighter, Tea Lounge celebrates time-old Moroccan tea rituals, Tiki So features a cocktail menu that pays tribute to the first rum routes which began in Mogador, and after a round at the Club house, golfers can take advantage of the warm Moroccan evenings at Le Gary Player Lounge.

The Sofitel Essaouira Mogador Golf & Spa is located just a few kilometres to the south of the ancient town of Essaouira, famous for its fishing port, ochre ramparts, white homes with blue shutters and gentle climate all year round.

Petersham Properties – an exclusive property rental company specialising in privately hosted, highly sought after luxury accommodation in some of the most exquisite locations in the world. An elite property network with a diverse portfolio of carefully selected holiday homes, owned and maintained by clients with impeccable tastes and the highest of standards.

Having extensively travelled the world for the last 25 years, Petersham Properties founders Gael Boglione and Annabel Brooks know exactly what they want from holiday accommodation: effortless hospitality housed in immaculate locations that exude charm and character as well as luxury and sophistication.

Petersham Properties currently offers extraordinary accommodation in over 100 homes spanning across 17 different countries. The property list ranges widely from country homes, chateaux and chalets to riads, lighthouses and private islands with each property having been hand-selected for its stunning interiors, peaceful surroundings and wonderful location. The result is a collection of some of the world’s most exclusive properties, some of which have never been available to rent before.

Properties include; the privately owned 2000 acre island, Eilean Shona off the west coast of Scotland, a magical retreat where JM Barry wrote the screenplay for Peter Pan in the 1920s and Cuixmala, the legendary private estate of Sir James Goldsmith.

What further sets Petersham Properties apart from other agencies is their inclusive concierge service that goes beyond simply booking an exotic holiday house. From sourcing a yoga teacher to arranging a Wilderness Expedition, the knowledgeable team prides itself on ensuring that staying at one of their properties is as enjoyable as possible.

The site also offers properties available for wedding venues and corporate event spaces and a Private Collection that includes additional properties that are not listed in the public domain. This category is available by invitation only.

This family-run agency has its roots in the celebrated Petersham Nurseries, itself an idyllic destination for style conscious consumers.

Far from the crowds lies this nine-suite full-service hotel, where the word of the day, every day, is privacy. Amid the hilltop hush of its dramatic cliff’s-edge setting, a capable and gracious staff is on call to see to your every need, from private terrace dining to tours of local sites. The modern take on Cycladic architecture lends a sophisticated edge to this boutique hotel. No wonder it’s a favourite of honeymooners the world over.

Magic is in the details at Astarte Suites, beginning with the twinkling Swarovski stones that adorn the ceiling above each suite’s Jacuzzi pool, and ending with the personalized service each guest enjoys. Surrounded by soothing shades of white and stone, guests are sure to find bliss here. During their precious down time, guests can relax and unwind next to Astarte Suites’s stunning turquoise infinity swimming pool, which overlooks the Aegean Sea’s tranquil blue waters and nearby rocky cliffs. 


For delectable dining, Astarte offers discreet room service, which most guests enjoy in the privacy of their own balcony. The Morning Star pool bar offers light fare and a variety of refreshing drinks.Leisure and cultural options abound nearby, such as in Akrotiri, an ancient city buried and preserved by volcanic ash—known as the Pompeii of the Greek islands—and at Red Beach and White Beach, the ultimate locales for a spectacular day of fun in the sun.



Suite Amenities: All suites have volcano and caldera views. Heated indoor or outdoor Jacuzzis, king-size bed, air-conditioning, satellite LCD TV, isoclima windows, CD/MP3 players with a collection of CDs,dvd player (upon request) direct-dial phones, mini-bar, safe-deposit box, bathrobes, hair dryer, slippers, Hermès cosmetics and a large private veranda or terrace where breakfast maybe served. 


Guest Services: Champagne and fresh fruits upon arrival, transfer for guests’ arrival and departure. Assistance on our guests’ life on the island, travel and excursion arrangements, car rental service, twice maid service, private jewelry show, fax service, in house laundry and pressing. Upon request massage parlour. Distances Distance from the airport: 20 minutes Distance from the port: 15 minutes Free shuttle service from/to the airport and the port

Other Important Information: The hotel is closed from 1 November until 31 March annually.

Website: http://www.astartesuites.gr

17 day tour departs 11 November 2011 – £2,195 pp
(reduced from £2,495pp)

Travel the Unknown (www.traveltheunknown.com , tel: 0845 053 0352) is launching a range of new tours in South India. The Spirit of South India tour takes in the vast diversity of Goa, Karnataka and Kerala. This 17-day tour departs on 11 November 2011.

Starting in the former Portuguese enclave of Goa, explore the quaint colonial streets of Panjim, Old Goa’s churches and relax on Goa’s sandy beaches. Move on to the undiscovered state of Karnataka, home to India’s most ancient temples, marvelling at the 6th century cave temples in Badami, gravity-defying ancient boulders of Hampi and the regal splendour of Mysore Palace. Track elephants and other wildlife in Nagarhole National Park then cross into the unseen tropical mountain forests of Wayanad in northern Kerala, staying in Asia’s largest ‘Earth resort’. Finally head down to the palm-fringed backwaters and drift off to sleep on a Keralan houseboat as you glide along Lake Vembanad.

The price of £2,195 per person includes airport transfers, ground transport, accommodation, houseboat ride, entrance fees to sites, entertainment, safaris, breakfasts, some meals, drivers, guides, and a contribution to Climate Care to offset emissions.

Travel The Unknown also offers an 11-day Beyond The Backwaters tour, which starts from unseen Northern Kerala to the blissful backwaters of Alleppey (departs 22nd of April 2011). The 6-day Keralan Tea & Spice Trail (departs 26th of November 2011) explores the verdant tea plantations of Munnar, encompassing bamboo rafting and a walking safari in Periyar, and an opportunity to discover the spices of the region.

Indonesia is a hugely appealing destination renowned for its colourful and diverse culture created by ancient civilisations, tribal traditions and centuries of colonial influence.

The 11,000 islands that make up the archipelago of Indonesia are full of wild and vibrant landscapes, divine beaches with bath-warm seas, friendly locals and tantalising cuisine. Added to this a diverse choice of atmospheric hotels and affordable prices, make Indonesia a holiday destination which is often overlooked, yet ticks most of one’s holiday boxes. Bamboo Travel has recently launched a series of cultural and adventure tours of Indonesia aimed at honeymooners, families and intelligent travellers.

These private tours include the rich culture and spectacular scenery of Java and Bali, UNESCO World Heritage sites of Borobudur and Prambanan, adventures in the rainforests of Kalimantan, wildlife cruises to the Komodo islands and Lombok’s blissful beaches. The itineraries also feature activities which provide the opportunity to meet local people and get beneath the skin of the islands, including cooking classes, cycling tours through rural villages and walks through farmlands and spice plantations.

Two of the tours include a community operated trek from Bali’s Lake Batur to the villages of Muntigunung, a hugely rewarding experience in Bali unique to Bamboo Travel clients. This region of northeast Bali suffers from an intense dry season lasting 8 months which makes conventional farming virtually impossible. An NGO has been set up to assist these villagers by constructing rainwater storage tanks, creating a water supply year round.

The team is also training the younger members of the community to act as guides and make handicrafts, providing an incentive to stay in the village rather than begging in the tourist resorts. The spectacular trek ascends to the crater rim of Lake Batur for stunning views of the vast caldera to the south and views of the volcanic canyons and Bali’s coastline to the north, before visiting the local communities to learn about the project.

Hurtigruten has extended its early-booking deals on four of its seven Antarctic itineraries, with savings of up to 20 percent on the November 2011 through February 2012 sailings. These voyages explore the vast and mysterious wilderness of the White Continent, the coldest, driest and windiest destination on earth, replete with gleaming icebergs, blue whales and orcas feeding mere feet from the ships, and penguin populations whose individual rookeries number in the tens of thousands.

Bookings of the 12- to 19-day cruises must be made by May 31. Prices with savings range from $6,190 to $13,684 per person double and include a night in Buenos Aires before and after the cruise, all meals onboard, expert guides, lectures and PolarCirkel boat landings.

The 19-day “Shackleton’s Christmas,” departing Dec. 18, follows the same path as Shackleton’s original Endurance Expedition of 1914, navigating the western-most outposts of the Falkland Islands and South Georgia Island before heading to Antarctica. Prices range from $7,916 to $13,684 with savings. The 17-day “Chilean Fjords & Antarctica” spends four days in the White Continent and five days along the scenic Tierra del Fuego and Chilean Fjords. Two departures, Nov. 20 and Dec. 4, are priced from $6,329 to $11,374 with savings. The 12-day “Antarctic Discovery” focuses solely on the White Continent, sailing through the Drake Passage and down into the southern ocean during Antarctica’s gorgeous summer. Early-booking fares of the Jan. 3, 12 and Feb. 14, 2012 departures are $6,190 to $11,083. The 15-day “Weddell Sea Adventure” follows the path forged by the Swedish Antarctica Expedition of 1901-04, whose scientific results covered extensive ground in biology, zoology, geology, meteorology and magnetism while also reaching south 74º latitude – a first for explorations. Prices with savings are $6,793 to $12,690 for the Jan. 21, 2012 sailing.

Hurtigruten’s deluxe expedition ship MS Fram accommodates 318 guests in suites and staterooms and features a restaurant, two bars, panoramic lounges library, and Internet café and conference rooms. The early-booking savings can be combined with discounts available in the 1893 Ambassador Program, Hurtigruten’s customer loyalty program, which includes 5 percent off Explorer Voyages to Antarctica in addition to exclusive discounts and recognition benefits for members. For more information, call 877-301-3117 or visit www.hurtigruten.us

Royal Caribbean International announced plans for its 2012 Alaska cruises and cruise-tours aboard Radiance of the Seas and Rhapsody of the Seas. As part of the global cruise brand’s return to Alaska for a 23rd consecutive year, Radiance of the Seas will sail seven-night north- and southbound itineraries between Vancouver, B.C., and Seward, Alaska, while Rhapsody of the Seas will embark on a series of seven-night cruises, roundtrip from Seattle.

Royal Caribbean is introducing a brand-new series of cruise-tours, ranging in length from 10 to 18 nights, which incorporate both the land and cruise portions of the vacations, for a total of 20 tours. Bookings for Royal Caribbean’s 2012 Alaska cruises and cruise-tours open April 7.

“Experiencing the pristine beauty of the 49th State is high on many vacationers’ bucket lists and Royal Caribbean’s incredible portfolio of Alaska cruises and cruise-tour land packages will provide guests with adventures of a lifetime that will fulfill any dream,” said Betsy O’Rourke, senior vice president of marketing for Royal Caribbean. “Whether looking for family fun, high adventure or romance, vacationers will find the experience onboard a Royal Caribbean ship, second to none thanks to the Gold Anchor service from our crew combined with unparalleled ship amenities, or what we call the Royal Advantage.”

For 2012, Royal Caribbean will debut three new Alaska cruise-tours in conjunction with Radiance of the Seas’ seven-night itineraries between Vancouver and Seward, creating 10- to 13-night cruise and land vacations. All Royal Caribbean Alaska cruise-tours are escorted by Royal Caribbean Adventure Specialists, who know what to see, where to eat and how to do it best. The offerings feature a 12-night program geared toward families, featuring a Resurrection Bay & Wildlife cruise, where participants can take in the region’s dramatic cliffs, alpine glaciers, marine life and seabirds, with a trip to Fox Island, and excursions to the Anchorage Museum & Imaginarium, where families learn and explore art, history and science through play. The cruise-tour also includes an excursion to Denali National Park, complete with experiences designed specifically for families.

In addition, a Canadian Rockies cruise-tour of six nights will combine the destinations of Calgary, Banff, Jasper, Vancouver and Victoria with an overnight train journey aboard VIA Rail and accommodations at Fairmont hotels. An 18-night Ultimate Cruise-tour couples the Canadian Rockies pre-cruise with a five-night post-cruise Alaska land tour.

Radiance of the Seas’ seven-night northbound cruise schedule, from Vancouver to Seward, will cruise the Inside Passage and call at Alaska’s Icy Strait Point, Juneau, Skagway, Ketchikan and Hubbard Glacier (cruising). The southbound journey will reverse the itinerary. Sailing from Seattle, Rhapsody of the Seas’ seven-night cruises also will sail the Inside Passage, calling at Juneau and Skagway, sailing past Tracy Arm Fjord and Sawyer Glacier.

Guests can book an extensive array of shore excursion options for an additional charge. At Icy Strait Point, they can take a ride down a 1,300-foot mountainside on the ZipRider, the world’s largest zip line, for birds-eye views of Port Frederick, Icy Strait and the expansive wilderness. The Bering Sea Crab Fishermen’s Tour at Ketchikan takes guests aboard the Aleutian Ballad crab boat to explore the coastline scenery and learn about all manners of Alaskan sea life. Alaska Gold Rush & Skagway Highlights is a family friendly adventure aboard the White Pass and Yukon Railway with a stop at the Klondike Gold Fields to offer guests a chance to pan for their own gold followed by a hearty buffet lunch.

Radiance of the Seas and Rhapsody of the Seas are both appointed with multi-deck, dazzling glass windows, affording guests sweeping vistas of Alaska’s landscape as it unfolds. Guests can race to the top of the ships’ iconic rock-climbing walls for an even more thrilling view from the ship’s highest point or enjoy a variety of rejuvenating spa treatments in the Day Spa. Younger guests will be entertained in the cruise line’s Adventure Ocean and teen programs, with scheduled activities led by a college-graduate counselor beginning from 9 a.m. to 2 a.m. In the evenings, guests can enjoy Royal Caribbean Productions’ Broadway-style musical revues. For more information, call 800-327-2056

Paull Tickner’s Special Interest Britain has added two Girls Getaways programs. “The Cotswolds Girls Getaway will grab a lot of attention among anglophile clients, especially as the itinerary includes a demonstration of how to correctly prepare and serve our famous English afternoon tea,” said Tickner. “It also includes value-added visits to stately homes and gardens and some memorable shopping experiences in the Cotswolds and London.”

The seven-night/eight-day program is sold at a net price of £1,139 per person (add commission), including six nights’ bed and full English breakfast; dinner in hotel (first night) outside London; five days coach hire and guide; airport transfers; afternoon tea demonstration and etiquette lesson; dowsing lesson within Avebury Stone Circle; entrance fees for Blenheim Palace and Sudeley Castle.

The Antique Fairs and London Markets program is a “shop ’til you drop” program that blends the Ardingly International Antiques and Collectors Fair (the largest in the south east of England), antiquing in Brighton’s twittens (narrow alleyways) with the bustling colorful London markets at Bermondsey, Portobello Road, Spitalfields and Petticoat Lane. The seven-night/eight-day program is sold at a net price of £825 per person, including seven nights’ bed and breakfast in four-star hotels; four days coach hire; roundtrip airport transfers; guided walking tour of Brighton; one-day ticket to Ardingly Antique and Collectors Fair; entrances to the Brighton Royal Pavilion, privately owned Squerryes Court, the colorful Zandra Rhodes’ Fashion and Textile Museum and the Dennis Severs House; free time at Bermondsey, Portobello, Spitalfields markets and Petticoat Lane. The program is available Sept. 5-12 and Oct. 31-Nov. 7.

Tickner is the creator of Special Interest Britain, an affiliate of the Greatdays Travel Group, and is an expert in developing customized niche travel programs for the United Kingdom and Ireland. For more information, email pjtickner@yahoo.co.uk  or visit www.greatdays.co.uk

Terra Incognita Ecotours is offering its “Mountain Gorillas and the Masai Mara Migration” tour, Sept. 8-19, 2012, escorted by National Geographic wildlife photographer, Kevin Schafer, voted Nature Photographer of the Year in 2007 by the North American Nature Photographers Association.

Throughout the trip Schafter will be available to help guests in achieving the best possible images from the once-in-a-lifetime African adventure. The company also announced that it is increasing the number of departures of the new 2012 Tigers of India tour to five. The tours will depart to India every four days starting on March 9, 2012. For more information, call 855-326-8687 or visit www.ecotours.com