Jetsettersblog

South African Airways (SAA) is promoting its non-stop return service between Johannesburg and New York with the “Ain’t No Stoppin’ Us Now” fare sale. For $1,329 round trip (taxes and fees not included), travelers can journey between New York and Johannesburg, Cape Town, Nairobi, Dar es Salaam, Entebbe or Mauritius.

SAA’s morning non-stop flights from New York to Johannesburg allow same-day connections to many countries on the continent. The new non-stop return flight from Johannesburg to New York, which currently makes a short stop in Dakar, Senegal, will make the return even more convenient starting May 1.

SAA announced earlier this year that its return service from Johannesburg to New York JFK will now operate non-stop beginning May 1. The new timing for the flight means more time on the ground for travelers in Southern Africa, less time in the air, an earlier arrival time in New York, and more time to enjoy the Big Apple or to access many more early morning connection opportunities on a number of airlines. For more information, call 800-722-9675 or visit www.flysaa.com

EPITOME OF “AT ONE WITH NATURE”

KRUGER NATIONAL PARK, South Africa – A collaboration between internationally-renowned South African interior designer Stephen Rich and the talented owner of Sabi Sabi, Jacqui Loon, has resulted in a transformation of Sabi Sabi’s Earth Lodge so masterful, a whole new dimension has been seamlessly layered on to the original.

Earth Lodge opened 10 years ago to both local and world-wide acclaim. It was considered a ground-breaking architectural masterpiece, its sweeping, organic lines and dramatic minimalism ushering in a new era of game lodge design. Year after year, Earth Lodge garnered awards for its originality as well as for its unmatched quality of service, its innovative safaris and its rewarding guest experience.

To attempt to change such an iconic structure was risky, but rather than diminish it in any way, the new Earth Lodge has a deeper dimension, one that ensures guests an original African Experience. Rich’s mandate was to build with minimal environmental impact and to “invite” the bush inside. Roof levels match those of the surrounding hills. Walls are opened up to allow as much natural light as possible. Natural fibers like sisal and natural colors like raw ivory are used to excellent effect.

For interiors, Rich chose as his theme a celebration of the richness of Africa’s mineral wealth hidden deep beneath the earth – gold, copper, silver, platinum and bronze. The sophisticated furnishings and objets d’art are subtly shot through with these precious elements and serve as a foil to the rough, natural, textured walls.

Rich created each item of décor as an original work of art with the lines and shapes of furniture taking their cue from nature. Quirky tables are made form a mass of painted branches; lamp-stands are affixed with little birds indigenous to the area; ottomans resemble an assortment of pebbles in a pond. Natural, earthy sisal rugs with metallic edgings of silver or matte gold soften ivory-colored floors. Celebrated artist Geoffrey Armstrong has sculpted wooden art pieces – tables, benches and fountains wrought from salvaged trees torn out of the bush by elephants and floods – that are placed throughout the lodge. Massive chandeliers are works of art themselves: twigs from the bush were replicated in gold, bronze and silver, with each branch painstakingly assembled on site. On a starry night, these spectacular interpretations of trees illuminate the beautiful, muted fabric palette of taupe, beige, gray and cream which sparkles with metallic thread.

Floors are adorned with Nguni hides and shimmer with touches of gold, copper and silver. Twinkling lights from handmade twig chandeliers with gilded metal branches mirror the stars.

Of particular note is the Amber Presidential Suite often described as the most beautiful suite in the world. It comprises a lounge, study, steam room and kitchenette. This sybaritic accommodation has been decorated in the luminous color of its name, and a grand chandelier composed of hand-blown amber glass beads complements the “Burning Bush” headboard sculpted by Armstrong.

A day bar, an extension of a new comfortable lounge where high tea is taken, serves as an excellent venue to view the parade of animals drinking at the waterhole beyond. Guests can doze on white muslin-enclosed salas or relax at stone-topped tables inside the pool, cooling their feet in ankle-deep water, while enjoying refreshing cocktails and fine cuisine prepared by gourmet chefs.

The evening bar has been expanded to include a cozy lounge and library for guests who prefer quiet and solitude and a good book in front of a roaring fire.

Rich has brilliantly realized Jacqui Loon’s vision to make the new Earth Lodge at one with nature.

For more information: call (800) 524-7979 or visit www.sabisabi.com  For entire Africa adventure packages contact African Travel Inc at www.africantravelinc.com or your professional travel agent.

Trafalgar’s “Last Minute Deals” give you the opportunity to experience incredible savings on a select few European and North American award-winning vacations.

These selected departures are only available until April 27, 2011. All are Definite Departures. Space is limited, so come and experience Europe and North America with Trafalgar’s unbeatable services, tremendous value and great savings.

Please note: To get these special rates, please reference the tour’s ‘PROMO CODE’ at the time of booking. Conditions apply.

About Trafalgar Tours
For over 60 years Trafalgar has been using their knowledge and expertise to design unforgettable guided vacations that offer authentic, one-of-a-kind experiences connecting travelers to stunning worldwide destinations. Trafalgar’s vacations include First Class hotel accommodations, luxury transportation by motor coach, rail or cruise ship, outstanding cuisine, daily included sightseeing and optional excursions, both with expert local guides, and the personal concierge services of Trafalgar’s Tour Directors, who share their insider’s view and reveal hidden places not mentioned in guidebooks.

Trafalgar takes care of all the details so their guests can enjoy must-see classic treasures, unique local experiences, and the flexibility to explore each destination in-depth.

Discover the world of Trafalgar and “rediscover the romance of travel.

Trafalgar was established in 1947 and provides exceptional worldwide vacations to Europe, Britain, USA, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, South America and China.

2007 to 2010: Winner, Best International Tour Operator, Travel Weekly Readers’ Choice Awards

2010: Winner, Best Tour Operator, Europe, TravelAge West WAVE Awards

2010: Winner, Travel Weekly Gold Magellan Award for “The Experience” DVD

www.trafalgar.com

~ Experience the Sparkle of Europe in Autumn, Winter & Spring ~

During the upcoming Autumn,Winter and Spring Trafalgar takes you through exciting cities in Europe and hands you unexpected gifts of grand carnivals, fairytale holiday markets, autumn harvests, blossoming meadows, Christmas at a Paris restaurant, an unforgettable New Year’s Eve at Edinburgh’s famous Hogmanay street party, to name just a few.

Unforgettable in any season, Europe is incomparable in these seasons with fewer crowds, spellbinding scenery and romantic celebrations. As the Europe experts, Trafalgar ensures you an authentic insider’s view of each destination with exclusive sightseeing, Hidden Treasures, and ‘Be My Guest’ dining experiences that make this special time of year even more magical.

Trafalgar captures it all in their 2011/12 Autumn, Winter & Spring brochure.

Add to Trafalgar’s exciting itineraries their fantastic savings – up to 30% – and you have authentic, enriching experiences you could not have in the summer traveling, on your own.

Trafalgar’s 2011/12 Autumn, Winter & Spring vacations offer you the chance to explore all the traditional favorites: Britain and Ireland; Europe’s stunning alpine region; Spain; Portugal; Morocco; and Egypt with its mild climate at this time of year; as well as ever-popular Italy and Greece; and other Eastern European destinations. By sharing with its guests the Hidden Gems not mentioned in guidebooks, introducing you to the charismatic locals you wouldn’t otherwise meet, and bringing to light the traditions and cultures you may not have experienced by yourself, Trafalgar ensures you receive the insider’s view – an authentic and enriching experience you simply could not have had if traveling on your own.

Here are three new vacation options in Trafalgar’s new brochure:

Experience a traditional white Christmas with the exciting English Stately Homes at Christmas. Priced from $1,299, this splendid 7-day guided vacation takes in some of England’s most celebrated historic homes during the festive season.

For the first time Trafalgar has included two of its most popular At Leisure itineraries in its Autumn, Winter & Spring brochure. The11-day Great Italian Cities priced from $2,375 and the 11-day Prague, Vienna & Budapest priced from $1,735 combine the seamless ease of a guided vacation with the freedom and flexibility of independent travel – along with the peace of mind of having an experienced Tour Director
And one more thing before you go – save $600.*

About Trafalgar Tours
Trafalgar was established in 1947 and provides exceptional worldwide guided vacations to Europe, Britain, USA, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, South America and China. Trafalgar’s vacations include First Class hotel accommodations, luxury transportation by motor coach, rail or cruise ship, outstanding cuisine, daily included sightseeing and optional excursions, both with expert Local Guides, and the personal concierge services of Trafalgar’s Tour Directors, who share their insider’s view and reveal hidden places not mentioned in guidebooks.

For more information and reservations, contact your Travel Professional, call Trafalgar at (866) 544-4434 or visit www.trafalgar.com . Brochures can be ordered online at www.trafalgar.com

2007 to 2010: Winner, Best International Tour Operator, Travel Weekly Readers’ Choice Awards

2010: Winner, Best Tour Operator, Europe, TravelAge West WAVE Awards

2010: Winner, Travel Weekly Gold Magellan Award for “The Experience” DVD

Terms and Conditions

*Valid on new bookings from Trafalgar’s 2011/2012 Autumn, Winter & Spring Europe brochure for travel 11/01/11 – 04/30/12. Full payment on land (and air if applicable) must be made 04/25/11 – 06/24/11. Save $600 per couple ($300 per person) on air-inclusive (promotion code: 11AWS300) or $400 per couple ($200 per person) on land-only vacations (promotion code: 11AWS200). Offers are not valid on all vacations including City Breaks, Christmas Spectacular itineraries, and vacations in the Eastern Mediterranean or Train Tours. Offers are not combinable with other promotional savings including each other and Last Minute Deals, but are combinable with brochure discounts (except Early Payment Discount), show coupons and AWS $40 Optional Excursion gifts (TAWS176, TAWS186, and TAWS196). Offers can be booked online and are valid for groups based on names and full payment by 06/24/11. Offers are subject to availability, may be withdrawn at any time and once booked are non-changeable and non-refundable. Other conditions may apply. CST#2077132-20

I usually like to travel to a country during their Autumn, if they have an Autumn because the weather is stable and usually the days are warm and not hot or cold before Winter sets in.  Most of South Africa is semi-tropical, but there are areas of moderate climes, montane forests and even altiplano such as in the Drakensberg.  I escaped to South Africa with the services of African Travel Inc., based in the United States, but they have been packaging adventures to Africa for a worldwide clientele for over 36 years.

African Travel Inc., knows Africa, but more importantly for adventure and family and even solo travelers, Africa knows ATI.  Just about everywhere I went, from Private Game Reserve lodges such as Kings Camp near Kruger National Park, to the Grootbos Forest Lodge in Capetown, to the metro swank hangout The Saxon Hotel in Joburg, the staff and management have  worked closely with ATI on a continuous basis,  and even other travelers knew about African Travel Inc.  Their vast array of expertise in adventure travel extends not only to the best game lodges and city hotels, but to ground and air transport, museums, botanical gardens, and even wine tasting tours.

One morning before the early game drive at the Sabi Bush Lodge in Sabi Sands Game Reserve I overheard a family telling their woeful tale of arranging their family vacation on their own, without the superb services of ATI.  The family booked a car rental in Joburg and drove towards Sabi Sands northward, but immediately had not one, but two flat tires.  After waiting hours for a tow truck they were frustrated by the slowness of the repairs at the garage. Once back on the road they relied on a GPS device in the car to map their course, but they were unfamiliar with the GPS and drove too far north, thus eliminating an entire day of their precious family holiday. I had to laugh over this ordeal because my adventure with ATI had been seamlessly perfect.

ATI has their own mini-vans and cars and even buses for any type of group with certified professional drivers.  Each driver knows their region thoroughly and so also act as tour guides.  The drivers don’t have to rely on a GPS or download Lonely Planet pages.  The vans are immaculate and you don’t even have to search for a gas station.  The drivers are alway prompt and on time for transfers and city tours.  Usually they are early and they help with your bags, pre-arrange game park gate fees, and get you on time for coordinated adventures with other tour operators such as Major Tours 4×4 adventures along Sani Pass to the Kingdom in the Sky – Lesotho.  ATI gets you to the best game watering holes, such as Camp Jubilani, Kings Camp, and Sabi Bush Lodge, and even the coolest human watering holes such as the highest pub in Africa in Lesotho, or a wine tasting of Napoleon’s favorite wine – Vin de Constantia  at Klein Constantia in Capetown.

I was on a flight from Durban to Capetown on Mango Airways, a regional carrier of South African Airways; the flight was booked by ATI.  I asked the flight attendant if the snacks and beverages were included.  He stated: “It depends on how you booked the flight.”  I showed him my boarding pass and he said that I was entitled to 50 rand worth of food and beverages.  ATI had added this into my flight and it was displayed as avoucher on my boarding pass, and I enjoyed a chicken sandwich and beverages  while other passengers looked at me with eyes like Cape Guinea Fowls. At the Kirstenbosch National Botanical Garden in Capetown the driver all ready had our entrance tickets so we didn’t have to wait in line. And we had preferred parking at the gardens right next to the entrance while everyone else was driving around in the parking lot.

If you want to know Africa contact African Travel Inc. at http://www.africantravelinc.com or call your travel professional who works closely with them.  You will be able to read new adventures soon about South Africa in Jetsetters Magazine at www.jetsettersmagazine.com – Kriss Hammond, Editor, corresponding from the 12 Apostles Hotel and Spa in Capetown, a Red Carnation property.

Whether you are shopping to spoil a loved one or to thank your partner, friend or colleague, Red Carnation Gift Experience Vouchers make the perfect gift. Choose from a tempting selection of experiences such as food and wine discovery evenings, traditional afternoon teas, romantic getaways or a monetary voucher to spend when visiting the hotel and much more. Visit our website, www.shesterfieldpbh.com tolearn more and treat someone to an ideal gift today.

SATURDAY MAY 7th 1:30 PM MOTHER AND DAUGHTER TEA

Make Mom feel like a Queen with our Traditional English Afternoon Tea, featuring Dainty tea sandwiches, assorted pastries, and scones served warm from the oven. Then enjoy an extra special treat as Saks Fifth Avenue performs Mother/Daughter Makeovers.

Reservations required. Call (561) 659-5800, ext. 154.

$30 per person (inclusive of tax and gratuity).

SUNDAY MAY 8th Mother’s Day Brunch

Seatings at 11:00 a.m. and 1:30 p.m.

Let Mom know how much you care by taking her to the Leopard Room for a scrumptious brunch buffet featuring an Egg and Omelet Station, Seafood Display with Smoked Salmon, Shrimp Cocktail and Caviar, Carving Station with Beef Tenderloin, Pan Seared Wild Salmon and a dessert extravaganza with petit fours, cakes and pies. To top off the day, Moms receive a fresh flower to take home. $45 for adults/$18 for Children 12 and under. Please call

(561) 659-5800, ext. 154 to make your reservations.

MONDAY MAY 30th MEMORIAL DAY 11:00 AM to 9:00 PM

Men and women of our armed forces (active or retired) receivea complimentary cocktail and we invite everyone to stop by and enjoy our menu specials to kick-start summer!

SUNDAY JUNE 19th FATHER’S DAY SPECIAL 5:00 PM to 10:00 PM

Treat Dad this Father’s Day, where he receives a complimentary entree in the Leopard Room with the purchase of an entrée of equal or lesser value

SIGNATURE EVENTS

MARTINI MONDAYS – Do you prefer shaken or stirred? Throughout APRIL, MAY and JUNE, take a lesson in the fine art of making the perfect martini with our bartenders in he Leopard Lounge who really know how to shake things up! They will teach you the proper combination of vermouthand gin and the ideal way to garnish this delicious treat, specially priced at $8.00. Then sip on your creations as you enjoy a 10% discount on your entire check in the Leopard Roomfollowing your lesson. Please call 561 659 5800 ext 154 to make your reservations.

The VICTORIAN TEA AND GYPSY MADAM EXPERIENCES

Step back in time and take a look at the life of a Victorian Lady with Amelia Victoria and her sister Constance Elizabeth on a journey into the life of a proper Victorian lady.

Dressed in their finest Victorian “costumes” your guides invite you to ‘dress up’, enjoy a special Afternoon Tea and tour The Chesterfield Palm Beach. Or, masquerade with Gypsy

Madams Lasatzka and Kasatska as they look into their crystal ball and see what the future holds, an afternoon filled with mystery, predictions, tea leaf readings, numerology and more.

Reservations required. Available for groups of 20 people or more. Larger groups can be accommodated upon request. For more information, call (561) 659-5800, ext. 105

ALL SEASON LONG . . .

HAPPY HOUR – Monday – Friday – 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.
Get spotted in The Leopard Lounge: The best “Happy Hour” on the Island features well-known 2-for-1 well brand cocktails, domestic beer, house wine, and a complimentary appy Hour” on the Island, featuring 2-for-1 well hors d’oeuvres buffet.

FISH FRY WEDNESDAYS – 5 PM to 9 PM $17.95

Enjoy a fare of our Traditional Fish n’Chips, hushpuppies, cole slaw and a decadent dessert

Just $17.95 exclusive of taxes and gratuities.

TRADITIONAL ENGLISH AFTERNOON TEA

Served daily from 3:00 pm to 6:000 pm

Includes dainty sandwiches, assorted pastries and scones served warm from the oven with preserves and

Devonshire cream. $20 per person. Reservations suggested.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY FROM THE CHESTERFIELD

Dine with friends on your next birthday and your lunch or dinnerentrée of equal or lesser value up to $28 is on us. (Purchase of a regular priced entrée and proof of birth date required.)

PRIME RIB DINNER – EVERY TUESDAY NIGHT – $26.95

Reservations suggested. Subject to availability (exclusive of tax and gratuity). Not valid for groups or in conjunction with any other discounts or specials. Price is exclusive of taxes and gratuities.

GREAT GETAWAYS

Get More from Your Stay – from $179/Night

Through September 30th, 2011

3 Days/2 Nights in a Queen Superior Room
Continental Breakfast each morning

Your choice of ONE of the following:

Bottle of chilled Champagne, delivered to your room

Romantic Turndown with candles, rose petals, light music,

2 glasses of Champagne, and aromatherapy, on an evening of your choice

Traditional English Afternoon Tea for Two

Executive Two-Course Lunch for Two

Late Checkout up to 6 PM

The Ultimate Shopping Experience – from $186/Night

Through September 30th, 2011 3 Days/2 Nights in a Queen Superior Room
Continental Breakfast each morning

One Traditional English Afternoon Tea for Two

The Saks Fifth Avenue Experience, including

Private shopping, makeup application, resort delivery, in-house alterations, as well as a 15% discount throughout your stay

VIP Treatment at Salvatore Ferragamo with private shopping, refreshment of your choice, and priority alterations and shipments

Discounts at St. John Boutique and MacKenzie-Childs

Special Weekend Rate for SunFest – April 27 through May 1, 2011

Where Music Meets Waterfront – from $175/Night*

2 Days/1 Night in a Queen Superior Room
Continental Breakfast in the morning

Tickets to SunFest available at additional cost*

The Spa at Bushmans Kloof Wilderness Reserve & Wellness Retreat has been singled out on the Conde Nast Traveler’s Hot List 2011 as one of 40 best new urban and rural retreats in the world.

In the May issue of this prestigious American publication, Bushmans Kloof, in the foothills of the Cederberg Mountains, only 270km from Cape Town, is listed among world class spas in Dubai, Thailand and the United States.

The publication highlighted the “Celebration of Life” treatment – with targeted massages for the back, feet and hands followed by a deeply hydrating Elemis facial – as “head-to-toe bliss” and said it was worth paying the surcharge to book treatments in the Riverside Spa Gazebo, which has panoramic landscape views.

Reflecting the very latest advances in global spa and wellness trends, it is designed in natural muted tones of whites, creams, beiges, stones and marble and exudes a calming, light and spiritual ambience where guests can succumb to the tranquil world of pampering.

The 7 500-hectare private reserve is part of the family-run Red Carnation Hotel Collection of luxury boutique hotels. Bushmans Kloof is a South African Natural Heritage site and custodian of over 130 San rock art sites, giving guests a wealth of unique insights into the mystical world of these ancient hunter-gatherers. At this perfect getaway, an inspiring range of outdoor activities allows guests to reconnect with themselves and nature, while enjoying the exhilarating freedom of exploring the predator-free reserve.

About Bushmans Kloof

Bushmans Kloof Wilderness Reserve & Wellness Retreat is a luxurious ecological oasis of 18,533 acres (7500 hectare), nestled at the foothills of the breathtaking Cederberg mountains. Here majestic views, staggering rock formations, open plains, invigorating outdoor activities, luxurious accommodation, award-winning Cape cuisine and a wellness experience deeply rooted in Nature combine to create an unforgettable, luxury wilderness adventure.

Less than three hours’ drive from Cape Town, it is unequivocally recognised as a conservation success story, and has received international acclaim for its exceptional environmental and conservation projects. These include its Rock art conservation programme providing a sanctuary for the endangered Cape Mountain Zebra and Clanwilliam Yellow Fish; its support of the Cape Mountain Leopard project and the Clanwilliam Cedar Tree project; as well as alien vegetation clearing. Other environmentally friendly practises at the lodge include the cultivation of organic kitchen gardens; recycling waste material; and water and energy saving.

Malaria and predator free, Bushmans Kloof is a sanctuary for many indigenous plants, animals and birds, including the endangered Cape mountain zebra. It is also home to over 130 San rock art sites, is recognized as one of South Africa’s Natural Heritage Sites, and is part of the Cape Floral Kingdom. It bases its entire business ethos on preserving the precious natural environment, while providing guests with the ultimate African wilderness experience in the beautiful surroundings of the Cederberg Wilderness Area, which forms part of the Cape Floral Region – a recognized World Heritage site.

A mere 270km from Cape Town, the 5-star Relais & Châteaux lodge, voted Best Hotel in the World 2009 (Travel + Leisure), is renowned for its warm, caring service and exceptional hospitality, where guests can expect superb contemporary Cape cuisine and world-class facilities. Set among wide open plains, majestic rock formations and crystal clear waterfalls, it offers a host of enriching, relaxing and invigorating experiences, such as daily guided rock art walks, mountain biking, canoeing, fishing, archery and swimming in rock pools or the four swimming pools. Bushmans Kloof is a place of natural wonder where you can indulge in a vast range of activities, or do absolutely nothing but inhale the beauty, peace, and tranquillity in the midst of nature’s playground.

Contact Bushmans Kloof Reservations for more details: Tel (021) 481 1860; Fax (021) 481 1870; email info@bushmanskloof.co.za  or visit the website at www.bushmanskloof.co.za.  For complete African packages contact African Travel Inc. at www.africantravelinc.com or your professional travel agent.

Trafalgar, the world’s leading tour operator, has entered into a partnership to operate guided vacations for Gutsy Women Travel, the leading provider of travel experiences designed exclusively for women.

Founded in 2001 by current president April Merenda, Gutsy Women Travel was created to provide exceptional guided vacation experiences for women travelers who prefer to travel with groups of other like-minded women. Designed with the woman traveler in mind, the experiences are tailored to their preferences with regard to the choice of hotels, dining, cultural and sightseeing activities.

“Over the past decade, Gutsy Women Travel has developed an ever expanding community of women who have continually turned to us for their travel needs. Based on our growth, solidifying a partnership with Trafalgar is a welcome transition,” says April Merenda, President of Gutsy Women Travel. “Trafalgar’s extensive experience in developing and delivering unique travel experiences will help us meet the growing demands of this niche market and our repeat client base.”

“We know that women’s group travel is a growing market, and we are enormously excited at this opportunity to partner with an established company that is a market leader in the category,” adds Paul Wiseman, President of Trafalgar. “Joining forces with Gutsy Women Travel allows both of our companies to expand our presence with this target audience and attract new groups of women travelers looking for a unique guided vacation experience.”

The new programs operated in conjunction with Trafalgar will start January of 2012, and offer itineraries in Europe, the USA, Canada, Mexico, Costa Rica, South America, Africa and Asia. Group size will be limited to 28 guests, and female Tour Directors will be on hand to provide insight and assistance throughout the guided vacations. A 2012 Preview schedule of itineraries will be available in May 2011 at www.GutsyWomenTravel.com as well as at www.trafalgar.com

Gutsy Women Travel vacations can be booked through professional travel agents.

For additional information please visit www.GutsyWomenTravel.com or email reservations2012@GutsyWomenTravel.com

About Trafalgar Tours
Trafalgar was established in 1947 and provides exceptional worldwide guided vacations to Europe, Britain, USA, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, South America and China. Trafalgar’s vacations include First Class hotel accommodations, luxury transportation by motor coach, rail or cruise ship, outstanding cuisine, daily included sightseeing and optional excursions, both with expert local guides, and the personal concierge services of Trafalgar’s Tour Directors, who share their insider’s view and reveal hidden places not mentioned in guidebooks

2007 to 2010: Winner, Best International Tour Operator, Travel Weekly Readers’ Choice Awards

2010: Winner, Best Tour Operator, Europe, TravelAge West WAVE Awards

The Milestone Hotel introduces the Chelsea Flower Show Experience package

The five-star Milestone Hotel in Kensington is offering guests the chance to celebrate the nearby RHS Chelsea Flower Show with a special package for budding florists.

Guests can seek inspiration with entrance in to the world’s most famous and glamorous flower show, then take part in two special masterclasses at The Milestone that will have them following in the footsteps of the show’s horticulture experts.

One of London’s leading floral arrangers Pascal Lavorel will lead a one hour masterclass in how to design and make a hand tied bouquet, for guests to keep or give to a loved one. In addition, The Milestone’s Executive Chef Ryan O’Flynn, who is passionate about using only the finest seasonal ingredients and sustainable produce, will demonstrate how to make a picture perfect and delicious seasonal salad, complete with edible flowers, roasted beets and a white balsamic dressing.

As part of this special Chelsea Flower Show package, guests can also enjoy a champagne afternoon tea in The Milestone’s beautiful conservatory and for garden lovers wanting to enjoy more of London’s green spaces, Kensington Palace and Gardens are just across the road.

The Milestone Hotel, which is consistently one of the top 5 star hotels in London according to TripAdvisor® is a member of Red Carnation Hotels, a private, family-run collection of four and five star boutique hotels in London, Guernsey, Dorset, Geneva, South Africa and Palm Beach. Like its twelve sister hotels, it prides itself on splendid luxury, generous hospitality, inventive and traditional cuisine, private art collections, passionate service and loyal staff committed to creating richly rewarding experiences for all their guests.

The Chelsea Flower Show Experience, a minimum two night stay, is valid from Tuesday, May 24 to Saturday, May 28, and costs £470.00 per night (excluding vat) based on two people sharing a luxurious Deluxe King Room. It includes overnight accommodation, full English breakfast on both days, two full day tickets to the RHS Chelsea Flower Show, the 60 minute Floral Master Class, the 45 minute Culinary Master Class and a Champagne afternoon tea for two on one afternoon of your choice.

For more information and to book for afternoon tea or an overnight stay, please visit www.milestonehotel.com

About The Milestone
Situated in the heart of Kensington, overlooking Kensington Palace and Gardens, the quiet and understated elegance of The Milestone is celebrated for its style, comfort, and exalted levels of personal service. A Grade II listed showpiece of the Victorian era, now restored to its former architectural splendour, is today home to a five star hotel that offers 56 individually designed rooms and suites and six two-bedroomed apartments, all lavishly decorated with the finest fabrics and furnishings. Boasting 24-hour butler service, Cheneston’s fine dining Restaurant, Park Lounge for traditional afternoon tea, Stables bar and fitness centre with resistance pool and spa treatment, this exquisite Kensington hotel is a short stroll to the Royal Albert Hall, and within easy reach of Knightsbridge and the West End. The Milestone is part of The Red Carnation Hotel Collection, a family run collection of boutique hotels, and a member of The Leading Small Hotels of the World.

The last two week-ends of May, Transhumance festivals are taking place in Aveyron, Cantal and Lozère.

The transhumance of the herds up to the mountain summer pasture is always a crucial moment for life on the Aubrac, which takes place to the tune of festivals and get togethers.

It’s also a great opportunity to celebrate spring to the sound of the bells of the Aubrac cows (they’re the ones that look like they have khôl eye-liner) : herd decoration, milking demonstration, local market, traditional bands, gastronomy … it’s at Saint-Geniez (Aveyron) on the 22nd and 23rd of May with accommodation in guest houses or in chalets with local speciality meals provided on Saturday evenings.
More information : +33 5 65 70 21 00.

Also on the 22nd and 23rd of May at Nasbinals (Lozere), beautiful village, set 1,200m up in the heart of Aubrac. Built from weathered granite and basalt stone and featuring ancient pilgrim trails, tiny chapels and wayside crosses. The area is perfect if you like hiking and if you look for nature, cultural and grastronomic break. Lots of activity and entertainment planned.
Contact : +33 4 66 32 55 73

And on the 28th of May at Allanche (Cantal), also a lot of activities for everyone with a free 22kms hiking trip organised, phone : +33 4 71 20 48 43.

More information on http://www.tourisme-aveyron.com  http://www.cantaltourisme.fr  , http://www.lozere-tourisme.com