Jetsettersblog

Forget pavlovas and meat pies, the real Aussie foodie heritage is known as bush tucker and you’ll find it on Adventure Tours Australia’s premium tours, Safari in Style.

All Safari in Style tours feature fresh, gourmet bush tucker – a uniquely Aussie cuisine that combines Indigenous flavours, native Australian ingredients and modern food techniques.

“Our aim is to give travellers an authentic Aussie experience, and that extends to the food we present on our tours,” ATA’s national catering manager Anelle Bosch says.

“Safari in Style tours showcase the best our country has to offer in terms of cuisine and locations, whether that be toasting the sunset over Uluru with a local sparkling wine, or enjoying a bush tucker barbecue around a campfire in lush Kakadu.”

Anelle – a multi-award winning chef with a passion for native flavours and fresh, seasonal and local produce – prepares all of the tour menus and sources ingredients.

“We seek out the best ingredients from around Australia and incorporate them into our menus, which are based on fresh and local ingredients wherever possible. You won’t find processed, pre-packaged or pre-cooked food here!”

Some of the items you might find on the tour menus include barbecued chicken wings with native pepperleaf mustard, crocodile sausages, kangaroo steak in quandong sauce, camel burgers with lemon myrtle and chilli sauce, or apricot and wattleseed crumble with custard.

Safari in Style menus are complimented by products from Indigenous food producers Outback Pride, who supply native herbs, spices and accompaniments such as sauces, mustards, chutneys, jams and dressings.

“We support Outback Pride not just for their fabulous flavours, but also because the project creates jobs for Aboriginal people who grow, harvest and produce Australian native food products in their own communities.”

Australian Yellowtail wines are served with dinner every night and coffee lovers get to enjoy premium, freshly brewed LAVAZZA coffee, served in real cups.

Safari in Style products offer premium experiences in the way of travel and accommodation as well: permanent tents have lighting, proper beds and full linen, the permanent camp sites have full kitchen facilities, and passengers travel in purpose-built, 4WD air conditioned vehicles.

Bush foods are also included in ATA’s standard tours, such as kangaroo sausages and camel burgers. All ATA tour guides are trained in food preparation and cooking skills.

RENOWNED Thai chef and culinary magician Paul Blain will reveal his secrets with the opening of a new purpose built cooking school at Spicers Tamarind Retreat in the Sunshine Coast hinterland.

The Tamarind Restaurant Cooking School will open from early April 2011, with classes held on the first and third Wednesday of every month and every Saturday.

“These intimate classes of up to 12 offer the chance to learn everything you ever wanted to know about delicious Thai cuisine, from where to find the right ingredients to creating the perfect Thai menu, all while enjoying every tasty morsel you create,” Blain said.

“Each class promises five hours or more of cooking plus lunch, wine and full recipes. Cook, learn, laugh and enjoy a lifetime of gourmet dishes.”

Classes are $165* per person.

Paul has long been admired for his innovative Thai cuisine, having travelled, absorbed and lived the Thai lifestyle and honed his craft in notable restaurants such as Darley St Thai in Sydney and Chilli Jam Cafe in Noosa.

Spicers Tamarind also has a Mid-Week Cooking School Package which includes two nights in a one bedroom Falls Pavilion, continental breakfast daily, bottle of sparkling wine on arrival, 10 course Thai banquet for two on one evening (excluding wines) and cooking class for two from $1143* per couple.

A Weekend Cooking School Package is also available, including two nights in a one bedroom Falls Pavilion, continental breakfast daily, bottle of sparkling wine on arrival, 10 course Thai banquet for two on one evening with matching wines and cooking class for two from $1320* per couple.

Set near a waterfall in a stunning rainforest just three kilometres from Maleny, Spicers Tamarind is an intimately unique retreat where Thai style meets the tranquility of the Australian bush.

For bookings call Spicers Tamarind Retreat 1300 411 587 or email tamarind@spicersgroup.com.au

*Terms and conditions apply. Enclosed footwear must be worn by all participants. Full payment is required by day students to secure your place in The Tamarind Cooking School. Bookings may only be rescheduled if at least seven days notice is provided. The Tamarind reserves the right to postpone or cancel classes. Special dietary needs can be accommodated for exclusive group bookings.

Packages from $99 per night including great value adds.

Constellation Hotels is offering great short break and holiday deals in some of Australia’s most sought-after and unique holiday destinations, making this Autumn the perfect time to escape and discover one of the most beautiful places in the world.

Explore Australia’s most delightful destinations including Brisbane, Adelaide, Wollongong, Cairns, Newcastle, Gold Coast, Diamond Beach, Noosaville, Hervey Bay, Wisemans Ferry, Terrigal and more – the ideal choice for a holiday with the family, friends or a romantic getaway.

Follow the sun and stay at Australis Noosa Lakes Resort on Queensland’s Sunshine Coast. Lose yourself in the seven landscaped acres on the shores of Lake Doonella and the Noosa River, from only $99* per night in a studio room including a bottle of wine and chocolates on arrival.

Enjoy a coastal break with Country Comfort Terrigal, nestled on the scenic and popular Central Coast of NSW, directly across from Terrigal and Wamberal Beaches, from only $125* per night in a poolside room including breakfast for two and drinks on arrival.

Autumn is jam-packed with events, from food and wine festivals to fashion weeks in major city and regional hubs. Why not make a quick visit to the cultural city of Adelaide and stay at Grand Chifley Adelaide from only $120* per night in a Deluxe room, including a $20 restaurant voucher.

Soak up some of the autumn air and take a family mini-break to Wollongong. Stay at the brand new ultra chic Chifley Wollongong on the picturesque South Coast of NSW from only $289*per night, including accommodation in a Junior Suite, free meals for the kids and free parking.

Relax and rejuvenate at Australis Sovereign Hotel, the perfect base for your Gold Coast adventure. An exciting holiday destination offering theme parks, premier golf courses, shopping, vibrant nightlife – not to mention long stretches of golden beaches that everyone will love! Stay from only $99* per night in a spacious One Bedroom Apartment, with a private balcony and separate lounge area, including breakfast for two.

Escape Club Member Exclusive -
As an Escape Club member you will receive a further 10% discount on all rates and packages available this Autumn. Not an Escape Club Member? Join for free and access great savings.

To browse all the great Autumn deals available visit www.constellationhotels.com.au/autumn  or call 1300 650 464.

*Subject to availability. Conditions may apply.

Air Pacific, Fiji’s International Airline, the world’s friendliest airline, is now offering reduced airfares to travelers who take a friend along to Fiji on Air Pacific! Share complimentary meals, cocktails and in-flight entertainment with a friend aboard Air Pacific and each traveler will earn an instant discount on your airfare!
THE OFFER: Fly roundtrip from Los Angeles to the South Pacific on Air Pacific from only $1050* and take a companion with you for an additional $625*. OR get three of your friends to travel to the South Pacific with you and you will travel for free.

South Pacific includes the following: Nadi, Fiji Islands; Sydney, Brisbane and Melbourne in Australia; Auckland and Christchurch in New Zealand; Tongatapu in Tonga; Port Vila in Vanuatu; Apia in Western Samoa; Honiara in the Solomon Islands.

For those travelers traveling to any of the destinations beyond Fiji, their stopover in Fiji is Free!

*Prices include fuel surcharge. Government taxes and other fees are additional from $115.

** Government taxes and other fees apply from $315.

This offer is available for sale from through May 31, 2011 for travel through May 31, 2011. All travel must be completed by June 14, 2011. Air Pacific currently operates a fleet that includes B737, B767 and B747 aircraft with a domestic and international network covering the Pacific, North America, Asia, New Zealand and Australia.

Information: 1-800-227-4446 or visit www.airpacific.com

EXPERIENCE a trip of a life time that not only involves a five night safari at the Masai Mara in Kenya but a 20-night cruise on the luxurious Queen Mary 2 from Cape Town to Sydney on a package which is exclusive to ecruising.travel

Land touring highlights include game drives with a professional guide and driver, balloon safari and champagne breakfast, a visit to a local Masai village, a private jet to Cape Town, Table Mountain City and Winelands Tour in Cape Town, five star luxury accommodation at the Raffles Hotel Dubai, the exclusive One&Only Cape Town hotel and the Fairmont Mara Safari Club….and this is all before you even step on board the Queen Mary 2.

Once on board you can relax and enjoy the personalised Cunard service which includes the finest cuisine, complimentary 24-hour room service, world class entertainment at the Royal Court Theatre, leisure activities and educational programs.

Priced from $13329 per person twin share this itinerary includes a one-way economy airfare from Sydney, Perth, Melbourne, Brisbane and Adelaide, private plane within Africa, 12 nights luxury accommodation, full game drives, all meals whilst on safari, comprehensive sight-seeing, 20 nights’ accommodation on the Queen Mary 2 with full board and entertainment.

Departing on January 13 2012, this exclusive holiday has limited spaces so be quick to book through ecruising.travel on 1300 369-848 or check-out www.ecruising.travel

The unique and highly exclusive Montalto Estate

The tourism industry in Northern Ireland has received a major boost with the successful opening of the unique and highly exclusive Montalto Estate which is now available for private rental www.montaltoestate.com

Montalto is also the launch property in the new Private Rentals Collection of Ireland’s Blue Book.

www.irelands-blue-book.ie/montalto.html

According to Michelle Maguire, Marketing Manager with Ireland’s Blue Book, “We are delighted to welcome

Montalto Estate to the “Blue Book Private Rentals Collection”. From the moment you arrive at the gates of the Montalto Estate you know you have reached a very special place. Everyone we send to Montalto will be truly delighted and absolutely enchanted with the beautiful, historical hideaway they will find waiting for them.”

Set in 400 acres of the beautiful County Down countryside, Montalto is easily accessible from both Belfast and Dublin International airports, proximate to some of the best golf and gardens on the Island. Yet this special hideaway is so private, it is one of Ireland’s best kept secrets with the world class services you would expect from the leading 5 star hotels. Montalto has been lovingly restored to its former Georgian glory by the Wilson family, under the guidance of Ireland’s foremost conservation architect, John O’Connell of Dublin. Magnificent art and carefully chosen antique furniture decorate the property while David Wilson, eldest son of the Wilson family and now owner of the estate, personally ensures that each visitor is welcomed as a special guest.

Montalto Estate is available for exclusive private hire for up to 9 individuals or 9 couples while each visit is tailored to match guests’ precise requirements as Lord or Lady of the Manor. At your service — the attention of your personal butler, the skill of renowned chefs (featuring only the freshest, finest local ingredients) and the hands-on-management of one of Ireland’s respected hospitality professionals. Guests may dine as formally or informally as they choose. In addition to the extensive selection of wines from four continents, Montalto also boasts an outstanding collection of Irish and Scottish whiskeys.

Helicopter access is available for excursions near and far. But links golf is just minutes away at Royal County Down golf, as is Downpatrick, the final resting place of Patrick, Ireland’s Patron Saint. For touring pleasure, guests also can choose the Giant’s Causeway World Heritage site, the renowned Mount Stewart Gardens and more links golf at Royal Portrush (former home of the Open). However, for guests who prefer complete rest and relaxation, the on-site spa treatments and therapies combined with the Estate’s garden walks and lake fishing are the perfect answer.

Montalto is a very special place, where history and luxury meet to offer an unforgettable and exclusive experience.

For further information please contact Maebeth Fenton, Maebeth@fentonpr.com ; telephone 44(0)7970 996475.

Tadrai Island Resort ~ Fiji’s newest 5 Star Luxury Island Resort has commenced construction on the northern side of Mana Island, situated in the pristine Mamanuca Group in Fiji’s renowned tourism belt.

Designed by renowned Resort Architectural firm TropicX Design Studio, Selena Cove within Tadrai Island Resort will consist of five luxurious Villa’s all with outdoor plunge pools and private decks overlooking the ocean. They are located on their own secluded cove with exclusive access to Selena Beach, just one of four magnificent beaches that form part of Tadrai Island Resort.

An exquisite restaurant, bar and fresh water pool will complete Selena Cove, which is expected to open on September 1, 2011. Villa’s will be completed to the highest standards and will feature luxury items such as Bose sound systems, wireless internet and in room iPad’s. Selena Cove is the Mamanuca’s first fully inclusive resort. Guests will enjoy three delicious meals daily, and all alcohol and non-alcoholic beverages at no extra charge.

Managing Director, Mr Aaron McGrath says “We are very excited to be able to offer clients a new luxury 5 star resort in the Mamanuca Islands. We are particularly excited that we have the first truly all inclusive product for our customers in this part of Fiji. All buildings, fixtures and fittings will be extremely high end and befitting of an international 5 star luxury resort. Selena Cove will be targeted towards couples, honeymooners or those wanting to escape to their own private paradise. Guests at Tadrai Island Resort will experience the level of Fijian service and hospitality not yet seen in the Mamanuca group of islands. It is a very exciting time.”

Information/Reservations www.tadrai.com

easyJet, the UK’s largest and best value airline, has  announced that it is to provide the first direct service to Bilbao from Manchester.

The low-fares airline will begin operating a three-times-weekly service to Bilbao from Manchester Airport on 17 June. Flights starting from just £29.99 (one-way, including taxes) have gone on sale today.

Bilbao, located in northern Spain, is the largest city in the Basque Country. The opening of the Guggenheim Museum in Bilbao in 1997 boosted the city’s regeneration and, together with its famous cuisine, nearby coastline and beaches, made this historical and cultural city a must-visit destination for tourists.

Ali Gayward, UK commercial manager at easyJet comments: “Bilbao is a dynamic city that offers visitors a rich culture and vibrant nightlife; it is ideally located to provide visitors with access to other popular destinations such as San Sebastian and Pamplona – home of the famous Running of the Bulls event.

“This new route will build upon easyJet’s presence at Manchester Airport and further strengthen the region’s economic links with the Basque Country.”

Last week the low-fares airline began operating its new route to Palma from Manchester. The launch of the new service to Bilbao brings easyJet’s total number of destinations on offer from Manchester to 24.

Andrew Harrison, managing director of Manchester Airport, said: “The addition of a new route to Bilbao continues to strengthen the choice available from Manchester but also shows easyJet’s continuing growth at the airport. As Summer approaches, we’re sure this will prove to be a very popular destination for our passengers.”

This ancient site with its magical castle dating back to the 17th century is steeped in history and atmosphere. Widely recognised as enjoying one of the most beautiful, unspoilt and tranquil locations in Ireland, Belle Isle is also actively embracing the benefits of modern technology in the 21st century.

The newly launched website www.belle-isle.com not only enhances the beauty of the estate but now offers the feature to check availability and book accommodation online at anytime. Keeping up to date with our latest news is made easy by subscribing to our regular ezine, monthly cookery school newsletter, and interacting with us on facebook and twitter.

During the past 3 years Belle Isle has been rigorously following a green environmental policy, which began with the installation of a state-of-the-art wood pellet burner to heat the castle. This was quickly followed with the replacement of 553 light bulbs with low energy ones, using environmentally friendly cleaning products, scrupulously monitoring energy use, recycling and generally promoting sustainability. Guests are really encouraged to play their part ranging from using a bicycle for a day to composting their potato peelings. Visitors are also informed about environmental and economically sustainable activities in the area such as walking trails, cycling, public transport and slow food options.

Belle Isle Castle has just completed a gentle update with the conversion of the existing bathrooms to en-suite while retaining the original period details of the bedrooms. The castle now features 7 luxurious en-suite bedrooms. Regular special packages are being offered throughout the year for the cottages and courtyard apartments including a relaxing trip on our wooden cruiser, Trasna, for anyone booking a week until September, free fresh eggs from our happy rescue hens, free logs and bottles of Belle Isle wine. All special offers will be found on the website and in the newsletter.

At Belle Isle our aim is to be totally flexible. Whether our guests are looking for a cosy weekend break for two, a fun-filled family holiday, a special celebration in the Castle, a wedding, a cookery course or a corporate team-building event, we can create something very special and truly unique. With outstanding accommodation, a state-of-the art cookery school and abundant recreational opportunities Belle Isle offers a welcome retreat from the pressures of modern life without sacrificing its comforts.

Further information: fiona@belle-isle.com

June is the perfect time to visit Sicily, with temperatures just starting to rise nicely, the average being around 24 degrees, and the first smells of summer drifting through the island. It is the ideal time for walking in the mountains and for being on the coast where the sea is warm, but the beaches are still largely empty.

From the 10th – 12th June the wonderful festival of the “little squid” (Sagra della Seppia) takes place in Donnalucata, on the coast below Scicli in the south of the island.

Essential Italy can recommend Villa Bruna (sleeps 4) http://www.essentialitaly.co.uk/sicily_villas_villa-bruna.php – a lovely villa with a very private walled garden, and a short walk from the beach too, not to mention the private tennis court!

Price: from £860 for the week.

June sees the beginning of the fabulous Festival of Arts in Taormina. It starts 11th – 18th June with the film festival, screening film previews, independent features, documentaries, shorts, and it continues with theatre, music and dance and into July and August,. The main forum is the Ancient Theatre, one of the largest theatres in Sicily, which enjoys magnificent views over the bay of Naxos and Mount Etna!

Villa Silvia (sleeps 4) http://www.essentialitaly.co.uk/sicily_villas_villa-silvia.php  a lovely villa just along the coast from Taormina, with the most amazing garden, pool and views.

Price: from £1100.00 per week

Villa Scozilia (sleeps 8 – 10) http://www.essentialitaly.co.uk/sicily_villas_villa-scozilia.php on the slopes of Mount Etna with fabulous views across the countryside to the coastline and down to Taormina. The dwellings can be let separately or as a whole – perfect for friends wanting to travel together. The gardens are immaculate and offer a pool as well as a private tennis court.

Price: from £2795 per week based on 8 – 10 sharing with 20% discount for stays 11th – 30th June.

Essential Italy

Tel: 01223 460100

info@essentialitaly.co.uk

www.essentialitaly.co.uk