Jetsettersblog

Robins Lodge, a stunning luxury eco-lodge set at the foot of the stunning Quantock Hills*, is the latest exciting addition to the Blue Chip Holidays collection of stylish self-catering holiday homes.

Available from just £10 per person per night Robins Lodge, set in the serene Somerset hamlet of Mill Cross, is perfect for the eco-conscious, country sport enthusiasts and pet owning travellers. As well as having access to local riding stables guests can bring up to two dogs without charge, and visitors looking to minimise their carbon footprint can arrange to be collected from Taunton train station.

A week for eight can be booked with Blue Chip Holidays from just £579 rising to £1,419 in late July and August. Three night breaks can also be booked from only £413. Bookings can be made online at www.bluechipholidays.net  or by calling 0844 7044987.

Internally, Robins Lodge has an open plan living and dining area with patio doors that lead out on to a large sun deck. The traditional, shaker-style kitchen features integrated appliances including electric oven, ceramic hob, extractor hood, fridge/freezer, and dishwasher. There is also a separate storage room for cycles, which also houses the washing machine and provides an excellent drying space after days out walking or riding.

There are three bedrooms including a ground floor double room, perfect for guests requiring wheelchair access, and a second bedroom with twin beds and access to a shower wet room. The large master bedroom has a double bed, en-suite bathroom and access to a private East facing balcony spanning the full front of the property. There is also a first floor mezzanine with access to the West facing balcony and views of the lake. Downstairs, Robins Lodge has a double sofa bed and wet room with bath and shower, and a further separate cloakroom with loo and sink.

Robin Lodge’s green credentials encompass the latest in LED lighting, a ground source heat pump, which heats the lodge’s under floor heating system, solar energy, which provides electricity and heats the lodge’s water, and on-site rain harvesting to minimise water wastage.

Located within the grounds of Mill Meadow, which has been awarded one of only four Golds in the county by the Green Tourism Business Awards, Robin’s lodge is situated in a nature enthusiast’s paradise. Badgers, foxes, bats, and a diverse range of birds make the site their home, encouraged by careful on-site management as well as the installation of bird and bat boxes. Dragonflies, mayflies, otters and a wide variety of wildfowl can also be spotted on the lake situated directly behind Robins Lodge. Here guests can fish for trout and carp, or simply spend hours quietly spotting the many species that live in the surrounding environment.

Its quiet rural location gives Robins Lodge access to miles of leaf-lined lanes and bridle paths that are perfect for walks, cycling or riding; there are also a number of stables offering guided trekking nearby, and loose horse boxes can also be hired locally for guests wishing to bring their own horse.

The Quantock Hills, Exmoor, and the Bridgewater and Taunton canal are literally on the doorstep and local attractions include the West Somerset Railway and Hestercombe Gardens. The seaside is also only 15 miles away and can be accessed either by bus from nearby Taunton or from Bishops Lydeard station on the West Somerset Railway, which regularly runs steam trains to both Minehead and Dunster.

For the adventurous the Scrumptious Somerset cycle route is also well worth a visit. This takes in the nearby Taunton Farmers Market, Muchelney Pottery Gallery and Shop, Muchelney Abbey, the Langport and River Parrett Visitor Centre, Burrow Hill Cider, and the Brown and Forest Traditional Smokery at Hambridge. Bike and electrically powered cycle hire can all be arranged through Mill Meadow.

Robins Lodge sleeps eight and can be booked from just £579 per week, rising to £1,419 in late July and August. Three night breaks can also be booked from only £413. Deep link www.bluechipholidays.net/robins

Other Mill Meadow properties include Kingfisher Lodge, Woodpecker Lodge, and Swallows Barn, each sleeping six. House Martins sleeps eight. Each can be booked from £469 per week.

For bookings please call Blue Chip Holidays on 0844 7044987 or log on to www.bluechipholidays.net

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The Irish government announced earlier this week that it was introducing new measures to assist in revitalising the tourism industry which will mean hugely reduced costs for hotels, resulting in savings for customers which will make it an even more appealing destination for UK travellers in the coming months.

Irish hotels will benefit from new lower rate VAT for tourism-related goods whist employers’ taxes will be slashed in half for lower-paid workers*. Irish hotelier Ray Byrne who owns Wineport Lodge, a famed boutique hotel an hour outside Dublin which plays host to the country’s celebrity chef TV show ‘The Restaurant’ said he welcomed the measures and was planning to match the savings offered by the new schemes to cut prices even further.

Mr Byrne said, “This is great news for tourism in Ireland and for hoteliers such as myself. Whilst we have always prided ourselves on the value we offer our customers at Wineport Lodge, these changes will help to reduce our overheads in a difficult economy and we will pass the savings onto our customers.

“We estimate that the impact of the changes will be a 5% reduction in the cost to the consumer and we will match that with a further 5%, taking 10% off our prices with immediate effect. We hope that these savings will entice UK visitors to Wineport Lodge, which enjoys easy access via Dublin with direct flights from 25 UK airports or by ferry.”

Enjoy a night at scenic Wineport Lodge in a deluxe lakeview room with full Irish breakfast now for just £70 per person sharing**. To book call 00 353 90 643 9010 or visit www.wineport.ie

*Announcements made on 10th May by the Irish government included lower VAT rate of 9% on tourism-related goods and services, plans to reduce employers’ tax contributions for lower paid workers by 50% and simpler VISA processing for overseas visitors to Ireland in time to attract those coming to the UK for the London Olympics next year.

**Based on previous price of 89 Euro per person, less discount. Based on rate of exchange at date of issue.

For those inspired by Julia Bradbury’s Icelandic Walk – which, with the assistance of an Icelandic mountain guide, takes in the beauty of this extraordinary landscape as shown on BBC4 this – HF Holidays is highlighting a £250 saving on its 12-day Wonders of Icelandguided and walking sightseeing holiday.

This fantastic deal is available on the 9 August departure and means that the revised cost is now £2100 (land-only) per person or £2435 inclusive of return Heathrow flights and transfers.

These twin-share prices also include 11 nights’ mainly full-board hotel accommodation, a full programme of guided walks led by an HF Holidays’ leader and local guides, sightseeing and entrance fees and travel by minibus or coach.

With a mixture of part-day and full-day walks over varying terrain and through constantly changing scenery, highlights of the holiday include coastal and clifftop walks on the Snæfellsnes Peninsula and walks amidst the dramatic peaks, glaciers and sandy plains of the Skaftafell National Park.

There’s also the opportunity to experience the history of the Vikings and Icelandic sagas, relax in natural hot springs and the Blue Lagoon, walk behind the cascade of the Seljalandsfoss waterfall and take in the spectacular Gullfoss waterfall.

0845 470 7558, www.hfholidays.co.uk

SPECIAL LAUNCH PRICE – £200 OFF

Departs 09 November 2011, 14 days from £2,295pp (reduced from £2,495pp)

Experience the thrill of the India jungle and its incredible diversity. Although the enigmatic tiger is the biggest draw, the rare Asiatic lion also roams this land. This tour covers some of India’s most impressive and lesser-known national parks, with overnights in excellent jungle lodges. Travel The Unknown (www.traveltheunknown.com , tel: 020 8823 0705) is offering this unique wildlife tour at a special launch price of £2,295pp, reduced by £200, from £2,495pp.

From Delhi, travel south to Central India`s prime tiger territory – Kanha and Bandhavgarh National Parks, where the chances of tiger sightings are very high.

Besides jeep safaris, you will also get the chance to roam on elephant-back in Bandhavgarh, allowing you to get closer to the animals. You then board the train for Satpura, and transfer to the excellent Reni Pani Jungle Lodge. Satpura is one of India`s best-kept wildlife secrets. It is home to tigers, as well as leopards, deer, long-tailed langur monkeys and a host of birdlife. Finally, you head west to little-known Gir National Park in Gujarat, home to the only lions in Asia. Between game drives, you can also visit the nearby ancient Hindu temples. This is a wildlife adventure like no other.

Main highlights of this trip :

- Tiger-spotting in India’s prime national parks/tiger reserves;
- Elephant-back safari in Bandhavgarh;
- Walking safari in Satpura National Park;
- Stay in rustic jungle lodges;
- Spot the rare Asiatic lion in Gir National Park, Gujarat;
- Visit ancient Hindu temples in Somnath (close to Gir).

The price of £2,295pp includes three internal flights, accommodation, ground transport, local guides, most meals (full-board in national parks), drivers, game drives and safaris, entrance fees to parks and sites, and carbon-offsetting fee.

Travel The Unknown also offers an 11-day Wildlife of North East India tour, which visits the mangrove forests in the Sunderbans and Kaziranga National Park in Assam.

As well as the set group departures, private trips can also be arranged.

The secret is out! With the much awaited news of where the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge will be honeymooning just revealed, you too can follow in their footsteps and travel to the breathtakingly beautiful shores of the Seychelles.

Surrounded by acres of milky sands and lush tropical flowers, spend your Seychelles holiday on any one of the teardrop islands, anchored by green mountains, ripe for exploration. Whether it is your honeymoon, a romantic escape or even a family beach retreat, book your idyllic island break with Long Haul Specialist Operator Thomson Tailormade (0871 664 0273 www.thomsontailormade.com).

Pure Luxury – Constance Ephelia Resort, Seychelles

This luxurious resort hotel is situated on two of Mahé’s most beautiful beaches, overlooking Port Launay Marine National Park. You’ll appreciate its unique location set within 120 hectares of land with lush vegetation and the luxurious feel of the hotel. Enjoy a cocktail and international cuisine at one of the five bars and restaurants each with its own individual concept, design and décor, and an exceptional health spa set in beautiful tropical gardens. Facilities include 5 Restaurants including buffet, à la carte & beach grill, 5 Bars including beach bar, pool bar and bar with live music, 4 Swimming pools, Spa de Constance with numerous treatment rooms, a yoga pavilion, sauna, thermal pool, Jacuzzi®, plunge pool and hair salon, Spa, tennis, squash, non-motorised watersports such as pedal boats, catamaran, windsurfing and kayaks. Fishing and diving (PADI) can be arranged locally, Regular entertainment and activities, Boutiques and Kids club (4-12 yrs).

Thomson Tailormade offers 7 nights at the 5 star Constance Ephelia Resort, Seychelles from £1,729 per person, saving £460 per person.

The price includes accommodation on a Half Board basis, return flights from London Heathrow with Air Seychelles and transfers and is based on departure on 16th September 2011.

Secluded Private Island – Denis Private Island – Seychelles

This idyllic, first class private island retreat offers warm hospitality and high standards – an escapist’s and nature lover’s paradise.

Focusing on sustainability and conservation, the island is home to unique flora and fauna and has an organic farm providing delicious, fresh cuisine. The ocean bed off the reefs surrounding the island offers a fantastic habitat for fishing, scuba diving & snorkelling. Facilities include a restaurant offering outstanding French and Creole cuisine with show kitchen and a wooden deck outside for outdoor dining, Wine cellar, Bar, Small swimming pool close to the beach, TV room with library and games, Internet, Tennis court, Complimentary nature tours, Scuba diving, deep sea fishing and in-room spa treatments at additional cost and a Boutique.

Thomson Tailormade offers 7 nights at the 5 star Denis Private Island, Seychelles from £2,699 per person, saving £770 per person. The price includes accommodation on a Full Board basis, return flights from London Heathrow with Air Seychelles and transfers and is based on departure on 16th September 2011.

All Inclusive – The Allamanda Beach Resort, Seychelles

The Allamanda Beach Resort & Spa is a charming modern resort set on a beautiful sandy beach overlooking a lagoon. Named after a bright yellow flower, you’ll find a great combination of casual elegance, vibrant colours and a backdrop of large granite boulders, lush tropical gardens and the surrounding mountains.

Relax in the signature Spa, dine on international cuisine and enjoy the view whilst sipping a cocktail. Facilities include a restaurant with indoor and outdoor dining, Bar and Lounge, Infinity swimming pool, Spa, Library and beach activities including volleyball, badminton and snorkelling.

Thomson Tailormade offers 7 nights at the 3 star plus Allamanda Beach Resort, Seychelles from £2,267 per person. The price includes accommodation on an All Inclusive basis, return flights from London Heathrow with Air Seychelles and transfers and is based on departure between January and June 2012.

Family Friendly – Coco de Mer – Seychelles

Start your holiday lying in a hammock in the dappled shade of a palm tree on one of the many small beaches and coves at the Coco de Mer Hotel. Surrounded by the lush tropical hillsides of the Vallee de Mai it is in a secluded location. You could explore on a guided nature trail or see more of the island by taking the shuttle service to Anse Lazio, the perfect sea to snorkel.Facilities includethe main buffet restaurant, as well as the Hibiscus Restaurant serving buffets and table d’hote menus, Poolside à la carte restaurant, Bar & lounge, Swimming pool, Kids pool, Fitness centre, Tennis court, Mini golf, Non motorised watersports, Library, Guided nature trail, Regular evening entertainment, Bicycles and snorkelling equipment can be rented and diving arranged locally and there is a complimentary shuttle service to Anse Lazio Beach.

Thomson Tailormade offers 7 nights at the 4 star Coco de Mer Resort, Seychelles from £4,798 per family of four (based on two adults and two children travelling), saving £539 per family. The price includes accommodation on a Half Board basis, return flights from London Heathrow with Air Seychelles and transfers and is based on departure on 16th September 2011.

For Bookings and Information Contact Thomson Tailormade on 0871 664 0273
or visit www.thomsontailormade.com

The vibrant city of Glasgow is celebrating the opening of it’s first Penthouse Suite, offering a unique and unforgettable experience from the top floor of the 5* Blythswood Square and featuring stunning panoramic views over the city. The 92 square metre Penthouse Suite reflects the unique style which epitomizes Blythswood Square, combining contemporary but classic elegance and unpretentious luxury.

For that special occasion or corporate event the Penthouse Suite will exceed all expectations. Sitting majestically at the top of the 5* Blythswood Square, the Penthouse Suite is accessed by a private lift and boasts a furnished rooftop terrace, private bar, lounge, bedroom, kitchenette, and dining area – not to mention the marble bathroom and shower room and the amazing views over the rooftops of Glasgow City centre – which will quite literally take your breath away.

A butler service is also available on request – at extra cost. Facilities include complementary Wi-Fi, digital TV, tea/coffee, safe, iron, bespoke marble bathroom with separate bath and shower, entertainment system, luxury Egyptian cotton linen, bath robes, hairdryer, free movies, 24 hour concierge service and access to the Thermal experience in The Spa. The Penthouse is priced from £1415 to £1500, subject to availability.

Situated in the heart of Glasgow Blythswood Squareis the perfect destination for a city break or corporate event.Blythswood Square,Glasgow’s newest luxury city centre hotel has become the first hotel inGlasgowto receive the coveted Five Stars from the AA. The award recognizes all areas of the business from front of house to the more operational day-to-day running of this city centre hotel.

The hotel boasts 100 bedrooms including six individually appointed suites and the top floor Penthouse Suite. It also houses Glasgow’s first luxury spa which offers indigenous Scottish treatments, blending the potency and power of organic raw ingredients from Scotland with an advanced bio-scientific approach to skincare.

When only the very best will do book the Penthouse Suite at Blythswood Square!

For further information visit www.blythswoodsquare.com  or telephone 0141 248 8888

Rolls Royce Collection Service from Margate Station

Guest arriving at the family-run Walpole Bay Hotel, which was built for discerning guests in 1914, are now being offered a collection service in its chauffeur-driven Royal Royce Silver Spirit from the railway station – for only £30.

The Walpole Bay Hotel, overlooking the sea in Cliftonville, is just under 4 miles from the station. The new fast train service from London takes less than one and a half hours.

The Rolls Royce service has been introduced following increase demand for weekend and mini breaks generated by the opening of the new Turner Contemporary gallery in Margate. Hotel proprietor Jane Bishop is a trustee of the art gallery, with a remit for children’s education. The hotel has a long connection with the art world. The hotel is decorated with works from renowned artists and is Tracey Emin’s favourite place to stay when she returns to her hometown.

“We have our own Rolls Royce, which we use for period weddings at the hotel, and given the numbers of people now arriving by train, our unique chauffeured collection service makes the ideal start for a special celebration or romantic break,” said owner manager Justin Bishop, adding. “We can also arrange flowers, chocolates and breakfast in our 4-poster beds.”

Recent media coverage of the Turner Contemporary has highlighted the many attractions to area – 26 miles of golden sandy beaches, award-winning restaurants, the mysterious subterranean Shell Grotto discovered in 1835 and thought to be a pagan temple dating back to Romans, Dickens’s House Museum, 5 theatre, top international golf courses, boat trips offering seal watching and sea fishing, the 27-mile long Viking Trail for cyclists and walkers, the Powell-Cotton Museum at Quex House, to list just a few.

Described as a “living museum” the hotel offers ambience of a bygone era with its uniformed maids, spacious lounges, flower decked veranda, Edwardian restaurant, snooker room and 1920s ballroom with its original sprung maple dance floor. The entire building features memorabilia and educational displays.

Sunday lunch, with musical accompaniment from Nick Capocci on a 1908 Marshall & Rose Piano costs £19.95 a head.
Cream teas are served daily priced from £5.50

Editors’ Notes

Build just before the First World War extended in 1927, The Walpole Bay Hotels now being lovingly restored to her former glory by the Bishop family. It was built by Louisa Budge and stayed in her family until 1995, before being acquired by the Bishops. The caged 1927 Otis Trellis lift, serving all 5 floors, is the centre-piece of reception.

The range of accommodation includes doubles, four posters and family suites ranging from £65 to £115 per night including buffet breakfast.

A special celebration package including champagne,
chocolates, flowers and breakfast in bed is also available for a £75 upgade.

Tourist information: www.visitthanet.co.uk

It will soon be time to chill the champagne and pack the hamper for the range of musical and theatre performances taking place across The National Forest this summer.

Visitors will have a fantastic opportunity to see one of the country’s finest violinists and rising talents on 16th July when classical BRIT Award Winning Violinist Ruth Palmer performs a concert in Calke Abbey’s atmospheric Riding School, as part of her ‘Hidden Acoustics tour’.

The parkland landscape of Calke Abbey then provides a beautiful setting for the family favourite, ‘Pinocchio’ on 3rd August. Suitable for children over five, this fresh and exciting adaptation by Heartbreak Productions of Carlo Callodi’s fairytale will mesmerise audiences of adults and children alike. Booking is essential for these events. For more details contact 01332 863822 or visit the website www.nationaltrust.org.uk

At Kedleston Hall on 15th July Illyria will perform Gilbert & Sullivan’s popular comic opera, Pirates of Penzance, which will be packed with laughter, romance and a galleon full of memorable songs! The theatre company returns to Kedleston on 29th July to present an evening of romance, music and sheer utter joy as it performs Shakespeare’s Twelfth Night on a stage inspired by those of the mediaeval touring troupes. For more details and to book tickets contact 01332 842191 or visit the website www.nationaltrust.org.uk

The annual music festival returns to Heather on 29th-31st July offering a real mix of classical, Jazz, Folk, Rock and Cajun music. And, the best thing is that it is free! For details visit the website www.heather-music-festival.co.uk

Set beside a pretty lake and surrounded by woodland, Conkers’ covered amphitheatre will be hosting a packed programme of brilliant tribute bands throughout the summer months. Bon Jovi UK will be making their much awaited return with the sounds of  Rockaholic on 9th July. The Blockheads and Maz Mitrenko Band will rock the amphitheatre on 16th July, with the mellower sounds from the Magic of Motown on 23rd July. August sees a great selection of bands including The Gleek Club on 12th, Talon – the best of the Eagles on 13th and Jackson Live on 19th. There will also be Proms in the Park at Conkers on 20th August for visitors to bring a blanket, sit back and relax in the evening sunshine to a delightful performance from Ibstock Brick Brass Band. The summer concerts at Conkers finish with a finale of Queen UK on 3rd September, T Rex on 10th September and U2 Experience on 17th September. For more details on the individual events at Conkers visit the website www.visitconkers.com or call the booking hotline 01283 216633.

In addition to this programme of events, the National Forest Folk Festival is putting on an impressive line-up of bands at Conkers amphitheatre from 1st to 3rd July including Ukulele Orchestra of Great Britain, Salsa Celtica, Rory McLeod, Seize The Day, Demon Barber Roadshow, Rod Clements, Monster Ceilidh Band, Kelly’s Heroes, Pete White’s Suitcase Circus, Dan Walsh, Tri, Alice Burn & Emily Hoile and Hand on Heart. Tickets are available from Ashby Tourist Information Centre on 01530 411767 or through the website www.affc.demon.co.uk

Alice Cooper returns to Download Festival at DoningtonParkon 10th – 12th June. Other bands headlining at this huge event include Def Leppard, The Darkness, System of a Down andLinkinPark. Tickets are available from the website www.downloadfestival.co.uk

Bloodstock heavy metal music festival will be held on 12th – 14th August at Catton Park. Chris Slade from ACDC described the concert by saying “Bloodstock is a festival NO metalhead should miss”. For tickets call Tel: 01332 666370 or visit www.bloodstock.uk.com

On 29th to 30th May and 30th to 31st July visitors to Ashby de la Zouch Castle will see a Clash of the Knights and The Battling Barons. Medieval knights will be fighting for their honour in the Castle grounds with awesome combat displays! For further details contact the castle on 01530 413343.

To find out which events are taking place the website www.nationalforest.org/visit provides a full listing. Or for more information on attractions, activities, events and places to stay in and around The National Forest, the 2011 visitor guides to theForest and Beyond are bursting with great ideas. These are available from Tourist Information Centres or from the National Forest Company on 01283 551211, email: enquiries@nationalforest.org

Merrion Charles, Specialist Private Travel Consultant for Italy, has some excellent deals available amongst her portfolio of luxury villas including gorgeous Casa Glyn.

Top expert in the field of bespoke, tailor made travel, Merrion Charles has an enviable selection of hand picked villas throughout Italy ideal for families, large gatherings of friends or couples on honeymoon. Merrion is passionate about all things Italian. She is highly reliable in her discerning choice of properties providing a truly individual & professional service. Nothing is too much trouble – she is genuine, honest & highly efficient with competitive prices & absolute integrity.

Casa Glyn – This month’s highlighted villa! Perfect for couples and families, this luxurious private villa with pool and views to the Apuan Alps has been featured in a number of magazines including Country Homes & Interiors and is a very special find in the hills of Lunigiana in Northern Tuscany. A truly magical home where days can be spent enjoying relaxed al fresco meals on the terrace or by the private salt water pool watching the swallows dip into the water for a drink. Not far away is the sea and the delightful Cinque Terre, Portovenere and Lerici where guests can enjoy delicious fresh fish, swimming in the Mediterranean or walking the magnificent paths along the coast. The richly cultural city of Lucca is just over an hour away with its numerous churches, delightful piazzas and glamorous shops. Surrounding Casa Glyn is the timeless, unspoilt scenery and villages of Lunigiana with many excellent restaurants, and for guests wishing to totally relax then they can enjoy the luxury of private dining at Casa Glyn with a local cook who will come and create sumptuous meals using local, fresh ingredients.

Remaining availability:  July 16th to 23rd & August 20th to September 3rd

To find out more about Merrion Charles and her villa & hotel portfolio as well as her cookery courses and ski safaris go to www.merrioncharles.com

Anyone booking a place on Regent Holidays’ nine day Cheese and Wine Tour of Georgia will have the chance to adopt a vine from the 300 year old Kondoli vineyards in Kakheti – and receive a bottle from the next year’s harvest.

According to Georgian legend, when God was distributing land among the peoples of the world, the Georgians were so busy eating and drinking that they lost their place in the queue and there was no land left for them. But when they invited God to join the party, he enjoyed himself so immensely he gave them all the prime plots of land he had been saving for himself.

The Cheese and Wine tour gives visitors the chance to enjoy the many fruits from these very plots of land and immerse themselves in the culinary delights of Georgia, with tastings of delicious dishes in local restaurants, private homes and on al fresco picnics. There are over 500 grape varieties in Georgia and the tour will offer plenty of opportunity to sample the wines that are produced in almost every village.

The price of the tour starts from £1675 per person, based on two sharing a choice of three star accommodation and including flights, most dinners, wine-tasting and sightseeing with English-speaking guides. All visitors on the tour will also be able to choose the type of their adopted vine and will receive an information pack and bottle of wine from next year’s harvest. The Georgian Wine Society will donate 10% of all profits from the sale of their wine and Adopt a Vine Scheme to the EveryChild’s childcare programme in Georgia.

Call Regent Holidays on 0845 277 3317 or visit www.regent-holidays.co.uk