Jetsettersblog

Holiday makers returning from their holistic holiday on the the Greek island of Skyros (see www.skyros.com) tell us that Athens has become an even more interesting city to visit since the recent demonstrations.

The city is peaceful, but crowds still assemble in Syntagma Square each evening to debate lively the issues of the day just as the ancient Athenians once did. In this, they are joined by many non-Greeks who relish the exciting atmosphere, witnessing, as they exclaim, history in the making! Those who who are more concerned with visiting the Acropolis and the fantastic new Athens museum can do so as peacefully as usual with their activities totally undisturbed. Read some of the comments from guests of Skyros Holidays below.

“Don’t let a few paparazzi pictures put your off the holiday of a lifetime! My transfer was very safe and smooth. Everyone in Skyros is going about their daily life as normal. Here in Atsitsa we are amongst nature in peaceful and natural surroundings.” Anna Williams

“Athens was fine, full of tourists and locals going about their daily business. The protests were actually peaceful but the media aren’t going to show that. They’re showing a snippet of bad stuff and probably re-runs. Good news is not for the media!” Roisin Gilroy

“I knew there’s been a bit of unrest and some strikes, but this didn’t put me off visiting. The transfer to Athens and onwards was fine – no problems whatsoever. Being here is Skyros is lovely, peaceful and tranquil. Come and visit!” Angie Gaspar

Life on Skyros island as in all other tourist areas of the country remains calm, peaceful and relaxed. During such an important time for Greece, tourists can be encouraged to continue their exploration of the country. In fact, it’s a crucial time to show support for Greek tourism and help the country get back on its feet and stand tall. Don’t miss out, a Skyros holiday can be the best 10 days of your life…

For more information on what a holiday with Skyros offers, see www.skyros.com , email press@skyros.com , or call 01983 86 55 66. Similarly, to experience the remarkable Skyros effect for yourself, and to see why people come back again and again, please do get in touch to arrange your press trip this summer.

Lakeside Hotel (www.lakesidehotel.co.uk ) is one of the finest four star hotels on Lake Windermere; set in two acres of gardens on the water’s with breathtaking views of the lake and fells and beyond. The hotel has become renowned to repeat guests and visitors for its annual Lawn Art designs and the beautiful gardens offer an eclectic display of choice plants and shrubs with year round interest.

Last week the hotel unveiled this year’s Lawn art design of a Celtic Knot giving visitors who walk up by the jetty side an impressive welcoming to the hotel.

In order to produce this intricate lawn art design, Richard Lucas, Garden Consultant and Martin Thompson, Head Gardener at Lakeside spend many months nurturing and maintaining the lawn to achieve the best results. Here are some of their top tips for those wanting to create their own design.

1. Ensure there is good strong growth before cutting your lawn art
2. Plan out your design on paper, keep it simple using circles
3. Use string and sticks to transfer the design to the lawn and mark out using sand or line marking paint
4. Set the mower to a low cutting height and carefully cut your design
5. Mow the rest of the lawn with your mower set to a higher cutting height

The owners of the hotel have a great passion for gardening and for the past 19 years have worked painstakingly with a team of horticulturists to re-landscape the gardens and plan for a year round plethora of choice plants, including some unusual varieties.

The gardens are not normally open to non-residents however there is an opportunity to see the gardens and the lawn art on Wednesday, 31 August (between 11am – 4pm) when the gardens will be open to raise money for a local charity through the National Gardens Scheme, collaboration with nearby Haverthwaite Lodge.

In addition to the lawn art, visitors will be able to see the White garden and Scented garden, with its fragrant climbing roses and honeysuckle that are trained along the lake frontage. In the main garden areas there is an abundance of shrub roses, herbaceous borders with seasonal bedding. On the roof of the hotel’s pool and AVEDA spa visitors will have access to the roof garden which comes complete with parterres, fruit trees, shrubs, roses and a surrounding lawn area. Then they can head indoors for a delicious cream tea in the Lakeview Conservatory and see the display of scented leaved Pelargoniums, tender citrus and passion flowers.

An added treat for green fingered guests staying at the hotel are four luxurious suites that have their own private gardens, each one with its own individual planting theme of tropical, aromatherapy, calming and scented.

For more information on Lakeside Hotel and Spa visit www.lakesidehotel.co.uk  or call 015395 30001

Castiglion del Bosco is a restored 800 year old country estate of more than 4000 acres set in the heart of Val d’Orcia National Park in Tuscany. Originally the estate, which belongs to the Ferragamo family, was a private club but now it is also open to guests and offers 23 suites and nine villas, all beautifully furnished with antiques and one-off pieces crafted by local artisans. The estate also comprises two restaurants, a cookery school, a spa, a herb garden, golf course, outdoor infinity pool and a winery. www.castigliondelbosco.it

NEW! MULINO GRANDE HOTEL & SUITES (4*), in Cusago near Milan

Hotel Mulino Grande is a new, completely eco-friendly hotel re-developed from a 16th century flour mill, situated just outside Milan. The Mulino Grande offers 21 rooms (including 8 suites and junior suites) each decorated with different designs and colour schemes: greys, earth tones, dark greens and violets. Each of the spacious rooms are equipped with every comfort, and some with wellness features like personal gyms. All of the bathrooms have natural lighting and each room is immersed in the green surroundings, having individual access to the outside. The old features of the mill, such as the paddle wheel and the millstones, have been carefully restored and are visible throughout the hotel. The hotel has a restaurant “Il Magiono” with a large central room with seating for 50 people, as well as a beautiful and tranquil outdoor terrace. All the dishes are made with natural products strongly linked to the culture of the land. The food and recipes are native to the region and faithful to the expertise of Italian culinary tradition, with all natural products coming directly from the producer.
www.hotelmulinogrande.com

NEW! PALAZZO SITANO (4*), in Palermo

Opened at the end of 2010, the Falkensteiner Hotel Palazzo Sitano is located in a carefully renovated “palazzo” from the 18th century.

The former convent skilfully combines traditional architecture with modern interior design in a light, airy, friendly way.

The hotel’s common areas include a gorgeous arcade hall where breakfast is served, a modern bar with comfortable lounge furniture, a cosy library with business stations and a small wellness area. Its 86 rooms and suites all equipped with modern amenities and comfortable beds feature mainly clear, sleek lines mixed with small playful details. The hotel is located in the heart of Palermo’s old town near the historical harbour, it is fully air conditioned and it offers a conference room equipped with modern technology.

NEW! D-PLACE APART-HOTEL in Riccione, Adriatic Coast

The D-Place Hotel has opened for summer 2011 in fashionable Riccione on the Adriatic Coast. It is an all-suites hotel, offering 20 suites of various sizes, all equipped with satellite tv, cd/dvd player, air conditioning and safe. The Hotel is situated 80 metres from the beach, a stones throw from the famous and bustling Viale Ceccarini. The hotel offers a shuttle bus to the centre of Riccione and to the various beaches of the town and bicycles that can be rented free. A Provencal style brasserie and a bar are also available 24 hours a day, the hotel also offers a children’s club and their private beach is equipped with internet access, safes, swimming pool and reading area. www.d-placericcione.it

NEW! RESIDENZA PALAZZO NEGRI in Verona

The Residenza Palazzo Negri has just been opened in the centre of the beautiful city of Verona, next to the ancient Roman Porta Borsari. The Palazzo offers 5 self-catering apartments all individually furnished, on the second floor of this historical building, for 2 or 4 people. The location is ideal for both the tourist and business travellers that wish to be central, but want to be more independent. www.nassarnegri-verona.com

NEW! BEST WESTERN “LA GRADISCA” HOTEL (4*), in Rimini, Adriatic Coast

Best Western Hotels latest affiliation on the Adriatic Coast is La Gradisca”, a hotel totally dedicated to the great film director Federico Fellini who was born in Rimini. La Gradisca is a famous character of the movie “Amarcord”. The hotel comprises 52 rooms, all decorated in different style to remind the guest of Fellini’s films, all with sea view. La Dolce Vita restaurant offers local and Italian specialities and the hotel also offers meeting rooms on the 4th floor panoramic hall. www.hotellagradisca.it

NEW SPA FOR VILLA LE MASCHERE (5*), near Florence

The Una Hotels Villa Le Maschere in Barberino near Florence has recently inaugurated a brand new spa and wellness centre. Villa Le Maschere is a luxury hotel and resort housed in an historic country mansion dating back to the late Renaissance period. The new spa is about 350sqm and it is located in the underground areas of the villa. It offers a lunge area, a bar and tea room, Turkish bath, sauna, 3 treatment rooms and a Jacuzzi pool that is directly linked to the outdoor pools and looks over the extensive park. www.villalemaschere.it

NEW SUITE LUDOVISI AT THE REGINA BAGLIONI HOTEL (5* de luxe), in Rome

The Regina Baglioni Hotel in Rome has recently inaugurated the Suite Ludovisi on the 7th floor, a veritable luxury private apartment in the centre of Rome. The suite is about 300sqm in size and can be adapted according to the requests of its guests. The Suite Ludovisi comprises: living room, dining room, 3 bedrooms and 4 bathrooms, but according to requirements can be divided in 2 separate intercommunicating suites.

www.baglionihotels.com

RESTYLING OF THE ARBATAX PARK RESORT in South East Sardinia

The Arbatax Park Resort is situated in Arbatax, in the Ogliastra area of Sardinia on the south east coast. This breathtaking resort has recently undergone a re-styling that has made it a truly unique and ideal place for anybody looking for peace, contact with nature, sun and sea relaxation. The resort comprises a new Village with 380 suites built in a verdant park on the hill overlooking the sea and a new Spa and Wellness centre of over 2000sqm equipped with Turkish bath, sauna, Jacuzzi pools and outdoor pools of fresh and sea water. The resort also offers Monte Turri, a 4* hotel housed in a historic country mansion, il Borgo, Cottage and Villini for self-catering accommodation all immersed in the Bellavista Peninsula natural reserve.

www.arbataxpark.com

RESTYLING COMPLETE AT THE GRAND HOTEL MIRAMARE (4* superior), in Santa Margherita Ligure in Liguria

The Grand Hotel Miramare has recently undergone a complete restyling and has now added an impressive conference centre equipped with the latest state of the art facilities. The white art-nouveau building is a landmark in the beautiful coastal town of Santa Margherita Ligure and was first inaugurated in 1903. The hotel affords wonderful views on the breathtaking Ligurian coast and has a private beach, heated sea water swimming pool, a panoramic restaurant “Les Bouganvilees” offering local and international specialities, a bar, a piano bar open in the evenings and a spa and wellness centre. www.grandhotelmiramare.it

NEW SERVICES AT THE TARTHESH HOTEL (4*) in Guspini, South West Sardinia

The Tarthesh Hotel is situtated in Guspini, in South West Sardinia, an area relatively undiscovered but capable of offering the visitors the most authentic Sardinian experience. Immerse in the countryside, but a short ride from the sea, the Tarthesh is the ideal base to explore the surrounding area full of natural wonders and historical places. The hotel offers rooms and suites all individually decorated in the traditional colours and soft furnishings and the scent of local herbs is subtly diffuse in the rooms. The Tarthesh restaurant overlooks the courtyard and offers local specialities, candlelight dinners can be enjoyed all year round. The hotel now also offers a splendid swimming pool with Jacuzzi area, a spa and wellness centre.

www.tartheshotel.com

NEW SERVICES AT THE RELAIS CHALONS D’ORANGE, in Alvito, Lazio

The delightful Relais Chalons D’Orange has recently added new services to its already rich offer such cookery classes using local produce, tango classes taught by professional dancers, drawing and painting courses and riding courses. Chalons d’Orange is a luxury retreat in southern Lazio in the mountains near the Abruzzo National Park, it is a working farm as well as a Relais equipped with relaxing guest rooms, a restaurant offering delicious dishes prepared with ingredients all locally sourced, a wellness area and an infinity pool overlooking the breathtaking panorama of the surrounding mountains and countryside. www.relaischalonsdorange.it

If “affordable” and “holidays” aren’t two words that you would automatically use together in today’s climate, the Holiday Lettings Summer Sale could be about to change all that. Opt for a villa rental or cottage holiday this summer and you’ll likely have spare change to use in the seaside slot machines!

Holiday Lettings represents a whopping 48,000 holiday homes worldwide, ranging from the luxurious to the highly affordable. Thanks to the Summer Sale you can bag a bargain holiday with minimum effort. There are more than 1,200 homes available in this new section of the website and all the homes featured are discounted by at least 20 per cent for the stated weeks, which must range between now and 31 October.

The savings made on your accommodation will leave you with more cash to play with for the three holiday “Fs”: flights, food and fun!

Some of the homes on sale plus money saving tips to make your holiday budget go further:

Malta – 60% off

Money saving tip: shop around – check out all flight options available and use sites like www.skyscanner.net to get the best rate possible.

Villa Diamantina, Saint Julian’s, Malta

www.holidaylettings.co.uk/171981

Summer Sale deal: from 10-18 July, £537 per week, sleeping 10, (SAVING £814)

Flights: from £168 return (Luton Airport – Luqa Malta International) with Ryanair

Spacious five bedroom villa with inviting contemporary designLarge bedroom balconies offer captivating sea viewsThe home features a large outdoor swimming pool and JacuzziOnce inside the home guests can relax and enjoy the use of Wi-Fi and satellite TV The sun-deck is the perfect private hot-spot to work on your tan

Italy – 40% off
Money saving tip: plan ahead – research the area thoroughly before you arrive and make a note of any restaurants and supermarkets with deals on. Also seek out affordable events or those with free entry that you can attend as an alternative if the normal tourist attractions are a bit pricey. Day to day meal planning and packed lunches means you won’t spend money unnecessarily on restaurants and fast food.

Podere Casarotta, Certignano, Catelfranco di Sopra, Tuscany

www.holidaylettings.co.uk/147455

Summer Sale deal: 6-31 August, £379 per week, sleeping four (SAVING £252)

Flights: from £451 return (London Gatwick – Peretola) with Meridiana Airlines

A studio apartment in a renovated Tuscan Villa, with stunning views overlooking the surrounding Valdarno Valley and Chianti HillsWith the nearest village over two miles away, the home offers total privacyGuests will enjoy the use of a large swimming pool and garden with patio furniture, perfect for al-fresco dining and sun bathingHome features include satellite TV, a balcony terrace and secure parking

PORTUGAL – 40% off

Money saving tip: pre-book your airport car parking. Parking at the airport can end up costing a significant amount if you just turn up on the day. However, if you book it in advance, you can save a considerable chunk off the pay ‘on the day’ fee.

Villa Casa Vela, Sao Rafael, Albufeira, Algarve, Portugal

www.holidaylettings.co.uk/104046

Summer Sale deal: from 6 – 13 July, £1,197 per week (SAVING £1,198)

Flights: from £120 return (Luton Airport – Faro) with Monarch Airlines

A spacious villa with five en suite bedrooms Large outdoor swimming pool + games room + gym = something for everyoneAside from the sun deck by the pool there is a additional roof terrace, so you can sunbathe in total privacyThe home is perfectly located 35 minutes from the airport and less than 10 minutes from the beach

UK – 40% off

Money saving tip: take a staycation. With garden parties, rural festivals and seaside jaunts there is nothing quite like Britain in the summertime, even better, the money you save on flights and travel can be injected into your holiday entertainment budget.

Little Gables, Broadway, Cotswolds

www.holidaylettings.co.uk/138812

Summer Sale deal: 9-30 July, £852 per week, sleeping six (SAVING £568)

A quintessentially British, three bedroom country cottageThe home has traditional features including low wooden beam ceilingsInterior delights include a roaring log fire and a kitchen complete with an AgaThere is a large, well manicured garden so the children can play in a secure environmentThe bathroom is large with an elegant design and a free standing bath with space for two

Spain – 35% off

Money saving tip: when paying by card in Spain try and avoid the so-called dynamic currency conversion and ask to be charged in the local currency, the rate will be less.

Casa en la Colina, Alfaix, Mojacar, Costa de Almeria, Spain

www.holidaylettings.co.uk/85678

Summer Sale deal: from 3 – 30 September, £500 per week (SAVING £200)

Flights: from £170 return (Stanstead – Almeria) with Ryanair

A three bedroom, traditionally furnished villaDine al fresco on the balcony terrace while taking in the rolling mountain viewsEnjoy lazy days, floating in the large and inviting swimming pool poolInterior features include satellite TV and a spacious kitchenWith an internal courtyard, private garden and a roof terrace, there are multiple sunbathing optionsThe spacious kitchen is ideal for entertaining

GREECE – 30% off

Money saving tip: “when in Rome make like the Romans” – mingle with the locals, they will know where to find the best bargains and cheap public transport, such as buses and water taxis. The services are often frequent and run to most tourist attractions, saving you a fortune in taxi fares and car rentals.

Cretavillas Luxury Residences, Roussospiti, Rethymno, Crete

www.holidaylettings.co.uk/126094

Summer Sale deal: 23 July – 1 August, £1,499 per week, sleeping 10 (SAVING £646)

Flights: from £402 return (London Gatwick –Heraklion) with EasyJet

A five bedroom villa with a prime cliff side location, and incredible coastal viewsThe home is elegantly furnished and features a spacious lounge area with a home cinema systemThe veranda is the perfect sun-trap and is complete with patio furniture so you can relax and dine in the sunshine The villa also boasts a large outdoor swimming pool and children’s pool

Take a thrill down Iceland’s rivers with the Riverjet

Iceland is the only country in Europe which offers the exciting Riverjet experience which is famous in New Zealand. Built to withstand the brutal forces of Iceland’s rivers, the boats speed down deep lava canyons, white water rapids and through shallow deltas.

Iceland Riverjet offers boat trips on the glacial river of Hvita on the famous Golden Circle Route. The boat ride lasts for an hour and guest can enjoy the standard jet boat ride or get an extra thrill on the VIP Extreme boat ride. This has the added excitements of larger waves and grade three rapids.

The rides run daily at 11 am and 1 pm and prices start at £67 per adult and £32 per child.

www.icelandriverjet.is

Locals lead travellers on scenic Icelandic runs

Visitors can exercise with the locals in an Icelandic tradition by joining weekly runs along the Reykjavik coastline followed by a dip in the Atlantic or a hot tub.

Adventure company, Wanderlust, organises weekly nine or 17 kilometre runs. These are led by locals who know the most interesting running routes through the city. Runners will not only enjoy the sea views on the run but also mountainous scenery, a small island with an old lighthouse on it, abundant birdlife, a salmon river and those doing the 17 kilometre run will be running along Nauthólsvík geothermal beach.

To soothe the muscles after the run, the group can relax in outdoor hot tubs and the most daring can plunge into the freezing Atlantic.

The nine kilometre run costs £22 per person and the 17 kilometre run costs £30 per person.

www.wanderlust.is

TATTOO TIME WITH A SHORT BREAK IN EDINBURGH

The Edinburgh Tattoo takes place this August against the stunning backdrop of Edinburgh Castle and what better time to spend a weekend in the Scottish Capital. Each year, thousands of people flock to Edinburgh to participate in the biggest arts festival in the world and short break specialist, Superbreak, still has packages available for those who want to be part of this extraordinary event.

Since it first took place in 1950 over 12 million people have travelled to Edinburgh to see the spectacular event that is the Edinburgh Military Tattoo. Bringing together a rich variety of cultures and heritage from across the globe the Edinburgh Military Tattoo showcases impressive military precision, striking music and a whole host of entertainment. This year will showcase a range of live entertainment on the new multi-million pound arena on the Castle Esplanade. With an audience of over 200,000 people each year and millions of viewers watching the television broadcast, the Edinburgh Military Tattoo is a must see event.

Superbreak (www.superbreak.com) offers a range of packages still available that include overnight accommodation at a selection of hotels across the city and a ticket to the Tattoo.

One night package – from £205pp – including one night at the three star Point Hotel Edinburgh on a b/b basis and a top priced ticket to 10.30pm performance of Tattoo. Valid Saturdays throughout August and based on two sharing.

Two night package – from £457pp –including two nights at the five star Balmoral Hotel on a b/b basis and a top priced ticket to 10.30pm performance of Tattoo on Saturday evening. Valid Friday and Saturday throughout August based on two sharing.

For more information and bookings call Superbreak 0871 222 3055

or visit www.superbreak.com

Wine tour operator, Grape Escapes is pleased to announce the launch of its brand new six day ‘Rhône by Rail’ tour, which visits a selection of prestigious wineries and domains in the Rhône Valley, travelling between each by train. The tour costs £775 per person and is available throughout the year, mid week and at weekends.

Guests travel to the Rhône Valley by train or a flight to Lyon followed by a train to Vienne where the first and second nights are spent. The northern Rhône is explored first with a train ride through the vineyards to the world famous Chapoutier domain. The group has the opportunity to taste its wines and climb the vineyard covered Hermitage Hill to the iconic “La Chapelle”. Guests are also taken to the oldest active Maison in the valley for tastings and an exploration of its recently built cellars.

The group continues into the Southern Rhône with a train ride to Avignon. The first stop is to the award winning Châteauneuf-du-Pape appellation visiting the vineyards and a wine maker’s curverie. Tastings of the wines are followed by a three course lunch in the local village.

Wine enthusiasts are then led to the well renowned wine producing villages of Vacqueryas and Gigonas which are overlooked by the spectacular, jagged Dentelles mountains. The visit will start in the vineyards and then pass though the winery and caveau, followed by tastings of the appellation’s powerful red wines.

As well as the winery and vineyard visits, guests have free time to explore the historical sights of Avignon such as the Papal Palace and Pont D’Avignon. There is also the chance to stock up on local goodies including quenelles, coq au vin and Lyon sausage at the popular market.

The price of £775 per person is based on two people sharing and includes an English speaking guide, all rail and taxi transfers throughout the region, five nights bed and breakfast and all tours, visits and tastings but excludes travel from the UK. The nights are split between stays in Vienne, Tournon-sur-Rhône and Avignon in a mixture of two star to four star hotels. Upgrades are available.

‘New Hotel’ opened in Athens on 1st July, a member of the Yes! Hotels group. ‘New Hotel’ is the first hotel venture by award winning Brazilian designers The Campanas and the Design Hotel features striking interiors, quirky bespoke furniture and handmade fixtures throughout.

The 79 room hotel is located on Filellinon Street, next to Constitution Square (Syntagma Square) and within walking distance of the main sights – the Roman ruins of Plaka, the Acropolis and its new museum, the stylish cafe and boutique shopping district of Kolonaki, and the business zone. New Hotel houses ‘New Taste’ Mediterranean restaurant and a fitness area and massage rooms.

Brazilian brothers Humberto and Fernando Campana led the design of the luxury hotel, in collaboration with 20 local archiecture undergraduates from the University of Thessaly. In line with the design duo’s love of restoring, recycling and sharing, the team created unusual and stylish chairs, plates and side lamps by hand. Working with the students for an insight into local culture, the Campanas focussed on three traditional Greek themes. The first pays homage to Karagiozis, a mischievous folklore shadow puppet, with golden fairytale characters adorning the walls. The second theme embraces the ‘evil eye’ – a bead charm used to guard against ill omen, with handmade glass eyes illuminated for an arresting effect. Finally, the third uses a wall collage of historic postcards to offer a glimpse of old Athens through a very modern design twist.

The bedrooms feature floor to ceiling windows, solid bamboo floors and tables, while the bathrooms showcase striking solid brass washbasins in the shape of fragmented rocks with Kiehls and Clarins products. Corridors are covered in bark cloth from Uganda, a natural wallpaper produced by processing bark from the Moraceae tree. The hotel was formerly the Olympic Palace Hotel and while strikingly modern in design today, original features have been retained, including the 1940s black marble staircase.

Located on the ground floor, ‘New Taste’ restaurant is inspired by the Campana’s iconic Favela chair, with columns covered in long narrow strips of wood, reminiscent of the favelas in Brazil. The allday restaurant features an authentic espresso bar and serves traditional breads and pastries baked daily, as well as market style fresh salads, grills and Greek specialities.

Rates start from 160 Euros (approx £140) per Double Room, per night, including breakfast. For reservations, telephone +301210 628 4400, or visit www.yes.hotels.gr

This summer enjoy a little extra on top of your self-catering holiday with Villarenters. Choose from a whole array of stunning properties with private pools or superb gourmet credentials. In order to make your holiday unforgettable, you can also enjoy a private massage or personal chef from as little as £460 per week*. Get inspired on their website or have a look at Villarenters top picks this week.

Luxury Barns in Torquay, UK, offer pampering treatments and babysitting services from £700 per week in August (property references 75114 and 75113)

Three historic barns were lovingly restored in 2008 and now offer a wonderful home away from home, including onsite pampering treatments like massages and babysitting services. Honeysuckle is ideal for a small family of 4 and Sweet Rose is a romantic one bedroom house, perfect to celebrate an anniversary or honeymoon. The barns are set around a courtyard and secluded garden with a BBQ and king-size trampoline for kids and adults alike. Pets are allowed too.

Hibiscus Heritage Cottage in Kerala, India, comes with a private chef from £732 per week (property reference 76142)

This charming one bedroom wooden house is over 100 years old and comes with private beach facilities, a garden and patio and your personal chef who will serve traditional Keralan or Continental breakfasts daily and lunch and dinner on request. There is also a kitchenette with full self-catering facilities and a carefully written guide about the local markets, shops and amenities, meaning your food adventure can be totally independent if you prefer. The area offers plenty of activities such as houseboat tours, Ayurvedic body massages, yoga lessons in your garden, rickshaw tours and many more.

A yummy basket full of local delights awaits you at this country home in Fethiye, Turkey, from £469 per week (property reference 34671)

This four bed detached villa comes with a private pool and garden with children’s splash pool. Arrive any day of the week, at any time, and enjoy a delicious free welcome basket of hot and cold drinks, cheese, bread, jam, butter and eggs on arrival. A weekly clean and change of bedding plus a welcome visit to make sure everything is ok are also included in the price. During the day, try one of the many excursions on offer from boat trips to mud baths and a jeep safari through the mountains. Airport transfers and car hire can be arranged. And if you travel in August or September, you only pay £600 per week.

*Subject to availability at time of booking. Prices may vary. For bookings and further information, log on to www.villarenters.com

Blue Chip Holidays, the high-end South West self-catering specialist, has launched its 20% summer sale for week breaks arriving on or before 27 August. Over 650 properties are currently available in the sale. For bookings call Blue Chip Holidays on 0844 7044987 or log on to www.bluechipholidays.net

From Saturday 16 July over 150 properties are available and from 23 July more than 230 properties can be booked for discounted week breaks. 160 properties are available from both 30 July and 06 August, and over 200 properties are available for the week beginning 13 August. These include properties in Devon, Cornwall, Somerset, Dorset, the Isle of Wight and Wales.

From this Saturday (16 July) 16 At the Beach, sleeping seven is available from £868, saving £211 – was £1,079. Five At the Beach apartments are available from 23 July in the South Hams, overlooking Slapton Sands. These beautifully appointed apartments, part of a former Victorian Hotel, are yards from three-miles of shimmering sea and shingle beach and only a stone’s throw from Slapton Ley, a fresh water wildfowl lake that runs parallel to the shore.

Seven nights for four can be booked in 19 At the Beach from £668, saving £161. For larger groups 10 At the Beach sleeps six guests and can be booked from £804, saving £195. Both have availability through to the end of August. Deep link: www.bluechipholidays.net/atb

In Cornwall 3 Oceanis, a luxury apartment for four guests just a five minute walk from St Ives harbour, can be booked from £756 saving £183 – was £939. This open plan apartment has two bedrooms consisting of an en-suite bedroom with double bed, and a second bedroom with twins. The apartment has views of the sea and the golden beaches beyond that stretch round the coast.

Also in Cornwall, Inglenook Cottage, a captivatingly beautiful cottage for four set above the charming cliff-ravine Cornish fishing village of Polperro, can be booked from 23 July for £1,060, saving £259. Inglenook is also available from 20 and 27 August.

As its name suggests an impressive inglenook fireplace forms a centrepiece to the living room, which has been finished off with attractive slate flooring. Model yachts, harbour paintings, glass buoys and decorative roping leave you in no doubt as to the cottage’s seafaring heritage, while its white painted beams and powder blue and white decor create a chic, contemporary coastal feel for guests. Deep link www.bluechipholidays.net/inglenook

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

Summer short-breaks

Blue Chip Holidays is also launching a range of summer short-breaks for people unable to take a week off during July or August. Customers booking short-breaks of three nights or more can save as much as £853 compared to the price of a full peak week.

Stoke House in Stoke Gabriel, South Hams is typically only available for seven night breaks over the summer, however this magnificent detached 300 year old grade II listed Devonshire long-house can now be booked for as little as three nights.

A week in July or August for twelve would normally cost £2,869, however three nights can now be booked for £2,016, working out at less than £170 per person. Deep link: www.bluechipholidays.net/stokehouse

Bay View, a stunning coastal retreat overlooking Whitsand Bay in Cornwall, sleeps 8 and would normally cost £2,505 for a summer week, but can now be booked for three nights from £1,761. This impressive property comes with enviable sea views, a large decked balcony, four bedrooms, its own wooden-barrel hot tub and direct access to the South West Coastal Path. Deep link: www.bluechipholidays.net/bayview

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