Jetsettersblog

Alpine retreat Ferme du Ciel offers rock climbing short break adventuresdesigned for sporty Dads and their kids to enjoy quality time together in the French Alps.

Whisk the family away for an action-packed weekend of rock climbing adventure in the French Alps with a package that’s designed especially for single Dads and their children. Ferme du Ciel is a luxurious family retreat located in Samoëns, France; less than an hour from Geneva airport yet at the heart of some of the most exciting sporting action to be found in the French Alps. This year they’re offering a special Single Dads short break package for sporty Dads to indulge in a climbing themed weekend with their kids, with plenty of support and all the details looked after so the weekend is stress free for everyone. The package is available all summer and includes a rock climbing lesson with an expert climber and a day of high ropes training in the forest for the whole family, plus a professional sports massage just for Dad.

Ferme du Ciel appreciates that Dads travelling alone with children need plenty of support and they’ve thought through all the details on your behalf. From car seats to child-friendly meals, the friendly staff are ready and waiting to help out wherever possible, making it an ideal escape for time-pressed fathers looking for a wholesome outdoor adventure with their kids. They’ll collect you from the airport and shuttle you to and from any activities or attractions you’d like to try in the area. The chalet’s facilities are superb with a full entertainment suite, Jacuzzi, sauna, luxurious ensuite bedrooms and even an office for guest use, in case there’s work to do during your visit.

Single Dads Adventure Sports short break at Ferme du Ciel:

Five-star B&B accommodation + breakfasts

‘Make your own pizza’ evening in the chalet’s traditional bread oven (kids love it!)

Family rock climbing lesson

Family high ropes course

Arrangement of your choice of other outdoor activities (including all transport)

A sports massage for Dad

3 nights £1320 for a family of 3 (price valid all summer 2011)

Winter or summer, Samoëns is sparkling with activity yet this authentic and picturesque area remains relatively undiscovered. Ferme du Ciel, a 350-year-old Savoyard barn renovated to the highest quality, makes an ideal base from which to explore the area and try out some of extreme sports run by specialists in Samoëns and the surrounding area. Just an hour’s drive from Geneva airport, Ferme du Ciel is easily accessible for a hassle-free short break.

The Second Swanage and Purbeck Walking Festival, held over The Royal Wedding Weekend April 30th , 9th ~ May 2011 has been voted a resounding success. The Isle of Purbeck in Dorset has some of the most stunning scenery in the South and walks roamed along the coast and over heathland, through nature reserves and through idyllic Dorset villages.

Walkers were 20 % up on last year and traveled to the region specifically for the festival. The area is blessed with abundant wildlife and, luckily, a week of good weather too. With more than forty guided walks those who took part could choose something to suit every age and capability. Distances ranged from a mile and a half walk around Swanage, discovering the fascinating history of this Victorian seaside town, or up to sixteen miles along the South West Coast Path on the infamous ‘Jurassic Roller Coaster.

Many walks had a theme, among the most popular being geology – Dorset’s Jurassic Coast is the ultimate geological site, bird watching, wild flowers and a walk which included a trip on Swanage Steam Railway as the return journey. Some walks included a pub lunch, while others involved a packed lunch, sitting in a flower-filled meadow and looking out to sea.

The week ended with with a live music event at a local Hotel. Where Key Sponsor Oswald Bailey and footwear specialist Brasher offered a prize of super new pair of walking boots.

Festival organizer Andy Pedrick, commented:

“We are absolutely delighted, those taking part were of varying ages and fitness with many planning to return next year, and hopefully bring friends. The festival is now well and truly established, and we are developing exciting plans for next year which will run from April 28th- May 6th 2012 and will include of a wide program of special interest events, such as photography, art and food etc. More details can be found on the Walking Festival website, www.walkswanage.com. With the 2012 program on line from early autumn.

For more information on Swanage and the Isle of Purbeck please visit www.VisitSwanage.com.

Commencing with the August edition of the Thomas Cook European Rail Timetable, each monthly edition will now include a new “Beyond Europe” section that provides rail timetables for some of the most popular rail routes outside Europe.

Supplementing the extensive European portfolio with the most popular countries outside Europe that were previously featured in the Overseas Timetable, each edition will incorporate some of the timetables that were included in this publication. A different area of the world will be covered each month, with six areas in total, each one appearing twice a year. The areas will be:

South East Asia, Australasia – August and February editions

China – September and March editions

Japan – October and April editions

North America – November and May editions

Africa and Middle East – December and June editions

India – January and July editions

Commenting on the addition of this new section to the European Rail Timetable, Brendan Fox who has been Editor for the last 25 years said: “We are pleased to be able to continue our worldwide coverage, albeit in a different format. There will be around 12 extra pages each month that will include principal rail services for the area covered.”

In addition, starting with the August edition, timetables for Turkey, Russia and the Ukraine will be expanded. Sample tables from the expanded sections and from each “Beyond Europe” section are included in the July 2011 edition of the Thomas Cook European Rail Timetable. Brendan also hopes to be able to include all of the “Beyond Europe” pages in the special seasonal editions that are based on the December and June timetables.

The August edition will be published on 22nd July. The July edition of the timetable is currently available and includes updates on summer schedules along with the annual Tourist Trains feature.

Review copies and interviews with the Editor are available on request.

About Thomas Cook UK & Ireland:

Thomas Cook UK & Ireland is the second largest leisure travel group in the UK with around 16,000 employees. The company has a network of around 800 high street stores (Thomas Cook and Going Places), leading websites (www.thomascook.com, www.directholidays.com and www.airtours.uk), and some of the world’s favourite travel brands.

These brands include Airtours, Club 18-30, Cresta, Cruise Thomas Cook, Direct Holidays, Elegant Resorts, Flexibletrips, flythomascook.com, Gold Medal, www.hotels4u.com, Manos, www.medhotels.com, Neilson, netflights.com, Panorama, Pure Luxury, Sunset, Sunworld Holidays, Swiss Travel Service, Thomas Cook, Thomas Cook Signature, Thomas Cook Sport and Thomas Cook Style.

Thomas Cook is an Official Supporter of the London 2012 Olympic Games and Paralympic Games and the exclusive provider of short breaks to the London 2012 Games.

Thomas Cook Airlines operates a fleet of 41 aircraft from 19 regional airports to destinations worldwide.

Thomas Cook offers a range of financial services including foreign exchange, the Thomas Cook Credit Card, the Thomas Cook Cash Passport (the new generation of travellers’ cheques), and a wide range of travel insurance policies. The company owns White Horse Insurance Ireland Limited, who underwrite Thomas Cook’s travel insurance and are authorised and regulated by the Central Bank of Ireland.

Thomas Cook also has a leading publishing division offering a comprehensive portfolio of over 300 independently authored travel guidebooks to more than 150 destinations across the world.

Thomas Cook UK & Ireland is part of Thomas Cook Group plc (www.thomascookgroup.com)

British born, US celebrity chef Mark Salter will return to the UK to headline the 6th Lake of Menteith Winter Events Series, which starts on 4th October 2011 and runs until mid March.

Mark Salter’s Annual American Evening on 14th January 2012, with wines of the USA from Trevor Hughes, is headlining the Lake’s winter programme this year, which features a range of events inspired by vineyards and chefs from across the globe.

The highly popular Annual American Evening will be hosted by Chef Salter, who became Chef Proprietor of the Robert Morris Inn in Maryland in May 2010, in partnership with Ian Fleming, owner of The Lake of Menteith Hotel.

Other popular events on this year’s programme include Australian food and wine matching with Elderton Wines, an evening with Sergio Germano from Piemonte, Organics & Biodynamics with Douglas Wood of WoodWinters and the highly anticipated Danny Cameron, Director of Portuguese specialists Raymond Reynolds Ltd, who will be demonstrating the wonders of Portugal.

Ian Fleming, owner of the Lake of Menteith Hotel, commented; “Our Winter Series becomes more popular every year and it’s a pleasure to launch our 2011/12 programme, as it features a more exciting and diverse range of events than ever before. As well as our food and wine evenings, we’ve got Cook Dem lunches with our Head Chef Graham Campbell plus some lively jazz nights to lift the mood during the dark winter nights.”

Prices for the Winter Events Series start from £32 per person for the Classic Christmas Cook-Dem up to £295 for two people sharing a Superior Lake View Suite for the Annual American Evening. Prices depend on event selection and choice of accommodation. Availability is limited by numbers.

Nestling on the edge of the Lake of Menteith in Perthshire, this award winning hotel is only an hour’s drive from both Glasgow and Edinburgh. Refurbished in the style of a New England waterfront hotel, the Lake of Menteith is a popular haunt for foodies, with its Michelin starred Head Chef Graham Campbell widely regarded as one of the profession’s rising stars.

For further information about the “Winter Events Series” please contact the Lake of Menteith Hotel on 01877 385 258 or visit www.lake-hotel.com

Now that the summer season is in full swing, please find below a round-up of what’s new on the White Isle for summer 2011.

Hotel Rural Es Trull de Can Palau

The delightful rural property and old olive oil mill opened its doors as a rural hotel in April this year and offers 10 individually designed rooms, each carefully restored to respect the original architecture.

The 150 year old property offers many original features such as the olive oil mill and the old chimney in the main building.

Hotel Rural Es Trull is located just minutes away from Ibiza Town and UNESCO site Dalt Vila and offers guests a quiet and relaxing base with views of the city and beyond. Visitors can enjoy tucking into a good book or spend a day next to the pool.

Double rooms are priced from €180 per night based on two people sharing on a B&B basis. For more information or to book, visit www.estrull.com

New Giri Café Ibiza offers a fresh new dining concept

The team behind the award-winning Ibiza boutique hotel, The Giri Residence, now offer a fresh new dining experience The Giri Café, situated just a few steps from the hotel.

Located in a renovated, historic townhouse in the main square of San Juan, The Giri Café brings the true taste and colour of the island to the table. This contemporary Ibiza eatery and bar features modern Mediterranean dishes, prepared with a stylish twist.

The Giri Café offers a relaxed yet lavish ambience; the atmosphere is one of a large dinner party, with separate, grand-brasserie style rooms in which to dine. Visitors cab drop by for anything from a glass of cava to a gorgeous gourmet dinner, or sit at the bar and dip into the small-plates tapas menu.

Argentine chef Juan Pablo Carrizo heads up the kitchen at The Giri Café. With a background that includes working in numerous Michelin starred restaurants such as El Bulli, Carrizo’s eclectic menus focus on utilising the freshest, locally grown and highly seasonal ingredients to create mouth-watering dishes that are bursting with colour.

Open daily from 20.00-01.00h.

For more information, please visit www.thegiricafe.com  or for reservations, please call +34 971 333 474.

Cala Bassa BeachClub

The new Cala Bassa Beach Club is located on the east of Ibiza, just below San Antonio. The new beach club, bar and restaurant is open from 10am until midnight and offers a fresh new concept with traditional cuisine and a relaxed vibe together with live lounge and chill out music.

The restaurant offers Ibicencan cuisine, with a focus on oven-based fish, as well as pastas, rice and meat dishes.

The beach club also serves a range of snacks and drinks throughout the day and rents out their day beds and Balinese beds for day of complete relaxation.

For more information, please visit www.calabassabeachclub.com or for reservations, please call +34 971 343 817

Lío Ibiza – the new restaurant, club & cabaret from the Pacha Group

They say good things come to those who wait. Now, after a year and a half of planning, restructuring and renovation, Lío – Ibiza’s new restaurant, club & cabaret has opened its doors.

Little remains of the old Divino. The interior has been completely gutted and rebuilt to accommodate an impressive restaurant with a club and Cabaret under a new name: ‘Lío’, the brainchild of Pacha owner Ricardo Urgell.

Situated in a prime spot in the Ibiza marina with idyllic views of Dalt Vila, Lio is primarily a restaurant Club and cabaret of lavish proportions, set to provide a visual and culinary live feast.

Artist, actors, dancers, singers and good music will contribute to the grandiose affair, and guests will get to enjoy the spectacle on stage as well as the flaming theatrics of the open air kitchen.

Lío will serve international and Japanese fusion food and introduces the Robata to the island: a traditional Japanese style of cooking centred on the warmth and energy of the traditional Japanese robata grill.

Contemporary with an Ibicenco edge, Lio fuses the traditional and modern, the simplistic and the sensual, with warm decor and fine materials to create a sophisticated space inspired by architect Jaime Serra Verdaguer, with decorative flair by David Alayeto and the art of Luís Romero.

For more information, please visit www.lioibiza.com

Ushuaïa Ibiza Beach Hotel

The celebrated Ushuaïa Ibiza Beach Hotel has beaten its critics to offer a new hotel and beach club concept.

Based on outdoor living combined with modern chic design and fabulous cuisine, this spectacular hotel and live music venue has rapidly become one of the most talked about projects of the summer.

Located on the popular Playa d’en Bossa, the Ushuaïa Ibiza Beach Hotel has set the standard for the ultimate combination of relaxation, fashion and the most up to date music on the island, all situated directly on the beach. With over four live music events per week guests can dance the days away and then kick back and relax in a chic and stylish environment. Tickets to live gigs can also be purchased by non-guests.

Rooms are priced from 130€ per night (double standard room in low season) to 1,090€ per night (presidential suite in high season) based on two people sharing on a bed & breakfast basis. Gigs are prices from €40. For more information or to book please see www.ushuaiabeachhotel.com

Ibiza Rocks Re-launch Legendary Boutique Island Retreat, Pikes

Ibiza Rocks House at Pikes has opened its doors. Pikes was the film set for Wham’s ‘Club Tropicana’ video and the exclusive party-retreat for the rock ‘n’ roll elite of the 1980’s, hosting Freddie Mercury, Grace Jones and Elton John, to name but a few. Now is the time to welcome a new breed of rock star
through Pikes newly polished doors.

Summer 2011 saw the unveiling of a re-launched Ibizan Institution, as Pikes Hotel – named after its founder and all-round party legend/personality Tony Pike – reopened on 20th May 2011 as Ibiza Rocks House at Pikes. The 25 room boutique hotel has been lovingly restored under the ownership and direction of Ibiza’s foremost live music promoters, Andy McKay and Dawn Hindle, the unstoppable partnership behind the Ibiza Rocks.

Rooms are priced from €163 per night (double standard room in low season) to €776 (exclusive suite ‘La Residencia’ in high season). For more information see www.ibizarockshouse.com

Still haven’t found that perfect summer holiday? There’s still time to snap up a brilliant deal to make sure you don’t miss out on your time in the sun. Mediterranean experts Sovereign Luxury Travel have recently launched an array of peak-season money-saving deals that you won’t find anywhere else to a fantastic selection of hotels, resorts and villas including free nights, complimentary upgrades, discounts and in-resort credit. Like all great deals these exclusive Sovereign offers won’t be around for long and guests must book by the 31st July 2011, so read on to your find your perfect summer getaway…

Daios Cove Luxury Resort & Villas – Crete

Nestled on a hillside, the Daios Cove Luxury Resort & Villas boasts a fantastic location overlooking the picturesque Daios Cove and the dazzling blue sea, seven kilometres from Aghios Nikolaos. Well-equipped modern guest rooms, luxury suites and villas all provide superb views and have been finished in crisp, neutral tones.

Sovereign Luxury Travel (0844 415 1936; www.sovereign.com ) is offering a Complimentary Room Upgrade exclusive only to Sovereign customers. Plus receive a 20% Special Offer Discount, a Complimentary Upgrade to Half-Board and an Online Discount – 7 nights from £1,435 per person on a half-board basis, departing 17th August 2011. Price includes flights from London Gatwick and private in-resort transfers.

Saving up to £1,387 per couple

Annabelle Hotel – Cyprus

With stunning views over the charming fishing harbour, Annabelle Hotel sits amongst lush gardens with tropical flowers enhanced by the vivid blue of the Mediterranean Sea. A member of ‘Preferred Hotels and Resorts Worldwide’, this hotel achieves the quality and luxury that has come to be expected of the successful Thanos group of hotels.

Sovereign Luxury Travel (0844 415 1936; www.sovereign.com ) is offering a Complimentary Room Upgrade when booking a Twin Sea-facing room exclusive only to Sovereign customers, plus a 30% Discount, a Complimentary Upgrade to Half-Board and an Online Discount – 7 nights from £1,045 per person on a half-board basis, departing 11th August 2011. Price includes flights from London Gatwick and private in-resort transfers.

Saving up to £1,719 per couple

ABAMA Golf & Spa Resort – Tenerife

On a clifftop with beautiful sea views, the luxurious ABAMA Golf & Spa Resort offers an idyllic setting close to the village of Playa San Juan, an area boasting some of the best preserved flora and fauna on the island. Lush green gardens with calming lakes and waterfalls surround Moorish-style architecture.

Sovereign Luxury Travel (0844 415 1936; www.sovereign.com ) is offering Complimentary daily access to the Spa Experience Thermal Circuit (per adult) exclusive only to Sovereign customers plus two FREE nights and an Online Discount – 7 nights from £769 per person on a bed and breakfast basis, departing 4th September 2011. Price includes flights from London Gatwick and private in-resort transfers.

Saving up to £509 per couple

Princesa Yaiza Suite Hotel Resort – Lanzarote

With stunning views over the white-sand beaches of Playa Blanca towards Fuerteventura and just a short stroll from countless restaurants and shops, the Princesa Yaiza Suite Hotel Resort boasts a perfect location. Beautifully finished in a neo-colonial style, this unique hotel has a room to suit all of its guests, from well-appointed twin rooms to spacious one and two bedroom family suites.

Sovereign Luxury Travel (0844 415 1936; www.sovereign.com ) is offering €50 In-Resort Credit exclusive only to Sovereign customers. Plus a 10% Early-Booking Discount and an Online Discount – 7 nights from £2,049 per family of 3 on a bed and breakfast basis, departing 23rd September 2011. Price includes flights from London Gatwick and private in-resort transfers.

Saving up to £255 per family of 3

Gran Hotel Bahia del Duque – Tenerife

Inspired by a traditional Canarian village, the outstanding Gran Hotel Bahia del Duque features hacienda-style architecture in soft pastel colours. This hotel is surrounded by luscious gardens complemented by crystal pools, which lead down to the cashmere sands and deep blue waters of the beach of del Duque.

Sovereign Luxury Travel (0844 415 1936; www.sovereign.com ) is offering One Complimentary Thalasso Spa entrance (per adult per stay) exclusive to Sovereign customers. Plus receive a FREE night, a Complimentary Upgrade to Half-Board, a Complimentary Child Place and an Online Discount – 7 nights from £2,159 per family of 3 on a half-board basis, departing 12th September 2011. Price includes flights from London Gatwick and private in-resort transfers.

Saving up to £1,191 per family of 3

Domes of Elounda – Crete

In a perfect location overlooking the Gulf of Elounda and the islet of Spinalonga, the luxurious Domes of Elounda is an ideal retreat for couples and families alike. Innovatively designed to blend with the harmony of the landscape, the use of domes, pyramidal roofs and earth tones give this property a unique feel.

Sovereign Luxury Travel (0844 415 1936; www.sovereign.com ) is offering Two FREE nights and a Complimentary Upgrade to Half-Board exclusive only to Sovereign customers plus an Online Discount – 7 nights from £1,199 per person on a half-board basis, departing 13th September 2011. Price includes flights from London Gatwick and private in-resort transfers.

Saving up to £1,351 per couple

www.sovereign.com

Visit Nausicaa, France’s no1 Sealife Centre this summer and enjoy their new exhibit on the environmental future of Islands around the world.

If you are driving to France take a few hours break in Boulogne and visit Nausicaa as our guest
or take the children for the day!

Taking place from the 9th to 18th September, this year’s design fest brings the Old Customs Warehouse to life

Helsinki Design Week is the event for design, architecture and fashion aficionados and professionals. Serving as a pre-launch for the city’s World Design Capital 2012 year, Helsinki Design Week 2011 offers exhibitions, seminars, workshops, fashion shows and shopping experiences, as well as open days in private homes, public buildings, and design studios.

A new main venue for 2011 has been established in the form of the Old Customs Warehouse, a breathtaking brick building with gothic towers and church windows built at the turn of the century and situated in the prestigious Katajanokka area of Helsinki.

HIGHLIGHTS OF THE WEEK:

Opening Night (9th September, Old Customs Warehouse) will be celebrated in a club-style atmosphere with DJs, drinks and high-spirited mingling. Detailed programme TBC.

To Declare (13th-18th September, Old Customs Warehouse) is the main exhibition of the week, presenting a new concept. Curator Kaj Kalin says: “The exhibition is not just about showing design objects, but saying something with them. The message is intuitive; visitors will read between the lines – the objects do declare something, but we don’t put words in people’s mouths. Visitors to the exhibition should also see some teamwork between disciplines of art and design, which is an important thing to develop in the future.”

Nothing To Declare (13th-18th September, Old Customs Warehouse) is a pop-up shop offering design companies a chance to sell their latest products in conjunction with the main exhibition.

Design Market (10th-11th September, Cable Factory) is a much anticipated yearly design stock sale. Score bargains on your favourite furniture, design objects and more!

Helsinki Design Week Live (17th September, Music Centre) is the culmination of the week, combining live fashion with live music in a brand new structure right in the middle of Helsinki. Artists featured on the evening will include Swedish singer Anna Järvinen among others.

For more info, please visit: http://www.helsinkidesignweek.com  or www.facebook.com/pages/Helsinki-Design-Week/368837194461

Finland travel and tourism online:

www.visitfinland.com; www.twitter.com/ourfinland; www.facebook.com/visitfinland

Contact: info@helsinkidesignweek.com

Here are details of two one-off tour experiences in South Australia (www.southaustralia.com)

Ultimate Lake Eyre (until September 2011) – the second wave of floodwaters are now arriving with the potential to make 2011 the best year to visit the region in 35 years – 2 days/1 night – AUD$2,499 per person.

The Jacob’s Creek Visitor Centre Heritage Experience (Jan/Feb 2012) – enjoy a private experience with one of the world’s favourite wines available on only eight weekends next year –3 days/2 nights – AUD$2,400 per couple.

Ultimate Lake Eyre

The Tailor, formerly Outback Encounter, (www.thetailor.com.au) is offering a new ‘Ultimate Lake Eyre Experience’, taking travellers to see the extraordinary transformation of one of the world’s most parched desert landscapes.

As the slow-moving floodwaters reach Lake Eyre they bring with them lush landscapes, patches of brilliant wildflowers and an explosion in birdlife. This promises to be the best opportunity since 1974-1976 to see this area with such vibrant colours as a result of the new flora and fauna attracted by the flood waters.

The 2 day/ 1 night Ultimate Lake Eyre Experience includes return transfers from Adelaide on board a multi-million dollar aircraft, once-in-a-lifetime flights over the Lake, gourmet meals and local guide. Deluxe accommodation is at the award-winning outback Prairie Hotel (www.prairiehotel.com.au ) in the Flinders Ranges, renowned for its regional produce and feral food menu.

The tours will have a maximum of nine guests so everyone has a window view to see the stunning landscape. The package is priced at AUD$2,499 per person based on eight passengers in twin/double share. To book visit www.lakeeyretour.com.au

For the latest Lake Eyre status information visit www.environment.sa.gov.au

The Jacob’s Creek Visitor Centre Heritage Experience

Wine enthusiasts will have the rare opportunity to spend the weekend as a guest of Jacob’s Creek (www.jacobscreek.com) with this new private experience available only on eight weekends in January and February 2012 for couples or small groups with exclusive use of the facilities.

The weekends start with a quintessentially Australian event – a outdoor movie screened on the lawns of the Jacob’s Creek Visitor Centre. The rest of the weekend is spent:

vintage wine tasting
food and wine matching over lunch
wine education sessions
trips to the local farmers’ market
hot air balloon flight over the region

Accommodation is in the cottages of the Jacob family after whom the famous creek is named. This pioneering family moved from England in the 1830s to settle in the picturesque Barossa Valley. Guests will visit the site of the region’s first commercial vineyard and other Jacob’s Creek vineyard sites for a private tour through the vines.

The weekend package that includes 2 nights / 3 days activities, accommodation and all food and wine costs AUD$2,400 per two people sharing. Transfers from Adelaide are also included in the price.

Le Mas Candille in the village of Mougins on the Cote D’azur is the place to visit for food lovers this September and is home to the Étoiles de Mougins gastronomic festival which takes place from September 16th-18th 2011.

Launched in 2006, “Les Etoiles de Mougins”, has become a benchmark in the global culinary landscape. For 3 days the “old village” is transformed into a food theatre where culinary workshops, cooking demonstrations, tastings, conferences, gala dinners and a prestigious competition take place. The festival brings together famed chefs and lovers of fine food from across the world. This year’s highlights will include an art exhibition showing a unique collection of teapots and an area devoted to world street food.

Local ‘chef celébre’ Serge Gouloumès who is the Executive Chef at Le Mas Candille’s Michelin-starred restaurant Le Candille, will be taking part in the festival in the chef’s competition and cookery demonstration. He specialises in Provencal and Italian style cooking which he fuses with exotic flavours. His signature dishes include Special Candille Tatin of Foie Gras and Armagnac and Sweetbreads served meunière style with Camus artichoke,sliced Pata Negra ham, watercress sauce and caper blossom.

If you would like to learn how to cook like Serge you can join one of his fantastic cooking class at the hotel. The class includes a visit to the typically Provençal market of Forville where he shows you how to select the best seasonal produce. Guests then return to the ‘Le Candille’ kitchen, to gather around the stove and learn how to prepare the produce and chef’s recipes.

Pick up plenty of useful advice as Serge shares the secrets which gained him a highly sought after Michelin star. After experiencing the buzz of the kitchen, you can enjoy lunch behind the scenes in the chef’s kitchen.

This is followed by a selection of cheeses and regional wines carefully selected by the head sommelier. The experience is completed with a dessert from the gastronomic menu of Le Candille accompanied by tea or coffee and a Candille apron to take home as a souvenir of the day.Bookings can be made via reservations@lemascandille.com

Le Mas Candille is a stunning 5 star luxury hotel that offers an eclectic blend of traditional architecture, contemporary amenities and service that matches attention with discretion. A member of Relais & Châteaux, the hotel offers 46 beautifully designed guestrooms, including seven suites, two restaurants including One Michelin star ‘Le Candille’ restaurant and poolside restaurant La Pergola, three swimming pools and the first Shiseido Spa in Europe. The hotel is set in 4.5 hectares of grounds, located between Cannes and Grasse in the village of Mougins, in the South of France. Le Mas Candille is conveniently situated only 7km from Cannes and 20 minutes drive from Nice International Airport, it offers a central but rural retreat location to enjoy the bustle of the city of Cannes and explore the French Riviera.