Jetsettersblog

Those busy Entertainment bods at Haven Holidays have been coming up with all sorts of extra special plans to make sure this summer will be a veritable festival of music and activities.

It’s all happening at Haven’s 35 holiday parks around the UK! Sit back, chill out and listen to the music or give it your all – singing and dancing to your favourite rock anthems! Haven are promising music from now and sounds from every decade since the greats of rock and roll.

This summer ‘Beautiful World’ will be celebrating the music of Take That (didn’t get tickets for the tour? This will more than make up for any disappointment!) as well as the best of Abba; Westlife; Michael Jackson and the ultimate 80’s experience with Wham Bam Duran.

Same Difference, stars from X Factor could make a real difference to a great night out and don’t miss Lorraine Cosby (the amazing voice that sang with Meatloaf on ‘I would do anything for love’) or Ray Lewis (former Drifters frontman).

And d’you know what’s even better? It all comes included in the price!

Jamie Thomson of Haven Holidays added, ‘We’re really excited about our evening entertainment this summer, but we’ve also added in lots of additional daytime activities too. This year summer holiday guests can enjoy some Fun in the Sun – a new family activity that celebrates traditional sun and sand beach games, a touring circus, wrestling and some touchy, feely live encounters at Wildlife Detectives. Sporty families can book coaching in football, tennis, archery, fencing, golf or fishing. There are ‘Bikeability’ lessons for under 5’s as well as our usual bike and kart hire. And children’s cooking guru and TV presenter Annabel Karmel will be appearing at selected parks during the summer holidays.

Children staying at Craig Tara in Scotland will be able to take part in the Razzamataz Theatre School with trained drama, dance and singing instruction.’

Entertainment, activities and facilities vary from park to park, click on www.haven.com to see which acts, music and activities will be appearing at which destination.

Book a week’s holiday with Haven from just £499 for a family of up to six, based on seven nights in a Superior self-catering holiday home arriving on August 19th at selected parks.

Call 0871 230 1900 or click on www.haven.com

- Take part in a traditional harvest this autumn -

Late summer sun and afternoons spent picking grapes amongst leafy vines. Always fancied the idea of taking part in a traditional grape harvest? Well now you can with English winemaker Chapel Down, recent gold medal winner at the International Wine Challenge in May.

This September and October sees the annual grape harvest in full swing and, with the ever-increasing demand for English wine, this harvest is set to be better than ever. Chapel Down, based in Tenterden, Kent, is offering a two-night package to all-would be vintners wishing to try their hand at a luxury English vendange.

Start as you mean to go on by spending the night in the stunning Sissinghurst Castle Farmhouse. The five-star B&B is located on the world renowned National Trust Estate of Sissinghurst Castle and features seven fabulous, individual bedrooms complete with exquisite views.

The following day will be spent at the Chapel Down vineyard in beautiful Tenterden where Richard Lewis, Vineyard Manager, will teach you exactly how to pick the grapes that make Chapel Down’s award-winning wines. You’ll then stop for a spot of lunch with your fellow harvesters; a delicious picnic provided by Richard Phillips at Chapel Down – a restaurant known for serving high quality, modern English cuisine, using the finest local produce.

After lunch, you’ll get the chance to put what you learnt into practice as you spend the afternoon amongst the vines. Dinner will be served back at the restaurant before returning to your luxury abode.

Chapel Down vendange packages are available from £595 for two people. The package includes two nights accommodation and is valid between from 30th September – 31st October 2011 subject to availability. For more information or to book please call the vineyard on 01580 763033. Over 18’s only.

Providing inspiration for some of Britain’s greatest romantic poets, the Lake District remains one of the most beautiful areas in England; evoking images of lush fells, expansive lake views and grand country houses. With a spectacular wooded hilltop location overlooking Lake Windermere, couples can turn this romantic notion into reality by making Linthwaite House theirs for the day.

Linthwaite (www.linthwaite.com) offers couples the opportunity to create their own relaxed country house party atmosphere with exclusive use of the hotel; and the wedding party can be accommodated in its 30 individually decorated bedrooms, allowing complete flexibility with all the proceedings.

Formerly an Edwardian private country house, Linthwaite offers a relaxed and unstuffy atmosphere where great service is delivered by staff who really care about the little touches. These touches are also reflected in the classic, yet contemporary interiors by designer Roberta Fulford. In 2009, she created the sumptuous Loft Suite with its retractable glass roof and spacious bathroom, where newly-weds can reflect on their day with the romance of starlit skies. Alternatively, for those with the love of the outdoors there’s a NEW state of the art outdoor wooden hot tub in Room 21 that enables couples to relax and enjoy the lake view sunset vistas.

Linthwaite is ideally laid out to accommodate the flow of a wedding, with a selection of reception rooms and outdoor areas including an idyllic tarn. So whether it be greeting guests on arrival; taking the vows in the conservatory overlooking the lakes; enjoying a relaxed champagne toast on the hotel’s outdoor terrace; sitting down to a delicious wedding breakfast in the 4 Red Star Hotel restaurant or hosting an informal second night barbeque in the grounds, everything can be tailor-made to suit the couple’s special day.

An experienced Wedding Coordinator is on hand to manage all the arrangements, from ceremony to reception and can help with recommended local florists, photographers, wedding cake suppliers, hair and make-up stylists, musicians and special car hire firms. They can even arrange a private boat trip on Lake Windermere.
A one night midweek wedding (Monday to Thursday) costs from £9,450 to include accommodation in its 30 luxurious bedrooms for up to 60 people, the wedding ceremony in the stunning Billiard room, which overlooks the extensive gardens, plus a sumptuous three course wedding breakfast with canapés.

For further information call Linthwaite on 015394 88600 or go to www.linthwaite.com

Lagrange Holidays, specialists in self-catering holidays to France, have just announced a series of late deals offering 15% off peak summer holidays – perfect for last minute family breaks. Select apartments and holiday houses in Brittany, the Vendée, Loire Valley, Languedoc and the Alps are now 15% off for bookings made by July 1st for stays of 1 week or more from 23 July to 27 August.

Throughout the summer Lagrange will also be offering a series of last minute deals in the form of “Flash Sales”. These sales will be open for three days only the Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday before a Saturday departure that following weekend or the weekend after. Those keen on booking a deal are advised to call Lagrange first thing Tuesday morning at 9am as offers go quick! Last summer, savvy bargain hunters were able to snatch villas with private pool in the South of France during the peak summer season for 80% off the original brochure prices. Last minute deals on the Lagrange website can be found here.

Here are the details of the current offers:

Benodet, Brittany
Two bedroom apartments just 150m from the beach at the brand new “Les Jardins d’Arvor”, opening July 2nd, were originally £1163 and now are just £993 for week commencing 23/7.

Azay le Rideau, Loire Valley
Two bedroom houses with choice of arrival day at “Les Jardins Renaissance”, near the famous Château Azay le Rideau, were originally £716 and now are just £613 for week commencing 13/8.

Valloire, Alps
One bedroom alcove apartments at “Les Chalets du Galibier”, a complex with two swimming pools in the picturesque Alpine village of Valloire, were originally £597 and now are only £512 for week commencing 30/7.

Cap d’Agde, Languedoc
Three bedroom house with private whirlpool and mooring for a boat of up to 24m at “L’Ile Saint Martin” was originally £2068 is now only £1762 for week commencing 20/8.

Saint Cyprien, Languedoc
Alcove studio for up to four at the “Residence du Golf” in the family-friendly beach resort of Saint Cyprien near Perpignan was originally £898 and now is £768 for the week commencing 30/7.

Talmont Saint Hilaire, Vendée
Two bedroom house at “Le Village de la Mer”, with swimming pool, tennis court and sports ground, was originally £1020 and now is £872 for the week commencing 7/8.

All prices quoted include a £30 accommodation-only booking fee. However, Lagrange can also help to arrange travel and will waive this charge if transport is included in the package. For a late booking, self-drive is the cheapest way to get there and Lagrange can still offer Eurotunnel from £111 return and Dover-Calais ferry from £75 return.

The Lagrange France 2011 programme has something to suit all styles and budgets, from apartments on the Côte d’Azur to villas with private pools, or holiday houses in Brittany and the Loire Valley. Accommodation can be booked alone, or with self-drive or rail packages at a supplement. For brochures and reservations, visit www.lagrange-holidays.co.uk  or call 020 7371 6111.

Enjoy the very best of two – or more! – countries in one trip and make the most of your break. European activity holiday specialist UTracks offers the following multi-country breaks, whether it be combining beautiful countryside with breathtaking coast or exploring two unique cities:

NEW TRIP FOR 2011 Cycle Prague to Vienna (Czech Republic, Austria) 8 days
The Greenways cycle trails are a collection of routes linking Prague and Vienna. This specially designed trip follows the section south of Prague, from the hills of Cesky Krumlov to the east along the Austrian border. Crossing the border at historical Mikulov the route heads south through Austrian vineyards, fields and villages before reaching the cultural city of Vienna.

Price: £990 per person
Departs: 31 July, 7 August

Footsteps of Dali (France, Spain) 7 days

Follow in the footsteps of the surrealist painter, staying in hotels situated in charming country towns and coastal fishing villages. The journey begins by crossing the foothills of the Albères, the section of the Pyrenees where the mountains gradually give way to the sea. On most days there are two possible routes (moderate or relaxed) offering greater flexibility and a chance to take in the sights, swim in the sea or ascend a high ridge for panoramic views of this stunning pocket along the French/Spanish border.

Price: £590 per person
Departs: Daily until 15 December

Mont Blanc Guided Walk (Switzerland, France, Italy) 7 days
The historic Tour du Mont Blanc is easily one of the most spectacular walks of the world, brimming with incredible vistas from high mountain passes, lush valleys and highway sized glaciers. Carrying only a day pack, mules transport the luggage leaving visitors free to enjoy the walk. Commencing from the Chamonix Valley in France, the route goes through Italy and Switzerland during a horseshoe circuit around the Mont Blanc massif.

Price: £550 per person
Departs: Weekly on Sundays until 25 September

Brussels to Amsterdam Cycle (Holland, Belgium) 8 days
Combine the attractive landscapes of Belgium and the Netherlands through rural vistas and quaint villages, sampling the local cuisine and beverages along the way. Experience the Flemish port town of Antwerp, before continuing over the border to the well preserved fortified town of Willemstad. On the way, wander through the markets in Brussels, sample famous Belgian waffles or try a glass of the massive variety of excellent beers. In Holland, across the country’s fruit garden, the Betuwe, and along the Vecht and Amstel rivers, the cycle and barge journey continues to Amsterdam, with time on the last day to explore the Dutch capital.
Price: £695 per person

Departs: 30 July, 6 August, 20 August, 27 August

To order UTracks’ new brochure for 2011 please call 0845 241 7599 or go to www.UTracks.com  Quoted prices are inclusive of accommodation, most meals, equipment rental, experienced guides, luggage transfers between hotels (where applicable) and clear maps with images. Flights from the UK are not included but can be booked on request.

The city-by-the sea offers the perfect place for a break with man’s best friend

Brighton is gearing up for its busiest time of year and leaving no-one out in its quest to provide a calendar of cool in the cosmopolitan city-by-the sea. This season man’s best friend is well catered for and with a range of stylish dog-friendly hotels and eateries to choose from, there’s no need to leave Fido at home.

The chic Metrodeco, the UK’s only 1930s Parisian-style tea salon, is just one example in a range of well-heeled restaurants, cafes and bars that allows well-behaved dogs to accompany their owners. Accommodation choices include the stylish Oriental Hotel, a glamorous boutique space complete with cocktail bar and contemporary art – and for a spot of old school charm, the Grand provides a luxurious welcome for visiting pooches.

Attractions include dog friendly beaches, pamper days at local grooming parlour, Brunswick Grooming, and – as part of the annual Pride celebrations in August – a dog fashion show where entrants are invited onto the catwalk in their best canine couture.

For dogs tired of walking everywhere, Hove based pet boutique Doggy Fashion has three-wheeled doggy buggies to hire from £3 an hour. And, for a lasting memento of the doggy break, Brighton Dog Photography, provides bespoke ‘sittings’ and out of bounds trips on to the Downs to capture the character and spirit of the happy hound on holiday.

For more information on how to make the most of a dog-friendly trip to Brighton visit www.VisitBrighton.co.uk

Dog friendly Accommodation
The Neo
This stylish boutique hotel has nine uniquely designed rooms. This hotel is just a stone’s throw away from the beach and a 5 minute walk away from the buzz of Brighton city centre. Double rooms start from £100 per night, to book go to www.neohotel.com
The Oriental
This unique boutique hotel complete with funky cocktail bar and quirky interiors, boasts a great location just 50 metres from the beach. Double rooms start from £89 per night, to book go to www.orientalbrighton.co.uk
The Grand, Brighton
Brighton’s most famous luxury hotel stands centre stage on the vibrant Brighton seafront. In an iconic Victorian building the Grand is the epitome of elegance. Double rooms start from £108 per night, to book go to www.devere.co.uk/our-locations/the-grand.

In February and March 2012, Necker Belle will be introducing whale watching charters in the Silver Bank situated approximately 100km north of the town of Puerto Plata in the Dominican Republic and 138km southeast of the Turks and Caicos Islands.

During the winter months the North Atlantic Humpback whale starts a long annual migration from north to south. The exact route they take can vary, but one area they’re sure to visit is the Silver Bank, now famous as a breeding and calving zone for the whales, attracting more humpback whales per year than anywhere else on earth with 5-7,000 each season.

With it being their mating season, guests will undoubtedly get to see some amazing action while they’re performing elaborate courtship rituals humpback whales spend a lot of time on the surface, often as a group of males strutting their stuff as they try to impress the females. This behaviour often turns to aggression as the whales ram and flop over each other to get the best position.

In collaboration with Aquatic Adventures led by expert Tom Conlin, from the 16th February – 25th March 2012, Necker Belle will be offering guests the opportunity to spend 2.5 days of their weekly charter watching the whales. However, they don’t just get to watch from the deck of Necker Belle as they’ll have the opportunity to get into the water – known as a soft in-water encounter – to get even closer to these magnificent creatures. The contact will be passive floating in snorkelling gear allowing the whales to develop an interest and approach as they feel comfortable.

In preparation for this fascinating and rare opportunity, guests will be provided with a presentation and video footage of whales in action highlighting whale behaviour and anatomy.

Sir Richard Branson commented: “I am so excited that we’re able to offer this unique experience to guests chartering Necker Belle. These world-renowned whales are truly fascinating creatures and I have already put my name down to experience this amazing opportunity!”

The weekly charter rate for these unique whale watching itineraries is US$130,000* plus APA, which includes accommodation onboard Necker Belle, a dedicated crew and whale watching.
Necker Belle, is a magnificent 32 metre catamaran sailing tailor-made itineraries year round. With spacious common areas and beautifully appointed cabins with en-suites, Necker Belle is perfectly designed for fun and relaxation.

For further information, please contact:

Charlotte Tidball charlotte.tidball@virginlimitededition.com

Tel: +44 (0)20 8600 0468

For those who wish to refresh their senses and escape from the stresses and strains of every day life, Kempinski Hotel Barbaros Bay is now offering three, five and seven day ‘Life for Inner Peace’ Programmes, designed to bring mind, body and soul into perfect harmony. Combining rejuvenating spa treatments, calming and gentle exercise and holistic therapies, the ‘Life for Inner Peace’ Programmes, available at the hotel’s award winning Six Senses Spa, provide vital respite and relaxation for guests.

A blissful hideaway situated on one the most enchanting bays of the Aegean, in Bodrum, Kempinski Hotel Barbaros Bay’s ‘Life For Inner Peace’ programme can be booked as part of a week long holiday. Three day spa packages start from 475 Turkish Lira (approximately £184), excluding accommodation.

Kempinski Hotel Barbaros Bay’s Life for Inner Peace Programmes
To help balance mind, body and soul, every day guests will be able to visit the 5,500 square metre paradise that is home to the Six Senses Spa, with unlimited use of the indoor pool, sauna room, steam room and the Turkish bath. The spa facilities will be complimented by the programmes which will provide additional harmony and serenity:

Three Day Programme
Taking time out from the beautiful beaches of the Aegean coastline, each day guests will enjoy a different reviving experience, from calming reiki and soothing hot stone massage, to the unique and healing voyage of colour therapy, where the use colour and touch will enhance and revitalise.

Full Details: The total duration of the programme is 2 hours 50 minutes spread over three days. The programme is available from 475 Turkish Lira (approximately £184), excluding accommodation.

Five Day Programme
On this five day programme, guests will enjoy five different renewing experiences, including gentle reiki and colour therapy. With foot acupressure and holistic massage to energise and stimulate, and the water treatment of watsu to enhance movement and flexibility, the five day programme will leave mind body and soul calm and content.
Full Details: The total duration of the programme is 4 hours 30 minutes spread over five days. The programme is available from 785 Turkish Lira (approximately £305), excluding accommodation.

Seven Day Programme
The ultimate programme for soul serenity, this seven day rejuvenating programme combines the very best holistic treatments, including hot stone massage, reiki, watsu and foot acupressure. In addition, a thai herbal compress will relieve tired and weary minds, whilst a shiatsu treatment will relieve stress. A Sensory Spa Journey treatment will complete the programme, as two therapists work simultaneously to deliver a body massage, followed by a tension relieving scalp massage and a detoxifying facial.
Full Details: The total duration of the programme is 7 hours spread over seven days. The programme is available from 1320 Turkish Lira (approximately £512), excluding accommodation.
Light refreshments including green salads, fresh fruit juices and herbal teas are available throughout the programmes.
Nightly rates at the Kempinski Hotel Barbaros Bay start from 376 Euros per room (approximately £328), per night including breakfast, for double occupancy. To book contact Kempinski Hotel Barabros Bay +90 252 3110303 or www.kempinski.com/bodrum

About Kempinski Hotels:
Created in 1897, Kempinski Hotels is Europe’s oldest luxury hotel group. Kempinski’s rich heritage of impeccable personal service and superb hospitality is complemented by the exclusivity and individuality of its properties. Kempinski now comprises a portfolio of 64 five-star hotels in 28 countries and continues to add new properties in Europe, the Middle East, Africa and Asia. Each one reflects the strength and success of the Kempinski brand without losing sight of its heritage.

The portfolio comprises historic landmark properties, award-winning urban lifestyle hotels, outstanding resorts, and prestigious residences. Each one imbues the quality guests have come to expect from Kempinski while embracing the cultural traditions of its location. Kempinski is a founding member of the Global Hotel Alliance (GHA): the world’s largest alliance of independent hotels.

To book or for further information visit
www.kempinski.com/bodrum  • www.globalhotelalliance.com
To book or for further information visit
reservations.barbaros@kempinski.com  - www.kempinski.com/bodrum

The Vineyard Hotel & Spa in Cape Town, South Africa, has recently received two accolades, the Green Leaf Environmental Standard and the 2011 Corobrik-ILASA Awards of Excellence, both in honour of the hotel’s ongoing environmental efforts.

The Green Leaf Environmental Standard is an international standard that measures green accommodation, green business, green products, green conferencing and green events. The Vineyard Hotel & Spa recently completed an independent and impartial on-site audit against the Green Leaf Environmental Standard Hotelier Framework 2011. The hotel obtained a score greater than 75% compliance and was therefore issued with a Silver Status level of compliance.

“We’re one of only 6 hospitality properties in the Western Cape with a Green Leaf status – it would be great to see this number increase,” said Chris van Zyl, the hotel’s group environmental manager and horticulturist. “Limiting the impact we have on the environment has become a non-negotiable component of our business. It’s become an integral part of our success and future planning.”

Qantas Holidays (www.qantasholidays.co.uk  Tel 020 8222 9124) is seeing an increase in luxury insider tours and experiences coming on to the market in key destinations such as Australia. From glamping in national parks to staying in private homes or learning local skills, people are seeking out more natural and authentic experiences.

“We are seeing an increasing number of customers opting for a different kind of luxury experience,” says Nick Crabb, General Manager at Qantas Holidays. “It’s less about extravagant, designer hotels and more about experiencing awe-inspiring nature and engaging with local people and culture. Travellers want to get under the skin of a destination.”

Experiential luxury product which Qantas Holidays has recently added to its programme includes the Kimberley Heritage Cattle Drive in Western Australia, which starts this month.

The Cattle Drive is a six day horse riding adventure in the Outback. Guests will help drover boss ‘JR’ round up feral cattle in Australia’s wild Kimberley region and herd them along the savannah landscape, dotted with majestic gorges, powerful waterfalls and the distinctive Boab tree. This epic journey includes horsemanship lessons, nights camping out under star-filled skies and the chance to help protect the Kimberley, one of the world’s last wildernesses from the damaging hooves of the feral cattle. At each stage local indigenous drovers will provide guests with an insight into the meaning of the country that the cattle drive passes through. Gourmet outback dinners will be shared around a roaring campfire, with live music and story-telling from the drovers before earning the luxurious comfort of the Home Valley Station on the last night.

Price from £2,940 per person, including 5 nights accommodation, meals, entertainment, horse and tack, and transfers from Kununurra. The cattle drive will run annually every June to August.

“The Kimberley Heritage Cattle Drive is exactly the kind of authentic experience we are seeing become more popular with our customers. This trip offers the rare chance to travel slowly through amazing landscape in comfort with local people, to really get to grips with the area and its history.

“Guests don’t have to compromise on comfort or quality to indulge in a truly memorable Australian adventure,” he concludes.

For more information on Western Australia visit westernaustralia.com or download the free app Explore WA onto your iPhone or iTouch http://itunes.apple.com/gb/app/explore-wa/id406478237?mt=8