Jetsettersblog

Peak season deals to a choice of properties – including a cosy cottage for couples oozing with character, a ‘family-sized’ traditional property with breathtaking views across over Ceibwr Bay and an imposing 17th former coaching inn sleeping 15 – have been announced by Coastal Cottages of Pembrokeshire.

Hen Bwthyn (sleeping two) is a romantic little cottage packed full of original features including as an inglenook fireplace, beamed ceilings, slate flagged floors and Victorian bathroom suite. The property, which is situated in the village of Mathry and is just a few minutes’ drive from the beaches at Abercastle and Abermawr, now costs £550 for seven nights throughout peak season, saving 184.

For families looking for lots of space – both inside and out – Lleine is an extended traditional cottage (sleeping six) set in gardens and half an acre of paddock overlooking Ceibwr Bay. The property – which is close to the Pembrokeshire Coastal Path – is now priced at £1068 for a week from 23 and 30 July, a reduction of £267.

Finally, for extended families – or a group of friends – Nant Y Ddwylan is a seven-bedroomed 17th century house (sleeping 15) set in the heart of northern Pembrokeshire on the edge of the Preseli Hills. It’s large and spacious with several reception rooms – including an original bar retained from its former life as a coaching inn – and is located around a 20-minute drive from the seaside town of Newport. A seven-night holiday throughout peak season now costs £2173, saving £242.

Reservations: 01437 772760, www.coastalcottages.co.uk

Where better to enjoy the summer sunshine than on the park and this summer, Mandarin Oriental Hyde Park offers further enticement to come to London with Three Nights for the price of Two.

From 24 July to 11 September 2011 guests who book two consecutive nights at Mandarin Oriental’s historic London hotel will receive a third with our compliments.

Experience fresh, refined luxury that only something of uncompromising quality can achieve in a room lovingly prepared with Irish linen bed sheets, goose-down pillows and luxury designer bathroom products. Guests can soak up the daily Hyde Park scene and the passing household cavalry whist enjoying breakfast on the terrace or indulge in the summer sales of Knightsbridge.

And whilst in town, why not sample Mandarin Oriental Hyde Park’s lively dining scene with the ever popular Bar Boulud, London and the highly acclaimed Dinner by Heston Blumenthal. And then there’s always the spa and the bar.

Reservations can be made by contacting the hotel directly on +44 (0) 207 201 3773, or through the direct on-line reservations service, www.mandarinoriental.com/london

A luxurious and easily accessible destination for extreme sports enthusiasts, chic alpine chalet Ferme du Ciel’s sophisticated atmosphere merits packing a pair of heels for dinner.

Sophisticated ladies be advised; hiking boots are obligatory when visiting Samoëns, a deceptively sweet French village that hosts a range of alpine adrenalin sports. Winter or summer, Samoëns is bustling with activity yet this authentic, friendly French village remains relatively undiscovered. A charming mix of rustic French farmhouse and chic modern hotel, Ferme du Ciel offers a reassuringly elegant base from which to explore the area and to experience some sporting challenges.

There are a range of physically and mentally challenging sports for those gutsy enough to partake, including rock climbing, abseiling, canyoning, white water rafting, hydro-speeding, caving, parapenting, mountain biking, glacial hiking and more. Staff at Ferme du Ciel will arrange bookings and transport to your preferred activities, and you can relax afterwards with a gentle swim, round of golf, massage … or a champagne on the terrace if its more your style. Whatever your adrenalin-fix, well-appointed Ferme du Ciel is the ideal base from which to enjoy it in comfort.

Returning home from each action packed day to serious luxury at Ferme du Ciel is more than a relief – its a pleasure. The chalet offers six deluxe ensuite bedrooms sleeping up to 18 people very comfortably, along with an expansive modern living space and all the trimmings, including sauna, Jacuzzi and spacious Italian-tiled bathrooms loaded with Molten Brown goodies. Great food is an important part of the chalet’s sophisticated package, and their in-house professional chef uses fresh local produce to prepare multiple-course evening meals in harmony with an extensive wine cellar.

The balance of dirty outdoor adventure and indulgent pampering makes Ferme du Ciel the ideal destination for bringing together mixed groups of couples or friends. Everyone’s needs are met and while hiking boots are certainly recommended, the chalet’s sophisticated environment makes it worth packing a pair of heels for dinner too.

If you’re more inclined to be adventurous in winter, Ferme du Ciel’s ski and snowboard camps in partnership with elite ZigZag Ski School are another of their remarkable packages. Under the guidance of a highly respected professional ski or snowboard coach, you’ll work on your technique or explore some of the Grand Massif’s little-known off-piste terrain. Open to skiers and boarders of all levels, it’s the perfect way to bring your family or friends together to enjoy healthy outdoor adventure in luxurious surroundings.

If you’re thinking of visiting Ireland this summer, go beyond the typical tourist trail and discover the delights on Dublin’s doorstep. Some of the country’s best festivals, events and fabulous hotels can be found outside the capital, yet within easy reach thanks to excellent access, ensuring a scenic drive is an enjoyable part of the trip. Fly to Dublin from a choice of 25 UK airports or hop on a ferry and take your own car to explore this breathtaking landscape.

Stay at Wineport Lodge; a boutique hotel just an hour from Dublin in the heart of the Irish lakelands, and you’ll discover a serene sanctuary away from the hustle and bustle, whilst still enjoying all the first class comfort that cosmopolitan travellers expect – from the L’Occitane toiletries and underfloor heating to the rooftop hot tub and the acclaimed cuisine. Wineport Lodge sits on the edge of County Westmeath, just outside the charming town of Athone, and offers the perfect base for discovering a different side of Ireland.

Book a blissful summer escape and if you’re looking to get a taste of authentic Irish culture, here are five fantastic events which are all within 90 minutes drive:

Birr Vintage Week & Arts Festival – 5th to 12th August 2011

This annual week-long festival, just under an hour away, takes place throughout Birr village and offers a host of fun activities for all the family – from vintage car shows and flower festivals to children’s treasure hunts and dance classes.

Electric Picnic – 2nd to 4th September

Ireland’s answer to Glastonbury may not be as big but it’s certainly got some seriously huge performers with Pulp, the Chemical Brothers and Arcade Fire headlining this year. The festival takes place on the Stradbally Estate in County Laois, less than 90 minutes drive from Wineport, and you can still buy a day pass to visit on Sunday at just 99 Euro.

Galway International Oyster Festival – 22nd to 25th September

A gourmet festival which dates back to 1954, this promises a great day out, with a parade, oyster tasting and the World Oyster-Opening Championships, all under an hour away.

41st Irish Hot Air Balloon championships – 25th to 30th September

This event will take your breath away as you watch the sky fill with hot air balloons over Birr Castle, the regal estate of the Parsons family which is an easy 50 minute drive from Wineport Loge, taking in some charming towns along the way.

Enjoy two nights at Wineport Lodge this summer for £225 per person* including stylish accommodation in a deluxe lakeview room, full Irish breakfast each morning and one dinner in the hotel’s acclaimed restaurant, valid until 30th September 2011. To book call 00 353 90 643 9010 or visit www.wineport.ie

Fly to Dublin from as little as £19.99**.

Coasteering is an adventure activity that was created in Pembrokeshire where there is the very best backdrop, unspoilt views and cracking coastline to admire. This popular Coasteering break has been designed to appeal to all members of the family and to all of your friends, with top class 5* eco-lodge accommodation as the finishing touch aside to the abundance of Coasteering you’ll embrace.

Coasteering involves traversing the rocky sea cliffs. Kitted up in a wetsuit, helmet and buoyancy aid you will explore the Pembrokeshire coast at sea level, swimming into sea caves, climbing up through natural rock arches, flinging yourself from towering vertical rock faces and perhaps even swimming with Atlantic grey seals.

This weekend break will find you enjoying 2 half day sessions of coasteering at 2 very different venues along the Pembrokeshire coast. Also included in your break is a coastal hike to allow you the opportunity to enjoy this stunning stretch of coastline from a different angle.

Your accommodation for the weekend is in a 5* eco lodge which is set just a short distance from the coast in 3 acres of land. The lodge can accommodate up to 38 in a range of cosy bedrooms ranging from double rooms through to group rooms for 8 people. There is a comfy lounge and the bar and dining area has a pool table and music system, the bar itself is well stocked with a wide range of drinks to suit everyone including local and organic brews. The food is home cooked and is wholesome and delicious and tea, coffee and cold drinks are available for you to help yourselves to at all times.

2 nights accommodation, home cooked food from Friday night to Sunday lunch, 2 half day coasteering sessions and a half day hike from £209 per person.

This package is available to those aged over 18 only.

Fairmont St Andrews has taken the lead with new Pet Perk packages and is offering a five-star experience for visiting dogs after deciding they have had it ‘ruff’ for too long.

The luxurious Scottish resort has long been a pet-friendly venue with guests welcome to be accompanied by their dogs during their stay, but now it is not just the owners who can enjoy the venue’s five-star comfort.

The new offering follows the recent appointment of Fairmont St Andrews canine ambassador, golden Labrador Smudge, and strengthens the resort’s position as a truly pet friendly venue.

Pooches will be truly pampered when they arrive in their room with a luxurious bed and fluffy blanket to nestle into as well as water and food bowls.

In addition to ensuring the dogs fully enjoy their stay and have no anxiety at the new environment, the packages also mean owners need not worry about having to bring their own bowls and supplies from home.

The five-star Fairmont St Andrews resort is located in 520 acres of Scotland’s picturesque countryside and is next to the popular Fife Coastal Path, meaning guests can soak up the stunning St Andrews scenery while walking their companions.

But walking isn’t the only activity dogs and owners can enjoy together – golfers playing either of the resort’s championship courses are welcome to be accompanied by their dogs. Smudge is also available to join guests and their dogs on walks and those walking with her have often featured on her personal Facebook page.

Smudge transferred to the resort from a similar position at sister-hotel Fairmont Algonquin, in Canada, following her owner Garrett Turta’s move from Canada to become general manager at Fairmont St Andrews.

Since their arrival the pair have aimed to further enhance the five-star venue’s welcoming atmosphere and Smudge is regularly waiting in reception to greet guests young and old with a wag of her tail.

Dogs can stay in their owners’ rooms at Fairmont St Andrews with the Pet Perks package for just £20 per night.

For more information on Pet Perks at Fairmont St Andrews or to book a stay call 01334 837000 alternatively email standrews.scotland@fairmont.com  or visit www.fairmont.com/standrews

With the great British summer looking to be a wet affair, thoughts are already turning to ideas for autumn short breaks. Champagne-Ardenne is closer than you think at less than 3 hours drive from Calais, or a short train hop from Paris. The region is the perfect autumnal destination offering cosy auberges, truffle hunting and hearty regional cooking, primaeval forests, wild deer and nature trails and lakes, indulgent spas and great golf courses, plus the charm of historic towns. And if that wasn’t reason enough to visit, there’s always the lure of fine champagnes and wines from regional producers.

Here are just a few short break suggestions in Champagne-Ardenne this autumn:

Autumn truffles & gastro dinners

Weekend truffle breaks are offered from October – mid December at Hotel Terminus Reine at Chaumont. Accommodation is simple and the break will best suit Francophones, but your effusive host, chef and truffle hunter Jean Genevois, will reveal the secrets of cooking with truffles after a guided forest walk demonstrating the techniques of truffle hunting with his dog, Dolly. Guests enjoy a gastro dinner with the fruits of their labours.

A one night break starts from €177 for two people sharing on bed, breakfast and dinner basis and includes:

2pm arrival with audio-guided tour of the historic town of Chaumont Truffle cooking lesson Gourmet dinner with truffles & champagne aperitif Forest truffle hunting with Jean and Dolly

For further details & bookings see www.tourisme-hautemarne.com/default.asp?cat.id=366

Truffle hunting breaks with English presentations, gourmet truffle menus are also on offer at the charming 3* Auberge des Moissons at Matouges, just north of Epernay with owner and truffle expert Benoit, who speaks fluent English, and his lovely dog Angie. See www.aubergedesmoissons.com for details.

The new golf & spa centre Domaine de la Fôret d’Orient boasts a stunning forest setting just 15kms from historic Troyes. There’s an 18 hole golf course and a new spa(‘L’’Oree du Bois’) designed to reflect and offering specialised aromatherapay treatments. Wellbeing weekend packages start from €199 for two people sharing and include:

1 night in a double room with breakfast Two hour pass for the Aqualis muliti-sensory area with hydromassage, hammam, sauna, rain showers and relaxation lounge 30 minute massage

See www.domaine-foret-orient.com . tel: 00 33 03 – 25 43 80 80

A Gastro break on the Champagne tourist Route English owner Susan Guillerand offers a 2 night gourmet break at her charming 12 room hotel-restaurant besides the river at Arsonval, where trout fishing is offered. A 3 night break costs €168 per person ( arrival Mon – Sat) and includes: • 1 ‘Pleasure’ menu, 1 ‘Gourmand’ menu with half bottle of champagne • regional welcome drinks

visit to champagne producer and tasting
Tourist file on places of interest to make the most of your visit
Option to visit the mediaeval Cistercian Abbey of Clairvaux
From 1 October – 31 December a third night is offered free on half-board basis.

See www.hostellerielachaumiere.com  Tel: 00 33 03 25 27 91 02

Discover the fortified town of Langres

This historic town is labelled ‘One of the 50 most beautiful’ in France. With its roots in Roman times, the town has some of the longest ramparts in Europe, 12 towers and gates, boasts a fine cathedral and many historic monuments and lies at the crossroads with Alsace and Lorraine, with stunning views across the surrounding countryside and lakes beyond.

Breaks start from €99 per person all year round and include:

One night in a superior double room at the 3* Hotel Le Cheval Blanc, a beautifully converted church with renowned restaurant Guided visit of Langres by tourist train Breakfast & Dinner Choice of visits to: Auberive Abbey, a stunning renovation of a 12th century abbey in lovely gardens, housing a private contemporary art exhibition www.abbaye-auberive.com Regional wine tastings at Vaux-sous-Aubigny Fayl-Billot, capital of La Vannerie.

See www.tourisme-hautemarne.com  Tel: 00 33 03 25 30 39 08 email: reservation@tourisme-hautemarne.com

Rustic charm in the Ardennes

For solitude in a hilltop forest setting, stay at the Ferme Auberge du Malgré Tout near Revin. Enjoy regional cooking at its best with wild boar patés, hearty stews and home-made foie-gras. This is a great base for exploring the river Meuse and forests of the Ardennes by bike or canoe from Revin and Fumay. Simple, rustic rooms in converted stables with lovely views from €45 Euros B&B.

See www.aubergeferme-malgretout.com Tel: 00 33 03 24 40 11 20

See www.ardennes.com  for information on cycle routes and bike & canoe hire

Dancing with Wolves ..

And for something completely different, explore the forest at the Parc Argonne Decouverte and see the wild wolves on a back to nature short break !

From April – 1 November from €77 per person, the break includes:

1 night accommodation on half-board basis in a local 2* hotel, based on two sharing Tour of the Park with briefing Meet the wolves Lots more outdoor surprises for children and adults alike!

See www.sud-ardennes-tourisme.com  for more information and bookings.

See www.champagne-ardenne-tourism.co.uk  for more details on the region, downloadable brochures and many more short break ideas and suggestions.

For those looking for the perfect blend of sandy beaches, stunning countryside and the real Sardinia, the area around San Pantaleo is the ideal location. This hamlet went almost unnoticed by tourists until the 1960s’, when the popularity of the Emerald Coast as well as the rise of nearby Porto Cervo as the playground of the wealthy, led to the discovery of this spot by tourists and artisans who have now made their home there. San Pantaleo is well known for its weekend craft market and remains a quirky place to holiday.

Essential Italy is delighted to offer this villa just 4kms from San Pantaleo, with a special summer reduction.

Casa Qandra (sleeps 4), Sardinia: http://www.essentialitaly.co.uk/sardinia_villas_casa-qandra.php

SAVE £357!

20% off published rate for weeks starting 30th July and 6th August. Just £1284 per week.

This is a lovely villa which sleeps four. Set amongst natural greenery and magnificent granite rocks, this is a simple but original cottage in beautiful and tranquil surroundings, yet still not far from Sardinia’s sandy beaches. The swimming pool offers incredible views, and the perfect spot from which to watch the sunset!

Price: £1248 per week (usually £1605) – 30th July and 6th August

Location: San Pantaleo village centre – 4kms, nearest beach 7kms, Costa Smeralda 10 kms, Olbia airport 35 kms, Alghero airport 150 kms

The cream of Scottish golf travel will flock to Fairmont St Andrews after the five-star resort was picked to host the industry’s equivalent of the Oscars.

Golf Tourism Scotland has announced the prestigious St Andrews resort as the setting for its 2011 Gold Standard Awards ceremony, a fitting choice as the five-star venue is the current holder of the Resort Hotel of the Year title.

Attendees are likely to be familiar with Fairmont St Andrews’ first-class facilities as it hosted the event in 2007 and was also the venue for VisitScotland’s Scotland Means Business event earlier this year.

These events recognise the effort the resort has made in promoting both the town of St Andrews and Scotland as a destination, leisure sales and marketing manager Graeme Dawson explained.

He said: “It’s always an honour to host an event as prestigious as this, but it will be particularly nice to welcome the guests as the reigning Resort Hotel of the Year.

“We always go to great lengths to promote both St Andrews and Scotland and this event is key to our work in supporting our golf tour operator partners.

“We’ll be offering the very finest Scottish hospitality and it should be another fantastic night. Hopefully we’ll even get to retain our title!”

The Golf Tourism Scotland Gold Standard awards recognise the very best exponents of golf in Scotland and are voted for by those who are most knowledgeable on the subject – the people working within the country’s golf tourism industry.

The five-star Fairmont St Andrews resort boasts two championship golf courses, the Torrance and Kittocks, and has played host to a number of prestigious events, including both the Open Championship’s final local qualifying and the Cleveland Srixon Scottish Senior Open.

In addition to golf tournaments, Fairmont St Andrews has also hosted some of the world’s most important politicians and powerbrokers as a venue for both Northern Ireland peace talks and a G20 Summit.

A recent £17m redevelopment has benefited the entire resort, including the sumptuous spa complex which offers a range of treatments including locally-themed massages, facial and relaxation therapies and exclusive Kerstin Florian treatments in 12 chic treatment rooms.

For more information on Fairmont St Andrews or to book a stay call 01334 837000 alternatively email standrews.scotland@fairmont.com  or visit www.fairmont.com/standrews.

easyJet, the UK’s largest airline, has today launched ‘Summer Lovin’ prices with 750,000 seats available for £35.99 or less. These prices are available on selected flights from UK Airports for travel between 15 July and 30 September 2011.

Paul Simmons, easyJet’s UK Director said, “Whether it’s taking the kids to white sandy beaches or exploring some of Europe’s fantastic cities, easyJet still has some amazingly low priced, great value fares still available for this summer. But prices this good won’t hang around for long. It’s first come, first served”.

With flights, car hire and hotels at your finger tips on easyJet.com, you can have it all for less this summer!