Jetsettersblog

The world’s longest established travel company, Cox & Kings, has launched its new Latin America brochure for 2012 featuring and a comprehensive programme of escorted tours, including a new group tour combining Chile, Argentina and Brazil, as well as an array of private tailor-made travel throughout the continent.

Cox & Kings reports a growing trend in multi-country itineraries as clients are looking to get the best value for money for their trips. All of the escorted group tours that visit more than one country have seen booking numbers increase compared with 2010 and the same trend is reflected in the number of multi-country tailor-made bookings in 2011. Vessela Baleva, Latin America product manager at Cox & Kings says, “Our clients want to get the most value out of their trips, both for money and time so are increasingly looking to combine countries in one trip. Popular combinations include Peru and Ecuador, Mexico and Guatemala, and Argentina and Brazil or Chile. With new flight routings and improved infrastructure, it is easier to combine more of the region’s wonders in one journey”.

NEW: SPLENDOURS OF SOUTH AMERICA p 70 Bookings to Chile, Argentina and Brazil have risen over 30% since 2010 and as a result of the trend for multi-country trips, Cox & Kings has designed a new tour that combines spectacular natural wonders with some of South America’s most exciting cities. Splendours of South America is a new escorted group or private tour exploring Patagonia, Iguazú Falls and each of the three capital cities. The 18-day / 15-night escorted tour is priced from £3,595 per person including flights from London with TAM Brazilian Airlines, transfers, excursions and accommodation with breakfast daily.

CUBA: Cuba has long been a popular destination for Cox & Kings but with the country on the brink of dramatic change, there has been a 50% increase in bookings on the Cuban Discovery escorted group tour compared to 2010. The 12-day / 10-night escorted tour is priced from £1,795 per person and includes international flights with Virgin Atlantic, transfers, excursions and accommodation with breakfast daily and other meals as specified.

TAILOR-MADE SUGGESTIONS The 2012 Latin America brochure has more tailor-made content to provide suggestions for exploring regions away from the well trodden tourist path. Tailor-made bookings to Latin America in 2011 have increased by 25% compared to 2010 and the new brochure contains sample journeys to show how different destinations can be combined and more information about each region is given to provide inspiration. Baleva says, “People are more confident about planning their own holidays to Latin America, and in conjunction with our consultants who have all travelled extensively throughout the continent, they are able to design the perfect itinerary. We want to encourage people to explore areas off the beaten track in the knowledge that they will be accompanied by an expert local guide, who will bring the holiday to life and allow them to experience something different”.

NEW: NATIVE CHILE p 45 Cox & Kings’ new private tour explores the varied cultures and traditions of Chile’s indigenous people in some of the country’s most beautiful regions. This inspiring experience offers close contact with local communities as well as stays in family homes and traditional ruka accommodation. Time is spent with the Mapuche communities in Lake Budi, the Rapa Nuis on Easter Island, and the Atacameños in the Atacama. An 8-day / 7-night tour is priced from £3,385 per person including domestic flights, transfers, excursions and accommodation with breakfast daily and most other meals.

NEW: BOUTIQUE ARGENTINA p 55 This new suggested itinerary to Argentina combines some of the most fascinating parts of the country, while staying in carefully selected small hotels that capture the spirit of the destination and provide special experiences. The itinerary suggests staying at the Legado Mitico hotel in Buenos Aires, the Posada Puerto Bemberg in the jungle surrounding the Iguazú Falls, Los Sauces in El Calafate and Los Juncos in Bariloche. A 14-day / 12-night private tour with is priced from £3,995 per person and includes flights to London, private transfers, excursions and accommodation with breakfast daily.

NEW: NORTH-EAST BRAZIL EXPLORER p 67 This is an off-the-beaten-track journey exploring some of the least discovered secrets of Brazil, which can be easily combined with other Brazilian regions. The journey includes the Unesco world heritage site of the Serra da Capivara national park, the white-powder dunes and blue lagoons of Lençóis Maranhenses and the labyrinth of mangroves, creeks and tropical islands of the Parnaiba delta.

Please see www.coxandkings.co.uk/latin-america  for the full programme to Latin America.

Culture Odyssey is the newest, freshest, travel and culture site with stunning images and eclectic content designed to appeal to the traveller, the artist, the hotelier and travel service provider as both a resource, a promotional tool and a fascinating read.

Culture Odyssey provides a great opportunity for PR Professionals to post their travel, resort, exhibition and hotel news, events and articles. Set up a profile, upload your item, add your image and it will be displayed on the Home Pages and the relevant country landing page.

For more information please contact Ann Bagnell at Culture Odyssey.

To celebrate the re-launch of Dolphin Island, Fiji, following a lengthy period of re-furbishment and renovation, The Huka Retreats is offering a ’4 for 3 Package’. Guests who stay on Dolphin Island, on an exclusive-use basis for a three-night stay, will receive a fourth night – with the compliments of The Huka Retreats.

Dolphin Island is a stunning sister property to famed Huka Lodge, New Zealand and heritage Grande Provence Estate, South Africa.

The divine 13-acre private island has been the latest project of founder of The Huka Retreats, Alex van Heeren, who has once again collaborated with renowned interior designer Virginia Fisher, to create yet another extraordinary guest experience for the world’s most discerning travellers.

With accommodation for a maximum of just eight guests, Dolphin Island is truly exclusive in every sense and designed especially for island living. The thatched Main Bure pavilion holds centre court with an infinity pool, flanked by two pairs of guest bures either side and surrounded by fringed palm trees.

The white sand of the beach beckons, as does the crystal-clear azure water and the romance of the floating pontoon. Guests luxuriate in this nurturing haven of privacy and relaxation, where warm Fijian staff look after guests as little or as much as they require and each day seems to merge seamlessly into the next.

The ’4 for 3 Package’ is available until 12 December 2011 and includes accommodation, all meals, a standard bar, all vehicle transfers by private car to and from Dolphin Island, boat transfers and use of all Dolphin Island facilities.

Dolphin Island, Fiji, Huka Lodge, New Zealand and Grande Provence Estate, South Africa comprise The Huka Retreats. Sister properties, all sharing a passionate commitment to providing extraordinary hospitality experiences for their guests.

www.hukaretreats.com

Lights, camera, action: The legendary island of Aphrodite lures the stars with its year-round sun and short fly time from all UK’s major airports.

So, if you’re after a bit of star spotting from your sun lounger, here’s our handy guide:-

Where are the hotspots?

Naturally at home in front of the camera, they want their holidays to be paparazzi free (well, nearly) so they don’t hang out at the local beach. They head to the island’s five-star spas to pamper, pose and party on the private beaches.

Hotspot one: Paphos

The Elysium Hotel – a luxury resort and spa is where Denise Van Outen took a week out of her one-woman West End show to relax www.elysium-hotel.com

Our footballing hero, Rio Ferdinand also headed to the same hotel with Swansea City player Ashley Wiliams, where they spent their time sipping beer around the pool being adored by bikini clad fans. They later partied in Paphos with a group of close friends.

Sex in the City siren Kim Cattrall is a fan Columbus Beach Resort in Pissouri Bay, and Harry hunters take note – HRH Prince Harry dined here while on military dive training, no doubt gaining stamina for his brother’s big day.

Music legends Rod Stewart and George Benson have both stayed at the Amathus Beach Hotel. The Paphos area is also a favourite with Topshop tycoon Phillip Green (celebrating his 50th birthday at the Anassa Hotel), Danielle Lloyd and former Eastenders star Natalie Cassidy.

Olympic legends Lord Coe and Dame Kelly Holmes are among stars who’ve lapped up the luxury of the Aphrodite Hills resort in Cyprus. They follow in the hallowed footsteps of the British Olympic team who trained for the 2004 Olympic Games in Pafos.

This prestigious sports and leisure base overlooks the rock near where the Greek goddess of love is said to have emerged from the Mediterranean. Other celebs spotted soaking up the sun here include singers James Blunt, Bryan Adams and Mick Hucknall. www.aphroditehills.com . Meanwhile, Nick Faldo was in town to promote the Elea Golf Club www.eleaestates.com

Hotspot two: Limassol

Famous goalkeeper David Seaman and East Enders actress Barbara Windsor wind down at Limassol’s five star Le Meridien Spa and Resort – as does millionaire WAG Colleen Rooney and a host of others. The hip Londa Hotel meanwhile attracts the fashion crowd like Julien McDonald and a list of low key names, www.londahotel.com

Set on a ten mile stretch of golden beach lined with restaurants and cafes, Limassol is a buzzing metropolis with a hopping cultural scene set around a working port, the Old Town – not to mention its designer shopping parades.

Hotspot three: Ayia Napa

Prime time TV beautyChristine Bleakley recently treated herself to a laid back girlie getaway in Cyprus – without her new fiancé and soccer star Frank Lampard. She and her pals spent much of their time relaxing by the pool and sipping on champagne during the holiday.

Meanwhile, Coronation Street’s teenage lover – Sacha Parkinson – aka Sophie Webster – relaxed with female pals in Cyprus party resort Ayia Napa just last month.

With Cypriot heritage, reality star Peter Andre is a regular visitor to the island with his children to visit extended family, while staying in his own holiday villa, outside Larnaca where he and ex wife Katie Price (aka Jordan) finished building before their split.

Autumn is a wonderful time to visit Cyprus, with temperatures in the high 80s.

For more information, www.visitcyprus.com

KAPALUA, MAUI, HAWAII – The Kapalua Villas proves there really is no place like home, allowing vacationing families and corporate travelers to enjoy the benefits and comforts of home married with lavish signature touches that The Kapalua Villas is known for.

With expansive four-bedroom estate homes to choose from, starting at $3,500 per night, families or groups can spread out while relaxing in Hawaiian-style luxury that they’ll want to write home about.

“The luxury homes are a great option for travelers who want to balance the extravagance of a five-star hotel with the comforts and privacy of home while on vacation; and with a variety of housing options, extended family or friends are able to come along for an unforgettable getaway,” said TJ Oesterling, general manager of The Kapalua Villas.

“The Kapalua Luxury Homes are reinventing how traveler’s vacation and we think these accommodations provide a pleasant change of pace that families will want to come back to again and again.”

Located in the private, gated community of Pineapple Hill within the exclusive Kapalua Resort, The Kapalua Luxury Homes give families the opportunity to spread out while still spending ample time together.

These distinctively designed and decorated homes offer expansive indoor and outdoor living areas, air conditioning, private outdoor pools and/or whirlpool spas as well as maid service during the stay.

Families can also enjoy a home-cooked meal and show-off their culinary prowess in the gourmet kitchens decked out with top-of-the-line appliances.

For multi-generational or multiple families traveling together the extra space provides an opportunity to enjoy added privacy – while still staying close – as well as the opportunity for parents and adults to enjoy a little “vacation” of their own, spending quality time together late into the night while the keiki (children in Hawaiian language) sleep close by.

When they are ready to venture out of the sumptuous digs, families can hop into a luxury SUV vehicle provided daily and take off on one of the many adventures offered through the Kapalua Resort. Parents can opt to sneak away for an afternoon round of golf with preferred access to the prestigious Bay Course and Plantation Course or get some quiet time with a treatment or massage at the luxurious Kapalua Spa. And kids will be tickled by the thrills awaiting them at Kapalua Adventures which offers zip line tours and more.

And for those who want to take advantage of the great outdoors, the resort’s three world-class beaches – including Kapalua Bay, voted “America’s Best Beach” – allows families to challenge themselves with snorkeling, kayaking and SCUBA diving.

In the evenings, the resort offers kid-friendly, casual dining at the Village Café and Sweet Shoppe or families can expand their palates at delectable dining options like Merriman’s Kapalua, Plantation House Restaurant, the Pineapple Grill or Sansei Seafood Restaurant & Sushi Bar, all conveniently located on resort property.

The Kapalua Villas are part of Outrigger Hotels & Resorts’ deluxe condominium collection, which offers hotel-style hospitality with all the comforts of home. The Kapalua Villas offers housekeeping service, full kitchens, laundry services, as well as air conditioning for total comfort.

For reservations or information, call your preferred travel professional or The Kapalua Villas at 1-800-545-0018 within the U.S., Guam and Canada. Elsewhere call (808) 665-9137 (long distance charges apply). For online information or reservations, log on at www.kapaluavillas.com  or email reservations@kapaluavillas.com.

The Coniston Hotel at Coniston Cold, Skipton, North Yorkshire, has been awarded four stars by the AA for the very first time since the hotel opened in 1998. Owned and operated by the Bannister family on the Coniston estate, the 50-bedroom hotel is a popular venue for weddings, leisure breaks and corporate events.

The AA award comes hot on the heels of redevelopment work at the hotel, including the creation of “The Huntsman’s Lodge”, a rustic lounge area with a sun terrace overlooking the 24-acre lake, which serves a range of meals and light refreshments through the day.

The Coniston Hotel’s Managing Director is Tom Bannister. On hearing of the award, he said “I am delighted that the AA has recognised the efforts we have made in enhancing the facilities and service we offer here at The Coniston Hotel, and feel that the award is reward for the tremendous effort by General Manager Louise Bolton and her team”.

This year, The Coniston Hotel has seen an upturn in its short breaks and longer holiday bookings. “At a time when people are put off from going overseas for a variety of reasons”, said Mr Bannister, “it’s great to see that UK residents are flocking to an area such as the Yorkshire Dales instead, and that British holidays are back in fashion”. The Coniston Hotel is currently offering guests from the north of England and further afield a brand new short break called the “Dales Dash”, and families are being enticed to the area with a complete leisure break called the “Estate Escape, including a chance to enjoy activities like golf driving, cycling and falconry.

Train Chartering provided private charter trains for VIP travel to the British Open 2011 for a sports marketing agency working on behalf of a major sponsor of the competition, and is now planning the charter train programme for the Open 2012 at Lytham St Annes.

The agency required appropriate transportation to convey the sponsor’s valued guests to the Open at the Royal St. George’s Golf Club on Friday 15th, Saturday 16th and Sunday 17th July. Train Chartering’s offer of the heritage First Class train with Pullman dining fitted their requirements exactly.

The Open 2011 Express ran between London’s Victoria Station and Deal on all three days, with a short coach transfer to the club. The train was on time or slightly early on each of the six journeys.

Train Chartering operates a variety of train types. In the case of The Open 2011 Express, it was an heritage train built in the early 1960s composed of First Class carriages. Armchair seating – only 42 per car – around full-size tables created a perfect environment in which to entertain and to dine.

Diners were served a classic English breakfast on the way to the golf, and a 3-course dinner on the return. The catering was chef-prepared in the onboard kitchen and served by uniformed stewards; Pullman dining at its best.

The agency chose various forms of branding for The Open 2011 Express. The sponsor’s logo was applied to several windows in each carriage, and also appeared on the headrest covers. There were also branded menus and a headboard on the lead locomotive, which was the instantly recognisable logo of the sponsor.

Simon Pielow of Train Chartering says, “The agency’s choice of the heritage Pullman dining train for their client was perfect. Comfortable travel augmented by at-seat Pullman dining is ideal for those going to championship golf; it worked well for the Open 2011 and will do so in 2012.”

Train Chartering has provided charter trains and private carriages since 1998 to corporate and individual clients as well as group travel organisers. Combining this experience with a wide range of train types, Train Chartering is in a unique position to tailor an appropriate rail travel experience.

SouthWest Germany, August: There are some places that all Britons in Germany should have seen: the Reichstag in Berlin, the Hofbräuhaus in Munich and the fairytale castle of Mad King Ludwig II. But one region is an absolute must: the Black Forest!

The home of the world-famous cuckoo clock, the Bollenhut, the legendary Black Forest houses and the Black Forest gâteau today stands as a modern cultural landscape, as a Mecca for mountain bikers and as one of the largest walking regions in Germany. In addition, with the Europa Park, the region is also home to the German version of Disneyworld.

The holiday region, which spans over 11,400 square kilometres (4,400 square miles) and borders both France and Switzerland, owes its name to the highest sub-mountainous region in Germany. The mountains of the Black Forest loom larger than those in all other sub-mountainous regions. Meanwhile, the two natural parks found in the Black Forest are each larger than Majorca, and together comprise more than half of the region.

Throughout the world, the Black Forest stands for an exciting combination of a modern region of culture; a home and place to spend their leisure time for millions of people; and natural landscapes that have maintained their wilderness. As a result, the Black Forest has reached the final of the New 7 Wonders of Nature. You can vote for the Black Forest at www.new7wonders.com

Vast expanses of forest-bedecked mountains, sunny mountain pastures, green peaks, panoramic views of the French Vosges to the west and the Swiss Alps to the south alternate with deep lying river valleys, small towns made up of timber-framed houses, and picture-perfect villages. The spa towns, such as Baden-Baden and Badenweiler, have been renowned for decades; whilst the “Green City” of Freiburg continues to be dominated by the intricate sandstone tower of the Münster to this day. It has been considered to be the “most beautiful tower in Christendom” by many since the Middle Ages.

Vines grow on the western edge of the Black Forest, and the resulting wines can be found in the greatest wine guides and in the wine cellars of connoisseurs across the globe. Autumn is the season of wine festivals and the “Strauß-Wirtschaften”. The winegrower use brightly decorated birch-brooms to announce that they are ready to serve their own wines, together with dishes from their own kitchens and cellars. People sit together, drink wine, and eat sauerkraut, Schäufele (shoulders of pork), farmhouse bread and Flammkuchen (pizza-like dish).

If you don’t arrive in Germany until winter you should make sure that you visit the Christmas markets in the towns full of small timber-framed houses, for example the Christmas Markets in Gengenbach, in Baden-Baden or in Freiburg. Also be sure not to miss the 130-metre-high stone viaduct arches of the legendary train journey that runs through the Black Forest via the Ravennaschlucht gorge. Then there are “Germany’s tallest waterfalls” in Triberg – another must. They fall a distance of 135 metres (442 ft.), passing several cascades en route. But between Christmas and the end of the year, around 750,000 candles and lights illuminate icicles and snow drifts over the gurgling mountain stream.

For more information, please visit www.schwarzwald-tourismus.info  and www.blackforest-tourism.com

Discover the cultural and vibrant hotspot that is Frankfurt this Christmas, with a trip to the lively Christmas markets and a luxury stay at Jumeirah’s first continental Europe hotel, Jumeirah Frankfurt.

Located in the heart of the city, close to the business district and bustling shopping streets, the newly opened Jumeirah Frankfurt is perfectly placed for guests seeking a continental style Christmas escape. Guests can sample local foods and mulled wine at the internationally renowned Christmas Market (23 November – 22 December), one of Germany’s oldest and most popular Christmas markets in Europe, in the scenic surroundings of Römerberg and Paulsplatz. Take a stroll around the market’s 200 stalls offering arts, crafts and seasonal food and drink whilst soaking up the atmosphere courtesy of the gigantic 30m Christmas Tree centerpiece and Christmas carols. Alternatively Frankfurt Tourist Office organises regular guided themed tours around the city’s Christmas market.

As well as being Europe’s largest financial centre, Frankfurt is a mecca for all things architectural, artistic and historical. The Museum Riverbank, one of Germany and Europe’s most important locations for museums, along the bank of the River Main, is where many museums are located, usually in old villas.

For those wanting to simply relax this Christmas, the hotel’s 218 classic yet contemporary guestrooms, each featuring an exclusive piece of artwork by celebrated German artist Hartwig Eberbach, are fully equipped with the latest in-room technology. Alternatively the hotel’s 400m2 Talise Spa offers tailor-made treatments in the most luxurious of settings (the perfect Christmas gift!) The cosy atmosphere of the open fireplace at Ember Bar & Lounge is the perfect spot to unwind with a hot chocolate. For authentic German cuisine, Max on One, the hotel’s first floor restaurant, will impress avid foodies, with the menu’s inventive local produce created by acclaimed chef Martin Steiner. Alternatively, the cafe “Le Petit Palais” specialises in pastries and everything sweet – the perfect location to sample traditional German Christmas cookies or have a cup of hot chocolate whilst taking a break during Christmas shopping.

The Excelsior Hotel Ernst in Cologne, Germany is delighted to offer it’s festive guests a bespoke Advent package celebrating the famous Cologne Christmas Markets held in the city from 23rd November to 23rd December.

A member of ‘The Leading Hotels of the World’, the Excelsior Hotel Ernst is situated centrally in the heart of Cologne, opposite the prestigious Cologne Cathedral. Within two minutes walking distance are the main shopping areas, the Cologne perfume house and renowned breweries and “beer kellers” of this vibrant city.

Winner of numerous accolades, including “Hotel of the Year 2010″, “Foreign Restaurant of the Year” for restaurant taku, “Restaurant Manager of the Year” for restaurant Hanse Stube as well as the prestigious “Leaders Club Recognition Award”, the Excelsior Hotel Ernst provides visitors during the festive season a convenient yet luxurious base to explore the city.

This “Advent” package includes one night in a standard room, mulled wine upon arrival, complimentary use of the in room mini-bar, breakfast buffet the following morning as well as complimentary use of the sauna and fitness facilities. Furthermore, late check-out on day of departure, enables you to spend more of your precious time in this vibrant city and the Cologne Christmas markets.

The market at the Cologne Cathedral is one of the most impressive Christmas markets of Cologne due to the backdrop of the imposing Cathedral and is located on the doorstep of the Excelsior Hotel Ernst. 160 attractively designed wooden pavilions sit just beneath the largest Christmas tree in the Rhineland region and offer visitors an authentic festive atmosphere. Guests are able to choose from numerous sweet specialities , watch artisans at work and enjoy the “Original Christmas mulled wine” out of the festively decorated Christmas mugs.

As the Christmas season approaches there will be plenty of entertainment featured throughout the city including a variety of Christmas concerts, nativity scene displays and a huge temporary ice rink at the Heumarkt.

The “Advent” package starts at €115 per person per night sharing a twin or double room from Sunday to Thursday and from €137.50 per person per night on Friday and Saturday nights. The “Advent” package can be booked at reservation@excelsior-hotel-ernst.de