Jetsettersblog

After six years of reconstruction costing £413 million, the Bolshoi theatre will finally reopen with a grandiose gala concert on October 28, 2011.

A few days after the ceremony a first season premiere “Ruslan and Lyudmila” by Glinka will be presented on the Bolshoi Theatre Main Stage.

Throughout the season 2011/2012 world premieres will be performed on the renovated Main Stage along with renewed masterpieces of Russian ballet and opera.

The Bolshoi is of course steeped in ballet history and known for hosting some of the greatest dancers ever seen. The neo-classical building closed for renovation in 2005 and the project has since been beset by delays with engineers discovering that 75 per cent of the building was unstable. It is now set to welcome future generations of ballet stars in a spectacular setting.

Audley offer a four day trip to Moscow including a ticket to the Bolshoi, flights, private transfers and a privately guided tour of the Kremlin from £1150 per person. Further details from Audley on 01993 838 200 www.audleytravel.com

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Celebrity getaways are often remote and exclusive, they are known for going on magnificent holidays to the world’s most exciting destinations to escape the pressures of their busy and public persona lifestyles. Celebs have their image to maintain and a health-fulfilled inspired lifestyle is fundamental for them. Health and Fitness Travel (www.healthandfitnesstravel.com) who provides tailor-made active and wellness holidays worldwide, share their top five healthy holidays where celebs go to keep well.

In today’s world you can go on a celebrity health and fitness holiday without a large bank balance, and by taking a few shortcuts you could be staying at Kylie Minogue’s recent holiday destination in no time. Avoid the high season when prices can double, look out for special seasonal offers, and rather than stay in the presidential suite Simon Cowell checks into, swap to a deluxe double, the room and the view is just as charming.

So why are celebrities inspired by a healthy lifestyle on holiday? These active and wellness escapes are extremely popular, with tailored programmes specifically designed to be fun and challenging. More than ever, celebrities need to look and feel great to maintain their prominent physique, so they can remain in the public eye for a lifetime. Keep the pounds off on your next wellness getaway and stay in tip-top condition just like they do.

A celebrity health-hideaway can range from yoga and Pilates in the Caribbean, a spa and detox experience in Spain, to beach boxing in Thailand. Here are the top five holidays meaning you too can escape to paradise the healthy way, like your favourite celebrities do

SHA Wellness Clinic

Spain

Many celebs such as Kylie Minogue, Naomi Campbell and Simon Cowell have deposited their bodies here and participated in activities such as tai chi, healthy cooking, walks and lectures. The clinic also offers a stunning wellness centre and the fabulous minimalist architecture, coastline views, outdoor yoga sessions and macrobiotic cooking classes are truly inspiring.

Canyon Ranch

Arizona

Celebs such as Sting, Oprah Winfrey and Julia Roberts have all been to this award-winning wellness retreat surrounded by mountains in the magnificent Sonoran desert. The perfect opportunity to renew your senses, discover new experiences and learn to live a healthy lifestyle. Guests can choose from over 40 fitness complimentary classes every day including yoga, dance classes, as well as guided walks and biking excursions.

The BodyHoliday

St Lucia

Celebs such as the late Amy Winehouse, Charlotte Church and Emma Bunton have all visited this health and fitness retreat to rejuvenate and re-energise. Amidst the spectacular landscape of natural waterfalls and unspoilt rainforests, enjoy daily spa treatments and enough activities to keep you busy from morning till night from yoga to circus sports.

Chiva Som

Thailand

Many celebs love this place including Liz Hurley, Elle Macpherson and Kylie Minogue. This world-renowned award-winning health and fitness retreat is dedicated to total well-being via a holistic approach. From stress relief and weight management to detox and fitness, expert health and fitness advisers utilise the best in modern, specialist and complementary medicine and spa therapies to create a dedicate programme for guests.

Sandy Lane

Barbados

Celebrities like Simon Cowell, Hugh Grant, Lulu, Andrew Lloyd Webber and Jeremy Clarkson all relish a healthy and active holiday here. Engage in the vibrant nightlife that is also the celebrity home of singer Rihanna. Experience nothing less than supreme service and elegance with activities including golf, daily fitness classes of yoga, Pilates and circuits as well as water sports.

Health and Fitness Travel who provide tailor-made active and wellness holidays worldwide feature all the celebrity holidays above. For more information visit www.healthandfitnesstravel.com  or call 0845 5441936

It has been the coolest summer for almost two decades according to the Met Office – so if you are looking for warmer temperatures UTracks offers active breaks at some of Europe’s favourite islands, which still enjoy temperatures in the early 20s…

NEW FOR 2011 Crete: Mountains and Coast 8 days
Explore the southwest coast of Crete, with its spectacular White Mountains, the deep gorges and coastal trails that lead to charming fishing villages and quiet beaches, some accessible only by boat. The trip will appeal to lovers of coastal landscapes, history and traditional Greek culture, featuring scenic walks through numerous gorges (including the longest in Europe, the Samaria Gorge) and sightings of the wild goats (kri-kri). Whilst the focus is on walking, there is ample time to swim at unspoilt beaches and explore traditional coastal villages.
Average temperature in September: 24 degrees
Departs: Daily until October
Price: £650 per person

NEW FOR 2011 Sardinia Cycle 8 days
Sardinia is a cyclist’s paradise with its superb network of quiet roads hugging a rugged coastline or hillside, hospitable and welcoming people and exceptional cuisine. Situated off the west coast of Italy and just south of Corsica, the island has through its isolation developed a unique culture and traditions, including its own dialect. During the weeklong cycle trip the route skirts the high plateau of Gennargentu, explores the lunar landscapes of the Taquisara Valley and freewheels to the coast and the pristine beaches on the south east coast.
Average temperature in September: 23 degrees
Departs: Daily until 31 October
Price: £990 per person

Crossing Madeira 11 days
Rising steeply from the Atlantic Ocean off the coasts of Europe and Africa, the compact island of Madeira is a walker’s paradise, offering both an ideal subtropical climate and a network of old paths accessing cultivated terraces built high above the sea. Over the centuries, a series of irrigation channels were developed to bring rainfall from the north to the drier regions in the south. These mini-channels (levadas) travel through woodlands and along impressive coastal cliffs to access the most rugged and stunning landscapes found on the island…
Average temperature in September: 23 degrees
Departs: Daily throughout the year
Price: from £730 per person

Volcanoes of Sicily Guided 8 days
The beautiful Aeolian Archipelago, to the north of the island of Sicily, is made up of seven diverse islands, famous for their dramatic cliffs, winding coastline, black beaches and thermal hot springs. Exploring the islands on foot, the trip includes guided ascents of Stromboli, where fiery lava explodes regularly from its crater, and Etna, one of the most active volcanoes in the world. The daily walks are interspersed with opportunities to relax on the beach, snorkel, bathe in therapeutic hot mud or explore the charming ports and villages, while taking in the panoramic views of the deep blue sea…
Average temperature in September: 23 degrees
Departs: 10 September, 1 October, 15 October
Price: £990 per person

Croatia Bike & Sail 8 days
Southern Dalmatia encompasses a stunning chain of Croatia’s islands and this stimulating cycling trip captures the highlights with an ideal balance of activity, culture and relaxation. In the company of a cycling guide, explore UNESCO-protected landscapes and towns, experience the beautiful island of Korcula, discover the wine-growing peninsula of Peljesac and the natural beauty of the impressive Mljet National Park – while aboard a comfortably appointed wooden motor yacht, swim in the azure waters and soak up the ambiance of seaside towns…
Average temperature in September: 21 degrees
Departs: Weekly departures until 22 October
Price: from £1,050 per person

Corsica Cycle 8 days
Corsica is known as the ‘mountain in the sea’ with an incredible diversity of landscapes and a rich cultural heritage. This self-guided circuit explores both the coast and Corsica’s interior, through deserts, forests and mountains and along stunning coastal roads. There are a multitude of villages and historical sites to explore enroute to the night’s accommodation, in specially handpicked inns and hotels. During the day you will have several route options, allowing you the flexibility to choose a more demanding or relaxed route, with more time for sightseeing.
Average temperature in September: 21 degrees
Departs: Daily until early November
Price: from £890 per person

For bookings and more information please go to www.UTracks.com or call 0845 241 7599. 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.

Two of Northumberland’s finest hotels, Eshott Hall and Doxford Hall, are offering music lovers the chance to face the music and enjoy 40% off their accommodation rates. During the inaugural Northumberland Music Festival [ www.nmfestival.com], taking place at the hotels between 28th October to the 6th November, Bed and a Northumberland Breakfast is priced at only £60 per person. The festival programme includes over fifteen concerts incorporating Opera, Gilbert and Sullivan, Classical and Traditional music.

Mr Robert Parker, who owns the Halls, has a passion for both music and Northumberland, and the Festival is his way of bringing both together.

Both of these hotels are magnificent Georgian mansions, independently owned and operated and both have AA Rosette Restaurants. The four star Doxford Hall Hotel [www.doxfordhall.com] located near Alnwick in Northumberland, has thirty guest bedrooms, a restaurant, extensive spa and leisure facilities and is set in over ten acres of gardens. With eleven bedrooms, Eshott Hall [www.eshotthall.co.uk] near Morpeth is a luxury boutique property and Pride of Britain Hotel.

Highlights of the Northumberland Music Festival include Opera concerts presented by Robin Newton, Head of Music at the renowned Garsington Opera, a piano concert by international pianist Murray McLachlan and his star pupils from Chetham’s school in Manchester, Strings from the Kingsmead String Quartet, Brass from the Durham Miners’ Association Brass Band and the Polyphonic Brass Quintet and Traditional from Northumbrian Pipes and Fiddle and the Northumberland Ranters.

The Offer, which is for two people sharing a twin or double room, includes a hearty Northumbrian Breakfast. It is subject to availability and must be booked in advance.

The Highlight Gala Opera Concert opens the Festival and features some of the country’s top opera singers. This includes soprano Samantha Crawford, who regularly performs on BBC Radio 3 and has appeared on BBC’s Last Night of the Proms, the Children in Need Concert and Songs of Praise. The Gilbert and Sullivan programme, which finishes the festival, features ex stars from the D’Oyly Carte Opera Company, including mezzo soprano Pauline Birchall and tenor Stephen Brown. The musicians in the classical concerts in between have never played in Northumberland, so this represents a unique opportunity to experience and enjoy their repertoire. The Northumbrian players, on the other hand, come with a solid local following. All are looking forward to the chance to play in the unique settings of the Halls and their ballrooms.

For full details about the Northumberland Music Festival and for reservations please visit www.nmfestival.com  or Tel. 01668 283100



Four days full of fun and frights will set pulses racing at Holkham Hall in Norfolk when a full programme of events and activities from October 27 – 30 is planned to celebrate Halloween.

Every day spooky activities abound with wicked witches and gigantic spiders to be found in the Bygones Museum, where younger visitors are in for a trick or treat as they seek them out amidst the huge cobwebs.

In the evenings it won’t be just the heating pipes making strange noises below stairs in the hall, as a renowned Victorian ghost hunter leads the hunt for all things ghoulish and unlocks the secrets hidden in the labyrinth of cellars beneath the grand Palladian mansion.

This year it is also the United Nations Year of the Bat and, in keeping with the season, the hall is hosting a ‘Go Batty’ family activity day on Thursday, October 27. This free event is open to everyone and takes place from 11am to 4pm offering an opportunity to explore the habitats and lifecycle of these creatures who have had long been associated with witchcraft, black magic and darkness.

An evening ‘dusk bat walk’ will follow in Holkham Park from 5pm – 6.30pm, with bat detectors in operation to help find the creatures before they hibernate for the winter. There will be a small charge for all those wanting to join the walk of £3 for adults and £1.50 for children

Further details on admission prices and times of events can be found by visiting www.holkham.co.uk,  or telephoning 01328 713111.

With Neilson Holidays Next Summer
Neilson Holidays is offering more for sailors of all levels than ever before as it launches its 2012 Sailing programme, with an expanded fleet, adult only stay & sail options, FREE Kids places and fantastic discounts for early bookers.

Neilson has 30 years experience of delivering the highest levels of instruction and service and this year its unique Stay and Sail product is better than ever. Combining one week staying ashore in a comfortable hotel offering a wide range of activities and facilities, and one week sailing in flotilla it’s a great way for anyone looking for more variety on a sailing holiday especially for beginners who can learn to sail in 4 days as part of week one’s activities. Exclusive for 2012 – book before February 2012 and receive 2 FREE places on our Introduction to Sailing course.

Stay & Sail at Neilson Adakoy or Neilson Retreat and Kids go FREE

Life on a yacht is one big adventure for your children! Spend your Stay and Sail holiday at brand new Neilson Adakoy, Turkey or Neilson Retreat, Greece and take advantage of our great FREE Kids offers – There are hundreds of free child places available for summer 2012.

ADULT ONLY Stay & Sail resort

During May, June, September & October 2012 Neilson Anastasia in Greece is reserved exclusively for adults (18 years and over) ensuring a fantastic child free getaway in an environment and atmosphere completely tailored to adults.

Group offer

Book a group of 7 or more adults to travel together and save up to 25% depending on departure date and resort!

Sailing enthusiasts can benefit from Neilson’s newly acquired Dufour 375′s & 405′s available in The Ionian, The Northern Aegean and Neilson’s brand new 2 week flotilla route, The Lycian Coast. This outstanding sailing area offers great cruising around unspoilt coastline, scattered with beautiful villages and bays.

For a limited time only, Neilson is offering amazing savings of up to £150 per person on Stay and Sail holidays on selected dates:

OFFER: Sail South to North Ionian for 14 nights SC on the Dufour 325 2009. Depart 6th and 13th May 2012 from £555 per Adult Based on 4 sharing – Saving £150pp!

Neilson Sailing Holidays are fantastic inclusive packages with no hidden costs – prices include flights, transfers, yacht charter, lead boat crew & support, marine insurance, damage waiver & security deposit… even your fuel is included!

OFFER: Sail Northern or Southern Ionian for 7 nights SC on Dufour 325 2009 from £409 per Adult Based on 4 sharing – Saving £100pp! Depart 6th and 13th May 2012 and receive a FREE introduction to Yachting course.

The 2012 edition of Neilson Holidays Sailing brochure is on sale from September 1st 2011.

For further information and to book, please contact Neilson on 0845 070 3460 or visit www.neilson.co.uk

Essential Italy is delighted to be able to offer a fabulous ‘Wine Trip’ to Tuscany this Autumn, enabling guests to get involved with the grape harvest and to enjoy the wines and foods of the region.

With accommodation in these beautiful apartments..

Casolare San Lorenzo – http://www.essentialitaly.co.uk/tuscany_apartments_casolare-san-lorenzo.php

..for any dates from 17th September until the 22nd October, Essential Italy is pleased to offer visitors;

A welcome buffet on arrival, one morning in the vineyards, one morning in the cellars, one dinner in the holiday property, one dinner in the restaurant “Lecci” in Montespertoli which houses the wine museum, plus a wine tasting session in the property. All at an extra cost of just £80.00 per person.

Casolare San Lorenzo sits high in the hills and enjoys splendid views over the glorious Tuscan landscape. The house is perched above the lovely pool and is a 500m stroll away from the tennis court at Tenuta Moriano (http://www.essentialitaly.co.uk/tuscany_apartments_tenuta-moriano.php) which also offers holiday accommodation. Each apartment has its own private terrace where guests can take in the view and enjoy a glass of Chianti.

Location: nearest village Montespertoli 4kms, San Gimignano 40kms, Certaldo 20kms, Florence 50kms

Prices: From £500 – £650 per week, depending on apartment size. Apartments sleep from either 2 – 4 people.

First DoubleTree By Hilton Opens In Romania
31 Aug 11
DoubleTree By Hilton Bucharest-Unirii Square Represents First of

Several Romania DoubleTree by Hilton Hotels to be Introduced within the Coming Year

DoubleTree by Hilton proudly announces the opening of DoubleTree by Hilton Bucharest-Unirii Square, the upscale, full-service brand’s first hotel in Romania. Located next to the Bucharest City Business Centre complex in the heart of Romania’s capital city, the 88-bedroom hotel is within minutes from the Lipscani historic quarter, Unirii Square, Unirea shopping centre and Bucharest Mall, with easy access to the city’s business, commercial and tourism interests.

Rob Palleschi, global head, DoubleTree by Hilton, said, “With this fantastic new addition for DoubleTree by Hilton in Europe, we are proud that our brand is now open in Romania, where guests can enjoy world renowned DoubleTree by Hilton hospitality. In the coming months we look forward to additional Romanian DoubleTree by Hilton openings in the cities of Ploiesti and Oradea.”

DoubleTree by Hilton Bucharest-Unirii Square guests will benefit from the characteristic qualities found at the brand’s more than 250 DoubleTree by Hilton locations around the world, including the warm welcome of the brand’s legendary chocolate chip cookie presented to every guest at check-in; an array of upscale amenities and guest services; the rewards of the Hilton HHonorsâ guest loyalty programme; and a unique and caring team member commitment to the local community.

A collection of contemporary guest rooms and suites in soothing, neutral tones complements the avant-garde style accents at the DoubleTree by Hilton Bucharest-Unirii Square. Every guestroom features comforts and conveniences suited to today’s business traveller or vacationer, including complimentary high-speed Internet access, LCD televisions with international channels, laptop safes, work desks pampering bath amenities and in-room tea and coffee making services. Additional on-site amenities include 24-hour, in-room dining, laundry, concierge and travel desk services.

The DoubleTree by Hilton Bucharest-Unirii Square features a 24-hour business centre and 2,150 square feet (200m²) of flexible meeting and conference space including a beautiful arc-shaped ballroom to accommodate special business meetings, conferences, training seminars or social events of up to 100 guests. Hotel guests may also take advantage of leisure recreation facilities including a fitness centre, sauna and a spa treatment room.

Located on the top floor of the DoubleTree by Hilton Bucharest-Unirii Square, the Avantgarde restaurant features a breathtaking view over the city centre and is the perfect location for business meetings, romantic dinners or private parties for up to 120 people. Traditional Romanian specialties and impeccable service welcome guests at this fine restaurant in the heart of Bucharest. DoubleTree by Hilton Bucharest-Unirii Square is also home to the Amber bar and a Gloria Jean’s Coffee Shop, with a spacious outdoor terrace where guests can enjoy drinks and light snacks.

The DoubleTree by Hilton Bucharest-Unirii Square is operated under a franchise license agreement by VIS 7 Import Export SRL with a subsidiary of Hilton Worldwide.

Saleem Sarieddine, managing partner of DoubleTree by Hilton Bucharest-Unirii Square, said, “We are proud to represent the first DoubleTree by Hilton in Romania and look forward to sharing the brand’s worldwide commitment our local community and offering first class hospitality to the world’s travellers. We are delighted to be showcasing DoubleTree by Hilton in our beautiful city of Bucharest.”

DoubleTree by Hilton is a proud member of the Hilton Worldwide portfolio of brands, with a fast-growing network that spans more than 250 hotel and resort locations across five continents. The upscale, full-service hotel brand has seen remarkable growth since its European introduction in the spring of 2008 with 22 DoubleTree by Hilton hotels now open in eight countries across Europe.

The conversion property joins the Hilton Worldwide portfolio as the third hotel operating in Romania, alongside Hilton Athenee Palace which opened in 1997 and the Hilton Sibiu which opened in 2009.

The DoubleTree by Hilton Bucharest Unirii Square is located eight kilometres from International Airport Aurel Vlaicu (Baneasa) and 15 kilometres from International Airport Henri Coanda (Otopeni), for easy transfer connection to and from international gateways. The hotel’s address is No 3A, Nerva Traian Street, 031041 – Bucharest, Romania. For more information about the DoubleTree by Hilton Bucharest Unirii Square, please contact your preferred travel professional, visit www.doubletree.com or contact the hotel directly at +40 372 128 300

Singles travel continues to increase and there is a new trend for single travellers to break away during Christmas and New Year according to Just You, one of the UK’s leading tour operators for single travellers.

Overall single travel for the company was up by a third in 2010 and is up by around ten per cent in 2011 to date. A quarter of Just You’s travellers are actually married, but people choosing to travel at different times to their partners. However the rise in single travel also reflects both increasing divorce rates and a decline in marriage rates – official statistics show these are now as low as 40 per cent.*

Andrew Dufty, marketing director for Just You, said: ‘We’re finding that single travellers are now increasingly exploiting their lack of ties by booking breaks away before, or during Christmas and New Year. They are abandoning the laborious preparations of Christmas shopping by making a break of it and then many are also avoiding the possible chores of Christmas itself – cooking dinner and having to charm uninvited and often unwanted relatives. We’re finding customers who simply want to escape and let someone else do all that work in more interesting surroundings. Plus as we never include a single supplement, our customers know that they can look forward to a fantastic break at a great price.’

Just You’s top 10 pre-Christmas and Christmas and New Year breaks include:

- Warwick and Warwick Castle, three days from £299

- Cheltenham, four days from £429

- Wiltshire, four days from £419

- Andalucía, six days from £785

- Croatia, six days from £699

- Edinburgh, five days from £499

- London, five days from £659

- Durham, five days from £599

- West Country, five days from £519

- Christmas in Prague, five days from £699

Those looking to follow the trend and get their festive plans sorted well in advance can still get their hands on the outstanding deals on offer. A couple of the most popular include:

Home

New Year in Wiltshire – departure 30 December – four days from £419

Singles holidays specialist Just You (www.justyou.co.uk  / 0844 567 8838) has a four day break staying at the four star Swindon Marriott Hotel in Swindon. The trip includes an excursion to the Great Western Railway Museum and the Swindon Designer Outlet as well as visiting the atmospheric standing stones at Stonehenge and Avebury and as the historic town of Marlborough. On New Year’s Eve, there will be a black tie gala dinner in the Mediterrano Restaurant and then guests can dance the night away to welcome in 2012.

Short Haul

Croatia for Christmas -departure 22 December – six days from £669 save £30

Singles Holidays specialist Just You (www.justyou.co.uk  / 0844 567 8838) has a five night half board break to Croatia starting in historic Dubrovnik in a three star hotel close to the beach and a short stroll from the city centre. This tour includes sightseeing excursions of Dubrovnik and Mostar which is just over the border in Bosnia-Herzegovina and a renowned UNESCO World Heritage Site. Christmas Day can be spent however the guest pleases and a festive lunch will of course be arranged to celebrate the day. Optional tours include Montenegro, Kotor and the resort town of Budva.

Long Haul

Trip of a lifetime – Christmas – Spirit of India – departure 21 December – 13 days from £2,799, save £200

Singles holidays specialist Just You (www.justyou.co.uk / 0844 567 8838) has an 11 night break on a half board basis. Guest on the tour get their own room and no single supplement. This comprehensive tour explores the wonders of the Golden Triangle destinations, Delhi, Jaipur and Agra as well as incorporating tigers in Ranthambore, spiritual enlightenment in Khajuraho and sacred places in Varanasi. The spirit of Christmas will not be missed on this trip as special Christmas and New Year’s Eve dinners will be included as well as tours of Old and New Delhi, Amber Fort & Jaipur city tour, two game drives in Ranthambore, a visit to Fatehpur Sikri, Taj Mahal, Agra Fort, Khajuraho Temples, a boat ride on the River Ganges, Varanasi and Sarnath

For more information about Just You breaks visit www.justyou.co.uk

or call 0844 567 8838

The first Tennis Week of the season was held at San Agostino, Greece in June, and was a massive success with over 50 guests signing up. Mark Warner are confident our second specialist Tennis week will be bigger and better with the introduction of our first ever Tennis Cup.

1st October- Lakitira Beach Resort, Greece
Be one of the first to compete for the NEW Mark Warner TENNIS CUP, hosted by Danny Sapsford (British Davis Cup Player), Dan Bloxham Bloxham (Head Coach AELTC) and of course, Mark Warner’s very own tennis coaches, and improve your tennis whilst attempting to take the title.

This tennis week will consist of over 30 hours of tennis, including:

* The Mark Warner Tennis Cup Tournament
*The Academy Course
* Coaching workshops and one taken by Danny Sapsford
* Pro-Am tournament (play with a pro against a pro)
* The latest equipment from Prince & Head for you to trial
* Tennis Clinic
* Social Evening & Prize giving including the Mark Warner Tennis Cup
* Goody Bag!

The cost of the tennis week is £699pp including the tennis week supplement, flights, transfers, accommodation, half board. If you’re feeling really active, have a go at sailing and windsurfing for FREE!

It’s going to be a great week, with plenty of fun and championship tennis. And top tips from our superb tennis team.

The Olarro Luxury Lodge partnered with Extraordinary Journeys Africa on a six-night trip to Kenya that combines a safari with a community exchange program with the Maasai people. The $7,200 itinerary is offered for $6,000 per person double and includes a significant donation to building a much-needed new classroom for the local community.

The price includes six nights accommodation, all meals, flights within Kenya, guided game walks and game drives, donation to community projects, and all transfers (10 percent commission on each booking). Also included is $500 toward the community project, which is building a new classroom at Esoit Academy in Kenya. This project is spearheaded by Under the Acacia, which works in tandem with remote communities in Kenya to generate sustainable initiatives and community development.

“The first two nights will be spent at the luxury Olarro Lodge, in the Loita Hills, Oct. 10 and 11,” said Elizabeth Gordon from Extraordinary Journeys. “In partnership with Under the Acacia, guests will spend time with the community of Maasai and meet with chiefs, elders and students. The next day, guests can participate in the school opening ceremonies at the new Esoit Academy and inscribe their names on the wall in commemoration.”

The rest of the safari will be spent exploring the Masai Mara where guests can experience daily game drives to see the great migration of the wildebeest or track the Big Five. Guests will also be able to arrange for hot air balloon rides, bush dinners or visiting another Under the Acacia school project (an hour and a half drive away). After lunch on the last day, visitors fly to Wilson Airport and transfer to Jomo Kenyatta International Airport for their flights home.

“The Great Migration is a life changing experience and EJ Africa has had great success with their Jet Setter Safari exchange program,” said Rosie Lindsell, the marketing director at Olarro. “Guests are gratified to know that they are helping the local people while marveling at the spectacle of nature that is their home.” Olarro is set in a cinematic hillside, peaceful and quiet, away from the noise and crowds of the Masai Mara. Optional activities include helicopter and hot air balloon rides over the Masai Mara.

Run by a mother-daughter team, EJ Africa organizes customized trips for honeymooners, families and individual travelers to Botswana, Kenya, Malawi, Mozambique, Namibia, South Africa, Tanzania, Uganda and Zambia. Olarro is a retreat in southwestern Kenya, 200 kilometers from Nairobi in the heart of the Loita Hills. The lodge has a bird’s-eye view of the surrounding 10,000-acre private game conservancy, along the corridor of the annual wildebeest migration. For more information, call 254-20-204 8619, email info@thesafaricompany.net  or info@olarrokenya.com  or visit www.olarrokenya.com  or www.ejafrica.com