Jetsettersblog

In times of austerity and with the summer holidays in full swing, it’s no surprise that consumers are being bombarded with promises of promotional offers, discounted rates and last-minute deals. As holiday companies fight to get the public’s attention, London based travel specialist Journey Latin America have come up with an unusual special offer that is bound to grab the attention of the more mature traveller.

The Central and South America travel specialist has teamed-up with a select number of high-end boutique hotels in Costa Rica offering their clients a percentage discount based on the age of the oldest passenger. Bring 100-year-old Aunt Ethel to Central America and provided you share a room together, the hotel is 100 per cent free!

The offer applies exclusively to the following hotels:

Lapa Rios
A luxury wilderness eco-lodge in a private reserve, near Corcovado National Park on the Osa Peninsula. With over 300 species of birds and many mammals, it is an excellent area for wildlife with miles of private trails in lush rainforest. A three-night stay starts from £720pp. This price includes return flights from San José and breakfast.

Arenas del Mar
The secluded beachfront resort of Arenas del Mar is located close to the Manuel Antonio National Park. Located on a wild, tropical beach with rocky outcrops backed by lush forest, there is a network of trails where you may see a variety of monkeys and over 350 bird species. A three-night stay starts from £237pp. This price includes breakfast.

La Finca Rosa Blanca
Cradled in densely-wooded hillside this white-washed country guesthouse is a delight – and it is only a 20 minute drive from San José. The architecture is reminiscent of Gaudi and fairy-tales, with inspired use of metal-work throughout the suites and villas. A three-night stay starts from £350pp. This price includes breakfast.

The Harmony
A top quality boutique-style hotel which offers its guests a warm welcome. It is located close to the isolated village of Nosara, beside Playa Guiones on the Nicoya Peninsula, where the crashing Pacific rollers are favoured by surfers. A three night stay starts from £258pp. This price includes breakfast.

The offer is valid for new bookings travelling through  15 November 2011. The offer is valid for two people sharing a room. The offer applies to all room categories and is subject to availability.

For more information on Journey Latin America and to see our full range of holidays, please visit www.journeylatinamerica.co.uk  or telephone: 020 8747 8315.

Laura Rendell-Dunn is a destination specialist and is available as a spokesperson on events, travel trends and features relating to all locations in Latin America. Journey Latin America are the UK’s no1. travel specialist to Central and South America. With over 30 years experience dealing exclusively with Latin America we can offer practical advice based on personal experience. Follow us on Twitter http://twitter.com/JLA_UK

One of Stamford’s most well-known hotels has undergone a complete renovation and changed its name.

The hotel, which lies within the magnificent Burghley Estate, was formerly known as The Lady Anne’s Hotel, but has been renamed The William Cecil at Stamford. Following an extensive six-month renovation programme by Hillbrooke Hotels, it has taken on a whole new look, with eye-catching designs which have been influenced by the grand state rooms at Burghley House, the centrepiece of the estate.

The 27 bedrooms, all individually designed and decorated, feature beautiful bathrooms – many with roll top baths – and furniture created for the hotel in Rajasthan. The rooms vary in size and fittings, so there are three different options in terms of standard, superior and deluxe rooms on offer. Just across from the main hotel, there is also a lodge with two bedrooms which can accommodate four people.

The dining room, which can accommodate some 75 diners, is split into two areas, with the larger one featuring high settles and bookcases to provide more intimate seating areas. While for wedding receptions, functions, conferences, private dining and business meetings, The William Cecil offers a wide variety of options to suit both large and small events.

Outside, in the newly landscaped gardens, is outdoor seating and a permanent marquee, which can seat up to 140 and has its own bar area and separate toilets. Guests can make their way to the marquee through a beautiful arch of roses, which has been created by the craftsmen from the Burghley Estate who have also been instrumental in the whole restoration process.

Christoph Brooke, managing director of Hillbrooke Hotels, said: “We are delighted to open the doors of The William Cecil at Stamford and to be able to show people the result of many months of hard work. The building has been transformed into a stunning new hotel, restaurant and venue which will work for many different events to suit all tastes. The creation of the hotel has been influenced by Burghley House, its gardens and its history. While the interior design does not faithfully copy the Burghley state rooms, it does give a flavour of their grandeur and a hint of travels past – albeit now with all the comforts of present day quirky luxury.”

The William Cecil at Stamford, St Martins, Stamford, Lincolnshire, PE9 2LI.

Telephone: 01780 750070; Website: www.thewilliamcecil.co.uk

Wendy Wu Tours is the UK’s leading Specialist Tour Operator to China and also offers a great selection of tours to Indochina, with itineraries featuring Vietnam, Cambodia, Laos and Thailand. In the 2012 brochures – launching in September – Wendy Wu Tours will feature two new private tours to China and three new group tours to Indochina. As with every Wendy Wu Tour, visas for UK passport holders are included in the price* and all group tours are fully inclusive. Prices for 2012 departures of tours that are also featured in the current brochures are now live on the website – www.wendywutours.co.uk.

New tours to China

Himalayan Express Private Tour

Ride Across the Roof of the World

Explore the mystical land of Tibet to discover fabulous palaces, holy monasteries and sacred temples. The highlight of this visit to the Roof of the World is the rail journey across the stark and dramatic Qinghai Plateau. We complete our tour with the famous sights of Xian and Beijing. This tour reaches a maximum altitude of 5,000m on the Tibet Railway.

The 16 day tour is priced from £3,690pp in 2012.

Discover Yunnan Private Tour

Discover the picturesque Stone Forest in Kunming with its vast limestone columns, explore the ancient quarter of Dali, visiting the Three Pagodas and cruising on Erhai Lake. Spend a day at the ‘Living museum’ town of Lijiang and take time to stroll through the meadows of the Jade Dragon Snow Mountain. Additional highlights of this visit include the Baisha Frescoes, the Tiger Leaping Gorge, the Baishui Terrace, Napa Hai Lake and Songshanlin Monastery.

The 12 day tour is priced from £2,990pp in 2012.

New tours to Indochina

Thailand Highlights

Thailand Highlights will show visitors the ‘real’ Thailand, focusing on the north of the country, visiting temples and local tribes. The tour will include two nights in Bangkok as well as time in Kanchanaburi, Sukhothai, Lampang, Mae Kampong, Chiang Rai and Chiang Mai. Guests will have a chance to go river rafting, experience an elephant ride, stay with a Thai family and visit the local hill tribes. The 15 day tour is priced from £2,290pp in 2012.

Thailand & Laos Adventure

The Thailand & Laos Adventure tour takes in Northern Thailand with time spent in the relatively un-known mystical country of Laos. With a similar geography and climate, neighbouring Thailand and Laos offer a wealth of different sights and destinations. Laos is land-locked with many hidden treasures in the way of caves, temples and stunning waterfalls. The pace of life here is slower and more laid-back and provides a distinctive contrast to bustling, tourist friendly Thailand. Prices start from £2,790pp for the 16 day tour.

Indochina Delights

Indochina Delights will provide visitors with a great overview of Vietnam, Cambodia and Laos in just over two weeks. This tour offers a perfect alternative for anyone who wishes to see all three countries but cannot commit to Wendy Wu’s 28-day Grand Tour of Indochina. Offering visitors a chance to discover some of the major sights and best kept secrets of Indochina, the 18 day tour is priced from £2,990pp.

To book a Wendy Wu Tour or for more details about these exciting new tours, call Wendy Wu Tours on 0844 875 2436.

Cook East is a new company that has been founded with the basic philosophy that food can provide an interesting medium through which to engage with your surroundings, beyond simply being a flavoursome addition to a nice evening. Providing interesting itineraries in their own right, you will be visiting some of the most desirable locations and impressive sights in the world. Where Cook East differs from other travel providers however is the concurrent series of cooking classes that allow you to see precisely how those restaurants at home cook your favourite dishes. These are not aimed at chefs or those with exceptional cooking abilities, but anyone who wants to gain a grassroots understanding of how food cultivation, purchase, preparation and consumption fits into the lifestyle of local people.

A typical day might involve breakfast, a late morning cooking class including the consumption of your prepared dish and then the afternoon spent on a guided tour of the city, at leisure or visiting a local temple of monument.

As the name suggests, the destinations visited by Cook East cover South East and Central Asia, but also include South America and we are always looking to add new destinations.

For up-to-date information on any of our itineraries or destinations please check our website, or get in contact. With prices starting from £735 including international flights we’re sure we have something for everyone.

Website: http://www.cook-east.com

Email: info@cook-east.com

Phone: 01276 682968

90th anniversary of city’s India Gate highlights unique and fascinating history

This autumn Brighton celebrates the 90th anniversary of India Gate, marking a truly inspiring part of this cosmopolitan city’s history.

Standing to one side of the iconic Royal Pavilion, India Gate was formally unveiled on 26 October 1921 by the Maharaja of Patiala. The elegant structure was a gift from the people of India to thank Brighton & Hove for the care of thousands of Indian soldiers during the Great War.

Around 17,000 wounded Indian troops were cared for in Brighton during the First World War, including more than 4,000 nursed at the Royal Pavilion when it became an Indian military hospital between 1914 and 1916.

To mark the 90th anniversary a commemorative mela will take place at the India Gate on Sunday 23 October. Elsewhere within the Royal Pavilion Estate on the same day, festivities – run in conjunction with the Hindu Women’s Group – will include a whole host of family friendly Indian-themed activities. Visitors will be encouraged to don a sari, have their hands hennaed and try out their Bollywood dancing skills.

To coincide with the anniversary, Brighton Museum & Art Gallery will hosting a free, major exhibition of exquisite Indian Ragamala (“music-inspired”) paintings. The exhibition, which comes from a unique private collection, will sit alongside the gallery’s own collection of Indian miniature paintings from 22 October 2011 until 8 January 2012.

For more information on how to make the most of the long weekend in Brighton, go to www.VisitBrighton.com

City-wide Indian memorials and monuments:

The vast majority of wounded Indian soldiers survived, however, sadly, more than 50 died from their injuries. The Chattri Memorial, also built in 1921 on the outskirts of the city, marks where mortally wounded Sikh and Hindu soldiers were peacefully cremated.

The remarkable story of the Royal Pavilion’s time as a military hospital is told in a permanent exhibition at the palace.

The Jaipur Gate stands in the grounds of Hove Museum. Originally the gate was made for the Colonial and Indian Exhibition in London in 1886. The Maharaja of Jaipur paid for its construction. The gate was donated to Hove Museum in 1926 and erected in the garden.

India inspirations in modern Brighton:

Indian cuisine: The Chilli Pickle

The Chilli Pickle offers authentic Indian cuisine from an award winning menu. With a Michelin BiB Gourmand and two AA rosettes under its belt it’s not surprising the Chilli Pickle is so popular in Brighton. For more information visit http://www.thechillipickle.com  or go to www.visitbrighton.com

Indian cuisine: Indian Summer

Contemporary, stylish and delicious, Indian Summer offers a range of traditional Asian cuisine. Suitable for all ages and all occasions, why not celebrate a birthday or special event with an Indian Party? Set in a prime location with excellent service and genuine Indian food, Indian Summer is the perfect destination for all curry lovers. For more information visit http://www.indian-summer.org.uk  or go to www.visitbrighton.com

Places to stay: Sea Spray
Brighton’s Sea Spray boutique has an Indian-themed room designed to remind weary travelers of their days globetrotting in the sun.
http://www.seaspraybrighton.co.uk/indian_summer.php

While London gets ready for 2012, Europe’s top cheese-makers are preparing for their own big event in Austria  – the International Alpine Cheese Olympics, to be held in the Tirolean mountain resort of Galtűr, near Ischgl.

The 90 best cheese producers from all over the Alps will meet for the showdown in Galtür at the 17th Cheese Olympics. The village is a few minutes up the road from the major resort of Ischgl in the Paznaun Valley.

While the judges are busy making up their minds, visitors can take their time and taste all the different varieties – as well as buy some to take home.

After much deliberation, cogitation and digestion, the top cheeses are selected and awarded the Galtür Sennerharfe – a harp in gold, silver, or bronze.

The event, quirky and full of fun but taken deadly seriously by the cheese-makers, will be held on September 24 from 11am to 9pm. Entry before 6pm is nine euros, after that it’s seven euros.

Before then, on August 29, the 38th Silvretta-Ferwall Marathon will be held at Galtűr – with a half-marathon being run at the same time, the track running beside the full course for some of the way for those who want to take it a little easier. There are also shorter tracks for youngsters, again near the main course so the atmosphere can be enjoyed by everyone, whatever their standard.

For more details on all events and activities in the Paznaun resorts of Ischgl, Galtűr, Kappl and See go to www.paznaun-ischgl.com where there is also an accommodation search facility.

The nearest airports to the Paznaun valley resorts are Innsbruck (BA; easyJet), Munich (BA; Lufthansa) and Zurich (BA; Swiss).

Enjoy the best of Italy’s autumnal harvest this October with Martin Randall Travel’s 7-day Gastronomic Piedmont tour.

Gastronomic Piedmont with Martin Randall Travel, 1-7 October 2011

MRT’s Gastronomic Piedmont tour includes woodland truffle hunting, a truffle seminar and lunch in Alba, chief town of the Lange, visits a nougat maker in Asti, a traditional sausage maker in Bra and to see the production of one of Italy’s finest cheeses, Castelmagno. There are wine tastings of the robust reds Barolo and Nebbiolo and the sparking white Moscato d’Asti, rustic lunches, including one picnic and dinners in outstanding restaurants, including two in Michelin-starred restaurants. The tour stays 4 nights in Bra, an attractive market town with fine architecture in a 4* hotel, www.ascherihotel.it, which has been recently refurbished to a modern design using many locally-made materials, and for 2 nights in Cuneo in the 4* Palazzo Lovera (www.palazzolovera), a traditional hotel just off the ancient arcaded via Roma and steps from the town’s magnificent Neo-Classical square. The tour’s led throughout by Italian food writer Carla Capalbo, author of many award-winning books on Italian food and wine.

Price per person: £2,590 including return BA flights from Gatwick, all coach travel, all accommodation, 5 lunches and four dinners with drinks, all food and wine tastings, tips and taxes and the talks given by the lecturer.

For any more details please contact Liz Brown on 020 8742 3355 or email liz.brown@martinrandall.co.uk, or visit http://www.martinrandall.com/tour/81-gastronomic+piedmont/intro/

This Christmas Bluestone National Park Resort in Pembrokeshire is inviting families to the new Elf Kingdom from 12th November– 31st December 2011.

This magical world is accessed through a giant tree trunk where little ones will be enrolled into Elf School to learn the wonders of being an elf. The trainee Santa’s little helpers will then have lessons in how to decorate gingerbread and the chance to listen to Elf Intent whilst surrounded by a magical land of giant toadstools, butterflies, unicorns and sounds of the woodland.

Once completing their Elf Oath and of course, a bit of elf and safety training, the newly qualified elves will receive their graduation certificates in front of parents and the King and Queen elf.

After the journey, children can then choose to meet the main man himself at Santa’s Grotto to receive their special gift and a photo with Father Christmas.

Book now for free entry to Elf School, save from £94

Bluestone National Park Resort (www.bluestonewales.com / 01834 862 400) is offering a two night break this festive season in a two bedroom Caldey Lodge sleeping four people from £187 or £24 per person per night. Book by 9 September 2011 for free entry to Elf School for all the family and free entry to the on-site water park, Blue Lagoon.*

Throughout the festive period at Bluestone National Part Resort, guests can also enjoy a whole host of winter wonderland treats including festive storytelling, fireside singalongs, Christmas treasure hunts, advent calendar opening and winter wonderland parties. Entrance to Elf School costs from £23.50 and entrance to Santa’s Grotto costs £5 per child.

For more information or to book visit www.bluestonewales.com or call 01834 862 400

With the summer slowly closing to an end Flanders is once more gearing up for yet another spectacular display of Christmas cheer. Visitors flocking to Flanders for unique gift ideas will be spoilt for choice as market squares will be brimming with stalls offering original handicrafts, decorative items, seasonal food and drink as well as a special yuletide atmosphere. As usual, the cities of Brussels, Bruges, Antwerp, Ghent, Leuven, Mechelen, Ypres and Ostend will be hosting respective Christmas markets but will add something extra special to the festivities by providing activities such as ice rinks, amusements, firework displays, concerts and special winter festivals for all ages to enjoy over the whole period.

Here is a snapshot of what is on offer in Brussels, Antwerp, Bruges and Ghent:

Brussels Christmas Market
Date: 25 November 2011 – 01 January 2012

Where: Bourse (Stock Exchange) & Marché aux Poissons
What: 240 winter chalets selling original gifts and Christmas decorations.
Ice skating rink and large Ferris wheel
Street artists, sound & light shows
Open: Mon-Thurs 12:00 – 21:00 and Fri – Sun 11:00 – 22:00
www.winterwonders.be

Antwerp Christmas Market
When:10 December 2011 – 8 January 2012

Where: On the Handschoenmarkt, Grote Markt & Suikerrui (until 28 December) and also on the Steenplein

What: Over 90 stalls offering all kinds of gifts & delicacies
Ice Skating available up until 08 January 2012
Sunday shopping on 11 and 18 December
Open: Sunday to Thursday 12:00 – 21:00 and Saturday 12:00 – 23:00

Bruges Christmas Market
When: 25 November 2011 – 1 January 2012
Where: Simon Stevinplein and Markt Square
What: Winter and Christmas gifts, gluhwein and snacks
Ice skating rink (from 26 November until 9 January and from 12:00 – 21:00)
Open: Mon-Thurs & Sun 11:00 – 19:00/22:00
Fri & Sat 11:00 – 19:00/23:00
The Ice Sculpture Festival (to be confirmed)
www.winterinbrugge.be, www.icesculpture.be

Ghent Christmas Market
When: 9-30 December 2011
Where: On the St Baafsplein
What: 50+ stalls of goodies, including candles, jewellery,woollies and more alongside food and drink stalls
Open: Mon-Fri 13:00 – 21:00
Sat & Sun 11:00 – 21:00
24 Dec 11:00 – 16:00 from 25 December: closes at 19:00
Winter Dreams 2011: Taking place on the Sint Pietersplein from 25 November 2011 until 8 January 2012. Featuring an Ice skating rink, Ferris wheel, food & drink stalls.

Please note, all Christmas markets dates are always subject to change

Whilst gap years were once reserved for privileged school leavers, increasingly more adults are taking time out to travel and explore the wider world. China and Indochina specialist Wendy Wu Tours is now offering a range of Mini Gaps for those looking to get the most out of their extended holiday, whatever their age.

With a wide range of fully inclusive tours across China and Indochina, Wendy Wu Tours is committed to delivering the most fulfilling Mini Gap experience. In preparation, founder of Wendy Wu Tours, Wendy Wu has written a Mini Gap Guide to ensure travellers make the most out of their time off.

Why a Wendy Wu Mini Gap could be suitable for you?

If work or home commitments prevent you from travelling for long periods of time, Wendy Wu Tours offer Mini Gaps from just 10 to 30 days. Their slick itineraries and local guides ensure that guests will gain great knowledge of China in a relatively short space of time. A Wendy Wu Mini Gap is well suited to those who need to manage their budget. With the fully-inclusive nature of all the Wendy Wu Tours, the exact cost is known from the outset, with no ugly surprises. Wendy Wu Tours will take care of all the organising, meaning that flights, visas, accommodation and excursions are all taken care of, to prevent eating into your personal or work time. A Wendy Wu Mini Gap could be the perfect stepping stone for someone considering solo travelling or travelling for a long period of time. Guests can enjoy a slick travelling experience through China or Indochina before crafting their own journey to a different destination.

What You Should Consider When Picking a Tour?

The period of time you would like to travel. What you would like to see and how to maximise your time, whether it’s the world famous sites or the lesser known charms (or a mix of both) How much would you like to spend? Wendy Wu’s prices include international flights, domestic transportation, accommodation, all meals, daily tours, entrance fees, guides and visa fees for UK passport holders.

What you will achieve during your Wendy Wu Mini Gap?

An in-depth experience of Chinese / Indochinese culture Unrivalled access to many places beyond the typical tourist trail A break from the monotony of daily life Sound learning about historical, natural and architectural sights from a local perspective The chance to meet like minded travel companions to share your journey The confidence and understanding for future solo travel A real taste of adventure

Wendy Wu’s Travelling Tips

Record your journey

Make a journal

Keep a blog with a twitter feed to keep friends and family updated on where you are and what you are doing

Keep a photo or video diary of the people and places you encounter

Make notes of your favourite restaurants and local delicacies you discover

Travel off peak

You can save money

Support local tradesmen in their quiet period

Off peak times are often quieter with fewer crowds

Example Wendy Wu Mini Gaps

The 14 day Glories of China tour stops in Shanghai, known as the Paris of the East, and includes a cruise along the Li River, providing the perfect opportunity to admire the stunning landscape of limestone hills and tranquil fishing scenes. The itinerary also features a visit to Xian to see the world famous Terracotta Warriors as well as the opportunity to walk along the Great Wall of China and stroll through Tiananmen Square in Beijing. Prices start from £1890 per person*.

Wendy Wu’s Himalayan Adventure welcomes guests to experience China, Tibet and Nepal on a 22 day voyage. This is one of the most exciting tours available to travellers at present with an adventurous route to inspire and enthral visitors. The tour sets off from Sichuan Province visiting Chengdu and Leshan, before exploring the magical temples in the mystical land of Tibet. Guests will then journey to the spectacular Mt Everest Base Camp before arriving in the fertile lands of Nepal to explore Kathmandu and the Chitwan National Park. With so many highlights to choose from, this is a tour not to be missed. Prices start from £3,990 per person*

The 20 day China Delights tour allows guests to take in famous sights and many lesser known gems of China. From Guilin to the Great Wall and Leshan’s Grand Buddha, this tour is a comprehensive introduction to China and offers amazing scenery, historic sites and access to many off-the-map sites such as the oriental gardens of Suzhou, the breathtaking Mt Diecai and the colourful Reed Flute Caves. Prices start from £2,090 per person.*

The 27 day Silk Road Explorer tour offers visitors the chance to follow in the footsteps of Marco Polo to discover the history of the Silk Road, a centuries old route strongly influenced by Muslim and Buddhist beliefs. Starting in Beijing, guests will travel to Xian, Lanzhou and Turpan before travelling through the impressive Xinjiang Region, viewing ruins largely unvisited by other tourists. The tour also stops at Kashgar, an ancient market town and Tian Chi, the heavenly lake. Prices start from £3,290 per person*

*All prices are inclusive of international flights and current taxes, domestic transportation, accommodation, all meals, touring with guides and entrance fees as well as visas for UK passport holders.

For more information on any of these tours or to find out more about Wendy Wu Tours, please visit www.wendywutours.co.uk  or call 0844 875 2436.