Jetsettersblog

Experience one of Europe’s most treasured and travelled walks with a tailor-made expertly planned bespoke holiday with Camino Ways. Take a break from beaches and resorts and experience a holiday that will bring you closer to the nature, culture and the history of your destination. Ireland’s leading walking holiday provider Camino Ways has just announced a new line of unique breaks catering for every holiday lover, explorer, adventurer and level of walkers all at great price.

Camino Ways are offering Irish holiday makers the opportunity to experience a variety of new breathtaking pilgrimage routes along the infamous Santiago de Compostela in Spain at a time and a place that suit your needs. The newest additions to their highly successful walking holidays include – The longest of the Camino walks Via de la Plata Camino, from Seville to Santiago and the shortest – Podensis or Le Puy, along with routes Camino Aragones, Camino Norte and Camino Primitivo ranging in price from €400.

Via de la Plata Camino (from Seville to Santiago) is one the longest and most challenging of the Camino Ways walks stretching over 1,000km from Seville to Santiago. This walk incorporates the provinces of Ourense, Pontevedra, and A Coruña, crossing nature reserves of great cultural and ecological heritage, prices ranging from €400 to €780 for 9 days / 8 nights.

The Podensis or Le Puy route (800km) for a shorter trek is also available. The historic route was taken the 1st time in 950 AD when archbishops of Le Puy en Velay walked to the tomb of St James, opening the 1st non-spanish route to Santiago. Along Le Puy Route, modern walkers enjoy various incredible landscapes and a rich medieval architectural heritage as the Camino runs through some of the most typical rural French areas, crossing towns and cities full of history, costs ranging from €490 to €680 for 8 days / 7 nights.

A key feature of ‘Camino Ways’ walking holidays is their hassle free nature. Every walk along the El Camino de Santiago or ‘the way of St James’ offers clients stress free holiday experiences as there is simply no need to plan, research and transport any part of your holiday – leaving the walking up to you! Over the last number of years Camino Ways walks have become more and more popular, with high levels of repeat business and a growth in level of new walkers.

All levels of experience are catered for and hikers are afforded an opportunity not available on most trips to take time and explore the very essence of a region, the flavours and aromas of traditional food, a chance to broaden their cultural awareness and soak up the traditional atmosphere of a country. Walkers truely are afforded beautiful accommodation, top cuisine and an adventure of a lifetime.

Speaking at the launch, Roland Monsegu, Director, Camino Ways commented;

“The educated traveler expects more from a holiday that just a beach and a bar these days. Our clients are interested in exploring the off beaten track experiencing the true culture of a region and its customs. The range of walks and destinations available through Camino Ways are a testimony to the natural beauty along Camino de Santiago de Compostela, the famous Way of Saint James showcasing the un-spoilt and beautiful landscapes.”

With such astounding walks on offer it takes a passionate team to drive these initiatives forward and that is exactly what the Camino Ways Team Roland Monsegu, Gerald Kennedy and Peter Balsam have developed. The team is passionate about walking and trekking across Europe and the globe, passionate about helping others create treasured memories of foreign lands and passionate about helping others explore the off beaten track of a region.

From 1 November 2011, it will be easier than ever for those living in the South West to take a break in Jersey and Guernsey, as holiday packages including direct flights from Bournemouth Airport are available from Premier Holidays.

The leading short-haul operator will be offering packages including flights from the airline Blue Island on Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday each week.

Jersey has one of the best sunshine records in the British Isles, with spectacular scenery, stunning beaches and exciting coves to explore. The island’s attractions range from towering cliffs in the north, to picturesque stone farmhouses in the countryside. The streets of St Helier, Jersey’s capital, also hold a host of hidden delights, with sophisticated shops, varied nightlife and a mouth-watering selection of restaurants.

Premier Holidays is offering four nights at the three-star Revere hotel in Jersey including free half board, flights from Bournemouth and return transfers, from just £343 per person. This offer is based on selected travel dates in March 2012.

Premier Holidays is also offering packages departing from Bournemouth Airport to the second largest of the Channel Islands, Guernsey. Full of natural beauty, the island provides a relaxing environment for a peaceful getaway. Renowned as a walker’s paradise, Guernsey boasts coastal paths through pine forests, overlooking rocky coves. Head for the north and west coasts dominated by brightly coloured fishing boats and small rocky inlets.

Premier Holidays is offering four nights at the three-star Les Douvres Hotel in Guernsey including breakfast, flights from Bournemouth and return transfers, from just £332 per person. This offer is based on selected travel dates in March 2012.

For more information or to book, please visit www.premierholidays.co.uk  or call 08444 937 542.

About Premier Holidays

Premier Holidays (www.premierholidays.co.uk) is a privately owned, independent tour operator with over 75 years experience in organising tailor-made holidays. The company’s expert reservations staff have first hand knowledge on all featured destinations and offer an individual and personalised service to travel agents and consumers. All travellers receive a personalised quotation including itinerary information, destination overview and images.

The company is the market leader for holidays to the Channel Islands and the Isle of Man, and positions itself as a leading independent specialist for its vast array of long haul products.

Departing on 7th December Santa’s Lapland has a three day stay in the snowy Lapland resort of Saariselka for £1399 for a family of three and £1859 for a family of four, including flights from Gatwick, Manchester or Stansted, transfers, hotel accommodation, a private family meeting with Santa, free use of thermal clothing, and a full day in a snowy woodland wonderland.

Santa seekers will stay at the Holiday Club Saariselka, the northern-most spa hotel in Europe and close to Santa’s secret woodland home, where they’ll enjoy a day of snowy activities with complimentary reindeer sleigh rides, husky sledding, mini-skidoo rides and activities in the snow, followed by a private family meeting with Santa himself.

Depart on 4th December and stay an extra day with prices from £1799 for a family of three, £2119 for a family of four. Use the extra day to try some downhill skiing, try out Saariselkä’s toboggan run or take a trip to see the Northern Lights.

Book with Santa’s Lapland on 01252 618345, www.santaslapland.com

New Christmas Cabins offer ski style catered accommodation

Santa’s Lapland (www.santaslapland.com) fully catered log cabins for guests taking one of the company’s three or four day holidays to find Santa in his Lapland home, offering a similar style of accommodation as conventional catered ski chalets. A three day / two night Santa’s Lapland holiday in a catered cabin costs from £2206 for a family of 4, including breakfast and dinner (with wine), return flights from Gatwick or Manchester, transfers, free use of thermal clothing, a private family meeting with Santa and a full activity day in a snowy woodland setting, including free kids’ mini-skidoo ride, a reindeer sleigh ride, husky dog sledding, lunch and unlimited warm drinks, ice-fishing, tobogganing and ice-hockey.
Book with Santa’s Lapland on 01252 618345, www.santaslapland.com

Liverpool Football Club continues to grow its Partner portfolio with the announcement of a new three year partnership deal with the dynamic mid-market hotel chain Park Inn by Radisson.

The partnership will see the Club working with Park Inn by Radisson to help raise their profile by engaging LFC’s supporters up and down the country.

Ian Ayre, Liverpool FC’s Managing Director, said: “By teaming up with successful companies we can support mutual goals more effectively and Park Inn by Radisson is a forward thinking, progressive business that shares our values.

“We are excited about working with a brand that has such an innovative and fresh approach to business and the Club will provide Park Inn by Radisson with significant brand visibility and access to our supporter base across the UK.”

“Our 23 Park Inn by Radisson hotels across the country are perfect for away fans travelling to matches; for business, or for weekend breaks. All of them offer a hassle-free stay in a relaxed and friendly atmosphere – we look forward to welcoming Liverpool FC’s supporter base.” added Eric De Neef, Senior Vice President, Park Inn by Radisson.

Park Inn, Rezidor’s mid-market brand, is already well established in the UK with a portfolio of 23 hotels and 3,938 rooms. This includes the recently opened Park Inn Aberdeen and the Park Inn Palace, Southend, as well as properties in key locations such as Birmingham, Manchester, Nottingham and Sheffield.

A young entrepreneur and a French chef are teaming up to offer the chance to master modern European cuisine in La Rochelle. Anika Patel, 27, who formerly worked in finance in the City of London, set up ‘Flavours of France’ after a stint in Paris made her realise she was more passionate about sharing her enthusiasm for French cuisine and wine than corporate life. Pierre, who has nearly thirty years experience of cooking in restaurants across the world, joins her in her mission. He believes that anyone can produce truly inspiring dishes, and will act as both instructor and chef.

‘Flavours of France’ offer three-day cookery holidays in La Rochelle, a beautiful seaside town in the Vendee region of France. Guests will learn the secrets underlying top culinary creations, including how to prepare stocks, knife skills and baking. At the end of their holiday they will be able to prepare mouth-watering plates of ravioli, chocolate desserts, and many more delectable dishes that will wow their future dinner party companions. But it’s not all hard work – classes are held in a relaxed environment, and guests will enjoy accommodation in a luxury villa, a champagne reception, wine tasting in an organic vineyard in the Loire Valley, and a tour of the historic town of La Rochelle.

Anika said, “What makes ‘Flavours of France’ unique is that our guests will be taught by a master French chef, and our commitment to uncover and connect with the essence of the French dedication to enjoying life and finding the very best things to eat and drink. Although classes are conducted in English, all lessons, ingredients and wines are rooted in the French obsession for placing the premier combinations of flavours, scents and textures on the dinner table. The food is modern European, but at its heart is a Gallic instinct and flair for cooking.”

With the Rugby World Cup coming to a close on 23rd October, now’s the perfect time to explore the Land of the Long White Cloud without the crowds. Enjoy the freedom to roam around New Zealand or Tasmania with one of the following self-drive specials from Qantas Holidays (www.qantasholidays.co.uk Tel 020 8222 9124).

Explore Tasmania: 7-day self drive holiday from £599
Explore New Zealand by motorhome: 15 days from £1199
Explore Tasmania: 7-day self drive holiday from £599 – Australia’s southern-most state is an explorer’s paradise. A spectacular blend of stunning scenery and intriguing towns and villages, hit the road to make the most of this largely undiscovered island.

Price includes:

7 days Group B Hertz car hire
2 nights at Lenna Hotel, Hobart
2 nights at Freycinet Lodge, Coles Bay
1 night at Tidal Waters Resort, St Helens
1 night at Hotel Grand Chancellor, Launceston
Valid for travel until 30th November 2011 and between 16th January-15th April 2012. International flights not included but Qantas Holidays can quote best available airfares.

Explore New Zealand by motorhome: 15 days from £1199 – Exploring New Zealand by motorhome is one of the greatest ways to see this remarkable country, from the picturesque Bay of Islands to the Southern Alps and Queenstown, action capital of the world.

Price includes:

15 days Maui Spirit 2 TS motorhome hire
Interislander ferry between North and South Island
Valid for travel between 1st November 2011 – 3rd March 2012. Book by 31st October to receive 15% discount on motorhome hire (price shown reflects this discount). International flights not included but Qantas Holidays can quote best available airfares.

Prices quoted are inclusive of taxes, fees and other charges unless stated otherwise. Pri

 Travel/book by dates are as specified unless sold out prior. Offers are subject to availability which may be limited. Please check all prices, availability and other information with your travel consultant before booking. All prices are ‘from’ prices, per person, based on two adults sharing.

New to Helpful Holidays West Country self-catering portfolio is a stunning, contemporary detached house for eight on the edge of Mawgan Porth on North Cornwall’s coast. Cleverly designed with the living area upstairs to take advantage of the terrific sea views, Sea Drift is in a quiet private lane brilliantly positioned just 300yds from the sandy cove, while a hotel bar/restaurant is just 200yds walk.

Generously proportioned and very 21st century with stylish furnishings, the house has lots of big windows providing masses of sunlight. Stairs curve elegantly up to the lofty open-plan living/dining/kitchen area all with travertine limestone flooring, while folding doors lead out to a generous sun terrace – perfect for watching wonderful sunsets. At the back there’s a neat garden on two levels with decks catching the morning and evening sun.

Sea Drift is priced from £667 per week; for details call Helpful Holidays on 01647 434063 or look and book online at www.helpfulholidays.com  searching for ref Q10.

LIVING FOR THE WEEKEND

Extend your weekend stay in London with three nights for the price of two at Jumeirah Carlton Tower and Jumeirah Lowndes Hotel.

At the five-star Jumeirah Carlton Tower (Cadogan Place, London SW1X 9PY; www.jumeirahcarltontower.com, located in the heart of Knightsbridge, guests can enjoy three nights for the price of two until 31 January 2012. Standard rooms start from £220 per night.

In the fashionable Belgravia, stay at the boutique Jumeirah Lowndes Hotel (21 Lowndes St, London SW1X 9ES; www.jumeirahlowndeshotel.com,  with the three-for-two offer valid until 31 March 2012. Rooms start from £170 per night.

All rates exclude VAT and are subject to availability.

Book online at www.jumeirah.com  or call +44 (0)20 7235 1234

STYLISH FESTIVE ESCAPES FROM LUXURY SELF CATERING COLLECTION PREMIER COTTAGES

Whether you are looking to celebrate Christmas or New Year in a cosy cottage for two, a party house for 20 or a family friendly property for four or more, luxury self-catering collection, Premier Cottages (www.premiercottages.co.uk), can help. Prices start from just £365 for a week’s stay for two at the Old Byre at Swainsley Farm in the Peak District.

The company’s web site features almost one thousand properties and still has plenty of availability for the festive season. Many properties include delicious festive treats such as Christmas cakes and puddings and the all-important turkey as well as a bottle of bubbly in their festive breaks. Most of Premier’s properties are also “dressed” for the season with Christmas trees and decorations.

Houses still available for rent over Christmas and New Year include:

Bolotho Barns in Cornwall with lunch at Jamie Oliver’s Fifteen

Book a week’s stay for two at Bolotho Barns in Truro over Christmas and enjoy a free four course lunch for two on Christmas day at Jamie Oliver’s Fifteen restaurant.

Bolotho Barns features two beautifully appointed converted stone barns for two tucked away down a farm drive in the idyllic Cornish countryside. The property offers boutique hotel style comforts and each barn has a sleigh bed, roll top bath, designer lighting, oak floors and fizzing wood burners. Guests will be welcomed at Christmas with home made mince pies and a bottle of Cornish fizz as well as newly laid eggs and a cream tea. Locally prepared fresh homemade meals can also be delivered to the barns by arrangement. A week’s stay over Christmas or New Year costs £800 for two. To book consult www.premiercottages.co.uk  or call 01872 275743.

Shortflatt Tower, a beautiful Country House in Northumberland

New on the self-catering market for the festive season is Shortflatt Tower, one of Northumberland’s most beautiful country houses. The property is set in idyllic surroundings and features a Tower Keep drawing room with vaulted ceiling, six-foot thick walls and an open fire. The dining room sports antique furnishings, striking family portraits and a wood-burning stove. There are seven beautifully and individually decorated double bedrooms with views overlooking the formal garden and rolling Northumberland countryside. Plus three bathrooms with cast-iron double-ended roll top baths and showers and two en suite bathrooms with luxurious rain showers. Also included is a cosy kitchen-living area.

A wide range of treatments and therapies are on offer for guests in the brand new micro-spa, Fullerton Place. Consisting of a steam room, outdoor hot tub, hammam and four treatment rooms. A week’s stay for 14 over Christmas or New Year cost £4,500 or £321 per person.

Kernock Cottages, five award winning detached properties in Cornwall

Set in 25 beautiful acres of mature gardens, Kernock Cottages is a group of five detached properties that offer award-winning 21st century comforts whilst retaining many of their original features.

The cottages are ideal for young families and offer baby equipment at no charge. There is also plenty for older children to do including exploring the extensive grounds and enjoying the 14’ trampoline and onsite adventure playground.

Each cottage features flat-screen TVs, iPod docks, Wi-Fi, White Company bathrobes, luxury toiletries, pocket sprung beds, goose-down duvets, Egyptian cotton sheets and a private garden. In addition, every bedroom is en-suite. The cottages sleep from two to eight people and prices start from £750 or £375 per person for week for a sleeps two to £1750 or £219 per person for a sleeps eight over the festive period. Kernock Cottages is offering a free range turkey, a carved angel Christmas pudding and champagne for Christmas and New Year bookings. For reservations go to www.premiercottages.co.uk  or call the owner on 01579 350435.

Party Houses for up to 40 guests in the Peak District

Party Houses offers seven detached cottages that are ideal for groups of 10 to 40 guests wanting to celebrate in style. All are situated in the beautiful Peak District and ideal for those looking for an easy to reach, central location for a festive break. Each house features leather settees, granite kitchen work surfaces, quality beds, charming antique furniture and large dining areas.

Party Houses can also help arrange added extras such as spa treatments, entertainers, chefs and waitresses; contact details are all on its web site

A week’s stay for 16 in Merrymeet costs £4129 or £258 per person based on 16 sharing and a week in Toft Hall, which sleeps 20, costs £5162 or £258 per person based on 20 sharing over Christmas. New Year prices are £3872 and £4840.57 (£242 per person) respectively. To book consult www.premiercottages.co.uk  or call 01260 226609.

The Old Rectory Cottages, seven luxurious properties in Devon

Set between the thatched village pub and Saxon church (offering a lovely Christmas eve service), the Olde Rectory features seven luxurious listed holiday cottages. All guests have access to the property’s wonderfully warm swimming pool overlooking the patchwork of fields and rural views and every cottage is centrally heated. Most have roaring log fires as well.

Included in every Christmas break is a delicious locally reared fresh Herefordshire turkey and a locally made Plum Pudding. New Year guests will receive a complimentary bottle of bubbly. The cottages are also festively decorated with local greenery and berries and a beautifully hand-dressed tree with twinkling lights

A week’s stay for two at Christmas or New Year costs £550 or £275 per person, for four £900 or £225 per person, a stay for six £1200 or £200 per person and a stay for seven £1400 or £200 per person. To book consult www.premiercottages.co.uk  or call 0844 800 8869

Treworgey, romantic 18th Century cottages in an idyllic Cornish setting

Treworgey offers ten cottages each with stunning views over the tranquil Looe Valley. Every cottage features flagstone or wood floors, and original features such as inglenook fireplaces and heavy beams complimented with antiques and king size beds. Kitchens boast everything from dishwashers, washer/driers and fan ovens to food processors. Guests who want to escape the chore of cooking can choose from a mouthwatering menu of starters, main courses, light suppers, puddings, homemade cakes and other teatime treats. All delivered direct to their cottage.

Families will enjoy trying out the property’s climbing frames, sand pits with ride-on diggers, table tennis, pool, table football plus, the indoor beach with badminton and all weather tennis court.

Guests can walk off the festive excess along the magnificent coastal path, wooded river paths or on Bodmin Moor all of which are on the doorstep. Treworgey also has its own licensed riding school catering for all levels of rider. If you are lucky enough to own your own horse, why not bring it with you? Each of Treworgery’s cosy cottages will feature Christmas trees, log fires, local mulled local apple juice and mince pies as well as other Christmas goodies.

A week’s stay for two at Christmas or New Year costs £755 or £377.50 per person, a stay for six £1799 or £299.83 per person and a stay for eight £1899 or £237.38 per person. To book consult www.premiercottages.co.uk  or call 01503 262730.

Cornish Horizons 2012 Brochure is available to download or call to order a free hard copy.

The launch of Padstow based Cornish Horizons Holiday Cottages 2012 brochure has arrived so if you have not received a copy get in touch with them now.

Cornish Horizons take great pride in the appearance and information included within their brochure and have spent many hours ensuring the attention to detail is as high as the quality of the accommodation they offer.

Every year the company release a full colour A4 brochure and each year the amount of pages increases as does the print run. This is a sign of their continued growth within the holiday lettings market and the amount of people choosing to use the agency for their Cornwall getaways.

The 2012 brochure features 185 individual properties ranging from idyllic couples retreats to luxury family farmhouses. Every one of their properties are independently inspected by Visit Britain meaning all have a minimum inventory to meet before grading commences and then a 3*, 4* and 5* scale to see just how good they are. By using this external source to undertake their * rating, means that Cornish Horizons personal preferences are left at the door. According to Managing Director Cathy Osborne, “All our properties have been graded by Visit Britain for over 10 years now and during that time it is noticeable that their standards have become more demanding. Cornish Horizons welcome this drive for improved quality because it reflects customers’ expectations which are ever higher. It is noticeable that many more properties are reaching four and five star grades and that the popularity of these properties reinforces our belief that customers want a property which is a bit out of the ordinary as well as comfortable, luxurious and top quality. It is not that difficult to achieve a 5* grade; the difficulty lies in maintaining a very high standard of care, cleanliness, décor and furnishing year in year out. Our clients with 5* properties know what hard work is!”

The company are seeing a continued growth in not only holidaymakers but also home owners. Recommendations from already signed up clients seems to be the trigger to their success. Their professional and friendly service with key local knowledge means home owners can feel confident that their home is in good hands. Their Cornwall reach is also on the up for Cornish Horizons, with new properties being taken on in Perranporth, Fowey and Boscastle. This means that there is more on offer for the holidaymaker in their search for the ideal holiday home. Focusing their efforts on one county unlike other agencies means they really know their market place. Cornish Horizons Senior Property Manager Lesley Wheatley says “We know our ground. We are proud of the local knowledge and contacts we have gained and by not spreading ourselves so thin means we can really focus on what people holidaying in Cornwall are looking for.”

Peter Osborne focuses his directions on the technical side of the business. A fantastic new website offering an online booking facility means that even out of office hours, holidaymakers can be safe in the knowledge that their ideal accommodation is held. As more ideas are developed and installed the website will become an ever better tool to have on board.

The website also provides a source for the pdf version of their brochure to be downloaded from http://www.cornishhorizons.co.uk/booking/2012_advance_bookings but having a printed copy is still a priority. Mary Thomas from the bookings team said “A Lady rang today to say that she had received our brochure and she had spent a very enjoyable evening yesterday going through and making notes. She said it even smelt yummy! She was really excited about it”.

Cornish Horizons can be contacted on 01841 533 331 or online at www.cornishhorizons.co.uk.