Jetsettersblog

International hotel group Accor has arrived on Queensland’s ‘coast with the most’ this month to manage the iconic Capricorn Resort at Yeppoon. The newly named Mercure Capricorn Resort Yeppoon is widely regarded one of the region’s most popular family holiday destinations, located just a short 30 minute ferry ride from famous Great Keppel Island.

The existing 281-room resort is one Queensland’s most established and best loved, set on a secluded coral reef coastline with an enviable outlook to the Great Barrier Reef.

Positioned 40 kilometres from the Rockhampton airport, the resort also offers easy intra or interstate access for convenient travel and overseas connections. Its extensive facilities include no less than four restaurants and bars, eight conference and meeting spaces, plus a large lagoon style swimming pool and spa.

Two golf courses, including a Championship golf resort, are located onsite for the convenience of guests, along with many other sports facilities. With its close proximity to the Whitsunday waters, the resort is also well located to take advantage of the many watersports and boating activities available close by, allowing guests an opportunity to make the most of the Capricorn Coast’s great climate and coastal features.

In addition, the resort’s Mercure branding will see the introduction of the brand’s famous ‘Grands Vins’ regional wine list, which offers a taste of Queensland’s best local wines, and Mercure ‘Pure Pleasures’ elements which make any stay special.

Online launch rates over October and the upcoming summer season start from A$105 per room per night (subject to availability). For bookings visit www.accorhotels.com

Mercure, a genuine experience guaranteed by a strong brand. For business or leisure, Mercure offers a real alternative to hotel chains and independent hotels. Mercure is the only midscale hotel brand that combines the strength of an international network of 700 hotels with guaranteed quality standards and the genuine experience of hotels, all different, rooted in their local community and managed by passionate hoteliers. Located in city centers, by the sea or in the mountains, the Mercure network welcome you in nearly 50 countries across the World. More information on Mercure hotels is available on www.mercure.com

Learn more about Australia’s Northern Territory with the FREE to download OutbackNT App which is now available to the Android market. There is also an upgraded version for iPhone owners.

Complete with videos, photos and interactive maps, the App is an essential resource showcasing everything that’s great about the NT from the convenience of a mobile, identifying great bars, restaurants, cultural experiences, attractions and events. iApp users can get into the Indigenous vibe of the Territory, with the didgeridoo feature which allows users to play the ‘didg’ by blowing into the voice piece!

Explore the vibrant tropical city of Darwin, World-Heritage listed national parks like Kakadu and famous outback towns like Alice Springs and plan itineraries.

The App includes information on the Territory’s six key regions and allows users to plan and share itineraries on the hop in real time. So whether you are looking to canoe through ancient gorges, ride a camel around iconic Uluru (Ayers Rock) or explore the delights of tropical Darwin – download the OutbackNT app now to start researching your NT adventure.

Best of all, once downloaded, the App works even when you aren’t connected to the web.

To date, over 60,000 users from over 30 countries have launch the App to plan and share their perfect NT trip.

The enhanced iApp is available free through the iTunes App Store and now features a weather feed, google maps, enhanced search functionality and e-news sign up.
http://itunes.apple.com/gb/app/outbacknt/id357912860?mt=8

The Android version is designed for devices running OS 2.2 and is available at: https://market.android.com/details?id=TourismNT.OutbackNT&feature=search_result

1. The App was developed by Radio Lynx Content (www.radiolynxcontent.com).

2. Australia’s Northern Territory is a leading nature and culture destination where Australia’s Outback meets the tropics and is home to Australia’s most dramatic, beautiful and varied scenery including the awe-inspiring red centre icons of Uluru, Kata Tjuta and Kings Canyon as well as the Top End adventure and wildlife destinations of Katherine Gorge and Kakadu National Park.

3. Darwin International Airport is an international gateway to Australia offering connections to Singapore, Ho Chi Minh City and Denpasar.

4. The peak visitor time is during the dry season, from May to September, but the Tropical Summer from October to April brings spectacular lightning shows and lush growth.

5. www.australiasoutback.com  is an essential resource for travellers planning a trip to the Northern Territory.

6. Follow the NT on Facebook www.facebook.com/home.php?#!/northernterritoryaustralia  or watch the latest videos on our YouTube Channel www.youtube.com/user/Australiasoutback

North Star Cruises, which has been operating in the southern hemisphere for 25 years, has released its 2012 cruise schedule which includes Southern Safari, a cruise from Adelaide to Ceduna, departing on 14th January. The activity-based itinerary includes cage diving with great white sharks, cruising to the tip of the Fleurieu Peninsula, touring the best wineries in the McLaren Vale, wildlife spotting in the conservation areas of Kangaroo Island and swimming with giant southern blue-fin tuna. Other excursions options include scenic walks, picnics, cultural trips, fishing and snorkelling, often in locations rarely visited by international guests. And, with six expedition boats, passengers can enjoy the experience in small groups with knowledgeable guides. Activities are complemented by maximum comfort on board the luxury, purpose-built ‘True North’ cruise ship which has a crew of 20 and a passenger limit of 36 ensuring personal service and attention to detail.

Prices for the luxury eight-night Southern Safari adventure cruise ranges from AUD$6,495 per person to AUD$11,995pp, depending on level of accommodation chosen. www.northstarcruises.com.au

The Majestic Line’s new brochure is now available for its 2012 cruises with a choice of 12 itineraries exploring the beautiful coast of Argyll on the West Coast of Scotland. The specialist Scottish cruise company provides a unique small boat cruise experience with only 11 passengers aboard its traditional wooden vessels, The Glen Tarsan and The Glen Massan. The Majestic Line is becoming increasingly popular and 2012 is filling up fast; 30 of its 60 cruising weeks are already booked out for 2012 and many others have low availability.

Andy Thoms, partner in The Majestic Line says

“We introduce our guests to some of the most stunning scenery in Europe and the best of Highland hospitality. The combination provides guests with an unforgettable holiday and word is spreading so fast that we are taking bookings for 2013. We are very proud indeed that over 60% of the bookings are repeat guests, some of whom have cruised with the Majestic Line up to 8 times”

The cruise itineraries explore the wonderful islands, tranquil sea lochs and spectacular coastlines of Argyll , a beautiful but remote area which is difficult to access by land, whereas the cruises provide a perfect vantage point from the sea.

The Majestic Line provides two double cabins for single occupancy on all its cruises at no additional cost. There are still opportunities for single traveller bookings for 2012.

The reputation of Appellation, the fine-dining restaurant at the five-star “Louise” in the Barossa Valley, continues to go from strength to strength having been voted the top restaurant in South Australia by Australian Gourmet Traveller magazine in its 2012 “Australian Restaurant Guide”. Also voted one of the nation’s top 50 restaurants for the sixth consecutive year, Appellation was described in glowing terms by Australian Gourmet Traveller:

“A grand Barossa vineyard setting and dining room with terrace make an ideal venue for Appellation to present its vast list of almost 600 wines. Dishes are designed to flatter what’s in the glass. Modest in spectacle but never disappointing in flavour, they embrace kitchen-garden freshness, fine dining extravagance and regional cuisine hallmarks.”

Appellation’s Executive Chef, British-born Mark McNamara, commented: “Being regarded as the state’s best restaurant by this highly credible guide is the dream of any restaurant team, particularly in South Australia, a state so well known for its food and wine. We are pleased and humbled both by this year’s accolades and by the consistency of the ratings that Appellation has achieved over the last six years.”

Other news from The Louise includes a special ‘Celebrate Spring’ offer, with two nights’ accommodation in a luxury spa suite, continental in-suite breakfast and a wine-paired, five-course Chef’s Tasting Menu for two. This offer by the Small Luxury Hotels of the World member is available on bookings made by 30th November for stays up to and including 15th December 2011. www.thelouise.com.au/dine

CATHAY PACIFIC INTRODUCES NON-STOP FLIGHTS TO ADELAIDE – Cathay Pacific is to introduce non-stop services from Adelaide to Hong Kong on three of its seven flights a week between 24th November 2011 and 24th March 2012. The only airline to offer this service from South Australia over this period, Cathay Pacific believes the non-stop, same-day connection will prove popular in bringing visitors to South Australia during the Australian summer. Cathay Pacific will retain its existing flight schedule on the other four days of the week, thereby continuing to offer a daily flight service to and from Adelaide. www.cathaypacific.com

SEALINK BUYS CAPTAIN COOK CRUISES – The South Australian-based SeaLink Travel Group has purchased Captain Cook Cruises, adding more than AUD$30 million to its total annual revenue, taking it to in excess of AUD$110 million per year. The acquisition, which comprises a fleet of 15 vessels operating from Sydney Harbour and along the River Murray including the paddle steamer “Murray Princess”, makes SeaLink one of the largest employers in the tourism industry. More than 750 staff in Australia and New Zealand work for the organisation which carries around 2.4million customers per annum.

Visitors to Kangaroo Island’s luxury Southern Ocean Lodge will get more for their money with a special ‘four nights for three’ offer available on all new bookings up to and including 17th December 2011. The four-night Remarkable Retreat break starts from AUD$2,970 per person, based on two sharing a Flinders Suite, and includes island airport transfers, luxury accommodation, all dining and beverages, a hamper of gourmet goodies, two AUD$50 spa vouchers and a guided excursion, plus a complimentary night’s stay. The offer is also open to solo travellers who pay twin share rate with no single supplement added. www.southernoceanlodge.com.au

Highlighting trails and venues across the city for visitors with smartphones

Leicester Shire Promotions has launched a new smartphone app for visitors interested in the city’s history and heritage offer. The new Leicester History and Heritage app is available to download for free from Apple’s App Store for users of iPhones, iPads and iTouch devices. It features information on 38 historical venues across Leicester, recommendations for half-day and full-day trails for visitors, and a ‘Locate me’ interactive map to direct the user to the closest historical venue.

Venues and locations of interest highlighted on the app include Castle Park, Jewry Wall, Leicester Cathedral, the ‘Old Town’, Abbey Park ruins, St Mary de Castro church, Belgrave Hall, Top Hat Terrace and Victoria Park. The next phase is to develop the app to cover the whole city and then an additional destination-wide app. Further developments will also include versions for other smartphone, android and tablet devices.

Martin Peters, Chief Executive of Leicester Shire Promotions said: “Visitors are increasingly looking for different and more flexible ways of sourcing information on their chosen destination. Smartphone apps are one of the emerging technologies that visitors are looking to take advantage of when planning their visit. This new history and heritage app will allow users to plan their day or short break visit and take in many of the highlights that the city has to offer.”

Sir Peter Soulsby, Leicester City Mayor commented: “Leicester’s got a wonderfully rich historic built environment. One of the core pledges in our manifesto was to promote its preservation, use and interpretation. With organisations like Leicester Shire Promotions using new technologies like smartphone apps, we’re confident that residents and visitors will be encouraged to explore and enjoy our city’s unique heritage and history.”

Stuart Bailey, Chairman of Leicester Civic Society, added: “Leicester is a city with a 2,000 year history and with survivals from every period of that history. The city needs to promote this history on the ground with new levels of tourism that will enhance its national status and be of greater economic benefit. Leicester Civic Society warmly welcomes the introduction of smartphone apps to widen this tourist base and so widen understanding and appreciation of the city’s historic environment.”

The app was developed by Leicester Shire Promotions in conjunction with Leicester-based technology company, Cuttlefish.

India Culinary Tour 18 days

Staying at beautiful heritage hotels, the journey will encompass master classes with well-known Indian chefs while also dining in specialty restaurants across the country from south to north. The diversity of cuisine is equalled by the contrasting landscapes and cultures as it encompasses the relaxed pace of Kerala in the south, the bustling streetscapes of the capital New Delhi and much in between. The tour includes an overnight train journey, superb wildlife sightings at Periyar National Park and a cool drink overlooking the sands of the Rajasthan Desert. The unique home stays and the vast history, palaces and forts of Hyderabad, Mumbai, Udaipur and Jaipur provide another captivating tangent to the trip.
Price: £3,790 per person
Departs:  5 March 2012

In addition to the India Culinary Tour, World Expeditions has recently introduced a number of food-themed trips around the globe, which also include:

- Sushi and Sake: Flavours of Japan teaches about the history behind the Japanese cuisine while tasting a variety of foods from different regions, savouring delicacies in local eateries and staying on a local farm.

- Wine, Poets And Pilgrims Of Northern Italy discovers the enogastronomic wonders of northwest Italy: Barolo wine, cured meats and hand-crafted cheeses…

- Morocco Cuisine and Culture visits to the produce stalls in Marrakech, cooking lessons from a traditional chef, wandering around food markets and staying in stunning riads.

- Tastes of Bali consists of cooking classes, traditional massages, market visits and sightseeing, while evenings are enjoyed sampling the best of Balinese cuisine.

- Food Lovers’ Peru takes in local markets, street food, superb modern eateries and traditional taverns, cooking classes and of course the Incan treasures of Machu Picchu.

For more information on World Expeditions’ gourmet adventures please visit www.worldexpeditions.co.uk  or call 0800 0744 135. World Expeditions’ all-inclusive policy ensures there are no local payments. Prices do not include international flights, however these can be arranged on request.

From private safari camps and guides to planes and butlers, those looking for the utmost in safari sophistication will not be disappointed with The Selous Safari Company in southern Tanzania. Comprising of Jongomero Camp, Selous Safari Camp and the beach retreat of Ras Kutani, guests wanting to celebrate a special occasion with family or friends, such as Christmas or New Year’s, should make the most of their exclusive-use facilities.

Positioned out of sight of the main Selous Safari Camp in the Selous Game Reserve, Selous Private Camp accommodates up to 12 guests and comes with exclusive use of safari boats, vehicles and walking guides as well as a private dining and lounge area and separate pool. What’s more, guests will be waited on by their own staff and a private butler – ensuring unparalleled exclusivity.

While at Jongomero, from the moment the plane touches down on the private airstrip, safari enthusiasts will be submerged in to a landscape untouched by time. Situated in the remote central south-western sector of the Ruaha National Park, the area promises an extraordinary diversity of animals, plants and birds. Paired with five-star service and the ability to book sole-use of the camp’s facilities and staff, Jongomero, with eight luxury tents, is perfect for an extended family celebration, group or society wishing to travel together.

After the safari adventure, Ras Kutani, a boutique retreat on the shores of the Indian Ocean, promises barefoot luxury at its finest and is available for exclusive use. With just a handful of cottages, hillside suites and a family house to choose from, this picture-perfect setting makes for the ultimate castaway experience.

Rainbow Tours (www.rainbowtours.co.uk / 020 7226 1004) is offering the ultimate nine-night beach and bush adventure from £3,495 per person (saving £300). Valid for selected departures from 1 November until 15 December, the price includes flights from Heathrow with British Airways, internal transfers and accommodation on a full-board basis split between Ras Kutani, Jongomero and Selous Safari Camp. For those looking to book the camps for exclusive use please contact Rainbow Tours direct for a quote.

Helpful Holidays’ 30th Brochure Features more High Quality Cottages in East Devon, Dartmoor and Cornwall for 2012

West Country cottage specialist, Helpful Holidays, is expanding into east Devon, Dartmoor National Park and Cornwall in 2012, with a marked increase in properties throughout these regions, as well as the South Hams. The number of places carrying the agency’s top 4½ or 5 star rating has also risen, reflecting holidaymakers’ demand for high quality accommodation.

Details can be found in Helpful Holidays’ new 2012 brochure, which is also its 30th. It features more than 560 places to stay throughout the West Country, ranging from romantic retreats for two up to big country houses sleeping a maximum of 48 guests; prices are from £167 to £6,440 per week. The portfolio also includes several Dorset cottages within easy reach of Weymouth for the 2012 Games sailing events.

The agency continues to see high levels of enquiries from both holidaymakers and home owners. According to General Manager, Moray Bowater, “People booking holidays this year have been seeking value, but are happy to pay a good price for top properties and high standards of service. We believe our quality/price ratio is a major factor and are confident that the market will continue to grow at this level.”

Now in its 30th year, Helpful Holidays estimates nearly two million people have stayed in their properties. “We are grateful to everyone who gave us their trust in our early days and the many who have continued to holiday with us almost every year,” continues Moray Bowater.

All Helpful Holidays’ properties are regularly inspected and star rated by its team so they can advise holidaymakers honestly through first-hand experience; 30 holiday homes carry a top 5 star rating, whilst 55 have 4½ stars. Eighty have use of a heated swimming pool, some have private moorings or fishing rights; others are on working farms and most have stunning views across countryside or out to sea. Many are within ambling distance of the beach or local pub, and over half welcome pets.

Many of Helpful Holidays’ properties are exceptionally plush and the agency has a deserved reputation for offering big and beautiful places. Seventy-three of its houses sleep ten or more; many can organise catering and maid service.

Helpful Holidays has been nominated by the British Travel Awards in the Best UK cottage/self catering booking company (UK properties) category, which shortlists it amongst the very top national UK agencies.

For a free copy of the 2012 brochure, contact Helpful Holidays on 01647 434063, order online or email help@helpfulholidays.com  every property is also featured on the website, www.helpfulholidays.com  The agency’s chosen charity for 2012 is Farms for City Children, which aims to enrich the lives of children from urban areas.