Jetsettersblog

The Best African Camps And Resorts For 2012

Tour operator safari specialists, Africa Odyssey offer a portfolio of some of the most exciting new and renovated resorts and camps to open this year in East Africa. Here’s a few of their top picks and tips for what’s hot for 2012 in Tanzania and Mozambique:

NOMAD LAMAI SERENGETI – A New Vantage Point For The Great Migration, Tanzania

A great new safari add-on, the 12-room Nomad Lamai Serengeti camp opened in September 2011 and is situated in an unrivalled position on the Kogakuria Kopjie looking out over the Lamai Wedge. The area offers a great viewpoint of buffalo and wildebeest during the Great Migration and maximises the chance of catching river crossings.

Prices: Four nights at the Nomad Lamai Serengeti camp start from $6,200 per person in 2012. The price includes international flights, internal transfers, accommodation on an all-inclusive basis, taxes and surcharges. Nomad Lamai Serengeti can be used as a safari add-on to both Azura at Quilalea Private Island and the beach retreat of Ras Kutani in southern Tanzania. A three night add-on on a full-board basis at Ras Kutani would make the total price $7,200 per person.

AZURA AT QUILALEA – Undiscovered Beauty In Mozambique

Azura Retreats are adding a new private island lodge to their portfolio. Opening on November 1 2011, Azura at Quilalea Private Island will boast nine beautifully decorated villas with spacious bathrooms, natural furnishings and stunning views. Located in a national park in the Quirimbas Archipelago in northern Mozambique in an undiscovered beauty spot, this is a top beach destination far from the mass market operations in Mauritius and neighbouring mainland destinations.

Prices: Seven nights at the new Azura at Quilalea Private Island, with an additional three nights on safari at the Selous Safari Camp in Tanzania plus one night at the Royal Palm in Dar Es Salaam starts from $10,000 per person in 2012. The boutique and exclusive Selous Safari Camp is ideal for those wanting to view some of Africa’s finest wildlife, before relaxing at the luxurious Azura. The price includes international flights, transfers, accommodation on an all-inclusive basis at Azura and a full-board basis at the Selous Safari Camp, with game viewing drives in open sided 4×4 vehicles, concession and park entrance fees taxes and surcharges.

For more information on any of the above packages visit www.africaodyssey.com  or 1-866 356 4691.

Savings, Complimentary Amenities, Upgrades, Starwood Preferred Planner Points
& More at Special Low Rates January-April 2012

GRAND CAYMAN — Meeting and incentive planners seeking their next destination should consider Grand Cayman, just one hour from Miami and four hours from New York City airports.

To make the choice even more appealing, the award-winning 343-room Westin Casuarina Resort & Spa on Seven Mile Beach in Grand Cayman, the largest of the three Cayman Islands, is offering special low rates for its 2012 Value Dates Meeting Package during the Caribbean’s high season.

Experience striking ocean views in a majority of guestrooms and host engaging, productive sessions that capitalize on more than 9,000-square-feet of indoor meeting space and 60,000-square-feet of outdoor space, superb food and beverage, and outstanding resort amenities.

With available dates in January – April, meeting planners and their clients will enjoy an array of resort discounts, complimentary amenities, upgrades and other incentives, including double Starwood Preferred Planner Points.

Available dates for the winter season meeting package include January 2-30, February 4-10 and 12-17, March 9-21 and 25-31, and April 1-17 and 22-30, 2012.

Features of the 2012 Westin Casuarina Value Meetings package include:

• 50 percent discounted resort charge

• One complimentary room for each 40 rooms booked

• One upgrade to a suite at the group rate based on 40 rooms

• Complimentary in-room WIFI

• Complimentary office, hospitality desk and beach cabana during the group’s peak nights

• Complimentary welcome drink and cold towel upon arrival

• Double Starwood Preferred Planner Points for the client and the planner

• All food and beverage and banquet services are tax-free, with only a 15 percent service charge

• All bookings made by November 30, 2011 receive an additional two-percent reduction on the master account. Grand Cayman tax and service on rooms is 10% respectively, totaling 20%

• Planners should contact david.krech@westin-cayman.com for more information regarding availability and rates

Recently awarded AAA’s Four Diamond Award for lodging, the Wine Spectator Award for Excellence, and another AAA Four Diamond ranking for Casa Havana, the resort’s fine dining establishment,

The Westin Casuarina Resort & Spa also just received MLT Vacations’ Quality Assurance Award, given only to hotels and resorts enjoying a 99-percent customer satisfaction record.

The Westin Casuarina offers a wide range of meeting facilities and amenities, including:

• Three outdoor beach event locations

• Two ballrooms that can be divided into separate spaces

o The 5,600-square-foot Governor’s Ballroom accommodating up to 400 for banquets and 600 for receptions

o The Galleon Ballroom with 2,560-square-feet for receptions up to 250 guests

• The largest freshwater pool in Grand Cayman, with a swim up bar and poolside hot tubs

• The Hibiscus Spa, with 15 treatment room and the Westin Fitness Center

• For the lighter side of meetings, there are numerous nearby activities including snorkel and scuba excursions, helicopter tours, kayak adventures, horseback riding, submarine rides, pirate ship cruises, sunset sails, swimming with sting rays, and more.
• In addition to the hotel’s restaurants – including Casa Havana, with its prize-winning wine list, the more casual Ferdinand’s for breakfast, lunch and dinner, and poolside dining – groups may take part in “dine-around” programs featuring 130 local restaurants ranging from Caymanian and the freshest of seafood to German, Thai, Italian, Indian and Irish cuisine
• For more information visit www.westingrandcayman.com

Select Registry, Distinguished Inns of North America joins B&B For Vets to honor the men and women of the armed forces with an offer of complimentary accommodations, Thurs., Nov. 10, the night before Veterans Day. This year, Select Registry inns in 24 states across the U.S. have signed on to mark the day of observance by providing complimentary rooms to service members. Many of these properties are including other perks too like great discounts on spa services, romantic dinners and local activities. For a list of participating Select Registry inns, visit http://bit.ly/rrP3TR  and be sure to check back often for updates

Planning to hit the road this holiday season? So are most vacation-minded Americans: AAA estimates 27.3 million people will travel by car for this last end-of-summer weekend. Want to save even more money on your trip? Whether you’re connecting to your destination after a flight or forgoing planes and trains in favor of the open road, RentACarNow.com has a list of crucial tips for motorists looking to save cash when renting a car — and avoid costly mistakes at the rental-car counter.

1. Don’t miss out on discount codes and special deals.
You might already be eligible for a rental car discount and not even know it. AARP or AAA members can often get a discount of 10% or more, and government employees or members of the military are also eligible for reductions in price. Before you rent, be sure to check major rental car companies’ websites and look for their current special discounts.

2. Don’t supersize your rental car.
The thought of driving down the highway in a luxury vehicle, pricey convertible, or giant SUV can be tempting, but resist, especially when a rental-car employee tries to upsell you to a nicer vehicle. Remember those few extra dollars a day, plus the extra taxes and fees, can easily add up to a nice chunk of change over the entire rental period. Plus, renting a larger car than you really need, means paying more for gas — not to mention having a harder time squeezing into parking spots.

3. Secure your car early, but also check for last-minute deals.
Unlike airfare, it’s generally quick and easy to cancel a rental car reservation and rebook it without penalty. That wiggle room can save you major bucks: Reserve your rental car as early as possible, even if you’re not totally sure of your exact travel dates. Then, as your vacation approaches, check online to see if rates have changed. If you find a better deal, call and see if you can cancel your existing reservation and make a new reservation at the lower rate.

4. Book off-airport rental cars.
Renting a car at the airport is convenient, but it often comes with the added expense of airport rental-car taxes and extra fees. When booking a car in your hometown, it can be a smart financial move to rent from a neighborhood location instead of at the airport. Compare the cost of each option, including all fees and taxes. If you find a cheaper rate away from the airport, you can often take a free shuttle or a short taxi ride there and save big money.

5. Check for unlimited mileage.
If you plan to drive a significant number of miles, ensure that your rental car has unlimited mileage so you can avoid overage charges. Most rental cars include unlimited miles, but there are exceptions. Also: Check ahead to be sure you can take your rented car where you need to go: Sometimes car companies have restrictions about taking the vehicle to other states.

6. Watch out for one-way rentals.
If you can, avoid one-way car rentals. Often there are hefty drop-off fees that go along with a one-way rental. Be fully aware of any extra fees when planning your trip.

7. Ask to waive additional driver/underage fees if needed.
Tell the rental car company about any additional drivers (especially anyone under age 25) who might operate the car other than the person whose name is on the rental agreement. There are often extra fees that go along with extra drivers, but sometimes you can get them waived just by asking, especially if you have rented from that company in the past.

8. Don’t pay for unnecessary conveniences.
It might seem easier, but it’s almost always a bad deal to pre-pay for gas or bring it back less than full and pay the inflated fees that the rental car companies charge for gas. A recent article in USA Today reported that some rental car companies charge as much as $9.29 a gallon when a car is returned without a full tank. If you take a few extra minutes to fill up the tank yourself, you can avoid that inflated price. Also, if you have a non-smoking car (which is the standard for most rental cars now), it’s a bad idea to light up, as you could get hit with a cleaning fee of $200 or more.

9. Avoid paying for insurance from the rental company.
For most people it’s unnecessary to purchase insurance at the rental car counter because of pre-existing coverage included with their auto insurance policy or credit card, so make sure to do your insurance research before you pick up the car. Not only is the rental car employee not an insurance expert, but he or she also has an incentive to sell you insurance, so double check take make sure you don’t have more insurance than you need.

10. Save time and money by booking online.
You can almost always find the cheapest rental car rates by booking online rather than by phone or at a rental car counter. Plus, when you book online, it’s simple to compare rental car rates for all the top rental car companies (like Enterprise and Hertz) and find the best deal. Use a site like Rent A Car Now to compare all major car rental vendors at once.

Enjoy your upcoming holidays with the extra cash!

Hilton San Diego Resort & Spa on Mission Bay Features SeaWorld Family Fun Package
SAN DIEGO . . . . The Hilton San Diego Resort & Spa located on the sparkling waters of Mission Bay is serving up SeaWorld and s’mores this fall with its SeaWorld Family Fun Package.

With a minimum two night stay, resort guests will receive a SeaWorld pass for each adult, a full American breakfast for two adults and two children, complimentary resort parking (a $28 per day value), and the opportunity to enjoy a sunset beach bonfire with a s’mores kit gift certificate from the resort’s signature “Marketplace”.

The package is valid October 20, 2011 through October 19, 2012, with prices beginning at $310.

The Hilton San Diego Resort & Spa is located just minutes across the bay from SeaWorld and provides a complimentary shuttle to the park, allowing guests to experience the park’s myriad of rides, shows, exhibits and personal encounter programs.

The tickets included will be good for one week, with a complimentary upgrade to a SeaWorld Annual Fun Pass, allowing families the freedom to come and go at no extra charge.

After a long day (or two) at SeaWorld, parents and children relax on the resort’s private beach and roast marshmallows and s’mores overlooking Mission Bay.

In addition, the 18-acre bay front property also features Spa Brezza, the resort’s signature spa offering an array of massage and body treatments for men and women, fitness center, five championship tennis courts, sparkling pool with private cabanas, a private marina with water sport rentals and bicycles.

The resort also features Acqua restaurant with an outdoor patio overlooking the bay, The Olive Lounge and Fresco’s Pool Bar & Grill (restaurant hours may be seasonal and subject to change).

For reservations or information, visit www.sandiegohilton.com  or call toll free, 619-276-4010.

ABOUT THE HILTON SAN DIEGO RESORT & SPA

Not considered a typical “Hilton” property, the 357-room, award-winning Hilton San Diego Resort & Spa is nestled on 18 lushly landscaped acres and is one of only three destination resort spas on famed Mission Bay. The resort features its signature Acqua restaurant overlooking the bay and pool, the hip Olive Lounge, Aroma coffee bar and Fresco’s, the popular poolside bar and grill. In addition, the property boasts 25,200 square feet of meeting and event space, a multitude of outdoor banquet venues, its own private dock with an array of water sports and recreational activities, a full service spa and fitness center, and five championship tennis courts. The property is located within minutes of San Diego’s most popular parks and attractions. The Hilton San Diego Resort & Spa is located at 1775 E. Mission Bay, San Diego, California, 92109. For further information or reservations, call (619) 276-4010 or visit www.sandiegohilton.com

– Remember – winter only hits half the planet at once. So if you’re not the type to get excited about grey skies and snow, now is the time to start looking south. If you are the type who likes warm weather, gourmet food, and spa treatment, the place to look is Ecuador.

Experiential travel tour operator Myths and Mountains offers “Spaaah! Ecuador” in February. The eight-day tour is split between two of Ecuador’s finest resorts. For the first half of the trip, travelers will stay at the Papallacta Hot Springs, a mountain resort where they will stay in private cabins just feet from bubbling natural hot springs. For the second half, they will surround themselves with the abundance of life that is the South American rainforest at the Arasha Tropical Resort & Spa. Those travelers who opt to get off the massage table will have the opportunity to tour local markets, hike to sacred waterfalls, and go birding in cloud forests.

The trip is one of Myths and Mountains’ most popular in Ecuador, and was recently featured in Healing Lifestyles and Spa Magazine.
www.mythsandmountains.com

GLENDALE, Cali. – Great Safaris has introduced the best deal in travel to Africa: “Two for the price of one” land and air packages on three of their most popular African safari itineraries. Travelers can redeem two-for-one pricing on land and air costs on Great Safaris’ 12 day “Great Southern Safari” in South Africa, their 8 day Great Tanzania Wing Safari” or their 12-day “The Gift of the Nile” tour in Egypt.

“The Great Southern Safari” 12 days, $6,265 for two
Great Safaris’ “The Great Southern Safari” showcases the best of South Africa. This amazing adventure starts off in cosmopolitan Cape Town before heading to the beautiful Cape of Good Hope and the Cape Winelands. Then on to Kruger National Park for some of Africa’s premier game viewing on a private game reserve, home to Africa’s Big Five, and more. The adventure concludes with the glory and wonder of Victoria Falls and the Zambezi River.

“Great Tanzania Wing Safari” 8 days, $6,984 for two
On Great Safaris’ “Great Tanzania Wing Safari” travelers will experience one of Africa’s most impressive wildlife safaris, in true luxury and style. Travelers will fly the safari circuit in an executive aircraft, overnight at world class bush lodges and safari camps, and feast on gourmet cuisine. Travelers will experience northern Tanzania’s greatest game viewing and cultural experiences at locales like Arusha, Tarangire, Ngorongoro Crater, and the Serengeti.

“The Gift of the Nile” 12 days, $2,999 for two
Great Safaris’ “The Gift of the Nile” tour features a luxurious 7 day cruise down the great Nile River from Luxor to Aswan aboard the Mirage cruise ship. Each day includes Egyptologist-guided stops at world famous sites like the Karnak Temples, the Valley of the Kings, the tomb of King Tutankamen, Edfu, Kom Ombo, and more. Great Safari’s unrivaled Security and Satisfaction Guarantee is in effect for this Egyptian itinerary, giving travelers a full money-back guarantee should they be forced to return home early due to any political unrest.

A Two for One Airfare priced at $2,359 for two from Washington DC or New York is available to any of the arrival/departure cities for these tours, including Cairo, Dar es Salaam, Entebbe, Johanesburg, Lusaka, and Mombasa. All tours and rates subject to availability; travel and tour dates vary based on destination.
Contact Great Safaris at 800 409 7755 for expert safari advice and guidance, or book a Great Safaris itinerary with your favorite travel agent.

Great Safaris is an award-winning luxury African safari outfitter offering the convenience of a US booking office coupled with seven fully-staffed on-site offices in Africa. Destinations include Botswana, Egypt, Jordan, Kenya, Mauritius, Mozambique, Namibia, Rwanda, the Seychelles, South Africa, Tanzania, Zambia, and Zimbabwe. Great Safaris offers luxury programs to help adventurous travelers explore Africa and create enriching life experiences. For more information please visit Great Safaris’ web site at www.greatsafaris.com 
http://www.greatsafaris.com

Guatemala and Honduras with Friendly Planet Travel JENKINTOWN, Pa.-October 24, 2011-Central America’s exquisite culture, picturesque views, and rich history have attracted travelers for ages. Now, thanks to Friendly Planet Travel, a leading tour operator of high-quality, affordable vacation packages to exotic destinations worldwide, travelers can experience the untamed nature and impressive sites of Guatemala and Honduras on the 11-day Best of Guatemala and Honduras tour, visiting four UNESCO World Heritage sites. Guatemala combines the best of colonial Spanish culture with traditional Mayan heritage, and Honduras is the heart of ancient Mayan culture, with impressive Mayan tombs and step-pyramids. Seeing these two historic countries on one value-packed trip will make it the trip of lifetime for any traveler. They’ll get all this for the unbeatable price of $1,999, which includes airfare, superior accommodations, fully escorted tours, and more.

Travelers begin their journey in Guatemala’s capital and largest city, Guatemala City, before heading to the colonial town of Antigua, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, nestled between three picturesque volcanoes and colonial architecture.

As travelers explore Antigua, they’ll walk the cobblestone streets and discover Antigua’s most famous sites, including Church of San Francisco, La Merced Church, and Antigua’s Jade Factory. Travelers will stop at the bustling, colorful, open-air markets of Chichicastenango and enjoy the unique opportunity for lunch with an indigenous family before heading to the shores of the beautiful Lake Atitlan for a boat ride to Santiago and Santa Catarina. Later, travelers return to Guatemala City. From there, travelers will cross over the Honduran border through the vast coffee and fruit plantations, and continue to Copan, the most renowned archeological site in Honduras and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The abandoned ruins of Copan, dense tropical vegetation, and mystical monuments will round out the sightseeing in Honduras. Travelers continue back to Guatemala, stopping along the ancient trade route of Quirigua, another UNESCO World Heritage Site known for intricately carved, giant sculptures, including the massive Zoomorphs. A balanced mix of tour and leisure time continues as travelers enjoy a ride across Rio Dulce, also called the “Sweet River,” and visit an indigenous community development organization, Ak-Tenamit to learn about the indigenous communities of Guatemala and the sustainability of Mayan culture in a modern world. A stop at the Fort of San Felipe and logging village of Sayaxche is sure to inspire the history buffs on the trip. A tour of the twin cities of Yaxhe and Topoxte in the jungles on the shores of Yaxha Lake and later exploration of the islands of the lake will keep travelers enthralled. A final stop at the fourth UNESCO World Heritage of Tikal, located in the heart of the Mayan biosphere, entices travelers with impressive tropical forests and enormous amounts of plant and animal species. A climb to the top of some of Tikal’s tallest pyramids rounds out the best Guatemala and Honduras has to offer. The trip includes round-trip airfare from Miami and all transportation; superior hotel accommodations; 10 full buffet breakfasts, four lunches and one dinner, including lunch with an indigenous family; comprehensive sightseeing with a local, English-speaking expert guide; and a visit to the Ak-Tenamit sustainable development community. “This tour’s combination of the unmatched culture and nature in Guatemala, and impressive temples and terraces in Honduras and Guatemala, will attract even the most experienced traveler,” says Peggy Goldman, President of Friendly Planet Travel. “Magnificent monuments; exotic, tropical landscapes; dynamic Mayan culture; and stops at four UNESCO World Heritages Sites make for an unforgettable exploration of Central America’s gems.” Friendly Planet’s 11-day Best of Guatemala and Honduras tour has the following departures at the $1,999 rate: Mar. 16, Apr. 20, May 18, June 15, and July. 27. For more information about Friendly Planet Travel’s Best of Guatemala and Honduras tour, please visit the company’s website at www.FriendlyPlanetTravel.com; the blog at blog.friendlyplanet.com; or contact Jackie Zima at 610-228-2138 (office), 215-534-2973 (mobile), or write to Jackie@GregoryFCA.com. ABOUT FRIENDLY PLANET TRAVEL Friendly Planet Travel makes high-quality exotic travel affordable for everyone. Since 1981, Friendly Planet Travel has been arranging all-inclusive escorted discount vacation packages and cruises to the most exciting destinations in the world at the lowest possible prices. Each year, Friendly Planet Travel offers more than 30 different group travel packages to Asia, the Middle East, Africa, Europe and South America-at discounts of hundreds of dollars off similar vacations. With no hidden charges, add-ons or surprises, Friendly Planet Travel vacations include convenient flights and airfare, carefully-selected first-class and superior hotels, knowledgeable English-speaking guides, many meals, and itineraries as well as friendships and memories that last a lifetime. Friendly Planet Travel offers its extensive, economical travel services to private groups including universities, religious institutions, alumni associations, and families. Groups who wish to travel together can count on Friendly Planet Travel’s three decades of experience to operate their group travel program expertly and always at the very best possible prices. Visit us at www.FriendlyPlanetTravel.com. You can also follow Friendly Planet on Twitter and Facebook.

Flight-only operator Avro is expanding its Greek flying programme for next summer.

It has aded flights from East Midlands and Newcastle to both Heraklion in Crete and to Corfu.

Prices on the new charters lead in from £229 per person based on the East Midlands to Corfu which will operate on Mondays from 21 May to 24 September.

The East Midlands to Heraklion is priced from £249 per person and will operate each Tuesday from 12 May to 25 September.

Operating from May to November each Tuesday, the Newcastle to Heraklion starts from £259 with the Newcastle to Corfu operating each Monday from 21 May to 24 September.

“We will continue to expand our range of regional departures where we see a demand from our key retail and tour operator partners with whom we work very closely,” said Avro managing director Michael Vinales.

“We will continue to monitor sales to all destinations and respond with additional capacity where this is commercially viable to do so.”

New York, NY – Argos in Cappadocia is one of the most stylish and romantic hotels in Turkey and certainly the most distinctive. The word that comes up most often in guest comments is “amazing!” – “Memorable” and “stunning” are close behind. “A little piece of paradise in the heart of Turkey,” wrote one couple from France. Many of the guests from around the world are so enthralled with the hotel’s unique character that they express their enjoyment in whimsical, colorful sketches, turning the guestbook into pages of art.

In short, couples in search of an “amazing, memorable” honeymoon need look no further than the Argos in Cappadocia. Just by browsing the hotel’s web site looking at the inviting suites tucked into ancient caves and the twinkling nights above the magical moonscape of Cappadocia itself, they will fall in love all over again at the thought of being there together. Upon arrival, they can look forward to a private pool if they wish, non-stop room service, graciously warm attention from staff, fine sophisticated dining, a splendid wine list, and the opportunity to stroll hand in hand through one of Europe’s most astonishing landscapes. There is even a magnificent 2,000-year old concert hall for the wedding or reception.

Built from ancient ruins, caves and underground tunnels, the Argos in Cappadocia is an enchanting blend of two thousand years of history, passionate devotion to authenticity and traditions of hospitality, and cutting edge imagination, design and technology. Overlooking the volcanic peaks, fairy chimneys and fragrant valleys of apple groves and apricots that make Cappadocia one of Turkey’s most popular vacation destinations, the hotel is as improbable a creation as it is immensely inviting.

Now one of the most romantic hotels in the world, this was a labor of love 15 years in the making. It began with the vision of turning 40 ancient dwellings into a world-class luxury hotel. The dream was enhanced with the discovery of the ruins of Bezirhane, a 2,000-year old rock-hewn underground monastery that later was a hostel for camel caravans on the legendary Silk Road. What followed were years of careful excavation and delicate restoration of historical buildings, caves and tunnels. Finally, the Argos in Cappadocia opened its doors as an elegant masterpiece – a highly imaginative 42-room boutique hotel and concert hall that reinterprets the rich traditions of the past for today’s discerning travelers in breathtaking fashion.

The hotel’s accommodations are offered in several styles, from “standard” rooms to “Splendid Suites.” What distinguishes them from other hotels is that they are situated in five restored “mansions” connected by underground tunnels. Opening onto balconies, terraces and secluded courtyards, often with splendid views of neighboring Guvercinlik Valley and distant peaks, they are nonetheless caves – with all the latest modern conveniences. Each guestroom is individually designed, decorated with Turkish carpets, artifacts, candles and decorative objects set in wall niches. Most rooms feature a working fireplace as well as the latest technology, including wireless Internet and excellent sound systems. All Splendid Suites even have their own private in-suite swimming pool.

Other features of the Argos in Cappadocia include an outstanding indoor and outdoor restaurant serving local and regional dishes as well as international fare, and a more casual café for social occasions and snacks. Twenty-four hour room service is also available. The hotel’s huge wine collection, housed in its own caves, showcases bottles from its own Kalecik Karasi vineyards as well as other Cappadocian selections. The Bezirhane concert hall, initially part of an ancient monastery, is the setting for nightly live classical, jazz and Sufi musical performances.

Perched high above the village of Uchisar just a ten minute walk away, the hotel is perfectly located for the exploration of all of Cappadocia’s treasures. This mysterious, even unearthly expanse of ravines, canyons, mountains and valleys was formed by millions of years of soft volcanic lava and ash. Centuries of wind and water have left oddly shaped tall pillars of lava – the fairy chimneys – that, with their little stone caps and wobbly-looking shapes, remind many visitors of Dr. Zeus’s Cat in the Hat. Clad in blankets of snow in winter, flowering with red roses, wild oleaster, vineyards and orchards, and gurgling with fountains and freshwater springs in spring and summer, Cappadocia is a surprising, delightful discovery throughout the year.

But, what really sets it apart from virtually every other place in the world is its history of human habitation. For millennia – Cappadocians are mentioned by Herodotus, the 5th century BC Greek historian, and in the Bible – master stone carvers, monks, early Christians and other residents carved monasteries, houses and mansions, intricate networks of underground tunnels, even entire underground cities, deep into the rock.

Honeymooners at Argos in Cappadocia may take advantage of 24-hour concierge services to arrange excursions to such landmarks as the Goreme Open Air Museum, with its 30 rock-carved churches and chapels and frescoes dating to the 9th century, the underground cities of Nevsehir or plan a hiking trip through Pigeon and Red Valley. One of the most romantic things to do is to take a hot air balloon journey over the lunar landscape that concludes with a champagne toast.

Amazing, indeed.

For more information about the Argos in Cappadocia, visit www.argosincappadocia.com.

About Argos in Cappadocia Hotel

Perched high above the village of Uchisar just a ten minute walk away, this serenely beautiful and absolutely unique hotel is built from ancient ruins, caves and underground tunnels and is perfectly located for the exploration of all of Cappadocia’s treasures. Celebrating Cappadocia’s tradition of cave dwellings, the hotel provides 50 spacious rooms and suites that open onto balconies, terraces and secluded courtyards, often with splendid views of neighboring Guvercinlik Valley and distant peaks. Capturing the feel and texture of timeless stone and wood, each room is different, designed as a fusion of ancient and contemporary styles often using local artisans. All Splendid Suites even have their own private in-suite swimming pool.

Other features of the Argos in Cappadocia include the Seki Restaurant, with indoor and outdoor seating overlooking the valley and “fairy chimneys.” It uses locally grown products and spices to create the ideal combination of regional cuisine with international fare. The hotel’s huge wine collection, housed in its own caves, showcases bottles from its own Kalecik Karasi vineyards as well as other Cappadocian selections. Bezirhane, a spectacular event space over 26 feet high with giant stone walls and pillars, is situated in the two-thousand year old underground monastery and can accommodate up to 200 people, either for a wedding or special event. It is also an ideal setting often used for classical, jazz and Sufi music concerts.