Jetsettersblog

Abercrombie & Kent celebrates its 50th Anniversary with a collection of specialist group journeys. Founded in 1962 by Geoffrey Kent with the vision of offering the most inspirational travel experiences, A&K introduces its new Specialist Journey Brochure, a collection of expert-led trips which push the boundaries of travel to excite, challenge and inspire.

Mark Carwardine – expert wildlife photographer, outspoken conservationist, award-winning writer and presenter of the BBC’s Last Chance to See with Stephen Fry will accompany two trips:

The Galapagos (24th May – 3rd June 2012) – explore the wildlife of these unique islands with the benefit of Mark’s wisdom and photographic eye.
Spirit Bears in British Columbia (8th – 14th September 2012) – search for the revered Kermode bears of British Columbia with Mark and a local native guide.

Jon Nicholson, acclaimed UNICEF photo-journalist and official photographer for London 2012 Olympic Games, will lead a number of journeys, discovering the true spirit of the destination while instilling technical photographic expertise, an understanding of composition and the confidence to capture the real story.

Burma Photographic (1st – 13th March 2012) – capture the former Royal City of Mrauk U, seeing the Ayeyarwady River on the RV Paukan and exploring rural Burmese life.
Bhutan Photographic (26th March – 8th April 2012) – explore the mountain kingdom, its ancient dzongs, mountains strewn with prayer flags, the vibrant Paro Festival and the farming communities at work in the paddy fields

Jodhpur Photographic (8th – 14th April 2012) – capture life in the ‘blue city’ of Jodhpur and explore Osian on the edge of the Thar Desert, known for its ancient temples.
Varanasi Photographic (29th September – 3rd October 2012) – discover Varanasi’s secrets and the traditions that surround the ghats of the sacred RiverGanges.

Ian Redmond OBE – an expert in gorilla conservation who has been involved in over fifty documentaries about these captivating primates:

Gorillas of the Central African Republic and Congo (September 2012) – Search for western lowland gorillas in Dzanga-Sangha Reserve with Ian Redmond, exploring the forests of the Ba’aka pygmy tribe and the Dzanga Bai, famous for its forest elephants.

Rob Caskie – the principal lecturer at Fugitives’ Drift Lodge under David Rattray, who has achieved eminence through his compelling storytelling to audiences worldwide, Rob has a unique talent of bringing history to life:

• Zulu Battlefields (April 2012) – recreating the drama of the Zulu War, Rob will shine light on the battlefields of Isandlwana and Rorke’s Drift from Fugitive’s Drift Lodge.

• The Kingdom of the Black Pharaohs (13th – 21st October 2012) – experience the dramatic events and battles of the late 19th century, including the Mahdi, Gordon of Khartoum and Kitchener.

Dr Christoph Schwitzer – an expert in conservation of lemurs and Head of Research at BCSF:

Lemurs of Madagascar (7th – 17th October) – Discover the diversity of Madagascar’s unique flora and fauna, seeking out its many species of lemur, exploring sacred forests, sand dunes, mangroves and beaches.

Michael Jay – the only Westerner to hold a samurai rank since William Adams in 1600, Japanese speaking and fluent in Geisha and Samurai history:

In the Footsteps of the Geisha and Samurai (25th September – 8th October 2012) – explore the enigmatic Geisha culture in Kyoto’s Gion district and understand the honour, traditions and weapons of the Samurai.

Denise Heywood – Asian Art specialist Denise is a lecturer, expert guide, author, journalist and photographer, specialising in Laos and Cambodia:

Artistic Heritage of Laos and Cambodia (6th – 18th January 2013) – explore local markets, Buddhist and Hindu temples and the French Indochinese architecture of Luang Prabang.

Set deep in the heart of The National Forest lies an enchanting woodland grotto – Conkers Winter Wonderland. All good girls and boys will be led by Santa’s chief elf through the trees to reach the cosy century-old log cabin to receive a present from Santa. His reindeers will be close at hand in the afternoon for children to meet and stroke.

Places are restricted, with set time slots throughout the day, so booking is essential. Dates to see Santa include 26th and 27th November. December dates are 3rd, 4th, 10th, 11th and then every day from 17th until 24th December. The mulled wine, mince pies, carol singers, street entertainer and roasting chestnuts will raise your Christmas spirits!

A beautiful candlelit carol service with Ibstock Bric-Brass Band will take place on 23rd December. And from 27th December until 3rd January there will be two pantos every day at Conkers, Cinderella and the Dickens favourite – A Christmas Carol.

Every weekend from 12th November and then every day from 19th to 24th December Twycross Zoo is inviting families to listen to festival tales in its Christmas Story Time, have a boogie at Tipsy’s Christmas Disco and, of course, see Santa in his grotto. Every Saturday from 3rd to 24th December visitors can enjoy a delicious cooked Christmas Breakfast while their little ones get to meet the man himself! And for the first time the zoo will be hosting the brilliant panto -Jack and the Beanstalk on 23rd December.

Rosliston Forestry Centre is holding its annual Christmas Craft Fair on 3rd December where you will find special gifts and unique Christmas presents.

Visitors to Calke Abbey on 26th and 27th November can help ‘Deck the Halls’ including creating the longest paper chain to decorate Calke’s Riding School. They are then invited to experience the magic of Christmas on 3rd, 4th, 10th, 11th 17th and 18th December. As darkness falls a Christmas Tree Trail will be illuminated by magical Christmas lanterns for visitors to weave through, listen to seasonal music, enjoy the children’s craft activities and visit Father Christmas in his grotto.

Calke will be hosting a Christmas Tea Dance on 3rd December with the Calke Alive characters from the 1940s leading the dance in the Riding School. Then on 10th and 11th December there will be a Craft and Gift Show in the Riding School, featuring fine crafts and original Christmas gifts. Join in Calke’s Christmas party afternoon on 17th December with music, dance and games and pick up some locally produced goodies at the Christmas Fine Food Fair on 18th December.

Kedleston Hall hosts a Christmas Craft and Food Fair on 26th November and a Christmas Market will be held on 3rd and 4th-December in Sudbury Hall’s Stable Yard. This marks the start of Sudbury Hall and the Museum of Childhood’s special Christmas events taking place every day between 3rd and 11th December with the Hall being decorated for Lord Vernon’s 1960′s Christmas House Party, and Father Christmas in his Toyland grotto in the Museum of Childhood. At the weekends children can have a go at seasonal craft activities.

A Christmas Craft Fayre will take place at Snibston on 10th and 11th December with a festive market and seasonal entertainment. Snibston Country Park rangers will be hosting Holly Wreath Workshops on 10th and 11th December. Materials and decorations are provided along with mulled wine, hot and cold drinks and mince pies.

The seasonal performances in Snibston’s Century Theatre include the classic panto Sleeping Beauty on 7th -9th December, Little Red Robin Hood on 17th December and A Victorian Christmas on Sunday 18th December with carols, songs and stories.

Sharpe’s Pottery Museum’s Christmas Programme begins on 3rd December with a Lecture Brunch from Richard Stone on Festive Folk Customs and a children’s workshop to make a wooden Christmas card holder. Also on the 3rd will be a Christmas Fayre together with the light switch-on at The Delph in Swadlincote town Centre. Sharpe’s Pottery will hold Christmas Decoration Workshops on 5th and 17th December.

Visit Swadlincote Ski Centre on 25th November and watch Santa ski down the slope giving out presents to the first 100 children. Mince pies and mulled wine will warm everyone back up in the ‘Alpine Lodge’. Back by popular demand are the Festive Umpah Nights with entertainment from the Bavarian Brass Band on 3rd, 10th and 17th December as well as 7th January. The Ski Centre’s Christmas Comedy Nights on 9th, 16th and 23rd December promise to be a ‘cracker’ of a night with two top comedians and compere, buffet and disco. And the Christmas Fun Activity Days running from Wednesday 21st December until Tuesday 3rd January (excluding Christmas and Boxing Day) are a great way for children to learn to ski or snowboard! The day includes ski or snowboard lessons, tobogganing, sno-tubing and a hot lunch.

There will be a Christmas Fun Day at Rolleston Equine Centre on 3rd December and Gresley Male Voice Choir will be singing an early Christmas Concert on 10th December in Newhall.

Donington le Heath Manor House celebrates Christmas at the Medieval Manor on 4th December followed by a Medieval Christmas Banquet on 15th December.

More information on all of these events can be found on the website www.visitnationalforest.org

For those people scratching their heads for Christmas gifts, the Forest may hold the perfect solution. Plant a Tree is a gift that grows. The recipient receives an invitation to attend a special tree planting event, a choice of tree to plant, as well as a personalised certificate commemorating the gift. Or how about a gift voucher for one of the fantastic woodland craft and bushcraft courses in The National Forest. Greenwood Days, Woodland Ways, Survival School and Woodland Survival Crafts all offer gift vouchers that make perfect presents.

Finally, where better to get your Christmas tree than The National Forest! Real UK-sourced Christmas trees are available from the Forestry Commission at Rosliston Forestry Centre and Hicks Lodge Cycle Centre from 26th November and throughout December, and, weekends only from 26 November, from Sence Valley Forest Park.

Three brand new holidaying accommodation concepts have been created to help celebrate Green Eden – a destination tourism campaign that places the spotlight on Eden in Cumbria – a land where the mystical meets the mountains and legend illuminates the lakes.

The owners of the sublime bed and breakfast establishment, A Corner of Eden, at Low Stennerskeugh, near Ravenstonedale are helping Green Eden achieve an ambition of making Eden Britain’s first low-impact tourism destination based upon businesses promoting sustainability and visitor payback schemes. To dynamically contribute to Green Eden, they have created three brand new holidaying options for groups – Heaven and a Hut, A House and a Hut and Heaven, A House and a Hut.

These quirky concepts offer a group of family or friends numbering up to 16 the chance to indulge in an idyllic and sustainable holiday, without sacrificing any creature comforts, proving that ‘green’ and luxury can be great bed fellows!

Heaven and a Hut is brand new for 2011-12 staycationers and accommodates a group of 8 who can take over the divine Angel Barn at Ravenstonedale, as well as A Corner of Eden’s new Shepherd’s Hut. This allows 8 people to have a whole cottage and hut hire, wallowing in the sheer luxury of the cottage, or chilling out in style in the tranquil, simple-yet-stylish hut.

The 15th Century Angel Barn sleeps up to 6 and is an amazing eco self-catering holiday retreat, complete with three en-suite bedrooms decorated with lush wallpaper and eco paint and fitted with extravagantly comfy beds and stunning furniture.

Luxurious sofas re-upholstered in British wool and a 100% Cumbrian Herdwick wool carpet can almost lead the visitor to overlook the fact that the superbly-equipped kitchen is handmade from local wood, that the cottage has sustainable insulation in the form of sheep’s wool and that while the heating comes from the ground, and the electricity from the sun, the water is taken from a fell-side spring. There’s even a bed made from old cow stalls!

Adding the newly converted Shepherd’s Hut to this, gives a group of eight complete private use of the two accommodation options. The hut started life as a 1930s railway cabin, but has been lovingly transformed into an exclusive hideaway for two. Its calming ambience makes it an idyllic bolthole for two adults who like getting together with friends, but also appreciate their own space.

It is furnished with a double bed, comfy chairs, dressing table, i-pod dock and wood-burning stove, as well as kettle. Crocs and comfy dressing gowns are provided to help guests cross the courtyard to Angel Barn, where the bathroom facilities await. Views of stunning sunsets, sightings of red squirrels and calming landscapes scattered with grazing sheep all come free of charge.

The House and a Hut option combines the Shepherd’s Hut with the equally environmentally-concerned historic grade 2 listed farmhouse, which can be reserved as a whole house hire for eight people, who can then have exclusive hire of the lounge and dining room and help themselves to snacks from the well-provided-for Butler’s Pantry, which carries homemade cakes and bread, local cheese, fruit and tea, coffee and juice. Drinks can be consumed from the Honesty Bar and candlelit, three-course dinner around the huge oak dining table is a bookable option.

By combining all accommodation and taking the Heaven, House and a Hut option, a group of 16 can enjoy away time together, using Angel Barn as the focus for breakfast and other meals and making the most of the great menu at the local pub.

Time in and around A Corner of Eden can be spent exploring the five-acres of land in which the stunning farmhouse is set, visiting local eateries, walking on Wildboar Fell, the Howgills or the Coast to Coast walk, fly fishing in the local rivers or horse trekking with neighbours Stonetrail Riding.

There is also mountain bike hire available and the option of booking a cooking course with Cook in Cumbria, also based in Ravenstonedale. With other activities, ranging from watercolour painting to nature watching and from picnicking to paragliding, there’s every good reason to park up the car on arrival and then get around under one’s own steam, using an alternative two-wheeled form of transport, or with a four-footed friend’s help, thereafter.

Heaven and a Hut costs between £220-£300 per night (self-catering sleeping minimum three-night weekend break. The House and a Hut option costs £540 per night (bed and breakfast sleeping 10) with a minimum two-night stay and the Heaven, a House and a Hut option £440-£600 (self-catering, sleeping 16) minimum three-night weekend break. The price of extra options, such as breakfast and three-course dinner can be provided and tailored to suit the group.

Visit Green Eden at any time of year and explore its breathtaking beauty in total tranquillity. More details about Green Eden and other members can be found at www.agreeneden.org Visit www.acornerofeden.co.uk  or www.angelbarn.co.uk  to discover more about its accommodation for all size of group from one to 16!

Britain’s leading guided walks operator, Ramblers Worldwide Holidays, has added a new and exciting collection of tours to its extensive portfolio. The company which has just celebrated its 65th Anniversary, now operates to 180 destinations in 60 countries.

And, Ramblers Worldwide Holidays offer a lot more than walking with a range of added activities like, cooking, flora, birdwatching, cruising, cycling and rail journeys.

Here is a ‘sampling’ of the 40 new holidays that have been added demonstrating the great variety of the tours on offer. All include the services of a dedicated tour leader.

The Langtang Trek – a 14 day Tea House Trek in Nepal’s Lang Tang National Park – north of Kathmandu. Stunning views in every direction !
Price from £1,959 per person includes return flights, transfers, 4-star hotel accommodation on three nights, tea huts on 8 nights and all meals.

Spices, Plantations and Hill Stations in Lesser Known India – a 17 day adventure in Southern India embracing Bangalore (the garden city); Guruvayur (important shrine and elephant sanctuary); Kumarakom; Munnar and Madurai – one of the oldest cities in Asia.
Price from £2,459 per person includes return flights, transfers, half-board accommodation (plus lunches on walking days) .

Patagonia – a 16 day holiday in this vast, stunning country with an opportunity to explore both the Argentine and Chilean sides.
Price from £3,499 per person includes return flights, transfers and half-board accommodation.

Northern Tanzania – a 20 day holiday which embraces the Serengeti, Tarangire and Lake Manyara National Parks, Kilimanjaro and the spice island of Zanzibar.
Price from £2,899 per person includes return flights, transfers, half board accommodation (plus 12 lunches!) .

Biblical Footsteps – a 12 day journey though Israel and Palestine embracing the historic sites of Jerusalem, Nazareth and Bethlehem.
Price from £2,265 per person includes return flights, half board accommodation plus lunch on one day.

New York State – a two week scenic journey (mostly by train) from Southern Ontario to New York City with the Niagara Falls, gorges and a little shopping en route !
Price from £2,389 per person includes return flights, transfers, B&B accommodation (plus dinner on 8 nights).

Walking on Gomera – a 10 day holiday on the beautiful island of Gomera – a 90 minute boat ride from Los Cristianos in Tenerife.
Price from £919 per person includes return flights, transfers and half-board accommodation.

Croatian Island Adventure – a one week holiday embracing the fascinating Adriatic islands of Brac and Hvar and a visit to Old Split.
Price from £949 per person includes return flights, transfers and half board accommodation at the 4-star Hotel Pastura in Brac and in superior rooms at the 4-star Hotel Amfora in Hvar.

The Julian Alps – a 2 week holiday exploring the mountains of Slovenia with the villages of Bohinj and Kranjska Gora as ‘bases’.
Price from £1,159 per person includes return flights, transfers and half-board accommodation.

Rhine Castles and Vineyards – a one week holiday set amongst the medieval castles on the loveliest stretch of the Rhine between Mainz and Koblenz with visits to the famous vineyards of Rüdesheim.
Price from £699 per person includes return flights, transfers and half-board accommodation.

Berlin and Its Christmas Markets – a 6 day festive holiday in this vibrant city – undisputed capital of Germany’s famous Christmas Markets.
Price from £749 per person includes return flights, transfers and half-board accommodation.

Arctic Birding Adventure – a 12 day holiday discovering the avian wonders of Finland, Lapland and Norway’s Varanger peninsular.
Price from £3,399 per person includes return flights, transfers and half-board accommodation.

Glorious Georgia – a 12 day holiday in Georgia – perched amongst the towering Caucasus with an opportunity to enjoy superb walks, ancient wonders and the ‘birth’ of vino in a 300 year old wine cellar.
Price from £1,645 per person includes return flights, transfers, half-board accommodation plus lunch on one day.

The Lycian Way – a two week holiday exploring Turkey’s long-distance footpath with four centres en route.
Price from £1,199 per person includes return flights, transfers and half-board accommodation.

Corfu – The Garden Isle – a one week holiday discovering the highlights of the Corfu Trail with two centres en route including, Benitses and Liapades.
Price from £1,099 per person includes return flights, transfers and half-board accommodation.

Forget skiing green runs this winter and think big with Black Tomato’s pick of its top five alternative snowy escapes.

1) NEW Step into Narnia-like landscapes in Swedish Lapland

Feel a million miles from home in landscapes reminiscent of C.S. Lewis’s enchanted world, Narnia. Stay in hip city Stockholm and taste the delights of Sweden’s culinary prowess before heading out to the wilderness of Lulea located on the edge of the Gulf of Bothnia overlooking a beautiful archipelago in Swedish Lapland. Sleep amidst the forest at the world’s only tree hotel and glide along frozen waters on a private hovercraft. Discover the magical Northern Lights and enjoy a cross-country ski tour in the icy wilderness.

A seven night trip to Lulea, Swedish Lapland starts from £1,899 per person including international and internal flights, accommodation and transfers.

2) Race Husky dogs cross-country in Alaska

Alaska’s frozen rivers that snake through the Alaska Range and its wintery coastline become the arena for one serious adrenaline pumping adventure – the cross-country husky dog race. Learn how to mush and handle the dogs driving your own dog team, fly high over Alaska’s glaciers in a scenic ski plane and ride a snowmobile at full pelt across expansive Alaskan plains.

A seven day trip racing husky dogs in Alaska starts from £4,799 per person including flights, transfers and accommodation.

3) Polar Bear spotting in Manitoba, Canada

Come face-to-face with majestic wild polar bears in Manitoba, one of the most pristine and unknown areas left on the planet. Explore this final frontier in comfort with an exciting city visit to Winnipeg before heading out to the wilds of Cape Tatum Wildlife area for guaranteed opportunities to spot the magnificent polar bear.

A six night trip to Manitoba, Canada starts from £5,999 per person including flights, transfers and accommodation.

4) The Northern Lights by quad-bike in Iceland

Take a night spin on a quad bike for a totally unique perspective on the Northern Lights and visit the south of the Island to experience the geological spectacle of Skógafoss and Sejalandfoss waterfalls. Continue the adventure by testing the climbing skills on vertical ice walls. Panic not, first timers will be looked after by experienced guides. Finish up with a boat ride out onto the electric blue lagoon to cruise past precariously placed icebergs close enough to touch.

A five night adventure to Iceland starts from £2,199 per person including flights, accommodation and transfers.

5) Ski summit to sea in the Lyngen Alps, Norway

Ski virgin powder snow from summit to sea, snow shoe across frosted forests and cross-county ski on the surrounding islands with an experienced guide. Watch the Northern lights swirl around the clear Norwegian sky and rub shoulders with the local Sami people and their reindeers. Kick back in a traditional Norwegian Lodge, set directly above a magnificent fjord with open fires and panoramic views.

An eight day to Tromso, Northern Norway starts from £2,725 per person including flights, transfers, accommodation, six days lift pass and experienced ski guide.

The renowned skin care expert and facialist, Vaishaly has personally trained each therapist on the Four Seasons’ spa team to ensure that her highly sought after facial is performed to perfection – as only she can do.

With an enviable collection of celebrity clients and a waiting list of over three months, the introduction of Vaishaly’s skin transforming treatment, now available in London only at the Vaishaly Clinic and at The Spa at Four Seasons, gives spa goers a new opportunity to experience her one of a kind facial massage with its special anti-aging secret. “I am delighted to be able to offer my facial techniques and my own product line to guests at this amazing spa” said Vaishaly. “This unrivalled combination is set to become one of the most desired spa experiences in the city”.

The spectacular rooftop Spa, the crowning glory on the 10th floor of the Four Seasons Hotel London at Park Lane, presents a unique urban sanctuary in the heart of the city centre. Putting health and wellness where it deserves to be – on the top tier – The Spa at Four Seasons features nine glass-walled treatment rooms, each with its own relaxation pod, and each with stunning views that stretch 360 degrees over the treetops of Hyde Park and the cityscape beyond.

The Vaishaly Signature Facial

The Vaishaly Signature Facial is more than just a facial. It is as individual as each client and their specific skincare needs. Recognising that these are always changing, reflecting seasonal and hormonal factors delivers a clearer, smoother, softer and naturally radiant complexion.

Vaishaly’s facial massage technique – known as ‘her anti-ageing beauty secret’ – is what makes her Signature Facial so sought after. It has also been designed to treat every skin type and skincare concern; from normal to extremely dry and sensitive, eczema and psoriasis to acne and more increasingly common, acne rosacea.

Experiencing the Vaishaly Signature facial is like experiencing a stay at The Four Seasons – a rejuvenating journey of total meditative relaxation for the mind, body and soul.

The Vaishaly facial treatment is 60 minute long and costs £140 including VAT. For appointments and further information please contact The Spa at Four Seasons on 0207 319 5480 or visit www.fourseasons.com/london/spa  to make your reservations online.

Park Plaza Hotels & Resorts, a stylish collection of contemporary, city-centre hotels with locations across Europe and the United Kingdom, has launched a new value-oriented package featuring accommodation, dinner and breakfast at its hotels in London, Leeds and Nottingham.

Perfect for couples or families, the Dinner, Bed & Breakfast Package features accommodation for two nights for up to two adults and two children, an early three-course dinner on the arrival night (offered from 5:30 pm to 7:30 pm) and breakfast daily. The package is priced from £89 per room, per night with a two-night minimum stay.

Greg Hegarty, Park Plaza Hotels & Resorts’ UK Regional General Manager, said: “Many of our guests enjoy the convenience of having an early dinner in the hotel. This package will allow us to not only offer great value by combining a room with a dinner and breakfast, but will introduce our our fantastic restaurants to our guests.”

Many of the restaurants at Park Plaza’s UK hotels have received numerous accolades. Located at Park Plaza hotels in London, Leeds and Nottingham is Chino Latino, a modern Pan-Asian restaurant and Latin bar that has earned Open Table Diner’s Choice Award, and is ranked in Time Out’s Best Restaurant Guide as well as a top rated restaurant on Top Table. Chino Latino in London has recently received its second Automobile Association Red Rosette. Brasserie Joel at Park Plaza Westminster Bridge London earned a 9 out of 10 rating from The Times while Sherlock’s Grill at Park Plaza Sherlock Holmes hotel on Baker Street is a three-time recipient of the prestigious AA Red Rosette Award.

For details about the new Dinner, Bed & Breakfast Package, visit
www.parkplaza.com/dinnerbedbreakfast

Specialist tour operator Neilson Holidays, in partnership with France Montagne have launched a Facebook ski game to kick start their ski season and place themselves firmly on the radar for those looking for a holiday in the snow this winter.

The Neilson Ski Challenge offers players a retro gaming experience with the choice of three characters, a downhill slalom race and a huge prize pot including a Neilson ski holiday to France, skis, clothing vouchers and ski/ snowboard accessories. The simple, two finger control game sits within the official Neilson Holidays Facebook page facebook/neilsonholidays and is set to be a highly addictive addition to their already engaging social content.

2011 has been a busy year for Neilson with the launch of their new-look, easy to read brochures, a brand new web site and increased emphasis on developing their social presence. The game is set to bring to life the fun and active attributes of the Neilson brand in a channel where they have already started to build a strong community.

Sonia Tuner, Neilson Holidays Marketing Manager, says “We take thousands of guests on holiday throughout the ski season and we want to tap into their love of snow by inviting them to get involved in the ever growing online Neilson Community. The Neilson Ski Challenge game is a perfect brand and customer fit and injects a new level fun into our social profile. We hope everyone will enjoy playing as we’re certainly hooked.”

Skiing has lost some of it’s cool factor of late and Neilson hope that its passionate ski audience and a bit of friendly competition will bring the love of the sport back to the forefront of peoples minds.

The Neilson Ski Challenge campaign will run from October 20th – November 20th 2011 with the game remaining live for the rest of the entire ski season.

To play the game visit www.facebook.com/neilsonholidays  and shred the slopes to see if you can unlock the bonus character – the Yeti!

Neilson Holidays, part of the Thomas Cook Group, are a specialist tour operator with over 35 years experience in delivering holidays from sailing & windsurfing, to adventure tours, lakes and mountains and skiing holidays.

This year’s Frankfurt Christmas Market, to be held from 23 November to 22 December, will be featuring traditional arts and crafts, a wide range of culinary specialities, a unique honey shop and much, much more. The market, which stretches from Liebfrauenberg across St. Paul’s Square and the Römerberg old town centre to the banks of the River Main, will be open Monday to Saturday from 10:00 am to 9:00 pm and Sunday from 11:00 am to 9:00 pm.

The scene is truly beautiful. A lavishly decorated fir tree reaches for the skies, thousands of fairy lights illuminate the surrounding townscape, snow descends slowly upon the historical old town while the air is filled with the scent of baked apples, roasted nuts, homemade gingerbread and piping hot mulled wine – it’s Christmastime again in Frankfurt am Main. Exuding a cosy and romantic atmosphere, Frankfurt’s Christmas market invites visitors to a leisurely stroll amongst rows and rows of booths and stalls, where they are sure to find the ideal Christmas present for their loved ones. Close by, Germany’s tallest Christmas tree stands proudly at a height of over 30 metres. Together, the old town hall and the historical half-timbered homes of the Römerberg, St. Paul’s Church and Frankfurt’s modern skyline form a colourful and contrasting backdrop for one of Germany’s most traditional Christmas markets.

The history of Frankfurt’s Christmas markets dates back as far as 1393. For years, only Frankfurt merchants were permitted to display their wares here, perhaps explaining why today one is still able to find such a wide variety of local and regional specialities. Gingerbread, “Bethmännchen”, a delicious almond and marzipan biscuit (and a favourite of J.W. von Goethe), and “Quetschemännchen”, a candied figure made of dried plums, are just some of the many typical Frankfurt Christmas specialities looking back on hundreds of years of culinary tradition. Years ago, a gentleman too shy to make known his affections to a lady often availed himself of the age-old custom of sending a “Quetschemännchen” to her residence to let her know of his intentions. If she accepted this sweet gift, his chances looked bright indeed. If not, he would be well advised to seek elsewhere.

Aside from sweets, the market’s beautifully decorated stalls also feature a wide variety of traditional Christmas articles, such as Christmas ornaments, arts and crafts as well as typical Frankfurt creations like pottery and stoneware products. And then there’s the unique honey shop on St. Paul’s Square, one of the market’s more unusual attractions. At home in a 300-year-old half-timbered house erected for the duration of the Christmas market, the two-storey shop sells honey, mead, candles and many other honey-based products that may be tasted or tested in the cosy 1st floor lounge.

Having completed their stroll across the market, visitors may revitalise themselves with a glass or two of the locals’ beverage of choice, Frankfurt apple wine, served piping hot at most of the market’s many food and beverage stalls. Aside from being an excellent place for finding unusual Christmas gifts, the Frankfurt Christmas Market is also a very popular meeting place. Heated outdoor taverns and booths offering mulled wine, smoked sausages and bratwursts invite guests to meet up for a drink and a chat in front of a truly nostalgic wintertime setting.

Those interested in finding out more about the history of Frankfurt’s Christmas market are urged to take a guided tour of the market, available seven days a week. Entitled “Stories, Sweets and Savouries. Enjoy the Frankfurt Christmas Market with all of your senses”, the tour is full of interesting tales and anecdotes of historical and modern Frankfurt. “Taste tests” of many Frankfurt specialities are included.

Frankfurt’s Christmas market also offers plenty of musical variety. On Wednesdays and Saturdays, the tower horns sound from the balcony of Old St. Nicholas Church, while International Christmas carols are sung from the stage next to the Christmas tree every Saturday and Sunday. And on the Saturday before the 1st Advent, Frankfurt’s church bells chime in a harmonious display of yuletide co-operation. At precisely 4:30 pm, some 50 bells of 10 downtown churches ring in the festive season with a performance that’s heard across the entire city. Inside the town hall, meanwhile, Frankfurt artists come together to display their latest creations in the time-honoured “Römerhallen”, or Roman Halls.

Finally, if you too are a fan of wintertime nostalgia, then take a trip on the historic steam train along the banks of the River Main. Offering excellent views of the southern bank, this short journey also paves the way for the next programme highlight. After conclusion of your stroll across the Christmas market, why not pop across to the other side of the Main and pay a visit to some of Frankfurt’s renowned riverside museums? The famous Frankfurt Museum Embankment and countless other sightseeing highlights are only a stone’s throw away.

In fact, the market is so popular that it has become one of Frankfurt’s biggest export sellers. Residents and visitors of Birmingham, for example, have been enjoying Birmingham’s Frankfurt Christmas Market for many years, in particular the traditional Frankfurt Christmas specialities and the unusual yet very popular Frankfurt Christmas pub.

Hot on the UK spa scene for 2012 is The Riverside Spa at Rothay Garden, the Lake District’s newest spa, and the jewel in the crown at this award-winning Grasmere hotel.

Situated on the edge of picturesque Grasmere village, and nestling in two acres of riverside gardens surrounded by majestic fells, the four-star Rothay Garden is a perfect choice for a relaxing break in the Lake District. Owned and operated by Chris Carss, a finalist in this year’s North West Tourism Entrepreneur of the Year Awards, Rothay Garden has recently completed a major redevelopment programme, including 7 new suites, a stylish Garden Restaurant and The Riverside Spa.

Nestling amongst the trees in two acres of gardens, overlooking the babbling River Rothay, The Riverside Spa offers hotel guests an exclusive facility including Hydrospa, Herbal Pine Sauna, Aromatherapy Room, Monsoon Feature Showers, Infrared Loungers and an amazing Reflexology Walk. Designed to “bring the outside in”, it has amazing floor-to-ceiling windows that allow guests to enjoy superb views of the surrounding fells whilst soaking away the strains of aching muscles or stressed minds. In the summer months, the glass-fronted doors open to provide a true feeling of being in the garden with the breeze on your face, at one with nature.

The Riverside Spa at Rothay Garden offers:

A superb HydroSpa, adjoining the riverbank, enabling spa users to watch the river flow by and enjoy the fabulous fells beyond, which caresses the body with jets and bubbles of water heated to a perfect temperature of about 38 degrees. With two sunken loungers with air jets, and water cannons to massage your neck and ease those stresses away, this really is the ultimate in self-indulgence!

A cosy Herbal Pine Sauna, giving guests the chance to warm up in an environment of 85-90 degrees even on the freshest of Lake District days. And there’s an added twist, with a glass front to provide views of the garden as you relax and refresh.

The Aroma Room – a luxurious and atmospheric aromatherapy room where under-tile heating, changing light colours and essential fragrances combine to provide a mood of total relaxation and contentment at a constant 40 degrees. And again, this room has been designed with a glass front to provide lovely views of the garden as you relax.
Two Monsoon Feature Showers, the perfect way to cool down or rinse off between heat treatments, offering either tropical warmth or arctic cool at the push of a button, and with power jets to pummel the body, invigorate the skin and increase blood flow.
Heated Infra-red Loungerswhich are beautifully contoured and will ease those aching joints and warm tired muscles, giving you and your partner the chance to truly relax and perhaps enjoy a long cold drink between your spa experiences.

There’s also an amazing pebble Reflexology Walk which connects the Sauna to the Aroma Room, and offers heated stones to massage and sooth tired feet, and guests can unwind even further on the spa’s decking, literally drinking in the delightful gardens and enjoying a chilled glass of wine or a cold beer before dinner.

Rothay Garden offers a range of ideal Lake District short breaks and longer holidays year-round, and full details can be found on the hotel’s website – www.rothaygarden.com  or by telephoning 01539 435334.