Jetsettersblog

Chalethotel Moris, Val D’Isere is going adult only this New Year. Bring your friends for a New Year’s extravaganza including a fabulous New Year’s Eve Gala Dinner with Champagne plus all the usual top notch Mark Warner extra’s. Travel to Val d’Isere on the 31st December 2011 for only £895 per person and get an extra day on the slopes for FREE!

Package Includes:
Flights
Transfers
Accommodation
Breakfast
High Tea
New Year’s Eve Gala Dinner with Champagne
3 course dinner with wine on other nights
Ski hosting
Lift pass collection
Evening drop in crèche

For more information on our holidays visit www.markwarner.co.uk

Follow us on Facebook, www.facebook.com/mwholiday and check out some great photos and competitions and take advantage of some great offers.

Maritim Hotels has opened a new hotel in Yuhong, China, called Maritim Hotel Shenyang.

Built to international 5-star standards, the property features 631 state-of-the-art bedrooms and suites. It boasts a modern swimming pool and wellness area, as well as sophisticated German and Chinese speciality restaurants and an all-day dining restaurant.

In one of the city’s largest business districts, Shenyang is considered to be the cultural and industrial centre of Northeast China and describes itself as “a city full of vitality”. The hotel boasts extensive event and conference facilities, with space for up to 1,400 people in the grand ballroom and a further 15 conference and meeting spaces.

The opening comes after the success of Maritim Hotels’ first property in China, an elegant venetian-style property in the Sanshan district, called Maritim Hotel Wuhu.

Continuing the expansion throughout the Far East, the luxury hotel chain will open a further two properties in China: Maritim Hotel Hui Zun, in Anting, Shanghai, opening in winter 2011/2012 and Changzhou in spring 2012.

Maritim Hotel Hui Zun, in Anting, Shanghai, is a five star property with 288 bedrooms. The state-of-the-art conference facilities and opulent accommodation will be housed within two stunning towers.

Maritim Hotels’ Director of International Sales, Mark Spivey, comments: “We are delighted to have opened the hotel in Shenyang as it is a key business region. The stunning design features of the grand ballroom at Maritim Hotel Shenyang, really sets the hotel apart, as does the magnificent location of all our China hotels.

“As our second hotel in China, it is positive news that, as this hotel opens, we already have two more opening within six months. We have made a significant investment in the Far East, which puts the Maritim brand on the map.”

Maritim Hotels is Germany’s largest privately owned operator of conference facilities and caters for a huge market in the Far East.

In addition to 37 hotels in Germany, the company has 15 hotels around the world in locations as diverse as Mauritius, China, Egypt, Spain, Turkey, Latvia and Malta and is the market leader in conferences and events – famous for its philosophy of ‘meetings and accommodation under one roof.’

It’s a case of ‘Romeo, Romeo, wherefore art thou Romeo’ at the Oceanarium in Bournemouth this half term, as visitors to the attraction’s Otter Oasis will soon discover.

The Shakespearean link revolves around a brand new balcony, just completed as the final stage of a £150,000 home for the Oriental small clawed otters, introduced at the Oceanarium in April 2011. This additional feature extends out on to the West Beach promenade, giving the otters a chance to get some fresh, sea air, whenever they fancy stepping out.

Keepers at the Oceanarium had a long-term vision of establishing a breeding programme for the otters, so decided to try to pair a couple up and see how they got along. Last week, a new young male from Oceanarium’s sister attraction, Lakes Aquarium, joined a new young female from Blackpool Zoo, and both moved in to their plush new abode, after the last resident, Bea, had transferred to Lakes Aquarium.

Typically, it takes time for otters to gel, but the two new residents have already established encouraging signs of romantic attachment. They are getting on famously in their new home and delighting the Oceanarium’s team with their fantastic rapport.

Both the female otter, born in summer 2010, and her new male companion, born slightly earlier in spring 2010, seem to be relishing their new luxury residence. As well as their balcony, they have lush bamboo, rock pools and even a waterfall to list as their home’s exceptional features and they are certainly making the most of the facilities.

This very strong, yet sudden, relationship has amazed staff used to handling otter introduction programmes, which typically require patience. This, and the presence of the new balcony, has led to the couple being nicknamed Romeo and Juliet – names proving appropriate for passers-by on the promenade catching a glimpse of the happy couple.

Oceanarium curator, Oliver Buttling, says: “Romance is most definitely in the air and the romantics in the Oceanarium team like to think that the luxurious balcony area has helped play Cupid! We are very optimistic about hearing the patter of tiny paws in the not-to-distant future, as our environment seems to have proved to the liking of this pair, who have taken to each other in a big way”.

The only debate now is whether or not the names of Romeo and Juliet should stick. The Oceanarium is running a poll during the school break, to ask visitors what they think and, if they do not want the Shakespearean names, to give alternatives. If the majority reject the current nicknames, two new names will be chosen at random from visitors’ suggestions and a plaque made to celebrate this.

Oceanarium is open seven days a week, from 10am to 6pm during half term and otter feeding – a great time to see ‘Romeo’ and ‘Juliet’ – takes place at 10.30am and 1pm. Tickets can be bought up to 25 per cent less online at www.oceanarium.co.uk  so a family of two adults and two children can enter for £22.90.

From 31st October 2011 until 31st March 2012, guests staying at the family friendly Polurrian Bay Hotel (www.polurrianhotel.com) on the Lizard peninsula in Cornwall, can enjoy a range of added benefits with a selection of enticing winter offers.

The hotel, which received a makeover this summer, is set in 12 acres of gardens with spectacular views over Mounts Bay and makes the perfect overnight stay for walkers with the South West coastal footpath running along the edge of the property. There are also plenty of indoor activities available with a light and bright Ofsted registered ‘Den’ for youngsters, a ‘Blue Room’ with games for teens and a heated indoor pool. For adults, there’s a spacious lounge for afternoon tea and the Purity Spa which offers a choice of soothing treatments. As an added bonus, children under 12 stay free year round when sharing their parent’s room (conditions apply).*

Stay Four Nights for the Price of Three:
Stay a little longer for less and save up to £180 with four nights for the price of three, including a complimentary £50 hotel credit that can be used against food, beverages or Spa treatments during the stay. The offer is available all week in all room categories. *
http://polurrianhotel.com/special-offers/pay-3-nights-stay-4/

Grandparents Stay Free:
Three generations of the family can spend quality time together as Grandparents stay free when booking a family or interconnecting room from £130 per room per night, based on a minimum three night stay. The offer is available for Grandparents staying in an inland facing room on a room only basis, with all meals paid for as taken. *
http://polurrianhotel.com/special-offers/grandparents-stay-free/

Mums Escape
Mums can put their feet up and relax with a Mums Escape Spa package including a complimentary 60 minute facial treatment and a complimentary 30 minute back, neck and shoulder massage at the hotel’s Purity Spa. The spa uses leading luxury spa brand Elemis and Cornwall based skincare range Spiezia Organics across its choice of treatments. And while mum is being pampered, the children can be cared for in the kids club.
The offer is available Wednesday to Sunday only for on a minimum three night stay with rooms from £110 per room per night based on bed and breakfast. * http://polurrianhotel.com/special-offers/mums-spa-escape/

Family Ocean Adventure Weekend
Cornwall is a great place to surf, so take to the water with a Family Ocean Adventure weekend, which includes a two hour surf lesson on Saturday and a three hour coasteering or kayaking session on Sunday. The offer is available on weekends only based on a minimum three night stay from £110 per room per night. With an additional supplement £40 per person for participating adults and children aged over eight years, based on a minimum of four guests. Cost includes all equipment except for transfers to the activities. *
http://polurrianhotel.com/holiday-packages/ocean-adventure/

*Not combinable with any other low season offer, excludes Christmas and New Year, offered subject to availability.

To book call The Polurrian Bay Hotel call 01326 240421 www.polurrianhotel.com

Vamizi Island is part of the little known Quirimbas Archipelago and has a well established reputation as a stunning hideaway gem synonymous with indulgence and escapism on an unrivalled scale. In response to the demands of guests of Vamizi Lodge the two Vamizi Private Villas have been built and will continue to build on this reputation for privacy and luxury.

The airy pavilion style villas have been designed by award-winning architects to ensure a minimum footprint, avoiding existing trees and using locally sourced materials to ensure complete integration with the landscape. Both villas offer over 100 metres of private beachfront and are centred in their own 2 hectare plots.

The villas can sleep between 12 and 14 and offer four en suite bedrooms each with their own private beach deck, a children’s bedroom suite and beach access, a spacious open plan drawing room, a dining room and spectacular decking surrounding a fresh water plunge pool.

The dedicated Chef, housekeeping staff, security and hospitality manager will look after guests every need offering tailor made menus, activities and trips around this magical island.

Luxury travel specialists, Scott Dunn (www.scottdunn.com , 020 8682 5070) offer six nights in an exclusive Vamizi Island Private Villa from £3,780 per person on a fully inclusive basis based on 8 adults sharing and includes return regional flights, economy class international flights and taxes.

Australia’s “Queen of the Rails”, the Indian Pacific (www.greatsouthernrail.com.au), is hosting a spectacular 24-hour Mardi Gras themed journey across the Outback from Adelaide to Sydney. Crammed with sparkle and celebration, this rail journey will provide travelling ‘queens’ with a unique way of making their entrance into one of Sydney’s largest and most famous street parties.

Departing Adelaide on Friday 2nd March, the iconic Indian Pacific will be at its glitzy best with dazzling on-board performances and a special ‘Priscilla Queen of the Desert experience’ in Broken Hill before arriving in style into Sydney Central Station at 10.15am, just in time for the annual Mardi Gras street parade on Saturday 3rd March.

Fares are AUD$656 per person (approx £415) twin share in classic Gold Service or AUD$1059 per person (approx £669) twin share in luxury Platinum Service. These prices include all meals, lounge entertainment and the exclusive ‘Priscilla Queen of the Desert experience’ at the Palace Hotel, Broken Hill.

This Indian Pacific journey from Adelaide to Sydney covers golden farming plains, Outback Broken Hill and the breathtaking Blue Mountains. And, travelling in either Platinum or Gold Service, the celebration party will include all meals in the classically decorated Queen Adelaide Restaurant.

Great Southern Rail also operates the new Southern Spirit rail journey which spans four states from Adelaide/Melbourne to Brisbane, covering 2,810kms over six days. Coming into its first full season and offering a limited number of departures from 5th November 2011 – 10th June 2012, fares range from AUD$3,500 – AUD$6,800 (approx £2,357 – £4,579) depending on departure point and service level.

En route The Southern Spirit makes a number of Whistle Stop tours, allowing guests to discover in more detail the beauty of The Grampians, the majesty of the Murray River, the vineyards of the Hunter Valley and the quaintness of Byron Bay.

To book, either log on to www.greatsouthernrail.com  or contact your local travel agent or tour operator including Freedom Australia (www.freedomaustralia.co.uk) , Bridge The World (www.bridgetheworld.com) , Bridge & Wickers (www.bridgeandwickers.co.uk)  and Austravel (www.austravel.com)

HF Holidays – the UK’s largest walking and leisure activity holiday organisation – has taken on a National Trust property in Snowdonia to feature as a walking holidays base in the newly-launched 2012 brochure.

Enjoying a superb mountain location, only a mile from the base of Snowdon, Craflwyn Hall is a small property just outside the village of Beddgelert. It joins HF Holidays’ existing portfolio of 17 country houses in the UK, two of which are already leased from the National Trust.

“We have been the custodian of two magnificent National Trust properties for many years – one in the Lake District and one on Exmoor – and we’re delighted to be asked to give a new lease of life to Craflwyn Hall, cementing our excellent partnership with the Trust,” says Chief Executive Brian Smith.

There are fabulous walks in the area to suit all levels from the green valleys of Nant Gwynant and the Vale of Ffestiniog to the mountain summits of Snowdon, Glyder Fach, Moel Hebog and Cnicht.

As a small property, HF Holidays plans to offer one guided walk on each day with a choice of easier, medium or harder routes on different holiday dates. 2012 prices start at £249 per person, twin-share, for a three-night break in March inclusive of full board, the full programme of guided walks with one leader, transport to and from the walks and a sociable evening programme.

The 2012 Walking and Outdoor Holidays brochure also features a number of new overseas walking holidays, including guided walking in Norway’s Lofoten Islands, renowned as one of the most spectacular landscapes in Europe.

This archipelago boasts jagged peaks, white sands and dramatic fjords: a miniature version of the Norwegian mainland. Offering breathtaking views, this is an ideal location for day walks as the summits are only 350-500m high, compared with 2000m mountains on the mainland.

Other new holidays include a guided trail along the Rievers Way in Northumberland and 14 new guided walking holidays in destinations including as Thailand, Borneo, Alaska, Romania and the Polish Tatras. European River Cruising is also introduced.

0845 470 7558, www.hfholidays.co.uk

Adventure travel leader celebrates new name with introduction of new product

G Adventures’ (formerly Gap Adventures), the world’s adventure travel leader, reveals details of the new destinations and tours that make up its 2012 offering.

“We’re excited to introduce our new roster of tours that embody our commitment to offering life-changing, innovative and authentic travel experiences,” says Bruce Poon Tip, G Adventures’ founder.

“Echoing our dedication to leading with service, a variety of itineraries worldwide were developed based on feedback from our customers, many of which feature unique and industry-leading experiences that very few or no other tour operators offer,” he added.

First time in North America
For the first time in its 21-year history, G Adventures offers a comprehensive array of affordable North American tours. With varying lengths, styles and service levels, the trips explore the continent’s natural wonders and famed national parks like the Grand Canyon, Death Valley, Yosemite, Canadian Rockies; as well as captivating cities like Las Vegas, New York, Toronto and San Francisco.

G Adventures’ Overland tours are ideal for those who want to enjoy the quintessentially American road trip and camp in North America’s great outdoors. Standard Hotel Touring offers budget-friendly experiences for those looking to explore the continent with a little more comfort. Active Escapes, week-long and based out of comfortable, authentic lodges and charming hotels near national parks and iconic sites, are ideal for travellers who are looking to actively explore a region by foot, pedal and paddle.

Live like a local
Expanding on the idea of a homestay, the tour operator introduces a brand new programme called Local Living. Holistic and organic, these trips bring travellers close to the land and its people by embedding them in local life. Travellers on these trips stay in one place, truly live like the locals and actively explore the regions.

On the Northern Tuscany Local Living trip, travellers stay in an authentic agriturismo (farm house) and journey each day into the Garfagnana region. Depending on the season, activities include collecting porcini mushrooms or black currents, harvesting grapes and faro and making pecorino cheese or wild boar sausage.

In Patagonia, travellers live at an organic local farm, learn about sustainable farming and hike and bike Patagonian trails, while the Guatemala Local Living programme immerses travellers into the Mayan life on Lake Atitlán, a region ringed by volcanoes.

Local Living tours are also offered in the Amalfi Coast, Dolomites and Southern Tuscany.

More new G Adventures offerings
In Asia, G Adventures introduces the Philippines Adventure, exploring bustling Manila, stunning rice terraces, refreshing waterfalls and gorgeous beaches, with an opportunity to spot the region’s famed whale sharks. The Classic Burma Adventure discovers the natural and man-made wonders of this unexplored part of Southeast Asia – Inle Lake’s unique floating gardens, staggering imperial ruins of ancient Bagan, incomparable palaces of Mandalay and enveloping forests throughout. In India, travellers have the chance to sail in the Ganges on select adventures, a rare experience offered by very few other tour operators.

The new YOLO Europe Encompassed loop allows travellers to focus on one region, a whole country or the entire continent. Designed for the 18-30 something traveller, the 24-day circuit conveniently starts and finishes in London. Consisting of five bite-sized routes, travellers can also mix and match their favourite sections to create a custom-fit adventure.

In Sub-Saharan Africa, G Adventures now guarantees departures on all Overland trips to provide travellers with added peace of mind and greater flexibility, allowing them to find and book flights at the best possible rates.

Responding to consumer demand, the operator also expanded its portfolio of tours in the region to include more Comfort style trips – perfect for the traveller who wants to experience adventure, unique cultures and wildlife in comfort.

In South America, the tour operator introduces the G Lodge Amazon. Exclusive to G Adventures and nestled deep within the shady confines of the Tambopata National Reserve in Peru, the lodge allows travellers to extend the dream state by letting them eat and sleep within the park itself. Verified by the Rainforest Alliance, the lodge’s commitment to sustainability is present everywhere: solar heat, rechargeable flashlights, meals prepared from fresh local ingredients and more. Guests stay in cosy bungalows equipped with private terraces, en suite bathrooms and 24-hour hot water—a rare treat in this neck of the woods.

New to the Peru programme is the Peru Multisport tour, providing active travellers with the unique opportunity to kayak on Lake Titicaca. And with G Adventures Inca Trail permit guarantee, travellers can be safe in the knowledge that once a permit is confirmed their space on the Inca Trail is guaranteed.

For a complete list and more information on G Adventures’ new tours and offerings, please visit www.gadventures.com  or www.facebook.com/gadventures  and follow @gadventures on Twitter.

Holiday makers searching for UK based luxury holidays at a bargain price in 2012 need to look no further than the new Toad Hall Cottages brochure where most 2012 prices are being frozen at 2011 levels. www.toadhallcottages.co.uk

The brand new Toad Hall Cottages brochure unveils a new look and a new logo for the company but prices will not increase next year for the majority of properties managed by the West Country based luxury self catering holiday specialist.

The company has decided to retire Mr Toad for a younger model after a long career of some twenty years. The new Mr Toad logo and branding reflects some of the more modern properties that Toad Hall Cottages manages alongside its more traditional character cottages. The new logo will also be more appealing to an online audience when a new Toad Hall Cottages website is launched next year.

Toad Hall Cottages says that despite the recent recession demand for its holiday cottages remains high with bookings in 2011 increasing by 4.5 % compared to the previous year. It says that although the overall trend is for customers to make late bookings, the demand for high quality self-catering holiday cottages in the UK remains strong as ever.

Toad Hall Cottages Director David Hanmer says that advance booking for 2012 are looking good and that next year promises to be another bumper year for Toad Hall Cottages; “Consumers are still looking to holiday at home and with a bleak economic outlook and uncertainty about jobs many customers are leaving booking to the last minute. However, consumers still want the luxury accommodation that they have become used to, along with great service and real value for money which is why our customers keep coming back to us year after year to rebook. We have also recently taken over the helm of New Forest Cottages at the beginning of the year extending our range of properties even further afield. With prices staying at 2011 levels Toad Hall Cottages should prove irresistible to consumers looking for a holiday bargain in 2012.”
Toad Hall Cottages manages more than 500 luxury self catering rural and waterside cottages across Somerset, Devon, Cornwall and Dorset and a further 100 in the New Forest. The new brochure showcases a wide range of outstanding properties which will be available for the first time in its brochure for 2012.

New properties available in the 2012 brochure…
Dove House, near Newton Ferrers in South Devon is a magnificent Victorian Lodge set in five acres of grounds which boasts 7 bedrooms that sleep up to 18 people which makes it the perfect location for a special family reunion or celebration. It has an outdoor swimming pool and summer-house, drawing room and library as well as a magnificent kitchen which has featured in many TV cooking programmes. It is situated near the beautiful Yealm estuary and in easy distance of the wonderful beaches of Bantham and BIgbury on Sea. Prices for Dove House range from £1527-£1565 per week for the remaining weeks of 2011 and January 2012, except for Christmas and New Year.
Please visit the website for more details: www.toadhallcottages.co.uk  or Tel Kingsbridge office 01548 853089

Melody Cottage in Slapton, South Devon is a beautifully decorated cottage in the heart of a quintessential Devon village close to the sea. Tucked away down a quiet, flower lined lane the 3 bedroom property (sleeps 5) retains many of its original features making it the prefect cosy retreat for any discerning guests. Close by are wonderful stretches of beaches offering many water based activities during the summer and a natural nature reserve with an abundance of wild life as well as many country and coastal walks prefect at any time of year. The cottage is available for the remaining weeks of 2011 and January 2012 for £347 per week, except for Christmas and New Year.
Please visit the website for details: www.toadhallcottages.co.uk  or telephone the Kingsbridge office on 01548 853089.

The Cobbles (Sleeps 4) is a romantic eighteenth century whitewashed fisherman’s cottage located at the harbour mouth of the quintessential sixteenth century Cornish fishing village of Polperro. It offers plenty of old world charm with the best of modern day luxury accommodation. There are wonderful sea views and a lovely terrace where you can relax and watch the world go by or from where you can plan your next walk along the South West Coast Path which is conveniently close by. The cottage is available for the remaining weeks of 2011 and January 2012 for £650 per week, except for Christmas and New Year.

Please visit the website for more details: www.toadhallcottages.co.uk  or Tel Polperro office 01503 272303

Enjoy a unique Christmas break in a private apartment from HomeAway.co.uk

If the long dark hours leave you feeling tired and depressed, don’t despair, as the beginning of winter offers plenty of opportunities for having fun and feeling jolly. The long-awaited Christmas markets and the switching on of Christmas lights usually happen in November and early December, so if you want to cheer yourself up and get in the festive mood, plan your pre-Christmas getaway now and head to HomeAway.co.uk, the UK’s number one holiday rentals website, to find a cosy winter retreat.

Europe has a great variety of traditional Christmas markets, so whether you’re looking for the ultimate Christmas tree topper, or just have a strong fondness for mulled wine, you’re sure to find something here to your taste. For the best atmospheric experience head to Cologne in Germany between 21st November and 23rd December and wander through the Medieval Christmas fair with its half-timber stalls and floating market.

If you’re after something a little bit different then perhaps the Christmas market in Valkenburg, Holland, taking place in a cave underneath the city would appeal (18th November – 23rd December) or the quirky, cool market in Barcelona where you can buy local crafts and unusual gifts (1st – 24th December). Alternatively, enjoy a warm Christmas on Madeira Island and make sure to attend the switching on of the Christmas lights on 4th December.

HomeAway.co.uk has hundreds of unique private apartments available to rent in Cologne, Valkenburg, Barcelona and Madeira, as well as hundreds of other destinations worldwide. Choose from one of the properties below or browse the site for more.

Prices quoted are per property per week for November and December and correct at the time of going to press. All properties still had good availability.

Cologne, Germany
Romantic apartment, centrally located
1 Bedroom, Sleeps 3. £340 per week
This is a beautiful, cosy apartment located only a few minutes by subway from the cathedral and its surrounding attractions. The property has a spacious double bedroom, a modern living area, as well as a terrace with beautiful views of the city.
www.HomeAway.co.uk/p777966

Valkenburg, Holland
Apartment with large garden overlooking the hills of Limburg
5 Bedrooms, Sleeps 12. From £715 per week
Located in South Limburg close to the city centre of Valkenburg, the apartment features a fully equipped kitchen, five spacious bedrooms, a cosy living area, as well as a large garden ideal for kids with swimming pool and tennis court.
www.HomeAway.co.uk/p777280

Barcelona, Spain
Stylish and elegant apartment in the city centre
3 Bedrooms, Sleeps 6. From £622 per week
Located within walking distance of Plaça Catalunya and Plaça Espanya, the apartment is on the third floor and features an elegant, spacious living room with two very comfortable sofas and a large dining table seating up to six people. There are three bedrooms and the bathrooms are elegant and modern and come complete with fresh towels. The kitchen is complete with all the mod cons that you would expect making it a pleasure to prepare a meal using fresh products bought at the local market.
www.HomeAway.co.uk/p816326

Madeira Island, Portugal
Apartment with BBQ and terrace with stunning views
2 Bedrooms, Sleeps 5. From £279 per week
Located in the parish of São Gonçalo in the city of Funchal, the main town of the island, the apartment is beautifully furnished and fully equipped. There is a private entrance courtyard with barbecue supported by a stone structure where coal and wood are stored. There is also a large balcony with magnificent views over Funchal bay and mountain views to the southeast, comprising a hammock, as well as a table and four chairs.
www.HomeAway.co.uk/p447908