Jetsettersblog

The Grill introduces a new healthy autumnal menu

The menu’s no mystery at Park Plaza Sherlock Holmes’s The Grill – the chefs have updated the culinary options to focus on healthy grilled offerings.

The AA Rosette award-winning restaurant has introduced a new focus on char-grilled options, meaning a guilt-free dinner awaits (or a scrumptious dessert can be chosen without a conscience).

Specialising in fresh, contemporary British cuisine, the restaurant uses organic ingredients to create tasty and classic dishes.

From char-grilled strip loin of British beef to Scottish salmon fillet, The Grill offers expertly cooked, locally-sourced meat and fish dishes, as well as wood-fired oven options including a full English breakfast pizza and roast Gressingham duck fillet and leg with honey glazed figs.

“We’re often asked by customers about how healthy their meal is, which has demonstrated just how important it is to them,” says Rachid Hammoum, Executive Chef at Park Plaza Sherlock Holmes.

“When we developed the new menu we followed our customer’s preferences and focused on expanding the healthy options available by using the char-grill. The new menu ensures that there is a variety of options for healthy eaters.”

The Grill is positioned in Park Plaza Sherlock Holmes (www.parkplaza.com/sherlockholmes; tel: 020 7486 6161) a four-star boutique hotel in the heart of London. Located on Baker Street, the hotel is near to popular destinations such as Madame Tussauds and the Sherlock Holmes Museum. Marylebone High Street and Oxford Street, some of the best shopping locations in the Capital, are just a few minutes’ walk.

Park Plaza Hotels & Resorts, a stylish collection of individually designed, contemporary hotels in convenient city-centre locations, are warming up winter with a special offer for those who plan their getaways early.

With its new Winter Saver offer, guests who book a stay at least 21 days before arrival can enjoy 20 percent off the best available rates at Park Plaza hotels across the United Kingdom. The offer is available for stays between 19 December and 29 February 2012.

Each of the participating UK hotels, which are located in London, Leeds and Nottingham, offers spacious guest rooms and suites, chic bars and restaurants, modern meeting and event facilities and a host of boutique touches alongside spectacular city views.

In London, guests can choose: Park Plaza County Hall (1 Addington Street; www.parkplaza.com/countyhall); Park Plaza Sherlock Holmes (108 Baker Street; www.parkplaza.com/sherlockholmes); Park Plaza Victoria London (239 Vauxhall Bridge Road www.parkplaza.com/victorialondon); Plaza on the River and Park Plaza Riverbank on the Albert Embankment (18 Albert Embankment; www.parkplaza.com/plaza and www.parkplaza.com/riverbank); Park Plaza Westminster Bridge London (200 Westminster Bridge Road; www.parkplaza.com/westminsterbridge).

Park Plaza Leeds, which has recently unveiled newly renovated guestrooms and public areas as part of a £2 million refurbishment, is conveniently situated in the City Square opposite Leeds Railway Station and within walking distance to many of the city’s top attractions (Boar Lane City Square www.parkplaza.com/leeds).

Park Plaza Nottingham offers stylish, contemporary accommodation and the award-winning pan-Asian Chino Latino restaurant and bar and is situated only a short walk from many top attractions including Nottingham Castle, Capital FM Arena, and the Lace Market (41 Maid Marian Way; www.parkplaza.com/nottingham).

The Winter Saver offer is also available at Park Plaza hotels in Germany, Hungary and The Netherlands.

For more information or to book a stay in a Park Plaza hotel, visit www.parkplaza.com/wintersaver

It’s nearly Christmas – and time to glam up for all those Christmas parties! Shopping for that stunning little black dress or latest trends is always fun but can sometimes be a little overwhelming with a huge array of options to choose from. If only someone could be there to guide you through the plethora of shops and really tell you what suits you best.

Why not combine a shopping trip to Brighton and treat yourself to a sumptuous overnight stay at drakes – Brighton’s top boutique Hotel at the same time?

drakes is delighted to be working with the amazing Jane Busby, who provides an excellent styling and personal shopper service. She has won the prestigious Female Ambassador of Fashion at the 2011 Fashion Sussex Awards, which is an outstanding achievements.

Jane has a wealth of experience advising clients on personal style and suggesting new looks, colours and styles tailored for each individual. Together with the contacts Jane has built up and the knowledge she has of the stock in the local shops, boutiques and stores, Jane can offer a stress free, relaxed and fun shopping experience.

After a brief consultation either over the phone or in the elegant seafront Lounge at drakes, Jane will then source the relevant shops for outfits which will best suit your individual style, colour, shape and budget.

On the day, Jane will meet you and take you to the selected shops where she will advise you on how to buy well co-ordinated outfits with accessories that will compliment your existing wardrobe and boost your confidence.

Shopping does not have to be just for clothes. Jane will be happy to offer advice and ideas for buying Christmas gifts, souvenirs or fashionable items to enhance your home.

After a fabulous and satisfying days shopping, bring your weary feet back to drakes where you can soak them in one of the feature free standing baths whilst sipping a glass or two of chilled champagne. When thoroughly relaxed, dress yourself up in your new acquisitions and wander down to our 2AA award winning restaurant where you will enjoy some of the finest Modern European cuisine in Sussex.

Special Pre Christmas Rates are currently being extended by Jane to guest of drakes hotel. See our website for details.
Dinner, Bed and Breakfast packages available weekdays from £165 for two people sharing a double room at drakes. Bring your sister or best friend for a true “girlie” experience.

British Airways is encouraging Australians to take advantage of the London 2012 action by offering early bird fares for travel from 1 April to 25 November 2012. Fares to London start from $1,964 and with special hotel deals and discounted car hire Australians can enjoy even greater savings.

London and Europe are set to be amongst the most desirable travel destinations in 2012, with an incredible calendar of events throughout the year. A large number of sporting events will take place alongside annual favourites such as the London Marathon, Wimbledon and the Great River Race, while the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee celebrations and the London 2012 Olympics and Paralympics in July, August and September are sure to add to the already electric atmosphere.

“Australians have long known what a great city London is to visit, with thousands making the journey ever year and in 2012 there are even more incredible experiences to be had than ever before,” said Neil Ager, British Airways Regional Commercial Manager, South West Pacific. “With our special fares now available, and the exchange rate better than it has been in a long time, this is the perfect time to get your holiday booked early, easily and affordably. Our special fares are available for much of 2012, meaning you can visit London during non-peak times during the year or when it comes alive during the summer months. ”

While the spotlight is largely on London, the culture and heritage of Europe is also set to shine in 2012. Whether it is a romantic sojourn in Paris, an Italian immersion in Rome, or an exotic adventure in Barcelona, the gems of Europe will play host to visitors from all over the world. With flights to over 90 destinations in the UK and Europe, British Airways travellers are spoilt for choice, with such a vast number of locations to be explored.

“London is certainly going to be an exciting place to be next year, but there are still many amazing sights to see in the rest of Europe and British Airways, with the largest European network of any airline, helps to make your journey as simple and enjoyable as possible,” said Neil Ager.

British Airways’ early bird fares are on sale from now until midnight 30 November 2011. Customers booking flights with British Airways can also book hotel rooms in London from $64 a night and receive a 15 per cent discount off cars hired from Avis. For more information and terms and conditions please visit www.ba.com

Australians travelling to South East Asia will gain direct access to exceptionally competitive packages to Asia hot spots from 1 November with popular boutique wholesale tour operator FOOTSTEPS IN ASIA offering retail bookings to travellers at great wholesale rates.

After nearly 18 years of creating unique adventure and tailored holiday packages for the world’s most iconic tour companies including Peregrine Adventures, Gecko Adventures and Exodus Travel, John Powell and his team at Footsteps are making South East Asian destinations directly available to the public.

Powell said that direct bookings will provide independent and small to large groups with exciting Asia travel options tailored to suit all budgets, styles and departures – many of them guaranteed – at difficult to match prices.

“By offering retail services for the first time, Footsteps in Asia is able to better share its experience, know-how and buying power with consumers who book direct or go through their local travel agent.”

Powell, founder of fully accredited tour company Footsteps in Asia, has organized more than 250,000 visitors to Thailand, Vietnam, Cambodia and Laos with tailored options ranging from backpacking to five star comfort. Activities include trekking, cycling, cultural, eco and home stays as well as gourmet and special interest tours.

Based in Bangkok, Footsteps in Asia has offices in Vietnam, Cambodia and Laos and has a team of professional English speaking local guides recognized for their deep knowledge of the regions and friendly support.

The guides, Powell admits, are the secret to FIA’s huge travel industry success.

“To ensure customers obtain a great travel experience, Footsteps’ guides are continually undergoing training and building on their skills,” he said.

“They often share special relationships with the regions they work in and are very sensitive to local people and their customs and the environment. As a result, they have earned a wealth of local knowledge very difficult to find elsewhere.”

Powell said the company’s highly experienced hands-on western management team living in Asia provided the foundation for the design and administration of the quality Footsteps in Asia tours.

“Ongoing feedback and research gives us a greater understanding of the expectation of our clients. And we certainly deliver,” said Powell.

“We pride ourselves on creating safe, sustainable, quality tours and our attention to detail in selecting accommodation and transport guarantees an enjoyable and fulfilling travel experience.”
John Powell and his team at Footsteps in Asia tours have organized SE Asia tours for Peregrine Adventures, Gecko Adventures and Exodus Travel. More recently, it has managed the tours for The Imaginative Traveler, Sawadee Reisen and The Adventure Company.
For further information on tours: www.footstepsinasia.com

The Chic Tourism Collection has announced the launch its exclusive anthology of chic travel programs to the U.S.A, United Kingdom, Italy, France and Southern Africa.

Featuring the finest and most original travel experiences in six ‘Chic’ collections – The Chic LUXURY Collection, The Chic DELUXE Collection, The Chic CULTURAL Collection and The Chic SPORTS Collection, The Chic GASTRONOMY Collection, The Chic WILDERNESS Collection – each program has been meticulously produced by a team of travel, fashion, media and cultural specialists so that every journey is exclusive, evocative and unforgettable.

“The very essence of The Chic Tourism Collection is to fuse genuine elegance, sophistication and originality back into the travel experience,” says Elizabeth Laursen, Executive Director, The Chic Tourism Collection.

Included in the ‘Chic’ programs are myriad cultural venues, soft adventures, sumptuous gourmet dining, luxury or elegant boutique hotel stays, and magnificent, ‘one-of-a-kind experiences’ that showcase the allure, glamour and excitement of the world’s fashion, film and literary scenes, the taste sensations of Italy and the captivating beauty of the Scottish Highlands and South Africa’s conservation game reserves.

“The Chic Tourism Collection understands that every travel journey is always a personal experience. This is why we have placed particular importance on creating an incomparable journey into a world of unique and beguiling experiences while indulging our guests every step of the way,” adds Ms. Laursen.

THE TRAVEL EXPERIENCES:

The Chic Tourism Collection’s anthology of travel experiences have been tailored for small groups of up to a maximum of 20 travellers over the age of 18 years, all expertly hosted with guaranteed departures.

Three of the six anthologies – The Chic SPORTS Collection, The Chic GASTRONOMY Collection and The Chic WILDERNESS Collection – have been produced so that couples or small groups can enjoy the intimate surroundings set against a backdrop of dazzling cities, panoramas and nature, albeit with a fusion of refined luxury, soft adventure and recreational pursuits.

Packaged as ‘ land-only’ experiences so guests can choose to fly with their preferred airline carrier, the fully-escorted ‘Chic’ itineraries include luxury accommodations in the host cities (with some of the world’s most spectacular hotels including The Dorchester Collection, Rocco Forte Hotels, Baglioni Hotels, Preferred Hotels & Resorts, Preferred Boutique Hotels, and Kimpton Hotels), room taxes, porterage and meal gratuities, airport, hotel and venue transfers, overseas domestic flights and transport (within the U.S.A. United Kingdom, Europe and South Africa), daily breakfasts, some gourmet dinners and lunches, museum passes, theatre tickets, walking tours, spa treatments and health club access, personal leisure time and program flexibility, and a host of ‘Chic’ travel experiences and surprises.

To further enhance the guest’s journey, every itinerary has been designed to include extended city stays of their choosing (pre/post program), optional city tours and personal leisure time. Custom-produced programs for small groups or small business meetings are also available upon request, with all itineraries enjoying The Chic Tourism Collection’s signature touch.

Guests book their program through The Chic Tourism Collection in conjunction with their licensed travel partner, Momento Travel Services. For further information on the 2012/2013 program anthology, please contact 61 291446015 or email travel@thechictourismcollection.com.

Website: www.thechictourismcollection.com
Facebook: www.facebook.com/thechictourismcollection

The Chic Tourism Collection is an independent, boutique tourism operator based in Sydney, Australia, which was first established in 1994 as a destination marketing and media company. Its special interest travel division was created in 2010 to showcase some of the world’s finest travel and cultural experiences via the talented creators at the core of fashion industry, the arts (film and literature) and wildlife conservation.

Working exclusively with their fully-licensed travel partners in Australia and South Africa, the company’s team of media, film, fashion, hospitality and destination specialists have collectively produced an anthology of travel experiences based upon their expertise and passion for their respective fields.

The Chic Tourism Collection’s hospitality partners have earned the highest levels of professional recognition, with each selected by the Chic team for their dazzling locations, luxury amenities, exemplary service delivery and environmental conservation policies (in South Africa). The company’s program partners in Australia and New Zealand include Preferred Hotels & Resorts, Preferred Boutique Hotels, Baglioni Hotels, Rocco Forte Hotels and Dorchester Collection.

For the first time in its 33-year history, adventure travel operator Peregrine has launched a program of over 20 adventure holidays in North America. Ranging from Alaska to Zion Canyon, there are camping, lodge and hotel-based trips incorporating multiple activities, from hiking to 4×4 drives, horse-riding to cycling.

The small-group adventures are designed to include the ‘must-see’ highlights, but also to venture off the beaten track, with the guarantee of a great night’s sleep either camping in comfort or staying in historic lodges, on ranches or in up-market hotels.

One trip that is expected to be extremely popular is the seven-day Canyons and Indian Lands. Beginning in Las Vegas, the trip loops through Zion Canyon for some of the best hiking in the desert terrain of America’s southwest. The route climbs to over 2400 metres elevation and traverses a high plateau to Bryce Canyon, the natural amphitheatre of pink, orange and white sandstone spires known locally as the ‘Hoodoos’. There is great hiking on the Navajo trails, which wind through the extraordinary rock formations.

The trip continues to Monument Valley in the heart of the Navajo Nation, where the red sandstone monoliths have been the backdrop to countless movie westerns. There is an optional 4×4 tour, during which the local guide explains the myths, magic and legends of the Navajo.

The scale of the Grand Canyon is almost beyond comprehension, from the rim or hiking down into the canyon. It is 445 km long, up to 29 km wide and 1.6 km deep, and through it snakes the mighty Colorodo River, which runs 2330 km through seven states. After two days of hiking or simply soaking in the view, the trip continues along Route 66, stopping en route at Hoover Dam before completing the loop back to Las Vegas.

The seven-day Canyons and Indians adventure costs from $1419 per person, twin share, including accommodation; transport; services of a professional tour leader; and National Park and Grand Canyon IMAX Theatre entry fees. There are regular departures year-round.

The new Peregrine North America program also crosses the border into Canada. The 10-day Canadian Rockies adventure includes a day in Yoho National Park, where activity options include canoeing on Emerald Lake, rafting on Kicking Horse River or walking the trails overlooking Takakkaw Falls.

Travelling via beautiful Lake Louise to Banff, there are opportunities for canoeing, cycling, wildlife watching, hiking or just relaxing in the hot springs. The itinerary includes a guided walk on the Athabasca Glacier, hiking in Jasper National Park and a final day exploring Vancouver before crossing the border, back to Seattle.

The Canadian Rockies adventure begins and ends in Seattle and costs from $2589 per person, twin share, including accommodation, transport, services of a professional tour leader, sight-seeing and entrance fees to National Parks. There are six departures between June and September, 2012.

“We have considered entering the US market for a number of years,” said Peregrine Destination Manager, Steve Wroe. “Peregrine clients have shown interest in the magnificent National Parks and the diverse and fascinating history that has shaped North American culture.

“The style of the new North America trips aligns with Peregrine’s ethos of operating small group, active holidays guided by the best leaders in the most amazing destinations.”

For further information, contact your travel agent or Peregrine Travel Centre on 1300 854 500, or visit www.peregrineadventures.com

Beyond the Great Wall in a mountainous region of China’s Sichuan province is an alpine valley with a name which is hard to pronounce let alone spell.

Yet its name and natural appeal are well documented in the People’s Republic . . . a magnetism which has led visitor number restrictions to protect the area’s tranquil image.

Jiuzhaigou, which means “valley of nine villages”, is more than a popular tourist spot.

It’s a national treasure with national park status – a highly elevated valley shadowed by snow capped peaks and soaring pines often decorated with the white powder. To international visitors the valley resembles those found in Canada’s scenic Rockies.

To appreciate the beauty of this UNESCO World Heritage-listed park, a full day is needed to walk along the paths which hug some of the region’s 110 crystalline lakes. Many are fed by spectacularly stepped marble-like cascades.

Jiuzhaigou is also a natural habitat of the much loved Giant Panda, the focal point of stringent breeding and conservation efforts, especially in the provincial capital of Chengdu, 330kms to the south.

As with all visits to Jiuzhaigou, a visit to a Tibetan family home is a must, as included in tours by leading China specialist Helen Wong’s Tours. Guests are also invited to an evening show which focuses on music and dance of the local Tibetan and Qiang nationalities.

Located in the northern corner of Sichuan, Jiuzhaigou is easily accessible by commercial aircraft from Chengdu. Despite its remoteness, accommodation is luxurious, guests spending two nights in such retreats as the Sheraton Resort.

The visit to the alpine valley, about 2000 metres above sea level, is one of a number of highlights on Helen Wong’s Tours’ 19-day Exotic China tour which begins with a flight from Australia to Chengdu and also includes a tour of the Giant Panda Breeding Research Base.

One of China’s four most sacred Buddhist peaks – Mt Emei – is also toured, its ancient temples and Golden Summit major focal points. Historic Lijiang in picturesque Yunnan province and neighbouring Jade Dragon Mountain and Tiger leaping Gorge on the Yangtze are other highlights on a tour which, from $5350 per person, twin share, also calls on the Stone Forest natural phenomena near Kunming, Yuanyang and the old town Jianshui.

It’s a tour which represents good value as it includes return air fare from Australia, economy flights in China, quality accommodation, all meals, five evening cultural shows, specified transfers, sightseeing and entrance fees, and the assistance of English-speaking guides. A China visa is also included for Australian passport holders along with an informative 424-page Odyssey China book, cabin bag and departure taxes, security charges and fuel surcharges (subject to change).

Scenic Jiuzhaigou also included in Helen Wong’s Tours’ 21-day Magical China tour, priced from $5860 per person, twin share from Australia.

For details of these and other tours, contact Helen Wong’s Tours, phone 1300 788328, or check out www.helenwongstours.com

Peregrine has introduced two new, epic overland adventures in its 2012-13 Africa program: a 33-day trip that combines the best of East and Southern Africa, and a 42-day tour from Cairo to Cape Town, aptly named the Grand Africa Tour.

“We know that for many of our clients, Africa is a once-in-a-lifetime trip,” explained Jane Reed, Peregrine Marketing Manager. “They tend to stay longer than in other destinations, and want to cover more territory. These new trips are designed to be the once-in-a-lifetime answer.”

The new 33-day Classic Africa overland trip is expected to be particularly popular. It starts in Nairobi, Kenya and includes watching the vast flocks of flamingos at Lake Nakuru and game drives on the broad savannah of the Masai Mara, Serengeti and Ngorongoro Crater. Mid trip, there’s a few days relaxation on the sandy beaches of Zanzibar.

From Tanzania, the group flies south to Victoria Falls for the second stage of the journey. There are more wildlife encounters against a backdrop of contrasting terrain, from the pristine Okavango wetlands to the stark desert and dunes of Sossusvlei and the life-giving waterholes of one of Africa’s most extraordinary wildlife reserves: Etosha, in the remote north of Namibia. The trip travels south via the Fish River Canyon – the world’s second-largest – to end in Cape Town.

Along the way, transport ranges from purpose-built safari vehicles to dugout canoes and accommodation ranges from a houseboat to luxury tented camps. Offering considerably more comfort and inclusions than the ‘traditional’ overland Africa safari, groups are limited to a maximum of 12 passengers; all accommodation, entry fees and excursions are included, as well as flights between Zanzibar and Victoria Falls, most meals, a Peregrine local leader and specialist local guides.

The Classic Africa safari costs $13 445 per person, twin share and has departures from Nairobi in July, August and September, 2012; January and March 2013.

Another new trip for 2012 is the Best of Botswana – which caters for travellers who like their African adventure underpinned by comfort. The trip travels between Johannesburg and Victoria Falls in a small (12-passenger), private, purpose-built Peregrine vehicle, staying at the very comfortable lodges that make up the Under One Botswana Sky portfolio of properties, including a scenic flight in the Okavango Delta and two nights in a permanent tented safari camp.

The trip visits some of Botswana’s most famous highlights, including Chobe National Park, renowned for its huge elephant populations; the blinding white salt pans of Makgadikgadi; the Okavango Delta and Victoria Falls. But it also visits the Cape Vulture colony (the world’s largest, with 800 breeding pairs) in Marakele National Park and the Khama Rhino Sanctuary – a community-based project that is a vital link in Botswana’s efforts to conserve these endangered animals.

The 12-day Best of Botswana tour starts in Johannesburg and ends in Victoria Falls, and also runs in reverse. There are monthly departures, year-round. The trip costs $4635 per person, twin share, including all transport, accommodation, entry fees, Peregrine local leader and specialist guides, and most meals.

For more information contact your travel agent or Peregrine Adventures on 1300 854 500 or to download a copy of the new Peregrine Africa 2012-13 brochure, visit www.peregrineadventures.com

Preferred Hotel Group™, a leading provider of sales and marketing support to independent hotels around the world, is pleased to announce the merger of the company’s two luxury portfolios, Preferred Hotels® & Resorts and Preferred Boutique™ creating a comprehensive new “Destination Guide.”

Comprised of more than 380 luxury hotels in 58 countries worldwide, the two distinct brands define the benchmark of extraordinary travel experiences. Hotels are easily identifiable as either a Preferred Boutique or Preferred Hotels & Resorts and icons clearly showcase member hotels with spas, golf courses, as well as eco- and or pet-friendly properties.

The new 2011-2012 Destination Guide features visuals consistent with the company’s brand advertising campaign “My Preferred World,” and can be found in over 72,000 guestrooms globally. It invites guests to discover global destinations with Preferred as their guide including renowned luxury Preferred Hotels & Resorts such as Elysian Hotel Chicago in Chicago, Illinois, The Upper House, Hong Kong, and The K Club, Kiladare, Ireland alongside intimate Preferred Boutique properties like Devi Garh, Udaipur, India, and The Sherry-Netherland, New York City, New York and Hotel Keppler, Paris, France.

About Preferred Hotel Group™
With a global reach of more than 850 best-in-class hotels and resorts in 70 countries, Preferred Hotel Group™ represents six distinctive brands: Preferred Hotels® & Resorts, Preferred Boutique™, Summit Hotels & Resorts™, Sterling Hotels™, Historic Hotels of America® and Preferred Residences™, a membership-based exchange program for luxury shared ownership resorts. Preferred Hotel Group also offers I Prefer™, a complimentary global guest benefit program that provides members with exclusive offers and rewards, as well as Preferred Golf™, a membership-based program that grants access to 100 of the world’s most renowned golf resorts. For more information, visit us on the web at www.PreferredHotelGroup.com, and follow us on Facebook and Twitter.