Jetsettersblog

Kronenstübli, Grand Hotel Kronenhof’s charming and historic wood-panelled restaurant, has been awarded its first Michelin star, making the hotel a “must go to” destination for those wishing to sample some of today’s very best Swiss cuisine.

Switzerland now has 76 restaurants with one star, of which 11 are new to the Michelin guide and include Kronenstübli. In total, there are 96 Swiss starred restaurants, making it among the European countries with the most Michelin stars per capita, testament to the great food waiting to be discovered in Switzerland.

Executive Chef Bernd Schützelhofer’s speciality is a creative combination of traditional recipes from around the world and locally produced ingredients, which often give a modern twist to a classic dish.

The menu changes every season, but there are always a few signature dishes that are found in season. For example, every spring there is a lamb curry, using rack of lamb from nearby Poschiavo, served with a chutney of green tomatoes and ginger, alongside fried semolina strudel, artichokes, fennel and papaya.

Always on the dessert menu is ice-cream made right in front of diners, using cream, natural flavours and liquid nitrogen. It’s quite a spectacle as the liquid nitrogen starts smoking when added to the cream mix and the waiter must stir hard for a few minutes until the ice cream is formed: pure theatre!

Schützelhofer was born and trained as a chef in Austria, but has spent much of his professional career in Switzerland, previously working at Lucerne’s Hotel Astoria and the Grand Hotel Park in Gstaad. He has been Executive Chef at Grand Hotel Kronenhof for the last four years, since 2007.

Though the ultimate accolade, the Michelin star is not the only award won by Kronenstübli and its dedicated team. Two years ago, the restaurant’s German-born front of house Adriana Novotna was named Maitre d’Hotel of the Year by Swiss business magazine Bilanz and the restaurant won the “Best of Swiss Gastro” award in 2009.

The Kronenstübli Restaurant is open Tuesdays to Saturdays, from 7pm to 9:30pm (last orders). To make a reservation at the restaurant and/or Grand Hotel Kronenhof, please call +41 81 830 30 30. Visit www.kronenhof.com  for more details.

Neilson Adventures today (December 9th 2011) launch their new-look brochure which highlights their top 100 fully flexible tours including toddler friendly trips, volunteer options and an exclusive new offering incorporating the Neilson Holidays ‘Beachclub’ product.

The Turkey Group Adventure Week takes in the sights, tastes and smells of Turkey from the comfort of the 4 star Neilson Teos Beachclub. Guests will enjoy the bazaars of Izmir, ruins of Ephesus and traditional cookery lessons as well as having access to the full range of inclusive Neilson activities such as sailing, windsurfing and mountain-biking.

8 days at Neilson Teos, Turkey from £669pp inclusive of flights, tours and beachclub facilities

Sonia Turner, Marketing Manager at Neilson says “Our beachclubs are already accessible to everyone through the range of activities on offer but by combining the Neilson brand offering we’re able to add a fresh spin for those looking to really sample some culture.”

Alongside this new European offering for families, Neilson Adventures are opening up the World to those with young children, with toddler friendly tours to Egypt & Morocco.

10 day Family Atlas Mule Train Adventure, Morocco from £499pp (excludes international flights)

Dedicated to covering every type of adventure, Neilson Adventures continue to offer a range of volunteer tours from a Namibian conservation project for big cats, Panda conservation project in China and The Pacific Conservation Project in Costa Rica to working on a building project in Cambodia.

14 days at the big cat conservation centre in Namibia from £810pp (excludes international flights)

In line with Neilson’s responsible tourism effort, the brochure is printed on paper from sustainable forests and now utilises QR code technology for each individual tour on offer, so those with smart phones can access the information immediately online.

More Neilson Adventures information can be found online at www.neilsonadventures.co.uk  or through the dedicated sales team on 01273 668 982.

Special two-night “Winter Warmer Breaks” are on offer midweek during January and February from one of North East England’s leading country house hotels.

Headlam Hall – the 2009 North East Hotel of the Year – is the ideal place to enjoy romantic winter walks, drinks by the open fire and rosette-awarded culinary delights of the season. Guests can also enjoy the renowned Headlam Spa, which offers a range of over seventy different therapies and treatments.

The Winter Warmer Breaks breaks are available from Sunday to Friday nights inclusive, and include two nights’ accommodation in a Deluxe double or twin room, a three-course a la carte dinner each evening, full English breakfast, a two-course lunch or traditional afternoon tea on the day of your choice, use of the Spa facilities (with 10% off all treatments), and a gift from the Spa in your room.

The Winter Warmer Breaks breaks are priced at £79 per person per night, based on two sharing for a minimum two-night stay. Room upgrades are available, and bookings can be made by telephoning Headlam Hall on 01325 730238 or the hotel’s website at www.headlamhall.co.uk

Thailand Holidays From £739 Per Person -

Long-haul tour operator Tropical Sky tips Thailand as the hot holiday destination for 2012. With plenty of flights and a mass of new hotels aimed at the luxury market, Tropical Sky has created some fabulous high-season exclusive offers starting from £739 per person, with exclusive rates, free nights and complimentary upgrades also available.

With the best value found in the up-and-coming and revitalised Hua Hin area as well as Pattaya. Phuket and Koh Samui, suggestions for holidays to Thailand include:

VALUE-FOR-MONEY: Seaview Patong In Phuket
This four-star beachfront hotel offers the best of both worlds – positioned right at the end of Patong Beach away from all the crowds, yet still just a short walk into the centre of Patong’s nightlife. Representing superb value-for-money, it has a lovely pool area, fitness centre and spa. Tropical Skyis offering seven nights in a superior room on bed and breakfast basis from £739 per person (saving £210 per person). Valid for selected departures from 1 April to 30 June.

MODERN & BOUTIQUE FOUR-STAR: The Red Ginger Chic Resort In Krabi
Located a stone’s throw from Ao Nang Beach in Krabi Province and boasting views of Nopparat Thana National Park, this boutique four-star resort is a tropical paradise, offering a wealth of activities with snorkelling, scuba diving, ocean kayaking and rock climbing. Facilities include a swimming pool, adjacent children’s pool and Jacuzzi and a restaurant and bar. Tropical Sky is offering seven nights on a bed and breakfast basis from £799 per person (saving £190 per person). Valid for selected departures from 1 April to 30 June.

FOUR-STAR RELAXATION: Paradise Beach Resort In Koh Samui
Located on a private beach, this four-star resort is situated close to Chaweng and is the ideal retreat for those looking to relax, unwind and escape. It offers two freshwater pools, Jacuzzi, sailing, a dive centre, golf, table tennis, Thai massages as well as a beachfront restaurant. Tropical Skyis offering seven nights in a deluxe room on a bed and breakfast from £799 per person (saving £240 per person). Valid for selected departures from 1 April to 30 June.

EXCLUSIVE RATES AT LUXURY RESORT: KC Resort & Over Water Villas In Koh Samui
Situated on the beach, this stylish five-star retreat overlooks the Gulf of Siam and Koh Matlang. Those seeking indulgence and luxury will enjoy the rooftop restaurant, exclusive wine and cigar cellar and relaxing water spa. Tropical Sky has exclusive rates based on a deluxe Jacuzzi suite (with private outdoor Jacuzzi) and is offering seven nights on a bed and breakfast basis from £899 per person (saving £460 per person). Valid for selected departures from 6 January to 30 June.

FIVE-STAR INDULGENCE: Hotel De Le Paix In Cha Am
Bold, unconventional design fused with luxurious contemporary living makes this one of the region’s hottest five-star resorts. Facilities include two signature restaurants, a spa, two swimming pools and a variety of land and watersports. Tropical Skyis offering seven nights on a bed and breakfast basis from £819 per person (saving £150 per person). Valid for selected departures from 1 April to 30 June

All offers include scheduled flights from Heathrow, resorts transfers, taxes and surcharges.

To book visit www.tropicalsky.co.uk/deals  or telephone 0844 332 9349

Paradiski – the large ski area located in the French Alps – is covered in snow and looks set to be skiable when it opened for the winter season on the 17th December.

The long awaited snowfall started last weekend – 3rd December – culminating in a current snow fall of 15cm in the resorts [including Les Arcs, La Plagne and Peisey Vallandry]. In addition some snow cannons including those located in Arc 2000 have been manufacturing snow since mid-November which has resulted in a good covering of snow.

The weather forecast in the French Alps has predicted heavy snowfalls this week: snow has been falling continuously for the last three days and looks set to continue at least for the next two meaning that the resorts will be fully operational come the grand opening on the 17th December. To see visit our webcams: http://www.lesarcs.com/webcams;

http://laplagne.livecam360.com/grande-rochette/flash/main.php

Paradiski is a large interconnected domain, of only several that exist in the world. Located in Savoy it links Les Arcs/Peisey-Vallandry and la Plagne massifs. Paradiski will open from 17th December 2011 to 21st April 2012. www.paradiski.com

Despite a slow start to the season, some of the most popular resorts in France, including Val d’Isère and Val Thorens in the Alps and even Isola 2000 on the French Riviera from where you can see the Mediterranean sea, are open and now offer great skiing. Many more are also due to open over the weekend, such as Portes du Soleil and La Plagne.

On-the-ground reports show that slope conditions are improving on a daily basis across all resorts with fresh snow hitting heavy earlier in the week and more forecast to fall. For example on Tignes’ famous Grande Motte, yesterday’s temperature reached no higher than -10°C with 30cm of fresh snow falling on top of the 100cm already there. The story is similar elsewhere, with some even at strong risk of avalanche.

Seasoned skiers have been pleasantly surprised by the slope conditions and are enjoying exploring the areas. Hopes are high and the atmosphere in the resorts remains palpable with excitement at the prospect of more significant snowfall and the new runs that each day brings.

Being guided by the elements, the start of the season is always variable and is subject to changes in schedule, but the signs stay positive for the French resorts ahead of the Christmas and New Year holidays.

Many of the official resort websites have live webcams to access up-to-the-minute snow reports and reviews.

Kwandwe Private Game Reserve, which has been part of the &Beyond stable for over 10 years, is pleased to announce that it will begin to operate as an independent brand from 1st February 2012.

A handover of reservations and lodge operations will be completed by 13th January 2012 and from 16th January 2012 all reservations will be made directly with Kwandwe. &Beyond are very confident that this will be a seamless transition and will continue to recommend Kwandwe’s four lodges to clients as 3rd party properties. Kwandwe Reservations will be honouring all obligations, offers and agreements which are currently in place with the trade. In line with this repositioning Kwandwe’s branding has been redesigned and a new website will also be live as of Monday 12 December 2011.

One of the largest private game reserves in South Africa’s Eastern Cape, Kwandwe is owner-run and managed with a strong focus on conservation and community development. The 54,000 acre pristine wilderness extends along 30 km of privately owned Great Fish River frontage and comprises just 20 rooms split between four magnificent safari lodges making it one of the highest acre to guest ratios in South Africa: Great Fish River Lodge with thatched roofs soaring above guest areas and expansive viewing decks; Ecca Lodge, funky, yet intimate, situated on rolling slopes overlooking the lush valley; Uplands Homestead a sole use villa that takes guests back in time with its beautiful antiques and safari romance and, a bit more quirky and humorous, Melton Manor, a contemporary farmhouse with fun accents throughout.

Setting up a world-class game reserve in the Eastern Cape is no mean feat. Kwandwe’s owners Carl DeSantis, Erika Stewart and Angus and Tracy Sholto-Douglas thank &Beyond for their role in helping to establish the reserve’s four iconic lodges. They are also grateful for &Beyond’s support in transforming their vision and exceptional dedication to conservation from a dream into reality.

‘Together with our wonderful team, we look forward to continuing this personal approach and taking it to even greater levels of guest satisfaction and conservation successes. This change coincides with the 10th anniversary of our first lodge, Great Fish River. With 10 successful years behind us, we are excited about this new chapter in Kwandwe’s existence’ says Angus Sholto-Douglas.

Kwandwe is a conservation victory – former farmland which has been restored with wildlife and is now home to thousands of animals including Lion, Cheetah, Elephant, Buffalo, Black and White Rhino; threatened species such as the Knysna Woodpecker, Cape Grysbok, Black Wildebeest, Crowned Eagle, Black Footed Cat and the endangered Blue Crane, from which the reserve gets its name – ‘Kwandwe’ means ‘Place of the Blue Crane’ in Xhosa.

In addition to traditional safari activities, guests can participate in rhino darting safaris, carnivore research programmes, fixed-wing flights that follow the route taken by early Settlers, historical talks and cultural visits. Kwandwe is located in a malaria-free area, making it ideal for families and more adventurous travellers alike and forms a natural conclusion to a journey along the world-famous Garden Route.

Full board accommodation including safari activities starts at R4110 (approx £325) per person.

For more information and bookings contact Kwandwe Private Game Reserve
Tel: +27 46 622 7897 * reservations@kwandwe.co.za  * www.kwandwe.com

To book or enquire with Flight Centre, call 0844 800 8628 or visit www.flightcentre.co.uk.

You can also get details of the latest deals from Flight Centre by joining our facebook page or following us on twitter.

Flight Centre UK has announced the launch of myTime, an exclusive new holiday product that will give customers added benefits on selected holidays, all at no extra cost.

Rod Carrington, Flight Centre’s General Manager of Infinity Holidays, the groups own wholesale division, said the new concept is a first for the UK travel industry and a offers whole new level of exclusivity to its customers.

“myTime holidays give our customers a truly VIP experience absolutely free. They are holidays to worldwide destinations which give customers inclusions which wouldn’t normally be available for free in the resort. Complimentary extras can include room upgrades, spa treatments, two-for-one meal deals, late and early check outs, cocktails and babysitting services, to name just a few. There is no extra cost to receive myTime benefits; they come as part of your holiday package when you book at Flight Centre.”

There is always a choice when booking a holiday, however this really sets Flight Centre’s holidays offerings apart from the rest. The best thing about myTime is the fact that it’s free. A comparable holiday booked through another travel agent would not benefit from the same myTime added extras.

Flight Centre’s extensive global network allows the business to choose quality hotels, resorts and land operators to take part in the offering which in turn gives Flight Centre’s customers more bang for their buck.

myTime holidays are exclusive to Flight Centre and are currently available on selected holiday packages to Thailand, Caribbean, Bali, Mexico, Fiji and Hawaii with more destinations and hotels to be added to the range in the coming year.
A sample of a myTime holiday:

Phuket – 8 nights from £699
Holiday includes return airfares, internal airfare transfers, 8 nights bed & breakfast accommodation at the 4* Old Phuket Boutique Hotel. Based on two people sharing. Exlcusive myTime bonus includes free room upgrade, exclusive check-in area, late check-out, complimentary mini Bar, welcome gift on and welcome drink.
Departs London Heathrow Airport.
BONUS: Save £116
To book call: 0844 800 8628 or visit www.flightcentre.co.uk , quoting reference: HKTLONPAC2. Valid for travel between 1 – 31 May 12. Offer ends 31 December 2011.

The ‘One In A Million’ Valentine’s Day package begins with a flight in a private helicopter* over the couples’ choice of famous landmarks in the capital. After the flight a private chauffer-driven limousine will arrive at the heliport and take them to the athenaeum in the heart of Mayfair.

In The Rooftop Suite couples will find a bottle of vintage champagne and two stunning lead crystal champagne flutes. The rooms will be decorated with flowers styled by the hotel’s florist especially for the occasion and the mini bar will be filled with delicious gourmet food from Fortnum & Masons. Even the bathroom will be stocked with cosmetics and perfumes made especially for the guests by a leading London fragrance house. To relax and unwind spa treatments can be booked for either in the hotel’s Spa or in the Rooftop Suite.

A pre-ordered couture dress and a men’s suit from one of London’s most established Savile Row tailors will be hanging in the wardrobe and a jeweller from a leading diamond specialist will arrive with a selection of jewels available to purchase. A team of expert make-up artists and hair stylists will be on hand to help prepare for an evening of celebrations.

Once ready a private butler will arrive to serve champagne cocktails and a pre-agreed bespoke menu of canapés. Guests can enjoy the stunning panoramic view from the Rooftop suite’s balcony of Green Park and the London skyline beyond whilst being serenaded by a singer/musician of their choice.

Couples can choose to have dinner either in the hotel’s restaurant or in the suite. The head chef has lovingly created an exquisite five-course menu of romantic culinary delights.

Afterwards it’s on to London’s Royal Opera House where guests will meet the lead singers before enjoying a fantastic performance of Mozart’s operatic masterpiece, Le Nozze di Figaro.

The following morning breakfast in bed with all the trimmings is served and with it a beautiful photo album documenting the ‘One In A Million’ Valentine’s Day at the athenaeum.

A Royal visit, the 30th anniversary and popular BBC series Frozen Planet will put the Falklands firmly on many intrepid travellers’ wish lists for 2012. Here are four diverse and inspiring packages to help you plan your perfect Falklands adventure:

30th Anniversary package
Commemorate the 30th anniversary since the ’82 British Argentine conflict with a 12 day trip to the Falkland Islands. Discover the battlefields in Port Howard, Pebble Island, Stanley, San Carlos, Goose Green and Darwin. Highlights include: attending the ceremony for Liberation Day, capturing sightings of aircraft wreckage, visiting museums and paying tribute to veterans at the British & Argentine War cemeteries.

The package also comprises international flights with LAN via Santiago, accommodation in Santiago and the Falklands on a bed and breakfast basis, five evening meals, four lunches and transfers. Prices start from £3199 per person. Join one of the two 2012 departures on the 7th June or the 22nd November. www.leger.co.uk  or call: 0844 504 6251.

A remote island hopping extravaganza
Enjoy a week long island hopping adventure in the Falkland Islands, starting off with a night in Darwin before venturing off to explore four of the archipelago’s outer islands: Sea Lion, Bleaker, and Carcass plus a boat trip to West Point Island to see the black-browed albatross. Two nights have been allocated to Sea Lion Island as it boasts a wealth of wildlife from sea lions and pods of whales to magnificent bird life.

The itinerary concludes with two nights in the capital Stanley. Enjoy a day trip to Volunteer Point home to most accessible king penguin colony in the world.

The seven day tour with Last Frontiers starts from £1,709 per person including domestic flights (international flights excluded), transfers, tours, B&B accommodation and some meals. www.lastfrontiers.com;  01296 653 000.

A twin centre adventure
Combine your trip to the Falkland Islands with a visit to Patagonia. This 20 day adventure unites awe inspiring glaciers and icebergs in Chile and Argentina with a seven night wildlife encounter in the Falklands. Discover the Falklands unique and charming outer islands with two nights on Pebble and Sea Lion Islands. While Pebble Island boasts miles of untouched beaches, Sea Lion Island has a wealth of incredible wildlife. The trip concludes with two nights in the capital, Stanley. Prices start from £4,086 per person based on two adults sharing and excludes international flights. www.journeylatinamerica.co.uk;  020 3582 8751.

Go cruising crazy
Don’t miss the boat! Enjoy one of the world’s greatest 19 day voyages to Antarctica and South Georgia including two days in the Falkland Islands aboard the Akademik Sergey Vavilov. Explore the destination’s capital, Stanley, and two of the archipelago’s outer islands – Carcass and New Island.

Carcass Island boasts astounding wildlife from gentoo and Magellanic penguins to gulls, geese and elephant seals. Free of cats and mice, small bird species such as the Cobb’s Wren can flourish. While New Island is home to rockhopper penguin rookeries, black -browed albatross and blue -eyed Shags. The cruise also stops in South Georgia and Antarctica, terminating back in Ushuaia

The 19 day voyage with Steppes Travel is priced at £8,175 per person including all meals, zodiac cruises and landings. Drinks, tips and international flights are excluded. The voyage departs from Ushuaia on the 20th November and the 28th December 2012 with an additional voyage on the 31st January 2013. www.steppestravel.co.uk

; 01285 880 981.