Jetsettersblog

Spa La Manga Club has been named the Best Luxury Resort Spa in Spain by the prestigious World Luxury Spa Awards after launching a range of new treatments including a unique golf ball massage.

Voted for by spa guests, the awards set benchmarks in quality, innovation and service for spas around the globe, and the impressive accolade reinforces the quality and variety on offer at the 2,000sqm spa complex, on the five-star La Manga Club resort.

Yoga and Oriental sensual treatments are among the new options available, while Reiki also featured on the spa’s 2011 programme, but the jewel in the crown has been a unique golf ball massage specially designed for the resort by prestigious cosmetics brand Natura Bisse.

The treatment was inspired by La Manga Club’s reputation as a leading European golf destination and a desire to provide golfers with something to help their bodies recover from the rigours of playing several rounds while on holiday.

The four-step massage relaxes muscles by hand, before golf balls are worked across the body by applying pressure to problem zones and being rolled and kneaded into muscles. The final phase helps stretch the body and promotes flexibility to prepare for guests for their next game.

Spa manager Jesus Martinez said: “We are delighted to be recognised as being the best at what we do in the whole of Spain. We have worked hard to provide a luxurious, welcoming environment for our guests which can cater to all of their needs.

“The new products we’ve launched have proven extremely popular and the golf ball massage in particular has captured imaginations and introduced a lot of people to the spa who may not have considered it before.”

Anyone looking to sample the award-winning facilities for themselves can enjoy a break at La Manga Club for just €82.50 per person per night in the fully serviced Las Lomas Village, including a spa treatment for every night of the stay.

Alternatively those looking for the ultimate luxury spa break can have the same offer staying in the five-star Hotel La Manga Club Principe Felipe for only €112.50 per person per night. The package includes breakfast and complimentary access to Spa La Manga Club’s indoor pool, saunas, steam rooms and fitness centre.

The resort boasts unrivalled facilities as a sport and leisure venue including three 18-hole championship golf courses, a 28-court tennis centre and a 2,000sqm spa and fitness centre. It also offers the choice of a five-star hotel, four-star serviced apartments and townhouses, more than 20 bars and restaurants and great fun for children.

For more information or to book a stay at La Manga Club call 00 34 968 17 5577, email reserve@lamangaclub.com  or visit www.lamangaclub.com

Sheepskin has expanded into the Cotswolds with the addition of Chescombe Lodge a magnificent property for four. The stylish self-catering company has also added Nantwen, a luxurious bolthole for two in Pembrokeshire, to its collection. A week’s stay for four at Chescombe Lodge costs £1600 and a week for two at Nantwen just £710 throughout 2012. To book call 01865 764 087 or consult:

www.sheepskinlife.com/relax-at/Chescombe-lodge

or www.sheepskinlife.com/relax-at/nantwen/

Hidden away in a quiet corner of the Great Tew Estate, Chescombe Lodge is a truly indulgent place for two couples or a family to spend time. It is the first historic property on this prestigious estate available to rent.

Originally an 18th century agricultural barn, the building has been sympathetically refurbished to retain its historic and rustic pedigree while at the same time offering a luxurious interior and exterior. It features two spacious double bedrooms with king size beds that offer uninterrupted views across the quiet valley. Both feature large en-suite bathrooms, with claw foot baths.

The property has a large open plan living space, with enormous windows looking out across the private garden. There is a cosy lounge area, spacious dining area and a fully equipped, hand made kitchen. From the door guests can follow well defined paths to two local, award winning pubs; the Mason’s Arms in Swerford and Falkland Arms in the village of Great Tew, often described as one of the prettiest in England

Located a little over an hour from London, the Great Tew Estate encapsulates much of what might be considered the archetypal English Country Estate including: rolling grassland, oak woods, a carpet of bluebells and chocolate box thatch cottages. It also offers a range of country pursuits from clay pigeon shooting to horse riding and off roading or rallying.

Nantwen in the Pembrokeshire National Park is a beautifully converted barn that has been lovingly restored using natural materials. It has a contemporary style with a wonderful attention to detail that makes it feel like a home from home.

This spacious property for two offers an open plan living area with well equipped hand built kitchen, dining room and cosy sofa arranged in front of a log-burning stove. There is also an additional living room with TV and a contemporary styled bathroom with large shower area.

The property is located in private grounds just inland from the Pembrokeshire coast, and is just 5 minutes drive from the beach. Nearby there is the coast path or the open countryside of the National park to explore. Foodies will not be disappointed with two great restaurants: Llys Meddyg or Cnapan in the village of Newport just 3 miles from Nantwen.

The Royal Albert Hall is set to stage Totem, Cirque du Soleil’s celebration of human evolution.

LONDON, ENGLAND– A chance to witness Totem by Cirque du Soleil awaits people visiting London in early 2012.

The touring show will return to the Royal Albert Hall in January due to popular demand, giving more theatre-goers an opportunity to enjoy this stunning visual and acrobatic spectacle.

Totem, which premiered in Canada last year, uses the contemporary circus arts to trace the evolution of the human species from its amphibian state to the ultimate desire to fly.

Cast members perform using roller skates, unicycles, Russian bars, trapezes, devil sticks, bars, rings and other items to bring this fascinating tale of mankind’s development to life.

Described by Cirque du Soleil as lying “somewhere between science and legend”, the show has been performed in front of sold-out audiences across Canada, the US and Europe.

Totem can be seen at the Royal Albert Hall from Thursday January 5th to Thursday February 16th. Tickets are available online, priced between GBP20.50 and GBP84.

Circus fans can browse a wide variety of places to stay in London at LateRooms.com, which recommends the 41 Hotel for those seeking intimate and luxurious accommodation in the capital.

Visit http://www.cirquedusoleil.com/en/shows/totem/default.aspx  to find more information about this event.

Visit Oxfordshire’s first Gardens Guide full colour leaflet, featuring some of the county’s most glorious gardens, is now available.

Oxfordshire’s gardens come in all shapes and sizes, colours and perfumes, created in different centuries for diverse purposes. Some are the first, the best or even the only one of their kind. As the seasons change, visitors appreciate how skilled gardeners, past and present, create visions of trees, shrubs, flowers and fruit to sumptuous effect throughout the year.

The gardens featured include Stowe, constructed on a magnificent scale with more than 40 temples and monuments, wooded walks by lakes and fun play elements for children, and Blenheim Palace Park, landscaped by ‘Capability’ Brown. Its formal Rose, Italian, and Secret Gardens as well as Water Terraces seem at their best – as if by magic – almost all year round. Hidden away in a Chiltern valley lies Stonor, whose rolling deer park and walled garden planted with roses and apple trees surprise and delight. Up in the north of Oxfordshire, among the Ironstone Hills, Broughton Castle gazes majestically over its moat, parkland and fleur-de- lys shaped box hedges, enclosing rare and historic roses.

Waterperry Gardens, famed for their magnificent herbaceous borders and productive orchards offers a different experience, encapsulated in the crisp or honeyed apple juices pressed from its own excellent fruit which you can purchase to take home.

Two little gems nestle in the heart of busy Oxford – Britain’s first Botanic Garden, and St Edmund Hall, its well the centrepiece of a medieval quadrangle giving onto a serene churchyard where St Edmund of Abingdon’s statue sits companionably reading on a bench, almost inviting you to join him.

Central Oxford is the home of the Oxford University’s Botanic Garden, where JRR Tolkien’s favourite tree still soars above the crumbling walls and over 7000 plant species from around the world rub shoulders in their riverside setting. The Garden’s ‘country cousin’, Harcourt Arboretum at Nuneham Courtenay, displays newly restored wild flower meadows conserving some of England’s threatened floral heritage.

The Visit Oxfordshire Gardens Guide also contains some excellent offers to spark that first – or return visit, as well as a competition to win a weekend break at an Oxfordshire Four Pillars Hotel together with 2 tickets to Waterperry Gardens. The brochure can be downloaded from www.visitoxfordandoxfordshire.com , ordered directly from Visit Oxfordshire (+44 (0)1865 252200) or picked up in Oxford Visitor Information Centre.

At The Beautiful Beach Retreat Of Ras Kutani -

Situated on the relatively undiscovered southern Tanzania coastline, just 35km south of Dar es Salaam, Ras Kutani (www.selous.com/ras-kutani) is a unique boutique beach retreat, which sits within 100 acres of lush tropical, coastal forest. As much of Tanzania’s coastline has suffered from heavy deforestation, this truly is a hidden gem which offers a rare opportunity to explore one of the most bio-diverse indigenous coastal forests in East Africa.

Thanks to owner and keen conservationist, Charles Dobie, this idyllic forest has been saved, cultivated and is now continuously patrolled in order to protect it and retain its natural beauty. The forest boasts 132 different species of trees, including mango trees (famous for their spectacular fruit) and the Marula tree (prized for its rich bounty of fruit, and the oil from the kernel, which is used to make moisturizer). Guests can enjoy watching the antics of four species of monkey, including the spectacular black- and- white colobus, as well as many species of birds, baboons, wild pigs, the elusive Civet Cats and other wildlife.

Available only at Ras Kutani, the From Tree To Tree self-guided tour steers guests through this eclectic ecosystem on a gentle, yet fascinating walk. The corresponding map highlights each point of interest along the walk from the wild custard apple shrubs to the African Breadfruit trees – where you’re most likely to find Sykes’ monkeys, yellow baboons, Blue Duiker and Giant African land snails!

In addition to the coastal forest, Ras Kutani promises the epitome of barefoot-luxury and a hideaway for those seeking solace, luxury and tranquillity. The luxurious accommodation comprises nine open-fronted spacious, charming cottages, each with en suite bathroom, large verandah with a covered sand floor, seating area, hammocks and views of the clear lagoon, beach and Indian Ocean.

Ideal for water babies, the temperate seas and proximity of coral reefs ensure a wealth of marine life with the chance to see colourful fish, dolphins, whales, turtles and even a shipwreck. Complimentary snorkeling equipment, kayaks and boogie boards are available for those that wish to venture from their hammock or beach bed. And in season, turtles come to nest along the beach and guests are invited to get involved in projects that look out for their welfare.

Africa Odyssey (Toll Free 1-866-356-4691 / www.africaodyssey.com ) is offering seven nights at Ras Kutani, followed by a three-night sophisticated safari experience at the boutique Selous Safari Camp from $5,611 per person (saving $1,400 per person). Valid for travel throughout June and July, the price includes international flights from various US airports, internal transfers, full board and most activities.

JET AIRWAYS STRENGHTENS ITS PRESENCE IN THE UNITED ARAB EMIRATES

Jet Airways has strengthened its connectivity with the United Arab Emirates with the introduction of two new flights.

The Indian airline now operates its first daily flight from Thiruvananthapuram to Sharjah. Flight 9W570 departs Thiruvananthapuram at 10:00 hours local time, arriving in Sharjah at 12:40 hours. The return flight, 9W569, leaves Sharjah at 13:40 hours, arriving at Thiruvananthapuram at 19:00 hours local time. The flight commenced operation on the 31st October 2011. This new service will complement current operations from Kochi to Sharjah.

Jet Airways will also be adding a daily flight from Mumbai to Riydah, making it the first carrier to offer twice daily flights to the destination. Flight 9W526 will leave Mumbai at 14:00 hours, arriving in Riyadh at 16:00 hours. The inbound flight will depart Riyadh at 17:00 hours arriving in Mumbai at 23:15 hours. The flight will come into effect from the 14th December.

Jet Airways now serves 10 destinations in the Middle Eastern region including flights to Abu Dhabi, Bahrain, Dubai, Doha, Kuwait, Muscat, Sharjah, Jeddah, Riyadh and Dammamam.

JET AIRWAYS INCREASES SERVICES TO BANGKOK
Jet Airways will introduce a third early morning service to Bangkok from Mumbai effective from the 14th December, making it the only airline with triple frequency on this sector. The Indian airline has added the extra flight to meet growing demand for the route, benefitting both business and leisure travellers. Flight 9W70 will depart Mumbai at 07:45 hours and arrive in Bangkok at 13:30 hours. The return flight (9W69) will leave Bangkok at 14:30 hours and arrive in Mumbai at 17:30 hours. Passengers embarking on the service from Mumbai to Bangkok will enjoy the facilities on board the state- of the- art Boeing 737-800.

JET AIRWAYS CONNECTS MADURAI WITH BANGALORE AND CHENNAI
Jet Airways has added new daily flights from Madurai to Chennai and Bangalore which came into effect as of the 31st October. These extra flights have been introduced to meet the growing demand for travel between these cities. Flight 9W2769 departs Madurai daily (except Tuesdays and Saturdays) at 12:25 hours, arriving into Bangalore at 13:40 hours. While the return flight (9W2770) leaves Bangalore at 14:10 hours, arriving back in Madurai at 15:25 hours.

In addition Jet Airways now offers a daily service between Chennai and Madurai. The outbound flight (9W2725) leaves Chennai at 10:35 hours arriving in Madurai at 11:55 hours. While the inbound flight leaves Madurai at 16:10 hours arriving in Chennai at 17:30 hours except on a Tuesday and Saturday when it departs at 12:25 hours arriving in Chennai at 13:45 hours.

JETLITE INTRODUCES ADDTIONAL FLIGHTS FROM AHMEDABAD TO FIVE NEW DESTINATIONS
Ahmedabad is now better connected thanks to Jetlite’s (Jet Airways’ all economy subsidiary) new services to Bengaluru and Delhi with onward flights to Coimbatore, Kolkata and Lucknow. Jetlite will introduce the new Boeing 737 services in its winter schedule in response the growing demand for the respective destinations. The flights came into effect this November.

Guests will now be able to fly from Ahmedabad to Bengaluru and back in a day with the new daily morning service to Bengaluru. Flight 9W7021 will depart Ahemdabad at 06:20 hours arriving in Bengaluru at 08:15 hours. The inbound flight (9W7022) will depart Bengaluru at 21:20 hours and arrive in Ahmedabad at 23:20 hours.

Direct services from Ahmedabad to Delhi have also been introduced. The 9W7105 flight will depart Ahmedabad at 07:15 hours arriving in Delhi at 08:40 hours. Jetlite has also added two return flights from Delhi to Ahmedabad departing at 12:10 (flight 9W7001) and 18:35 (flight 9W7111). The inbound flights will arrive at 13:35 (flight 9W7001) and 19:55 (9W7111) respectively.

Guests will now be able to continue their journey onto Coimbatore and Kolkata via Bengaluru and Lucknow via Delhi.

JET AIRWAYS WELCOMES ITS 100th AIRCRAFT
Jet Airways’ 100th aircraft commenced service this month, marking a major milestone for the Indian airline. The latest addition to the fleet is a new next generation Boeing 737-800 with Sky Interiors configured with 8 Premiere and 162 economy seats.

The Boeing’s Sky Interior is in keeping with the airline’s commitment to continually innovate and differentiate its product for an enhanced in-flight guest experience. The aircraft is replete with the very latest Boeing 787 inspired shape, colour, décor and texture. The Sky Interior features cove lighting, larger windows and curved cabin architecture, providing a feeling of openness and space.

Dynamic light-emitting diode (LED) lighting can portray different colour schemes like a soft blue sky and a relaxing pallet of sunset colours. Other new features include new overhead pivot bins affording greater guest storage capacity. In addition to this, the new Boeing 737 – 800 aircraft possess superior on board, sound quality and clarity through new speakers that have been improved in each passenger row.

Those who just can’t wait to escape to sunnier climes should look no further than Eurocamp’s family friendly parcs in Spain this Spring, when temperatures begin to soar. And with discounts of up to 20%* to be snapped up on bookings made before 21 December, getting a dose of sun, sea and sand really doesn’t need to break the bank.

Escape to the Costa Brava, with prices from just £252 per family in April
Eurocamp’s Internacional de Calonge parc is perfectly situated on the idyllic Costa Brava. With a stretch of sandy beach just a stone’s throw away and a three-pool complex on-parc, there’s plenty to keep the whole family entertained. Meanwhile, sporty types will be spoiled for choice with the parc’s wide range of facilities including tennis, football, basketball and beach volleyball.

After a day of action packed family fun, holidaymakers can unwind at the on-parc bar and gourmet restaurant while, for those who want to venture further afield, the lively resort of Platja de Aro is close at hand.

A seven night break at Eurocamp’s Internacional de Calonge Parc arriving 1 April 2011 costs just £252 for the whole family, staying in a 2 Bedroom Horizon mobile home (sleeps seven, maximum four adults), accommodation only. Fly-drive packages can be arranged through Eurocamp at a supplement.

Family fun at Park Playa Bara, with prices from just £295 per party in April
This much-loved Eurocamp parc sits on the Costa Dorada, an area famed for its fabulous golden beaches. The kids will love the on-parc pool complex which comes complete with waterslides. There’s also a host of sporting activities available on-parc including football, tennis and mini golf, while the beach just next door provides the perfect spot for families to try their hand at windsurfing.

Park Playa Bara is not only a great location for a relaxing beach holiday, but is also perfect for a chic city break with excursions to nearby Barcelona also available – ideal for exploring the Romanesque churches, art galleries and authentic tapas bars which line the city’s cobbled streets. What’s more, PortAventura theme park is close by – providing the perfect daytrip for thrill-seeking families.

A seven night break at Eurocamp’s Park Playa Bara arriving 1 April 2011 costs just £295 for the whole family, staying in a 2 Bedroom Horizon mobile home (sleeps seven, maximum four adults), accommodation only. Fly-drive packages can be arranged through Eurocamp at a supplement.

For further information on Eurocamp, please call 0844 406 0552 or visit www.eurocamp.co.uk 

* Terms and conditions apply, see Eurocamp website for details

A black-tie gourmet dinner in one of Halong Bay’s limestone grottoes will take place May 26 to 27 when several dozen passengers of Emeraude Classic Cruises will descend the gangplank and ascend a limestone pathway to the torch-lit grotto for the gala. The event will be the 8th Annual Wine Cruise for the Emeraude, but the first since Halong Bay has been recognized as one of the New 7 Wonders of Nature. The in-grotto dinner will be accompanied by vintages from the Rhone Valley’s M. Chapoutier Winery, including the Condrieu Invitare, Crozes-Hermitage Les Meysonniers, La Bernardine Chateauneuf du Pape and Les Becasses Cote Rotie in Condrieu, a village in France’s Rhone Valley.

“Latania Studios and Apartments”, also known as Latania Crete Hotel, announces luxurious facilities for tourist who want a decent accommodation waiting for their arrival.

GREECE– “Latania Studios and Apartments”, also known as Latania Crete Hotel, announces luxurious facilities for tourist who want a decent accommodation waiting for their arrival. There are many hotels in Crete but what makes this hotel special is its way of preserving this Island’s cultures and traditions. The hotel does not have a monetary policy for everything, they strive more to conserve the living style of the place by maintaining a standard none other hotels can.

Majority of the tourist chose these apartments because of their rates which are cheap for the luxury they offer while they get to enjoy almost all the facilities of a modern hotel. They have a reception that works in the day time i.e. 9 am – 10 pm. A lobby bar that offers refreshments to let the tired travelers stretch their legs and relax. TV lounge, swimming pools, billiard tables and pool snack bars are all other enjoyable provisions. Moreover there are typical services available to serve people whenever they feel the need.

There might not be a good reason to live in some of the most expensive hotels out there but there are many solid ones to live in “Latania Studios and Apartments”. The first and foremost benefit of living at this point is that it is surrounded by various types of beaches. Those tourists, who love passing a good time with their families at the beach, can do it here perfectly. Another good reason to live in this kind of a hotel is to fathom the Cretan customs and traditions that are kept at their best here.

History and Nature lovers can also spend a lot of time roaming around the peaceful areas of Crete. Because it is surrounded by many famous mountains and museums, such people will love to spend their time here. There is a lot more to explore, such as the mountains of Dikti where an individual can find a lot of amazing herbs and gorgeous flowers. These aspects of the “Latania Resort” define that it is the ideal place for tourists who wish to find an accommodation that is near all the important attractions of Crete Island.

The particular wide area of this Island has such local spots where different feasts and events occur almost every hour while they continue till the next day. Such type of gatherings is simply what a few people want in order to learn the local culture and get to know the people. Here they can indulge with lively people, singing and dancing.

With so many nearby attractions, cost effective packages and comfy apartments who would not want to book one for their trip? “Latania Studios and Appartments” offers online reservation system which makes sure that people do not return from their reception frustrated. It is advisable to check for available bookings before a week from the visit so that there is no chance of mishaps.

“Latania Studios and Appartments” is headquartered in Crete, Greece and it provides the best accommodation with a touch of Cretan culture with the perfect blend of modern facilities.

Latania Crete Hotel offers you extraordinary Crete studios and apartments with separate bedroom and various other facilities assuring you have an incredible experience.

OJEN, SPAIN– With passenger stats for 2011 (22,063,288) already outstripping those of 2010 (21,117,270), Palma de Mallorca has received more good news courtesy of Ryanair. The no-frills carrier is to set up a new base at the Balearic Airport in March 2012 and will operate a total of 47 routes – 17 of them new.

Stephen Dight, Managing Director of high-end real estate agency Mallorca Sotheby’s International Realty, is enthusiastic about the news, “Many different nationalities participate in Mallorca’s property market and as such we’ve been well served by dozens of airlines to most major European cities for a number of years. What’s especially interesting about the Ryanair announcement is that some of the new routes to the likes of Gothenburg, Tampere, Magdeburg and Maastricht open up the Island to potential property buyers from countries that are not suffering from the effects of recession. We will be interested to see the trickledown effect on the housing market.”

Ryanair claims that by opening its 49th base in Europe, it will deliver 2.8 million passengers to the Island each year and sustain up to 2,800 jobs at the Airport and in Mallorca’s thriving tourist industry. The 17 new routes added to the existing 30 are Aarhus, Cork, Gothenburg, Haugesund, Kaunas, Krakow, Maastricht, Malaga, Magdeburg, Marseille, Oslo, Paris Beauvais, Poznan, Santander, Santiago, Stockholm, and Tampere, and all are on sale online now. Ryanair boss Michael O’Leary said, “Now Palma visitors can beat the recession and escape both Air Europa and Air Berlin’s high fares by switching to Ryanair’s lowest fares and enjoy our no fuel surcharge guarantee.”

On the Market in Mallorca
Ref: 5337 – Villa, Puerto Andratx, Southwest Mallorca
Stunning south facing first line sea view villa with plenty of terraces offering vistas to the beautiful bays of Cala Marmacen and La Mola. This attractive home offers exceptional living accommodation with a light and sunny lounge area, formal dining room, fitted kitchen and master bedroom suite with walk-in dressing area and en-suite bathroom with Jacuzzi, sauna and shower stream. The second bedroom offers a mini suite with bathroom, dressing area and a small sea view terrace. A further two en-suite bedrooms, also with sea views, complete the interior accommodation. A modern swimming pool with cascade, teak-decked terraces, a separate summer kitchen and covered BBQ area plus parking for more than three cars are just some of the additional special features this immaculate villa has to offer.
Four bedrooms
Four bathrooms
Living area 350m²
Plot area 1,000m²
Price 3.65 million euros

Contact Mallorca Sotheby’s International Realty on phone: (+34) 971 67 48 07, email mallorca@mallorcasir.com  or visit http://www.mallorca-sothebysrealty.com