Jetsettersblog

ACE Study Tours Launches ACE Cultural Cruises - Luxury Cultural Cruises Travel In Style And Be Cultured

ACE Study Tours is launching ACE Cultural Cruises - exclusive cultural cruises abroad luxury, boutique style small ships for up to 40 passengers

Whether it’s navigating the Nile in a traditional two-masted sailing yacht, taking tips from head chef Thierry as he prepares feasts using fresh local Provencal ingredients, or diving from the yacht’s stern directly into the Aegean sea, ACE Cultural Cruises is offering a totally different cruise experience.

Catering for between 16 and 40 guests with a passenger to crew ratio often as small as two to one, ACE will be setting sail aboard luxury, small ship cruises. Drawing on 50 years of expertise, ACE Cultural Cruises is being launched by leading accompanied tour operator ACE Study Tours.

Using sail cruises or large yachts, these more intimate boats provide all the joys of cruising whilst making the holiday a much more personal experience. The modest size of the boats allows them to navigate shallow waters and tie up at private moorings inaccessible to typical cruise ships.

Led by experts, each cruise unravels a region’s history, art, architecture, archaeology, wildlife and even its music. The cruises are led by specialists in the field, such as Emmy award winning Humphrey Burton, one of Britain’s most distinguished television directors and music commentators.

Using small ships, guests can choose from:

• Ancient Egypt and The Nile
• Classical North Africa
• The Aegean
• Cyclades
• Scottish Highlands & Islands
• Provence & The Camargue

For reservations please call 01223 835055 or visit www.aceculturalcruises.co.uk

Fairmont Hotels & Resorts has announced a new property, Fairmont Marrakech, Morocco, slated to open in 2011. Building on its growing presence in Europe, Africa and the Middle East, the resort will join other hotels in the region including Fairmont Zanzibar, Tanzania; Fairmont Towers Heliopolis, Cairo; Fairmont Mara Safari Club, Kenya and London’s Savoy, reopening in 2009 following an extensive restoration.

The 190-room resort will be designed to offer its guests a true experience capturing the essence of Marrakech. A mix of contemporary and traditional architecture, unique amenities and details which reflect authentic expressions of Morocco will allow guests to celebrate the origins of this dynamic culture. The property will feature five food and beverage outlets, 13,000 square feet of banquet and meeting space, including a 4,300 square foot ballroom, and Fairmont Gold, the brand’s exclusive lifestyle offering featuring warm and personalized service with amenities such as a private reception desk and a comfortable guest lounge.

A 14,000 square foot Willow Stream Spa and health club will feature 14 treatment rooms, a hammam, specialty showers, steam room, ice fountain and a variety of lounges for relaxing. The complex will also include 32 new Fairmont-branded residential villas.

Marrakech is quickly becoming an established upscale destination in North Africa and is increasingly seen as a world-class golf destination.

The city, Morocco’s second largest, is in a spectacular desert setting, situated close to the snow-topped Atlas Mountains. Dynamic Marrakech has no end of diversions for visitors, including the town square of Jemaa l-Fna, which bustles with acrobats, dancers and musicians and by night welcomes an array of food stalls, and the many souks (traditional markets). Other notable attractions include the Koutoubia Mosque, whose minaret is visible from most points in the city, the romantic Menara gardens, and the many palaces that bear the mark of the European influence on this cosmopolitan city.

A new golf course will be developed adjacent to the hotel, and the famed Marrakech Royal Golf Club is a short drive away, making the destination an appealing one for fans of the game. Fairmont Marrakech is located on the famous Mohamed VI Boulevard in the Parc de l’Agdal and conveniently situated less than a mile from the Medina, the ancient part of the city, and home to many of the area’s most notable landmarks.

Fairmont is partnering with Ste l’ Eden de Marrakech, a company headed by Simon-Xavier Guerrand Hermes, of the Hermes Luxury goods family. Ste l’ Eden de Marrakech has appointed THED International, a French company headed by Georges Dahan, to manage the project.

“Fairmont Marrakech is positioned to be a unique luxury destination resort in the region offering a true Moroccan ambiance together with the service excellence for which the brand is recognized,” said Simon-Xavier Guerrand Hermes, President, Ste l’ Eden de Marrakech, “Fairmont was chosen to manage the resort and residential products as its name has become synonymous with understated elegance and preeminent hospitality across the globe and we are proud that Fairmont Marrakech will join a collection of iconic and legendary hotels”.

Thomas W. Storey, President, Fairmont Hotels & Resorts said, “We are pleased to introduce our guests to this distinctive resort in Morocco, one of the world’s fastest growing tourist destinations. This new property reinforces our expansion in the region and demonstrates our commitment to working with key partners to develop world-class properties and build upon our brand’s global strength.”

Fairmont Marrakech joins a number of recent announcements across the globe, including Fairmont Hyderabad, India; Fairmont Roco Ki, Dominican Republic; Fairmont Haitang Bay Resort, Sanya, China; Fairmont Abu Dhabi Creek and Fairmont Manila, Philippines.

Flight Centre has compiled a list of the top five places in the world to propose. From European cities, to mountaintops and stunning beaches – there is somewhere to suit everyone.

To book any of these deals, call 0870 499 0042 or visit www.flightcentre.co.uk

1. Trevi Fountain, Rome

Being in one of the most romantic cities on earth is bound to get you a positive response. Whilst there are scores of beautiful city squares and fountains, the famous Trevi Fountain tops the list of places to propose. Legend has it that if you throw a coin into the fountain your dreams will come true and you are sure to return to Rome.

Rome City Break – 3 nights from £359

Holiday includes return airfare and three nights’ bed and breakfast accommodation at the 4* Palladium Palace Hotel, based on two people sharing. Departs Heathrow.

To book call: 0870 499 0042 or visit www.flightcentre.co.uk, quoting reference: ROMLONPAC3. Valid for travel between 26 Oct 08 - 15 Nov 08, offer ends 25 Sep 08.

2. Sahara Desert, Morocco

If you want to propose somewhere private yet stunning, the Sahara desert is the perfect place. Nothing beats a sunset in the Sahara and there are beautiful mountain and sea views for you and your loved one to enjoy.

Luxury Morocco Desert Palace – 7 nights from £985

Holiday includes return airfare and seven nights’ accommodation at the 5* Le Berbere Palace, Ouarzazate, based on two people sharing. Departs Heathrow.

To book call: 0870 499 0042 or visit www.flightcentre.co.uk, quoting reference: RAKLONPAC1. Valid for travel between 01 Mar 09 - 30 Apr 09, offer ends 30 Nov 08.

3. Cathedral Cove, New Zealand

It may be a little off the beaten track but is definitely worth it. Set on New Zealand’s beautiful Coromandel Peninsula, Cathedral Cove is a natural rock formation that is named after its unique cathedral-shaped roof. This is the perfect setting to inspire her to walk down the aisle and the short walk to the secluded beach takes you past some of the most beautiful coastal scenery New Zealand has to offer.

New Zealand Beach Retreat – 7 nights from £1,579

Holiday includes return airfares and seven nights’ accommodation at the 4* Biba Holiday Homes, Coromandel, based on two people sharing. Departs Heathrow.

To book call: 0870 499 0042 or visit www.flightcentre.co.uk, quoting reference: AKLLONPAC5. Valid for travel between 20 Apr 09 - 11 Jun 09, offer ends 14 Oct 08.

4. Table Mountain, Cape Town

Why not propose to your sweetheart whilst overlooking the majestic Table Mountain National Park? With spectacular views over Cape Town and the ocean, you can propose in the cable car on the way up or, if you need to be on solid ground to get down on one knee, wait until you reach the summit at 1,086 metres.

Located in the heart of Queensland’s Great Barrier Reef, the Whitsundays consist of 74 tropical islands floating in the warm waters of the beautiful Coral Sea. If the glamorous resorts, white sandy beaches and palm trees aren’t enough to inspire a ‘yes’, book a chartered flight or helicopter and propose while flying over the amazing natural heart-shaped coral reef in Hardy Reef.

Hamilton Island and Brisbane – 10 nights from £1,939

Holiday includes return airfare, seven nights’ accommodation at the 4* Reef View Hotel and three nights’ accommodation at the 4* Grand Chancellor Hotel. Based on 2 people sharing, transfers not included. Departs Heathrow.

To book call: 0870 499 0042 or visit www.flightcentre.co.uk quoting reference: HTILONPAC1. Valid for travel between 01 Feb 09 - 10 Mar 09, offer ends 30 Nov 08.

Globus rolled out five 2009 vacation packages to Africa, including getaways in Egypt and Morocco.

Through this series of vacations, travelers can meet with Egyptologists for in-depth explorations of the pyramids, cruise the Nile, walk along temples created during Cleopatra’s reign 2,000 years ago, watch wildlife in Tanzania and enjoy the wineland area of South Africa.

Globus Africa packages for 2009 include the Grand Tour of Egypt (11 days), with guided sightseeing to the Sphinx, the pyramids, the seaport of Alexandria, the Ramses II statue, the Alabaster Sphinx, a three-night Nile River cruise, the monuments of Karnak, the Valley of Kings and Valley of Queens, Queen Hatshepsut’s Temple, the Temple of Horus, the Old Dam in Aswan, the Temple of Isis and a ride on a traditional felucca (priced from $2,253, land only, includes intra-tour flights);

Moroccan Adventure (12 days) includes Casablanca, the Barbary Coast, Rabat, the fortified Kasbah of Oudaias, the second imperial city of Meknes, Fez, the Middle Atlas range, Ziz Gorges and Er-Rachidia of French Foreign Legion fame (priced from $1,919, land only); and Tanzania (10 days), with stops in Arusha, Lake Manyara for an afternoon game drive, Serengeti National Park for additional game drives, Olduvai Gorge, the Ngorongoro Conservation Area, a Maasai village, Tarangire National Park and Gibbs Farm where coffee is grown (priced from $3,153, land only).

For more information, call 800-221-0090 or visit www.globusfamilypartner.com

Riyadh-Asiut and Dammam-Beirut)

Sama Airlines” launches new routes (Riyadh-Asiut and Dammam-Beirut)

• Sama is the only airlines flying to Asiut directly from Saudi
• Fares starts from SR 290 Dammam-Beirut, and 390 Riyadh-Asiut
• Sama network covers 10 international cities with 23 routes

Riyadh: Sama Airlines, the newest low-fares airline in Saudi Arabia, announced that launch of two new international routes between Riyadh-Asiut and Dammam-Beirut, starting from 1st of September 2008. Sama network now is increased to cover 10 international cities with 23 international routes departing from Riyadh, Dammam, and Jeddah.

Mr. Samer Atawi, Chief Commercial Officer of Sama said: “we are pleased in Sama to inaugurate these two international routes (Riyadh-Asiut, and Dammam-Beirut) to serve our guests, and to answer the demand on these routes. Sama offers new attractive options to eastern province citizens to travel to Lebanon for pleasure or business. Sama is the only airline flying directly from Saudi Arabia to Asiut, our first route was from Jeddah, and now from Riyadh to serve all Egyptian society in Saudi Arabia and Egyptian citizens in Asiut and southern Egypt, who are working in Saudi Arabia and looking to visit their families and friends in Asiut, or who want to visit Saudi Arabia for work or Umrah. Sama launched inaugural fares for these two destinations, fares start from SR 390 for Riyadh-Asiut and SR 290 for Dammam-Beirut.”

Flights to Beirut depart from Dammam twice weekly on Tuesday and Friday, and flights to Asiut depart from Riyadh three times weekly on Monday, Wednesday and Friday.

Sama flies to 12 domestic destinations (Dammam, Riyadh, Jeddah, Abha, Jizan, Hail, Arar, Jouf, Tabouk, Rafha, and Bisha) and 10 international destinations across the Middle East (Abu-Dhabi, Sharjah, Amman, Damascus, Latakia, Aleppo, Beirut, Alexandira, Asiut and Sharm el Sheikh). Sama offers various ways for booking, such as the website (www.flysama.com) or Call Centre 9200 05588, or Sales Centre in all the main cities (Riyadh, Dammam, Jeddah, Madinah, Abha) and the Airports, or our Authorised Travel Agents (Inside Saudi Arabia and outside). There are various payment options also available (Cash, POS, Credit Card, Sadad).

Dollar Rent A Car and Thrifty Car Rental, subsidiaries of Dollar Thrifty Automotive Group, Inc., are kicking off a new frequent-flyer partnership with the Emirates Skywards program.

They are publicizing the new relationship by offering 1,000 bonus miles on rentals of any car type rented for three days or longer.

The bonus offer is available through Dec. 31, when consumers make an advance reservation using promotional code EK1K. The 1,000 bonus miles are in addition to the regular award structures of Emirates.

For more information, visit www.dtag.com

Just half a year after its opening, Angsana Riads Collection, Morocco has received its first accolades, the prestigious Condé Nast Traveller Hot List 2008 in the United Kingdom, as well as in the American edition of Condé Nast Traveler Hot List 2008.

The property comprises a fascinating selection of seven heritage riads in separate locations in and around Marrakech, restored by the in-house Banyan Tree design team, to give the true Moroccan experience. Attractive summer rates seal the deal for a perfect holiday jaunt.

Angsana Riad Si Said

Riad Si Said offers a unique and luxurious experience of the refined Moroccan atmosphere that enchanted painters like Delacroix and writers like De Maupassant when they began traveling in Morocco during the 19th century. Their fascination with Moroccan domestic architecture and interior decoration gave rise to a major movement in European fine and decorative arts known as Orientalism. Staying at Riad Si Said, you will understand what inspired this aesthetic intrigue in the three top suites, the two-bedroom Africaine, the Mellah balcony suite, and the junior suite Bahia. Four other deluxe rooms offer aristocratic decorations and access to all of Riad Si Said’s facilities.

The magnificent Riad Si Said was created by combining three old riads. The heart of this property is an airy courtyard garden with stunning zellij (hand-made ceramic mosaic floors and walls) that date to 1880, when the largest of the three riads was built by a wealthy Marrakechi family.

The courtyard is surrounded by three beautifully furnished lounges with fireplaces. One of the lounges also houses the riad’s wall-mounted plasma screen television and DVD player, and all of them are stocked with fascinating books about Marrakech and Morocco. A private turquoise tiled pool occupies the second courtyard and offers a delightful place to cool off and relax. This riad also has a stunning roof terrace with magnificent views of the surrounding quarter and Marrakech.

Angsana Riad Blanc

On hot afternoons, the trickling fountain and deep shadow bring a welcome cool to the sugar-white interior courtyard of Riad Blanc (“White Riad” in French), an intimate, elegant riad that references the famous perched white villages of Andalucia in southern Spain. Riad Blanc offers four superior rooms, two deluxe rooms and two romantic suites in which to enjoy the gorgeous views of the Atlas mountains.

The delicate Arab-Andalucian decorative style is reprised everywhere, from the intricately chiseled plasterwork on the capitals of the columns in the central courtyard to the exquisite moldings in the adjacent salons. Elaborate wrought iron railings and window grills, potted palms and orange trees, and a turquoise-tiled plunge pool also evoke the sensual languor and Moroccan roots of Andalucia. One of the most distinctive features of Riad Blanc is its duplex roof terrace—the first level of the terrace has an open-air jet-pool and cotton-canvas covered lounge beds under a tented ceiling, and the second, up a flight of stairs, has plump lounge chairs.

Angsana Riad Bab Firdaus

With a central courtyard ornamented with stunning gabbs (picked honey-comb-like plaster work) and tagguebasts (cornices of sculpted plaster) around its central columns, Riad Bab Firdaus (“Gateway to Heaven,” in Arabic) is the spa-lover’s choice.

A small plunge pool occupies a niche in the central courtyard, and through a set of heavy cedar doors is a superb jet-pool surrounded by a wooden deck in a room with a high coffered ceiling. This exquisite spa complex, one of the most intimate and luxurious in Marrakech, also includes a beautiful hammam (steam room) with a barrel-vaulted brick ceiling. This entire suite of spa facilities can be privately booked so that you can enjoy a traditional Moroccan hammam experience or Thai spa treatments for your own party.

The four deluxe rooms and three suites at this riad are individually furnished with a mixture of antiques, hand-woven carpets and custom-made contemporary pieces, accompanied by spacious bathrooms. In addition to a roof top sun deck, Riad Bab Firdaus features its locally acclaimed tented restaurant, which has extraordinary views over the Red City.

Angsana Riad Tiwaline

This riad is a feast for the tiwaline (eyes). Originally built 150 years ago, the intimate five-room Riad Tiwaline was stunningly renovated in 2001 by eminent local architect Nasreddine Njima to become a tour de force of sleek contemporary Moroccan design. Respecting the historical structure of this riad, he effected a subtle remodeling to make its rooms larger, more inviting and modern.

The visual signature of the central courtyard is a two-story gallery of ornately carved cedar-wood columns and paneling, which is accented by masonry columns covered with brass accents. All five rooms have wood-burning fireplaces, making Riad Tiwaline a wonderful choice during cooler times of the year. The riad also has a dramatically designed hammam. Unlike traditional Moroccan hammams, the floors of this one are covered with veined black marble, and the hammam itself is lined with polished local limestone and has a deep conical domed ceiling that admits a stream of daylight.

Riad Aida

Riad Aida was originally designed and constructed at the end of the 19th century by architect Muhammad al-Mekki, who had been appointed head architect of the Bahia Palace by the Grand Vizier Ba Ahmed, and it echoes the splendour of the adjacent Bahia, one of Marrakech’s grandest and most impressive private palaces. When it was first built, this riad was connected directly to the palace quarters.

With beautiful calligraphy, verses from the Koran are also integrated into the decor of the main lounge, which is the heart of the riad and a delightful place to linger by the traditional fireplace in cool weather.

Quiet, intimate and charming, Riad Aida offers three superior rooms, two deluxe rooms and one suite. With the highest roof top terrace of the Angsana riad family, Riad Aida offers spectacular views over the neighboring Bahia Palace and Marrakech and is also equipped with a spa treatment room that can accommodate couples.

Riad Lydines

Though located in the ancient Kasbah, or palace quarter, of the Old Medina, Riad Lydines is the most stylish of the Angsana riads. This vibe comes from its contemporary color scheme of spice and citrus tones, and the striking modern art on the walls in its public spaces. Riad Lydines also has one of the largest private pools of any riad in the medina, a wonderful long, deep, tiled basin that is dramatically spot lit underwater at night.

“Lydines” means hands in Arabic, a reference to the quality of the hand-crafted artistry that is visible everywhere at this delightful property. Even the vivid crimson, forest green and gold Berber tent on the roof top where you can dine al fresco is handmade, as are the metal lanterns and hookahs (water pipes) that decorate the tent. All of the seven guestrooms and suites at Riads Lydines are individually decorated and come with spacious well-lit baths. Other facilities include a hammam and spa treatment room.

Angsana Riad El Farah (opening September 2008)

With a very convenient location at the entrance to the Medina and just off of Rue Riad Zitoun El Jedid, a street that leads directly to the Place Jemma El Fna, Riad El Farah (“The House of Smiles” in Arabic) is a perfect base from which to discover the charms of Marrakech.

A magnificent garden of palm and orange trees, bougainvillea and jasmine offers a fragrant haven and an outdoor swimming pool and patio invite swimming and sunning. The rich Moroccan decoration of the five superior rooms is another reason to smile, and the two-bedroom suite is a perfect choice for friend or family traveling together.

Summer 2008 rates begin from Euro75++ per room per night. For bookings, email marrakech@angsana.com Website: www.angsana.com

Get to meet the locals with Gecko’s Adventures

African overland trips were pioneered by ‘entrepreneurs’ who threw 20 or 30 backpackers in the back of a Bedford truck and battled bad roads and border police for the length of the continent.

The ‘punters’ naturally did the provisioning, the washing up and all the other camp chores. Gecko’s has up-dated the overland epic, catering to the more discerning tastes of a new generation – while retaining the grass roots, budget-minded appeal of the old days.

The Gecko’s style of overland – showcased in the new 2008-2010 brochure – features custom-built vehicles taking a maximum of 24 passengers; a professional driver and cook plus a local leader who provides an insider’s insight into the journey. Better yet, the passengers don’t have to suffer cleaning or cooking duties.

Best of all, Gecko’s goes to many of the key game parks – such as Ngorongoro, the Serengeti, South Luangwa and the Okavango Delta - that other operators miss or charge extra for. Rather than having passengers carrying large amounts of cash to cover game park costs, the company includes these entry fees in the tour cost – yet their tour costs remain some of the sharpest in the market.

Geckos is the only overland company to purchase a complement of gorilla permits – which are limited in number - at the beginning of each season, giving travellers the best chance of seeing the mountain gorillas of Rwanda and Uganda.

The new Gecko’s African overland safaris start with the 25-day African Wanderer which travels between Livingstone (Victoria Falls) in Zambia and Nairobi, Kenya, via the lake and mountains of Malawi; and takes in the laid-back lifestyle of Zanzibar and some of the best game parks in Africa: South Luangwa, Ngorongoro Crater and the Serengeti.

This trip runs in both north and southbound directions.

The African Wanderer has departures year-round and costs $2695 plus a local payment of US$700, including transport (a combination of custom-built safari vehicle, ferry and 4×4 Land Cruisers); park entry fees, guides and most meals on safari.

At the top end is the epic 60-day Africa Encompassed, which begins in Cape Town and travels north-west through South Africa to the deserts and canyons of Namibia, to the salt pans and Okavango Delta of Botswana. From Livingstone (on the Zambian side of Victoria Falls), the trip continues through Zambia to Malawi and on to Tanzania and Kenya, taking in some of Africa’s best wildlife experiences along the way. The climax of the trip is the gorilla trek, where travellers have the opportunity of spending an hour with our closest relatives in the mountain forests of Rwanda.

The Africa Encompassed safari departs roughly monthly, year-round and costs $5585 including gorilla trekking permit, plus a local payment of US$1750, payable on arrival. This includes transport, park entry fees, specialist wildlife guides in addition to the cook, driver and local leader, camping equipment and mokoros (canoes) in Okavango.

The Gecko’s Africa range also includes overland trips and shorter safaris that can be linked together, as well as time out in Zanzibar and a Mt Kilimanjaro trek. For further information contact Gecko’s Adventures on 1300 854 500 or visit www.geckosadventures.com to download a pdf file of the new brochure.

In October, ITC Classics will unveil new brochures for its Family and Romance Collections. Both brochures will be available on request and feature a superb collection of hotels hand picked for their suitability for families or couples looking for a romantic break.

Direct Debit

ITC Classics’ clients can now pay for their holiday using a low deposit followed by easy monthly payments.

Example: Total holiday price £6318, 10% deposit at booking stage £631.80,

Minimum 5 instalments £1137.24

*A direct debit mandate can only be set up when the departure date is more than four clear calendar months away from the confirmation date.

CARIBBEAN

Refurbishments at Sandy Lane

Sandy Lane in Barbados will be undertaking several exciting refurbishment projects in September. The hotel will reopen on 3rd October 2008 showcasing many enhancements which will add to guests’ enjoyment of the facilities, including updated rooms and the completely refreshed beach-front restaurant Bajan Blue. From October, the Spa at Sandy Lane will offer a range of exclusive face and body treatments by Anne Sémonin, the ‘made to measure’ spa specialists. (The entire range of Sandy Lane golf facilities will remain open for business throughout the refurbishment period).

ITC Classics (01244 355 527; www.itcclassics.co.uk)  offers 7 nights at Sandy Lane in an Orchid Room with Breakfast from £2,579 per person, including return flights and transfers.

New spa at Coral Reef Club

Coral Reef Club, Barbados, reopens on 11th October 2008 after 5 months of renovations, including the building of a new spa. The spa will be a retreat offering top quality service in a beautiful, zen-like, garden setting. Other developments include a new tennis court.

ITC Classics (01244 355 527; www.itcclassics.co.uk) offers 7 nights at Coral Reef Club in a Garden Room with Breakfast from £1,289 per person, including return flights and transfers.

INDIAN OCEAN

Unique Observatory at Soneva Fushi

Soneva Fushi, Maldives, has once again moved the benchmark by opening the only resort based astronomical observatory of its kind in the world. Set deep within the resort’s dense lush jungle, a 12-metre high observatory tower houses the telescope on the upper most level, high above the treetops, along with a fully-automated dome providing uncompromised 360 degree views of the night sky.

ITC Classics (01244 355 527; www.itcclassics.co.uk) offers 7 nights at Soneva Fushi in a Rehendhi Room on a room only basis from £2,245 per person, including return flights and transfers.

Celebrating 30 Years of Le Touessrok

From 21st – 25th November 2008 Le Touessrok, Mauritius, will hold a special 30th Anniversary Week. Each day will feature a different theme and a variety of specially created events for you to enjoy; from treasure hunts, cooking demonstrations with a Michelin Star Chef, live Creole Jazz and fireworks. And if you book at least 60 days in advance you will receive a 30% discount on your room rate.

Stay 7 nights pay for 5. Valid 18 April – 23 October 2009

ITC Classics (01244 355 527; www.itcclassics.co.uk) offers 7 nights at Le Touessrok in a Deluxe Room on a Half Board basis from £1,999 per person, including return flights and transfers.

Kite Surfing at One&Only Le Saint Géran

One&Only Le Saint Géran, Mauritius, have recently opened a dedicated kite surfing centre. Mauritius is fast becoming a global destination for kite surfing holidays and One&Only Le Saint Géran has an enviable location on its own private peninsula on the island’s north eastern coast – an excellent site for kite surfers of all levels. The hotel offers expert IKO-approved instructors offering private kite surfing courses for all levels, from total beginners to advanced riders.

Stay 7 nights pay for 5. Valid 8 January – 3 April, 20 April – 30 September and 1 October – 21 December 2009

ITC Classics (01244 355 527; www.itcclassics.co.uk) offers 7 nights at One&Only Le Saint Geran in a Deluxe Room on a Half Board basis from £1,999 per person, including return flights and transfers.

Mini Chefs at Constance Belle Mare Plage

A new Mini Chefs programme has been launched at Constance Belle Mare Plage aimed at children aged between four and 12 years old. The programme will take place every Thursday where the children are welcomed by the Head Chef and are given various demonstrations in the different areas of the kitchens.

ITC Classics (01244 355 527; www.itcclassics.co.uk) offers 7 nights at Constance Belle Mare Plage in a Prestige Room on a Half Board basis from £1,740 per person, including return flights and transfers.

Sailing with Sultans of the Sea

The newest development to reach the Maldives this year is not on land but on water. This Azimut superyacht brings a whole new dimension to the Maldives. Unlike many other yacht charters around the world, Sultan of the Sea offers guests an all-inclusive package; with four en-suite double cabins sleeping 8-10 people in supreme comfort. The yacht has access to the shallowest of reefs enabling guests to enjoy diving, snorkelling and fishing, and if you prefer to relax onboard it has several sundrenched decks to lounge on, along with state-of-the-art music and entertainment systems. It is the perfect way to experience the Maldivian islands whilst offering the ultimate freedom, relaxation and adventure whilst sailing the turquoise waters of the Indian Ocean. Prices on application.

AFRICA

Cape Grace announces the arrival of “Spirit of the Cape”

A privately owned, luxury yacht available for the exclusive use of Cape Grace guests, ‘Spirit of the Cape’ is a 56ft motor yacht available for tailor-made excursions such as an authentic braai whilst anchored at Clifton or Camps Bay or a Champagne and Oyster sunset cruise.

ITC Classics (01244 355 527; www.itcclassics.co.uk  offers 5 nights at Cape Grace in a Luxury Room with breakfast from £1,905 per person, including return flights and transfers.

EUROPE

Family Fun at Sheraton Algarve

Sheraton Algarve has recently launched a range of new, fun activities to complement its Porto Pirata children’s village and to help keep children of all ages entertained. Children’s activities include Mini-Golf competitions. Parents can also choose to purchase a Cool Cash Card for their child to spend in resort on items such as ice creams and soft drinks. Children learn how to deal with money and parents can put a limit on the amount allowed per transaction. The Sheraton Algarve also caters for family fun with a host of activities including BBQs, picnics, and a range of packages including a father & son golf clinic and a mother & daughter manicure.

ITC Classics (01244 355 527; www.itcclassics.co.uk) offers 5 nights at Sheraton Algarve in a 1 Bedroom Apartment on a room only basis from £670 per person, including return flights and transfers.

FLIGHT NEWS

Emirates will launch its new Super Jumbo A380 from London Heathrow from the 1st December 2008. The aircraft features showers in First Class and a stand up bar in Business Class. All classes have access to the award winning ICE in flight entertainment system with more than 100 channels. Guests travelling in Business Class from London Gatwick or Heathrow enjoy complimentary chauffeur transfers within a 50 mile radius.

Emirates also offer an excellent choice of long haul departures from four regional airports: Manchester, Birmingham, Glasgow and Newcastle. Each airport has its own Business Class lounge and all four regional points have one stop connections to Bangkok, Cape Town, the Seychelles, Mauritius, Maldives and most Far Eastern cities. Business Class passengers enjoy complimentary chauffeur transfers within a 70 mile radius.

CARIBBEAN OFFERS

Cotton Bay, St Lucia

Winter Getaway – Receive reduced rates. Valid until 20 December 2008.

ITC Classics (01244 355 527; www.itcclassics.co.uk) offers 7 nights at Cotton Bay in a 1 Bedroom Tamarind Apartment on a room only basis from £1,165 per person, including return flights and transfers.

Saving up to £510 per couple.

Treasure Beach, Barbados

Stay 7 nights pay for 6. Valid 12 October – 20 December 2008.

ITC Classics (01244 355 527; www.itcclassics.co.uk) offers 7 nights at Treasure Beach in a Garden View Suite on a room only basis from £1,150 per person, including return flights and transfers.

Saving up to £349 per couple.

INDIAN OCEAN OFFERS

One&Only Le Saint Geran, Mauritius

Stay 12 Nights pay for 6 plus receive complimentary Half Board in La Terrasse Restaurant. Valid 1 September – 18 October 2008.

ITC Classics (01244 355 527; www.itcclassics.co.uk) offers 12 nights at One&Only Le Saint Geran in a Junior Suite including Half Board from £2,449 per person, including return flights and transfers.

Saving up to £3,208 per couple.

Paradis Hotel & Golf Club, Mauritius

ITC Classics (01244 355 527; www.itcclassics.co.uk) offers 7 nights at Paradis Hotel & Golf Club in a Junior Suite including Half Board from £2,670 per person, including return flights and transfers.

Saving up to £340 per couple.

FAR EAST OFFER

Four Seasons Langkawi, Malaysia

Stay 4 nights pay for 3. Valid to 31 October 2008.

ITC Classics (01244 355 527; www.itcclassics.co.uk) offers 4 nights at Four Seasons Langkawi in a Lower Melaluca Pavilion on a room only basis from £1,589 per person, including return flights and transfers.

Saving up to £585 per couple.

EUROPE OFFER

Kempinski Hotel Bahia Estepona, Spain

Stay 7 nights pay for 5. Valid to 31 October 2008.

ITC Classics (01244 355 527; www.itcclassics.co.uk) offers 7 nights at Kempinski Hotel Bahia Estepona in a Standard Room including Breakfast from £725 per person, including return flights and transfers.

Saving up to £535 per couple.

MIDDLE EAST OFFER

Le Royal Meridien Beach Resort & Spa, Dubai

Stay 5 nights in a Tower Room pay for 4 plus receive complimentary Half Board. Valid to 30 September 2008.

ITC Classics (01244 355 527; www.itcclassics.co.uk) offers 5 nights at Le Royal Meridien Beach Resort & Spa in a Tower Room including Half Board from £1,075 per person, including return flights and transfers.

Saving up to £600 per couple.

For further information please contact ITC Classics

(01244 355527; www.itcclassics.co.uk)

COX & KINGS HAS TEAMED UP WITH ANGSANA RESORTS TO OFFER SOME WONDERFUL SAVINGS ON NEW LUXURY RIADS IN MARRAKESH.

Cox & Kings has recently released its new Middle East brochure for 2009, featuring an extended collection of properties in Marrakesh and throughout Morocco. New to Cox & Kings’ comprehensive portfolio are six boutique riads from Angsana Resorts, well-known for their world-class Asian properties.

In 2008, Angsana opened a contemporary collection of chic riads in Marrakesh that features in Cox & Kings’ 2009 programme. Cox & Kings’ Middle East Product Manager, Mark Stacey, says: “Angsana has long been recognised for its outstanding properties in Asia, and we are delighted to be featuring their new Marrakesh properties in our Middle East programme. The six chic riads sit well in our comprehensive Marrakesh portfolio, and the company’s dedication to style and elegance, to first-class service and cuisine, and to authentic holiday experiencesfits with Cox & Kings’ core values”.

To celebrate the opening of the Angsana properties and the launch of Cox & Kings’ new brochure, the tour operator has teamed up with Angsana to offer some fantastic early booking offers, valid on travel between 1 September and 31 October 2008.

RIAD SI SAID – 4 Nights for the Price of 3 – From £565 per person
Comprising two riads joined as one, Riad Si Said is the closest to the centre of the Medina and offers a selection of generous suites, a large pool and indoor and outdoor dining areas. The Hammam provides a traditional Moroccan bathing experience and there the treatment room offers a choice of spa treatments

RIAD BAB FIRDAUS – 4 Nights for the Price of 3 – From £575 per person

Bab Firdaus provides a warm and traditional homely feel, decorated with warm Moroccan reds and dark woods. The property has an extensive spa, a heated indoor pool with water jets and a large Hammam, and a popular rooftop restaurant serving Asian, European and Moroccan cuisine.

RIAD TIWALINE– 4 Nights for the Price of 3 – From £565 per person

This charming riad offers a relaxed atmosphere in a quiet, yet central, location. The central courtyard features an elegant central fountain and is surrounded by five guest rooms, a dining area and an excellent Hammam. The rooftop terrace provides space for sun loungers and two tables - ideal for dining with a view.

RIAD BLANC– 4 Nights for the Price of 3 – From £475 per person

The largest of the Angsana riads, Riad Blanc has eight rooms in total, including two de luxe rooms and two suites. There is also a living room with a fireplace, a small Hammam and treatment room, and a rooftop terrace with sun loungers, a dining terrace and a Bedouin tent.

RIAD LYDINES– 4 Nights for the Price of 3 – From £515 per person

A charming riad in the historical Kasbah neighbourhood, Riad Lydines offers enhanced privacy and peace and quiet. The central courtyard features a pool and tables and chairs, while the rooftop terrace provides sun loungers, a daybed with scatter cushions and a Berber tent. There is a Hammam and a treatment room providing a choice of spa treatments.

RIAD AIDA– 4 Nights for the Price of 3 – From £465 per person

Dating back to the 18th century, Riad Aida overlooks the courtyard of the Bahia Palace, having originally been built to house the architect of the palace. There is a central patio and a sheltered lounge with day beds. The rooftop terrace features sun loungers and a couple’s spa tent with a range of treatments. There are six rooms in total including two de luxe and one suite.

All prices include flights with Royal Air Maroc, four nights’ accommodation with breakfast and private transfers. Valid for travel between 1 September and 31 October 2008. Offer applies to new bookings only.