Jetsettersblog

New Year’s blues and winter chills make Valentine’s Day the perfect excuse for a romantic adventure in the sun. Make this year a memorable one and warm the heart of that special person in your life with an unforgettable break in paradise that won’t break the bank.

Here are just a few examples to get couples hot under the collar!

5* Mazagan Beach Resort, Morocco – Stay 7 and pay for 5 nights
A new luxury destination in Morocco! Mazagan Beach Resort is a truly unique coastal resort less than an hour’s drive south of Casablanca.

Set in 250 hectares of undeveloped land next to a 7 km long beach this sumptuous, traditionally inspired resort is integrated perfectly into the surrounding luxurious vegetation. Superb views over the lagoon, golf course, swimming pool and Atlantic Ocean are found from the resort’s terraces.

7 nights from £619 per person
Deluxe King Room – Breakfast – Royal Air Maroc ex. LHR to CAS
Airport Taxes – Private Transfers
Travel: 15 Feb to 26 Mar 2010

Diva Maldives – Includes 40% discount & Save up to £1000 per couple!

On Dhidhoofinolhu Island in the Ari Atoll, Diva was re-launched in 2008 with the highest quality of accommodation and service, and promises to be among the leading resorts in the region.

The island has 4km of white-sand beach and two infinity pools out over the water complementing the superb facilities.

The new Infinity Spa is a haven of peace and well-being and remarkable relaxation gardens.

By night, allow the live sounds of the Musik bar to elevate the mood and lead you to the dance floor.

7 nights from £1650 per person
Deluxe Room – Breakfast – Qatar Airways
Airport Taxes – Sea Plane Transfers
Travel: 20 Feb to 15 Apr 2010

Coco Palm Dhuni Kolhu, Maldives – Receive FREE Half Board upgrade & Sunset Fishing Cruise!

A resort of magical setting, sited upon this tropical island, lush with vegetation and fringed by white-sand beaches and a turquoise lagoon. Coco Palm Dhuni Kolhu attracts guests seeking that ‘lost in paradise’ experience, enhanced by flowering plants, vines and palms providing seclusion to the individual villas.

Informal in mood yet extremely stylish, the resort offers a choice of dining and bars and recreational facilities including the Coco Spa for pampering and some great yoga programmes.

For a small supplement, guests may select a ‘Uniquely Coco Experiences’ including exciting options such as an overnight stay on a desert island or a day with a local fisherman!

7 nights from £1645 per person
Beach Villa – HALF BOARD – Qatar Airways
Airport Taxes – Private Transfers
Travel until 12 April 2010

For more information please visit www.luxuryholidaysdirect.com  or call 020 8774 7299. Offer is subject to availability and prices may vary.

Marrakech, Morocco’s La Mamounia hotel, which re-opened on Sept. 29, 2009, introduced three new experiences in Marrakech, including private art lessons with local artists, a helicopter ride through the Atlas Mountains and shopping with the Souk’s savviest shopping experts.

Guests can immerse themselves in Moroccan culture with Majorelle’s Footsteps Experience.

Beginning with a complimentary airport transfer in La Mamounia’s fleet of garnet red Jaguar Daimler’s and Range Rovers, guests will receive a massage upon arrival.

Over the next three days, the experience offers a 90-minute Hamman ritual, private art lesson with a local artist, a guided visit of the famous Majorelle Gardens and a tour of the Marrakech with a professional photographer.

Also included are a buffet breakfast each morning, an a la carte dinner at L’Italien by Don Alfonso and at Le Marocain, two of Morocco’s top restaurants.

Prices from $4,500 per room based on double occupancy for three nights.

The Shopping Experience begins with a complimentary airport transfer and a relaxing massage upon arrival.

Over the next three days, guests will take part in a 90-minute Hamman ritual, a guided shopping tour of Marrakech, and a $1,000 credit at selected boutiques at La Mamounia.

The Shopping Experience also includes a beauty package: hair brushing and make-up for her, and haircut and shaving for him.

Each morning, guests will enjoy a buffet breakfast, and for dinner, experience cocktails and a la carte dinner at Le Marocain as well as dinner reservations at an upscale restaurant in Marrakech. Prices from $5,700 per room based on double occupancy for three nights.

The Morocco from the Air Experience begins with a complimentary airport transfer in the hotel’s garnet red Jaguar Daimler’s and Range Rovers and a relaxing massage upon arrival.

Over the next three days, guests will experience a helicopter ride around the Atlas Mountains and a balloon ride at dawn.

To unwind from the thrill of the day, guests can take part in a 90-minute Hamman ritual, and a 90-minute Shiseido massage. A buffet breakfast is available each morning, and for dinner, guests will enjoy one a la carte dinner at Le Marocain as well as dinner at Le Francais by Jean Pierre Vigato. The package is available from Jan. 4 to June 30. Prices start at $10,500 per room based on double occupancy for three nights.

La Mamounia’s restoration project was led by interior designer, Jacques Garcia.

The hotel has 136 guest rooms and 71 suites, including seven Signature Suites; and three Riads, each with three bedrooms, Moroccan salons and a private terrace complete with an ozone swimming pool.

The new La Mamounia features the 27,000-square-foot Mamounia Spa; a state-of-the-art fitness center; tennis courts and scheduled tennis clinics designed by tennis pro Henri Leconte; indoor and outdoor ozone swimming pools; table tennis tables and a Boulodrome for games of Le Petanque; five bars; and three signature restaurants, headed by Fabrice Lasnon, executive chef of La Mamounia.

Two Michelin-starred chefs, Alfonso Iaccarino and Jean-Pierre Vigato, created the dining experiences at La Mamounia.

Located at the edge of the walls of the old city of Marrakech, La Mamounia is named after its 200-year-old gardens, originally given as an 18th century wedding gift to Prince Moulay Mamoun by his father, King Sidi Mohammed Ben Abdellah. Today, the gardens at La Mamounia cover almost 20 acres with an enviable variety of flora and fauna.

Since the hotel originally opened in 1923, La Mamounia has been symbolic of traditional Moroccan hospitality and a classic example of the great age of grand hotels.
For more information or reservations, visit www.mamounia.com

Four Seasons Hotels and Resorts has much in store for both loyal and first-time guests in 2010.

From expansion into new destinations to enhancing its current collection to evolving a core component of business to match guest demands, the brand is planning for a year of positive growth and change.

This year marks an aggressive expansion for the brand, with the first of five planned openings having debuted in Beirut this month.

Vail, Denver, Hangzhou (China) and Marrakech (Morocco) will also welcome their first Four Seasons property this year.

After a busy year in 2009 of renovating, 2010 brings guests new spas and restaurants, revamped pools and golf courses, expanded meeting facilities and fresh new looks at properties around the world from New York to Shanghai.

The brand will begin a complete revamp of its F & B model.

Capitalizing on the success of more casual dining venues such as Yew at Four Seasons Hotel Vancouver, the brand will seek to develop restaurants that offer a relaxed environment in a setting distinct to their destination and also deliver the top quality cuisine and service synonymous with Four Seasons.

Through its partnership with Relais & Châteaux, Silversea Cruises is introducing L’École des Chefs, a new interactive cooking school that will be featured on 11 voyages in 2010.

The Relais & Châteaux L’École des Chefs program offers a culinary curriculum and events hosted by Silversea Executive Chef David Bilsland. Educated in classic French cooking, Bilsland’s career includes several years as a chef instructor at the Le Cordon Bleu culinary school in London.

He will present a program developed in collaboration with Jacques Thorel, the owner of L’Auberge Bretonne and a Grand Chef Relais & Châteaux.

The curriculum for each cruise is designed to celebrate the cultural flavor of the ship’s itinerary. Highlights include workshops covering a range of topics including basic knife skills, kitchen terminology, sauces, baking, cooking demonstrations with wine pairings, Q&A sessions, cooking competitions between Bilsland and the ship’s own culinary team, a “Lunch and Learn” event and “Take It Home” recipes.

Also offered on certain voyages, when the itinerary permits, is “Market to the Plate,” an escorted tour to a local market, and a “Culinary Outing” to a restaurant, hotel or other venue with a chef escort. Select L’École des Chefs voyages will also feature Silversea’s wine consultant, Lyn Farmer.

The James Beard Foundation Award-winning wine and food writer will host lectures, conduct tastings and guide guests through wine and food pairings as part of Silversea’s Wine Series enrichment program.

Following below is a list of the L’École des Chefs voyages for 2010. Fares listed are per person based on double occupancy for a Vista Suite and do not include port charges and handling fees that range from $150 to $575 per person, depending on the itinerary.

• The Silver Wind departs Athens Nov. 9 on a 16-day sailing to Dubai with calls in Rhodes, Alexandria, Sharm-el-Sheikh, Aqaba, Safaga and Muscat. Silver Savings fares start at $7,318.

• Silver Shadow departs Los Angeles May 13 on a 12-day sailing to Vancouver with calls in San Francisco, Ketchikan, Sitka, Juneau, Skagway and Victoria. The sailing includes a Wine Series program hosted by Farmer. Silver Savings fares start at $3,678.

• Silver Shadow departs Los Angeles March 5 on a 17-day sailing to Fort Lauderdale with a crossing of the Panama Canal and calls in Cabo San Lucas, Puerto Vallarta, Zihuatanejo, Acapulco, Puerto Quetzal, Cartagena and Santa Marta. Silver Savings fares start at $5,478.

• Silver Shadow departs Fort Lauderdale April 28 on a 15-day sailing to Los Angeles with a crossing of the Panama Canal and calls in Santa Marta, Cartagena, Puntarenas, Acapulco and Cabo San Lucas. Silver Savings fares start at $4,838.

• Silver Spirit departs Fort Lauderdale Nov. 22 on a 10-day roundtrip calling at Grand Turk, Antigua, St. Bart’s, St. Kitts and Spanish Town, B.V.I. The sailing includes a Wine Series program hosted by Farmer. Silver Savings fares start at $4,182.

• Silver Spirit departs Fort Lauderdale Dec. 20 on a 14-day roundtrip to Grand Turk, Antigua, Bequia, Barbados, St. Lucia, St. Bart’s, Spanish Town and Key West. The sailing includes a Wine Series program hosted by Farmer. Silver Savings fares start at $6,598.

• Silver Whisper departs Sydney Jan. 18, 2011, on an 18-day sailing to Singapore with calls in Brisbane, Whitsunday Islands, Cairns, Thursday Island, Komodo Island, Bali, Semarang and Karimunjawa Archipelago. Silver Savings fares start at $6,118.

• Silver Wind departs Nice Oct. 20 on a 10-day sailing to Istanbul with calls in Portovenere, Livorno, Sorrento, Taormina, Athens, Santorini and Kusadasi. The sailing includes a Farmer-hosted Wine Series program. Silver Savings fares start at $4,678.

• Silver Cloud departs London June 7 on a 10-day sailing to Stockholm with calls in Rostock, Visby, Tallinn and St. Petersburg (extended two-night stopover). The sailing includes a Wine Series program hosted by Farmer. Silver Savings fares start at $5,082.

• Silver Whisper departs Santiago Dec. 3 on a 16-day Chilean fjord sailing to Buenos Aires with calls in Puerto Montt, Laguna San Rafael, Punta Arenas, Ushuaia, Puerto Madryn and Montevideo. The sailing includes a Wine Series program hosted by Farmer. Silver Savings fares start at $6,998.

• Silver Cloud departs San Juan April 14 on a 15-day trans-Atlantic sailing to Barcelona with calls in St. Maarten, Antigua, Tenerife, Las Palmas, Casablanca and Malaga. Silver Savings fares start at $4,398.

The Great Canadian Travel Company is offering a 15-day visit to Moorish Andalucia, which combines walks in the countryside with time spent exploring Spain’s cities.

Tour highlights include: Seville, the capital of Andalucia;

Cordoba, one of the most Moorish cities in Spain; Cazorla, a mountain town overlooked by two Moorish castles;

Granada, home to the palace of Alhambra; Ronda, one of southern Spain’s original “white towns”; and Grazalema, a white village beneath the limestone peak of San Cristobal.

Cost for this two-week trip is from approximately $1,720 per person double occupancy.

Included are 12 nights in standard hotels, plus two nights in a hostel in Granada and 14 breakfasts.

Also included is transportation by chartered bus, local bus and train, as well as services of a tour leader.

Departures for 2010 are March 20, April 3 and 24, May 1, 15 and 22, and June 5.

For more information, call 800-661-3830 or

www.greatcanadiantravel.com

Caravan-Serai Tours introduced a new 14-day North Africa Discovery: Tunisia & Morocco, which will depart in late April.

In Tunisia, the tour visits Tunis, Sfax, Hammamet, Matmata and the desert oasis of Tozuer.

In Morocco, the tour visits the Imperial Cities of Rabat, Fez and Marakesh, the fertile plains from Rabat to Fez and the mountain scenery between Fez and Marakesh.

It will also visit the coastal capital of Casablanca. The tour is priced at $2,250 per person double occupancy, land only. The operator is coordinating air on Royal Air Moroc from New York/JFK to Tunis, Tunis to Casablanca, and back to JFK.

For more information, call 800-451-8097 or visit www.caravan-serai.com

Families Worldwide has launched its new brochure for 2010 /11 which reveals 14 brand new trips, guaranteed departures (once 4 people have booked) and a guarantee for early bookers that they will receive the lowest possible price for their trip before departure (i.e. late booking is a bad idea – the trip might be full and the price won’t be cheaper).

Also new for 2010; a number of the itineraries contain a serious amount of walking for families who really enjoy being active (marked by a boot print in the brochure).

The popular Post Exam Stress Buster trips feature again, which depart before most schools break up (avoiding peak season prices) and certain other itineraries are exclusively for families with teenagers.

Trips can be enjoyed three different ways (no other operator offers this):

Group departures: The most popular type of adventure holiday with, typically, three or four families travelling together on set dates with set itineraries.

Private departures: Perfect for families who prefer to travel alone or create their own small group with friends; the itineraries are created by Families Worldwide but groups are free to select their own, private, departure dates.

Tailor made: Families Worldwide offers the chance for adventurous families to build their own itineraries and select their own departure dates to Egypt, Morocco, Tanzania, Kenya, Costa Rica, Oman, Ecuador & Galapagos and Nepal.

Here is a brief synopsis of the new trips:

Sinai & Desert (Egypt) – 9 days from £999 pp (minimum age 7 years)

A genuine desert experience; includes the pyramids, camping in the desert Bedouin style and snorkelling in the Red Sea.

Morocco Highlights – 12 or 15 days from £899 pp (min. 7 years)
A thorough introduction to this fascinating country including the cities of Fez, Meknes and Marrakech plus Roman ruins, a camel trek to a Bedouin camp, the High Atlas Mountains and seeing where Gladiator was filmed. Optional three day extension to Essaouira on the coast.

Active Costa Rica – 10 days from £1749 pp (min. 11 years)
Highlights of the trip include flying through the rainforest on a zip wire, riding a horse ranchero style, white-water rafting and a visit to Arenal Volcano at night.

Cuba Libra – 12 days from £1899 pp (min. 5 years)
Discover the west of Cuba on this educational trip which includes learning about the revolution, a city tour of Havana, staying in an eco lodge, a boat trip around the Bay of Pigs, rainforest walks and a visit to a tobacco plantation.

Guatemala & Belize – 14 days from £2799 pp (min. 7 years)
Visit two Central American countries on this trip which includes exploring the jungles of Tikal NP, ancient Maya temples, a boat trip on Lake Atitlan, discovering volcanoes and even snorkelling with sharks!

Footsteps of the Incas (Peru) – 13 days from £2149 pp (min. 12 years)

A chance to hike the classic Inca Trail to Machu Picchu.

Also includes a city tour of Cusco, rafting, cycling, horse riding and Santa Catalina Convent.

Paradise Island (Bali) – 15 days from £1599 pp (min. 2 years)
Bali really is an island paradise and the itinerary for the trip includes Hindu temple visits, Tropical Bird Park, guided walks, rafting, tree top adventure park, watching a Barong Dance and an elephant ride.

Chinese Crackers – 14 days from £1999 pp (min. 7 years)
Highlights of this fascinating trip include the famous Terracotta Warriors, the Great Wall, a Shaolin Temple and a chance to try Kung Fu and Tai Chi.

Hanoi to Saigon (Vietnam) – 15 days from £1499 pp (min. 5 years)

An exciting trip to south east Asia with highlights including the famous Cu Chi Tunnels, Halong Bay junk cruise, Mekong Delta boat cruise and a train ride from Hanoi to Dong Hoi National Park for guided walks.

The land of Dracula (Romania) – 8 days from £999 pp (min. 5 years)

Get under the skin of the myths and mysteries of Transylvania with a visit to Dracula’s Castle. Also includes a visit to a salt mine and a bear sanctuary.

Slovakia, Finland, Austria & Bulgaria – winter trips from £729 pp (min. 5)

Four brand new winter trips from 6-8 days in duration. Activities include husky sleigh rides, snowmobiling, staying in a snow hotel (Finland), snow-shoeing, cross country skiing and downhill skiing.

Families Worldwide trips include flights, all transportation, accommodation, some meals (depending on itinerary) and the services of a tour leader.

Call 0845 051 4567 or visit www.familiesworldwide.co.uk

African Travel Inc.
CONTACT: Heidi Podjavorsek
TEL: (800) 421-8907 x 115
E-MAIL: heidip@africantravelinc.com
WEB: www.africantravelinc.com

African Travel Inc., a company that specializes in super-luxe journeys throughout the African continent, to islands in the Indian Ocean, and to Dubai, recently announced an exciting lineup of itineraries for the 2010 season.

African Travel Inc. caters to travelers who seek highly personalized and customized encounters with African wildlife and culture, and who require product exclusivity, diversification, and extraordinary personal services.

Although these are just a few of African Travel Inc.’s diverse offerings, the following provides a sneak preview of some exciting 2010 itineraries.

The Ultimate Safari

An unprecedented safari experience awaits travelers on this journey that combines culture, natural attractions, and superb Big Five game viewing.

A private car and guide transform ordinary sightseeing into a comfortable and personalized adventure and accommodations have been carefully chosen to reflect the best that Africa has to offer.

Highlights include accommodations in distinctive lodges and camps including some of Conde Nast’s “Gold List” winners, gourmet South African food and wine, dinner with a local Capetonian family, extraordinary game viewing in Kruger National Park and Botswana, an elephant back excursion at Elephant Whispers, and much more. 18 days starting at $10,795 per person, land cost.

Southern Jewels

With a combination of vast pristine wilderness and a small population, Namibia is the definitive land of discovery and soul-searching.

Marvel at the world’s tallest sand dunes and one of the oldest forms of art before becoming entranced in the distinctive safari experience in Etosha, Namibia’s largest animal refuge, before finishing up in cosmopolitan Cape Town. Other highlights include exploring Fish River Canyon, second only in size to the Grand Canyon, climbing the world’s tallest sand dunes at Sossusvlei, viewing some of the fascinating geological features in Damaraland and rock engravings by some of Namibia’s oldest inhabitants, the Bushmen, wildlife excursions in and around Etosha National Park, and more. 13 Days starting at $6,995, land cost.

Nile Splendors

From the moment of arrival in Cairo, travelers are immersed in the sights and sounds of a thriving modern culture living side by side with remnants of the ancient past.

From the legendary pyramids at Giza to the immense temple complex at Karnak, the sheer magnitude of these structures dwarfs the imagination, and to bear witness to the accomplishments is truly a humbling experience.

Highlights of this journey include walking in the footsteps of Egypt’s greatest pharaohs, exploring the temples along the Nile from the comfort of a luxury cruise ship, private tours led by Egyptologist guides, recreating the past while donning a galabeya for a traditional dinner aboard the Nile cruise, gazing at the golden mask of Tut, and much more. 12 days starting at $2195, land cost.

African Travel Inc. caters to adventurers and luxury travelers of all ages — singles, couples, families, small groups of friends, inter-generational, and special interest groups. Their travel experts help travelers plan family travel, honeymoons, golfing tours, spa trips, wine and food tours, as well as cultural extensions and special interest safaris.

To learn more about African Travel Inc. or to order a brochure, visit the website at www.africantravelinc.com  or contact Heidi Podjavorsek at (800) 421-8907 x 115.

The most romantic holiday homes to rent worldwide; from the UK to Bali

For the perfect romantic gift this Valentine’s Day, sweep your loved one off their feet and whisk them away to an idyllic, private holiday home, where you can relax and unwind in total seclusion, far away from the distractions of everyday life. On HomeAway Holiday-Rentals there is plenty of choice, from chic city apartments to beach-side retreats and to provide some inspiration we’ve created a collection of our favourite Top 10, featuring some of the most romantic holiday homes and destinations in the world.

For photos, visit our Flickr album here: www.flickr.com/photos/homeawayuk

On a romantic break the main priorities are privacy and a breathtaking setting, which are not always easy to find. Luxury hotels can be pricey and disappointing, but by booking a private holiday home direct it’s possible to find a unique, perfect love-nest that won’t break the bank. Sun, sea and sand lovers can find their own island paradise; chic city pads are a classic; or for hopeless romantics, perhaps a chateau suite, cosy cottage or chalet would suit.

The Top 10 below provides a great range of destinations and romantic holiday homes that will appeal to every interest and budget.

With over 6,500 romantic 1-bedroom properties available to rent around the world on www.HomeAway.co.uk , you are guaranteed to find the ideal romantic retreat.

Whatever makes you go weak at the knees, there will be a holiday rental that is the perfect match.

Prices quoted below are for February and correct at time of going to press.

The Top 10 Romantic Retreats on the banner ad at the bottom of this posting.

ITALY

1) Gorgeous apartment with original features & large roof terrace, Venice
www.homeaway.co.uk/p63751   £1,532 per week / £225 per night (3-night min stay)

This is a light and airy apartment in a fabulous position, just behind the lovely and central Campo San Barnaba in Dorsoduro, five minutes walk from the Accademia Bridge.

The apartment is on two floors (a duplex) and has been newly and carefully restored. It has original features, such as beamed ceilings and Venetian flooring, and offers romantic views of the Grand Canal from the wonderful, spacious terrace.

2) Stone cottage with open fire at the foot of the Sibillini Mountains, Macerata

www.homeaway.co.uk/p421239 . £838 per week (1 week min stay)

This lovely little cottage is set in a peaceful nook amidst the superb scenery of the Sibilini Mountains and features a spacious living room with fireplace, ideal for romantic evenings.

The property also offers a beautiful fenced garden which frames the wide swimming pool. The foliage of the climbing grape-vine under the bower creates a cool shaded space for outdoor meals.

Relax together by the stream which laps the property, with the gentle sound of trickling water in the background, or take a leisurely stroll along its banks.

In the evenings, you can share the telescope with your loved one to watch the stars.

FRANCE

3) Romantic cottage on Chateau estate in the Dordogne
www.homeaway.co.uk/p16795 . £541 per week / £108 per night (2 night min stay)

La Maison de Marc is the detached farmhouse of an early 18th century Chartreuse manor house.

Located in the centre of the Dordogne region, the estate of Le Maine extends for 67 acres of meadows and woods with many pathways, on the edge of the peaceful village of Cubjac.

The south-facing farmhouse has recently been restored to a high standard, preserving most of the original features. All the ground floor rooms open onto a private flower garden and woods.

Outside, on the terrace, there is outdoor dining furniture and a BBQ for delightful dinners under the old oak tree.

4) Beautifully restored boat moored in historic town on the Canal du Midi

www.homeaway.co.uk/p430621  £360 per week / £59 per night (2 night min stay)

The ‘Da Vinci’ boat, built of mahogany and teak, is permanently moored in the pretty port of Moissac, a small medieval town built along the banks of the river Tarn on the Canal du Midi.

The main bedroom is at the front of the boat and has a full size double bed, en-suite shower and dressing table. Couples can enjoy the view of the port from the bar in the wheelhouse. The boat is a romantic setting for those wishing to explore the medieval town of Moissac with its Romanesque abbey and cloisters.

BALI

5) Lakeside villa on an eco-friendly resort in Begadul
www.homeaway.co.uk/p85226  £200 per week / £35 per night (3 night min stay)

This unique and well-appointed wooden villa is located on a small, eco-friendly resort in the Lake District of central Bali and has a unique position amid volcanoes and temples.

Perfect for couples looking for an exotic and special place surrounded by nature to enjoy a healthy and relaxing break, with trekking, boating, jet-skiing, cycling and golf all available nearby.

The property features lovely wood panelled bedrooms and a large terrace from where guests can enjoy the beautiful surrounding scenery.

The beaches of the north coast are also only a 45 minute drive away.

UK

6) Windmill near Alvechurch with stunning panoramic views
www.homeaway.co.uk/p437238  £150 per night (3 night min stay)

Surrounded by the rolling greenery of Worcestershire’s countryside and overlooking the small hamlet of Weatheroak, this former windmill provides unique and quirky accommodation for a romantic break.

With a golf course and traditional country pub within walking distance and Shakespeare’s Stratford and other major attractions within a short drive, you will find plenty to do while you are here.

The windmill itself is a Grade II listed building because of its historic interest and has recently been completely renovated and modernised to offer two bedrooms, a lounge, kitchen and a magnificent 360 degree viewing gallery on the top floor.

CANARY ISLANDS

7) The Orange Tree House, near Puntagorda village, La Palma
www.homeaway.co.uk/p405847 . £468 per week

If your idea of heaven is peaceful tranquillity in natural surroundings, with comfort, luxury linens and quality fittings you will find it here.

The Orange Tree House is a renovated Canaries house with vaulted wooden ceilings. In this detached two-storey retreat set in a private garden with fruit trees, terraces and sea views, relax, unwind, and enjoy the evening sunset when a million stars come out.

The Orange Tree House can be whatever you want it to be, a relaxing private retreat away from the world or a base for hill walking and exploration.

MOROCCO

Traditional Moroccan apartment with private terrace in central Marrakech
www.homeaway.co.uk/p410603 . £513 per week / £89-£95 per night (4 night min stay)

This large, luxurious apartment decorated in traditional Moroccan style benefits from an exceptional location in a quiet street in the area of Guéliz, making it an ideal starting point to visit the city.

It is situated in a new, upmarket residence with a lift, entry phone and guard. After long days of walking in the markets and Medinas of Marrakech, you can relax in the swimming pool situated only 50 metres from the residence or enjoy lovely cooked meals that can be provided for guests on request.

CYPRUS

9) A romantic top floor apartment with stunning sea views in Tala village, Paphos
www.homeaway.co.uk/p90298

£200 per week (1 week min stay)

This romantic top floor apartment is ideal for couples who want all the luxuries of a 5 star hotel, but total privacy.

The views from the balcony are simply breathtaking and the apartment has access to a communal pool on this small, private complex.

All luxuries have been supplied to enhance your holiday experience, even a picnic basket for days at the beach. The decor of the apartment is modern and stylish but with a feel of home from home.

ANTIGUA & BARBUDA

10) Cosy studio nestled in the hills overlooking the Caribbean Sea
www.homeaway.co.uk/p404481  £419 per week / £66 per night (3 night min stay)

‘Stoneyhill’ is a self catering getaway with breathtaking views, situated on the West coast of Antigua where you can capture the most amazing sunsets along with the tranquil sounds of nature whispering through the tropical breeze.

The property features a spacious living area leading into the balcony where you can sway in the hammock while enjoying the beautiful views.

As the British winter settles in and the temptation to jet off for some winter sun kicks in, HomeAway Holiday-Rentals provides the perfect solution, listing thousands of holiday homes worldwide available to rent in hotter climes.

The site has a huge variety of sunny destinations to choose from, some just a short hop from the UK, like Morocco or the Canary Islands, others more exotic, like Bali or Jamaica. So whatever your budget, your own private place in the winter sun is not out reach.

To provide some inspiration, on www.HomeAway.co.uk  we have compiled a list of ten of the best winter sun homes, featuring some of the most gorgeous properties available to rent around the world. Take a dip in the cooling waters near your own beachside villa in Phuket, or sway in a hammock by the pool in Brazil.

Sun lovers looking to escape grey skies of home will enjoy browsing through these high-end holiday homes, ranging from a gorgeous open-plan villa among the jungle tree-tops in Bali, to a modern townhouse villa in Marrakech.

HomeAway Holiday-Rentals favourite top 10 spots for winter sun:

Bali

Brazil

Thailand

Jamaica

Dubai

Mauritius

Canary Islands

Egypt

Morocco

Cape Winelands, South Africa

Top 10 winter sun holiday homes:

1. BALI
Beautiful villa for a romantic honeymoon or family getaway in Ubud
2 Bedrooms, Sleeps 5. From £1,048 per week
The villa almost seems to hang suspended above a steep jungle filled gorge. In all directions there is nothing but trees, but 100m below there are beautiful rice paddies, and in the distance you can see all the way to the ocean.

Furnished by Christopher Noto, the exclusive Singapore furniture designer, Villa Kalisha offers understated romantic luxury, with a strong taste of Asian flare.
www.homeaway.co.uk/p417517

2. THAILAND

Luxury large beachside villa with private pool, terrace and amazing views, Phuket

4 Bedrooms, Sleeps 10. From £3,539 per week

Featuring a state-of-the-art kitchen from Minotti, Italy, and other luxury features such as wine cellar, sauna, massage room and home cinema which add to a chill out area with a 15-meter marble pool, this amazing villa also offers a private stairwell from the cliff-edge pool to a natural, shallow swimming enclave in the sea below.
www.homeaway.co.uk/p433920

3. DUBAI

Luxury 4 bedroom villa, Palm Jumeriah
4 Bedrooms, Sleeps 8. From £4,830 per week

This beautiful private villa situated near the end of the M frond with wonderful views of the Dubai skyline, has it own private pool & walk through the lounge down the steps to private beach.
www.homeaway.co.uk/p420340

4. CANARY ISLANDS

Luxury villa with private pool near a golf course, Gran Canaria

3 Bedrooms, Sleeps 6. From £189 per night

This exclusive and beautiful villa offers ultimate tranquillity and privacy and has spectacular views of the mountains and the golf course. A wicker ceiling allows through partial light, protecting you from the sun’s rays during the day, making this the perfect place for a relaxing read or chat over a couple of drinks.

A private heated seawater pool is also provided while the nearest beaches are only five minutes away by car.
www.homeaway.co.uk/p413635

5. MOROCCO

A beautiful luxury town villa in Marrakech

5 Bedrooms, Sleeps 10. From £1,600 per week

Tastefully furnished and decorated in a modern Moroccan style including paintings and ornaments, the villa has two living rooms with a fully functional fireplace and an office, while also offering in house entertainment facilities (large plasma screen TV, DVD, satellite and hi-fi system with satellite TV in each bedroom).

A large dinning room leads off to the private pool and caters for a party of 10.
www.homeaway.co.uk/p89318

6. BRAZIL

Large beautiful house overlooking Ferradura Beach

5 Bedrooms, Sleeps 10. From £2,392 per week

This beautiful villa is situated within walking distance of shops and restaurants and features a private cinema room and a garden with swimming pool, heated Jacuzzi and decked barbeque area.
www.homeaway.co.uk/p423163

7. JAMAICA

Beautiful Private Villa with large pool & Jacuzzi, Ocho Rios

7 Bedrooms, Sleeps 18. From £3,064 per week
Situated on the Mammee Bay Private Estate with private beach and only minutes from the town of Ocho Rios with its many craft markets, boutiques, duty free shops, restaurant, bars and vibrant night live, this amazing villa features a spacious panoramic lounge and a large private pool with Hot Tub Jacuzzi.
www.homeaway.co.uk/p69461

8. MAURITIUS

Luxury villa with private pool in the chic area of Grand Bay

4 Bedrooms, Sleeps 8. From £198 per night

The design and modern architecture of the villa contrasts with its local elements such as thatch and typical Mauritian ‘chalis’ floors. Bali furniture, wooden openings and marble in bathrooms also give an elegant touch to the villa.
www.homeaway.co.uk/p420872

9. EGYPT
Luxury Detached Villa on The Red Sea

3 Bedrooms, Sleeps 6. £900 per week
Designed by prominent Egyptian Architect Shehab Mazhar, this beachfront White Villa personifies the warm elegance of Mediterranean architecture and features 360 degree panoramic views of the Red Sea, golf course and surrounding mountains.
www.homeaway.co.uk/p81595

10. CAPE WINELANDS, SOUTH AFRICA

Stylish comfortable holiday home
2 Bedrooms, Sleeps 4. From £108 per night

The charming, newly built estate is situated in a quiet neighbourhood of villas, only two km away from the world-famous Erinvale golf course. The house boasts a spacious living space with high gables and modern, high-quality leather furniture, open fireplace, Flat screen-TV, DVD and access to the terrace.
www.homeaway.co.uk/p504778