Jetsettersblog

This is without doubt the most spectacular property in Mauritius, if not the Indian Ocean. The concept of Villas Lencia is ultra designer home from home. 4 villas – Villa #1 beachfront with pool and 4 suites and 3 guest villas of 3 suites each with their own pool.

The property is the home of an international businessman and art collector and is an expression of his love of Mauritian culture and his taste for art and design. In a nutshell 4 stunning villas with hotel service, concierge, gym and spa right on a private beach. Ultra Design

Villa #1 A stunning home in a 1600m2 garden and living space of 490m2. Our favourite features are 300m2 terrace and the two huge Fabio November masks at each end of the heated 75m2 pool, the linear frames that house the day beds, the living area 120m2 with open plan kitchen and the suites with a patio of 60-70m2, the lobby with its library area, the master bedroom with its huge dressing room and bathroom with designer tub.

“We were blown away by the freshness and originality of these new villas. It raises the bar in Mauritius luxury villa rentals. The owner has put his heart into every detail and we know our discerning clients will appreciate the properties and location” says Julie Gauthier, Co-Founder of Villas De Maitre.

The interior design includes Henri Pedersen Imola chairs, carpets from Toulemonde Bochat, JLB Litezone and Blacheree Illumination for the lights and Elitis for the walls. The villa also houses a private collection of photographic works by Jean-Daniel Lorieux and Aarons Slim (american photographer of the stars in 70s) and works by artist Pierre Letellier and of other artist some up and coming Christiaan Conradie, Daniel Orme, Paul Senyol, Rezo, Kilmani-Jo, Bagus Rai, Costache, and Allan Tuttle.

Villas 2, 3 and 4 are guest villas of 3 bedrooms en suite in a 600m2 garden and living area of 285m2 with a 85m2 living room and open plan kitchen. The ground floor master suite is 45m2 with a pool patio. The villa terrace is 100m2 with a heated swimming pool of 50m2 and a gazebo of 6m2.

http://www.villasdemaitre.com/hotelinfo.asp?SupplierID=829

Villas De Maitre is a leading luxury private villa company providing access to some of the most beautiful and exceptional villas in Mauritius and Seychelles. Villas De Maitre directors personally inspect and evaluate each villa guaranteeing that passion for excellence and quality expected by their clients. As well as providing accommodation and destination information, Villas De Maitre’s concierge can provide extra services to suit every client’s needs, whether these are VIP arrival, chefs, nannies, sea or land excursions. Villas De Maitre, market leader in Mauritius & Seychelles luxury private villa rental, has over 18 years experience of representing some of the most exclusive private luxury villas on these islands.

2012 marks the Diamond Anniversary of Mauritius travel pioneers Beachcomber, a landmark that truly demonstrates their expertise and longevity in the Indian Ocean hotel industry. To celebrate 60 years in the business, Beachcomber Tours is delighted to offer couples 60% off half-board accommodation for a second guest when travelling in June 2012 to their flagship property in Mauritius, the luxurious Royal Palm.

Since opening their first hotel back in 1952, Beachcomber Hotels has grown to feature 8 stunning hotels in Mauritius and the beautiful Sainte Anne Resort & Spa in the Seychelles.

This fantastic 60% saving can now be booked at the world famous Royal Palm, a hotel that truly sets the standard for luxury in the Indian Ocean. Situated on an amazing stretch of beach and just a short walk to lively Grand Baie, the elegant yet welcoming Royal Palm is renowned for its flawless service and outstanding hospitality as hotel staff outnumbers guests by three to one.

Some of the highlights at this luxurious hotel include superb cuisine from internationally recognised chef, Michel de Matteis, a magnificent Spa by Clarins and spacious all-suite accommodation offering magnificent views towards the calm, crystal waters of Grand Baie.

Beachcomber Tours (01483 445685; www.beachcombertours.co.uk) offers 7 nights from £2,390 per person based on 2 sharing a Junior Suite on a half-board basis, departing June 2012. Price includes 7 nights accommodation, economy class flights and private hotel transfers.
Saving £1,500 per couple

www.beachcomber-hotels.com

Etihad Airways has begun service to the Republic of the Seychelles. Forward bookings for the route, which will operate four times per week via a two-class Airbus A320 aircraft, are strong, particularly from points of origin in the airline’s European network.

Etihad Airways has also begun daily service between Abu Dhabi and Malé, the capital of The Republic of the Maldives. The Seychelles comprises 115 islands in the western Indian Ocean, located off of the east coast of Africa. For more information, visit www.etihadairways.com

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Southern Europe, South Africa and New Zealand

Cycle tourists interested in escaping the winter chill can find a variety of overseas bicycle tour options during the winter months. BikeToursDirect offers 25 tours with December-February departures in southern Europe, South Africa, New Zealand, Egypt, Vietnam, Thailand and the Islands of Seychelles.

Although a winter chill will cover much of Europe by December, there are still several options for travelers interested in overseas bicycle touring during the winter months.

BikeToursDirect offers 25 tours with December-February departures in southern Europe, South Africa, New Zealand, Egypt, Vietnam, Thailand and the Islands of Seychelles.

“In southern Europe, many bicycle tours operate year-round, with Spain being one of the most popular winter destinations,” says BikeToursDirect president Jim Johnson.

“As we have expanded our tour offerings to four continents, we’ve added many new tours with year-round departures and some that are primarily available during the winter months.”

Offering fourteen bicycle tours in southern Europe with winter departures, BikeToursDirect provides cycle tourists with a variety of destinations to choose from in France, Italy and Spain.

Eleven tours are available in Spain, which spotlight the pristine Andalusia mountains, the medieval villages and Mediterranean coast of Catalonia, the dramatic volcanic landscape of the Canary Islands, the castles and vineyards of Catalan and the island of Majorca.

“Catalonia has a cool but mostly dry winter that is perfect for cycling,” says Daniel Herzberg, Director of Cycling and Walking Holidays, Creative Catalonia, a BikeToursDirect tour partner.

“The days are often sunny with daytime temperatures in the 60s that are ideal for cycling. Our Medieval Villages cycling tour is very popular as it encompasses such a fantastic variety of sights along the route that range from exploring the beautiful medieval city of Girona, the stunning coastal bays of the Costa Brava, as well as cycling through the timeless medieval villages of the region.”

For advanced cyclists, Hertzberg adds that Girona’s Best Road Riding Tours (both point to point as well as based in one hotel with daily loop tours) are popular for cyclists who don’t want to lose form on the bike over the cold winter back home.

While North Americans and many Europeans are enduring the winter, south-of-the-equator destinations are in full-blown summer. BikeToursDirect offers several bicycle tours in South Africa with year-round departures, including the “South African Cycle Safari” and “Cape Town and Winelands” tours, which are operated by locally-based Bike & Saddle, one of BikeToursDirect’s new tour partners.

“South Africa offers amazing opportunities for cycling year-round,” says Ben Sanders, Director of Business Development for Bike & Saddle.

“We offer exclusive Cycle Safaris on private game reserves with a ranger guide showcasing the sights and sounds of the bush. We run authentic township tours through South Africa’s informal settlements and tailor-made wine tours through the various Cape Winelands. We run a Culinary Cycle Tour, themed on gourmet food and wine, and we are involved in various conservation initiatives, including a cheetah rehabilitation program.”

Heading a little deeper into the Southern Hemisphere, BikeToursDirect offers four bicycle tours in New Zealand, which feature rainforests, glaciers, mountains, national parks, geothermal spas, islands, caves and volcanoes.

“New Zealand is the perfect winter vacation location because November through March is our summer and the scenery is outstanding, ranging from superb beaches to permanently snow capped mountains, forests to open sheep country-all in an area the same size as Colorado,” says Richard Oddy, Chief Spoke of Pedaltours, a BikeToursDirect tour partner that has operated tours in New Zealand since 1985. “Our most popular tour is our Southern Alps 10-day tour from Christchurch, New Zealand’s second largest city, with a population of 360,000, to Queenstown, the adventure capital of the world.”

Other winter tour options include the Islands of Seychelles in the Indian Ocean; the Nile River Valley in Egypt; the ancient Chiang Mai region of Thailand; and the bustling cities and rural districts of Vietnam. BikeToursDirect will unveil additional winter destination tours for 2012 when it launches a new website this fall.

About BikeToursDirect

BikeToursDirect, now in its eighth season, serves as a central resource for bicycle tours in Europe, representing more than 50 tour companies that offer more than 200 tours in 35 European countries and is currently expanding to Asia, Africa and Australia.

BikeToursDirect offers a variety of resources to help travelers choose tours and handles the entire booking and payment process. Learn more at www.biketoursdirect.com . Telephone: 1-877-462-2423 or 1-423-756-8907. Email: info@biketoursdirect.com.

African Travel launched its 2012 brochure with a brand new look and logo designed to emphasize the slogan “We Know Africa,” based on the company’s 35-year history of selling travel to Africa.

The slogan was coined by Jim Holden, the company president who was born and raised in Zambia, and it also applies to the expert safari consultants, to African Travel’s ground partners in Africa.

The new lineup includes four new programs for 2012. Wild Kingdoms of Southern Africa is a 10-day program including South Africa, Zimbabwe and Botswana.

It’s priced from $4,595 per person double occupancy land only, including one night in Johannesburg, two nights in Victoria Falls, three nights in Hwange National Park and three nights in Chobe National Park.

Kenyan Horizons includes eight days in Kenya, taking in wildlife, scenery and culture, staying in comfortable cottages and traditional tented camps in prime areas. It’s priced from $4,295 per person double occupancy land only, including one night in Nairobi, two nights in Lake Nakuru, two nights in Ol Pejeta Conservancy and two nights in Masai Mara.

The Pearl Of Africa includes eight days in Uganda and Rwanda, seeing wildlife in the Kibale Forest, Queen Elizabeth National Park and Bwindi (The Impenetrable Forest).

The country is home to 13 different species of primate, including the mountain gorilla.

The region around Ishasha is noted for its tree-climbing lions, often seen lounging in old fig trees. The photographic opportunities are plentiful as you experience a country that is also the source of the Nile River.

It’s priced from $4,995 per person double occupancy land only, including one night in Entebbe, two nights in Kibale Forest, two nights in Queen Elizabeth National Park and two nights in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest.

The Family Pride Safari includes 11 days in South Africa featuring hotels from the Red Carnation Hotel Collection, exploring cultural heritage, landscapes and wildlife conservation of South Africa.

Priced from $8,595 per person double occupancy land only, it includes three nights in Cape Town, Twelve Apostles; two nights in Clanwilliam, Bushmans Kloof; two nights in Durban, The Oyster Box; and three nights in Zululand, Thanda Private Game Reserve. African Travel offers custom wildlife adventures to South Africa, Botswana, Namibia, Zambia including Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe, Kenya, Tanzania including Zanzibar, Rwanda and Uganda including gorilla trekking, Mozambique, Seychelles, Mauritius, Egypt and Dubai.

African Travel is part of The Travel Corporation, which also includes Trafalgar, Contiki, Brendan Vacations, Insight Vacations, Red Carnation Hotel Collection and Uniworld Boutique River Cruise Collection. For information, visit www.africantravelinc.com  Read Jetsetters Magazine South African Adventures.

We’ll let you in on a secret. Now is the time to book that once in a lifetime holiday to one of the world’s greatest resorts. North Island in the Seychelles, the iconic exclusive barefoot escape, has a very special Seven For Six offer available to guests staying on the island from now until 15th December 2011.

For every 6 full-paying nights on island, guests will receive an additional night free of charge. This represents a 15% saving and is valid for all new bookings for travel before 15th December 2011. Prospective guests should book quickly through their travel agents to take advantage of this rare offer, as availability is limited.

Nightly rates at North Island are from 2115 Euros per person per night (until 22 December 2011), based on 2 adults sharing a luxurious Villa. Rates include Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner and all alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks and cocktails daily (with the exception of premium wines and champagnes on the reserve list); all scuba diving courses, scuba diving activities and snorkeling in and around the North Island & Silhouette dive sites; all activities including sea kayaking, mountain bikes, sunset cruises and guided walks; shore based fishing on North Island and half day fishing trips; the use of one North Island Buggy per villa for duration of stay, in-villa wireless internet and local Government tax.

The rates exclude helicopter transfers between Mahe and North Island; drinks on the reserve list and Tobacco; Full Day deep sea fishing trips; telephone calls; spa treatments and boutique purchases.

Package Price: ITC Classics (01244 355 527; www.itcclassics.co.uk ) has prices from £18,790 per person based on two adults sharing a North Island Villa for 7 nights including all food and beverages, all activities, return economy class flights and helicopter transfers. Valid for travel until 15th December 2011.

Saving up to £4,430 per person

Recently voted “Runner Up” favourite Overseas Leisure Hotel and number 9 in the overall World’s Top 100 destinations by UK Conde Nast Traveller’s prestigious Reader’s Awards, North Island continues to lead the way in environmentally friendly, luxury tourism.

As part of Wilderness Collection, a carefully selected portfolio of progressive and innovative programmes in Africa, North Island offers unashamed, but sustainable, luxury and exceptional guest experiences.

www.north-island.com

IslandsEscapes by Goway released packages to the Islands of the Indian Ocean, Seychelles, Mauritius and Maldives, combined with a brief stay in Dubai.

The tropical escapes start with a three-night experience in Dubai on the shores of the Arabian Gulf at the Jumeirah Beach Hotel built in the shape of a breaking wave. Next are the palm-fringed tropical islands of the Seychelles, known for some of the best beaches for diving, sailing, fishing, hiking and island-hopping.

Alternatively, clients can go to Mauritius with a choice of beaches and water sports, golf courses, deep sea fishing, boutique shopping, hiking, and fine cuisine.

Or clients can go to the Maldives with many islands of coconut palms and tropical greenery surrounded by endless colors of turquoise and sapphire in crystal clear lagoons.

A 10-night escape to these idyllic islands is priced from $2,019 including three nights in Dubai at the Jumeirah Beach Hotel, and seven nights on one of the spectacular islands of Seychelles, Mauritius, or Maldives, select meals and all relevant transfers. For information about IslandsEscapes’ “World’s Most Idyllic Islands” brochure, call 800-667-6601 or visit www.Islandsescapes.com.

Goway has been offering travel to Africa, Asia, Australia, New Zealand, Latin America and island destinations since 1970. It has offices in Toronto, Vancouver, Los Angeles and Sydney Australia.

For information, call 800-387-8850 or visit www.goway.com

WEB: www.greatsafaris.com

GLENDALE, Cali. – June 28, 2011 – Imagine yourself riding on a safari drive through Kenya’s Nairobi National Park… tomorrow afternoon. Luxury African safari operator Great Safaris has partnered with South African Airways to make this daydream a reality.

SAA offers one of the fastest air routes available to East Africa, departing JFK airport at 11:15 am and arriving in Nairobi by 2:45pm the next day.

SAA has partnered with Great Safaris to provide a special promotional JFK-to-Nairobi airfare when booked with Great Safaris’ 10 day Classic Wing Safari, with inclusive land and air rates as low as $5135 per person.

Flying to East Africa is of the most grueling, time intensive and expensive part of a Safari vacation in Kenya, usually requiring multiple stopovers, more than a day of travel time, and fares ranging from $2000-$3000.

Great Safaris and SAA are offering this special fare as an add-on to Great Safaris’ Classic Wing Safari itinerary, with an added cost of as little as $1,450 per person.

Great Safaris’ 10-day ‘Classic Wing Safari’ itinerary features sightseeing and safari drives in classic Kenyan game parks in Nairobi, Amboseli, Samburu and the Masai Mara, each reached by a short flight from one park to the next.

Highlights include a sunrise hot air balloon ride over the Masai Mara, an opportunity to meet the colorful tribes people of the Samburu, and witnessing Africa’s Big Five up close on an open-air driving safari set against the dramatic backdrop of Mount Kilimanjaro.

Great Safaris is a luxury African safari outfitter offering the convenience of a US booking office coupled with 10 on-site offices in Africa, which are fully staffed by dedicated professionals.

Destinations include Botswana, Egypt, Jordan, Kenya, Mauritius, Namibia, Rwanda, the Seychelles, South Africa, Tanzania, Zambia, and Zimbabwe.

Great Safaris offers luxury programs to help adventure travelers explore Africa and create enriching life experiences. For more information please visit the Great Safaris’ web site at www.greatsafaris.com

Great Safaris is a proud member of the United States Tour Operators Association, ASTA Tops, and ARC.

The secret is out! With the much awaited news of where the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge will be honeymooning just revealed, you too can follow in their footsteps and travel to the breathtakingly beautiful shores of the Seychelles.

Surrounded by acres of milky sands and lush tropical flowers, spend your Seychelles holiday on any one of the teardrop islands, anchored by green mountains, ripe for exploration. Whether it is your honeymoon, a romantic escape or even a family beach retreat, book your idyllic island break with Long Haul Specialist Operator Thomson Tailormade (0871 664 0273 www.thomsontailormade.com).

Pure Luxury – Constance Ephelia Resort, Seychelles

This luxurious resort hotel is situated on two of Mahé’s most beautiful beaches, overlooking Port Launay Marine National Park. You’ll appreciate its unique location set within 120 hectares of land with lush vegetation and the luxurious feel of the hotel. Enjoy a cocktail and international cuisine at one of the five bars and restaurants each with its own individual concept, design and décor, and an exceptional health spa set in beautiful tropical gardens. Facilities include 5 Restaurants including buffet, à la carte & beach grill, 5 Bars including beach bar, pool bar and bar with live music, 4 Swimming pools, Spa de Constance with numerous treatment rooms, a yoga pavilion, sauna, thermal pool, Jacuzzi®, plunge pool and hair salon, Spa, tennis, squash, non-motorised watersports such as pedal boats, catamaran, windsurfing and kayaks. Fishing and diving (PADI) can be arranged locally, Regular entertainment and activities, Boutiques and Kids club (4-12 yrs).

Thomson Tailormade offers 7 nights at the 5 star Constance Ephelia Resort, Seychelles from £1,729 per person, saving £460 per person.

The price includes accommodation on a Half Board basis, return flights from London Heathrow with Air Seychelles and transfers and is based on departure on 16th September 2011.

Secluded Private Island – Denis Private Island – Seychelles

This idyllic, first class private island retreat offers warm hospitality and high standards – an escapist’s and nature lover’s paradise.

Focusing on sustainability and conservation, the island is home to unique flora and fauna and has an organic farm providing delicious, fresh cuisine. The ocean bed off the reefs surrounding the island offers a fantastic habitat for fishing, scuba diving & snorkelling. Facilities include a restaurant offering outstanding French and Creole cuisine with show kitchen and a wooden deck outside for outdoor dining, Wine cellar, Bar, Small swimming pool close to the beach, TV room with library and games, Internet, Tennis court, Complimentary nature tours, Scuba diving, deep sea fishing and in-room spa treatments at additional cost and a Boutique.

Thomson Tailormade offers 7 nights at the 5 star Denis Private Island, Seychelles from £2,699 per person, saving £770 per person. The price includes accommodation on a Full Board basis, return flights from London Heathrow with Air Seychelles and transfers and is based on departure on 16th September 2011.

All Inclusive – The Allamanda Beach Resort, Seychelles

The Allamanda Beach Resort & Spa is a charming modern resort set on a beautiful sandy beach overlooking a lagoon. Named after a bright yellow flower, you’ll find a great combination of casual elegance, vibrant colours and a backdrop of large granite boulders, lush tropical gardens and the surrounding mountains.

Relax in the signature Spa, dine on international cuisine and enjoy the view whilst sipping a cocktail. Facilities include a restaurant with indoor and outdoor dining, Bar and Lounge, Infinity swimming pool, Spa, Library and beach activities including volleyball, badminton and snorkelling.

Thomson Tailormade offers 7 nights at the 3 star plus Allamanda Beach Resort, Seychelles from £2,267 per person. The price includes accommodation on an All Inclusive basis, return flights from London Heathrow with Air Seychelles and transfers and is based on departure between January and June 2012.

Family Friendly – Coco de Mer – Seychelles

Start your holiday lying in a hammock in the dappled shade of a palm tree on one of the many small beaches and coves at the Coco de Mer Hotel. Surrounded by the lush tropical hillsides of the Vallee de Mai it is in a secluded location. You could explore on a guided nature trail or see more of the island by taking the shuttle service to Anse Lazio, the perfect sea to snorkel.Facilities includethe main buffet restaurant, as well as the Hibiscus Restaurant serving buffets and table d’hote menus, Poolside à la carte restaurant, Bar & lounge, Swimming pool, Kids pool, Fitness centre, Tennis court, Mini golf, Non motorised watersports, Library, Guided nature trail, Regular evening entertainment, Bicycles and snorkelling equipment can be rented and diving arranged locally and there is a complimentary shuttle service to Anse Lazio Beach.

Thomson Tailormade offers 7 nights at the 4 star Coco de Mer Resort, Seychelles from £4,798 per family of four (based on two adults and two children travelling), saving £539 per family. The price includes accommodation on a Half Board basis, return flights from London Heathrow with Air Seychelles and transfers and is based on departure on 16th September 2011.

For Bookings and Information Contact Thomson Tailormade on 0871 664 0273
or visit www.thomsontailormade.com

The newly opened Raffles Praslin Seychelles, located on the private island of Praslin, is a 15-minute helicopter ride from the main island of Mahe. Raffles Praslin Seychelles features 86 villas including one- and two-bedroom villa suite options with views of the Indian Ocean.

All villas are accompanied by private plunge pools and feature Raffles’ butler service.

The Spa at Raffles Praslin features 13 treatment pavilions, six open-air, which are set among natural rock formations above the water and close to the ocean.

Two spa suites feature steam showers, Japanese soaking tubs and observation decks where residents may enjoy vistas in private.

To celebrate love and the recent Royal Wedding, Raffles Praslin Seychelles has introduced a new “Prince William and Kate Middleton” Honeymoon package, designed to give newly married couples the “royal treatment.”

The package starts at 980 euros ($1,500) per night and includes ocean view pool villa accommodations with private plunge pool; daily breakfast for two (in-villa or at Losean Restaurant); 90-minute couples spa treatment in open-air room with views of the Indian Ocean; a three-course dinner for two on the beach; private guided tour of the UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Vallée de Mai; champagne and a drawn bath upon arrival; and roundtrip airport transfers.

The package requires a three-night minimum stay and is subject to availability. Rates exclude taxes and service charges.

For reservations, call 800-768-9009 or email bookus.praslin@raffles.com

For more information, visit www.raffles.com