Jetsettersblog

Visitors can be Super Man or Wonder Woman for a day at Comic-Con International, July 23 – 26, at the San Diego Convention Center. Comic-Con has become a signature summertime event for San Diego; it is the largest comics and pop culture event in the United States, attracting thousands of artists, celebrities and fans of comic books, movie memorabilia and all things related to pop culture. For more information, call 619-491-2475, or visit www.comic-con.org .

San Diego’s culinary community joins forces during September 13 – 18 for San Diego Restaurant Week. More than a hundred of the region’s top restaurants offer prix-fixe, three-course dinner menus at just $20, $30 or $40 per person, so visitors can sample the signature cuisine and sophisticated style that make San Diego’s dining scene one of the region’s top attractions.

For more information, call 858-523-9020, or visit www.sandiegorestaurantweek.com .

The “turf meets the surf” at the Del Mar Racetrack where home racing fans flock each summer to wager on their favorite horses during the popular, annual Del Mar Thoroughbred Club racing season, July 22 – September 9.

The races run six days weekly, except Tuesday. Every Friday, guests can catch 4 O’Clock Fridays, a free headliner concert following the day’s last race.

On September 6, the Del Mar Thoroughbred Club’s Grade 1 Pacific Classic treats guests to a prestigious event with a race between the nation’s top thoroughbreds and $1 million purse. For more information, call 858-755-1141, or visit www.dmtc.com

MAJOR ATTRACTIONS

In April 2009, the San Diego Zoo’s Wild Animal Park opened Flightline, a new zip-line adventure that transports guests more than 400 feet across the park at speeds up to 60 mph.

The 1.5-hour experience begins at the top of a mountain in Nairobi Village and features a brief training lesson, behind-the-scenes narration and an aerial adventure that soars across the Asian and African field exhibits, and ends at Kilima Point. Participants must be 10 years of age or older and weigh between 75 and 200 pounds; the cost is $70 in addition to regular park admission.

For more information, call 619-231-1515, or visit www.sandiegozoo.org/wap

On May 23, 2009, the San Diego Zoo unveiled a journey through time with the opening of its newest exhibit, The Harry and Grace Steele Elephant Odyssey. Highlighting animals of the past, present and future, the $44 million, seven-acre habitat features Asian elephants, a California condor, sloths, snakes and rodents, as well as life-sized replicas of animal species that dotted the Southern California landscape more than 10,000 years ago.

A herd of eight elephants roam a 2.5-acre exhibit that includes a 120,000-gallon pool, gentle rolling hills and the Conrad Prebys Elephant Management Facility, where visitors can see keepers and veterinarians at work with the animals.

Additional highlights of Elephant Odyssey include a tar pit replication, fossil dig, children’s play area and much more. For more information, call 619-231-1515, or visit www.sandiegozoo.org

On May 29, 2009, SEA LIFE Aquarium in Carlsbad launched a new exhibit, Sharks Revealed.

The new display will replace the Kelp Forrest exhibit and provide an up-close look at the evolution, development and lifestyles of sharks, including how they eat, breathe and sleep. Several unique shark species will roam through the exhibit like the brown banded bamboo shark, white spotted bamboo shark and coral catshark.

Sharks Revealed will also showcase a number of educational displays and interactive opportunities for guests.

For more information, call 760-918-5346, or visit www.sealifeus.com

NEW HOTEL DEVELOPMENTS

In August 2009, Hotel Indigo San Diego, a new alternative to traditional hotels, will open in the East Village neighborhood of downtown San Diego.

Catering to the style-conscious traveler, the hotel will offer personalized service, affordable luxury and intelligent design to create a one-of-a-kind, welcoming environment.

The 12-story, 210-room property will feature open spaces, bold colors, unique textures, natural imagery and spa-inspired touches throughout the property.

In addition, public spaces and guestrooms will undergo seasonal transformations so that aromas, music, artwork, murals and more correlate to match the four seasons.

Hotel Indigo San Diego will also offer a bistro-style Golden Bean restaurant and Phi bar, each offering seasonal gourmet fare for breakfast and dinner.

A 24-hour “Phi”tness Studio, rooftop terrace with a reflection pool and fire pits, business center, 6,200-sq. ft. of meeting space and free wireless internet will round out the amenities.

Hotel Indigo will be San Diego’s first LEED-certified hotel, and green building practices will be seen throughout the property, including green roofs on its 9th and 12th floors.

For more information, visit www.hotelindigo.com

HOTEL RENOVATIONS AND NAME CHANGES

Renovations and upgrades to the historic 1906 Lodge in Coronado were completed in May 2009.

The building was originally built in 1906 as a boarding house, and now serves as a charming 17-room hotel.

Six of the hotel’s guest rooms are located in the mail lodge and feature queen beds, period furniture and original leaded glass windows that provide gorgeous views of Coronado.

Eleven of the hotel’s guest rooms are located in newly built bungalows and feature king beds, spa tubs, private entrances and private balconies or porches. Additional upgrades to the building include renovated common areas like the parlor, dining room and veranda.

The 1906 Lodge also boasts meeting space that can accommodate up to 40 guests.

For more information, call 866-435-1906, or visit http://1906lodge.com

The Holiday Inn San Diego on the Bay recently unveiled a complete brand re-launch featuring a new look and feel throughout the 14-story property.

The hotel’s 600 rooms now feature comfortable beds with crisp linens and a selection of pillows that range from soft to firm.

Guestroom bathrooms have been enhanced with superior showerheads, a curved shower rod for a more spacious feel and premium bath products. Enhanced lighting and landscaping designs offer a warm arrival experience, while just inside the lobby, new stylish touches, signature sounds, scents and an efficient guest check-in round out the welcome experience.

For more information, call 619-232-3861, or visit www.hisandiegoonthebay.com

In May 2009, Pala Casino Spa and Resort in San Diego’s North County completed a $100 million expansion, which includes major improvements to the dining and gaming areas and a new parking garage.

Pala Casino’s buffet area was expanded to 20,000-sq. ft. and renamed Choices, providing guests a world-class, interactive dining experience featuring eight live-action cooking stations, seating for more than 625 guests, an area for private parties and great views of the neighboring scenic mountains.

Pala Casino also opened two new restaurants — Amigos, an authentic Mexican eatery with quick-style service, and Sushi Sake, a Japanese restaurant. Within Pala’s casino area, a Poker Room with 15 tables, private cage windows and tableside dining was also added. Additionally, the casino’s private High Limit Area features three redesigned, Feng Shui-inspired rooms.

For more information, call 877-946-7252, or visit www.palacasino.com

Continue reading UPCOMING MAJOR EVENTS in San Diego…

As A Tie-In With Silver Dollar City’s Festivities

BRANSON, MO – If you’re seeking a fun family-friendly getaway this summer, you should check out Chateau on the Lake Resort & Spa in Branson, Missouri. Featuring an array of recreational offerings that can please virtually everyone in the family, the resort is offering a new “KidsFest Package” as a tie-in with Silver Dollar City’s popular “National KidsFest.”

In addition to deluxe accommodations for two nights at the AAA Four-Diamond resort, the package includes: a $50 Food Credit toward any of the resort’s food services, to be used during your stay;

one set of Two-Day Passes to Silver Dollar City for two adults and one child, for use during your stay (additional tickets may be purchased separately);

use of outdoor and indoor pools, hot tub, fitness facilities, playground and nature trail; and free indoor parking.

The package is from $550 per room, and is available through August 9, 2009. Tax and gratuity are additional, and the package is based on availability.

Silver Dollar City’s “National KidsFest” runs through August 9, 2009, and will feature special performances that will appeal to the entire family. Summer 2009 offerings include performances by illusionist Peter Gossamer, drum and dance performances by Swedish super group Jeerk, and a special VeggieTales show.

Featuring a beautiful Ozark mountaintop setting overlooking scenic Table Rock Lake, Chateau on the Lake Resort offers a diversity of recreational options. This includes a marina, which offers more water sports activities than any other resort in the Midwest. Offerings include an array of watercraft rentals, which includes ski boats, fishing boats, waverunners, catamarans, paddleboats, sea kayaks, and canoes. Parasailing, guided fishing excursions, scuba diving, and snorkeling are among the many other available options.

Table Rock Lake features 850 miles of pristine shoreline and 80 miles of crystal blue water, making it a very appealing vacation destination.

“It’s beautiful at Chateau on the Lake in the summer,” said Stephen Marshall, vice president and general manager of the resort.

“Add to that the diversity of recreational options at the resort, and in Branson, and guests are in for a wonderful vacation.”

For reservations or additional information, call 1-888-333-LAKE (5253) or (417) 334-1161, or visit www.ChateauOnTheLake.com .

In addition to the marina, recreational options at Chateau on the Lake Resort & Spa include the $6 million, 14,000-square-foot Spa Chateau.

The full-service spa features 10 luxurious treatment rooms; customized body treatments; a soothing Infinity Tub that is filled from the ceiling; a Roman Bath situated beneath a waterfall overlooking Table Rock Lake;

a lake-view Movement Therapy Studio for Yoga; and a unique Barber Spa.

Additional recreational offerings at the resort include a 24-hour fitness center, two lighted tennis courts, a year-round indoor pool, an outdoor (seasonal) pool, indoor and outdoor hot tubs, nature and biking trails,

The Sassafras Movie Theater, Crawdaddies Kids Club (for children ages 4-12), and full-service concierge. Golf at six area courses, which includes two of Missouri’s finest, also is available to guests.

Widely regarded as the “Live Music Show Capital of America,”

Branson features more than 100 live shows per day, and a variety of impressive attractions.

Among the newest offerings is the Titanic: The World’s Largest Interactive Titanic Museum & Exhibition.

The new $420-million Branson Landing in historic downtown features festivals, musical events, a variety of new waterfront dining options, and more than 400,000 sq. ft. of national brand-name shops, galleries and specialty gift shops. Dick Clark’s American Bandstand Theater Complex is among the many other offerings in Branson

Dining options at Chateau on the Lake Resort & Spa include the award-winning Chateau Grille, the 9th Street Italian Deli, the Atrium Café & Wine Bar, and The Sweet Shoppe.

The resort’s 301 beautifully-appointed guest rooms and suites boast cherry wood beds, down comforters, tiled stone baths, dual-line telephones with data port, WiFi access (at a nominal fee), iron and ironing board, coffee maker, in-room safes, and in-room movies and music (at a nominal fee). Select pet-friendly rooms for pets less than 25 pounds are also available.

Additional features at Chateau on the Lake Resort & Spa include an impressive 10-story sky-lit atrium that provides breathtaking vistas of the lake, lush gardens, and surrounding mountains, and which features meandering streams brimming with colorful Koi fish, as well as a charming library lounge with a great stone fireplace.

Chateau on the Lake Resort & Spa is owned and managed by Springfield, Missouri-based John Q. Hammons Hotels & Resorts.

For more information or reservations, call 1-888-333-LAKE (5253) or (417) 334-1161, or visit www.ChateauOnTheLake.com

Looking for a summer kayak adventure? Join staff of the Great Bay National Estuarine Research Reserve for kayak tours in the Great Bay Estuary, where you can watch osprey diving for fish, herons gracefully glide overhead and learn what makes the Great Bay Estuary one of the most amazing and diverse places on earth!

The 3-4 hour tours take place in the tidal waters of Great Bay. Most trips begin and end at the Great Bay Discovery Center in Greenland, N.H. All safety equipment, kayaks and basic instruction are provided.

Participants learn proper entry and exit of the kayak, basic paddling techniques and how to safely and easily do a “wet exit” (on dry land, of course).

No experience is necessary, however, be aware that kayaking is moderate to vigorous activity, and you will spend approximately 2.5 hours on the water. The remainder of your time will be spent receiving instruction and helping guides carry the kayaks to and from the waterfront.

You must be at least 16 years of age to participate. You may sign up for one trip at a time and put your name on a wait list for another

Costs are as follows: $15 if you bring your own boat; if you do not bring your own boat, the tours are $25 for Great Bay Stewards members and $35 for non-members. Checks should be made payable to: Great Bay Stewards/Kayak Trips, 89 Depot Road, Greenland, NH, 03840.

Cancellation policy: 7 days prior to trip - full refund; less than 7 days - 50% refund; less than 24 hours, no refund. If trips are cancelled because of bad weather, there is a full refund.

For more information or to register, call Education Coordinator Kelle Loughlin at the Great Bay Discovery Center at (603) 778-0015.

Following is the schedule of 2009 tours:

Wednesday, June 24, 2009, 1:30 - 5:30 p.m.: Edge of the Sea –

Native Americans belonging to the great Wabanaki and Algonquian Nations once hunted and fished along the shores of Great Bay.

They were called “the people of the dawn” because they lived near the edge of the ocean, where the sun rose in the east every morning to greet them. Paddle back in time on a stretch of the southwestern shore of Great Bay and learn about the plants and animals that attracted settlement here over 400 hundred years ago. Rating: EASY

Friday, July 10, 2009, 2:30 - 6:30 p.m.: Salt Marsh Exploration — This all-paddling trip begins and ends at the Great Bay Discovery Center. Paddle along the southwestern edge of Great Bay, past tall stands of spartina grass and over waving beds of eelgrass. Listen for the calls of salt marsh sparrows, watch ospreys gliding overhead and if we are lucky, catch a glimpse of the majestic bald eagle.

Paddle under the Squamscott River train trestle and into a hidden creek where we will raft up for a snack and a drink.

Learn about the natural and cultural history of the region while immersing yourself in the unique flora and fauna of the Estuary. Rating: EASY.

Saturday, July 11, 2009, 3:00-7:00 p.m.: Birding with Steve Mirick - Join well know coastal birder, Steve Mirick as you look and listen for marsh and songbirds or raptors along the southeastern shore of Great Bay. Bring your own binoculars or use ours. Steve has been known to find birds when no one else could! A real treat for hardcore birders!

Saturday, July 25, 2009, 2:00 - 6:00 p.m. Goat Island Geocache Adventure — Join Reserve staff as we paddle to Goat Island, located in Little Bay.

While there, we will have the task of finding the geocache that is hidden on the island near an historic archaeological site.

This geocache is one in a series that are associated with the “Passport to Great Bay.”

If you are new to geocaching, it is a popular hide and seek adventure game using a GPS (Global Positioning System) unit.

We will provide a GPS unit for participants to try, but please bring your own if you have one. You might also enjoy the short hiking trail or relaxing on the beach while on the island. Participants will receive a Passport to Great Bay booklet to take home.

Trip begins and ends at the Scammel Bridge parking lot in Dover/Madbury. Rating: MODERATE DIFFICULTY

Saturday, August 1, 2009, 9:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m: Go With the Flow — Great Bay is a dynamic, ever-changing ecosystem full of surprises.

This “self-directed” trip will primarily be a chance to simply enjoy the beauty of the Estuary without a planned tour. Your guides may point out interesting things along the way, but for the most part they will allow you to take in your paddle in a quieter, contemplative manner. A hidden creek in the middle of the trip often delights kayakers with glimpses of rare birds, tall swaying grasses and surprises around each bend. Rating: EASY

Friday, August 7, 2009, 11:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.: “It Begins and Ends Here”; Exploring the mouth of the Great Bay Estuary — Discover the mouth of the Great Bay Estuary, where fresh waters from the rivers meet the salty waters of the Gulf of Maine.

Explore the islands and back coves around Newcastle and Portsmouth as we examine the plants and animals that are more commonly found in this area.

Tides and currents can present more challenging conditions here, so we recommend some experience to participate.

The trip begins and ends at the Peirce Island boat launch in Portsmouth. Rating: MODERATE DIFFICULTY Special Note: Additional $5 for launch fee paid to launch attendant.

Friday, August 21, 2009, 1:00 - 5:00 p.m.: Sunset Birding — Enjoy a leisurely paddle from Sandy Point into the mouth of the Squamscott River.

Along the way we will look and listen for signs of a variety of birds that call Great Bay home during the summer.

Birds you may see include osprey, bald eagles, salt marsh sparrows, harriers, swallows and many more. We will provide identification cards, field guides and binoculars, but you are welcome to bring your own. Rating: EASY

The Great Bay National Estuarine Research Reserve is a cooperative federal-state partnership between the N.H. Fish and Game Department and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration.

It was established in 1989 to promote informed management of the Great Bay estuary and estuarine habitats through linked programs of stewardship, public education and scientific understanding.

In addition to kayak tours, the Reserve’s Great Bay Discovery Center offers programs for children and adults, including workshops, field trips and kids camps. Come explore exhibits at the center and a boardwalk into the salt marsh. Visit www.greatbay.org

Huddersfield Carnival – 10th – 11th July

Huddersfield Carnival is the second largest African-Caribbean Carnival in West Yorkshire and pulls in Carnival goers from all over the country as well as serving the local African-Caribbean population numbering 16,000.

Now entering its 23 year the event is a well established part of many people’s summers and this year’s attendance is expected to reach 60,000.

Drawing inspiration from the Caribbean, the Carnival provides a medium through which local communities can develop and display their talents in costume design, music, dance and drama.

Huddersfield Food & Drink Festival – 13th – 16th August

West Yorkshire’s biggest food and drink festival is perfect for all you food lovers, with the streets and squares taken over by four days of pure indulgence, entertainment and trading, devoted to the sights, smells and tastes of local and international food.

Cookery demonstrations will be held each day with chefs from local restaurants and different cultures sharing their secrets and recipes. Children will get a chance to learn about food in a cookery theatre as well as get entertained with children’s story telling, balloon modelling and face painting.

For further details on any of the events visit www.pennineyorkshire.com

A Vast And Magical Land – September & October Special Offer

TSWALU KALAHARI
KALAHARI, NORTHERN CAPE, SOUTH AFRICA

Tswalu Kalahari, owned by the Oppenheimer family, is South Africa’s largest private game reserve.

Located in the Northern Cape, at the foot of the Korannaberg Mountains, Tswalu covers over 100,000 hectares and offers only two camps on the entire reserve - the Motse and the Oppenheimer’s villa Tarkuni. Each provides the ultimate in barefoot luxury in sophisticated surroundings designed and recently refurbished by world-renowned Boyd Ferguson.

The word “Tswalu” means “a new beginning”. Tswalu Kalahari is driven by two ambitions; to create an inspirational experience for its guests, where every traveller can be renewed and feel reborn in this magical landscape, and a conservation vision, to restore the Kalahari to itself.

These two goals sit in perfect equilibrium; each guest contributes directly to the sustainability of the reserve in a true model of eco-tourism.

The recently launched Tswalu Foundation now creates the possibility to become even more deeply involved in a number of conservation initiatives.

Tswalu Kalahari has received international recognition and awards including the Relais & Chateaux Global Environment Trophy in 2006 and Conde Nast Traveller’s World Saver Award in 2007. Tswalu was named as one of National Geographic’s top 50 eco-lodges in the world in 2009. Tswalu Kalahari (www.tswalu.com) is a member of the Relais & Chateaux portfolio of unique experiences in Southern Africa

Spring September & October Special Offer

Clients visiting Tswalu Motse between the 1st of September and the 31st of October 2009, who stay for 3 nights, will only pay for 2.

As Credit Crunch Bites

A generation of 20-somethings are holidaying with their parents to save money amid the recession, according to new research.

The new breed of holidaymakers – dubbed HOMADs because they Holiday on Mum and Dad – are turning to their parents for a cheap break.

More than half (52%) of those in their twenties are considering a trip away with their parents this year, with 14 per cent of those saying they already have something booked.

But while 17 per cent say they are doing it because they want to feel like a kid again, 30 per cent admit it’s because they know their parents will pick up the tab.

Courtney Wylie, MD of holiday home website Holiday-Rentals.co.uk, which carried out the study said: ‘’As young people suffer in the credit crunch, more 20-somethings than ever are choosing to go on holiday with their folks.

‘’Holiday costs can soon add up, but children – of all ages – shouldn’t be embarrassed by turning to their parents for financial help.

‘’Going away as a larger group can really help to keep the costs down and holidaying with your parents can even help you recreate the fun trips you had as a child.”

The poll of 2,500 Brits revealed that three quarters reckon their parents would pay something towards the cost of the holiday, with a lucky 18 per cent of those saying their parents will foot the entire bill.

And almost 77 per cent also claimed their mum and dad would pay for food and drink while on the trip.

A cheeky 64 per cent even admitted they would happily go away with family who offered to pay, even if they couldn’t stand spending a lot of time with them.

But it’s not just the younger generation who are going away with parents. More than half of Brits (55%) are considering holidaying with extended family and 19 per cent already do this.

Fifteen per cent said they would consider it because grandparents would help look after the kids, but two thirds would just do it to spend quality time together.

Another two thirds would think about travelling with a group of friends if it was cheaper than going alone and three quarters reckon they would have more fun.

Almost 20 per cent also think their children would be more entertained if other children were with them.

Wylie, of Holiday-Rentals.co.uk added: “Travelling in a group with family or friends is not only a great way to cut the cost per head of your holiday, it also helps re-establish important bonds.”

“In our time-poor world, holidays have become a key time for people to re-connect and we really value that time together.”

“Renting a large holiday home is the perfect solution as it’s very reasonable per head, plus provides more living space, such as separate bedrooms, dining rooms, lounges, gardens and pools.”

www.Holiday-Rentals.co.uk is the UK’s largest holiday home rentals website, listing over 180,000 properties worldwide, including thousands of larger homes suitable for a break with extended family or friends.

Check out the Play and Stay picnic page at www.play-and-stay.co.uk/offers/summer-picnic-promotion-pso010.html

We literally have everything you need to make your day a success.

The aim of the page is to to encourage visitors to load the car up and head out for a jolly good picnic.

The page is designed to help families on holiday, or groups of people just looking for something to do at the weekend. Picnics are inexpensive and a great way of bringing everybody together and if the timing is right, even catch a few rays and get that well-earned t-shirt tan on the go.

Play and Stay editor, Mike Shaw, said: “The dedicated picnic page has downloadable PDFs with everything from food ideas to fun games the whole family can get involved in. Play and Stay even have a comprehensive checklist so you’ll never have that awful nagging feeling that you may have left something behind.”

Running along the same lines, there is a competition on Play and Stay to win one of 25 limited edition picnic rucksack. They contain all the tools you need - knives, forks, cups, plates and a cooler. By simply signing up to our email newsletter, your readers will be in the running for one of these cool sets, worth more than £40.

For even more great picnic locations, our customers have come up with some great suggestions. Take a look at

http://blog.play-and-stay.co.uk/2009/05/pick-a-picnic-site

The dates of the Heart of the Forest Open Top Bus Tour have just been announced. The hop-on, hop-off ‘Heart of The Forest Tour’ will start on Friday 24 July and run every Friday for the six weeks of the summer holidays (until Friday 28 August), with four tours per day.

Not only does this give passengers a glimpse of the growing woodlands over the hedgerows while travelling to the fantastic attractions, but the on-board guide will furnish them with local myths, fascinating historical snippets and maybe a gag or two!

The big red bus will start its journey picking up passengers in Leicester city centre. It will then travel to the pretty market town of Ashby de la Zouch where it will start its four laps of key attractions in The National Forest.

The tour is being organised by North West Leicestershire District Council in partnership with the National Forest Company and Roberts Coaches with support from Snibston, Conkers, Donington le Heath Manor House, Moira Furnace, YHA National Forest and Leicestershire County Council Road Safety Team.

The route includes Ashby Castle, Conkers Waterside, YHA National Forest, Moira Furnace, Sence Valley Forest Park, Donington le Heath Manor House, Coalville town Centre, Snibston Discovery Park and then back to Ashby de la Zouch town centre.

Timetables and tickets will be available from Ashby Tourist Information Centre. For more information contact 01530 411 767.

The open top tour is just one of the huge choice of things to do in The National Forest during the long summer break, ensuring young ones and their older companions alike are kept entertained - whatever the summer weather brings! For more information on attractions, activities, events and places to stay in and around The National Forest, the 2009 visitor guides to the Forest and Beyond are bursting with great ideas. These are available from Tourist Information Centres or from the National Forest Company.

Summer free night offers on Scottish walking holidays

This summer, head for Scotland and enjoy ‘free night’ deals – saving up to £95 – together with the Scottish experience of ‘Addressing the Haggis ’ on a selection of walking breaks courtesy of HF Holidays, the UK’s largest specialist walking and leisure activity holidays company.

The holidays are based at the company’s Country Houses at Alltshellach – situated on the shores of Loch Leven in the Western Highlands – and at Altachorvie on the Isle of Arran’s east coast – with superb views across Lamlash Bay to Holy Island.

The maximum saving is available on a ‘four-nights-for-the-price-of-three’ deal on guided classic walking short breaks – offering a choice of walks for different abilities – starting 27 June in the Western Highlands and 15 August on the Isle of Arran. With this offer, the four-night break now costs just £284.

Or, enjoy ‘seven-nights-for-the-price-of-six’ – saving £85 – on guided classic walking holidays starting 4 July and 8 August on the Isle of Arran and 19 September in the Western Highlands. This offer means the revised price of the week’s holiday is now £504.

There’s also a ‘seven-nights-for-the-price-of-six’ deal – saving £89 – on a ‘High Routes - Britain’ option in the Western Highlands which is ideal for keen mountain walkers with possible routes including ascents of the Mamores, the Grey Corries and Ben Starav. Starting 1 August, the cost of the week’s holiday is now £530.

All prices are per person, based on two sharing and include full-board en-suite accommodation, transport to and from the walks, the programme of organised walks and social activities, plus the services of an HF Holidays’ walks leader.

HF Holidays is a ‘Supporter of Homecoming Scotland’.

Reservations: 0845 470 7558, www.hfholidays.co.uk

South Africa

A SPA BREAK WITH A DIFFERENCE

TRADITIONAL AFRICAN HEALING AT THE FORDOUN SPA, SOUTH AFRICA WITH AFRICAN & INDIAN EXPLORATIONS

FROM ONLY £110 PER PERSON PER NIGHT ON A DINNER, BED & BREAKFAST BASIS

African & Indian Explorations are delighted to offer their clients the opportunity to stay at Fordoun and experience unique African healing in the hotel spa.

Fordoun is situated in the picturesque Midlands of KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa and combines a boutique hotel experience with a world class spa featuring not only Internationally acclaimed treatments including a rasul, saline floatation pool and hydrotherapy room but also Reiki and Bio-energy specialists and a traditional African Healer, Dr Elliot Ndlovu.

Offering the wisdom and healing powers of Africa, Dr Ndlovu uses traditional extracts from over 120 varieties of Zulu healing plants including the African Potato (Inkomfe), commonly called Africa’s miracle plant with immune building properties. Treatments include the Umhlonyane Massage with Artemesia Afra infused oil to lift the spirit, the Inyanga Journey Treatment with the cleansing traditional healing herbs, salt polish and soothing marula oil,

Hot stone therapy massage using oil infused with Umunyane, the Zulu name for Leonotis Leonorus the fragrant indigenous wild cannabis plant and even a ‘Duku Duku’ stick massage where rounded sticks are worked up and down the spine.

A herbalist and ethnobotanist as well as Spiritual and Medicinal healer, Dr Ndlovu has also created a unique Fordoun signature range of products based on the seven Chakras and seven colours of the rainbow.

African & Indian Explorations offer a stay at Fordoun from £110 per person per night on a dinner, bed & breakfast basis. International flights not included.

For Bookings and Information Contact African & Indian Explorations 01993 822 443
or visit www.africanexplorations.com